Oriole Coffee Roasters

With the high density of cafés in the Outram Park area, never do I once have to worry about coffee options after my regular visit to the Bloodbank. Look to the left, Tiong Bahru Estate is just a 5 minute walk away. And to my right, Nylon and Strangers immediately come to mind. Then I often have a hard time trying to decide which one to go to.

On a regular Tuesday when a good number of these coffee places are closed however, Oriole Coffee Roasters on Jiak Chuan Road becomes the obvious choice.





The Yellowbird Blend on the La Marzocco GB5 in a Double ristretto latte ($5) was bright with intense tobacco notes, but somehow lacked the complexity in flavours.

Courtesy of the barista-in-charge, I received a complimentary cup with longer shots. This one was just right, acidity well balanced by the mild nutty flavours, which came through to give a lingering fruity finish. (Pomelo, according to them)









As much as I enjoyed the coffee here, the ambience was peaceful and laid-back on a weekend afternoon. The baristas here were very knowledgeable about their stuff, that made for some serious coffee talk over the bar counter.


Oriole Coffee Roasters (Facebook)
10 Jiak Chuan Road
Mon – Sat, 8.30am – 10pm
Sun, 8.30am – 6pm
6224 8131

O Batignolles @ Gemmil Lane

Was walking along Club Street and did not know where to have breakfast, until we chance upon this little French cafe located just next to the automated multi-storey car park there.



Although located in a shophouse, but the whole feeling is quite Parisian. The chairs, the tables and the music.



Since it is brunch time (weekends from 11am to 3pm), they have the special Traditional Parisian Brunch set (S$29). So decided to grab 2 sets of that.



Each set came with either a glass of orange or orange-carrot juice.



And also a pastry basket (which I suspect they bought it from a large scale French deli supplier). consisting of Croissant, Pain au Chocolat, Bread with butter. Served with my favourite Bonne Maman brand of strawberry reserve.



Ordered a pint of Stella Artois (S$24) because the weather was really warm.



For the 1st main, we had the eggs done scrambled, and served with crispy bacon, sauteed potatoes and green salad.



For the 2nd main, the eggs were done sunny side up.



For dessert, guests are served a glass of Yogurt with fresh fruit and Muesli.



Also included in the set is coffee or tea. The cappuccino made me miss the one from Antico Caffè Greco at Spanish Steps, Rome with firm thick milk foam


O Batignolles
2 Gemmil Lane

L'Entrecote @ Duxton Hill

We have read about the value for money steaks served over at L'Entrecote. Made reservations prior to coming here as we heard that they are always full house after 8pm.



The restaurant is quite small, just a single shop front. But there is a large air well which makes the restaurant more spacious than it actually is.



The service staff was quick to serve us Kir, a cocktail made with white wine which is to be enjoyed before a meal. Iced water is complimentary.



To start off our dinner, we had the Pâté de Campagne (S$14) - French pork country style pate with pickled gherkins and grilled buttered Poilâne bread. The bread was a bit on the dry and hard side.



This was followed by the Leek and Vinaigrette (S$12). Classic Parisian bistro fare Poireaux Vinaigrette. It took some time to get used to this cold dish which is rarely seen in Singapore. The leeks tasted sweet.



After the 2 appetizers, our mains arrived. First was a small serving of the Walnut Green Salad which came with the steak.



The Trimmed Entrecôte Steak (S$29) with its legendary sauce and Golden French fries. To prevent it from getting cold, it was served 60% first then followed up with the balance. À point (medium doneness). We would say that the steak served here is extremely value for money for this price. It's tender and juicy. Fries were good too.



A 2009 Chateau de la Roulerie (S$14 per glass) - Coteaux du Layon before our dessert. This is a refreshing dessert wine.



Was in the mood for some cherry desserts, and happen to see Grillotines (S$17) - Wild griottes cherries in liquor and Kirsh served with vanilla bean ice cream. Love the cherries, but the Kirsh was a bit too strong.



Now we understand why L'Entrecote calls this their sgnature dessert - Caramel au Beurre Salé (S$15) - Salty butter caramel lava cake. Superb dessert. Creamy, salty, sweet. Highly recommended.


L'Entrecote
36 Duxton Hill

&MADE by Bruno Menard @ Pacific Plaza

The local media has been reporting a lot on how Michelin-chef Bruno Menard has moved to Singapore and make this his permanent home. And for that, we get to enjoy 2 of his new restaurants here. Visited his 1st one which has a more casual vibe.



His first restaurant which was opened in the middle of this year, is called &Made. The name sounds like "handmade", which is what Bruno Menard wanted to emphasize, that most of their items, including the signature burgers, are made from scratch.



Complimentary iced water.



The appetizer is one of the most interesting dish we have come across: Salad To Drink. Ordered the Yellow  (S$9): carrot, orange & ginger. Red (S$9): tomato gazpacho. Frankly speaking, I still cannot get used to having so much raw vegetables being squashed into juices. I guess the Yellow one tasted better than the Red. Served with savoury bites, and these little pastry items are quite filling.



Had a big glass of Lychee, Raspberry & Rose Smoothie (S$9)



One of their unique creation. The Toastoo - Chilli Crab (S$16). A toastoo is a new generation sandwich made with French buckwheat crepes. But sad to say, the chilli crab fillings doesn't taste a bit like the chilli crab we have.



