Swirls Bake Shop is an all-American cupcake bakery – think fluffy teacup sized cakes with creamy frostings, probably inspired by the famed Magnolia Bakery that the ladies savour on Sex and the City.

Danish Dada, chief cupcake officer of Swirls, was so fascinated by a red velvet cupcake in the US that he went from San Francisco, LA, San Diego and New York just to search for the perfect one. (Actually sounds like something I would do if I had the money.) He eventually decided to make and sell his own here.

So what’s the verdict? Actually, very good – so good that when I brought a dozen to a party, they were swiped clean. Of course people kept asking where I got them from.

The cupcakes come in two sizes – Go for the tiny ($2.50) or cake pops if you have absolutely no space, but the regular ($3.95) would give you better moisture and feel.

Their best seller is the Red Velvet, a crimson chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting. Yes, every Singaporean loves a red velvet, but I had better ones elsewhere (Twelve Cupcakes and My Fat Lady). Generally, most of Swirl’s cupcakes are a tad too sweet for me, perhaps I have a lower tolerance.

Full Post Swirls Bakes Shop – 101 Flavours of Pretty Cupcakes in Singapore

Swirls Bake Shop
8 Rodyk Street #01-08 (off Robertson Quay) Singapore 238216. Tel: +65 6634 4765
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 7:00pm

The restaurant is the brainchild of Restaurateur Mark Anthonisz and Fabio Iannone who brought a team from Amalfi Coast. While this is no Amalfi, it faces a peaceful Singapore River with a huge alfresco dining area to wine and dine away.

Limoncello’s Napolitana wood fired pizzas and charcoal grilled meats and seafood are said to be what distinguishes them from the rest. Indeed, its Rucola e Prosciutto di Parma ($27.50) with tomato, mozzarella, parma ham, cherry tomatoes, fresh rocket salad and parmesan cheese is a noteworthy choice. Its crust borders between thick and thin, with rustic wood fired touch and crunch.

Full Post Limoncello Restaurant – Food from the Amalfi, For that Romantic Date

95 Robertson Quay, #01-19/20 Rivergate, Singapore, Tel: +65 6634 5117
Opening Hours: Mon: 6pm–10.30pm; Tue–Sun: 12pm–2.30pm, 6pm–10.30pm

Stacked Dim Sum Bar is a new dining haunt opened from mid-day till late. The dim sum are all stacked up in unique square baskets instead of the usual round ones, which gives the bar its name. Their signature dumplings will make you stop for a second look – from the fusion shredded dumplings, scallop pesto dumplings to the fascinating margherita dumpling (all at $8.90 for 5 in a basket).

I had a stacked collection ($29.90) which included some traditional fare and fusion snacks. The thai beef basil dumpling was a refreshing twist, lightly deep fried and complemented well with the special sweet dip. Gimmicky it may be, but you now know where to go if you have both dim sum and beer cravings at the same time at night.

Stacked Dim Sum Bar, 60 Robertson Quay, #01-13 The Quayside Tel: +65 9677 8281
Opening Hours: Mon–Thu: 3.30pm – 11.30pm; Fri: 3.30pm – 1am ; Sat: 1pm – 1am; Sun: 1pm – 11.30pm

Full Post at InSing.com – Dim sum and cocktails for supper, anyone?

The restaurant was almost empty on a weekday night. When I requested for a seat that looked more comfortable, I got a “No, There.”

For why I was not allowed to, I did not know why. But the waitress reminded me of a primary school teacher reprimanding her children. Tall, slim, ponytail, but a face that looked like the whole world owned her money. I bet if even if you gave her $10 tip to smile, she won’t. I won’t say which nationality she belonged to.

This ramen shop by the river had all the potential. A cosy feel, brilliant ambience and an air of Japanese all around with its hanging drapes of kanji.