[Sydney, Australia] For café lovers, no visit to Sydney would be complete without stepping into The Grounds Of Alexandria.

In fact, I would write “Grounds of Alexandria” into a list for “What to do in Sydney” along with the usual suspects of Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, and Sydney Fish Market.

I described to my friends that this is the mother of all cafes. After a visit, they didn’t think I was exaggerating. “Must come back again”.

Transformed from an old pie shop which existed from the 1920s, this is a ‘mega café’ which is a coffee roaster, café, bakery, bar, kitchen garden, weekend market, florist and a mini-farm all rolled in one.

You may have heard of Kevin Bacon the actor, but the other ‘Kevin Bacon’ the pig is a star in its own right over a grounds. Sooooooooo cute (and you may swear off ham momentarily)! His other friends such as Bradley the lamb are darlings to the kids.

The main and only things that would likely piss people off, are the wait and crowd.

Grounds is packed at all times of the week, especially during the weekends due to the markets. The first time, I got a table for two inside the café in about 20 minutes. Though my next visit with a group turned to be a table waiting and chairs taking experience which lasted close to an hour – we sat at the outdoor area. Winter no problem.

While I won’t say the food is show-stopping, come-on, the quality of meat and fresh produce, especially the beef makes all that difference to what we have been used to back home.

The ‘Ground Burger’ (AUD$19.00) made of ground beef brisket, cheese, lettuce in a toasted brioche bun served with beer batter fries, would be king if we ever considered the usual fast-food princely. Fries were crazy-crisp delicious, especially dipped in accompanying sauces such as pesto or ketchup.

Bakes were of varying quality, with the tarts being our favourites for its play of textures and layered fillings (chocolate with caramel were pleasure- inducing), while some of the cakes hit a dry spot.

As The Grounds of Alexandria is a landmark known for its coffee research and testing facility, single origin used are of some of the best quality, creating a well-balanced, rich and aromatic cup.

What defines this space is its mood – electrifying, almost carnival-like, yet easy-going, where everybody seemed genuinely happy just grabbing a burger and cuppa, enjoying bonding time like never before.

I don’t think any other countries, other than Australia, can replicate a ground quite like this.

The Grounds of Alexandria
Building 7A, No 2 Huntley Street Alexandria NSW Australia
Tel: +61 2 96992225
http://groundsroasters.com
Plan your trip via public transport: http://www.transportnsw.info

Cafe & Roastery: 7am – 4pm (Mon – Fri), 7:30am – 4pm (Sat – Sun)
Potting Shed: 11:30am – LATE (Mon – Sun)
Markets: 8am – 3pm (Sat – Sun)

Other Sydney Entries
Single Origin Roasters (Sydney)
Sydney Fish Market (Sydney)
Quay (Sydney)
Bangbang Espresso Bar & Café (Sydney)
Adriano Zumbo (Sydney)

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“Recommend me the Best Caterer in Singapore”, and yes, I do get that requests quite often. We can agree that finding that right caterer can be the cornerstone of a successful event.

Think about it. We have been invited to dinner parties, office functions, special occasions such as birthdays and weddings. Somehow, we almost always remember the event if there is good food. No?

Of course the reverse is also true. How many times have you walked away from catering tables with loads of uneaten food, usually drowned in oil and gravies?

There was a time when char bee hoon, fried rice, and curry chicken kept appearing in catering menus. Not saying these staples are no good, but somehow, sometimes, the food can be too oily and salty.

Now, there is a shift of demand to healthier catered food.

Preparazzi has been known for their gourmet catering and creative canapés, serving a clientele of luxury brands and high-end retailers led by the charismatic Chef Jeremy Nguee.

When the Health Promotion Board came up with the Healthier Dining Programme (HDP), Chef Jeremy found it an advantageous opportunity to partner with them.

The result? Healthy restaurant standard catered food, and ready-to-eat bento boxes about 500 calories.

Asian Family Set
$300 per set, Good for 12-15 persons

This Asian Family Set includes Pork Crackling, Salmon Otak-Otak, Honey Soy Chicken, Yeung Chow Fried Rice, Thai Papaya Salad and Assorted Mini Cup Cakes, or choice of Premium Fruit Platter.

The much-loved dish of this set was expectedly the Pork Crackling. My first reaction when I took my first bite, “Wow, Sio Bak that is not oily!”

There was still this layer of soft tenderness, with a crunchy layer of skin at the side that went “Cccrrrr!” Unlike usual occasions where the meat would be fatty, and lips turned greasy after two bites, Preparazzi’s Sio Bak was indeed healthy-tasting.

Apparently, the fats are totally rendered after being steamed in “flavoured water bath of spices” for hours. Through this special method of steaming, the lean meat remains soft while the top layer of skin retains its crispiness.

My other favourite dish is the Otak Otak, made using high quality salmon, and goodness… NO coconut milk added. Just salmon, eggs, and homemade ‘rempah’ (spice paste).

European Family Set
$350 per set, Good for 12-15 persons

This set includes Beef Bourguignon, Seafood Paella Rice, Roast Chicken, Caesar Salad, Ratatouille and Assorted Mini Cup Cakes or choice of Premium Fruit Platter.

Jeremy proudly discloses, “No added MSG, only olive oil and sunflower oil are used, very little processed food is found, and even sausages are freshly made.”

I also noticed that every dish in the menu came with vegetables added, and was ‘clean’ in presentation without greasy sauces.

The Roast Chicken included generous servings of lettuce and cherry tomatoes, while the Grilled Prawn Skewers had capsicums and onions inserted, making the plates look colourful and appealing too.

These little tweaks to the recipes can encourage people to eat their veggies.

For those organising home parties, rest assured that the food is delivered neatly in a box. That also means you can design your own plating to impress your guests, like what we did to the Caesar Salad
(See the before and after shots!)

Now you know your next catered event, meeting and party can be filled with delicious and healthier gourmet options.

Preparazzi
preparazzi.sg
Email: order@preparazzi.sg
Tel: +65 9125 4224 and quote “HPB14” to enjoy discounts.
$100.00 discount with order of 2 or more Fabulous Feast sets (U.P. $300-$350 for 12-15pax)

* This post is brought to you by the Health Promotion Board’s Healthier Dining Programme. For more information on The Healthier Dining Programme, check out eathealthy.sg

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The truth is, I knew Willin Low can cook. But I didn’t know he can really cook. My very frank reply to Willin after trying out the revamped Wild Rocket was, “So much better than what I expected.”

Wild Rocket reopened after a 8-month hiatus, initially facing some rent issues, and this break seemed to have done our celebrity Mod Sin chef some good.

I first met lawyer-turned chef Willin in an interview over his love for Hokkien mee years back, tried Wild Rocket, Relish and the defunct Burger, Bench & Bar.

We became friends (but he knows I try to objective when it comes to food , so…), the previous Wild Rocket was rough on the edges, and didn’t impress too much. Another friend thought celebrity chefs made it on TV for looks and gift of the gab more than actual skills.

The reinvention of Wild Rocket saw the introduction of an omakase menu ($118++ for 8 courses) at the Chef’s table, where Willin would personally introduce the dishes and concept. This guy is an auntie-charmer I tell you, making all the ladies (and some guys) laugh at the 8-seater table.

To be thoroughly honest, I was impressed with 7 out of the 8 dishes, of which 3 were exceptional. Only 1, the Grouper with Spring Onion with Ginger Milk, was kind of average and flat in taste.

The Thai-inspired starter, a Pomelo Salad with Frozen Coconut Dressing was already uplifting and invigorating. The mishmash of hot spiciness contrasting with coldish sweet felt like a dose of attack on the senses, and kept me in anticipation on what else was to come.

My personal favourite dish was a Laksa Risotto & Pesto with Seared Hokkaido Scallop. The coconutty-laksa base bizarrely reminded me of a long-forgotten taste, a particular laksa gravy tang that I was fond of as a child (can’t remember if it was Malaysia’s). To have that taste resurface on creamy risotto perfectly matched with plump scallop was like eating a dream.

Equally mouth-watering was the 48 hour sous vide Beef Short Ribs in Rendang Sauce with Ketupat, which is like breathing new life to a traditional dish. Almost impeccable, otherwise marred by dry ‘packed rice’.

Each dish in the omakase menu has a captivating story, inspired by Willin’s travels, childhood in Singapore or love for hawker food.

For example, dessert was a Matcha Sugi Cake with Coconut Ice Cream, served on a plate with dancing Vanda Miss Joaquim motifs (that’s Singapore’s national flower).

The Pineapple Sorbet with Salty Soy Sauce and Chill Padi was what he used to eat as a child, though we don’t common find fruit combinations like this anymore in modern Singapore.

It is necessary to mention that Wild Rocket isn’t a one-man show, and Willin’s team is attentive in service, knowledgeable in its offerings.

There are glimpses in the new Wild Rocket which reminds me of Alvin Leung’s Bo Innovation, and you suspect that Willin will get even better. We hope this is the start of greater food and things to come.

