Showing posts with label - Cake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label - Cake. Show all posts

Monday 26 February 2018

Mary's Kafe - Hidden Gem!

*Edited on 5 Apr 18 as Mary's Kafe has shifted to Bendemeer
Roast Beef and Corned Beef Cutlet
Mary's Kafe is a hidden gem that is well-known among the Eurasian community in Singapore. Why is it well-known among the Eurasian community?

Well, it is because Mary's Kafe is owned by Mary Gomes, who is the best-selling author of "The Eurasian Cookbook". Also, she is the one doing the cooking in Mary's Kafe. Needless to say, it is popular for its Nonya and Eurasian food.
This no-frills cafe is hidden at a quiet corner of Queen Street at Kum Yan Methodist Church Building. I have been contemplating on whether I should type out this post after I got to know of this place in 2012. But well, I think I have procrastinated enough.. sharing is caring.
As shown in above photos, there are limited seats.The place is relatively empty as this was taken at 12 pm. Once you are ready to order, you will need to proceed to the counter to order and make payment. Only cash payment is accepted, they do not accept nets or credit card payments.

Also, do remember to collect the food, else Mary Gomes will keep ringing a bell. =P
Another photo of the place. This was taken at 12.30pm on a weekday. By this timing, the place would normally be full.
Set Lunch Menu
Set lunch is available daily, and they come with a drink and dessert at $8.50. The menu changes daily and there are limited quantities for each set. So the tip is to arrive early as the more popular set lunches may be sold out as early as 12.30 pm! The food shown below are those that I have eaten during my visits to the cafe.
Roast Beef and Corned Beef Cutlet
Since I have never tried Corned Beef Cutlet before, I added $0.60 to give it a try. It was essentially breaded grounded (grind-ed) beef meat which was then deep fried. It did not leave much of an impression.

The Roasted Beef set was served with rice and vegetable (cabbage). The cabbage was quite ordinary. Personally, I would have preferred it to be cooked a little longer so that it was softer. The cabbage was nearly always served as a side in most of my orders.
Roast Beef 
I was quite surprised that the Roasted Beef was served in a bowl, soaked in a dark brown sauce. It reminded me of Chinese braised soya sauce. But it tasted nothing like it.

Among all the dishes I tried, the Roast Beef was the best. The braising sauce was unique. It was light and flavourful with hints of sweet and savory taste which were balanced perfectly. The sliceds of roast beef was so flavourful as they had adsorbed the essence of the sauce. Also, the sauce went really well with the rice. Yummy!
Beef Curry with Tea
The Beef Curry set was again served with cabbage.
Beef Curry 
The Beef Curry was not it spicy at all. In fact, it was quite fragrance. Unlike most curry sold at outdoor eateries, this one had no powder residue. The beef chunks were tender and moist too. I liked the potato as it was cooked just right.
Chicken Meat Ball Stew with Corned Beef Cutlet
The Chicken Meat Ball Stew was not served with cabbage since the stew itself had cabbage.
Chicken Meat Ball Stew with Sugee Cake and Tea

Chicken Meat Ball Stew
The Chicken Meat Ball Stew was a stew with carrot, cabbage and chunks of chicken meat. Although the sweetness of the carrot and cabbage was evident in the stew, I felt that it could have been more robust.
Chicken Chop
The Chicken Chop set was served with cabbage (again). This was ordinary. The chicken chop size was small and the marination was forgettable. I should have ordered their other set lunch.
Signature Sugee Cake
The dessert changes daily too. This was Mary Gomes' signature Sugee Cake which was highly raved about. It sure lived up to its reputation. It had a grainy texture and was full of buttery goodness. I wish that the size was bigger as the one given can be eaten in one mouthful!
Green Bean Soup
The Green Bean Soup looked ordinary. But it was so awesome! In fact, I think that it tasted way better than the Sugee Cake. It was robust and full of flavour. Also, there was an addictive malty after taste that made me longed for more!
Appam with Caramelised Banana
On another occasion, the dessert was Appam with Caramelised Banana. I have never tried such a dessert before. It was so special! The unappealing tasteless / bland appam paired off well with the sweet and savoury caramelised banana!

