Singapore Coffee is a beautiful and fancy cafe at Raffles Hotel Arcade is a fancy place to hang out with your friends and enjoy some desserts and coffee.

Specialising in sourcing and blending the finest quality coffee grown throughout Asia, Singapore Coffee is a paradise for coffee lovers.

From espresso, to drips, cold brew and even traditional kopi, you name it, they’ve got it.

If you are visiting the cafe for the first time, be sure to try their signature Kopi Shake™—an interesting connocation which is pre-blended with both evaporated and condensed milk.

Made with Singapore Coffee’s Blend N01, the Tiramisu N01(S$18) came with strong coffee flavour and paired wonderfully with the Kopi Shake.

Other than coffee and desserts, Singapore Coffee also offers savoury mains which come from the Raffles Hotel’s kitchen. There are local delights including Nasi Lemak (S$25), and Mee Goreng (S$25), while you can also get other options such as Lobster Roll (S$42), Pasta (S$38) and Eggs Benedict (S$21).

Prices are naturally not cheap at an atas place like Singapore Coffee. Expect to fork out S$8 for a cup of Latte, S$9 for a cup of iced kopi, and S$15-S$18 for a dessert.

Singapore Coffee
328 North Bridge Road #01-13
Singapore 188719
Tel: 8878 7093

Taking over the space of the now-defunct D’Zerts Cafe is the newest hidden gem in the East of Singapore, The Forage Cafe by Thirteen Honey in Simpung Bedok. Their extensive menu features a plethora of all-day brunch, pasta and mains. What’s great is that they also are trying to incorporate their own farmed honey (from Malaysia) into all their dishes as a sugar replacement!

That’s not all! If you were a fan of D’zerts Cafe’s sweet creations, you’ll be happy to know that D’zerts still supplies bakes and desserts to The Forage Cafe.

First up at the table was their Granchio Pasta (S$20) that is made with linguine pasta and a sauce consisting of shredded crabmeat, white wine, tomato cream and parmesan cheese. Also strewn into the mix were a few leaves of baby spinach.

We were pretty happy with the generous portion of pasta and crab meat, given the rather hefty price point. The pasta was mouthwateringly flavourful – sweetness from the crab meat complemented the slight acidity of the tomato sauce base.

We also tried their Smoked Salmon & Egg Grilled Waffle Sandwich (S$17). Two fluffy waffles are sandwiched together, containing a generous filling of egg, cheese and smoked salmon. On the side were sautéed mushrooms, a salad, fruits and Thirteen Honey’s Multifloral Honey.

The waffle was nicely crisped and had a fluffy yet almost chewy texture. We were also very impressed by the copious amounts of cheese and smoked salmon inside this innovative sandwich. What we enjoyed the most was how well the honey paired with the waffles, giving this savoury dish a hint of complex sweetness.

Of course, we love a sweet ending to our meals, so we chose to try their Kahlua Tiramisu (S$8). Biscuits are directly soaked in the coffee liqueur, so it may be a little strong for those who aren’t used to having alcohol in their desserts.

We loved how light and creamy the marscapone filling was, mellowing out the strong taste of alcohol and providing a pleasant, mildly sweet base to the dessert.

Other than just the mains, The Forage Cafe also sells the farm-to-table honey from Thirteen Honey off the shelf. If you’re looking for unique gifts or are a honey-lover, you can even sample their various kinds of honey blends.

The Forage Cafe
30 Jalan Pari Burong
Singapore 488696
Tue to Sun: 10am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Simei

There are endless dessert choices out there in the world but what is it about the tiramisu that makes those with a sweet tooth go crazy over it?

Perhaps it’s the delicate mousse-like texture that melts so easily on your tongue or maybe it’s the perfect balance of bitter coffee and sweet whipped cream on your taste buds that get you hooked. Whatever reason you are thinking of, one thing is for sure—a good tiramisu can do wonders for your mind, soul and appetite.

If you’re ever craving this Italian dessert and have zero clues where to look, then look no further than to our guide on 17 best tiramisu in Singapore—believe us, they’re worth ruining your diet for.

BELLA PIZZA

An underrated Italian restaurant in Singapore, Bella Pizza at Robertson Quay offers classic Italian dishes such as pizza served in various ways—red, white and folded—and pasta as well.

But Italian pies aside, what you have to try there is their Tiramisu (S$10)—a stellar marriage between mascarpone cheese and coffee.

30 Robertson Quay
#01-14 Riverside View
Tel: +65 6734 0139
Tue to Thu: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11.30pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Photo credit: Creme Maison Bakery

CREME MAISON

Creme Maison—one of our favourite bakeries in Singapore—has a new Durian Caffé Tiramisu (S$108 for 7″, serves 8 – 10 pax).

Dusted with Belgian cacao powder. the Durian Caffé Tiramisu features velvety smooth mascarpone sabayon layered with an espresso-soaked sponge and a generous layer of pure quality durian flesh.

If you love tiramisu and durian, you will enjoy Creme Maison’s Durian Caffé Tiramisu.

Order the durian tiramisu from Creme Maison’s website.

DA PAOLO GASTRONOMIA

Da Paolo Gastronomia has ready-to-go meals that do not compromise on taste. Besides the eclectic range of pasta, pizza, sandwiches and salads, you should also give their signature Tiramisu a try. It is not cheap, but it is definitely one of the best tiramisu in Singapore.

118 Holland Avenue
#01-06, Raffles Holland V
Singapore 278997
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

EARLYBIRD CAFE

The Flower Pot Tiramisu (S$8.50) is definitely one dessert that will charm you not just with the looks of it. The smooth cream went well with the sponge fingers and the hint of alcohol gave it a luxurious touch.

17 Jalan Pinang
Singapore 199149
Mon to Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri: 10am – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 10pm
Tel: +65 9788 6858
Nearest Station: Bugis

IO ITALIAN OSTERIA

If you’re in the mood for some Italian food but you are stumped on where you can get some authentic plates of pasta and pizzas, we recommend that you check out iO Italian Osteria at HillV2.

The Pistachio Tiramisu (S$14) features chopped pistachio, creamy mascarpone and coffee-infused biscuit. If you love coffee, this dessert is perfect for you as the coffee taste is really strong.

4 Hillview Rise, #02-01
Singapore 667979
Tel: +65 6710 7150
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hillview

JAMIE’S ITALIAN

Their pies and brownies are popular choices at Jamie’s Italian but the tiramisu with coffee sponge and orange mascarpone comes highly recommended too. This adult version is served with a touch of Kahlua.

1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-165-167 VivoCity
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6733 5500
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 9pm
Fri: 12pm – 10pm
Sat: 11am – 10pm
Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

MACCHA HOUSE

Presented in a wooden box, Maccha House’s Matcha Tiramisu (S$6) comes with a miniature cup of tea on the side. We enjoyed how the tiramisu was not overwhelmingly sweet so the matcha flavours were able to shine more prominently.

181 Orchard Road
#B1-40 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6636 5830
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Fri & Sat: 11am – 2am
Nearest Station: Holland Village

PETE’S PLACE

One of the oldest Italian restaurants in Singapore, Pete’s Place at Grand Hyatt Singapore is a hidden gem that radiates an undeniable rustic vibe. Pete’s Place has the best tiramisu (S$16++) in Singapore—hands down; very moist and spongy—just the way it’d set our hearts aflutter.

10 Scotts Road
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Tel: +65 6416 7322
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

PIETRO RISTORANTE ITALIANO

An unassuming Italian restaurant tucked away in a private residential area in Yio Chu Kang, Pietro Ristorante Italiano offer authentic Italian cuisine ranging from pasta to pizza and other mains.

End your meal with their Tiramisu al Pistachio (S$14++)—this one has strong espresso coffee flavours with a subtle hint of nuttiness from the pistachio.

12 Jln Kelulut
Singapore 809030
Tel: +65 6484 5528
Daily: 11am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Buangkok/ Fernvale

POCOLOCO

Made authentically the Italian way, Pocoloco’s Tiramisu (S$7.90) features ladyfinger biscuits soaked in a mixture of espresso and rum, layered with a light and airy mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa powder.

Surprisingly light with a subtle alcoholic punch that hits you right at the end, this Italian classic honestly ranks high among the many that we’ve tried.

598 Yishun Ring Road, #01-37/38,
Singapore 768698
Tel: +65 8826 1919
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Yishun

POULET

Poulet is easily one of the most well-known French casual dining restaurants in Singapore. While you may be there primarily because of their excellent roast chicken, it would be a pity to pass up on the Tiramisu, which is served in a jar.

HarbourFront Walk
#01-175/176/177, VivoCity
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9087
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

SOLEPOMODORO

SolePomodoro at Quayside Isle impresses with traditional Italian fare that uses premium ingredients; nobody walks out of the place without trying its wood-fired pizzas baked in their Italian imported wood-fired oven. We were also most impressed with the Tiramisu, which had us licking our spoons clean.

31 Ocean Way
#01-14 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Singapore 098375
Tel: +65 6339 4778
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

THE 1925 BREWING CO.

The 1925 Brewing Co. is more than just their handcrafted beers—they also have one of the best tiramisus you can find in Singapore too (not kidding). For S$15++, the sweet alcoholic dessert at this local microbrewery comprises Patron Cafe XO, a tequila-based coffee liqueur, and espresso.

