Reviewed by : Deyana
Treasure is often found unexpectedly, making the discovery delightful. Such is the case with Scent Discovery, which is lodged so unobtrusively in the rather desolate Rocca Balestier. You'd hardly believe that people are flocking to this building, where activities comprise mainly interior desigh, in order to rest, relax and forget their troubles. But Scent Discovery's homely atmosphere and expert service manages to detach you from the world and the crowd.
Scent Discovery occupies two units of Rocca Balestier's 2nd floor. The first unit is the spa's reception area, which is a bright and cosy area decorated by rugs, lamps and other unique items. Above the comfortable sofa, where guests sip their complementary home-brewed lemongrass and ginger teas before and after the spa treament, is a message board filled with guests' positive comments and feedback. On the walls are also certificates showing the therapists’ qualifications, which come from all corners of the globe and boast internationally-recognized skills. Warm and unpretentious, this boutique spa attracts regular customers who love the personal feel of the place.
The second unit, a much larger area, houses treatment rooms and facilities. The décor here contrasts with that of the reception area, with its parquet and carpeted floors. Dim lighting, cultural artifacts and narrow corridors create a mysterious effect, creating a sense of anticipation as you await your spa treatment. Each of the four treatment rooms is named after one of the four seasons, a theme that is accentuated by the petals scattered over the furniture.
While Scent Discovery has a catalogue that lists its services and packages, the spa's focus is much more on personalized service. Guests do not have to choose from the list, but are instead asked to describe their preferences and requirements. Constance, a co-owner of Scent Discovery, makes it a point to speak to guests about their schedules, their lifestyles and their likes and dislikes before recommending a treatment. For example, for those who have to work after a treatment, she recommends having the body scrub at the very end to wash away the smell of oils. I, of course, chose to do just that.
I took the Full Package, which includes a full-body massage, a facial and the body scrub, in that order. The Fusion massage, conducted by a skilled Indonesian therapist, brings out the best parts of different types of massages. By combining the pressure-point techniques of Asian massages and the relaxing character of the Swedish massage, bodily aches and pains are relieved in a soothing, sensuous manner.
Afterwards, I experienced Scent Discovery's Signature Face Spa, consisting of double-cleansing, a face massage and a mask. Attended by Constance, the cleansing procedure was a cooling, soothing one that was followed by a stimulating face, scalp and neck massage. Following that, Constance mixed a special face mask for me based on her observations of my skin's needs. While waiting for the mask for to work, another therapist began her body scrub to cleanse my skin of all toxins and impurities.
The best part about the spa was definitely the massage. The therapist's passion for her art was evident throughout the procedure; Constance says that passion is an important ingredient in spa treatments, and that she only hires those who love their job. Friendly and warm but not intrusive, Scent Discovery is the perfect retreat for those who want to relax without the glitz and glamour of many spas these days.
Other topics : Accounting, Marketing, Advertising
Tuesday 17 March 2009
Balcony Bar: Dreaming of Casablanca
Reviewed by : Deyana
It's difficult to live the dream, but we can all try the next best thing. For those who dream of getting high on Moroccan exoticism and balmy beaches, Balcony Bar brings you a little closer; that is, short of the beaches. An outdoor extension of The Heeren, this 24-hour bar brings you the pleasure of palaces in Casablanca while letting you access Singapore's shopping haven.
With its intricate artdeco metal frames, mosaic tiles and four-poster beds, Balcony depicts the French-influenced Middle East – something very much like the palaces of Casablanca and the rest of French North Africa. Such a decadent old-world setting is brought to the 21 st century with the sound of electronica, lounge and chill-out music, creating an ambience that's hip yet aristocratic.
With two equally posh levels, this bar is one of the places to see and be seen. The first level is completely al fresco, with a parquet deck and chairs of white cushions. Swings frame the area, on which guests can sit and enjoy their drinks. As you ascend Balcony Bar's translucent stairs, you ascend from the porch to the balcony proper. Here you are greeted with shades of brown, orange and white. Of course, if it is night-time, all you see are the sensuous flickers of light and shadows created by dim orange candles and subdued lamps. This is the outdoor portion of Balcony's 2 nd floor, which is decorated with Moroccan rugs, cushioned stools and luxurious white daybeds. The indoor section, where the bar counter is, is much darker. A DJ spins records in a corner, while the barrister concocts his drinks in front of bar shelves that are shaped like chateaus.
Snacks are not usually the focus of bars but those at Balcony Bar's ones are surprisingly good. The Calamari ($10), while nothing special, is at least soft and chewy rather than rubbery. The mayonnaise accompanying it is a little spicy, differentiating itself from the usual offering. Also try the Seafood Pizza ($13), with a thin crust and a generous serving of squid. Unfortunately, there isn't much seafood other than this. The pizza, like the mayonnaise, is also slightly spicy.
The highlights of Balcony's bar snacks are the Balcony Toastees ($10) and Balcony Wings ($10 for 6 pieces, $18 for 12 pieces). The Balcony Toastees are pieces of baguette topped with mayonnaise, bacon and mozzarella . Slightly bitter and salty, the unique taste of the toastees is a cross between pizza and garlic bread. The Balcony Wings, on the other hand, is nothing special – just very well-done barbequed chicken wings! Hot and juicy, the wings complement the barbeque sauce, although the dip contains a little too much tomato, making it sour.
Unfortunately, Balcony's drinks don't quite live up to the standard of the ambience and snacks. Despite being uncommon and creative, the drinks lack a punch and are rather unsatisfying. The Watermelon & Strawberry Margarita ($14), while well-presented with a strawberry and a slice of watermelon, is so light that it defeats the point of drinking an alcoholic beverage. The Lychee Martini ($14), suffers the same failings – it is too watered-down and tastes too much of syrup. Likewise, Balcony's original Watermelon Martini ($14) is a let-down, since the taste of vodka does not mix well with watermelon juice.
The Lime Jellita ($14), one of Balcony's signature cocktails, at least has enough alcohol. However, the melon liqueur used in the drink is a little too syrupy and artificial. What saves the cocktails in Balcony is the Blue Morocco ($14), a mixture of tequila and Blue Curacao. Sweet, fruity and well-presented, this bright blue cocktail is something fit for ladies who like light, pleasant-tasting alcohol.
Balcony seems short-staffed, with the wait staff running around hurriedly even though the place is not crowded. While the staff is friendly, they do not know very much about the drinks or the menu. Also, drinks take a little too long to come.
The ambience is Balcony is fantastic, except for the crowded streets and shopping centres that surround the bar. I would go there for the drinks, but not the cocktails; the next time I'm there, I think I will just order a beer or a whisky on the rocks.
Other topics : Consulting, Home Based, Entrepreneur
It's difficult to live the dream, but we can all try the next best thing. For those who dream of getting high on Moroccan exoticism and balmy beaches, Balcony Bar brings you a little closer; that is, short of the beaches. An outdoor extension of The Heeren, this 24-hour bar brings you the pleasure of palaces in Casablanca while letting you access Singapore's shopping haven.
With its intricate artdeco metal frames, mosaic tiles and four-poster beds, Balcony depicts the French-influenced Middle East – something very much like the palaces of Casablanca and the rest of French North Africa. Such a decadent old-world setting is brought to the 21 st century with the sound of electronica, lounge and chill-out music, creating an ambience that's hip yet aristocratic.
With two equally posh levels, this bar is one of the places to see and be seen. The first level is completely al fresco, with a parquet deck and chairs of white cushions. Swings frame the area, on which guests can sit and enjoy their drinks. As you ascend Balcony Bar's translucent stairs, you ascend from the porch to the balcony proper. Here you are greeted with shades of brown, orange and white. Of course, if it is night-time, all you see are the sensuous flickers of light and shadows created by dim orange candles and subdued lamps. This is the outdoor portion of Balcony's 2 nd floor, which is decorated with Moroccan rugs, cushioned stools and luxurious white daybeds. The indoor section, where the bar counter is, is much darker. A DJ spins records in a corner, while the barrister concocts his drinks in front of bar shelves that are shaped like chateaus.
Snacks are not usually the focus of bars but those at Balcony Bar's ones are surprisingly good. The Calamari ($10), while nothing special, is at least soft and chewy rather than rubbery. The mayonnaise accompanying it is a little spicy, differentiating itself from the usual offering. Also try the Seafood Pizza ($13), with a thin crust and a generous serving of squid. Unfortunately, there isn't much seafood other than this. The pizza, like the mayonnaise, is also slightly spicy.
The highlights of Balcony's bar snacks are the Balcony Toastees ($10) and Balcony Wings ($10 for 6 pieces, $18 for 12 pieces). The Balcony Toastees are pieces of baguette topped with mayonnaise, bacon and mozzarella . Slightly bitter and salty, the unique taste of the toastees is a cross between pizza and garlic bread. The Balcony Wings, on the other hand, is nothing special – just very well-done barbequed chicken wings! Hot and juicy, the wings complement the barbeque sauce, although the dip contains a little too much tomato, making it sour.
Unfortunately, Balcony's drinks don't quite live up to the standard of the ambience and snacks. Despite being uncommon and creative, the drinks lack a punch and are rather unsatisfying. The Watermelon & Strawberry Margarita ($14), while well-presented with a strawberry and a slice of watermelon, is so light that it defeats the point of drinking an alcoholic beverage. The Lychee Martini ($14), suffers the same failings – it is too watered-down and tastes too much of syrup. Likewise, Balcony's original Watermelon Martini ($14) is a let-down, since the taste of vodka does not mix well with watermelon juice.
