Return With A Vengeance - Treats with Pantler @ Telok Ayer

Life is so short. Why hold yourself back from a good dessert? Or two. After stuffing my face with 3 magical concoctions at the first visit, yes, Ms Piggy had to go back to the brilliant Pantler and sample more fantastic works of art. This time it was the Mille-Feuille and their signature Pantler Roll Cake.

Mille-Feuille @ $7.80. Looks like the simplest thing in the world ain't it? But no...... getting the puff pastry perfect - light, flaky and yet crispy is enough to make a few grown man/woman cry. The cream pattiserie is thick and rich (not cloyingly jelak and sugar laden) and you can visibly make out those tiny flecks of REAL vanilla pods. 

Let's Experiment - The Lab SG @ Jalan Pisang **Closed as of 19 January 2018**

T'was to be a girls-catch-up session, but alas, unforseen circumstances decreased the party to just 2 BFFs. Was tasked with "Any place as long as it is halal" request, me trawled my favourite go-to reads from Danielfooddiary and Miss Tam Chiak for some reliable intel. And... I pitched the a few suggestions to the BFF and we concluded that The Lab SG shall be it for the evening. BFF have also heard good stuff about them from word of mouth and that kinda built the standard to expect. Located at the very hip, very IN location of Arab Street enclave (well actually a bit off the epicentre at Jalan Pisang), The Lab SG has joined the ever growing list exciting halal eateries who have made this area home.

Heisenberger, so this is called. So Instagram worthy! Going at only $12.90 a portion, this is value for money indeed. Constructed of a 6oz homemade Beef patty, Bacon strip, Grilled onion, Tomato salsa, Mesclun salad and blanketed with Melted Bleu Cheese (yes, Blue Cheese, and no, it did not stink). Anddd.. there is even the company of Sweet Potato Fries. They are definitely giving 'em big boys a run for their money with this. 

Let's Fly For Lunch! - The Flying Squirrel @ Amoy

Having heard only rave reviews about this place, Reddy's lone lunch adventure listed The Flying Squirrel on the agenda. Seems that they have been around since 2013 and is the brainchild of the local music duo Jack and Rai and is run by Jack's wife. I had to Google Map this place, and upon nearing the dot on the map, lo and behold came a sign asking me to turn left and walk to the far end of the back alley. Oohh, this is too interesting.. Tucked at the back of an old shophouse is the nondescript location of this modern Japanese joint.

Ordered the Chef Surprise Bento. They make only 3 sets for a day, so let's just grab this and stuff my face silly. Oh, the Pumpkin Croquette? Soft, sweet, simple and delicious on the inside and crispy on the outside.

RaRa and Reddy's (Early) Dinner - Smokey's @ Joo Chiat

If our memory does not fail us, we quite distinctly remember Smokey's advertisement playing over Starhub's cable tv. This is not my first visit here, been here previously and was quite disappointed with the Grilled Salmon (it was dry and just very bland). Second visit, fingers crossed all will be well. Smokey's seem pretty much THE neighbourhood hangout joint for the expat community. Perhaps it is comfort food away from home? Were told that the tables are all reserved (!), sans the one barrel-cum-table with high chairs. We settled down and glanced through the menu with growling tummies. Our orders came not too long after, and boy, it was actually good! Way better than the first visit! Must have been just a one-off days then.

Grilled Salmon Fillet with sides of in-house made Coleslaw and greens. The salmon was moist, juicy and had the distinct "sweetness" of fresh seafood. Yumms.

