Artichoke Cafe & Bar

After what seemed like eternity, I caught up with S one Saturday morning for brunch at Artichoke. This was the rare moment that I took a breather from Project Habitation and could afford to just sit back and do
N-O-T-H-I-N-G, except to eat and chat over coffee. Pure heaven.

Replacing the now defunct My Secret Garden, the cafe is nestled within a courtyard at Sculpture Square. It emits a welcoming vibe with its all natural, rustic look that doesn't put you in a self-conscious mood, even if you are in shorts and sandals. Leave that wifebeater singlet at home though.

The brunch menu isn't especially lengthy but it should be able to delight the majority. You get a good mix of healthy light stuff to peck on or if an oil-fueled mega meal is needed to kickstart the day, those are available as well. S and I were wise enough to select both types to share.

S recommended the big breakfast meal, which is a one dish wonder that contains almost everything you will need or crave for - from protein to carbo. It comes with eggs, which we chose to scramble and a handful of arugula leaves thrown in for good measures. Most brunch joints serve up bacon strips. Not Artichoke. It goes one step further with bacon chop and as if as that is not enough, they are glazed with maple syrup. That is serious stuff with sweet and savoury chews in one mouthful. By the way, there is a reason why this set comes with two hashbrowns - it is meant to be shared! Sharing extends to both good things and guilt.

The guilt was offset with a yogurt dish, a plate of healthy goodness with a tart rhubarb centre, a drizzle of honey and chopped pistachio nuts. We lapped it all up, as we exchanged the on-goings in each other lives and soak up the weekend mood.

The cafe caters to either solo diners who enjoy a tranquil moment with their papers or those with a large group of mates. We spotted both demographics, who enjoyed their mornings the way that each favoured. Now I know why S and her hubby are hooked on this place for brunch. I know I am. I probably can spend countless hours there, just as long as there is either one of the following:

1) a good friend (ok, husband will do as well)

2) a stack of magazines or an intriguing novel 

3) a good cup of coffee