The FOUNDERS Hutton

Our Penang ride led us here for a short tea break, and I was surprised, this café felt similar to the founder's café in Mount Austin, with a familiar vibe. I then realized that the Penang outlet is actually their HQ, making the resemblance to the Mount Austin café even more understandable!

The Founders

Among the cakes, I chose their best—the Pandan Gula Melaka Cake. With fragrant pandan layers and the rich sweetness of gula melaka, it felt like enjoying ondeh ondeh in cake form. The cake was yummy and the best selection for a tea break.

Pandan Gula Melaka Cake - RM 15.90

The Ice Matcha Latte with whipped cream was pleasantly creamy without being too sweet, while the hot cappuccino made for a perfect pairing with our cakes.

Iced Matcha Latte - RM 17.50 & Cappucino - RM13.50

Even though it's on the upper level near the toilet area, the vibe is exactly like the place I visited before.

Upper Level

I wouldn't mind returning to this headquarters if I'm in Georgetown again.

The FOUNDERS Hutton
Location: 17, Jalan Hutton, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website

Nesuto

Walking along the stretch of Shophouses with a mixture of commercial shops and offices, I tend to overlook the interesting cafes and eateries around till I saw that there are people queuing up outside the cafes or even by words of mouth then I realise their existence. 

Nesuto

Especially without any decorations, I would have never realised that Nesuto is a popular place selling Japanese-French Inspired Desserts. In fact, there are many times I passed by this place without knowing.

Nesuto

The interior was elegant and the seats were rather limited. As there was no dining time limit, the turnover timing varies. Looking through the glass shelves where these dainty looking cakes are kept, it was quite tough making choices for our order, thus we ended up ordering more than an individual portion.

Dining Area of Nesuto

I'm sold at the first bite. The Yuzu Raspberry cake consists of 4 important layers with the top layer as Ruby Milk Ganache adorn with dollops of cream at its side. Vanilla Souffle Sponge made up the cake in alternating layers with light Yuzu Mousse and Raspberry Bits. This combination makes the cake refreshing indeed. The Menu had suggested it best paired well with either Sakari Yuzu Sake or Peach Oolong and I had the latter.

Yuzu Raspberry

Another good choice will be this Chestnut-Vanilla Brandy Gateau. It is made up of 5 portions where the top comes with the Candied Chestnut decked by Chestnut Puree. Refreshing light Vanilla Chantilly Cream makes up the top white portion of the cake. The cake layers are alternated between Light Cocoa Sponge with French Brandy and Chestnut Mousse. 

The Menu recommends this cake best paired with Prosecco or Lychee Oolong Tea.
 

Chestnut-Vanilla Brandy Gateau

I thought the safest choice will be the Chocolate cake thus we ordered this Decadent Dark Chocolate Cake. The first chocolate layer was made up of Valrhona Ariga Noire 66% Ganache coating drizzle with Valrhona Dulcey Chocolate followed by Moist Chocolate Sponge (Dark Brown) while the lightest brown portion was made up of Valrhona Abinao 85% whipped Ganache. Personally, I find that if you prefer something richer, you can skip the cake.

Nevertheless, if you still want to give it a try, it is paired with Sweet Rose Wine or Earl Grey Blue Flower Tea.

Decadent Dark Chocolate

The taste has aesthetically gained our attention for its colour and its presentation. We have the coconut Meringue topped with coconut flakes while the yellow portion was make up of Valrhona inspired Passionfruit Bavaroise Mousse. This layer had encased the Banana Compote and Coconut Malibu Creme. The above was supported by the Coconut Sablee as a base.

Summer Passion

We spotted this Tiramisu that is not stated in the Menu. The dessert is kept in a container with chocolate toppings. The ladyfinger is soaked well with espresso but we find that the wine was a tad overpowering. On the other hand, the cream could do with a bit more sweetness though.

Tiramisu - $11.80

Upon looking at the menu, the first thought that came to my mind was that it was a milk tea but the server highlighted that the Tea does not come with milk. Instead, this transparent tea has a faint milky fragrance within. Interesting and water is refillable.

Milky Oolong - $5

Overall, many of my friends swear by their cakes are the best among other cafes. Well, to a certain extent, I do agree their cakes are indeed the better ones out in the market. What do you think?

Rating: 4 / 5

Nesuto
Location: 53 Tras St, #01-01, Singapore 078992
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar (EW15)
Website

Bev C'afe

A walk near 15 minutes away from City Square Johor along Jalan Wong Ah Fook would be interesting if you ever explore the Cafe available there. With the good exchange rate, cross border cafe hopping as a weekend activity has turned pretty popular these days. Not only that these hipster cafes are increasing in our neighbouring country near the borders. I love the surprises thrown to me everytime we enter the cafe. Retaining the worn down and old facade, it quite interesting how their interior is furnished for the own style of cafe.

Bev C'afe

Bev C

Chancing by Bev C, we would not have known that the upper storey is double up as a cafe from the clothing store till we walked pass a sign stating that. Interior is pretty spacious for a fashion boutique shop with a few racks of clothing each at one side of its perimeter.

