It is amazing how hit lists begin with casual conversations.
It began with…”I feel like eating soy ice cream.”
Is it better than normal ice cream?
Funny thing is, I prefer it to normal ice cream. Except hazelnut gelato, of course.
Have you tried all the ice cream places in Singapore?
No, but that sounds like an idea.
Let’s do a coffee and ice-cream day! I’ll source the places, you can chauffeur.
Sounds like a plan!
So here I am, spending Vesak Day break putting together a list, and a route for Coffee & Cream expedition.
1. Ice Cream Chefs
520 East Coast Road
2. 40 Hands
Blk 78 Yong Siak St (Tiong Bahru)
3. Raffles Creamery
@ Raffles Hotel
4. 7Kickstart Brewiches
50 Armenian Street
(I would pop over to Soho Coffee, but that’s so close to work so I’ll leave it for now)
5. Haato & Co Ice Cream
The Central @ Clarke Quay
6. Jimmy Monkey
One North Residences
7. The Daily Scoop
41 Sunset Way
8. Smitten Coffee & Tea Bar
60 Robertson Quay
9. Tom’s Palette
Shaw Leisure Gallery, 100 Beach Road
(note to self: try to grab a bite at Ah Loy’s next door if stomach space allows)
Documentation will follow in the next post, when that happens!
Filed under: Food, Globe-Trot | Tags: Cape Town, fish, game, gelato, seafood, South Africa
A mention of Cape Town has been long delayed, and having mulled (and procrastinated) over it for two months, I decided to break the 10-day journey into various topics, with Food Diary being my first (and probably shortest/easiest) recall of the beautiful province.
Nestled in the lush valleys of South Africa yet flanked by the Indian and Atlantic Oceans just a stone’s throw apart, Cape Town boasts a long history of fresh local ingredients, sustainable ocean catch and great cooks. The country’s colourful history has created a blend of Eastern, European and African fare resulting in a variety of spice finishes, flavourful dishes and fusion creations. No trip to Africa is completed without a sampling of game meat or barbecue, amongst which ostriches and springboks rank top on my list for that ten days.
Locals and travel guides have recommended their top favourites, we just decided to pick the ones that coincide with a slight biasness for local recommendations – after all, nothing beats having someone who’s lived there the past decade tell you a perfect combination of affordability, great ambience and mouth-watering food.
Game meat:
Beluga and Sevruga roll off our host’s tongue upon mention of game. Best consumed medium-rare, an ostrich contains as much (if not more) oomph than a piece of steak, slightly chewier but leaves a salty-sweet aftertaste in the mouth. Springboks (part of the deer family) are super juicy, almost sweet and perfect for those who are not as adventurous in their palate selections.
Sushi is a common starter, or cold dish to begin. It is a pity that they did not prepare their rice properly with vinegar, but instead serve plain cooked rice with the freshest fish we have ever tasted. So that lack of vinegar resulted in a somewhat bland sushi, but hey, locals swear by it. We think they just haven’t had Japanese sushi.
Seafood, real fresh seafood:
Drive along the bays for guaranteed fresh ocean catch of the day, from seared tunas to exotic blue nose, grilled line fish and king flips with chips, to juicy prawns and longoustines and lobsters with tender chewy calamari to complete every meal. Best consumed grilled/seared with lemon and herbs, or salt and pepper, there’s nothing left to imagination except for lip-smacking bloody fresh catch.
A pleasant surprise with cold wind and great views (of the harbour and if you are lucky, you catch playful seals rolling around in the waters) at Brass Bell at Fish Hoek and The Lookout, along Hout Bay. Simply order the seafood platter for everything-on-the-menu, or opt for something decadent such as the lobster (at The Lookout) if you are in the mood for one. For its size and quality, one can’t really complain paying under SGD 30 for a delicious reddened lavishness.
For the ultimate ocean taste, try Codfather’s anytime. Situated in uppity-class Camps Bay, Codfather has no menu. Your dinner lies in the display of fresh fish in a fishmonger-style counter (in names that I can hardly remember, let alone roll off my tongue) in all shapes and sizes. One gets to pick any fish, any portion, any amount. Our sampling included swordfish, tuna, butter fish, bluenose, king prawns and more which ranged from succulent and juicy, light and buttery, to robust and full…almost like describing steak, aint’ it? Starters simply include calamari or sushi. Yum-yum.