The 'B' Burger (S$19) made with Dry-aged beef, onion confit, caper/garlic sauce & Comte cheese, got to be the best offering here.



Burger comes with truffle fries (add S$3 to upgrade from normal fries) and BBQ sauce that looks like sambal



The beef is excellent. Pink in the inside, and cooked on the outside. A lump of caramelized onions were added. Top grades for their burgers.



Dessert was in the form of this unique Lollipop waffle (S$9) served with caramel, white and dark chocolate sauce. The sauces add some fun into this otherwise average dessert.


&MADE by Bruno Menard
9 Scotts Road,
#01-04/05/06
Pacific Plaza

Abe's Diner

Just about one thinks the Tiong Bahru Estate can't get any more happening, Abe's Diner, on Eng Hoon Street has recently joined the scene.



The ambience of this little diner of seven tables was a cosy yet refreshing one, thanks to earthly-toned furnishing and the uncommon use of green serviettes. Much was also appreciated about their attention to details, down to the pentagonal chopsticks and the very kawaii tomato print on the chopstick covers.  





This appetizer on the menu immediately caught the eye.

Cold Japanese thin noodles or soumen (think rice vermicelli)  in delightful sauce was served with a local twist.



You probably see carbonara often. How about Carbonara Udon ($14) for a change?



Seafood Gratin ($10)



The menu also served tranditional Japanese fare such as Oyako Don ($18) and sashimi.



And not forgetting my favourite part of the dinner, Chirashi Don ($28).





All prices on the menu are inclusive of GST.


Abe's Diner (Facebook)
42 Eng Hoon Street
Tue – Sun, 5pm – 11pm
Closed on Mondays
6222 1719



Before dinner, we paid a visit to the Cats of The World photo exhibition at The Art House (1 Old Parliament Lane).

As a cat-lover and avid photographer, this is one event that I don't wanna miss each year. And making this year's edition a little more special, one of my photos was selected for the occasion.







Looks familiar? Feel free to make a guess which post it appeared on.



If you are thinking of making your way down this Saturday, remember to check out the many stores at the Purrzaar from 11am to 6pm. Do take note of road closures as this is the F1 weekend.


Cats Of The World Photo Exhibition
Date: 10 – 30 September 2012
Time: 10am to 10pm
Venue: The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane

Pollen @ Gardens By The Bay

The multi-million dollars Gardens by the Bay opened its doors in the middle of this year, and this latest tourist magnet has already attracted visitors from all around the world, including a Thai Princess, a British future King and his wife in recent months. The Garden also attracted someone unusual - Jason Atherton, who is well known as the protegee of Gordon Ramsay in Britain.



After opening the successful tapas bar Esquina, we are here to try out his full fledge restaurant Pollen. Reservations was difficult they are always full on weekends. So reserve early.



Pollen is housed in the Flower Done. There is 2 parts to the restaurant. One is the lower deck where the proper restaurant is. To enter, you will have to come in from the main entrance of Pollen from outside the dome, facing Marina Bay Sands. Alternatively, the other entrance is from within the Flower Dome (which you have to pay to enter).



The bread basket. We are unsure what happened, but the service was very very slow. The staffs were apologetic and explained that a few staff simply didn't come to work on a Sunday morning. Dishes came very slowly, and there was even a mix up of the desserts.



We ordered 2 Lunch sets (S$55 per person) and a ala-carte to share.



To be frank, there is nothing "garden" about the restaurant. The whole place looks just like an ordinary restaurant, except for that small green space near the entrance. We think the upper deck (where a small Pollen cafe is) is a much better place.



The sour dough was really tasty. Love the texture and aroma. Olives were good too



Firs from the set lunch was the Slow cooked egg, chorizo, patatas brava. The food was good, and the combination of creamy slow cooked eggs with chorizo was excellent.



For the ala carte appetizer - Scallop carpaccio, cucumber, apple, horseradish snow (S$26). Pretty clean taste there. Although this is Jason Atherton's signature dish, I think there's nothing to shout about.



Petuna ocean trout, beer pickled onions, oyster mayonnaise, smoked aubergine. It's good but I prefer RWS Osia Scott Webster's version



For our mains, we had the Roasted pork belly, broad beans, slow cooked squid, chorizos. Love that pork skin crisp which is hiding behind the roast pork.



Wild mushroom and barley risotto, black trompettes and smoked almonds. Nice texture



(From left) Just Peachy (S$13) - white peach purée, fresh lemon juice, iced breakfast tea and fresh mint. 3 Piece Sweet (S$12) - watermelon juice, crushed cucumber, almond and rosewater syrup



We had a mixup on the dessert. In the end, waited for a long time before our desserts were served. Beetroot sorbet, hibiscus compressed apple, salted milk chocolate



Coconut mousse, rhubarb broth, goat cheese ice cream. This is a very beautiful dessert, and I think is one of their signature dessert.



A parting shot in the flower dome (admission fees to the flower dome applies). Hopefully, Pollen is able to resolve the issue with their service staffs. Some are really clueless to what is happening, like the orders and timing of the dishes. If they can improve on their service, I think they will be among the top few in Singapore.


Pollen
18 Marina Gardens Drive,
#01-09
Flower Dome,
Gardens By The Bay