The Lime Jellita ($14), one of Balcony's signature cocktails, at least has enough alcohol. However, the melon liqueur used in the drink is a little too syrupy and artificial. What saves the cocktails in Balcony is the Blue Morocco ($14), a mixture of tequila and Blue Curacao. Sweet, fruity and well-presented, this bright blue cocktail is something fit for ladies who like light, pleasant-tasting alcohol.
Balcony seems short-staffed, with the wait staff running around hurriedly even though the place is not crowded. While the staff is friendly, they do not know very much about the drinks or the menu. Also, drinks take a little too long to come.
The ambience is Balcony is fantastic, except for the crowded streets and shopping centres that surround the bar. I would go there for the drinks, but not the cocktails; the next time I'm there, I think I will just order a beer or a whisky on the rocks.
Other topics : Consulting, Home Based, Entrepreneur
Tomo Fine Dining: Sushi Surprise
Reviewed by Deyana Goh
It has been less than a month since Tomo Fine Dining opened in Marina Square but the restaurant has already grabbed the attention of top executives and the media. Owned and managed by Thomas Kok, this new outlet prides itself on serving only the freshest seafood flown straight from Japan. Specializing in sashimi, sushi and yakitori, Tomo Fine Dining dishes out Singaporeans’ favourites when it comes to Japanese cuisine.
The restaurant’s interior is segregated into 3 sections – the private rooms, the dining area, and the sushi bar. All are decorated in a modern Japanese style of dark brown furniture and marble flooring, creating clean linear patterns that are pleasing to the eye. The partitions separating the 3 sections, however, are a little cluttered with tall wooden blinds that make the innermost sections seem foreboding. There is also an al fresco area on a wooden deck. Overall the restaurant’s design is trendy but common, given this decade’s craze for earthly colours and fine polish. Nevertheless, it is nice that the place has a distinct Japanese identity, with red Japanese lanterns and classical Japanese music playing in the background.
Presentation and freshness of food are essential in Japanese cuisine, especially when it comes to sashimi. Tomo’s sashimi range ($30-$40 per pax for a 4 person serving) is presented neatly with lettuce and radish, adding aesthetic value to the superb sweetness of the fresh seafood. Choose from salmon, tuna, scallops, prawns and other types of seafood and dip them in the thick, spicy wasabe .
For more fish, try the Karei Karage, or flat fish or flounder (Market Price). The fish is slit such that the meat is almost detached from the bone. The fish is then deep-fried until crispy so that even the bones become crispy and edible. Like many other Japanese dishes, the fish is cooked plainly to emphasize its natural taste. The Karei Karage comes with a thin, sweet-sour sauce to add flavour to the fish. Also try the Aji Shioyaki, or Jack Horse Mackerel (Market Price), a nicely-grilled fish that is sweet and firm.
Tomo has a wide Food Grill Over Charcoal Fire selection, where you find the popular Yakitori, or grilled chicken thigh ($5). Other skewers include the Quail Egg ($4), a soft, slight-burnt skewer of high-quality Japanese eggs. The most tantalizing of the grilled variety in the Shineji Maki, or shineji mushrooms rolled with pork ($8), a juicy and salty grilled skewer.
It is difficult to resist trying the sushi at Japanese restaurants. At Tomo’s, try the House Maki ($20). Comprising steaming unagi, or eel, sitting atop rice rolls, this dish is warm, unlike most sushi. The unagi, which is salty and sweet, completes the rice and fresh vegetables in the dish.
Too dry? Sample, Tomo’s soups. The Shark’s Fin Chawamushi ($20) is by far your best bet. Elegantly presented with thick yellow gravy, this dish consists of chawamushi, or raw egg white custard, shark’s fin and prawns. Cold but extremely tasty, the dish is filling despite its small serving. For something warmer, try the Double Boiled Soup with Tuna Belly (price not listed), which comprises tuna belly, tofu and scallops. This soup, while made of high-quality ingredients, is too fishy for me.
The service here is aloof but very efficient. Food arrives promptly, green tea is topped up regularly and salad is brought to you before the meal. Posh and business-like, the staff is reliable but do not make you feel at home. However, regular customers are treated exceptionally, establishing a lasting and meaningful relationship between the staff and their patrons. So going back to Tomo’s is your ticket to greater hospitality!
I am not a fan of Japanese cuisine, but credit is deserved where it is due! The food here is authentic and high-quality, and it is evident that great effort goes into cooking and preparation. Clean, fresh and aesthetically-pleasing, the food outdoes the vibe and the service of the restaurant.
Tea Cosy by Eclectic Attic: Savouring Eccentricity
Reviewed by : Deyana
Eclectic Attic's name is remarkably appropriate. Both a vintage shop and a cafe, everything you see in this outlet is for sale. Take anything home, from vintage dresses to the tables in the cafe section of the place. You can even buy the porcelain plates you eat out of. Eclectic Attic has revamped itself recently with the addition of a café aptly named Tea Cosy, with a menu for lunch, dinner and high tea. Serving European cuisine, the cafe's menu includes delicacies like foie gras and caviar, adding finesse to eclecticism.
The décor here is intentionally messy, making the place feel like an attic. A little crammed and cluttered, the cafe area is barely noticeable amidst all the objects in the place. Ironically, this adds to Eclectic Attic's charm. With streamers hanging across the ceiling and cushioned carriages for chairs, the place is a treasure trove that moves you back to the time of European aristocracy. There is also a touch of Peranakan culture in the place, with coasters and books in the design of old Peranakan tiles. The interior of Eclectic Attic makes the dining experience there more than just gastronomical.
Sip in the vintage atmosphere by starting with a cool drink. The Lemonade & Raspberry Sorbet Float ($6.50), the café's own eclectic creation, is cool and refreshing. Made from sugar-free raspberry sorbet and homemade lemonade, the drink exudes sweet and sour tastes in moderation. The best part is, the drink is served extremely chilled.
If you are feeling slightly apprehensive over trying exotic European cuisine, then sample similar yet smaller portions at Eclectic Attic. The Pan-fried Foie Gras Taster ($11.95) lets you give goose liver a shot by placing small slabs on a porcelain spoon. Topped with pineapples and aragula leaves, the slightly oily foie gras melts in your mouth and mixes with the juices from the pineapple and aragula to create a bitter-sweet combination. One of the café's most popular dishes, the Foie Gras Taster invites most diners to try the main-course version of the dish.
Another of Eclectic Attic's signature dishes is the Braised Duck Pasta ($14.95), also one of their unique creations. This fusilli dish comprises braised duck, sundried tomatoes and thick, spicy-sweet gravy. However, the duck is a little too tough and the gravy too sweet. Despite this, the Braised Duck Pasta is worth a try because of the sheer uniqueness of it.
High tea is one of Eclectic Attic's specialties. Its Hi-Tea Supreme Set ($19.95) offers two different selections, the Seafood Set and the Non-Seafood Set. The Seafood Set includes baguettes with smoked salmon and caviar, a prawn cocktail and other small bites. The set is not fantastic and the smoked salmon is not too fresh and very fishy. However, it is better than the Non-Seafood Set, which includes the café's Savoury Baked Mushrooms, a cold, salty snack. Both sets give you a choice of sweets, either mini scones or cakes. The cakes come highly recommended, especially the rich, sweet brownies.
For an after-meal drink, try the Minty Chocolate Coffee ($6.85), which is made of Crème de Menthe and Café mocha. The drink is presented with brown, green and white layers, but turns into a slightly unpleasant olive green colour when stirred. A favourite among Eclectic Attic's regular customers, the drink tastes like mint chocolates and does not have a strong coffee taste. Hot yet tingling, it is a little too sweet but nevertheless addictive.
Service here is good. Friendly and personalized, plates are replaced regularly with a broad smile. The staff give you recommendations depending on your tastes and invite you to have a look around their vintage shop as well.
Eclectic Attic is a charming place filled with interesting items. In addition, it has a fascinating concept. However, the café portion is too crowded, making getting in and out of your chair a difficult task. The food, meanwhile, is only average. Still, try Tea Cosy for an unconventional dining experience.
Other topics : Debt Consolidation, Printing, Online Promotion
Eclectic Attic's name is remarkably appropriate. Both a vintage shop and a cafe, everything you see in this outlet is for sale. Take anything home, from vintage dresses to the tables in the cafe section of the place. You can even buy the porcelain plates you eat out of. Eclectic Attic has revamped itself recently with the addition of a café aptly named Tea Cosy, with a menu for lunch, dinner and high tea. Serving European cuisine, the cafe's menu includes delicacies like foie gras and caviar, adding finesse to eclecticism.
The décor here is intentionally messy, making the place feel like an attic. A little crammed and cluttered, the cafe area is barely noticeable amidst all the objects in the place. Ironically, this adds to Eclectic Attic's charm. With streamers hanging across the ceiling and cushioned carriages for chairs, the place is a treasure trove that moves you back to the time of European aristocracy. There is also a touch of Peranakan culture in the place, with coasters and books in the design of old Peranakan tiles. The interior of Eclectic Attic makes the dining experience there more than just gastronomical.
Sip in the vintage atmosphere by starting with a cool drink. The Lemonade & Raspberry Sorbet Float ($6.50), the café's own eclectic creation, is cool and refreshing. Made from sugar-free raspberry sorbet and homemade lemonade, the drink exudes sweet and sour tastes in moderation. The best part is, the drink is served extremely chilled.