261 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427515
Tel: +65 6909 1425
Tue to Sun: 4pm – 1am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Dakota/Eunos

THE FORAGE CAFE

If you are around the Simpang Bedok area, try the Kahlua Tiramisu (S$8) from The Forage Cafe. Biscuits are directly soaked in the coffee liqueur, so it may be a little strong for those who aren’t used to having alcohol in their desserts.

We loved how light and creamy the marscapone filling was, mellowing out the strong taste of alcohol and providing a pleasant, mildly sweet base to the dessert.

30 Jalan Pari Burong
Singapore 488696
Tue to Sun: 10am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Simei

THE TIRAMISU HERO

Where else should you be heading for excellent tiramisu but The Tiramisu Hero? Living up to their name, the cafe offers several variations of the Italian dessert, and they are all served in a cute glass jar stamped with the iconic Sir Antonio (S$7.50 onwards).

121 Tyrwhitt Road
Singapore 207548
Tel: +65 6292 5271
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bendemeer

WATERFALL RISTORANTE ITALIANO

Nestled within Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, Waterfall Ristorante Italiano is a Southern Italian trattoria that features handmade pasta and fresh seafood. Although slightly heavier on the price tag as compared to the rest on this list, their tiramisu is absolutely to die for!

22 Orange Grove Road
Garden Wing, Level One, Shangri-la Hotel
Tel: +65 6213 4138
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Stevens

The 1925 Brewing Co. is a local microbrewery and restaurant that is a passion project from three members of the Yeo family who run the business and food direction of this dining establishment.

Joining the enclave of established cafes and bars along Joo Chiat Road, the establishment’s second outlet may initially strike you as a simple drinking place where you can get affordable beers but really, it is more than just that.

Their forward-looking philosophy is a major plus point as diners can always expect something creative when it comes to their food offerings; their signature craft beers are brewed in-house and the beer-inspired grub they have been dishing out since they first began operations in 2014 is impeccable, to say the least. 

At the beating heart of operations is a selective range of craft beers on tap brewed by them—each with its own story to tell. For those who are curious about the stories behind those beers, have a chat with the friendly bartenders who are more than willing to share!

Most of the craft beers are priced at S$7++ for half a pint and S$14++ if you opt for the full pint.

Yellow Van—their signature craft beer—is a pale ale that’s crisp, sweet and refreshing on the taste buds, which we can imagine to be very popular among the ladies. For those who prefer something stronger, the Jewel Of Africa Smoky Porter is closer to a stout and it comes with a hint of coffee flavour.

The 1925 Brewing Co.’s food menu is designed to be paired with the beers so there is nothing pretentious—just small plates with wholesome flavours that hit the right spot.

Their Pork Belly (S$10++) is easily one of the better renditions we have tried. In a mouthful, there was a textural variety that came from the crispy skin that held on to tender and succulent meat. The accompanying garlic aioli and sour plum powder heightened the overall flavour of the dish.

A more substantial option is the Shacha Rice (S$8++), an Asian dish peppered with garlic, dried shrimps and given a dash of chilli oil. While it is certainly on the pricier side for its small portion, the dish is nonetheless addictive and will fill you up fast if you are feeling hungry.

Chicken Skewers (S$6++) is a simpler side whereby the meats are dusted with Sze Chuan peppers, coriander powder and cumin. We enjoyed the intensely-rich chicken skewers with light pale ale but there wasn’t anything, in particular, we were impressed with.

There are two options on the dessert menu and it is the Tiramisu (S$15++) you have to get. Its simple aesthetics may fool you but take it from us that this is the real deal. Comprising Patron Cafe XO, a tequila-based coffee liqueur, and espresso, this is one dessert we will definitely find ourselves travelling back to the east of Singapore for.

The 1925 Brewing Co.
261 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427515
Tel: +65 6909 1425
Tue to Sun: 4pm – 1am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Dakota/Eunos

Read: The ultimate guide to cafes in the east of Singapore.

Situated along Jalan Pinang and taking over the space of the now-defunct Artistry Café is Earlybird Café, a gorgeous bird-themed café which whips up unpretentious dishes as well as a variety of beverages.

Although the area around Jalan Pinang already has plenty of cafés and coffee shops, this brand new addition to Singapore’s local café scene is one you have to add to your bucket list. Here’s what we loved about the place.

Earlybird Café is just a stone’s throw away from Bugis MRT station and it is difficult to miss the brightly-lit ‘earlybird’ signage.

The café is currently still in its soft-launch phase so their food menu is quite limited, although they have a wide range of beverages to offer including coffee by Allpress Espresso, cold-pressed juices, smoothies and milkshakes.

Forget about chicken and waffles, Chicken and Pancakes (S$19) is the way to go when you are at Earlybird Café. It was extremely well-executed and it is a must to order.

The tender and juicy fried chicken was well-coated with a light and crispy batter and we loved how the fried chicken was not overly greasy. What truly impressed us was the stack of house-made buttermilk pancakes that sat beneath the fried chicken; they came with a pleasant melt-on-your-tongue texture. The magic happens when you have the chicken and the pancakes together with the chilli maple sauce.

Featuring 3 huge pieces of fried chicken atop 2 fluffy pancakes, it can be pretty filling if you are a small eater. One thing is for sure—this is one ineffable serving of Chicken and Pancakes we would come back for.

One of the two options that Earlybird Café currently offers for pasta is the Tom Yum Prawn Pasta (S$20), which is essentially linguine tossed in Thai-style tom yum gravy topped with prawns.

We felt that the tomato sauce overpowered the tom yum flavour of the dish.

Earlybird Café also has a range of desserts to love. We opted for the Flower Pot Tiramisu (S$8.50) and it is definitely one dessert that will charm you not just with the looks of it. The smooth cream went well with the sponge fingers and the hint of alcohol gave it a luxurious touch.

Other options for desserts would be Earlybird Café’s rendition of hotcakes, including Hotcake Bling (S$18), Coco Espresso (S$18) and Going Bananas (S$17).

Earlybird Café
17 Jalan Pinang
Singapore 199149
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Tel: 9788 6858
Nearest Station: Bugis

Prego at Fairmont Singapore is one of the most reputable Italian restaurants in Singapore, and they are known for signature Italian favourites such as wood-fired pizza. But what we truly love is the all-new Italian Sunday Brunch Buffet—one of the best indulgences if you have a hankering for Italiano-everything.

Prego’s head chef Antonio Facchinetti and his team have introduced a whole new gastronomic experience and the Italian Sunday Brunch happens every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm. It is a massive showcase of Italian fiesta, from cold cuts and premium cheeses to a la minute pasta and grilled meats.

Here are some of the highlights you can expect at Prego’s Sunday Brunch Buffet, and why you should start your year right with a great Italian Brunch.

THE STYLISH INTERIOR

With Parmesan cheese wheels, sausages and Italian Prosciutto as part of the decorations, you would be impressed at how the modern Italian restaurant is still able to keep its traditions strong.

The warm hues in Prego also make for a very relaxed yet casual chic dining atmosphere—perfect for family brunch and couples who are looking to have a romantic date.

It is hard to find a place in Singapore where you can go to for a true Italian communal dining experience.

FREE-FLOW SPARKLING WINE

Sunday brunch is just not the same without some bubbles! And at Prego, you can choose to indulge in free-flow Berlucchi ’61 Brut Franciacorta as part of your feast. The sweet Italian Sparkling Wine is carefully selected to pair with the curated line-up.

So, go on. Drink up because free-flow sparkling wine is the perfect way to spend Sunday afternoons.

THE BEST OF ITALIAN CHEESE AT THE SEASONAL STATIONS

Italians take pride in producing some of the best cheeses in the world. Taste a slice of Italy right here at Prego, where you have creamy Ricotta, milky Burrata and very smooth Mozzarella to indulge in all you want.

The menus for the four seasonal stations in Prego change from time to time based on seasonality. Some of the dishes on rotation are exquisite creations by the chefs which include Wagyu Beef Carpaccio with Truffle Breadcrumbs, Wild Frittata with Mushrooms and Grilled Portobello “Steak” Salad.

An assortment of Italian bread and bruschetta is also part of the line-up.

And just beside the Home-Crafted Rustic Italian Bread & Bruschetta Station, there are more Italian farm cheeses in the likes of Asiago and Taleggio. Those who prefer hard cheeses can opt for these!

LIVE PASTA CRAFTING AND RISOTTO BAR

The star of our Sunday Buffet Brunch goes to the ‘live’ pasta crafting and risotto bar. Visitors get to watch the chefs in action as they masterfully craft out fresh pasta right before you.

The fun part? You get to create your own pasta dish at this station! Choose from various kinds of pasta such as ravioli, spaghetti and squid ink pasta (depending on season).

When you are done, pick a sauce of your choice including Spiced Tomato Sauce with Seafood, traditional Bolognese sauce, creamy Carbonara or the seasonal Truffle cream sauce. There are plenty of toppings to go with your pasta too—mushrooms, peppers, ham etc.

At the risotto bar, you get a generous serving of Black Truffle Risotto from the chef who uses only premium Acquerello Rice—one of Italy’s top risotto rice producer. Needless to say, this was one of the best truffle risottos we had. Every grain was full and plump, and lavishly coated with cream and cheese, then topped off with a generous serving of seasonal black truffle.

The risotto counter showcases the most premium of seasonal produce – expect different seasonal specialties when you return to Prego. *Hint: Asparagus and Roasted King Prawns Risotto next!

