The UrbanWire      

As a special treat for you, UrbanWire is giving away 1-for-1 dining vouchers. Simply click on the image below, print the voucher and make your way down to Cafeteria il Lido for some delectable Italian food. Terms and conditions apply.

Instead of paying $20 for an appetizer at their flagship restaurant il Lido on Sentosa, you could spend less than half of that for one in their second outlet downtown. Since its opening in Suntec City in August, Cafeteria il Lido, also run by Beppe De Vito, the well-known restaurateur and managing director of Italian dining and lounge bar in Sentosa, has presented a range of authentic Italian fare at prices below $20.

The menu offers a wide variety of dishes from appetizers which they term “nibbles”, to Italian staples like pasta and pizza, hearty meats, seafood and desserts. The list of drinks also include a selection of teas, coffees and even wines by the glass priced from $7.90 to $8.90. The diner exudes a relaxed atmosphere for both weekday and weekend meals.

Told of new additions to their menu, UrbanWire editors Shermaine Yeo and Janelle Li went down for lunch over at Cafeteria il Lido, and deliver their verdict on some of their recommended dishes.

Calamari

Janelle: There are about 20 pieces in there, enough to be shared among 4-5 as a side dish. It smells really good, and when you bite into it the breaded skin crumbles, with a thick ring of calamari flesh for you to chew to your hearts’ content. The tartar sauce brings out the juiciness of the calamari, although it tastes good plain too.

Shermaine: This appetizer is scrumptiously tempting with chunky rings of calamari and at $7.90, the portion is well worth the price. The steaming hoops are savoury even without any dressing, but the tartar sauce proves to be a perfect complement, adding a sweet tang to the chewy pieces of squid that are coated with bread crumbs for that crunchy texture.

Gnocchi

Janelle: Although it’s found under “Pastas” in the menu, it’s not actually very pasta-like. The best way to enjoy this unique dish is to take a bite into the shitake mushroom, gnocchi and cream sauce at the same time.

Shermaine: This dish may look plain with only 4 ingredients in the menu description, but this new addition to the selection of main courses is surprisingly palatable. The mushy and fluffy potato dumplings, generous serving of shitake mushrooms and light basil cream fuse well with each other and finishing the whole plate of gnocchi isn’t a problem as the frothy sauce isn’t cloying.

Spaghetti Vongole

Janelle: I love oil-based pastas, so this one’s gotta be my favourite! The herbs are very fragrant, and there’re about 20 clams in this dish, for just $12.50. It may be a tad too oily for those who prefer the lighter tomato-based pasta dishes though.

Shermaine: The Spaghetti Vongole garnished with herbs and sliced red chilli, has a strong clam flavour and a spicy hint. The briny taste could be attributed to the almost equal portion of pasta and crustacean, as well as its name. Vongole is clam in Italian and you can’t go wrong with this chef’s special.

Four Cheese Pizza

Janelle: Cheese lovers will adore this pizza, with its thin crispy crust and generous cheese topping. If you eat each slice the conventional way from the pointed tip to the edge, you’ll also enjoy an increasing crunchiness and finish off noisily. The cheese flavours blend in without being overwhelming, with the strongest cheese flavour at the “ball” of fluffy cream cheese on each slice. You may not find any opportunity to chew, unlike meat-based pizzas that give you that satisfaction.

Shermaine: The aroma of this Four Cheese Pizza entices you the moment you catch a whiff of it. 12-inches of cheesy decadence with an unrivaled combination of Mozzarella, Mascarpone (the basic ingredient in Tiramisu), Parmesan and Cheddar, over a spread of tomato sauce. As if the mixture of dairy indulgence is not enough, a slab of cream cheese is placed on each of the 6 slices. This thin crust Italian fare that just screams cheese, incorporates a mysterious tangy and refreshing tomato dressing that becomes conspicuous nearer the edges as the cheese fades off. Starred as a chef’s special and my personal favourite.

Chicken Cacciatora

Janelle: Another dish that melts in the mouth, like the Four Cheese Pizza. I expected to have to use my teeth a little before I swallow but I totally didn’t need to. The mashed potato right at the bottom added thickness to the sauce and overall richness of the flavour.

Shermaine: The goulash-like gravy full of shredded carrots, onions and celery, seems to find itself sitting halfway between eastern and western cuisine with a trace of french onion soup and a hint of spring roll filling that overwhelms taste buds. Another chef’s special, the chicken is stewed to a soft yet firm consistency that goes well with the sauce and mashed potato.

Seabream Marinara

Janelle: The fish taste is pretty strong, while the tomato sauce has its own flavour. I’d have preferred if the sauce was thicker. I like how easy it is to cut a piece off the seabream and how fresh the meat is.

Shermaine: While this dish looked pretty promising, the 3 strong flavours of the seabream, olives and tomatoes didn’t seem to integrate well. But the distinctive ingredients when eaten separately, were worthy of the chef’s special note. The fish was firm and smooth and the tomato sauce was light and zesty. At $13.50, it’ll go some way to satisfy your seafood cravings.

Luganega Sausage

Janelle: This doesn’t taste too different from other pork sausages, but the herbs added bonus points. Your stomach will definitely be filled when you’re faced with so much meat and irresistible fries sprinkled lightly with Paprika salt. The salad tasted a little dry though, so it would’ve been better if some dressing were available.

Shermaine: The fries are delectable thick cuts of potato seasoned with Paprika salt and the crisp strips of lettuce balance out the oil and meat from the sausage. Unfortunately for the first piece I sank my teeth into, I bit onto something hard. Well, on the whole the pepper and herb spiced up the pork sausage and gave it a better flavour.

Tuscan Prawn Frittata

Janelle: You can feel how fluffy the egg is just from slicing it open. There’re 4 large tiger prawns in it, which are really fresh to the point of being almost crunchy. There’s also a strong dairy smell from the egg, a strong indicator of just how much Parmesan cheese was added. I remember drinking lots of water after a few bites.

Shermaine: The frittata or Italian omelette had a chunky and spongy layer of baked egg and tiger prawns cooked to perfection. New on the menu, this dish is a pleasant fusion of seafood, eggs and dairy products. The crisp sides of the omelette gave an indication of cheese blended in the egg dish.

Fig Pie

Janelle: I don’t like figs in general, so I kind of skipped those and went straight into the hot cheese pie. Together with the caramel orange slices this dessert is very, very sweet.

