Hello Arigato - Interesting Cafe in the "Heartlands"

I just sussed out a very interesting place, in the form of a HDB block populated with cool hipster cafes, surrounded by greenery and walkways, and is directly opposite the atas area of Outram heritage site. It's Everton Park. And Hello Arigato is one of the very popular cafes nested within this quaint neighbourhood. By 11 plus, this place is full house already, including the benches outside the cafe. I manage to snag the second last seat before a whole stream of people comes in behind me for lunch.

I was just walking around the block to pass some time until i see an attractive display of doughnuts through the full length glass door and glass wall, so I figure that I might as try some doughnuts here.

The staff here are friendly and helpful, patiently introducing all the doughnuts available. Milk Doughnut is one of their signatures, but somehow I'm more into the special flavour of the day, Lemon Curd, so I got this instead.

Soft fluffy doughnut sprinkled with sugar crystals is packed with lots of cream and lemon custard, I love it. Especially when there is a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess in taste.

Lychee Rose Oolong is interesting and refreshing, goes well with the doughnut.

I think I want to buy more doughnuts from here next weekend.

Thoughts: Awesome doughnuts!

4 Everton Park #01-42

Nearest MRT: Outram Park

Mori Mori Yogashi - Delicious Unique Baked Goods

This humble little bakery sells very unique baked goods, and they are sold out by 1pm on a Saturday afternoon! And even at around 10 plus, there are customers waiting in line, ready to snap up the garlic buns right as they are fresh out of the oven. Luckily, on my second visit, I preordered the buns already, so no stress in trying to grab that last packet.

What I like about this bakery is that there is a variety of Japanese baked goods besides the famous garlic buns, such as milk roll, crepe roll, mochi, warabi, puffs, cookies, croissants and buns with interesting, exotic fillings. So yes, I did end up buying lots of different stuff from here since all look so tempting.

The service is good. The young lady is friendly, and had asked me what I was looking for when I stared at the empty shelves on my first visit where all buns were sold out. When I asked about the cake rolls, which were sold out too, she and the owner made the effort to ask which flavour I wanted and then searched through the preorder stack to search for that extra roll for me. That's a nice gesture.

Signature Fujisawa Garlic Bread is oh-so-good and so unique. The soft fluffy bun is filled with a thick layer of creamy, stretchy cheese mixed with chopped garlic. The juxtapose of textures is prefect. The taste, made up of the mild sweetness of wheat, the pungency of garlic and nuanced nutty favour of cheese is awesome too. A must-try.

I also got Negi Garlic Bread, which replaces garlic with spring onion. The pungency is milder with extra hints of planty aroma, I love this too. Actually, I can't decide which one I prefer lol

Strawberry and Taro Yam Mochi is very interesting in taste. The skin is of slightly chewy and stretchy texture, which is a joy to bit on. The Strawberry Mochi, while looking good, is made up of red bean paste instead, I can't really taste much of the strawberry component in it. I prefer the Taro Yam Mochi since the taro paste is smoother and carries a light floral earthy flavour.

One look at the interior of Strawberry Crepe Roll and I know it will taste good. And yes, I guess it right! With the thin crepe wrapped around a whole log of real strawberry cream mixed with strawberry pieces, this is strawberry creaminess heaven.

Taro Milk Roll is pillowy soft and bursting with the floral notes and earthy taste of yam. There are even yam pieces sandwiched between the cake sponge.

Usually, the few places to get warabi mochi is certain Japanese restaurants and Don Don Donki, and this quaint confectionary actually has it, so I got to get some. To top it off, it is homemade. It is like clear water in chewy jelly form, dusted with peanut powder for nutty aroma and drizzled with black sugar sauce for the intensity in taste. A nice treat.

A small area outside the bakery to enjoy the bakes straightaway.

Thoughts: Excellent bakes that I totally enjoy!

4 Everton Park #01-31

Nearest MRT: Outram Park

First Grill Signature & the Chilli Club - Nice Mid-range Restaurant for some Good Grill

Closed

I had passed by First Grill Signature countless of times and I did take note of it due to the striking neon light signages, but I was on a journey to try exotic cuisines so I put this place on the back burner. Until late this week where the craving for some good old grilled meat struck. And I immediately set on coming to here.

The food here is of good quality and pretty value for money. Each brunch item is less than ten bucks! But I want my grilled seafood, so I opt for ala carte instead.

