Baja Fresh

Baja Fresh, the quick-casual Mexican chain which owns more than 250 stores in US and Dubai since 1990 opened its first Asia outlet at Singapore in 2012. With their motto, EAT WELL, LIVE FRESH, it continues to serve Mexican favourites like tacos, burritos, salads and fajitas featuring fresh and flavourful ingredients. All entrees are made with all natural, hormone free, fire-grilled chicken, steak, fish and shrimp.

I love the fact that they are take pride on serving freshest and highest quality food with very reasonable price. Taste-wise, it didn't really blew me away, but it was still good. I didn't take any photo of the interior, it basically like a fast food style concept with a salsa bar for guests to choose from a selection of freshly made salsas.

Char Siu Burrito $14.95

The burrito is huge... and very filling. Saw some people add on with Enchilado style and it looks sooooo good! They will actually top up the burrito with chips in red chile sauce and melted Jack cheese with sour cream and pico de gallo. Definitely going to try it if I visit this place again.

Chicken Breast Fajitas - Regular $12.95/ Grande $15.95

The chicken Fajitas came with mix of grilled veggies, Baja rice, beans, sour cream, guacamole with warm tortillas. Sadly it was a bit lack of flavor.

Complimentary Nachos

Nachos! I love it. Crispy, extremely satisfying when dip in the salsas they offered. 

Shrimp Quesadillas - Regular $15.95/ Grande $18.95

This happened to be my favourite dish of the night :) 

It was cheesy and I really like the slightly crispy texture.

Single Taco Mahi Mahi $7.45

It is a long overdue post and I can't remember the taste of taco. I think it was just so-so judging by the look. 

Baja Fresh very much reminds me of Subway. Healthy, fresh fast food at great prices. (Is Subway really healthy? I will leave the answer to you) Although you can't expect some life-changing Mexican food here, but it is always an ideal place for the quick fix to satisfy your Mex cravings. P/S: The food they posted on Facebook page looks very attractive and I really doubt that it was me who don't know how to order (or take better photograph)

Baja Fresh

6337 7300

9, Bras Basah Road #01-03 

Rendezvous Gallery

8.30am - 10pm 

Weekend Brunch At Cafe & Bar Gavroche

Cafe Gavroche, located just across the street from Brasserie Gavroche, is the second creation by Chef Patron Federic Colin. While Brasserie Gavroche showcases the hearty classic entree and main dishes of Parisians, Cafe Gavroche food features lighter French fare like tartines and breads with a large selection of French wines to complete the beverage menu. 

The design of the cafe is true to the ethos of the Parisian spirit. Upon entry is the main bar area. Next is the indoor 'terrace' section filled with natural sunlight with cobblestone flooring, reminiscent of a typical Parisian cafe. The inner space is a intimate dining area with long rustic wooden tables and chairs, perfect for big groups gathering. 

They serve weekend brunch from 10.30am to 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Diners can indulge in their signature croissants, pastries and country breads along with French jams and our familiar egg dishes. 

Croissant $2.50, Pain Au Chocolat $3.50

We love the croissants. They were flaky, puffy and salty. We ended up eating three. The jams were good too, but I only love eating my croissant with butter. They are perfect match! The pain au chocolat was rather normal. 

Smoked Salmon Oeufs Benedict $25

When was the last time I had egg bens? I couldn't remember... I'm not fancy of brunch, cafe stuff. This dish was decent enough but nothing spectacular. The only thing I don't quite like is the hollandaise sauce was way too cheesy. 

Their another signature dish is Croque Monsieur but I couldn't convince myself to order a ham & cheese toast at $16. As there are getting more n more subpar cafes in Singapore, I'm confidently to say Cafe Gavroche is still one of the better brunch place. And if you have sick of seeing industrial/ vintage cafe designs, why not drop by here one of the weekend for a feel of Parisian?   

