Pasarbella @ Grandstand

Pasarbella marketed as a farmer's market is Singapore's first and I was all excited for its opening many moons ago. Turf City is far flung and without transport, relying on the shuttle buses would it the next best alternative to access this place.

Oceans of Seafood
Stall #02-06/k2-k11



Fresh oysters ready for shucking greet me at the door. The seafood stand was packed with so many people, I gave us trying to see what is on the menu and ventured further into the marketplace.

Busy, is a understatement for this place - bustling or even brimming could be a better word to describe the crowds and the difficulty in getting a table.

Le Patio
Stall #27



Le Patio was the main reason why I wanted so badly to drop by Pasarbella. Handwritten chalkboard, a french lady doing crepes and a cauldron size pan for paella - SOLD!



We completely missed out on a paella pan the size of a cauldron seen at mass weddings and had to wait an entire hour for the next. Just looking at the ingredients laid out on the pan already sets the stage for an awesome paella.



Broth tossed in with peppers turning it into a delicious shade of red.



More simmering and flipping of ingredients to ensure even cooking.



The aftermath of an hour's worth of cooking and soon, the portions of paella left were down to the lucky few. Fret not about food being kept warm, the fire is constantly on.



Meanwhile, I made a beeline for their crepes. I found it strange that a Spanish place would also serve french pastries and crepes. Steps to make a crepe were swift, laddling of batter, evening it out and squirting of sauces to complete the deal.



My freshly made crepe on the hotplate.




Caramel and Salt ($4.50)

I never got the fuss about french crepes - thin and hardly inspiring yet these were definitely dark horses. Simple but it hits all notes on savoury and sweet, right down to the chewy crepe texture - completely floored with this simple number.



Mixed Seafood Paella ($13.50)

Alas, the one hour wait was agonizing and well worth the wait the moment I unveiled the bejewelled box. I was even lamenting the price tag and size of box.



These delicious grains soaked up the flavours of the broth and presented a culinary display so dazzling, I could paella for the rest of my life if it were this good all the time. Seafood fresh beyond comprehension - just the prawns got me grinning.

Sold on Paella, sold on the hour long wait.

Dutch Colony
#02-K67/K68



Dutch Colony is located on the less frantic arm - afterall, it is about chilling over a cuppa.



Menu list that is good enough for some deep thought.



How about some cake or Windowsill pies?



The cake list never quite ends, check out frootkeyk for more of their bakes!



I spot my favourite pies! Pity they did not feature the latest flavour - blueberry.



Beans a tad over roasted for this cuppa, not a good showcase somehow. Probably better luck next time round. 

Bonheur Patisserie 




How about macarons for takeaway? With ET Artisan just a stone's throwaway from Pasarbella, macaron-war is stiff.

Tangy Tangerines



Head to Tangy Tangerines for fruity imports - look here to find more exotic fruit species.

Balloon Blasters




For the party popper, you can find all sorts of party related supplies here.



Balloons in every single colour conceivable - who ever said the rainbow only had 7 solid colours. Looks like a kaleidoscope of colours!



Reminders all over to keep on eating!



Amen.



Signages like these make the market place like a carnival.




Words of wisdom before leaving.

I absolutely cannot wait to be back, it has been albeit a frazzled one but definitely worth the visit. From the atmosphere to food, I am a huge fan - only that this place should have been bigger!

Pasarbella
Grandstand, Turf City