A Special Dinner @ Joan Bowen Cafe

With a name like Joan Bowen, i could imagine some kind of aristocrat-style cafe that strictly enforced prim and proper dining etiquette!

What i really experienced when i stepped into the cafe, situated in a quiet neighborhood, was that it had a really laid back, homely environment fit for a relaxed afternoon tea session.

This is a very special eatery and stupid me only realised that when i was ordering for food!

In a nutshell, Joan Bowen cafe has a noble purpose; to equip youths with special needs a range of culinary skills so that they can gain confidence and contribute actively to the society.

And don't ever think it is exploitation because it's really not! The owners of this cafe also have a special needs child and, i believe, understand the difficulties this special group is facing in this realistic world.

Therefore, please show some patience and understanding since some of them are still working hard to learn the skills. Okay, let's move on to the food we had in this cafe!!!

Caesar Salad

Not exactly a fan of greenies, i found the mix of fresh vegetables, crunchy croutons, savoury bacon bits and sourish caesar dressing a refreshing combination! Having said that, i would choose a slab of steak anytime.

Calamari Rings

With a crispy, peppery crust covering the solid yet soft squid meat, these were really yummy!

Coupled each piece with the home-made tartar sauce that had a sweeter sensation than the norm, i know this will be my must-order dish in the future! If only the price of S$8.50 for ten pieces is slightly lower.

Rosemary and Lemon Chicken

Having had the best rosemary chicken in Blue Mountain Cafe, i found this to be more salty than sweet.

It could be true that this might be more authentic but people who understand me well will know that i am a person who doesn't care much about authenticity; so long the food is good.

Chicken Schnitzel

My poor command of English means my mind draws a blank when it comes to the word "Schnitzel". As far as i am concerned, this plate of chicken thigh coated with breadcrumbs looked like a typical chicken cutlet from the many western stalls in coffee shops and hawker centres. 

It tasted like one too although i have to agree that it was fried to perfection with the thigh meat retaining its essential juiciness!

Oreo Cheesecake

To tell you the truth, i have never had an oreo cheesecake that satisfies me! Maybe it has to do with my expectation that oreo has to be sinfully sweet!

The one in Jane Bowen was one of the better ones with generous chunks of black oreo biscuits. But, sour (even if it's a bit) oreo is a big no no in Cavin's food dictionary!

Brownie with Ice Cream

This dessert is a must-order whenever it is available in any menu. The ice cream must be a preferable vanilla flavour while the most important factor lies with the brownie itself.

Okay, it's more likely the nuts that matter. Walnuts have a unique taste that complements very well with the warm chocolate in the soft brownie and the one in Jane Bowen definitely didn't disappoint (attested by the empty plate).

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Location

9, Jalan Wangi

(near to Macpherson Road)

Operating Hours

11.00am to 9.30 pm (daily)

Closed on Sunday and PH though!

Price

Caesar Salad - S$7.90

Calamari Rings - $8.50

Rosemary and Lemon Chicken - S$9.90

Chicken Schnitzel - S$9.90

Oreo Cheesecake -  SS$5.00

Brownie with Ice Cream - S$5.00

No GST! No Service Charge! And complimentary plain water served upon request!

Additional Information

This may sound weird but this cafe has a small print area for your digital picture files.

For those who enjoy the great outdoors, there's an alfresco area with occasional fumes from the traffic!