If you are feeling slightly apprehensive over trying exotic European cuisine, then sample similar yet smaller portions at Eclectic Attic. The Pan-fried Foie Gras Taster ($11.95) lets you give goose liver a shot by placing small slabs on a porcelain spoon. Topped with pineapples and aragula leaves, the slightly oily foie gras melts in your mouth and mixes with the juices from the pineapple and aragula to create a bitter-sweet combination. One of the café's most popular dishes, the Foie Gras Taster invites most diners to try the main-course version of the dish.
Another of Eclectic Attic's signature dishes is the Braised Duck Pasta ($14.95), also one of their unique creations. This fusilli dish comprises braised duck, sundried tomatoes and thick, spicy-sweet gravy. However, the duck is a little too tough and the gravy too sweet. Despite this, the Braised Duck Pasta is worth a try because of the sheer uniqueness of it.
High tea is one of Eclectic Attic's specialties. Its Hi-Tea Supreme Set ($19.95) offers two different selections, the Seafood Set and the Non-Seafood Set. The Seafood Set includes baguettes with smoked salmon and caviar, a prawn cocktail and other small bites. The set is not fantastic and the smoked salmon is not too fresh and very fishy. However, it is better than the Non-Seafood Set, which includes the café's Savoury Baked Mushrooms, a cold, salty snack. Both sets give you a choice of sweets, either mini scones or cakes. The cakes come highly recommended, especially the rich, sweet brownies.
For an after-meal drink, try the Minty Chocolate Coffee ($6.85), which is made of Crème de Menthe and Café mocha. The drink is presented with brown, green and white layers, but turns into a slightly unpleasant olive green colour when stirred. A favourite among Eclectic Attic's regular customers, the drink tastes like mint chocolates and does not have a strong coffee taste. Hot yet tingling, it is a little too sweet but nevertheless addictive.
Service here is good. Friendly and personalized, plates are replaced regularly with a broad smile. The staff give you recommendations depending on your tastes and invite you to have a look around their vintage shop as well.
Eclectic Attic is a charming place filled with interesting items. In addition, it has a fascinating concept. However, the café portion is too crowded, making getting in and out of your chair a difficult task. The food, meanwhile, is only average. Still, try Tea Cosy for an unconventional dining experience.
Other topics : Debt Consolidation, Printing, Online Promotion
Sunset Tavern: Not-So Away From Home
Reviewed by : Deyana
Should I stay home or go out? Cuddle on the sofa or have a drink in the tropical outdoors? With the opening of Sunset Tavern, you no longer have to make this choice. The bar is close to home, if your home is near the Sunset Way stretch. If it is not, the neighbourhood setting of Sunset Tavern will at least exude that kind of feel. Relax in the indoor section of the bar, with its brown leather sofas, plasma televisions and a pool table. Or chill out on one of the tropical rattan chairs on its outdoor deck to experience equatorial ecstasy.
Away from the city and the crowd, Sunset Tavern is where you can enjoy your drinks in peace. With a good mix of locals and expatriates, this is one bar that is interesting and not too excruciatingly swanky. The exterior, a deck illuminated by candles, gives you the opportunity to sit under the stars in a resort-style setting. Inside, the ambience is completely different – the dark brown theme, dim lighting and a floor without tiles make the bar look like an urban home. The bar's two themes are based on the loves of Singaporeans – the urban, juxtaposed with the tropical. Moreover, it is laidback and without any form of salaciousness.
Sunset Tavern's drinks outdo many reputable bars. Although the selection is narrow, offering only a few cocktails besides the standard drinks, these cocktails are of a high standard. Moreover, Sunset Tavern's skilled bartender is a maestro at concocting his own unique creations. Try Sage ($14), a mixture of vodka, triple sec and fruits. With a grapy taste, this drink is topped with fresh orange slices and cherries. A nice blend of alcohol and fruits, Sage is what a cocktail should be like. For a delightfully presented cocktail, sample Three Wonders ($14), aptly named because of the three different flavours that make up this martini. Like the rainbow caught in a glass, Three Wonders has different layers of colours that make it look bright and beachy. Tasting a little like the classic Cosmospolitan, this drink has a strong cherry taste and an equally strong tingle of the tequila. Another refreshing drink that is the favourite of the Sunset Tavern staff is the Lychee Mint ($14), which contains very little alcohol and just a hint of mint. This concoction is ice-blended and tastes of fresh lychees, a nice change from cocktails that taste like artificial syrup.
Those who prefer mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks are spoilt for choice at this bar. The Red/White Scotch ($8) whisks deceivingly into the mocktail selection – it is make of butterscotch, milk and cherry. Delicious but a little too sweet and creamy, this drink tastes a little like the local favourite bandung, with a more authentic fruit flavour. Try also the Chocolate Haze ($8) a cold chocolate drink that is milky and not too sweet; one of the best chocolate milk drinks I have tasted. The tavern offers you a choice of a virgin or alcoholic version of this drink, letting anyone enjoy this chocolate fantasy.
The crew here is young, friendly and always eager for conversation. They also know the menu well, including items that are house specials and are not listed, and are willing to recommend you their favourite drinks. And, their taste is reliable. Drinks arrive fairly quickly and tables are kept clean all the time.
Sunset Tavern is a place I recommend for sure. With excellent drinks, good service and a relaxed atmosphere, it is a good way to get out of the city yet enjoy the perks of downtown. The bar gets a little crowded at night, probably because of the standard it upholds.
Other Topics : Business Opportunity, Careers, International Business
Should I stay home or go out? Cuddle on the sofa or have a drink in the tropical outdoors? With the opening of Sunset Tavern, you no longer have to make this choice. The bar is close to home, if your home is near the Sunset Way stretch. If it is not, the neighbourhood setting of Sunset Tavern will at least exude that kind of feel. Relax in the indoor section of the bar, with its brown leather sofas, plasma televisions and a pool table. Or chill out on one of the tropical rattan chairs on its outdoor deck to experience equatorial ecstasy.
Away from the city and the crowd, Sunset Tavern is where you can enjoy your drinks in peace. With a good mix of locals and expatriates, this is one bar that is interesting and not too excruciatingly swanky. The exterior, a deck illuminated by candles, gives you the opportunity to sit under the stars in a resort-style setting. Inside, the ambience is completely different – the dark brown theme, dim lighting and a floor without tiles make the bar look like an urban home. The bar's two themes are based on the loves of Singaporeans – the urban, juxtaposed with the tropical. Moreover, it is laidback and without any form of salaciousness.
Sunset Tavern's drinks outdo many reputable bars. Although the selection is narrow, offering only a few cocktails besides the standard drinks, these cocktails are of a high standard. Moreover, Sunset Tavern's skilled bartender is a maestro at concocting his own unique creations. Try Sage ($14), a mixture of vodka, triple sec and fruits. With a grapy taste, this drink is topped with fresh orange slices and cherries. A nice blend of alcohol and fruits, Sage is what a cocktail should be like. For a delightfully presented cocktail, sample Three Wonders ($14), aptly named because of the three different flavours that make up this martini. Like the rainbow caught in a glass, Three Wonders has different layers of colours that make it look bright and beachy. Tasting a little like the classic Cosmospolitan, this drink has a strong cherry taste and an equally strong tingle of the tequila. Another refreshing drink that is the favourite of the Sunset Tavern staff is the Lychee Mint ($14), which contains very little alcohol and just a hint of mint. This concoction is ice-blended and tastes of fresh lychees, a nice change from cocktails that taste like artificial syrup.
Those who prefer mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks are spoilt for choice at this bar. The Red/White Scotch ($8) whisks deceivingly into the mocktail selection – it is make of butterscotch, milk and cherry. Delicious but a little too sweet and creamy, this drink tastes a little like the local favourite bandung, with a more authentic fruit flavour. Try also the Chocolate Haze ($8) a cold chocolate drink that is milky and not too sweet; one of the best chocolate milk drinks I have tasted. The tavern offers you a choice of a virgin or alcoholic version of this drink, letting anyone enjoy this chocolate fantasy.
The crew here is young, friendly and always eager for conversation. They also know the menu well, including items that are house specials and are not listed, and are willing to recommend you their favourite drinks. And, their taste is reliable. Drinks arrive fairly quickly and tables are kept clean all the time.
Sunset Tavern is a place I recommend for sure. With excellent drinks, good service and a relaxed atmosphere, it is a good way to get out of the city yet enjoy the perks of downtown. The bar gets a little crowded at night, probably because of the standard it upholds.
Other Topics : Business Opportunity, Careers, International Business
Café del Mar: Party with Paella
Reviewed by : Deyana
Life's a bed of roses in the beautiful illusion that is Café del Mar. Best known for being Singapore's latest hotspot for coast clubbing and beachside partying, the least advertised aspect of Café del Mar is probably its excellent food. Feast on this, and you no longer have to worry about throwing up on an empty stomach or even falling asleep from an overdose of alcohol - the cabanas, beds and sofas in Café del Mar give you ample comfort to recuperate from the helicopters spinning in your head.
Combining the romanticism of the beach with the hypnotism of music and dancing, the Singaporean Café del Mar mimics the original in Ibiza. During the day, tan yourself on the sand or one of the outdoor beds. At night, heat things up as you enjoy cool midnight splashes in the pool. Café del Mar's patrons are beautiful men and women from all over the world, who embolden the bright pink and blue rattan chairs spread across the restaurant and club. Those willing to pay homage to more indulgent luxury are admitted into private cabanas or VIP rooms with exclusive Jacuzzis. Too hot to handle? Chill out indoors instead, in the air-conditioned interior of Café del Mar, self-contained with its own bar (aside from the outdoor, poolside one) and plenty of beds, which seems to be the trademark of this beach paradise.