Cafe & Bar Gavroche

69, Tras Street

Singapore 079008

6225 4869

Tuesday to Fridays 12pm till late

(Food available from 12pm to 2.30pm & 6pm to 10.30pm)

Saturdays from 10.30am till late

(Food available for Weekend Brunch and from 6pm to 10.30pm)

Sunday from 10.30am to 2pm

*Weekend Brunch from 10.30am to 2pm, available Saturdays and Sundays.

Afternoon Tea At Anti:dote

Anti:dote is a stylish and modern cocktail bar located at Fairmont Hotel Singapore, combining the artistry of experimental mixology and innovative modern tapas. They serve afternoon tea daily at 3-5pm. I'm a lil surprised that their tea time are usually fully booked, I thought not much people know about this place. 

They are 3 types of afternoon tea to choose from, both Anti:dote Tea and Oriental Tea are priced at $38++ per person while the Royal Tea is $75++ per person, inclusive of a pot of TWG tea and if the tea you select is worth more than $12.50, you will be required to top up for the difference. 

The waitress recommended vanilla bourbon tea (on the left), came with a strong vanilla aroma, tasted delicately sweet. On the right was my just-another-english-breakfast-tea.

We ordered both Anti:dote Tea and Oriental Tea so we can try the different starter. For Oriental Tea, the first course was a basket of dim sum that came with shrimp har gau, chive dumpling and scallop siew mai. I have to say their dim sum is better than a lot of chinese restaurants. 

The appetizer of Anti:dote Tea was black truffle scrambled egg... How I miss it! Dip the buttery crispy bread stick into the creamy egg with truffle taste lingers in your mouth... heavenly.

Next was their iconic jewel box tea set that came with  sweet and savoury goodies. Again I was only concentrating on the savouries and scones. 

On the mirror top were the petite desserts: (from left) anti:dote rum baba, karukera chocolate mirror tarts, earl grey eclairs, strawberry gateau, chocolate dipped strawberries and apple delight almond crumble. Behind was lime macarons and there were handmade truffles at the front. To be frank I could't remember any of their taste, the most edible was strawberry gateau.

This is more like my kind of food. The sandwich drawer chest featured (from left) coronation curried chicken, boston lobster roll with herb mayonnaise, prosciutto with onion jam and aged cheddar, cucumber and dill salad with cream cheese and smoked salmon with crème fraîche and caviar. I'm glad they tasted as good as they look. 

Babies

Then we had warm raisin and candied ginger scones, cookies and lemon basil pound cake. The scones were just okay, Devonshire clotted jam didn't impress me too. I love the cookies thou, I took it home and ate it the other day. 

Love the presentation of the food, reasonable price and contemporary atmosphere. Will be back again to try their tapas. 

Anti:dote

Level 1, Fairmont Hotel

80, Bras Basah Road

Singapore 189560

6431 5315

Daily 3pm - 5pm (Afternoon Tea)

GÆST

Gaest (pronounce as 'guest') is a small little nordic cafe tucked at The Cliff building just 

opposite to Amoy Food Court. Everything here is made from scratch, breakfast served as 

early as  7am. 

They don't really have a lot of choices on the menu, but I guess people won't mind coming 

back to eat the same thing again and again, just like me. Quality over quantity, yeah?

Pork Sandwich $14

This is a MUST order from their menu. Crackling pork is usually oily and fattening, but the chef in gaest balance it with orange marinated red cabbage, apple slices and mustard mayonnaise. It was so good I want to cry. Love the crispy skin with tender meat. The pork is rubbed with salt and rosemary, roasted for 4 hours in order to produce the amazing crackling exterior. 

The freshly baked wholemeal sourdough was a standout by itself, so soft and fluffy. Unluckily during our second visit, it wasn't as good as the first time. Chef was in bad mood, lack of sleep, maybe.

Potato Sandwich $13

I never had a potato sandwich before, but I guess I will have a lot of this for the rest of my life. The salt boiled potatoes was delightful. What made it more irresistible is the hazelnut and rye crunch, lemon and  salt marinated leek and smoked mayonnaise to rid off the bitter taste of pea tendrils. 

