CouCou Authentic Swiss Restaurant and Bar - Swiss Gruyère Cheese Goodness

Time for a small adventure by trying new cuisine, and this time, it's Swiss Cuisine at CouCou. I actually found out about this place when I walked pass it. The sheltered cosy-looking courtyard looks like a nice little exclusive den. And the bold red sign also attracts the attention.

I feel like I'm in a cosy rustic European log cabin when stepping into the restaurant. The numerous cuckoo clocks hung on the wall add even more authentic feel to that vibe. I think I know where the restaurant name of CouCou came from 😉 The food here is a must-try for cheese lovers. And potato lovers too. Or for those who just want to have fun dipping the food into the molten cheese, aka fondue.

MALAKOFF CouCou is one of the specialities of this restaurant and is best eaten warm. So my suggestion is to inform the staff to serve this dish first before serving the rest. Within the crunchy deep fried bread crumbs exterior is the molten, slightly stretchy Gruyère Cheese mixed with shopped onions, herbs and wine. The juxtapose of textures is awesome and this dome of cheese is full of flavours. The accompanying mustard adds a dash of excitement and balance the creaminess of the cheese. This is a must-order here.

Rösti Zermatt features delicious, smooth shredded potato that has a bit of bite in the core of each strand. Potato in this form is yummy due to the novelty of having an iota of crunchiness in the potato strand. The bitter nutty taste of melted Swiss Raclette Cheese highlights the starchy sweetness of the potato. It tastes even better with tangy veggie taste of the pickled zucchini and onion. As for the ham, it's better to eat it together with the rösti since the ham is pretty salty but it does well to add extra taste to the potato.

Best cocktail I have: Cosmorand, which has Abricotine, Triple Sec, Cranberry Juice, Lime Juice, Orange Zest. Intoxicating and very refreshing, best for refreshing the palates when enjoying the cheese. Great recommendation by the friendly lady staff.

Tartare de Filet de Truite is a pretty nice dish to have between the cheese dishes since the raw trout cubes seasoned with dill and green chillies, plus a dollop of sour cream on top, uplift the palates with the taste of freshness. Though I have to admit that I still prefer my raw fish in slices instead of cubes. So when I'm having this, I like it but I'm also thinking of alternative scenario of ordering the dessert of Meringues à la Double Crème de Gruyère instead of this.

Update: Back here to try the dessert! I just realise I got to try at least one of the speciality desserts of the restaurants I love to feel truly fulfilled. And so I also order other dishes since I'm here again.

Salade de Cervelas is a nice, filling and flavourful. The blocks of Gruyère cheese adds bits of nutty bitterness to the tangy, savoury, creamy sauce to elevate the taste. The texture of the Swiss sausage is smooth, contrasting nicely with the crunchiness of the vegetables.

Crème de Courge is sweet comfort food. The sweetness of pumpkin, the buttery flavour of butter nuts and the earthy tone of chestnuts go so well together.

I'm back here because of the dessert Meringues à la Double Crème de Gruyère, and it is worth it. The double cream is rich yet light and refreshing at the same time. The tart taste of the fruits and fruit sauce makes this dessert taste even more refreshing. The meringue is a nice neutral base to introduce the crunchy texture without the wheat flavour of biscuits. This actually allows the taste of the cream and fruits to be the highlight. A unique and lovely dessert.

Singapore Sling is unique and refreshing. And I like the fruits and little umbrella added to it.

Dining area at the nice little courtyard.

Coming into this place really feel different, due to distinctively different setting from other European restaurants. It's like exploring a different part of Europe up North with the pine wood ceiling, cuckoo clocks, antler lamp, brick walls and clear glasses with rhombus patterns. I love this unique feel.

The service is very good, being friendly, efficient and helpful. And service staff Ann has this warm personality that makes patrons feel at home. I definitely enjoy myself here. In fact, I feel so cosy and chilled here that I start watching a bit of Youtube videos here while munching on my rösti. Of course, only do this if solo dining. If with any companions, just put the phone aside.

This restaurant is perfect for gatherings, whether with family or friends. It is pretty heart warming to see the groups dipping their food into the cheese fondue, served in a little cast iron stove, together.

When I'm up for a little imaginary "trip" to the Alps to enjoy some swiss cheese dishes, this is the place I will go to.

Ahh, the soothing feeling when watching the pendulum of the clock swings.

Thoughts: Enjoying Gruyère Cheese and Cream in a log cabin is a delight.

9 Craig Road

Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar

Latteria Mozzarella Bar - Say "Cheese" with Gusto and Joy!

Unlike most diners, I actually went to Latteria's Mediterranean sister restaurant Thirty9 first before coming to here. On my way to Thirty9 and enjoying the feel of walking down the rarely seen cobblestone pavement, I took a look at Latteria al fresco dining area, I love the idyllic European vibe of the place, and I made a goal to come here before Chinese New Year. And I did, right on CNY eve and got a nice surprise here 😉

Since at a Mozzarella Bar, I know I got to order some wet cheese balls, which are this place's speciality–can hardly get them elsewhere in Singapore. I opt for Burratina Affumicata, which is Smoked Burrata with Porcini Mushrooms and Basil Pesto.

