Craftsmen Specialty Coffee

It was a lazy weekend afternoon. We decided to find a quiet place to chill. Chanced upon Craftsmen Specialty Coffee at Mohammed Sultan Road and decided this café shall be it. Around for a few years, its presence can also be found at Central, Siglap and Thomson. Loved how the place is bright and spacious with white wall, high ceiling and light let in through the glass frontage (not sure if the lightbulbs would be sufficient at night though). Colourful bottles of soda and beer on wooden and black metal shelves, together with potted plants hanging from above or sitting on a surface, stood out against wooden tables and chairs with black metal legs on concrete floor. As my dining companions and I were not hungry, we shared a slice of cake and had a drink each. Could neither rave about the coffee nor fault its cake.

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:

Journey to a Delicious Cup

Read that Common Man Coffee Roasters hope to host a cupping session on the first Friday of every month (instead of every Wednesday) starting from March this year. As the complimentary sessions are held in the mid-afternoon, coffee enthusiasts who do not mind paying may attend other sessions by Papa Palheta located within Chye Seng Huat Hardware or The Coffee Academics. Recently learnt the fundamentals of brewing a great cup of Starbucks Coffee at its Bean to Brew coffee seminar, held at Fullerton Waterboat House – includes storing beans or grinds for freshness, grinding beans according to brewing method, optimum amount of grind and temperature of water to brew a cup as well as how food pairing can accentuate the taste of a brew. Other seminars include An Introduction to Coffee, An Invitation to a Sensory Experience and Brewing the Perfect Cup.

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.

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.

The Coffee Academics

The Coffee Academics opened a 2nd branch in Singapore after Scotts Square, beside Tiong Bahru Bakery at the basement of Raffles City Shopping Centre. A dining companion chose this highly-rated coffee specialty store from Hong Kong only because of its lunch sets, consisting a pasta or pizza (choose from 3 options) and coffee/tea. As the Academics Breakfast was priced almost twice that of the lunch set, we settled for the obvious. Three of us shared the Fungi Pizza, Shrimps Arrabiata and Academics Cinnamon Churros. We could neither rave about the thin crust tomato-based pizza with succulent shiitake mushrooms and mozzarella cheese, nor fault the al dente spaghetti with spicy tomato sauce and small frozen shrimps. The four churros, served with a scoop of lovely TCA blend gelato and too-watery chocolate dipping sauce, cost more than a lunch set and was not worth the amount we paid for it. Both the Long Black and Cappuccino did not disappoint – smooth, medium-bodied and not too acidic.

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.

Whisk

The first time I saw Whisk, it was in the final stages of renovation works. That was more than a year ago. On a recent weekend, we decided to drop by for afternoon tea. Located within the Tiong Bahru estate enclave, the café is a few steps away from Drips Bakery Café on Seng Poh Road and sits at the junction with Eng Hoon Street where The Orange Thimble and Tiong Bahru Bakery are. Stepping in, I was greeted by a display of pastries and cakes. Except for a black piano, wooden stools and dark-coloured chairs against pale wooden floor, the place is all white – counter top, tables, (tiled) walls and ceiling. Sweetness of torched meringue, which was a tad mushy, on top of the lemon tart was balanced by the tangy lemon curd. Could not rave about the strawberry shortcake nor fault the cappuccino and hot chocolate while the espresso had a faint aroma of roasted beans, was medium-bodied and too acidic for my liking. None of us were impressed with its food, drinks and lack of service.

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.

Durian Fiesta 2015

This is not the first year that Goodwood Park Hotel is offering a mouth-watering array of novel durian delights. While I have tried its signature Durian Mousse Cake before (and was not impressed), was enticed enough by the instagram-worthy Durian Rainbow Ice Cream Cake that my dining companion and I dropped by recently. We ordered that, a slice of Durian Cappuccino Cake and two pieces of its signature Durian Puffs. Durian Rainbow Ice Cream Cake was made up of durian ice-cream wrapped with a thin slice of dry rainbow cake that looked better than it tasted. I have had better durian ice-cream and rainbow cake. As much as I love both coffee and durian, could not discern the former in Durian Cappuccino Cake unless the layers are eaten separately. Am not a fan of profiteroles and these Durian Puffs were good but not enough to change my mind on that. Also had Hazelnut Coffee, which was interesting and came with chocolate almond cookie, at L'Espresso.

Henri Charpentier

After a picnic at Singapore Botanic Gardens on a weekend evening, we decided to go Dempsey Hill for a cuppa coffee and/or desserts. In the end, we settled on Henri Charpentier – a renowned French-inspired Japanese patisserie since 1969. Run by Suzette Corporation, this is its first foray outside Japan where there are 82 branches. Opened last year, the 4,400 sq ft place restaurant was quiet when we visited. Walking down a covered walkway with fuschia carpet, we stepped into an extravagantly furnished place decked in royalty purple and more fuschia. Chandeliers and drapery hanging from the ceiling, together with comfortable armchairs and couches on heavily carpeted floor, screamed lavish opulence. I started with Blend Coffee while the rest mostly had Royal Milk Tea.

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.

