Montana Brew Bar Cafe @ POMO

Is the cafe bubble in Singapore bursting? It seems not with yet another new cafe opening at POMO, selegie road. Montana Brew Bar Cafe is the latest new kid in the cafe scene specializing in coffee and waffles.

Latte 4/5

I ordered my usual Latte ($4.50) to kick start the day. The latte has a good body while not too acidity.

Pourover 4.2/5

In recently months, I also noticed a shift in the coffee culture with cafe that is serious with their coffee offering Pourover. With the maturing of the coffee culture, coffee drinkers have started to appreciate a good brew from the Pourover ($5.20) allowing one to appreciate the flavour of the coffee beans even more.

Truffle Mac & Cheese 4.2/5

Being a cafe that specialized in waffles, we ordered some of their popular waffles on the menu to try. First was the Truffle Mac & Cheese ($9.50) which perfumed the air upon served. Initially I was wondering where is the mac & cheese until I cut into the waffle.  It was actually sandwiched in between the fluffy waffle that comes with nice crispy edges. The combination surprisingly works and it got the thumbs of approval around the table. I recently heard it has released its version 2.0 which is more cheesy now.

Southern Fried Chicken Waffle Sandwich 4/5

Another savoury waffle on the menu is the Southern Fried Chicken Waffle Sandwich ($9.50) with wasabi slaw. I realised the waffle is crisper for the southern fried chicken. It tells a lot that the kitchen has given some thoughts into their waffles. The chicken was also perfectly cooked to a nice crisp but yet retaining its juiciness. I was told that the best way to enjoy this is to eat it with the hands just like a sandwich.

Matcha Strawberry Field Waffles 3.5/5

Working on to the sweet waffle, we started with the Match Strawberry Field Waffles ($9.50) which comes with green tea waffle, strawberry, mango passionfruit spheres and vanilla ice cream. The waffle actually lack the green tea flavour. While the exterior is crisp, we prefer the interior to be more cakey. However the burst of the mango passionfruit spheres will delight one with its fruity zest that complemented the waffle.

Red Velvet Waffle Stack 3.5/5

Having a similar texture to the match waffle is the Red Velvet Waffle Stack ($10.50) with vanilla ice cream, red velvet crumble and white chocolate rose sauce. Do note that this is limited per day. I enjoyed every components on the plate except the waffle which is lacking the red velvet flavour. Worthy note is the red velvet crumble that gives it a nice textural bite.

While many cafe concentrated on their coffee and neglected on their food, Montana Brew Bar Cafe has ensured customers have a good a bite while sipping a cup of aromatic coffee. The pricing is also very affordable with waffle that is less than ten dollar. I personally prefer their savoury waffles over their sweet waffles.


Montana Brew Bar Cafe
POMO
1 Selegie Road
#01-04
Singapore 188308
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montanasingapore
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (CC Line), Dhoby Ghuat (CC Line, NE Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit D or E. Walk down Bras Basah Road to the junction of Bras Basah Road and Prinsep Street. Cross the road and turn right onto Prinsep Street. Walk down Prinsep Street and continue onto Selegie Road. Continue walking down Selegie Road until destination. Journey time about 12 mins. [Map]

2) Alight at Dhoby Ghuat MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Orchard Road to the junction of Orchard Road and Prinsep Street. Turn left onto Prinsep Street. Walk down Prinsep Street and continue onto Selegie Road. Continue walking down Selegie Road until destination. Journey time about 12 mins. [Map]

Grand Hyatt SG: Living Grand for Chinese New Year

photo credit: Grand Hyatt

What is your idea of "Living Grand"?

At Grand Hyatt, "Living Grand" is the promise to unlock the extraordinary by creating spectacular moments, be it big or small. I have no doubts that this established hotel brand has delivered its promises because I had an extraordinary, or no, it should be a super extraordinary Chinese New Year celebration at Grand Hyatt Singapore.

In fact, now as I recalled that night, everything felt too magical to be true. I attended Grand Hyatt SG's inaugural "Living Grand" dinner, which was described to be a Chinese New Year celebration. So what I had in my mind was a 10-course traditional Chinese New Year meal. Since the dress code was festive cocktail, it could be something more casual with cocktail drinks and canapés? Maybe?