Wild Rocket
The Hangout Hotel, 10A Upper Wilkie Road, Singapore 228119
Tel: +65 63399448
Opening Hours: 12.30pm – 3.00pm Lunch, 3.00pm – 6.00pm Coffee, Cocktails and Cotta, 6.30pm – 10.30pm Dinner (Mon-Sat, Closed Sun)
Reserve Online Now

Other Related Entries
Restaurant Andre
The Clan Restaurant (Bt Pasoh)
Ujong (Raffles Hotel)
Le Cuisine (Chinatown)
Babette (Tyrwhitt Road)

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“Old Hen” is such as strange and possibly offensive way to name a café (try calling someone ‘lao gui bu’!). You wished there was some bizarre story, or food items to do with ‘hens’.

Located along Rangoon Road, Old Hen Coffee Bar is a specialty coffee shop which sits on the quieter side of the busy Farrer Park district.

The space is small, menu limited, added with the usual industrial concrete wall finish, BUT you sense this earnest sincerity in the three boys (Terry, Ivan and Mason) who came together to live their dreams.

There are two items served in their soft launch menu – Buttermilk Waffles ($9) and Homemade Muesli with Yoghurt.

Waffle is really the In-food huh? I digress, but few cafes even do them well to begin well.

Perhaps Old Hen being new is still getting a hang of things, their version is kind of dry, and topping up with Greek yoghurt and less than generous portions of fruit didn’t help.

A small variety of cakes is offered, such as red velvet, strawberry lemonade, and banana French toast ($6 per slice), sourced from Kreme Couture bakery. My little suggestion is: the cakes could be more neat-fully sliced up.

Coffee ($4 for 3oz white, long black, $5 for mocha) is bright and intense, a fairly decent cup, with beans used from Oriole’s Yellow Bird blend.

Most come for their signature cold brew. The baristas sound genuine and would come to ask for feedback. While the old hen hasn’t laid its eggs yet, a revisit some time later would be helpful while the guys fine-tune. Meanwhile, still a quiet cozy place to check-out.

Old Hen Coffee Bar
88 Rangoon Road #01-03 Singapore 218374 (Farrer Park MRT Exit B)
Tel: +65 63415458
https://www.facebook.com/oldhencoffee
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Mon), 12pm – 10pm (Wed-Fri), 10am – 10pm (Sat-Sun)

Other Café Entries
New Cafes in Singapore – 25 More Cafe Hopping Spots!
20 New Cafes In Singapore
Coast and Company (Siglap Drive)
Bread & Hearth (Keong Siak Street)
Sin Lee Foods (Jalan Bt Ho Swee)

The post Old Hen Coffee Bar – Cafe at Rangoon Road Hasn’t Laid Its Eggs appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Punggol Settlement. The truth is I have not heard about this area at all, until a friend recommended that it is “seafood dining heaven” in Singapore.

You would have thought that this ‘ulu place’ would be unoccupied, but a weekend visit to a briskly popular House of Seafood 螃蟹之家 for crabs revealed that, yes, Singaporeans can travel anywhere for food.

There are several dining places at Punggol Settlement near where the old Punggol Jetty was, many of which are seafood restaurants. The area is charming and beautiful. Families bring their children there for recreational activities such as cycling and jogging, elderly can be seen taking slow walks by the waterfront.

Of course we were there for the crabs!

We have heard that House of Seafood’s Black Pepper Crab was voted the best by readers of another website.

Their Black Pepper Crab base was indeed quite different – more saucy, moist and pasty, a recipe said to be specially created by their chefs, whereas some of the other versions I tried were drier and more peppery. Comparatively, this is a milder Black Pepper.

Our table also ordered the recommended Salted Egg Crab. Between the two, we chomped this version down much faster. My advice: Eat it while it’s hot, sweep the fleshly crab meat across the creamy salted egg yolk sauce, and let it linger and suck the sweet juices before swallowing.

If you need some carbs, we happened to like their House Special Fried White Bee Hoon with XO Sauce ($8, $12, $16) a lot. It was unanimously our favourite dish of the dinner.

There is something about wet bee hoon, simple in aesthetics but mouth-watering tasty after absorbing the flavourful sauce, complemented by fresh prawns and sotong.

The other signature dishes at House of Seafood:

Pork Ribs with Special Sauce ($15, $20, $25)

Mee Goreng ($8, $12, $16)

Crispy Beancurd with Chef’s Special Sauce ($15, $20, $25)

Pan Fried Chicken Cutlet with Special Sauce ($12, $16, $20) garnished with quail eggs

Of all the main dishes recommended, our favourite was the chicken cutlet evenly coated with sweet savoury sauce, slightly crisp on the outside, tender yet lean which somewhat reminded us of pork chop.

The other varieties of crabs available include Chilli, Stewed, White Pepper, Steamed, Ginger & Spring Onion, Bee Hoon, Indonesia Baked, Golden Creamy Butter, Sweet & Sour, Claypot Tang Hoon, Pumpkin, and Alaksan.

If you need to find somewhere away from the hustle and bustle, for a relaxing time with your family, consider heading over to Punggol Settlement for a meal of crabs.

House of Seafood 螃蟹之家
Punggol Branch: The Punggol Settlement #01-01 & #01-02, 3 Punggol Point Road, Singapore 828694 (Near Punggol Jetty) More than 200 carpark lots
Tel: +65 64669000
Opening Hours: 5pm – 11pm Daily

Joo Chiat
1 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427739 (Behind Joo Chiat Complex)
Tel: +65 64425180
Reserve Online Now

Tanjong Katong
315 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437098
(Behind City Plaza, turn in after Caltex Petrol Station)
Tel: +65 67469000
Reserve Online Now

Serangoon
Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre, 756 Upper Serangoon Road #03-33
(Opp S’Post, next to Hotel81)
Tel: +65 62859711
Reserve Online Now

House of Seafood National Day Giveaway
Since it’s Singapore’s 49th Birthday, DanielFoodDiary.com will be giving away 49 x $10 vouchers for you to enjoy dining at House of Seafood! It’s a little discount if you already intended to dine there.

Step 1: LIKE Daniel’s Food Diary on Facebook
Step 2: LIKE and SHARE this entry
Step 3: COMMENT below on your favourite crab style (eg chilli, black pepper etc).
(Do include your email so that it is easier for me to reach you.)

*This entry is brought to you by House of Seafood

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Selecting 10 ‘national dishes’ representative of Singapore is a tough and contentious one. While many of these dishes may not have originated from Singapore, they represent our colourful blend of cultures and varieties of flavours.

What cannot be denied is Singaporeans love our food, and it’s not difficult to find affordable and delicious food all around here.

Chilli and Black Pepper Crabs
Why we are so proud of these two dishes – the Chilli and Black Pepper Crabs can be said to have originated from Singapore, created by different restaurants in East Coast during the 1950s.

What makes the Chilli Crab distinct is the thickened sweet savoury sauce, tasting somewhat like a cross of chilli and tomato sauces. Don’t worry, it’s not too spicy. Scoop the sauce with crab claw or deep fried mantou, and you will understand why we love it so much. Hot fleshy crabs and iced cold sparkling Coke – yes, they can go well together.

Where to get: No Signboard Seafood (414 Geylang Road), Long Beach Seafood (1202 East Coast Parkway), House of Seafood (Punggol Settlement), Mellben Seafood (232 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3), Jumbo Seafood (East Coast Seafood Centre), Redhouse Seafood (East Coast Seafood Centre), Eng Seng Restaurant (247 Joo Chiat Place)

Hainanese Chicken Rice

The definitive Singapore National Dish. Adapted from the early Chinese immigrants from Hainan Island, we love this deceptively simple dish for many reasons – the aromatic rice cooked in chicken stock, tender juicy white chicken, and ‘power’ chili sauce along with dark soy sauce.

One of the favourite stalls to get Hainanese Chicken Rice is from Tian Tian at Maxwell. Anthony Bourdain loves it, Gordon Ramsey ‘lost’ a competition to it. Purvis Street is also full of Hainanese restaurants which serve it the old good way.

Where to get: Tian Tian (Maxwell Food Centre), Boon Tong Kee (399 Balestier Road), Sin Kee (Mei Chin Road Market), Five Star (191 East Coast Road), Heng Ji (Chinatown Complex), Chatterbox (Meritus Mandarin Hotel), Wee Nam Kee (United Square), Yet Con (Purvis Street)

Char Kway Tiao
In the good old days, food peddlers used leftovers from meals to whip up this dish also known as ‘stir-fried rice noodles’ with multiple ingredients.

While Char Kway Tiao is not exactly photogenic by looking black and oily, the dish is extremely delicious, fried in dark soy sauce, complimented by ingredients of egg, Chinese sausages, beansprout and cockles. A test of a good plate – it has ‘wok hei’, an indescribable ‘heat’ which you would feel as you take your first bite.

Where to get: No 18 Fried Kway Tiao (Zion Road Riverside Food Centre), Hill Street Fried Kway Teow (Bedok South Market and Food Centre), Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee (Hong Lim Food Centre0, Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Tiao (Tiong Bahru Market), 91 Fried Kway Teow Mee (Golden Mile Food Centre), Day Night Fried Kway Tiao (Bukit Merah Central Food Centre), Lao Fu Zi (Old Airport Road Food Centre)

Bak Kut Teh
Many international celebrities love having Bak Kut Teh for supper in Singapore. You can spot them when you notice someone in shades having supper with an entourage.

