MADO @ Jem, Singapore

Nestled at the ground floor of Jem - Singapore's third largest suburban shopping mall that officially opened recently, the first local MADO prides itself with the "world's best (and real) ice cream" made with mixing high quality goat milk and "schlep" that is harvested from the hillsides of Ahirdagi. Besides a wide variety of ice creams, MADO Cafe also attracts hungry diners with its limited number of main courses and side dishes, such as Kebabs, Prawn Aglio Olio and Caravan Grilled Lamb. But what lacks in quantity, I do, however, expected them to do well with the quality.

Pique Nique @ Ngee Ann City, Singapore

God is good. Thousands of centuries ago, he gave homo-sapiens the wisdom, as well as the ability to make the most satisfying desserts for royal events, ceremonies or festive seasons. Nowadays, due to increasing demands and the gastronomic needs for humans, desserts have become the staple for most of us after meals.

 

It's no different for another human like me. Once upon a time, after lunch at newly-opened Japanese Restaurant at Liang Court - Ryoshi Sushi Ikeikemaru, we decided to head down to Ngee Ann City (also known as Takashimaya) for some desserts. With consideration of atas bakery and patisserie "Paul" in mind as well, we decided to go for Pique Nique (pronouced "picnic") as it provides adequate space for the two children to move about.

 

Opened by the former renowned pastry chef of Les Amis Group's Canele, Chef Pang Kok Keong currently helms two restaurants - Antoinette and Pique Nique, under his newly-formed Sugar Daddy Group. With the latter specializing in American cuisine, such as hotdogs, burgers and bacons, this Western bistro also serves freshly-made desserts and an impressive array of pastries, and which we are obviously here for.

 

Eliza had the Hot Iron Waffle (S$11.80) served with whipped cream and a scoop of home-made vanilla ice cream, and finally drizzled with either maple syrup or salty caramel. We had the former, and it was absolutely delicious. The waffle was crispy on the edges and it had a fine balance between eggy and floury texture. It was amazing, and the best thing is the serving size of the waffle. I didn't expected it to be this huge, but yes, here it is.

 

Sticky Dates Pudding (S$12.00) with butterscotch and vanilla ice cream was good also. However, the pudding was warm, but not warm enough to give that "shiok" (ecstatic) feeling when eaten in one mouthful with the cold counterpart. It was a tad too sweet as well, but other than, I finished this whole plate in less than a few minutes.

Chococheese Cupcake (S$5.15) was a nice combination of rich chocolate and creamy cheese filling. It is topped with frosted cheese cream and dark chocolate shavings, and it had just the right sweetness.

Mark has a small appetite with a picky mouth for good food. I could easily tell that this Blueberry Cheesecake (S$8.35) is good when he wolfed down this slice. But again, I do expect no less for that pricing though.

The only disappointment was the Chamomile Tea (S$6.80 for 1 regular-sized pot). It was the least warm and tasteless. Period.

Like stated in the introduction, Pique Nique serves decent American meals at affordable pricing as well. I will definitely visit again when nature calls for a light snack in between meals, not to even mention I have not tried their Whoopie Pies!

Pique Nique

Tel: 62386705

Opening Hours
Daily: 10:00 - 22:00

391A Orchard Road

#B1-01/02

Ngee Ann City

Oblong Ice Cream @ Balmoral Plaza, Singapore

Anyone who understands me knows that I love desserts and good ice-cream (even better if it is hand-made) tops the list. Alright, I mean who doesn't fancy a scoop or two of these delightful creations on a hot humid weather, such as in Singapore?

Nestled quietly at the basement of Balmoral Plaza, Oblong Ice Cream is easy to be missed, but venture inside this humble mall and step into this cosy haven - a place ideal for studying or just chilling out with mates. They also provide a small comic/magazine stand for reading pleasure and also delectable selections of chic music playing softly in the background.

Oblong's uniquely named ice cream (Tarik the Teh is an interesting one) is rich in flavour and has a thick creamy texture. Some of my favourites include Milo, Rum & Raisin and their best-seller - Lychee Martini.

It goes for S$3.00 per scoop with additional 60 cents if you ordered the star flavours.

We also had the Plain Waffle w/ 2 scoops (S$9.00). Rum & Raisin and Chocolate are our choices and boy, they surely do go well with the piping hot waffle. Just a heads up - to ensure only the freshest is served, they make the batter upon ordering. However, the batter was a tad over-mixed and has an overwhelming eggy taste. And.. I would prefer my waffles to be crispier and drizzled with hot fudge though.

Similar to most local ice-cream shops (e.g. Island Creamery), have your photo taken for free and leave an everlasting memory here in Oblong Ice Cream.

Of course there is me and my fellow cellgroup members from Newton Life Youth Ministry (NLYM).

Take a break and slow down the pace of your life. Grab some ice-cream and your favourite comic book. Relax. Oblong Ice Cream is such place to head for.

Oblong Ice Cream

#B1

271 Bukit Timah Road

Balmoral Plaza

Seventh Heaven @ Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

A piece of heaven between our visit to the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. The people were complaining how thirsty and hungry we are, hence we decided to have ice cream to quench our thirst.

