Raindrops Cafe ( Updated) [Closed]
There's a saying, all good things come to en end. Sad to say, Raindrops Cafe
has closed down on 25 May 2013. It's really not easy to run a small
business. You are at the "mercy" of the landlord, there's rising costs
to ingredients & manpower, high expectation of customers and not
to mention, competition from similar businesses or the bigger players!
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Do you know that there's a new youngsters hangout, officially launched on last saturday, 19 June? If you dont, you are so out-dated! Oops...
Come, come.. let me share with you....
This place is called Scape, located conveniently behind cineleisure. As its pamphlet says, it's an ionic hub with unique social and retail offerings, where young talents can showcase, explore and create..
Indeed, the place does seem to be quite interesting, with new eateries and shops to check out. And that's exactly why I was there on its opening, beside to witness fireworks and all sorts of performances. Most importantly, I was there to support my fren's new cafe aka Raindrops Cafe. ^_^
RAINDROPS CAFE
Dun be misled by its unit number, the cafe is located in the alfesco area, tucked in one secluded corner. It may seem to be slightly disadvantage for the cafe, situated away from the common walkway. Then again, being hidden away, the little "glass" house with green patches surrounding it, offers an unique serene in the heart of the city, which has its own appeals. =)
As you walk in, you find yourself in a cozy and simple setting. The owners like to retain its "raw" stage, and therefore you find wires and light bulbs hanging loosely. There's nothing fanciful about the interior design, just simplicity to make all customers feel at home.
The owners are very detailed, from the design of the menu to getting matching napkins from Ikea. They could have chosen a cheaper option, but no, they prefer to enhance the dining experience for all their customer with all these little details.
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Raindrops Cafe serves Italian Western food, offering a varieties of pizzas, pastas, mains, sandwiches etc. Do scroll down to view the menu in details!
For the time being, let's just look at what we had on saturday. We were spolit with good food & desserts & wines, and we just cant stopped eating even though we were full to the brim. Hahaha...
Tataki Tuna - $8
Pan-Seared Fresh Pacific Tuna, Shimeji Mushrooms Ragout,
Daikon Salad & Balsamico Reduction
Pan-Seared Fresh Pacific Tuna, Shimeji Mushrooms Ragout,
Daikon Salad & Balsamico Reduction
Well, maybe a bit side tracked... But seriously, is there a need for such a CHIM name for the appetitzer? Half of it, I dunno what it means... Hoho
Anyway, we started off with this pan-seared tuna, which appeared kinda japanese fusion to me. I guess it was the raw center that reminded me of aburi tuna serving in a Japanese resturant. Then again, the creamy mushroom said another story. Nice one, even though I would prefer less black pepper...
Prawn & Sea Bass, Mango & Papaya Salad - $10
Steamed Sea Bass, Prawns, Mango, Papaya, Meslcun Salad
Definitely a healthy choice with a good mixture of freshness! I quite like how the salad appears to be so cheerful & sunny with a variety of colourful ingredients. Not to forget, there was generous serving of rockets, which is not commonly used in most places because of its higher costs. So, if you order this salad, FINISH ALL THE GREEN! =p
Calamari Fries with Tartar Sauce - $10
Chunky Mushroom Soup - $5
Thick Cream of Wild Mushrooms, infused with a Truffle Oil
Alternatively, there are burger droplets ($10) made up of chicken, beef and crab tiny burger for those who adore variety.
I thought the beef on the bread were really tender and chewy, even though they were in big slices. Coupled with generous cheese, the dish was as good as a main on its own.
Four Cheese Pizza - $11
Mozzarella, Cheddar, Parmigiano - Reggiano & Gorgonzola
Chicken Leg Lemongrass with Pumpkin Risotto - $15
Free range boneless Chicken Leg marinated with Lemongrass, Red Wine sauce
Before we move on, let's have a little quiz! ^_^
The correct answer is 6, and the "missing" main is right in the middle of the menu aka Meltique Beef!
Poached Pair with Ice Cream - $9
Green Pear poached with Cabernet Sauvignon. served with Ice cream
The fruit itself is nothing exceptional, of coz. It is the sabayon sauce that brings this dish to greater heights. I'm amazed by normal ingredients producing exceptional dish ~ the main ingredients in this dessert are just beaten egg yolk and banana. Thumbs up!
Of coz not, dun be lazy! Scroll down further!
Another lady beer, which we dint have a chance to try it.. I guess I have to try it next time. Let me know how it tastes like if you beats me in trying it.. keke
Oops! This is not a lady beer hor... My mistake! So guys, another option for you to try... keke
Comes in cutie glass too! =p
Erm, let me reconfirm what it consists.. Will update real soon!