Shermaine: Dusted with icing sugar, this fluffy and soft cream cheese pie is served hot from the oven and decorated with sweetened citrus peel. Another chef’s special, the dessert is sweetened with orange caramel, which gives the pastry a delightful crust. While the fig was a challenge to try, I did pop 1 or 2 into my mouth. The texture is similar to stewed aubergine, while the seeds of the fruit add a crunch to the bite.

Pannacotta

Janelle: I couldn’t taste the baked cream at the bottom at all, as the taste of the berries were so strong. The pudding-like texture also makes it hard to scoop just the baked cream without the fruits. Overall, I could only taste sourness, from both the berries and the cream.

Shermaine: The baked cream had an intense sour cream taste that overpowered the rest of the ingredients in the silky cream mixture. Lining the top of the glass was a tart wild berries sauce with fruity chunks of blueberries and cranberries, if I could hazard a guess.

Cafeteria il Lido details:

Address: B1-012 Suntec City Mall (around the fountain)
3 Temasek Boulevard
Tel: 6883 2341

Restaurant Hours:
Open Daily
11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm to 10:00pm

Each year when the calendar page shows December, my girlfriends would arm themselves with a battery of vigorous workout sessions and insane diet regimens.

Nope, they’re not having a mass wedding or renewing their vows together. This is but a preparation all of them go through in the name of enjoying their Christmas parties while keeping the guilt trip to blubber-land at bay.

With so many high-calorie sinful temptations during the festive celebrations, it’s only right that one should fear the battle of the bulge afterward. Zenxin Agri-Organic has concocted several solutions for great tasting reduced-calorie dishes for that purpose.

I used to be a staunch believer that anything healthy can’t taste half as good as the real thing.. After securing a date with Mrs Ceridwen Wolf, Zenxin Agri-Organic’s Product Manager, I went down to the hypermart certain that Mrs Wolf wouldn’t succeed in budging my judgement, much less my taste buds.

But I was so wrong.

Upon reaching my destination I found myself shoved aside, between a Christmas tree and the demonstration table, by an army of “aunties” determined to learn how to make healthy yummy dishes.

^{Mrs Wolf whipping up some Christmas cheer.}

Undeterred, I watched as the amiable Mrs Wolf quickly whipped up a batch of Delish Christmas Eggs, and at the same time, good-naturedly fielded the fast, strong queries the spectators threw at her.

“Whatever your grandmother ate would be the best thing for you to eat,” Mrs Wolf announced as she offered the plate of delish eggs all around. These were, in my opinion, named aptly as they were quite scrumptious.

The mix of tangy, sweet and tasty herbs was balanced out perfectly and will do great as starters or finger food.

^{Zesty Cranberry Sauce}

Next up, she put together a saucer of Zesty Cranberry Sauce to go with turkey, and boy did it smell like Christmas. Not only was the sauce tasty with a nice tart, sweet finish, but it was also a visual treat. Its natural ruby red colouring is sure to bring out the Christmas spirits and smells when drizzled over desserts or turkey.

But the one thing that sold me was the Sweet Potato Pie. One bite into the sweet potato and the whole floor went silent. The filling was smooth, sweet and absolutely decadent, with the right touch of spices. I was pretty sure this is one dessert I’ll be lugging to many potluck parties over the Christmas and New Year’s period. The best thing about all of them is, they’re dead easy to prepare!

^{Sweet Potato Pie}

Fret not if you are hankering after the recipes! It’s here for all to see!

Ingredients:

6 organic eggs
1 pkt fresh organic chives
1 pkt fresh organic Italian parsley
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp gourmet mustard
Freshly ground sea salt and black pepper

Preparation:

1. Bring cold water and room temperature eggs to the boil gently and simmer for around 5 minutes. Any longer and your yolks will turn pale and lose their vibrant yellow.

2. Plunge the eggs into ice-cold water to cool them off. This will contract the eggs from the shells and allow them to be peeled without getting craters in their skin.

3. Peel the eggs carefully and halve them.

4. Remove the yolks again with care and mash with the other ingredients. Take a teaspoon and replace the mixture into the white half eggs and serve on a bed of lettuce.

Ingredients:

2 cups washed fresh organic cranberries
1 stick of cinnamon
6 cloves
Juice of 1 orange
6-8 thinly pared strips or orange peel or organic orange zest
1⁄2 cup organic brown sugar
1⁄2 cup of water

Preparation:

1. Dissolve the brown sugar in the water by heating it in a saucepan.

2. Add the spices and orange zest and let this simmer for 3 mins until the room smells like Christmas, then add the cranberries and orange juice.

3. Simmer gently until thickened to desired consistency. Be very careful as the cranberries will pop and fly out of the pan unless you keep the lid on.

Ingredients:

2 cups Zenxin organic baked sweet potato
1⁄2 cup butter
1⁄4 tsp ground cinnamon
1⁄4 tsp ground nutmeg
1⁄4 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp pure vanilla essence
1⁄2 cup organic brown sugar
2 organic eggs
1⁄2 cup organic cream
1 tbsp organic self-raising flour
1⁄2 cup organic walnut pieces
230g instant shortcut pastry
9 inch flan pie tin

Topping:

2 tbsp butter
1⁄4 cup organic brown sugar
1⁄2 cup walnut pieces
A pinch of salt

Preparation:

1. Bake 4 medium sized sweet potatoes in the oven at 180°C for approximately 70 mins. Leave to cool and then peel off the skin. The longer you bake this, the sweeter the filling will be as the sweet potato will caramelise.

2. Butter the flan tin and cover with the pastry.

3. Measure out 2 cups of sweet potato and add the butter, spices and vanilla and mix well.

4. Stir in the 2 eggs, brown sugar, organic cream, flour and finally the walnut pieces.

5. Place mixture in flan dish and place this in the oven to bake  for approximately 55 minutes. If you stick a knife into the pie and it comes out clean, it’s done.

6. While the pie is baking, prepare the topping.

7. Dissolve the butter and brown sugar in a saucepan using low heat. Wait until the mixture is bubbling then add the walnuts and a pinch of salt.

8. Stir for another 2 minutes then remove from the heat and pour onto a marble slab to cool or leave it aside in the pan to cool. Crumble and sprinkle over the pie to finish.

You can find more recipes by Mrs Wolf here.

Share this article with this URL: http://bit.ly/55VoTp

Wagyu beef. Kurobuta [which means “Black pork” in Japanese]. Hokkaido scallop.

These expensive delicacies are definitely not what you’d expect to find in your average sandwich bar. And with cuisine from the Land of the Rising Sun gaining popularity, Kimochi, located in VivoCity, offers a Japanese twist to your typical sandwich.

