There is something so incredibly satisfying about a place that is minimalistically furnished, so you could imagine our excitement when we discovered Apartment Coffee at 161 Lavender Street in Singapore.

Apartment Coffee is a minimalist’s dream, with a beautiful, clean interior that is decorated with Scandinavian-style furniture.

This little cafe specialises in homebrewed coffees that are made on the spot right in front of you, and it is a great place if you just want to retreat from the rest of the world and have a bit of alone time with a cuppa.

The inspiration behind Apartment Coffee came from the owner’s desire to create an inviting space where people could feel at home as well as to connect with other people who appreciate and love coffee. 

The first thing you notice when you step into Apartment Coffee is how blindingly white and clean the whole place is. From the ceiling to the walls and the floors, everything is just white. The shop is also cleanly furnished with simple wood pieces and a long white counter.

The staff here were incredibly friendly and welcomed us with large smiles and cheery greetings. Definitely made the environment a more pleasant one.

Their menu is a simple one, yet they have quite a range of interesting drinks for you to enjoy.

For their coffee, they use a Synesso Hand Built Espresso Machine. They also use the very best seasonal coffee beans that vary throughout the year.

We tried their Columbia El Mirador (S$4.50) made into a Latte, which was a fragrant, smooth cup of goodness that had notes of roasted grapes, currant and graham crackers.

We also decided to get a cup of their Madagascar Mava (S$7.50), which was an interesting take on your usual hot chocolate. This smooth blend had notes of orange, malt and roasted nuts, and it left a unique, tangy aftertaste in our mouths.

We are absolutely in love with this simple yet gorgeous cafe and we will definitely be coming back here for some great coffee and the amazing ambience.

Apartment Coffee
161 Lavender Street #01-12
Singapore 338750
Daily: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Bendeemer

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2018/10/apartment-coffee-singapore/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2018/10/halcyon-crane-cafe/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2018/10/halcyon-crane-cafe/#comments Fri, 05 Oct 2018 09:21:43 +0000 Sherlyn Teo https://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=170752 Continue reading →]]>

Many cafés in Singapore deliver in terms of aesthetics but we dare say that finding one that boasts marvellous interiors and brilliantly fuses the best of two very different cuisines is on a whole different level.

Helmed by the team behind Birds Of A Feather over at Amoy Street, Halcyon & Crane is a new café that recently opened up in The Paragon, Singapore, whose menu focuses on Modern-European dishes with a touch of Sichuan flavours. Most of their dishes feature a myriad of Szechuan spices and while rich, aromatic and authentic in flavour, Halcyon & Crane keep their dishes fairly healthy with the use of wholesome grains and fresh fruits.

Hankering for a memorable brunch in the heart of town? Here’s why you should make sure to pay Halcyon & Crane a visit the next time you are in the area.

Situated on the third storey of Orchard Paragon, Halcyon & Crane is decked out in minimalist furnishings with modern industrial touches that are both picture-perfect and cosy.

The area is separated into two—one is an open space with cosy seats that can seat approximately 50 people while the other features bar seats.

Coffee is serious business here at Halcyon & Crane. Their coffee beans are specially selected before going through the process of blending and roasting, resulting in coffee that is smooth, rich and fragrant.

We opted for a cup of Flat White (S$6)—a classic if you are looking for a drink to sip on while getting some work done.

One of the dishes in their all-day menu would be the Pistachio & Apple Birches Muesli (S$17). Essentially fresh fruits, pistachio and red quinoa serves atop a blend made using overnight oats, yoghurt and apple, we thought it was extremely well-executed.

For something heartier and more substantial, the H&C Big Breakfast (S$24) would go highly recommended. Served with Sichuan-style pancake, sautéed mushrooms, a side of bamboo shoot salad, potatoes, pork sausages and crisp bacon, there is indeed a lot going on in a single dish but boy we aren’t complaining.

Every element was carried out with much thought put into it such that we simply cannot choose a favourite.

Coated with a piquant seasoning made using Sichuan peppercorn and chilli oil, the potatoes had a distinct ma la flavour—while it didn’t have the mouth-numbing kick, the authenticity of the Sichuanese flavours was nonetheless impressive.

