Au Chocolat & The Art of the Brick

This year my birthday fell on the first day of Chinese New Year. Many of my friends were away in their Malaysian home towns while others were spending the holidays with their relatives. A Timbre party like last year seemed impossible, the day was quietly but pleasantly spent at Marina Bay Sands. 

First stop was brunch at Au Chocolat, a French inspired bistro occupying a large corner above the skating rink. Separated from the dining area was a confiserie selling all kinds of sweet treats, sliced cakes, gelati and merchandise. 

The charmingly decorated dining area

A train circling the shop on a suspended rail!

An excited crowd gathering in front of the café enjoying the lion dance

I ordered cappuccino while W ordered ice latte.

My coffee was not as rich as I'd like and the foam was not thick enough. 

Chicken dumpling in a consommé.

Not sure if the dumplings were Chinese-inspired but the pastry tasted very much like wanton skin! It was nice but not exactly what we would have ordered if it was not part of the set lunch. 

Pork belly with mash potato and garden vegetables.

The skin was crispy and the meat nicely seasoned without being too salty. The mash potato was silky smooth. Of course the boy complained about the small serving!

It took me some time to pick from the numerous desserts and I decided on the stuffed French toast. The cornflakes-coated brioche was extra crunchy and was covered with creamy mascarpone, a generous amount of refreshing berries and chocolate sauce. It was an indulgence for my sweet tooth!

Offering a wide variety of desserts and all-day breakfast, Au Chocolat is an obvious spot for brunch or afternoon tea. It has a whimsical atmosphere and waiters were attentive. Alternatives such as savoury crêpe, burger and meat dishes are also in the menu but obviously not their forte. I would not mind returning to sample their cakes next time!

Au Chocolat

Bay Level L1-03,

The Shopped at Marina Bay Sands

As a birthday treat W also took me to see the exhibition The Art of the Brick. It features sculptures and mosaics portraits made by Nathan Sawaya with nothing more than Lego bricks (and perhaps a bit of his specially-formulated glue) He is one of the thirteen Lego Professors and rightfully so. It was a spectacular exhibition for Lego fans of all ages.