I am alone in the country. The absence of my partner has very much limited my foray into new restaurants and eating outlets. Other downsides include a recent development in which I get really soppy when watching dramas/movies. I am not talking about the traditional tear-jerkers here.

I spent my weekend watching Hellboy II, Hancock, You Don’t Mess With The Zohan. Each of these movies managed to illicit intense feelings of loneliness in me and wistful thoughts for the return of my partner.

Erm…Let me explain. Hellboy II because Hellboy was in a relationship with a girl. In Hancock, Will Smith was pretty much alone and was yearning for company (I know guys who hated this movie…but it touched me quite a bit…damn). In Zohan, Adam Sandler got the girl at the end.

I hesitate to think of what a real romantic movie would do to me now…

Any hoot, here are some places that the missus and I visited for breakfast previously.

Scruffy Murphy’s Cafe-Pub
Address: B7 Marine Cove, 1000 East Coast Parkway, Singapore 449876
Tel: +65 6449 7717
Last Visit: 7 Sept 2008

Scruffy Murphy’s is located along the East Coast Beach. I guess it functions primarily as a pub. However, during the weekend mornings, the place will be invaded by families (both local and expatriates) looking for a place to relax and have a morning cuppa.

In the shelter of the eatery, patrons can be spectators to the multitude of people engaging in roller-blading, cycling, jogging, posing along the beach front.

Our item of choice was the Big Breakfast (S$10.50). You will get Sausages, an Egg Sunny Side Up, Baked Beans and Toast with Bacon. We added Fried Onions for an additional S$2.

We also had the Chocky Fix (S$5). It was essentially, 2 pieces of toast with Chocolate Spread. A disappointing and rather pricey item.

Delifrance Breakfast All You Can Eat
Address: Parkway Parade, Basement
Last Visit: 8 Jun 2008

We, being Singaporeans eager to get a good deal, were drawn by the All You Can Eat Breakfast Promotion at Delifrance.

Did you know that although the Delifrance chain was started out in France, the Asia Pacific operations was at one time controlled by one of our local Government Linked Companies (GLC, info referenced form Wikipedia).

Of course, the Delifrance chain has always tried to create an atmosphere that would mimic what the locals think a French bakery should look like.

Thus the liberal use of French colours. I wonder what Singapore’s main cultural/social export would be. I suspect it could be our unique form of governance - maybe we will see more countries having their statesman and politicians dressed all in white.

The All You Can Eat Breakfast costs S$7.95 and ends at around 10 - 10.30am (better to give them a call before making a trip down). To put right any expectations of a fabulous spread, please refer to the picture below which shows the “buffet” section. It consists of around 4-5 plates of pastry (both savoury and sweet) and a jug or two of juice. If you can spot them, they are placed on the table along the wall.

To supplement the Buffet, the wife ordered the Le (I note that this creates a double entry of the term “the”) Traditional Set Meal (S$6.30). This was some cheese pastry and comes with egg.

I on the other hand gorged on the buffet stuff to get my money’s worth. Heh.

Yip’s Cookies & More
Address: 384 East Coast Road, Singapore
Last Visit: 17 Aug 2008

This place is tucked among the same row of shophouses as the famous Beach Road Prawn Mee that is not located at Beach Road.

Sorry for the blurry photo. We were the only customers dining in and any photo taking would be quite conspicuous,

Our breakfast fare would include Tea, Curry Puff, Char Siew Puff and a slice of Chocolate Cake. I admit the Cake isn’t regular but it did give an umph to the start of our day.

The Curry Puff was quite spicy and rich. Not that bad. Char Siew Puff was average. Our total cost came up to around S$10 plus.

Verdict: Scruffy Murphy’s vs Delifrance vs Yip’s Cookies
Ambience: Scruffy Murphy’s (the Sun, Sand & Sea)
Service: None
Food: Hard To Tell (being hungry in the morning does nothing for differentiating being good and bad food)
Value for Money: A Draw Between Delifrance & Yip’s Cookies