Nothing goes better than a cup of caffeine and your favourite dessert after a filling meal. Here at Maison Ikkoku, expect exquisite cuppas crafted by skilled baristas, who are well-versed in the latte arts. With selections of weekend brunch menus, salads and gourmet sandwiches, this place has become a fast-rising favourite among youngsters. The interior holds a strong rustic, cosy feeling, completed by odd-looking furniture (the table top sure looks like a door), comfortable ambient lights and a coffee bar, with a glass display of all the lovely selections of cakes.Besides the range of coffees, Maison Ikkoku serves home-brewed tea as well. I, myself is not a huge tea lover, but those who had their teas, raved it. For coffee lovers, you're in for a big treat. You can have your coffee brewed in one of the seven methods, namely Chemax, syphon, ice drip, V60 pour over, woodneck, eva solo and aeropressz. Don't know which roast to go with? Fret not, simply approach the friendly baristas and I bet they are more willing to give some professional advices.Recently, we were there again to celebrate one of our friend's birthday, and guess what? The friendly staff at Maison Ikkoku even dimmed the lights for a few moments and sang the birthday song with us. How lovely was that. Their S'more pie is a huge favourite amongst us. Soft and chewy marshmallow on a bed of rich, bitter-sweet chocolate is something that you would not stop at one mouthful.Some of the recommended signature cakes include Blueberry Cheese Pie and Chocolate Banana Cake. The former was slightly too moist and lumpy, but the latter was a sinful combination of rich and flavourful. If you love dense cake, go for the chocolate banana cake, you won't be disappointed. Unfortunately, red velvet was out of stock the night we visited, but trust me, they got one of the best out there.Personally, I have not tried their brunch items yet, but would love to head down for some weekend breakfast soon!

If you are intrigued by all those medieval knights donning a hardened suit of crimson at Vivocity, you are not alone. Those man-sized armoured models are actually advertisements or signboards for the first and only medieval castle-themed restaurant in Singapore, also known as The King Louis Bar & Grill. To have another restaurant by the name of Queen and Mangosteen, which is nestled at Vivocity fascinates me for some reasons.

That is not all, stepping into The King Louis is similar to entering a world of medieval in Ancient Europe - furnished with classic, specially crafted wooden furnitures, accompanied by a life-size white tiger model. What is a castle without knights? Well, the restaurant is guarded by knights as well, so don't try to think of any funny ideas. Ah yes, it features a scenic view of the harbourfront as well. Therefore, if you want the best seats, do yourself a favour by placing reservations early.Most of their menu items are named well - medievally, such as Knight Lancelot, King's Banquet or my personal favourite Sir Thomas' Tea Selection (simply because we share similar first names). In the end, we chose Queen Isabelle - a sharing platter for 2 (enough for 3, or even 4) consisting of a gastronomic combination of roasted beef with black pepper sauce, premium BBQ baby back ribs, roasted Queen pullet in English style and lamb steak with rosemary herbs, completed with a salad of coleslaw and fruits.

Among everything that falls on the platter, the succulent and flavourful BBQ racks was my favourite, whereas the tough beef and lamb steak were hard to swallow, especially the former. I even had to use water to assist me with the swallowing. Big fail.They claimed that inside the castle, which I supposed is the restaurant, you will be treated like King Louis himself. I hoped he did not choked on their tough steaks. Otherwise, The King Louis is awesome for everything else, except the food. Perhaps, a beer or two with your besties is the most ideal thing you could do here.

For me, the basis of Hainanese cuisine lies none other than the famed chicken rice itself. While the debate for the best chicken rice in Singapore is a never-ending process, I was introduced to the ones at Chin Chin Eating House recently, a classic restaurant that brings the nostalgia back from the 1980s. Located at the cornerof Purvis Street, Chin Chin is no stranger to Hainanese food lovers, who swear by their authentic chicken rice and signature sweet-and-sour pork chops.Personally, I think this might just qualify as one of the best Hainanese chicken I have ever tasted. Soft, tender white meat beneath a layer of smooth skin, finished with a mild touch of fragrant sesame and soy sauce. We ordered a half of each version (roasted and steamed) and were more than satisfied with it.

Contrary to the many positive reviews on their signature Sweet and Sour Pork Chop, I actually thought that it was mediocre and has nothing to rave about. To be honest, my dear mother a.k.a Mama Kook makes better version of this.Whenever I had tze char or anything equivalent, I rarely order Chap Chye (mixed vegetables) as I thought that the veggies are left-overs and just simply thrown together to form another dish. The moment I had their rendition of chap chye, I felt that I have never been so wrong before. Soft, delectable veggies, completed with a whole lot of different textures and a thick flavourful gravy - I could only thought of one word to describe this - Delicious. Another great dish to order is the Fish Slices pan-fried with garlic and spring onions. One can hardly go wrong with this choice.In a nutshell, Chin Chin Eating House is definitely a place that I could see myself returning to, for its Hainanese chicken, as well as their oh-so-good chap chye and maybe their legendary pork chop (perhaps the chef wasn't in a good mood that day, who knows). If you want good and authentic, yet affordable Hainanese food, do drop by Chin Chin Eating House.

It's been a while since I visit No Signboard Seafood restaurant, hence recently I decided to recommend the place once again for our weekly family dinner. Despite the misleading name being Kelong - which is located at Robertson Walk - is no kelong at all, with no canal nor river in its vicinity. Yet, this restaurant do serves good food, especially their speciality - seafood.Recommended for family gatherings; they have a few semi-private areas as well, but be sure to make reservations early.

After a fun, fulfilling day exploring Sentosa's newest attraction - Adventure Cove, as well as S.E.A Aquarium which features the world's largest aquarium, one is definitely expected to be hungry. If not, your stomach would probably tell you otherwise.

With a humble beginning as a Dallas burger joint, Chili's has seen developed and expanded with restaurants situated all around the globe. Despite having four outlets nestled at major shopping malls locally, it was actually my first time having Chili's, partially because of the huge quantity of negative reviews about both their food and services. However, since the birthday girl has made the choice, I went on with it.

I am sure my avid readers would know that I don't usually start reviewing on desserts, but when I do, it means that it is real good. And that is the case for Chili's Molten Chocolate Cake (S$15) - a huge, satisfying classic French dessert topped with chocolate-encased vanilla ice cream. I am sure everyone knows what is the best part - warm chocolate fudge flowing out gently. So much so that Todd Wilbur, an American cookbook author decides that this is worth "cloning" into his bestseller titled "Top Secret Recipe".

If you are a molten chocolate cake lava, be sure not to miss out this.Tostada Chips (S$8.00) is all filled with crunch and crisp, and is simply addictive. Served with their flavourful home-made salsa, I wonder if anyone has the willpower to stop just at one chip. Well.. it is not me, for sure.Besides a wide variety of burgers, pasta, quesadillas & fajitas and Chili's signature tantalising grilled backribs, classic chicken such as Crispy Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers® (S$25.00) makes a good dinner as well. Tender chicken meat are marinated by honey and chipotle, a clever combination of sweet and sour flavours, with a hint of spiciness. It is completed with a corn cob and fries. For small eaters, this dish could actually fill two persons.Seafood lovers like the birthday girl herself might want to opt for Chipotle Salmon (S$28.00) - salmon filet seasoned with Southwestern spices with a smoky chipotle cream sauce. It is served with rice and roasted jalapeno & corn salsa. Not exactly amazing for the price though, if you asked me.All in all, my visit to Chili's was a really pleasant one, completed with good food and greater services. I wouldn't comment much on the other outlets, but the one at Resort World Sentosa has gotten my vote.