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2014-01-13
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Newly opened less than a month ago, Crossings Cafe is not just your regular cafe; it is a social enterprise full of opportunities to students with needs. Despite being new, they have already managed to offer internships to students from Assumption Pathway School, which is a school for the disadvantaged. Profits from the cafe are also claimed to be donated to charities for a good cause.The menu sticks largely to a western theme, but there are some dishes served with a local twist. Chili Crab Past
The menu sticks largely to a western theme, but there are some dishes served with a local twist. Chili Crab Pasta ($16.00++) was a signature dish in the menu, which was described to be cooked with a unique Crab Claw Meat Sauce. There were bits of meat in the sauce and while it was mildly spicy, it somehow felt a bit lacking as it still tasted pretty much of tomato, as though derived from a tomato base instead. Soft shell crabs were fried and presented atop the pasta, which provided a bite for the dish with its crispiness.
Since my dining partner was having pasta, I decided to go for a main which we decided on the Spicy Coriander Grilled Fish ($15.00++). It was fresh and flaky, and well-seasoned with coriander to remove the fishy odour. The tomato puree was tangy, fresh and felt like it was made from tomatoes instead of coming out of a can, and came with a moderate tinge of spiciness. The sauteed vegetables included pan-fried potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and carrots which were tasty on their own, but would be better with seasoning.
Instead of having a Soup of the Day, Crossings Cafe’s daily special was the Panna Cotta of the Day ($5.00++). Chendol was the flavour on the day of our visit, and sure enough it came with red beans and jelly noodles. Caramel was substituted with Gula Melaka to simulate the signature taste of Chendol. The smooth and eggy pudding complimented well with the various condiments, and despite being a largely western dish, carried the local fusion well. This would be one item I would be glad to have on any other day.While there are many cafes out there, not a lot of them operates with a social cause. We enjoyed our stay at the Crossings Cafe, for we were glad to have given the chance for the interns to showcase their abilities which were commendable. Some of the service staff whom attended our table despite being disadvantaged was extremely polite and even attentive, which is better than some other restaurants as well.
For more photos and the full review, please visit: http://jiaksimipng.wordpress.com/2014/01/13/crossings-cafe-catholic-centre/
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