Jurassic World Cafe @ ION Sky - Dinosaur-theme Cafe Pop Up

Time travel back millions of years with Southeast Asia’s very first Jurassic World Cafe! Based on the original concept in Japan, this exclusive two-month pop-up is located at Level 56 of ION Orchard and will run from now till 3 January 2021. For the dino-enthusiasts, you can now enjoy the scenic view of the Singapore skyline from ION Sky while feasting on themed menu items amid the jungle-themed decor complete with LED displays of dinosaurs. There are also dinosaur-printed posters wrapped around the viewing gallery’s pillars. Be greeted by a life-sized model of Blue, the fan-favourite Velociraptor made famous by the sequel, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom as you enter. Don't forget to take photos at the dinosaur theme photo booth as well!

Mosasaurus Soda 3.5/5, Iced Latte 3.8/5

Starting with the drinks, we had the Mosasaurus Soda ($8) - a mystical ombre blue drink that comes in 2 distinctive coloured layers, served with pineapple cubes and blueberries. It was a very refreshing drink with a strong minty taste, albeit a somewhat muted one-dimensional flavour instead of having a more pronounced tropical fruity flavour that we had hoped for. While the Iced Latte ($7) was relatively decent, if your love your lattes hot, you’ll enjoy the hot version with dinosaur images imprinted atop the foam.

Volcano Curry 4/5

Our favourite among the dinosaur-theme mains was the Volcano Curry ($23) that comes with pulled pork, and potato cubes slathered in a generous portion of curry sauce and served with a side of sunny lettuce and pea tendrils. Mimicking the hot lava spewing from the active volcano in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (represented by the small mountain of charcoal rice), we love the flavourful and slightly spicy curry, together with the tender meat and potato. It also comes with a postcard with a picture of an erupting volcano that you can stack it behind the plate for an instagrammable shot of the dish.

Jurassic World Burger 3.8/5

The Jurassic World Burger ($28) features a beef patty sandwiched in between 2 charcoal buns, together with crispy bacon slices, cheese, tomatoes, purple cabbage and mushrooms. The dish was also served with crispy fried potato wedges on the side, and three streaks of mayo sauce resembling claw marks drawn on the plate. Although the thick beef patty was a tad dry and hard on the outside, it packed a lot more juiciness within, with a more tender texture.

Fossil Excavation Cake 4/5

We ended the meal with the Fossil Excavation Cake ($16) which consists of a base layer of light sponge cake, vanilla and white chocolate mousse, and topped with generous amounts of crushed oreo crumbs. The dessert was light and not as overly sweet. It paired well with a side of strawberries and vanilla ice cream.

There is also a dedicated merchandise section available where you will find limited edition Jurassic collectables, such as the Jurassic World Lego sets, Snap Squad figures, and the cafe-exclusive Blue plushie keychain.

While the food and drinks were pretty enjoyable, we feel that there could have been more decor spent for the interiors - with more dinosaurs, installations and greeneries to create a better jungle-like and immersive experience for the Jurassic lovers. The cafe will operate from 11am to 10pm daily. Tables will be available for reservations from 6 November 2020 onwards. To book your table, you can call 8028 1489, or email reservation@jurassicworldcafe.sg

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jurassic World Cafe
ION Sky
Level 56
2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 80281489
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am – 10pm

Directions:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

FLIPPER’S @ Takashimaya Shopping Centre - Well-loved Iconic Japanese Pancake Chain Opens First Outlet In Singapore

Originated in Tokyo in 2014, well-loved iconic Japanese pancake chain FLIPPER’S has arrived in Singapore, with a flagship store at Takashimaya Shopping Centre. FLIPPER'S has made its name in the world of soufflé pancakes for good reasons. Made without a ring mould, the sides of the pancakes are purposefully left untouched for a softer and fluffier centre with a golden-brown top and bottom. Not only that gives FLIPPER'S its unique identity, but there is also a particular way of enjoying its pillowy soufflé pancakes - pulling them gently apart with the two forks that you are served with. Key ingredients and equipment for its soufflé pancakes are imported directly from Japan, such as Japanese Kitahonami flour milled from Hokkaido wheat and custom-made copper griddles which you can see from the show kitchen.

