Right in the heart of the CBD area sits the Sarnies Cafe with an unpretentious outlook. They have kept everything simple with just a few art pieces and well furnished with wooden seating arrangements for both indoor and outdoor.Not an extensive dinner menu but what they have are really one of a kind and classic.First appetizer of the meal was this Triple C – Curry Crab Crocketts ($14). Don’t mistaken them for mozzarella cheese sticks! Within each of them are filled with flow-y piping thick hot curry crab sauce. The texture well resembles that of mozzarella cheese sticks just that instead of cheese fillings, it’s hot curry crab sauce fillings. Although i’m not too sure what kind of crab am i suppose to expect inside, but it tasted good enough for a finger food! The curry is not too spicy, the flavor falls a little between Japanese and Indian curry.Next up was Avocado Fritters served with Spicy Lime Sauce ($10). It’s my first time seeing how avocado can be served differently on the dining table. It’s simply avocado balls coated with crumbs. A bite into the ball and you can feel the creaminess and richness of the fruit itself. The spicy lime sauce on the other hand was pretty light, so it went well with the richer tasting avocado and balances the flavor.Last appetizer of the meal C4 Bomb – Truffle Mash wrap with Home-Cured Bacon ($12). The mash potatoes is of super smooth and fine consistency with subtle truffle taste. The bacon used to wrapped around it was a little crispy yet not oily and with a little saltiness to it. The pairing with avocado puree makes it a delightful combination.This Cajun Spiced Paperbag Chicken ($14) consists of 3 drumsticks/thighs part well marinated with cajun spices. The chef really took good control of the heat and cooked it to perfection. With the skin a little charred, and the meat inside remains tender, juicy and flavorful. The cheese sauce that accompanied with it complements the overall taste really well and makes this dish kind of addictive! I could easily finish this whole portion by myself. It’s really that good.Finally here come the first main – Thai Disco Pasta ($15). Pretty interesting name they have there, and when we were asking for recommendation, we were warned that Thai Disco is very spicy not for the faint heart! But when i had a taste of it, i was pretty disappointed, not that the dish was bad, but the spiciness level and omph that i was expecting, it’s simply missing. Nevertheless, this pasta dish is pretty good. Why is the name Thai Disco Pasta? Simply because of the ingredients used – Basil, Kaffir and Chilli padi, the very 3 ingredients that you will never miss it in any authentic thai food. The whole dish was aromatic and the spaghetti was cooked to al dente. A simple dish yet with all the main flavors locked into it.Kabocha Pumpkin Risotto with Prosciutto Ham ($16) was the last main we had for the night. Kabocha Pumpkin is commonly known as Japanese pumpkin with its sweetness higher than a typical sweet potato or pumpkin. It looks kind of different from a typical risotto right, doesn’t it? Yet, the consistency and the rice is pretty much similar to that of a risotto nonetheless. The overall dish is full of natural sweetness from the Kabocha Pumpkin making it a pretty light dish but with the presence of Prosciutto Ham enhancing and bringing out the flavor of the risotto.Of course, we need desserts to end off a meal – Churros with whipped cream, chocolate and salted caramel dips ($10). I guess I still like my churros with chocolate dips, it’s still the best combination of all! Whipped cream dip seems to be a little too light for it, maybe it will be better, if it’s used as a filling instead. Salted caramel dip pairing was pretty mediocre too, maybe the consistency of the dip was not right, so the flavor does not really goes well with the churros. The churros here are pretty thick and sweet on its own, it gets a little too ge-lard after one stick.
Overall, Sarnies dished out pretty good and interesting food that was different from the norm. The ambiance makes it good for a night chill out after a day of work in the CBD area.

