Lola’s Cafe - Cool Little Backyard Cafe

This is a long overdue post actually. I was bowled over by what Lola’s Cafe has to offer, but I was so busy in my new job role that I couldn’t find the time to write about this cafe. Nonetheless, I was determined to pen down my thoughts about this heartland gem, and here it is!

Pulled Pork and Avocado Eggs Benedict is loaded with a myriad of strong flavours that work well together. The pulled pork is as intensely flavoured as our favourite BBQ pork, minus the sweetness and add in the spiciness. And the texture of shredded meat is somewhat fluffy, going perfectly well with the bread base, eggs and avocado. The hollandaise sauce spread on top of the egg has that hint of tanginess to impart dimension to the overall taste. The egg and the avocado add a wholesomeness and creaminess to this hearty meal while balancing the strong flavours. This is a must-try of Lola’s Cafe.

Lychee Rosewater cake is a creation that actually fits right in that backyard cafe vibe. The cake sponge is of the butter cake type, thus being dense, full of buttery goodness and very old-school. I actually like the cake sponge and the butter cream adds the extra creaminess that I appreciate. As for the taste of lychee and rose, the good part about this cake is that it is au naturale, thus the flavours are muted. But I can’t help feeling that this is a nice butter cake, not a Lychee Rosewater cake. All in all, still a nice cake to order for sharing, just don’t expect to be blown away by the flowery aromas of lychee and rose.

Bacon and Mushroom Truffle Cream Linguine has such smooth texture and awesome woody aroma, thanks to the truffle cream added. While my companion is not into mushroom and pasta, he loves this creation so much.

Ambience wise, this is really like that backyard cafe, being very rustic and casual. It is like the cool place to hang out at to enjoy good food and good company. Service is pretty okay, but the staff are very busy, so got to be proactive in getting their attention.

After the first visit to this cafe, I am so hyped about going back, while tagging my companion along this time, because the Pulled Pork and Avocado Eggs Benedict is so good and unique. Actually, the Bacon and Mushroom Truffle Cream Linguine mentioned above is tried on my second visit. Yes, this is the cafe that definitely worth checking out.

Thoughts: Wholesomely good

Nearest car park: Parallel parking along Simon Road

Nearest MRT: Kovan

5 Simon Road

Contact No: 62840349

Jamie's Italian - Decent

Closed

Got to dine in this restaurant due to sheer coincidence, since I'm not exactly the kind who will rush to check out this restaurant due to hype. My impression is that Jamie's Italian is more like casual joint.

While the menu and spread look quite Italian on first glance, the dishes are hardly Italian in taste, though the taste is agreeable to one's palates. The crispy squid is spiced up with chilli and garlic, nice combination that goes very well with the mayonnaise. The texture of the squid is soft enough not to require excessive biting on the patrons' part. As for the crab spaghetti, the taste is zesty and slightly tangy, definitely is more Asian than European. I found that last bit of the spaghetti to be extremely flavourful due to the soaking of the smooth, slightly springy spaghetti in the sauce.

Ambience is kind of like those typical mid-range restaurants, nothing special though still not bad. Service fulfills the minimum standard and it helps that the staff at the reception took the extra effort to bid goodbye.

Frankly speaking, I feel that the food, ambience and service here tend more towards the likes of Swensen's (of course, the quality and attention to details are far better in Jamie's), rather than authentic Italian restaurants, such as Basilico. All in all, I don't mind dining at here since the food is nice.

My Thoughts: Nice!

This restaurant is no longer in operation.

Empire State (Greenwich V) - Decent food that comes at a GREAT price and potions

Actually, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the food is quite nice and the service is friendly. The dishes are not salty, but pack in a lot of nice, wholesome tastes, thanks to the herbs and spices used (meaning that MSG is not used, did not get thirsty after the meal there). The bun used for the burger was lightly toasted, imparting a slightly crispy, yet soft texture, which is what I like. The waffle with ice cream is so so though, the waffle is yummy but the ice cream and chocolate sauce tasted, well, commercial (though for $6 plus, it is quite okay, cannot expect too much).

Got to mention that the service is unexpectedly good for a mid range restaurant, lots of smiles and being proactive in serving the patrons, especially a local uncle staff in there. The manager even came up with chat with us to find out on our views on the food, which is a nice gesture. Good service is always great for making the dining experience more enjoyable.

Best of all, the price is quite reasonable and the potions is quite huge that 2 small eaters can easily share a dish. Will go back again for casual meals.

My Thoughts: Not Bad

Note: This place is no longer in operation.

Marche Restaurant (Vivocity) - Great for family outings

What I like about Marche is that this place is extremely pro-family, providing coloured pencils and drawings paper for kids, and the market will do a lot of catch kids' attention (and let them learn a thing or two about food produces). Free balloons are given and the staff are generally quite ok with kids fooling around a bit. It helped that the decor of the place exudes a homely feel.

Food wise, there is quite a variety of food available for choosing from stir fried vegetables (not bad) to pickled vegetable salad (very crunchy and refreshing), grilled meat with mashed potato to chicken wings (all are not bad, though the meat on chicken wings is more flavorful than the grilled ones), paella rice (this has broken bones in it, tasted stale and dry, avoid), rosti (great texture and taste) to mushroom soup (very rich in flavor), and cakes (do not look tempting enough for me to try out them) to crepes (a must order if in Marche, since the combination of crepe and quality Movenpick ice cream with delicious spread like, chocolate hazelnut, mascarpone, tasted so good. The fruits added do nothing to enhance the taste though).

The food may not be stellar but decent enough for a casual family outing. All in all, highly recommended for families!

My Thoughts: Not Bad

Nearest car park: Vivocity's car park

Nearest MRT: Habourfront

VivoCity 1 HarbourFront Walk
Sky Park #03-14
Singapore
Contact No: 63768226

Ootoya (Orchard Central) - Good, simple and honest Japanese cooked food

There is nothing flashy about Ootoya, the place is simple yet amply spaced (though it gets quite noisy when the place is crowded), and the food is simple, yet very satisfying. From Basil Chicken, Shrimp Rice, Maguro Rice to Potato Croquette, all are very flavourful and filling. The taste of these food is very different from those in other conventional Japanese Restaurants. So tired of the usual Tori Karaage or potato salad? Then Ootoya may be the place to go to for a refreshing change (when it comes to cooked food). Though the vegetables that come with all the meals, are a tad too plain, though healthy nonetheless.

As for the service, some are cheerful while some of them looked quite grumpy.

All in all, the food there is really value for money since for $15~25, one can have a very hearty meal.

Not for that special date, but good for hanging out with friends and family.

My Thoughts: Nice!

Nearest car park: Orchard Central's car park

Nearest MRT: Somerset

181 Orchard Road
#08-12 Orchard Central
Singapore
Contact No: 68848901