Within the jungle of sushi and kushiyaki restaurants in VivoCity, this quiet deli appears to stand out as a different sort of eatery for Japanese cuisine junkies – which is exactly what Matthew Loh, owner of Kimochi, wishes to achieve. Although he has another Japanese restaurant, Kushi Dining Bar, Kimochi was born from a want to differentiate themselves from the other Japanese restaurants.

The café has a contemporary design, with a spanking clean white interior. As you walk in, you’ll be greeted with a glass display of fresh vegetables and bread. Place your order at the counter, settle yourself comfortably at your seat, and your food will be served by the friendly waitress around 5 minutes later.

Every sandwich comes sitting on a flat plate held together by a long toothpick with sauce dish-sized sides of Japanese seasoned baby octopus, salad, plus a bowl of soup.

^{(Photo from Kimochi)}

A new addition as a side is coloured sushi, a new product of Kimochi. 7 colours are available, with each made from different vegetables like tomatoes and mushrooms, consisting of a different health benefit, for example, lowering cholesterol and aiding weight loss.

From a list of around 20 salads and sandwiches to choose from, you can be sure you’ll be able to find something of your liking here. Choose from any of 3 kinds of bread: focaccia, ciabatta, and white bread.

With a ferocious appetite, UrbanWire attacked the menu and filled our demanding stomachs with salads, soups, sandwiches, and desserts. Here’s our verdict:

Soups & Salads

Mushroom Soup ($5.80):

Expectations of this all-time favourite climb higher and higher, but Kimochi’s mushroom soup would definitely satisfy picky taste buds. Served with light, crisp croutons and (surprise!) grated cheese on top, the mushroom soup has the right thickness and colour – not too creamy to make you feel like you’ve just drank a bowl of milk, and not too watery to make you feel like you’ve been cheated with a diluted version.

Stir in the mozarella on top and voila! A spoonful of sliced mushroom, flavourful soup, complete with tempting cheese-strands that you’d have thought you could only find on pizzas.

California Salad ($8.80):

The equation of any food:

Fresh = win.

∴, Fresh iceberg lettuce + fresh red tomatoes + fresh Japanese cucumbers + fresh avocadoes + fresh prawn roe + (okay, maybe not fresh, but still) oh-so-delicious crabsticks + savoury dressing with a dash of tanginess = winner.

The serving of this salad is big enough for women with smaller appetites to wave the white flag before they’re done with the bowl, so share it with a friend or two if you still want to try the sandwiches.

Sandwiches

Chicken Katsu Sandwich ($7.80):

The chicken katsu is the Japanese version of the chicken cutlet, and is breaded in Panko breadcrumbs (made from bread without crusts, making it lighter than Western versions). This Chicken Katsu sandwich hits the spot with a light, crisp coating around the juicy chicken, covered with mayonnaise and prawn roe. Iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers complete the delectable combination.

Unagi Sandwich ($9.80):

If you’re one of us in the WLUC (We-Love-Unagi Club), you’ll definitely love this.

Unagi (Japanese eel) lovers know that no matter how nicely marinated and grilled an unagi is, if it isn’t carefully prepared, instead of a smooth, sweet eel, you’ll find your throat chocked up with irritating cartilages.

No worries with this Unagi Sandwich, though. Its fine bones allow for easy swallowing – your gullet is safe. Add a dollop of homemade mayo + prawn roe and you have a scrumptious meal.

100% Wagyu Beef Sandwich ($19.80):

If there wasn’t a “100% Wagyu Beef” label, we’d think it was meat from any old cow.

The beef patty had a nice pink tinge in the centre, and the beef patty scored an average in juicy standards, but oomph-wise, it was lacking. 2 slices of cheese and a few strips of bacon were thrown into the mix, but all they did was make the dish saltier.

Still, anyone looking for a simple sandwich with an unadorned beef taste would be more than happy to tuck into this item.

Dessert

Green Tea Cheese Cake ($8.80):

Japanese versions of Western dishes are usually lighter, so if you were expecting a New York cheesecake taste-alike, think again.

Thankfully, however, this dessert is not Mars-bars-sweet, and leaves a gentle green tea aroma in your mouth. It tastes more like Matcha mousse with a tiny hint of cheese, but one can never have too much of the green-tea-and-red-bean pairing in desserts.

A direct translation of ‘kimochi’ in the Japanese language would mean ‘feeling(s)’. And the feeling that Kimochi wants to convey is the sincerity of their food that’s “made from the heart”. Make your way down to this peaceful café and have some sandwiches made with sincerity.

Address: 1 Harbour Front Walk, #01-163 VivoCity

Tel: +65 6376 8380

Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm

Kimochi is GST-free, but all prices listed on the menu don’t include service charge.

Question: If the owner of a popular ice cream shop decides to open another store, what would it be?

Answer: Why, a burger joint, of course.

Wait, what?

Yes, situated at the first level of King’s Arcade, 2-month-old Burger Shack is ice cream café Island Creamery’s newly acquired savoury sibling.

UrbanWire visited on a weekday around 4 pm, and was shortly followed by a large group of students. As the store is located near a number of institutions such as National Junior College and Nanyang Girls’ High, diners looking for a quiet experience should probably visit on weekends to avoid after-school hours.

Still, Burger Shack was clearly designed as a hangout for school-goers. Handwritten scribbles and little doodles decorate the restaurant, and together with the clean, white interior, present a fun, casual atmosphere. There’s even a photo printer where you can print your “cam-whoring” photos and leave happy memories on their wall.

Half-expecting to be greeted with a menu of buns sandwiching ice cream slabs, UrbanWire was pleasantly surprised to see an assembly of 8 burgers ranging from good ol’ ones with New Zealand beef patties to fusion kinds drizzled with Japanese okonomiyaki sauce [sweet and tangy dressing on Japanese pancakes].

Despite the variety, the BBQ Pulled Pork burger ($6.20) easily sailed its way to the top of the don’t-miss list, with mum’s-famous-recipe sauce lavishly lathered on a generous mound of flavourful pork strips. The pulled pork was moist but not nauseatingly greasy as some “moist” (but really just fatty) pork is.

Coupled with soft homemade buns and crisp lettuce, this delightful masterpiece of a burger scores an effortless ‘A’ with UrbanWire’s taste buds.

The Original burger ($5.70), however, didn’t quite make the cut.

