Penny University (Review)

Headed down to Penny University for a second time with my sister during the CNY break, since she was visiting from Shanghai and wanted to cafe hop.

Penny University is a term that originated from 18th century coffeehouses in London, England.

For the price of a penny, one had access to coffee, the company of people from all levels of society, discussions, bulletins, newspapers and the latest gossip.

Penny University makes a mean cup of Joe. The Muddled Espresso with ice is wonderful, layered, with strong body and texture. With each sip is a different surprise on body, flavor and intensity. The coffee is robust and bold yet very balanced. We had a cherry pie, just the right marriage of zing and sweetness, with a crunchy, rustic crust. The crowd, ambience and service is also the way I like a cafe: unassuming but always full of surprises.  The people at Penny University are definitely doing it right!

  

Smitten Coffee and Tea Bar (Review)

Robertson Quay is a prime location for cafes and restaurants alike. I heard good things about Smitten from the cafe that I work at, so I decided to try it out one Friday afternoon. The place is really cozy and quiet, there was only one other table occupied when I was there. Ambience wise, its great for a lazy day, armed with the sweet dark balm of energy. Smitten makes an alright cuppa, I wasn't really a fan of the latte. The food is also slightly overpriced, the Bratwurst Nibblets came with one sausage chopped up into many bite sized pieces and some chips for sgd $4.90. Frankly, places that serve small portions for not so small prices leave me underwhelmed and very jaded. Despite that, the service was friendly but not overbearing. When its cuddle weather out, take the cue and buy yourself a cup of black coffee and read at Smitten. Wont go wrong. Just think twice about the food.