Ladurée does not mean anything in French. In 1862, Louis Ernest Ladurée owned a pastry shop in Paris. One fine day, his second cousin, Pierre Desfontaines, initiated what is today, a new beginning of desserts indulgence – a combination of two macaron shells and ganache fillings. Voila, presenting to you, the double-decker macarons, by one of the best known makers of macarons in the world. Having been around for more than a century, Ladurée | Pâtissier, Confiseur, Chocolatier promises to satisfy macarons lovers both visually and taste-wise.The dessert boutique is one of the first in the region, making the hype here in town sky-high. Takashimaya at Orchard Road wins the race in accommodating them – with an outlet each on ground level and level 2. The latter is a more elaborative physical shop, selling as well, other Ladurée items such as its tea leaves / teabags, recipe book, and soft caramel. Although both do not have seating areas.PRICES:
Save for the Golden Chocolate Macaron that is retailing at SGD$7.80 (basically golden coated Chocolate flavored Macaron), all macarons are sold at a flat price of SGD$3.80, no worries for GST here. Pretty reasonable, comparing it to be about SGD$3.20 in Europe, SGD4.10 in Australia, and SGD3.65 in Hong Kong, we are somewhere in the middle.

PACKAGING:
Only a purchase of 8 and above earns you a box. Otherwise, a paper bag is what you will get for items less than that.Macaron Shells: Coming across as one of the softer and more crumbly ones, Ladurée’s macaron shells do not appeal to me the best. Unlike many others who prefer the soft ones, I thought the harder shells are much more satisfying. They tend to last longer in your mouth to complement the ganache fillings, making the entire experience less sweet.Ganache Fillings: Right on the other hand, I think they have perfected the taste of the fillings. The flavors were certainly not overpowering, and just adequately sweet. My favorite has to be the Orange Blossom one (much to my surprise), Salted Caramel, and also the Marie Antoinette. My usual favorites, Chocolate, and also the Praline ones fell short this time round. They were short of magical, and a little too ordinary. Other 11 flavors of it are Vanilla, Coffee, Lemon, Pistachio, Rose Petal, Strawberry Candy Marshmallow, Raspberry, Liquorice, Red Fruit, Chocolate Yuzu and Chestnut.Overall Taste: You can say Ladurée has half the battle won. Depending on your preference, Ladurée did not quite cut it for me. If Antoinette and Ladurée were located side-by-side, I’d plausibly skew towards Antoinette.

Amongst the whole row of restaurants and cafes along East Coast Road, sometimes you are too spoiled for choices and not sure where to eat. Even though this trip to Mad Nest was planned, you need not worry if any of the restaurants you are visiting along that stretch is full, because you can easily switch it up.Mad Nest Restaurant intrigued me quite a bit when I was first introduced to it, what with the fanciful website design, and the super extensive menu – offering all-day Brunch items, Italian-Asian, Japanese, and Northern Indian food. All of that under one roof, MADNEST indeed!I was still impressed, when I met up with my friends at the restaurant. The restaurant was sleekly decorated, with cushioned high tables on one side, and normal dining, simple tables on the other, with a white and simple backdrop, adorned with a couple of paintings. Service was the same old, nothing out of the ordinary.Latte ($4+): Because I was really worn out, I decided to order a cup of latte for myself (I rarely have caffeine in the evening because they work wonders on me more often than not). Presentation was great. Taste, not so. It was the add-your-own-sugar kind. So I thought if you can’t impress with the overall taste, the only thing to impress with is the distinct taste of the coffee beans. But I guess they were skewed more towards being a restaurant than a cafe, I did not blame them for it. An ordinary cup.Oishii Maki ($16+): As we were in a party of four, we decided to order a dish each off the four cuisines. First up, Japanese. Made up of grilled eel and roasted salmon, served with avocado and mayonnaise, these 8 pieces of gem probably shone the brightest that very evening. The overall taste of it gives out just the right amount of saltiness with a soft punch of sourness. Eel and salmon, two of my favorite toppings. Well done here.The Mad Breakfast ($20+): Next in line, an item off the All-Day Brunch Menu. I was in-charge of ordering this, because well, I can and do have brunch items at any hour of the day. It fell way short when I tried it. The scrambled eggs looked promising but was nothing near acceptable. It was not salty, not creamy – it was plain mashed goo. To be honest, this has to be one of the worst scrambled eggs I’ve had. And that speaks a lot, considering the number of brunches I’ve had. The chicken sausages, the (not a) brioche, marinated mushrooms were barely edible as well. Don’t waste time on this.Hae Mee Bisque ($23+): We gave in to this when our first choice, Chili Crab Pasta was not available. The waitperson recommended this and we just went ahead with it. Firstly, no, the prawn bisque sauce did not do any justice to the dish. And secondly, the slipper lobster tails were dry, and meatless. The meat was scarce, and we could hardly taste a proper chunk of it.In a nutshell, I was not impressed with the food quality at all. It was a disappointment all in all. I hope it was only because we had chosen the wrong item off the menu. It would be a while before I head back there, unless something substantial changes along the way.