I have been to Mary's Kafe several times but I still have not tried the signature devil's curry before! Although there are hits and misses, you should give Mary's Kafe a try. They sell real good Eurasian style food and who knows how much longer she will continue operating this no-frills, homely eatery. 

Mary's Kafe (Bras Basah)
20 Bendemeer Road
Singapore 339914
Tel: +65 9852 0348
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 8am - 5pm
                         Closed on Sat and Sun

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Wednesday 17 August 2016

The Landing Point Afternoon High Tea Buffet (The Fullerton Bay Hotel)

The last time we had the afternoon high tea at Landing Point was 3 years ago. We wanted to visit more often but as we were busy, we had to space out and plan our foodie journey. So finally, we made a trip down to Landing Point! The setting and ambiance was still the same as before.

The Afternoon High Tea Buffet is available daily from 3pm to 5.30pm and cost $45++ per person. Interestingly, the price has decreased compared to $49 in 2013. Well, this is the first I have heard of. It is more common to hear about inflation. Kudos to Landing Point! In terms of food menu, there are slight changes such as the replacement of Lobster Tarts (my favourite) with Boston Lobster Cornet. Also, there are more than 20 varieties of TWG Tea to enjoy while indulging in the high tea and enjoying the beautiful view of Marina Bay.
Scones with clotted cream and berry jam
We started off with the Scones with clotted cream and berry jam. There have two type of scones available; plain or raisins scones.
Tada! The three-tiered high tea set which is refillable.
Cucumber Sandwich with Ikura Roe, Duck Confit Roulade in Sesame Bun, Boston Lobster Cornet, Smoked Salmon Mille Feuille with Caviar
I still remember that Lobster Tart was one of my favourites. I was disappointed that it was replaced with Boston Lobster Cornet as it was salty and had a fishy after taste.


My favourites this time was the Duck Confit Roulade in Sesame Bun, Smoked Salmon Mille Feuille with Caviar, Truffle Egg Mayo on Baguette and the scones!
The Food and Beverage (Tea & Coffee) menus for this high tea is appended below.

Menu

Beverage (Tea & Coffee) Menu
Overall, I am still a fan of The Landing Point Afternoon High Tea Buffet. Great place to chill and unwind. Moreover, you get to try so many variety of tea and finger food.



The Landing Point Afternoon High Tea Buffet (The Fullerton Bay Hotel)
The Fullerton Bay Hotel 
80 Collyer Quay 
Tel: 6597 5277 
Opening Hours: Daily 7am to 1am (note: afternoon tea is available from 3pm to 530pm only)


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Wednesday 13 July 2016

Hiap Joo Bakery and Biscuit Factory 协裕面包西果厂(Malaysia, Johor Bahru)

Banana Cake (big) RM9.80
Hiap Joo Bakery and Biscuit Factory 协裕面包西果厂 is a well-known traditional bakery shop located 15 minutes walk from the causeway. If you know where Hua Mui Coffee Shop is, it is just further down the coffee shop. The bakery sells only banana cakes and buns, and no longer sell biscuits. Their cakes and buns get sold out pretty fast after each baking session even if its a weekday. It is so popular because the cakes and buns are baked the traditional way where wood is used as fuel. It takes a lot of experience to control the heat using this method.
I visited the bakery on a weekday at 10.45 am and was surprised that there was no queue. The reason was because there was only a few boxes of banana cakes left. The buns were being baked and would be ready only at around 11.15 am. Hence, we bought a few boxes of banana cakes and went over to a nearby cafe. I came back at 11.20 am and there was a queue of about 10 persons. The turnover rate was fast and I managed to buy the Coconut Buns and Kaya Buns. I wanted to buy more, but did not as the buns could not be kept for long (as the buns were placed into plastic bag without being allowed to cool down, condensation had form). By this time, the banana cakes were sold out. The next batch would be ready at 12 noon.
Menu
The prices of the buns and cakes are pasted outside the shop. I hope I get to try the curry potato buns and otak-otak buns sometime soon! 
Banana Cake (big) RM9.80
The Banana Cake (big) which consist of 10 slices of cake cost RM9.80. Its appearance is ordinary just like any other cakes. Never judge a book by its cover. The cake was oh so moist, soft and light. In terms of taste it was fragrant and not overly sweet! 
Coconut Buns RM3.70
I have not so much about the bakery's buns but have not managed to try any till this occasion.
Coconut Buns RM3.70
The Coconut Buns RM3.70 tasted even better than the Banana Cake. The bun itself was light and ordinary. The bomb was the coconut shreds in the bun which were still so juicy. With each mouthful, the flavours of the coconut and juice in it explodes in the mouth. The taste of it was right smack out of this world! You got to try this yourself!