One thing about Burger Shack’s buns is that they’re slightly bigger than the ones you’re used to at McDonald’s or Burger King. It would only be natural to expect an increase in the proportions of the meat patty, right? Except that there wasn’t any.

The beef patty was, in terms of size alone, the identical twin of McDonald’s beef patties, not to mention that it was rather dry. Savoury and slightly tangy, liberal amounts of sauce and mayonnaise was its only saving grace.

Thank goodness, a bite into the Grilled Chicken Caesar burger ($6.20) erased most of the previous disappointment.

Creamy Caesar dressing with enough sourness to accentuate the sweetness of succulent flame-grilled chicken, fresh greens, and fluffy buns will compel you to finish every last bite.

To the health-conscious who’d still like to have a presumably fat-loaded burger, the menu offers Vic’s Portobello Mushroom burger ($6.20). However, unless you’re a true health nut, you may be unable to get used to the relatively bland taste.

For desserts to complete your meal, there’re warm brownies ($2.40 each; $4.80 with ice cream) or you can take a 5-minute walk to Island Creamery instead as there are very limited flavours served in Burger Shack.

All burgers on the menu are ala-carte, but there’s an offer of adding $3.20 ($2.50 for students) for a set meal consisting of shoestring fries and a canned drink. There’re also add-ons such as cheese and bacon available at an additional $1.50 each.

For rice-lovers, Burger Shack offers to trade burger buns for garlic butter rice. It comes with a cute little square of butter atop the rice, and the garlic fragrance whets your appetite – only to disappoint it on your first spoon. Simply put, it’s white rice with the aroma of garlic, and the butter contributes only to the aesthetics.

Food is served in the sort of metal trays you’d find in mini toaster ovens. At Burger Shack, it’s self-service so you’d have to make your way to the counter when they announce your order number.

With a relaxed ambience and reasonable prices, Burger Shack will be a definite hit with students as Island Creamery is. Be sure to give their BBQ Pulled Pork burger a try when you drop by!

Address: 559 Bukit Timah Road, #01-01King’s Arcade

Contact: +65 6466 3477

Opening Hours: Tues to Sun, 12pm – 10pm (last order 9pm)

A relaxing environment with truly lip-smacking burgers makes for an excellent experience at Fatboy’s, the perfect meal for any burger buff.

The words “fast food” are synonymous with burgers, and in that realm, burgers are king. They’re the perfect quick meal – packed with goodness (meat, condiments and veggies at the very least), handhold-able and eaten with relatively little fuss. What’s not to like?

In recent times, burgers have begun to expand outside the domain of fast food and are now a culture all on their own.

Western eateries like Botak Jones, Crazy Ang Moh, and more recently, The Handburger and Burger King’s Whopper Bar have given a new perspective to burger eating – allowing enjoyment to the fullest with more variety than just the traditional beef or chicken burger.

Enter Fatboy’s, located in suburban Upper Thomson, one of the newest kids on the block.

At first glance, the understated shop house is almost too easy to miss with only a simple red, black and white signage identifying itself, but step inside and that’s where the magic begins.

Opened on Sep 25 this year, the 45-seater restaurant offers a decent variety of burgers complete with handmade patties (although they admit their fries are bought frozen) as well as some combinations that leave you wondering (pork with peanut butter and bananas anyone?).

A must-try is the Fat Basterd ($14) featuring 2 thick 150g beef patties, double bacon, double cheese, a fried egg and dressed in a homemade barbecue sauce made with premium herbs and spices (need I say more?).

This monster is so big that it’s pretty much impossible to eat by hand (or to put in your mouth, for that matter). Understanding this, a knife and fork are provided to help you along in your conquest, and a toothpick is stuck through every burger, American-style, to hold your chow together.

Wimpy Fat Basterd

For the less ambitious however, a “wimpy” single version of the burger is available at $12.50, a fair move to allow people of all appetites to sink their teeth into the signature dish.

Pizza The Hutt

And if you can’t get enough beef, stuffed with a 150g beef patty, salami, tomato, concasse, mozzarella and jalapeños is Pizza The Hutt ($12.50), a lovely pizza-inspired burger that brings elements of an Italian pie in between 2 buns.

Jalapeños seem like an odd addition, but are used such that they pop in your mouth and give a sour zingy kick without making the burger overly spicy. A nice touch indeed!

The Holy Caesar

Options are also available for those who don’t or can’t take beef. The Holy Caesar ($11.50) contains a slab of grilled chicken breast, bacon, and Parmesan cheese topped in Caesar dressing.

The chicken patty does seem dry on first bite, but the Caesar dressing does well to add the right amount of moisture to an otherwise relatively ordinary burger.

Also available at Fatboy’s is the option to build your own burger using all the ingredients that go into regular menu items. This means you get the chance to create the meal of your dreams and go as crazy as you want with toppings and sauces.

This concept, together with the Fat Basterd, is a favourite among customers so far according to owner Bernie Tay, 36.

“The burger bar which allows you to build your own burgers is very popular and being one of its kind currently, we thought this is one of our special features,” he says.

He adds, “We hope to bring the personal diner culture closer to the neighbourhoods. Ultimately, Fatboy’s will always be a neighbourhood bar and diner, which is why we stay away from the shopping malls.”

It’s this approach that seems to appeal to their customers, myself included. Unlike other burger shops, the atmosphere is significantly more relaxed, and you don’t feel pressured to leave even after finishing your meal.

“I love their environment, because it’s in a casual format, a factor all burger joints should contain. After all, it’s still a casual type of food,” says student Jasmine Chan, 17.

For Melvin Heng, 32, the availability of both burgers and beer (Hoegaarden and Stella Artois fresh by the pint) at 1 location is a winner.

The sales manager, who was dining at Fatboy’s for the first time, says, “I woke up with a craving for beer and burgers today so I just thought of popping by. It helps that it’s near my place (in Bishan). In Singapore if you’re looking at a place with burgers and beer there are pretty limited options but I thought to try it out and I’m quite happy.”

At the end of the day, what Fatboy’s offers is the quintessential laid-back and personal dining experience that we’ve never quite had in Singapore, a fitting contrast to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Couple that with delectable burgers and it does seem like a star is born.

Admittedly though, burgers may not be everyone’s thing, but if you’re a fanatic like me, Fatboy’s is the place to be if you’re ever in Upper Thomson.

