Read full review
2013-09-21
8 views
Five & Dime Eatery opened to much fanfare last year and getting a reservation on weekends have been near to impossible until recently. Located along River Valley road, this charming white-washed two-storey shophouse is almost hard to miss, and surprisingly accessible with the bus-stops strategically situated nearby.The first floor is decidedly more chic as compared to the second, with a minimalist bar where the cocktails are concocted and diners can choose between the stylish stools that line th
The first floor is decidedly more chic as compared to the second, with a minimalist bar where the cocktails are concocted and diners can choose between the stylish stools that line the bar counter or the lacquered wood tables with matching chairs of brown and seafoam. My favourite spot in the day would probably be at the tables beside the windows, where a ray of sunlight enters and falls onto your food so naturally.
The French Toast $15 came highly recommended by the server and it was good! That piece of fried toast with a slab of butter melting so conspicuously and lathering the entire surface was simply a standout. The best part would be munching down the middle section where the bread has soaked up all the butter with sticky notes of syrup. While it comes with a choice of pork bacon or chicken chipolata and fruit salad, the french toast is really all you need on the plate.
Possibly what Five and Dime Eatery is most popularly known for, their Mentaiko Pasta $18 is yet another dish seen on almost every table. The spaghetti was cooked al-dente and tossed in creamy mentaiko sauce before being topped with more cod fish roe. If you are those who shy away from dishes with a 'fishy' aftertaste then this is probably not for you. Apart from that, I liked how it was not overly heavy and brimming with umami. This is one creamy pasta you will not find difficulty finishing on your own.
We could have probably stopped after a salad, two mains and dessert but after seeing how almost every table had a platter of Fish and Chips $20, it was hard to resist ordering it as well.I liked how the deep fried battered catfish, cut into smaller pieces, gave the illusion that there was more fish. It was flaky, crisp and extremely fresh. While I am hardly the best judge of Fish and Chips, I thought this one was possibly one of the better ones I have had. Extra points for presentation and the overall rustic feel contributed by those chunky cut fries as well.
Ordering the dessert from the blackboard was not the smartest of ideas because the prices were not written next to it. And let's face it, $15 for this Tiramisu Affrogato Parfait is quite a stretch. With that said, the deconstructed Tiramisu did admittedly hit the sweet spot and comes with a shot of Affrogato served separately on the side so you can regulate the intensity you want.
Overall, I am glad I finally paid a visit to Five & Dime Eatery, which has been on my radar for quite some time now. While the food does come in relatively petite portions and is not exactly cheap either, I can understand why this eatery continuously draws the crowd. Simple, uncomplicated and comforting, I definitely foresee a second visit in the near future.
Post