Chicken Sandwich $14

The chicken sandwich was good, but it became normal if compare with the other two sandwiches. It came with roasted chicken breast with lemon celery stalk, green apple slices, pea tendrils and fresh herb cream. 

Salmon Sandwich $15

I love eating this locally cold smoked salmon with honey and apple pickled beetroot, which had sweet and savoury taste. Came with horseradish cream spread and rocket.

Elderflower & Rosemary Soda $5

I just had to order it by looking at the name. It didn't disappoint me and it was better than I expected. But sadly it became tasteless after the ices melted. 

Hot Dark Chocolate $6

The hot dark chocolate is made from pure Valrhona Chocolate, it was so rich, so I don't know how to appreciate it because I don't like chocolate.

Varlhona Chocolate Brownie $4.50

Call me suagu but this was my first time came across eating brownie with greek yogurt and green apple slices. This is also made from Varlhona Chocolate but somehow I like it over the hot chocolate. In fact this probably the best brownie I ever had. Although I don't usually eat this dessert, because I don't eat chocolate, but I believe nobody will give a negative comment on this crusty-skin-with-melt-in-the-mouth-texture brownie. What a perfect ending.

Gaest used to served pizza for dinner but they stop it since November. It was a sad news to me because I never try it before, especially I'm a sucker for pizza. Sigh.

GÆST

The Cliff,

21 McCallum Street

#01-01 S(069047)

6634 0922

Mon - Fri 7.30am - 4.30pm

Sat - Sun 8.30am - 3.30pm

Chop Chop, JB

Chop Chop is a new eatery in JB town, bringing the interesting concept of taiwan railway bento for takeaways and dine-in with very reasonable price. The name, Chop Chop, not only refers to the meat chops on their menu, also showing their efficiency on serving food. It is not surprising that this place packed with lunch crowd everyday. 

Deep Fried Chicken Chop RM9.90

This deep fried chicken chop didn't disappoint me in term of tenderness and taste. It was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The rich and flavourful mushroom sauce went perfectly with the chicken chop.

Pork Burger RM11.90

The pork burger seems dry, but it wasn't. I wonder how this simple grilled pork and lettuces can taste so good. Again, the grilled pork was tender and I like the sweet savoury taste.

Fish and Chips RM10.90

Next, they impressed me with the breaded fish and chips. The fish fillet was fresh, tangy and deliciously satisfying. Needless to say the price is dirt cheap!

Chop Chop also serve breakfast from 9am - 12am and I'm looking forward to trying it! Wishing them a prosperous business and continue to serve good food in JB.

Chop Chop

54, Jalan Pelangi, Taman Pelangi

80400 Johor Bahru, Johor

(+6) 012-7343759 (for delivery)

9am - 7pm (closed on Fridays)

Gyoza Ya

I've heard so much raves about Gyoza Ya. Some claimed that this is one of the best gyoza they ever had, and some, being more humble, said this is one of the better gyoza in town. Whichever it is, this casual dining restaurant by Akashi Group has definitely gained reputation and popularity in less than a year from opening. 

Jya Jya Men $6.50

Gyoza Ya is the first to introduce Jya Jya Men in Singapore, something similar to Chinese Zha Jiang Mian, but I personally prefer Jya Jya Men more. There are two way in eating Jya Jya Men. First, mix the noodles with white vinegar and chili oil that provided on the table to your preference. This is dry version.

Leave half of the portion in your bowl, mix it with raw egg and ask the staff to pour some boiling hot noodle water into your bowl. Lastly, season it with JyaJya miso.

I love both dry and soup version. But it never taste spicy no matter how much chili oil I've added. 

Garlic Fried Rice $5.80

I've had a better garlic fried rice before, but the price is 3 times more expensive. It wasn't bad, quite good I would say, but too much garlic. The aftertaste is unpleasant.