https://poohlovesfood.wordpress.com/2015/07/04/sarnies/ for more reviews

In a hidden corner up on Level 2 of Orchard Gateway sits this warm and lovely Criollo Cocoa cafe. The name of the cafe actually originates from the cocoa beans named Criollo and the location of the cafe was inspired by the idea of ‘People Watching’.The interior was clean, neat and spacious with tables adequately spaced out giving the customers sufficient space and privacy.They have their own self service corner filled with the various sauces and condiments; and cutlery where you can help yourself with. Therefore the prices shown on their menu are all nett prices.& do you know they make their very own gelato with a gelato making machine right in the cafe itself! And be surprised that their gelato flavors change periodically, so what you see it here now, may not be available at the later date.The awesome view of overseeing the bustling stretch of orchard road on a quiet afternoon with a cuppa.Their menu consists of a good mix of selections from starters to entrees to desserts to coffee/tea. Prices were quite comparable, ranging from $7-9 for the starters, $10-18 for their entrees and $6-9 for their desserts.Big Breakfast ($12 Promo Price, $16.90 Original Price)
The tasting menu we had was quite a good mix of items from the different categories like starters, brunch food, pasta, burgers and desserts. So we had the Big Breakfast to kick start our night. The scrambled eggs, toast and fresh fruits in yoghurt salad was commendable. The eggs was creamy, runny and flavorful; toast was buttery and sweet with sprinkles of sugar and the fruit yoghurt salad was light, healthy and refreshing with a mixture of fruits and granola. & you have a choice between pork bacon or turkey bacon! Really a good hearty combination i would love to have for my breakfast.Portobello Mushroom ($12.90)
Grilled portobello mushroom with onions, capsicums, lettuce, sliced tomatoes and melting cheese right in between 2 toasted brioche. The portobello was really juicy and tasty; the toasted brioche actually felt quite light and airy with a little crisp at the top. But the brioche feels a little too big on the portobello and make the burger seems like it’s lacking of something.Seafood Laksa Pasta ($16.90)
Seafood Laksa Pasta is my personal favorite for the night! Pan fried spaghetti with prawns, squid rings and mussels in special laksa sauce. When it was dished out to the table, the aroma was simply heavens. The gravy is so thick as though it’s your traditional laksa reduced to just a small amount of sauce under low heat, locking in the essences of the laksa. Best part was, i’m amazed how the laksa sauce has infused into each and every of the seafood and strands of spaghetti.Mixed Grilled Platter ($18.90)
The Mixed Grilled Platter was a huge disappointment. I kind of expected for more variety and something for substantial. The platter came with 2 chicken skewer, 2 beef skewers and 2 black pepper chicken sausages accompanied by fries and coleslaw. The upside of the meats was that it’s not tough and chewy but the downside was that, the taste was not that flavorful and spectacular that it can be served as a dish on its own. Somehow it seems that the coleslaw has snatched the limelight away from the meats. The coleslaw was a tad much more tantalizing than the meats.Chocolate waffle ($9.90)
Chocolate waffle was one of their signature dessert. Served with a quartets of chocolate waffles and a scoop of chocolate gelato drizzled with dark chocolate sauce and maple syrup by the side.  The waffles are towards the soft, spongy type which are more dense instead of the crispy, fluffy kind, which are lighter for the taste buds. It will definitely capture the heart of a chocolate lover. This dessert is suprisingly not too sweet but i find it a little too overwhelming with chocolate for my liking.Lychee & Coconut Gelato
Lychee Gelato with bits of lychee meat was very light and refreshing, a good cleanser for our palette after such a hearty meal. The coconut Gelato on the other hand was much more intense and rich in flavor. It tasted as though you are eating the coconut flesh itself. But the down side of their gelato was that it’s a little too icy that you could taste some icicles in the bite.
Overall, it was a pleasant experience dining in Criollo Cocoa Cafe, but more has to be done to create more value for the food in order to attract and retain more customers.

Fresh Fruit Lab or otherwise known as FFL, has been around the cafe scene for a good amount of time. FFL has differentiated themselves with a laboratory-inspired theme and fruits infused food/drinks menu. It’s conveniently located just a 5-10 mins walk away from Kembagan Station along the bustling Changi Road, attracting quite a decent number of crowds on a Saturday night.It’s a nice gesture for the staff to serve this complimentary rack of test tubes filled with fruit juices that can be found in the menu for tasting prior to placing our orders. At least we get to try the different flavors and order something we like best. To further enhance our experience in a laboratory-based cafe, water is served in beaker and juices/sodas are served in conical flasks. The juices concoctions are pretty unique and interesting bringing out the different characteristics of the different fruits and vegetables when they are mixed together. Three to Tango was one of my favorite, something zesty yet refreshing, the perfect drink for this hot summer. The one in the conical flask below was Passion Fruit Soda, its surprisingly cooling and refreshing with real mashed up passion fruits, somewhat tasted different from the usual soda that just mixes with syrup.Being the usual us having no idea what’s good to order, we decided to choose from a mixture of Chef’s Recommendations and Lab Bestsellers. First up was Truffle Fries ($12), neither a bestseller nor recommended by chef, but it’s like a must order, cause we have a crazy truffle fries fan among us. What makes a good Truffle Fries is definitely the presence and infusion of the truffle’s aroma and flavor coupled with hot crispy exterior of the shoestring fries. FFL’s truffle fries has definitely met 80% of the criteria.First Chef’s Recommendation’s of Masago Cavier Pasta ($20). Delicately plated with Baked Half Scallops topped with Sunny Quail Egg and Cavier Masago. Spaghetti was cooked to al dente, and wholesomely infused with the taste of Masago Cavier. Half Scallop was well seasoned and baked to perfection; not too hard and chewy but instead light on teeth. The dish is a little heavy on taste some might find, but this dish definitely suits my taste bud, someone who enjoy seafood and prefer food with heavier flavors!Next up, this Fish & Chip ($19) is FFL’s Bestseller! Generous and relatively big piece of Beer battered pacific dory served with shoestring fries and homemade tartare. The fish was thick, fresh and not crumbly. And i like how all their main dishes are accompanied with fruits infused salad that gives an additional sweetness to the overall dish.Like how the dish is named, Da Bomb Burger ($19), it’s really da bomb! In between the 2 toasted bun sits a juicy 250g beef patty with crunchy lettuce and tomatoes, crispy bacon and a runny sunny side up! It’s a total burst of flavor in the mouth. The balance from the lightness of the sunny side up and veggies paired with the flavorful beef patty, is simple yet awesome.
With some stomach space left just for the dessert, we ordered both their Rainbow Cake ($7) and Lychee Cake ($6.50).I must admit their Rainbow Cake tasted a little different. The cake was moist and dense; Cream cheese that was used for layering was rather light and the different layers bring about a citrus taste to the palette. This Lychee Cake is another praise worthy piece of dessert. Delicate pure looking dessert that sits a big juicy lychee. The texture of the cake was pretty unique, the exterior is as though i am eating marshmallow, and within it is layers of these marshmallow and sponge cake. Light and fluffy with subtle sweetness.The best way to end off such a fulfilling dinner is definitely a cup of fruit infused tea to cleanse our palette and help us in our digestion.
Overall, it was quite a pleasant dining experience in Fresh Fruit Lab. The ambiance and the quality of food served was superb. However, the downside was that the setting sun were shinning in at where we were sitting during the evening time which was quite a disturbance. Nevertheless, it’s a recommended place for a good chill!