Before the start of the dinner, guests were gathered outside the Grand Salon, a newly refurbished function space that is designed in such a way that one feels as if he/she is coming back home. Everything was kept strictly confidential and no one had a clue on what would happen that night. Waiters were dressed in neatly pleated traditional Chinese costumes that looked so polished that they could reflect light.

Crispy black moss chips, little peanut praline bombs, seafood pearls (salmon wrapped glutinous rice balls), these dainty canapés stave off the hunger pangs of the guests amidst the merry chatter and high spirits.

photo credit: Grand Hyatt

As the time draw close to 8pm, the executive head chef of the night, Chef Lucas Granville, led his troops to shift in 4 massive sets of lavish Yu-Sheng. After the ritualistic toss to an abundant year ahead, the lights started to dim and it was total darkness. In a moment, the automated doors slid opened and a sea of red mist greeted us.

photo credit: Grand Hyatt

I saw a fairy dancing, another playing the violin, and another guy that looked like the Mad Hatter. Had we been teleported into another wonderland? I was spellbound by everything around me as I navigated my way in the magical garden to find my delegated seat.

photo credit: Grand Hyatt

26 guests sat opposite each other on a lavishly decorated table lined with fresh, spring flowers. Little did we realize that this was only the beginning of a series of surprise. After everyone has settled down and the General Manager of Grand Hyatt Singapore made his speech the start of the dinner, the second surprise took place.

photo credit: Grand Hyatt

Another door opened amidst the purple clouds and we saw a live kitchen right in front of us!

It was amazing to see a kitchen being transported into a ballroom

photo credit: Grand Hyatt

But the chefs seemed to be casted with an immovable spell and this spell was only broken after a light tap by the fairy dancer.

photo credit: Grand Hyatt

With the kitchen springing into action, everyone was eagerly looking forward to what would be served on the tables. Chinese? Fusion? Or even some weird Molecular dishes? Contrary to the carnival mood, the dishes were rooted in Chinese traditional cuisine.

photo credit: Grand Hyatt

Our first course was Buddha Jumps over the Wall, a classic nourishing chicken broth that showcases 100% sustainable seafood. It was so comforting to sip on the warm soup that was brimming with the natural sweetness of the sea treasures.

Next, we had the Roast Chinese Duck served with lotus rice on water spinach. Though the duck was a little dry and overdone, the lotus rice was excellent, boasting grains that resolutely separate with no trace of grease. The crispy chicken egg with a fragrant meat coating brought a touch of British sophistication to the dish.

The climax arrived when everything was cleared from the table and the head chef unveiled a Chinese painting of the 12 zodiac animals on both alleys of the table. A series of traditional Chinese New Year desserts such as the White Lotus Blossom Flower, Buddha’s Hand Lemon and Mango Pudding, Mini Liu Sha Bao, Pineapple Tarts and even Dragon Beard Candy graced the table. My favorite was the “ketupat” that was actually coconut ice cream in disguise!

I can feel the passion and enthusiasm flowing in every part of Grand Hyatt as the team had evidently put in a lot of effort to create unforgettable memories for their guests. They have not only redefined my understanding of Chinese New Year, but also opened me to the possibilities that one can have when hosting events at Grand Hyatt Singapore.

photo credit: Grand Hyatt

The folks have set the bar so high that makes it difficult for me to find the next experience that can surpass this one. I am not exaggerating but I think this is way beyond the 5-star luxury experience. It is about creating common memories between the guests and the brand, about living in the present, living in the grand moment.

For your personalized events,
contact +65 6416 7373 or e-mail meetings.sg@hyatt.com

Written and Photograph by Li Tian, a passionate foodie behind Singapore-Japan Food Blog “Dairy & Cream”. Has an eye for pastries and desserts.


Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Singapore, 228211,
Tel: +65 6738 1234
Fax: +65 6732 1696
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the underpass towards Marriott hotel. Take the escalator up onto Scotts Road. Turn right and walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]