Avanti Espresso

Date: 19th February 2012

Address: 7 Rodyk Street, #01-32, The Watermark @Robertson Quay

Opening Hours: Daily 7:30am - 9pm

Nearest MRT station : Clarke Quay

My friends and i have been having sunday tea together for quite a few times and this place probably fails in comparison but nevertheless, it's a nice and quaint place, one I may return to try their main dishes, but only if I'm in the area. The place is italian, just like many of the bistros along Robertson Quay, staff are very friendly and likable. 

Coffee was good and strong, came in a set with the chocolate ice cream crepe I had in the picture below. S$8.90. 

I've read in other food blogs that this place often gives good deals like 9.90 lunch sets so I assume that's probably their marketing way of attracting customers (which is perfectly suitable for me). 

Crepe was thick and soft, Chocolate ice cream was, well, chocolate ice cream. Nothing to go ga-ga over. 

But i like the crepe this way. Though my friend suggested you could buy pre-made mixes, make them yourself and still get the same result. 

A friend had a savory crepe, Chicken breast and leek. Good, slightly salty but I liked it. 

We shared a little dessert, the Choco Lava cake with icecream, which was S$7.90. 

There was nothing to boast about honestly, the lava didn't even ooze out. 

Oh well, maybe they'll enchant me the next time I visit, but for now, my appetite craves for better. 

Heart of House (CLOSED)

Date : 6th February 2012
Address : 4 Kim Tian Road 169245
Opening hours: Daily 11am -12am
Nearest MRT station : Tiong Bahru
Phone Number : 62747448

This is a place I would highly recommend. I myself will probably be a regular customer. 

Just before you scroll down, i should point out that they don't have Gst & Service charges, which makes the food even more reasonably priced.

The place has a warm setting with rather high ceilings and simple wooden furniture. I assume the boss left the old flooring as it is and i give him credit because it gives people a nostalgic 60's feeling. There aren't many seats, it's a small place but it's suitable for nice get together with old school mates or family.
I would recommend always giving them a call to make reservations, even if it's a weekday night.  

What's also special about them is they have unique beers on tap, I haven't tried them but I will in time to come.  

I had a taste of these 2 ciders, one from UK (Thatcher's) and the other from Sweden (Kopparberg) I really liked the latter cos the pear flavor made it sweet, different from thatcher's cos it's slightly bitter. 

The highlight of HOH will probably be the fact that they import a wide range of beers/ciders, 40-50 of brands from different countries. Ranging from: 

Belgium 

Sweden

Taiwan

UK 

The boss was very nice to let me take photographs even thought it was full house on a weekday night. 

THE FOOD 

Vegetarian Pasta : 

Cooked in Aglio Olio style, I was thinking it'd be bland by the looks of it but it was pleasantly tasteful and very refreshing. S$16 

Calamari was so-so but cheap! S$5.00

Nachos was good! But as usual, you'll have to eat it quickly cos when the chips turn soggy they lose their flavor. Reasonable portion for S$12 

Chimichanga!!!! I love chimichanga, and thought this was a good version of it. I asked to have no rice in it though because I don't fancy mexican rice. I had it with minced beef, along with bell peppers, jalapenos, tomatoes and mixed cheese. This was served with salsa, sour cream and corn chips. S$16 

Fajitas with Beef : Portion was big and very delicious. Served with bell peppers, the beef was cooked with mexican herbs & spices, accompanied with a generous portion of flour tortillas, shredded lettuce, re-fried beans, salsa, sour cream, corn chips and home-made guacamole.  

S$20

Heart of House Special Pasta S$16 

It looks plain but it surprised me with a strong flavor of bacon in the noodles (which were just right, not too dry and not too oily). In the dish were sauteed onions, garlic, bacon, mushroom topped with chilli flakes, black pepper and finished off with an egg.  I usually avoid having Aglio Olio pasta cos im afraid it'll turn out too oily, but this was balanced well. This pasta is one of those dishes when you can't stop eating it, bite after bite. It wasn't mine so i had to consciously refrain from stealing my friend's dinner haha. 

I definitely wanna try their breakfast one day!!! Let's see if they are "all-rounded" 

  

Plus Rogue Chocolate Stout sounds interesting, shall try that the next time. 

I like this place, it's one of those comfort restaurants where you can sit with a few friends and just try everything on the menu because not having gst and svc charge makes it feel so reasonable. Plus it's near central city area, so it's a convenient place to set.