Monday, September 2, 2024

Tims Signature @ Somerset - Iconic Canadian Coffee Chain Opens New Elevated Concept in Town

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Tim Hortons, the iconic Canadian coffee chain, has quickly expanded its presence in Singapore. It now boasts six locations since its debut in November last year. Their latest venture, Tims Signature, introduces a unique and elevated coffee experience in the heart of town at 313@Somerset. This new concept store offers exclusive menu items and focuses on artisanal coffee brewing.

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The store takes the space right across Garrett Popcorn and Marché Mövenpick on the mall’s first floor. You will see it once you enter the mall’s side entrance if you’re walking in from Orchard.

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The store takes the space across Garrett Popcorn and Marché Mövenpick on the mall's first floor. You will see it once you enter the mall's side entrance if you're walking in from Orchard. Coffee enthusiasts can sit at their new Coffee Craft Bar and opt for three speciality brewing methods. It includes the V60 Pour Over ($7), Chemex Pour Over ($7) and Kyoto Drip ($7.50) cold brews. Skilled baristas will be around to take customers through the brewing process.

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Maple Cinnamon Latte

In addition to these speciality brews, Tims Signature also offers the brand's classic beverages. The Maple Cinnamon Latte (from $7 for Small) is a signature made with Tims' signature espresso blend.

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Maple French Vanilla Iced Capp

The Maple French Vanilla Iced Capp (from $7.50 for Small) is a popular choice for something sweeter. For all beverages under its Iced Capp series, diners can request complimentary plant-based whipped cream and a syrup drizzle to finish.

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Maple Glazed Chicken Ham & Cheese 4/5

Aside from beverages, the menu also features a selection of food items, including the Sourdough Melts series. We tried the Maple Glazed Chicken Ham & Cheese ($9.90), which, while not particularly extraordinary, was a comforting and no-frills choice. I wished there was a more distinct sourdough tang, but the bread was soft with a chew.

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Pesto & Mozzarella 3.5/5

The Pesto & Mozzarella ($9.90) sandwich was another option we had. I would have preferred a stronger pesto flavour to pair with the oozy cheese.

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Truffle Chicken Carbonara 3.5/5

The range of Pasta Bakes is another exclusive to Tims Signature. We tried the Truffle Chicken Carbonara ($9.90), served sizzling hot with a generous amount of shredded chicken and melted cheese. Unfortunately, the macaroni was a bit dry.

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Classic Aglio Olio 3.5/5

Go for the Classic Aglio Olio ($9.90) if you are looking for a vegetarian option. It was more savoury, without the expected spice of an aglio olio.

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No visit to Tim Hortons is complete without indulging in their range of sweets. Tims Signature features a display counter filled with popular items like donuts, Timbits, tarts, and muffins.

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Timbit

"Timbits" are bite-sized portions of Tim Hortons' donuts. They come in a variety of flavours but tend to be denser than their full-sized donuts. Personally, I'd recommend opting for the donuts over the Timbits.

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Donuts here are generously glazed and filled, which also lean to be much sweeter. Two exclusive donut flavours are the Belgian Chocolate Cruller ($4.90) and Maple Crumble Apple Fritter ($4.90). Among those we tried, we preferred the latter and the Maple Salted Caramel donut.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tims Signature
313@Somerset
313 Orchard Road
#01-29
Singapore 238895
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Nearest MRT: Somerset MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Summer Hill @ Claymore Connect - Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley Inspired by The French Tradition of Elegant Picnics

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Summer Hill first made a name for itself in the quaint neighbourhood of Sunset Way, Clementi. Since then, the restaurant has relocated to a more central spot at Claymore Connect on Orchard Road, where it continues to charm diners with its rustic French fare. I recently visited Summer Hill on a Saturday to experience their new Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley, which showcases an array of southern French summer delicacies.

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The concept behind the Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley is simple and delightful. The staff serve one round of everything on the menu, and if you find something you particularly love, you can request more. It's a leisurely, indulgent experience that makes you feel like you're dining in the French countryside.

The Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley
Available from 15 June 2024 onwards
Every Saturday & Sunday; 11am & 1.30pm (2-seatings)
$69++ per person (half price for kids under 12 @ $34.50++)
$55++ for free flow prosecco & wines

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Artichoke, Roasted Red Pepper and Whipped Goats Cheese, Herbs & Olives Dips 4.2/5

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Provencale Pate de Campagne 4.2/5

We began our brunch with warm Baguette served alongside a trio of dips: Artichoke, Roasted Red Pepper, and Whipped Goat's Cheese, Herbs & Olives. The baguette was perfectly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, making it the ideal vehicle for the rich, flavorful dips. I also enjoyed pairing the warm baguette with the Provençale Pate de Campagne, which had a lovely depth of flavour.

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Sauce Gribiche with Grilled Zucchini 4/5

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Grilled Swordfish Nicoise Salad 4/5

Next, we moved on to some lighter appetisers, including Sauce Gribiche with Grilled Zucchini and Grilled Swordfish Niçoise Salad. The zucchini was perfectly grilled, with a slight char complementing the tangy sauce gribiche. The swordfish Niçoise salad was fresh and well-balanced, with tender grilled fish paired with the classic Niçoise components like olives, eggs, and tomatoes.

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Mac & Cheese 3.8/5

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Lamb Shoulder Parmentier 4.2/5

After the appetisers, the first trolley arrived with Mac & Cheese and Lamb Shoulder Parmentier. The dishes were served tableside, adding a touch of elegance to the experience. The mac & cheese was creamy and comforting, while the lamb shoulder parmentier was hearty and rich, with tender lamb layered over buttery mashed potatoes.

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Provencale Fried Chicken 4.8/5

The standout dish for me was the Provençale Fried Chicken. Summer Hill's signature French Fried Chicken gets a Provençale twist with a fragrant herbs de Provence-infused butter drench. The result is a crispy, aromatic exterior that gives way to juicy, flavourful chicken. It was so good that I couldn't resist asking for a second helping.

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Beef Steak 4/5

The brunch menu also featured a beautifully grilled Beef Steak. The beef had a gorgeous exterior char with a perfectly pink centre, offering a robust and satisfying flavour. It was an excellent complement to the other dishes on the menu.

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Clams Marinere 4.8/5

The seafood trolley brought a pot brimming with Clams Marinière. The clams were fresh, plump, and juicy, cooked in a white wine broth that was both light and flavourful.

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Snow Cone Bar 4/5

Midway through the meal, the Snow Cone Bar opened, allowing diners to create their own shaved ice desserts. It was a fun, interactive element that added a touch of nostalgia to the brunch. Diners could drizzle different syrups and pair them with a selection of toppings, making for a refreshing palate cleanser.

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Provencale Roasted Pork Belly 4.5/5

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Summer Bean Stew with Green Chilli Persillade 4.8/5

The highlight of the brunch for me was the Provençale Roasted Pork Belly. The pork belly had an incredibly crispy crackling skin and succulent flesh, which paired beautifully with a bowl of Summer Bean Stew with Green Chili Persillade. The stew was hearty and flavourful, with a hint of spice from the green chilli that complemented the richness of the pork.

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Cherry Tart 3.5/5

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Chocolate Stout Cake 4/5

The dessert trolley featured both a Cherry Tart and a Chocolate Stout Cake. While these desserts were sure to satisfy those with a sweet tooth, I found them a bit too sweet for my liking.

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Lavender Milk Cake 4.2/5

Instead, I adored the Lavender Milk Cake. It was well-balanced and not overly sweet, with a lovely lavender fragrance that made for a perfect ending to the meal.

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Summer Hill’s Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley is a delightful experience that transports you to the south of France. The variety of dishes ensures there’s something for everyone, and the free-flow option for prosecco and wines makes it even more enjoyable. Whether you're a fan of French cuisine or simply looking for a unique brunch experience in Singapore, this is definitely worth checking out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Summer Hill
Claymore Connect
442 Orchard Road
#02-17
Singapore 238879
Tel:+65 8690 5907
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 1130am, 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk to Orchard Road towards the junction of Orchard Road and Claymore Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]