Lunch With The Crazy Crowd - Tendon Ginza Itsuki @ Tanjong Pagar Road

Joining the ranks of the famous stretch of Japanese restaurant along Orchid Hotel, Tendon Ginza Itsuki (barely 1 month old) has already managed to have a 'velvet-rope-queue' worth of crowd every single day. They are a joint collaboration between the infamous Ramen King Keisuke Takeda and Ginza Itsuki Sushi (sushi restaurant in Tokyo). And they serve - ONLY 2 Tendon dishes (basically tempura rice bowl), either you order the "Special" or "Vegetable". Can't help but to overhear some people ahead of me lament "The last time we were here, even the people ahead us were already queueing 30 minutes, don't know how long we will queue today". Gulp. But, armed with a bagful of persistence and patience, my turn finally came. 30 minutes later. Add another 15 minutes of waiting time (in a more comfortable setting than the hot queue outside), lunch finally filled my tummy after some 45 minutes worth of accumulated time. Was it worth the wait? Hai,-sodesu!

Having had more than needed calories from a burger last night, it's time to go vegetarian for the day

Treats - Going Local with Kim Choo @ Joo Chiat

RaRa's New Favourite - Din Dai Fung

A name synonymous with Xiao Long Bao, those tiny burst-in-your-mouth-soupy-meatball-in intricately folded parcels. Din Dai Fung's story began in Taiwan, some time in the 70s, with a man named Bingyi Yang. Mr Yang started off as a delivery man for a cooking oil store. He was promoted to take charge of the company's accounts after 2 years of service. Unfortunately, the business suffered losses and had to bring down it's shutters. Mr Yang was then left unemployed and he too set up a cooking oil store soon after. Plummeting sales in the 70s saw Mr Yang diversify the business into making steamed dumplings for sale. The steamed dumplings soon attracted the crowd with it's exquisite taste and quality. Fast forward to today, Din Dai Fung have been accorded a Michelin star and won praises the world over for their high quality comfort food.

Each dumpling is meticulously weighed to ensure uniformity and each is intricately hand weaved with 18 fine folds

Dinner Time With The Crazy Crowd - Song Fa Bak Kut Teh @ New Bridge Road

I love a good Bak Kut Teh (especially the Malaysian version, with darker broth and less pepper), living here for the past 2 decades has made me appreciate both versions - both are good in their own rights. Must have been living under a rock, as this is my maiden visit to Song Fa. Experienced quite a culture shock when I learnt one have to "queue" for a meal here. Yes, queue with throngs of tourists? Strange but yes. I suppose this is a "must-eat Bak Kut Teh" for tourists, just as how Tian Tian represents the humble Chicken Rice to visitors of our Little Red Dot.

Dip this in chilli laced thick soya sauce? Ecstasy. Full stop.

Return With A Vengeance - Chef Yamashita @ Tanjong Pagar Plaza

My Achilles Heel. Pastries. Especially when it's within reach. Sigh. Temptation got the better of me and I found my 2 hurried feet wandering to Chef Yamashita's. Again. Yes. Again. Determined to have just ONE, Yuzu Matcha Mousse became the victim of the day.

Treat Time - Flourish @ Tanjong Pagar Plaza

Love the excitement of discovery. Especially if there are cakes involved! Stumbled upon this nondescript joint whilst strolling after lunch. Flourish they are called. Located at the retro shopping complex of Tanjong Pagar Plaza. Tucked in between kopitiams catering to ravenous lunch crowds, they stand out prettily with inviting scents of freshly baked pastries.

Beautifully piped meringues

RaRa and Reddy's Happy Time! @ Amara Sanctuary Sentosa

One of the nicest on the very (overly) commercialised little island of Sentosa. Amara Sanctuary Resort adopts a very green approach, they build into the surroundings, unlike most place which created such "surroundings". Natural vegetation were retained, along with the buildings of rich colonial history heritage. The result? A luxury resort oozing charm, elegance, modernity and contemporary chic.

Love how they incorporate the pool into the lush greenery located in and around the hotel grounds.

Treats - Going Local @ Rolina, Tanjong Pagar Food Center

The Uncle works calmly in his little workspace, almost oblivious to the humdrum of the endless swarm of the lunch crowd. His aged hands show years of invaluable experience, his nimble fingers gracefully fold the pleats to enclose the curried chicken and potato goodness in each piece of dough. I call out "Uncle", and give him a smile. He smiles back and pleasantly smile and nod while I place my order. He thanks me in well spoken English and I make my way. This is not my first visit. It's been several times, and yes, Rolina's delicious curried morsels are good enough to warrant return visits.

