Botanist

Recently, I visited Botanist for a leisure lunch. I was pretty hyped about it, for the fact that it is run by the same group behind Pacamara. Pacamara is considered to be one of my fave cafes so I had pretty high hopes for Botanist.

Described as a garden-themed cafe, Botanist serves the usual brunch classics.

When I first heard that it was a garden-themed cafe, my mind went to Epiphyte, another garden-themed cafe which I went to last year.

I was pretty disappointed to see that Botanist was barely designed like a garden. There was just a wall filled with leaves at the outdoor part of the cafe. And the whole place was just very cramped.

The food was not nice as I felt that it didn’t meet Pacamara’s standard. I was also quite disappointed to find that two of the dishes I wanted to order were out of the menu, even though they were clearly still in the menu. The only dish I enjoyed there was the brioche toast, which I could have just headed down to Pacamara to enjoy.

However the staff there were very nice, being courteous and helpful.

Overall, this cafe is the ‘been there and done that’ type. In my opinion, not really worth visiting a second time.

 

 

xx,

Nic

Freedom is here…

Here’s something to share with you guys! Usually before a paper, I tend to be so nervous that I can’t eat much and my stomach will end up growling mid-paper. Not a pleasant sight or sound, I might add. There was one time, my stomach growled so loudly that the teacher stared at me and a fellow classmate snickered. Yup, maximum embarrassment!

This time’s mid-sem paper was no different. I couldn’t eat much before I headed for school to take the paper. But afterwards, I was famished! I felt I could eat bowls and bowls of pasta, which I did not of course! Just one…

Stateland Cafe is the perfect place for some comfort food and that’s where I went after my paper.

I’ve always wanted to head back there after my last visit. The end of mid-sem paper was the perfect opportunity to go and celebrate the end of my test and the start of my holiday.

After that was to catch a movie with my love and my mum (aka the third wheeler). 

For now I’m just gonna make full use of my mid-sem break to catch up on lots of sleep.

 

 

xx,

Nic

D’Good Cafe

D’Good café has opened another branch, and it’s in town! Thank God for that, as its first branch is located all the way at Holland Village.

In terms of aesthetics, both cafes have very different layouts. The first branch at Holland Village, which I’ve been to a few times, has a garden theme, whereas the one located at Taka is designed in a way to mimic the London Tube.

We ordered a couple of dishes to share, and for the fact that I was really hungry. Okay, who am I kidding. I ordered three dishes for myself. And nope, I didn’t share at all lol.

Ordered the Baked Escargots in shell, Foie Gras and Quinoa, The Scotch Egg and the D’Lobster Roll.

I love the escargot especially mixed with garlic and herbs. The foie gras wasn’t too bad, although it tasted a little dry. As for the lobster roll, it isn’t exactly the best I’ve tasted. I mean if you legit want awesome lobster roll, it would be Pince and Pints. I’m not a fan of mayo (hate it to the core), but apparently, mixing lobster and mayo seems to be the thing. But it’s a no no for me. Uh uh, I like mine with truffles and some garlic. Basically, anything but mayo.

I wouldn’t mind heading back again to D’Good café as they have a colourful range of food on their menu. And I would suggest trying out both branches as they both have beautiful interiors for photo opportunities.

Pacamara ll

The last time I went to Pacamara, I tried their dinner menu and since then, I’ve been dying to try their day menu.

You can read all about my previous Pacamara post right here.

Finally, last week I made an impromptu trip to Pacamara and ordered the Creme Brulee French Toast ($17.50), Salmon Mentaiko Benedict ($19.50) and the Fish and Chips ($18.50)

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I’m quite surprised that I really enjoyed the Salmon Mentaiko Benedict cos I’m not a huge fan of eggs. Maybe it’s the mentaiko that made eating the eggs more bearable? The salmon was perfectly cooked and the bread was perfectly toasted. So yeah, I don’t mind eating this again.

The Creme Brulee French Toast was perfection! I’m obsessed with the creme brulee ice cream. And the french toast? So soft and moist. Perfect dessert!

I tried a bit of Shah’s Fish and Chips, and I have to say, I’m not a fish and chips person, but I can finish this whole plate by myself The fish was cooked so well, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The remoulade sauce that came with the dish was…..no words to describe. Really. I can eat anything with that sauce!

Once again, Pacamara has wowed us,and this is the reason why it’s still our fave cafe.

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Xx,

Nic

Populus Coffee & Food Co.

After 4 days of being sick and not having an appetite, I needed to EAT! And I mean really eat, like stuff your face silly and throw your diet out the window kind of eat.

It was a really impromptu dinner date with Shah and I suggested Populus Coffee & Food Co.

The interior’s very modern and upon entering, a sense of coziness.

