Regent Hotel Weekend High Tea Buffet Review: Great Variety and Balance of the Sweet & Savoury

With the never-ending cafes and afternoon tea places sprouting up in Singapore, the Tea Lounge at Regent Singapore seems to be able to sustain its influx of customers. Apparently, while I was at Regent for a function in December 2015, the Tea Lounge was filled with a throng of Singaporean families, tai tais, expatriates and tourists. When my mum and I decided to visit the next Saturday, their host told me the restaurant was full.

“Wow, it’s so popular?” My mum asked after I told her I was rejected.

“Maybe it’s the school holidays?” I replied.

Thankfully, we managed to return during the Chinese New Year period and it was not as crowded as before. We were “kiasu” and made a reservation one week ahead for the second seating, which is from 3pm to 5.30pm.

Upon approaching towards the Tea Lounge that converts into a cocktail bar for dinner functions, you’d be greeted by a pianist playing jazzy and familiar classic tunes and the restaurant’s elegant, yet welcoming atmosphere.

We were given a choice of two drinks each – either tea or coffee. I was immediately impressed by their diverse range of teas, from flower, to spiced and green teas. The teas also seem to be of premium quality and specially-sourced; I have never come across decaffeinated English Breakfast!

There were also other kinds of decaffeinated teas for the early owls, who’d want to have a good night’s rest!

After ordering my choice of drinks, I scrambled off to take some food. Me being the ultimate sweet-tooth first attacked the sweet department, of course!

There were sooooo many pretty slices of cakes, such as Hazelnut, Rainbow, Spice Rich Chocolate cake, Eclairs, Macarons, and Fruit Tarts to choose from! And then I got distracted by these…

This has gotta be every dessert lover’s dream come true! Waffles, Scones, Churros AND Pancakes…

All that’s missing is a Crepe station!

Am I asking too much? The buffet at Wynn Las Vegas has spoiled me too much heehee…

Based on my memorable afternoon tea experience at the Peninsula Hong Kong,  I was only given Strawberry Jam for the scones even though I secretly preferred Raspberry. My mum, who was more vocal about her dismay, asked for some Marmalade and the waiters complied to her request.

Therefore, I like how the Tea Lounge provides such a great assortment of ingredients for customers to DIY their dessert, including crumbles, icing sugar, and sauces like Raspberry, Chocolate, Vanilla and Maple Syrup. Besides the mandatory Clotted Cream, were also Lemon Curd, and Strawberry, Passion fruit and Vanilla, Raspberry Jams to choose for their Scones – wonderful for both the picky and adventurous foodies!

They even had Raspberry Sorbet and Fromage Blanc Ice Cream, where the latter is made out of cheese from France! Do I spot some Vanilla bean in there?

I was a bit turned off by the amount of ice creams left though. These were probably the leftovers from the previous seating at 12pm.

Tea Lounge also offers old-school Nonya desserts to relive my childhood days! Too bad their Ang Ku Kuehs were filled with Mung bean; I prefer mine with Peanut.

Cheng Teng can be a saviour for those who do not want to indulge in Western pastries, but still want to instill sweetness in their life. However, I felt the soup to be rather diluted with that huge chunk of ice, occupying more than half the tank! I felt like I was fishing for the ingredients that sank at the bottom.

After my first round of sweets, I moved onto the appetisers and other savouries, which occupied two-thirds of the buffet.

There were four Salad bowls, such as Duck, Mussel, and Tomato and Mozzarella Salads for the Vegetarians. A canapé and finger food section is also located behind them, consisting of wraps, European cheese, and not forgetting sandwiches like the classic Smoked Salmon and Egg and Cucumber Mimosa.

Everything looked so delicious and I was spoilt for choice! I wish I had five stomachs.

The European section expands even more over here: Scallop and Octopus Salads and Smoked fishes, including Smoked Beetroot Salmon, Scottish Smoked Salmon, Smoked Mackerel, Smoked Cajun Tuna, Salmon Mousse with Horseradish, and herbs.

I could not go past this section without taking some caviar! It’s also my first time seeing varying types on the same table. The orange Salmon Roe and Tobiko are usually seen in Japanese food!

I was also pleasantly surprised by the Dips that Tea Lounge has to offer; I liked their Hummus and Artichoke. The Tzatziki was a bit too creamy for my liking.

AND I found something interesting for all die-hard Truffle fans:

You could probably add the honey into your waffle. Tell me how it goes! Moving onto the drool-worthy Asian food counter… Yes this is NOT the end.

It is definitely the most popular amongst diners – even spotted a line at one point in time!

Local delights have never looked better.

The counter was filled with Spicy Chicken Wings, Char Siew Paus, Alaskan King Crab in Singapore Chili Sauce and Fried Man Tous, Chicken Satays, and Steamed Salted Egg Custard Buns.

All my weaknesses…

Nevertheless, what attracted me most was this thick gooey goodness – King Prawn Congee with Dry Scallop and Goji Berry.

I rarely have congee and when there’s King prawns and dried scallops in it, I am sold.

Common to traditional Chinese cuisine, dried scallops are known to add a distinct and dimension to any dish, like stir-fried broccoli, egg white fried rice, braised dishes and Chinese broths. I love mine in Chicken soups with dried shiitake mushrooms because it gives off a rich, salty and seafood flavour. And the bigger scallop, the better (and more expensive). I even regularly brought my own dried scallops to Australia so I could cook them in my soups! Say bye bye to MSG-laden stock cubes.

At the other end of the counter is the Carving Station, which comprises of all the proteins! I believe that there was Roasted Leg of Lamb and Confit Salmon in Olive Oil, which I did not have the opportunity to take!

We’d expect every buffet to have some sort of bread or savoury carbohydrates right? Don’t worry, Tea Lounge has got it covered.

There were varying Pies and Quiches.

And can you guess what this is?

I thought it was roasted pork from afar. And when I went for a closer look…

You’ll never guess it in a million years…

IT’S TOM YUM FOCCACIA, yup. The warm light is not doing any good too. It looks SO mouth-watering under it!

Even these Chicken Floss Buns are screaming at me to put them into my tummy.

Last but not least, we have the sushi section that looks a bit underwhelming…

But why stuff yourself with rice when you can have the rest of the yummy and not-so-ordinary food?

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RATING

Since it’s a buffet, I would focus on some of the more distinctive dishes:

Traditional Scones

Taste: 2/5

Oh man, I was looking forward to having this for a comparison taste test to the faultless ones at the Peninsula Hotel, Hong Kong.

And once again, I was right about Singapore’s scones – what a letdown. This is exactly what I mean when talking about unpalatable scones, and has immediately made it to the list of the “bad” scones I’ve had (TWG and Coffee Club are inside).

The texture was too dry and it did not give that airy, fluffy crumble when breaking it apart with my fingers like how it should. To be honest, I died a little bit inside. Seems like I have lost confidence in scones, yet again. Sigh. You can do better, Singapore.

King Prawn Congee with Dry Scallop and Goji Berry

Taste: 4.5/5

Being a fan of seafood, I am pleased with the sweetness of the broth, broiled with the King Prawns – to the extent of wondering if any sugar was added!