MEAT AND SEAFOOD GRILL

Here’s the one station that will get the carnivores all excited—the grill. This is where you can have your meat and seafood grilled a la minute and served warm to you.

Get ready for the wide selection on offer which includes Lamb Rack with Garlic & Thyme, Salmon Fillet with Dill & Lemon, Beef Sirloin with Rosemary and Chicken Thigh with Lemon & Oregano.

FRESH SEAFOOD

If grilled seafood ain’t your thing, go for the oysters, scallops and poached Alaska crab legs instead. This station is the epitome of seafood luxury and the sheer selection will leave you bewildered!

We love how easy it is to slurp up the freshly shucked oysters and dig into the pre-cracked crab legs. Seriously, ready-to-eat fresh crabs is a luxury beyond imagination!

ITALIAN GELATO CART AND ALL KINDS OF DESSERTS

We were blown away by the limelight of the dessert counter. What do you know, it was an Italian gelato cart! Build your very own Italian gelato on a cone with the various flavours.

Did we mention there’s tiramisu as well? You can have a whole tray of tiramisu all to yourself! And that’s not all. The dessert counter also comes with Traditional Cannoli, Wild Berries Pannacotta, Chocolate Salame, Ricotta Cheesecake, among other sweet delights!

Sunday Brunch Buffet at Prego (12pm – 3pm)
Adult: S$128++**, S$98++*
Child: S$49++*

**includes unlimited Berlucchi ’61 Brut Franciacorta, Italian Signature Cocktails, House Wines, Tiger Draught, Juices and Soft Drinks
* includes unlimited non-alcoholic drinks

Prego 
Fairmont Singapore, Level 1
80 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189560
Tel: +65 6431 6156
Nearest Station: City Hall

This post is brought to you by Fairmont Singapore.

The East of Singapore is where one will find plenty of hidden treasures. While there are many concept cafes out there, To-gather Cafe in Bedok (next to Fengshan Market) is one gem where you can unwind from work.

Walk into the cafe and you will notice that cursive writings of inspirational quotes and song lyrics fill up the walls in the most elegant manner. There is also a wall featuring post-it notes with messages and compliments penned down personally by customers.

Inspired by an all-time favourite childhood song “The More We Get Together”, the owners of To-gather cafe aims to create a homey ambience concept where people gather together over a good meal and artisan coffees. The cafe offers delectable signature dishes and the most flavourful desserts to end your meal with.

The best part? Most of the main courses are affordably priced under S$12. To-gather Cafe is one place where you can have a good meal without breaking the bank.

GRILLED TENDERLOIN OF BEEF

We are mentioning this dish first because everyone agreed unanimously that this was the best.

Everything about the Grilled Tenderloin of Beef (S$24.90) just clicked together—the soft tenderloin steak grilled to pinkish medium rare doneness, with an addictive black pepper sauce and fragrant truffle oil, complete with mash potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

BRAISED BEEF PASTA

If having a beef steak is too much for you, go for the Braised Beef Pasta (S$11.90). We enjoyed the warm creamy spaghetti jazzed up with colourful bell peppers, button mushrooms and caramelised onions. The star ingredient of this pasta dish is the slow braised beef brisket. We always appreciate the flavours of a long simmered sauce; rich, aromatic and very tender.

The star ingredient of this pasta dish is the slow braised beef brisket. We always appreciate the flavours of a long simmered sauce; rich, aromatic and very tender.

PORK CORDON BLEU

The Pork Cordon Bleu (S$11.90) at To-gather Cafe is coated with a crispy crust of bread crumbs and we were greeted by a generous portion of ham and cheese stuffing when we pulled the pork loin apart.

It is important that the chef has the skills to ensure that the top layer has been deep fried to form a crispy casing, while the meat inside remains juicy. We are glad to say that the one at To-gather Cafe is worth trying. The Pork Cordon Bleu comes with fries and fresh salad drizzled over with light mustard sauce.

GRILLED PANDAN CHICKEN CHOP

Chicken chop may be a common item on most menus but Pandan Chicken Chop? Now that’s something we have to mention. The folks at To-gather Cafe have reinvented what used to be a run-of-the-mill food item into an interesting dish you cannot help but notice.

The marinated grilled chicken chop (S$9.90) is marinated with, of course, pandan and doused in a light coconut sauce. To spice things up a little more, a spoonful of pineapple salsa—made from scratch within the premises—is placed atop the chicken chop.

This is something the older folks can try if you are planning to visit with your family!

ARTISANAL COFFEE AND DESSERTS

The baristas at To-gather cafe have the usuals to serve you—Caffe Latte (S$4.20) and Cappuccino (S$4.20); and if you are more inclined towards tea, try the Matcha Latte (S$5.20). If you do not know, yes, Matcha Latte has no coffee in it.

You know what is the one dessert that got all of us swooning? The Homemade Hojicha Swiss Roll with Thick Hojicha Shot (S$5.90), a new item that is launched earlier this month. The idea of serving the dessert with a shot of Hojicha Latte is so that you can take sips in between bites because Swiss rolls tend to be dry; yes, we were so incredibly impressed by this “little touch”.

By the way, the Hojicha used for this dessert is made of premium Hojicha powder imported directly from Japan!

To-gather Cafe’s Matcha Lava Cake with Vanilla Gelato (S$7.20) has been making its rounds on Instagram in the last two years. It comes with a distinctively rich matcha flavour and a single scoop of vanilla gelato,

Come November 2016, To-gather Cafe will be celebrating its third birthday! And in conjunction with their birthday celebrations, they will be returning to society by donating a part of their proceeds to a social enterprise that provides clean water for rural communities.

Bring your family and friends over to this nostalgic cafe for a meal in the heartlands. After all, this is what To-gather Cafe is all about—the more we get together, the happier we’ll be!

And while you are at it, don’t forget to check out all the murals on the wall! They are done by local artists and it does not hurt to have a photo or two of it on your Instagram account!

To-gather Cafe
#01-25/27
84 Bedok North Street 4
Singapore 460084
Tel: +65 6445 1011
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bedok

This post is brought to you by To-gather Cafe.

PARK at Holland Village is definitely one of the nicest cafes in the enclave. This unique environmentally friendly cafe-cum-bar has been interestingly constructed with reassembled containers and solar panels – a tranquil cafe by day, and a bustling waterhole at night.

PARK at Holland Village’s comprehensive food and beverage menu has propelled the bistro as an ideal hangout destination throughout the day. The inviting dining establishment has recently launched several new mouthwatering dishes and we are here to share with you our favourite highlights.

Also, just for our readers, there is a one-for-one main course promotion that is available throughout the day! Simply quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your payment, and you are entitled to enjoy one-for-one promotion on selected main courses on weekdays.

This 1-for-1 promotion is valid only on weekdays, from now till 14 Jul 2016.

Tuesdays: 1 for 1 Park Burger
Wednesdays: 1 for 1 Salted Egg Yolk Pork Ribs
Thursdays: 1 for 1 Salmon Papillote

#1 PARK BLUE CHEESE BURGER

PARK’s Blue Cheese Burger (S$21.50++) is unsurprisingly one of the restaurant’s bestsellers and what a burger lover must definitely order.

Juicy medium-doneness beef patty with avocado slices, blue cheese sauce, crispy bacon, fried egg and sautéed mushrooms are sandwiched between two fluffy sesame buns – it is so much flavours in one bite. The awesome burger is served with a mixed salad and fries or mashed.

#2 CHILLI CRAB SLIDERS

Too full to devour an entire burger? Go for the all-new Chilli Crab Sliders (S$14.50++) instead. It is heartwarming to see how our beloved national dish has been successfully incorporated into these tasty handheld sliders!

These seared crab cakes with sweet chilli sauce are stuffed in steam buns and finished off with cherry tomato halves.

#3 TRUFFLE FRIES

Of course, you have to complement your mains with PARK’s divine Truffle Fries (S$11++). Served in a tin bucket, these piping hot aromatic fries have been cooked with white truffle oil and loaded with generous amounts of parmesan cheese.

One of the better renditions in town, and with standards like this one here, truffle fries will stay classic and irresistible.

#4 SPAM CHIPS

No expense has been spared during the deep-frying process to achieve an extremely crisp texture for these thinly sliced Spam Chips (S$8.50++).

#5 SALTED EGG RIBS

PARK at Holland Village is jumping on the bandwagon with the obsession of salted egg – but we are totally digging their rendition of Salted Egg Ribs (S$29.50++)!

Think zi chart-style succulent pork ribs marinated in handcrafted addictive salted egg yolk sauce, but in generous portions of huge ribs and a cosy environment with beer. You bet we were sold!

#6 SALMON PAPILOTTE

This Salmon Papillote (S$17.80++) looked unassuming, but it turned out to be one of the best dishes we had! Wrapped in parchment paper with a complex butter-based sauce and pepper barigoulle, the beautiful fish is baked to perfection and lightly flavoured with the veggies and sauce. Honestly, this was so good that we would totally return to PARK just for it!

#7 TRUFFLED MAC & CHEESE

All hail PARK’s Truffled Mac & Cheese (S$13.50++)! This ultimate crowdpleaser – baked with sliced turkey ham and cream truffle – is listed in our list of Best Mac & Cheese in Singapore, and it has been a constant favourite among PARK’s regulars!

Prepared with four different cheeses, the outermost layer is wonderfully crisp and the insides remain consistently gooey with an addictive saltiness that is derived from the cheeses.

