That Elusive Scone

Room with a View Cafe

Took me awhile to find this cafe as it is located at the upper level of a nondescript shop house along Carpenter Street.

Upon exiting the lift on the 5th floor, I was greeted by a chirpy lady manning the counter. Safe for an ang moh who was enjoying his sandwich, there was no one else. The decor is simple but modern, with clean whitewashed walls and a huge panel bearing a inspirational quote from Aaron Siskind. Prices are a little toppish but this is inevitable given the use of high quality ingredients.

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”

Since the cafe is known for its photo exhibitions, I was slightly disappointed to find dull looking pictures of "crystal" formations lining the walls. The previous theme "Europe" would have yielded prettier pictures. The upcoming one on "Food" should also be quite interesting. Guess I had just chosen the wrong time to visit.

There isn't much to choose from the menu, safe for some sandwiches, drinks and a few desserts. I was really looking forward to try the much raved about scones with real clotted cream and strawberry jam. Unfortunately, they had run out- and it was only 12 plus in the afternoon! With the highlight of my meal squashed, I ordered a grilled ham and cheese panini while my kaki had a chicken avocado sandwich. Both were fresh, wholesome and tasty but nothing to go gaga about.

Nice and toasty

Fresh and healthy (save for the chips)

For dessert, we decided to order a slice of carrot cake to share. This was the saving grace of the meal. Everything from the finger licking good cream cheese frosting to the dense rich carrot infused sponge was a delight to the senses. Needless to say, we finished every single crumb.

Yummy is the word

I'm not sure how this cafe is going to hold up given its slightly upmarket appeal and lack of publicity. However, I can picture myself spending a lazy morning curled up on one of the chairs with a magazine in hand, sipping a cup of tea and nibbling on that elusive scone.