Where to eat in Melbourne

This is my fourth trip to Australia and the first to Melbourne, known for its coffee culture and cool cafés. It does not matter whether you prefer to be close to nature along the Great Ocean Road, drink wine to your heart's content at the vineyards or shop 'til you drop. We need to take a break and refuel ourselves – tried and loved the ice-cream at both Dooley's Ice Cream and Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. If you are visiting Brighton Bathing Boxes and/or St Kilda Beach, drop by Claypots Seafood Bar that a travel companion found to be the best meal of our trip. Other than freshly-shucked plump oysters at Queen Victoria Market, there are also other lovely eats that I tried:

Lovely Cafés in Asia-Pacific

The café culture is here to stay, both in Singapore and overseas. It matters not whether you are a coffee and/or tea drinker (or neither) but that we slow down our pace and take time to catch up with our thoughts, family and friends. We may plan to visit a café, a particular one even, or just need a place to rest our tired feet. Sometimes, we chance upon a lovely café with a decent menu at a reasonable price. What better way then, than to sip a cuppa and watch the world go by while nibbling on small and not-so-small bites?

Perth, Australia
It was a planned trip to Padbury's Café Restaurant for breakfast. I loved its interior and exterior – one of the oldest surviving commercial and residential buildings in Guildford, built in 1869. All the dishes we ordered were beautifully plated and deliciously fresh, from the sweet to the savoury such as Big Paddy's, Magic Mushroom and Padbury's Benedict. Of course, we had to order Our Famous Meringue Munro Pancakes. No complaints about the drinks and pretty latte art too.

Seoul, South Korea

As my travel companions and I did not manage to visit Garosu-gil during our first trip to Seoul, we decided to do so during the second time. Chanced upon SkinFood Café located above its concept store and settled on the quiet space with cheerful yellow accents against wooden furniture, white bricked walls and tiles. Did not expect much of its food and drinks since this is a cosmetic and skincare brand but they tasted surprisingly decent, and were also Instagram-worthy.

Taipei, Taiwan

My travel companions and I penned down in our itinerary that we would café-hop at Yongkang Street, just like we did in Garosu-gil. We were still full from lunch at Kao Chi when we walked past Smoothie House and gave it a miss. Continued walking down the street, saw 8% Ice Bistro and chose this as the sky was threatening to rain. Lovely place to chillax with good gelato and dessert, and enjoy coffee as-is, iced or in powder form – pour from shot glass onto lemon slice and have them together.

The Coffee Academics Revisited

We went Raffles City Shopping Centre over the weekend to have late lunch, and decided on the coffee specialty store from Hong Kong. Saw customers at the table beside me eating Crispy Fish Fillet Tacos, which looked delicious so I ordered that. Crunchy taco shells went well with the fish fillet topped with chipotle mayonnaise that was not too cloying. Taste was accentuated by the fresh mango salsa – both sweet and tart at the same time, and coriander leaves. While I could neither rave about the accompanying seasonal greens nor fault the crispy curly fries, they were perfect when interspersed between mouthfuls (or bites, if you prefer) of tacos. My dining companion, who has not tried The Coffee Academics before, went for the Academics Breakfast. A hard-to-go-wrong dish consisting of pork bockwurst sausage, Pio Tosini Prosciutto di Parma, homemade baked beans, roasted baby potatoes and choice of eggs served with toasted bread and seasonal garden greens.

Drips Bakery Café

While I have been to Drips Bakery Café before, it was my dining companion's 1st visit. Located within the Tiong Bahru estate enclave, the café along Tiong Poh Road was inspired by Paul. Co-owner Alfred Chan used to be a pastry chef at Shangri-La Hotel and opened a bakery at Commonwealth before this. Its glass frontage allows natural light to flood the place in the day and frames of pictures stood out against white walls. Simple furniture, including sofa seats with coffee tables at the back, and tall ceiling combines to exude a cosy yet spacious charm. Other than soup and sandwiches, pies and quiches, it also offers main courses such as rice with butter chicken and all-day breakfast. Stick to its specialty – tarts as the portion of butter chicken was miserable and the dish tasted like a heated-up frozen item. All-day breakfast was more palatable. As I was not impressed with my previous order of coffee, we decided to go with chilled drink this time round which was perfect in the hot and humid weather.