#8 TOFU PANCAKE WITH MIXED BERRIES

It seems like pancakes will never go out of style and PARK has revamped the classic homely dish into an Instagram-worthy brunch must-order.

The Tofu Pancake* (S$12.80++) is basically a soy-based fluffy pancake topped with mixed berry compote, mandarin oranges and sour cream – all prettily plated and ready to smile for your cameras. And once the photoshoot is done, tuck in to subtle sweetness that is well complemented with the tartness from the fruits.

#9 PULLED PORK TACOS

The Pulled Pork Tacos (S$14.50++) features four corn tortillas filled with barbecue sauce, toothsome slow-cooked pork shoulder, shredded parmesan and mixed vegetables. Not for the faint-hearted, because the pulled pork shoulder is so flavourful with a hint of smokiness from the sauce; but that’s precisely why we enjoyed ours.

#10 BAILEYS TIRAMISU

Last but not least, PARK’s traditional Baileys Tiramisu (S$8.90++) is a homemade goodness with a twist to the usual coffee-flavoured Italian dessert. Alternating layers of mascarpone cheese whipped cream and delicate sponge layers, jazzed up with prized Baileys. How to not love this creamy goodness? No, the Baileys did not overpower, neither is the dessert cloyingly sweet.

*Note that these brunch items are only available until 5pm.

From now till 14 Jul 2016, enjoy one-for-one main courses when you quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making payment!

Tuesdays: 1 for 1 Park Burger
Wednesdays: 1 for 1 Salted Egg Yolk Pork Ribs
Thursdays: 1 for 1 Salmon Papillote

PARK at Holland Village
281 Holland Ave #01-01
Singapore 278621
Reservations: info@parkgroup.com.sg / +65 9721 3815
Closed on Mondays
Tue to Thu: 11am – 12am
Fri to Sun: 11am – 2am
Nearest Station: Holland Village

This post was brought to you by PARK at Holland Village.

Spizza Mercato at Capitol Piazza might just be our newfound favourite already! It is a slightly different concept from the ever popular casual dining pizzeria chain – Spizza by The Senso Group, and you will see why we love it so.

The huge and edgy outlet at Capitol Piazza boasts a large dining area by the fountain, and a “market” – where Spizza offers retail items such as authentic Italian ingredients and condiments and homemade pasta.

Spizza Mercato has a super affordable menu and a wide variety of pizzas (but of course), and what it is exceptionally popular during lunch for its amazing weekday lunch deals – S$12 for a dry pasta with classic sauce or a 10 inch pizza, anyone?

Pizzas are the limelight here at Spizza Mercato, but that ain’t all. Here, we share with you the highlights of our meal, and all that we love at and about Spizza Mercato.

Stepping in, we were impressed by the very sleek and vibrant interior. Passing by the retail area, we fell in love with the “mercato” and was so distracted by all the takeaway items such as paninis and salads, for the busy professionals or those who choose to takeaway their meal.

APPETISERS & ANTIPASTI

This show-stopping antipasti of burrata cheese and parma ham, in a dish called “Burratina” (S$22), started our meal with a bang. As cheesy as this may sound, we really cannot tell you how much we are deprived of good burrata in Singapore and how this one here totally made it to our list.

Smooth, creamy, milky goodness is every burrata lover’s dream, and there is an inexplicable sense of gratification from cutting the burrata apart and being rewarded by fine shreds of silky white cheese. Served with the classic pairing of aged parma ham and arugula, the Burratina had us all succumbed.

We settled for a second appetiser of freshly prepared Calamari (S$13.80) that comes with a spicy ‘pizzaiolo’ dip. The calamari itself boasted the right amount of crunch and was pretty addictive. The sauce was not as memorable for us, but we were just happy the rings itself tasted so wonderful on its own. This appetizer makes a great sharing plate for two or more.

FRESH PASTA

Fresh stuffed pasta are not commonly served as they take up a lot of time to prepare, and requires a certain level of culinary skill to perfect it. And when we spotted some of these on the menu, we knew we had to have a go with them.

So it was the Red Tomato Mezzelune (S$15) and Black Squid Ink Round Ravioli (S$14) for lunch.

The former is basically a smoked duck ravioli and it was more than awesome. The smoked duck flavour really took the whole pasta dish up a notch, and we were in love that we really couldn’t nitpick much even if we’d wanted to!

The latter features minced seafood stuffing, which garnered mixed reviews from our team. It might be a little fishy and rich, but if that is the way you love your seafood, go for it!

The Gnocchi (S$18) was a surprise find too. Even though they were just essentially potato dumplings, the gnocchi was cooked with gorgonzola and other cheeses, and it was an entirely flavourful dish that would make the perfect main for any cream pasta lovers.

SPECIALTY PIZZAS

Pizzas are, without a doubt, Spizza’s speciality and it is no different here in Spizza Mercato, where they offer the same selection of pizzas. For lunch, you can enjoy a 10-inch pizza (or a dry pasta with sauce) for just S$12++. We now realise why the lunch crowd is crazy here, because this is for sure an unbeatable deal.

We had two pizzas, both signatures – Quinta (S$19, 10″) and Tara (S$20, 10″). Quinta is a meatless pizza that features mozzarella, a full egg and black truffle paste. The paste was so generously spread out and the smell of black truffle was incredibly distinct the moment it was laid on our table. We knew we would love this, and we sure did.

Tara is one of the classics with a slight twist. This pizza features mozzarella, a full egg, bacon and button mushrooms. Think of all kinds of happiness all in one pizza; that was the exact thought that got us excited. Well, you bet the pizza tasted even better when soaked slightly in the runny egg yolk.

By the way, for the large pizzas (12″), you can customize them to be half-half. In other words, two flavours in one pizza. Yes, yes and yes.

CLASSIC ITALIAN DESSERTS

The great thing about the food at Spizza Mercato is that it will always leave you and your tummy ultra satisfied. We ended our meal off on a sweet note with two classic Italian desserts – Panna Cotta (S$8) and Tiramisu (S$9.50).

While the former was a good dish as a whole, it was nothing to shout about. Especially when compared to the star – the Tiramisu. The tiramisu was light, just the way we like it, with strong notes of fragrant coffee and light mascarpone cheese.

DELIVERY MADE EASY

This is a life saver! And it might just be your next favourite pizza delivery option. We’ve tried the delivery too, and were completely amazed by how our food arrived hot.

You would think it is “just hot”, and that’s that. But wait. Would you believe it if we told you our pasta was still moist and warm, our chicken wings were still crispy, and our pizza was ever fresh? God knows how they do it, but we are so done with soggy delivered food, and that’s why we are sticking to Spizza’s delivery already.

And our order arrived even earlier than the promised time. Yay to zero frustrations from long waiting times!

Spizza delivery can be made via www.spizza.sg, or through their mobile apps (iTunes and Google Play).

SPIZZA FOR FRIENDS REWARS

This rewards programme is put in place for all who celebrate their love for Spizza. Enjoy a 10% rebate with a minimum spend of S$50 at any Spizza outlet, as well as delivery orders. And these rebates can be utilized on your next visit to or delivery from Spizza.

Note that Spizza Mercato has the same menu as other Spizza outlets, with an added Light Bites & Snacks and Pasta Ripiena section.

Spizza Mercato
13 Stamford Road #B2-52
Capitol Piazza
Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 6702 1835
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

This post is brought to you by Spizza Mercato.

Tucked away in a little corner in Telok Blangah is what used to be a retreat bungalow owned by the Yemeni Alkaff family. Alkaff Mansion Ristorante provides a nice respite from the fast paced city areas in Singapore, perching on top of Telok Blangah Hill (used to be known as Washington Hill). This well-known location was once the centre of high society parties and other events, besides being a family home to the Alkaff family.

Since the mid 1990s, Alkaff Mansion Ristorante has been known to serve award-winning cuisine to patrons but ever since LHN Culinary Concepts took over the reigns in 2010, the restaurant finally restored its splendour and has become one of Singapore’s go-to dining spots and event venue for corporate, private events and weddings.

Here is what we enjoyed the most from Executive Chef Simone Depalmas’ intricately crafted menu, strongly influenced by his Italian roots.

To kick-start your gastronomic adventure here at Alkaff Mansion Ristorante, a popular antipasti to start with is the Fresh Octopus Carpaccio (S$24). This dish, according to Chef Depalmas, is one of the most frequently ordered starters at the restaurant.

Sliced thinly into delicate and translucent pieces, the octopus is enhanced with the added frisee salad and San Marzano cherry tomatoes on top, and dressed sparingly with balsamic reduction for a hint of tanginess to the dish. Chef imports his seafood fresh directly from his hometown of Sardinia, an island in Italy, so you are guaranteed only the freshest seafood will be served here.

If you are dining in a pair, pick the Seafood Platter (S$68) instead to try a variety of seafood dishes. Dig into plump tiger prawns, a generous serving of tuna tartare with croutons crowning it, thinly sliced sea bass carpaccio, chunky octopus salad and fresh lobster chunks dressed in a tart citrus sauce. The platter is exceptionally big so it can be shared up to four diners.

Moving on to the fresh pasta dishes, the Sardinian Fregola with Assorted Seafood (S$28) is a stunner. Fregola is essentially a ‘cous cous’-like pasta, imported all the way from Italy. The mussels that are tossed in with the pasta is exceptionally juicy as they are fresh from Sardinian waters, without being frozen when flown over. Cooked with other fresh seafood such as squid and clams, the rich flavours of the pasta shone through with the added use of herbs and dried tomatoes.