Shah ordered the Beef Ramen Noodles. Honestly, the noodles was a little too soggy and salty for my liking.

My ‘Truffle Wagyu Beef’ Donburi. It wasn’t too bad, except the seared wagyu beef was a little dry.

Crispy Chicken Chunks shared between us. Fried to perfection!

‘Black Forest’ Sundae. Ok, this dessert tasted weird. Shah and I didn’t enjoy this one. The combination was just wrong. It didn’t taste anything like chocolate. Tasted more like charcoal actually. Wouldn’t order this again.

Frankly, I wouldn’t go back to this cafe again. Not because the food was horrendous or anything, but there are other cafes that serve even better ramen, donburi and desserts.

Even so, I’m glad I gave this cafe a try.

Xx,

Nic

Stranger’s Reunion

If you guys haven’t heard of Stranger’s Reunion, then it’s time to get out of your shell!

Stranger’s Reunion is the home of the current World Siphon Coffee Champion, 3-time Singapore Barista Champion, 3-time Singapore Latte Art Champion and ASEAN Barista Champion 2013.

I can’t testify for their coffee since I don’t drink coffee, but I can testify for their food.

After a short hiatus, the cafe reopened last year. Bigger, better and more hipster!

The interior decor is modern, with a touch of rustic from some of the wooden tables and benches as well as the wall.

Stepping in, I felt very homely and welcomed, getting a relaxed vibe from the place itself.

I went there with my Boo and I wished we had more people with us, because I seriously wanted to order every dish in the menu. Every dish sounded so appetizing.

This isn’t my first time to the cafe, but it’s my first time trying their dinner menu. And it’s just as good as their day menu!

Shahrul and I ordered the Honey Mustard Sweet Potato Chips ($12.90), Buttermilk Waffles with vanilla bean ice cream and fresh fruits ($11.90), Aburi Mentaiko Spaghetti ($21.90) and Duck Confit ($23.90).

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What’s there to complain about the food? The Honey Mustard Potato Chips was actually got delicious, even though I’m not a huge fan of honey mustard. The chips actually became quite addictive.

The Buttermilk Waffle was perfecto, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Together with the vanilla ice cream, it just melts in your mouth! The berries served together, added a tinge of sourness to the sweetness of the ice cream and waffle. Yum!

I’m speechless when it comes to the Aburi Mentaiko Spaghetti. I think this is by far my fave Mentaiko pasta ever! I love love love Mentaiko and I can just eat it everyday and be happy! The dish was perfectly seasoned, the pasta was perfectly cooked, and the scallops and prawns were fresh. Just writing about it is making me drool! I need to get my Mentaiko pasta craving fixed asap!

The Duck Confit did not disappoint as well! Crispy on the outside and tender o the inside. Together with the orange-infused sauce, it gives the added omph!

We walked out the cafe, full and contented.

Stranger’s Reunion has now become one of my top cafes to visit and I think I will be heading back there sooner rather than later 🙂

 

 

Xx,

Nic

Pacamara

Pacamara has always been one of my fave cafes since it opened a few years ago. What I like about this cafe is that their menu is ever-changing. For some cafes, when they change their menu, the food quality just isn’t as good as what it used to be. But at Pacamara, the list of food on the new menu, is not only pleasing to the eyes, the quality is just as good, or even better!

I still remembered when Pacamara first opened. At that time, I was still staying around the area, opposite the cafe in fact. I heard so many amazing reviews on the cafe and was really interested in trying out their red velvet pancakes. I brought my family there after my exams and my Mum got hooked!

A year later, I introduced this place to my Boo, and like my Mum, he really loved the place, even though he was hesitant to visit at first. Lemme tell ya, it’s not easy to get Shah to love a cafe. He’s not really a cafe person. As he always say, ‘I’m a roti prata, mee rebus kinda person.’ So for him to really like a cafe and the food, it’s a huge compliment.

So Pacamara has become over fave cafe to visit as a couple.

And I thought why not introduce this place to my paternal aunt, who like me, loves to try different types of food. The two of us, along with Tara, went there for dinner.

Steak Frites 200g ($25), Rocket and Pear ($15), Chicken Breast ($17.50).

We ordered the Nutella Fudge and Lemon Tart as well to share.

Can I just say, FOOD COMA!

I wasn’t having a great day that day, but this meal lifted up my mood, and for awhile I wasn’t stressing over anything.

So if you’re in the Thompson area, do visit this cafe. It’s a good place to have a meal with family or friends. Awesome food, awesome ambience.

Can’t wait to head back to try their Day Menu. Been wanting to try their Creme Brulee French Toast and Matcha Pancake.

In the mean time, I’ll just be patient…..

 

 

Xx,

Nic