Ronin. 17 HKST.

From the people who brought you Bravery, The Plain and now this, Ronin. 

I've come full circle. From simple primary colours to whitewashed zen and now, over to the dark side. 

Once upon a time, there were menus. Then a large communal menu and here?

Prick up those ears and keep close attention. 

For the friendly service staff will recite the menu to you patiently while you mull over your choices and place your orders.

Taking a huge step away from my usual flat white, I made an order for Wicked ($5.50). Mint green after-eights melted into an espresso shot. A little too sweet and quite the treat. :)

Toast and scrambled eggs ($9) for me. Because these eggs have found fame in the eyes of many. Lightly scrambled, slightly runny and very deliciously creamy without falling apart in a slop.

Sometimes, I do conform to the masses. 

Served with three slices of lightly buttered toasts and a dark earthy Portobello ($3.50) add-on on request. The Portobello was a little dry and would perhaps be made perfect with a Worcestershire marinade.

He had a roast beef sandwich. Thinly sliced roast beef, tangy cream dressing, a slice of camembert, sweet Japanese pickled daikon and a handful of rocket, held together by warm crusty bread.
Don't bother slicing these up.
Eat with hands.
Simple but satisfying. 

We took the seats at the round communal table where the seats looked more comfortable than the bar stools with minute seats. The high ceilings and open spaces of a modern industrial interior meant we could hear the conversations of other people around us but only barely so. It was dim but comfortable. A little warm yet hardly restrictive.

Welcome to the dark side.

I'll be seeing you there.

Something new is brewing at McCafé!

The first McCafé in Singapore opened in 2003 and over the years has quietly established itself with a laidback approach to quality coffee at an unbeatable value located conveniently islandwide alongside most of your favourite McDonalds outlet.

My favourite Himalayan Tea Latte, a soothing sweet milky tea infused with notes of cinnamon for a slight spice with the cutest latte art.

In an effort to kickstart McCafé's long-term commitment to celebrate and champion creativity amongst youths in the community, McCafé will be launching a series of complimentary Coffee Appreciation Workshops to give young coffee lovers an opportunity to learn more about their coffee and have free expression of their creativity using coffee as their canvas.

Who? 

Youths between the ages of 16-35

As long as you're looking like our ages, you should qualify to apply.

What? 

A three hour workshop learning from the talented baristas from McCafé led by Master Trainer, Mr Hilmi Mohamed- an effervescent man who bubbles over with his passion for all things coffee.

The workshop will allow participants to discover the history of coffee and origin of McCafé, watch a latte art presentation, try their hand at handling the coffee machine to prepare a cup of Cappucino and how to froth the milk. To conclude the session, participants will get to showcase their talents and express their creativity at latte art and plate art.  

And we had the privilege of being the first few to be taken on a preview of the new and exciting series of workshops for people like you and I.

The selected baristas from various outlets will patiently walk you through the process.

Telling you more about the finer points of the gold standard of foam and latte art.

As they encourage and watch you bring your creativity to life.

On a cup of latte made from McCafé's espresso with 100% Arabica beans.

Couldn't have done it without you, Hongliang from McCafé, Northpoint. Much appreciated. Thanks!

And what's plate art?
Bringing your food to life as far as your creativity brings you. Or at least, where mine brought me.

Where? 

At McCafé of course.

When? 

Starting in September on 6th and 13th of September where the first two sessions will be held, to coincide with the September school holidays. The sessions will be limited to a maximum of 10 participants.

The next two workshops are slated for December 2014.

How? 

Registration will take place from 18th August to 1st September 2014. Simple drop them an email at : promotions@sg.mcd.com

I know where I'd be heading for my next cuppa. :)

Thanks to omy.sg for the invite and to the marketing team of McDonalds and staff at McCafé.