We were served this next dish wrapped up in a thin sheet of plastic. Yes, the Homemade Squid Ink Tagliatelle (S$32) is skillfully prepared in the hands of chef as he tosses this pasta dish into the oven for a couple of minutes before serving to bring out the robust flavours.

Adding an oomph to this marvellous pasta dish are the plump and juicy mussels and an assortment of other fresh Sardinian seafood.

It is hard to come by really good risotto in Singapore as many restaurants here do not use the correct grains to cook the dish, or simply fare poorly in execution. Thankfully, the Porcini Mushroom Risotto Superfino Acquerello (S$28) here at Alkaff Mansion Ristorante exceeded our expectations.

Chef uses the Superfino Acquerello grains in this risotto dish and it is a high quality grain prized for producing the best risotto dishes. The porcini mushrooms and thyme also enhanced the flavours of the dish.

Served flambéed, the Oven Baked Sea Bass in Salt (S$48/600g, S$56/700g, S$64/800g) produced the most tender and juicy flesh. As the fish was baked in salt, the inner ‘meat’ of the sea bass has absorbed a great part of it, making it good to eat even on its own.

We were served the sea bass with a tangy squeeze of lemon, some fresh vegetables and delicious dried tomatoes; they all make great companions to the fish.

If red meats are your go-to choice for a hearty (or romantic) dinner here at Alkaff Mansion Ristorante, the Oven-Baked Lamb Rack (S$45) or the Sliced Beef Tenderloin (S$45) should be your top picks.

Cooked to a perfect medium pink, the lamb rack is served with a smooth dollop of mashed potatoes, pearl onions and a rich prune sauce that has been reduced overnight to bring out the most intensive flavours to complement the meat.

For steak lovers, a guaranteed satisfying meal will be made better with the sliced tenderloin; cooked to your preferred doneness, of course. The steak is sliced up for easier consumption and served alongside roasted potatoes and fresh or grilled vegetables.

What makes a good suckling pig? A crisp skin outer layer with flavourful and tender meat inside. This is exactly what Chef Depalmas brought to the table with an Italian spin to this classic dish. And you bet we fell head over heels in love.

The Slow Cooked Sardinian Style Suckling Pig (S$46) is roasted for several hours at a specific temperature of 70 degree Celsius to produce fork-tender meat and a divine crisp to the skin. Served with a sweet berry compote to balance out the salty-rich flavours of the pork, we couldn’t help but believe that we must have done something so darn right in our past lives to be able to enjoy such a heavenly suckling pig.

Every good meal must end with an equally or even better tasting dessert. Chef puts in the same amount of love and care into his savoury dishes and sweet desserts, hence producing incredibly decadent desserts that you will polish off even if you were already ‘full’ from your mains.

Chef Depalmas’ Alkaff Mansion Tiramisu (S$14) is a simple dish but done the traditional and authentic way without any addition of cream – only light and premium mascarpone cheese. The added acidity of the fruits and berries adds dimensions to this otherwise light dessert.

The clear winner of the desserts is none other than the Fresh Mint Vanilla Panna Cotta with Mixed Berries and Raspberry Sauce (S$14). The Panna Cotta itself was as wobbly as a good Panna Cotta should be, and the fragrance of the mint was refreshing without being over-powering. This is a nice palate cleanser for your hearty meal.

It was a really splendid experience at Alkaff Mansion Ristorante, and one that we will not soon forget. It is little wonder this place is so popular among couples for wedding ceremonies and dinners, and yes, it is an ideal romantic dining location indeed.

For the latest updates, go to www.alkaff.com.sg, like Alkaff Mansion Ristorante on Facebook and Instagram.

Alkaff Mansion Ristorante
10 Telok Blangah Green
Singapore 109178
Reservations: +65 6510 3068
Events: +65 6510 1010
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3.00pm, 6pm – 11.00pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 3.00pm, 6pm – 11.00pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront or Telok Blangah

This post is brought to you by Alkaff Mansion Ristorante.

Layers and layers of mascarpone cheese goodness, with spongy ladyfingers doused in coffee, and lavishly sprinkled with cocoa. Tiramisu is our first love and will always have a special place in our hearts.

The popular Italian dessert sure has an affectionate name. Tiramisu means “pick me up”, and yes, we’d do that in a heartbeat. Where do you head to when you need a Tiramisu fix in Singapore? We have several favourites, and we are gonna share them all with you.

Here, read our guide on Singapore’s Best Tiramisu. If you have any to recommend, let us know, because we are up for a good one any time.

BELLA PIZZA

Bella Pizza at Robertson Quay has been around for years, and it is one of the more under-rated Italian restaurants in town. What we love, besides the excellent pizzas and pastas, is the Tiramisu (S$9).

30 Robertson Quay
#01-14 Riverside View
Tel: +65 6734 0139
Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

DA PAOLO GASTRONOMIA

They are our answer when we need a tiramisu to go. Ever so convenient, Da Paolo Gastronomia never fails with their ready-to-eat packed desserts. And for so many years now, we can never get sick of their tiramisu.

43 Jalan Merah Saga #01-74
Tel: +65 6475 1323
Daily: 8.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

JAMIE’S ITALIAN

While they are more famous for their brownie and pies, please do not leave without trying the tiramisu with orange mascarpone too. Jamie’s Italian does their desserts really well, and what better way to complement your pasta than a serving of tiramisu (S$11.50)?

1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-165-167 VivoCity
Tel: +65 6733 5500
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

MACCHA HOUSE

Maccha House’s Matcha Tiramisu (S$6) was served in a wooden box and comes with a miniature cup of tea on the side. One thing to note about the price point here is that everything is relatively inexpensive. We liked that the tiramisu was not too sweet but the taste of Matcha was still distinct.

181 Orchard Road
#B1-40 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 +65 6636 5830
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

PARK AT HOLLAND VILLAGE

PARK’s traditional Baileys Tiramisu (S$8.90++) is a homemade goodness with a twist to the usual coffee-flavoured Italian dessert. Alternating layers of mascarpone cheese whipped cream and delicate sponge layers, jazzed up with prized Baileys. How to not love this creamy goodness? No, the Baileys did not overpower, neither is the dessert cloyingly sweet.

281 Holland Ave #01-01
Singapore 278621
Reservations: info@parkgroup.com.sg / +65 9721 3815
Closed on Mondays
Tue to Thu: 11am – 12am
Fri to Sun: 11am – 2am
Nearest Station: Holland Village

PETE’S PLACE

One of the oldest Italian restaurants in Singapore, Pete’s Place at Grand Hyatt Singapore is a hidden gem that radiates an undeniable rustic enchantment. Pete’s Place has the best tiramisu in Singapore; very moist and spongy – just the way it’d set our hearts aflutter.

Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Tel: +65 6416 7322
Daily: 12pm – 4.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sunday: 11.30am – 2.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

PIETRO RISTORANTE ITALIANO

Pietro Ristorante Italiano is tucked in a corner of Jalan Kelulut—a private residential area in Yio Chu Kang—and it has been dishing out authentic Italian dishes to its regulars since 2012.

The Tiramisu al Pistachio (S$14++) is filled with layers of Mascarpone cream for the sweet tooth! This one has strong espresso coffee flavours with a subtle hint of pistachio taste.

12 Jln Kelulut
Singapore 809030
Tel: +65 6484 5528
Daily: 11am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Buangkok/ Fernvale

POULET

Poulet is a familiar name that we always turn to when we want trusty comfort food without breaking the bank. While most people go to Poulet for its roast chicken, its tiramisu (S$7.90) deserves a special mention too. The tiramisu is consistently good and we will return again and again for the generous portion (in a jar).

HarbourFront Walk
#01-175/176/177
Tel: +65 6376 9087
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

PREGO AT FAIRMONT SINGAPORE

Prego at Fairmont Singapore is one of the most reputable Italian restaurants in Singapore, and they are known for signature Italian favourites such as wood-fired pizza and homemade pasta. But what you should also try is the house special—Tiramisu (S$14).

Fairmont Singapore, Level 1
80 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189560
Tel: +65 6431 6156
Nearest Station: City Hall

RISTORANTE DA VALENTINO

The maestro of Italian food, Ristorante Da Valentino is a well-loved restaurant in Singapore. Its quality and tastes remind us of every bit of our days at Italy, and it is one dinner place we can always count on when we need a hearty Italian meal. Try their tiramisu; that block of sweet treat cannot get anymore authentic, surely!

200 Turf Club Road, #01-19
Tel: +65 6462 0555
Tue to Sun: 12am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

SPIZZA MERCATO

The Tiramisu (S$9.50) at Spizza Mercato is light, just the way we like it, with strong notes of fragrant coffee and light mascarpone cheese.

13 Stamford Road #B2-52
Capitol Piazza
Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 6702 1835
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

TO-GATHER CAFE

The East of Singapore is where one will find plenty of hidden treasures. While there are many concept cafes out there, To-gather Cafe in Bedok (next to Fengshan Market) is one gem where you can unwind from work.

At S$5.90, To-gather Cafe’s Homemade Tiramisu is one of the cheapest you can find in Singapore.

#01-25/27
84 Bedok North Street 4
Singapore 460084
Tel: +65 6445 1011
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bedok

TIRAMISU HERO

The name of this cafe tells you all, right? Sure does live up to its name, we’d say! Tiramisu Hero offers several variations of the Italian dessert, and they are all served in a cute glass jar – stamped with the iconic Sir Antonio, no less. The problem? Deciding on or stopping at only one jar.