Weekend food markets:
There is no way I could have missed such markets. Known as the Neighborhood Goods Market located at the Old Biscuit Mill, that summed up two heavenly Saturdays during my time in Cape Town. Discovered really, quite by accident in our second day in South Africa, it was a flurry of Origins coffee which was simply the best coffee in Cape Town, and making decisions between Mother Shucker Oysters and ten other different foods. Of course, Mother Shucker Oysters won.
Had to try the BLT Breakfast sandwich which looked really delicious (so did the chef) but didn’t turn out as spectacular as it looked. It was good but not great, if you know what I mean. Other indulgence included Belgian waffles (Classic way, with sugar and maple syrup), croissants, lime fruit punch, quiches, crepes, olive pastes and OH – rosti with bacon and poached egg – the best of the trip. See pictures if you need more reason to salivate.
Wine tours:
Located about two hours drive away is Stellenbosch and Franschoek, the two famous vineyard regions in the lush valleys of South Africa. We picked Franschoek first – 15 types of wines, four bottles back home. Loved the views of endless greenery tucked in the valleys, deemed the best climate and environment for harvesting good grapes.
Wild guesses got us by, with a star recommendation from almost every local we spoke to. Rickety Bridge brought about “oohs” and “ahhhs”, dubbed as the region’s best. And true enough, their Chennin Blanc and Pinotage were complex on the tongue, but to make life easier for both you and me, I will just term it as “astonishingly fruity and woody with the right balance”. Light yet full in flavour, worth the plane ride home for tropical consumption.
Special memories:
A great Italian restaurant tucked away in a seemingly dodgy street - 95 @ Keerum. A group of dark-skinned Africans greeted us when we first drove into the area, and first thought that raced across my mind, “Oh damn it, I’m prey.” The restaurant certainly knew to hire bouncers, road watchers and carpark attendants to ensure their guests wine and dine safely, so all was good. On the menu: lobster linguine (see picture), three types of game – wildebeest, kudu and springbok, tiramisu (YES!) and lava chocolate cake (don’t bother). Call ahead to book.
Takeaway from Giovanni’s deli if you must have a picnic, they have got a great assortment of lasagne, noodles, vegetables and bread, perfect for Cape Town’s weather and many sights. Amazing gelato from Love.Revenge.Cappucino, a really random name for an expresso bar located in the shopping centre at V & A Waterfront.
More suggestions are located in TimeOut Cape Town, or Lonely Planet – after all, that was what we based our adventure on, only to discover more hidden mysteries along the way.
Filed under: Food | Tags: all-day-breakfasts, burger, cafe, coffee, eggs benedict, food, sandwiches, toast
What draws me to a cafe? The combination of a good roast, soul food and an atmosphere so comfy that I can prop my feet up when I feel like it. Just like home.
My third visit to Singapore’s new cafe, Soho7 Cafe & Bistro in the last 20 days warrants a write-up for sure. Located at the side of Loke Yew Street along Armenian Street (think Peranakan Museum, Stamford Court) where I used to work at previously, Soho7 boasts of honest fresh coffee, delectable and possibly the best burgers I have ever tasted, comfort food that tingles the soul and satisfies any raging appetite and super awesome Benedicts.
Toasted bread, a fried egg, home-made beef patties, lots of veges, secret sauce perfected by Owner-Chef-Friend Swee, topped with bacon, tomatoes whatever your order may be. I had the PattyMelt and the Best-Ever Soho7 Burger, and damn…that was the best-ever burger I have ever tasted. Blame it on the secret sauce, or the bacon fried to perfection, perhaps made tastier by its extremely reasonable price, at about S$7.70 for a standard burger.
Third visit had me eyeing the all-day breakfast menu, supposedly Soho7′s famous Benedicts. An order of Eggs Benedict (left; S$12) and Classic French Toast (right; S$12) never felt more like a good plate of comfort food. The comfort of all comfort foods, Soho7′s Eggs Benedict was a combination of poached egg, ham, spinach, toast smothered with hollandaise sauce, served with an extra dollop of bacon because Swee wasn’t happy with the first batch of bacon she served us with the French toast.