Ambience is pretty funky, with Hollywood-inspired decor, such as blood red plush chairs and Hollywood Stars Walkway wall paper. Great for family, gathering and simple dates. The only thing that makes me raise my eyebrows in disbelief is the statue of Jackie Chan, whom I dislike. This is a totally personal preference. I still like the casual and hip ambience here nonetheless.

Service is good and efficient. The young chap immediately and automatically serves up some serviettes when noticing that I'm very into wiping my hands dry after squeezing the lemons.

The Josper Grilled Argentinian Prawns are huge, firm, succulent and briny sweet. The pronounced aroma of slight char plus the zest of grilled lemon makes it even better. I totally enjoy eating it.

Good old deep-fried Calamari is crispy and nice. Though can do better if is more tender. Best eaten when hot or warm.

Orange juice to go with the grilled food.

This place is great for family and gathering due to the wallet-friendly prices, huge, clean and vibrant space, and casual vibe.

Thoughts: Nice for a cool, casual meal

So Pho - Nice Place to satisfy my craving for Vietnamese Food

Actually, Vietnamese food can be a hit or miss with my palates. The ones that impressed me create this perpetual impression that Vietnamese food is full of flavours and is distinctive in taste while others just lacks the fine details to render the food memorable. So I patronise So Pho with both anticipation and unsureness. I miss Vietnamese food but I'm not sure if the food here will be good.

Well, the food here caters very well to local palates while fulfilling the need to enjoy shiok-tasting food. I enjoy eating them, and yes, it is very shiok, in the earthy style of basil and Vietnamese Fish Sauce.

Vietnamese Spring Rolls is packed with lots of ingredients, such as Vietnamese vermicelli, prawns, peppers and fresh raw veggies. While tastes plain on its own, it becomes yummy when dipped in the tangy, spicy Vietnamese sauce. Worth a try.

The Deep-Fried Calamari has a lovely crispy exterior, peppered with Vietnamese herbs. The taste is unique and I like it. Will be even better if the squid is more tender.

Bun Noodle with Softshell Crab features more simulating flavours. The bun noodle, which is a bit like Chinese thick rice noodles, taste very good when drenched in the zesty, spicy sauce provided.

Thoughts: Nice place to enjoy Vietnamese Food

Nearest MRT: Yishun

Blu Kouzina - Greek Feast

Greek cuisine is one of my favourite cuisines since its food is full of flavours, healthy and exotic. So it's a matter of time I visit the popular Greek restaurant Blu Kouzina at Dempsey. And it's a rainy day, thus green landscape and the rows of restaurants converted from barracks at Dempsey looks so scenic and refreshing.

The food here is so hearty and carries that distinctive taste of Greek cuisine not present in other European dishes. And almost all the dishes features EVOO, which is short form for Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and which is cold-pressed and unrefined, retaining the rich flavour of olive.

The place is like a Greek Tavern, especially the main area, with tall red brick pillars, Greek inspired decorations, deep blue wooden tables, wooden furniture and soft yellow lights (will need to hold the camera still for 2 seconds after snapping the pictures to yield clear images.  Flash looks bad in photos, so avoid it). The area at the side feels like a lovely Greek cafe with white furniture. The outdoor area, looking out into a huge stretch of field, has the idyllic feel.

The service is very good and friendly. And one of them, an Indian guy, makes good recommendations on food and taking into account that I'm solo diner, says that I can add on dishes anytime if I want 👍

Garides is Grilled Jumbo Prawns drizzled with lemon and EVOO. The prawns are oh-so-good. Succulent flesh with full bodied flavour of the sea, the aroma of char and the exotic taste of Greek herbs and condiments, I love it.

The menu showcases so many dips that I decide to get one to try. Grilled Pita with Sea Salt and Oregano is flat and fluffy, having that nice, slightly chewy bite. I easily finish it.

I have no doubts that I will love Tzatziki, which is the refreshing mix of cucumber, yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic and of course, EVOO! But I decide to try something different as I had tried Tzatziki before at another restaurant. So introducing Harissa, which is a dip made from Spicy Tomato, Greek Yoghurt and Walnuts. Very earthy and creamy in taste, the spiciness and zest are of just the right amount. Will be cool if there are more chopped walnuts in there for that variation in texture.

