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AROSSA - A wine and grill hotspot located in the heart of Orchard Road, setting itself in a classy and warm ambience that stands out from the rest of the restaurants at Scotts Square. 


Helmed by Japanese Chef Chiaki Watanabe
You don't see many females in the F&B industry, especially in the kitchen and I am not talking about pastry kitchen in context. I only got a chance to exchange a few words with Chef Chiaki, as she is always busy at the kitchen and making sure everyone in her team run the operations smoothly and efficiently. 

Knowing More About Chef Chiaki Watanabe
Deeply passionate about acquiring grilling techniques, Chef Chiaki has worked in several Italian restaurants namely, Padorino del Shozan, Lala Italiana and Hatake Aoyama over the years. 

Chef Chiaki takes pride in her work, and she believes in simplicity in her food without compromising on delectable tastes. Arossa uses only the freshest ingredients and seasonal seafood for grills sourced from Australia and New Zealand. 
The welcome area with an authentic Italian architecture that surrounds the restaurant in a warm and relaxing setting. 
Wooden floors and brick walls, exuding off a warm and rustic charm within the restaurant.
AROSSA is fueled with an open-kitchen concept, providing diners a visual experience of the "drama and excitement" of the kitchen in plain view. 
AROSSA has a seating capacity of 60, inclusive of 4 private dining rooms; which 3 out of the 4 private rooms can be adjoined to fit up to 22 people. 
A glance of the AROSSA menu, featuring some signature dishes from the Antipasta, and Primo Piatto section. 
Focaccia and Walnut bread served with olive oil, garlic and anchovy dip
Burrata (Burrata Cheese, Sicilian Tomato, Basil Pesto) - $34
Calamari (Deep Fried Squid with Spicy Aioli Sauce) - $21
Zuppa del Giorno (Cream of Carrot) - $12
Ravioli (Spinach-Blackened Ravioli stuffed with Lobster & Bisque Sauce) - $36
Gnocchi (Homemade Potato Gnocchi with four Cheese sauce) - $24
Ribeye 250g (Grilled USDA Prime, 100% Grain Fed) - $70
Tonno (Grilled Blue Fin Tuna with Caponata) - $36
Sauteed Asparagus - $12
Red Wine (’11 Terrazas Reserva, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina) – $16/glass

AROSSA houses over 120 label of wines; the warm and friendly staff would recommend pairing menu from the mains that complement your meal. 
The desserts are prepared with love and detail, featuring TIRAMISU – $14, one of the signature desserts at AROSSA.
Crème Brulee with Chocolate Ice Cream - $14

VERDICT
Food: Starters and Mains were outstanding, but the desserts were a highlight.
Drinks: Crisp, lightly sweet red wine ’11 Terrazas Reserva, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
Service: Service was polished and attentive throughout.
Price: $$$ ($50+/pax)


AROSSA Wine and Grill
6 Scotts Road, Scotts Square, #02-01, Singapore 228209
Website: www.arossa.com.sg 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Arossa.singapore

Reservations is highly recommended at AROSSA (Tel: 6636 2951)
You probably seen me coming to GÆST infinite times; but I actually have not written any reviews about them. The good folks brought us divine Nordic food in the central business district and I trust that GÆST well-deserved all my votes. 
Despite the tiny space of the kitchen and its interiors, you will be amazed how could they churn out high quality food from the limited space, and you will be pleased to know that everything here are made from scratch. 
THE SPACE
Indoor seating capacity 8 person including 2 high bench seating / There are more outdoor seatings with natural lighting. 

THE FOOD AND DRINKS
WEEKDAYS LUNCH (Mondays-Fridays 11am onwards)
PORK SANDWICH ($14)
Roasted pork with crackling, orange marinated cabbage with parsley, red apples and mustard mayonnaise. 
SALMON SANDWICH ($15) / CHICKEN SANDWICH ($14) / SALAD OF THE DAY ($14)

SALMON - Locally cold smoked salmon, with honey and apple pickled, beetroot, rocket and horseradish cream.

CHICKEN - Roasted chicken breast, with lemon marinated celery stalk, green apples, pea tendrils and fresh herb cream.

Salad of the day - BEETROOT with feta, rocket, pine nuts, and served with homemade sourdough bread. 
Salad and Soup are served on weekdays from 11am and the salad ingredients changes on a daily basis.
Another daily salad on the table - WATERMELON with feta, onions, couscous, rocket and served with homemade sourdough bread. Soup is also made available; and the menu changes on a daily basis. 

GÆST are also open for dinner in the evenings (until 9.30pm). They have introduced an evening menu of sourdough pizzas, organic wines and nordic craft beers.


