Honestly, I think each time I break my apparent vows of silence on my blog, I feel guilty enough to host another giveaway – while it is not my Blog Birthday giveaway, it is important and coming up soon 😀
I guess that is good for you all, though I hope you haven’t missed me too much! I kind of deserve any frustrated tomatoes thrown my way so go ahead, I have got my eyes shut tight!
*Splat*
*SplatSplat*
*SplatSplatSplat*
Is out of everyone’s system? Ok cool, good stuff guys 😛
You see, I was in a little dilemma. The reasons I have not posted for thousands of years equivalent in blogging-time is because:
- I finished exams on November 4th and therefore afterwards, for the next 3 days straight, went out and enjoyed my freedom 😀
- I was busy fixing up my room (pigs would not have lived in it) after my exams and cleaning out old books to recycle and give back to school
- My formal was on November 12th – if any of you are friends with me on Facebook, you may have seen a flurry of photos – if you aren’t do not despair, I promise a formal write up as one of the first posts on my new blog 😀
- Speaking of new blogs, my transfer had a bit more difficulty and time consuming then planned, and initially, I planned not to post until my new blog – now I am going to post here and transfer once it is up and running because I cannot take not posting – it feels like I am cheating you all!
- Finally, I have been too tired to bake! Honest! Despite sleeping all day, going out and doing nothing, I feel lethargic when it comes to using my brain. Even a little. But it is starting to awaken now 😀
So this post, as indicated by the title, will be to start you off with a review of the recently opened Cafe Boheme, the first ever Launch of a Cafe I have been invited too! But I will let CCU continue the story 😉
To keep up with my blogging issues and progress on a [some-what :P] daily basis, follow me on my Go Bake Yourself Facebook page 😀
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Oh. Dear. God.
She didn’t even believe in religion but she was hoping some spirit up there would help her! She rifled through her wardrobe for the 50th time (at least it felt like that!) and pondered over what to wear. What did one wear when invited to a launch for a Cafe? A dress? Pants? Shoes.
Ok so the last one was mandatory according to hygienic measures.
But still! She continued to rummage until finally, she spotted a blazer. If anything could look classy but still casual, it was a blazer. She could have wept with joy.
The big job done, she grabbed her wallet, picked up Pie (not a pie, but her friend, Pie!) and they raced over to find the mysterious, alluring, French cafe opening on November 15th called Cafe Boheme located just off Sydney city…
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Walking down Kellett Street was a wee bit unnerving as the majority of buildings on it were residential. Pie and I, we have a terrible sense of direction, so figured we were just lost 😛
You can’t see the pink sign here – my bad!
However, we did make it, and on time as well. Not even we could miss the cosy but electric Cafe Boheme written in a vivid dark pink on their opening sign. The rain was just beginning to stop, and the the warmth was wafting towards us from the opening to the cafe. Even before we entered, our umbrella was graciously taken and we were offered champagne or sparkling water. Despite my urgings, Pie stuck with sparkling water as did I, as I was driving (we are responsible, young people… sometimes :D)
You remember Pie?
May I ask just here, why adults seem to adore sparkling water. Pie kept looking like she wanted to sneeze when she drank that water and honestly, San Pellegrino must be top notch quality because I could feel those bubbles in my eyeballs!
On entrance, Cafe Boheme lives up to its name. Warmly lit, it has a distinct French touch, evident in the wonderful prints (which we were later to find out, were authentic). Their PR agent, Finbar, met us and happily told us to sit where we want. People already seated were boisterous, laughing and talking, and I know it immediately made me feel comfortable to be in such a new location 😀
We chose a table to the side, noticing how impeccably set they all were. Crisp linen napkins, wine glasses, shiny cutlery and fresh flowers with the Cafe Boheme name. It was relatable, because it was so… Hipster in its look… while still remaining classy. A very good contradiction if you ask me 😀
Boards of coloured writing added to the ambience and as we sipped and winced at our sparkling water, pretending to be all grown up, quickly, we were embraced by the lovely interior decor choices! Leading down from the seating, which while close together, was not clumped, was a small path for the waiters, leading on down to the counter and the kitchen behind it, where the magic was happening 😉
We checked out the beautiful chandelier, and sipped. Sarah from Delicious Magazine, also came and sat with us at this point, which was a treat, meeting someone in the Food business for real 😀 – it made the experience all the more thrilling!
