Chye Seng Huat Hardware

I have been hearing good reviews about this establishment which some touted as the best coffee experience in town. Was not too sure whether this place was easy to find, we took time in making a trip there.

I would say if you don't drive, it may be tricky to find this but when you are around the vicinity, it wouldn't be hard to miss the camouflage of steel door 'olden' days which has an open entrance/like garage-kind next to it which is actually the main entrance.

The decor is like modern industrial and rustic look and quite spacious with outdoor and indoor seating. Came in before lunch and it was not packed but few patrons were occupying both areas.

It was certainly a laid-back atmosphere but I wish they have more table seating instead of high counter table setting for its indoor area, to make it easier and more relax for patrons to sit; but it still a cool design..

Not many brunch menu on offer but we were here for the Coffee as often heard how good the coffee was. Either my buddy who were coffee lover got up on the wrong side or the coffee was not to their liking, their verdict was it was Okay but not as great to make them return for more.

The staff mostly clustered around the ordering table as it was where they prepared for drinks and meals, but one or two were around the venue though I felt we were inclined to go over the counter for any request instead of calling.

All around, it was a good experience and showing support for local independent establishment is always a good thing and especially if you are a coffee lover. CSHH certainly requires strong local fans as their patrons considering the limited menu and not so common to find location. 

Too bad I am not a coffee lover so can't comment much on its coffee but I would suggest a visit here.

Cute idea of having the ice coffee housed in a bottle

A cuppa of cappucino with a slice of lemon cake, the cake was good!

We were seated right at the counter where a staff prepared a coffee manually

For the music in the house

Condiments area next to equipments

Homemade Lemonade

Our brunch plate

It was good, simple yet good

A good pie to share...

Sorry for late posting, this was during Xmas period hence the decor

Simple yet clever idea for wall decor

Order counter

Getting busier at noon time

View to next door area

Who doesn't love bamboo bike?

Chye Seng Huat Hardware
150 Tyrwhitt Rd, 
Singapore 207563
Tel: (+65) 6396 0609
Opens from 
Tuesday to Friday from 9 am to 7 pm
Saturday to Sunday from 9 am to 10 pm
Kitchen closes at 5 pm

Lady M Confections @ Marina Square

The marketing hype surrounding this famous cake shop from NYC has been bombarded local media so it wasn't a surprise when we went there in one late afternoon, the eatery was full and we needed to queue. This outlet is located in the new wing of Marina Square, the Dining Edition area.

While queuing, we saw a few tables which vacant and getting more tables as some were leaving but there was no staff in attendance and even acknowledged seeing us standing in the line.

Even the couple stood behind me getting impatient after seeing how we in line were being ignored. It was an annoying start indeed.

One of the male staff saw me and he kinda nodded to us but didn't really welcome us but we took it as a sign for us to sit in on one of the cleaned table.

Ironically, the couple behind us was then being noticed by other young staff and were guided to sit and given a menu; whereas, the male staff who saw us first didn't even bother to attend to us and most of them just huddled and chatted behind the beverage counter.

I had to ask for the menu, given and immediately ordered it, and again worry whether they got our order right as I noticed another discrepancies, some of the staff took the order by keying it into electronic pad, while ours was no note taking at all.

There was no consistency at all; most of staff were either huddled and chatted behind the cake counter or the beverage counter and none were really looking over for tables and incoming patrons.

Our order came and yes, while the layered cake tasted good but nonetheless, it wasn't that fantastic and aching your dessert appetite to return here.

I strongly suggest if you wish to try Lady M cake, please order a take away which was done directly at the cake counter instead of sitting in to have your tea break. It wasn't worth the wait and expenses.

View from our queue

The cake counter, much worth it to order a take away



These were 'empty' tables yet no one looked at us to welcoming us for a seat



Lady M Iced Grey and Lady M Iced Café

Nothing special though



Vanilla Mille Crepes

Twenty paper-thin handmade crepes layered with light pastry cream

This was the trademark and others were just average



Gateau Aux Marrons

Almond flour cake with whipped cream and chestnut cream



 



You got slight hints of almond taste but it was mostly icing and it looked different than the pix



 

Lady M Confections
Marina Square Shopping Mall
6 Raffles Boulevard
#02-103
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6822 2095
http://ladym.com.sg/
Opens daily from 11 am to 9 pm

Where to eat at Orchard Road?

Orchard Road is a must go to for anyone who is visiting or live in Singapore. It is a shopping belt with glitzy shopping malls and myriads of shops and eateries.

If you plan to have your meal from breakfast to dinner somewhere at Orchard than the regular food courts, hope these restaurants review may be of assistance.

