Hawker Walks is a new series of unofficial tours that I’m launching for Charlinary. In the first of this series, I brought a group of readers and friends on a tour of 3 hawker centres in the central parts of Singapore. While I provided them with an itinerary (pictured below) which included information about the hawker stalls we were visiting, I got the group to guess where we were headed at each stop. Here’s a pictorial update of our tour (sans food for now) & some of the stalls we visited:
Today was a lazy Saturday afternoon spent with S at VivoCity. And just around mid-day, we got hungry. Our search for food ensued. We stopped at Corduroy Candy (now-defunct) to grab some chocolate-coated apricots and raisins, and ended up at Serenity Restaurant & Bistro for their Crazy Hour special.
Serenity serves Mediterranean fusion cuisine (but now specialises in Spanish cuisine as of Feb 2009), and I’ve been yearning to pay them a visit. Their laidback interiors in cool tones are a good match with Vivo city’s waterfront image.
From 3-6 pm daily, Serenity offers 50% off all tapas and cocktails.
Our eyes lit up when we saw 2 things on their tapas menu – Soy Tomato Bruschetta and Gambas Picantes. These 2 sealed the deal for us.
One of the things I like about this place was their attractive menu. It came leather-bound, with brightly-coloured pages. Presentation is key, and Serenity does get that message across. I must say their tapas (a variety of appetisers) selection was an interesting one. But we had our tummies set on Gambas Picantes ($10) [****] and Soy Tomato Bruschetta ($8) [*****].
Gambas Picantes is pictured here on the left. It is actually wok-charred tiger prawns in a spicy sweet sauce, topped with white sesame seeds on a bed of greens. The prawns were fresh and sustained a lingering charred taste after being served. The spicy sweet sauce it was dressed with wasn’t cloying, so it matched the prawns well.
On the other hand, the Soy Tomato Bruschetta was listed as a recommendation, so we were curious to taste how good it was. Of the 2, I’ve got to say I liked this one better. It was a tough call, but this simple tapas won my heart. Generous toppings of diced tomatoes marinated with soy, coriander, and ginger adorned each piece of toasted baguette. Tomato and soy make a great combination because soy adds a mildly salty tinge to the otherwise zesty flavour of tomatoes. As for the ginger and coriander, they balance out the overall flavour with their slightly bittersweet notes.
Both tapas are healthy and delicious must-tries for a start to any meal, or great as snacks between cocktails. Looks like I’ll be back for more delish tapas at Serenity during their crazy hour…and dinner should be on the cards before year-end. For those who are looking for something a little different for a date or special occasion, Mediterranean fusion cuisine would be an interesting way to go…so give Serenity a shot and let me know how it turns out.
/ Prices stated above are before 50% off and subject to GST & service charge.
The I-wanna-know[s]:
Taste – 8.5/10
Price – $$ to $$$
Service – 7/10
Ambience – 8/10
Accessibility – 8/10
Legend:
[$]-cheap like peanuts: ($10 & below/person)
[$$]-average Jane ($15-$25/person)
[$$$]-you might wanna tke tht card out..($30-$60/person)
[$$$$]-extremely exorbitant ($70 & above/person)
[* to *****] – rating(s) for individual dishes
Tel: +65 6376 8185
Website: http://www.serenity.com.sg
Address:
1 HarbourFront Walk, VivoCity, #01-98/99
Opening hours:
Sun to Thu (11am – 11pm) Fri & Sat (11am -12am)
Dress code: Casual or Smart Casual
Nearest MRT: HarbourFront (NEL)
Marvelous Cream hails from Japan, and Singapore is one of the brand’s newest franchisees. They opened their doors on 3 July at CityLink Mall, offering 20% off their sweets. I stumbled upon this place through sheer luck on the way to dinner with B & Y at Franky’s Kaffe Kitchen. Just imagine how fast we finished dinner that night, and how much compartmentalisation was going on in our tummies. After all, the cardinal rule for those with the sweet tooth is: always leave room for dessert.