Fatboy’s is open daily from noon to midnight at 187 Upper Thomson Road. For enquiries, call +65 6252 8780 or email enquiries@fatboys.sg

The simple, tranquil and rustic charms of rurality have long been forgotten; skyscrapers and posh restaurants now dot the streets of our tiny island. Amber Chan & Isaac Tan bring you 2 places in Singapore that are quietly tucked away from the flurry of our cityscape. Perfect for chomping away and romantic dates.

Sunset Grill and Pub

Hidden within the East Camp in Seletar Airbase, sitting quietly beside a fenced up airstrip is Sunset Grill and Pub, also home to magnificent sunsets. With its humble decor and mismatched furniture, this is one place for lovers to go on an unpretentious date. Off the beaten track, this restaurant has none of the snooty vibes most fancy restaurants ooze; the food and setting actually feel like part of home. Be sure to arrive around 6pm to catch the sunset in time.

Appetite

1. Spicy Buffalo Wings ($17.50 for 6 pieces)

Start your meal with the spicy buffalo wings that Sunset Grill and Pub is famous for. There are 10 levels of spiciness to choose from. The first level of wings looked and smelt absolutely lethal. They were greasy mounds of crispy redness that seemed to glow. Don’t mind their appearance, for they will get you hooked. Juicy, flavourful and pretty spicy, the heat builds up with each bite you take. Add $0.50 for each subsequent level up.

There’s even a mystery level 30 for gutsy diners where, if reached, they get to sign their names on certificates to prove they’ve tried the spiciest wings. These certificates are pasted on the ‘Hall of Flame’ wall inside the restaurant. Remember, though, that potential side effects include severe stomachaches, swollen lips and fainting spells. You have been warned.

2. Blt Sanwich ($11.50) Imagine long, juicy strips of bacon tucked between fresh lettuce and salty melted cheese. This divine combination is then sandwiched between three slices of fresh, perfectly-toasted bread. Served with a side of fries and salad sprinkled with pepper, the BLT sandwich is worth every cent.

3. Beef Lagsane ($17.50)

The serving is too big for one so you can share it with your date. The layer of cheese covering the pasta is crisp on top, thick and gooey underneath, and leaves stringy strands when eaten. The pasta and beef are average at best, but its fresh and flavourful cheese sets it apart from other lasagne.

Address: 140B Piccadilly, Seletar Air Base East Camp, Singapore Flying Club

Opening Hours: Open from 4pm – late, closed on Tuesdays.

Privé Bakery Café

Sunrays nestle gently against the cradling waves as you take time to revel in the astounding beauty of your surroundings and your date. Enjoy great food in the luxurious comforts of the elegantly designed Privé Bakery Café with amazing scenery that is just too good to be true.

The journey to Privé starts your date on a crescendo. A nice stroll along Keppel Bay Drive reveals the beauty of the Marina at the end of the road.

Every step along the colossal Keppel Bay Bridge transports you further away from the bustling concrete jungle to a relaxing postcard-worthy backdrop. Take time to soak up the sun, drink in the salty sea breeze and soon you’ll forget all that’s unimportant in life and focus on the star of the night – your lovely date.

And as the night beckons, Privé starts to come alive. The beautiful tealight-lit atmosphere sets the mood for good dinner conversation. With great food, comfortable seating and one of the best views in Singapore, who could really ask for more?

Appetite

1. The N.Y Burger ($32.00)

The succulent taste of 200g of Wagyu beef lightens up your taste buds. As the food is served, you can’t help but appreciate the aroma of freshly baked bread. After all, Privé Bakery Café is a bakery. The portion is decent and the burger buns are soft and sweet on their own. Along with the tangy tomato relish, Wagyu beef and cheddar cheese, the dish is immensely satisfying.

2. Slipper Lobster Linguine ($25.00)

If you’re up for seafood, this’ll be a good pick. The lobster meat is fresh, the meat holds together and is nowhere near flaky. Chunks of lobster can be found in proportion to the pasta as well. Also, the light tomato base does not overpower the lobster meat nor leave you feeling too full. That said, the fishy smell of the crustacean may not be liked by some.

3. Tiramisu ($7.00)

Although small in serving, the cup of tiramisu sure packs a punch. After the first few tastes, the warmth of the coffee liquor creates a fuzzy feeling in your throat and soothes you into a languid, relaxed state without making you foolishly drunk by the end of the night. The soft but rich texture of the mascarpone layer, the delectable sponge cake and the intensity of the coffee liquor in the small glass makes this sweet treat sinfully luscious.

4. Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake ($11.00)

Probably one of the best items on the menu, the clever transformation of the sandwich into a milkshake (without the bread, of course) is pleasantly appetising. The sweet and savoury peanut butter does not overpower, while the jelly remains sweet. We suggest taking a large sip and let your tastesbuds caress their way through the delectable slush. Due to its large portion, it’s a perfect drink for you and your date to share.

Address: No 2 Képpel Bay Vista, Marine at Képpel Bay, Singapore 098382

Contact: +65 6776 0777

Opening Hours: Sun to Thur & PH: 9am – 12am (last order 11.30pm)

Fri, Sat & eve of PH: 9am – 1am (last order 12.30am)

Email: info@prive.com.sg

Website: Privé Bakery Café

A restaurant chain with an attitude, Eighteen Chefs Trattoria prides itself as an equal-opportunity employer for young people – especially for ones who’ve had more than their fair share of a bitter taste of life.

By Liu Hong Zuo

You might have heard of Benny Se Teo, the 49-year-old owner of social enterprise Eighteen Chefs Trattoria, and ex-intern from Jamie Oliver’s London restaurant, Fifteen.

Now it may begin to sound like yet another Yellow Ribbon Project commercial, but Eighteen Chefs Trattoria is so much more than that. Benny truly believes in giving delinquents and individuals who have traversed the darker path one more shot at life – and has taken a bold step of action to do so.

The third branch of Eighteen Chefs Trattoria recently opened in Yishun to cater to youths in the North, and it promises an identical menu, atmosphere and concept like all its predecessors at Simei and Fusionopolis@one-north – but with double the floor space.

Named so because ‘18’ has a strong connotation of secret societies in Singapore, Eighteen Chefs Trattoria is famous for its crew of employees, most of whom have found new meaning in a life without affiliations to the underground. Their tattoos and piercings are colourful reminders of their past, while their humble service represents who they’ve become. For one, they sure cook a lot better than most people double their age.

Since the restaurant’s first branch opened in Eastpoint Mall, Benny has been actively helping out ex-delinquents who seek a second chance by ignoring the stigma of society and teaching them what he knows best: cooking. Victor Lim, 17, a chef at Eighteen Chefs Trattoria, is the epitome of what Benny means by a second chance. Having worked there for only six months, he is slated to lead the Yishun branch of Eighteen Chefs Trattoria.

