This whole place is quite big at 4000 sq ft. What they have done is to have 3 different concepts on the same venue. On Level 1 - an artisanal coffee place, Level 2 - a multi-label menswear boutique and Level 3 - a soon to be opened (mid Nov) semi-alfresco cocktail bar.
I should bring KopiKosongGirl to try this coffee out and see what she thinks.
I am not very much a coffee person.
I was told the baristas here had been trained by Japanese celebrity barista and latte art specialist, Hiroshi Sawada.
The menu here is presented on an iPad too.
It's opened by 2 couples, Thomas Ho and Janice Ong with Franz Chua and Shanie Teoh.
This is Level 1, the artisanal cafe.
It has white walls and copper pipes as lighting. It's chic-retro I would say.
Notice the bottom half of a cupboard hanging on the wall?
This is the MI Pork Bun or what we usually call the Kong Bak Pau ($3.90). I had a chat with Janice Ong and she said it's a recipe passed down to her from her grandmother. She makes it daily.
Another interesting food, is the MI Musubi. It's sticky Japanese rice with seasoning and a slice of SPAM luncheon meat.
A chat with Franz Chua said this was actually his packed lunch when he was studying overseas. His wife (then girlfriend to be) would be making this and it's a convenient to bring to classes! So this food brings back memories for him!
This made me laugh. A carrot cake with a carrot on top!
The sample sized carrot cake that we tried was delicious. I asked Franz if they made it as well. The carrot cake is made by one of their friends. They love this friend's carrot cake, so they are ordering from them to have it sold here.
I was quite fascinated by all these old furniture!
I remember our home had similar ones when I was young!
See more cut off or topless furniture on Level 1?
You will find out why on Level 2!
Level 2 is the menswear section. The labels here are from Japan, UK, France and USA.
They get mostly Japanese label and Janice says she goes to Japan regular to source for the latest fashion and bring them back to their shop.
Notice where the bags and shoes are placed?
It's the "top part" of the cut off cupboards on Level 1! How clever!
I am not the usual fashion catch up guy, but it was interesting to browse around.
I got kind of tempted. Hmm...
The brands they carry:
Japan: Deluxe, Discovered, Hobo, Kuro, Lad Musician
USA : Industry of All Nations, MIANSAI by Michel Andrew Saiger, Publish
France: Lucien, Teddyfish, Twins for Peace
UK: Orlebar Brown
Chatting with Janice, she said her husband Thomas was a total fashion nerd when they were younger. Janice has slowly but surely transform him. If you are at this place and see a clean shaven guy, that's Thomas. Janice showed a photo of Thomas on his iPhone when he was younger and it was really a transformation!
This is probably the only place where the husband or boyfriend can shop while the other half can sit at the cafe downstairs. If you need their opinions you can call or text them to walk up!
This raw canvas bag by Parisian brand Teddyfish bag caught my attention.
Ahem my friends, get the hint? ;-)
| Maison Ikkoku 20 Kandahar Street Singapore 198885 Tel: +65 6294 0078 Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun: 9 am - 7 pm / Fri-Sat: 9 am to 11 pm http://www.maison-ikkoku.net/ |
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