By the time we got there, the queue was starting to snake around a little as the opening was attracting more and more attention. Marvelous Cream’s french parfait selection looked incredibly enticing. It took all my willpower not to over-order. Before I proceed, parfait [pahr-FAY] is served differently in different countries:
1. In the US, this dessert consists of ice cream layered with flavored syrup or fruit and whipped cream. It’s often topped with whipped cream, nuts and sometimes a maraschino cherry.
2. A French parfait is a frozen custard dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, whipped cream and a flavoring such as fruit puree. In French, parfait means “perfect,” which is how many view this dessert.
You’ll be glad to know that Marvelous Cream serves both types of parfait. They’ve got 9 ice-cream flavours to choose from – White Milk Cream, European Cream Cheese, Belgium Chocolate, Fruity Mango, Hazelnuts Praline, Golden Vanilla, Natural Yoghurt, Strawberry Cream, and Marsala Espresso (less than 0.1% alc.). B decided to have the Rum Raisin Custard Pie [***] consisting of Golden Vanilla, Rum Raisin, Millefeuille and fresh cream, while Y had her tummy set on Noisette Chocolat Classic [***.] (Hazelnut Praline, brownie, fresh cream, Koo Belcher Choc).
Eagerly waiting in line, I changed my mind several times before I decided on Mix Berry Cream Cheesecake [***](European Cream Cheese, Strawberry, Blueberry, Raspberry).
After ordering, you’ll get to watch them mix your ice-cream on a -16°C marble top ala Cold Rock or Ice Cream Chefs.
I must say that of the 3 we shared, the Noisette Chocolat Classic was the best. While the brownie topping wasn’t fantastic, the combination of it and the other toppings made it a nice mix. It wasn’t too heavy, and the ice-cream was good. The Mix Berry one I had was pretty good too, but my main qualm with it is the frozen fruits. I prefer Cold Rock’s fresh berry toppings instead…frozen doesn’t work for me unless it’s in Yammi Yoghurt.
On your left we have their French parfait selection…I’ll definitely try these the next time I pop by on an emptier stomach. You can make your own selection of toppings and ice-creams, or go with 1 of their 28 selections for the American parfait. Choose from:
Junior (80ml) – $4.90
Regular (100ml) – $6.20
Large (180ml) – $8.80
Paper cup, waffle bowl/cone (+$1), chocolate waffle bowl/cone (+$1.50)
Shops in Japan: Tokyo | Yokohama | Osaka | Kobe | Nagoya | Hiroshima | Gifu | Ibaraki | Okinawa
++ definition of parfait taken from Epicurious.com Copyright Barron’s Educational Services, Inc. 1995 based on THE FOOD LOVER’S COMPANION, 2nd edition, by Sharon Tyler Herbst.
/ Update: I’ve tried one of their french parfaits, Exotic Patissier ($5.90) [****] and I found it really delish. Topped with raspberry bits, this parfait has a layer of chiffon cake, frozen mango custard, and berry fillings. I absolutely loved it.
The I-wanna-know[s]:
Taste – 7/10
Price – $
Service – 7/10
Ambience – 8/10
Accessibility – 8/10
Legend:
[$]-cheap like peanuts: ($10 & below/person)
[$$]-average Jane ($15-$25/person)
[$$$]-you might wanna tke tht card out..($30-$60/person)
[$$$$]-extremely exorbitant ($70 & above/person)
[* to *****] – rating(s) for individual dishes
Tel: +65 6238 1683
Address:
#B1-04, CityLink Mall, One Raffles Link, Singapore 039393
Website: http://www.marvelouscream.com
Email: marvelous_asia@singnet.com.sg
Nearest MRT: City Hall
U.d.d.e.r.s Ice-cream
U.d.d.e.r.s’ liquer ice-creams are fantastic! Check them out at the Takashimaya Food Fest now till 13 July (Sun), or chill-out at their outlet in Goldhill Shopping Centre beside United Square (opp. Starbucks). Isn’t their name real cute? It was named to reflect the freshness of their ice-cream. Their logo’s great for brand recall too in my opinion. I’m sure they’ll be a hit with students and children. But this smart brand also targets older customers with their substantial liquer ice-cream range. I tried their Cherry Bomb [****] and Rum Rum & Raisin [****] flavours, and it was love at first lick. These liquer bottles you see aren’t for mere display…they certainly use sizeable amounts of them in their ice-creams. Alcohol lovers will be glad to know that the aftertaste of alcohol from the ice-creams will linger on your tastebuds, leaving a smooth and light finish to your dessert. I must also highlight that their “scoopers” or ice-cream crew give excellent service. They know their product inside out and give great recommendations for the ice-creams.