Oriole Coffee + Bar

Tucked away in a corner furthest from the restrooms on the 2nd floor of Capitol Piazza, Oriole Coffee + Bar was quiet. Too quiet, in fact, considering it was time for dinner on a weekend. No signs of wait staff to show us our seats or menu on any table. With no lack of available tables, we had the luxury of choosing where we wanted to sit. Sat at a cushioned bench seat and got the menus from the counter. Upon deciding, we went to the counter to order and pay. While waiting for our food and drinks which took ages to arrive, we helped ourselves to the complimentary water. Could not fault my order of Cubano Sandwich – well-marinated tender slow-roasted pork collar and seared sous vide pork belly with pickled cucumber, green chilli mayo and mustard between grilled Panini bread. Loved the Oriole-spiced fries, crispy on the outside, but not the tossed greens, both served on the side. My dining companions' opinions on their Fully Loaded All Day Breakfast were divided though.

You may also be interested in Oriole Café and Bar at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites or Oriole Espresso and Brew Bar at Republic Plaza.

Dazzling Café

A queue started at 8.30am even though Dazzling Café was supposed to start operating from noon. As the only tenant opened on the first floor of Capitol Piazza, there were hoardings all around as its neighbours were still undergoing construction/renovation works. Yes, this is the hype of the Taiwanese café known for its instagram-worthy thick toast. With no intention of sniffling glue and eating dust, I waited 'til this month to finally drop by. It was for lunch on a weekday and we could be seated immediately. Ordered a main course each as well as an appetiser and two desserts for sharing. Pleasantly surprised that most of the dishes were better than expected – could neither rave about nor fault The Usuals (poached eggs, cream spinach and parma ham on brioche toast with hollandaise and micro herbs) and the recommended Mentaiko Spaghetti in Cream Sauce.

Maison Ikkoku

My dining companions and I were in the vicinity when we decided to check out Maison Ikkoku, located at Kandahar Street. It was dinner time and we were not interested in its rooftop bar, which supposedly commands a view of the Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam. Waited a while for seats at the ground floor café instead, and managed to get two tables for seven. Though this place has been around for years, most of us have never been here. Ordered a cuppa espresso macchiato – bitter and medium-bodied with a subtle aroma of roasted coffee beans but too acidic for my liking, to go with my choice of Break of Dawn from its weekend all-day breakfast menu. Could neither rave about the pork bratwurst and greens (loved the almond flakes), nor fault the crispy bacon and cherry tomatoes. I did not like the scrambled eggs sitting on top of, and making the sliced toast soggy.

Spruce

Late on a lazy weekend morning, we decided to check out Spruce as one of my dining companions had wanted to visit the place for like the longest time. It first opened at Phoenix Park along Tanglin Road in March 2009 and went on to open a 2nd branch at Old Fire Station along Bukit Timah Road in July 2012. We went to the former – a quiet place nestled among trees, and ordered from its weekend brunch menu (last order at 3.45pm). My dining companions had Spruce Chicken Benny and Spruce Big Brekkie while I ate Spruce British Brekkie. Part of The Benedict Collection, Spruce Chicken Benny consists of stewed peppers chicken, bacon poached egg with hollandaise sauce, and corn waffle.

The Providore

The Providore first opened a 3,000 sq ft concept retail store at Tan Boon Liat Building selling gourmet food, cook books and bespoke gifts as well as wine, craft beer and artisanal spirits. It has since expanded its presence from the spacious and modern industrial warehouse to Mandarin Gallery, Tangs Orchard and The Grandstand. I was enticed enough by its breakfast|brunch menu, which is served 'til 3pm that I dropped by over the last weekend. Located on the 2nd floor of Tangs Orchard by the escalator, there was no queue for seats. Ordered an English Breakfast – could neither rave about the pork sausage and sourdough toast nor fault my choice of sunny-side up (over poached and scrambled eggs) and roasted tomato. While the sautéed mushrooms were lovey, I found the grilled bacon a tad oily. Ended my meal with a chocolate tart where the rich taste of chocolate was well-balanced in taste and texture by the tart raspberries on top and crumbly tart.

