Wednesday 27 June 2012

Saveur II: When French & Ice Cream meet Social Work

One hour into my French dinner and still I see that same crowd within this semi-causal bistro as I did two months ago. This "full-house" phenomenon is clearly evidence of their really affordable, nicely plated, lip-smacking if not highly relish French cuisine. Did I mention about the line of organized crowd phenomenon accumulating outside the doors as well? 

Knowing all these phenomenons all too well from past experiences, arriving five minutes before the bistro is open for dinner at 6pm was the only solution to assure my five other diners of my famous phrase: "Today we'll be having French!" 
I know it's rude to start without everyone but well, I just can't resist having a few entrees for starters. My other dining partner and I went for the Mesclun Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette And Crispy Duck ($3.90). I found my bowl of green to be subtly refreshing though my partner kept her distance from the oranges.
Their Angel Hair Pasta With Sherry Minced Pork And Sakura Ebi ($3.90) tucked in a clean white bowl with hairs of an angel woven beautifully, laced in a puree of minced meat and Sherry wine mixture and then carefully sprinkled with a heap of petite shrimps is definitely pleasing to both the eyes and the palate...

Then came le dining partners and this was what happened with Lumix 5 in their hands...
Meet one of my Final Year Project partner, Mr Diablo III. Don't be fooled by his innocent child-like smile in this photo, I'm pretty darn sure he doesn't look like this when he's gaming working hard on our project but apart from that, he's a charm...
Surely the lady on the right would agree to my statement above or else they wouldn't be wearing the same shirt by coincidence right?

Joining this dinner for the first time, my fellow readers, I want you to meet Miss Atas (lady on the left). Once again, do not be fooled by that kiddish smile. One should listen about her sea salt and olive oil spread over toasts food invention and be amazed with her temporal expression, definitely a privilege to have her.
Speaking about food inventions, anyone still remembered the Ale Cocktail from the Chiso Zanmai dinner? It's invented by Mr Japanese. Awesome guy he is...

Alright enough of the awesome people. Shall we proceed back to our French dining experience?
Being the first-timers they are, I made a few personal recommendation and someone decided to get the other beautifully woven angel hairs. Canonized as Angel Hair Pasta With Tiger Prawn And Lumpfish Caviar ($6.90), surely a crowd pleaser given the subtle omphness one will be assure off.
Served sizzling was the other crowd pleaser. Pan Fried Foie Gras With Lentil And Pickled Onion (70g/ $14.90). Almost everyone relished over the two servings of rich buttery fatty goose liver. I said almost because someone didn't enjoy fatty livers as oranges but hey, at least she gave it a try.
Although Saveur's rendition of the Confit Of Duck was not to my liking, that however should not stop me from introducing Duck Of Confit With Orange Segment And Saute Shittake ($8.90) to Mr Diablo III. I personally didn't give the Confit a second try so I shall not infer from my previous encounter.
It is my belief that all good things should be share so when I saw Miss Atas and Mr Japanese decided to share the Crispy Barramundi With Crab Potato And French Bean ($12.90), it was surely an act of good gesture between good friends. I recon it's a safe dish because my previous dining partner (He's a angler.) said so :)
I too shared the Crispy Pork Belly With 62.5 Degree Egg ($10.90) surrounded by sea of green lentils with everyone. While Mr Japanese could only be found ogling at the soft-boiled egg (He's a huge fan of eggs.), Mr Diablo III told me that of the lack of flavor from the cut of meat. I personally appreciate the slab for the juiciness of the fatty meat as well as the crispness from the seared skin.
One of my fellow partner went for the Chicken Roulade With Foie Gras Stuffings And Basmati Rice ($9.90). All of us were intrigued by the white form foam. I can't justify the taste since I never gave this a try. Perhaps another time?
Finishing our dinner was a personal favorite of mine. The Burgundy peasant dish, Beef Bourgulgnon ($13.90) was nothing short of juiciness and tenderness, particularly with the unison of red wine. If this is the type of quality they're whipping then I can't wait to savor their Wagyu Beef!

