Shiberty Bakes [UPDATED] @ 46 Owen Road: Sugar-High on Thick Toasts, ChurroWaffles & Old-school Treats

If you haven’t already known, @Shiberty is a prominent baker slash blogger.

At a young age of 23, the opening of her own cafe under her name in April 2016 was an unexpected move because young bakers rarely do that – unless they are really successful right?

After You Bangkok’s Thick toasts have a special place in my heart and when I learned that Shiberty Bakes serves them in such an alluring manner, I had to come.

Nonetheless, 2 months was how long it took me to make the decision to visit due to the bad publicity created – they served melted ice cream during the first few days of its opening. What a turn-off that would be if it happened to me!

And so, I waited for review to turn positive before visiting. Also had a friend who dined there thrice in  2 months.

It SHOULD be good, right?

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The cafe, however is located at Farrer Park – a secluded neighbourhood to me.

I was lost while navigating my way here and having a standee, or sign outside and a block number listed in Google Maps would benefit them.

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We met here at 3pm for tea on a Saturday, and I was surprised that only two tables were occupied.

Selecting our food was a no-brainer because there’s only two of us who were craving for thick toasts. It was particularly amusing when we unanimously agreed on having the Matcha Shiberty Toast [$16] not long after browsing the menu.

You’re a true matcha lover when you choose Matcha over Rocher Toast; I was a bit torn between the two of them, but thought Rocher may be nothing special because most cafes serve this flavour, or with Nutella.

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The ordering is done at the counter where several cupcakes, cakes and macarons are being displayed.

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Our Matcha Shiberty Toast [$16] with cookies, white chocolate drizzle, green tea & vanilla ice cream arrived after our 20-minute chatter.

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Taste: 3.5./5

This is my 5th thick toast in Singapore and my standards for thick toast is pretty high now. With edges that were crispy and easy to cut through, I’m glad to say that the quality of the toast is better than Dessert Project’s. It was also evenly buttered.

While saying that, it was sad when the middle part of the toast uncontrollably collapsed before even tucking in! This did not ever happen for four thick toast cafes I’ve been to so far.

Maybe the weather was too hot. Hmm…

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Another downside was the artificial taste of the ice creams. Their matcha ice cream was on the sweeter side and the vanilla had a “cheap” taste – “like Wall’s” – commented by my friend.

One more thing that you would either love, or hate was the haphazard sprinkle of sweet treats on the side.

They include Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Cream candy bar, matcha roll wafers,  Pepero white chocolate sticks, matcha Kit Kats, and crushed peanuts.

I liked the fact that each was given in an even number so two of us wouldn’t have to fight for them hehe…

These snacks were definitely an interesting addition that is distinctive from the rest of the thick toasts in the market. The Hershey’s candy bar made me reminisce my primary school days, where I’d buy them in primary school whenever I was peckish after classes were over.

My company, on the other hand, was unfazed by these “junk” and wished that the toast is serve plain with the ice creams alone.

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On another occasion, we came back for the iconic “Churro Waffle [$15].

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I know, it already sounds larger than life.

It consists of cinnamon sugar, toffee lashings, chocolates, hazelnut & sea salt caramel ice cream. 

Taste: 3.5/5 

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I have to give them credit for trying to be different, but it has a severe lack of cinnamon, which caused the entire dish to be rather bland alone. I joked that I would bring my own cinnamon powder and up the spice game.

Nonetheless, the ice cream quality has leapt by miles because it wasn’t cheap vanilla. While we were supposed to have the Hazelnut flavour, somehow it switched to Dark Chocolate – I’m not complaining though.

This waffle may be something worth trying if you are adventurous and a fan of sugary things and old school treats like chocolate wafers and biscuits!

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The cafe also offers pretty macarons and *gasps* Pokeball cake!

BUNNY’S VERDICT:

I really returned for a second visit!

BUNNY RECOMMENDS: Shiberty Toast, Churro-Waffle


RATING

Overall Taste:  3.5/5  A few hits and misses for the Matcha Shiberty Toast and Churro Waffles, which causes this dessert cafe to be labelled as “mediocre” under my cafe rankings.
The price tag of $16 is also quite high, considering that Dessert Project costed me $14.90 for better quality handcrafted ice creams. I reckon the ice creams here are not freshly made by the cafe. This was one big factor that may have compromised their taste.