Cos I am too cool to smile for the camera 😛
Admittedly, the launch was running a little late, but we didn’t mind. A very charming and fun waiter described his toils of freshly squeezing juice, so taking pity of course, we ordered orange and grapefruit juice ($6). The froth on top alone promised freshness, and each sip was lovely, curbing our growling stomachs as our chef and owner of the cafe, Darren Taylor was introduced 😀
He described his passion for cooking, starting 40 years ago, and talked about all of his restaurant exploits – it was quite marvellous to hear honestly! He had worked in some of the finest cafes in Paris (hence, his love for French influence) as well as with some major names in the Food industry! He was inspiring in how he described his catering business, and desire to create a French cafe with loveable Sydney’s influence 😀
Then, the eagerly awaited food started to pour out of their kitchen. And I mean pour out. Our table was full by the end of it! Between constantly refilling our glasses and ensuring we got each dish to share, those waitresses and waiters did an awesome job!
Our first dish was the Cafe Boheme Charcuterie Plate ($18) – full of cured meats such as bresola, salami, prosciutto, duck liver pate, veal and pork terrine, cornichon and sobrasda (I have no idea what some of these meats are!) topped off with a deliciously toasted piece of Iggy’s Bread, an internationally renowned bakery, their usual supplier. Obviously, the ingredients Cafe Boheme uses are top notch 😀
Now you know me, I am a vegetarian, but both Sarah and Pie happily provided me with details of the taste (thanks guys!) 🙂 – but even they had to guess what some of the fancier meats were, too gourmet!
The gherkins added a nice green touch and texturally, would have been nice to eat alongside the various sliced meats. Pie was quite adventurous, (I am so proud!) eating the veal and pork terrine, and actually claiming to like the various meats she tasted 😀
I also love how the meat was served in so many different ways, some a dip style, some sliced and others a terrine – you could dip gherkin into it, slather the bread with it or eat it on its own!
Next up came a veggie option, and how popular it was is evidence of how utterly amazing this sandwich tasted. Chargrilled vegetables, brie, pesto & leaves ($13) tucked neatly into the crispest, fluffiest bread I could desire and pressed to perfection. It was actually a double layer of brie, and the slight saltiness of the cheese with the classic veggies like eggplant and sundried capsicums made this the epitome of a Mediterranean gourmet sandwich!
I can actually still taste the wonderful flavour on my tongue as I write… 😀
Another sandwich was next to arrive, and if anyone has a flamboyant friend, this is the food equivalent. A breakfast specialty, a sunny side up (or Bullseye egg as Pie calls it) perched daintily upon another perfectly grilled piece of white thick bread. I swear, by serving such incredible bread, the very idea of eating bagged bread from the grocery store is enough to make one gag!
Called the Croque Monsieur/Madame ($13/15), this non-discriminatory dish was oozing with what we deduced to be a classic white sauce, topped with cheese, nestling layers of soft pink ham. Found to be a bit too cheesy and heavy for my fellow diners, I can understand still why it would be so difficult to stop eating this delectable gourmet breakfast sandwich 🙂
Another sandwich followed, this one with the very funnily named Rueben Sandwich of smoked brisket, red coleslaw and pickles ($13). You would think people would be getting sick of being served yet another sandwich but despite being placed in the same group, the twist was there yet again, evident by the fact that i was served on a bagel.
It looked awesome. Full stop. The brisket was layered and surrounded by crunchy coleslaw, and while this was not a favourite, it was yet another innovative dish to Taylor’s menu!
Jokes on you if you think I am done yet 😛
This was the final meat dish and by far the most beautiful of the gourmet plates brought out so far. Gently sliced wisps of trout rested on a bed of greens, covering a sturdy piece of grilled bread slathered with cream cheese. Its full name was Tasha’s ocean trout graviax, dill cream cheese, rockets an capers [Sandwich] ($13).
Crunchy, soft, wispy, fresh and salty from the capers and cream cheese, this was an excellent reconstruction of a gourmet seafood dish at a more affordable and approachable standard, without losing its class – I thought it took real skill to be able to achieve that!
The final dish to come appeared to be an obscure salad of Roasted beetroot, lentils, goat’s cheese, baby spinach and caramelised walnuts ($16). Forgive me if I am wrong, but does that not sound like a chef putting on a blind fold and grabbing random ingredients before mixed them in a massive pot?
