An afternoon in Paris in the Lion City

While waiting for her other half to complete some mundane work errands on a Saturday morning, the lioness decided to search for some peace and quiet in a cafe to catch up on a good read. Alas, that proved to be somewhat of a challenge in the Kampong Glam precinct. Every conceivable joint was packed with brunch devotees. She decided to head for the charmingly serene Toots with its heritage archways and good value rustic French fare. It's a wonder this low key place is not anywhere as swarmed as her neighbours. Hmmm... the absence of commonplace brunch staples like truffle fries and eggs benny, perhaps... ...

Cosy interior far from the maddening crowd... ...

Totally unplanned for: French fare with a dose of wicked
humour courtesy of French author Muriel Barbery.

Lost in daytime reverie... ...

Soft Jazz seeps from the colonnaded walls.

Complimentary bread basket of crusty homemade baguette.

For entree, the lioness chose the Country Style Pig Head Terrine served with
ravigote vinaigrette over the Warm Melted Goat Cheese with garden salad mix.

Although the Caramalised Pork Trotter with Puff Pastry
looked so enticing, she went for the "Chicken Basquaise"
White Wine Braised Chicken Whole Leg with Root Vegetables
as her main. Sublime.

Dessert of Petit Pot Au Chocolate:
Chocolate Custard with Wild Strawberry Compote and
Chocolate Crunchy Pearls.

Total damage is capped at $18++ for this set lunch. This place most certainly deserves more attention in the food scene here with its classical home-fashioned cooking.

Toots Brasserie
101 Jalan Sultan
#01-01
The Sultan Hotel
Singapore 199002

www.tootsbrasserie.com

Brekkie at Mean Bean and Wicked Grind

Mean Bean and Wicked Grind belongs to the category of cafes that opens in tandem with standard office hours. Lucky for the lion, his work den's just a short stroll away. The lioness, ironically, was the first of the two to make it down. Just before a morning meeting, she sneaked in some time for a quick breakfast at the smallish joint.   

Head into Parkroyal on Beach Road.

MB & WG is located at the adjoining The Plaza.

It opens its doors at 8am to catch the early morning
office crowd in need of some serious caffeine.

Breakfast Set ($5):
Coffee of Choice + Simple White bread Sandwich.

Mainly high bar chairs inside.

Cute illustrated incarnation of the joint's name.

The lioness was the earliest bird and caught some morning prep action.
Most of the bakes were not up yet when she was there.

Mini cupcakes in a row.
The petite size is great for waist-line watching ladies
just craving for a teeny-weeny indulgence. $1 each.

Raise the flag, it's time for morning assembly!

The lioness had a yummilicious dessert shot
of lilliputian Earl Grey Lavender cupcake.

Setting Up.

Had a sample nibble of the heavenly
Seasalt Caramel Shortbread, will be back to try more
of the sweet treats here judging from the promising
standard. Bakes are mainly sourced from home-based
bakers. Savouries include mostly sandwiches
complemented by some salads.

With beans from La Ristrettos, coffee here is a great morning perk-me-up. The lion is thrilled to be spoilt with another option on top of his usual CAD cuppa.

Mean Bean and Wicked Grind

7500A Beach Road

The Plaza
#01-337
Singapore 199591
Opens Monday to Friday
8 am to 6pm

The Pantry @ Shop Wonderland

The prettiest little cafe has just opened along Haji Lane by the folks behind Shop Wonderland. Given their eye for aesthetics and thumb already in the floral and decor business, this space sure is the definition of a picture perfect cafe. They could probably give Carpenter & Cook a run for their coffee in the beautiful department.  

Street Art in Kampong Glam.

What are you staring at?

 Excuse me, are you hugging a lion cub?

The Pantry @ Shop Wonderland showcases a curated
selection of retail goodies and bakes from young
home-grown brands.

Cakes from Maple & Market. Jams from Carpenter & Cook.
Granola from Plain Vanilla. Spot other artisanal items from
your favourite local guys.

Check out the very cute aka mini espresso machine. Beans are currently
sourced from Papa Palheta.

It feels like Christmas in an old pal's home. Love the warm, congenial service.

Time to start some Christmas shopping in the retail section.

This tea set would make a lovely present for mummy dearest.

Not bad, robust and full-bodied.
No latte art yet though.

But this pretty red rose will make up for it.

Christmas wreaths for sale. This one's our favourite.

Love the vintage hanging lamps.

A fresh bloom sitting shyly on a table.

Settle down comfortably on one of these Tiffany chairs oft seen in
 wedding shots.

Add this place to your cafe-hopping trail in Kampong Glam.

 The Pantry
@ Shop Wonderland

53 Haji Lane

Singapore189246