Recent explorations...

I recently explored a couple of places - Under the Mango Tree at Richmond Town and Secret Garden Cafe off Queens Road.
Both happen to be of a similar genre, i.e. Continental food, little boutique-y places, outdoorsy, set in soothing environs, pleasant service, and most of all - leisure eating at its best.
Interestingly, I hadn't heard of either until a few weeks back, despite considering myself a foodie and having lived in the city for over 7 years now! sigh - better late than never though!
Under the Mango Tree is aptly named, for it indeed has a huge mango tree at it's centre with seating all around. The ambience is inviting, the sun doesn't hit you straight during the afternoons though you may request for the fan to be switched on, if it's not already. They do have the day's specials on the menu in addition to the usual one. I've had their watermelon with cheese salad, a fish and a pasta dish, the blueberry cheese cake so far and I wasn't disappointed with any of them.
The food scores well on presentation, taste and overall quality, and the portion size is quite right as well, though if you're feeling particularly voracious or usually have a large appetite, it may seem a tad small.
Service is non intrusive yet helpful, they do suggest favourites, if asked :)
I have been there both times over lunch, and am guessing it will be as nice in the evenings as well. It's a nice cosy place, neatly tucked away from the main road, the hustle bustle of traffic.
If you want to have a laid back and relaxed time with some great company, yet are in the mood to give your tastebuds some exploration to do, then this would be a good place for both agendas!

Secret Garden Cafe is tucked away in a nook at the end of a road that is off Queens Road, so quite literally, it's a secret! It's atop a terrace and surrounded by an avocado plant amongst others - wow, where do you find those in the concrete jungle that we live in?
There's a board displaying the day's menu (no menu cards here!) and though it's a limited spread, all offerings are pretty unique so one doesn't feel the lack of a menu card!
Between the 3 of us, we ordered for fish with dill sauce, prawn n asparagus salad, lamb pot pie, crab cake, and brazilian nut cake with ice cream! yummy, with a very noticeable home touch to all of them! oh, and how could I forget the awesome freshly baked bread they served first! I doubt there's anything in the gourmet world that beats freshly baked bread.

Perfect for a quiet (secret :)) meal, to discuss one's dreams, new ideas maybe? no nosy service, they'll let you be, to savor your meal in peace.
The flip side which I will call out (if that's how one sees it), they dont accept card payments, and service did get a bit tense at least at our table..(the lady forgot about one of our main course orders until we asked what happened to it).
All in all - if you're in that part of town and have the time to find this secret, it's quite worth the hunt :)
bon appetit!