CURIOUS PALETTE...

The long weekend was full of rest and relaxation! I took full advantage of being able to catch up with some friends at this fantastic new find Curious Palette. 

Curious Palette is tucked away on Prinsep Street. A strip which is usually pretty lively in the evenings but was exceptionally quiet on Sunday. It's not a spot that I frequent very often, as I never really venture into town on the weekends. However, after discovering Curious Palette I may very well be spending more time here in the future! 

It's a family-friendly brunch spot which was perfect for Rachael and baby Ava! First impressions are that it's cosy and warm, which was great as there was an almighty storm brewing when I arrived! I took advantage of half an hour on my own reading my book and drinking English Brekkie Tea! I really do wish I drunk coffee as the menu looked very interested. Wasted on me though! 

I was the first person to arrive bang on 9am! Keen! And was amazed that when we left the place was packed. So unless you're an early bird and arrive at 9am I would suggest you make a reservation as people were being turned away when we were leaving at 1pm. Yep, we stayed four hours! Why? Because it was just so comfortable and the food was delicious! 

The all-day brunch menu is extensive and on offer from 9am, except for Tuesdays as they are closed. I decided to go for the Smashed Avocado on Focaccia with Feta cheese, poached egg, sesame seed mix, seasoned cherry tomatoes and bacon! It didn't disappoint. There were so many more dishes on the menu that I was keen to try! The Corned beef scotch egg will be my next choice when I visit again for sure! 

I would highly recommend Curious Palette. The brunch was tasty and the restaurant itself has a really nice ambience. When the place got full it was a lot louder than when I first arrived, but that's to be expected as the place is deceivingly bigger than what it looks like from outside. I even discovered after leaving that they have a second floor that is available for private event bookings. It's definitely one to remember and as it's open until 10pm week nights I would even be tempted to head back for dinner one night!


Curious Palette can be found at 64 Prinsep Street. Open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 9am - 10pm and Friday & Saturday 9am - Midnight. For more information visit their Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/curiouspalette/

THE LITTLE BASTARD...

No this isn't a rude post! So apologies if you have taken offence. This is in fact the name of a very cool secret bar that Jill, David and I discovered on Friday night. We had been to Char at Jalan Besar and were looking for a place to have a post dinner drink. A short work away we found the Little Bastard...

"Little Bastard is not your average illegitimate child. Born of mixed parentage with Thai and Chinese roots, you can expect a myriad of oriental explorations involving a whole lot of flavours. Blending the lines between culinary and cocktail mixology, this Little Bastard explores unorthodox and modern techniques to recreate childhood favourites. You can expect cold tom yum dip noodles and sous vide lemon barley gins."

Although we were only there for drinks Little Bastard does serve up a number of sharing plates and signature dishes that are influenced by both Thai and Cantonese cuisine. On this occasion we didn't eat, we just worked our way through quite an extensive drinks menu! 

Simply Yeo's (Botanical and Refreshing)

Gin Sous-Vide with Lemon Peel, Barley & Pandan Leaves, Bird's Nest, Fresh Lemon Juice and Simple Syrup

Not Your Average Chendol (Creamy and Sweet)

Jaegermeister sous-vide with Pineapple, Gula Melaka Syrup, Coconut Cream and Pandan Syrup

Little Bastard is quite hidden away. But, once you get to the Refinery it's actually quite easy to find. Just tell the service crew that you are looking for the Little Bastard and they will show you how to get in. The bookshelf at the back of the restaurant may not be what it seems at first! I'd really love to visit again and have a go at the food menu!

For more information check out the website http://www.therefinery.sg/little-bastard/

BEDOK RESERVOIR...

Despite living in Singapore nearly seven years, there are still so many places that I haven't been! Bedok Reservoir being one of them! I've just returned from a 12km walk around the reservoir and back home. It's been an incredibly hot day, which actually started with a hangover, but the walk has done me the world of good in more ways than one. The exercise is obviously the first thing, the second is introducing me to another area of Singapore that I never knew existed! 

Bedok Reservoir Park is popular amongst joggers and water sports enthusiasts. A converted sand quarry, the park surrounds the 88-hectare Bedok Reservoir, making it a great place for water activities. The track around the park is 4.3km in total and has spectacular views all around the reservoir. 

I'm currently signed up for a few runs later int he year so I think I'm going to have to make more of Bedok Reservoir to train. Thankfully, the park is quite well lit and can be used early in the morning or later in the evening. The paths aren't all fully shaded though, and despite wearing sunscreen I still managed to catch some sun. Oooopppps. There are several water fountains along the course as well as WaWaWa Bistro which is a restaurant/cafe located in the sculpture garden of the park. 

Odd, but rather intriguing were these tall poles that have been erected for bird enthusiasts. Owners bring their birds during the cooler morning and sit listening to them singing throughout the day.