Cotton Bleu

Rounded off my 2012 with a simple meal at Cotton Bleu, accompanied by my loved one.

Helmed by chef owner Herve Cotton, this family bistro along Upper Thomson food belt serves homely French fare without breaking the bank.








Cotton Bleu (Facebook)
205 Upper Thomson Road
6252 5525


As we are all preparing to bid adieu to 2012, quickly looking at the year behind, with the local coffee scene continue to boom, rarely did I find myself at a loss about where to have my caffeine fix next. (And I'm quite sure that this year alone I had more coffee than all my last twenty over years combined.) There is however one thing that I have always been wanted to do, that's to meet some of you guys in person, maybe over a cuppa or something. So let's do this in the year to come, shall we?

With less that one hour before the clock strikes 12, to all my dear readers and beloved family and friends, have a blessed 2013 ahead.

Ramen Bari-Uma

Another ramen joint has recently landed on our shores! Don't mix it up with Uma Uma Ramen at Forum just a short walk away, this one from Hiroshima features pork-based shoyuu ramen. Also pay extra attention to its location, or you stand a good chance to find yourself playing 'Amazing Race' at Tanglin Mall. (That happened to me.)



Ajitama-Uma Ramen ($15)

The broth was very and thick (read viscous) and , almost as thick as the gravy in lor mee when it cooled. Albeit hearty, flavours were somewhat less complex that of Tonkotsu King's version. The taste of it (somewhat interestingly) reminded me of ... erm... the complimentary soup of Hong Kong Wonton Mee I grew up eating.

Chashuu lovers may be disappointed however by the small portion of the pork belly, which was nevertheless grilled to a smoky tender perfection.



Kiriotoshi Chashu-Uma Ramen ($16)

Spicy diced chashuu lent extra flavours to the already savoury broth.



Crispy Negi-mayo Gyoza ($7.5) to go along.

Give this place a try next time you do your shopping in the area.


ばりうま ラーメン
#B1-01 Tanglin Shopping Centre
19 Tanglin Road
Daily, 1130am - 10pm

The Mayor of Tiny Town (CLOSED)

Two hungry ghosts passers-by taking shelter from the rain here decided to call it luncheon.









While there was nothing much to shout out about the food, I would love to take home some of their lovely tableware.



Ladies will find it difficult not to like the sweet décor of the café.







This place makes a great hangout spot away from the bustling city crowd yet being relatively accessible. I heard raves about their waffles items and the very special dessert. If you are a dessert lover, mark this place down.

Payment by cash or NETS only.


The Mayor of Tiny Town (Facebook)
61 Cantonment Road
Tue - Wed, 1130am - 6pm
Thu - Fri, 1130am - 9pm
Sat, 10am - 9pm
Sun, 10am - 4pm
6222 7089


Oh ya, before it slips my mind again,


Merry Christmas to all!

Flock Café

A need to find an early weekday breakfast place got me this month-old coffee spot in the Tiong Bahru neighbourhood.



The family-run café offers no-frill all-day breakfast items, savoury sandwiches and salads. Craving for something sweet? Their glass display might just hold the answer to it.











This place gets rather popular on weekends. Be sure to flock in early.


Flock Café (Facebook)
#01-25, 78 Moh Guan Terrace
Weekdays, 9am - 7pm
Weekends, 8am - 7pm
Closed on Tuesday
6536 3938

Artistry

I hope this post gives you another coffee option the next time when you are in the Arab quarter.

Artistry on 17 Jalan Pinang serves a simple yet delightful menu of coffee using beans by Liberty Coffee, assorted infusion teas by pot and artisan Windowsill pies. Paying homage to the heritage site where the café sits, the tables here are built with recycled wood from the old Malay village in Geylang Serai.











Table No. 58 from Old Airport Road, by Iskander Walen.

Behinds being a water hole, the venue also serves as an exhibition space for local emerging artists to showcase their works. Currently running in the house is a photographic exhibition called Accidental Art by British photographer Andrew Gurnett.





The gallery changes its exhibit theme every three weeks. Sure there is a need to come back for coffee regularly.


Artistry (Facebook)
17 Jalan Pinang
Tues to Sun, 10am - 7pm
Closed on Mondays
6298 2420


And since we are touching on this topic of contemporary art, if you are an easy fan for like me, Gillman Barracks should already be on your radar. Set amid lush greenery, the formal colonial barracks (named after British General Sir Webb Gillman) underwent a years-long makeover and now houses a diverse selection of art galleries, from both local and international, as well as creative businesses. The best part of it? Admission is free all day.

Intrigued to find out more, I joined one of the free guided tours organized by Art Outreach.







'It seemed like a good idea at the time' by Singaporean artist Chun Kai Feng at Fost Gallery (Block 1), which mainly features works by Singaporean artists. Does this look somewhat familiar?





'And we dreamt we were birds' by Donna Ong.





Over at the Michael Janssen Gallery (Block 9), many bursted out into laughter when they saw these hilarious graffiti by street art artist POPO.





The works of Korean artist Hyung Koo Kang can be seen at Mizuma Gallery (Block 22).























Apart from its visual offerings, this art enclave also boasts a number of F&B names such as Timbre, Masons and The Naked Finn (set to open early next year). Located at the foot of Alexandra Arch along the Southern Ridge Walk, this inviting green pocket makes an ideal alternative to the over-popular HortPark. It's the next Dempsey in the making if you ask me.

So make this your weekend destination this week. Click here to learn more about directions.