Since my first visit to U.d.d.e.r.s was at the Takashimaya Food Fest, and I’ve not gotten the chance to see their outlet…I’ll definitely pop by soon. Especially since their ice-cream is available till 12 midnight! I love the thought of sweet treats at queer hours…knowing how my food cravings can be rather random. So do pop by to visit them if you’re in the vicinity or craving some late-night ice-cream…
U.d.d.e.r.s at Goldhill Shopping Centre
/Update: I’ve visited U.d.d.e.r.s thrice since I first typed this entry. Their Orange & Bitters (Dark Choc with Triple Sec) [****], Lychee Martini [***.], Baileys & Bourbon [****], Nutella Version 1 [***.], and Mao Shan Wang [****] (Cat Mountain King) Durian flavours were awesome! They’ve also got a really cute cow udders water dispenser at the side of their ice-cream counter. Games like Taboo, Taboo Singapore, Cluedo, Battleship and more are readily available too. To top it all off, they’ve got free WiFi! What more can one ask for?
Lychee Martini & Cherry Bomb
The I-wanna-know[s]:
Taste – 8/10
Price – $
Service – 8/10
Ambience – 7/10
Accessibility – 7/10
Legend:
[$]-cheap like peanuts: ($10 & below/person)
[$$]-average Jane ($15-$25/person)
[$$$]-you might wanna tke tht card out..($30-$60/person)
[$$$$]-extremely exorbitant ($70 & above/person)
[* to *****] – rating(s) for individual dishes
Tel/Fax: +65 6254 6629
Address:
155 Thomson Road, Goldhill Shopping Centre, Singapore 307608 (24-hr parking at Goldhill Plaza)
Website:
http://www.udders.com.sg
Opening hours:
Sun-Thu: 12noon – 11pm
Fri, Sat & Eve of PH: 12noon – 12am
Buses: 56, 57, 143, 21, 851, 166…
Nearest MRT: Novena
Fall in love with the chic Parisian garden cafe, Choupinette, on the corner of Coronation Walk next to Coronation Plaza. Owner Agnes Verrier hails from Provence, France, and she is the woman behind the warm decor you see on your left. She also ensures that your Eggs Benedict’s taste the same over time, for she believes in maintaining high standards for everything Choupinette serves. Their pastries and desserts are all freshly-baked daily, and served on eclectic plates that you’ll want to take home. For those who have heard of Choupinette, they’re known for their flavoured macaroons [****] (a small cookie classically made of almond paste or ground almonds mixed with sugar and egg whites), sold individually at $1.80 per piece. Do try their raspberry macaroon which has a crisp outer shell and a chewy raspberry centre that’ll leaving you wanting more. Some other flavours include passionfruit, strawberry, chocolate, and peach. You’ve been warned: these little poppers are pretty addictive.