The addition of fried onions on top, and random bursts of sweetness from the goji berries made the congee made it even more comforting and tasty. I went for a second round of this.

Alaskan King Crab in Singapore Chili Sauce and Fried Man Tous

Taste: 4.5/5

This would have been full marks if the Fried Mantous were as crispy like Jumbo Seafood’s. However, the Tea Lounge has managed to perfect the signature Chili Crab Sauce! I love how the luscious shreds of Alaskan Crab supplemented the thick and not-overly-spicy sauce.

Very addictive. I finished the sauce like a soup – until there wasn’t a single drop left! (My mum witnessed my act of gluttony.)

On a side note, I suspect their Alaskan Chili Crab dish originates from Summer Palace restaurant upstairs. I have tried it previously and felt that it was too watery – not as thick and flavourful as I’ve liked it to be. Thankfully, the rendition served at Tea Lounge was a lot better – maybe because they kept it in the fridge overnight and the flavours started to set in, like how a curry or pho broth does.

Apparently, I gave into the Chicken Floss Bun and Tom Yum Foccacia, and I did not regret having them! They were absolutely DIVINE and I paired them with the Alaskan Crab in Singapore Chili Sauce.

Chicken Floss Bun

Taste: 4/5

Surprise, surprise! I haven’t had any Floss bun for a really long time (many years to be exact since I’ve been living in Australia), and while I was munching it, I discovered another layer of tasty floss.

I opened it up and wow!

I am not sure if all floss buns are like that, but it definitely makes the bun here more special! Floss bun foodies out there, please enlighten me on this.

Tom Yum Focaccia (Before & After).

Taste: 5/5

Pardon me for my messy eating, but I like all my breads to be soaked with spreads and sauces.

I know I am weird.

Nevertheless, the Foccacia is fluffy and each bite feels like a warm hug. The fried shallots and dried cherry tomato slices on top further adds a fresh local take on the quintessential Italian bread! Paired it with foie gras, artichoke dip, and the Chili Crab sauce and I magically ascended to heaven.

Another delightful surprise was my Cappuccino that came with latte art! This is one exceptional point that outshone Peninsula’s, as it was made by a coffee machine.

My fill of their salads and other appetisers.

BUNNY RECOMMENDS: Cappuccino, Rose Tea, King Prawn Congee, Chili Crab, Octopus Salad, Nonya Kueh, Tom Yum Focaccia, Mushroom Tart

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OVERALL RATING

Taste: 4/5 I daresay that this might be one of the top afternoon teas in Singapore. I like the range of their Western and Asian, and sweet and savoury offerings at $63++ and you could pick food that you fancy; many afternoons teas places like the Landing Point and Sheraton, which have a similar price point, serve their tea on a cake tier. I usually feel pressured to finish those finger food that I do not like. It is also a great occasion to treat yourself, and half of your meals for the day are settled!

Ambience: 4/5 Great mood set by the pianist. My mum enjoyed his repertoire of Mandarin and English melodies. The organisation of dishes was also flawless and ambience was enhanced by stunning flower centrepieces.

Something to be improved would be the arrangement of tables because we were half-seated under a staircase.

Service: 4/5

Frankly, I was a tad annoyed by the handling of reservations because one day before my actual booking, I was called by the hotel twice. However, as I was away, I called back the next morning to confirm my booking – only to have another person calling to confirm my reservation an hour later again. And the funny thing is that, the place was not even full when I was dining there. I was stumped by their miscommunication or what not.

During the buffet, all the chefs and waitresses were polite and approachable in general. The chef who helped me to take my servings of King Prawn congee thought I am a tourist and was amused by my lengthy photo-taking sessions around the restaurant (as usual).

I’ve met quite unfriendly reactions when I take photos of every crevice of a cafe, or restaurant, but this was a positive one. I had a good laugh when he had the notion that I was Japanese!

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Tea Lounge @ Regent Hotel Singapore

Address: 1 Cuscaden Rd, Singapore 249715
Phone: +65 6725 3245 / +65 6725 3246
Email: tealounge.rsn@fourseasons.com
Opening hours:
– Three-tier Afternoon Tea (Monday to Friday): 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
– High Tea Buffet (Saturday and Sunday):
12:00 – 2:30pm (first seating)
3:00 – 5:30 p.m. (second seating)

Reservations:
> Instant Online Reservation

Directions: The Regent is located in between Tanglin Mall and St. Regis. 

Nearest MRT would be Orchard, where you can walk 13-minutes towards Tanglin Mall for a little work out. If you prefer not to walk, you can take a bus 26 from opposite Four Seasons Hotel, or 103 opposite Orchard station.

 

Hopping out…
ANDREA THE #FOREVERHUNGRY BUNNY

 

 

Salt Grill and Sky Bar: Value-For-Money Set Lunch

Salt grill & Sky bar serves up contemporary Australian cuisine in a fashionable urban setting, high above the landscape of the bustling Orchard Road. Although it has been around since the opening of ION Orchard in 2009, this is my first time visiting! It was for a special occasion though – Valentine’s Day.

I’ve passed by the Salt Grill when I stayed at Hilton, Surfers Paradise, but it was deathly quiet, and food reviews of both Singapore and Surfers Paradise’s Salt were mediocre. My mum also emphasised that their food was horrible when she dined here several years back. Nevertheless, current food reviews looked positive so my date and I decided to give Salt a go for their 3-course lunch set priced at $49++.

To gain access to Salt, one has to arrive at their concierge on Level 4 of ION Orchard, and ride on a magical dark lift up to Level 55.

You would then immediately be greeted by their host, who brings you to your table.

The restaurant has a contemporary furnishing, boasting 6000 sq area and stunning ceiling to floor windows. We were seated at the far right corner of the restaurant, where it had a good bird’s-eye view of the Orchard and Bukit Timah neighbourhoods, as well as Keppel Bay seen ahead.

All the entrees listed looked delectable on paper, and the mains had a good range of meats and vegetables.

Not more than five minutes after we were seated, the starts were presented to us, and I was astonished by their variety! We couldn’t decide on which to dig into first.

Nevertheless, I reached out to dip my wholemeal bread into the extra virgin olive oil and Dukkah – a staple in the Aussie cuisine!

I was very excited to have it, because coincidentally, I was just replenishing my fill from scratch the day before. I usually make my own batch once every two months and use it as a seasoning each week for my cooking.

Their dukkah is made out of hazelnut, cumin, white sesame, while I used pistachios. Although it was a bit tasteless and lacks the aroma of spices that I’m used to, I polished it up anyway.

Assorted chips were also provided, including potato and sweet potato chips. I wasn’t sure what the black one was, but we avoided it because it  wasn’t very flavourful.

Could it be purple sweet potato?

For their final starter – radishes and hummus dip – they were fresh and radishes were crunchy. I particularly liked the idea of eating radishes straight from the stem… Felt like a bunny for a moment!

My date had the Baked Bone Marrow, Onion, Watercress and Garlic Toast for his entree. Initially, he wanted to have the same entree as me – Crab Omelette, but I advised him to get the Bone Marrow instead, since it is not very commonly found at a fine dining establishment and I was very curious on how it would be executed. I usually have mine boiled in a soup when I was young!

Taste: 4.5/5

This would have attained a perfect score if the garlic toasts weren’t so charred! I was extremely turned off by it at first glance.

Ironically, I couldn’t taste the burnt parts, and the bone marrow was just too irresistible! The collagen-filled goodness was infused with yummy truffle oil. Everything just tastes better with truffle oil, ain’t it?

Thankfully, my recommendation for my date went well!

Similarly, Salt’s signature ‘Glass’ Sydney Crab omelette, Miso Mustard Broth was the best omelette I’ve had so far.

Taste: 4/5

While the miso mustard broth was a tad salty, I liked how the silky omelette was paired with stringy enoki mushrooms, fragrant fried shallots, as well as basil and coriander leaves. My company felt that the herbs were too overpowering, but I felt that it adds a nice balance with the sweet contrast of the chunky crab meat.

Moving onto the mains.

The plating of their Rangers Valley Sirloin, Spiced Pumpkin puree, Asparagus, Date, Almond, Orange Salad (Additional $12) won my heart over. But I wondered, will it taste as good as it looks?

Taste: 5/5

Overall as a whole, everything came together flawlessly. This might be the best beef dish I’ve had.

Like the Baked Bone Marrow, fresh crunchy watercress was employed for their salad. The amalgamation of flavours were wonderful – sweet from the pumpkin puree and Medjool date slices, citrus from the orange salad, and salty from the brown dressing that contained soy I reckon.

The sauce was the most outstanding of all, as it that matched the puree perfectly and was just enough to savour with the protein. My date ordered medium rare for the sirloin, but it wasn’t as rare as he’d it liked it to be. Despite without much tracings of blood, the cut is still tender so I give the dish full marks!

I felt that’s better to have less blood to avoid food poisoning as well.

 

I originally wanted their Seared Blue Fin Tuna with Potato, Pimento, Soft Quail Egg, Olives and Anchovies dressing. Unfortunately, I was told that their Tuna was switched to Seared Salmon instead.

Taste: 3/4

At first bite, I was not please with this dish at all. Every element just failed miserably – especially its accompanying sauce. I wished I had the beef instead; even took some of its sauce to coat the salmon.

The mustard-tasting paste did not enhance the flavour of the salmon, and soft boiled quail egg was watery and tasted odd. Olives and anchovies were nowhere to be found too. Very disappointing, especially from the first few hits!

Last but not least, our final course was desserts, hurray!

Being a milk chocolate lover, he ordered their Dessert of the day, Chocolate Tart.

Taste: 5/5

To be honest, I wasn’t looking forward to the tart because it’s something that I would not order on a normal day. I assumed it would be made from milk chocolate, which I dislike. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the richness of the tart – it was made out of bittersweet dark chocolate – at least 60%, I can guarantee!

It was actually good stuff! I couldn’t help but have a few more servings and even have the whole thing to myself. Similarly, the Chocolate Tart seemed to satisfy all chocolate lovers’ palate! My company who does not fancy dark chocolate liked this.

There were also cute mini brownies, comprising of hidden walnuts and sultanas on the side , but the pastry was towards the sweeter side.

Blood Orange Sorbet with Crumbles.

Taste: 4/5

Salt’s sorbet of the day was blood orange, and I am a fan of it because I love all things sour! It’s very similar to grapefruit and left a bitter aftertaste. The crumbles were also delicious – with a delightful crunch. A few chunky pieces of crumbles were given, so they were fun to bite on.

On the other hand, the components provided were lesser than the Chocolate Tart.

Suggestions:

It may be better to add more fruits like orange or apples, jellies, or  a warm pastry to create an interesting contrast in temperatures.

To end off our meal, we had a good tour around the Sky Bar and its vicinity.

The place is also great for photo opportunities.

There are a few working, non-coin-operated binoculars that you can use to target a specific area and find out about its information and history! It’s really cool for tourists.

We left at about 3pm, where afternoon tea was being prepared by the chefs. It was such a joy seeing them being freshly made!

BUNNY RECOMMENDS: Rangers Valley Sirloin, Baked Bone Marrow, Sydney Crab Omelette, Sorbet with Crumbles

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RATING

Overall Taste: 4.25/5 I need to reinforce how value-for-money the meal was. It has a large portion size – particularly for the starters and entrees, and definitely not that kind of fine dining that you’d go home hungry.

While my Seared Salmon was a letdown, the rest of the meal was a predominantly terrific. Maybe it’s the Australian flavours and portion size that I’m accustomed to? I’ll be looking forward to my revisit when there is a change in their menu!

Ambience: 4/5 This is a must-come for all Singaporeans! It’s nice to come in the day to admire at the panoramic view of this amazing city, and for those who wish to avoid the crowd at Marina Bay Sands. The decor of the restaurant could be improved though; the modern theme was lacking some oomph.

Service: 4.5/5 I was glad that my reservation was withheld even though I arrived late, and my request for window seats was granted. Food was also served at a perfect pace.

For Singaporean standards, everyone was very well-trained and professional, except for our waitress – wished she would smile more.

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Salt Grill and Sky Bar

Address: 2 Orchard Turn,
#55-01 ION Orchard, Singapore 238801
Phone: +65 6592 5118
Opening hours: 
– Lunch: 11am – 2pm (Last Order 1.45pm)
– Tea: 2.30pm – 4.30pm daily
– Dinner: 6pm – 10pm (Sunday to Thursday)
6pm – 10.30pm (Friday, Saturday)
 www.saltgrill.com

Dress code: Smart casual; no flip flops, shorts, or tank tops.

Directions: Nearest MRT would be Orchard. Concierge of Salt Grill and Sky Bar is at Level 4 (top level) of ION Orchard mall, where you need would have to take a different lift to level 55.

Hopping out…
ANDREA THE #FOREVERHUNGRY BUNNY

Hong Kong Food Review: Peninsula Hotel Afternoon Tea – A Must In Hong Kong

My mum and I are quite the #foodie when overseas, and do not mind splurging a bit on something fancy for a memorable and relaxing getaway. One of them is having afternoon teas together .

Two years ago, we had our first one at Le Salon De Thé de Joël Robuchon located at the Elements mall in Tsim Sha Tsui; it was such a flop and my mum told that she’d bring me to Peninsula’s “one day”. I was sceptical about it because she usually does not keep her word (shh!)… But after two years, that day came! It was essentially a spontaneous decision made the previous night.

While most high teas require reservations in Hong Kong, Peninsula is an exception. It is strictly on a first come first serve basis, which is definitely advantageous to those who want to make an impromptu trip down here – meaning us! It was my first time here, and second for my mum, and the white-washed facade of the hotel already spells “stunning”. It immediately reminded me of the architecture of buidlings the along Upper East Side in Manhattan, New York.

Stepping into the Lobby, the cafe serving the afternoon tea, is like entering a palace – soaring gilded columns with chandeliers suspending from the ceiling. Filled with soft chatters and clinging of teacups, your actions would also gradually be attuned to its “high-class” atmosphere.

When we navigated to the cafe by 1pm, we immediately noticed a line of people lined along the shopping arcade – despite tea starting at 2pm. The warnings stated on reviews were indeed true; you’d risk waiting for a really long time if you reach at 2pm or later! The queue was about 20m long then.

We were finally seated at 2.15pm and the menu was promptly given to us.

If you are not a fan of afternoon tea, an à la carte menu showcasing authentic Continental and Southeast Asian delights is served throughout the day.

Each of us had a choice of tea or coffee. Impressed by the interesting range of teas, I opted for the Rooibos Tangerine. I’ve had Rooibos, but not with Tangerine!

When it was served, I was smitten with the shiny Sheffield silverware gleaming under the sunlight. The tea also came with an extra pot of hot water for me to top up with.

How thoughtful is that?

The treats came 15 minutes later, and undoubtedly, we were spoilt for choice! The first tier contained the sweet, second – savoury, and baked goods for the third.

After much deliberation, I had the Truffle Wild Mushroom Tartlet first.

Taste: 4.5/5 

The tartlet shell was buttery and split apart beautifully with a slice of my knife. The rich flavour of finely-chopped wild mushrooms were attached with a subtle hint of truffle aroma, which was just right.

Their Cucumber Sandwich was also a winner.

Taste: 4/5

Since I was curious how the sandwich was assembled, I opened it up – revealing thin slices of cucumbers against the dill and cream cheese spread. Very intricately put together.

Another favourite of mine is their Smoked Salmon Sandwich. Why? It was on rye, which gives that earthy and rustic flavour!

Tuna Pepper Bao was a cute fluffy bun with a piece of lettuce sandwiched in between. I like how the tuna has a strong peppery flavour! Loved the heat.

From the second tier, we then moved onto the third.

I’ve had this pastry before when I was young, but I wasn’t a big fan of the bitterness caramel-y taste of the exterior.

Taste: 3/5

I usually stay away from ordering scones, due to several disappointments from TWG and Coffee Club in Singapore. They were either too dry or undercooked, which cause me to dislike scones. I wasn’t sure if they were supposed to taste that way.

However, the scones from The Lobby blew me away. They took the cake for being the BEST I’ve had! I don’t know what magic they did, but these from the Lobby were irresistible. I even squealed on my first bite, and almost shed a tear. Not kidding! Had a major #FoodieMoment.

The next picture would explain why.

The pastry was smooth and crispy on the outside, but soft, buttery and fluffy on the inside. Both of us let out an “ahhh” once it was popped into our mouths. Dipped it with their strawberry and clotted cream, and we were transported to heaven.

I now know how scones SHOULD taste like!

However, as we approached the last tier, it started to pale in comparison to the ones before.

Their Macaron seemed to be an attempt to emulate Pierre Hermes – dual coloured and flavoured. The green shell tasted like pistachio, while the orange was orange. The filling was chocolate, which was a tad mismatched with the tang of both shells. There was just too much going on.

Taste: 3.5/5 

The Daisy pastry (not sure what’s its exact name) was too pretty to be eaten! Sweet custard flowed out after one bite. However, since I am not a big fan of cream, it had the least impact on me.

Taste: 3/5 

Sadly, the meal had to come to an end to accommodate our shopping thereafter. Walking around the hotel was a pleasure itself.

#ButFirstLemmeTakeASelfie

BUNNY’S VERDICT: 

YES, I WOULD HOP BACK FOR THEIR TEA SET AGAIN!

The queues may look daunting on weekends, but as long as you come before 1pm – you are generally safe. Their scones are TO DIE FOR! I would definitely recommend anyone travelling Hong Kong to come here at least once in your life for both their food and opulent ambience.

Although it is priced at HKD628, SGD115 for two pax, the food served are at high quality standards. How often do you encounter an afternoon tea serving food, where 90% of them are actually delectable? They also accounted half of our meals for the day. We had a light breakfast and dinner after.

I’m pretty sure that none of the Singapore high teas can match up to Peninsula’s.  And lucky for me, I’ve met someone quite well-known in the entertainment industry whom I’ve always admired! She was seated just next to us.

Who knows, there may be a high chance of you bumping into a celebrity at the Peninsula!

BUNNY RECOMMENDS: Scones, Smoked Salmon Sandwich and Tuna Pao are her top three picks!

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RATING

Overall Taste:  4.5/5

Ambience: 5/5 A place where Queen Elizabeth would sip her tea. Generally, if you want to feel like a royalty for an afternoon, do choose to come here! The Lobby Strings also play live throughout the day if you are into classical music.

Service: 4/5 Eye for detail and eager to refill our drinks. Plates were also changed halfway through our meal. Wait for the tea set was rather long though.

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The Lobby

Address: Peninsula Hotel
Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
+852 2696 6772

Opening Hours: 7:00 am – 12:00 am (Sunday to Thursday)
7:00 am – 1:00 am (Fridays and Saturdays)

• Meal Service Timings: Breakfast
  7:00 am – 11:00 am
  Lunch
  11:30 am – 2:30 pm
  Tea
  2:00 pm – 6:00 pm (First-come, first-served basis)
  Dinner
  6:30 pm – 10:30 pm (Sundays to Thursdays)
  6:30 pm – 11:30 pm (Fridays and Saturdays)
  Drinks
  11:00 pm – 12:00 am (Sundays to Thursdays)
  11:00 pm – 1:00 am (Fridays and Saturdays)
  Weekend Brunch
  9:00 am – 1:00 pm (Saturdays and Sundays)

• Dress code: Smart Casual 
  No flip-flops, beach sandals and plastic footwear. Additionally for gentlemen, no sleeveless shirts and after 7:00 pm full-length trousers only.

Directions: The Peninsula Hotel is a short 5-minute walk from Tsim Sha Tsui station from either Exit L3 or 4.

Hopping out…
ANDREA THE #FOREVERHUNGRY BUNNY

Lola’s Cafe @ 5 Simon Road Review: Affordable Food with Updated Menu

To most cafehoppers out there, Lola’s isn’t a stranger to Singapore’s cafe scene. Besides being notorious for its long lines and tiny corridor for patrons to wait in the hot sun, I’m glad to say that they have expanded not long ago!

I have been planning my return since my first visit 1.5 years ago because they make the best Eggs Benedict and Scrambled Egg croissant! Nothing in Australia matches up to what I’ve had here.

Since its location is relatively close to where I live, I have visited Lola’s 3 times in between December and January 2015 for 2 brunches and dinner.

The cafe has finally invaded the unit next to them. Two times the space, hurray!

A cake display and small takeaway window are created for those who want to order on the go.

Unfortunately, although the cafe is twice its former size, the lines remain persistent 😦 I was told by the host that it’d take 25 minutes to get a table, but I waited for more than an hour! My parking time was also up and I had to renew my coupons. Bad time estimation, anyone?

Organic Chai Tea Latte [$5]. 

This might be the cheapest Chai Latte I’ve come across in Singapore! Starbucks is so pricey, where one cup costs almost $7. It’s daylight robbery!

Now I know where to satisfy my Chai cravings. It definitely matches up to the ones I’ve had in Brisbane; they have also managed to whip up a swan latte art for me with cinnamon! #TopNotch #BaristaSkills

Hola to their signature Breakfast Butter Croissant [$15] that I’ve been pining for so long!

Taste: 4.5/5

It still has that “wow” factor – reminiscent of my virgin try years ago. The croissant was what it should be… Buttery, crispy and flaky. What perfection! Additionally, the scrambled eggs were smooth, moist and not overdone, and that liberal sprinkle of paprika sealed the deal.

One small complaint would be the large pieces of bacon and ham sitting on the bread; I found two slices of ham in it. While I might be the only one nitpicking at this, the salt and oil stemming from them were affecting my enjoyment of the entire dish.

For those who dislike bacon, an alternative would be placing smoked salmon in it instead. It would be a whole lot healthier! I know that Flock Cafe at Tiong Bahru does this with smoked salmon, but their croissant ain’t as good as Lola’s.

Avocado Eggs Benedict [$14].

Taste: 3.75/5 

Not sure if they are trying to cut costs, but I’ve noticed that the brioche for the dish has reduced from two to one from photos. Came to check it out, and it’s true! I remember that there were two pieces of bread.

They have also changed their plating, where they have placed the avocado puree at the side. However, I prefer it to be on top – combined with the bread because avocado and bread together would make a wonderful marriage! Why would you separate these lovers? My rating for their Eggs Benny has fell from a 4.5. There are other better ones I’ve had at cafes like 23 Jumpin.

After visiting for a few times, I’ve been eyeing on their Truffle Mushroom Toast [$12] on their new menu. Evidently, their sunny side up did not lose out to their Egg Benny’s poached egg. It generated such a wonderful yolky #eggporn when sliced open.

Taste: 3.5/5

I was very curious how the truffle mushroom would be incorporated into the brioche. While the amount of mozzarella cheese was just right – where every bite  had us trying to snap the sticky strands of cheese, I felt that the truffle taste was underwhelming and mushrooms could be sliced thicker to compliment the richness of the cheese. I’m not complaining about the price for its quantity though. Very value-for-money if you are on budget!

On a separate occasion, I came back to Lola’s for dinner again, and my company and I couldn’t decide on the type of fries we should get; I insisted on the Nacho Cheese Fries [$8], while he wanted the Truffle Fries [$12].

In the end, we ended up with both flavours even though the waitress warned us it would be too much fries to finish LOL! #FriesOverLoad

Taste: 4.5/5

Fries are a foe to me because of my over-sensitive throat. Nonetheless, the Nacho Cheese was EXTREMELY ADDICTIVE – due to the salty cheese and spicy sprinkle of paprika! I finished 90% of them with no trace of cheese left by myself! Almost wanted to order more cheese (additional $3) to finish the rest up.

Don’t say I didn’t warn ya!

My company, similarly, stole quite a number of my fries because his truffle fries was disappointing. It did not have that truffle aroma that we expected; it was one of the worst I’ve had, actually.

Although we were stuffed from all the potatoes without having any mains, every meal needs to have a sweet ending right? I’ve seen this beautiful mess all over Lola’s Instagram page. Upside down ice creams have their defying-gravity appealing aesthetics, don’t they?

The Debbie [$10]: Peanut Caramel ice cream, black cookie crumbles, peanut brittle & caramel sautéed banana.

The easiest way to tackle this monster is to knock the cone all over using your cutlery, and tuck into the crumbles along with the ice cream! I was looking forward to having more ice cream in the cone, but look – it’s hollow! No soggy cone for me to enjoy…*sniffs*

A surprise at the end!

Taste: 3.5/5

Even though the plating is eye-catching, the ingredients did not really come together so well. For one, the caramelised bananas were overriped. Cookie crumble was also more than what we could handle, causing it to overpower the  ice cream in the end. I think I would have a real double scoop ice cream cone over this.

Another dessert I was eager to try was the Lychee Rose Water Cake [$7]. 

Taste: 3/5

Unfortunately, the dish with an alluring exterior fell beneath our expectations. We only managed to find two lychee pieces, as seen from the thick layer of rosewater buttercream in the middle. The texture of the cake was oily as well – to the point of sickening. I was trying to fish out for the rosewater vanilla sponge instead. Moreover, toppings like the rose petals did not add any sort of value to the cake’s flavour at all.

To improve, I felt that adding nuts like walnuts or pistachios on top would lend an extra textual depth to the plain-tasting cake instead.

BUNNY’S VERDICT: 

YES, I WOULD HOP BACK FOR THEIR APPETIZERS & BRUNCH!

Although it has been in business for quite some time now, Lola’s cafe remains one of the most affordable in Singapore, where there are no GST or service charges. I’m quite glad that they have generated new dishes, which would heighten their competitiveness against other hundreds of up-and-coming cafes. However, I’d like to see more substance in their dinner menu and desserts – not just depending on their spectacular looks.

I do not mind having their Nacho Cheese fries again and check out other brunch items like their Smoked Pulled Pork Sanger.

BUNNY RECOMMENDS: Breakfast Croissant (DIE DIE MUST TRY), Eggs Benedict & Nacho Cheese Fries.

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RATING

Overall Taste:  3.8/5

Ambience: 3/5 Patrons seated within close proximity and chairs not very comfy. Decor has improved by a lot! More towards vintage and industrial with whimsical quotes and portraits around the space.

Service: 4/5 Prompt in serving food and attentive at refilling water. A seat was also provided to place our bags. Estimation of waiting times could be improved.

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Lola’s Cafe

Address: 5 Simon Rd, 545893

Phone: 6284 0349

Opening Hours: 

Closed on Mon

10.30am-11.30pm (Tues-Thurs, Sun)

10am – 12am (Fri, Sat)

lolascafe.com.sg

Hopping out…
ANDREA THE #FOREVERHUNGRY BUNNY

Australia: 10 Best Cafes in Brisbane & Gold Coast in 2015!

I’ve been wanting to do this post for awhile, especially since I’ve visited over forty cafes in Brisbane and Gold Coast within five months before graduating in 2015. Cafehopping only became a full-time hobby when I was left with such a short span of time in Brisbane; I thought it would be a wonderful way to explore the nooks and crannies of the deceivingly small city before leaving the place that I have lived for the past four years.

Thanks to my trusty car, I was able to travel alone to the outskirts of downtown and the process of finding the cafe further became a challenge and adventure. It also made me become even more independent, unafraid of spending quality time alone outside (I previously did not dare to eat alone in the uni canteen!), and improve on my food photography skills!

After visiting so many places, I thought that it would be productive to shortlist those that have left a deep impression on me when I’ve finally found time to pen all my experiences down in prose. I hope this guide would be useful for anyone travelling or studying in Queensland.

Additionally, I want to prove people wrong that Brisbane IS NOT AS BORING AS IT SEEMS.

Watch out Melbournians!

Brisbane’s coffee/cafe culture has started to flourish and I’m extremely proud of that! I remembered that when I first arrived Brisbane in 2011, it was a tad… dull, to be honest. I would either stay at home to cook or eat out the same places. There weren’t many cafes to hang out at besides Pancake Manor and a few other establishments.

Conversely, Brisbane has become such a dynamic and vibrant city that I do not mind residing in. And also, a cuppa of freshly brewed Chai latte every morning would be a dream come true!

So without much further ado, I bring you… Brisbane’s and GC’s Top 10 Cafes in 2015!

#1 Shouk Cafe

If I would to ever visit Brisbane again, the first cafe I would head to in a heartbeat would be Shouk!

Shouk is nestled in the depths of the Paddington – a hipster suburb full of cafes! It’s a great place to do some window shopping after your meal, especially along Latrobe Terrace, where there is an Antique Centre full of vintage goodies.

It is generally the most ideal situation to drive here, or else it’d be an arduous journey from the nearest train station, Milton; Paddington is well-known for its topsy turvy steep roller coaster hills that I, sometimes, have difficulty driving during my first few trips.

Best seats are by the back of the cafe. It has a great view of Paddington’s lush greenery. I hadn’t got the chance to sit by the window because they were always taken!

As you can see, they are outstanding for their fun Middle Eastern flavours and never fail to to pull me back several times to discover their new offerings when transitioning into the next season.

The first dish that blew me away was their Challah French Toast [$17]. It was undoubtedly the most exotic and sophisticated French Toast I’ve ever seen and tasted!

Challah is a type of Jewish bread, and they have interestingly soaked it in a spiced egg mixture to form the French toast, and topped it with candied walnuts, balsamic macerated berries and vanilla bean semifreddo, which is a sliceable semi-frozen ice cream.

This dish alone produced the first spark for my intrigue with Middle Eastern cuisine.

Little did I know, the second dish that I ordered, Honey Panna Cotta with Smashed Baklava, Spiced Syrup & Pistachio Floss [$15] was even better; it became an all-time favourite dish of mine from Shouk. What was so unique about it would be the smashed baklava coated with freshly grounded pistachios. They complemented the Jewish pastry really well due to the added crunch sprinkled on top of the finely ground ones embedded within.

I loved it so much that I had this dish all to myself during a repeated visit. #Fatdieme.

Determined to try the rest of their menu, I have visited Shouk at least five times, and tried almost every dish. The waiters have also begun to recognise me!

Their Challah French Toast was then updated with a twist; it was accompanied by Pistachio Halva, Ricotta ice cream, Turkish Apricots poached in vanilla syrup, and Almond & Pistachio Praline Crumble [$19].

Another popular dish – Belgian waffles with Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream and Chocolate Halva [$18].

If these sweet treats aren’t your jam for breakkie, Shouk’s classic Latke Stack – a permanent item on the menu – is always a crowd-pleaser! Similar to rosti, Latkes are potato pancakes that Ashkenazi Jews have prepared as part of the Hanukkah festival. It’s a dish that the boys would adore; their eggs are always perfectly poached!

Dining at Shouk has always been an educational and enjoyable affair; my knowledge of food has expanded thus far, and that is what eating is about. I am also very proud of them to be crowned as with the Best Breakfast in Brisbane for the Golden Fork Awards in 2015! Likeminded foodies like me have voted for them because they truly deserve it.

Delicious food comes at a price; everyone whom I have brought here had to Shouk-it-off after such a sinful meal. Perhaps a walk back home from the steep hills of Paddington would do?

Shouk Cafe

Address: 14 Collingwood St, Paddington QLD 4064, Australia

Phone:+61 7 3172 1655

Opening Hours: 7.30am–3pm daily

http://www.shoukcafe.com.au/

#2 Grocer and Grind

Gold Coasters, I’m so envious of you guys. This cafe is the epitome of the beach lifestyle; it’s a place where I would totally hang out at after a great tanning and surfing sesh!

Grocer and Grind provides all-day breakfast food that is hearty, wholesome and beautifully executed. Thankfully, the cafe is located only 10 minutes from Surfers Paradise – the touristy belt, which is accessible to both travellers and locals alike.

The layout of tables reminds me of Artistry Cafe in Singapore.

The baristas in action.

I’m always spoilt for choice whenever I’m here. They offer an extremely broad menu – from All-day-breakfast, salads, to savoury hot lunch sandwiches.

Breakfast for champions! Their Protein Pancakes with Coconut yogurt [$14] is a definite must-try.

I also ordered an Acai Bowl with Quinoa Cookie Crumble [$15] that was too pretty to be eaten! Fruits were so fresh that they tasted like they’ve been picked from the orchards seconds ago. This is the best acai bowl I’ve had in terms of flavour and presentation. Trust me, I’ve had quite a few and even attempted to make my own, but it wasn’t as spectacular.

Enjoying my usual cuppa Chai latte :’)

This is another occasion, where I ordered the French Tower [$17], which was again fantastic! Despite trying many variations of French toasts in Australia and Singapore, this was my first try with banana bread being adopted. I liked how it’s topped with walnuts (a compulsory addition to banana bread), coconut yogurt, goji berries and small figs.

Pictured in the background are the Lamb & Beetroot Burger [$18] and Truffle Scrambled Eggs [$17]. Besides the scrambled eggs being a bit bland, we finished our plates spanking clean! I would definitely be back to try their Veggie Stack, which has gained quite the reputation on Instagram.

Grocer and Grind

Address: 1/1 Sunshine Blvd, Gold Coast QLD 4218, Australia

Phone:+61 7 5527 6223

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6am–4pm

www.grocerandgrind.com.au

#3 John Mills Himself

If you have some time to spare in the Brisbane city during the morning or early afternoon for a cuppa, I would encourage you to visit JMH. Not only do they serve the best coffee and hot chocolate in the CBD, the process of searching the cafe is an exciting one as well.

There are two ways to access the cafe; first being from Charlotte Street (just before the Pancake Manor), and another from Elizabeth Street. The easier option would be from the former, where you have to go past an antique book store sign, and a Wildlife store.

John sure hides himself well!

 

Tada! Here he is!!! I was instantly amazed how the cafe was filled by working adults when I was here for the first time – despite its seemingly secluded location. Had a *Proud hipster moment*.

The prices for their drinks are considered really reasonable – since the cafe is situated within the CBD. Although they do coffees, I would recommend their flavoured Hot Chocolate for something novel.

Be sure to ask for the Hot Chocolate menu that lists all the different flavours that they have. They include Ginger, Rose, Lavender, Sea Salt, Chili, Rosemary, Lemongrass etcetera. Very extensive.

 

BEST PART of JMH: You get to customise your Hot chocolate with Dark Chocolate, Dairy Milk or White Chocolate.

How cool is that?!

I’ve never come across anything like this!

As I wanted to be adventurous and play it safe to avoid disappointment on my first try, I selected a floral flavour – Lavender with White Chocolate [$4].

And thank goodness… My virgin White Chocolate Experience was the best decision ever made!

There were small bits of white chocolate floating on top too!

Where I sat.

Red brick – CHECK, Marble – CHECK, Pretty and tasty drink – CHECK!
Their decor is fullproof for any Instagram newbies – I never fail to take rustic-looking shots with their wonderful ambience.

 

John Mills Himself

Address: Access via 55 Elizabeth Street, 40 Charlotte St, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Phone:+61 434 064 349

Cafe Opening Hours: 6.30am–3.30pm (Mon to Fri)

http://www.johnmillshimself.com.au/

#4 Sourced Grocer

Sourced Grocer has got to be those one of the cafes that Australian farmers would boast about. It literally has a grocer within the cafe, and employ the freshest local produce for their dishes – meaning pesticide-free, and perky fruits and veggies.

