Jones the Grocer

Dempsey Hill is fast becoming a lifestyle area. Like many stores here, Jones the Grocer has a fairly short history thus far. Just opened in the last year or so, its reputation had already reached far and deep into the expatriate community in Singapore. I remembered visiting this place just some 6 months ago, there was little traffic then. But now, it's a bustling all-in-one bakery, delicatessen, restaurant and grocery. Its rustic decor lends a natural and fresh ambience to the place that's perfect for the theme. Almost everything cooked or served here can be purchased from the store. The store's layout is inviting, with vast open spaces and high ceiling. A cafe station is located at the centre of the store, allowing easy traffic flow. A variety of Australian treats (fudges, nougats, muffins, scones, brownies, cupcakes) lined the glass display counter around the cafe station. To add to the impromptu atmosphere, a chef was seen conducting a live cooking demonstration at one corner of the store. Dressed in a "Jones the Grocer" apron, he looked every part a celebrity chef (that reminds one of Jamie Oliver's or Curtis Stone's program). A small crowd had gathered around him as I nudged my way in to snap some pictures. Chef Chapman was offering a free lesson on cooking risotto with fresh wild mushroom and French Summer Truffles. Looked easy enough. Clearly, he had a mission - to sell the fresh truffles available in the store as well as all the accompanying condiments for the dish. It was only about 10.45 a.m., but almost every seat in the restaurant had already been taken. All three of us ordered something different from the breakfast menu. Yan went for a meaty breakfast with Australian sausage, bacon and eggs. Conscious of my weight, I opted for a plain breakfast of banana and pecan bread, served with cream spread. Yan's mum, being a vegetarian, had little choice but to go for the only vegetarian dish on the menu - focaccia served with grilled portobello mushroom and rocket leaves. The breakfast menu was decidedly Australian, just like the ambience, and almost every product sold here. Many Australians living in Singapore will find this place close to home. Some will keep coming back for nostalgic reason.