I became an addict to good roasted coffee ever since I tasted Papa Palheta’s coffee beans, followed by South Africa’s Origin coffee and other delectable blends. Freshly ground coffee beans made into a cuppa or latte taste simply heavenly – rich in aroma, full in flavour and wonderfully roasted without a hint of bitterness. Soho7′s coffee beans are freshly picked by Swee and replaced every three days, ensuring super-fresh blends that need only milk, no sugar.
The best part? Super reasonable, almost MacDonald’s price but better. At S$4 for a cappuccino or a latte, and S$5.30 for an iced mocha (okay lah, iced drinks are always expensive), it is fortunate for my wallet that I no longer work at Stamford Court anymore, otherwise I will be buying a cuppa twice a day.
So that’s Soho7, open from 10am till the moon shines (ie. 8pm, 8.30pm) with food that warrants repeated visits. It is always good to give them a call (+65 6634 5779) before you head down, just to see if they are open.
Address:
36 Armenian Street, #01-04
Filed under: Food, Globe-Trot | Tags: beach, getaway, Indonesia, island, travel, Turi Beach
I love the idea of planning a weekend getaway on impulse. Better still, I love the fact that this weekend getaway is justan hour away from home (ie. Singapore).
Highlights include: The long boardwalk that takes you right out in the middle of the sea, having a perfect view of the horizon without ships to spoil it all, pinching bread from the buffet breakfast spread to feed the fishes (that you can see at the end of the boardwalk), a 3-metre deep pool for you to cannonball in at any time of the day.
A typical vivalavidaviv’s post will almost always include food. Indonesian seafood, half the price of your Singapore fare. All you need is a quick drive out to a nearby eatery to chomp on their famous nasi goreng!
The view of the (infinity) pool at night is really beautiful. It reflects the atmosphere of that part of Batam (yes you heard me right, this is Batam) – peaceful and relaxing – just the perfect getaway if you really, really, can’t spare much cash and time but are in dying need of a break.
And if you STILL don’t know where I’m referring to? Go to www.turibeach.com
Filed under: Food, Lifestyle | Tags: chill out, cocktails, Esplanade, martini, mojito, Orgo
Esplanade’s rooftop garden finally served its true alternate purpose when Orgo succesfully bidded a 2 year’s stay atop the Esplanade. Formerly conceptualized as a mobile pub when they were humbly at the banks of Singapore River just below the Central, Orgo revealed its quiet magnificence when I paid them a visit after a musical feast on Friday night.
Well known for their real fruit martinis, kick ass mojitos and cute Japanese bartenders, I cannot imagine why would anybody NOT sit at the bar. I shall refrain from discussing the bartenders’ appeal, but you know how it is when guys do their “thing”. Ultimately sexy. Disclaimer: That’s my opinion though, you may not discuss this further.
Orgo makes a tidy little niche Lego construction, with deep chocolate brown rattan-weaved chairs lining the brightly-lit bar, arranged in squares and transparent air-conditioned boxes with lounge chairs within. Pick your choice – lounge in comfort or brave the current sweltering heat in Singapore, although I would go with the latter to enjoy the cityscape and in future, Marina Bay Sands completed.
Music matters not here – one sits to peaceful silence and constant murmurs from conversations all around, or listen to the wind blow in his/her ears. I loved the peace that came along with Orgo, drowned in the whirring of blended cocktails and shaken (not stirred) martini art.
Just remember to order their kick-ass mojitos too. That’s one more to add to the list of chill pill pads.
Filed under: Food
I turned carnivorous yesterday when we decided to pay a visit to long-procastinated Carnivore @ Vivocity. The man has been craving for his meat buffet for the longest time ever, and yesterday was the perfect day to give it a try, since we have been eating and drinking the entire Saturday anyway.
Carnivore is worth a visit, but definitely not a choice to return to. Slabs of meat on skewers sliced right onto our plates – honey baked ham, beef roasted blue-rare-cooked-anything, lamb, fish, chicken thighs, chicken hearts, pork, pineapple – I entered what we term, “Food Coma”.
The ham was perfect – sliced in chunks, juicy and yummy. I devoured the very fresh fish which was super soft and flaky within, and I relished the chicken hearts because they had a sweet tinge to it. And the pineapple – DAMN GOOD LAH. (I think that pretty much sums it all up)
It did not help that my mum had to buy home 2 beef sausages and a huge roasted chicken leg for lunch today. Damn.
