CBT: Loysel’s Toy

All photos in this post are taken with my iPhone. In fact, I am kinda stunned how good the photos turned out; with a little bit of editing here and there.

The amazing people at Papa Palheta have done it. Again. Okay, I know this is really their 2nd venture; but I think it is pretty stunning already. Defying common logic again, they have located themselves in a pretty insane location not unlike their previous venture at 140 Bukit Timah Road. Near enough to an MRT to attract someone who really wants to go; ulu enough to draw the richer, car-driving crowds.

Loysel’s Toy, their new venture, is located at 66 Kampong Bugis Road. Palheta was the name of the Brazilian general who smuggled the first beans into Brazil, turning it into the world’s largest coffee exporter with just 5 beans. Loysel, was apparently some guy who invented the first coffee machine. I have no idea; that’s what their website says, but I can’t find any Wikipedia article on it though.

A slightly minimalist yet vintage place, this is a full-serviced cafe with simple and no-frills food. And boy; was it crowded on CNY day 3! It was very cool to walk in and be greeted by familiar faces like Marcus and Leon (the owner who was also really busy pulling the shots this morning), while quite a few of the runners were also familiar from the other setup. I decided on a croissant, a chocolate cookie, a double latte for myself and an earl grey tea for her. And because she does get cold pretty easily, we decided to head out into the backyard and have some sunshine with my coffee.

The cool morning breeze coming from the cool waterfront just metres away; the warm sunshine’s ferocity tempered by the recent days of rain. I perspire easily, but I must say this morning I was perfectly comfortable. And I felt totally relaxed and chill.

To be perfectly honest, I was a little disappointed at the items available for breakfast. I think I saw some cakes, some croissants, and cookies. And I had thought that there were actually going to be fillings for the croissants. Oh well, I guess the food is minimalistic too. All that disappointment disappeared as soon as I bit into my first bite of the croissant. It was so good, I was actually a little bit stunned. And then the smile spread on my face and I couldn’t help chomping it down. Guess it was for sharing, but I ate most of it. And after that, I couldn’t help myself; I just had to order another one.

Seriously, you know how all those food shows describe croissants as ‘flaky on the outside and chewy on the inside’? I had never understood that line and had thought it to be fluff most of the time. But I guess my only serious encounter with croissants thus far has been Delifrance; seriously not enough to warrant myself as an expert of any kind on croissants. But I SWEAR, this will be probably the best croissant you will ever have! At least it was for me. Hehe.

Cookie was okay. Nothing much to shout about. I mistook it for a scone while ordering; and after eating it; I could still mistake it for a scone. Not bad, but just a little too doughey to be a cookie in my opinion.

Ah yes. How can anyone not drink coffee here? Great latte art pulled by Leon. I often say that how good the latte art is tells me who’s making the coffees that day. And Leon makes really nice ones. Wonderful double latte, with the familiar aroma of the signature Terra Firma blend. So delicious, I actually forgot to put sugar in it and drank it all up before it even coming to mind. Yum! Seriously, after drinking coffees at so many cafes around Singapore, I’ve come to the conclusion that these guys really make one of the best. Undisputed. Period.

Earl Grey Tea for her. The china it’s served in is really pretty, isn’t it? Glass pot, a little jug of hot steamed milk plus a pretty little cup. Strange thing to complain about though, but the filter of the tea pot wasn’t too good. I think it wasn’t fine enough; so the tea had a lot of tea-leaf residue in it. It’s kinda weird to have a tea filter that doesn’t really work; no?

I love this area just outside the cafe. I love how it’s al-fresco but yet protected from the elements. If I had a chance, I think I would pretty much sit here for an entire day to read and do my thing.

The most sick shiok croissant I’ve ever eaten, stunning satisfying coffee, cool yet warm breeze; plus a wonderful lady. Tell me, how much better can a Saturday morning get?

I’ll be back, Loysel. I’ll be back.