Bistro @ DUO Review

I initially thought Bistro@DUO was probably a cafe of sorts serving a full service dinner. However, when I reached the venue, I was quite surprised this was not the case. I feel it is more a bar serving a full service meal. Bistro@DUO is probably still relatively new, located at the other end of the main food area in DUO Gallery, facing Virgin Active. You could see strong loyal supporters, serious drinkers all huddling and having their Friday night drinks. In fact they even have a live band, a small band which still helps to build an atmosphere in the pub. Actually I do quite like the concept, not being much of a drinker, it would be a great place for after work hang out with colleagues, for those who love to drink can drink to their bellies full, and those who preferred a proper meal could enjoy the gathering as well.

I thought the food at Bistro@DUO was pretty reasonable and also well executed. It serves mostly western fare, and some with a Asian twist. I particularly like the sambal fish with rice, though it was not the usual stingray you would find at hawker centers, it was just as good, if not better. Their popular item is the mangalica pork slab, which I felt was a little thin and tough, otherwise pretty good in terms of taste. I could classify this place a drinking spot serving a good decent fare. Great if you are in the Bugis area and want to be away from the crowds.

Bistro@DUO
#01-25/26 Duo Galleria
7 Fraser St, 189356
Nearest MRT: Bugis

Dancing Crab

Do crabs dance? I must say that Dancing Crab has a cute and adorable name for a restaurant. This is the second time I am venturing out to try a restaurant that is non-Chinese based. Most of my crab repertoire has been chilli, black pepper, or salted egg Sri Lankan crabs in the usual Chinese seafood restaurants like Jumbo, House of Seafood, Crab Party.

With this new concept of Louisiana-style way of eating crabs that have hit the shore of Singapore - eating crabs on the table with your hands minus the cutlery is definitely a fun and messy experience. The meal doesn't come cheap, though, with an average of $30 per head.

Located at Orchard Central, Dancing Crab is easily accessible with the MRT, and away from the crowds milling around shopping. We had the Combo Bag of 1 Sri Lankan Crab, with Prawns and Clams cooked in garlic sauce. Carbs included were Corn on Cob and Potato. The garlic butter sauce was superb, and made me want to scoop out the sauce with some bread and devour it to the fullest. I for one do not like garlic, but cooked this way, it is irresistible. This Combo Bag alone was actually enough for the 3 of us, but under the recommendation of the server, we added on a side of fries and a lobster roll (which came with fries again). So in the end, we were left with too much food. The lemonade was a delicious thirst quencher, and the different flavored concoctions made the drink a whole lot more fun.

Dancing Crab
Orchard Central
Unit 07-14/15
Singapore 238896
Tel:6509 1878
Nearest MRT: Somerset

Prive Cafe waterfront dining among the rich and famous

I lost count of the number of times I have been to Prive Cafe. Be it brunch, dinner, or tea, this place has such a gorgeous view, to me it must rank as one of the romantic spots to bring your date for a meal. 

Located at Keppel Bay, Prive Cafe it is a good 20 minute walk from Vivocity. So choose your time to travel there if on foot. You will not be disappointed with the view with luxurious boats dotting the harbor. Prive Cafe serves up western food, fairly decent, substantial fare. I particularly like their Truffle Fries, and personally I think it's one of the better ones in Singapore (apart from Au Chocolat). They have a wide selection of desserts, and to me I though it was pretty good, on the sweet side. However, the chocolate connoisseurs in my midst were not too impressed with the chocolate used in the chocolate tarts. 

What I like is after a meal at Prive Cafe, we can actually take a leisurely stroll around the Keppel Bay area, it is really pretty especially in the night. As it offers both air-con and alfresco dining, be sure to make reservations to be assured of a seat. 

Prive Cafe
Marina at Keppel Bay
2 Keppel Bay Vista
Singapore 098382
Tel: +65 6776 0777
Email: info@prive.com.sg
MRT: Habourfront (20 minute walk)

Opening Hours:
Mondays to Sundays: 9am - 12am

Sarnies Cafe at Telok Ayer Street

Being at Sarnies you would will think you are in another country. I heard from a friend that this place belongs to an Australian, and the effort taken to create a environment for fellow Aussies to hang out is incredible with it's barbecue nights and fabulously thick sandwiches that don't skimp on the ingredients. The food here is wholesome and healthy, just like what your mom would pack for you if she had all the time in the world.