While the taste was definitely different, it was definitely not bad. Not in any way. I hate beetroots and goats cheese and salad in general but I still ate it, the lentils actually working so well with the beetroot. But Pie and I have to agree that the walnuts were the star. Sweet but crunchy, they led the way in the flavour department here 😀
Is it possible for people to eat even more? Yes. Yes it is. Because poor Sarah, who had to leave because of work, missed out on the amazing degustation plate of desserts. DESSERT!
*Slaps hand together and rubs them with glee* 😀
Wow… reading back over these past sentences, I sound so greedy… oh well 😛
The first of the desserts we tried was the Rhubarb Frangipane Tart – we weren’t too sure if it was cheesecake or some random tart but on one taste, it was pretty obvious 🙂 – The rhubarb was perfectly tangy and set off the sweet pastry filling perfectly, while the crust was like a super buttery shortbread. Ohhhh myyyy gosh. 😀 – it made me remember not all good things involve chocolate…
BUT THE MAJORITY DO, as seen by the Handmade Chocolate Truffles served as well – the ganache it was made of was deep and rich chocolate, and melted in your mouth!
We also tried the Palmiers, rich flaky pastry soaked in sugar syrup and baked so the sugar makes it crunchy and sweet – this acted like our dessert breaker, getting ready for the best dessert of all…
The Creme Brûlée! Now, I know it is not the most original dessert to have on a semi-French menu, but I can bet you a million and one dollars that you would never have tasted a creme brûlée like this!
PERFECT CRACK 😀
It was flavoured with vanilla and mint and maybe lime? Not sure but there was a massive hit of freshness I kid you not – absolute 100% magic 😀
And by this time, I think our belts had exploded, our stomachs were hanging and I fangirled and got a photo with our chef – it was all so exciting! 😛
But it was not to end there. They very generously also gave us a wonderful gift bag containing more gourmet wonders 😀 – salsa, spaghetti, crackers, chips (all organic) and cheese especially flown in from Adelaide *sniff. they are so nice!*
And voila! Whew… I am tired just from typing and you must be from reading haha – definitely, if you are in the Potts Point area, take a bit of a detour and visit this French-Australian cafe – Vous ne regrettez rien (you will regret nothing!)
*Disclaimer: Go Bake Yourself ate as guests of Cafe Boheme, but any opinions of the food and drink given in this post are all my own.*
Cafe Boheme
Address:
3 Kellett St
Potts Point, Sydney
2011
Go Bake Yourself 
Pingback: CCU Undercover: Mooberry Dessert & Breakfast Bar
Wow! Lots of fun, yummy food!!
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looking good! Great recap. Especially loving the egg on top up there 🙂
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Everything looks delicious, really great review. Wish I were in Australia so I could visit it.
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I love the new blog. How classy is this? You’ve done really well.
Cafe Boheme looks like my kind of place. That’s a lot of meat on your plate, m’dear. Pie was the taster? 🙂
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Jennifer Eloff: I couldn’t sleep – found your comment on my blog and wondered if you back to blogging! Sure enough! Now I’m hungry!! Welcome back, Uru. Love the pic of you…you look lovely – remind me a bit of my son’s girlfriend.
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Yep I am 😀
Though I will be holidaying soon but then I promise to be back with a new blog and a flurry of posts 🙂
Thank you so much!
Cheers
CCU
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Sandra Garth: Wow what a treat that was! Your plate was literally and figuratively full. Glad to hear that you got some well deserved rest.
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Karen: I know you are happy to have your exams behind you. What a fun way to celebrate.
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Nami (Just One Cookbook): Looks delicious! And yes, it looks like the Creme Brûlée has the perfect crack on top and oh boy looks so yummy! I got so thirsty looking at OJ and grapefruit juice (never thought of ordering it but now I really want to drink a tall grass of that). And you got Genmaicha! That’s one of my favorite tea!
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Haha when I go to your blog, sushi is stuck on my mind till I eat it 🙂
Yes it was the perfect dessert! And thank you, I am definitely going to try it – is it similar to green tea?
Cheers
CCU
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What a great way to celebrate graduation! Looks like a nice place, and what a nice review. Fun pictures, too. Thanks.
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kitchenriffs: Welcome back! And what fun you had. Thanks for telling me you lost some subscribers – providentially I was one of them. So I’m resubscribing. 😉
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annesturetucker: What a beautiful feast Uru 🙂 Welcome back – I am sure you must have been exhausted after all the intense studying up to exams!
