Choupinette

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…

The Chill-out Special.

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):

1. 25 Degree Celsius ($$-$$$): Fall head-over-heels in love with their wide array of cookbooks while you browse & eat 
2. Blu Jaz Café ($-$$): Strike a pose with funky decor, sip a cocktail, grab a chimichanga or unwind to live music in an alfresco/indoor dining area
3. Café Domus ($-$$$) now-defunct: A hidden treasure nestled in Little India where droolworthy desserts (Tiramisutra’s fabulous tiramisu) and alcoholic concoctions await the discerning
4. Colbar ($-$$): Appreciate the rustic charm of colonial houses while you tuck into their popular Chicken Merryland or Chicken Curry
   (9A Whitchurch Rd, Tel: 6779 4859)
5. Corduroy Café ($$-$$$) now defunct: Experience the grand literary cafés of Europe as you let your tongue linger on sweet crepes and other tempting treats…
6. Essential Brew ($-$$$): Gather a group of friends and have some tea-infused drinks with an interesting selection of appetizers
7. Food for Thought ($-$$): Tantalising desserts with a cause – Butterscotch Apple Raisin Crumble. Banana Chocolate Malteser Cake. Nutella Cupcakes. and so much more…
8. Fren(s)h ($-$$): A quaint french café that serves up a slice of Paris with mouthwatering tartines (Rue Mirbel & Rilettes amongst many others) and great desserts
   (Vivocity #01-163, Tel: 6376 8005)
9. Gone Fishing ($-$$): Ponder philosophy and wax lyrical about life’s little things every 3rd Wednesday of the month, or organise a private function with your friends and family in this quiet café in Hillview
10. Ice Cream Chefs ($): Grab a cone or cup and have some fun on FREE Mix-In Day every Tuesday!
11. Icekimo ($): Spaghetti ice-cream. Affagato. familiar local flavours like Dino Milo, Cempedak,Teh Tarik, Bandung and D24 Durian…(see earlier entry)
12. Little Part 1 Café ($-$$): Neither home nor workplace but somewhere in-between – quaint little nook in Thomson
13. Mint Café ($$-$$$): Visit a 5-storey museum of collector’s edition toys and head downstairs to the café for tea or dinner (see earlier entry)
14. Myke’s Oven ($): freshly-baked croissants and great tea sets that will leave you wanting more (see earlier entry)
15. Paisley & Cream ($-$$): Dine against a backdrop of classic Audrey Hepburn photographs in cosy corners and try their double chocolate cupcakes and Indian wraps
    (The Central @ Clarke Quay #01-09/10, Tel: 6534 7962)
16. Pluck ($): For the nostalgic sentimentalist who wishes to indulge in ice-cream while they shop
17. Privé ($$-$$$): Spend a lazy Sunday afternoon on Singapore’s only private island (Keppel Island), and try their delectable Blue Swimmer Crab & Prawn Wrap as you admire the boats docked at the marina
18. Provence ($): Great Japanese bakery & cafe for brunch with the family – try their chocolate twist, raisin bun and blueberry cheese or grab a sandwich to go.
19. PS Café ($$-$$$): Catch a glimpse of the occasional local celebrity, or marvel at Project Shop’s ability to successfully expand themselves into the F&B realm with yummy favourites like the turkey cranberry sandwich and sticky date pudding as you dine in a private enclave of lush greenery.
20. Tea Cosy ($$-$$$) now defunct: Ecclectic furnishings transform this cosy nook in Ecclectic Attic into the perfect place for tea & scones, or a romantic dinner for two (foie gras tasters, duck omelette parcels, pasta)
21. The Book Café ($$-$$$): Perfect for curling up with a book on rainy afternoons and a cup of tea (see earlier entry)
22. The Cheescake Café ($-$$): Scrumptious cheesecakes such as their blueberry, strawberry oreo, rum & raisin ones…and a sweet chocolate truffle. I’d recommend ordering a few to share with friends.
23. The Daily Scoop ($): Funky ice-cream flavours like chilli choc or lime & black pepper for the adventurous / lychee martini, kahlua or bailey’s for the closet alcoholic
24. The Garden Slug ($$-$$$): With a quirky name like that, word will get around fast. Especially word about their zesty beef salad and hearty broths that will remind you of home
25. Whatever Café ($-$$): Sign up for yoga classes and embrace delicious organic or vegetarian food without feeling guilty…their cakes are gluten, sugar & wheat-free!  

