When i visit Swensen's, it's more often to get their ice cream cakes then the food. Their ice cream cakes is one of the nicest which I have tried and I do prefer this over the normal cakes. Although it is not easy to slice it with a normal plastic cake knife, it is still worth every ounce of effort. My mum bought this cake recently for a birthday celebration and I was squealing in delight. The cake boosted a strong vanilla flavour and tasted like ice-cream (duh) and i like the frozen biscuit base at the bottom. It provides a different texture to the cake which i enjoy. The ice cream is also not too sweet and so its good for kids and adults alike to enjoy! Definitely a favorite with kids.

Swensen's always provide a thick box for transporting these cakes along with some dry ice which helps to preserve the cake and keep it cool under the hot weather.

I was exploring the newly-opened Westgate and I decide to have lunch at Food Republic which is located at the basement floor. Anyway I was wandering around thinking of what to order and decided to get the Ghee Roast Dosa ($5.50). To try something different besides the usual Korean, Japanese, Western or Chinese cuisine.I waited for like more than 10 minutes. I think cause the dosa needs preparation as it's cooked on the spot. Anyway the end result is quite lovely. A dosa shaped like a prism.

The dosa is quite crispy and easy to peel off in thin strips. Initially you wouldn't notice it but after a while the fermented flavour aftertaste can be a little overwhelming. So i think it's best to share it with someone unless you really like dosas. The serving size in itself is also quite big. If you eat with your hands, its very likely they will become oily at the end of it too. They came with 4 different side dishes which gives one plenty of dipping choices to choose from. I like the last two on the right side.

My love for Korean Cuisine brought me back to Manna Story to satisfy my Korean food cravings. I came with a friend as part of a birthday dinner. Anyway I ordered the Jajangmyun (again) and also Kimchi Pancake. My friend ordered the Spicy Beef Soup which came with rice (not pictured).The one thing i really really like is the free flow side dishes. They are not the main stars of the shows but they are quite nice! A good way to fill your stomach while waiting for the food.I have never tried the Jajangmyun at any other restaurants or food court before. The sauce is really nice and cannot be compared to the kind which you get in instant noodles (quite a moot point).The Kimchi Pancake is really nice, the thickness is just right. However it's not very spicy, even after dipping it in the given sauce. I will definitely want to return to try their spring onion pancake!

One special thing about this stall is the fry-it-yourself hum jin pangs. I first learned about this stall from my colleagues. However it is usually not opened at lunch time but after that and so we had get it for teatime.

There is usually 2 people present at the stall. One person makes the dough and the other puts in the filling and throws it into the pot of oil. Speaking of which, customers who order will then fry their own hum jin pangs, according to their own likings, not too burnt, slightly chao-ta or crispy. However once or twice the stallowners will intercept and just pick up those that are already cooked.

There is usually a long queue (though there are 2 woks for people to cook) depending on how many buns the people in front order. One can choose between the sweet and the salted, though my personal preference lies in the salted. It's mini hum jin pangs and best eaten hot. Once it's cold, its not as nice anymore.

It's a fun experience frying your own hum jin pangs and so its worth the wait! The last time i went was 6 Hum Jin Pengs for $1. I am not sure if they upped the prize already a not.

I first know about Anoinette from a fellow schoolmate's tutorial presentation and heard about it again from my friend. When you hear it more than once, there has to be something about the cafe thats worth checking out.

So after a long day, my friends and I decided to unwind by heading to the outlet at Mandarin Gallery (located on level 2).

There were a few people waiting outside but we need not wait long as there were a few patrons exiting the cafe. We were seated in less than 15 minutes. While waiting, my friend and I lingered around the display, marveling at the dainty desserts on display.

We were shown to our seats, a sofa seat, and 2 opposite facing cushion chairs. The sofa had pillows and were incredibly comfortable to lean back against. The cafe was also tastefully furnished with European styled lamps and portraits. On the whole, its a quiet atmosphere, good for couples who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road.

The menu were for the main courses and beverages and so we stepped outside to take a look at which desserts we are getting. We settled for the namesake of the restaurant, Antoinette and Charlotte.
I am not going to start dropping some fancy French terms that makes up this cake - Antoinette, which i don't even know so i will just sum this up in three words : Rich, Chocolate, Cake. Thats it. I thought one could burst the caramelized looking thing on top and the liquid inside would flow up but it didn't. Too viscuous i suppose. This cake is PERFECT for chocolate lovers. But even then its best to share it with someone else lest it becomes too cloyingly sweet.
Charlotte is so very pretty. I am referring to the cake of course. I love the bright red color of the cake, very visually striking and the ribbon bow. Its strawberry flavoured and the sponge cake is just an outer layer. Inside there is a layer of chantilly cream with strawberry jam. Absolutely delightful. Adds some different texture and taste to the cake.

Overall the service is not bad, the waiter (i only seen waiters, no waitresses on the day of visit) refilled our glasses. But once we are done with the cakes, he did not bother to refill anymore. Nonetheless one should give them credit for their calm and polite composure.

Likely to return for desserts and tea. (Their coffee machine was not working today so we didn't get any drinks )