With an assortment of restaurants and shops popping up in the area over the last couple of months, Dempsey Road has certainly blossomed into a popular dining enclave for Singaporeans and expatriates alike. Among them is the Singapore outlet of a popular Australian franchise called Jones the Grocer, which has stores all over the East Coast of Australia including cities like Sydney and Brisbane. This gourmet food shop stocks everything from candy to breads, meats, pastas and olive oil. It even boasts a walk-in, temperature-controlled room to house its selection of artisan cheeses.

In addition to its impressive array of imported goods, Jones The Grocer is also a café. Able to seat up to 90 people, the cafe's menu incorporates many of the products sold at Jones'. With its unique concept, this delightful Aussie establishment stands in good stead for a successful future in Singapore.

• The Vibe
  High ceilings, cement floor and lots of steel – Jones The Grocer has got the industrial look down pat. Products on display encompass a central bar area where patrons can enjoy tapas or a cup of coffee throughout the day. While one would expect the glaring silver steel to make the place feel clinical and cold, the reality is quite the contrary at Jones'. With both indoor and outdoor seating, the minimalist look certainly works. It helps that the staff are always smiling, a welcome respite from the glum-faced wait staff common to other restaurants.
  
  
• The Food
  Offering differing menus at lunch and dinnertime, most of the casual fare served is light and healthy. Start off a meal at Jones' with the Cheese Plate ($19.50), a selection of choice cheese from the cheese room, served with dried cranberries, raisins and crispbread. From the sharply-flavoured blue cheese to the more palatable cheddar, this platter will certainly whet appetites. For a more carnivorous option, the Charcuterie Plate ($13.50) comprises an assortment of cured meats and hams, thinly sliced and served with fresh baguette.

  Herbivores will enjoy the Roast Butternut Pumpkin and Cherry Tomato Salad ($11.50), although the pumpkin is a bit of an acquired taste. The balsamic vinaigrette is also a little jarring. Among Jones' range of sandwiches is the Shaved Leg Ham, Jones Chutney and Heidi Tilsit Cheese ($7.50), a sizeable sandwich so generously filled with ham, it is guaranteed to fill even the emptiest stomach. Tangy chutney gives this sandwich the flavour it needs to stand out.

  While the Setaro Spaghetti with Veal Meatballs and Jones Napolitano Sauce ($15.50) is a more substantial meal, the pasta is disappointingly run of the mill, although the veal meatballs are big and tasty. Shaved reggiano cheese also gives the dish some zest.

  Though slightly more expensive, the Lemon Roasted Spatchcock with Rosemary Potatoes ($22) is worth every penny. Not only is the chicken deliciously tender, it also takes on a somewhat tart flavour due to the lemon juice, creating a surprisingly agreeable combination. With the warm green bean and fennel salad, and the rosemary potatoes, this dish is highly satisfying.

  According to retail manager Laura Sanders, one of Jones' more popular side dishes is the Roasted Potatoes with Jones Garlic Aioli ($6.50). Roasted in olive oil, these halved baby potatoes are beautifully soft on the inside while their skins are perfectly crisp. The Garlic Aioli is creamy and slightly sour and makes the ideal accompaniment to the potatoes.

• The Service
  The service at Jones The Grocer is way above average. Wait staff are extremely friendly, knowledgeable and appear to be well-trained. With constant smiles on their faces, the staff here go the extra mile to make your dining and shopping experience a pleasant one. Camaraderie between Jones' service staff is apparent, and it rubs off on customers.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Jones The Grocer
Jones The Grocer takes great pride in their concept, and it shows. While there are both hits and misses on the menu, the hits certainly surpass the misses. Combined with the fantastic service and comfortable atmosphere, Jones' is a great place to go for a simple meal and to do some gourmet shopping.