There are many versions of the’ pork rib tea’. The Hokkiens have a stronger version with dark soy sauce added, the Cantonese with more medicinal herbs, whereas the Teochews like them peppery. I enjoy both the claypot herbal types and those with peppery soup bases. Best enjoyed on a cooling night, with tender ribs dipped into dark soy sauce, and crispy ‘you tiao’ dunked in hot steamy broth.

Where to get: Ng Ah Sio (208 Rangoon Road), Outram Park Ya Hua (PSA Tanjong Pagar Complex), Sin Heng (439 Joo Chiat), Founder (347 Balestier Road, 154 Rangoon Road), Hong Ji (Ang Mo Kio Ave 4)

Laksa
One of my favourite guility pleasures, Laksa is noodles or thick vemicilli cooked in rich and creamy spicy coconut milk gravy. The famous ones are found in Katong, where some shops DO NOT serve them with chopsticks. You have to slurp the noodles off the soup.

Where to get: 328 Katong Laksa (216 East Coast Road), Min Ji Laksa (Bendemeer Road Market and Food Centre), Depot Road Zhen Shan Met (Alexandra Food Village), Terry Katong Laksa (Bt Timah Market and Food Centre), 48 Roxy Laksa (East Coast Lagoon Food Village)

Roti Prata
Interestingly, Singaporeans love Roti Prata both as a breakfast and supper dish. Evolved from a pancake recipe from Pakistan and India, the crispy fluffy ‘flat bread’ is commonly served with curry, or some love them with a spoonful of sugar.

Watching the cook make prata with flips and tosses in the air is always fun. The variety of pratas in Singapore also just gets more and more exciting, from the initial egg, onions and cheese, we have seen fillings from fruits such as durian and banana, ice cream to chocolate. I am sticking to my crispy egg prata.

Where to get: Casuarina Curry Restaurant (136 Casuarina Road), Thasevi Famous Jalan Kayu Prata (235 Jalan Kayu), The Roti Prata House (246M Upper Thomson Road)

Satay
Considered as one of the most popular Malay dish in Singapore, these skewered meat comes with choices of chicken, mutton, beef (some stalls offer more such as prawns and duck), barbecued over charcoal. The outer glazed layer is slightly charred, while the meat is sweetish and tasty.

Most often ordered in 5s or 10s, the sticks come with rice dumpling (called ‘ketupat’), onions and cucumber, all can be dipped in spicy-sweet peanut sauce. An occasional stall, usually the Chinese ones, may mix pineapple pulp within the sauce.

Where to get: Alhambra Padang (Makansutra Gluttons Bay), Chuan Kee Satay (Old Airport Road Food Centre), Fang Yuan Staya (Toa Payoh Lor 5 Food Centre), Old Punggol Satay (Kaki Bukit Food Centre), Warong Sudi Mampir (Haig Road Food Centre), Satay By The Bay (Gardens By The Bay)

Bak Chor Mee
While hawker centres and coffeeshops in Singapore offer many types of noodles, the Bak Chor Mee has somehow been considered most uniquely Singaporean. This is especially so for the ‘mee pok’, which can be considered the local version of fettucine.

Affectionally known as BCM, this noodle dish is usually ordered dry, coming with pork slices, pork liver, minced meat, stewed sliced mushroom, fried sole fish and an occasional fishball. We love it tossed in a sauce made with homemade chili sauce, vinegar and pork lard oil.

Where to get: High Street Tai Hwa (Blk 466 Crawford Lane), Xin Ji Rou Cuo Mian (Blk 85 Fengshan Centre), Ah Kow Mushroom Minced Pork Mee (Hong Lim Food Centre)

Nasi Lemak
Some foreigners may find it weird that Singaporeans can have rice wrapped in banana leaf for breakfast. Yes, the Nasi Lemak, which is coconut rice, can be savoured anytime of the day.

The Malay version can contain fried ikan bilis, nuts, fried fish, egg, cucumber, not forgetting a quintessential sambal chilli sauce. The Chinese version sometime includes other ingredients such as chicken wings, pork chop and otah otah. Some versions can get slightly dry, and and will taste great with a cool refreshing can of Coke.

Where to get: Selera Rasa Adam Road No 1 (Adam Road Food Centre), International Muslim Food Stall (Changi Village Food Centre), Haji Maksah Barkat (Boon Lay Place Food Village), Ponggol Nasi Lemak (965 Upper Serangoon Road), Chong Pang Nasi Lemak (447 Sembawang Road)

Rojak
‘Rojak’ is such a special food in Singapore, its name has been used as an adjective in Singlish. Case in point, “Your dressing is very rojak”, “What you speak is very rojak”, and “Singapore has a rojak culture”, which briefly means ‘mixed’.

The usual type would include fried dough fritters, taupok, sliced pineapple, cucumber, radish and beansprouts mixed in a dark thick sweet sauce with peanuts. Some varieties include fruits such as green apple and raw mangos. The Indian rojak is variably different, containing food such as potatoes and egg deep fried in batter. So many varieties, that’s why it’s so ‘rojak’!

Where to get: Balestier Road Hoover Rojak (Whampoa Food Centre), Brothers Rojak (Clementi Ave 3 See Lam Hern Coffeeshop), Eat May Know (Bendemeer Road Food Centr), Lau Hong Ser Famous Rojak (Dunman Food Centre), Toa Payoh Rojak (Old Airport Road Food Centre)

What is your Idea of Singapore’s National Food?

*This post is brought to you by Coca-Cola®. Follow @cokesg on twitter to get more cool information on similar articles.

The post 10 Singapore National Dishes – Must Eat Local Food From Our Sunny Island appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

It is possible to make café type foods right at home, and one of them is the open-faced sandwich covered in melted cheese.

A favourite combo is the ultimate marriage of roast beef, fresh tomato with cheddar, spread with a touch of tangy dijon mustard.

When the outside is crisp and toasted, and cheddar all melted and gooey, you know you have a winner. And all can be done with 15 minutes!

Mainland Cheese Recipe – Roast Beef and Egmont Cheese Melt Open Sandwich

Ingredients
• 4 thick slices rye bread (option: wholemeal bread)
• 8 thin slices beef pastrami, or roast beef (rare)
• 1 tomato, sliced
• Spinach leaves
• 2 tbsp honey Dijon mustard
• Mainland Egmont cheese

Instructions
1. Spread layer of Dijon mustard on slices of rye bread.
2. Place 2-3 slices of beef pastrami (or roast beef) on each piece of bread.
3. Layer spinach leaves on top of beef.
4. Layer slices of tomato.
5. Add Mainland Egmont Cheese slices on top.
6. Add salt and pepper.
7. Place open sandwiches onto oven tray and grill for 1-2 minutes or until cheese is melted and browning slightly.

There you have it! Have them with some salad or a bowl of creamy potato soup for the ultimate comfort food.

Sometimes, it is not too difficult to channel the Martha Stewart or Jamie Oliver in you and try different combinations. The Cheese Melt Open Sandwich will work well with other variations such as ham & cheese, mushroom & cheese, and caramelized onions & cheese. Try it and tell me how it goes.

Mainland Egmont Cheese
The Mainland Egmont cheese newly launched last year, is a unique smooth cheddar-style cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavour.

Established in New Zealand, the Egmont is a perfect choice for cooking and baking with its excellent melting properties and smooth finish.

You would realise that there is this rich, unique flavor and smooth texture. What keeps Mainland cheeses distinct is that the producers retain the traditional cheese making process. Their secret ingredient? Time.

Other than the Egmont, some of the premium specialty cheeses available include Vintage, Tasty, Epicure, Gouda, Edam, Swiss and Gruyere.

The cheeses are a versatile choice for recipes such as pastas, omelette, savoury tarts, quiche or bruschetta.

I added some Egmont cheese on a humble dish of noodles, and see what a difference it makes. Posted the picture below on FaceBook, and I had friends saying the dish “looks like fine dining”. All done in minutes right at home.

One of the simplest, fuss-free, easiest meals ever.

*This entry is brought to you by Mainland Cheese. The Mainland Cheeses are available at leading supermarkets. For more recipes, visit the Mainland website at http://www.mainland.com.au/cheese-recipes

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Owner Frederick Chan from CantonSuper originally wanted to sell Korean Fried Chicken wings since he makes a nifty version and K-pop was quite the In-Thing. My advice to him was, “But why not sell something you are more familiar with?”

That was a year ago. The next thing I knew was the birth of CantonSuper, a kiosk at Bukit Panjang Plaza selling popular Hong Kong street food and drinks such as Eggettes, Macau-style Portuguese Egg Tarts, Waffle Sticks, and Dessert Drinks.

The Hong Konger (who is a PR with Singapore now) has spent the last year to and fro Hong Kong to research and perfect his recipes.

For those unfamiliar, the eggette (鷄蛋仔 gai daan jai) is ranked first in a 100 most popular Hong Kong street snack listing, commonly known as “ball waffle” due to its spherical ‘pops’. But you do not find many eggette (鷄蛋仔) stalls here because production is labour intensive.

Good things come to those who wait. CantonSuper produces their eggette on the spot with hot griddles, taking about 5-10 minutes depending on the queue, topped up with flavours of chocolate chip, caramel, red bean and pork floss ($2.20 – $3.40).

This is the taste of Hong Kong. I ordered the original egg ($2.20) and was surprised at how perfectly shaped each sphere was, in the classic golden colour completed with crispy texture.