The food at Café del Mar fits with the Mediterranean ambience of the place - meaning lots of salsa, feta cheese and olive oil. Hearty yet refreshing, even salads at the restaurant come with a twist. Try the Greek Salad with Ahi Tuna ($14), a toss of lettuce, feta cheese and, surprisingly, tuna belly. With a slightly sour, oily tinge, the lemon dressing teases your tongue to prepare you for the rest of your meal.
Soups at Café del Mar are an intricate affair, with the Red Crab & Lobster Bisque ($12) presenting the finest in distilled seafood. A full-bodied thickness is achieved because of the soup's vintage Armagnac, adding flavour to the strong lobster taste of the soup. The crab, shredded so finely that it is barely noticeable, swirls around the creamy soup and adds texture to it. Emphasizing the essence of the soup - the lobster - a skewer of barbequed lobster comes dipped in the soup, spiced up with black pepper marinate.
The Grilled Succulent Lamb Chops ($38), which uses prime Australian rack of lamb, is substantial without being nauseatingly filling. An appetizing sight, the dish presents you with two chunky pieces of lamb chops balancing acrobatically on each other with a colourful tent of vegetable compote on the side. The meat is fabulous: thick, juicy and soft with the dish's salsa sauce exuding sweet, spicy and sour juices on the meat. In true Mediterranean style, the vegetable compote is fiery in both aesthetics and taste.
Move over, Greece, and make way for Spain. Competing with Café del Mar's lamb chops is another main, this time a rice variety - the Spanish Marisco Paella ($32), served not just fresh from the pan, but fresh in the pan. The saffron rice of this dish is baked with seafood morsels and fresh capsicums and tomatoes. Yellow and red characterize the paella, with a perky lobster sitting atop the bed of rice. Firm and sweet, just like the prawns and scallops in the dish, the seafood moderate the salty and moist thick-grain rice.
For dessert, try the Pistachio Cheese Cake ($12), made of pistachio puree, Oreo desserts and cheese. Green with layers of brown, the dessert is as colourful as the rest of Café del Mar's offerings, especially since it is lightly dripped with red raspberry compote. For flamboyant embellishment, a twirled soft cracker is displayed on top of the cake. A little too sweet with a fascinating musky aftertaste, the cheesecake is unique and not to be missed.
Service here is exemplary. The management, in particular, takes extra care to make your experience in Café del Mar as luxurious as possible. Polite yet not awkwardly so, the friendliness of the management staff alone helps to relax you. However, not all the service staff are as meticulous - this aspect of the restaurant could be improved on.
The location is a little inaccessible if your only intention is to have an excellent lunch or dinner. However, if you desire not only a good meal but the good life, go to Café del Mar for the works; and stay there. For a little while, anyway. Be sure you haven't exceeded your credit card limit yet, since that may very well happen here. This may not be something you regret, though - excellent food, the beach, all night long partying…why not?
Other Topics : Leadership, Sales, Management
Life's a bed of roses in the beautiful illusion that is Café del Mar. Best known for being Singapore's latest hotspot for coast clubbing and beachside partying, the least advertised aspect of Café del Mar is probably its excellent food. Feast on this, and you no longer have to worry about throwing up on an empty stomach or even falling asleep from an overdose of alcohol - the cabanas, beds and sofas in Café del Mar give you ample comfort to recuperate from the helicopters spinning in your head.
Combining the romanticism of the beach with the hypnotism of music and dancing, the Singaporean Café del Mar mimics the original in Ibiza. During the day, tan yourself on the sand or one of the outdoor beds. At night, heat things up as you enjoy cool midnight splashes in the pool. Café del Mar's patrons are beautiful men and women from all over the world, who embolden the bright pink and blue rattan chairs spread across the restaurant and club. Those willing to pay homage to more indulgent luxury are admitted into private cabanas or VIP rooms with exclusive Jacuzzis. Too hot to handle? Chill out indoors instead, in the air-conditioned interior of Café del Mar, self-contained with its own bar (aside from the outdoor, poolside one) and plenty of beds, which seems to be the trademark of this beach paradise.
The food at Café del Mar fits with the Mediterranean ambience of the place - meaning lots of salsa, feta cheese and olive oil. Hearty yet refreshing, even salads at the restaurant come with a twist. Try the Greek Salad with Ahi Tuna ($14), a toss of lettuce, feta cheese and, surprisingly, tuna belly. With a slightly sour, oily tinge, the lemon dressing teases your tongue to prepare you for the rest of your meal.
Soups at Café del Mar are an intricate affair, with the Red Crab & Lobster Bisque ($12) presenting the finest in distilled seafood. A full-bodied thickness is achieved because of the soup's vintage Armagnac, adding flavour to the strong lobster taste of the soup. The crab, shredded so finely that it is barely noticeable, swirls around the creamy soup and adds texture to it. Emphasizing the essence of the soup - the lobster - a skewer of barbequed lobster comes dipped in the soup, spiced up with black pepper marinate.
The Grilled Succulent Lamb Chops ($38), which uses prime Australian rack of lamb, is substantial without being nauseatingly filling. An appetizing sight, the dish presents you with two chunky pieces of lamb chops balancing acrobatically on each other with a colourful tent of vegetable compote on the side. The meat is fabulous: thick, juicy and soft with the dish's salsa sauce exuding sweet, spicy and sour juices on the meat. In true Mediterranean style, the vegetable compote is fiery in both aesthetics and taste.
Move over, Greece, and make way for Spain. Competing with Café del Mar's lamb chops is another main, this time a rice variety - the Spanish Marisco Paella ($32), served not just fresh from the pan, but fresh in the pan. The saffron rice of this dish is baked with seafood morsels and fresh capsicums and tomatoes. Yellow and red characterize the paella, with a perky lobster sitting atop the bed of rice. Firm and sweet, just like the prawns and scallops in the dish, the seafood moderate the salty and moist thick-grain rice.
For dessert, try the Pistachio Cheese Cake ($12), made of pistachio puree, Oreo desserts and cheese. Green with layers of brown, the dessert is as colourful as the rest of Café del Mar's offerings, especially since it is lightly dripped with red raspberry compote. For flamboyant embellishment, a twirled soft cracker is displayed on top of the cake. A little too sweet with a fascinating musky aftertaste, the cheesecake is unique and not to be missed.
Service here is exemplary. The management, in particular, takes extra care to make your experience in Café del Mar as luxurious as possible. Polite yet not awkwardly so, the friendliness of the management staff alone helps to relax you. However, not all the service staff are as meticulous - this aspect of the restaurant could be improved on.
The location is a little inaccessible if your only intention is to have an excellent lunch or dinner. However, if you desire not only a good meal but the good life, go to Café del Mar for the works; and stay there. For a little while, anyway. Be sure you haven't exceeded your credit card limit yet, since that may very well happen here. This may not be something you regret, though - excellent food, the beach, all night long partying…why not?
Other Topics : Leadership, Sales, Management
Bice Bistro: Under The Tuscan Sun
Reviewed by : Deyana
History repeats itself and mid-1900s Tuscany comes alive in the middle of the trendy 21st century. Located in The Cannery, Singapore's most popular nightlife spot, Bice Bistro shows that the old world can be, like good wine, as enticing as the young and hip. Serving traditional Italian cuisine in a posh ambience, this outlet of Bice's group of restaurants steers away from formal fine dining and shows that classic can be casual.
The 5,000 square feet of space in Bice gives it ample room to create sections with different vibes. As you enter the restaurant, you see a glassed area (still air-conditioned) with clean white tables and fairy lights, blending in with the dazzle of Clarke Quay. Yet this area is still classy, matching the restaurant's dim interior. Be engulfed by small flickers of light that are reflected on the many mirrors inside. The dark mahogany, hard wood floors and leather seats makes you feel as though you have just been transported in time to a high-class, 1960s Italian bar - so much so that you almost expect to see a beautiful woman with scarlet lips perched on a bar stool nearby.
The names of the food in Bice are extremely long and unpronounceable to the Singaporean tongue, and the dishes here originate from traditional Italian country cooking. However, the cooking and presentation at Bice are nothing if not urbane. The Prosciutto e melone ($15) (not the complete name), a parma ham entree, is delicately arranged with fresh melons forming the base of the food. Thin layers of ham cover the melons, adding saltiness to the sweet fruit. Yet another layer of taste is added to the dish because of the bitter rocket leaves that are strewn over the disc of melon and ham. Enjoy the dish with a very thin, shredded slice of parmesan cheese.
For your main, try the extremely popular Tagliolini al nero ($28), again not its complete name. Extremely interesting with a lively seafood flavour, the tagliolini, a thin chewy pasta, is soaked in black squid ink. As a result, the pasta exudes a seafood aroma and tastes of more than just flour. With gravy of marinated fresh crab and tomatoes, the dish is sweet and spicy, gliding down your throat easily because of the softness of the pasta.
Complete your meal with the Panna Cotta ($14), a firm Italian custard that is sweet and creamy. The slightly sour strawberry soup on top of it creates a refreshing flavour to the otherwise oversweet dessert. With fresh strawberries and blueberries at the side, the Panna Cotta is served cold to settle your stomach after a satisfying meal.
Each of the service staff here is dressed extremely smartly in black and white or suits. In addition, they are alert, courteous and attend to you at appropriate times. Food arrives promptly and is served with a warm smile. The best part is, the staff here knows a lot about the food and are able to recommend you excellent dishes.