As for the Kaya Buns RM3.70, they pale in comparison. Just purchase the coconut buns and banana cake!

Hiap Joo Bakery and Biscuit Factory 协裕面包西果厂(Malaysia, Johor Bahru)
13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
80000 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: 
60 7 223 1703
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 7.30 am - 5.30pm
                           Closed on Sun
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Tuesday 3 November 2015

Bev C - Cafe & Fashion Retail Store (Malaysia, Johor Bahru)

Lemon Tea Ice Cube Drink and House Special Espresso Ice Cube Drink with Chocolate and Milk
Singapore and Malaysia are closely linked to each other in many aspects, even food. Just like how the number of cafes have emerged in Singapore in recent years, the number of cafes in Malaysia and Johor Bahru have also increased. One such cafe with a unique concept is Bev C.
Bev C is located around 15 minutes walk away from the the causeway / City Square. It stands out among the other cafes because of its unique concept and design. It is both a cafe and fashion retail store!
Bev C is uniquely design. From its appearance, it would not be a sweeping statement to say that a tremendous thoughts and effort had been placed into its design. It is suitable photo shoot, be it OOT (Outfit Of the Day), selfie or welfie.
Looks at these pictures.
There is even a cozy corner with a bed! How cool is that!
House Special Espresso Ice Cube Drink with Chocolate and Milk RM 12.90
As for their drinks, they are not only thirst quencher, but also Instagram worthy and unique. Most patrons will come here for their ice cubes drinks which are one of the must tries at this cafe due to its unique concept. The concept is not to use (normal) ice cubes which dilutes the drink. Hence, for this House Special Espresso Ice Cube Drink with Chocolate and Milk RM 12.90, it came with Espresso ice cubes!! Cold milk is then poured into the glass filled with  espresso ice cubes and chocolate.
Lemon Tea Ice Cube Drink RM 12.90
Another popular drink that is enjoy by patrons from all walks of life is the Lemon Tea Ice Cube Drink RM 12.90.
Lemon Tea Ice Cube Drink RM 12.90
Yes, you saw this correctly, there are lemon tea ice cubes. It is so refreshing and perfect for this scorching weather!
White Chocolate Truffle Pie RM 13.90
The White Chocolate Truffle Pie RM 13.90 is one of their best sellers at this cafe. Very forgiving in terms of taste and not overly sweet. The truffle flavour was on the faint end though.

To me, Bev C stands out more as a cafe compared to a clothing retail store. With its unique design and menu, it is bound to attract even more attention from both sides of the causeway although it is located along the same alley with many other cafes. Great place to chill out at! 

