Caffeinated Pleasure - Liberty Coffee

Upon the post on Liberty Coffee Facebook fan page sometime in November last year (2012), it was official that they won the votes for the Best ( and the most frustrating ) Guerrilla Cafe' category on Alternative food awards by 8 days magazine, they announced not to open their door that week in attempt to win the award again this year. I had to smile reading the post. I like that someone has got a great sense of humor.

Operated by husband and wife, Terence and Pauline, Liberty Coffee is a wholesale of in-house roasted specialty globally - sourced coffee beans. They also operate the coffee tasting bar, by appointment. Only occasionally that the coffee house will be opening its door to public, hence justified the award.

Caffeinated Pleasure - Fancy a Catpooccino?

How extreme could one goes when it comes to being an adventurous eater? At this very second, I could think of one gentleman who hosts my all time favorite TV show, Bizzare Foods on Travel channel, Andrew Zimmern. You might be nodding along with me right now, oh yes, he pushes it to an extreme. He travels the world in search for regional cuisines some of which considered to be strange, exotic or, most of time, disgusting to some people. Lizard sake in Japan, deep fried fertilized duck egg in the Philippines, cow's heart in Morocco, Mopane warms in Namibia, you name a few, without hesitation, Andrew eats them. He, in a way, is my idol when it comes to traveling and having courage to try new and or unusual cuisines. I consider myself adventurous but just an amateur comparing to Andrew. I have ( made myself ) tried a few, Tarantula spiders, red ants along with their larvas and some fried bugs on the trip to Cambodia, occasionally  some unusual meat, some stinky cheese and tofu etc. For sure I wouldn't start my day with those exotic items. I will be so content with just some eggs and a good cup of Joe. Speaking of which, an opportunity came knocking last month for me to taste and try what I  heard about, for the first time, many years back in New York City, Kopi Luwak.

Caffeinated Pleasure - Order it like a pro

Don't recall since when I started to develop a love for coffee. It could possibly be when I was trying or should I say - suffering pulling an all nighter, with a great hope to finish assignments when I studied in Architecture school. That was probably it. I'll say it close to 20 years since then. Wow, time flies!
Of course at first I started off with those instant coffee, readily available in our family kitchen counter back then. The main purpose, I'm afraid, was not to enjoy it but aimed for the keeping me awake effects which sometimes worked, another not. I will spare you stories of chaotic, tragic moments when I  woke up at a drafting table at 3 am and found out that there were another 5 hours worth of work to be done but I only had another 3 hours left before I needed to wrap up and head to school ( looking like a panda ) My oh my, what a life.

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.