I am part of the milk-powder nation that believes in instantaneous results, high level of demand, and daily convenience. The generation which saw a breakthrough in the need for no cows brought in equally satisfying Meiji, Magnolia and xx-brand milk (powder), fooling consumers into believing that the white liquid they drink is fresh and nutritious.
Likewise, the milk-powder nation lives in a city of imitation – a series of culture, heritage and ideals brought in by the state which attempts to propel the country forward to meet the standards of those in the First World. Tax payers (not by choice) contribute to the building of the Singapore Flyer, the conversion of City Hall, the construction of the floating bay at Marina, and probably the Esplanade as well. The transformation into a global city has proved us more than a mere red dot in the world map – the state has indeed done a pretty fair job.
But like all city dwellers and a citizen harbouring angst whilst having to part with her precious brass, I question the efforts of these ideals with reference to what I see at a seemingly tunnelled perspective. Is it possible to change the cultures and habits of the mass population into an idealistic educated, arts-appreciative audience with a glorified taste for Michelin-star cuisine? I exaggerate – of course ever-practical food lovers flock to the famous Botak Jones, Simpang, 85 Bak Chor Mee Land, Glutton Square etc for their money’s (and palatte’s) worth, leaving us stranded and famished without a car-park lot at 9 bloody pm after work on a Friday night.
I digress. I started off questioning “imports” by the state, fueled by representatives who have gone overseas and thought, “Yes, we need this in our country for our next big step forward.” The boyfriend and I have always wondered how iconic can a Singapore Flyer be, when this same wheel manifests its presence in Japan, France, London and all around the world? Got to love the Merlion though – up till today I am still taking photos of its gleaming white statue.
In one particular aspect – the arts – I applaud efforts to introduce a great many festivals and genres to the local audience, but shake my head at the dismal attendance of avant-garde performances by local (and international) companies. There has always been discussions of “having to educate the audience” – but tell me, how does one instill interest in a free-minded individual who chooses the more popular “brands” rather than spend his money on a potential dissatisfaction?
Given the rising costs of living, a quick calculation summed a month’s expenses to $1-1.5k (based on food, transport, allowance to parents, bills, insurance and abotu $300 for luxury expenditure) for basic needs – I personally will not fork out extra bucks to catch a random performance, unless it is the world-famous Phantom of the Opera sort of standard. You get my point. The idealistic approach to educate the audience and change their expectations that all performances must be free-of-charge will probably like to take the above into consideration, and that transforming the country into Asia’s next Barcelona/London will be slow, steady – I do not know.
In discussion of the state’s support in the sports versus the arts, the constant imports of badminton/table-tennis/track athletes from China and the likes have been on the papers, with a general observation that musicians and artists are constantly encouraged to seek funding from elsewhere. Could it be in the light of cost-savings in the long run, given that athletes shine for only a short while (since they have to retire early – age is never on their list of advantages) and that artists/artistes hone their craft and become only more valuable as time passes by? Sponsor a badminton player from the age of 23 till about 30, and he/she’s done with her career, but the same funding method cannot apply to a violinist, for each year equates to a progress in the craft and mastery of the instrument – one becomes more valuable as his experience and technical capability refines and converts into an expertise, thus – how to fund, like that?
That would be an extremely narrow take towards our milk-powder approach in expanding and placing the country on the world map, but, to me…it only reflects my slow degeneration in writing and analytical thinking.
Filed under: Food
I love sashimi with a vengeance. Bring me into any Japanese restaurant and you would wish you have had set aside an extra $200 to satisfy my sashimi cravings. Japanese buffets are the only ones I can sit down and eat my money’s worth because one of me can finish 1-2 slabs of the above. Yum-yum.
What makes it better is that sashimi and quiet watering holes go hand-in-hand. Over at Keppel Bay’s The Wine Glass (2nd level), I love the intimate setting where bartenders interact with their guests at the circular bar-top counter. Perch on a seat and chat your evening away.
The whisky bar at The Screening Room (Basement Level) beckons the Big Smoke and other glorious concoctions. Read my previous review here:
http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/singapore/nightlife/1019/screening_room_the_celebration_of_food_cocktails_and_whisky_.php
http://www.streetdirectory.co.id/restaurants/singapore/reviews/restaurant-Screening_Room-1000001611.php
