matcha sur la terrasse

Merci merci

It's been a while since I made my way to Merci but it's always a lovely place to pop by if you have a few hours in the afternoon.

Merci's used book café is probably my favorite café in Paris, if not for the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, then probably for the friendly & warm service which has stayed the same all these years. 

Our crew hotel is just opposite the café so it's a great place to meet my Singaporean friends when they fly here on duty.

With dearest Geri who's leaving the airline soon :( No matter how many years have passed, your batch girls always have a special place in your heart. Memories of training, our first flights, passenger horror stories... I do miss flying sometimes!

Always have to order this when I go there... toast soldiers, runny eggs and Echiré butter.. what's there not to love really?

Nanashi

I love going to Nanashi in the Bonpoint boutique because they always serve great Japanese bentos filled with organic greens, rice and fresh sashimi.

It's also where you can read a book quietly and have a coffee without worrying someone will chase you out.

YES.

Back from Madrid and there's something more important than sharing Madrid photos! 

Was walking back from the supermarket and what do I see?

Gontran Cherrier, who opened the famous Tiong Bahru Bakery in Singapore has set up shop 5 mins from my place! I loved going to TBB when I was working in Singapore. Could never say no to the croissants or lemon tart, and neither could my colleagues.

But a good croissant or lemon tart does not get me as excited as a good cup of coffee... In a stroke of pure genius, he has collaborated with Café Coutume as well! As i walked in, I saw Cafe Coutume signs everywhere and I thought OK this must be heaven. I could not believe my eyes. 

FINALLY good coffee in my suburb. I was lamenting to F the other day that St Germain en Laye had everything except a good cafe... not the typical french cafe but a good bright airy cafe with trained baristas who could do latte art just like Cafe Coutume in central Paris.

And just like that, my prayers have been answered.

Odette

Odette has a reputation of having the best cream puff in Paris and since I LOVE cream puffs, I could not pass up the chance to check it out.

As it was an afternoon early in the week, the café was quiet.

Really yummy selection of cream puffs!

I really wanted to try all but contented myself with green tea, caramel and forest fruits.

Will definitely bring my friends to try it out soon! x

The Broken Arm

Another great new café in the Haut-Marais area of Paris that I've had the pleasure of visiting twice.

Like Singapore, Paris is enjoying a wave of artisan cafés opening up everywhere and I want to go to all of them!

Their blueberry cheesecake is delicious with coffee!

Managed to sneak in a good coffee at Telescope cafe...
One of the best coffees ever in the city of lights.
So happy that proper cafes are finally opening in Paris!

And for a rainy Sunday, nothing beats the cheesecake in the pub near our place... 

Creamy and soft, it hits the right spot every single time.

How have you been?

I've been up to my neck in work... But i always find time for a coffee break :D

A very old tree...

And a most divine lemon tart!

Matcha latte is one of my fave drinks in the world!

Have a great weekend!

CSHH coffee

Love the CSHH concept - cafe within a shophouse with the greatest name ever!

Super crowded on weekends with coffee lovers waiting patiently to get their fix.

Me included.

With my friend to celebrate her birthday!

Love the outdoor area... Laidback and no frills, I can wear my slippers & no one cares. :)

It's been a while... this space is looking empty!

I've been so caught up in work and meeting friends and spending time with family that I didnt even realise January is almost over. Taking stock of 2012, it was a year fraught with grave misfortune for my family so I'm really glad 2013 is here.

Despite best intentions to write more, I often find myself shunning the laptop after work or any screens with words. However, beautiful photos are always a pleasure, even for the tired eyes. And so it is not uncommon to find me alone at lunch hours in a lovely café, flipping thru a magazine or my favorite blogs, just relaxing and enjoying a coffee and dessert.

How to make a perfect flat white

Sunday brunch

Epicurious at Robertson quay serves up one of the best eggs benny I've ever eaten... 

The right touch of sour, semi-runny yolk, delicious buttered crumpets!

The coffee was nothing to shout about but I'll come back again just for the eggs benedict :)
After I said goodbye to Céline, had to go back to the office and finish up some work ahead of the holidays :/

mani-curious

Lovely little manicure salon + cafe + retail space along Beach Road.

And the pies are to die for.... they all look so good.

Finally settled on my all-time favorite. 

When in doubt, always take lemon!

Ann Siang Hill

Old Chinese shophouses can still be found in the heart of Singapore.

Our Korner @ Scarlet... Some of the best fusion food in the area.

Quiet place for brunch on a Sunday. 

Love the high ceiling and Havana flavor.

Tapas & cocktails with old vintage tiles. 

I love the Club Street, Erskine Road, Ann Siang Road area where you can find many rooftop bars...

They offer a great view of the city without the opulence of their high-rise counterparts. 

There's my office in the distance and a full moon...