Oriole Coffee Roasters

With the high density of cafés in the Outram Park area, never do I once have to worry about coffee options after my regular visit to the Bloodbank. Look to the left, Tiong Bahru Estate is just a 5 minute walk away. And to my right, Nylon and Strangers immediately come to mind. Then I often have a hard time trying to decide which one to go to.

On a regular Tuesday when a good number of these coffee places are closed however, Oriole Coffee Roasters on Jiak Chuan Road becomes the obvious choice.





The Yellowbird Blend on the La Marzocco GB5 in a Double ristretto latte ($5) was bright with intense tobacco notes, but somehow lacked the complexity in flavours.

Courtesy of the barista-in-charge, I received a complimentary cup with longer shots. This one was just right, acidity well balanced by the mild nutty flavours, which came through to give a lingering fruity finish. (Pomelo, according to them)









As much as I enjoyed the coffee here, the ambience was peaceful and laid-back on a weekend afternoon. The baristas here were very knowledgeable about their stuff, that made for some serious coffee talk over the bar counter.


Oriole Coffee Roasters (Facebook)
10 Jiak Chuan Road
Mon – Sat, 8.30am – 10pm
Sun, 8.30am – 6pm
6224 8131

Abe's Diner

Just about one thinks the Tiong Bahru Estate can't get any more happening, Abe's Diner, on Eng Hoon Street has recently joined the scene.



The ambience of this little diner of seven tables was a cosy yet refreshing one, thanks to earthly-toned furnishing and the uncommon use of green serviettes. Much was also appreciated about their attention to details, down to the pentagonal chopsticks and the very kawaii tomato print on the chopstick covers.  





This appetizer on the menu immediately caught the eye.

Cold Japanese thin noodles or soumen (think rice vermicelli)  in delightful sauce was served with a local twist.



You probably see carbonara often. How about Carbonara Udon ($14) for a change?



Seafood Gratin ($10)



The menu also served tranditional Japanese fare such as Oyako Don ($18) and sashimi.



And not forgetting my favourite part of the dinner, Chirashi Don ($28).





All prices on the menu are inclusive of GST.


Abe's Diner (Facebook)
42 Eng Hoon Street
Tue – Sun, 5pm – 11pm
Closed on Mondays
6222 1719



Before dinner, we paid a visit to the Cats of The World photo exhibition at The Art House (1 Old Parliament Lane).

As a cat-lover and avid photographer, this is one event that I don't wanna miss each year. And making this year's edition a little more special, one of my photos was selected for the occasion.







Looks familiar? Feel free to make a guess which post it appeared on.



If you are thinking of making your way down this Saturday, remember to check out the many stores at the Purrzaar from 11am to 6pm. Do take note of road closures as this is the F1 weekend.


Cats Of The World Photo Exhibition
Date: 10 – 30 September 2012
Time: 10am to 10pm
Venue: The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane

麵屋 強 (CLOSED)

Our search for a place for early dinner before movie last week ended at this new ramenya at Somerset Triple One. Having had good experience with Sanomaru which previously occupied the same space but was since closed, I thought it would be safe to assume my meal was in good hands. Then I was wrong.



To start off, we were served some not-so-fresh salmon sashimi. You may think that I was totally asking for it, but hey, we simply didn't expect it to be that bad.



It didn't help when the grumbling partner's Oyako Don didn't quite suit her tastebuds.



Tonkotsu Ramen was just mediocre at best. Broth was okay but flavours somewhat lacked depth.



Perhaps I am just not in the mood for ramen lately.


麵屋　強
111 Somerset Road
#02-15 Triple One Somerset
6836 5685

Bake & Brew (CLOSED)

I often hear grumbles comments from friends who live in the eastern half of the island about not having as many cafés as the other half. This post would hopefully put a smile on their face.



Bake & Brew, tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood off upper East Coast Road, where you find old-school playgrounds and charms of the last century, kinda reminds me of Henry Congressional.

Menu consists of pizza, pasta, sandwiches, gelato and cakes. Coffee by fresh ground and Gryphon tea served in pots.



Hot Chocolate ($4.5), rich yet milky, just the way I liked it to be.



We wanted something light but in the end chose their Breakfast Pizza ($12) to share. Liked the thin crust of it.



Too cute not to have their Tiramisu ($5.5) in jar.













This is one great hideout where you can sit back and have a book in hand, or simply spend a lazy afternoon away as you watch the many furry 'residents' here making their daily rounds.

Be sure to carry enough cash with you before heading down however.


Bake & Brew
71 Lucky Heights, Lucky Court
Fri - Wed, 10am – 9pm
Closed on Thursdays
6449 9820