Cafe Bistro Bar

Cafe Bistro Bar

Brown Sugar Café Bistro: A touch of zest

Whenever you hear that a restaurant is owned by the chef himself, you can be sure to expect pretty high standards from his cuisine. However, to hear that it is owned by Yuan Oeij, the food-loving entrepreneur who started the private dining chef business “Chef for Hire”, the expectations that people will have are definitely anchored well above the bar. Since its opening just a few months ago in November 2006, Brown Sugar has grown to attract a steady casual dining audience, but also gained popularity as a choice destination for hosting elegant dinner parties that have left many talking long after their meal.

Neatly tucked away from the prying eyes of the River Valley crowd, Brown Sugar is a quaint little dining space that seems somewhat out of place in the midst of the Stardus Clubhouse. However, step through its frosted glass doors into a room of muted mood lighting cast over simple furnishings, and diners will be set right at ease. Following the theme of its name, the restaurant is appareled in soft cappuccino brown cushion seats that line the mirrored walls, together with cream-coloured tables and a subtle imprint of flowers on its pristine white walls. With a soft and casual ambience, it is effortless to simply relax in its cosy interiors.

One thing to note about Yuan's restaurant is that every dish comes out tasting incredibly fresh, with abundance in using healthy ingredients like fruits and vegetables to tease out the tastes of the European dishes.
While many restaurants can have their selection of salads, the signature in this restaurant is the carefully layered Salad of deconstructed apple, walnuts, brie cheese drizzled over with a tangy apple balsamic dressing ($13). Rather than mixing everything up, the technique of this salad serves more to let the diners savour an assortment of tastes that changes with each layer, which was an interesting attempt although not as spectacular as I had hoped. However, the grilled squid salad ($13) that came served over a bed of arugula, olives, orange and Mediterranean vinaigrette is definitely a good recommendation, as well as alternative to start your meal off on. The orange slices added a delightful zest to this appetizer, and complemented the sweetness of the squid and the spices of the salad harmoniously. Those who must have their soups will do well to order the Cappuccino of Porcini Mushroom ($10) that is fragranced by truffle oil and delightfully bittersweet in its taste.

While the starters were noteworthy, less so could be said about the main courses which I feel could use a lot more tweaking. The signature dish of Baby spinach-stuffed chicken leg with spaghetti puttanesca ($19) was not well balanced in its tastes as the flavour of the chicken was too subtle, as compared to the ambrosial spaghetti. Similarly, the Hand-chopped Wagyu burger ($28) was a disappointment, although the piquant mushrooms that glazed the top of its steak afforded some saving grace to this dish.

As for desserts, Brown Sugar sure knows how to end it off on a sweet tune to put you right back in favour of them. You will not go wrong with the Sticky date pudding ($12). Soaked in aromatic brown sugar butterscotch and cheekily topped off with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream, the pudding crumbles upon touching the tip of your tongue! Another praiseworthy selection includes the Tarte tartin of pears ($12) that is paired off with a generous scoop of honey and fig ice-cream. With a light and fluffy crust that enrobes the honey poached pears, be sure your senses will be pleasurably numbed after just a few bites of this luscious creation.

Approachable and sure of everything that runs in Brown Sugar, the restaurant manager Mr. Pandian was precise in his explanation of the food served, and showed commendable professionalism in his service. Guests will do well to ask him for any recommendations or assistance if they are unsure of what to order for their meal.

To pay a reasonable price for such a comfortable ambience, it is pleasing to know that a restaurant like Brown Sugar exists. Coupled with pretty good food, it is almost effortless to feel a sense of positive inclination toward this unpretentious restaurant. While adventurous, some of its dishes do show signs of requiring more adjustments to its tastes. Perhaps give it half a year to a year more – it should have perfected its recipes by then.

About the Author

Bubbly and outspoken, Hildra enjoys self expression in both speech and literature. An Arts graduate from the National University of Singapore, she has always enjoyed writing with an adventurous edge to distinguish herself from the rest. Hildra enjoys sports, golf, sailing, windsurfing and all other activities out under the sun.

Can somebody help me rank the best restaurants in Fort Bonifacio Global City?

I am trying to come up with a list of the top restaurants in Fort Bonifacio Global City. Please help me, there are soooo many good ones! Feel free to rank them in your own order and add your own based upon quality of food, quality of service, and restaurant aesthetics. Make sure to add your own to the list if you favorite is not present.

Abe
Larry's Cafe & Bar
Contis
Le Souffle
Je Suis Gourmand
Brazil Brazil
Red Mimono
Cafe Juanita's
Chef Laudico Bistro Filipino
Zong
Polu Kai Grill
Paul Calvins
Italiani's
UCC
Shiok
Balducci Ristorante
Dayrits
Abe Restaurant
Embassy Cuisine
Texas Roadhouse grill
Gourdo's Café
Cafe Mary Grace
Fez
Guava

wtf is kantotan tyme? =)))!