Clothing Boutique

With a little bit of backgroud, Bev C is a clothing label with original design since 2013. They have every piece of clothing designed from the sketch and scratch. They have a philosophy believing in "Seeking you own style" rather that cultivating a culture of "following the trend blindly". Further more adding a line saying Own your Style or Stay Naked.

Rustic Interior

It is unpretentious in its rustic outlook with flooring tiled with the olden kind of 1 x 1 cm square tiles. I walked up the flight of wooden stairs with additional care as I heard them creaked and moan under my feet, fearing that the steps might be not sturdy enough to accommodate my weight.

Wooden Stairs

Beside the Stairs

Seating is pretty limited with narrow walkways however I would say that the ambiance are not too bad. With a packed Saturday afternoon, we were ushered to the seats by the windows looking out to a big tree as well as the opposite shop houses.

Cafe Interior

Limited Seats

Dining By the Window

While waiting for the food, we inquire the service staff for the latest password knowing that the previous "giveme5dollar" has been changed. We were given yet another password that will never fail to give a smile on our face, that is "askyourfriend".

Food Preparation Area

Doing the so mainstream thing that everyone here does, we ordered their Chocolate Mint Pie which gain quite a number of good comments by the past patrons. Chocolate Mint Pie was served on an IKEA wooden board. The pie was totally out of my expectation for it looks so cool in its beveled minty green topped with a dark brown cookie. With a distinctive layer of mint from the top and bottom filled with chocolaty flavored pie cradled by the charcoal crust, such combination was perfect for us as pie was not too sweet.

Chocolate Mint Pie -  RM 12.00

Lemon Tea was frozen in cubes and served with a slice of lemon in a cup. Additional lemon tea is given in a separate flask. Taste is rather normal.

Tea Ice Cube Lemon - RM 16.00

Pouring Ice Lemon Tea into The Cubes

Perhaps we have more to talk about for the Butterfly Pea Cubes for that it was not very common quencher served in the Cafe. The cubes were frozen with its flower and stalks, not really suitable to put the cubes in your mouth unlike the Ice Cube Lemon Tea. It tasted a tad light and refreshing on its own. For more distinctive flavour, you may want to add the lime juice given to alter the taste.

Tea Ice Cube Butterfly - RM 16.00

Close up to Butterfly Pea Drink

There are still a number of Cafe that we yet to explore in that area. Each and every one has its own uniqueness. I don't mind coming back again, however given so much choices there, its more likely I would be another place during my next Cafe Session.

Bev C'afe
Location: 54, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Ronin [Closed]

If you have not take a look closely, you will have miss out Ronin which is located at 17 Hong Kong Street. The facade is pretty usual like a office building and has no attention catching signage that make the place known.

Ronin

As I went into the cafe, I was kind of shock with its crowd. Just imagine a place without signage, this cafe is surely doing good! The place was furnished in the industrial theme, dimmed but cosy with Menu attached to the wall. If you are looking for a great variety of food, then this place isn't quite for you as their menu is short and sweet, straight forward.

Menu on the wall

Be prepared to share tables with someone as I was told that the place was bustling with Cafehoppers during the weekends especially. Long Black is served in Hot and Cold with a dollar difference. Long Black has nothing to rave about as it quite ordinary. Perhaps we should have ordered their signature drink "Wicked".

Long Black (Hot) - $5

While the non coffee me prefers Matcha-Toned, it reminded me of my capsule drink from Dolce Gusto. The fun part about this is that those Green Matcha were sticked onto the wall of the glass and in order to experience the drink fully, I have to make a good stir in the cup.

Matcha-Toned - $6

Choice of Toast can be chosen, either Sourdough or seeded with Butter & Jam Lady Jam. We had something kind of mix and match on the menu with Eggs on our toast, scambled added with Pork Sausage and Portobello mushroom. Pretty ordinary.

Eggs on Toast with Sausage and Mushrooms - $18.50

Dirty Ronin does look dirty spreading on the Sandwiches and I guess perhaps this is how they name it after. These are quite challenging for fork and knife and I decided to use it bare hands. Sandwiches ingredients includes Chorizo (pork sausage), Emmental Cheese, soft egg, Miso Mayo and lettuce. The sandwiches wasn't quite for me as it was quite hard.

Dirty Ronin - $15

Overall, I felt that the place is more for coffee lover and nothing much about the food as menu was not extensive for us.

Rating: 3 / 5

Ronin
Location: 17 Hongkong Street #01-01 Singapore 059660
Operating Hours: 8am - 6pm Daily
Website

Riders Cafe

Finally, I can have Riders Cafe strike off from my "To Visit" list afterall it had been sitting there for quite sometime.

Saddle Club

Hidden behind the lush greenery of Bukit Timah, Riders Cafe is located at a unique venue in Singapore. They serve contemporary meals in a casual, lay back and relaxing environment.

