The hype: Internationally-renown artisanal bakery Baker & Cook opens its tenth outlet along the charming Loewen Road, with a wholesome menu masterminded by New Zealand baker boy and founder Dean Brettschneider.
The vibe: This particular outlet inhabits a spacious glasshouse with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that allow an abundance of natural light to stream in, while embracing the abundant foliage that encompasses the district.
The food: Instilling a sliver of Asian influence into a majorly Antipodean menu, the fare at Loewen Road feels tailored to the Singaporean tastebud. Arrive early to catch the breakfast exclusives that get served fresh out of the kitchen from 8am-3pm; the first of which is Peter Gorden’s Turkish Eggs ($20) where two poached eggs soak in a pool of whipped yoghurt and Aleppo chilli butter. The second breakfast special is pure cinnamon-spiked pancake goodness. Dutch Baby Pancake ($22) is a thin, crispy-edged pancake that’s topped with an assortment of fresh berries, earl grey-poached pear and a dash of edible flowers for good measure.
Move onto the mains, where an enticing plate of luscious sous-vide chicken thigh awaits, dressed in herby labneh when you order the Herb Roasted Chicken ($27). If you’d prefer a flavourful seafood dish, opt for the Kuhlbarra Barramundi En Papillote ($28) that’s a Thai-style fish and prawn number served enveloped in a parchment paper pouch to retain its ginger garlic fish sauce and stock.
You can also order from sister brand Plank Sourdough Pizza, which is situated right by Baker & Cook. The pizzas go by numbers but a good introduction would be Pizza 6 ($13 for a plank, $26 for a round); a tomato-based Parma ham and rocket pie garnished with a helping of mozzarella.
As for the sides, try their Miso Glazed Eggplant ($16); a unique dish that gives patrons a new perspective on eggplant. Slathered in a layer of wakame and miso butter and topped with crushed cashew nuts and spring onions for a crunchy surprise, there is a good, textural contrast to the buttery-smooth eggplant.
The drinks: For health nuts, pick out any fresh or cold pressed fruit juices from the Squeezed! Premium Cold Press Juice line for $7, or grab a thick smoothie for $9.50.
Why you’ll be back: Baker & Cook doesn’t just deliver when you seek quality carbs, they embed it with an innovative assortment of grains and sprouts before loading it with colourful fresh greens and hearty protein. This, and the location of the outlet makes for an experience that will have you showing off your #foodporn pics for days.
