Jones the Grocer @ Dempsey Hill Singapore

We trust that this place doesn’t require any formal introduction as many would have been to or heard of this place. Jones the Grocer is an Australian gourmet food retailer which offers amongst their grocery their brunches, breakfast, desserts and food for our soul. Jones the Grocer has 2 outlets in Singapore, with the one at Mandarin Gallery being the newer one.

We were at the Dempsey Hill outlet on a bright and sunny afternoon and of course a lazy afternoon which dampen our mood for anything but lazing around for brunches. Be prepared to queue when you are planning a breakfast or brunch there. While there were only the 2 of us, we were lucky to get a table fairly quickly. The weather was so humid and warm on that day, which made me chose a ice cold latte over my daily cup of hot coffee although I did felt remorseful over my choice later on. The latte was bland and I could hardly taste the bitter taste of the coffee beans that I would have preferred. Oh well, at least the ice cold drink was good for a hot weather like this. My SO ordered their Earl Grey tea which came in a delicate serving tray and cute little tea pot. The tea was fragrant, just like your average tea bag. We guess drinks were not their forte though.

Food wise, we ordered their big breakfast equivalent – Jones English Breakfast and the club sandwich. Jones English Breakfast is a dish with everything which allows one to have poached/scrambled eggs, grilled bacon, pork sausages, sauteed mushroom, 2 thick slices of bread and roasted tomato. All was good except that we would have preferred bread with a softer nature. The bread was too hard for our liking.

The club sandwich on the other hand gave us a pleasant surprise. Though seem simple but the taste of the eggs, hams, turkey, avocado and lettuce were rather complete and a wonderful combination. If you ask me, I would prefer the club sandwich to the english breakfast.

Conclusion: I think Jones the Grocer will be a strong contestant for the best cafes in Singapore. However, one may wish to take note that this place has been sort of over-rated and you may be paying more for the brand and ambience than what the food is really worth of.

Verdict: 6.5/10

Jones the grocer
9 Dempsey road
#01-12 Tanglin Village
Tel: 6476 1512

Eggs and Berries

Changi City Point, one of our newest shopping mall, is located in the eastern part of Singapore. As we were there, we visited this restaurant/cafe called “Eggs and Berries”. My assumption was that, they should be specializing in dishes that involved eggs and berries. I was half-correct. The place offers all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner where eggs were included in many of their dishes.

We were there on a weekend evening. First impression of the place was not too bad. The interiors were done up in a way that mimics that of the European. Customers are given the choice of outdoor or indoor seatings. We chose the outdoor seatings where we can enjoy the privacy and the food. What would be considered as a visit to Eggs and Berries without trying their eggs. We ordered the Eggs Benedict and Pink Fish Steak for a start. Both were chef’s recommendations. One who ordered the main course with egg, could choose the method of the egg being cooked. Either poached, sunny-side-up or overeasy. One can also choose from the option of french fries, pan cakes, rice or harsh brown for the sides.

The Eggs and Benedict came with 2 poached eggs, ham and rosti. The chef had got the eggs right. The eggs were not over-cooked, with the egg whites being moist while the egg yolk still maintaining the liquid form. I simply love the sight of the egg yolk oozing out while having the Eggs Benedict. We were pleased with the eggs but we were not amazed by the taste of this. Tasted reasonable but still not up to the mark of impressing us. However, the plus point is the value for money and freshness of the ingredients.

We chose truffle fries for our selection of sides, for the Pink Fish Steak. Came with a generous serving of salmon. Tasted soft and fresh! Simply wonderful… The truffle fries that came along with it, were not oily. A suggestion would be that they can provide some condiments such as tartar sauce or mustard to go along with the fries, instead of the standard tomato and chilli sauce.

Initially, we had wanted to try the desserts after our main courses but we were too full after a late lunch. Hence, we skipped the desserts and ended our evening there. Could not give any comments to the desserts then.

Conclusion: For the reasonable food and pricing and its value for money, Eggs & Berries is worth a try. While the location is not convenient for all, those staying in the east can consider to make that one of your visit.

Verdict: 7/10

Changi Business Park Central 1

Changi City Point (Expo MRT)

#B1-50

Singapore 486038