https://poohlovesfood.wordpress.com/2015/06/06/fresh-fruits-lab/ for the full review with pics.

Originating from Korea, this dessert boutique cafe has opened its door along Keong Saik Road attracting all the local korean fans. Cafe is deck in 3 main coats of color – white, yellow and brown, bringing out a clean, neat yet quirky ambiance within. The dining area is well spaced-out but not lacking in any cosiness. We are pretty lucky having not to queue for long hours before we can get hold of these bingsu and pretty potted desserts.What makes Banana Tree stand out from the rest is definitely the cutesy presentation of their desserts and drinks. For one, their Iced Chocolate Som Som Latte ($7) is topped with white fluffy and sweet candy floss. And frankly speaking, i like their candy floss better than the latte itself. I find the Chocolate Som Som Latte somewhat a little too thin in flavor, lacking the richness and milkiness i was expecting.Flower Baap ($6.50), flower pot pudding made with finest ingredients. We went for their Banana version. Smooth handmade cream with mash of banana topped with oreo bits. Quite interesting burst of flavor, something different from the usuals. Simple yet delightful pot of dessert.The last dessert we tried was this huge Pot BingSoo ($12.50). The base is made up of fine shaved ice with sweet red beans cooked to the right consistency, neither too hard, nor too soft accompanied with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Definitely feeling shiok eating this on a sunny hot day! & in my opinion, this pot is good for sharing for a group of 4 and more, as the 2 of us gotten a little bored in finishing it!Generally, the cafe has the potential in attracting the crowds due to the pretty plating of desserts & drinks and the use of cute little utensils, like the mini spade spoon! & also the very fact that it comes from korea! Flavor and quality wise is definitely decent and comparable to most other places selling similar items.
https://poohlovesfood.wordpress.com/2015/05/28/banana-tree/ for the full review with pics.

A vintage garage thematic Brunches Cafe has finally sprung up into the cafe scene in Singapore. Located along the stretch of Rangoon Road with several other cafes sit Brunches Cafe clothed in a dark mysterious outlook but opens door to a warmly lighted cafe featuring vintage car or car boot as seats, hanging mini wooden houses as lighting and rustic wooden furniture. Effort and love from the bosses can be felt through all the details and decorations in the cafe.Decent extensive choice of food varying from brunches, mains, sides, coffee and desserts for a cafe environment.Innovative idea of using the mini cooper car’s front to contain all the condiments and menu and the car seats as dining area.Another interesting set of seating arrangement.After waiting for 20 minutes or so, finally here comes our 2 mains – Steak & Egg ($19.50) and Creamy Egg Frittata ($12.50). I find the food much disappointing. Despite ordering medium for my steak, it somehow turn out to be medium well and it’s kind of tough and chewy. Scrambled eggs on the other hand was rather creamy and runny but it kinds of lack some flavor and lustre. Sauteed mushrooms tasted just like mushroom without much intended punch from any seasonings. Egg Frittata tasted similar to that of an omelette but in a muffin shape. I find it baked to a tad to dry for my liking. But some worth mentioning points for the brunches, is that you can choose your choice of toast from wholemeal, sourdough and white and i love the sweetness and juiciness of the grilled tomato.This was a pleasant gesture from the boss of the cafe. She served us this complimentary chilled berries cheesecake as a make up for the long waiting time for our food. This cheesecake was not yet in the menu, but it tasted real good. Not too sweet, flavor was light with berries taste.

Overall, the cafe has the ambiance, but much improvements are needed to their food if they want returning customers.

https://poohlovesfood.wordpress.com/2015/05/12/brunches-cafe/ for the full review with pics.