Iced T

Tired of the same sweet bottled beverages you can find in convenience stores, or the saccharine-loaded teas soaked in cheap milk-flavoured powder? Not that they’re not enjoyable (I’d like an Arizona I C E D Tea once in a while), but I guess we should be mindful of what we putin us, especially since we’re here doing food reviews.

Cafe Yellow

In the town (where I was kind of born), at the far end of the second floor of Millenia Walk, sits a Citroen van that’s painted the brightest of yellow. Together with We The People (the Kickstarter products store), the aptly visually-named Cafe Yellow is a simple get-up that serves naturally-flavoured teas that are no added sugar.

Some of my favourites from their cold brew tea series are the mango sticky rice flavor with strong coconut hints reminding you of the markets of Bangkok, and the Hojicha with a fragrant malty taste reminiscent of the temples of Kyoto. For you caffeine junkies, they also serve Nitro cold brew coffee (seeing a trend here)!

Oh, did I mention that Cafe Yellow also run by the loveliest동생 ever, Sohee?

Happy Chuseok! #Korean #autumn_festival 즐거운 추석 보내세요 #cafeyellow #cafe#coffee #추석

A post shared by Cafe Yellow (@cafeyellow_sohee) on Oct 3, 2017 at 6:30am PDT

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”3.5″]
Ever since the previous anchor (Harvey Norman) moved out, it’s pretty quiet on the second floor of Millenia Walk, so you don’t really notice it so much.

Price: [star rating=”3.5″]
At $5-7 per drink, it’s pretty reasonable, and you get a nice ambiance away from the buzz. #protip: It’s a good hiding place when you need to rest from visiting the many conventions at nearby Suntec City Convention Center.

Quality: [star rating=”4″]
It’s a simple variety of beverages, but they all taste fresh and wholesome, none of that overtly sweetened syrups!

Overall: [star rating=”3.5″]
Decent teas and a nice view (with pretty owner as a bonus)? We could drop by every time we’re in the area!

More Information

Cafe Yellow
Level 2, Millenia Walk
9 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039596
Tel: 9233 0627
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At no time are we ever in such complete possession of a journey, down to its last nook and cranny, as when we are busy with preparations for it. After that, there remains only the journey itself, which is nothing but the process through which we lose our ownership of it. – Yukio Mishima

EDIT JUL 2020: Nook & Cranny are closed till further notice.

So not that long ago I saw this on my Facebook timeline:

I decided to try my luck (some of the answers were pretty good guesses, like pistachio) and lo behold, I was right! So off I went to get a taste of this unusual concoction…

Nook & Cranny

Started in 2015 by part of nookedmag.com, Nook & Cranny is well, literally in its namesake along Sin Ming Road, more popularly known for roti prata and Udders ice cream. Situated at Thomson V One, it is easy to miss it if you’re not looking. Despite that, it’s actually not difficult to reach, with Marymount MRT Station just a couple bus stops out, or a 10 minutes walk.

The interior’s nothing much to yell about, but it feels spacious and cosy despite the area not actually being really big; the biggest table at the al-fresco area is good enough for 8-10 people, although I’m sure they will be happy to accommodate.

The menu also exudes the cosiness and down-to-earth concept of the cafe design. The Truffle Mac & Cheese, topped with a soft boiled egg and the Chicken Bleu (Chicken Cordon Bleu), served on a bed of orzo rice pasta (it feels like rice but tastes like pasta!), are all comfort and zero nonsense. Also check out their signature “Nook Wings” that’s battered with a *secret* recipe and served with a generous amount of BBQ sauce dip!

Other items on the menu that you should check out as well include the Salmon Benedict, and their waffles & ice cream, just to name a couple.

See you Latte

The star and main purpose of my visit, the Pandan Latte, was an interesting spin. Kind of reminds me of eating ondeh-ondeh, a traditional snack in Southeast Asia, with some hints of nasi lemak. However for now it remains a one-time special, as the guys at Nook & Cranny are refining the drink for a comeback (hopefully soon!).

In the meantime, check out their signature drinks like the matcha latte and signature hot chocolate! Perfect for a pit stop in the afternoon or to wind down the evening if you’re that sort of coffee drinker like me (having coffee at night but still managing to sleep).

Recently, they’ve also won the 2017 Singapore AeroPress Championship held at the Singapore Coffee Festival 2017. You know they’re up to some good brews when their barista’s award-winning!

 

Hoppy Monday! Hop on over to our cozy space for a cuppa matcha latte! we’ve heard stories how even a hot weather can’t stop you for having our signature matcha latte try them out for yourselves and let us know what you think by tagging us @nookandcranny.sg #nookandcrannysg || We love you a matcha! : via @aashkkoon

A post shared by Nook & Cranny (@nookandcranny.sg) on Feb 19, 2017 at 11:43pm PST

 

it’s Thursday! spend your evening here with us, chat over with friends and colleagues with our signature hot chocolate! tag us @nookandcranny.sg #nookandcrannysg

A post shared by Nook & Cranny (@nookandcranny.sg) on Mar 1, 2017 at 10:11pm PST

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
Hidden from street view, and before the Thomson-East Coast MRT line comes, you will definitely need to do some legwork to find Nook & Cranny, in a nook and cranny. There’s ample parking available in the complex though.

Price: [star rating=”3.5″]
Mains and drinks set us back about $50, which puts it in a slightly upper range but still decently priced.

Quality: [star rating=”4.5″]
The food here is not complicated, and servings are comfortably adequate. You can also feel the freshness in their beverage as they prepare them fresh too.

Overall: [star rating=”4″]
A nice hideaway in what is more famous as a favourite supper area, you can cosy up and spend hours here to get your fill of nice food and drinks!

More Information

For the whole month of August, celebrate their first birthday by enjoying a 2nd main course at 50% off!

Nook & Cranny
9 Sin Ming Road
#01-03
Thomson V One
Singapore 575630
Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12:00pm to 10:00pm, CLOSED TUESDAYS
Fri: 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Sat: 11:00am to 11:00pm
Sun: 11:00am to 10:00pm
Reservations: 6452 7449 or info@nookmag.com
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The post [CLOSED] Nook & Cranny Review – Pardon the Pan(dan) appeared first on You Otter Go There.

The way you make an omelet reveals your character. – Anthony Bourdain

UPDATE JUL 2020: Pecori, along with the entire Liang Court, has closed. The mall is undergoing redevelopment.

Liang Court to many *cough* youths of my age used to be associated with the 24hrs MacDonald’s at the first floor (which has since been replaced with a food court instead) that you go to for cheap calories before a night of parties. But relatively unbeknownst to many, there is actually a Japanese enclave with a wide selection of F&B options. From premium nigiri sushi to croquettes and curries, there’s something for everyone and their wallets.

Natalie Wang

Poet. Debate specialist & coach. Makeup artist & beauty blogger. Natalie (@natwangthecat , and @natziwang) keeps herself busy with many activities. You should check out her adventures and short-lived love affairs with cats she encounters! But tonight, she brings me to her favourite spot to recharge with some of her comfort food: omu rice.

Pecori Japanese Egg Restaurant

Placed at a cosy corner of the cooked food section of Medi-Ya supermarket, Pecori specialises in, amongst other minor ones, Japanese omelette rice. While many are familiar (thanks to social media) the dramatic service style of Kyoto’s Kichi Kichi, they (Pecori) do it quietly and without much fanfare. Designed like a cutesy countryside cottage, the interior has very limited seating; most customers, including us) sit at the common tables in the area right in front.

With any purchase you get access to the all-you-can-eat salad and soup bar. Perfect for warming your poor soul, but why would you overeat and miss out on the star of the night? (edit: free access is only for dinner; a small top-up is applicable during lunch)

The mainstay of Pecori, the Japanese omu rice, is served with a variety of sauces and toppings (e.g. like a huge piece of tonkatsu, which I got). There’s no real favourite here, although the classic thing to order here is the demi-glace sauce with the beef stew. If you’re feeling for something a bit lighter, there’s the mushroom ankake sauce (kind of like a light clear soy sauced-based gravy). Underneath the fluffy omelettes lay an equally fluffy bed of stir-fried rice, and the generous portion will make sure you get your full $12++ worth of comfort! They also have other non-omu rice items on offer… but really?

Usually they also have a selection of dessert(s) to finish of the meal, such as this jiggly piece of Japanese pudding. According to Natalie, if you’re lucky you may even get their elusive chocolate cake!

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”3.5″]
It is pretty hidden from most mall visitors, but nonetheless it is a shopping mall. Natalie would disagree as virtually none of her friends even know this corner of the mall existed.

Price: [star rating=”3.5″]
Japanese food have always commanded a premium here. With prices starting from about $12, it is indeed quite dear. But in exchange you will get quality and freshness where it matters.

Quality: [star rating=”4.5″]
Portions are big and ingredients clearly look and taste fresh. Mmm those eggs…

Overall: [star rating=”4″]
Fancy some eggs, monsieur? Maybe come here before a long night ahead at Clarke Quay next time!

More Information

Pecori Japanese Egg Restaurant
177 River Valley Road
#B1-31
Liang Court
Singapore 179030
(Go down the ramp escalator to basement 1, and walk towards Medi-Ya supermarket and all the way across the cashier rows, not into the supermarket)
Tel: 8277 0959 (but you don’t really need it, they are open rain or shine)
Opening Hours: 11:00am to 10:00pm daily
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“Don’t count the days, make the days count.” – Muhammad Ali

Cheong Chin Nam Road is a popular supper place where most would associate with local fare, like Roti Prata, Teochew Porridge or Chicken Rice. There are even Korean BBQ restaurants now! But sitting in plain sight is a steakhouse that’s definitely punching above its own weight.

NOTE: Stirling Grill has changed to STIRLING STEAKS (website) and has relocated to 115 East Coast Road, all while still offering quality and affordable steaks. They even do wholesale and supply meats now!

Stirling Grill

Having been opened for a few years, Stirling Grill dutifully serves up charcoal-grilled meats and delicious desserts in a casual diner setting. The deliberately mismatched furniture and crockery, together with the colourful chalk drawings, emits that cosy ‘at home’ experience that owner Elwyn sets out to give to his customers. There’s both an indoor seated area (with a comfortable couch booth available for a bigger group) and an al-fresco area that screens football matches live sometimes!

What isn’t casual about the place though, is their steaks. Faithfully charcoal grilled, the meats retain more flavour and nutrients all while reducing all that oil and fats. What it results to is juicy, and tastier cuts of goodness! What surprised me was that the sirloin steak burger is in fact an full cut of sirloin, perfectly grilled to your liking, wedged between toasted burger buns! Usually you’d expect a minced beef patty (sometimes dubiously) labelled as Wagyu/Angus Ribeye/Sirloin, but Stirling decided to put their foot down to this disparity.

Thanks to the Entertainer app we managed to get a bigger portion of steak for less, so we didn’t manage to try the other specialties of theirs that are well-raved online: the Crispy King Salmon and stirling sliders, good for a quick bite with a pint from their selection of beer, including Archipelago Beer on tap!

We’re not done yet after the main course! Stirling also serves a good selection of ice cream (yummy) and other desserts also served in-house by their sister brand DessertSplash. Don’t you find that holy union of a belgian waffle, ice cream AND a cone tantalising?

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”4″]
What used to be a relatively remote enclave for the west is now made more convenient with the Downtown Line, but the diner remains quaint amongst the hustle and bustle in the Cheong Chin Nam Road supper scene.

Price: [star rating=”4″]
Be prepared for a premium, but the prices here are still affordable for the quality of meat you are served. It helped that we got the Entertainer app too. Best if you go in a small group so that you can try more of their signatures!

Quality: [star rating=”4.5″]
Quality without compromise, at least that was what I felt. Good progress in his business will only help motivate the team to do even better!

Overall: [star rating=”4.5″]
Looking to wind down without breaking the bank, but still want some good meat and beer at that? Try this place out.

More Information

Stirling Grill (aka Stirling Bar & Grill)

15 Cheong Chin Nam Rd
Singapore 599739
(Nearest MRT: Beauty World)
Reservations: (65) 97882583
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I’ll have another beer, I’m not driving – Father Theodore, Trappist Monk

UPDATE JUL 2020 – Growler’s has closed.

Craft beer in Singapore is still a pretty new scene, so while there are quite a few bars in the Central Business District, it’s quite uncommon to have one beyond the city boundaries. So when I heard of one in the Macpherson/Potong Pasir area, I knew I had to go there one day.

My memory of Tai Thong Crescent is pretty fuzzy as it has been really long since I’ve really gone there. ever since the old Jackson Center with its delicious ngo hiang (that has moved to an adjacent coffeeshop) was torn down. So to arrive there to see the iconic jagged edge facade replaced with swanky new condominium blocks was kind of melancholic. Not to mention it was still drizzling when I was there.

Growler’s Craft Beer & Bistro

Opened just a few months back in February 2017, the bar’s concept is eponymous: apart from taking a (cold) pint at the bar after work, you get to buy a full growler (basically a big glass/metal beer bottle; usually 1-2 litres but this one here is 2 litres) worth of golden goodness home if you want to. So just a couple weekends ago they just had their grand opening, and boy was it a blast! Placed along row of shophouse units across where Jackson Centre used to be, it’s a minutes stroll from Potong Pasir. Don’t bother driving here because of 1) lack of parking and 2) don’t drink and drive (important!!!)

I didn’t get to try their regular menu when I arrived as only bar bites (free throughout!) were available (only to be opened later into the night but I was already so stuffed). I did however get enough of beer to make my trip worthwhile though. In between platefuls of sweet potato fries and chicken wings (rather good!), a beer on a rainy evening doesn’t seem like a bad idea at all. Speaking which, they have a curation of beers on tap and in bottles; currently they serve beers from local brewery Circa 7 on tap, and I do recall they switch it up now and then. So check their Facebook page for updates! In the meantime, enjoy ice-cold favourites like the Working People’s Golden IPA and Pursuit of Hoppiness IPA; or if you’re not into heavy beers, the Bohemian Pilsner. Definitely refreshing and suitable for Singapore’s warm humid climate!

We did manage to order the salted egg yolk chicken burger at the end for a hungry latecomer and yes as seen on the photos, it’s pretty big and filling, yum!

Special mention: sick jell-o shots bruh!

More Information

Growlers Craft Beer & Bistro
37 Tai Thong Crescent
Singapore 347862
Reservations: 83539572
Opening Hours: 11:30am to 11.00pm (12:00am on Fri/Sat)

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Update: Mum’s Recipe Nonya Laksa is back open! At their original location, but newly renovated!

This post will be the first of a new series of my new workplace #hitwTaiSeng.

Just a mention about laksa to just about anyone in Singapore will stir up a heated discussion (pun intended) on cultural authenticity; which stall/shop gets it and which stir up mass-produced modern versions. If there’s anybody brazen enough to blatantly ignore traditional ‘guidelines’ and STILL call themselves authentic, it’ll surely kick the hornet’s nest (and trust me, they usually don’t last).

Mum’s Recipe Nonya Laksa

The thing about food in Singapore is that it always has some degree of social connotations. Like how owner Leslie Chua recounts, this recipe which his mum had learnt from a nonya neighbour and eventually got the whole kampung (village) into her cooking every Sunday brunch (it’s common for everyone’s house to be ‘open house’ 24/7 in a kampung). In his words:

The laksa was an instant a hit with everyone! After that, laksa became the most requested item at our weekly Sunday brunch fest, followed by popiah.

One of the first things you notice when you arrive at the stall nested in a coffee shop along Macpherson Road is a huge metal pot with a brick charcoal stove to keep the gravy inside warm, reminiscent of the old days.

In true perenakan style, the serving is simple: generous amounts of (peeled) prawns, fresh cockles (optional), and fish cakes. In the kampung days, there were no ‘holy grails’ of what to put in a nonya laksa; whatever you can get, it goes in. Hence, you will see different versions of the same dish all over Singapore and Malaysia. One common feature though, is the preference of short strands of rice vermicelli that if you wanted to, can be eaten with just a spoon. The curry itself is not that spicy, and tastes rich and creamy with all that coconut mmm-milk goodness. For those with iron-clad tongues that just love copious heaps of chilli in everything you eat, you can add dollops of red chilli paste and finely chopping laksa leaves to taste.

…and remember! You don’t waste even a single drop of that glorious laksa curry! You can definitely tell that the customers enjoy it when every bowl is almost-literally licked clean!

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
Situated some distance away from any semblance of a MRT station, it is best accessed by bus or walking (if you’re in the area)

Price: [star rating=”5″]
$4.50 for a bowl of laksa with generous toppings (just look at the pictures yo)? Sign me up!

Quality: [star rating=”4″]
The taste of the curry is rich enough, and ingredients fresh. I preferred it to be a bit more piping hot though. I’ve also added a good amount of chilli for some more oomph and it was W-O-R-T-H!

Overall: [star rating=”4.5″]
Reminds you of mum, it will… no seriously take the chance to go hug your mum

More Information

Mum’s Recipe Nonya Laksa
458 MacPherson Rd
Singapore 368176
Tel: 9865 8616 (advanced orders available)
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Young hawkers have, at least for the last few years, became the mark of innovation in what is already one in SIngapore (food hawker culture). With a new enterprising approach to a bold career path that many generations of Singaporeans have taken, they seek to stir the pot and (definitely will) bring about new flavours. I will of course from time to time, #supportlocal and regularly feature these brave vanguards of food culture.

Ted’s Kitchen

The good thing about starting off as a food hawker outweighs the perceived lack of prestige; a smaller overhead means flexibility to explore operationally and creatively, and generally mature as a food entrepreneur. Just being opened for less than 2 weeks at the time of visiting, Ted’s kitchen is one such outfit that serves food with gusto. Chef Thad, the young owner, had a wish to serve quality western food at pocket friendly prices after graduating from the prestigious Enderun Colleges. At first thought, being situated in a industrial estate’s local kopitiam may not be the ideal starting point; but it does keep Ted’s life a bit more secure as compared to opening shop in some hipster district in town or *worse* a shopping mall.

Food-wise, Ted’s keeps it simple: get a pasta (just spaghetti for now) with your choice of style, add some meat for just $7! Then, get yourself some nice sides like cheese fries or their signature chicken wings to snack along!

The star of Ted’s is their chicken cutlet: coated with a light batter and deep-fried perfectly, golden brown, to lock in flavours of the chicken thigh, and it was delightfully juicy. At the end, I wolfed the entire cutlet down not having the ‘jelat’ (cloyed for you non-Singlish speakers) as it was not crusted excessively with flour and not overtly salty. The pasta (I got it aglio olio style) was also served al-dente and does not fight for attention with the protein. The serving size is also very generous, which Chef Thad says is a hit with the blue collar workers that have grown a following to his cooking.

For good measure we also got the carbonara pasta with turkey ham to try out. The flavour was wholesome, although the consistency was a wee bit runnier than what you’d usually get at Italian restaurants. To that, Chef Thad says he’s working on perfecting his sauce and we can all expect more from him!

In fact, over the week his business has built up so much, now he has to install a queue system and extended his service hours!

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
The kopitiam they’re in is indeed quite out of the way (a 7-10 minute stroll from Paya Lebar MRT station) and nondescript so yes, 5 stars to that.

Price: [star rating=”4.5″]
$7 does give you more than enough to fill your tummy! Don’t let the size of the plate fool you, it’s a trap!

Quality: [star rating=”4″]
As the chef fine-tunes and expands his already “solid” recipes, his existing menu like the cutlets won’t let you down (please get it)!

Overall: [star rating=”4.5″]
A new entrant to the unique western food hawker culture in Singapore, Ted’s is doing something right here, and it can only get better. I was already bugged to return for more, which I definitely will!

More Information
Ted’s Kitchen
30 Eunos Road 5
Singapore 400030
Operating hours (it varies so read here)
CLOSED ON MONDAYS
Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 11:30am to 3:00pm
Thursdays & Fridays: 11:30am to 8:00pm
Saturdays: 11:30am to 9:00pm
Sundays: 11:30am to 5:00pm
Email (orders in advance available): tedskitchensg@gmail.com
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I’m a Happy Camper

Working, or just simply hanging around the Clarke Quay area is a great thing actually; you get spoilt for choice from budget noodles to atas noodles (ramen) or even atas satay bars depending on your mood and budget. Speaking about bars though…

Teepee Bar & Restaurant

Opened in December 2016 amongst the budding local boutique bar scene, Teepee Bar & Restaurant sets out to be a hidden abode for tired souls by day and by night, after an in tents day at work, geddit? It feels like a slight twist to the Melbourne cafe scene where it’s also a fully functional bar, and a more than decent one at that!

The setup and fare is what you’d expect from a boutique restaurant/bar: Slim outfit but cosy, simple food but not lacking substance. To even reach the entrance of the bar, you have to first locate the nondescript address and walk down an equally nondescript corridor before you finally see their signboard, which is still further past another doorway. Comfortable wooden stools and leather couch seats pepper the dining floor, and you also see their namesake (a teepee) hung up behind the bar counter.

It was a hot afternoon (surprise surprise) so the first thought was to get a drink, like their signature Earl Grey infused Gin & Tonic. Feeling you need a perk me up instead? There’s a good menu of coffee, like the lychee affogato up and ready for you too!

At their recommendation, I got myself the buttermilk fried chicken burger, and a side of their signature pork belly buns (kong4 ba4 bao1; 扣肉包), while my lunch partner got the wagyu beef bowl, another signature menu item. I got to say, the small outfit does not stop them from dishing out scrumptious and generous meals like these. The beef bowl for example has a copious amount of beef done just perfect medium rare, and topped with a marvelously prepared onsen egg. Did I also mention that their fries are done just right?

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
Like when their more well-known neighbour bar and another signboard-less cafe along Hongkong Street started out, you probably will not be able to locate them at first glance.

Price: [star rating=”4″]
It’s definitely not the cheapest option in Clarke Quay, but i definitely felt full after!

Quality: [star rating=”4.5″]
Food is made with fresh ingredients and meats are well-seasoned (and battered). Did I already say that their fries are good?

Overall: [star rating=”4″]
It’s perfect as a hideout regardless of the time of day, be it from the office hustle or the after-work party bustle. I am told it gets pretty crowded at night though so be prepared!

More Information

Teepee Bar & Restaurant
31 Hong Kong Street
#01-02 Singapore 059670
(just walk through the doorway and down the corridor at the first floor)
Phone: 6225 0025
Email: hola@teepee.com.sg
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“I am a coffee fanatic. Once you go to proper coffee, you can’t go back. You cannot go back.”

– Hugh Laurie

UPDATE: VXX has closed.

As recent as 2010, Singapore was hit by a wave of artisan coffee houses, stemming from the Melbourne café scene that has pretty much took over the whole world. It’s no doubt that Singaporeans will always crave for better quality, and will jump on the first available choice AND be more than willing to shell out a premium. However it still remains a cut-throat arena; out of the 391 cafes that opened in 2014, at least a quarter of them didn’t make the cut since. That’s a lot of coffee going both ways!

Also, I personally observe that a lot of these cafés popping up like rabbits aren’t really that serious about the literal meaning of a café; well, the coffee.

Stephanie Phua (Duo Studio)

Stephanie of Duo Studio sought out to disprove that by bringing me to a relatively new coffeehouse in the vicinity of her agency, in Jalan Besar. Speaking of the area, it’s a really under-the-radar and eclectic enclave of coffeehouses and small restaurants!

Creative & advertising agencies similarly have a tough life over here, and she’s glad that she can find such a place just round the corner that not only is a good place to tune out/do work in peace, but also has a satisfying dining experience.

VXX Cooperative

Started by coffee connoisseurs and professionals Joy and Aslam, VXX Cooperative takes pride in their coffee-centric nature, which is evident in the curation of available roasted brews. With a mix of local favourites Nylon Coffee Roasters, Cloud Catcher Roastery (Malaysia), Koppi (Sweden) and Tim Wendelboe (Norway), it’s a special kind of heaven for serious coffee enthusiasts. Coupled with the strong experience of both former baristas themselves, Joy and Aslam are able to bring out the best of what are already among the best roasts in town.

If you wanted to know, “VXX” is something of sentimental value to Aslam, as it is the area code (520) of the district.

I’m a relatively technical person myself, and I love it when being explained to the facts and technical aspects of just about anything, especially food. This was exactly the experience I got; Joy was really patient and enthusiastic to introduce the profiles of the special brews on sale that day and I made an informed choice to get the Nacimiento by Tim Wendelboe. Served in a metal flask, it’s meant to be enjoyed slowly to allow the aromatics time to vaporise and give you an olfactory treat.

If any, their logo is a good representation of their culture: sharp but multi-directional curation. Located at 20 Foch Road, the interior is nicely spaced, minimalistic yet comfortable. The flowery floor tiles were probably because it used to be a dispensary back in the days. It’s not somewhere you’d want to have a 50 seats birthday party at, but like Stephanie, it’s a pretty good place if you want some peace and quiet. When you enter the shop’s front hall you’ll be greeted with a really large flat wooden table, possible with some coffee drips running on it. Take your pick with the merchandise just next to it too, when I was there, I saw some really good chocolate!

In fact, she got so comfy with the place that her coffee choices are simply picked for her and she does not have to worry about not enjoying whatever is served! Joy does not disappoint.

The food menu is something that constantly evolves, but keeps to their principle of serving simple food to a T. I do agree to not over-complicating your food as a café owner as it will rob the attention from the beverages, and turn you into one of those red-velvet-cake-eggs-benedict-please hipster cafés.

Opting for something balanced and light I’ve opted for the banana-walnut french toast, topped up with mascarpone cheese, berries and coffee custard. Stephanie (aka stooffi) got basically what she always orders: a beef chorizo bowl with shaved potatos and tomatoes, topped with a perfectly wobbly *jiggle* onsen egg. According to her this is the third iteration of the same dish, and it is rather different in terms of presentation and preparation style from the predecessors.

There are also several other interesting creations from breakfast items to full lunch menus. I heard the dessert is also to die for, so get them before they change the menu (yet again)!

At the time of writing both Rudi and Joy are taking part in the Singapore National Brewers Cup 2017, happening at Cafe Asia 2017 over at MBS this weekend! All the best!

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
Nondescript shopfront, minimalistic furniture, artisan food and beverages? Check!

Price: [star rating=”4″]
While you have to be prepared for some premium in prices, care is taken to prepare the food and (especially) coffee. You won’t feel shortchanged at all!

Quality: [star rating=”4.5″]
See above. Portions are just right regardless if you want a midday snack, or a hearty lunch.

Overall: [star rating=”4.5″]
Definitely a good local effort to bring quality coffee to the scene (a refreshing change in my opinion). They change up every 3-4 months to keep things fresh too, so you won’t get bored.

More Information

VXX Cooperative
20 Foch Road
Singapore 209261
Tel: 8720 0093
Opens daily 9:00am to 6:00pm
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The post [CLOSED]VXX Cooperative with Stephanie Phua (Duo Studio) appeared first on You Otter Go There.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

Audrey Hepburn

Beauty queens certainly don’t get it easy; from advocating various good causes, to maintaining their pristine image, it takes tenacity and confidence to perform their best and gun for a top spot in their respective pageants.

Stella Kae

Stella (Instagram) is no stranger to the world of beauty pageants, with 2 (TWO!) titles (Miss Singapore International 2011, Miss Singapore Chinatown 2012) to show for. Always game for an adventure whether its strutting down the runway or food-hunting, I brought her to another old haunt of mine when I used working in town, Guac & Go. Stella’s currently on the way to a brand new career, here’s wishing her a good 2017 and may her new year resolutions all come true!

Guac & Go

Started in 2014 by 2 young people with a serious guacamole addiction who were getting bored with the limited and otherwise bland avocado scene (cue cringe-worthy Christmas avocado jingle). To which, they decided to shake things up by adding a myriad of tasty ingredients such as cilantro, lemon, honey, chilli peppers and even mango. In their words, they managed to make guacamole taste AMAZING! Not only that, they also have many dishes jam packed with other superfoods such as kale and quinoa.

It’s a little tricky to find them for first timers, as they are situated at the back side of Maxwell Chambers; you will need to traverse through a short corridor just to get to their shopfront, or go through the back if you’re coming from the newly completed Tanjong Pagar Centre. Looking in beyond the tinted glass windows without much (unnecessary) fanfare, take a seat in the spacious and sparsely furnished interior as you decide whether you want to make your own bowl, or try one of their several creations. Their menu has been updated considerably since when I first visited but I feel that it has much more variety right now. For me, I ordered the Guac & Hummus bowl while Stella chose to DIY a salad (guacamole included of course) instead.

Guac & Go is also known for their smoothies; although we didn’t get to try them out, you should check out their interesting creations such as the Tropikale, berry, and (you guessed it!) avocado smoothies!

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”4″]
When they first opened, the on-going construction of the now-completed Tanjong Pagar Centre make their location inconspicuous. Now that the road has opened up again, hopefully more people will have an easier time finding them!

Price: [star rating=”3″]
Health food in Singapore unfortunately face a bit more premium than they’re supposed to, given that you mainly serve fresh produce in a comfortable setting which commands a higher rent by itself.

Quality: [star rating=”4″]
Food looks and taste fresh, and their guacamole is definitely worth its weight in (I would say avocado but) gold!

Overall: [star rating=”3.5″]
A decent find after all; some people may be put off by the over-saturation of ‘hipster’ health food-serving cafes, but who knows? You may deck your halls with their avocados one day.

More Information

Guac & Go
32 Maxwell Road #01-08
Maxwell Chambers
Singapore 069115
Tel: 6221 2117
Opening Hours: 7:30am to 5:00pm, Mondays to Fridays. Closed on weekends and public holidays.
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The post [CLOSED] Guac & Go (Guacamole) Review with Stella Kae appeared first on You Otter Go There.