Strangers Reunion

Before we headed to Tanjor Pagar Railway station for Motor Heritage Day, we stopped by Strangers Reunion for brunch.

It was not yet noon and the café was already packed with the hungry Sunday crowd, among whom were mostly groups of casually dressed 20- and 30- something, a few couples and families. The owner has made good use out of every corner of the shop front by setting up bar stools and a high table by the window and arranging tables closely together. The bright lighting, the high ceiling and the off-white walls managed to keep it from being claustrophobic. The fresh daisies on the benches and the Chinese ink paintings were definitely nice touches.

The cappuccino was presented with a cute latte art. The foam was creamy and thick and the coffee was rich and full-bodied without too much acidity. While I enjoyed the flavour of the coffee, it was not hot enough! My first sip was almost lukewarm. Otherwise it would have made me a much happier customer.

The buttermilk waffle was very crunchy and crumbled as I cut through it. Although a bit too dry, it absorbed the sweet and aromatic maple syrup like a sponge. 

W ordered the ham and goat cheese omelette on ciabatta. The ham tasted like nothing more than the apple baked ham from the supermarket deli and there was so little goat cheese it was barely noticeable. I loved the tangy salsa on the top, which added contrasting flavour and texture to the egg. 

It felt very comfortable and homey here at Strangers Reunion. Even the waiting staff gave out the wrong food more than once, they were all quite friendly. While the food was just average, their coffee was definitely worth a try.

Strangers Reunion
33/35/37 Kampong bahru Road

Chock Full of Beans

It is said that 早餐食得多，午餐食得好，晚餐食得少. To follow that I reckon brunch should be good food in abundance! 

I first found out about Chock Full of Beans from a photo posted on Facebook by a colleague so I was looking forward to trying their coffee on that Saturday morning. Tucked away at the corner of Changi Village, their shopfront was small and cosy and most seating was alfresco. The tables were quite close to each other and there was not a single empty seat when we arrived, which was a prove of the popularity of this coffee joint.

They are very creative with their coffee art and were most accommodating when I asked for Totoro on my cappuccino! Not only did I enjoy the presentation, but also the coffee itself. It was delicious and creamy and the foam was soft and smooth. I was drinking it with much unnecessary caution so not to disturb the pattern until the end :P 

It was definitely the best cappuccino I have had in Singapore.

The iced latte was also skilfully decorated with a beautiful coffee art. It was a tasty drink on a hot summer day without being too syrupy.

Chock Full of Big Breakfast was their take of the full English breakfast. Scrambled egg was soft without being overcooked, served with thick multigrain bread that had been slightly toasted. W enjoyed the crispy bacon but the chicken sausages were a bit bland in comparison. 

Bagel and cream cheese is always a winning combo. The bagel was doughy and dense and the sesame crust was crispy.  

I was feeling greedy when I ordered the brûlée French toast served with peach, maple syrup and whipped cream with seasonal mixed fruits. The thick, golden-crusted toast absorbed the goodness of the syrup like a sponge and the almond slivers added the much needed crunch. 

From the coffee and the coffee art to the relaxing environment and friendly staff, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal at CFOB. I could only wish it was closer to my home.

Chock Full of Beans
#01-2090, Block 4, Changi Village Road

While waiting for our table we had the opportunity to wander around the neighbourhood of the Changi Village. Among the bike shops, bakeries and restaurant was a small café selling pastries and puffs. The menu was limited but the mango crêpe that we tried was surprisingly tasty. Filled with fresh mango pieces and whipped cream, it was soft and fresh with just the right amount of sweetness. We liked it so much that we have already become returned customers!

Crêpe & Puffs
#01-2080, Block 4, Changi Village Road

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.