A few repetitions, few more side dishes and that dreaded GST & Service Charge accumulate to a bill of $126.70. I thought it was good deal considering the amount of food brought to our table. Mind you, we didn't just had any French cuisine but REALLY AFFORDABLE & GOOD QUALITY FRENCH CUISINE!

Just like our first course outing, nothing is complete without a trip down to Tom's Palette!
Chocolate, Malt and Cookie Dough was what the folks declare as Grandma's Favourite. A social work crowd pleaser. I personally enjoyed my fruity Lychee which Mr Japanese said the taste resembles a Lychee Cocktail. Ever tried Pop & Sizzle? It's old school with the handmade popping chocolate candies, a new found love to Mr Japanese's Rum & Raisins.

It was a night well-spent and I wonder when will be our next...

Saveur
5 Puvis Street #01-04, Singapore 188584
Tel: +65 6333 3121
Website: http://www.saveur.sg

Tom's Palette
Shaw Leisure Gallery #01-25
100 Beach Road, Singapore 189702
Tel: +65 6296 5239/ +65 9070 7701

Sunday 24 June 2012

Blackbird Cafe

Photo obtained from Blackbird Cafe.

Coffee has almost become a daily necessity in my life. If I'm not having my usual Earl Grey in the morning, surely I'm thinking of coffee to end my monotonous if not ritualistic schooling days and my search of the next best place for the caffeine drink led me to Blackbird, a New Zealander styled cafe.  
It's definitely an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of Plaza Singapura, a cafe good for a lazy weekend brunch, a typical office hour lunch or if you're like me, always considering afternoon tea.
Coffee is in some way, an acquired and cultivated taste. I'm pretty sure no one is/was born to drink coffee. I will never ever forget how I embarrassed myself in an attempt to order my first cuppa without a single clue to any coffee jargon. It took me years of reading and drinking to developed this specialized knowledge and get my orders going just like any coffee connoisseur does.

I really appreciate the fact that they bothered (most cafes don't) to include a simple yet detailed description of each drink. It really helps especially if you're new to coffee and you aren't the vocal type willing to ask what's the difference between a cappuccino from a latte. Such simple gesture is what cultivates our appreciation for coffee. Don't you agree?
I found joy in taking small sips of my long black though I love my Vienna with a dash of cocoa powder above the dollop of whipped cream. Be prepared for the extra caffeine dose, for their coffee beans are prepare the New Zealander way, imparting a more intensive taste than your typical roasting methods. 
Pairing my robust Vienna was a rich and dense New York Cheesecake. That's how I love to start and end my afternoons; always with a cuppa paired with a slice of dessert...

The Luxe #01-01A
6 Handy Road, Singapore 229234
Tel: +65 6337 3448

Thursday 21 June 2012

Domino Pizza Iphone App

Photo obtained from Domino Facebook page.

Ordering pizzas has never been easier with the invention of Iphone. With Domino's Pizza offering lazy individuals like me who can't be bothered dialing the hotline and then making a fool of myself when I have not the slightest clue what I'm going to order, this really is a bonus that's for sure!

The only hassle you would probably find is downloading the app...

Another good reason to download this app would surely have to be the deals found all over the app!
Just look at all the deals Domino has to offer! Surely you'll be tempted like I did while busy taking screenshots and creating this collage! 

But the benefit isn't limit to just saving a few bucks here and there. Allow me to explain:

1. NO GST & SERVICE CHARGE. (That's a plus to me!)
2. When ordering using an Iphone, you get an additional side-dish for FREE! (Means more food for me!) 
3. Every 50th Customber will receive one FREE pizza! (Pray hard that you be the 50th alright?)
4. First time orders will received one FREE lava cake! (FREE DESSERTS?! AWESOME!!!)
5. Domino's Guarantee to deliver their pizzas within 30 minutes. (Bye bye Gastritis!)
6. You can track the progress of your pizza from oven till delivery process. (Stalking your food for once?)