Clarke Quay is an area too bustling for my taste, but Bice Bistro manages to remain calm despite its location. Cosy and classy, it has a wonderful ambience, especially at night. I would go there for a drink, but perhaps not food, since it is too dim and I like to be able to see my food. Besides, the food is a little too pricey.
Other Topics : Video Conferencing, Business Technology, Information Technology
History repeats itself and mid-1900s Tuscany comes alive in the middle of the trendy 21st century. Located in The Cannery, Singapore's most popular nightlife spot, Bice Bistro shows that the old world can be, like good wine, as enticing as the young and hip. Serving traditional Italian cuisine in a posh ambience, this outlet of Bice's group of restaurants steers away from formal fine dining and shows that classic can be casual.
The 5,000 square feet of space in Bice gives it ample room to create sections with different vibes. As you enter the restaurant, you see a glassed area (still air-conditioned) with clean white tables and fairy lights, blending in with the dazzle of Clarke Quay. Yet this area is still classy, matching the restaurant's dim interior. Be engulfed by small flickers of light that are reflected on the many mirrors inside. The dark mahogany, hard wood floors and leather seats makes you feel as though you have just been transported in time to a high-class, 1960s Italian bar - so much so that you almost expect to see a beautiful woman with scarlet lips perched on a bar stool nearby.
The names of the food in Bice are extremely long and unpronounceable to the Singaporean tongue, and the dishes here originate from traditional Italian country cooking. However, the cooking and presentation at Bice are nothing if not urbane. The Prosciutto e melone ($15) (not the complete name), a parma ham entree, is delicately arranged with fresh melons forming the base of the food. Thin layers of ham cover the melons, adding saltiness to the sweet fruit. Yet another layer of taste is added to the dish because of the bitter rocket leaves that are strewn over the disc of melon and ham. Enjoy the dish with a very thin, shredded slice of parmesan cheese.
For your main, try the extremely popular Tagliolini al nero ($28), again not its complete name. Extremely interesting with a lively seafood flavour, the tagliolini, a thin chewy pasta, is soaked in black squid ink. As a result, the pasta exudes a seafood aroma and tastes of more than just flour. With gravy of marinated fresh crab and tomatoes, the dish is sweet and spicy, gliding down your throat easily because of the softness of the pasta.
Complete your meal with the Panna Cotta ($14), a firm Italian custard that is sweet and creamy. The slightly sour strawberry soup on top of it creates a refreshing flavour to the otherwise oversweet dessert. With fresh strawberries and blueberries at the side, the Panna Cotta is served cold to settle your stomach after a satisfying meal.
Each of the service staff here is dressed extremely smartly in black and white or suits. In addition, they are alert, courteous and attend to you at appropriate times. Food arrives promptly and is served with a warm smile. The best part is, the staff here knows a lot about the food and are able to recommend you excellent dishes.
Clarke Quay is an area too bustling for my taste, but Bice Bistro manages to remain calm despite its location. Cosy and classy, it has a wonderful ambience, especially at night. I would go there for a drink, but perhaps not food, since it is too dim and I like to be able to see my food. Besides, the food is a little too pricey.
Other Topics : Video Conferencing, Business Technology, Information Technology
10 Reasons to Send Flowers to your Sweetheart
Reviewed by : Deyana
10. To remind her that you exist.
9. So she'll forget that you came 2 hours late for your last date.
8. To prevent her from dumping you for someone who will give her flowers.
7. Because you can't figure out what else to give her.
6. Sending flowers is easy – you can order them while you wait for the match to start.
5. She'll tell her girlfriends about it, and soon you'll gain a reputation for being a gentleman.
4. Because life is a bed of roses. Avoid being the thorn.
3. She'll expect them. Sooner or later.
2. It makes you happy to see her smile.
1. Because you love her.
Buy Flower : Flowers Roses, Funeral Flower, Anniversary Flowers
10. To remind her that you exist.
9. So she'll forget that you came 2 hours late for your last date.
8. To prevent her from dumping you for someone who will give her flowers.
7. Because you can't figure out what else to give her.
6. Sending flowers is easy – you can order them while you wait for the match to start.
5. She'll tell her girlfriends about it, and soon you'll gain a reputation for being a gentleman.
4. Because life is a bed of roses. Avoid being the thorn.
3. She'll expect them. Sooner or later.
2. It makes you happy to see her smile.
1. Because you love her.
Buy Flower : Flowers Roses, Funeral Flower, Anniversary Flowers
Curry Favor: For the Love of Curry
Reviewed by : Deyana.
With its first outlet in the elegant Stamford House, Curry Favor has now tapped into Singaporeans' second home - shopping centres. A second outlet has just opened in Novena Square, catering to busy businessmen, civil servants and of course, shoppers. Specializing in Japanese curry, the restaurant aims to flatter with the authenticity of the curry. Popular for their reasonable set lunches, deep-fried appetizers and needless to say, the curry, Curry Favor seems to be tapping into a niche market of lovers of Japanese curry.
The only thing that differentiates the Novena Curry Favor from the first outlet is its location. Set in a bustling shopping centre, this restaurant's vibe is more commercial and a little colder. Other than this, the interior of the restaurant is almost identical to the one at Stamford House - elegant brown tables, plain floors and chic red walls that look like they have been splashed with paint accidentally-purposely. The vibe here is distinctively cosmopolitan - it feels like a Japanese restaurant located not in Japan, but in a large city like New York. Jazz music plays in the background, steering the atmosphere of Curry Favor in an even more anglicized direction.
Curry Favor's menu has expanded since its launch some years ago. Unfortunately, though, quantity sometimes compromises quality. The extensive range of appetizers and side orders include the Beef Yaki (Tenderloin) ($12.90), thick cubes of beef that are soft and sweet but a little dry. The Stuffed Mushroom (Prawn & Scallop) ($12.90), a ball of deep fried flour, is filled with shitake mushrooms and bits of prawns and scallop. Unfortunately, it is bland because of the lack of salt, and does not contain quite enough seafood for that price.
The Special Pork Curry ($18.90) is much better option. The pork belly meat of this curry is soaked in rice and then left to ferment, enriching the meat with a tremendous amount of flavour. Soft and substantial, the pork is stewed in thick, sweet curry filled with carrots and potatoes. The dish is also accompanied by a lot of Japanese rice and a side of ginger. Because of the tediousness of preparation, the kitchen cooks only limited amounts of the Special Pork Curry, and is 'by-request-only' dish.
After trying the excellent pork curry, the Seafood Curry ($23.90) turns out somewhat of a disappointment. Comprising prawns and scallops, the curry here is more dilute compared to the pork version, and contains less flavour. Also, there are too many prawns and too few scallops; the worst part is, the prawns are small and not fresh. Hard and not quite sweet the way prawns should be, the abundance of prawns in this dish is not an enticing prospect.
If you are a vegetarian, Curry Favor also offers interesting dining options. Try the Mushroom Curry Udon ($18.90), a very tasty dish filled with different types of mushrooms. The straw, button and other mushrooms in the dish combine well with the curry. Moreover, the udon here is thinner than the usual offering, and does not break off easily despite being soaked in curry. Although a little salty, this curry variation is delectable and the portion is extremely generous.
Japanese desserts are always fascinating, and the ones at Curry Favor are no exception. Sample the Mochi Ice Cream ($3.50), which comes in a variety of flavours, including sesame. Served quaintly in a rice bowl, the scoop of sesame ice cream is surrounded by cherries, oranges and rice dumplings. The very strong, slightly bitter sesame taste of the ice cream goes well with the sweet dumpling. However, the ice cream by itself is a little overwhelming.
Service here is good. The black-clad waitresses blend in with the ambience of the restaurant and are always eager to serve you. Water is topped up regularly, and food arrives promptly.
The standard in the Novena outlet seems slightly below the original in Stamford House. However, if you like Japanese curry, even the Novena outlet is able to satiate your craving better than most Japanese restaurants, since curry is the specialty here.
Other Topics : Video Conferencing, Business Technology, Information Technology
With its first outlet in the elegant Stamford House, Curry Favor has now tapped into Singaporeans' second home - shopping centres. A second outlet has just opened in Novena Square, catering to busy businessmen, civil servants and of course, shoppers. Specializing in Japanese curry, the restaurant aims to flatter with the authenticity of the curry. Popular for their reasonable set lunches, deep-fried appetizers and needless to say, the curry, Curry Favor seems to be tapping into a niche market of lovers of Japanese curry.
The only thing that differentiates the Novena Curry Favor from the first outlet is its location. Set in a bustling shopping centre, this restaurant's vibe is more commercial and a little colder. Other than this, the interior of the restaurant is almost identical to the one at Stamford House - elegant brown tables, plain floors and chic red walls that look like they have been splashed with paint accidentally-purposely. The vibe here is distinctively cosmopolitan - it feels like a Japanese restaurant located not in Japan, but in a large city like New York. Jazz music plays in the background, steering the atmosphere of Curry Favor in an even more anglicized direction.
Curry Favor's menu has expanded since its launch some years ago. Unfortunately, though, quantity sometimes compromises quality. The extensive range of appetizers and side orders include the Beef Yaki (Tenderloin) ($12.90), thick cubes of beef that are soft and sweet but a little dry. The Stuffed Mushroom (Prawn & Scallop) ($12.90), a ball of deep fried flour, is filled with shitake mushrooms and bits of prawns and scallop. Unfortunately, it is bland because of the lack of salt, and does not contain quite enough seafood for that price.