This had not come easy for the unassuming teenager, who has been through a dark and troubled past. Victor mixed around with gangsters when he was just in primary school, which eventually led him to drop out of Sembawang Secondary School at the mere age of 14.

Street fights were common to him, until he met with one that left him with six scars and a change of heart. During his recovery period, Victor’s mind was a mess and he locked himself at home and reflected for months.

It was then, through his school counsellor, that he discovered Eighteen Chefs Trattoria.

“[The counsellor] asked me what my interests are. I said I like cooking,” says Victor, and as he flails his arms excitedly, you can see his tattooed arms that reveal a darker past.

And that began the next step of his new life. Just six months under Benny and, with the previous chef as his mentor, the humble chef has now found his calling in the kitchens.

So this is our recommendation: Go for the heart, but return for the food.

On a sidenote:

The must-try at all Eighteen Chefs Trattoria branches is their student set meal. At $6.50, it delivers not only in variety, but taste as well. The sets include a choice of pasta (we’d recommend a satisfyingly rich cream base), homemade iced lemon tea, and usually a scoop of mint ice cream to cleanse your palate. The chef doesn’t stinge on ingredients, which is a pleasant surprise for this price.

If you choose to wander away from the set, the menu provides an extensive selection of side dishes ($3 to $6). If not, try the other main courses ($7 to $12) if you’re feeling a little more generous. To top your meal off, be daring and give one of their sinful ice cream-based goodness a go.

Call it a social enterprise, a piece of art, or even a stroke of genius; Food #03 can be whatever you like. Chee Hui Ming shares this hidden gem.

In sunny Singapore, what better way is there to cool down than indulging in ice cream. All we had to do was to go down to the Ben & Jerry’s Chunk Fest on Sep 12, where familiar favourites such as Phish Food, Strawberry Cheesecake and Chunky Monkey kept you wanting more. But, on top of that was a special treat: a dozen exclusive flavours were brought in for this year’s Chunk Fest, so that you wouldn’t have to cross the seas to savour them. UrbanWire couldn’t miss the exciting Ben & Jerry’s Chunk Fest and the special ice cream flavours. So, here’s our description of the ice cream and our top picks.

Topping the list is Berry Berry Extraordinary. With swirls of blueberry and raspberry fruit sorbet, it’s no wonder this looks “berry-berry” pretty. The purplish colour shows off the fact that it’s made of fruits, and it’s definitely as yummy as it appears. There may be no fruit bits, but it’s absolutely bursting with fruity, berry sweetness. It lives up to its name indeed, with an extraordinary smooth texture, unlike other types of sorbet that feel like shaved ice.

Making it to second place on our list is the Triple Caramel Chunk. The name already sounds “diabetically” sweet, but wait till you read what it consists of: caramel ice cream with swirls of caramel and fudge-covered caramel chunks. This is one to die for if you have a sweet tooth. Take a bite into those chocolate chunks and smooth caramel will be spurting out in your mouth. As with all Ben & Jerry’s ice creams, there’s a generous serving of caramel chunks in 1 scoop of ice cream. We found almost 9 chunks in our serving.

In third place is the Chocolate Fudge Brownie – Frozen Yoghurt. It gives you the best of both worlds: decadent chocolate and fudge, but you can still rest easy on your conscience. You’ll enjoy the same rich chocolatey taste as it’s original Chocolate Fudge Brownie, just made of frozen yoghurt, which makes it less sinful than its predecessor. Despite being yoghurt, the taste doesn’t give it away, making you think you’re actually having ice cream.

That was our top 3 picks and now for the rest. They are good too, and arranged in no particular order.

Oatmeal Cookie Chunk

Sweet cream cinnamon ice cream with chunks of oatmeal cookies and fudge, Oatmeal Cookie Chunk is an unbelievable combination that tastes surprisingly yummy, but may be a tad too sweet. The cinnamon tinge seems to come from the oatmeal cookie chunks instead of the ice cream and the fudge neutralizes the sugar rush a little with about 20% cocoa. The lavish amounts of chunks of oatmeal cookies make this one a value for money buy as well. For those with a penchant for sugar and spice, this one’s for you.

Coffee

Coffee ice cream made with Fair Trade Certified coffee, this one tastes almost like frozen latte, with a strong milk flavour, but in a good way since it’s ice cream. With no chunks or nuts, this has a very smooth texture that slides down your throat. If it melts before you can devour it in this hot weather, don’t worry, it’s still palatable, very much like coffee milkshake.

Butter Pecan

Rich buttery ice cream with a liberal serving of roasted pecans, it was almost as if half the cup was ice cream and the other half pecans. Sweet vanilla tinge with creamy and a tad salty buttery taste gives a unique take to what we know as ice cream. If you’re peckish for a large serving of pecans, this is for you.

Vanilla HEATH Bar Crunch

This simple mixture of vanilla ice cream and chunks of HEATH Bar crunch sounded very promising, but having a spoon of it was different from what I was expecting. It was just vanilla ice cream with chunks of crushed nuts. I guess ice cream needs to be down-to-earth and simple sometimes.

Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road

As with all Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavours, this one also has a fascinating name. Equally irresistible is what’s in it: chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cookie dough, brickle candy pieces and white chocolatey chunks. The chocolate ice cream was heavenly and as the smooth cream disappears from your taste buds, a familiar tang surfaces: peanut butter. But beware, the peanut butter tends to get stuck in the throat and that calls for plenty of water. The brickle pieces added a nice crunchy texture but weren’t very prominent and it would have been better with more candy pieces. Disappointing also was the colour. Why wasn’t it yellow? It looked more like ordinary chocolate ice cream rather than what it’s name would imply.

Vanilla Chocolate Chunk

Exactly what its name indicates, vanilla ice cream and pure dark chocolate, but it would seem like there weren’t chunks of chocolate, rather plentiful random slices of it. For those afraid of the bitter cocoa taste, fret not as the sweet vanilla ice cream evens it out nicely. This is something for those who want their classic ice cream, if not just get a tub of vanilla ice cream and a pack of dark chocolate.

Orange and Cream

If you’re waffly about choosing between ice cream and sorbet, then this one’s for you. It’s a good mix of tangy and cream flavours with orange sorbet swirled with vanilla ice cream, giving you dual happiness. The orange swirls and cream coloured exterior make it seem like you’re actually eating an orange. The combination seemingly reminds one of yoghurt.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl

Milk chocolate ice cream with a thick peanut butter swirl. The chocolate ice cream slips down your throat and then a peanut butter aftertaste lingers for a while. Lots of water is needed to wash the thick peanut butter swirl with the consistency of caramel down, which also overpowers the chocolate.

