Penny University

Drive-thru

With the arrival of Penny University last week, coffee geeks in the east who have been long yearning for a decent coffee place in their backyard can finally get their pick-me-up at the convenience of Joo Chiat/Katong.

At the cashier

Coffee here is from Oriole's Raven Blend (Brazil and India) and Nylon's el Primero seasonal espresso blend (60% Brazil 40% Nicaragua), on a FB80. Over at the counter display, there are Windowsill pies and decent cupcakes for the sweet-tooth. For something more filling, you have the all-day breakfast and sandwich menu.

Muddy Espresso w/ Cold Milk - $5.5

5 oz - $4.5

Turkey Eggs - $8

陳文珍敬獻

Class gathering

Beach seatings


Penny University (Facebook)
402 East Coast Road
Tue - Fri, 0830 - 2130
Sat - Sun, 0830 - 2230
Closed on Mondays

Au Chocolat @ Marina Bay Sands


Who would have thought that such a cute and fun restaurant is located in the Marina Bay Sands? Au Chocolat, a chocolate shop plus restaurant, opened in the middle of this year. It's located at the corner where the skating ring is.

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They must have poured in quite a lot to design the restaurant.

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The French restaurants sticks to the design of a tradtional European restaurant, but with a twist.

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The twist is that in both the shop and restaurant, there is a toy train railway hanging from the ceiling, and trains can be seen traveling round and round the restaurant. I am sure kids and the young at heart will be fascinated by this.

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Started off our dinner with a glass of Louis Roederer Champagne (S$23 per glass)

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This was followed by the Mushroom Soup (S$11) - Soup of the day. It's chokeful of finely chopped mushrooms.

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Classic French Onion Soup (S$14) - Sweet caramelized onions cooked in rich veal broth and topped with grated parmesan. However, I didn't find the onion soup as good as those from other French restaurants in Singapore.

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Mushroom Bites (S$14) - Mushrooms simmered in red wine sauce, paired with freshly baked bread, tomato and olive jam. As this is labelled as "snacks", we didn't have high hopes for it. And I guess that explains why it could be described as average but quite forgettable.

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One of the most popular dish here is the Duck Confit (S$27) - Pan roasted duck thigh served with potato mash, white wine poached pear and topped off with tangy chocolate orange sauce. Frankly, I could not taste any chocolate in this dish. But I would commend the chef for making the duck meat really tender and juicy.

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Our favourite item was actually this Au Chocolate Fudge Freeze (S$12) - Rich and creamy chocolate fudge topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. It is actually a full dessert disguised as a chocolate drink. The chocolate used was of good quality.


Au Chocolat
2 Bayfront Avenue
#01-03
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands