I think I got a tad ambitious there when I thought 4 entries by the daylight of Thursday is possible.

Then. Friends got online, which prompted some co-ordination of plans. Yak. Yak. Yak.

Then. Angry Birds beckoned. Tap. Tap. Tap.

Then. Put The Wrestler on and enjoy one of the rare treats of sitting with my back propped against the pillow, hugging my baby pillow beneath the duvet and getting all emotional over a film. Sniff. Sniff. Sniff.

Mickey Rourke is plenty of goodness in the film. There was a point I could just feel that the film was gonna get sadder, and I wished it would just end at midpoint before the sad, sad, ending.

The most poignant moment for me was before his big match, he told her “The only place I get hurt is out there.”

That was simply, ouch.

Then.  hunger pulled me from the monitor to the kitchen’s fridge for a mega rampage. Chips. Choc. Cookies. Nom. Nom. Nom.

And you guys know how I don’t manage distraction any good.

***

So. I have been meaning to write about Jules Cafe Bar after my recent visit.

This year has been a year of exploring quaint and lovely places scattered round the island and with the blogging drought earlier, I had missed out journaling the fabulous places I have checked out.

Hopefully being more conscientious with the new category – “The Curious Palate” (which honestly is coupled with a lust for good ambiance), I can slowly dig out those old pictures of the restaurants and eateries visited.

***

28 August 2010 – Saturday

It was a pretty lazy weekend evening and there was a need for some juicy red meat.

It was almost quarter to 9 before we managed to drag our lazy asses out for dinner, and a call to make reservation made us realise the last order was actually 9.30pm.

Needless to say, it was a pretty big rush to get everything ready (needed to pack as we were heading to the zoo the next day), and took some non-P-Plater driving to get us to the reclusive Jalan Riang just before the taking of last order.

Had actually did some online search for quality meal of red meat in a non-casual setting and it had led us to find some obscure review about Jules Cafe Bar.

The GPS got us there after missing a small road and required plenty of winding and turning before we reached the bustling joint that was hidden away in a very quiet corner of the Serangoon/Bradell residential area, and it probably isn’t a good idea for anyone who is not driving to get there.

Then again, it was not enough to stop the crowd from coming, and as the chilly evening was drawing to a close with last orders, the ceaseless chatters which were almost inaudible as we got off the car, welcomed us as soon as we stepped into the hideout.

A quick glance around showed we were the only Chinese there, but still, it felt incredibly homely, and there is a certain indescribable charm to this popular haunt of local Australians.

Apparently, this is not just a favourite for the residents in the area, but also for many others who make pilgrimages there after getting to know it through referrals.

The one thing I remember most, is the constant smiles of the people in there, and the casual, laid-back chatters, which erupted into the occasional laughters.

The wait staff were this teenager chap and possibly his sister, who are such delight.

Though one gripe I do have (as I have with many other places, even coffeeshops!), is when I asked for iced tea, why was I given sugar packs? Once, I went to a coffeeshop and asked for my iced tea to be sweeter, I had to instruct the uncle to take a bit of sugar, add a bit of hot water, stir, then add into my iced tea.

But the iced tea was refreshing cos they served me iced chamomile.

The beauty of this place is how modest it is, and how it doesn’t try too hard.

It is a place you could just sit in and bask in the cosiness of it all.

And you know what is lovely? There is no service charge to it and prices listed on the menu is already inclusive of taxes so what you pay, is exactly what you see on the menu!

But we loved the service and the quirky pair of siblings (?) that we still tipped despite not having to pay any service charge.

We ran into a bit of disappointment when we realised they no longer carry the Wagyu Beef burger, which was what we could only think about on the journey there.

In desperation of red meat, we went for the steak instead.

But first up was the starter.

Garlic prawn with feta cheese.

I didn’t order the starter, but damn, after I dug into it, I had wanted to make it mine.

It has got to be the best starter I ever had.

The exquisite taste to it, combined with the feta cheese. Oh. My. God. PERFECT.

The prawns were done in a way that they were fresh, juicy and springy.

Since I am one who takes all things spicy, the chilli flakes gave the prawns an added dimension of flavour which appeals to my tastebud.

The garlic made it damn fragrant, and I love it the most when I bit into the bits of feta cheese unknowingly and there is a change in the texture and the taste to the prawns.

I really, really liked it.

The main was served and we both ordered Angus steak for our mains though I had initially pondered over the pasta.

I honestly was quite disappointed with the presentation and was apprehensive when I dug in cos it didn’t look at that special.

The mashed potato was a tad chunky and was nothing like what I had at Tiffin earlier that week.

I had my first bite and I could quickly see why the rave reviews are there.

It was fantastic.

It really was. The taste to how it was done, nothing too overwhelming, it did not even needed much help from sauces, and just it being it, the simplicity of it was all it needed.

I apologise for judging it by its cover all too soon.

And I finished every bit on the plate without even the neat to spit out any tendons nor the fats cos the cut was actually fabulous (though I had my doubts initially!).

The charred bits worried me that it might be too well-done but the meat was tender and the charred bits were such bonuses cos they were so yummy!

I honestly had wanted to ask for 2nd portion cos I enjoyed the steak that much.

After a satisfying start to the meal, the dessert was served, and once again I was actually disappointed cos it certainly didn’t look picture-worthy when it was served.

I have to say it just doesn’t look exciting though it does look decent. From this angle, I didn’t do it justice cos actual portion is bigger.

I then took a bite, and again, I have to take back my words.

The brownie was light, so light. It was something that would not make you feel overwhelmed even after a heavy dinner.

It was actually very lovely.

And then I recalled what I first like about this place, its simplicity and how humble it is, compared to the showier chichi places out there. Which was very well reflected in its food, that you always have to look beyond the surface of it all.

The food certainly has quality. You know how sometimes you go to a cool restaurant and the presentation of the food will wow you but all you remember of the food is, “well it was okay. Not horrible, but alright.“?

This is a place where you will remember the food for its straight-forward presentation but yet impress and surprise your taste bud enough to say “the food is good!” that will make you look forward to the next visit.

Jules Cafe and Bar certainly exceeded my expectations.  And did I say how popular this joint is? An Australian restaurant which has the support of many local Australians is quite a statement, I believe. Do remember to make a reservation especially on weekends if you are gonna check this quaint, little gem out.

address: 15-1 Jalan Riang Singapore 358987

telephone: 68582827