XXX
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Haha I am but it is wonderful to do anything at any time now (like blog :D)
Cheers
CCU
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bec (daisy and the fox): this place looks so awesome!
and that food looks super yum 🙂
hope your enjoying all your freedom! 😀
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Haha I certainly am, hope you are too 😀
Cheers
CCU
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grace: i love a croque madame! what an array of colorful and delicious food. lucky you. 🙂
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Asmita (@FoodieAsmita): Lovely place!
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navane64: Been coming over to see new post and glad there’s one. Love the spread of dishes and the beautiful ambiance.
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Eva Taylor: I’m glad you’re back and things are going well. This café looks lovely and the food looks delicious. Pie is adorable, her hair cut really suites her. Looking forward to seeing the new blog.
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It certainly does 😀
And the cafe was amazing, I have never seen it so vibrant and colourful!
Cheers
CCU
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dedy oktavianus pardede: Such a fascinating places to eating out right after you finish your exam, i guess you disserved it!
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Edible Celebrations (@lavesta): Hi Uru!
It’s just so nice to “see” you. No tomato tossing from here. I’m glad you are getting back into the swing of things. Too bad about the blog change, do back up, everything!!!
It sure sounds like you and Pie and the others had a fabulous time. There certainly was no shortage of food. Oh goodness just look at all the goodies:) I like Pie’s description, Bullseye Egg, lol..
So glad your exams are behind you. Enjoy your down time and thank you so much for sharing…Since I am not on FB, I look forward to those pictures!!!
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Haha there was a food overdose despite 3 people sharing the plates but it was marvellous 😀
Thank you for your continuous support my friend, look forward to catching up on reading!
Cheers
CCU
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Bam’s Kitchen: I even feel more relieved now that you are down with exams! Woo Hoo! I can’t wait to see your new site. Remember back up everything before you move…! Take care, BAM
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Angie@Angie’s Recipes: I would love to dine there too. That salmon sandwich looks fantastic!
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Joanne: No apologies necessary! And I want to see those formal pictures!!
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Haha I promise though it may be after my holidays overseas 😛
Cheers
CCU
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Tandy (Lavender and Lime): Sounds like a great place and I love a good Reuben!
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Lail (With A Spin): Such a fun event with delicious foods! You are beautiful, Uru. Enjoy your time.
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Abbe@This Is How I Cook: Oh yes. I would like to come and eat with you. this looks like such fun! And soo good!
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Anne@FromMySweetHeart: Uru…I swear you go out to eat more than I do! It looks like a very lovely cafe, though…great food and a good way to treat yourself after your finals! Now get some rest! : )
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yummychunklet: Great review!
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Hotly Spiced: Great to see you back, Uru. I can imagine how busy you’ve been since finishing your HSC. Great review. The food looks fantastic and I love how the price of the items is simplified. That first sandwich – yum! xx
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Mmm, I am sure you know all about it 😀
Yes, that is another thing I liked that while it was gourmet, it was far from pretentious!
Cheers
CCU
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Juliana: What a great way to treat yourself after the exams…everything sure looks delicious.
Enjoy your week my dear 😀
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Dixya @ Food, Pleasure and Health: this looks like a really fun place :
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sonisin: Ooh I’m drooling at that creme brulee amongst all the other yummy foods you all ate! Seems like a really good cafe!
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It certainly was my friend 😀
Cheers
CCU
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cquek: What a fantastic and deliciously looking
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Kiran @KiranTarun.com: Looks like such a fun event with delicious foods! You are beautiful, Uru 🙂
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Haha you are sweet, I am average, my friends are much prettier 🙂
But I don’t mind – I just eat! 😀
Cheers
CCU
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Culinary Flavors: My God all these delicious things! Have fun these years will never return! Enjoy them as much as possible!
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Cakelaw: Delicious! I want the beetroot salad and the crème brulee – yum.
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healthyyou72: Yay for exams being done! I saw your pics of your formal, you looked beautiful! The cafe looks delicious, and I love the decor. By the way, that pic of the cheese at the end….that is my favorite cheese, it rocks in grilled cheese:-) Hugs, Terra
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Aw thank you my friend! Haha now I must try this cheese, despite not being big on cheese overall 🙂
Cheers
CCU
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jothetartqueen: What an experience! I felt like I was there! the sandwiches look really hearty and delicious. and the desserts! I wish I were there to try them.