Famed for their "adult ice-cream" (with alcohol) and more than 30 handcrafted signatures to choose from, including Lychee Martini and Sea Salt Caramel, one would be spoilt for choice. They also features floral flavours exclusive to this outlet only.

Skipping all their alcholic and floral flavours, we go for their signatures instead - Butterscotch & Pecan and Rocky Road. Smooth and creamy. Their best seller, Butterscotch & Pecan did not appeal to me much, but the latter is good.

We also had the Hazelnut & Brownie and Sea Salt Caramel. The salty counterpart tasted pretty unique, it is like eating popcorn in ice-cream form, whereas the Hazelnut & Brownie is rich and chocolatey, but it can definitely do with more brownie chunks.

Generous scoops of ice-cream!

Seventh Heaven is definitely a pit-stop if you want to re-charge yourself between the different attractions in Gardens by the Bay. But still, Baskin Robbins and Udders remained as my personal favourite.

Seventh Heaven

Opening Hours

Daily: 10am  – 10pm

18 Marina Bay Drive

Gardens by the Bay

Shin Kushiya @ Vivocity, Singapore

A dear aunt of mine introduced me to Shin Kushiya when it opened not long ago, I have frequented this Japanese restaurant quite a bit since then and till now, it has remained as one of my definite favourites.

Shin Kushiya is well-known for their authentic Kushiyaki, or skewers grilled with Bincho charcoal (aka King of White Charcoal) imported from Japan. One can truly taste the quality of the fresh ingredients used and the distinct smoky flavour. Paired with their homemade tare sauce, Kushiyaki is definitely a must-try. Perfect for quite bites before main course and sharing. Prices ranged from S$2.00 onwards per skewer.



Platters of mouth-watering Kushiyaki

Still craving for more small bites before your main? Why not try out their softshell crab temaki (S$3.40) or a plate of crispy, tasty whole crab for sharing? 

We ordered the Sanshoku Don (S$17.80), a delicious combination of fresh salmon, maguro and kaki on top of a bed of soft Japanese rice. Ever heard of sashimi melting in your mouth? This is it. Sanshoku (三色) actually means toppings with three different colours. They are not only limited to sashimi, but also to other ingredients (i.e. dango, eggs, vegetables) as well.

  

Their Pork Cutlet (S$16.80) is crispy on the outside and tender inside. Dipped in their spicy tare sauce and paired with the crunchy fresh salad, I bet you'll be begging for seconds.

Good and authentic Japanese food, without burning your wallet. Shin Kushiya is the place to head to.




Shin Kushiya

Tel: +65 6275 8766

Opening Hours

Mon – Thu: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Fri – Sun: 11.30am – 11.30pm

1 Harbourfront Walk
#02-120
 Vivocity

Eighteen Chefs @ Tiong Bahru Plaza, Singapore

It was some times back when Peiyi and yours truly decided to get some light bites after a movie. After mulling for a few minutes, we decided to settle for Eighteen Chefs, a brainchild of former drug addict and convict, Chef Benny who believes in providing a positive working environment and experience for troubled youths and ex-convicts. Hence, do not be alarmed when a young man, full of tatoos is serving you. What a noble cause!

With students and youths as their targeted patrons (discounts or specials when you display your student pass etc), I wasn't convince about the food quality. Perhaps of previous bad experiences, I do not trust them as much. Eighteen Chefs surprised me. I wouldn't say that it was exceptionally good, but it was considerably above average, given that most of their dishes are value for money.

Down to the food, we ordered the Bolognaise Cheese Fries (S$4.90) - mozzarella cheese-baked fries topped with classic beef bolognaise sauce. The fries portion was generous and I assure you that they neither scrimp on their sauce.

With the flavour incorporated to every single potato fry, this afternoon snack makes the cut to be one of their signature dishes. Do note however, that the cheese fries are really filling, so it is recommended to share this among 2-3 people, if you are eating it along with their mains.

Look at that cheesy goodness!

The Waffle w/ Vanilla ice cream (S$6.50) topped up with chocolate fudge was okay. While the Belgian waffles is a little too cold for my liking, the generous drizzle of chocolate fudge is a plus point. 

 

Eighteen Chefs also provides customized pastas or cheese baked dishes, where you D-I-Y your meals by choosing from a wide selection of sauces and ingredients, and they cook it for you.

Eighteen Chefs

#01-K2/K6

302 Tiong Bahru Road

Tiong Bahru Plaza

2AM Dessert Bar @ Holland Village, Singapore

Nestled in one of Singapore's most popular hang-out spot, look no furthur than 2AM Dessert Bar, if you want a romantic late-night dessert with your significant other, or just somewhere to hang-out with your friends.

"This Friday night is still young", I thought. It was after a fulfilling dinner at White Dog's Cafe, and we decided that we still have stomach space for desserts. So we head all the way down to Holland Village to this modern-chic dessert bar.  2AM Dessert Bar was easy-to-miss, sitting at the second level in one of the corner, we definitely had a hard time locating it. Upon entering the dessert bar, we were seated on one of the plush sofa seats. At half past 11, this place is still buzzing with people!