The Special Pork Curry ($18.90) is much better option. The pork belly meat of this curry is soaked in rice and then left to ferment, enriching the meat with a tremendous amount of flavour. Soft and substantial, the pork is stewed in thick, sweet curry filled with carrots and potatoes. The dish is also accompanied by a lot of Japanese rice and a side of ginger. Because of the tediousness of preparation, the kitchen cooks only limited amounts of the Special Pork Curry, and is 'by-request-only' dish.
After trying the excellent pork curry, the Seafood Curry ($23.90) turns out somewhat of a disappointment. Comprising prawns and scallops, the curry here is more dilute compared to the pork version, and contains less flavour. Also, there are too many prawns and too few scallops; the worst part is, the prawns are small and not fresh. Hard and not quite sweet the way prawns should be, the abundance of prawns in this dish is not an enticing prospect.
If you are a vegetarian, Curry Favor also offers interesting dining options. Try the Mushroom Curry Udon ($18.90), a very tasty dish filled with different types of mushrooms. The straw, button and other mushrooms in the dish combine well with the curry. Moreover, the udon here is thinner than the usual offering, and does not break off easily despite being soaked in curry. Although a little salty, this curry variation is delectable and the portion is extremely generous.
Japanese desserts are always fascinating, and the ones at Curry Favor are no exception. Sample the Mochi Ice Cream ($3.50), which comes in a variety of flavours, including sesame. Served quaintly in a rice bowl, the scoop of sesame ice cream is surrounded by cherries, oranges and rice dumplings. The very strong, slightly bitter sesame taste of the ice cream goes well with the sweet dumpling. However, the ice cream by itself is a little overwhelming.
Service here is good. The black-clad waitresses blend in with the ambience of the restaurant and are always eager to serve you. Water is topped up regularly, and food arrives promptly.
The standard in the Novena outlet seems slightly below the original in Stamford House. However, if you like Japanese curry, even the Novena outlet is able to satiate your craving better than most Japanese restaurants, since curry is the specialty here.
Other Topics : Video Conferencing, Business Technology, Information Technology
Thai Village Seafood: Back to the Basics of Food
Reviewed by : Deyana
Changi Village is known for its rustic serenity and good food. To add to the montage of excellent eateries is Thai Village Seafood, part of the exquisite Thai Village group of restaurants. This outlet, serving Thai-Teochew cuisine, strays from the classy sophistication of the chain's other restaurants and focuses instead on food for the family. The restaurant also promotes is catering services, with a choice of dishes from its ala carte menu.
Blending well with the laidback atmosphere of Changi Village, Thai Village Seafood caters to a simple meal with effortless ambience. Comprising an indoor section and an al fresco one, diners can either soak in the sleepy Changi air or choose to immerse themselves in the bustling interior of this Thai-Chinese restaurant. Yellow is a recurrent theme in the restaurant – yellow tablecloths, yellow chairs. To emphasize its Thai origins, there are pictures of elephants hung all over the walls.
Certain dishes from the Catering Menu ($15 per pax, min 35 pax) are a must-try. The Braised Shredded Shark's Fin Soup with Crabmeat, for example, is the restaurant's unique version of shark's fin soup, a thick light brown broth served in claypot. Eat this boiling hot, but not before adding the sides of beansprouts and a touch of vinegar and pepper. Tasty and filling, the dish could have done with a little more shark's fin and crab meat.
Also sample the Deep-fried Chicken Wing with Prawn Paste ($10 in ala carte menu). Rather ordinary, the chicken wings at least do not fall into the trap of being too salty. Also, it is fried with just the right amount of prawn paste, such that the aroma of the paste is not too strong.
The “Zheng Jiang” Pork Ribs ($15) is flavourful and well-cooked, putting the dish a notch above most stir-fried pork ribs on the market. The meat is tender and cooked well enough to overcome the smell of pork meat. Lightly glazed with honey, the pork is crispy and slightly sweet.
To accompany these dishes, pick the Seafood Fried Rice ($8 for small portion) which, like the other dishes, has the right blend of ingredients. Neither too salty nor too oily, the fried rice comes with a sufficient amount of seafood – large slices of fish, fresh prawns and squid. Simple yet delicious, this dish is so good, you can eat it one its own.
Like the place, service here is simple but friendly. The staff know each other very well and transmit their friendly warmth to the customers. With a constant top up of Chinese tea, service here aims to make you feel warm and comfortable.
Food here is average, but it is a value-for-money place to enjoy a family dinner or just a good meal. The ambience falls short save for the idyllic feel of Changi Village.
Other Topics : Servers, Enterprise, Outsourcing
Changi Village is known for its rustic serenity and good food. To add to the montage of excellent eateries is Thai Village Seafood, part of the exquisite Thai Village group of restaurants. This outlet, serving Thai-Teochew cuisine, strays from the classy sophistication of the chain's other restaurants and focuses instead on food for the family. The restaurant also promotes is catering services, with a choice of dishes from its ala carte menu.
Blending well with the laidback atmosphere of Changi Village, Thai Village Seafood caters to a simple meal with effortless ambience. Comprising an indoor section and an al fresco one, diners can either soak in the sleepy Changi air or choose to immerse themselves in the bustling interior of this Thai-Chinese restaurant. Yellow is a recurrent theme in the restaurant – yellow tablecloths, yellow chairs. To emphasize its Thai origins, there are pictures of elephants hung all over the walls.
Certain dishes from the Catering Menu ($15 per pax, min 35 pax) are a must-try. The Braised Shredded Shark's Fin Soup with Crabmeat, for example, is the restaurant's unique version of shark's fin soup, a thick light brown broth served in claypot. Eat this boiling hot, but not before adding the sides of beansprouts and a touch of vinegar and pepper. Tasty and filling, the dish could have done with a little more shark's fin and crab meat.
Also sample the Deep-fried Chicken Wing with Prawn Paste ($10 in ala carte menu). Rather ordinary, the chicken wings at least do not fall into the trap of being too salty. Also, it is fried with just the right amount of prawn paste, such that the aroma of the paste is not too strong.
The “Zheng Jiang” Pork Ribs ($15) is flavourful and well-cooked, putting the dish a notch above most stir-fried pork ribs on the market. The meat is tender and cooked well enough to overcome the smell of pork meat. Lightly glazed with honey, the pork is crispy and slightly sweet.
To accompany these dishes, pick the Seafood Fried Rice ($8 for small portion) which, like the other dishes, has the right blend of ingredients. Neither too salty nor too oily, the fried rice comes with a sufficient amount of seafood – large slices of fish, fresh prawns and squid. Simple yet delicious, this dish is so good, you can eat it one its own.
Like the place, service here is simple but friendly. The staff know each other very well and transmit their friendly warmth to the customers. With a constant top up of Chinese tea, service here aims to make you feel warm and comfortable.
Food here is average, but it is a value-for-money place to enjoy a family dinner or just a good meal. The ambience falls short save for the idyllic feel of Changi Village.
Other Topics : Servers, Enterprise, Outsourcing
Absolute Haven Café: Absolute Craving
Reviewed by : Deyana
Absolute Haven Cafe is a place made of dreams, where you are immersed in an environment of diverse times and cultures. Here along Prinsep Street, you are surrounded by old local shophouses and yet find yourself sitting in a chic restaurant serving delicious Modern European food. Relaxing yet bustling, the cafe provides your senses with a wealth of colours and atmospheres.
Entering Absolute Haven is akin to entering a house because of its front gate and an exterior of chairs made of woven wood. Its interior, on the other hand, transports you to the arena of modern dining; great care has been taken to achieve a sophisticated yet casual look. From its yellow leather sofa to the contrasting black and white tables, this café makes colours come alive in a tasteful manner. There are sparks of patterned designs as well, such as the black and white wallpaper with floral motifs, adorning the innermost ends of the café. Absolute Haven also incorporates your need to just relax with a cup of coffee – lounge on one of the brown leather sofas that are cordoned off from the rest of the café.
When it comes to the food in Absolute Haven, you are spoilt for choice. Everything here is a rare find, such as the Bruschetta Platter ($8), a dish of mini-bites comprising 5 slices of baguette . Each slice has a different vegetable topping, either of warm mushrooms and onions, cheese and tomatoes, or pickles. Thin and crispy, this platter is ideal for vegetable lovers but is perhaps a little unsuitable for people with carnivorous tendencies.
The soups at Absolute Haven are exquisite. Although the soup menu is limited, offering only Mushroom Soup ($4.90) and Soup of the Day (price varies), the quality of the soup is unquestionable. The Mushroom Soup, which is actually a puree of shitake, portabello and button mushrooms, strays from the traditional blended cream of mushroom soup. Instead of cream, this soup is made up of thick and chunky mushroom bits with a dilute base.
For your main course, try the highly recommended Premium Tenderloin Steak ($28), a very thick slab of steak grilled with Henessy VSOP to exude a tantalizing aroma. The Henessy also makes the steak sauce much richer and sweeter than the ordinary brown sauce. Extremely soft, the huge steak is easy to cut. There are enough carbohydrates in this dish, too – beneath the steak is a cake of potato gratin, a lasagna-style, layered chunk made of potatoes, sweet potatoes and cheese. Delicious and very filling, the potato gratin contained a little too much cheese, which made it too salty.
Another of Absolute Haven's signature dishes is the Seafood Spaghetti ($18), damp pasta cooked in pesto sauce. Aesthetically, this dish is a little startling because it is completely green! It tastes much better than it looks, with the king prawns, scallops and squids adding sweetness to the pesto. However, the dish could do with a little less pesto, since it is a little overwhelming in taste and aroma.