Another item on the menu you can look forward to would be the Cured Sausage Shakshuka (S$20). Typically, shakshuka dishes are made using poached eggs in a sauce comprising tomatoes, chilli, peppers and onions but Halcyon & Crane’s rendition has boldly infused Sichuan flavours into it.

Dig in to find pieces of spicy cured sausages and mix it together with the sauce, which is imbued with a strong Sichuan peppercorn kick.

Boasting a neat and aesthetically-pleasing interior, amazing service and delectable grub that is a notch above the rest, Halcyon & Crane is a café in town that we’d see ourselves returning to and one that you must try especially if you happen to be in the area.

Halcyon & Crane
The Paragon #03-09
290 Orchard Road
Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 9727 5121
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard MRT

Our favourite Fresh Fruits Lab (FFL) is back at it again. They have opened a second cafe—Fresh Fruits Lab Z Edition—in Clementi just behind NUS.

The new outlet is nothing short of amazing. Just like their previous branch, they stick to the core of incorporating fruits into their menu as much as possible, being kid-friendly, and serving up absolutely delicious food at even more reasonable prices than before.

We already know what’s great at their first branch, so what is it about The Z Edition that makes it fantastic? A bouncy castle for kids during the weekends! And on top of that, there are some tweaks to the menu and here is everything we love.

From now until 30 Nov 2018, kids below 8 dine for free during weekends at Fresh Fruits Lab Z when you quote ‘ladyironchef’. Every order of a main course comes with a complimentary kid’s main (from the kids’ menu).

Calling all mommies: this is also the next brunch spot you must bring your kids to for a jolly good time!

BANGING APPETISERS

Just like before, FFL serves their signature cold-pressed juices in a small test tube for you to sample, and in an adorable beaker should you order the full-size ones (averagely S$5 per glass).

We ordered the Spam Fries (S$8) as well as the Golden Brown Chicken Wings (S$8)—both served with homemade sweet chilli sauce.

The chicken wings had a lovely crispy skin that readily soaked up sweet garlic taste of the chilli. It was well seasoned down to the bone, and juicy without being oily. The light batter coating the spam fries also had an interesting texture to it, that provided a pleasant contrast between it and the soft spam inside. Despite being deep fried, it wasn’t greasy at all.

VALUE-FOR-MONEY MAINS

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. The Classic British Fish and Chips (S$12) is our all-time favourite main at FFL.

As plain and boring as it sounds, the portion size is massive, and the fish remains firm, flaky and delicately soft, encrusted by a thin layer of white ale batter. Their homemade tartar sauce boasts a slight spice to it that made the whole dish even more enjoyable. As if the generous serving is not filling enough, it comes with a side of fruit salad and truffle fries.

Another main to try is the FFL Baked Rice (S$9). The rice is cooked in buttermilk before being baked with a layer of mozzarella cheese, and it is pleasantly cheesy without being cloying or heavy. With bacon, chicken ham and mushrooms in it, kids are bound to love this dish of baked rice for sure!

The Grilled Pork Loin (S$15) is also a chef’s recommendation. Tender, thick and juicy, each morsel was a delight in itself to eat.

Served with mashed potatoes, eggplant pesto and green zucchini, the flavours intermingled with one another to highlight and emphasize the natural sweetness of the meat. It also comes along with pesto mayo sauce and apple chutney that helped to change up the flavour profile as we ate it.

Cafes are usually not known for their steaks, but FFL’s Angus Rib Eye (S$22) is definitely worth its price. It is a genuine 250gm of Angus ribeye that’s tender and soft, with the perfect amount of chew before easily sliding down your throat.

We loved how with every chew it released more of that beef flavour we all know and love, which melded well with their brown sauce that was slightly sweeter than the typical chargrill or mushroom sauce.

We also enjoyed their Cajun Chicken (S$10), which is really a simple yet comforting roasted cajun chicken served with grilled vegetables, sweet corn and mashed potatoes.

