http://thechosenglutton.wordpress.com/2011/12/02/max-brenners-quite-the-winner/

Max Brenner has been on my Temptations Page for the longest time. It’s like hanging a thread tied with your favorite food, swinging it in your face. The smell lingers, the eyes hypnotized – so near yet so far! Finally, finally, Esplanade had all their shops closed, leaving only Max Brenner open. Oh, just kidding. Anyways, it was between a few places for desserts and I’m glad we at least went in.

Max Brenner – Chocolate by the Bald Man. That is what they call themselves. Probably because one of the owners is bald. I haven’t any idea how well the marketing for that tagline has gone. Anyhows, it’s definitely unique and one of a kind.

It isn’t necessarily big. Nor is the Chocolate Bar a very comfortable (though it can be cozy) place to stay for long and enjoy the chocolate. But I guess what sets this potential weight-gainer restaurant apart from the rest is its theme. Unlike the Chocolate Buffets in Fullerton Hotel / Marina Bay Sands, which has a classy and elegance touch to it, Max Brenner has dashes of artsy fartsy feel.

A Chocolate Love Story. For sure, they have cooked up quite some stories for their chain. I love how they have come up with statements relating to chocolates. Here goes.

Chocolate is not just about taste. It’s a symbol of different aspects in our lives – of romance, of sensuality, of decadence. These aspects actually create the new chocolate culture of Max Brenner.

Don’t you just feel blissful and blessed alreadyChocolate Pizza with Banana Slices ($13.50++) :: This caught my attention while flipping through the pages of drooling-good chocolate dishes. They have items ranging from hot chocolates to pizzas to crepes. I was so torn as to what to order. If not that we already have a full meal before, I’d have insisted on having a bigger piece of Max Brenner on my first trip there. Indeed, it didn’t disappoint. You don’t have to worry about it being not as chocolatey as you thought, neither do you need to worry about not having enough of it. Best way of eating here is probably ordering many different items and sharing it throughout with your group of friends. That way you wouldn’t get too much on a specific one – you know how chocolates can play with you.
Fun fact: The Chocolate Pizza is featured in the US TV Show, Food Network’s ‘The Best Thing I Ever Ate / Pizza’.

Interestingly, they are certified kosher too. Probably because they originate from Israel.

I’ll be sure to be back any time soon. And as and when that happens, I’ll most promptly update more of it here. So far, I’ve been more than satisfied.

Otto Locanda is this, fanciful and posh Italian Restaurant at Maxwell Chambers (right outside of the Tanjong Pagar MRT Exit, that I had walked past years ago, thinking to myself, when will I ever come to dine at this restaurant. Because it looks so good on the outside, and on the inside as well, upon further peeping.As aforementioned, the interior was sleek, cozy and welcoming. I just love the contrasting color theme of the restaurant. We were warmly greeted by the hostess and brought to our table of eight. The bread basket was one of the better ones. I’m pretty particular when it comes to bread baskets. Being warm is the first step. Then, the bread has to be relatively soft with a different textured and slightly crispier crust. I thought Otto Locanda did it pretty good.