I want to try this since I have never eaten burratina or burrata in its entirety before. This is mozzarella cheese wrapping around a creamy filling of curb and fresh cream. I love this at first bite because it is so creamy and buttery with an iota of milky, grassy flavour plus stretchy texture from the mozzarella. The smoked surface of the burratina adds an extra dimension to the taste. The creaminess of the cheese goes excellently well with the strong flavours of tangy tomatoes, earthy taste of mushrooms and the pungent basil pesto. A dish full of zest and flavours.

Nice fluffy bread with special olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

For pasta, I get Linguine al Granchio since I like its ingredients of Crab Meat and Mascarpone. This is fresh Tomato Sauce added too for the zest in taste. Rich in taste due to the mascarpone, this is pure comfort food. I actually prefer linguine over spaghetti since the flat surface of the linguine yield a smoother feel when eating it. Personal preference, of course. The restaurant is pretty generous with the shredded crab meat. And besides the shredded meat, I can actually find morsels of sweet briny crab meat, which is a delight to savour.

Despite being pretty full–due to the generous portions of food, I still make some space in my tummy for Latteria’s Cheesecake. This is an awesome combination of Buffalo Ricotta Cheese for creaminess and light nutty flavour, Lemon for zest, Strawberry Compote for tangy taste, Basil-Coulis for extra kick and Strawberry Sorbetto for floral notes in frozen form. Just right in the sweetness and sourness of taste profile, I enjoy this dessert so much.

This is the surprise I'm talking about. I'm so glad that I visit this restaurant before CNY to get this special message. This nice little gesture is so thoughtful.

The al fresco area is perfect for lounging around and enjoying the lush greenery lining the perimeter. Majority of the patrons actually opt for al fresco dining.

The interior of the restaurant is classy and cozy. Great for romantic dates and family gatherings.

The Cobblestone pavement that makes one feel like he/she is in a nice quaint place out of Singapore.

I like both the al fresco area and the interior dining area. Both have distinctive styles to make for a very conducive place to enjoy good food. Service is great too, especially the lady staff, who is very friendly and takes the effort to advise me on the portions of the food, which is a huge concern for solo diners like me.

I really like the food here, and it is great place to hang out at to just enjoy good things in life.

Thoughts: Cool place to enjoy Italian fare and specialty of mozzarella

40 Duxton Hill

Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar

Fluff Meijin Hokkaido Cheese Mochi

Who would have guessed that this slightly humble-looking packaging packs such delicious snack inside. The puffy mochi has the starchiness of glutinous rice, and yet will surprise one with its super fluffiness. It’s like enjoying cheese clouds ☁️ ❤️ 

There is nothing else like this. Definitely worth a try.

Country of Origin: Japan

Where to get this: https://shopee.sg/product/857785396/19451535487?smtt=0.147269227-1669247242.9

Don Don Donki - I go Crazy Shopping here lol

After a recent change in lifestyle, I can now shop reins free! Well, sort of. And going to Don Don Donki simply awakens that shopaholic soul in me. So yes, while I go here with a see see look look attitude, I end up going crazy on the buying and just put whatever I like into the basket.

First mention is the Shine Muscat Grapes, the best grapes in the world! This grape is like the refreshing condensation of the sweetest fruity wine. Thin skin and no seed, it's perfection manifested in grape form. A must get if going to Don Don Donki.

The mini tomatoes are pretty sweet too and super juicy. So good that I can eat these as snacks.

The Emina Cheese Dessert is like pudding in triangular form. Very interesting and the taste is creamy and good.

Otafuku Okonomiyaki is delicious and authentic. Good to satisfy cravings for some omelettes packed with vegetables and some seafood. I like it that the sauce, bonito flakes and seaweed flakes are included.

My Star Deli Ebi Croquettes is one of my star buys of the day. The creamy prawn filling hidden within the fried mashed potato is a joy to eat since it is umami goodness.

This ramen smells so good and tastes great too. The broth is milder in flavour, not as salty and not as strong in pork taste, exactly how I like it. In fact, I finish the soup.

My Favourite Grocery shopping places!

Kumamon Cheesecake Snack

  

The lemon filling introduces that refreshing citrus zest and tangy taste to soft buttery cheese pastry dough. Like the Premium Blanc Strawberry Cheese, it wins over our tastebuds. Lemon fans will absolutely love this. But like the Premium Blanc Strawberry Cheese, the interior of the butter pastry dough is filled with half lemon filling and half air. Still worth a try though since it is yummy.

Country of Origin: Japan

Where to get this: https://shopee.sg/product/357041381/14622927241?smtt=0.147269227-1664351059.9