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

Chocolate peanut butter ice cream with gobs of peanut butter cookie dough and fudge chips. The mix of ingredients in this one is enough to set your imagination run wild, but I’ve come to the conclusion that peanut butter and ice cream don’t really make good friends like Ben & Jerry do. Similar to the others with peanut butter in them, this one leaves the feeling of a peanut butter-lined throat. Some things are just best left on the good old toast. 

Unless you make a turn out of the small exit of The Cathay, and walk past a carpark entrance, you’ll miss The Luxe, a newly built condominium. It would be hard to fault you, as the 2-storey building doesn’t seem to draw people, except in one shop – 1 Caramel, which was set up by the owners of One Rochester and 1 TwentySix and officially opened on July 1.

It was a little surreal, as the brightly-lit cafe not only held the only people in the building, they all looked uniformly happy. Not willing to pass up a chance for that kind of joy, UrbanWire also looked for a table to sit at.

Though only the 30 outdoor seats were available then, because all 30 indoor seats were already taken, the cool and gentle breeze made them no less welcoming an option. Settling down on a cushioned white chair, we were soon approached by a waiter carrying 2 menus. He helped us place 5 items on the order chit based on the most recommended and popular foods at the café.

The drinks were the first to arrive, and they made such an impression in their hourglass-shaped tableware that our curiosity over the cakes built up quickly.

The Café Latte ($5) was milky with a strong aroma, and the froth came in a nice amount. You may rank it somewhere in between The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’s café latte and The Coffee Connoisseur café latte, The mixed white and brown sugar cubes came surprisingly in a single small porcelain cup which complemented the overall presentation well.

Tropical Blend ($8), a mix of pineapple, mango and passion fruit had a refreshing colour and taste to it, and would have been perfect if not for the hint of artificial sweetener, which would be missing if the blend was 100% fruit. Although the blend was slightly gooey because of all the fruits, it still had a smooth texture. Overall, the frappe was not too sweet and all the 3 fruits could be tasted.

After some time, the colourful cake slices were served onto the marble table in unique teardrop-shaped plates. The utensils that came with them did not only stand out for their design, as they were broad at the ends but narrow in the middle, but had also brought about an avant garde effect.

The bright pink of the macaron and mini flowers matched the dark red chocolate cake that was Red Velvet ($7.90) very well. Though the dark chocolate was rich, there was also a strong cherry taste that will appeal to those with a sweet tooth. On the other hand, the crisp and fresh macaron wasn’t too sweet in relation to the cake, and balanced out the flavours nicely. The Red Velvet was almost like a richer version of the black forest cake.

Sacher Torte ($7.90), the traditional dense Austrian chocolate cake, looked the simplest among all 3 cakes. However, its light taste was especially delightful with the pitted dark sweet cherries and exquisite Valrhona chocolate ganache. The cake was fluffier than the Red Velvet and it could be felt melting in the mouth.

The Hazelnut Pear Torta ($6.90) looked very appetizing with it’s warm colours and glazed appearance, and failed to disapoint as it actually tasted very good. It’s flaky, crunchy and not too dry. Also, the caramelized pear slices were fresh and firm, thanks to their not being overcooked. On a side note, relatively strong jaws were needed due to the generous amount of hazelnuts mixed in the tart.

Verdict

All in all, the food and drinks served were pleasing to both the eyes and the tastebuds, while the pleasant ambience and huge window display of desserts made the slightly expensive cakes worth the money. Furthermore, the tableware that serves the light selection of cakes enhances the overall eating experience by presenting a playful yet sophisticated vibe.

1 Caramel is good for small cosy tea parties, a quiet place to read a book or just spending a lazy afternoon.

About the shop

Why it is named 1 Caramel…

According to the general manager, Ms Melanie Ng, 1 Caramel gives the image of sweetness and gratifying desserts. ‘Caramel’, which is derived from the caramelisation of sugar, is used as a base in most desserts, among them perennial favourites Crème Brûlée and Panna Cotta. The sticky substance is also used to shape designs on desserts as decorative art. Therefore, ‘Caramel’ in 1 Caramel represents the range of confections that customers can expect at the patisserie, which welcomes with its intoxicating aroma that permeates through the air.

Why it is found at The Luxe…

The location, also according to Ms Ng, is perfect for targeting a discerning demographic whom may be familiar with the cake-and-coffee culture prevalent overseas, such as in Australia, London and New York; as well as urbanites residing at Emily Hill and Mount Sophia.

Address: 6 Handy Road, #01-01A

Opening hours:
Sunday – Thursday, 11am to 11pm
Friday – Saturday, 11am to 1am

Tel: 6338 3282

Imagine being transported away from the fast-paced society of Singapore into a world of serenity as you dine in the newly opened al-fresco restaurant, bar and bakery, Spruce.

Hidden away from the bustling sounds of the city and being surrounded by the lush greenery of Phoenix Park, eating at Spruce is a wonderful countryside experience. Opened since March 9, Spruce not only boast an outdoor dining area that’s set on a terrace, but also an indoor air-conditioned dining space. Did I mention that they also have their own cheese cum wine cellar?

Accompanied with smooth blues-rock music, this place exudes a laidback and relaxing environment for anyone to dine or chill out. Although the service is not that great, it was definitely adequate.

Well if you don’t intend to have a heavy meal there, do drop by during midday between 2:30 – 5:30 pm as Spruce also serves great pastry/bakery items and dessert!

Below are just some of my recommendations.

Steamed Ginger Date Pudding with Chocolate Toffee Sauce – $12
A scoop Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream accompanies this pudding shaped muffin. Along with warm chocolate toffee sauce, this Spruce signature dish is a must try. The mixture of vanilla ice cream and chocolate toffee sauce provides the perfect dip for the quintessential muffin that’s capped with icing. The muffin alone leaves a trail of gingery and herbal touch from the tip of your tongue to the bottom of your throat. Together with the dip, it forms an unparallel combination of tastes and flavour that leaves you wanting for more. Who says herbs, ice cream and muffins don’t go together?