While the Portuguese Egg Tarts ($1.50 each) are not Honolulu’s standard yet, they are baked fresh on the spot, complete with smooth custardy filling and not-too-flaky outer layer (I like them a little firmer).

The good thing is, the tarts are not too sweet and would please the health-conscious folks craving for an occasional sweet treat.

The main let-down was the Okonomi Mayo Waffle Dog ($2.80), which needs a better and juicier supply of sausage.

In the works are more ‘Hui Lau Shan’ style dessert drinks such as Mango with Honey Jelly ($2.50), and Red Bean Ice ($2.50). From what I tasted, certainly looks promising for better things to come.

CantonSuper
#01-43 Bukit Panjang Plaza, 1 Jelebu Road Singapore 677743
https://www.facebook.com/cantonsuper
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm

Other Related Entries
10 Must Eat Food In Hong Kong
5 Best Hong Kong Cafes
Tim Ho Wan Singapore (Plaza Singapura)
Kungfu Paradise (Bugis+)
Xin Wang (Marina Square)

The post CantonSuper – The Taste of Hong Kong Street Food appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

What will Mr Bean feel if he sees a café themed after him? I seriously don’t know. He can’t really say things, can he?

Though finally, we have a Teddy & Me café at Marina Square, conceptualised after Mr Bean and his favourite little brown bear friend Teddy.

Did this café come a few years too late? After all, funny guy Mr Bean has been relegated to reruns in hospital clinics, and Rowan Atkinson has gone on to act in other movies. But I still like him lah, especially episodes revolving him traveling, driving, doing household chores and going to church.

The café has many opportunities for selfies spots – the telephone booth, the famous yellow car cut-out, British flag decorated sofas, and teddies almost everywhere.

Food-wise looks quite sad though, with some pre-made waffles, sundaes, cakes and sandwiches. My Café Mocha ($6.20) was too sweet, and Earl Grey Tea ($4.60) was emm, Lipton.

The Beantastic Rainbow ($8.80) and Strawberry Mille Crepe ($8.00) are worth many Instagram likes and that’s about it – overly sweet, conquered by saturated colourings, and lined with cheap-tasting cream. So sorry I have to say this, but Lady M is just a distance away.

At least the Yam & Red Bean Mille Crepe ($8.00) was somewhat different and palatable.

Loved the décor and the memories that it brings for one of our favourite television characters. But food and beverages were so-so, and music (Kenny G!) was piped in from Marina Square so can’t be helped. Mainly for Mr Bean’s fans.

Teddy & Me
6 Raffles Boulevard Marina Square #02-207A Singapore 039594 (City Hall MRT)
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm

Other Café Entries
New Cafes in Singapore – 25 More Cafe Hopping Spots!
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Flourish Pastries (Tanjong Pagar)

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Singaporeans are loving their Thai food, and it is not uncommon to find more and more Thai restaurants these days. My gripe? Some of the long queued ones are either not too authentic to begin with, or standard has fallen after they find popularity.

I am still on the search for affordable and good Thai food, which brought me to Chang Thai at 151 Bishan, discretely located next to a kopitiam.

Chang Thai is established by three young Singaporean buddies, John, Mitsu and Ian, who wants to offer the authentic Thai food in Singapore’s neighbour areas. Their head chef Alex aka “Somkid” is a native Thai who started cooking at the age of 12.

The positive point: Most of the dishes are reasonably priced, all below $10, with the exception of steamed fish (Pricing reminds me of Jai Thai).

Some of the recommendations include Tom Yum Seafood ($7) which comes heated in a mini-steamboat style, Green Curry Chicken ($7), Minced Pork with Basil ($6), Sirloin Beef Noodle Soup ($7), and Steamed Seabass with Lemongrass ($25).

Expectedly, here were some hits and misses.

The dishes that we thought were good enough: The Garlic Honey Chicken ($6) deep-fried then tossed with a unique-tasting sweet Thai-inspired sauce, Thai Fish Cakes ($5.80 for 3 pieces) which were piping hot and juicy on the inside, and Thai Green Curry ($7) though the gravy erred to a milkier side.

Chang Thai’s other speciality dish, the Pineapple Fried Rice with Thai Fish Sausage ($6) taste flat and could do with stronger ‘wok hei’ for the fragrance to be more pronounced.

I went with classmates from my Thai language class, and all thought that the dishes tasted more Chinese than Thai, and could do with more punch. Perhaps the chefs tamed it down because the restaurant was frequented by families staying in the vicinity.

For friends in Bishan, you now know where to go for family-friendly Thai cuisine.

Chang Thai at 151
Blk 151, Bishan Street 11, #01-195 Singapore 570151
Tel: +65 8556 6899
Opening Hours: 11am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:pm (Sun-Thurs), 11am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm (Fri-Sat)

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Spicy Thai – Thai Café (Aljunied

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Seriously. There are no preservatives, no gum, no stabilizers, less sugars used in these ice creams.

Owner Daniel Teo of the new Seriously Ice Cream parlour used to be a chubby kid, and health became his number one priority. He was in the creative field, and thus the flavours turned out to be more than wacky than usual too.

Located at Everton Park which was touted as Singapore’s “hipster enclave”, there is still a peaceful-quiet charm with indie coffee joints and bakeries (Nylon Coffee Roasters, Batterworks, The Provision Shop) co-existing with traditional Ji Xiang Ang Ku Kueh.

The flavours keep changing to keep things fresh, though some of the signatures remain ($3.50 for regular scoop, $4.30 for premium flavour).

During my visit, interesting favours on display included Miso Gula Melaka, Strawberry Basil, Orange Crush, Strawberry Cheese, Yuzu Marmalade, to more localised Onde Onde, Horlicks and Teh C.

Unlike some gelato shops where the scoops look luxuriously full on display, you may find some here scrapped to the bottom. No more left! I tried a sampler of Yuzu Marmalade, liked it a lot, but there wasn’t any more supply.

The owner painstakingly churns out ice cream till 2am, individually, in small quantities.

My tip is, try the ice cream before making your purchase decision. Some will appeal to you, some may not. There were some flavours which had a creamier texture which I am used to and enjoy more (Yuzu Marmalade, Strawberry Cheese), while others other a more icy-consistency (Onde Onde, Miso Gula Melaka) because they are purposely made more italian granita style.

While waffle is in a rage currently, the texture of their version ($4.50 for plain, $9.60 with 2 scoops) reminded us of the biscuit used to sandwich old-school ice cream. This light, crispy waffle with lots of air pockets could appeal to the 30-something and above (*cough cough*) who had this familiar taste before.

There is an egger and denser version closer to the American style waffle. Savoury styles ($6.50) with ham and cheese are also available, and you can also add sweet ice cream on top of those. Yes, seriously.

Seriously Ice Cream
Blk 4 Everton Park #01-44 Singapore 080004 (Outram MRT, walk towards Cantonment Police HQ, Everton Park is across the road from it)
https://www.facebook.com/seriouslyicecream
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sun), 11am – 11pm (Fri, Sat), Closed Tues

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The post Seriously Ice Cream – Healthier, Homemade, Strange Flavoured Ice Cream. Seriously. appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

More, more, more new cafes in Singapore! Cafe hop till you drop. After May’s posting on 20 new cafes, July’s entry on 25 more cafe hopping spots, the café culture is spreading almost like wildfire, and doesn’t seem to stop.

Do we have space for more? Perhaps. What I am seeing now are …
- Similar food appearing, think WAFFLES, fuss-free sandwiches, and more permutations with eggs ben. Egg bens are really getting boring.
- Same cakes supplied. Can be a good or bad thing. Good – you know what you are expecting, home bakers are getting some business; Bad, the lack of variety.
- New entries will find it a real big challenge to stand out from the rest.
- The ‘older’ new cafes (meaning 3-6 month) may find it hard to retain customers, because many just want to try the new next one out there.
- Off-springs from the successful ones, think Creamier, Wimbly Lu, Grub and Little Prince diversifying.

Here are 20 more new cafes in Singapore.

Central, City Hall, CBD

Teddy & Me (Marina Square)
6 Raffles Boulevard Marina Square #02-207A Singapore 039594 (City Hall MRT)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Teddy-Me-SG/903235736369939
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm

Finally we have a Teddy & Me café at Marina Square, conceptualised after Mr Bean and his favourite little brown bear friend Teddy. Loved the décor and the memories that it brings for one of our favourite television characters. But food and beverages were so-so. Mainly for fans. (Read: Teddy and Me Marina Square)

Delicius Pasticceria (Lau Pa Sat)
18 Raffles Quay, Lau Pa Sat Festival Market, Singapore 048582 (Raffles Place MRT)
Tel: +65 6338 2162
https://www.facebook.com/DeliciusSG
Opening hours: 10am – 11pm Daily

Delicius Pasticceria founded in Osaka by Mr Sueharu Nagaoka, an award-winning patissiere, opened its first overseas branch in Singapore in partnership with Mugiho Boulangerie, a Japanese bakery. The small shop uses quality ingredients imported directly from Japan and produces fresh pastries every day. Their must-try is the Fruits & Almond Cream Tart ($5 a slice) made with various fresh fruits laid atop a dollop of fresh cream with a fragrant tart base made with real almonds.