Before I go into the courses proper, I must commend that the management is very flexible. As I had friends of mine who couldn’t take cheese, they were actually open to switching it up (the dessert) for that two friends of mine when I wrote in. They did a great job coordinating with the Chef and my friends in person whilst we were there. I am glad they were being taken care of.Antipasti (Sliced Chilled Roast Grain Fed Strip Loin with Tuna Sauce): Appetizers, have always been a ‘small portion’ in my perception. More so for one, this is a Restaurant Week Menu – many restaurants would be cutting back on parts of it to save cost. I was impressed with the gigantic portion the restaurant offered. All my dining companions were, too. Save for the slightly exotic combination of tuna sauce with the strip loin, I thought the dish was refreshing. Every part of it had their flavors spot on.Main Course (Trio Pasta): Though it might seem like a degustation menu, it can actually be quite filling if you finish everything. Well, there’s the carbohydrates there. I admire the beauty of the presentation. Ravioli stuffed with Buffalo Ricotta Cheese, Beef Lasagna, and Squid Ink Spaghetti Chitarra Pasta with Crab Meat are the three musketeers in this course. Again, I think it was cooked to perfection. And just the right amount – not getting too cloying.Main Course (Pan-Roasted Sea Bass): Fish wasn’t a problem, it was soft and smooth. I, for one though, am not a fan of the Amalfi Coast Style Sauce. Somehow, it tasted too Chinese and tomato-based for me. Pity though, because I am a huge fan of fishes.Main Course (Roasted Baby Chicken): Of the three main courses, this rank in the middle for me. As the name suggests, pepper caponata, the dish is skewed toward the spicy side. It’s definitely tolerable, but this serves as a heads up for non-spicy takers. The baby chicken wasn’t the most tender, softest or most fragrant, but it’s passable.Dessert (Tiramisu): Hell, this photo doesn’t do justification to the size of the dessert. Like its counterpart, the antipasti, our jaws dropped when it was brought onto the table. It was such a huge piece of tiramisu that our stomachs were starting to call for help. Even the usual ‘there is always space for dessert’ couldn’t hang in there for long. Okay, don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. Only because the Tiramisu is good. I thought it differs a little from the usual – Otto Locanda’s version was milder, I thought. But with every bite of it, you can still distinctly taste its cocoa, mascarpone cheese, and coffee. Bravo.Dessert (Profiteroles): Now this is the switched up dessert I was talking about. I say, my friend got a steal for herself. The profiteroles, soaked in chocolate, matched with the chilled cream within, was indulgent even though I only had a pop of it. Oh yes, strawberries accompanied as co-star.

Overall, I’m definitely impressed with the service. Food-wise, some hits, some misses, although most were the former. We were there for Restaurant Week, Lunch. So it was only $25++. For that, it’s value for money, hands down. I would certainly love to try its ala-carte menu some other time.

While this Department specializing in Brunch, also known as the Department of Caffeine, takes reservation, I was not as fortunate. I attempted the calls periodically as I know how it can be an ass waiting in line for a brunch spot, no less a popular recent addition to the busy Duxton area. However, not only did no one pick up the countless calls I made, it was the same too, even when I got through just seconds after the line was engaged (meaning someone would had been by the phone but refused to pick up). Pretty frustrating and ridiculous.So I went anyway, since if there is a place that has no lack of Brunch Cafes, it’d be Duxton. Stepping into the cafe struck me immediately, that we were in for a trouble. It was a narrow stretch down, very echoed, busy and noisy. It is a pity it was nowhere near a relaxed spot for a catchup – talking about ambience alone. We went on the waiting list, and was told a second in line. Naturally we thought it wouldn’t be too long a wait and headed off to a bookstore next shop, Littered with Books (thank god it’s a fanciful book store and kept us engaged for quite some time).After at least a 90 minutes wait, I was getting impatient and thought I had given them the wrong contact number. I walked back to find out that they have been slotting in the people who have already made their reservations beforehand. To a certain extent, I really think that is the right thing to do. But c’mon, I verily believe that it can be done in moderation. Taking reservations is fine but you need to reserve some seats for walk-in guests don’t you?The service was alright, don’t get me wrong. It’s just the reservations system they primarily need to work on. So if you are in a big group, it’s in your best interest to avoid coming here. Just so you know, I was only in a group of 3.Cafe Latte ($5): I’m no coffee expert, but it was pretty good I could smell the fragrance of the coffee bean. Drinking it sugarless was also a pleasure as it wasn’t the most bitter cup of coffee. I thoroughly enjoyed this cup of Five Senses Coffee, Australia, because I did not have to spoil the taste with sugar.Express Breakfast ($12): As the name would already have suggested, it isn’t the heartiest brunch you can get. But it sure is the warmest and most comfortable. Savor on every tear of the Banana Bread when it’s first served, warm. I don’t usually like anything banana except the fruit itself, but this, was not too overpowering. It complemented the freshly baked fluffy, fragile and warm bread perfectly. The granola with yoghurt was another well-executed bowl of breakfast treat. Though it sounds simple, the ingredients used matters. Nothing of the sour, dry, rough and boring kind here. Definitely a must-try if you would like a light meal.DOC Breakfast Platter ($18.50): 5 items here. Let’s break it down. (1) Scrambled Eggs suited my palate to the nearest. Slightly fluffy and creamy, balanced saltiness. (2) Bacon wrapped Meatloaf, the piece sandwiched between the Brioche and the Eggs, was uniquely delectable. It was surprisingly not too salty, comes in a generous portion and basically serves as an extra depth to the entire bite. (3) Toasted Brioche however, pulled the rating of the dish down. It was over toasted and turned out tough. If it was a fluffy, slightly charred thick piece of Brioche, it’d have been a perfect match. (4) Cheese Boccocini, though hidden by the main highlight, was also orgasmically indulgent. Though served breaded, this cheese still remains soft and has its flavors well retained. A fork can effortlessly sink through the Boccocini. (5) Confit tomato. Ain’t no big fan of tomatoes, but hey, this deserves a try. It’s like a Molten Lava Cake of tomatoes. Sweet and soft.63º Eggs with Dressed Smoked Salmon ($18.50): Newly minted just earlier this month, I don’t believe there would be a time this eggs would fail to have runny yolks, due to its promised precision. In this scenario, the Toasted Brioche was fine thanks to its flowy and watery counterparts of runny egg yolk and lemon and dill sauce. The sauce was slightly too sour for me, sometimes covering the taste of the others. But otherwise, the smoked salmon was fine and it was happy moments seeing the dish cooked to perfection.Buttermilk Waffles with Butter Rum Bananas and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream ($13.50): Probably the most photogenic item on the menu of Department of Caffeine, I can vouch that it is not just a vase. It doesn’t only look good, it actually tastes good as well – in fact one of the best I’ve had. Complete with airy and adequately flavored (buttermilk) waffles with crispy edges, and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Not a big fan of the butter rum bananas but hey, it doesn’t taste as bad either. I’d recommend a try at any one of their Waffles options. Just do remember that when they say, for instance, Sundried Tomato and Herbs Waffle, it means those items are in the batter itself, you will not see them with your naked eyes.