Ambience: 4/5 The best ambience out of all the dessert cafes located in the heartlands that I’ve been to. Much effort has been put into the decor, like vases of flowers, and corners framed with calligraphy quotes. They are THE perfect back drop for your Instagram photos.

I had a problem with their toilet though because my experience was ruined by how there wasn’t any toilet paper and handwash left (a bit of an OCD freak here) and the toilet door was really tough to close.

Service: 3/5 Staff were generally all smiles, but they didn’t seem that genuine or eager to serve. Maybe because there is no service charge?


Shiberty Bakes
46 Owen Road, #01-277, Singapore 210046 (Farrer Park MRT)
Opening Hours:
12pm – 9.30pm (Tues – Sun)
Closed on Mondays.
Facebook

Directions: 

  • Cafe is near Pek Kio Market, if you’re familiar with it. Nearest MRT is Farrer Park station and it’d will be a 10-minute walk from there.
  • Buses: 131, 141

Hopping out…
ANDREA THE #FOREVERHUNGRY BUNNY

Don’t be a stranger!
Stay connected with my munching journey on Instagram ❤

 

 

Equinox Restaurant @ Swissôtel The Stamford Review: Unforgettable Truffle Macaroni Cheese & Panorama of Singapore

Equinox has been known as one of those restaurants that people would visit for special occasions. However, I know that it recently has been overshadowed by many other new restaurants, or the one next door (JAAN), which has received a Michelin-star a month ago.

Nonetheless, I chose to dine here for my 2nd Anniversary with my boyfriend and it was a great experience! This is one sky dining establishment that you can’t miss with your special someone *wink wink*

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To gain entry to level 85, you’d have to enter its designated lift lobby and walk through this dark corridor towards a HOLOGRAPHIC lift. There were no hosts were there to lead us, by the way (minus points!).

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One you step out of the lift, VOILA – Singapore is at the tip of your feet!

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This space is also connected to the New Asia Bar and Michelin-star restaurant, JAAN.

We noticed that Equinox has varied seatings for couple and group dining – perfect for families, couples and business meals, which is wonderful.

Once the sun started to set 6.30pm, we began to scramble for our cameras for some intense photography of Singapore and us (hehe). I’d suggest those interested in taking photos to head up earlier!

I mean, how often do we get such opportunities to see Singapore at this angle?!

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FYI, we reserved a table in advance with a view (topped up $20++ for it, yes we had to pay). The table above  was what they assigned. Not exactly what I had in mind, as I preferred the one closer towards Marina Bay (to the left).

Thankfully, the manager helped to check the availability of the tables for the night and there was one left! Yay.

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We had this view! I find staring into Marina Bay and the horizons very therapeutic. It’s my all-time favourite scenery of Singapore, and I’m proud of how beautiful Singapore is!

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After our photography session, we made our orders as our bellies were getting hungry.

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To be honest, the food menu that featured “modern European cuisine” was pretty limited.

It was the mains that really caught our eye. I knew that they are known for their steaks. In the end, we went with two mains, as we didn’t feel that the appetisers were worth it.

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To begin, we had complimentary starters that my boyfriend liked. I didn’t have much impression of them though.

I was looking forward to the 300g New York strip [$85++] instead!

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Taste: 4/5

This is the epitome of how beef should be like!

We asked for medium rare, and cut was tender-perfection. The accompanying truffle butter was also extremely addictive with ample truffle tones (oh yeah). Could even spot the black truffle bits swirling in the glass saucer.

When you actually see this happen, you know it’s legit stuff.

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One aspect of the dish that didn’t please us was the side of bone marrow. It was really oily and didn’t add any value to any of the components.

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While the steak was great, what left us  yearning for more was actually the…

Macaroni Cheese with Black Truffle  

Taste: 100/5 

Gosh, this outshone the beef, and it’s something that I’d return again and again for! This is coming from a person who doesn’t even fancy Mac n Cheese or pasta. I know friends who go crazy over them.

I went crazy over this!

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Served in an adorable cast iron mini pot, it was literally “so cheesy I can die” moment!

It was also the only dish that retained its heat even though I took a gazillion photos. I daresay this is by far the best Macaroni and Cheese I’ve had – due to the obvious TRUFFLE taste. It was also not cloyingly creamy.

Overall, it was aromatic, contained a subtle saltiness and macaroni was not mushy or overcooked. I’d like to add that the Crème brûlée-like caramelised crust was heavenly.

Didn’t know that mac n cheese could be made this way!

