24

Nov

Twisted Sista Cafe, Byron Bay, Australia

The Twisted Sista Cafe is such a refreshing option to other cafes and restaurants in Byron Bay on the northeastern end of New South Wales and a quick drive from the Gold Coast.  We’ve been coming to this cafe for years and it is comforting to know that we are able to get what we want all the time.  My favourite is the Big Breakfast which is “guaranteed to fill” and it is so true!  It’s the biggest big breakfast I could have (so far and finger’s crossed!)  as I wouldn’t wish for anything bigger than theirs.

It is centrally located along the Byron Bay’s main street and a short walk to the beach would be good after a hearty meal.

The choices and size of their cakes are massive – it is a meal in itself! Then down it their yummy coffee, healthy juices and smoothies.

The Big Breakfast!

And the Eggs Benedict is pale in comparison!

If you’re not game for a big meal, they have smaller sweet things as well.  This cafe allows you to just sit back and watch Byron Bay go by…

13 years ago Short URL 10 Comments

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04

Nov

Maccaroni Bali Restaurant and Lounge, Kuta, Bali

When you see it from the outside it looked like a concrete hole, but the gelato freezer was so inviting.  Then you peek inside the bar and soon you’ll be sitting inside having a drink.  It has an intriguing architecture of steel and cement with the softness of Bougainvillea creeping through the walls outside.  The service was very friendly.  The food was typical cafe options with some Indonesian and Thai variety.

This was an interesting Pad Thai, as I usually preferred mine with seafood.

That was the Chicken Gordon Bleu.  It wasn’t that exciting.

Overall, I must have been in awe of the architectural design more than excited for my food, especially when you’re about to finish your coffee and find out that it came with an extra amenity.  I thought these bugs were a delicacy in Bangkok, never realised that Bali enjoyed them as well.  It’s worth a try, for those looking for something different in Kuta.

13 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

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25

Oct

Kafe, Ubud, Bali

We’ve returned to Bali for the third time and first time to stay in Ubud.  On our second night we discovered this alternative-looking cafe up the street from our home stay and had been visiting it everyday!  The food is a wide selection of healthier choices of both modern Balinese and umphed-up old-time favourites.  It is centrally located along Jalan Hanoman amongst a variety of other restaurants, cafes, shops and temples.

If you look on the top left of this photo, there is a funny sign, amongst many all over the cafe.

The food offerings are quite interesting and reasonably priced.

Jamu.  My favourite drink in Bali, is a traditional medicinal drink for the Javanese and Balinese people.  It has many varied ingredients – a mixture of spices, roots, fruits and vitamins.  Local people on these islands drink it to maintain health, mind-body balance, energy and strength.  When drank regularly it promises to keep your health worries away!  I love its tangy and refreshing taste.

Breakfast of Gravad Lax and eggs, anyone?

A hearty portion of Greek salad.

A Middle Eastern pita.  These are just for starters.  This place is relaxing (at times) as it can get crowded and warm indoors.  But it’s rarely loud.  Most of the crowd at this cafe seemed like they either just finished their yoga session or they are just chilling for another yoga session later in the day.  It attracts both the young and old, and mostly the ‘alternative’ crowd.

13 years ago Short URL 3 Comments

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09

Oct

Wine Connections Bar and Bistro, Singapore

I have been to Robertson Quay numerous times but never to this restaurant.  I was intrigued by the place as it was always crowded.  So one afternoon, when it was quiet, we had a venture in the restaurant side to have a taste.

That was my Chicken and Egg sandwich.

And that was my hubby’s Chorizo Alfredo.

The ambience was typical bistro style with a small deli inside.  The food I wasn’t very convinced.  The pasta was simple but tasty.  My sandwich had quite an interesting taste, except for the burnt lettuce.  A ‘cook’ would know not to put lettuce when you intend to grill you sandwich, wouldn’t you?  The service was also a let down.  The waiter offered the lunch package, even after I reminded him that it was already 2.30pm and their board said until 2.00pm, then he came back to let me know that my order would be A La Carte.  Of course I knew that already, then we had to follow-up on our espresso and tea.

I guess all the hype must be to do with the cheap wine specials available.  Remember, you don’t have to cook wine.

13 years ago Short URL Comments

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29

Sep

KO, InterContinental, Bali

This is truly a food experience.  KO has a Tepanyaki, Sushi Lounge and Dining Room.  So you walk in and chose what you feel like.

