A look in at Homebodies

The creators of our favourite cafe, Henry Congressional, have started a side project at Boat Quay called Homebodies. No, they don't have the awesome pandan chiffon cake or flourless chocolate cake, but they do have some fantastic coffee, specialty hotdogs and, of course, craft beer!

 

Homebodies
60a Boat Quay, Singapore

9169 2821

Farewell for now: Henry Congressional

One of Mky's favourite coffee joints of the year, Henry Congressional, has closed its doors on the 30th of December 2012. They are currently sourcing for a new venue in April and will update their Facebook page once new information is out.

This is a great place to pop by for a ristretto coffee or 2, savour some of their delectable bites and still walk away without feeling the pinch to your pocket. That is, unless you try some of their specially imported beers that can cost over $25 a pop.

We tried their amazing scones on this last visit there. It's a pity we didn't try them sooner! These tasty bites are put into the over upon your order, so they come out nice and toasty. They smell buttery and delicious. And being cut into 4 pieces before baking, they're crunchy on the outside. You get more crunch than the regular scones elsewhere. We can probably modify scones of our own in future after seeing this little innovation.

We wish the owners every success in looking for a new place and we look forward to visiting the next Congressional!

Read our earlier review here.

Strangers' Reunion

We finally got to visit this indie coffee joint owned by a friend of mine. It's quite a tiny space, filled with eclectic furniture that don't match. The coffee was great (Mky said it was better than what she had at Jewel Coffee), and we also tried the Red Velvet Cake which Mky really loved cos it was fluffy and not over-dark in colour. I liked the sweet icing. =9 Check out the latte artwork above, really lovely.
However, due to the small enclosed area (and perhaps we were just at a really crowded time), the sound control was horrible. Mky and I could hardly hear each other speak. I walked up to the counter to place my order (apparently you should just sit at your table and wait for someone to take your order), and got a really rude look from one of the staff who seemed to be quite affected by the maddening crowd. I don't blame her, but I can tell you, it turned me off immediately.

The coffee is recommended, but try to visit during less hectic periods.

Strangers' Reunion
37 Kampong Bahru

 Tel: 62224869

Jewel Coffee - a real gem in the CBD

 

If you've taken a stroll along Shenton Way, you'd probably already have seen this striking cafe opposite the SGX Building. "Jewel Coffee" in bold red words is framed by naked light bulbs that are reminiscent of a Hollywood starlet's dressing mirror. Seats are mostly outdoor al fresco with a few bar stools within the confines of the air-conditioned serving area.

We ordered the skinny cappuccino, El Carmen Estate blend from El Salvador. Strong chocolatey coco notes, dark and smooth. Rich and velvety mouth feel, when taken with skinny milk. If compared with beer, it would be akin to Stone Brewery's Russian Imperial Stout. $5.50.

The boss served us the Pork Cubes and asked about our thoughts on the coffee. He then suggested we try his other blend to find out the difference. He immediately went and brewed us a complimentary cup!

The Fried Pork Cubes were actually meaty pieces of pork collar, one of the tastiest cuts of pork available. If compared with Santouka's divine pork cheek dish, this would be a less tender version but just as flavorful. Do note that this dish, visually, fails to look appetizing. When it came, I just thought it looked like meat that was over-soaked in end-of-day oil. however, this is one of those dishes that warrants a try in order to really appreciate it. The marinade used with the fatty pork tastes quite Asian: vinegary, hints of dark/black sauce, possibly five spice powder. This results in a darned tasty and meaty bite! Only $10!

Jewel Coffee

1 Shenton Way

#01-07

 Tel: 66369452