Ciel Bukit Merah

This weekend certainly was an fun filled one for the Lion family. First up, off to grab some toys for the baby lion at a charity fair held at the Australian International School and then settling lunch before heading down - at Aunty Pris' kind invitation - to grace Ciel's grand opening of a 2nd branch near SGH. The lion looked forward to some investigative (tasting) "work".

Ciel, which means sky or heaven, opened its first branch a few years back in Hougang. Now to expand their business, Chef Chara Lum has opened her second branch at Bukit Merah near to the Singapore General Hospital. Ciel sits in unassuming, quiet estate with a few hostels, an old school confectionery and a popular popiah restaurant, the cafe does bring a bit of sublime heaven to this part of the neighbourhood.

Chef Chara's signatures are all available here like her luscious Bomba
as well as the winning Fuji.
There are also talks of having baking classes on the 2nd floor of Ciel.

The Fuji - a green tea mousse cake filled with
lychee jelly complimented by a green tea sponge base,
and the divine Strawberry Shortcake.

The Lions were there for the Grand Opening and were treated to a few samples of familiar favourites as well as upcoming creations like the yuzu cake.

Ciel Patisserie (Bukit Merah Branch)

146 Jalan Bukit Merah

#01-1090

Singapore 160146

Tel: 6352 2132

www.ciel.com.sg/

Right before Ciel, the Lions had the pleasure of visiting the Australian International School (AIS) for a bought of treasure hunting aka scouring for necessary baby stuff.

The charity fair was HUGE with lots of pre-loved toys, kids' apparel and even recipe books for little tots! So many stalls and so little time.... This charity family sale is a yearly affair organised by Stork's Nest Singapore, a parenting support group.

They even have a food stall in addition to the school canteen
to offer grub to the hungry treasure hunters.

Aussie style barbie

Of course, the cub found some treasures there... mainly toys like a preloved Thomas the train which he gleefully grabbed and ran off excitedly into the crowd - much to Cuchi's consternation as she scrambled to pay for the thieving deed haha... then to tire out the little tyke, a walk on the rugby field with daddy ended the mini excursion to school.

G'day!

Heavenly Sweets at Ciel Patisserie

A lazy and rainy Saturday afternoon saw the lions taking refuge at Ciel Patisserie. Ciel means 'heaven' in French. The lions sure could do with a little celestial cheer given the wet dreary weather.

Stunned by the lovely pristine white exterior.
The lions were expecting something a little more humble in
appearance for a heartlands hideout.
This is a rare winning formula:
Comfy place to chill without the hole-in-pocket guilt trip.

To sweeten the deal, an affordable tea-time set special
is available.

Despite the predominant white palette, the interior was cosy
and inviting with simple and tasteful furnishings.

Take your pick: Strawberry Shortcake, Bombe, Scarlet, Ispahan,
Fuji, Tiramisu, fruit tarts and more.

Cuchi was deliberating between the elegant Scarlet
(cream cheese mousse with a hint of lemon
and red fruit gelee in the middle atop a biscuit base)
and the adorable Ispahan with her girly pastel pink
layer of raspberry mouse and rose bavarian cream.
She could not resist picking the Ispahan
that sneakily hid a refreshing lychee fruit and gelee
in the end.

Cuchi was disappointed when Cute Cute decided
to go for the more straightforward Bombe
(blueberries within a rich chocolate mousse atop
a crispy hazelnut feulletine base).
But Smurfy Lion gave it his firm stamp of approval.
Me tinks the orb cake matches his dark, fetching eyes. LOL!

Coffee was not extraordinarily good but
make a decent accompaniment to the bakes.

Homemade scones only available on Saturdays.

The quiche looked so delish with the chockful
of ingredients (ham, basil, oregano).
And at an afforable $3.20, this
is one must-order savoury item.

Spot me under the block of flats!

The lions simply adore this unpretentious bakery and cafe. During their time there, a little girl of around four came in to takeaway madeleines with her daddy in tow. Her eyes glinted in glee when the precious treats were handed over to her.

The baker behind this joint was trained in Le Cordon Bleu in Bangkok and Paris. Granted, the bakes may not have the refined sophistication of those at Patisserie G (be prepared to spend $8 and above for a slice here) but at these easy-on-the-wallet prices, the quality of cakes here is definitely impressive. 

After the short cafe sojourn, the lions took a leisurely walk to Fort Canning Green.

 

The wet weather and muddy fields at the Handmade Movement -
Singapore's Indie Craft Fair.

Spotted the spotty moo van -
The Travelling Chef on Wheels (C.O.W).

Local designers and their works on display at the
neighbouring National Museum.
Very chic and eco-friendly tapao box.

Quintessential Singapore Breakfast
served on a neat tray.

Handsome contraption for doing up tricky soft-boiled eggs.

Mew! Time to nap after a day of activities.

Here is our review for Ciel Patisserie:

Dessert Quality: 8.0 pawprints out of 10

Coffee Quality: 6.5 pawprints out of 10

Ambience: 7.5 pawprints out of 10

For those who are interested in going there, here is the address:

Ciel Patisserie

Blk 124 Hougang Ave 1
#01-1444

Singapore 530124