The Pan-seared Seabass ($16) is a must-try at Absolute Haven. A fusion dish with a combination of European, Japanese and Mediterranean flavours, eating this makes you believe that the world is your oyster, or seabass! The fresh seabass is accompanied by Miso braised root vegetables, poached egg and Moroccan kuskus, or tiny rice grains. Also, sample the Chicken Roulade ($17) – crispy, oily chicken stuffed with soft bacon and spinach. Add flavour to the chicken by dipping it in the cream sauce it comes with – thick, slightly sweet and slightly pungent. Another must-try!
Desserts at Absolute Haven are not to be missed. The Crepes Haven ($10.90) is absolutely fascinating, with thin and soft crepes accompanied by wild berry sauce, vanilla ice cream and strawberries. It comes with cherry brandy, too, which is set on fired while pouring it over the crepe, to form a flaming dessert! This dessert would have been a little too sweet if not for the alcohol. The Tira Mi Su ($8.50) is just as exquisite in presentation and taste. Served in a champagne glass, this soft and sweet dessert has generous doses of coffee, mascarpone cheese and alcohol.
Service is warm, friendly and homely. Water is regularly topped up, and with a twist! Absolute Haven puts fresh strawberries in their iced water, creating a unique flavour to the excellent service.
The food is good and prices are reasonable, especially since portions are sizeable. The ambience, too, is something to gush about – neat, creative, casual and is perfect for a setting like Prinsep Street . Absolute Haven is also ideal for any occasion – lunch with friends, romantic dinners or just to chill out with a cup of coffee or a pint of beer.
Other Topics : Technology Education, Domain Names, Web Hosting
Absolute Haven Cafe is a place made of dreams, where you are immersed in an environment of diverse times and cultures. Here along Prinsep Street, you are surrounded by old local shophouses and yet find yourself sitting in a chic restaurant serving delicious Modern European food. Relaxing yet bustling, the cafe provides your senses with a wealth of colours and atmospheres.
Entering Absolute Haven is akin to entering a house because of its front gate and an exterior of chairs made of woven wood. Its interior, on the other hand, transports you to the arena of modern dining; great care has been taken to achieve a sophisticated yet casual look. From its yellow leather sofa to the contrasting black and white tables, this café makes colours come alive in a tasteful manner. There are sparks of patterned designs as well, such as the black and white wallpaper with floral motifs, adorning the innermost ends of the café. Absolute Haven also incorporates your need to just relax with a cup of coffee – lounge on one of the brown leather sofas that are cordoned off from the rest of the café.
When it comes to the food in Absolute Haven, you are spoilt for choice. Everything here is a rare find, such as the Bruschetta Platter ($8), a dish of mini-bites comprising 5 slices of baguette . Each slice has a different vegetable topping, either of warm mushrooms and onions, cheese and tomatoes, or pickles. Thin and crispy, this platter is ideal for vegetable lovers but is perhaps a little unsuitable for people with carnivorous tendencies.
The soups at Absolute Haven are exquisite. Although the soup menu is limited, offering only Mushroom Soup ($4.90) and Soup of the Day (price varies), the quality of the soup is unquestionable. The Mushroom Soup, which is actually a puree of shitake, portabello and button mushrooms, strays from the traditional blended cream of mushroom soup. Instead of cream, this soup is made up of thick and chunky mushroom bits with a dilute base.
For your main course, try the highly recommended Premium Tenderloin Steak ($28), a very thick slab of steak grilled with Henessy VSOP to exude a tantalizing aroma. The Henessy also makes the steak sauce much richer and sweeter than the ordinary brown sauce. Extremely soft, the huge steak is easy to cut. There are enough carbohydrates in this dish, too – beneath the steak is a cake of potato gratin, a lasagna-style, layered chunk made of potatoes, sweet potatoes and cheese. Delicious and very filling, the potato gratin contained a little too much cheese, which made it too salty.
Another of Absolute Haven's signature dishes is the Seafood Spaghetti ($18), damp pasta cooked in pesto sauce. Aesthetically, this dish is a little startling because it is completely green! It tastes much better than it looks, with the king prawns, scallops and squids adding sweetness to the pesto. However, the dish could do with a little less pesto, since it is a little overwhelming in taste and aroma.
The Pan-seared Seabass ($16) is a must-try at Absolute Haven. A fusion dish with a combination of European, Japanese and Mediterranean flavours, eating this makes you believe that the world is your oyster, or seabass! The fresh seabass is accompanied by Miso braised root vegetables, poached egg and Moroccan kuskus, or tiny rice grains. Also, sample the Chicken Roulade ($17) – crispy, oily chicken stuffed with soft bacon and spinach. Add flavour to the chicken by dipping it in the cream sauce it comes with – thick, slightly sweet and slightly pungent. Another must-try!
Desserts at Absolute Haven are not to be missed. The Crepes Haven ($10.90) is absolutely fascinating, with thin and soft crepes accompanied by wild berry sauce, vanilla ice cream and strawberries. It comes with cherry brandy, too, which is set on fired while pouring it over the crepe, to form a flaming dessert! This dessert would have been a little too sweet if not for the alcohol. The Tira Mi Su ($8.50) is just as exquisite in presentation and taste. Served in a champagne glass, this soft and sweet dessert has generous doses of coffee, mascarpone cheese and alcohol.
Service is warm, friendly and homely. Water is regularly topped up, and with a twist! Absolute Haven puts fresh strawberries in their iced water, creating a unique flavour to the excellent service.
The food is good and prices are reasonable, especially since portions are sizeable. The ambience, too, is something to gush about – neat, creative, casual and is perfect for a setting like Prinsep Street . Absolute Haven is also ideal for any occasion – lunch with friends, romantic dinners or just to chill out with a cup of coffee or a pint of beer.
Other Topics : Technology Education, Domain Names, Web Hosting
Le Papillon: The Butterfly Effect of European Cuisine
Reviewed by : Deyana
Le Papillon, or “The Butterfly”, is located in one of Singapore 's most underrated arts venues – the Red Dot Traffic Building. Like the building, Le Papillon focuses on artistry of food and décor, serving elaborate European cuisine in a designer setting. The area around the restaurant is quiet despite being in the Central Business District, attracting a crowd of middle to high income professionals, who enjoy good conversation and good art.
If you want to go somewhere clean and posh with a streak of creativity, Le Papillon is the place for you. Belying the neat white theme of the place are its walls, on which outlines of butterflies and other motifs are painted. Lamps hang down from the ceiling, also in monochrome colours that blend in with the restaurant's colour scheme. However, like the motifs on the walls, you see subtle defiance in the curved spiral design of the lamps. In the afternoon, the place is bright because of the large windows – always a plus for a restaurant.
Le Papillon's most acclaimed offering is its Menu Prestige ($80), a 7-course meal that features the restaurant's signature dishes. All the dishes here are also in the ala carte menu, with a larger serving portion when ordered individually.
The Menu Prestige unfolds with a cold dish for appetizer – the Freshly Picked Mud Crab and Pear Salad ($16 in ala carte ), a modern, molecular cuisine dish. Served in a large dish with a trapezium-shaped centre of fresh crabs, this salad comes with slices of soft pear and cherry tomatoes. The dressing is a spicy-sweet, foamy gravy that is chilled. Interesting and tasty, it takes a little time to adjust to the modern, technological cooking methods employed in making this dish.
The Menu Prestige also features a second appetizer, this time “hot” - the Saute Foie de Carnard “Duck Liver” ($26). Accompanying the pan-fried duck liver are sour black plum compote and Mesclun lettuce, moderating the slightly oily duck liver, which is crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. It is, however, not crispy enough.
The Parsnip Cream Soup with Truffle Oil and Sauteed Scallops ($18) comes next. The soup is thin for a cream-based one, and slightly sweet. You will find a single pan-fried scallop sunk in the soup, a treat at the bottom. The scallop is delicious – big, fresh and juicy, and is the highlight of the slightly foamy soup. Next on the menu is a bite-sized portion of the Rigatoni Pasta ($34 for a full portion), cooked with crustacean oil, and a creamy seafood base. It comes with shaved bottarga, tiger prawn, seaweed and aragula salad. The gravy of this pasta is thick and slightly spicy, with mild bitterness from the aragula. The prawn is this pasta is fresh although a little overcooked. A favourite of Le Papillon's regulars, the dish is usually ordered on its own, from the ala carte menu.
Sampling so many courses is a little taxing on your taste buds, and Le Papillon is considerate enough to address this. To cleanse your palate before serving you their main course, the Menu Prestige includes a Sorbet of the Day. The Pink Guava Sorbet, a small scoop in a shot glass, is a sour and smooth ball of shaved ice.
Featuring the US Black Angus Prime Ribeye Steak ($42) as the main course, the steak is thin and tender. While simply presented with a slab of meat atop the sautéed mushrooms, spinach, potatoes and a unique brown sauce that tastes light; this dish is worth a try.
Menu Prestige offers a choice of desserts, the Spiced Carrot Cake ($14) or the Orange Chocolate Tart, Cappuccino Parfait, Coffee Crème Brulee ($14). Both desserts are very sweet. The warm carrot cake's intensity is complemented by the cold orange marmalade ice cream, while the chocolate platter elevates you to sheer chocolate ecstasy.
Le Papillon offers excellent service. For example, the wait staff offer free, warm bread at regular intervals. Water is topped up at regular intervals, and the staff are excellent at anticipating your needs. In the same way, they are timely when leaving you alone to enjoy your meal in peace.