Another dessert that I liked was their Tarte aux Fraises [****.] also known as Strawberry Tart ($6.50), which had sweet strawberries paired with a crumbly crust and almond flakes. Between this and Canele’s Strawberry Tart, it was a tough fight…but they’ve both secured a place in my tummy and heart. I’d also recommend Elle & Lui ($6.90) [****], another raspberry treat that’s light and tangy without being sour. For creme brulee fans, you must try Double Plaisir ($6.90) [***.] - a combination of rich dark chocolate topped with a layer of creme brulee. If you’re into cheesecakes, go ahead and take a bite of their White Chocolate Cheescake ($6.90) [****.] which is gloriously light on the cheese, and substitutes the typical cheesecake crumb base with crumbs on the side of the cake instead.
Last but not least, giant Eclairs! [****] They’ve got them in coffee, chocolate, and vanilla….really really great ones too. Although they’re a tad expensive at $5 each, I’d say it’s worth every bite…they’re not mini eclairs after all. For more pictures on Choupinette’s desserts, check out Charlinary.com’s Facebook group page.
/ definition of “macaroon” – © Copyright Barron’s Educational Services, Inc. 1995 based on THE FOOD LOVER’S COMPANION, 2nd edition, by Sharon Tyler Herbst.
/ No GST
The I-wanna-know[s]:
Taste – 8/10
Price – $$ to $$$
Service – 8/10
Ambience – 8/10
Accessibility – 7/10
Legend:
[$]-cheap like peanuts: ($10 & below/person)
[$$]-average Jane ($15-$25/person)
[$$$]-you might wanna tke tht card out..($30-$60/person)
[$$$$]-extremely exorbitant ($70 & above/person)
[* to *****] – rating(s) for individual dishes
Tel/Fax: +65 6466 0613
Address:
607 Bukit Timah Road, #01-01, Singapore 269708
Opening hours:
Tue – Fri: 9am – 8pm
Saturday: 8am – 8pm
Sunday: 8am – 6pm
/ Closed Mondays
Dress code: Casual
Buses: 66, 151, 154, 67, 77, 74…
If there is one thing we should all know about our mothers, it’ll be their penchant for sweet things – be it nonya kueh, ice kachang, cheng tng, chendol, “tim ban” (cantonese desserts), chocolates or pastries. Most would vehemently deny any associations with this liking for fear of expanding waist lines, or cite diabetes and high cholesterol as a reason to avoid these sweet treats like the plague…but deep down inside, they crave it. Believe me, they do.
The minute you tell them things like, “Mum, you really should indulge yourself once in a while…it won’t hurt. Besides, I bought this for you…”, whatever will power or resolve they have will melt into a puddle. So to help everyone out, I’ve come up with some gift ideas for Mother’s Day (11 May) - an occasion you should remember to observe religiously, failing which you’ll incur the wrath of your mother who will no doubt tell your aunts/grandmothers/family friends etc. what a unfilial child you’ve been.
For starters, if your mum is traditional and likes nonya kueh or tau huay (beancurd)…you should head down to Glory Catering at East Coast Road (they’re halal) and
Rochor Original Beancurd (7 Short St), which is diagonally across the road from Peace Centre along Selegie Road. If your mum (like mine) is crazy about egg tarts or onde onde (glutinous rice flour with grated coconut & gula melaka), I’d suggest Tong Heng egg tarts from the outlet next to Maxwell Road Food Centre/Jurong Point, and the famous onde onde stall at Maxwell Road Food Centre. If you intend to get the onde onde do try to get there around 9.30am before the queues start to form, and note that they’re closed on Sundays. Rainbow Hot & Cold Desserts (Blk 11 Telok Blangah Cresent Market & Food Centre) is reputed for their ice kachang and such, so do check them out if you’re in the vicinity.
Since it’s the one day of the year (other than birthdays) that most people splurge on their mums, do be a little extravagant if you can. Indulge her chocolate cravings with Prestat fine chocolates (located at Raffles City) - if their chocolates are fit for the Queen, they’ll definitely make your mother feel like one. I’d recommend their Rose & Violet Cremes, Heart Box, or Marc de Champagne Chocolate Truffles. 