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Nonetheless, please be sure to devour it immediately when served, as the cheese hardened at the sides of the pot; we were multitasking with our food and neglected it for awhile, oops.

Finally, our last dish – Saddle of Lamb Saddle [$60++] didn’t perform up to our expectations after the first two dishes – unfortunately!

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Taste: 3.5/5

Asked for the lamb to be done medium, but it came out medium rare… so rare that I could taste the rawness of the meat and blood. Not a good sign.

I wonder why this happened, as the beef was done just right.

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Also felt like the chef’s attempt to weave some level of Middle Eastern sophistication with European cuisine was a failed one. 

I didn’t like the sour pickled celery and mint purée.

The greens didn’t match the red meat at all, causing the entire dish  to be a bad orchestration. Just bring over the BBQ sauce, guys. The lamb samosa was passable, but pastry wasn’t crispy (maybe we left it out for too long?).

Won’t recommend this to anyone!

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All date nights should end on a sweet note! Went to have a glimpse of their menu, but we were happy to receive a complimentary chocolate cake!

Very grateful for it (prepared by the restaurant, not my boyfriend though HAHA).

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Taste: 4/5

Thought it may be “cheap tasting”, but nope. It was no ordinary cake!

Top tasted something like a tiramisu – covered with cocoa powder, and the layers were rich with dark chocolate (at least 60% I reckon). We finished it even though we were really full!

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My boyfriend and I exchanged gifts after that. I received personalised vouchers LOL.

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Not long after, we were presented with another complimentary dessert! It had caramel, hazelnut and raspberry sweets, which would satisfy the sweet tooth (aka my boyfriend).

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We spent the rest of our night admiring the city skyline and MBS lightshow – enjoying our final moments at Equinox. Had to make use of our $20++ to the fullest!

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We also explored the nearby New Asia Bar (one staircase up), since it was free for all diners at Equinox. It was quite empty on a Friday night. Maybe because it was still early at 10pm.

Went on to visit City Space bar too. It looked super cosy with thick plush seats. Wanted to chill there but it was full house!

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FYI, the way to the  toilet from Equinox is a bit troublesome it is located at the “basement” of these establishments. They are big though.

There’s also a huge wine cellar next door if you like looking at wines!

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BUNNY’S VERDICT:

YES! Best for birthdays, anniversaries or corporate meals.

This would most definitely be my top 3 list of sky dining in Singapore! You can’t get such clear panoramic views of Singapore at Stellar at 1-Altitude (One Raffles Place) and Spago @ Marina Bay Sands (places I’ve been to).

BUNNY RECOMMENDS: New York Strip Steak, Macaroni and Cheese with Black Truffle


RATING

Overall Taste: 4.2/5 Although we only came here to enjoy the view, the food surpassed our expectations. If only I could order the Macaroni and Cheese on its own! Found out that it is only available for the dinner service *sniffs* Price is quite reasonable for the views that you get, but quality will of course be better next door (JAAN), which charge a lot more per head at night.
I’m just happy with my $20++ view, Macaroni and Cheese, and company!

Ambience: 4/5 Restaurant was a bit dated compared to other fine dining restaurants, but the view made up for it! The ability to have a bird’s eye view of the entire Marina Bay, Central Business District and Clarke Quay made my dining experience a memorable one.

 

Service: 4/5 Friendly and attentive. Even entertained my random request to heat up the steak when it turned cold (air con was quite strong & cold steaks don’t taste so good).  They even topped up a bit of the truffle sauce for us, which was a touch that we didn’t expect!


 Equinox Restaurant
Address: 2 Stamford Rd, Swissôtel The Stamford, 178882

Semi-Buffet Lunch:
Monday to Friday: 12.00 – 14.30

Buffet Lunch:
Saturday and Public Holidays: 12.00 – 14.30

Brunch: Sunday: 11.00 – 14.30

Early Bird and Pre Theatre
Dinner: Monday to Sunday: 17.00 – 18.30,
Last order at 6.15pm

A la carte Dinner: 18.30 – 22.30
Pink Brunch: Every Last Sunday Of The Month

RESERVATIONS: book now

GENERAL INFO
Dress: Smart Casual
Capacity: 110 persons

 Directions: 

  • Nearest MRT station: 5-minute walk from City Hall MRT

Hopping out…
ANDREA THE #FOREVERHUNGRY BUNNY

DON’T BE A STRANGER!
FOR MORE HONEST REVIEWS, FOLLOW MY MUNCHING JOURNEY ON INSTAGRAM ❤