Eggs & Berries @ Westgate, Singapore

Being an absolute brunch lover, I am always on the hunt for good brunch places. When Eggs & Berries opened another outlet at Westgate - the newest kid in the block of West Singapore, I knew I just had to check it out. Whilst having a weird combination of eggs and berries as their brand, they definitely made their statement when inSing featured them as the top 5 brunch places in Singapore.

So what are you waiting for? Dig in to a world of lovely eggs and berries-filled pancakes here.

Saint Marc Cafe @ Vivocity, Singapore

Since its opening early this year, St. Marc has been my favourite cafe to chill out after a heavy meal. Boasting more than a whopping 300 stores in Japan alone, it mainly sells authentic Japanese pastry, bread and desserts, including their signature chococro (well, we will come to that). Oh, don't ask where is St. Marc, their beautiful glass display of desserts is sure to attract any passer-bys, and probably make them salivate as well.

At St. Marc, there's only one problem: you will be very much be spoilt for choices. For starters, Choco Banana Split is set to satisfy any cravings of your sweet tooth. Here's why you should try out this dessert: One, soft serve holds approximately 10% lesser fat than normal ice cream. Two, there's bananas, so you won't feel as bad while indulging in this dessert. Third, don't ask, just eat.

Miam Miam @ Bugis Junction, Singapore

Nestled outside the second floor of BHG in Bugis Junction, Miam Miam is the newest addition of cafes locally. Bringing a combination of French artisanal cuisine and Japanese-inspired culinary arts, this casual restaurant promises the fresh flavours and the charms of the best of both worlds. Well, as a guy, shopping can be a tiring and sleepy chore, hence I always find comfort in desserts, and as a method to pick myself up via a sugar rush.

Alongside with a dose of their Matcha latte (S$6.80) - a soothing mixture of premium matcha and steamed milk, we had their highly acclaimed French Toast (S$9.80). Originally known as "pain perdu", their rendition of this French classic was fluffy, yet robust with a hint of sweetness. It comes with a scoop of home-made whipped cream (which I thought was vanilla ice cream initially) and maple syrup as well, and it is only sane to indulge a good piece of toast with those amazing pairings. As they say, good things are worth waiting, most of their desserts, including toasts and soufflés have a waiting time of 20 minutes (while they do their magic in the open-concept kitchen).

Tanglin Halt Western Food @ Clementi Market & Food Centre, Singapore

As part of the Healthy Food Hunt, jointly organised by South-West Community Development Council (SWCDC) and premier dining guide, Openrice, food-lovers united at Clementi Market and Food Centre on a beautiful Sunday afternoon for a casual food tasting. (This is part two of a two-parts blog post, please click here for part one.)

Prior to this tasting experience, I have never tried Tanglin Halt Western Food before - not even once in their decades of business at Clementi Food Centre. No, it is not that their dishes are not to standard. Rather, it is the snaking long queue whenever their stall opens for business. (Now, if you're an avid reader of mine, you should know that queues are a huge turn-off to me. Yes, despite being a true blue Singaporean.) Every. Single. Time.

Read on what's drawing the crowd here.

Food Tasting at Arashi Yakiniku Charcoal Grill @ Boat Quay, Singapore

Before I begin: As the first post of the new year, I hereby wish everyone a blessed and bountiful year ahead!

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Hosted by the good people of Openrice and Arashi Yakiniku, a group of foodies gathered once again to savour delicacies of sin and arteries-clogging indulgence. Well, just tell yourself: It's only once in a while.. I'll exercise tomorrow.. YOLO (you only live once).. And you will be pretty much ready to embark on one of the seven deadly sins - GLUTTONY.

Arashi Yakiniku Charcoal Grill is a Japanese BBQ restaurant located along the scenic river-front of Boat Quay. Diners can choose to either dine in their 3-storey high shop-house, or opt for al-fresco dining amidst the beautiful scenery and cool night breeze. They are pretty much the "new kid in the block" and aims to bring authentic Japanese barbecue experience to people from all walks of life. Arashi is also equipped with four private rooms that can accommodate up to 6-14 people.

  

Keep Calm and Happy New Year

2013 is soon to pass, while 2014 takes on the baton, it's high time to do some reflection on what I have been up to for this year.

2013 hold great meaning for myself, for one.. Okay, it doesn't seemed like big deal now. But I finally made it through 2 years of national service! For those who are still in service, I encourage you guys to cherish the time: treat it as a good time to learn something, instead of treating it "as a waste of time". Basic military training (BMT) taught me how to cope with life transitions, hardships, and trusting people I've never met before. My time in Officer Cadet School (OCS) has imbued leadership and several other important life lessons (I don't think I can fit all in here). While keeping it short, army has definitely gave opportunities for me to forge new bonds amongst hardships.

School started soon after.. being a man who feared solitude, I began to forge new friendships with the people I met throughout my first semester of psychology course. Well, psychology is not easy, but school life is so much fun with like-minded people who are (nonetheless) psychos (well, as we named our clique). 

Besides church, I found a new place for my spiritual growth in the school's Christian fellowship as well. Thank God for that. We even got praised for our short "apathy" skit in World Student Day!

Overseas are difficult to come by since the start of school. It's good that we can forked out time (out from our holidays) to chill out in the Land of Smiles.. yeah, that's right. Bangkok. Crazy trip. Crazier people.

Well, I even had my first cricket in Bangkok. Having eaten more than several kinds of insects, perhaps, I should do up a post, say.. "Guide to Eating Insects".

I'm fortunate enough to enjoy a short holiday to visit my relatives in Malacca..

And a break off urban life in Redang island.

And a trip up to Cameron Highlands with girlfriend and her mum..

I haven't been drawing much, apparently this is the only drawing I've done in 2013. Yeah, that's my favourite singer, Katy Perry!

Needless to say, I am blessed enough to savour so many delicious food.

As for my dear readers, who gave unwavering support despite my lack of updates, do look forward to this upcoming year, as I will be bringing more, and better eats around in Singapore (and anywhere else). And no, I am not planning to stick strictly to FOOD, but will be incorporating more travel and lifestyle reads (slowly, but steadily) to you all. I have recently set up an instagram account at: http://instagram.com/thomaschancw, so check it out and follow me for more gastronomical updates!

Well, I can't thank God enough for the things that I am grateful for, and for the bad things that happened, I just treated them as a lesson to be learnt. As I am penning down my thoughts right now (31/12 2340hr), 2013 is coming to an end. 2014 is going to be a greater year, a more blessed one for every one of us.

CHEERS!

Best Regards,

Thomas