Slushy in a Cone @Coolplay Soft Serve

Don't know how popular this brand of soft serve ice-cream is back in its hometown of Kaohsiung, but their almost slushy-like soft serve consistency is definitely a winner during these balmy tropical days. A welcomed departure from the almost too milky Korean soft serves that have been trending lately. Oh, and for the narcissistic selfie generation, check out the props man... ...

Coolplay Soft Serve Singapore

Blk 85B
Lorong 4 Toa Payoh

# 01-332B

Singapore 312085

I'm going to Sunday Market

Sunday Market deserves two thumbs up for its comfortingly delicious Asian-inspired fare. And the valiant effort to differentiate itself from the mass of insipid cafes currently mushrooming up around the island. Coffee blend is sourced from a low key local roaster (not among the high profile indie names) and it packs all the sunshine that you need for a weekend brunch affair. Ooooooo.... not forgetting the extremely sexy and soulful playlist (did they hire a music curator???) that could have been put together by the lion himself. Impeccable taste indeed... ... 

Meanwhile, along Lim Tua Tow road, papaya trees are blossoming... ...

as a gardener retires the wheelbarrow for the day... ... 

Hashtags have certainly taken on new meaning in our day
and age... ... sometimes even the lions get tired of too much
social media invasion... ...

Eeeer wth is a Bangkok Toast? Ooooo candied bacon...

Choosing a spot by the window for some vitamin D.

Narnia... ...

At least this bicycle looks comfortable here as an ahem
accessory... ... the two wheelers are the IT trophy rides now.

Meow Poooooooower!!! Limited edition
Agnes B. posters dot the cafe walls. Remind the cats
of the Agnes B. cafe in H.K.

Vintage lamp over a sexy machine.

Homemade ice-cream with Asian inspired flavours like Kyoho Grape, Honey
& Fig, Thai Milk Tea... ... and a weird one - Philadelphia Cheese hmmmm....
like what mummy used to spread on your bread.

The layout and vibe reminded them of a cross between Penang's China House
and the Lion City's P.S. Cafe.

A superbly executed Flat White.

The Long Black was light bodied and flinty.

Sirloin Rendang with Crispy Buttered Brioche. ($15.90)

Roasted Duck Pancakes with bits of crispy egg and a
drizzle of garlic hoisin ($12.90).

Tea Drop Teas.

 After brunch stroll around the neighbourhood... ...

Teak furniture at socially conscious The Helping Hand.

History buff lion loves old monuments.

Weeeeeeee old school merry-go-round.

Visiting the 100 Bands Festival featuring 100 homegrown bands over three weekends in June at a bus interchange... ... Music and art in the heartlands... ... the art exhibition portion is supported by the People's Association. Quite an interesting concept where artists and residents work hand in hand to create installations. Hmmm a pity though... ...dismal turn-out and the music festival was marred by a lack of seats and terrible weather. Maybe the organisers might want to do it in a park in future (picnic!) with food stalls to attract the crowds... ...  

Sunday Market (opens daily till late!)

22 Lim Tua Tow Road
Singapore 547772
Opening Hours:

Mon -Thurs: 3pm to 11pm
Friday: 1pm to 11pm
Sat - Sun: 11am to 11pm

Take-Out - for Chao Muggers

This tiny take-away joint, with no seats save for a bench chair that looked mammoth in the tight space, is one of those places that strive to be absolutely and purposefully hidden. "How did you find us?" Yup, this was probably one of the first few questions that came out of the mouth of the pretty juggle-it-all lady behind the counter. It was a one-woman operation. She did the order taking, prepared the food and coffee, collected the cash, and exchanged a few pleasantries. What a sweat-inducing responsibility. The gallant effort was almost marred by the rather long waiting time (by take-away standards). Lucky for the lion and partner, they were the first in line. The good-natured dude behind them sat on a high stool watching them devour their food for a good ole ten minutes before he got his ta-paoed food. For they had plonked themselves on the only bench there and had used two stools as makeshift tables at the kind recommendation of the lady. They wanted a quick bite before heading off. 

Can you see it?
Take-Out is actually nestled along the stretch of road just
beside a local university. Pls be more specific? Ok, you know,
that stretch housing the infamous Fong Seng and
Bake & Brew (delicious cold brew!). Yup methinks you got it.
Just walk past this mini-mart first to get to your destination. 

Cool, they serve Graffeo Coffee from San Francisco here.
In 2001, ZAGAT ranked Graffeo #1 in both coffee quality and
service in its marketplace guide, honouring the brand
as "the best coffee around" and "absolutely perfect".
We can be proud too cos Graffeo has its first overseas
roasting facility and South East Asia HQ located here in the
Lion City.

For $50, you can grab a picnic basket with grub for 2.
Handy for those emergency dates in the park.

Teachers will scoff at this book but Singlish's a part of
our heritage. Fine print reads: Not suitable for children lol.
pluuuease... they aren't exactly sheltered from the local
vernacular.

Knick knacks on the table.

The take-away menu.

Haphazard arrangement of items in the tight space.

Check out their monthly specials. They say that their Speculoos spread is
particularly popular and yummy. It seems like it's also Crazy Caramel Month
for them with a range of imported caramel products on display.

Sweet treats available include tarts and macarons that day.

Wooo Giotto Chocolates... ...

This caramel box set with a range of extraordinary flavours teaches you how
to do the taste test with friends.

Any stressed out student can hurl this brick on the wall anytime ... ...

A huge chunk of smoked duck with pasta.

Eating rather glamorously from a stool.

The beef stew's pretty tasty albeit on the saltish side.
Pity the hard mini bread loaves that had the crunchy texture
  of biscuits. Overall, food was honestly urm good for
undemanding students looking to mug through the night.
Not for serious epicureans yah.

Pretty decent and strong cup of coffee but much credit
goes to the beans wethink.

Complimentary chicken rendang puff with the cuppa order.

One takeaway item that the lion highly recommend
is this artisanal jar of MoFo Chili ($8). Choose from
two levels of spiciness: "Dodge the Bullet" and
"Final Destination". Made by two locally based
Indonesian ladies. Sedap!

www.facebook.com/MofoChili

Take-Out
12 Clementi Road
Singapore 129742