With so much benefits just waiting for you, how about giving Domino a chance to crash your party?  
Domino has hosted an inter-blogger competition and it's one I just can't resist not participating. 
Simply download the app from this blog.
If the pizza deals still isn't enough, how about enjoying your pizza at half the price? You got me right, it's half the price! To enjoy the offer, simply follow the screenshot shown above. As for the coupon code, Key in BLG01 and start your ordering going. 
I sincerely believe that all good things should always be shared, friends and strangers alike. So share this around on my behalf, download the app and maybe order a few really affordable pizzas with my blog code, BLG01

The contest will be on-going for the two months, ending on the 18th August 2012. If you realized, I'm already one week behind some blogger but hey, slow and steady wins the race right?

Once again, I would like to thank Domino's Pizza and OMY.SG for the media event.

Sunday 17 June 2012

5 most inspiring comments about thedesserprince

If capturing all my food expedition for memory sake was one of the main reason why I started this blog, then receiving/hearing comments and feedbacks are the driving force why this blog stay updated. It's just not easy running this food blog, especially when you're a student/eldest son/lazy boy all at the same time! All my time and effort invested is far more than what the normal person could apprehend unless you're a blogger yourself!

It's sooo rejuvenating for my princely soul to know that someone out-there, friends and readers alike, showing their appreciation by telling me that they truly enjoy reading this dessertprince's blog! At least I know I'm not alone in this since reaching 10k pageviews speaks otherwise.

I have actually compiled the 5 most inspiring comments I have ever received since genesis and pen down some of my personal thoughts about these comments. Enjoy!

1. It will be quite cool to have someone who blogs about nothing but desserts.
When I first read this comment left by another food blogger, I was pondering if that's my calling. Staying true to my core as thedessertprince. In reality, that same idea would translate to my mum banning me from stepping into another patisserie just like how she filed a Personal Protection Order (BPO) against me and the oven. That's why you don't see me baking in the recent months right? 

2. I love to read your blog before I sleep...
I didn't know some of my friends enjoy reading my blog as a bedtime story. Maybe they enjoy dreaming about food like I always seem to do? Then again, won't all the photos be a huge temptation to hard to resist grabbing a chocolate bar from the fridge? 

3A. I know exactly what you mean. I share what you are feeling. The whole process of researching, planning, traveling, spotting, photography, eating, travelling back, editing, writing, posting is no joke. This "obsession" definitely takes plenty of passion to sustain. 

3B. Quite frequent, I will have the urge to go by myself too. Either 1) I have already a place in mind, but am mindful of the distance, or other factors, such as heat, noise, non-air condition environment. 2) I will just explore and walk anywhere randomly and pop by somewhere that I just have a feel on.
When I read these two comments from my post titled "The life of a blogger", My initial response was like WOW? I guess the comments speaks just how much foodies are willing to go through all in the name of our passion?

4. Your blog is always an inspiration for me...
Right at the start, I was very hesitant about starting this food blog. Partly because I never knew who in their right mind would read someone else's blog. I vividly remembered spending one whole day asking/consulting/texting almost everyone the same question. "If I ever start a food blog, would you read it?"

All of them said they would but the decisive factor would surely be having Sunshine telling me personally she would read if she could spare the time and the following day saw the genesis of my blog. (Love is a very powerful driving force.) Of course, it took me another two to three months to decide upon a proper name and I ended up with thedessertprince and the rest are history...

Every once in a while, someone would reveal to me that they've been reading my blog and they kinda enjoy reading my reviews, often inspiring them to try new stuffs, particularly French cuisines. I've even had friends/readers telling me I have the tendency to invoke some sort of life reflection in them.

I'm not boasting here but I never knew I had this "talent" to inspire people. Perhaps it's my poetic writing style? In any case, I'm just thankful to stand where I am today, never regretted losing all those sleepless nights in the name of sharing good stuffs via blogging!

5. Your blog should not be food only. Since you might be making more friends, it should also be a match making or blind date for food lovers.
I shall not revel the person who make such an epic statement but this friend of mine did have a good reason for the comment. To whom who made this comment,  if I ever set up a dating agency, I will definitely have you endorsing and be my spokeman!