For its sheer good and unpretentious food, I would recommend this place. However, I would also specifically caution its reservation system and its ambience crisis.

Note #1: Brunch is served on weekend.

Note #2: Prices stated are nett. No GST and service charge.

Trying to contain a portion of my geekiness, I have actually harbored the thoughts of patronizing Epilogue Café for quite some time now, and only bringing it up when the right time strikes. Located inside of { prologue } Bookstore at Level 4, Orchard ION, it is probably a hideout for geeks and bookworms alike, who are looking for reasonable food at reasonable prices, and at a conducive environment to get sucked into the books.I love the setting. A whole full shelf of books. Wooden furnishings for a complete library feel. Though it’s not library-quiet, it is considerably tranquil in the bustling ION Orchard.

GET A BOOK FOR FREE:
Spend $25 and above in a single receipt to bring home a free book (off the cafe’s shelves). Pick one and proceed to the counter for checking out. No strings attached.

I understand that many have been yearning for a chance to eat and drink in a library setting – this is just about the closest you will get. You can get the window seat too, overlooking the busy streets down below.I thought this is an apt dining location if you are in town, don’t want to spend a bomb on restaurants, and not on the crazily overpriced food court as well, mainly because they serve sandwiches and a small range of main courses at around $10.50, on an average. Personally, I would choose to come here than the basement food court any day. More peace, more enjoyment of food.French Hot Chocolate ($6.50): Effort was put in for the coffee art, which I appreciate. This rendition of Hot Chocolate is not your everyday cup of the same. Depending on your preference, this cup is only mildly sweet. You can almost distinctly taste the cocoa. Slightly more milky. Smooth texture.Peanut Chicken Sandwich ($10.50): First bite in and I already fell in love with its Mediterranean Panini Bread. I love its smartly toasted outside, and its naturally sweet taste. Matched with the very local peanut chicken, it is one of the few sandwiches I really don’t mind having (keeping in mind I am totally not a sandwich person). All sandwiches comes with mixed greens salad and chips.Baked Mushroom Mac & Cheese ($9): I thought the baked cheese blanketing the macaroni was perfectly done. Thick. Flavorful. Not cloying like many others. If you are a fan of mushrooms and cheese, go for this.Tea-flavored Macarons ($2.50): I was very skeptical at first, because well, macarons aren’t easy to perfect. Not especially at a café. I had a go, nevertheless, at their Chamomile and Chai flavored ones. The former didn’t make much of an impression as I couldn’t really make out the Chamomile flavor. The latter however, had a more distinct taste. Flavors aside, their macaron shells match my expectation and liking. Not crumbly, and tough enough to withstand a couple more chews. Worth it.

Note #1: Prices stated are net. No GST and service charge.