I ordered their White Basil Chocolate (S$17.00), a burst of textures and flavours - it consists of passionfruit  fluff, coconut sorbet, pastilles and sea-grapes (a unique sea-weed, which looks and tastes like tiny fish roes). Although this creative dish is not on the sweeter side, but the combination of all the food elements make it interesting.

Peiyi had their Red Miso Caramel Bavarois (S$15.00), it comes with mustard crumbles and chocolate ice-cream which has an interesting texture. This dish packs a punch on the taste buds - a good mixture of sweet and sour.

For every single dessert, they would suggest a pairing of either a red or white wine. So we decided to have the Manawa Pinot Noir Marlborough (S$19.00) from New Zealand, the recommended pairing for Peiyi's dish. It has a strong sweet fragrance, tasted tangy with a tinge of sourness and leave a persistent flavour that lingers in your mouth. (I am not a wine connoisseur, but that is the best description I can come out with).

The price was startling initially, as I usually pay no more than ten bucks for desserts. But I'd say it was definitely worth the experience, and why not splurge occasionally on desserts?

2AM Dessert Bar

Tel: +65 6291 9727

Opening Hours

Mon–Sat: 6pm – 2am
(Closed on Sun)

21A Lorong Liput

Holland Village

Blue Mountain Cafe @ Somerset 313, Singapore

BLUE MOUNTAIN CAFE (Somerset 313) is moved to Illuma, Bugis.

After some light Sunday shopping and dessert at Cold Rock, we decided to go for seconds at Blue Mountain Cafe, which was conveniently one level above Cold Rock and situated just a stone's throw away from Uniqlo

A table for four was cleared for us, and we were promptly ushered to our seats by the manager/boss (from the looks of it). Their sofa chairs were surely a plus point - a good resting haven for tired feet after a day of walking.

In a cafe which specialises in premium coffee, I hesitated no further and ordered a cup of Kenya AA (S$6.90). The drink came in a coffee apparatus, which was then poured into a cup by one of the service staff. The grade "AA" coffee emanated a pleasant aroma, had a well-balanced taste between sour and bitter, and was completed with a mild after-taste and a slight sting to the tongue. For the price, this coffee is definitely worth your bucks.

Mama Kook had her Cafe Au Lait (S$6.90), coffee served with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream. The drink was so bitter (perhaps they forgot to add some sugar) that she had to ask for sugar syrup. My girl ordered the Matcha Tea Latte (S$6.20) as she was not much of a coffee lover.

 

For some small bites, we ordered a plate of Baked Mussels (S$8.90), topped with tomato paste, cheese and parsley flakes. The mussels were pretty well-baked, but overall, the dish was a tad too dry for my liking and I had expected the cheese to be more gooey.

Close up of that fresh goodness.

Timothy, my only younger brother and a culinary intern at Shangri-la, had the Japanese Curry Baked Rice (S$11.90). The chicken strips were tender and the wet, runny cheese complemented well with the Japanese curry. BMC could definitely do a better job garnishing this delicacy though.

He also had their Choco Mint Latte [not in pictures (S$6.20)].

I have read some pretty decent reviews about their desserts as well. But maybe till next time!

Blue Mountain Cafe

Tel: +65 6836 9301

Opening Hours

Daily: 10am – 11pm

313 Orchard Road
#03-23/24

Somerset 313

Häagen Dazs @ Wisma Atria, Singapore

Anyone who knows me should have noticed that I have a sweet tooth. Nothing else tempts me more than looking through the glass of a wide array of beautifully coloured ice cream, chocolate, strawberry, vanilla,  cookies & cream, caramel, green tea, tiramisu, strawberry cheesecake, mango, rum & raisin, you name it. Even feasting with your eyes is a blessing.

Looking at their menu to find that perfect dessert to satisfy your quench, one does not simply miss one of their greatest creation, "Brownie Celebration" -  two scoops of melting Chocolate and Belgian ice cream on a chunk of warm brownie, complemented by fresh strawberry slices on a bed of whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce.

Truly a celebration indeed.

Next up, we had another of their creations - "Paradise", it consists of Dark Chocolate Orange, Belgian Chocolate, Tiramisu and Macadamia Nut ice cream, Raspberry Sorbet and Mango Sorbet between crispy waffle slices, topped with chocolate strips and nuts. I expected no less from their signature ice cream, however their Mango and Strawberry sorbet were mediocre, it tasted like a standard supermaket product.





Luckily the classic "Banana Split" saves the day. This is indeed another timeless creation of Vanilla, Strawberry and Chocolate ice cream served with caramel banana, strawberries and crispy waffle.



Häagen Dazs truly lives up to its name as a world of indulgence.

Häagen Dazs

Tel: +65 6836 5418

Opening Hours

Sun – Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri – Sat & PH Eve: 10am – 12am

435 Orchard Road

#03-12/12A

Wisma Atria