Off the beaten track - L'etoile

A cute handmade table number tag

Several times we walked pass, cycled pass this small cute corner cafe right within our neighborhood, after heard that they have just introduced a new All day breakfast type of menu this summer, we decided to pay a visit during brunch on Saturday
L'etoile is situated in a two-storey shophouse at the junction of Owen and Dorset road near by little India area. As its location is off the beaten track, it is perfect place to chill and relax on any given afternoon. L'etoile means star in French. This cafe is inspired by an indie cafe in Japan and has French influence in it. With high bay window gives the cafe light and airy atmosphere dinning hall on the ground. The second floor, was surprisingly large dinning room with series of window covered with laced curtains give the room a softer feel.It was packed with diners that time of day so we settle ourselves on a comfortable couch by the window downstairs that turn out to be a good spot to enjoy watching people and activities that were going on outside.

Pick-Me-Up @ Group Therapy

It was one of those morning when anticipation set in and things flew fast. Next thing I knew I was already behind to catch the High Tea with the group. While rushing out luckily spot the taxi, believe it or not, there are plenty of them on the street but I find it is hard to flag one down here in Singapore. This one stopped so I was happily hopped in. Somehow the traffic was jam than it would normally be during that time of the day. Then came the A-HA moment, it was just a few days before the famous Formula One starts, most of the streets downtown were closed off to be transformed to racing track. After 30 minutes, I finally reached the up and coming Duxton road. Not very difficult to notice ( if you are looking ) a humble simple blade sign on the second floor was telling me I was at the right building. The entrance on street level is simple with the small indication for me to proceed upstairs.

Chili Con Carne- always better on the second day

Have been hopping in and out Mexican restaurants quite often lately and my darling happens to love one of Hernan Cortez's captains' dish - Chili Con Carne. For about a week now that I was on a hunt for a recipe, for ONE recipe. To my surprise, none of recipe are the same. The variant recipes provoke dispute among aficionados, which is probably why chili is a frequent dish for cook offs. Chili in the traditional  recipes are made using mainly chili peppers, garlic, onions, cumin along with chopped beef. Beans and tomato were added later to the recipe on which created different opinions and preferences.

So after all the readings and researching I decided to create my own version.With chocolate in it. Oh! did I mention chocolate!? This version of chili has mild spicy end note, with reminiscent of Mole, the flavors are rich, mellow and deep. Here we go!

Baked Salmon with Lemon & Herbs - Dinner in a Flash!

There are so many things I could write about food, travel and all life style. So! Let's see! Cooking is one of my passion for food. I could for an hour or so block myself out and enjoy the pleasant journey within my own kitchen. And the fact that I could share the food and moment with people I cook for makes me very happy especially. Sharing the recipe with you would be something I would love to do though my only problem is that when cooking I don't really have exact measure for ingredients that all go down the pot. It is all about tasting and adjusting them along the way. But let's try it. An d absolutely you can follow this recipe or do your own version of something similar. Do share with me how you like it.