Note #1: Prices are only subject to 10% service charge. No GST.

I am no Korean food veteran, but in the recent months, I have conformed to the social norms and trends, of being all crazed about Korean, well, things. I’m proud to say though, that I haven’t been entirely sucked in. Save for Korean food, I remain clueless to their music, TV or basically any other things. Having only been an amateur, I have found love to Korean food, particularly their BBQ items.Located in the newly developed (food-wise) precinct, Tiong Bahru, it was a chore trying to get seats around the popular restaurants down the stretch, without a reservation, and BigMama Korean Restaurant was one of them. You ought to know that if you walk in, they will not be able to commit an exact time f0r when the table will be ready.Appetizers: Complimentary, as in almost all other Korean Restaurants. Their kimchi is particularly satisfying, what with it being slightly more spicy, and not soggy at all. The rest were forgettable. The appetizers are unlimitedly refillable.Dakgalbi ($15+): This pan-fried chicken is one of their signature items. Stated price is for 1 person, and a minimum order for 2 persons is needed. The waitperson would bring out a stove at your table to cook it there and then. Pros and cons. While it’s entertaining to watch the cooking done, the smoke and smell that gets to you might stink your clothes up, though that’s pretty much to-be-expected whilst at a Korean Restaurant with BBQ items. So there, in your face, they would pan-fry the chicken with vegetables, rice cakes, sweet potato, and spicy sauce. I’ve learned that Korean chili are not all that spicy more often than not. And it is true for this dish, in case you are pondering back and forth in fear of spiciness. I would strongly recommend adding Fried Rice ($3+) to the chicken. This is how it works. They would cook the chicken. You eat slightly more than half of them up. They would again, come in to fry the rice with the remaining portion. Seaweeds and seasonings are added in the process. Poof! Comes a better presented and better tasting creation. The seaweed was the most memorable and fragrant. Worth the $3. Otherwise, the Dakgalbi itself did not quite live up to the name of signature dish.Dwaeji Moksal Yangnyum Gui ($18+): Grilled, pork collar slices, with Gal-bi seasoning. I held high expectations for this, mainly because I love pork collar, and more so with it grilled. But the meat turned out tougher than assumed, even dry, I’d say. The seasoning was mildly sweet and did not help with the poor quality of meat. Major disappointment.Haemul Buchu Jeon ($15+): For a pancake accompanied with chives and seafood to be $15, I thought it too expensive and had better be of top class quality. Unfortunately, it failed to water down the disappointment. The seafood was insufficient and was not distinct at all. We agreed that it was slightly too floury as well.

I have no idea what the hype is about. I had one of their signature dishes, and some other regular items, it couldn’t have been that I had the wrong items. Nevertheless, there is still chance for redemption, if I were to be asked along for a second shot. I would then give them the benefit of the doubt and try other items on the menu. Despite running on full house, service was not compromised. That is at least, commendable.

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.

Typical Singaporeans (including me) would love the concept behind the restaurant. Stellar @ 1-Altitude, though a posh establishment, offers tasting portions so that diners can share and enjoy the vast menu, created with the best seasonal produce and presented with utmost plating skills.Perched on level 62 of the former OUB Building at Raffles Place, the restaurant is commonly considered as a spot for dating, occasions and to impress in general. Make your reservations in advance so as to secure a window seat. It bears spectacular panoramic view of the City and Marina Bay area.The Private Dining Room is a cut-off from the vibrant main dining area. It can sit about 10 persons. The minimum spending for this room is $1,000 and $2,000 for lunch and dinner respectively. If you are thinking of holding a business dinner that involves wine, it is most apt; it’s also easier to converse and interact in this relatively quieter environment.

