SUGARHAUS
Sugarhaus has opened its second outlet in Tampines 1 mall in a tie-up with United Overseas Bank where the dessert parlour operates from the bank's adjoining retail space. Known as Bing Qi Lin before it was rebranded as Sugarhaus in 2016, its flagship outlet is at Serene Centre at the junction of Bukit Timah Road and Farrer Road.
The 26-seater second outlet shares the same brunch menu as its first, albeit a more streamlined one, as well as a selection of locally inspired ice cream.
Diners can power through the day with the Sourdough Toast, with a choice of four accompaniments such as Truffled 63 Degree Eggs ($8 nett), Smoked Salmon, Dill, Cream Cheese and Capers ($9) and Whole Sliced Avocado, Honey & Homemade Dukkah ($12).
Another option is the Vietnamese Beef Stew ($16, above) - beef brisket braised in traditional Vietnamese spices and served with sourdough.
Made from scratch in-house, the ice creams come in a variety of flavours created by owner-founder Stanley Seow. A single scoop goes for $3.80. Those looking to indulge can opt for the premium flavours (extra $1 for each scoop).
While fans will be happy to find familiar flavours such as Dutch Chocolate and Thai Milk Tea, what sets the second outlet apart from the first is the focus on locally inspired flavours such as Taro, Coconut Kaya and Durian. Other flavours include Hojicha, Apple Pie, White Chocolate Raspberry and Black Forest. Diners can pair their ice cream with Sugarhaus' crispy and fluffy Waffles ($6.50).
Takeaway pints are also available at $12 for regular flavours and $16 for the premium ones. Where: 01-31 Tampines 1, 10 Tampines Central 1 Open: 10am to 10pm daily Info: Call 6314-2247, e-mail hello.sugarhaus@gmail.com or go to facebook.com/sugarhaus
TAKAYAMA
At Takayama, the newly opened kappo-style restaurant at Downtown Gallery, executive chef Taro Takayama and his team prepare its multi-course menu in front of diners.
At the heart of dining at Takayama is the spirit of omotenashi or whole-hearted Japanese hospitality. The main dining room of the 1,184 sq ft, 32-seater restaurant features two kappo counters for seven and five diners, as well as a booth that seats two and another for four. There are also two private dining rooms that accommodate six and eight guests.
Formerly chef de cuisine at Mandarin Orchard Singapore, chef Takayama began his career at three-Michelin-starred restaurants Kashiwaya and Koryu in Osaka, before being appointed master chef at the residence of the Japanese ambassador to Singapore, where he served dignitaries such as Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
For Takayama's seasonal lunch sets, main dish choices are Saikyo miso black cod ($68++), grilled kinmedai ($88++), stewed agu pork ($68++) or grilled Kumamoto wagyu beef ($98++, above) and the set includes items such as housemade tofu, seasonal otsukuri, pickled vegetables and Hokkaido rice.
Seasonal kaiseki dinner options range from the eight-course Tasting menu ($190++) reflecting the Takayama cuisine concept to the 11-course Takayama menu ($380++, requires two days' advance notice) of premium seasonal ingredients from Japan. Where: 01-09/10 Downtown Gallery, 6A Shenton Way Open: Noon to 2.30pm and 6.30 to 10pm (Mondays to Fridays), 6.30 to 10pm (Saturdays), closed on Sundays and public holidays Info: Call 6224-0864, e-mail enquiry@takayama.com.sg or go to takayama.com.sg
TA-DA! THE BISTRO
Ta-da! The Bistro - located in busy Bras Basah Road in the neighbourhood of educational institutions such as Singapore Management University, School of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts - serves Asian fusion food, brunch and local delights.
The 80-seater bistro, with outdoor seating, is decorated with drawings on the wall by its staff.
One of the menu highlights is Honey Miso Wings ($9.90++, above), marinated in fermented beancurd paste. Another is Har-glio Olio, an aglio-olio style pasta tossed in extra virgin olive oil infused with garlic and chilli flakes and served with three plump prawns.
Other highlights include XL Chicken ($15.90++), Ta-da!'s version of the Taiwanese XXL fried chicken.
For those who prefer a quick bite, try Prawn Fritters ($9.90++), Popcorn Chicken ($7.90++), Fish Fingers ($7.90++) or the Roll n Go! grilled chicken wrap, a typical late-night snack served early ($6.90++).
Drink recommendations include Yuzu Mint Mojito ($4.90++), a virgin mojito of Korean sugared yuzu, fresh mint leaves and sparkling soda; and Man-goes Sunset ($4.90++), coconut cream, mixed with sweet mangoes and strawberries . Where: 01-03A Manulife Centre, 51 Bras Basah Road Open: 11am to 9pm (Mondays to Saturdays) Info: Call 6560-0859 or 8374-6334, or go to facebook.com/bistrotadaswaggie
Ronald Kow
• Opening a restaurant? Send the details to stlife@sph.com.sg