So health food freaks, this is the place for ya! *Guilty as charged* hehehe..

When I arrived, my eyes were directed straight towards the lovely potted plants hanging on the wall!

Perfect excuse to window shop.

 

 

 

Creativity juices flowing with crates acting as makeshift tables!

Cabbage Pancakes with Goats Cheese Dressing, Crispy Brussel Sprout Leaves and Chives [$16] looking all photogenic under the natural light.

Although the exterior seemed dry, the pancakes were incredibly moist! And sous vide eggs burst out at the light pierce of my fork.

Another stunner was The Bircher: House rolled Organic Oats, Barambah yogurt, Seasonal Fruit, Lemon Myrtle and Fresh Honeycomb [$13].

Hundred points to Gryffindor! This is the first time I’ve seen bircher muesli plated extremely well! I usually see it being poorly served as a sloppy mess, or filled in jars to conceal its unappealing appearance.

The matcha powder sprinkled on top of the yogurt added another dimension to the otherwise already sweet dish, predominantly from the natural sweeteners derived from the fresh fruits. There were also passion fruit, sultanas and seeds hidden within the creamy oats, so I was very pleasantly surprised! I did not mind a second helping of this dish.

If you are intending on coming here for a meal, I would recommend their breakfast food; lunch menu portions were rather meagre.

Sourced Grocer

Address: 11 Florence Street, Newstead QLD 4006, Australia

Phone:+61 7 3852 6734

Opening Hours:
7am–8pm (Monday to Thursday)
7am–7pm (Friday)
7am–5pm (Saturday)
8am–4pm (Sunday)

www.sourcedgrocer.com.au

#5 Little Loco

Just a 3-minute drive away from Sourced Grocer is Little Loco that is a nondescript house converted into a cafe. I actually visited the cafe when it first opened – before their signboard even was up.

 

 

 

Like their minimalist clean decor, the food that Little Loco serves are chic and Instagram-friendly.

I came specially for their Lemon Ricotta Hotcakes [$16.90], which was trending on within Brisbane foodie scene in April 2015! The dish had finally arrived after suffering so much food envy from the Melbourne cafes that first invented them. They truly warrant all the social media attention.

 

 

While the pancakes had been taken off the menu in mid-2015, Little Loco is always reinventing their seasonal menu and producing quality health food dishes that customers would adore. I had their Quinoa Salad [$18.90] that contained a wonderful amalgamation of seasonings and textures – comprising of organic quinoa tabouli, pumpkin puree, roasted and pickled beetroot, goats cheese, tzatziki, and dukkah.

Oh, and did I mention that their presentation is always on point?

Little Loco
Address: 121 Merthyr Rd, New Farm QLD 4005, Australia
Opening Hours:
6.30am–3pm (Monday to Friday),
7am–2.30pm (Saturday and Sunday)
www.littleloco.com

 

#6 I Heart Brownies

I’m not a sucker for anything too chocolatey, as I have a sensitive throat. I get a sore throat if I take a bite of anything fried and full of rich, dark chocolate. While this is so, I daresay that I Heart Brownies has THE BEST brownies hands down. It’s almost impossible to believe that they are GLUTEN FREE.

This also means that they are healthy. Right… right?

According to their website, every brownie is 100% gluten free, and contains: Belgian black cocoa, couverture chocolate, free-range eggs, QLD cane sugar, Australian butter and gluten-free flour.

Stole a chance for a picture because the store is always filled with customers!

I Heart Brownies serves a wide range of brownie flavours, such as the Original [$4], Double Chocolate [$4], Turkish Delight [$4.50], Salted Caramel [$4.50], Raspberry [$4.50], Peanut Butter & Jelly [$4.50], and many many more!

I’m really jealous right now because I think Salted Caramel wasn’t invented until recently!

Don’t go breaking my heart~

Well, I’m glad I did. Because this was the most delicious thing I’ve ever had!

I’ve tried the Turkish Delight [$4] and Peanut Butter & Jelly [$4.50], as seen above, and I felt that the latter triumphed the former.

This is due to the dense ooey-gooey PB&J fillings against the moist and firm chocolatey interior! It was even better when paired with coffee – because bittersweet works. Thus, I suggest you to head to a nearby coffee shop to enjoy these babies like Campos Coffee or Bellissimo Coffee in Fortitude Valley.

I do have to warn though, as popular flavours like this run out fast. Be sure to drop by before noon because early birds grab dem brownies!

I Heart Brownies

Address: 7/694 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4005, Australia

Phone:+61 7 3252 8473

Opening Hours: 7am–6pm (Monday to Friday), 8am–5pm (Saturday), 8am–4pm (Sunday)

www.iheartbrownies.com.au

#7 Dip Cafe

One of the mandatory things to do when you come to Queensland is to visit Byron Bay. Although it’s not situated IN Queensland, it’s merely a 1.5 hour and 45-minute drive from Brisbane and Gold Coast respectively to see the golden fire ball rise over the faraway ocean horizon at 6am!

And there is nothing better than a hot scrumptious breakfast with your friends and family after all that sea breeze that has frozen you over, particularly during winter.

While there are plenty of cafes around the Byron Bay town, my go-to is Dip that opens early at 7am – just nice after you’ve taken hundreds of photos of the sunrise.

Dip exudes a relaxing and cosy ambience, and it is a cafe that the locals residing at Byron Bay would frequent.

Full menu can be found here.

I was really fond of their Mushroom Stack [$18], where the poached eggs beautifully rested on a bed of spinach, goats cheese and crispy fried potatoes. Now trying to recall back… I’m pretty sure it was because of those juicy mushrooms marinated with truffle oil that made the dish so tasty.

This was popular in the reviews – Bacon and Egg Roll [$10.90]. If you like bae, this could be your thing. My company felt that their chili that was incorporated with the garlic mayo masked the natural taste of the proteins in the panini.

The most memorable dish out of all was their Pecan Ricotta Honey on Sourdough Toast [$8.90]. I never knew that sweet cheese would match the bread so well! Loved it so much that I started making my own as soon as I returned to Brisbane.

For a taste of an Aussie mum’s cooking, Dip would be the perfect choice.

If you have some time to spare after breakfast, do consider spending the rest of your morning taking a stroll around the coastal town of Byron Bay. It is filled with craft, souvenir, surfing and book stores, which would take less than two hours to cover.

Dip Cafe

Address: Shop 1/21-25 Fletcher St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia

Phone:+61 2 6685 5141

Opening Hours: 7am–3pm daily

#8 Samson and Sophie

Not many tourists would know about Samson and Sophie, since it is a cafe situated within an apartment building at the Newstead suburb. It’d be a place where you would have to drive to as its location could be a bit far off from the centre of Fortitude Valley.

Opened in 2014, the cafe focuses on fine, fresh, local food done well. I’ve heard that their coffees are amazing too. Interior is humble and rustic-looking that reminds me of a garden and old provision store.

