Sunday, March 25, 2012

The Coffee Daily - a nostalgic haven












Nostalgic.. Vintage..
Often or so, we city dwellers, are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle..
Somewhere in the neighborhood yet hidden and not too crowded..

I have found this picture perfect place hidden in Brighton crescent (a stone throw away from Serangoon Gardens)

It is nostalgic with the vintage odd sized and patterned chairs, painted white with wood setting, with black white pictures hanging freely and framed.
Soft soothing jazz classics helps to pull in the extra sensory experience!
You will relaxingly sit back, order a cuppa, and then indulge in your own space, free from stress, free from crowd, and free from the counting of time..

Because over here, time just slowly slips by, without any hurry.
I've had my fare shares of cafes, including forty hands, loysels's toy cafe etc.
But the reason why I keep coming back here is simple.
Simply put, there is an elaborated simplicity - meaning, the owners take pride in maintaining and upkeeping the place, every piece of furniture and item played in this cafe is a well thought design (which includes a nostalgic 70's thermo flask as water dispenser)
Yet, everything is minimalistic, not overwhelming and gives you a sense of simplicity and peace from the moment you step in.


The service is good and the owners are friendly but knows how to give you space to be by yourself and immerse in the peace you need.

I love this place and I am not sharing about it for you all to overcrowd it, but rather, to share this peaceful haven to people who yearns for a place as such.
The Coffee Daily
75, Brighton Crescent
Singapore 559216

Monday, January 2, 2012

Antoinette - an Italian Patisserie charm


Antoinette
Location: The Scarlet Hotel
Address: 33, Erskine Road
#01-02/03
Tel: 6557 0417
www.antoinette.com.sg




I Love the Italian Patisserie furnishing of this quaint little cafe.
It gives me an escape from the usual hustle and bustle cafes in Singapore.
Fulfilling my little fantasy of being out of the country even if it lasts for only a few hours..


Having found my perfect cozy spot, I can't wait to have my first brew of the day and immerse into a complete holiday relaxtion over Brunch.

My selection- The Vert d Osmanthus $8.00/pot
A beautifully crafted sencha that has the enchanting scent of summer-fresh flowers and the taste of ripe nectarines. Maofeng green tea is used as a base for this osmanthus flower blend. Expect slightly grassy notes, a well balances astringency & the subtle yet unmistakable profile of fresh summer nectarines.

I love this tea. It's natural sweetness is brought out with a well balance. Calming and smooth on the palates. I did not have to put in any sugar cubes to sweeten it. This tea will definitely drift to my mind whenever I have future cravings for tea.




All Day Breakfast
I ordered: Poached eggs with Scottish Smoked Salmon $11.50


This dish turned out rather disappointing for me..
$11.50 was the price tag with additional of $3 for poached egg.
What came with this price tag was a portion of simple greens, a slice of plain toast which is halved, 2 poached eggs. There was a generous amount of Smoked Salmon, however, they had marinated it is Capers and olive which does not go well for me to eat with toast. I prefer it to be the regular classic smoked salmon which will be able to round up the poached egg and toast better.
The taste is a hidden mismatch to me and I found it hard to swallow. The greens were browning as well and plain without any dressing.
I will skip this dish for my next visits. I hope that the lackluster standard is only isolated to this dish.
If the same substandard goes for the sandwiches or crepes, I will surely be crestfallen as Antoniette is a brainchild of an much acclaimed chef whom have gotten good reviews for his works.






A beacon of light was shined onto my taste experience with the help of Antoniette's signature cake which is named after it.
Antoniette: $9.00
Milk chocolate mousse infused with earl grey tea. Chocolate biscuit. Raspberry coulis. Dark chocolate earl grey tea cremeux . Earl grey tea crumble




Luxuriously smooth, the infusion of Earl Grey Tea and Chocolate brings you a combined feeling of both joy and relaxation.

I built my likings on the rich yet not over-poweringly thick chocolate such as Awfully Chocloate and Max Brenner.

The superior chocolate grade is worth your penny. I presume this is why some people are willing to extend their budget on artisan cakes and patisseries.. Its about indulging in the finer grade ingredients.
A few notches above Canele and Bakerzinn, may be the reason why this cake is priced at $9.00 and deemed worthy.

Other sweets such as cookies, chocolates, Macaroons and other delicate cakes are also available.


During times when you have the spare cash, or perhaps the release of your paycheck, do consider checking out Antoniette.
Antoniette could not be a better spot for you to indulge on a romantic private get-away escaping from the Singapore crowd. A place where you can let time slip while you glaze into each other's eyes tenderly with a pot of tea, feeding on desserts with soft giggles while the Italian Jazz plays in the background.

Singles, don't fret. Having said that this is a romantic spot, it is also a nice place to catch up with a close friend and enjoy the day together over brunch or high-tea.