Going at $1.40 per piece, Rolina's curry puffs are smaller than the usual fare from Old Chang Kee and the likes. The crust is thinner as well, but the filling! Oh, the filling is chock full to the brim!

Treats With The Crowd - Chef Yamashita @ Tanjong Pagar Plaza

Chef Yamashita Masataka, or better known as just Chef Yamashita, is the name synonymous with cakes and pastries of exquisite taste and beauty. He is trained at Tsuji Culinary Institute in Osaka and moved to Singapore 7 years ago from the Nara prefecture where he was running a cake shop for 8 years. For those familiar with the Japanese pattiserie scene in Singapore, you will most probably remember Chef Yamashita for Pattiserie Glace . Fast forward some years later, the talented pastry chef moved out on his to set up Flor Pattiserie and now his current baby, Chef Yamashita, located at a very unlikely place - Tanjong Pagar Plaza.

Look, RaRa and Reddy waiting for a bite!

Lunch On A Weekend - Warung M.Nasir @ Killiney Road

Was told that this joint have been around for many years, and by many years, I meant more than 10. From what I gather online, Warung M.Nasir is named after the famous (Singapore born) Malaysian singer of the same name, M.Nasir. For those not in the know, this joint is famous for good, honest, homecooked Nasi Padang. What makes this place special (not only for being housed in a beautiful old shophouse and decorated with sprinklings of pop art and local antiques), is the music. The combination of Indonesian food and chic modern French beats (a jazzed up version of La Vie en rose was playing whilst I stuff my face with the delicious food) is almost unheard of. If. Not at all.

Looks like any typical Nasi Padang joint. Wait till you walk inside.

RaRa and Reddy's Weekend Time - Two Bakers @ Horne Road

T'was a drag-our-bums-out-of-the-house day.The mouth craves something sweet, the mind craves an adventure to an unknown territory, and the flesh is unwilling to venture out into the hot sun. Eventually, after a few wasted movements of the hands of the clock, RaRa and Reddy finally decided to head down to, somewhere where we needed to do some navigating from Lavender Mrt. Armed with Google Map, we were greeted with the sight of a few options in Horne Road. After a few read-ups here and there, our choice for treats today will be at Two Bakers.

Perennial favourite with RaRa, Strawberries! Very Instagram worthy.
Seasonal Fruit Tart @ $8.80

Treats With The Crowd - Bun Master @ Tanjong Pagar Plaza ***Closed at Tg Pagar Plaza. Only open at Toa Payoh. Updated Aug 2017***

Well, I know that there is a bakery here. But never paid much attention, until the discovery of a new favourite affordable lunch haunt, Tanjong Pagar Cooked Food, which just a few steps away. What piqued my interest was the presence of queue poles in front of the shop. That can only mean one thing, that they are popular! Very typical Singaporean, follow the queue haha. Bun Master's the name, and buns (obviously) the game. And yes! They have Golden Sand Bun (baked version), or better known as Liu Sha Pau.

Fresh out of the oven, hot and ooozy! Drooooolz.

Return With A Vengeance - Treat Me Time @ Group Therapy Duxton

Having stuffed myself silly previously at my first visit to Group Therapy (with a Chicken Stew in a Breadbowl), I vowed to return to sample what they are famed for - Waffles. Who cares if it was dinner time? Waffes with Ice Cream is it then.

Gold Rush Waffle - with homemade Chocolate and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, homemade Honeycomb and... wait for it... Salted Egg Sauce! Goodness Gracious!

Dinner With The Lesser Crowd - Tim Ho Wan @ Bedok Mall

Tim Ho Wan, needs no further introduction, after landing at our shores 2 years ago from Hong Kong. They have since enjoyed roaring success and have stayed on as a go-to place for good affordable Dim Sum. Fast forward year 2015, Tim Ho Wan now has 5 outlets - Plaza Singapura, Toa Payoh, Bedok Mall, Jurong East and Kallang Avenue. It has won the coveted culinary award - the Michelin star recognition, despite it not being in the same price league with the usual fancier establishments. Michelin star or not, the food here is GOOD. And location of choice today is Bedok Mall (closer to home lah).