Kiseki Pancake Plain 4.5/5

The pancake batter features premium AOP-certified French butter, Hinata eggs from Kanagawa prefecture, as well as Japanese fresh milk which is known for its extra creaminess. With these fine ingredients going into the pancakes, the best way to appreciate them is to go for Kiseki Pancake Plain ($16.80), served with a huge dollop of FLIPPER’S proprietary maple whipped cream made with Canadian pure maple syrup and French butter. I like how the light, mellow sweet cream adds flavour to the plain pancakes, and at the same time brings out the depth of eggy aroma of the pancakes.

Kiseki Pancake Hazelnut Chocolate 4/5

Kiseki Pancake Hazelnut Chocolate is a top pick for chocolate lover with irresistible Valrhona Equatoriale Noire 55 chocolate-infused cream, luscious hazelnut praline and caramelised bananas. It is then finished with glorious homemade chocolate, and feuilletine shard served with melted chocolate.

Kiseki Pancake Matcha 4/5

Other sweet varieties include Kiseki Pancake Hazelnut Chocolate ($21.80) and Kiseki Pancake Matcha ($19.80). Kiseki Pancake Hazelnut Chocolate to me holds the perfect combination of flavours of chocolate, hazelnut and banana. Atop of the pancakes is a Valrhona Equatoriale Noire 55 chocolate-infused cream and hazelnut praline, accompanied with a slice of caramelised banana and melted chocolate. Whereas for the latter, Kiseki Pancake Matcha is all about the Japanese flavours - Japanese pairing of matcha and red beans. Topping the pancakes is a bittersweet green tea cream made with quality matcha powder from Kyoto, accompanied with azuki paste and a drizzle of matcha honey, with dust of Hokkaido kinako powder for an extra nuance. There was nothing not to like about the toppings, but the pancakes were just so delicate that they just got a little overwhelmed after a while.

Eggs Benedict Soufflé Pancake 4.5/5

There is one savoury item on the menu which was as enjoyable as Kiseki Pancake Plain. Eggs Benedict Soufflé Pancake ($22.80) highlights the Hinata eggs from Kanagawa prefecture, which is one of the key ingredients giving the airy and delicate consistency of the kiseki soufflé pancake. One soufflé pancake is topped with grilled tiger prawns and avocado cubes, while the other with Norwegian smoked salmon and sautéed spinach. Perhaps the Hollandaise sauce carried a fair amount of tang, and was not overly creamy, this egg-rich dish was pleasingly balanced.

Millennial Strawberry 4.5/5

In conjunction with the opening of the café, an exclusive seasonal special, Millennial Strawberry ($20.80), will also be introduced for a limited time only until 30 November. It's like a dream comes true for a soufflé pancake lover. The special edition Millennial Strawberry features sweet, and tangy fresh Chitose strawberries, velvety cream cheese and homemade strawberry jelly sandwiched between soufflé pancakes crowned with a thick layer of strawberries-blended cream. FLIPPER’S in Singapore will also offer specials after its initial launch period starring fresh Japanese fruits such as Yubari melon, white peach and Shine Muscat grapes.

For beverage to pair with your pancakes, try its Melona Manpuku ($5.50), a light sencha with the sweet aroma of Japanese melon. Another interesting option is an aesthetically pleasing Rose Strawberry Milk ($7.90), made with rose water, Japanese milk, fresh strawberries and homemade strawberry compote, topped with rose petals.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting. 


FLIPPER’S Singapore
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
Ngee Ann City
391A Orchard Rd
#B1-56
Singapore 238873
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit D. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]