Prawn Manestra also comes with the grilled prawns, and yes, I finish 4 huge prawns in this single meal. This dish is definitely worth a try because it has the delicious Garides and orzo pasta soaked in prawn broth and EVOO and peppered with garlic and onions. So many harmonised flavours working together for a rich, satisfying meal.

I had orzo pasta before in a Sicilian restaurant and absolutely loved it. And this Prawn Manstra brings back the lovely feeling of savouring this short-grain-like pasta that has texture of the most silky rice with a nice bite at the core. Due to its shape, more umami-rich sauce are trapped between the pasta grains to yield bursts of flavours with each mouthful.

Rizogalo is an interesting and nice Greek rice pudding with cinnamon and zests. Very creamy and rich, I like it. The rice soaked in the smooth custard gives a nice additional texture to the dessert.

Due to the large space, different themes between areas and high ceilings of the restaurant, there are so many instagram worthy spots to take photos of. And the food is very good to make the trip to there absolutely worthwhile. By the way, it is pretty crowded even on a weekday afternoon. So reservations is a must for peak periods.

Thoughts: Found another awesome Greek restaurant!

10 Dempsey Road #01-20

Nearest MRT: Napier

Ms. Maria and Mr. Singh - Mexican and Indian Fusion actually works

Actually, I had assumed Ms. Maria and Mr. Singh is a humble Indian restaurant whenever I passed by it, until a few days ago, I received an email announcing set menus at this place and it out an emphasis that it is a Mexican and Indian fusion. Wow, that sounds very interesting since I have never heard of such fusion, and I actually like both cuisines (though I prefer contemporary Indian cuisine over old school one). I decide to just take the plunge and try out the food here.

The food here is so good, tending more towards contemporary Indian cuisine with bits of Mexican flair and sauces. The full-bodied taste of the food is unique and simulating.

The decor is an unconventional mix of the grandeur + florid designs of Indian architecture and the sunny, colourful, free-spirited embodiment of Mexican culture. Intricate tiles, Taj Mahal inspired entrance, bar counter with colour lights, windows of different bright colours, straw lamps, long stretch of chiffon floral cloth and neon lights, all these actually work well together to radiate that posh yet fun feel, with a cultural vibe.

The service is excellent, they are so friendly, efficient and such great conversationists. Totally enjoy myself in such great company.

Papdi Chaat is a great beginning since lots of harmonised flavours are showcased in this nifty creation. The yoghurt sphere explodes in the mouth to reveal creamy, tangy goodness, perked by the subtle touches of Indian spices. Definitely worth a try.

My favourite got to be Ceviche Cold Curry Scallop. Served in a cold claypot, the fresh, plump, briny sweet raw scallops taste sublime when paired with the avocado, paper thin cucumber and the special light milky sauce peppered with Mexican goodness.

I never think that scallops can go well with curry because the strong spices of curry will usually overwhelms the subtle sweetness of the scallops. But this Ceviche Cold Curry Scallop totally overturns this assumption by going light on the creamy spices feel of Indian curry and incorporating the sharp, clear spiciness of Mexican cuisine instead.

And it works wonderfully. The nuanced flavours of the scallops can actually come through the spiciness of the sauce. I love this.

When a Man Loves a Woman cocktail is intense with laces of herbal notes. Unique and easy on the palate, I can easily finish this in a flash.

The bartender, who is full of passion for his craft, in action.

Taco Pork Vindaloo is served with the Mexican sauces of salsa martajada, salsa diabla and salsa taquera. All the sauces really tease the palates, elevating the rich taste of the juicy pulled pork. Five ways to enjoy this dish (by itself, with lime, and with the 3 kinds of sauces) and I love it.

Chicken Tikka Masala is more Indian than Mexican, featuring succulent chicken coated with rich, creamy curry that holds lots of goodness of the spices. I wipe the plate clean of the curry with the prata and nice fluffy bread with crispy surface. Since the curry is very strong in flavour, eating this with the carbs actually balance the flavour.

The Churros is nice, but no exactly the best I have since I prefer those with souffle interior and crispy coat.  However, it is delicious when paired with the Sticky Rice Ice-cream that imparts the moisture to the churros and soften its exterior. I also like the light earthy flavour of the ice-cream.

Love Paradise cocktail of vertiver guava, lime and grapefruit definitely hits the right spots for me by being refreshing, light with the right balance of sweetness and tanginess.

Thoughts: So fun and good that I want to come again and again.

43 Craig Road

Nearest MRT: Outram Park