Pique Nique (pronounced 'pic-nic'), which has taking over the space once occupied by McDonald's in the Takashimaya's basement in Ngee Ann city, is a New York-style bakery-cum-bistro.
It is set up by award-winning pastry chef Pang Kok Keong,who was the executive pastry chef behind restaurant group Les Amis' Canele Patisserie Chocolaterie chain. After leaving Canele, the chef founded new restaurant group Sugar Daddy and has went on to start up two shops with different concepts: a French patisserie Antoinette and of cos, American-style bakery Pique Nique.
What you will find in Pique Nique are all-day-breakfast items such as eggs cooked any style, pancakes, salads, burgers and hot dogs. The bakery also have cupcakes, waffles, cakes and sundaes.
When we arrived at 11.30am on Saturday morning, we were rather surprised to see that there were not many people in the shop - we were one of the three tables occupied and we wondered if the food was bad. But as we stayed on, the crowd began to grow and by the time we leave at about 12.30pm, the place was full.
Prices are quite reasonable,ranging from $7.50 for two-eggs breakfast to $13 for a beef burger.
We ordered the egg benedict, which was served on a toasted crispy piece of bread. It was decent, although the hollandaise was a bit too sour.
I liked the toasted sesame bun of the burger but the lettuce was too huge and the raw taste of green vegetable was a little overwhelming. Oh but I love the fries! Thick (lots of potato), and rather tasty with a dash of powdered spices on them.
The waffle (with caramelized bananas, chocolate sauce and a scoop of malted milk ice cream) was thick and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside - reminds me of A&W waffles IN THE PAST (which was my favourite). But you have to eat it real quick as it soaks up the moisture from the ice cream and turns soggy rather quickly.
They also have a retail area just outside the cafe selling cakes and pastries and it looks really attractive with all the colourful displays.
All in all, although the food is not fantastic (but acceptably good), and with its reasonable prices and chic and casual setting, I think its a good place to meet up with friends for some brunch/snacks. Definitely worth trying.