Other high-end gourmet chocolate brands you might want to consider include Hediard over at Tudor Court (next to Tanglin Mall), or Teuscher at Palais Renaissance. There you have it: High-end ($$ to $$$$) English, French & Swiss chocolates that are guaranteed to make your mum feel all happy inside. On a special occasion like this, commercial brands like Cadbury will not do.
I’ve saved the best for last: Pastries! The following is a list of places to get awesome cakes/cupcakes/brownies/muffins/tarts etc. – the following is in alphabetical order, so mouseover or click on their names to access their websites (this applies to all places mentioned prior to this too).
Legend:
[$]-cheap like peanuts: ($10 & below/person)
[$$]-average Jane ($15-$25/person)
[$$$]-you might wanna tke tht card out..($30-$60/person)
[$$$$]-extremely exorbitant ($70 & above/person)
/some images were taken from Obolo & Prestat’s websites
Here’s introducing my best 25…simply because I couldn’t bear to leave any of these little gems out. Mouseover or click on the names of these places to access their websites. The following is listed in alphabetical order (no ranking involved):
Legend:
[$]-cheap like peanuts: ($10 & below/person)
[$$]-average Jane ($15-$25/person)
[$$$]-you might wanna tke tht card out..($30-$60/person)
[$$$$]-extremely exorbitant ($70 & above/person)
/ image of colbar taken from Stomp + images of café domus taken from ice cream chefs website
The Book Cafe is my choice for a lazy breakfast or a nice cuppa on a rainy day. You can curl up with a good book on comfy sofas, check your emails on your laptop, grab some food & drinks…and have a bite. I’ve got friends who have fallen head over heels with the place after I brought them there. This cozy hideout is at the edge of Robertson Quay, away from the maddening crowd. Regulars over here include residents from the area and other fans from around. I must say that they’ve got a rather impressive selection of magazines. They also sell ice-cream from The Daily Scoop at Sunset Way in Clementi! Fabulous stuff.
[above] from left to right: Their Sourdough bread [***.] was a crisply-toasted slice, topped with fluffy egg white (low-cholestoral!), seasonal mushrooms and salad on the side. The sourdough was a tad too dry for my liking, but the mushrooms had a robust flavour that complemented the scrumptious egg white. Next up, a mouthwatering bowl of Salmon Noodle Soup [****], perfect for keeping warm on rainy days. Pieces of fried salmon are hidden in a bowl of flavorsome broth, enriched with a tinge of cooking wine. This is one of my favourites, and I never fail to polish off every last drop of soup. Another favourite of mine is the Chicken Aglio Olio [****] with colourful bell peppers, lime, and other spices. It had just the right amount of extra virgin olive oil, a zesty burst of lime that balanced off the spiciness of the peppers. Yummylicious! Last but not least, we’ve got a hearty steak served with 2 sunny-side ups, fries, and a juioy grilled tomato.
To top it off, their drinks are a must-try too! The strawberry lemonade is an awesome combination of carbonated lemonade and fresh strawberry bits, and their quirky lychee drink makes a refreshing thirst-quencher.
Do drop by this lil cafe while you can, cos great places like this don’t remain hush-hush for long in our sunny lil isle as…
/prices stated not incl. GST (7%) & CESS (1%). No Svc Charge.
The I-wanna-know[s]:
Taste – 9/10
Price – $$ to $$$
Service – 8/10
Ambience – 9/10
Accessibility – 7/10
Legend:
[$]-cheap like peanuts: ($10 & below/person)
[$$]-average Jane ($15-$25/person)
[$$$]-you might wanna tke tht card out..($30-$60/person)
[$$$$]-extremely exorbitant ($70 & above/person)
[* to *****] – rating(s) for individual dishes
Tel: 6887 5430
Address:
20 Martin Road
Seng Kee Building, #01-02
Singapore 239070
(near Butter Factory at Robertson Quay)
Opening hours:
Sun-Thu: 8.30am – 10.30pm
Fri-Sat: 8.30am – 12am
Dress code: casual
Buses: 123, 143, 64..
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay Stn (NEL)
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