I would have really liked to bring you a recipe post for Valentine's Day like I've done the past several years but I've been so insanely busy on the workfront that I simply wasn't able to. Even the Chinese New Year long weekend break that just ended wasn't nearly enough for me to recover from the burnout. It's all good though! The productivity slump that I experienced during the circuit breaker period last year (at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic) seems to be reversing full throttle this year and I do hope the momentum keeps going. This would probably mean less time to devote to the blog but I promise to do my best folks! 

Today I have for you a post that has been in the pipeline since the end of last month.

A few weeks ago, we wanted to take the kids out so we were scouting for a place in nearby localities where the kids could enjoy the outdoors and we could also grab a bite to eat. My husband suggested Bistro by Gardenasia located in the tranquil Kranji countryside. 

We were roughly familiar with the area previously having been to Bollywood Veggies and the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve but we hadn't been to Gardenasia as yet so we didn't really know what to expect. 

Gardenasia is part of the Nyee Phoe group of companies. Located far away from the towering skyscrapers and maddening crowds, Gardenasia aims to draw people closer to nature through curated experiences that are naturally inspired. The experience is centered around the various lifestyle pillars – Eat, Work, Play – to create a holistic ‘GA Experience’. These include dining at the bistro, fresh produce and sustainable products by The Local Farm, GAkids programmes, eco-ambassadors Titoy and Morchoo, and farmers’ market events. You can also enjoy a farm stay in the heart of the Kranji countryside with villas modelled after charming black and white colonial houses. 

I had checked out the bistro menu beforehand and was pleased with the 'farm-to-fork' concept. The menu of the bistro, comprised of fresh salads, soups, nibbles, mains, local delights and a few desserts prominently features produce from local agri farmers whom they staunchly support. 

I must mention that this area of Singapore is remote and hence relatively cut off from public transport. The most straightforward way to get there is by car and if you have your own vehicle, I recommend that you drive around the verdant green countryside because it is quite the sight for sore eyes. 

We reached Gardenasia around mid-morning. The girls spotted the outdoor play area right from the carpark and that immediately got them excited. We managed to convince them to first take a seat at the bistro, look through the menu and decide on what they wanted to eat and then we would let them explore! 

My first impression was how unique the place was. Right from the quiet and secluded location, the bamboo groves, the Balinese and Thai-inspired sculptures and the rustic landscaping gives you a feeling of stepping into a faraway world. 

The airy bistro overlooks a serene pond flanked by lush greenery and the atmosphere is quite lovely. 

Read more...