Patisserie G

My dining companion and I were at Millenia Walk over the weekend when we chanced upon a signboard which reads "eggs until 4pm daily". Prominently displayed outside Patisserie G, opened by Gwen Lim, and known for its desserts. There was an available table or two, so we decided to step in. Lots of wood could be seen – from the tables and chairs (was that Atomi's Hiroshima by Maruni?) to counters, shelves and flooring. Ordered scrambled eggs en cocotte with pork sausage, mushrooms and chose butter croissant over toasted brioche. Could neither rave about the three creamy scrambled freedom range eggs nor fault the sausage. While the sautéed mushrooms were lovely, it paled in comparison to the croissant. Its buttery crust was so crispy and flaky with a soft, airy and fluffy inside that I could eat it on its own. And not stop until it was gone.

Three Cups Coffee Co.

Located on the 4th floor of revamped One Raffles Place (formerly known as OUB Centre) away from the hustle and bustle at the basement, Three Cups Coffee Co. is by the same three people behind espressoLAB at Bali Lane. Michael, his wife Sue and their friend Allan believe that magic happens when three special ingredients – "great coffee, d'lish food and friendship", are brought together. Customers can choose from three types of custom-roasted coffee beans and blend to be enjoyed in different ways. The former are a Signature Espresso Blend, seasonal Single Origin espresso and Single Origin Pourovers while the latter includes having it hot or iced, nude or with milk/chocolate and pourover methods such as V60, Aeropress. Affogato, cold brew and organic soy options are also available. Other items on the menu include all-day breakfast on weekends, sandwiches and wraps as well as cakes, pastries and pies.

Wild Honey

While I loved Wild Honey for its hearty all-day breakfast and interior designs, could not say the same of its queues and price tag – drinks are not included, and please add service charge despite having to queue at the counter to order. First tried its signature English (another is European Eggs Benedict) breakfast at Mandarin Gallery and subsequently at Scotts Square where seats could be reserved and orders were taken at the table, and preferred it to the Canadian one. The former included soft and fluffy brioche, lovely sautéed mushrooms and breakfast potatoes with Cumberland pork sausage, grilled vine ripened tomato and scrambled eggs I could not fault as well as back bacon and Dad's baked beans I could not rave about. And the latter paled in comparison, with a stack of three thick pancakes that I found too cloying after a while despite eating it drizzled with imported Canadian maple syrup and between mouths of Canadian back bacon and yummy wild forest berry compote.

Antoinette Revisited

It was on a weekday afternoon when my dining companion and I visited Antoinette at Penhas Road, near Lavender MRT Station. While I have been to the branch at Mandarin Gallery (there is another at Palais Renaissance), this is my first time here. Instead of its breakfast which I had the other time, I tried Boeuf Bourguignon. Could taste the red wine in the braised Wagyu brisket so tender it could be easily pulled apart with the fork and knife. And loved how it went well with the pomme purée and seasonal vegetables. The former is mashed potato with a thicker consistency than usual, and contained tiny cubes of potato I could bite into. Portion was a tad big, maybe because I ate most of the viennoiseries and a bacon that was part of the Antoinette Breakfast. Oops, you just realised how much of a glutton I am.

You may also be interested in Antoinette.

Update: The branch at Palais Renaissance has closed.

Eggs & Berries

When I first saw drooling pictures and rave reviews about Eggs & Berries, there was only a branch at Changi City Point beside Expo MRT Station. But now, a 2nd had opened at Westgate beside Jem in Jurong East. Located beside 4 Fingers Crispy Chicken on the 2nd floor, the all-day American-styled breakfast restaurant had both indoor and outdoor seats. Candy-coloured chairs in blue, pink and yellow against lots of wood (from the chair frames and tables to counters and cabinets) gave the 50-seater place a cheerful vibe. My dining companions and I visited on a weekday for its tea time special of 50% off selected crêpes, desserts, pancakes and waffles. In fact, it also has a breakfast special of 1-for-1 for its triple omelette on weekdays. I believe these run 'til month-end though am not sure about the $3.90 deal for grilled chipotle sausage with choice of egg (fried, poached or scrambled), baked beans, warm sandwich toast, a side salad and coffee or tea.