This Summer, Stellar offers a spanking new experience. Now, you can create your own 4 / 5 / 6-course Gastronomic Tasting Menu at $95++, $120++ and $140++ respectively from the long list of items on the menu including Lobster, Kobe C Prime Rib, and Victorian Lamb. You would be spoiled for choices. Prices stated below are for a la carte portions.Scallop ($28++): Chef Millar was daring in pairing the scallop with parmesan. You wouldn’t think, and it usually doesn’t go well, but this went perfectly smooth. The saltiness of the accompanying custard and sweetness of the pear and zucchini paper made the entire dish a very wholesome one. You would almost forget that the star of the dish was supposed to be the scallop. A hot favorite amongst the few of us.Bone Marrow ($24++): You’re either a Bone Marrow person or you’re not. I belong to the second group. Bone Marrow Fritters, with crispy porky bits, and parsley salad with red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil as dressing on it. It’s fortunate though, that the parsley salad isn’t as pungent as I thought it’d be.Aglio Uni ($44++): While the capellini wasn’t done to perfection, the king prawn was. It was well wood-fired, and I could smell and taste the hint of burns that greatly enhanced the experience. The capellini comes with leek, ebi sakura and smoked sea urchin butter.Yellow Tuna Fin ($44++): Seated on the bed of rissoni is the wood-fired yellow tuna fin. You’d love this if you’re a fan of tuna – very simple, where you can taste it in its nude form. I wasn’t a fan of the rissoni though (rice-shaped pasta), it had a rougher and tougher texture than the usual pasta, and tasted too much a cross breed of rice and pasta for my preference.This new menu is also dubbed the ‘Stellar Experience’ for a reason. Save for their intention to impress you with its food, they also have all the designs to give you a jaw-dropping interactive dessert, sweet experience. Starting from an empty plate to the fully adorned dessert platter, you have the opportunity to witness it with your naked eyes (with a minimum of a 2-pax order).

You can choose up to 2 desserts per 2 persons, 3 per 3 persons, and 4 per 4 persons.
Desserts offered are Valrhona Chocolate Bomb, Flaming Baked Alaska, Caramel Creme Brulee, Ginger Raspberry Tart, French Strawberries Rhubarb Glacee, and White Chocolate Basil Mille Feuille with Pineapple Sorbet.I would highly recommend the Valrhona Chocolate Bomb, Flaming Baked Alaska, and White Chocolate Basil Mille Feuille with Pineapple Sorbet. The former is especially interesting. As can be seen on the foreground of the first photo, it was a perfectly round chocolate ball, until some berry compote was poured onto it and it ‘corrodes’ in your face. The dessert platter is well worth your every penny I promise.Outside of the Gastronomic Menu, you have the choice to opt for the ala-carte menu. For big, meaty appetites, the Meat Platter is to die for. It’s $120++ for 3 meat selections (550g) and $140++ for 4 meat selections (720g).You can choose amongst these good cuts: Australian Angus Rib Eye, Australian Wagyu Rib Eye Marbling Score, Australian Grass-fed Tenderloin, US Wagyu Sirloin Marbling Score, Australian 150day Dry-Aged Sirloin, US Yorkshire Pork Rack, Victorian Lamb Rack and Olive Crusted Lamb Shank.

These meats are from wood fire, skillfully and impeccably done. Not only are you spoiled for choices on the selection of meats, look at the condiments.

I admire E. Chef Millar’s creativity and attention to details. He has been around with the 1 Rochester Group for years now, and he has been a gem.

Even though a meal here means that you will go hungry for the rest of the week, it is worthy if your purpose is to dine to impress. The ambience and the experience can not be found elsewhere, though if I were to compare food and its value alone, I think 1-Twenty Six does a better job.

And yes, you can head up to 1-Altitude for a pre-cocktail or post-dinner party if you were to dine here.