Note #2: POPULAR bookstore members are entitled to a 10% discount (upon showing of membership card).

Note #3: Even though it’s not halal-certified, they do not have pork served.

Shangri-La Hotel.
Garden Wing.
Poolside.
Waterfall Café.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t help but to feel all zen and relaxed already.

Waterfall Café, a Mediterranean restaurant, is Shangri-La’s 1-year old addition to its F&B line. It is a viable dining alternative if buffet at the renowned The Line isn’t your cup of tea. I would, however, like to look at this more of a restaurant, what with its posh and cozy interior. The shades of brown and beige create a warm, ‘lived in’ feeling; they also evoke a neutral and simple touch to your dining experience, not making the space feeling cluttered. Take a look, and you’ll agree with me that it’s perfect for a sizzling hot date.Save for the Private Dining Area where you need to have a minimum spending of $750 and $950 (before taxes) for lunch and dinner respectively, you are free to choose your desired dining area. I personally love the cushioned, intimate lamp-over-the-head seat.What comes next after being seated and served with ice / warm water is a waitperson appearing beside you, spoiling you with 4 choices of artisan bread – Squid Ink & Chili Bread, Pesto Bread Roll, French Baguette and Organic Whole Wheat Bread, accompanied with dips of butter, spicy tomato sauce and baba ghanoush (made of eggplant mashed and mixed with olive oil and seasonings). Though it’d only be served to you at the start of your meal, I’m sure with a smiley face and polite request, they would accede to your request of second round.Phoenix Organic Sparkling Apple Juice: I’m glad Shangri-La holds Phoenix’s sparkling juices. Not only are they organic, they are refreshing and cooling, most apt for a meal by the pool. If you are a wine fanatic, you are in the right place, as they serve wine from across the Mediterranean from the South of Spain to the coast of Lebanon. You can also expect coffee from Illy.Watermelon & Tomato Salad (with prawns) ($24++): A successful continuity on the theme of a ‘revitalizing’ meal. Call me a ‘sua-gu‘, but I’ve actually never had a watermelon salad. It’s such a brilliant combination of items here – juicy, thirst-quenching and sweet, ultimate in whetting your appetite. Additions of red onion spices things up as well, both literally and figuratively. It costs $16++ without prawns.Fettuccine Pasta ($28++): This pasta, surrounded by parmesan cheese foam, hits all the right spot for me. Its pasta was near al-dente enough for me. I’ve never tasted one that is consistently al-dente. I had this because I’m a huge fan of parma ham and mushroom. The former was thinly sliced but bearing a big surface area, thus still retaining its usual chewiness and bite. The saltiness complemented the pasta real well.Pan-seared Tuna ($35++): I am going to be honest here; I’ve never had better Pan-seared Tuna. I had a bad experience at another establishment, where its tuna was tougher than any other meat, and flavorless. I was relieved to experience the exact opposite here. Coated with peppercorn and coriander (don’t worry, it doesn’t have that acrid taste and smell) and drizzled with black garlic jus, the seafood is further made more flavorful than usual. There is also the honey glazed eggplant, which I had over the steamed baby bok choy, not a veggie fan here.Fresh Strawberry Consommé ($12++): Being relatively sweet and slightly tangy, this liquid dessert wasn’t much to my liking. I don’t know, there isn’t anything wrong with it, but more of a misfit of preference. If you want a cold, light, and sweet liquid end to your meal, this would be appropriate. It’s infused with ginger and verbena, and served with green tea cookies too. It’d be better if it is made more gingery. I love ginger.Warm Dark Chocolate Cake ($14++): When it comes to desserts, I’m a safe-eater. It’s more often than not, something chocolatey. And it’s no exception this time round. No it’s not a Molten Lava Cake, it’s merely a warm, gluten-free chocolate cake. I always believe that these desserts being dark is a smart thing to do, as the darkness and bitterness of it would act as an equipoise to the (sometimes overly) sweetness. Served with butterscotch ice cream. A must-order to end the meal.

Though the prices can be a little steep (mains of about at least $30 – $40 after taxes), I thought it is arguably reasonable, seeing that it’s nestled in a lucrative 5-star hotel in Singapore. It is also all made okay with its exclusivity and well-furnished interior. Further, it’s just on the outskirts of Orchard Road. I think it’s one of the best spots for a semi-formal, semi-casual date.