Upper Thomson Road has certainly established itself as a food haven of sorts with an extensive range of restaurants and cafés flanking the main road. Joining in the fray fairly recently is Miss Clarity Café, a family-run café serving French-influenced cuisine and homemade desserts at reasonable prices.

• The Vibe
  For those who have been to its first outlet at Purvis Street, the atmosphere at Upper Thomson is much better. With a larger floor space and a decent al fresco section, one feels more comfortable and relaxed in the spacious environment. Bright colours take center-stage in this eatery, with the walls splashed in candy colours and casual furniture in similar hues. While it might seem a little gaudy at first, the fun and fuss-free nature of the café is contagious, perfect for the young and young at heart.

• The Food
  With the kitchen helmed by Chef Jonathan, son of co-owner Nora, the food takes on a Southern French influence, inspired by the months he spent training in the kitchens of France. Young and full of drive, his talent is demonstrated in the food served, familiar but with an experimental twist.

  Note-worthy mains include the Beef Stew Vol-Au-Vont ($10.80) and the Roasted Chicken Leg ($9.80). While both were good, if forced to choose a favourite, it would definitely be the former. Tender cubes of beef and carrots in a tasty stew drizzled in a puff pastry bowl, the light pastry contrasted well against the hearty stew. Even though the chicken leg was ordinary, albeit a little dry, the pleasant mushroom and potato fricassee goes really well with the white meat.

  The SD team was very fortunate to have sampled an item from their new menu due to be launched in January 2008. The Sautéed Pork Loin with Garlic Snail Pasta is strong on the garlic but yet light on the palate. Sliced thinly, the pork loin was fragrant and chewy, smothered with the creamy sauce. Garnished with sun-dried tomatoes, arugula and shaven cheese; the result was delectable without being overpowering.

  Complete your meal with some of their fabulous desserts, all designed to placate the sweet-toothed diner. Chocolate-lovers simply cannot miss the warm Mud Ooze ($4.50) with vanilla ice-cream. Oozing luscious Valrhona with every spoonful, it was certainly an enjoyable but addictive treat. If dark chocolate is not quite your thing, try the Warm Bread and Butter Pudding ($2.80). Firm but surprisingly moist, with raisins that provide an added sweetness; it was a comforting dessert indeed.

  Despite the flair, the food still remains very affordable and you can add $3 to a main course to make it a set meal; which includes a soup/salad, drink and dessert of the day. However, if you really want something special, call ahead and enquire about their gourmet menu, you would be pleased with what they can do with the budget you give them.

• The Service
  Dressed casually in the bright colours that represent the youthful cheer of Miss Clarity, the staff are warm and attentive to your needs.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Miss Clarity Café
Combining fine cuisine with affordable prices, no service charge or GST; it is no wonder that Miss Clarity Café has been surrounded with a lot of hype in the blogosphere, even though it has been years since its beginnings at Purvis Street. With such a presence in the virtual world, it certainly helps that the café provides free wireless broadband for its diners. Easterners take note, as a new outlet is due to open in Tanjong Katong very soon, bringing the pink brigade closer to your hearts. True to its funky name, the café is clear about the route to success in the food and beverage industry, offering fun cuisine that is both high in quality and value-for-money.