Riders Cafe - Open to Public

The first step into the restaurant and I was engulfed by the strong smell from the outfields - smell of horse manure but it was not that strong to my dining partner.

Environment

Settings was very simple, English style and the entrance to the restaurant was guarded by a big gate.

Environment

Too bad that I went on a rainy day, the horses were all back in their comfy stables and I didnt have chance to sit by the side of the dining area to have a good view of the fields.

Stables

The Boston Iced Tea was refreshing with fresh fruits like raspberries, cranberries placed into the drink.

Boston Iced Tea - $6.50

After suprise on the taste buds with creamy peanut butter with Jelly  and quite filling to the stomach. Perhaps this drink goes well if you are planning to have a light meal.

Peanut Butter Jelly Shake - $7.50

We started off with some Fried Chicken Taco as starters. The fried chicken had a very strong fragrance, infused with herbs. It was supported with avocado slices, purple slaw and Sriacha Mayonnaise.

Fried Chicken Taco - $15

Whipped out from the kitchen with pan seared Hokkaido scallops, big and juicy as well as broccoli. The level of cream was well balanced with the truffle infused risotto and was yummy.

Scallop Risotto - $26

Riders Burger come with rocket, brie, relish, bacon, onion and seasoned fries. Wellness of the beef patty is decided by the diner and we had it medium well done. It was thick and juicy and the cripsy bacon had complimented it. Top of the toasted buns came with distinctive black sesame seeds and was fragrant.

Riders Burger - $19

Food was great and the environment was complemented by its friendly service crews. Rider Cafe is quite inaccessible due to its location, however, to avoid disappointment it is best to do a reservation before making a trip down there.

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Riders Cafe
Location: 51 Fairways Drive Singapore 286965

Wheeler's Yard

I have never dined in any of the cafes located in the industrial Estate and just recently, I decided to venture into such areas on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Facade was simple, cemented with dark dirty patches on the bricks, a common outlook of Singapore's warehouses.

To emphasis its trade further, a red bicycle was mount onto one of its corner of the shelter.

Wheeler's Yard

As you know, Wheeler's yard is a bike workshop concept with an incorporation of a cafe.
We followed the arrows leading us to the cafe and saw a neat row of red old retro bicycles lined up along the walkway, leading us into the merchandise.

Red Retro Bicycles

Bike lovers, this should be one of the heavens where you can get to see parade of bikes and peripherals. There are also a wide range of helmets available.

Merchandise

Bikes for the kiddos are on sale too. Do check it out!

Kiddos' Bike

Besides having bicycles in Wheeler's Yard, you can spot the old school vespa parked there.

Vespa

Another rare sight of the old school barber chairs. However, no resting is allowed on these chairs.

Barber Chairs

 If you are coming from the neighbourhood, there is a side gate to enter into Wheeler's yard.

The back or the other entrance of Wheeler's yard

It was Sunday morning and as I entered into the cafe, I was amazed by the amount of decorations hanging here and there. There were bikes mounted on the tables as well as hanging onto the walls, likewise for those colorful helmets.

Dining Environment

Place was simple without too much of paint work and it was all like dining in a clean workshop.

Back of the dining place

 Just at the front table in front of the cafe entrance, we have batman on the wheels. Whee! Most of the tables has a headphone attach, allowing diners to listen to the music.

Batman on the bike

That's your momentum

A buzzer will be given after ordering at the counter. Once it flashes and vibrates, we have to proceed to the collection counter.

Buzzer

Self service is practised throughout, even its menu, we have to walk up to the counter. Menu was rather simple, printed on rough brown papers and clipped onto the board.

Menu

It was quite innovative to make use of the bike's gear peddle as a door handle for the toilet.

A look at the toilet door handle

Our brunch started with cups of iced beverages, Cappuccino and soursop. Taste was lacking and for soursop, it was disappointing as it was quite diluted without the fleash of the fruits.

Soursop and Iced cappuccino - $5.50, $6

While I heard so many people were raving about this place, I would say their food is average and expensive.

Grilled chicken was one of the recommended mains. It was boneless with hints of cajun spice, paired with sauteed greens and creamy mash.

Grilled Chicken - $17.90

Hum Bao Bao is another recommended dish on its menu, when translated from Mandarin, it actually means hamburger. It consists of double homemade beef patties, stacked with bacons, cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato and topped with caramelized onions.

Side view of the burger

Buns were pillow soft in the inside and tanned on its crust with black sesame seeds. Though the patties may be juicy but taste was all lacking. Thick cut fries make up part of the dish, however, the oil used give out a smell that hint us that it had been overused.

Hum Bao Bao - $23.90

All in all, I felt that if you want a change in the usual dining experiences, then this would be a good place and chance. However, if you are here for food and have high expectations, then this is gonna be disappointing.

Wheeler's Yard Cashier Counter

Rating: 2.5 / 5

Wheeler's Yard
Location: 28 Lorong Ampas Singapore 328781
Operating Hours: Mon - Thurs: 11am - 7pm (closed on Tues), Fri - Sun: 11am - 8pm