There are a few other outlets in the CBD area, but this one's caught my eye. There've been many other reviews on this place, and hence, we went with quite a bit of expectation. There weren't many people around, quite a few couples and people with their laptops. There's a second storey which we conveniently forgot to explore (ugh) and swore to return to dine there again, because I fell in love with their Foie Gras Risotto ($23).
We were seated at the large communal table, kinda weird for just 2 of us. Iced water was served quickly without questions asked, adding bonus points. We ordered:
Foie Gras Risotto ($23)
Port N Blue Cheese Burger ($20)
Upgrade Truffle Fries (+$2)
Pan-seared Watermelon Steaks ($9)
Their Foie Gras Risotto ($23) is just wonderful. For once, I wasn't so picky about the doneness of the risotto, because of the thick, juicy slab of Foie Gras at the top, with a too-huge stalk of celery. It's Duck's liver, no doubt, for this kind of price. The Stilton cheese and extra generous of mushrooms made this whole dish very homely. The Foie did not seem to add any additional taste to the risotto sadly, but it did fare much better off alone. I am not sure I was eating Risotto Mushroom or Mushroom Risotto, for there were more mushrooms than risotto in the end. Not that we'd bother, for we are both mushrooms lovers. For $23, this dish is well worth the money.
Halfway through, the Port N Blue Cheese Burger ($20) arrived. The smell of the Truffle oil from the Fries was not as strong we would have loved, but having normal fries upgraded for just $2 for additional Truffle oil, we were not very picky. There's another note that's super strong too- the Blue Cheese. But the patty's texture was just average. Not the juicy kind, quite crumbly...
Finally, to end off- the most expensive watermelon slices we've ever paid for. Don't order the Pan-seared Watermelon Steaks ($9). You can do it yourself at home. Sear the watermelon slices, pour some basil reduction over it, sprinkle some shaved basil leaves and you get more or less the same effect. Well, the watermelon's just not warm enough and there's no caramelisation on the crust to show that it has been pan-fried before going onto the plate. The pineapple gelato is the highlight. Not too sourish, and has a little bit of sweetness. If you're that kind who loves to dip your pineapples with sauce, you'll probably love this dish.
We would have wanted to try the coffee it it wasn't past 7, as it has those cold drips and what-nots. Perhaps another time in the day. The service staff are all young people, making this whole cafe seem the more chic. Plus the beautiful chalk art at the entrance which I loved as well, I'll definitely be back here to try more of their dishes and of course, their drips.
Parking there was not an issue, after all, it's situated among rows of shophouses that are closed during dinner time. You can even sit at the alfresco area and jump out to stop the summon auntie if you're saving that coupon money to upgrade to your truffle fries ;)
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Verdict:
Food: 3/5
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 4/5
Total Score: 4/5
[1- Never visit again, 2-Won't visit unless there's no other option, 3-Perhaps, 4 & 5- Yes!]
Good for? Couples, Groups, Family
About it:
Jewel Cafe+Bar
Address: 129 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218407