We went to the Tepanyaki side and it was an entertaining evening filled with yummy, fresh food and great service.

The restaurant has a warm and exotic design of combined fine lines of Japanese as well as rustic Balinese architecture.

Tepanyaki, I must say, is an experience.  It’s not just eating what you’re served but enjoying the drama that comes along with it.

Next time you visit the enchanting island of Bali visit KO and enjoy.

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24

Sep

PS. Cafe, Dempsey Hill, Singapore

This is a very popular cafe, especially with the younger metrosexuals, with various branches around the island.

I don’t know if it’s just me or are there mixed reviews about the place.

The alfresco dining at Dempsey Hill is a better option from the noisy and crowded indoor dining.  The service is friendly and the lady who served me at the front was very helpful.

As I walked through to go to my table outside I was overwhelmed with the strong truffle smell that filled the dining area.  Don’t get me wrong, I love truffles, but not when it suffocates you.

And that was my caesar salad.  It was quite simple for the price it came with.  I’ve been here before and yes, it does come with that alluring, crowded mystic so common with other highly reviewed places here in Singapore, but it failed to deliver once again.  The food is simple and typical cafe options but pricier.

Worth a visit with our best girlfriends or on a new date.  Good luck.

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24

Sep

Bocca Cucina Italiana, New York, NY

Great place for a quick pizza, pasta, salad, sandwich, gelato, espresso…

Sit by the window and watch New Yorkers go past.

(photo compliments of Bocca.com)

You’ll be spoilt for choice here and very affordable, too.  I had one of those Paninis and it was YUMMY!

So when you get the chance after a climb up to the Top of The Rock, head down here for a snack or lunch or dinner.  I wouldn’t suggest before you get up to the TOTR in case you get height sick.

Enjoy!

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23

Sep

Fika Swedish Cafe and Bistro, Arab Street, Singapore

Have you been to Sweden?  I haven’t.  I imagine the country so clean, white and straightforward.

Fika is Swedish for coffee break or having a break with coffee or tea.

This cafe is very pretty, it’s like walking into Ikea.  It’s nestled within the eclectic cafes and restaurants in the Kampong Glam area.

That was my Smoked Salmon Crepe.  Their food is simple and fresh.  The service is warm, friendly and very welcoming.  They welcome you as if you were a friend weary from walking around Kampong Glam.

Come and have a Fika!

13 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

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22

Sep

Jones the Grocer, Singapore

This deli is the best.  It’s brought gourmet food into the 21st Century.

That was my English Breakfast!  I know some of you might cringe…but I don’t have that every week, and certainly not everyday!

Now that they have a new branch at the Mandarin Gallery, I must say, I still prefer the one at Dempsey Hill.  I like the alfresco dining as oppose to the cooped up feel at the Mandarin.

I reckon the Mandarin Gallery branch has better fromagerie selection.

The menu on the blackboard, again! I just love them!

Their food is yummy, some are a bit pricy for what you get, but generally it’s great food for what you pay.

The service is very good.  They are knowledgeable about what’s on the menu and specials, and the tea choices…

I’m sorry I missed them in Australia, they didn’t have one in Gold Coast (or Queensland! hello, Jones! come over!)

This is a great place!

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20

Sep

Wild Honey, Mandarin Gallery, Singapore

I was quite excited to share this experience as this was the first time I haven’t queued to get a seat.

Most of the time there would always be a long list of people waiting.  One time we waited for an hour…Worth it? Yes, it was.

I love the interior of this restaurant and I never appreciated it as much before as it was always crowded.  When it’s quiet you get to see the small details.

It has an oldish look to it, very cozy, if I may say so.  The menu written on the blackboard always does it for me.

That is the Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich that I did enjoy.  The smoky taste on the thinly sliced chicken breast made it so much better than the taste of oil.

The bread was fresh, soft inside and crusty outside – perfect for my picking!  I enjoy picking the bread skin before I eat it (old habit.)

I like Wild Honey, even if I have to wait sometimes, as the service is also great.  It starts from the very pleasant lady who meets you with a warm welcome (even if she has to tell you how your name is way down the list.)

When you do get a seat it’s not so bad at all from there.

This is a must try place for great food, service and overall experience!

13 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

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