Left: Pan Fried Dumpling with Vegetables $4.80/ Right: Pan Fried Dumpling with Pork $4.80

Gyoza Ya has their dumpling skin air-flown regularly in Japan, and made on the spot upon order with a special mixer for consistence of mass and size. I have a high expectation for the gyoza and the very first thought that appeared in my mind after my first bite was: Isn't it taste the same as any other gyoza???? 

But don't get me wrong. I guess I was just expect too much. I do appreciate their crisp skin, juicy meat filling as well as the crunchy minced cabbage. The vegetables gyoza, on the other hand, is less delectable. I will try their boiled dumplings next time.

I don't know if I am the only one who think the food portion here is small. I feel like I never eat anything when I left the restaurant. But what can I ask for more when all the dishes priced below $6.80? 

Gyoza-Ya

B1-02A Robinsons Orchard

260 Orchard Road 

S(238855)

6737 5581

Monday - Sunday: 11.30am - 10pm

Supply & Demand

Supply & Demand, an Italian Southeast Asian Bistro. They serve a range of Italian dishes with Southeast Asian influences, like spicy pork with Thai basil pasta ($19), Malaysian spicy otak-otak fingers ($10) and pandan panna cotta ($12).

They open their first outlet at Esplanade Mall in 2013, a bistro cum rooftop bar to caters the drinking crowd and theatre-goers, while the second outlet, opening at Orchard Getaway, is geared towards cafe-hoppers. They serve weekends brunch from 11.30am - 5pm.

I don't usually go places like this. To me they are always overrated, overpriced and the foods are just mediocre. But Supply & Demand was an exception to me because their foods that I saw on Instagram seems promising.

I dropped by their branch at Orchard Getaway on a weekday afternoon, surprisingly it was quite packed even it was over lunch hours. The ambiance is very good, decorated in an eco look with twist of new quirk and old vintage. Some views of the interior:

If you have seen people who posted their food at Supply and Demand on Instagram, you will find most of them are having sweet potato fries/ truffles fries, pastas and pizzas. Actually, they do have quite a few interesting dishes on the menu, like Asian inspired food, but I don't know why, I'm also another person who decided to go for truffle fries, pasta and pizza ._.

Honey Yuzu $9

 They offer a wide range of tea selection. Some of  the teas are certified USDA organic, honey yuzu is one of them. It doesn't taste like the normal yuzu tea that we can usually get in NTUC in a jar. This yuzu is sweetened with full blossom flower pollen, the taste was light, but I like it very much. The complimentary cookies and muffin were good too, save my money from order dessert.

Smoke Salmon And Avocado Salad $16

The salad comes with mixed greens, avocado, tomatoes, smoke salmon and almond flakes, topped with Thai inspired homemade spicy citrus dressing. It worked out pretty well with a touch of spiciness.

Garlic Truffle Fries $15

I had a dilemma to choose between sweet potato fries or truffle fries. Since they are voted one of the best truffles fries in Singapore, I decided to give it a try. Unfortunately it was a total let down, I could barely taste the truffle oil. The spicy dip was good thou but it doesn't worth $15 at all.

Aglio Olio With Shrimps $18

Their pastas come in main or tasting portion. The tasting portion is cheaper but very small, so main portion will be more value for money. The pasta was moderate, although the spaghetti was done well and the shrimps were fresh and crunchy, it wasn't not spicy enough for me.

Tartufo E Uovo/ Truffle And Egg (Regular 9" - $18, Large 13" - $22)

My sweet pie asked me y our egg wasn't in the middle. And see how's danielfooddiary 's pizza look like:

Photo credit to danielfooddiary.com

His thin crust pizza was done nicely and ours was over-charred. We find it hard to chew and gave up in the end. And again I didn't taste the truffle oil.

We paid $90++ for the foods after GST and service charge. Will I come back again? NO.

Supply & Demand

277, Orchard Road #02-13/14

Orchardgateway S(238858)

6702 6218

Monday - Sunday: 11.30am-10.30pm