The Bakery Chef @ Bukit Merah Central

The speed in the number of cafes opening in Singapore is kind of scary which is almost impossible to keep up. Singapore in a way is turning into a little Melbourne will cafes opening up at different corners of Singapore around the island. After my trip to Two Wings a couple of weeks back, I decided to make my way down The Bakery Chef at Bukit Merah Central nearby.

Caffe Latte 4/5

As usual, I had my cup of Caffe Latte ($4). For just four dollars, this is one of the cheapest among the cafes I have visited. Using coffee beans from Highlander, this cup of coffee was just right for my liking. It comes with a nice body, smooth and not too acidic.

Red Velvet Cheese Cake 4.5/5

Most of the cafes sourced their bakes from suppliers but you will be guaranteed fresh bakes from the open concept kitchen daily with a great view and smell of butter in the air. I have tried a couple of red velvet cakes but I have to say the Red Velvet Cheese Cake ($5.80) at The Bakery Chef has impressed me most. It was light, moist and balanced. One of those rare occasions that I would go back for more.

Rainbow Cake 4.2/5

The other popular cake at The Bakery Chef is their Rainbow Cake ($5.80). Actually this is my first time having a rainbow cake. I am glad that my first time is lost to something that was good and memorable. The rainbow cake here is really very soft and light.

Great coffee and great bakes with a nice cozy ambience, The Bakery Chef is definitely a worthy chill out place for a cup of coffee and some cakes.


The Bakery Chef
Blk 161 Bukit Merah Central
#01-3711
Singapore 150161
Tel: +65 62739211
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebakerychef
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line), Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 10am - 7pm
Fri-Mon: 10am - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at opposite Tiong Bahru Plaza (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 5. Alight 3 stops later at Bukit Merah Central Bus Interchange. Take the overhead bridge across the road. Walk along Bukit Merah Central (opp mulit-storey carpark) towards the post office. At the junction at the post office, cross the right and turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at opposite Tiong Bahru Plaza (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 16 and 851. Alight 4 stops later at Bukit Merah Central Bus Interchange. Walk along Bukit Merah Central (opp mulit-storey carpark) towards the post office. At the junction at the post office, cross the right and turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Outram Park MRT Station. Take Exit H. Walk to bus stop at Outram Park MRT Station along New Bridge Road (Stop ID 05069). Take bus number 147 or 961. Alight 8 stops later. Continue walk along Jalan Bukit Merah towards Bukit Merah Public Library. Take a left at Bukit Merah Central and walk to destination. Journey time about 22 minutes. [Map]

Buttero @ Tras Street

Tras Street is better known for the many wedding shops but the enclave is slowly developing into a foodie hotspot with many new restaurants recently opening in the area. Joining the up and coming foodie hotspot at Tras Street is the months old Buttero helmed by Executive Chef Logan Campbell from Sydney. The casual and fun restaurant features a selection of Italian grub such as pasta, roasts cooked in a rotisserie or coal pit that are easy-eating and perfect to go with an ice cold beer.

Pulled Pork and Waffle Fries 4/5

The Pulled Pork and Waffle Fries ($15) is the ideal bar snack to pair with a glass of beer or wine. Doused in a sinful gooey three cheese sauce, this is finger licking good.

Jesus Juice 4/5

If you are not into beer or wine, I would recommend the house special Jesus Juice which is a granita of pinot noir and coke. A refreshing cocktail with just the right amount of alcohol kick.

Torn Buffalo Mozza and Fried Cornbread 4/5

Whet up the appetite with the Torn Buffalo Mozza and Fried Cornbread ($21) that is paired with heirloom tomato, saba, ligurian olive oil. The syrup from the squeezed grape (saba) and heirloom tomato gave the dish a fruity but yet subtle sweetness that is very appetizing.

Chopped Pork and Zucchini Fritters 4/5

This light bite of Chopped Pork and Zucchini Fritter ($20) is pretty good. There was quite a bit of textures at play here but what I liked most is the charred lime and riocotta cheese which complemented the fritters that accentuated the whole enjoyment.

Handmade Gnocchi 4.2/5

This is definitely one of the better gnocchi I have eaten. The Homemade Gnocchi ($21) with honey, lemon and sage was a bit on the softer side but still came with a nice firmness and bite. I adored the use of sauteed brussel sprouts with the gnocchi. Simply love the crunchiness of the sprouts.

Baked Barley with New Zealand Clams 4.2/5

This is a new item on the menu. The Baked Barley with New Zealand Clams and Belly Bacon is a good alternative to the usual risotto. Each mouthful of the baked barley is bursting with the beautiful flavours of the bacon and clams that is well infused.

The Dirty Steak 4.5/5

The Dirty Steak ($34) got its name because it is cooked directly on hot coals.. The beautiful piece of carolina dry rubbed wagyu flank steak is topped with verde, onion rings and shallot. Succulent and flavourful, this is a must try at Buttero.

Porchetta 3/5

The Porchetta ($32) which is cooked from the rotisserie and topped with braised beans was a tad shy in comparison to the dirty steak. The pork belly was nicely cooked but it was lacked down by the salty crackling skin. A checked with the table confirmed that it was salty. If not it would have been a master piece too.

Milk Chocolate Rosemary Pots 3.8/5

Cannoli 3/5

Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta 4.2/5

Buttero has a small dessert menu which consists of only 4 items. We managed to try three out of the four. The three desserts we tried are Milk Chocolate Rosemary Pots ($12), Cannoli ($12) and Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta ($12). Among the three, my favourite is the Panna Cotta. The combination of strawberries and passionfruit was a perfect marriage that will leave one wanting to go back for more. The milk chocolate rosemary pots was pretty good too but it seems like it was not served at the right temperature for ultimate indulgence.

Overall Buttero has given me a good experience with good food. However I could not really come to term of the casual dining concept and the pricing of the dishes. A diner for two may rock up to about $80 that is excluding drinks. So just bear in mind if you are on a tight budget.


[CLOSED]
Buttero
54 Tras Street
Singapore 078993
Tel: +65 64387737
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Buttero/226110544253673
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm till late
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Orchid Hotel via Wallich Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]