Saveur at The Cathay - Impressed on first visit, mixed feelings on second try

I had a very good impression when I was visited in 2015. I’ve been wanting to revisit this place ever since. 

When we were seated, was informed from the mains menu only duck confit, pork belly, beef bourguignon is available. There’s also only left with 3 sets of half oven roasted chicken. The rest is sold out. As the 3 course dinner menu looks very value for money, we decide to give it a try and to supplement it with the saveur pasta.

Saveur’s pasta, chilli oil, chopped kombu, pork sauce, sakura ebi. The saveur’s pasta was upsized to S$8.90 but I could easily finish up in a few big mouthfuls. The angel hair pasta is too dry and the pork sauce too thick and dry too.

Rated: 5.5/10

Three course dinner menu – foie gras with lentils, beef bourguignon as mains and chocolate & hazelnut as dessert. ($29.90 + add on $2 for ice lemon tea).

The foie gras was served first. I like how the foie gras is pan fried till crisp ,a little charred on the surface but still soft yet cooked on the inside. I didn’t like the lentils as the taste and looks reminds me of green bean soup. Rated: 6.5/10

Beef bourguignon is very soft and tender but has a very strong gamey taste of mutton. Rated: 6/10

The chocolate and hazelnut is the favourite part of tonight’s dinner. As its as chocolaty as it is mousse with crumbles and choc bits mix with a little sourish berries. Makes it’s a light and yummy dessert. Rated: 7/10.

Overall, the servings are small but taste wise is slightly average.

Food tasted 19 June 2016.

Saveur The Cathay

2 Handy Road  #01-11/12 The Cathay Singapore 229233

Tel: 6735 1141

Opening Hours: 

Monday - Sundays: 12 pm - 9.30 pm 

Carpenter and cook - Jasmine Road outlet closed wef from 28 March. One less good cake shop in the North area

I wasn't aware that this shop is slated for closure when i visited on 15 March 2016.  I guess next time if i want to try their nice desserts i will have to make a trip down to Alexandra or Bukit Timah instead. I've only been to first store at Lorong Kilat once in 2014 and i so so loved their Quiche. 

I remembered that my gang of friends are brought to the Lorong Kilat outlet by a my friend when we visited her place at Bukit Batok ( i can still vividly remember the long ride from my home, sat on the mrt till my butt hurts). She told us that the chef graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in London. I was like WAH so cool! (p.s i just started to learn baking then) and Cordon Bleu is a highly prestigious culinary school. And in truth after tasting, all the cakes we tried are top-notch. Still i didn't manage to find my way back till that fateful day on 15 March to the now defunct Thomson outlet.  

While i was there, most of the food is sold out and i was left with limited choice. I finally choose to have the lemon merigue cake and the white rabbit carrot cake with 2 Flat White.

I was a little surprised by the disposal cups for the coffee as i was hoping to admire some artwork but nevertheless its still a very decent cup of coffee. 

The lemon meringue cake is drizzled with sugary lemon coating on top. Cake wise though fluffy but still denser than a chiffon cake. 
Rated: 7.5/10

The carrot cake is refreshing and have very distinct taste from each ingredient like the nuts and carrots etc. 
Rated: 7.5/10

There is limited seating space in fact we took up the only 2 available seats in the cafe. But this is to be expected since this place is meant to be a Takeaway store. As this place is quite inaccessible, parking was also an issue only 2 allocated lots for patrons. I am kinda of sad this place is gone but hopefully there will be more and better food in Thomson area to eat. >_<

P.S. my dear friend if you're reading when can we do something like we did back in 2014? its been a long time. bleah. ;P

Food tasted: 15 March 2016

Carpenter and Cook (Beauty World)

19 Lorong Kilat, #01-06, Singapore 598120

Opening Hours: 

Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am to 10 pm, Sundays: 10 am - 10.00 pm

The Bakehouse (Alexandra Central)

321 Alexandra Central, #01-14, Singapore 159971

Opening Hours: 

Monday - Sundays: 8.30 am - 10.00 pm

Carpenter and Cook (ceased operations wef 28 March 2016)

17 Jasmine Road, Singapore 576585

Ceased operations

Queen's Garden Restaurant - Tranquil and idyllic easy dinner

Nestled in idyllic Changi Village, Raintr33 hotel, is Queen's Garden Restaurant serving European cuisine. 

This place is extremely quiet on a Monday night. More precisely, we are the only dining patrons at 8 pm. 

Chilled angel hair pasta (S$13)

Though is stated as a starter, it took me by surprised that this dish is served chilled. The angel hair pasta is well cooked to the right texture and thoroughly mixed with the black truffle sauce, flying fish roe and cream. It is topped with bonito flakes hence giving this dish a japanese western flair to it. Most importantly, this concoction actually works and taste quite unique. 

Rated: 7.5/10

French onion soup (S$13)

The French onion soup is served in a petite soup bowl and topped with slices of french baguette and sprinkled with gruyere cheese. The cheese is melty and browned in spots while the broth is thick and delicious. The other main ingredient in caramelised onions are well cooked and aplenty.

Rated: 6/10 

Seafood risotto (S$29)

The risotto is topped with tiger prawns and hokkaido scallops. This dish is taste very similar to the chilled angel hair pasta. The taste of truffle is stronger is this dish and arborio rice is a little chewy which is quite not the kind of texture i like.  I suppose the texture is up to individual preferences.

Rated: 6.5/10

Panna cotta (S$12)

Rated: 4/10

This is the most dissappointing dish by far. The panna cotta has a very strong milk taste instead of light and clean The texture is somewhat like toufu instead of soft custard. Even the strawberry jam on top is not helping to even out the taste. I will skip desserts here next time.

I like the place set amidst greenery and the hotel itself is modern and clean. Hence, its a very comfortable and tranquil place to relax.  However, the most obvious demerit is its accessibility.  This place can only be accessed by car or public bus. Moreover, parking lots for vehicles seemed quite limited. Coupled with the rather steep pricing , this place has certain challenges to overcome.

Food tasted: 22 Feb 2016

Queen's Garden 
33 Hendon Road
Singapore 509673  

Opening Hours: 
Mon, Wed - Fri:1130 am to 10 pm, 

Sat - Sun:10 am to 10 pm,

Tel: 9647 1378