121 Tyrwhitt Road
Tel: +65 6292 5271
Daily (Except Wed): 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

WATERFALL RISTORANTE ITALIANO

Waterfall Ristorante Italiano at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore is a Southern Italian trattoria that features handmade pastas and fresh seafood. Chef Marco does a pretty mean tiramisu (S$15) that saw us wolfing it down within minutes. It is slightly pricier than your regular ones, but we promise it will be money well spent. Warning: one serving is not enough!

Garden Wing, Level One, Shangri-la Hotel
22 Orange Grove Road
Tel: +65 6213 4138
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

23 JUMPIN

A little cafe tucked away in Tai Seng, 23 Jumpin is a tiny and cosy hideout. This simple cafe surprised us with their homemade tiramisu. We were honestly not expecting much when we first ordered the dessert, but boy, was it so moist and the taste of the kahlua lingered.

The Commerce @ Irving, #01-25, 1 Irving Place
Tel: +65 9137 5697
Mon: 11am – 2pm
Tue to Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Pete’s Place at Grand Hyatt Singapore has been around for so many decades and is a longstanding favourite among its many loyal customers. Conveniently located in town, it is a rustic and homely outlet that dishes out nothing but the most authentic Italian dishes.

Since joining Pete’s Place, Chef Andrea Bontempi has been working to include elements from Northern Italy – from the high plateau of Piedmont to the coastal cities of Livorno and Genoa, and his home in Brescia – into the new a la carte menu.

Among the new additions to the menu, we enjoyed the Burrata e Caponata (S$22). Any good Italian worth its salt will have a good burrata on its menu, and Pete’s Place is no exception. Drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar, the burrata sat atop an eggplant caponata.

The pastas at Pete’s Place are freshly handmade from scratch, and there are twelve options on the menu to choose from. The Ravioli Astice (S$36) is a delicious combination of lobster ravioli with burrata cheese and saffron zucchini sauce, but the standout dish for us was definitely the Gamberi e Nero di Seppia (S$29) – squid ink linguine with seared sustainable prawns and calamari.

The Cacciucco alla Livornese (S$34) brought back memories from our trip to Livorno last year. Originated from the coastal city in Tuscany, this seafood stew is a classic dish that is popularly enjoyed by Italian fishermen. Traditionally, fishermen used what was left over from their catch to make the stew. What makes Pete’s Place’s rendition different is the use of the freshest seafood – a melting pot of squid, baby octopus, prawns, sustainable barramundi, cod, white bait, mussels and clams.

La Cotoletta alla Milanese (S$45) is a Milanese speciality, and something that we always order whenever we are at Milan. Very few places in Singapore serve this dish, so you could imagine our elation when we saw it on Pete’s Place new menu. The breaded veal chop is accompanied by a simple herb salad and tomato confit.

For desserts, you must get our all-time favourite Tiramisu (S$12) but make sure you save room for the Bonnet Astigiana (S$10). We loved how Chef Andrea has given the traditional Amaretti Chocolate Pudding a refreshing touch by adding orange blossom and basil cress.

For reservations at Pete’s Place, please visit singapore.grand.hyattrestaurants.com. For enquiries or information, kindly call +65 6732 1234 or e-mail petesplace.sg@hyatt.com.

Pete’s Place
Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Tel: +65 6416 7322
Daily: 12pm – 4.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sunday: 11.30am – 2.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

This post is brought to you by Grand Hyatt Singapore.

There has always been a debate over the difference between farm-bred and wild-caught fishes. The former, while much more readily available and affordable, has a higher chance of being contaminated, hence more prone to getting disease. The latter live in their natural habitats out in the open waters, and is hence a lot healthier. We can go on and on about the benefits of wild-caught fishes, but we will leave that for another day. While I am always happy to order wild-caught fishes when I dine out, restaurants in Singapore hardly place an emphasis on it and hence stick to using conventional farm-bred ones.

This is why I am so happy to introduce Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro as it is really a heaven for seafood lovers. Located at the charming Quayside Isle at the luxurious Sentosa Cove enclave, Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro has daily fresh imports of wild-caught seafood and fish from different parts of the world.

Appetising starters include Hokkaido Scallops Crudo (S$19), freshly shucked oysters, and the beautifully-plated Torched Holloumi Cheese (S$18). The pastas (S$28) are too delicious to a fault, and nobody can resist the Baked Half Boston Lobster (S$54). But the highlight of the menu – and something that you must order – is the qsfb’s Fresh Seafood Platter (S$150).

Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro has a spacious interior that looks very inviting and though nothing fanciful, it makes you want to sink in to the seat for a meal. The splendiferous waterfront view makes it a wonderful choice for all-day dining; breezy environment to say the least, and you cannot get any more relaxing than this. And the cherry on top? The al fresco area is pet-friendly.

The Torched Holloumi Cheese (S$18) – with compressed watermelon, wild rocket, raspberry wine vinaigrette and squid ink crumbs – is a work of art on its own. The very colourful dish is simply too beautiful to behold. It is intended to spark the palate and leave you anticipating what is to come.

The Horseradish Marinated Yellowfin Tuna Tartare (S$18) is also another great way to start your meal. So too are the oysters. If you like oysters, you will be spoiled by the choices at Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro. They have oysters (S$4.30 – S$9.35 per piece) from around the world – Tasmania, Scotland, Ireland, France, to name a few…

What I also like about Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro is that it has a special and very personalised Blackboard menu which changes daily with the freshest produce that the chefs source for the day. First, you choose a fish (min order of 200g for dine-in), then select your preferred cooking method – baked mole, herb crusted, roasted, cartoccio, and poached. And finally, choose the side dish to go along with the fish.

We tried a Chilean Seabass in Baked Mole style. The fish was fresh and tender, but what worked wonders for it was the sauce, which was tangy and very flavourful. It was accompanied by a generous stack of shoestring white truffle fries.

Among the three pasta dishes on the menu, we sampled qsfb’s Signature Chilli Crab Linguine and Squid Ink Lobster Spaghetti. The former was a kick-ass spicy and fiery hot rendition of the iconic Singapore dish, while the latter came in delicious squid ink XO cream with hint of brandy, topped with huge chunks of lobsters.

The standout dish on the menu is surely the qsfb’s Fresh Seafood Platter (S$150, for 2 to 3 pax) – with the choice of hot or cold – which features an entire Boston lobster, seasonal oysters, Hokkaido scallops, snow crab, crawfish, tiger prawns, scampi, and more truffle fries.

Desserts are baked freshly in-house, too. The Black Sesame Cheese Pound Cake (S$9), with a scoop of green tea gelato, is a unique creation. Chocolate Coated Strawberries (S$9) are bites of decadence. White Truffle Flavoured Lava Chocolate Cake (S$12) will make you go weak in the knees. But the must-try dessert is their Homemade Tiramisu (S$14), which is rich and doused in a copious amount of alcohol. This might just be one dessert to leave you with withdrawal syndrome – if that is even possible.

Citibank card holders get to enjoy a complimentary glass of sauvignon blanc or Pinot Noir with every S$60 spent at Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro (valid from Tue – Fri). Ultima Cardholders get 10% off total bill with minimum spend of S$100.

The weekly promotion here is also equally enticing. From a glass of Bloody Mary oyster shooter at a jaw-dropping S$5 (on every Sun), to a 1-for-1 deal on Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Prosecco (on every Tue), and 1-for-1 cocktails (on every Wed) – there is always something to anticipate at Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro.

If you are the adventurous type, and thinking of a place to celebrate Halloween with your pals, the “Peer by the Pier” Scary Halloween Party at Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro is definitely your kind of party. There are many scary activities lined up for the evening – expect free flow of brain booze for your indulgence if you dare. Find out more information on their facebook event page.

The marriage of super fresh seafood with an array of speciality cocktails, wines and craft beers served up in a comfortable and cosy gastrobar setting makes this fish bar at Quayside Isle a spot to head to if you haven’t been. For those of you who are already regulars there, the ongoing promotions are reason enough to make you return soon.

Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro
31 Ocean Way #01-11
Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6268 8633
Tue: 9am – 12 midnight
Wed & Thu: 12pm – 12 midnight
Fri: 12pm – 1am
Sat: 9am – 1am
Sun: 9am – 12 midnight
Website: http://www.qsfishbar.com

This post is sponsored by Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro.

Il Cielo is located on the 24th floor of Hilton Singapore, right beside the pool. Upon arriving at the restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it is very small, cosy and intimate. I also like the fact that the Italian restaurant is very focused. They only have a few dishes under each category of the menu – because they pride themselves on the quality and standard of every item.

We started our meal with a fantastic Homemade Buffalo Milk Burrata ($38) with heirloom tomatoes and Pan Seared Foie Gras ($32). If you are a fan of this dish, you must order it at Il Cielo. The foie gras, served with white polenta and vin santo reduction, also got a thumbs up from us.

For main courses, we had the Homemade Carbonara Tagliatelle ($48) with fresh shaved truffle – a special dish on the white Alba truffle seasonal menu – and a Porcini and Blueberry Risotto ($28).

The pasta while good, was unremarkable. But what made it special, was the use of freshly shaved white Alba truffle which gave it flavour and depth.

The Risotto Porcini and Blueberry Risotto was very good. Every bite was better than the previous one, and before we knew it, we had pretty much scraped the plate clean.