It is a long stretch of Orchard Road that you can cover, this recap covers from Orchard Central to Scotts Road area.

From Orchard Central to
Dean & Deluca
Good for brunch, light meal or tea break and buying gift too. It's on 4th floor of Orchard Central, there is a long escalator that will take you directly to Dean & Deluca.


Cathay Cineleisure (Behind Mandarin Gallery)
Raindrops Café
A small café/bistro with access from Cathay Cineleisure back side door (next to KFC), it is ideal for hanging out with few of your buddy for a chat. Food was good and nicely presented

Continuing to Mandarin Gallery/Mandarin Orchard Hotel
Tonkatsu by Ma Maison
Good for a hearty meal either lunch or dinner. This is one of the popular restaurants scattered throughout Mandarin Gallery; beside Ippudo, Ma Maison seems to be the most go to here.

Antoinette @ Mandarin Gallery
You wouldn't miss this Parisian looking bistro, with its pastry counter at the entrance and long queue during lunch hour. Ideal for light meal follow by pastry and a cup of tea or coffee.

Triple Three @ Mandarin Orchard Hotel
Famous buffet restaurant in this smack in the middle of Orchard Road. The hotel went into major revamp and its restaurants too. Triple Three has an open concept but I found its grilling station to be the most outstanding. I didn't like its live station though during my last visit; hate it when they cooked live prawns alive after scooping it out in front of you, a bit distasteful for a hotel standard.

And across to Ngee Ann City / Takashimaya
TWG @ Takashimaya Ngee Ann City
Latest opening of TWG, I couldn't help but felt this outlet tried too hard and its staff let it down from their lack of attention and half-hearted service. Even though, the lunch or dinner dish was quite good. Warning to first timer, you will be overwhelmed by their Tea List; a hint for you, it is not so much different from the basic teas (Earl Grey, Oolong, Jasmine) so just pick one from the basic flavour.

Pique Nique
This more suitable for youngster, it is at Basement 1, next to KFC and entrance to Takashimaya Dept. Store, you wouldn't miss its whimsical décor which quite rare to see inside Ngee Ann City. Good for western brunch/eggs, ham, bacon and fries collection.


From Ngee Ann, we across the main road to Paragon; food spots mostly located at B1
OCha Cha
This is a simple bistro specializing in Green Tea/Ocha at B1, opposite Starbuck, cladded with light green and white décor. It served simple Japanese fusion meal from sandwich to cold noodles. A must try is their Smoked Chicken Somen Noodle served cold, it was a fantastic dish; light but enough to satisfy your hunger with a sip of fantastic ocha.

If you come early to Paragon before lunch hour, it is recommended to try Shimbashi Soba, which also at Basement 1; serving handmade soba cold and hot. There is no food court at Paragon but you will find myriad of restaurants at B1 with enough diversity for your food hunt.

I do like the Sushi Tei located on 5th floor if you are looking to more comprehensive Japanese menu or those in favour of Chinese, there is always the Imperial Treasure on same floor.

From Paragon, take a walk passing Lucky Plaza to Tangs Ochard
Island Cafe
Where you will Love this café located on 4th floor; it serves Good local cuisine as well as western with Excellent service. Popular local dishes like Char Kwey Tiauw, Laksa, Chicken Rice, Chicken Biryani Rice and Soft Shell Crab Tang Hoon are patron favourite. You can always get a seat and it is a good spot to rest and have your meal after a good day around Orchard or before starting your Orchard shopping venture.

It is a sure no fail spot each time we visit Island Café, but beware that some of popular dishes may out of order by evening time.

Walking down passing Tangs Orchard, you will meet the newest addition of apartment and sizeable shopping spot on Scott Square. Restaurants are not many but it certainly hand-picked to be among the best

Wild Honey @ Scott Square
From 3rd floor, this is one of the most popular restaurants in Singapore; it never ending queue and reservation is a Must. Willing to wait for 1 hour...Perhaps its novel concept of serving All Day Breakfast from all over the world is the winning formula...

Arossa
Down to 2nd floor, this is one of hidden gem in Orchard and for fusion lover; Japanese fusion food is always a delight

Delicious
Going further down to B1, everyone will be lured in to visit this Turquoise, Black, White and Timber coloured restaurants with its hanging bird cage. Serving us western and Malaysian dishes

Going out from Scott Square and down to the underpass leading to ION Orchard, where you are bound to find a spot to eat from its B4 to 55th floor.