The Dispensary

It was an impromptu decision to meet up over coffee at Tiong Bahru estate enclave on a Monday afternoon. 40 Hands, Plain Vanilla and PoTeaTo along Yong Siak Road were not opened. And we wanted to munch on something more substantial than just cakes, pastries and tarts. Having tried Tiong Bahru Bakery and PS.Cafe Petit before, we decided on The Dispensary. Located along Tiong Bahru Road, it could be seen from the main road unlike most of the cafés in this neighbourhood. But it did not have parking spaces at its doorsteps like say, Drips Bakery Café and The Orange Thimble. Occupying the space where an old Chinese Medical Hall dispensary used to be, black words stood out against white walls outside and the same monochrome colours could be seen inside too – black and white lourve windows, at one of the staircase and black chairs paired with white tables.

Chye Seng Huat Hardware

After lunch at Antoinette, I decided to walk to Chye Seng Huat Hardware (CSHH) located along Tyrwhitt Road. Thought it was not opened for business until I saw people opening a heavy metal door beside the metal gates, so I followed them in and was surprised by the world of difference inside. Occupying the 1st floor of the three-storey shophouse is CSHH Coffee Bar with an island bar in the middle of the main room, behind which is private coffee tasting room Annex. Across this, and housed at the back, is the roastery that scientifically brings out the best intrinsic flavours of coffee. On the 2nd floor is Tyrwhitt General Company and C-PlatForm with state-of-the-art coffee gadgets, apparatus and machines for coffee enthusiasts to understand and learn about coffee beyond the bean.

Westgate Food Trail

Last Saturday, I participated in Westgate Food Trail organised by Food & Travel magazine. While this was not my first time to the shopping mall beside Jem, I have never been to the 4th floor where we gathered at Westgate Wonderland, a themed play area. What I like about Westgate is its mix of tenants including the only Borders (Kinokuniya is in Jem) in Singapore, Isetan department store and supermarket as well as restaurants opening their first branch outside the heart of Singapore – MK Restaurants at 313@Somerset and Ippudo with presence at Mandarin Gallery, Mohamed Sultan and Asia Square. Nara Thai Cuisine, with a branch at Ion Orchard, will open next week. CapitaLand vouchers can be used here or at nearby IMM and JCube.

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.

Café Mondo

Located on the 2nd floor of Orchard Central where Seventh Heaven used to be, is Café Mondo by the same people. Opened in 2008, Seventh Heaven used to be at Raeburn Park with a kiosk at Takashimaya Food Hall (basement 2). Now, its kiosks are at Gardens by the Bay and Pasarbella @ The Grandstand. But this one, opposite Central Hong Kong Café, is a full-service café serving more than desserts and drinks. Understood it was revamped and renamed with the addition of appetisers and mains on its menu. My dining companion and I were looking for a place to sip a cuppa coffee after dinner when we decided to also have its ice-cream. So we could try more flavours, chose mini twelve putts over six packs – six normal-sized scoops of ice-cream served in a muffin tray. I loved their names and presentation. Our choice of 12 small scoops of ice-cream was served in a mini muffin tray.

Tiong Bahru Bakery

An artisan bakery by French baker Gontran Cherrier has been a hit since it first opened in the Tiong Bahru neighbourhood. By Spa Espirit Group which also owns Kiasu Espresso, it now has two more branches at Raffles City Shopping Centre and Tangs Orchard. Serving what some claim to be the best croissant in town, I left the bakery-café without buying anything as it did not look light and flaky. Then one day, someone who was in the area and heard how good the croissant was bought it for me. I was not impressed by its unevenly risen dough and lamented how the croissant (better ones can be found at Maison Kayser and Paris Baguette) could not make it. Was told its squid ink bun, chocolate croissant and kouign aman were good. The latter, also highly recommended by staff, is Breton's cake with salted butter and sugar. So I thought to myself that maybe I should try other items.

New Kid on the Block – Bécasse Bakery

Australian Bécasse Bakery finally opened in Singapore two weeks ago; half a year after it was due to do so. Brought in by jones the grocer, which acquired the bakery as well as burger joint Charlie & Co. from The North Group, its first outlet is located at the atrium on the 4th floor of Ion Orchard outside the entrance to Magosaburou. Charlie & Co. opened at B4 of the same shopping mall in January this year and both used to be part of The North Group, owned by Australian celebrity chef Justin North and his wife Georgia, that went into voluntary administration in June last year. According to the website, its French-style pastries and breads are baked in-house using traditional artisan methods with premium ingredients. And the new contemporary bakery is within walking distance to overseas offshoots of well-known bakeries, boulangeries and patisseries such as Japanese's Maison Kayser at Wheelock Place, Korean's Paris Baguette at Wisma Atria and French's Paul at Takashimaya.

Halia

Halia means ginger in Malay and is aptly located in the one-hectare Ginger Garden of the Singapore Botanic Gardens where over 250 species of gingers with their stunning foliage and colourful flowers thrive. According to the website, its construction was carried out at the same time that the Ginger Garden was developed in 2000. So architecture could be conformed to the contours of the land, dignity of mature trees such as decades-old majestic palm trees and preservation of heritage. The restaurant officially opened the following year with various forms of ginger and its related family creatively introduced into some dishes and beverage creations such as Halia Infusion (hot or chilled), a house-specialty of sun-dried ginger and wild mountain honey. In 2008, its first and only overseas branch opened at Westlake, Hanoi.