Before having the second main course, we were served a Raspberry Sorbet – with a drop of vodka and ginger – as a palate cleanser. After which, we proceeded with the main courses: a beautiful Oven-baked Whole Seabass ($75) and Grilled Veal Chop ($55). I am usually a meat person, but the Seabass won me over completely. It was so good that I did not pay much attention to the veal chop. We could not get over how fresh and sweet the fish was.

To end the meal, we had Tiramisu ($18) and Dark Chocolate Souffle ($18) served with spicy vanilla ice cream.

We were there a few months ago, so they might have changed some of the items on the menu. A meal at Il Cielo is without a doubt, expensive. It is not a place where everyone can come on a regular basis. But it is worth splurging for a special occasion because you will be satisfied with the exceptional food and service.

Il Cielo
581 Orchard Road
Level 24 Hilton Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6730 3395
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 7pm – 10.30pm
Note: This was an invited media tasting

For more recommendations, read my list of best Italian restaurants in Singapore

Note: Preparazzi has closed.

Words by Alexa Michelle, photographs by ladyironchef

Ever wondered how it’s like to have Asian food in your taste buds while dining in a western ambience? That would be my closest description to how I felt when at Preparazzi Bar Gourmet.

Located in the midst of the Central Business District area along Boon Tat Street, Preparazzi Bar Gourmet is a relatively new restaurant which specialises in serving modern Singapore cuisine – western dishes with a local twist.

Upon arrival at the restaurant, I was greeted with an arty interior as the walls had a canvas painting and a shimmery gold typography that says ‘hello gorgeous’. We proceeded to order the truffle mac & cheese ($10.90) and beef slider ($14.90) as a start. The truffle mac & cheese consists of macaroni; cheddar cheese mixed with truffle salt and honshimeiji mushrooms. As a truffle lover, the smell and blend of truffle salt with honshimeiji makes this dish a must-try, making it taste like a fusion of macaroni mixed with Asian mushroom.

The beef slider wrapped in gougère, looking very much like a pastry, was filled with Angus beef steak, topped with tamarind pepper, pineapple chutney and onion jam. Once you bite into it, you’ll taste a blast of sweet and savoury; sweetness from the pineapple and jam and savoury tasting from the Angus beef.

For our mains, we tried the X.O. vongole ($20.90) and duck confit ($19.90). The X.O. vongole is a dish cooked in spaghetti with white clams, X.O. gremolata, white wine and asparagus. The fragrance of the X.O. gremolata and cut asparagus will make one feel that this pasta dish is not too heavy to indulge while enjoying the white clams. A dish that has a good balance of healthy sides while indulging in seafood!

My favourite has to be the duck confit as it was accompanied with sweet potato gnocchi, corn, garlic, chilli and 5-spice salt. On the first bite of the duck meat, this dish brought sudden memories of dining in a Chinese restaurant. I felt that the chewy sweet potato gnocchi was paired with the duck meat to replace the typical carbohydrates selection of rice or potatoes.

Another main dish we got to try was the roast pork crackling ($23.90), a pork belly dish served with crispy cayenne apple, corn, pea and pineapple chutney. Similar to the duck confit, it brings a whiff of Asian aroma and taste to the dish. However, the roast pork crackling is slightly dryer than the duck confit as it had various thick pastes accompanying it.

Last but not least, every girl’s favourite, would be the part we get to desserts. It is almost impossible for most ladies to resist the sweet ending to a meal! With that said, we ordered the kopi-misu ($15). You might wonder why the name kopi-misu? This dessert is in fact similar to tiramisu except it is a sponge finger cake with kopi, mascarpone and coco powder. If you are a tiramisu lover, you’ll definitely fall in love with Preparazzi’s rendition. The texture of the cake was simply soft and creamy with a layer of coco powder set on top, it melted in our mouths on the first bite and we couldn’t resist finishing the entire plate afterwards.

Another dessert that we tried was the “baked” Singapore ($15.90). Its unique almond cake wraps in a combination of pineapple jam, raspberry sauce, vanilla gelato and meringue on top. It was indeed one of the most unique tasting desserts we’ve had representing the flavours of Singapore as a whole. But we felt that the portion of the meringue was overwhelming, and not something that we would order again.

To sum it up, Preparazzi Bar Gourmet offers a wide range of western food infused with Asian dishes. For the adventure seekers and exotic food lovers, you might want to venture to this area of the Central Business District to give it a try. Their menu also includes a fair selection of drinks such as cocktails and wine, sweet treats like cupcakes and French fries that come with a choice of truffle salt ($9.90), curry salt ($9.90) and rosemary salt with parmesan ($8.90). Recommended for dining up to 4 pax.

Preparazzi Bar Gourmet
29 Boon Tat Street, Singapore
Tel: +65 6220 0629
Mon to Sat: 11am – 11pm
(Closed on Sun)
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

About the writer:
In her free time, Alexa likes to visit museum exhibitions, reading or lying on the beach. Apart from having a sweet tooth, on selective food items of course, she also enjoys lounging to the beat of good tunes. Tempt her with tea and cakes if you could, weak spots do it right all the time. To read more of Alexa’s writings, please visit Pixiekrane.

Nestled amidst the Mohammed Sultan enclave, Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse makes an exciting new addition to the semi-fine dining scene in Singapore. This 6-month-old restaurant claims to be the first and only Italian restaurant specialising in steak. How does it fare against other steakhouses in Singapore? Is it worth a try?

Besides steaks, the menu is extensive with a selection of 8 different appetizers ($15 – $38) and a variety of pastas ($22 – $25) and mains ($28 – $45), so much so that we eventually gave up on deciding and left our orders to the discretion of our host.

We knew we were off to a good start when the bruschetta al pomodoro con burrata e olio al basilico ($18) was served to us. We adored the curls of milky burrata cheese with the accompanying tart tomatoes delicately laid atop a crisp toast, making for a simple dish with a clever play on taste and texture.

The stellar appetizer was probably why the tortellini ripieni di mortadella con crema di piselli e pancetta ($25) fell short of expectations. Each parcel was perfectly al dente, but we secretly wished for more a more robust flavour in the beef and sausage stuffing.

The piece de resistance, a 1.2kg Fiorentina Wagyu T-bone steak ($178), would make any meat lover weak in the knees. Lightly seasoned and cooked over a wood-fired grill, the meat came charred around the edges with a luscious, pink interior oozing with beefy goodness. Bistecca’s one year search for the perfect beef was not unwarranted, for this was one of the most flavourful and well-marbled beef we’ve ever had. Ditch the accompanying sauces, which we felt were simply distractions and savour the beef in its most natural form.

For sides, we ordered a portion each of the crema di spinaci ($14) and patate arrosto in erbe ($10), the latter of which had us head over heels. It was hard to fathom how potatoes can taste so good, as if there was a secret recipe that went into creating these smoky little morsels. So tasty were these that for a fleeting moment, it diverted our attention away from the steak.

We’d advise passing on the traditional desserts and head straight for the more unique offerings; what the tiramisu tradizionale servitor con crema al caffe ($12) lacked in alcoholic flavours, the sbriciolona al pistachio con Vin Santo ($14) more than made up for. Served with a sweet dessert wine, these biscotti-like polenta and pistachio biscuits were a great way to end a satisfying meal.

Prices are no where near cheap, but Bistecca Tuscan Stakhouse is definitely worth your while if you’re looking for quality food and personal service amidst a stunning setting, just for that special occasion. If anything, don’t miss out on the steaks. The beef is, after all, in their beef.

Words by Sarah Lim, photos by ladyironchef

Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse
25 Mohamed Sultan Road
Tel: +65 6735 6739
Tue to Fri: 12pm–2pm, 6pm–11pm
Sat: 11am–4pm, 6pm–11pm
Sun: 11am–4pm
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Whenever readers ask me to recommend romantic dining places in Singapore, I will always think of the restaurants at Dempsey road. Among the options there, The White Rabbit ranks highly on my list of romantic restaurants in Singapore.

The White Rabbit, owned by the folks behind Loof and OverEasy, is a romantic restaurant housed within a beautiful restored Chapel in Dempsey Road.

I fell in love as soon as I stepped into the place.

Fine dining restaurants are usually not very versatile. I mean they are nice for a romantic dinner, but some of them can be quite intimidating. The White Rabbit, on the other hand, is great for just about any occasion. Be it a romantic date with your partner, a chic business lunch with your clients or a casual dinner with a group of friends.

I wanted to dine at The White Rabbit for the longest time, and I finally came here last week for their 3 course set lunch ($38++ per pax).

Amongst the five starters that were available on The White Rabbit’s menu, we opted for the Caponata and White peach salad. Drizzled with Italian herbs and olive oil, the crispy tiger prawns were accompanied by eggplant, celery and Roma tomatoes.

For our second appetiser, we chose the White Peach Salad over the Grilled Vegetables, Smoked Salmon and Mushroom Soup.

The White Rabbit’s set lunch menu has 5 different choices to satisfy everyone: Pan Seared Salmon Fillet, Pan Roasted Sea Bass, Braised Oxtail, Galantine of Duck, Roasted Lamb Rump and pasta. We eventually settled for the salmon and duck.

Served with Petit Pois Puree (green peas) and carrots, the Salmon was pan seared nicely and we thought that it was pretty well done. But with no substantial sides, the portion might be too small for folks with big appetite.

The Galantine of duck however, came with simple yet tasty potatoes. The herbed minced beef stuffing within the de-boned duck was subtle, and the dish somehow tasted like roasted duck.