BITE-SIZED FUN FOR THE KIDS

Just like their first branch, FFL aims to cater to the entire family. Treat your kids to deliciously adorable meals such as FFL’s Teddy The Daddy (S$8), Little Miss Koala (S$8) or Chicken Little (S$10).

Their kids’ menu is prepared with less salt, without compromising on any of the other flavours for the children to enjoy. That is, if they’re willing to cut into something so cute.

From now until 30 Nov 2018, kids below 8 dine for free during weekends at Fresh Fruits Lab Z when you quote ‘ladyironchef’. Every order of a main course comes with a complimentary kid’s main (from the kids’ menu).

They also offer cake decorating to allow your kids to have a hand at crafting their own desserts. Choose from a range of their signature and have your children’s creativity flow from the tip of their chocolate pens.

For those kids that just can’t sit still, there’s a bouncy castle out in their backyard—set up at Fresh Fruits Lab Z on weekends. Boy, won’t the kids get so excited about this!

Your kids will absolutely love the bouncy castle where they can bounce and run back and forth. Fresh Fruits Lab Z Edition is the perfect place for parents to kick back and relax with good food while their children entertain themselves.

During lunch hours from 12pm to 3pm (except on public holidays), FFL offers a set menu consisting of a drink, salad and main for only S$10.90++.

For the alcoholics, you’d also be glad to know they have daily beer promotions. The most bang for the buck ones being Wednesdays for students, with beer towers at only S$39 (U.p. S$49–53), and Fridays with two towers going for S$89! Worth it!

Fresh Fruits Lab – The Z Edition
28 Clementi Road
Singapore 129754
Tel: +65 6803 7472
(Closed on Mondays)
Tues to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat & Sun: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Kent Ridge

Fresh Fruits Lab
351 Changi Rd, Singapore 419818
Tel: +65 6677 6741
Tue to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/ Kembangan

This post was brought to you by Fresh Fruits Lab.

Located just a stone’s throw away from Newton MRT Station, Daily Affairs is a humble, non-pretentious cafe that serves up comforting nosh with a side of good vibes. The place is dimly lit but it brings a warm and cosy feeling, making it a great place for a nice and quiet chitchat session with your friends and family.

The cafe prides themselves on using fresh herbs that they grow in their own backyard—something not commonly seen in most cafes. The food served here is really affordable, is of great quality and is actually pretty darn heartwarming.

First up on our table was the Roasted Pork Belly With Rice (S$9.90). It is on their daily set lunch menu–which changes each day–and it comes with a soup of the day along with your choice of either coffee or tea.

Boasting tender, succulent meat and crispy crackling, it was the epitome of good roasted pork belly and it definitely had us hooked. The addition of a perfectly poached egg just added more flavour and a heightened richness to the whole dish.

Next came the Modern Caesar Salad (S$8), which was really vibrant, fresh-tasting and unique.

Just like a normal caesar salad, this one came with a fair amount of romaine lettuce and tomatoes, but what caught our attention was that they replaced the croutons with fritter dough—or youtiao as locals may know it as. It added a nice crunch to the whole dish and the addition of a 65-degree egg just brought everything together nicely.

Of course, nothing beats their 8-Hour Braised Beef (S$16) when it comes to flavour and comfort all rolled out into a single plate. Marinated in aged Hua Diao Wine and served with a side of mashed potato and field greens, this dish packs a punch with all the different flavours combined.

Although the meat was not as fork-tender as we expected it to be, we were definitely blown away by the special brown sauce that was rich but not too greasy.

Their Unagi Donburi (S$16.50) comes with a sous vide-cooked egg, along with cucumber slices and pickled ginger that adds a refreshing taste to the whole dish.

They were really generous with the portion of the unagi and we liked that it was soft and pleasant on the palate. The eel was well coated with their special homemade tare sauce and it was topped with sesame seeds that added a fragrant touch to the whole dish.

Daily Affairs
1 Anthony Road
Cairnhill Community Club
Singapore 229944
Tel: +65 6262 4342
Mon to Sat: 11am – 10pm
Sun: 8am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Newton