The Little Flower Shop (Lau Pa Sat)
18 Raffles Quay #01-42 Lau Pa Sat, Telok Ayer Festival Market Singapore 048582 (Raffles Place MRT)
Tel: +65 63340603
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Little-Flower-Shop/348589065119
Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm Daily

The Little Flower Shop started as a florist, but expanded to become a florist cum café of sorts. For an easy going afternoon, take a sip of their flower tea, macarons and floral-flavoured ice cream.

CBD Fringe – Clarke Quay, Bt Ho Swee, Everton, Telok Blangah

Memo
No.3 Nanson Road, Singapore 238910 (10 min walk from Clarke Quay MRT)
https://www.facebook.com/stmmemo
Tel: +65 6808 8888
Opening Hours: 7am – 11pm (Sun – Thurs); 7am – 12am (Fri – Sat)

Memo at Studio M is a self-serve deli-by-day and bar-by-night. Grab a coffee with ready-to-go meals, or relax over chill tunes and a glass of wine. Signatures include their strangely named CHA ($9.80) – waffles with Cheese, Ham & Avocado, TAMA ($9.80) – waffles with Tuna, Egg Mayo & Cheese and Black and White ($9.80) – waffles with fresh banana, chocolate chip and banana and cinnamon puree.

Seriously Ice Cream (Everton Park)
Blk 4 Everton Park #01-44 Singapore 080004 (Outram MRT, walk towards Cantonment Police HQ, Everton Park is across the road from it)
https://www.facebook.com/seriouslyicecream
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sun), 11am – 11pm (Fri, Sat), Closed Tues

The ice cream with no preservatives, no gum, no stabilizers, and less sugars used. Therefore, Seriously Ice Cream look ‘uglier’ the usual round creamy scoops. During my visit, interesting favours on display included Miso Gula Melaka, Strawberry Basil, Orange Crush, Strawberry Cheese, Yuzu Marmalade, to more localised Onde Onde, Horlicks and Teh C. Coffee is not their greatest strength. Well, there is always Nylon a few steps away.

Sin Lee Foods (Bt Ho Swee)
Blk 4 Jalan Bukit Ho Swee #01-164 Singapore 162004
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Tues-Sun), Closed Mon except PH

Sin Lee Foods is another café which joins the rank of being nostalgic, converted from an old coffeeshop, located somewhere in Bt Ho Swee. Food wise, there is the usual assortment breakfast in the form of Big B ($18.90, scrambled eggs, bacon, mushroom ragout, sausage, russet potatoes, salad, toast), Croissant Benedict ($16.90) and a more interestingly looking Shashuka ($17.90) -Moroccan baked eggs with spicy tomato sauce). Slightly more expensive than expected. (Read: Sin Lee Foods Bt Ho Swee)

Old Habits (Telok Blangah)
38 Telok Blangah Rise #01-315 (3 Bus Stops and a short walk from Harbour Front MRT. Take Bus 65 or 855 at Bus Stop Opposite Vivo City)
https://www.facebook.com/habitssg
Opening Hours: 11am – 9.30pm (Tues – Thurs), 11am – 10.30pm (Fri – Sat), 11am – 9.30pm (Sun), Closed Mon

Old Habits is part vintage boutique and part café, a place to appreciate the lifestyle of the old eras and immerse in the memories of the past. While having your cuppa, check out the classic items in the store which includes typewriters, gramaphones, vinyl records and vintage toys. Recommended food and drinks include Coconut Kueh with French Vanilla Ice Cream ($6.50), Tiramisu ($7.50), Portobello Mushroom Sandwich ($13.50) and Popcorn Matcha Latte (Hot $5.50 or Cold $6.00).

North – Toa Payoh, Balestier

The Little Prince Creamery (Toa Payoh)
Lor 6 Toa Payoh Blk 47 #01-134 Singapore 310047 (Toa Payoh or Braddell MRT. Take bus no. 232 and 235 from Toa Payoh Interchange, or no. 235 from Braddell MRT)
http://www.facebook.com/LittlePrinceCafe
Operating Hours: 12pm-10pm (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sun), 12pm – 11pm (Fri – Sat), Closed Tues

The owner has been a fan of this Classic Story, and eventually named his café after his favourite book. The shop also displays the books in the cafe and the creamery for customers to read and understand the concept of the cafe better. Look out for the hand-drawn comics which make the interior look more homely. Homemade scones ($2.30 per piece), quiche ($7.90 for set) and waffle ($6.50 with ice cream) are available. Try the Noir, it’s very dark chocolate.

FIX (Balestier)
31 Ah Hood Road, HomeTeamNS-JOM Clubhouse, #01-06, Singapore 329979 (15 min walk from Toa Payoh MRT)
Tel: +65 62561484
https://www.facebook.com/FIXsg
Opening Hours: 9.30am – 10.30pm Daily

FIX is an alfresco poolside cafe located in HomeTeamNS-JOM club in Balestier. Started by the guys who own Grub in Bishan Park, this workshop-style cafe is built on the premise of ‘Original Homemade Goods’, featuring cakes, coffee, milkshakes and some savoury items made in-house daily. The decor also features one-of-a-kind furniture handmade from paint cans, wood panels and metal pipes. Say yes to their Strawberry Pistachio Rose Tart ($7).

Fluffy White Cloud (Sin Ming Road)
11 Sin Ming Road, Thomson V Two, #01-19 Singapore 575629
Tel: +65 86849497
https://www.facebook.com/fluffywhitecloud.fwc
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 10:30pm (Mon, Wed-Fri), 10am – 11pm (Sat-Sun), Closed Tues

Fluffy White Cloud Cafe at Thomson V Two is a small space serving coffee and home baked cakes, such as “Fluffy Gold Bar” Semolina Cake and old school “Lets Go Bananas” Banana Cakes. Could be ‘dangerous’ for me to go as they also carry Tokyobay watches on sale.

Little Wimbly Lu at My Village
1. Maju Avenue, #01-09/10, Singapore 556679
https://www.facebook.com/littlewimblylu
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon– Thurs), 11am – 1am (Fri – Sat), 11am – 11pm (Sun)

For a taste of the signature Wimby Lu waffles, you can go for their ‘offspring’ and smaller version at Serangoon My Village (near Chomp Chomp). At half the size, this cost $4. Not too bad a deal.

West – Holland V, Buona Vista, Bt Timah, Jurong

Sunday Folks (Holland Village)
44 Jalan Merah Saga, Chip Bee Gardens #01-52 Singapore 278116
Tel: +65 64799166
https://www.facebook.com/sundayfolks.singapore
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Tues-Sun)

Opened by the same team behind the very popular Creamier at Toa Payoh, they continue to serve the same thick eggy waffles, but now topped with soft serve. Expect to queue. They are popular.

Tart (The Star Vista)
#02-27C, The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green Singapore 138617 (Buona Vista MRT)
Tel: +65 62684491
https://www.facebook.com/TartSG
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm (Mon – Thu), 10:00am – 11:00pm (Fri – Sat), 10:00am – 10:00pm (Sun)

TART looks like a mini cottage nestled on Level Two of The Star Vista. Started by two recent graduates, TART is known for their specialty tarts that come in two main ranges – creamy and fruity. Try their Blueberry Cream Cheese Slice ($6.90) or Mini Specialty tarts of the following flavours: Cookies & Cream, Matcha Azuki and Raspberry (Box of 3 – $4.50, Box of 6 – $8, Box of 12 – $16).

Coffee: Nowhere (Rochester)
44 Rochester Park Singapore 139248 (Buona Vista MRT)
Tel: +65 90904332
https://www.facebook.com/coffeenowhere.sg
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 5:30pm

Call them Coffee Now-here rather than No-where. This Singapore-owned brand is first based in Malaysia (Beans are roasted there too) and made its way to Rochester Park. There is no aircon there, so you may want to make your way there on a cooler day

One Thing Kids Café (Bt Timah)
170 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Bukit Timah Shopping Centre #B2-17
Tel: +65 97881276

Something different. A Korean kids cafe located in Bukit Timah Shopping Centre. They serve a variety of desserts, coffee and drinks. A few of our hotsellers include Patbingsu (Red bean shaved ice), Raspberry Bingsu (Korean raspberry shaved ice) and Korean style waffles (Ice cream, fruits and plain).

Sync Korean Fusion Bistro (Westgate)
3 Gateway Drive #03-01/01A Singapore 608532
Tel: +65 63699913
https://www.facebook.com/syncbistro
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm

Although this is located in the popular Westgate, Sync Korean is quite a hidden find, located at a more obscure corner at Level 3 above Samsung. Other than modern Korean food, coffee & tea such as Iced Mocha ($7.50) and Ice Earl Grey Latte ($7.00), not to be missed is their awesome White Chocolate Taro Lava Cake served with ice cream ($10).

East – Bugis, Beach Road, Mountbatten

Laffio (Beach Road)
337 Beach Road Singapore 199565 (Near Nicoll Highway Mrt and Bugis Downtown MRT)
Tel: +65 6635 6668, +65 81388601
https://www.facebook.com/laffio.sg
Opening Hours: 10am to 12am (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Laffio is an abbreviation for “Laugh it out”. Really. This new restaurant and bar is a venture by two beer and food lovers, set out for like-minded friends and beloved family to gather, laugh and enjoy each other’s company over food, coffee and beers from various countries. Some of the must-tries are said to be Rub Steak ($29), Bread & Butter ($6) and Pappardelle with Bone Marrow and Octopus ($22).

