Marmalade Pantry at the Stables: A Dose of Countryside Romance

_MG_2288-001

As a newly married young couple, my husband and I are constantly looking out for restaurants that offer romantic atmosphere. Sometimes, especially on special occasions, it’s gonna be more than just cheap and good food. The perfect ambience matters a lot to us and I must say that Marmalade Pantry at the Stables fits the bill. It’s tucked away in the lush greenery of Bukit Timah Saddle Club and you might even catch a glimpse of the horses if you swing by for brunch! As for the food, there were some hits and misses but the overall dining experience was a great one.

Sweet Red Pepper and Tomato Soup, $10

We had a few starters for sharing. Just by taking a whiff of the Sweet Red Pepper and Tomato Soup ($10) is enough to whet one’s appetite. I quite liked the strong, tangy flavors.

Pan Seared Haloumi, $21

Mildly salty cheese cubes in this Pan Seared Haloumi ($21) dish went well with the tomato slices. This is not your everyday starter! Highly recommended for cheese lovers.

Mexican Chicken Salad, $22

This doesn’t look like salad, does it? With crispy tortilla and chicken bits drizzled in salsa sauce, I’m sure most of us would love this Mexican Chicken Salad ($22)!

Crab Caesar, $22

This plate of Crab Caesar ($22) turned out to be my favorite starter of the night! Chunks of crab meat sweetened the deal for this dish.

Basque Chicken, $30

The Basque Chicken ($30) proved to be well marinated given its tender, juicy texture accompanied by somewhat strong flavours coming through.

Pan Roasted Red Snapper, $28

I personally found the Pan Roasted Red Snapper ($28) to be mediocre. Something that will fill your stomach but will not leave you impressed.

Fish and Chips

Same goes for the Fish and Chips. In fact, the breading was a little thick for my liking.

Spaghetti Carbonara, $24

Definitely the star of the night, the Spaghetti Cabonara ($24) was like a godsend just before desserts were served. Coming from a cream-based pasta fan, I might sound biased but I reckon everyone enjoyed this as much as I did! Al dente spaghetti and savoury bacon strips tossed in thick creamy sauce, this is one hell of a dish that everyone must go for.

Granny Smith and Stem Ginger Pudding, $13

What I liked most about the Granny Smith and Stem Ginger Pudding ($13) was the salted caramel ice cream!

Sea Salt Caramel Cheese Cake, $8

I didn’t really fancy the Sea Salt Caramel Cheese Cake ($8). Probably would have appreciated it if it was more moist.

Sticky Date and Toffee Pudding, $12

I have always had a thing for sticky date pudding! The Sticky Date and Toffee Pudding ($12) gets my vote. It was light, slightly spongy with a chewy kueh-like texture and not exceedingly sweet!

Cupcakes

If you don’t already know, Marmalade Pantry’s cupcakes sell like hot (cup)cakes in Singapore!

Red Velvet ($4.50) and Rum & Raisin ($4.80)

Psst.. Give the legendary Red Velvet ($4.50) a try, will you? Can’t stomach all that after dinner? You can choose to takeaway these cupcakes! Makes a good breakfast or afternoon snack with tea!

Group Photo

Thank you FoodNews and Marmalade Pantry for the invite.

Pantry at the Stables
55 Fairways Drive
Singapore 286848
Tel: 6467 7748

Opening Hours
Daily
10am – 10pm

Indulge in “Flavors of the World” at Novotel’s The SQUARE

misterchewy and missuschewy

It was a perfect day to chill and relax when misterchewy and I were out of office on a particular weekday. We took this opportunity to sleep in and later headed off to Hotel Novotel at Clarke Quay for lunch!

_MG_2148

Located atop the 7th storey of a prominent business hotel Novotel Singapore Clarke, The SQUARE is a hip and modern restaurant that boosts of an interactive ‘live’ cooking experience where guests can interact directly with the chefs and have their desired dish prepared in the open kitchen, as they move through the different stations.

_MG_2154

Recently launched at The SQUARE is a new concept that promises to satiate the taste buds of its customers and patrons. Strategically termed as “Flavours of the World with a Local Twist”, the concept gives foodies a chance to embark on the most delicious journey of their life, tasting food specialties from east to west, without actually leaving Singapore.

_MG_2096

The cold selection is dismally limited and there weren’t any oysters to being with. However, fret not as a larger selection will be made available on weekends.

_MG_2151

Now, this looks interesting and I was naturally drawn to this section. I think this Claypot idea is a brillant one as it keeps the food hot. Another plus point is that the food gets more flavorful with time!

_MG_2116

We sampled the Chicken Fried Rice, claypot style, which was simple and satisfying.

_MG_2120

We thought it was odd that we found pieces of mock char siew in the Fried Kway Teow but later found out that this is a vegetarian dish. But honestly, what’s char kway teow without all that lard and cockles?

_MG_2112

I figure that the Risotto and Pasta corner would be a big hit. It’s not very often that buffets serve risotto cooked a la minute. Don’t ever leave without trying this! I loved the risotto’s smooth and creamy consistency without being thick and clumpy. If you want some meat to go along with your risotto, parma ham would be a good choice!

_MG_2123

And it’s impossible to miss out on everybody’s favorite Laksa! What stood out was not the laksa gravy, which in my opinion was slightly oily, but the smooth and bouncy thick beehoon.

_MG_2146

The SQUARE has quite a delightful variety of desserts! Just look at these dainty Muffins in different flavors 🙂

_MG_2125

Raspberry Mousse in a sweet pink shade, anyone?

desserts

I would personally recommend the Tiramisu and Durian Pengat. Go for seconds if you can!

_MG_2160

Thank you Novotel for the invitation.

The Square Restaurant
Novotel Clarke Quay Singapore (Level 7)
177A River Valley Road
Singapore 179031
Tel: 6338 3333

Lunch:
Adult – $38++
Child – $20++
Senior Citizen – $25 nett

Dinner (Sun to Thu)
Adult – $48++
Child – $30++
Senior Citizen – $30 nett

Dinner (Fri & Sat BBQ Night)
Inclusive of 1 complimentary glass of wine or beer
Adult – $58++
Child – $38++
Senior Citizen – $38 nett