Bev C - Cafe & Fashion Retail Store (Malaysia, Johor Bahru)
54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee 
80000 Johor Bahru
Tel: 07 221 3530
Opening Hours: Tue to Thur, Sun 11am - 8pm 
                         Fri to Sat 11am - 10pm 
                         Closed on Monday
Website

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Monday 13 October 2014

The Bakery Chef (Bukit Merah Central)

Chocolate Rainbow Cake $5.80
The Bakery Chef is a bakery cafe located the the heartlands of Bukit Merah, at Blk 161 Bukit Merah Central which is just a stone throw away from the Bukit Merah Bus Interchange.
Visiting the cafe on a Friday evening, we were pleasantly surprise that there was no need to queue up and wait for a table.
As its name suggests, The Bakery Chef specialises in baking a variety of pastries, pies, cakes, cupcakes and macarons.
Like most other cafes, the furnishing was simple and modern. There was even a cozy corner with rainbow cushion.
Chocolate Rainbow Cake $5.80
The Chocolate Rainbow Cake $5.80 was a cake full of happiness! With its contrast in colours, it was beautifully presented. The rainbow cake consists of six layers of squarish sponge cakes with different colours ranging from red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. In between each layer was a thin layer of chocolate cream cheese with chocolate chips. The crunchy chocolate chips provided a contrast to the soft, light and slightly moist sponge cake. The glittering yummy chocolate cream with a good balance of sweetness at the top goes well with the cake.
Strawberry Shortcake $5.60
The Strawberry Shortcake $5.60 did not disappoint too.
Strawberry Shortcake $5.60
It consist of three layers of pillowy soft sponge cake with slices of strawberry and cream in between the layers. It was well balanced in terms of taste and sweetness.

The quality of the two cakes were surprisingly good. Both cakes were well executed; soft and fluffy with great balance in taste. The rainbow cake is one of the best I have had.

If you are a fan of rainbow cakes, The Bakery Chef is the place to visit! 

The Bakery Chef (Bukit Merah Central)
#01-3711
161 Bukit Merah Central
Singapore 150161
Tel: 6273 9211
Opening Hours: 
Tue to Thu 10am - 7pm 
                          Fri to Mon 10am - 9pm


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Monday 15 September 2014

Kki Sweets ケーキ(SOTA)

Left to right: Tiramisu $9.80,  Antoinette $8.80
KKI Sweets ケーキ is a Japanese inspired patisserie bakery serving a variety of beautifully decorated cakes, freshly baked daily.
KKI Sweets ケーキ  previously located at Ann Siang Hill is now located at the second level of the School of the Arts (SOTA). The school is a 5-minutes walk away from Exit A of Dhoby Ghuat MRT Station or Exit D of Bras Basah MRT Station.

We visited KKI Sweets ケーキ during a Friday evening at 730pm. The wooden theme furnishing was simple yet modern and elegant. Most of the items were sold out except for just the Tiramisu $9.80 and Antoinette $8.80. Hence, we just ordered both cakes.
Tiramisu $9.80
The Tiramisu $9.80,  cylindrical-shaped was topped with a layer of bitter cocoa powder.
Tiramisu $9.80
The moose underneath the the cocoa powder was light and soft. At its centre was the sponge fingers soaked in Kahlua. This was decent but not fantastic. At $9.80, it is quite pricey for the small portion.
Antoinette $8.80
The Antoinette $8.80 consisted of white chocolate mousse with mango puree in the centre.
Antoinette $8.80
The mousse was again incredibly light and soft that it seems to melt in the mouth. The sweet and rich mango puree in the centre added a new dimension to the taste and complemented well with the subtle white chocolate flavour. This was divine and unique. But before you know it, you would have finished it in a few mouthfuls and wished that there was more.

The two cakes we tried were quite well done. Personally, I prefer the Antoinette. If you are keen to visit, do note the price as it is on the higher end. In addition, if you are dining in, there would be an additional 10% service charge. Lastly, try to be there earlier before 5pm if you do not want to be disappointed as their cakes might be sold out by then.

Kki Sweets ケーキ(SOTA) 
1 Zubir Said Drive 
#02-01 School of the Arts (SOTA) 
Singapore 227968
Tel: +65 6225 6650
Opening Hours: Daily 12pm to 8pm



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