Brownie a la mode – $7
Have you ever eaten a brownie together with ice cream? Well, I haven’t and this dish sure struck me. The brownie is soft and warm and the chocolate’s not too thick or sweet. Topped with one scoop of Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream, hot meets cold in perfect unison. You can literally feel the brownie melting the moment it enters in your mouth. Although simple looking, the taste is simply wonderful. Maybe good food is best kept simple.

French Apple Tart with crispy crumble – $9
Generous slices of apple strips top the crusty base of this dish with loads of crumble sprinkled all over. Fresh, crispy and juicy will be what this tart is all about. Although the apple strips were a tad sour, it mixed well with the nutty taste of crumble bits. You might want to finish it quickly as it cools pretty fast. It’s not your average apple tart, but its not that special either. Therefore, I feel that it might be a fraction too pricey.

Fresh Lemonade with Mint – $6
How about a glass of this cooling lemonade to help you escape from the scorching weather of Singapore. Minty and fresh, every gulp down the throat just refreshes you from head to toe. This drink is a good companion if you are chilling out as it leaves the mind relaxed and calm. Although $6 for a glass of lemonade is not worth the buy, there’s no harm trying it.

Getting there maybe slightly inconvenient for those who don’t drive, but it’s worth the hassle.
Location: 320 Tanglin Road Singapore 247980
Tel: 6836 5528
Fax: 6836 5527
Email: reservation@spruce.com.sg
Website: Spruce

Look around. Is anyone following you? No one?

Quietly make your way to Indulgence, the new pastry/dessert store at Katong Mall.

A word of warning, be sure to leave your conscience at home.

Indulgence opened on Mar 1. The shop front’s attractive and bright colours of orange and black, makes it hard for you to miss this shop once you’ve stepped out of Cold Storage Katong Mall. The shop is small, and basically caters more to takeaways and deliveries rather than dine-in customers.

With the lengthy menu of scrumptious-sounding desserts, you’ll be at a loss as to where to start. Lucky for you, UrbanWire’s giving you our ‘die-die-must-try’ list!

Recommendations

	Vanilla Crème Brulee ($5.90) The burnt caramelised sugar forming the top layer of the Vanilla Crème Brulee will definitely entice anyone to devour this innocent looking dessert. This sinful piece immediately coats the surface of your tongue with its smooth, soft texture and sweet taste with a slight hint of coffee flavour. Initially, it might seem too sweet, but trust me, a few more bites and you’ll get used to the taste. There are more than enough bites to savour, the portion of the Crème Brulee might actually be little too big.  .
	Macarons ($2.30) The colours of these macarons are so vibrant that there’s no way you could miss them. These sandwich-like pastries don’t crumble easily, unlike the Macarons from most other bakeries and patisseries. However, what remains unchanged is the almost-overwhelming sweet taste. If you want something less sweet, give the Salted Caramel one a try. Upon first taste, you’ll be able to distinguish a tinge of saltiness accompanying the sweet caramel.
	Profiterole ($2.50) Despite the lauded Valrhona chocolate that coats the top of the profiterole’s choux pastry, and the chocolate cream filling the puff, this pastry makes only an average chocolate dessert. Its taste mirrors a chocolate puff/éclair very well, with the only difference being that it’s definitely much bigger. That said, despite its size, the taste is nothing special.
	Pumpkin Meringue Pie ($5.90) With beautiful swirls of sweet meringue and a thick pastry crust of pastry, this will see you will fall in love with it at first sight. But don’t be deceived by its dainty beauty. The meringue is actually wickedly sweet, and overpowers the flavour of the pumpkin paste. Be prepared to slave through almost-sickening sweetness to finish this sugary pie.

Indulgence. As its name suggests, you’ll be indulging yourself with very sweet desserts and pastries. If you’re diabetic or very health-conscious, this place will be a no-no for you.

Indulgence
112 East Coast Road 
#01-133
Katong Mall
Tel: +65 9327 8283
Official Website

With rich wood furnishings, generously spaced out tables, ceiling fans, suspended lamps, and cosy chairs, Dôme is clearly designed for a slow afternoon with a warm cup of tea and a good novel. (Read more)

It’s the Chinese New Year season again.

Aside from Ang Pows (red packets stuffed with cash) and dancing dragons and lions, the season is also synonymous with snacks and savouries.

So what better way is there to get you excited than to show you some of our most promising finds?

We took a look at what the folks at local bakery café, Cedele by The Bakery Depot had to offer.

Once again, they have worked their trademark organic, vegetarian, handmade and no-trans-fats flair for confectioneries into familiar Chinese New Year (CNY) cakes and cookies – with a twist.

The UrbanWire was excited to try out the healthy snacks that came in attractive, re-usable containers.

The treats were all made from scratch and were clearly labelled according to their dietary benefits (e.g. no baking powder, no eggs, no trans fats etc.).

The Confectionery Pageant

One of the menu highlights is the Circle of Happiness range of 8-inch round cakes ($18.80 each), which includes flavours like Blueberry Almond, Pear Frangipani and the Cherry Chocolate Financier.

The cherry on the icing was, without doubt, the Cherry Chocolate Financier (above, $18.80). The cake was delightfully moist and crunchy, while cherries completed the package with an acidic hint, all of which led to an interesting explosion of texture and flavour. The Almond Apricot cake ($18.80) had substantial bite to it with the liberal amount of almond slices sprinkled at the top, while at the same time not being too overpoweringly sweet. The cakes are part of the Circle of Happiness range

However, the other cakes and cookies left much to be desired.

The cookies were fragrant and looked brilliant, but bombed in the taste test. The only exceptions were the Cornflake Crunchies ($15.90), Lemongrass Pistachios ($17.50) and Pineapple Pocket Pies ($17.50), which had more pronounced flavours. Though the latter offering was soft and delectable, the pineapple jam could have been more pronounced.

The Golden Bar cakes (above, $13.50-$16 for 350g, $30-$32 for 1kg) looked highly appetising but turned out to be dry, coarse and difficult to swallow. The best of the lot was the Orange Cranberry cake (first from right), which tasted strongly of orange.

While we are definitely going to make a run for the Cherry Chocolate Financier this CNY season, we’ll stay clear of the other goodies that, quite frankly, disappoint and solidify the impression that healthy eating is bank-busting and tongue-numbing.

But don’t write them off just yet – if you enjoy mild flavours, have special dietary requirements and/or want a guilt-free CNY, this is a fantastic option.

Additional reporting by Ervin Liu, Jessinta Cheng and Teo Yin Yin

Empress Jade, the newest structure launched at Mount Faber’s The Jewel Box, invited UrbanWire to taste a few dishes. (Read more)