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And dun forget to say hi to the handsome owners!
Boon Kiat
Andy aka Woo Woo Man
The calamari was one of the best I've ever tried. It was so good, even on its own, that I had entirely forgotten to eat it with the tartar sauce!
The batter was thin and crispy, and I could really feel the chewy texture of the squid. A very addictive finger food.
This was much loved! The portobello mushrooms were really juicy, and the stuffed chicken gave a fulfilling surprise. And dun you worry about the batter, it was just as thin and crispy, like the calarmari. =)
Portobello with Chicken - $7
Deep fried beer-battered Portobello Mushrooms stuffed with minced Chicken
This was much loved! The portobello mushrooms were really juicy, and the stuffed chicken gave a fulfilling surprise. And dun you worry about the batter, it was just as thin and crispy, like the calarmari. =)
Thick Cream of Wild Mushrooms, infused with a Truffle Oil
This was as good as those served in big hotels! You can taste real mushrooms with every spoonfuls. What's more, it came with nice truffle flavour. All for just merely $5!
Homemade Cheese Burger - $10
Homemade grounded Beef, sliced Cheese, served with Potato Chips & Salad
Owner's favourite dish => I must stress.. this is HOMEMADE beef patty! You can never find the same elsewhere, so dun play play! Looked at how thick the filling was, definitely worth the $10.
Open Face Beef & Shrooms Ciabatta - $12
Juicy Beef Chunks, sauteed Wild Mushrooms,Onions & melted slice Cheese,served with Pototo CHips & Salad
I thought the beef on the bread were really tender and chewy, even though they were in big slices. Coupled with generous cheese, the dish was as good as a main on its own.
Vongole - $14
Fresh Market Baby Clams, Chilli, Parsley & Flamed White Wine with Linguine
This was much loved by my fellow diner, who doesnt really fancy clams. Dun ask me why she ordered this, it was one of the mystery of how female brains work! Hehehe
As quoted by another fellow diner, the smooth noodles managed to carry the distinct, savoury flavour of clams which was delightful for both clam and non-clam eaters. Another plus point was that the staff had thoughtfully provided a small plate for the shells.
Mozzarella, Cheddar, Parmigiano - Reggiano & Gorgonzola
Hmm, there were "mixed feelings" for the Four Cheese Pizza. I really like the thin crust and the cheese. Then again, I find the cheese kinda overwhelming for me to proceed on with more servings. It was abeit salty.
I guess, it all boils down to own personal likings. There were diners with me who liked this pizza. So do try this, as it is very different from those normal ones we order from Pizza Huts & likes.
Try it, and if you dun fancy this, you can always go for the other pizzas Raindrops Cafe offers next time, which come in thin crust as well.
Crispy Salmon with Asparagus - $16
Pan-seared Salmon Fillet, US Asparagus, fresh drill Lemon Butter Sauce
The salmon fillet was so soft that it was almost too delicate to eat it, and the skin was done just right. And dun forget the supporting role - the HOMEMADE mash potato, which was surprisingly good ~ very smooth and creamy... Mmmm..
Kurobuta Pork - $24
Grilled US Kurobuta Pork Rack with Apple Sauce
Another great work under the magic fingers of the chefs. We were amazed by how soft and sweet the pork was. The serving was generous as well, great for the diner who needed to share this dish with the rest, who "returned" for more...Keke
And dun belittle those tiny sauteed apple cubes & raisin! They actually added to the overall sweetness.
Free range boneless Chicken Leg marinated with Lemongrass, Red Wine sauce
The chicken leg was succulent and the serving was generous! Great for sharing with friends... Hehe
Just to set expectations right, the risotto was the more moist kind, so for some, it may taste a bit soggy. For me, it was still acceptable. Anyway, it was meant more to complement the chicken mah...
How many mains are there in the menu above??
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5?
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SALA! WRONG!
The correct answer is 6, and the "missing" main is right in the middle of the menu aka Meltique Beef!
Meltique Beef - $26
Trademarked well marbled Prime Cut Steak from Australia
Trademarked well marbled Prime Cut Steak from Australia
The steak was tender indeed, with black pepper mushroom sauce. But I guess it's my own personal preference, I much prefer my steak to be thick and solid.. =p
~*~ Desserts ~*~
Hold your step!
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Beware, especially girls, of the "potent" effect of the pictures below...
Well. dun say I never "warn"... =P
But I assure you, you wont regret your decision!
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Well. dun say I never "warn"... =P
But I assure you, you wont regret your decision!
The presentation of the desserts were already feasting to the eyes. Wait till you have tried them yourself! As quoted by a fellow diner, it's probably not advisable to share with someone else... Haha.. Succumb to selfishness when it comes to heavenly desserts! Ah-ha..