While scrolling through Instagram, I was immediately drawn to their Gluten free Apple & Coconut Hot cakes with Whipped Ricotta and Sour Cherry Reduction [$16.90]! You may perceive “gluten free” as something dry, less appealing and tasty, but I was proven so very wrong.

The first spoon was absolute pure heaven! It contained apple, shredded coconut, and spammed with a lot of cinnamon – all of my favourite foods. I have even found six large slices of apples on the hot cakes. So awesome that I went back again for this exact plate of messy goodness.

Not a fan of coconut or cinnamon? Other popular dishes like their customisable Avocado and Co [$12.90] with add-ons of your choice (Poached eggs, Smoked Salmon, Haloumi), as well as Roast Pumpkin Fritters with Honey Carrot, Wilted Spinach & Pepitas [$16.90] would be sure to tantalise your tastebuds.

Samson and Sophie

Address: 2 Macquarie Street, QLD 4005, Australia

Phone:+61 7 3172 1194

Opening Hours:

6am–3pm (Monday to Friday),

6am–2pm (Saturday and Sunday)

#9 Goodness Gracious Cafe

Goodness gracious… The name of this cafe is already interesting, and it’s a 10-minute drive from my University – so why not try it?! This is my first time encountering a cafe with its own carpark in Brisbane. Hurray! If the carpark is full, don’t worry because the road opposite is usually clear.

What I adore about this cafe is the sunlight peering into the cafe in the morning. There are also outdoor seating if you do not mind the heat.

While glancing at the menu, I was instantly attracted to the Pistachio Granola, Cornmeal Waffles, Spiced Chickpeas and Dukkah Spiced Eggs. Gosh, if only I had four stomachs… As I couldn’t make up my mind and my stomach was rumbling, I heeded the waitress for some advice, and told her that I was in the mood for something refreshing in the summer.

She then promptly recommended the Dukkah Spiced Eggs [$19] with Marinated Mushrooms, Sun dried Tomatoes, Labna, Asparagus, Chutney, Boiled Eggs and Buckwheat Lavosa. With foreign ingredients like Labna and Lavosa, I was keen on trying something new!

When the dish was brought out, my jaw dropped.

Check out this wonderful piece of architecture made with purely food! #BalancingSkillsOnPoint

While eating them halfway, I further squealed in delight upon discovering that the boiled eggs hidden underneath the structure were PINK and HALF BOILED! It was not stated in their menu.

I felt that Goodness Gracious could be the next Shouk cafe. I would rate this dish full marks in terms of its execution and flavour combinations. All were spot-on.

Just wished that I had more time in Brisbane to try the rest of their dishes for an in-depth review of the cafe. Nonetheless, if you are feeling adventurous on trying some creative fusion food and live in the West of Brisbane, Goodness Gracious would be your answer to the next brunch date.

Additionally, the drive to the cafe would be scenic, as you would cross the Brisbane river along the Walter Taylor suspension bridge!

Goodness Gracious Me

Address: 250 Oxley Rd, Graceville QLD 4075, Australia

Phone:+61 7 3162 9092

Opening Hours:

6am–4pm (Monday to Friday),

7am–4pm (Saturday and Sunday)

#10 Passion Tree

Passion Tree is one of those cafes that I frequent so often that I felt that it may be pointless to introduce – because it is very popular amongst students. However, I felt compelled to add it in here because the Asian in me is still very attached to the ambience, service and food that they offer.

They do not serve your usual Australian breakfast fare like avocados on toast, but rather sweet Korean desserts like thick toasts and bingsu – a shaved ice dessert topped with fruits and sauces, as well as an array of iced coffees and blended drinks.

Since Brisbane’s CBD is so small, Passion tree tends to be the one-stop hub for all the sweet-toothed to satisfy their late night dessert cravings after dinner. It opens till 12 midnight on weekends, and is only a 5-minute walk from the Brisbane Central station, and 2-minute from Queen Street Mall.

Their waffles on display.

Whenever I visit the city for dinner or some shopping , I would make a point to stop by here for their Green tea bingsu [$14.90], which remains the best green tea bingsu I’ve tried.

I’ve had several versions, but I still dream about Passion tree’s. They provide the most generous servings of red bean, almonds, macadamias, and not forgetting the most important ingredient… Fresh and crispy CORN FLAKES. Very few green tea bingsus in Singapore include cornflakes! Even if there are, they were stale and not as crispy as Passion tree’s.

I like how the corn flakes turn semi-crispy and soggy when incorporated into the chunky icy mountain. Their green tea ice cream also does not taste artificial and leans towards the sweeter side.

Another bingsu that had me at first bite, and respect the owners of Passion Tree even more was this beauty!

I’ve seen honeydew/melon bingsus… But PINEAPPLE? HELL NO!

I have been so curious on how they managed to scoop out the pineapple flesh into perfectly round spheress! Sadly, it is only served for a period of time in summer and by the time I went back for a second try – they have pulled it out of the menu. My friend and I were devastated. That hefty pricetag of $20 was well worth the one-of-a-lifetime dining experience.

Unsurprisingly, the place I chose bid farewell with my friends before leaving Brisbane for good was here. With great food, free Wifi and comfy cushioned seats, I have called Passion Tree my second home in Brisbane. My friends would also agree on that one with me.

Passion Tree

Address: 103 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Phone:+61 7 3012 8865

Opening Hours:
10am–11pm (Monday to Thursday, Sunday),
10am–12am (Friday and Saturday)

www.passiontree.com.au

Final Words

I have filtered down those that have left a lasting impression on me – in terms of all my aspects like taste, presentation, ambience and service. If these cafes have changed their menus and dishes in 2016 (which I expect them to do), I’m so sorry about that! However, I would still recommend them to anyone out there because I have full confidence in their potential on generating even more palatable dishes!

On a side note, the forty over cafes that I’ve been to have at least 75% ratings on Urbanspoon and located within half an hour from my place. For the case of Gold Coast, I refuse to post the overrated ones like Black Coffee Lyrics and Elk Espresso because their food and service were so bad that I do not want to add on to their unwarranted hype.

While cafehopping has burnt a large hole in my pocket, my journey in Queensland had an outcome that’s priceless – the exposure to so many cultures and cuisines have further fueled my passion for this hobby and interest in cooking. I have attempted to recreate some of the dishes I’ve eaten, like Dukkah with poached eggs and Lemon Ricotta Hotcakes, and even cooked them for my friends! I also pair my homemade pistachio Dukkah with bread and sweet potatoes on a daily basis.

Hopefully, Singapore like Brisbane, would soon be open to more diverse sensations and create more fusion dishes with our well-known local foods to make a name in Australia as well.

For those who are tight on their budget, cafehopping in Australia can be quite an affordable affair like Bangkok – with added advantages:

Cheaper coffees, most dishes being below $18 at nett prices without additional GST or service charge, and warm welcoming waiters with genuine smiles on their faces. Lastly, no language barrier!

Again, I hope that this guide would come in handy for those travelling or studying at Queensland. LUCKY YOU!

For more pictures of my cafehopping and food adventures, follow me on @bunnymunchies on Instagram here.

 

Hopping out…

ANDREA THE #FOREVERHUNGRY BUNNY