Cafés Loving

I like their generosity with the crab meat, but I am not crazy about their pasta, a little overcooked for me, and a tad soft. Flavour wise, light but flavourful enough, I prefer it stronger. So I am not exactly crazy over this plate. Could do a little more heat, and a little more garlic, but maybe that's my preference.

So I walked past this lovely cafe in Melbourne so many time, ogling at the well made cakes and old fashion pastries. But sadly never once set foot into it.
And finally, back in Singapore, I chanced upon the cafe again at Tanglin, and went in for a quick dinner. The cafe, is quiet, at best almost empty, with spacious seating and setting of the old Victorian style cafe, that I see a lot back in Melbourne.
Wild mushroom and black truffle risotto ($21), huge portion and utterly simple. Filled to the brim with brown and white button mushrooms, living up to the melbourne's generosity. Well-cooked risotto, that isn't too hard or mushy, smelled absolutely heavenly from the truffle oil (most definitely), well balanced and not overpowering. The cream sauce, which I thought would be too thick and "jelat", was in fact light and complimenting. Overall, it's a great dish, that is value for money.

The portion is great (at least for me), very garlicky, and while the menu claimed to be Aglio olio, personally I felt that it's more "vongole" style with the southern New Zealand clams. It's more wet, from the clams and definitely lack the olive oil, garlic combo. Not complaining, but definitely misleading. Presentation is the greatest, most likely it was a slow night, and the Chef is not feeling it that night.

Herb crusted pan seared barramundi, that is delightfully moist, and highly flavourful (although some may argued that it's tad salty). Paired with roasted baby potatoes, which I felt almost outshine the barramundi, and a side of greens. It's a definitely a good lunch set.

Beef stroganoff fettuccine ($16), is so intense, earthy that one couldn't stop eating this plate of glory. Topped generous with beef and button mushroom, and a dollop of sour cream to thicken and enhance the flavour of the deep beef sauce. The beef, so tender and blushing pink, and so visually seductive that I feel like I was having an intimate moment with the dish. Some did commented that it's slightly strong on herbs, but I for one love that intensity.

[Set meal]
Chicken on skewer is basically have tandoori chicken, angmoh style. Well seasoned chicken thigh, that is juicy and tender sits real well with a garden of greens and diced salsa. While the main is yummy (although my only complaint would the meagre portion; of just two sewers), the side of hand cut fries is actually the clear winner. Crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. Those thick-cut fries got me singing on the inside. Well-salted, and remain crisp through the meal. The fries definitely stole the show.

Come because it's quaint little place in sunset way. Nicely decorated, lush greenery, and relaxing. Think small garden patio in the heart of a HDB estate. Food is decent enough, so do not expect alot.

This is my absolute favourite.

Wheeler's yard had a newly revamped menu, that serve made from scratch, homemade dish that will make you salivate, just by reading the menu.

The sou vide Fresh chicken breast, on top of mashed potatoes, roasted chickpeas, grilled buttered corn and hazelnut foam, is gorgeously stellar. This winning dish, is so magical that I am a convert to chicken breast! It is great, so juicy and tender that you wouldn't believe me that it's chicken breast, even if I told you so. The confusion in your mouth is welcoming, and those Colours and fusion, is simply lovely.

No doubt the Chef, behind this dish have put a lot of thought into it. Starting from the vibrant colours of purple, green and yellow, it's like staring at an artfully done garden landscape. The hazelnut foam, give the plate a light but distinct nutty flavour, and further enhanced by the chickpeas, while the grilled corn, added the charred-smoky flavour. All in all, everything is married and very cohesive. Well thought out, and well executed. Detailed, but not anal.

Darn it's the best meal of the day, hearty, healthy, scrumptious and absolutely divine!

Healthy is exactly what's on this plate. The risotto have a good mix of rice, giving a good bite in every mouthful. Done just right, this plate isn't overcooked and mushy (as you all know, a good risotto is hard to find). I particularly love it, that they sprinkle pomegranate on top, giving the dish a small surprisingly burst of sweetness. The grilled eggplant and carrot, charred every so lightly, brought Colours and life into the already quite splendid dish.

Too late for breakfast, but too early for lunch? Then a good choice would be this mean burger. Patty so thick, that you wouldn't mind being a few kilo heavier. Juicy, moist and absolutely hearty, the patty didn't disappoint. With fried egg and bacon on top, a side of salted egg fries, this board is so sinful that you just need to have some on a lazy Saturday. But remember to do some cardio after!

Hot chocolate, marshmallows floating on top and and loads of chocolate high! This is the cup for anyone who loves chocolate. Perfect for that cold rainy afternoon, where you laze around and reflect.

Perfect, and one of the more sinful chocolate drink I had in a long time. The Nomad is a pop-up store, that only operates during the weekend that run singularly by an extremely young and talented barista. Her menu is small, but noteworthy, with many interesting and unique drinks. I chose this, just cause the day was extremely unbearable, and the cold chocolate hit just the right spot. Sweet, but not an overkill, with alot of homemade marshmallows (you read right, she does her own, according to her) floating happily. Sweet popcorn and broken pocky on top for the added crunch, certainly made me young all over, with a huge ass sweet tooth! Yumz