Out of the three desserts on The White Rabbit’s lunch menu, we had the Tiramisu and Valrhona Chocolate Tart (with the other option being profiteroles). It is difficult to judge a tiramisu since everyone has different interpretations on what makes a good tiramisu. If you like it with a strong alcohol taste, you will love the one here.

The White Rabbit’s tiramisu had an extremely strong liqueur flavour at the base, which left a bitter after-taste lingering in the mouth for a long time. We did not really enjoy it, and thankfully there was the Valrhona Chocolate Tart to distract us.

Paired with a slightly sourish strawberry ice cream, the chocolate-y Valrhona Chocolate Tart was small in size but huge on flavours. It contrasted hot with cold and sweet with sour perfectly.

The romantic restaurant has a uber-chic watering hole in the al fresco area. The Rabbit Hole is an outdoor bar which is a lovely place for some drinks and finger food. It is definitely a good option for events and parties, but don’t expect it to be cheap.

Hold my hands and follow me down the rabbit hole…

The 3 course set lunch at the White Rabbit is $38++ and they also have a 4 course degustation menu at $98++ per person. For their ala carte menu, appetisers like the tuna carpaccio and steak tartare start from $20. Most of the main courses are in the $30ish range and desserts like the creme brulee and souffle are $16 each.

The White Rabbit restaurant has received mixed reviews so far: there are people who love the Alice in Wonderland theme restaurant, and there are also others who feel that the food is inconsistent and not worth the money.

Whilst the food at The White Rabbit may not be the most spectacular, sometimes food becomes secondary when you are eating at such a beautiful place.

Singapore Food Blog Review
The White Rabbit
39C Harding Road
Dempsey Singapore
Tel: +65 6473 9965

“Have you tried Da Paolo’s tiramisu? It’s the best tiramisu in Singapore!”

I have always wanted to go Da Paolo Restaurant & Bistro Bar because of the tiramisu. All my friends who had it before have nothing but praise for their tiramisu.

Like the other Rochester Park restaurants, Da Paolo Restaurant & Bistro Bar offers a superb al fresco dining option. It’s great for dinner (maybe not for lunch under the scorching sun), otherwise you can always choose to dine indoor.

Da Paolo Bistro Bar at Rochester Bar is a cross between their restaurant and pizza bar. The restaurant has two open kitchens, with the pizza bar being positioned near the entrance of the restaurant and the main kitchen on the further end.

It has a very extensive pizza menu which includes selections: Pizza Bolognese with tomato, mozzarella, minced beef, béchamel and parmesan – Pizza Salmone with tomato, mozzarella, smoked salmon, mushrooms and pesto – Pizza Napoletana with tomato, mozzarella, capers, anchovies and oregano; and folded pizzas: Calzone Prosciutto e Funghi with mozzarella, mushrooms and cooked ham.

My brother chose the Pizza Mozzarella di bufala e crudo ($25) which has buffalo mozzarella, parma ham, sliced tomatoes and basil. We also shared the Pizza frutti di mare ($20) with tomato, mozzarella and seafood. Out of the two pizzas that we had, I would pick the latter as the spread of seafood (calamari, salmon, prawn and mussel) was more appealing in taste and flavor.

Da Paolo’s Tagliatelle al granchio ($26) was excellent. The home made egg pasta with crabmeat, tomatoes, cream and vodka was creamy yet not too heavy, and every slurp of the pasta was so good.

I felt powerless when the waiter brought the famous Da Paolo’s Tiramisu ($10) to our table. Thankfully, the tiramisu didn’t disapppint. It was fantastic, and wasn’t soggy like ordinary tiramisu and the marscapone was light and airy. I scrambled to lick my dessert spoon clean.

* * *

The pizza at Da Paolo is good, but not great. I won’t go all the way just to have them, but it’s a different story if I’m in the Rochester Park area. When it comes to Italian-style Pizzas in Singapore, my pick will still be Bella Pizza at Robertson Quay. While they are both Italian restaurants that specialized in Pizza and have a similar price-point, it’s not fair to compare them since I didn’t order the same pizza.

Da Paolo Restaurant & Bistro Bar at Rochester Park is a nice chill out place after work, and you must order the tiramisu! Which is your favorite Italian restaurant for Pizza?

Singapore Food Restaurant Review
Da Paolo Restaurant & Bistro Bar
3 Rochester Park Rochester Park Singapore
Tel: +65 6774 5537

// Da Paolo group has other dining concepts like Da Paolo La Terrazza, Da Paolo Pizza Bar, Da Paolo Dolci, and Da Paolo Gastronomia at Chip Bee Garden.

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While co-owner and partner Mac excel in decorating the desserts, June enjoyed researching the use of new flavours instead. Perhaps it is the unique combination and strength in the partnership that gave Obolo Patisserie its success. ladyironchef decided to organise a dessert outing there and it went on smoothly with the support that the partners provided.

The interior of Obolo is very small, and could only fit in 15 people. Mac and his team rearranged the tables and did the settings for us, with the print of our dessert degustation menu, Obolo’s christmas catalogue, and a small gift in the form of cookies.

Our dessert degustation menu consisted of 12 desserts platter, namely 7 petite cheesecakes & entremets, 2 petite tartlets, 1 dessert shooter, and 2 les macarons. As always, i requested sampling portions for the menu as it’ll allowed us to try a variety of the desserts available at Obolo. Therefore, the pictures that you’ll be looking at are all mini-size, and does not reflect the actual size of the desserts.

Tartlet filled with milk chocolate & passion fruit ganache. The chocolate-passion was a sourish petite tart, mainly from the passion fruit used. Most of us found it too sour for our liking, and the sourness from the passion fruit completely overwhelmed the milk chocolate. I preferred it sweet.

Dark Chocolate ganache mousse, cassis ivoire mousse, praline feulletine base and moist dark chocolate-almond biscuit layers. Having tried Le Cassis before, i still enjoyed the contrasting taste between the slightly sour blackcurrent and the sweet of the chocolate ganache. I’m a big fan of the crunchy praline feulletine, but i thought that the layer was too thin, and not enough! Nonetheless, Le Cassis is definitely a hit with most of us.

Baked cheesecake infused with mango and passion fruit. While i didn’t really fancy passion fruit as i found it too sour, but in this instance the mango actually provided a better balance in the overall taste. The layer of biscuit crumb base would be nicer if it was thicker. The Mango-passion cheesecake had mixed reactions, with some finding it too sour, and some giving a thumbs up for the creative use of flavours.

67% caramel chocolate mousse, dark chocolate ganache, pecan chocolate fudge cake base. We were debating whether the nuts at the base were walnuts, but it’s actually pecan. The caraibe was one of my favourite of the night with the velvety chocolate mousse, dark chocolate ganache and chocolate fudge base. It was all about contrast and layering, really.

Tartlet filled with dark chocolate ganache. One of the few real chocolate of the night, the Chocolat Noir was better than the one that i had at Cova. One of the main feedback from the rest was, there was more sour than sweet dessert for the night. Mac explained that for decoration purposes, they liked to add in berries. But it ain’t the season for berries, and those that looked nice actually taste sour.

Some would prefer her to be drenched with liqueur, but the purist certainly say no! If you asked me, I’m on the purist side. The light mascarpone creme, dark chocolate ganache & chocolate genoise infused with coffee. Pull-me-up, of sugar and espresso. The tiramisu au chocolat.

Remember Pineapple tarts? You reminded me of Chinese New year, even though its only two months away. Pinada cheesecake, despite given a make-over, I still missed my pineapple tarts. The rum-soaked raisins didn’t help also.

Looking at the pistachio ivoire mousse, your eyes must be green with envy. Not to mention there’s still the cherry-raspberry gelee to deal with. I never like jam, definitely not the gelee in between the way of the dark chocolate ganache mousse, and the chocolate almond biscuit with kirsch. Almost prefect, the Nikta.

All the way from the states, there’s the New York cheesecake. Smooth, creamy, with a hint of lemon. At the pinnacle, seats the stunning strawberry. She’s the one that teased me all right, during our precious encounter. And now that I’ve conquered you, what do you have to say?

Appearance is secondary, they say inner beauty is more important. Nonetheless, the outer beauty sure makes a good impression. Sprinkle with gold dust, the ginormous strawberry garnished the top. There was tangy mascarpone mousse, and there was red berry gelee. Add in some kirsch-mixed berry compote, and i give you Summer Berries.

Miss macha was a last minute substitution, simply we got sick of Mr passion fruit. By common consensus, the shell was very thick, chewy, and a tad sweet. It’ll be better if she was lighter. But you couldn’t deny the fact that the macha macaron’s filling was prettily done.

Always a safe choice, the pairing of hazelnut and chocolate. Certainly a crowd teaser with that fulsome filling. Once my favourite, always my favourite. I don’t care what they say, i’m in love with you.

I’ll like to thank everyone who attended the dessert outing last night, and hope you all had a great time. There were old friends, and new faces, but everybody’s welcome! Also my thanks to Mac and June who supported and hosted us, for without them, this outing wouldn’t be possible.

For the rest of you folks who missed out on this dessert outing, not to worry. Details for my next food outing will be out tomorrow! So do let me know ASAP if you can make it for the lunch.

ps: read fen’s detailed review at sgcake.com
evan’s beautiful photos at bossacafez.com
jia xin at foodies queen

Cheers,
Brad