Baked Buns with BBQ Pork. THE best I have ever had. The crusty top is sweat and crispy, the filling is juicy and chock full of perfectly roasted Char Siew morsels.

Project Adhoc - Alor Setar, Kedah

Off to the northern state of Kedah, Negeri Jelapang Padi, as it is known in Bahasa Malaysia, to a little town named Alor Setar. Last I was here was probably 20 years ago. This time round, RaRa and Reddy will make the trip up to this little known town in Malaysia. This is one of those places that make people go "Where?" Well, for the less informed, Alor Setar is located along the main travel route between Malaysia and Thailand. One can drive up to the Thai border (Sadao town) just a mere 48km north, about 40 minutes away from Alor Setar.


Typical view of a small nondescript Malaysian town (or any small town for that matters)

Lunch With The Crowd - YAYOI Japanese Teishoku Restaurant @ 100AM Tras Street

Having passed this place numerous times and given it a miss, finally I decided to give it a go after reading up about it in a local edition of a Japanese lifestyle magazine, WAttention. Yayoi adopts the "Teishoku" or set meals concept. A typical Teishoku consists of a main dish of fish or meat, and it is accompanied by Miso soup, side dish of vegetables and "Tsukemono" pickles. Yayoi price their Teishoku reasonably fair, with the lowest being just $9.90++ ($12.53 after taxes).

Choice for today, Simmered Mackarel in Miso Paste Set @ $9.90

Lunch With The Lesser Crowd - Group Therapy Coffee @ Duxton

This is one of those places where you will need to open your eyes wide to find the stairs that leads up to it's premises. Group Therapy Coffee is located at Duxton Road (there are 2 other outlets, Katong and Hanson Court), up at the second level of a restored old shophouse. The interior is kept simple with basic furnishings and cement screed flooring. They offer an all-day breakfast, brunch and lunch menu, and their dessert menu is notable for their homemade waffles. Well, we'll talk more about the waffles on a another day..


Choice of lunch for today, Truffled Ravioli (background) and Chicken Mushroom Breadbowl (foreground)

RaRa and Reddy's Day At The Museum - National Museum

Ahh, The National Museum. What colourful history this building hold. It used to be known as Raffles Library and Museum (1887-1942) and was used as a space to hold educational resources. Over the years as these resources grew, works were done to the interiors and exteriors, facilities such as fans, telephones and electric lights were installed. 

As described by EResources of our National Library Board archives, "The exterior walls were repainted from a dull yellow to a combination of white and cream, and then a dado of dark brown and with a thick black line for contrast. Concrete and Italian tiles were used to replace its worn floors made of timber." 

Done in typical European influenced colonial architecture, built in fashion of that time such as the Palladian, Renaissance, or Neoclassical styles during the era of the British colony.

Heritage Trail - Clifford Pier to Boay Quay

On a very lazy Sunday afternoon, just after an scrumptious Local Afternoon Tea at Clifford Pier,
RaRa set off on a walk around the Fullerton Heritage area and eventually where those little feet can afford to meander to. It was a beautiful day, very clear blue skies with almost no clouds, there was a draft of sea breeze accompanying each step of the walk. Perfect setting. Almost. Too perfect.

Swissotel The Stamford

Was once dubbed the "Tallest Hotel In The World" (JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is now the world's tallest hotel). Swissotel Stamford is equipped with 1261 guest rooms and suites, 15 restaurants and bars. This is also home to the Equinox dining complex, where you wine and dine with unsurpassed bird's eye view of the city and beyond. Swissotel has one of the best locality, with the City Hall Mrt just underground and with shopping and eateries galore at Raffles City Shopping Center and Suntec City all within reach.

Classic Room with a bird's eye view of the Singapore landscape.