Quite recently, a writer from Youth.SG dropped me an email. It was totally a surprise when I read through the contents. She suggested that I should host a lunch/high tea/dinner session once a month, inviting friends /readers/youths alike, with the same passion coming together and meeting new youths who share the same passion. Readers out there, Wanna share your thoughts about the idea?

Would you be comfortable attending such session where you meet other youths for the first time? 

Friday 15 June 2012

The Tea Party Cafe: Looking for a nice place for tea?

It's no hidden secret that I love to spend my afternoons having high tea. I could sit by the window porch with a slice of cake and my favorite cup of Earl Grey just spending some quiet time by myself. I could invite my sisters over for tea and gossip like no tomorrow and if I really have the mood, perhaps a classy high tea session ought to rejuvenate one's soul?

The possibilities is endless and it's just like I always say. Everything's possible over a cup of tea. 
The partner and I are busy people and we hardly meet but between the both of us, we share a similar passion for tea and all things sweet. We might not be the best of friends but I believe our friendship goes way   beyond than sipping tea and gossiping.

When we do have the spare time to meet, it's almost always food expeditions on a whole new level that's for sure! We're very much, willing to travel and explore different parts of Singapore searching of niche cafes for tea. On one such expedition, we discovered the pretty-much deserted area within CBD area, China Square Central. There's hardly anyone on the streets but still we decided to take a stroll, looking for a good place for tea.

By coincidence, we found The Tea Party Cafe along the rows of cafes and restaurants. I probably reckon it's the name that made the decision for us rather than the really affordable, no GST & service charge food but did that matter? Of course not!
 There was an 50% discount of your second drink and we really need a cold drink after braving through the scorching Sun. I couldn't differ-shade my Iced Hazelnut Latte ($5.70) from my partner's Iced Butterscotch Latte ($2.85 after 50% discount) since the beige liquidish content looked all the same to me.
Although I won't be including their Carbonara ($8.50) into my list of best pastas since the linguine a tad too dry. Maybe I prefer my Carbonara to be bathe in a pool of creamy sauce? My partner would appreciate an additional egg yolk on her pasta.
It is my belief that all good things should always be shared. It's one reason why I even blog about my food expeditions. I'm always more than happy to share my food with someone if they're willing. That way, I can have more opinions about the same food I'm eating. Another good excuse of sharing food is it allows me to free up more cash to order more food!

Both of us decided upon the Roast Duck Pizza ($8.20) which comes as a set with a free-flow bowl of soup. At a glance, one would find red tomatoes, green capsicums and caramelized onions and melted cheese above the bread crust. We thought we were cheated when we couldn't see any meat in it. We were proven wrong when we took our first bite. All hidden within the melted cheese!
Hot soup came in two forms. It's either Chicken Soup which was hardly justified since we couldn't see any poultry meat (My partner prefer calling the broth ABC soup because of all the carrots and onions.) or the French Onion Soup which I was kinda addictive.
3 O'clock means it's time for high tea! 
We got ourselves a six layered Chocolate Truffle. The taste reminded me of those old school densey chocolaty cake although we wished our truffle wasn't too dry which led to my partner seeking happiness in rainbow cake afterwards.

The cafe might not whip out really exceptionally wonderful food but it's a nice place to chill and relax with a few friends over tea. It's just like my partner say; It's a nice place for tea... 


China Square Central, Nankin Row #01-27/28
3 Pickering Street, Singapore 048660
Tel: +65 6536 5667
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TeapartycafeCSQ

Wednesday 13 June 2012

Le Chocolat Cafe: Rainbow Cake is happiness!