Poached Pair with Ice Cream - $9
Green Pear poached with Cabernet Sauvignon. served with Ice cream
Closer look at the poached pear
A sweet dessert with a slightly sour side. An alternative for people who want a change from all sweetness. Match the sour pear with sweet vanilla ice-cream, to enjoy a combination of the 2 flavours.
Banana Sabayon - $8
Caramelized Banana with Sabayon Sauce, served with Wild Berries
I was definitely going bananas over this dessert! I tried this dish first at frens' table, who conincidentally were dining at Raindrops Cafe and was won by it. Therefore despite the risk of my fellow diners' bursting tummies, I strongly urged them to order the dessert and tried it! It was animously agreed to be good!!! Since it was taken after a heavy meal, so it must be a 100% fair comment! Keke
The fruit itself is nothing exceptional, of coz. It is the sabayon sauce that brings this dish to greater heights. I'm amazed by normal ingredients producing exceptional dish ~ the main ingredients in this dessert are just beaten egg yolk and banana. Thumbs up!
Oh ya, dun forget the caramelization, which reminded me of creme brulee ~ Another option for creme brulee lovers! Btw, they have creme brulee here as well, at just $6. *grins*
Mascarpone Mousse - $9
Italian trifle of Mascarpone Mousse, Lady Finger Biscusits, Coffee and Ameratto Liquor
Another fantastic dessert ~ homemade tiramisu! The tiramisu was soft and simply melted in the mouth.
And dun you worry about bitterness from the coffee or the liquor, nothing of the sorts! They blended in so nicely that you probably wont notice their presence. They were merely "secret agents" hidden from your sights or should I say, taste bud, and secretly meserizing you having more mouthfuls. Very addictive indeed!
OMG, how can desserts in Raindrops Cafe be all so good? This is really sinful...
*Pause*
Erm, can I try the warm chocolate cake ($8) and oh ya, maybe the coffee pannacotta ($7) as well? =p
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Is that all?Of coz not, dun be lazy! Scroll down further!
Cute bartender pouring our first alcohol for the day...
Moscato - A bottle at $65
A sweet dessert wine to go with our dishes... Nice one. It's almost like iced wine, but cheaper of coz.
Mind you, this was only the first bottle.. there were more to come...
Lychee Martini - $10 (HH)/$12
A sweet cocktail, coupled with 2 lychees, for the ladies!
Woo Woo (cocktail) - $8(HH)/$10
If I remember correctly, this was a mixture of peach, apple syrup and vodka..Another sweet drink for the ladies.. Erm, well guys are welcomed to order this if you dun mind sweet stuff la...
Dun really know how the name Woo Woo comes about.. But it appeared to us that the owner who made this drink for me, seemed to go Woo Woo after that...Hahhahah
Beers, anyone?
Of coz, they have the normal range of beers such as Tigers, Heineken etc here.. But who wants to read about these? As a ger, I shall recommend lady beers instead!
Timmerman Beer - $12(HH)/$16
Definitely a lady beer! Sweet and fruity, comes in peach, apple & raspberry flavours.. All the way from Belgium. I dun fancy beer because I find most of them bitter and hard to swallow. But Timmerman was really light and smooth...
Ma Chouffle & La Chouffle - $15(HH)/$18
Oops! This is not a lady beer hor... My mistake! So guys, another option for you to try... keke
Kwak - $18
Guys, you are not forgotten! A "manly" beer is available as well! What's more, they serve the beer in a cute container! Screamzzzzzzzz
*Awakward silence*
Erm, ok ok.. I know guys dun normally scream. Well then, display your excitement by ordering more, okie?
Erm, ok ok.. I know guys dun normally scream. Well then, display your excitement by ordering more, okie?
White Zinfandel - A bottle at $75
A sweeter wine, and yet it doesnt fall into the category of dessert wine. Likeable by both genders.
Beside this, we also had the Merlot ( A bottle at $65), which was a red wine that was not too dry to the throat..
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Raindrops at night..
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Set lunch at merely $10
The set lunch consists of 1 soup/salad + mains (from lunch menu) + tea/coffee
Another plus point is the lunch menu changes every week, so you can come here for new mains every week! Cool! ^_^
Currently, they are having 20% of all dine-in. Yeah!
Alternatively, you can choose to get a free bottle of wine with 4 main courses order.
What's more, if you accumulate $200 in one receipt, you are qualified to become a member! I'm already one myself.. Hehe..
Members are entitled to waiver of 10% service charge and additional 5% off all purchases. And hor, if it rains, you can rent the umbrella free. But must return lah, dun buay paiseh hor...So sweet right? ^_^
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And dun forget to say hi to the handsome owners!
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