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.

A slight hint of comfort - Putien @ Kitchener Road

And who knows where did she originally from...I was briefly told about our ancestors migration story, until now I wasn't sure where exactly was our root. All I know is growing up in a half Chinese family, food is a big deal. " Have you eaten yet" was my grandmother's way of saying hello when I visited her. And don't you dare answering " No, I haven't ", I promise, that would be the beginning of a big feast to come.
I was too ignorant to learn, Teochew dialect Chinese is used in our family. This might be a small clue that tells me that my ancestors were probably from somewhere South of China. Although I have just a few simple words of Teochew Chinese that my grandmother said often remain in my memories, the granny herself and the taste of her food, on the other hand, were subconsciously embedded in.
Just last weekend, I stepped into this restaurant that gave me a nostalgic moment of her.

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.