I vividly remembered blogging about happiness back some time ago. You can't deny it's something we all seek. All of us seek them in different things and in different ways but for my high tea partner on the other hand, happiness is Rainbow Cake.
Many may not apprehend her love of all things sweet and call her folly for having such fantasies. A good dessert goes a long way to make your day. You couldn't ask for more if you coin yourself a dessert fanatic, apart from having a few more dessert fanatic to share good desserts perhaps? 
Le Chocolat's Rainbow Cake ($7) composed of six coloured layers of really dense butter pound cakes. Holding the layers together was nothing but cream and chocolate ganache. A sight to behold that's for sure but taste wise, I have to admit it's a bit bland. If it weren't for the chocolate ganache, the whole slice would be nothing but a mere pretty cake. But if pretty Rainbow Cakes ain't to your liking, fear not for Le Chocolat has other desserts to boast of. But none will stand out the way their Rainbow Cakes.

For some, spending $7 on a Rainbow Cake is nothing but folly. For my high tea partner, this is happiness and as her high tea partner, I definitely second to that; Rainbow Cake is happiness...

The Club Hotel
28 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069708
Tel: +65 6808 2188

15 Minutes Cafe: Friends, food & fame!

The sisters (non-biological ones) and I are busy people. I hardly meet the four of them all at the same time but when we do meet up together, fun and laughter just never seem to end. It's as though we known each other for a long long time but the truth is we do know each other for a long long time! Isn't it amazing?

I introduced the girls to 15 Minutes Cafe, housed within the first level of Lasalle College of the arts and here's a description of their old school canteen concept their website:

15 Minutes is situated in Lasalle College Of The Arts – a modern building known for its iconic architecture. As the café is housed in a school, the design concept plays with the idea of an old school canteen with long communal tables and benches to encourage chatter amongst diners, friends and strangers. Styled to be raw and sleek, the café is retro-modern, chillout, and hip at the same time. No-frills architectural expression is expressed with magazine tear-outs, old-school sofas, and a variety of quirky touches...
A quick peek at their chalk board menu would seriously set myself pondering why didn't I came here earlier? The prices are in my opinion, more than reasonable for a place located in between Bugis and Dhoby Gaut. Home made thin crust pizzas below $10 and pastas of all kind under $9? If this isn't worth your money then I don't what really is then...

Since I was early and very thirsty, I decided to have a cup of Cappuccino. I just love the aroma of a good cuppa in the making. All the fumes emitting from the drink is more than assurance I'm sooo going to enjoy a quality drink while waiting for them...
Fish & Chips was two slabs of deep fried dory accompanied by cold coleslaw and cajun fries. The fish cuts were crisp on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. If only it was less salty then it would have been prefect!
If it's pasta you want, then Pomodoro Penne would be the preferred choice perhaps? You won't find any meat amidst all those evenly-coated pennes though.
If you prefer a milder one, the best option would surely be the Greek Pasta with hues of red capsicums. black olives, brown mushrooms and specks of chopped green parsley.
I just can't get enough of Cajun Fries and got ourselves a heap of hand-cut fries. It's highly addictive I have to say. Once you start you just can't get enough of the spiced coated fries.
Hot Chocolate anyone? Looks milky though...
As for me, A cup of Earl Grey is more than enough to end the day...

If you're thinking of hosting a lunch or a dinner for a crowd, how about giving this cafe a try? It's a cafe that has a nice and soothing interior design serving nothing but affordable comfort food.

15 Minutes - a place for Friends, Food & Fame!

Lasalle College of the Arts Block D, #01-01
1 McNally street, Singapore 187940
Tel: +65 6333 5915
Website: http://15minutes.com.sg/

Tuesday 12 June 2012

Jones The Grocer

Courtesy of one of my lunch partner, without whom this high tea session wouldn't be possible.

Whenever I mention Mandarin Gallery, strangely I would get that same and almost immediate response across all my cliques. 

Atas place.

Perhaps one would naturally associate the gallery with luxurious brands like MontBlanc, Emporio Armani and Marc Jacobs. It can be somewhat imitating walking down all those high end shops, peering into the glass window occasionally and ask yourself this very question as you found the price tag.

Who in their right mind would spend $X on this?