Almost invisible to the passerby with it's black awnings, you will have to know this place otherwise you will just miss it. Sarnies is one of those hole in the wall cafes that don't give a care about decorating the place, laid out in simple benches that makes you think you are out in the bush.

Both soup and chicken sandwich that I had was hearty and healthy, worth every bite. Sandwiches start from $14 which is rather steep but since their portion sizes is huge you can share the food and cost with your lunch mate. 

Sarnies Cafe
136 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068601
Tel: 6224 6091
MRT: Telok Ayer
Opening hours:
Mon to Fri: 7:30 am - 10.00 pm
Sat and Sun: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Cocotte in the heart of Bugis with communal style dining

Once in a while you stumble upon great dining finds and all you wanna do to clap really loudly and tell all your friends about it. After many misses I finally found a restaurant worth shouting about and that's Cocotte located at Wunderlust hotel at 2 Dickson road. It is just a stones throw away from Sim Lim. 

The place is decorated industrial chic with metal chairs and wooden table tops. What's great is the large tables and spaciousness about it. A place that you don't have to shout above the din and have a fabulous time catching up with friends. The food is most suited for sharing. While waiting for my friends I enjoyed a cup of earl grey ice tea. Though the food menu did not have many  choices, each item was done to perfection that makes you want to come back again. We had grilled cauliflower and squid which was a winning appetizer and also hormone free roast chicken. For once I was happily eating the chicken without being concern of the amount of hormones injected. And it tasted so fresh and tender you knew it was not frozen stuff. 


Coffee was just about average as the foam was not well executed. Dessert was quite delicious though the sour lemon pie was not as sour as I would have loved it to be. Above all it was a lovely experience and one that I am looking forward to repeat in the near future. 

Cocotte industrial chic dining

Cocotte lovely side of roasted cauliflower, squid and spinach

Cocotte homone free roast chicken

Cocotte sour lemon pie

Au Chocolat Divine Chocolate Dining

Once in a while you chance upon places that gets a thumbs up. Maybe not all the food items on the menu, but good enough that warrants another trip back, also because it's quite a good deal. 

I have passed by Au Chocolat many times on my way to Gardens By The Bay, and would often pick up a cone of gelato on the way; glancing longingly that one day I would have tea at Au Chocolat.

A recent friend's birthday gave the the chance to try this place out, since she wanted to eat at Marina Bay Sands. I was initially hesitant, as other friends had commented that you either liked or not liked the food, because of the chocolate laced in some of the food dishes.

For myself I decided on the king's breakfast, my friends tried the duck and the ribs (which were both winners). To me the king's breakfast was a let down, because it was nothing really special. A wonderful winner is also the truffle fries. Long thick truffle fries with chocolate dipping sauce. It is superb. I have tried truffle fries at quite a few places like Prive Bakery, PS Cafe, and this I must say its one of the better places. I would also say that dining at Au Chocolate did not burn a hole in the pocket as the food is reasonably priced, especially with the large portion sizes. The chocolate cheese cake was a winner, though not the tiramisu cheese cake. There are hits and misses, but I must say it's still worth a trip down for a good meal. 

Au Chocolate has since closed it's doors at Marina Bay Sands :(. Looking forward to see where they pop up next in Singapore! So miss their truffle fries!

Interesting ceiling mural at Au Chocolat

Delicious Chocolate cheese cake

Au Chocolat duck confit

Au Chocolat truffle fries

Au Chocolat king breakfast

Astons - Cheap Western Dining in Singapore

It used to be Jack's Place or Swensens one would go to for a decent and reasonably priced western meal of chicken or steak and potatoes. Astons has now well overtaken by pricing its food way lower than its competitors. Initially starting off in neighbourhood food centres its has branched off into shopping malls in Singapore.

Recently I had the chance to try out Astons at Bugis+ which is directly connected to Bugis Junction on the second floor by a link bridge. Astons is particularly liked by the youth as they can have a decent meal with a place to hang out under S$10. I tried the charcoal chicken with a macaroni cheese side and potato wedges and I must say I was pleasantly surprise the quality and cooking result. It was comparable and even cheaper than global brands like Kenny Rogers and Nandos. A place I would certainly come back again. The only thing I would have to deal with would be the long wait for my meal. So I would recommend dining during off peak hours!

Astons Chargrilled Chicken