THE FOOD AND DRINKS
WEEKDAYS DINNER (Mondays-Fridays 5pm onwards)
Cold Smoked Salmon and Fennel Sourdough Pizza ($19)
Cured salmon with creme cheese, fennel, lemon vinaigrette and rocket. 
Green Kale and Roasted Pork Sourdough Pizza ($18)
Mozzarella, white onion, black pepper, roasted pork crackling, honey marinated green kale, and red apples. 
Zucchini and Potato Sourdough Pizza ($17)
Potatoes, zucchini, goat cheese, rosemary, extra virgin oil and sea salt. 
Black Forest Salami and Pickled Cherry Tomatoes Sourdough Pizza ($18)
Mozzarella, smoked black forest salami, sweet pickled cherry tomatoes, parsley pesto and roasted hazelnuts. 
Rhubarb and Strawberries Sourdough Pizza ($12)
Mascarpone, rhubarb compote, fresh strawberries, lemon zest and fresh mint. 


THE FOOD AND DRINKS
WEEKEND BRUNCH (Saturdays/Sundays from 9am-3pm)
BRUNCH PLATE 
Danish style omelette with potatoes, bacon, cherry tomatoes and served with sourdough bread and dips/spread. 
The above bread and butter/jam is also available for Weekday breakfast.

Weekday Breakfast (0730 am - 1030 am) 
* Freshly baked BREAD served with a choice of Danish butter and homemade rhubarb compote / brie / creme cheese / homemade caramel 

* Homemade Muesli with homemade rhubarb compote, fresh fruits and geek yogurt 
SCRAMBLED EGGS WITH SMOKED SALMON

The usual Scrambled Eggs menu comes with freshly smoked salmon, sourdough bread and eggplant salad. I actually tried the smoked salmon sandwich before, so I requested to take it out from the plate. This was not a common practice for the staff, but they were so kind and just charged me for what I wanted. 
POACHED EGGS WITH EGGPLANT AND GOAT CHEESE
Two portions of poached eggs served on Danish rye bread with eggplant and salad on the side. 
For those who have a low tolerance to goat cheese, you can request to replace it with feta or creme cheese (whichever ingredients are available). Just make sure you inform the staff when you are placing your order. 

*Menu may subject to change depending on the availability of the fresh ingredients. 

VERDICT
Try EVERYTHING on the menu. Yes I mean everything, GÆST has a lean menu that serve simple, honest, homemade food priced comfortably below $20 that will not break your wallet. From the number of frequent visits you see on my Instagram and Burpple posts, rest assured that you will not be disappointed. 


GÆST 
21 McCallum Street #01-01 The Cliff Singapore 069043
Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaest.singapore


My pick of NEW bistro and cafes located in the Eastern side of Singapore, that are worth the adventure and exploration, even if you are staying on the other side of the island.
Craftsmen Specialty Coffee
Address: 2 First Street, Siglap V, #01-01, Singapore 458278
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Craftsmen.Specialty.Coffee

A retail/cafe arm of Dutch Colony Coffee Co. that offer simple comfort food & drinks, and retails coffee beans, coffee brewing equipments and accessories.

THE SPACE
You will see a lot of wood and metal elements at Craftsmen Speciality Coffee and the communal tables are perfect for larger groups and families. 

With its raw, utilitarian appeal and industrial style, Craftsmen Speciality Coffee showcases the beautiful interplay between pure form and function. 

The high stools by the glass entrance make good sense for those looking for some quiet reading or working on their notes. 
The Food: Craftsmen Speciality Coffee offers comfort food from local artisan bakers such as Fathiscakes, Bonheur Pattiserie and several others.

The Drinks: Coffee* / Tea / Non-Caffeine Drinks including craft beers and ciders are also available.



Coffee aficionados have an option* to consume your coffee brewed by different types of method from V-60, Chemex to Siphon.
The Price: Drinks from $3.50 / Pastries from $4.00 onwards
My Verdict: The almond croissant and the well blended coffee (flat white) met my expectation.

Joining the neighbourhood of Siglap estates, the newest kid on the block - Coast & Company (C/C)
Coast and Company (C/C)
Address: 54 Siglap Drive, Singapore 456176
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coastandcompany

C/C is an unique collaboration between the local coffee roaster Papa Palheta and a boutique bike builder store Coast Cycles.

While you are indulging at your meal and coffee; you can also treat your bike with C/C 'Pamper Your Ride' service package. At Coast and Company, they accept and welcome all types of bikes. 

THE SPACE
Bright and clean interiors with abundance of natural lighting, giving it a welcoming feel. At the side alley, there is a long and wide space where bikers can park their wheels at the lot, then grab some food and beverages to chill inside the cafe. 
FOOD 
The food menu at Coast and Company, was specially created by the acclaimed chef, Willin Low of WILD ROCKET.
Sour Cream Toast ($8.00)

Toast is something you make for its own sake, but obviously you can tell that I can't cook yet I simply have a loving relationship for sweet treats such as waffles, and french toasts.

Between the two toasts on the menu, I choose the Sour Cream Toast over the Almond Peanut Butter Toast, because I always love to experiment my tastebuds with interesting flavours.