Such worldly thoughts are best left unsolved. But if and I say if, there's any reasons why I would brave through thoughts that I'm an atas boy who only dines at high end places like Mandarin Gallery, would surely have to be the hidden gems within the mall. One such hidden gem would have to be Jones The Grocer!
I make it a point to always try ending the day with something sweet which is why I'm always seen having high tea perpetually. You can say I'm excessive for all I care. All I know was I had great time knowing Strawberry Shortcake that particular afternoon. Sponge cakes and well-whipped Chantilly cream dotted with strawberries in between. Does it get any better? Of course not! I just wish I had all to myself. My heart bleeds at the thought of sharing dessert...
You like your Apple Crumble? They're crumbly that's for sure! Apparently you can't have the apple without the tarts and the tarts without the apples. They are just meant to be taken together. Trust me, they really do.

I have a few fond brunch memories with the Grocer but they always happen at their more inaccessible outlet at Dempsey Road, another atas place if you really wanna know. But for convenience sake, Mandarin Gallery ought to do the same.

Jones the Grocer is one of those place you gotta try especially if you're seeking somewhere for a lazy weekend brunch. From the sweets to the savories. There's always something for everyone! 

Mandarin Gallery #04-21-23
333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 6836 6372

Sunday 10 June 2012

Domino Pizza anytime, anywhere

Photos by The Professional Photographer. Words by The Dessert Prince.

When I received an invitation to attend a bloggers event about Domino Pizza from omy.sg, this was the first thing that conjure up my puny mind. 

"When was the last time I had Domino Pizzas?"
I found a few vague memories with the baked dough, mostly over celebrations of someone or some date. I might not be a pizza fan but how hard could hand-toss pizza doughs and fresh ingredients go wrong? Domino's Chocolate Lava Cakes are definitely one of those sinful desserts that's worth all those calories!

Setting aside all those memories, I was definitely excited to be invited to Domino Pizza Iphone launch App event. Afterall this would be my first attending such media event and I thought it be great to have a familiar blogger to join me. I searched through my social network and managed to got the Professional Photographer's time to join me! Double the excitement yah?

I thought I would see a few other familiar faces upon reaching the event location, Singapore Flyer but I guess my social network just isn't wide enough. I hardly knew anyone. Not a single one at all. I was just thankful I have my BBF with me that evening or else it be super awkward! 

After our pizza feast, we were greeted by a few staffs from Domino Pizza who gave us a detailed presentation about the company and the 14 branches set up in Singapore. As the event name suggest, Domino had recently decided to tap on Apple App to hasten and put ease to their ordering delivery. Domino's folks gave us a step by step instruction. From downloading the app to registering. One could even keep track of the whole pizza making and delivery process. 
To reaffirm their 30 minutes delivery time, they made a call down like any customer just to proof their point. They actually arranged a ride for us while waiting for our pizzas to be delivered! Though I've been to countless rides, none is quite like the night view from the capsule when it's at the highest point.
See what I mean? The view's just breath-taking! This photo was taken by me and Lumix 5. My photography skill ain't that bad afterall right?
Shhh! The photographer and her Canon EOS 1100D doing some serious work! 
The view was great but the only spoiler would be the bright lights emitting from The Float @ Marina Bay. 
It was a short ride but for the spectacular view, I wish it was longer. In any case though, remember they ordered pizza from the App before our ride earlier? Apparently the pizza was delivered even before our touch down, under 30 minutes. I guess that's proof of 30 minutes delivery guarantee. If not they will issue a free regular pizza voucher!

I felt like a paparazzi taking snapshots with all other fellow bloggers. It takes a whole lot of courage to hold your beloved camera all in the name to take that so call perfect shot!
The event ended with all of taking a group photo and refreshment session at O'Learys Sports Bar & Grill. 
A bar full of sports memorabilia. Kinda cool if you're keen on sports. I'm only keen on all things sweet. Since it was just refreshment meaning to say only drinks, all of us were surprised when we saw this...
A table full of food! Buffet style. We had a great time to ourselves but set that aside, there's actually a competition organized by Domino for the the fellow bloggers who attended the event.
I shall let the photos do all the talking until I have more information to update all you readers.

A real thank you to the Domino and Omy for the media invite and a sincere thanks to Janet for your hospitality!
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