The Hideout (Cassia Crescent)
Blk 32 Cassia Cresent #01-50 Singapore 390032 (Mountbatten MRT, 5 min walk from Exit A)
Tel: +65 64400971
https://www.facebook.com/thehideoutsg
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm Daily. Closed Tues

The Hideout specializes in artisan Italian gelato, made fresh in store (The owners previous brought in Ci Gusta). Also featuring fresh brewed coffee, pastries and foods made personally them. The café menu are of moderately priced comfort food influenced by Italian and Western cooking tradition, with buttermilk waffles, old-fashioned butterscotch, and salted caramel fudge are all made from scratch. Pizzas and pastas are priced from $9.90 to $12.90.

Awesome Coffee (Bugis)
200 Victoria Street Singapore 188021
Tel: +65 93889318
https://www.facebook.com/Awesomecoffeesg

Not to be confused with My Awesome Café a Telok Ayer, this is new café at Victoria Street. But they have not updated their Facebook and Instagram for a good few weeks. Hello, still in business?

Northeast – Rangoon

Old Hen Coffee Bar (Rangoon Road)
88 Rangoon Road #01-03 Singapore 218374 (Farrer Park MRT Exit B)
Tel: +65 63415458
https://www.facebook.com/oldhencoffee
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Mon), 12pm – 10pm (Wed-Fri), 10am – 10pm (Sat-Sun)

Located along Rangoon Road, Old Hen Coffee Bar is a specialty coffee shop which sits on the quieter side of the busy Farrer Park district. Coffee ($4 for 3oz white, long black, $5 for mocha) is bright and intense, a fairly decent cup, with beans used from Oriole’s Yellow Bird blend. Let’s wait for them to get a full menu ready. (Read: Old Hen Coffee Bar Rangoon Road)

I have at least 10 other new new cafes in my list, but they are either not blog-ready or declined exposure. The next 20, I think, will come really soon.

(Opening times and details correct at time of publishing, please check with their individual Facebook for updates – that’s if they bother to.)

Other Related Entries
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Sin Lee Foods (Bt Ho Swee)
Teddy and Me (Marina Square)

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The word ‘Sifu’ in Cantonese means ‘master’ or ‘teacher’, often used as a respectful form of address.

SIFU is also the name of a new Hong Kong café of sorts at Bugis Junction, and you may go in expecting they are the ‘master’ of many dishes. Well.

The interior does look quite promising, modern and clean, with a huge space and a little takeaway counter at the side for their buns (So enter from within Bugis Junction).

Food choices consist of soup noodles, dry noodles, master rice bowls, mains, bakery items and desserts. Looks Hong Kong-ish, but yet doesn’t carry the typical cha chaan teng stuff.

Let’s start with the possibly-good items.

The Master Ribs ($3.90) which are Sifu’s Carmelised Roasted Ribs were at least almost fork tender, though the piece slants to the drier side. The ribs strangely came with two pieces of ‘lao-hong’ keropok cracker, which does little to enhance the dish.

You can order their Signature Handmade Char Siew Bun or Custard Bun ($1.20 each) either as dine-in or takeaway. Okay, the buns were soft and inner char siew sweet enough, minute but at least quite tasty, But I wonder about the $1.20 price tag.

As for the SIFU Signature Roasted Chicken Thigh and Shrimp Dumplings Dry Noodles ($10.80), it was literally dry. Yes, the noodles clumped up together.

Actually, the sauce base was not too bad. The outer layer of the chicken had quite a workable marinate (somewhat reminded me of Hong Kong swiss chicken), but the meat didn’t pass the test – too dry, too tasteless. Perhaps not marinated long enough. Another one of those.

My friend had a possibly worse experience with the Soup Noodle. Ordered a horfun, but received a bee hoon instead. Service recovery almost non-existent. Soup was rather bland, and he described the dumplings as the “frozen supermarket type”.

Okay, okay. Some of the dishes were not that bad. The SIFU Signature Milk Pudding was at least delicate and smooth on its texture.

Read an online comment that the food standard was close to a foodcourt. I would concur with that at the moment. Maybe SIFU had some potentially promising concept and recipes, but perhaps not executed that well by its TUDI (disciples).

SIFU Hong Kong Master Ribs
Bugis Junction #01-69, 200 Victoria Street, Singapore 188021 (Bugis MRT)

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The post SIFU – Jack of All Trades, Master Of appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

[Penang, Malaysia] Penang Assam Laksa… CNN Travel ranked this 7th out of the 50 most delicious foods in the world.

If I am going back Penang again, and can only eat one item, the Assam Laksa will be it.

This popular stall at Jalan Pasar next to the Air Itam market, at the foot of a main tourist attraction Kek Lok Si Temple will be the place to try it.

You would notice this uncle (the owner) scooping up the aromatic soup in and out the bowl in quick succession, and he does this repeatedly so that the thick vermicelli gets covered thoroughly in the gravy and the dish stays hot.

He has a chain of staff helping with assembling the other key ingredients of cucumber, onions, red chillies, pineapple, lettuce, mint and ginger.

RM4! Each bowl only cost 4 Malaysian Ringgit (SGD$1.60, USD$1.30) which is such a steal.

Finding a couple of seats on a crowded weekend afternoon may cost some sweat and time, but rest assured this is well worth the wait.

The bowl arrived, brimming with Penang’s signature ‘hae ko’ (thick sweet prawn paste) and shredded mackerel fish. As you scoop up tablespoons, the strands of thick rice noodles are covered by the generous ingredients.

First bite… Umami! So Shiok, can! The soup is thick with balanced taste of sweet, sour and spicy, added with lingering touch of the prawn paste. It’s a small bowl, but satisfying, and some may want seconds.

Some other places of Penang Laksa include Joo Hooi Café at Jalan Penang, Taman Emas Coffee Shop at Jalan Gotlieb, Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, Kafe Lok Pin at Jalan Anson and Balik Pulau.

Just thinking about Air Itam Laksa makes me want to fly back there. I am sure I can’t find such a flavourful bowl of Assam Laksa back home.

Pasar Air Itam Laksa
Jalan Pasar Road, 11500 Air Itam, (Beside the Air Itam Market)
Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 8pm Daily

Other Related Entries
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[Penang, Malaysia] “Where’s Penang best coffee again?” Our guide then dropped us by the backlane, and we realised a crowd of people in a dark alley sandwiched between two old buildings.

Toh Soon Cafe 多春茶室, so discrete you won’t have thought this was a proper coffee place.

The tell-tale signs are groups and groups of people, some aimed with DSLRs, some wearing shades at 9am in the morning, all waiting to get a seat at some make-shift tables.

My friends eagle-hawked a table while I joined a line of 7-8 people. It was the blind leading the blind. A loud-voiced server went, “Don’t need to queue lah! Tell me your orders can already.”

Oh okay. The group of us found a table, kept waving and waving to the servers. No, we were ignored. Or they were too busy to bother about us. We thought, “It is because we are Singaporeans?”

Not really. Our Malaysian guide came to help order, but the server still continued not to acknowledge our presence. Till 20 minutes later.

In the meantime, we ordered some Nasi Lemak and ONE Curry Puff from a peddler, which turned out to be one of the best I ever eaten. Noticed I emphasized the ONE.

The friendly customer next table chit-chatted with us, “You lucky 30 minutes can get your food. Sometimes 1 to 2 hours not surprising.”

But seriously, the Hainanese coffee (RM1.70 for besar – large, RM$1.40 for kecil – small) was well-brewed, smooth, and fragrant, making it an irresistible cup of nostalgic tasting goodness.

Our toast finally came after 40 minutes (since the moment we arrived). We gave up on the eggs.

Charcoal-grilled the traditional way right in front of your eyes, by the Indian who had to bend down the whole day (we were thinking about his ergonomics), this had a crisp texture, spread with home-made kaya. Decent stuff, but not enough to warrant the wait.

Toh Soon is quite an experience, and I would come for its coffee. Weekdays may be a better option, and remember it’s closed on Sundays.

Toh Soon Cafe 多春茶室
184 Campbell Street, Off Penang Road, George Town, 10100 Penangaa
Tel : +604 2613754
Opening Hours: 8am-6pm (Closed on Sundays)

Other Related Entries
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FIX is an alfresco poolside cafe located in HomeTeamNS-JOM club in Balestier. Started by the team who own Grub in Bishan Park, this workshop-style cafe is built on the premise of ‘Original Homemade Goods’, featuring cakes, coffee, milkshakes and some savoury items made in-house daily.

From the name to its décor, we can see a rather ‘guyish’ viewpoint – which features one-of-a-kind furniture handmade from paint cans, wood panels and metal pipes. And there is a motorbike (real one) parked at the side.

So many new cafes in Singapore. (Read: 20 More New Cafes In Singapore). At least FIX tries to serve something different – Naanwiches. Being the owners of Cookyn Inc, guess they have a reputation to upkeep.

Flavours are Asian-inspired and not the usual run-of-the-mill, such as Beef & Kimchi, Chicken Tikka, Smoked Turkey Ham & Cheese, and Mushroom Feta (all $10, net price). I wanted to order the Korean Naanwich, but it wasn’t my destiny. Not available.