The sour cream cheese lends a pleasant tang that contrasts nicely with the honey, while the topping of honeycomb crumbles should add sweetness and brightness to this mix of brioche toast. 

And the best part? It did not go well at all, and I stopped at half. Even with all these harmonious flavours and wonderful ingredients, I just didn't enjoyed this toast. Maybe it was just me? Let me know your thoughts, if you are going to try this soon.
DRINKS
Coffee was a saving grace; it was full bodied, nutty, and ends with a mild-bitter chocolate taste. I am so glad that Papa Palheta coffee didn't disappoint!


I was actually hoping they could expand their menu a little more, and I hope they do when I come back for a return visit. 

The Price: Drinks from $3.00 / Food from $7.00 onwards
My Verdict: Though the food item did not meet my expectation, I will return to this new hideout for a good cup of coffee and quiet read.  

On a side note, Flor Patisserie has an original cake gallery just few doors down the same stretch of Siglap Drive (42 Siglap Drive Singapore 456167) if you like some Japanese inspired french pastries.



Percolate 
Address: Blk 136 Bedok North Ave 3, #01-152B, Singapore 460136

Percolate is a tiny yet cozy cafe located in the neighbourhood of Bedok, just a few bus stops away from the Bedok Central Mall. 

The cafe has a small seating capacity, probably not more than 20 people. Unless you don't mind a standing coffee bar, or some alfresco seating outside; I believe Percolate can hold more than 30 people when it is full house. The ambience is simple and minimalist, with a touch of chic industrial setting. 
THE SPACE

Percolate offers a limited menu of light bites such as Toasted Muesli and Croissants, and including some home-styled pastries from Cake Stand. Although there is a small menu selection in store, all the cakes and pastries are made with honest-to-goodness ingredients and hand picked with a whole lot of care and attention.
THE FOOD
Toasted Muesli with sliced apples and yogurt 
THE DRINKS
3 Oz White (a Picolo Latte)

The Price: Drinks from $3.00 / Food from $6.00 onwards
My Verdict: This is not the place to look for ice cream and waffles, but definitely a place with great service and coupled with honest food and coffee. I will be back percolating when I am around the neighbourhood. 

An exceptional Thank You message here; goes out to the friendly owners of Percolate, whom asked if I was alright, the moment they saw me entered their cafe hiding from the rain. 

The good folks also lent me their personal portable power bank, after they saw me struggling with my mobile phone with only 8% battery life. There was no other power supply within the cafe, except one at their cash register.

Such kind and friendly gestures totally warmed my heart; I sincerely thank you for being my "life-savior" at that moment. I only knew them by their names as Avin or Vincent, one of them whom helped and made my day! Thank you once again.



Carvers & Co
Address: 43 East Coast Road Singapore 428764
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarversandCo

Carvers & Co. proffers a whole new dining concept and experience carved specially for everyone. This cozy bistro helmed by Chef-Fitness Trainer Sarah Lin, focus on daily brunch menu and hearty roast meats that can be enjoyed individually or shared. 
THE SPACE
Carvers & Co. offers a leisurely chance to get reacquainted with those closest to us over a fine meal. For others, it’s an opportunity to mix, mingle and make new friends.

If you have a larger group, planning for private parties or corporate events, Carvers & Co. can take comfortably up to 40 people. 
THE DRINKS
Customers can choose their coffee from the drink menu (coffee beans roasted by Common Man Coffee Roasters), or speak to the barista on how you want your coffee to be brew. Single origin pour-overs are also at available at Carvers & Co
We can really tell that these folks are taking their coffees seriously. They even offer coffee cupping session, where one can soak into the aroma of coffee beans from various regions and experience the difference between the processes they go through.
Not a Coffee Drinker? Organic Colas, Sodas, Lemonades, Craft Beers and Wines are your perfect option.
THE FOOD
The Carvers Signature Breakfast (Brunch Menu) 
Truffled Egg-In-The-Hole Toast with whipped Grana Padano and Bacon Jam
The Carvers Signature Breakfast (Brunch Menu)
Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast with maple syrup and toasted walnuts
Carvers & Co. Special 
Chicken liver with red wine reduction which can be served with 63 degree egg and brioche.
Herb Encrusted Lamb Shoulder and High Grade Wagyu Striploin - two of the featured roasts at Carvers & Co.
The dinner menu just got tastier on my return visit, featuring a whole new lot of roasts such as turkey, wagyu slab, suckling pig, Porketta and more. 
Dinner at the Table can be tailored specially for you to enjoy with your best mates and families. 
DESSERTS
White Chocolate Tiramisu with Strawberries
Warm Blueberry and Banana Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream

The Price: Brunch $10 onwards; Dinner $80 for half a roast (serve 4-6 pax) / $150 for a whole roast (serve 8-10 pax).
My Verdict: No frills meal made with simple, quality ingredients. Every meat lover's must visit spot, good for sharing.