Salt Grill and Sky Bar
Accessing from 4th floor to the ION Gallery Hall, you would be enveloped in darkness going up the chic elevator to this restaurant. A fine dining by Australian Chef, Luke Mangan; in middle of Orchard Road which beyond what we imagined from a busy mall like ION. An excellent choice for hosting corporate guests, romantic dinner to special occasion with family. An impressive venue...


Jones the Grocer
On 4th floor itself; head to Jones the Grocer, for light western meal and your organic food supply

Marmalade Pantry
Down to 3rd floor, you won't miss this restaurant, always popular. Good spot for brunch.
 
TWG
From 3rd floor, we are down to 1st floor; a very popular and long queue during tea break hour. Have a meal or tea break and pastry here


Nara Thai 
Newest opened restaurant at ION at B3 and what an oasis to visit at ION Orchard among the Western, Japanese and Chinese restaurant. This is a place to go for authentic Thai food. You won't regret it!

Toss & Turn
At B4, if food court and other small stalls are not what your heart desire, gearing toward healthy and weight conscious is then this is a good spot to try.


Leaving food spots galore at B4 of ION Orchard, going up to B2; you will find a linkway to Wheelock Place
Nam Nam @ Wheelock Place
Where you will see this when you are walking from B2 ION to Wheelock Place B2; a casual Vietnamese eatery serving Pho Bo (Noodle in Hanoi Stye) and sandwiches

Bangkok Jam
Going up to 2nd floor, you will not miss this attractive open concept restaurant serving Thai cuisine


Connecting by underpass or main road crossing, you will go to Shaw House
Tonkichi @ Shaw House
Few restaurants on 4th floor but it seems Tonkichi is the most popular.

There is some construction going on at Shaw House but if you are walking toward DFS Galleria direction, you will pass Pacific Plaza, a small shopping centre with an eclectic and vibrant handmade burger spot from famous chef, Bruno Menard 
&Made by Bruno Menard
Cleverly called &Made (Handmade), it is a different take of burger that you know..


It is quite a feast to dine at Orchard Road, there is always something new and I will update this list as it goes.. 

In the meantime, enjoy your trip along Orchard Road...

Starbucks Duddel St @ Hongkong

This was the only place which its capacity I underestimated during my HK trip. Well, why not? Cause logically, I thought due to its location (which was not in the middle of main road) in an office building mezzanine and timing of my visit which was around 4 pm-ish, it 'should' imposed me of no problem in finding a seat. So, imagined my surprise when it was FULL! Full indeed but luckily I got a table to share with a nice chap,  otherwise, the plan went kaput.

 

After my ordering, we managed to shift to an empty small table which behind the pillar. Pheww and all the while, the crowd still streaming in non-stop!

 

Apparently, the vintage décor as result of collaboration with G.O.D founder turned to be a magnet for tourist and locals. Saw few shutterbug enthusiasts worked their camera in this small vicinity.

 

Interestingly was the vintage decor was more to the half back of the room; whereas from the main entrance (at least from the Duddel St staircase area), it was not that Asian vintage looking but still has that cosy charm ambience.

 

It was certainly something different from Starbucks décor concept and how I wish more Asian countries adopt this collaboration work to showcase each of its local heritage décor. It will be something and I, for one, would visit each Starbuck that has different décor concept. I do think Starbuck Tokyo has a different décor too recently.

 

Drinks as usual were the same as Starbucks everywhere but one thing was different was the Coffee Egg Tart. It was the first and though, we were quite full and not a fan of coffee, I felt I gotta try this!

 

If you are in HK and visiting Causeway Bay/Central area, please make a trip to this Starbuck outlet, it certainly gave you a different Starbucks experience.

 

From the moment you stepped out from building elevator, you stepped into a different atmostphere

Every detail spoke of the vintage charm

Not just a wall décor with wallpaper but this wall had actual puppets behind the glass window

  

Street Signage not to be left out

Vintage Fan also not to be left out



 

Very vintage ambience reproduction..

 

 Serving Counter

A modern part of usual Starbuck merchandise display

Main entrance from the Duddel Street staircase



A different ambience and décor from this main entrance



But yet, still charming and cosy 



 

Green Tea Frapuccino with Red Bean

Latest drink concoction to offer

 

Coffee Egg Tart

Certainly tasted the coffee yet it blended quite well with the egg tart filling



Completed with this bead curtain and olden day poster on the way to restroom

Now I know how the system works for this public establishment restroom

Bing Sutt Corner history

 

Starbucks

Shop M2. Mezzanine Floor

Baskerville House

13 Duddel Street

Central

Hongkong

Tel : +852 2523 5685

 

http://www.starbucks.com.hk/coffeehouse/store-design/duddell-street

 

Opens daily from 7 am to 9 pm