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Ruby @ The Ruby Red Apron: Congratulations on finishing your exams! And how lucky to be invited to the launch of this new cafe. Everything looks absolutely AMAZING!
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It was absolutely wow, I can still taste it in my mouth 😀
Thank you!
Cheers
CCU
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eliotthecat: Glad you took some fun time out! Can’t wait to see your new digs!
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Norma Chang: Congratulations on finishing your exams. What a delicious treat, I would love to be part of the experience. Looking forward to your new look.
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Liz Berg: I am SO glad you’re out enjoying yourself with your friends…but it IS good to see a post from you! You’ve made me very hungry 🙂
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Amy (@amy_donovan): Ooh, it looks like an awesome restaurant. I’m so hungry now, after reading your descriptions and looking at your pictures! Thank goodness it’s dinner time here in the USA. =)
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Kim@ Treats & Trinkets: Yeah, sparkling water is just unnecessary in my book. But look at you, going to cafe launches and the like. You’re like a celebrity.
P.S. Congratulations on finishing your exams!
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Haha hardly, it was unexpected and super awesome – I was the fangirl 😀
Thank you!
Cheers
CCU
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Georgia (The Comfort of Cooking): What a cute place! I wish I could stop in myself! Thanks for sharing.
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GourmetGetaways (@GourmetGetaway) I used to live about two doors down from where this restaurant is not located!! I was in the San Jose building. I loved having the two restaurants in the street but I would have lived at Cafe Boheme if it was opened then!!! I love the decor, and the hydrangeas!
…but the food, delicious!!!
I would not have been able to stop eating the cheesy Croque Monsieur/Madame or the lentil and beet salad… YUM!!!
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No way! We passed there while looking from it – small world 😀
Haha if I was close, they would be my ultimate breakfast place! If you feel reminiscent, certainly stop by there my friend, you would love it 🙂
Cheers
CCU
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The Squishy Monster: I want it all, sounds like a place right up my alley! love the nails, girl!
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Kayle (The Cooking Actress): 1-I tooootally understand!! You’re busy!
2-I hate sparkling water too….I don’t get it.
3-all this good looks sooo amazing!
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Geni – Sweet and Crumby: I want to eat there! Great review CCU. Sorry I have been MIA…can’t wait to see your new blog.
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Kathleen Richardson: Such a fun post, CCU. Look at you, getting invited to launches! In addition to the food, I really like the plates and flowers. Excellent post. Thanks!
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Thank you my friend! Yes, the decor was absolutely stunning 😀
Cheers
CCU
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Shirley Tay: I’m drooling at your food shots, sweetie!
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Barbara: You are excused from cooking to celebrate!
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glamorous glutton: Congrats on the end of your exams. I don’t blame you using the opportunity to let your hair down and enjoy yourself. Great to have you back. GG
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Como Water (@Como_Water): congrats on getting invited to the launch! sounds (and looks!) super cool!
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Haha it was, such a cool event! Thank you 🙂
Cheers
CCU
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Ambreen (Simple Sweet n Savory): Glad to see you back posting, hope your blog move goes well! I just want to grab this plate of desserts 🙂
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Inger Wilkinson: What a lovely outing! Congratulations on finishing your exams and can’t wait to see the formal pictures!
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thehungrymum: ohh la la! Tres chic! Glad you’re back – you’ve been missed! Congrats on finishing exams & having your formal – such big events.
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They were indeed thank you 😀
It feels good to be back!
Cheers
CCU
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Maha: Such a tempting clicks..Good post…
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Beth: Wow! What a meal! I must admit that I love all the ingredients in the salad. And what a selection of desserts! Nice to see you posting again.
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Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella: Welcome back Uru! I knew that you were commenting but glad to see that you’re back here. The background is so colourful and vibrant-like you! 😀
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Ngaw, that is sweet – wait till you see my new blog though haha you will be surprised how much it is like me 🙂
Cheers
CCU
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Paula @ Vintage Kitchen: Those sandwiches! Your exams are finally over, yay! And I can’t wait to see your new blog Uru!
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Piyumi: i just relieved all those tasty memories ;)))) great post! and thanks again SO much for taking me! i was honoured 😉
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We should go back to keep updating those memories 😉
And the honour was all mine haha
Cheers
CCU
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