Monday, August 7, 2023

Common Man Coffee Roasters @ Alexandra - New Outlet Housed In A Heritage Building

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Common Man Coffee Roasters has recently opened its outlet at Alexandra, located in a beautiful heritage building outside Anchorpoint. In the evening, Common Man Night Shift takes over to provide after-hours sessions with food and wine.

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Turkish Common Man Breakfast 4.5/5

Its menu has been updated with a few dishes. Under Breakfast, we had Turkish Common Man Breakfast ($29). Presented in a rather unusual way but equally tasty. We had a phyllo-wrapped soft-boiled egg on the plate accompanied by 2 crispy feta balls on a bed of green hummus, served with grilled pita bread. The egg was gorgeous with a jammy centre, and the green hummus was well seasoned with a good amount of spice that gave this dish its characteristic flavour profile. The toasted pita bread had a nutty taste, making it a good base for the dish's bold flavours.

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Kouign Amann Toast 4/5

For a sweet breakfast item, Kouign Amann Toast ($25) is an excellent alternative to waffles or pancakes, featuring the popular Kouign Amann from TBB crowned with Vanilla ice cream, complete with a classic cherry-chocolaty combination of cherries, plume compote and chocolate sauce. The sprinkle of chocolate granola nuts and almonds gave the dish a delectable crunch and nuttiness.

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Conti Sandwich 3/5

Under Lunch offerings, Conti Sandwich ($29) features Foccacia from TBB spread with sundried tomato, and shaved ham and rocket leaves are sandwiched in between. The Foccacia was excellent, with a fluffy and chewy texture and a pronounced rosemary flavour. Though Strataciatella and Pecorino cream were listed on the menu, there was little of it. Overall, it is still a decent sandwich.

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Grilled Veggie Salad 3.8/5

Grilled Veggie Salad ($27) was vibrant with savoury and citrusy orange miso dressing and appetizing with a salty punch boosted by an addition of Anchovy cream. It was hearty with charred courgette, burnt cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado and a soft-boiled egg. The salad is topped with pieces of morish parmesan crisp for a textural crunch.

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Chilli Chicken 4/5

Chilli Chicken ($32) features a Supreme cut chicken breast, a dish that celebrates warm flavours and that of spices. Despite its lean nature, the chicken breast was exceptionally succulent, enriched with a serving of creamy avocado salsa and starchy smashed sweet potato. The accompanying harissa sauce elevated the bold flavour profile, with peppery rocket leaves and pickle onions to cut through the savoury intensity.

Words and photos 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.


Common Man Coffee Roasters
368 Alexandra Road
#01-01
Singapore 159952
Tel: +65 6877 4872
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Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 730am – 5pm
Tue–Thu, Sun: 730am – 10pm
Fri–Sat: 730am – 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, August 6, 2023

Black & White Bistro @ Shaw Plaza - A Gastronomic Journey at Black & White Bistro

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Nestled in the heart of Shaw Plaza is Black & White Bistro, the latest chic new eatery that offers a carefully curated all-day dining menu featuring an extensive western selection, fine wines and artisanal tea and coffee. Stepping into the restaurant, diners are greeted with a modern ambience decked in tasteful black and white decor, contemporary art pieces and dimmed lighting, which creates a cosy yet upscale dining atmosphere.

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Berry Fresh Mojito 4/5

We started the meal with the Berry Fresh Mojito ($20), a refreshing concoction of juicy berries and fresh mint leaves that tantalise the taste buds.

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Spanish Gambas 4.2/5

The Spanish Gambas ($17) features succulent prawns in a flavourful blend of olive oil, garlic, chilli, and Spanish paprika. The aromatic garlic and the subtle heat from the chilli enhance the natural sweetness of the prawns. The dish is also served with a side of crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.

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B&W Signature Fish & Chips 4.2/5

The B&W Signature Fish & Chips features charcoal beer batter fish and chips, which combines the classic English dish with a twist of charcoal seasoning for a unique flavour. The sea bass fillet is lightly coated in a special charcoal-infused batter and fried to perfection, which gives it a delightful crunch while retaining a moist and flaky inside. The charcoal batter imparts a subtle smokiness to the fish, enhancing its natural flavours. The dish is served with a side of fries and tartar sauce.

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Build Your Own Brekkie 4/5

The Build Your Own Brekkie ($12++) offers a delightful and customisable breakfast experience with a medley of delicious ingredients. We opted for a sumptuous combination of creamy scrambled eggs, fluffy brioche toast, and smoked salmon (+$8). You can also add other ingredients, such as sautéed mushrooms, sausages or bacon, to the breakfast platter, with additional top-up costs.

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Triple Charcoal Burger slider 3.8/5

The Triple Charcoal Burger slider ($18) is a tantalising trio of mini burgers catering to diverse tastes. The first slider showcases a lightly crisp charcoal-battered fish fillet similar to the Fish & Chips that we had, and the second slider presents a flavourful crumbled chicken patty. In contrast, the third slider features a classic beef patty, though a tad on the dry side. These mini burgers are arranged on soft charcoal buns, providing a subtle yet striking contrast to the vibrant fillings.

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Overall, Black & White Bistro offered a delightful dining experience with its innovative and diverse menu. The dishes showcased culinary excellence and attention to detail, from the refreshing Berry Fresh Mojito to the well-executed B&W Signature Fish & Chips. The chic ambience and attentive staff added to the overall enjoyment of the dining experience.

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.


Black & White Bistro
Shaw Plaza
360 Balestier Rd
#01-25
Singapore 329783
Tel: +65 8043 4868
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Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Wed: 10am - 10pm
Thu-Sat: 10am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Toa Payoh Bus Interchange (Stop ID 52009). Take bus number 145. Alight 5 stops later. Journey time about 15 minutes. Walk to destination. 
[Map]