Pique Nique

After a day of eating and shopping, my dining companion and I were more tired than hungry. It was time for dinner and we were in town where snaking queues were the norm for most restaurants. Pique Nique is no different most of the times I passed by the casual laid-back American eatery and whenever I went to buy its cookies in pretty boxes as gifts for friends. The branch at basement 1 of Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City where Mac Donald used to be and opposite Kentucky Fried Chicken has a setting inspired by the Central Park in New York City. While that at JCube is a blend of nature with SOHO living so customers can experience the outdoors in the comfort of indoor dining. I have tried the afternoon tea at JCube before and did not think much of its sweets and coffee. As such, I ordered a Big Breakfast during my 1st visit to the one at Takashimaya.

Nassim Hill Bakery Bistro Bar

It was a lazy Saturday morning when we decided to have a late breakfast at Nassim Hill Bakery Bistro Bar. Saw a few empty tables as we walked into the bustling place but was told those were reserved and there were no available seats. Wondered aloud why others managed to reserve when its website clearly states that reservations are only accepted from 3pm onwards on Saturdays and Sundays. Staff however could not be bothered to explain or make an attempt to say, re-arrange the non-reserved tables. In fact, the service (except for that of the boss or manager in-charge) disgusted us so much that we would not be back. Especially since similar food choices could be found at nearby Dempsey, Hediard at Tudor Court and Benjamin Browns Bakery & Bistro at Forum The Shopping Mall. Most reviews raved about its bread from Freshly Baked by Le Bijoux but I could just visit the bakery itself at Killiney Road, couldn't I?

Black Coffee Dessert Bar

Black Coffee Dessert Bar was opened in 2009 by a few friends fanatic about coffee, food and vintage furniture. According to the website, there are two branches at Hitachi Tower and TripleOne Somerset though the latter has since closed. I have been to both, ordering its Valrhona Chocolate Banana Cake, Valrhona Dark Chocolate Tart and Chocolate Rum Affogato at the former. At the latter, I had its all-day breakfast, Valrhona Chocolate Cupcake with Nutella Frosting, and Macchiato. Other than tables made up of old television sets with sheets of glass on top, there were also gramophone, lamps, old-school clocks and retro-looking display cases. Together, different tables and chairs (including re-holstered old-style sofa) gave cosy vibes to the old-world charm of both places.

Food For Thought

Used to have family outings to Singapore Botanic Gardens where we would breathe in fresh air, walk and run in the park. Once, I was offered a chocolate but my initial happiness upon receiving one as a child soon turned to disappointment as it had melted. Have always been a fussy eater since young and eat neither melted chocolate nor ice-cream. At a tender age when I did not know they could be re-frozen, I gave away the chocolate. I did not care that it was safe-kept for me in the cooler box, which I thought was just a container to store and carry the drinks, until it was later returned to me. My eyes lit up and I happily ate the no-longer-melted chocolate. A childhood memory deeply etched in my mind and fondly recalled during my recent visit to the tourist attraction I have not been to in ages.

Antoinette

Heard of Antoinette by chef-owner Pang Kok Keong before it was due to open at Penhas Road but I have yet to try it. Forgot all about the French patisserie until a recent The Straits Times article on "Tasteful Interiors", which featured Le Jardine D'Antoinette at Palais Renaissance. Reminded myself to make a trip down one day and was in Orchard on a weekday evening when I decided to try my luck at its Mandarin Gallery branch. As reservations are not allowed and queues are the norm on weekends, considered myself lucky to get a table. The enticing displays of pastries, cakes and desserts seemed to beckon me to the place, extravagantly furnished with opulence.

Au Chocolat

I was hungry and looking for a place to lunch in The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands when a made-in-Singapore French-inspired bistro-cum-confiserie caught my eye. With façade reminiscent of a café on chic Parisian street and reasonably-priced items on its menu (considering how expensive food can be in the area), I decided to try its all-day breakfast since there were available seats. Looking around while waiting for my Aebleskivers to arrive, I saw trains running above me in mid-air. Details of the whimsical restaurant, themed around the adventures of a free-spirited 8-year-old and her two dogs in chocolate fantasyland, could be seen in intricate drawings on the ceiling. Loved how fun such as large blobs of molten chocolate hanging from the ceiling, was intertwined with the laid-back ambience and old-world charm (think brick walls, colourful stained glass panels, mock fireplace and mosaic tiles).