The Chicken Tikka was not bad, but wished the naan wrap wasn’t that dry and tough. “Microwaved ah?” (I might have asked that with a disappointed look.) The question was met with an embarrassing-sounding “Yes”.

Who would know the very next day, co-owner Amanda wrote me an email, “We have improved! We are now making the naanwiches fresh ala minute.” They really take customer feedback seriously.

We liked some of their savouries, such as the 3-Cheese Penne Gratin ($10), but pun-intended, they would require a trickle of FIXing. The cakes and pastries fared much much better.

They hit my weak spot with Liu Sha Donuts ($6). The mini, not-too-sweet fluffy donuts are served in a box of 6, with a dipping sauce at the side made with salted egg yolk custard. So clever. (If FIX can find a way to inject the Liu Sha in the donuts, it will be a sold-out.)

Strawberry Pistachio Rose Tart ($7) – pretty, a little dry though; Passionfruit, mango and coconut chiffon cake ($7) – smooth; Cacao Barry Chococolate Truffle Cake ($7) – rich and good; Twice-baked Sourcream Cheesecake ($7) – light, I like. Butterscotch Arabica Choux ($6) – The Winner!

With a pool-side view, friendly service, and yummy cakes, FIX is one of the cafes which stands out from the rest. Good news for our Muslim friends, they are applying for Halal-certification. Look out for updates.

FIX (Balestier)
31 Ah Hood Road, HomeTeamNS-JOM Clubhouse, #01-06, Singapore 329979 (15 min walk from Toa Payoh MRT)
Tel: +65 62561484
https://www.facebook.com/FIXsg
Opening Hours: 9.30am – 10.30pm Daily

Other Related Entries
20 More New Cafes In Singapore
New Cafes in Singapore – 25 More Cafe Hopping Spots!
Grub (Bishan Park)
Sin Lee Foods (Bt Ho Swee)
Old Hen Coffee Bar (Rangoon Road)

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While Japan has Jiro, Singapore has Shinji. Shinji by Kanesaka すし道真次 is commonly known to be the best Japanese sushi restaurant in Singapore, and also considered by many as one of the finest outside of Japan. (Read: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2014 and 10 Best Restaurants In Singapore – The Fine Dining Edition)

Tucked away at the iconic Raffles Hotel, Shinji by 2 Michelin-starred Chef Shinji Kanesaka is an Edo-style sushi restaurant, serving sashimi and sushi at the most superior quality at an intimate setting.

His motto: “I want to make sushi that I personally want to eat.”

The highest tier is the Omakase Shin ($450) which includes appetiser, assorted premium sashimi, assorted cooked dishes, sushi, soup and Japanese fruit. The next level Omakase Wa ($300) serves ‘normal’ sashimi without the ‘premium’.

If splurging is an issue, there is an Edomae Sushi set ($220) comes with 15 pieces of nigiri.

A friend of mine goes regularly for their Hana Lunch Set ($75), which she claims those 9 pieces of happiness bring her to heaven all the time.

I specially requested for Master Chef Koichiro Oshino, who crafted his sushi art from Ginza to Yamazato in Amsterdam.

He greets with an impeccable smile, moves in swift rhythms, and is intently serious at work. All the sushi chefs have shaved heads, no chains, no rings, no watches, symbolising that the restaurant is pure and clean.

After watching Jiro Dreams of Sushi, you would realise that customers are in awe, respect yet fear the sushi masters all at the same time.

I initially had some of that fear, but Chef Oshino was usually smiley during his momentarily breaks, humorous as he does his explanation in the most candid manner. There was a birthday celebration, and the chefs broke up in song and less of a dance.

Needless to say, the sushi is world-class, especially its tuna. The pinkish Chutoro (medium fatty tuna) was so fresh it can literally slide down the throat, Otoro (tuna belly) rich creamy with amazing sirloin feel, and Akami (red meat) where you could almost feel the tuna evaporating in your mouth.

Dessert was a slice of honeydew, one of those premium Japanese fruits which cost a 3-figure sum in a supermarket that I never got to courage to luxuriate. The slice was so unadulterated sweet it was truly amazing.

The dining experience was unfortunately marred by less-than-considerate customers. A couple was name-dropping and boasting about recent purchases at the top of their voices (Shinji is an imitate sushi bar so you can hear everything), another kept asking for wasabi top-ups, while one asked if the salmon could be cooked.

Chef Oshino dealt with most such requests with a polite laugh. Impressed.

Watching the skilled Japanese chefs at work feels like an art, orchestra, and performance at the same time. Shinji by Kanesaka is indeed one of the best, and as customers, we have to learn to respect their craft as well.

Shinji by Kanesaka すし道真次
Raffles Hotel #02-20 1 Beach Road (via Seah Street lobby) Singapore 189673.
Branch at St Regis Singapore
Tel: +65 6338 6131
reservations@shinjibykanesaka.com
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm (Lunch), 6pm -10.30pm (Dinner), Closed Sundays

Other Related Entries
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2014
10 Best Restaurants In Singapore – The Fine Dining Edition
Ki-Sho (Scotts Road)
Waku Ghin (Marina Bay Sands)
Bincho at Hua Bee (Tiong Bahru)

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There was Soi 19 Thai Wanton Mee, Soi 60 Thai Restaurant, and now a Soi 55 Thai Ice Tea stall.

The stall is so named due to the famous Sukhumvit Soi 55 street known for its exciting nightlife and cafe cultre, and 55 means ‘haha’ in Thai. You know that?

I have a heart for this stall at Golden Shoe – local start-up, opened by a young couple (one working, the other still studying), selling my favourite Cha Yen, and this is despite them not being Thais. The story of overcoming odds.

Soi 55 had been operating as a pop-up stall at local farmers’ markets and private events, and eventually found a space and settled down at a hawker stall at Golden Shoe Food Centre.

There are 4 basic drinks on sale, Thai Milk Tea, Milk Coffee, Rose Milk Tea, and Green Milk Tea ($2.50) with various toppings of sago (50c), pearls (30c) and red ruby (70c). Red rubies are chestnut in tapioca flour.

Of all, my personal favourite was still the original cha-yen. If you must know, I would order a glass every day when in Thailand.

Soi 55’s cha-yen is quite close to what I drank Sawadee-land, much better than diluted versions that many supposed Thai restaurants in Singapore serve.

There are distinct differences though, Soi 55′s version is less milky, a lot less sweet, and no crushed ice. (Somehow I am too used to Thai drinks with half portions of crushed ice.)

My guess is they wanted to suit the taste to local markets. Perhaps because the owners are just starting out, they try to incorporate customers’ feedback. Most OLs would request for ‘siu dai’, or less sugar (waan noi / mai waan maag). Though that’s not quite the real thing.

Rose Milk Tea with Red Ruby combination is my next favourite, and the hot versions ($2.30) are worth a try as they are more authentic tasting. I though the Green Milk Tea could do with more intense flavour, and Milk Coffee (kah-feh yen) needed further kick.

Soi 55′s drinks are promising. With some fine-tuning, I think they can grab the taste that we always crave for.

Soi 55
#02-19, 50 Market Street, Golden Shoe Food Centre, Singapore 048940
Tel: +65 90604594
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm (Mon-Fri)

Other Related Entries
Soi 60 (Robertson Quay)
Sawadee Thai Cuisine (Bugis)
Chang Thai 151 (Bishan)
Folks Collective (China Square)
Rochor Thai (Joo Chiat)

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[Penang, Malaysia] You can probably find some of the best street food in Penang alone, and it is there I discovered many old-school familiar tastes and nostalgic sites at every corner, especially around the charming George Town.

Penang is also the first overseas place I ever visited as a child, thus there are many fond memories associated. I love watching how the hawkers stir up a plate of fried noodles with such gusto and passion. Growing up in a fast urbanizing city, it’s a sight I miss.

Here are 10 of the Must Eat Street Food in Penang. (Though I must add the disclaimer that there are just too many places to include. Watch out for updates.)

Penang Laksa
I personally think Penang Laksa is the defining, must-eat, have to try food when you travel to there. There are many laksa variants around Asia, but Penang’s Assam Laksa is one of its kind. Containing mackerel fish flakes and signature thick prawn paste (I don’t think you can get such good ones anywhere else in the world), this is a bowl of tangy, savoury, sweet and spicy all together. One word – Shiok! Delicious lah! (Read: Pasar Air Itam Laksa )

Pasar Air Itam Laksa
Jalan Pasar Road, 11500 Air Itam
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 8pm

Joo Hooi Café
475, Jalan Penang
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 5:30pm

Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
Persiaran Gurney
Opening Hours: 6pm – 12am

Char Koay Teow
Many Penang locals call the Char Koay Teow, stir-fried rice noodles, the best street food. Some Penang versions use generous portions of seafood, duck eggs, and fry them on charcoal stoves skillfully, creating this distinctive ‘wok-hei’ (heat) which makes every mouthful hugely satisfying. The Penang style is usually sweeter and lighter than Singapore’s dark version.