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

Myke’s Oven

This is for all the west-siders who are on a constant search for great chill-out places on your end of town. Let me give you a hint – you can eat a croissant & play cards at this place. This lil nook is named Myke’s Oven, and I found it sometime in Feb 2007. This petit bakery-cafe was first opened on 21 May 2006, by Mike, as he is affectionately known by his customers. What’s special about this place is their HUMONGOUS industrial-size oven that they use to bake everything you see on the shelves, every single day. That thing can bake a person. No, make that 2 persons. I ain’t kidding. I absolutely love this place for a lazy afternoon tea session with friends. Whatever they serve is not only very good, but also very affordable. The only setback I’d say about the place is the lack of air-conditioning. But then again, it would be impractical for them due to space constraints and their desire to create an alfresco laidback feel.

While you’re pondering about what you should eat at Myke’s Oven, I’d suggest you follow your nose and your gut instinct, because you can’t be far wrong. The freshness of their assortment of danishes, croissants, cakes & rolls are never compromised. This was something I observed while dining there – they bake at the start of the day AND during the day. Some of the bestsellers at the shop include their Japanese biscuit tea set ($3.50) [***.], Pandan Chiffon in-a-cup ($1) [***.] and all their croissants! Their tea sets are available from 2-6pm.

Don’t fancy tea specials? Fret not, they’ve got Full-day set meals at only $3.80! You can order a Tuna/Chicken/Egg mayonnaise croissant [****] with a drink. I personally like their chicken mayo croissant – where a perfect balance of sweet & savoury is attained through a combination of sweet pastry, zesty onions and savoury chicken mayonnaise.

++ some images taken fr. http://www.mykesoven.com

The I-wanna-know[s]:

Taste – 7.5/10
Price – $
Service – 8/10
Ambience – 7.5/10
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: +65 6763 7790

Address:
88 Jalan Jurong Kechil
Singapore 598595
/opposite Toh Yi Estate near Beauty World

Website: http://www.mykesoven.com
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat / 8am – 9.30pm
Sun / 8am – 3pm

*Last order at 9pm.

Dress code: casual
Nearest MRT: Clementi MRT
Buses: 61, 985 & 985W, 157…

Bangkok sweets

Here’s a triple treat for those who have a penchant for sweet things. If you’re planning to visit Bangkok sometime in the near future, you should check out these places located near the various shopping districts around Bangkok. I’ve got a pastry shop, ice-cream parlour and iced drinks shop coming up. stay tuned & scroll down!

click here: The ice-cream parlour.

iberry was an interesting lil ice-cream parlour I chanced upon while I was holidaying in Bangkok in December. This iberry outlet is sandwiched between Burger King & Häagen-Dazs (on left) in the Erawan area. You will find a building named Amarin, a large Mac’s and Hyatt Hotel nearby. If it helps, you could tell the cabby it’s in the vicinity of the 4-faced Buddha..but since there’s a chance that he won’t understand you, I strongly suggest you take note of these landmark buildings.

They’ve got unique homemade flavours such as gooseberry sorbet, rose apple sorbet, hazelnut, macadamia, ovaltine & horlicks..to name a few. Single scoops are priced at 60 baht (cone) & Double scoops are 70 baht (cup). They had Christmas sundaes at the time (dine-in), but I settled for their vanilla & rose apple sorbet to go instead because I was in a rush. The rose apple sorbet was very light & refreshing without being overly sour. You would taste more of the ‘apple’ really, with only a slight tinge of rose. I chose vanilla to complement it to have an idea of how their ‘basic’ flavours compared with those back home. Verdict: 7/10

Address: Maneeya Centre (Ploenchit)
Tel: +66 (0)2652 0628
/check out other locations on their website!

Next on the list we have Deliya by Farmhouse, which is run by President Bakery Public Company Limited (a Thailand-based company dealing with bakery products). They’ve got an outlet in megamall MBK, as well as behind Siam Square (on right). Siam Square is another shopping centre connected by a linkway to MBK..the place kind of reminds me of Bugis Junction. Anyways, this place has FANTABULOUS strawberry jam biscuits and cakes worth trying. Don’t buy the chicken sticks in those cute lil green containers they’ve got though, it didn’t exactly pass my taste test haha.

Next door to Deliya, you’ll find Ice King..a shop selling fruity iced drinks like mango freezes, juices, iced coffee & teas amongst much more. I’d like to think of it as a Thai bubble tea place because it’s somewhat similar in concept. They use real fruits in their concoctions, so the drinks make a good refreshing treat after a long shopping marathon. I decided to pay Ice King a visit because I noticed the constant long queue at the shop while I was shopping nearby…overcome by severe dehydration.

I hope you guys enjoyed this entry on Bangkok, I’ve got another 1 on a restaurant in Baiyoke Sky Hotel coming up in the near future. =)