FOOD AFTERNOON: POPPIES & CRAFTSMEN

Have you ever wanted to like a place so much because of its cool interiors, promising menu, and hip playlist only to be disappointed when the food comes? That was the case for Poppies over at Upper East Coast Road. With its white walls, red accents and dark wood furniture, it's impossible not to take a second look at this bistro-bar. The bright and airy atmosphere is terribly inviting; I was sold with the interiors alone. That extra push, however, came from the chalk signboard that says BRUNCH and the amount of diners inside. I though it'd be a given that I'd end up loving Poppies so much and be a regular; I really wanted to enjoy my food. 

I ordered The Big Breakfast and I was thoroughly disappointed. It was bland beyond words and I found it way overpriced. Maybe the ambience had set me up to expect so much more from their kitchen. Maybe I ordered the wrong dish. Maybe the food cooled exponentially when I snapped this one photo. I would never find out as I'm pretty sure I won't be ordering the same thing if I ever come back.

We then walked over to Craftsmen Specialty Coffee for a quick caffeine fix. Craftsmen is a quaint cafe that looks somewhat identical to all the other cafes popping up - chalk boards, visible pipes, cement floors, and wooden furniture. But I'm not complaining, I'm a fan of the homey-industrial theme that's currently trending.

We had iced lattes to go and their coffee was not bad. What I would like to come back for though is their food display case. They sell a variety of pastries and cakes to go along your cuppa joe (or cuppa tea) and from the looks of it, its pretty appetizing. 

Anyone been to the above places? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the comment box below. 

xx