Ah Leng Char Koay Teow
Restoran Tong Hooi (opp Kafe Khoon Hiang)
Opening Hours: Closes at 2:30pm

Kafe Heng Huat
108, Lorong Selamat
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 6pm

Kedai Kopi Sin Guat Keong
Lebuh Kimberly
Opening Hours: 6pm – 12:30am

Fried Oyster Omelette (Oh Chien)
While Taiwan has its own thick sweetish kind, and Thailand a crisper version, I still enjoy Penang’s Oh Chien – potato starch fried with eggs and oysters. Found a random Kah Kah Oyster Omelette stall opposite the famous Penang Cendul shop, and was surprised how fluffy the starch mixture, fragrant the omelette and fresh the oysters are. An oily guilty treat nevertheless, but worth its calories for now.

Yi Garden
Macalister Road
Opening Hours: 6pm – 10:30pm

Lam Ah Coffee Shop
Carnarvon Street
Opening Hours: 11pm- 3:30pm

Kah Kah Fried Oyster
Lebuh Keng Kwee

Cendol
Penang’s usually hot all year around, and a bowl of cooling Cendol becomes a must-have. Containing jelly ‘noodles’ with green colouring from pandan, red bean palm sugar, and shaved ice, the freshness of the coconut milk makes all that difference. Tourists go for the Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul, while the locals think otherwise.

Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul
27 & 29 Lebuh Keng Kwee
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 7:00pm (Mon-Fri), 10:00am – 7:30pm (Sat-Sun)

Joo Hooi Cafe
475, Jalan Penang
Opening Hours: 12pm – 5:30pm

New World Park
Lorong Swatow
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm

Prawn Noodles (Hae Mee)
Hokkien cuisines are known to have a more intense and richer taste, thus expect the same from Penang’s Hae Mee. (Sometimes, people get confused because both the prawn noodle soup and fried versions are call ‘Hae Mee’.) The broth is usually in a shade of orange, cooked by boiling prawn head and pork ribs for many hours, topped with deep fried shallot. Umami at its best.

Ah Soon Kor Har Mee
168, Jalan Macalister
Opening Hours: 6:30am – 1pm

One Corner Café
No 2, Jalan Bawasah
Opening Hours: 8am – 11am

Kwai Lock Café
295B, Jalan Burmah, Pulau Tikus
Opening Hours: 6:30am – 1:30pm

Wantan Mee
Thank you to my faithful travel mates who accompanied to try Wantan Mee every day. Penang’s Wanton Mee has an old-school style that I miss. Simple springy noodles with thinly cut roast pork tossed in black sauce, not forgetting the very fragrant pork lard.

Wan Tan Mee Stall
Lebuh Chualia (in front of furniture shop)
Opening Hours: 7:30pm – 11:30pm

Kwai Lock Coffee
295-B, Jalan Burmah
Opening Hours: 5:30am – 3pm

Swee Kong Coffee Shop
Pulau Tikus Jalan Burma (opp Pulau Tikus Police Station)
Opening Hours: 6am – 9am (Closed Mon, Thurs)

Curry Noodles
People around the world are snapping up MyKuali White Curry Instant Noodles, so why not try the real deal? A dish quite unique to Malaysia, this has yellow noodles or vermicelli in spicy curry soup. Though Penang’s version is usually less milky and lighter.

Sister’s Curry Noodles
Jalan Paya Terubong, Air Itam
Opening Hours: 8am – 1pm

Tua Pui Curry Mee Stall
No 23 Lebun Kimberly
Opening Hours: 9am – 5:30pm

Curry Mee Stall
Lebuh Chulia (in front of furniture shop)
Opening Hours: 7:30pm – 11:30pm

Lok Bak
Some call this ‘ngo hiang’ or five-spice pork roll, though more commonly known as Lok Bak in Penang. Most Lok Bak stalls sell this minced pork roll along with other ingredients such as fishcake, prawn fritters, and beancurd – deep-fried and dipped in sweet and sambal chilli sauces.

Kheng Pin Café
80 Penang Road
Opening Hours: 7am – 3pm (Closed Mon)

Hon Kei Food Corner
45 Kampung Malabar
Opening Hours: 9am – 3pm, 5pm – 12am (Closed Thurs)

Penang Rojak
Before I talk about Rojak, you must know that Penang is very famous for its fermented prawn paste, otherwise known as ‘hae ko’. This thick sweet black sauce defines a good Rojak- which means ‘mixture’ in Malay. Penang’s Rojak would usually add fruits such as guava, raw mangoes and green apples, and omit dough fritters and beancurd puffs. Imagine refreshing fruits with salty thick black sauce. Ah-hah.

Hock Seng Rojak King
Macallum Street (in front of Kedai Kopi Sin Hong Leong)
Opening Hours: 11am – 5pm

Kompleks Makanan Medan Renong
Jalan Padang Kota Lama
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm

Rojak at Penang Road Teochew Chendul Shop
27 & 29 Lebuh Keng Kwee
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 7:00pm (Mon-Fri), 10:00am – 7:30pm (Sat-Sun)

Mang Chang Kuih
In simple words, this is pancake. But wait till you try this. My guide recommended Anson Road’s as possibly the best mang chang kuih in town. Had the ham, cheese and mayo. Prepared by a 3rd generation owner, his grandpa, his papa also sold these pancakes. He was originally a hair stylist who decided to take over his family’s stall. We are kind of glad he did.

Anson Road Market Pancake
Anson Road (in front of Lok Pin Coffee Shop)
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm

Pulau Tikus Maket
B1-12B, Jalan PAsar
Opening Hours: 6:30am – 12pm

I must thank my local guide Alex, people we meet on the streets (Just ask. Penang people are very friendly!), and several friends for their food recommendations.

Of course, the Penang locals would know best where to get the best food, so do leave a comment, because I intend to go back, hopefully very soon. (And a token street art photo at George Town.)

Other Penang Entries
Pasar Air Itam Laksa (Penang)
Toh Soon Cafe (Penang)

The post 10 Must Eat Street Food In Penang – The Penang Food Guide! appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

A meal created for a movie? We should have more of these. Saveur, known for its affordable French fare, is adding some touches of Indian to its “The Hundred-Foot Journey” set meal.

It is obvious that I am a fan of ‘food movies’, and The Hundred-Foot Journey about the cultural clashes between a French restaurateur and a new Indian restaurant in a small French country town looks set to set some stomachs growling. And drama-comedic sparks flying.

Especially when it starts Helen Mirren. (Hail to the queen!)

The Hundred-Foot Journey X Saveur Set Meal
This French-Indian 3-course fusion meal, which consists of Seafood Bouillabaisse, Lamb Shoulder and Tarte Au Citron ($36.90++), is created exclusively for the release of The Hundred-Foot Journey in Singapore, and is limited till 14th September.

As the movie is set in the south of French, Saveur owners Dylan and Joshua decided to include bouillabaisse – a typical dish from Marseille in Southern France, into this special menu.

The classic dish also known as ‘fish stew’, is loaded with fresh sea bass, cod, mussel and clam, in a thick rustic tasting stock made from lobster and fish.

The Indian element comes in the form of braised Lamb Shoulder, marinated with curry de madras (a supposedly fairly hot curry sauce) and served with a side of coco bean cassoulet.

We were all looking forward to the dessert, usually a forte of Saveur, this time coming in the form of a deconstructed Tarte Au Citron.

There were many elements in the dessert, like how sable breton (a type of French biscuit) is mixed with smooth lemon curd; and sweet vanilla mousseline went with tangy lemon gelee.

I figure that the creator wanted to show how clashes can be balanced – echoing the central theme of The Hundred-Foot Journey. Clever.

Saveur
5 Purvis Street #01-04 Singapore 188584 (Bugis MRT)
Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road #01-7B Singapore 228213 (Orchard MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm, 11:30am – 9pm

The Hundred-Foot Journey X Le Cordon Bleu Pop-up Diner
Other than the Saveur set menu, another culinary fringe event which may interest fellow foodies is a Le Cordon Bleu Pop-Up Diner, happening on 23 & 24 August at PasarBella from 10am to 7pm.

This is the first time Le Cordon Bleu is doing a pop-up diner in Singapore, and they will be doing cooking demonstrations throughout the day, preparing traditional madeleines and omelette aux fines herbes, inspired by ‘The Hundred-Foot Journey’. Plus, attendees get to do free sampling of the dishes whipped up at the demos.

The Hundred-Foot Journey Movie
The Hundred-Foot Journey already sounds like a tasty film, about the culinary pursuits of a displaced Indian chef who opens an Indian restaurant in a quaint village south of France. He meets with opposition from the proprietress of a Michelin-starred French restaurant, and starts on an unlikely rivalry and friendship.

5 reasons why I want to catch the movie
1. Traditional Indian cuisine meets classic French food…the food scenes should leave one hungry for more.
2. Academy award winning actress Helen Mirren stars in it…
3. And I want to hear her nail the French accent.
4. Director Lasse Hallström is also behind one of my other favourite food movies – Chocolat.
5. Did I mention that the producers are Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Juliet Blake?

Oprah Winfrey wanted to produce a film adaption of one of her favourite novels because “Food blends cultures and allows us to have just a little peek into someone else’s life…” Sounds like a delicious, moving and inspirational film to catch.

*This blogpost is brought to you by Walt Disney Studios Singapore. The Hundred-Foot Journey will be released in theaters on August 28, 2014.

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