So flutter in your love for food, culture and design at Le Papillon. The prices are steep, but it is a wonderful place for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. If ambience is what you are looking for, Le Papillon is a must-try; the European fine-dining experience is surely something to treat yourself to.
Other Topics : Email Marketing, GPS Tracking, Television
Le Papillon, or “The Butterfly”, is located in one of Singapore 's most underrated arts venues – the Red Dot Traffic Building. Like the building, Le Papillon focuses on artistry of food and décor, serving elaborate European cuisine in a designer setting. The area around the restaurant is quiet despite being in the Central Business District, attracting a crowd of middle to high income professionals, who enjoy good conversation and good art.
If you want to go somewhere clean and posh with a streak of creativity, Le Papillon is the place for you. Belying the neat white theme of the place are its walls, on which outlines of butterflies and other motifs are painted. Lamps hang down from the ceiling, also in monochrome colours that blend in with the restaurant's colour scheme. However, like the motifs on the walls, you see subtle defiance in the curved spiral design of the lamps. In the afternoon, the place is bright because of the large windows – always a plus for a restaurant.
Le Papillon's most acclaimed offering is its Menu Prestige ($80), a 7-course meal that features the restaurant's signature dishes. All the dishes here are also in the ala carte menu, with a larger serving portion when ordered individually.
The Menu Prestige unfolds with a cold dish for appetizer – the Freshly Picked Mud Crab and Pear Salad ($16 in ala carte ), a modern, molecular cuisine dish. Served in a large dish with a trapezium-shaped centre of fresh crabs, this salad comes with slices of soft pear and cherry tomatoes. The dressing is a spicy-sweet, foamy gravy that is chilled. Interesting and tasty, it takes a little time to adjust to the modern, technological cooking methods employed in making this dish.
The Menu Prestige also features a second appetizer, this time “hot” - the Saute Foie de Carnard “Duck Liver” ($26). Accompanying the pan-fried duck liver are sour black plum compote and Mesclun lettuce, moderating the slightly oily duck liver, which is crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. It is, however, not crispy enough.
The Parsnip Cream Soup with Truffle Oil and Sauteed Scallops ($18) comes next. The soup is thin for a cream-based one, and slightly sweet. You will find a single pan-fried scallop sunk in the soup, a treat at the bottom. The scallop is delicious – big, fresh and juicy, and is the highlight of the slightly foamy soup. Next on the menu is a bite-sized portion of the Rigatoni Pasta ($34 for a full portion), cooked with crustacean oil, and a creamy seafood base. It comes with shaved bottarga, tiger prawn, seaweed and aragula salad. The gravy of this pasta is thick and slightly spicy, with mild bitterness from the aragula. The prawn is this pasta is fresh although a little overcooked. A favourite of Le Papillon's regulars, the dish is usually ordered on its own, from the ala carte menu.
Sampling so many courses is a little taxing on your taste buds, and Le Papillon is considerate enough to address this. To cleanse your palate before serving you their main course, the Menu Prestige includes a Sorbet of the Day. The Pink Guava Sorbet, a small scoop in a shot glass, is a sour and smooth ball of shaved ice.
Featuring the US Black Angus Prime Ribeye Steak ($42) as the main course, the steak is thin and tender. While simply presented with a slab of meat atop the sautéed mushrooms, spinach, potatoes and a unique brown sauce that tastes light; this dish is worth a try.
Menu Prestige offers a choice of desserts, the Spiced Carrot Cake ($14) or the Orange Chocolate Tart, Cappuccino Parfait, Coffee Crème Brulee ($14). Both desserts are very sweet. The warm carrot cake's intensity is complemented by the cold orange marmalade ice cream, while the chocolate platter elevates you to sheer chocolate ecstasy.
Le Papillon offers excellent service. For example, the wait staff offer free, warm bread at regular intervals. Water is topped up at regular intervals, and the staff are excellent at anticipating your needs. In the same way, they are timely when leaving you alone to enjoy your meal in peace.
So flutter in your love for food, culture and design at Le Papillon. The prices are steep, but it is a wonderful place for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. If ambience is what you are looking for, Le Papillon is a must-try; the European fine-dining experience is surely something to treat yourself to.
Other Topics : Email Marketing, GPS Tracking, Television
Gunther’s: Dining in Perfect Finesse
by: Sophia
With Chinese New Year around the corner, many are frantically hunting for the perfect place to have a family reunion. Look no further for SD has found such a place tucked away at the Sime Darby Convention Centre in Hartamas. China Treasures offers a unique halal Chinese fine dining experience that is simply divine.
Similar to most Chinese restaurants in town, China Treasures offers a comfortable and exquisite setting. It is perfect for groups of all sizes and its table arrangements provide ample privacy. Although it is a fine dining restaurant, there’s no need for impeccable table manners as it is after all, a Chinese restaurant. Feel free to toss that Yee Sang or call out Yum Seng as you please. Just make sure it's all PG13.
The Chinese New Year menu at China Treasure is indeed a unique one. Nonetheless, it does retain its traditional roots. The preparation and the presentation of each individual dish is carefully planned out to make sure diners get the most out of their visit. There are set menu’s specifically designed to tickle your taste buds but if you want to go a la carte you are free to do so. Here are some suggestions that we’d like to make.
The Double Boiled Shark’s Fin with Seafood in Whole Pumpkin is a unique and delicious dish to whet your appetite. The soup is boiled in a pumpkin while the pumpkin itself is being boiled in another pot. It is a clear soup and you will be able to see generous portions of shark’s fin, crab, mushrooms, bamboo pith and more beneath.
Follow up with the Sauteed Prawns with Seasonal Vegetables. This dish is sure to please prawn lovers as it is moist and fresh. And to make things easier, the prawns are peeled for your convenience. Another recommended seafood dish would be the Braised Dried Scallop & Dried Oyster with Brown Sauce. The oysters are brought in from Hong Kong and are surprisingly fresh. Both the Sauteed Prawns and the Braised Dried Scallop & Dried Oyster have a smooth texture and even those who aren’t a fan of seafood would find this mouth watering.
To top it all off, order the Smoked Duck with Tea Leaf. The tea leaves are used to make the brown gravy which is an excellent compliment to the duck. The duck is smoked which gives it a moist and smooth texture rather than a dry one that one would get from a roast duck. Compliments to the chef for an excellent dish. And just when you think it can’t get any better, the desserts arrive.
The Chilled Mango & Pomelo with Sago is absolutely divine. This creamy bowl of refreshing mango mix is like a smoothie only its better. It is unique and contains bits and pieces of mango, pomelo and strawberry. Some might think it too sweet but it’s not a sin to indulge once in awhile.
Service at China Treasure is top notch. The friendly and attentive staff is well versed with the menu and the details of its preparation.
Finally, a Chinese Restaurant that provides quality food, a cosy and comfortable setting and reasonable prices. Unlike many of the restaurant chains out there, China Treasures take pride in their offerings when it comes to preparation and presentation. SD highly recommends this restaurant, Chinese New Year or otherwise. It is a halal Chinese restaurant so be sure to bring all your friends to share this Chinese New Year spirit with you.
Other topics : Wedding, Fashion, Marriage
With Chinese New Year around the corner, many are frantically hunting for the perfect place to have a family reunion. Look no further for SD has found such a place tucked away at the Sime Darby Convention Centre in Hartamas. China Treasures offers a unique halal Chinese fine dining experience that is simply divine.
Similar to most Chinese restaurants in town, China Treasures offers a comfortable and exquisite setting. It is perfect for groups of all sizes and its table arrangements provide ample privacy. Although it is a fine dining restaurant, there’s no need for impeccable table manners as it is after all, a Chinese restaurant. Feel free to toss that Yee Sang or call out Yum Seng as you please. Just make sure it's all PG13.
The Chinese New Year menu at China Treasure is indeed a unique one. Nonetheless, it does retain its traditional roots. The preparation and the presentation of each individual dish is carefully planned out to make sure diners get the most out of their visit. There are set menu’s specifically designed to tickle your taste buds but if you want to go a la carte you are free to do so. Here are some suggestions that we’d like to make.
The Double Boiled Shark’s Fin with Seafood in Whole Pumpkin is a unique and delicious dish to whet your appetite. The soup is boiled in a pumpkin while the pumpkin itself is being boiled in another pot. It is a clear soup and you will be able to see generous portions of shark’s fin, crab, mushrooms, bamboo pith and more beneath.
Follow up with the Sauteed Prawns with Seasonal Vegetables. This dish is sure to please prawn lovers as it is moist and fresh. And to make things easier, the prawns are peeled for your convenience. Another recommended seafood dish would be the Braised Dried Scallop & Dried Oyster with Brown Sauce. The oysters are brought in from Hong Kong and are surprisingly fresh. Both the Sauteed Prawns and the Braised Dried Scallop & Dried Oyster have a smooth texture and even those who aren’t a fan of seafood would find this mouth watering.
To top it all off, order the Smoked Duck with Tea Leaf. The tea leaves are used to make the brown gravy which is an excellent compliment to the duck. The duck is smoked which gives it a moist and smooth texture rather than a dry one that one would get from a roast duck. Compliments to the chef for an excellent dish. And just when you think it can’t get any better, the desserts arrive.
The Chilled Mango & Pomelo with Sago is absolutely divine. This creamy bowl of refreshing mango mix is like a smoothie only its better. It is unique and contains bits and pieces of mango, pomelo and strawberry. Some might think it too sweet but it’s not a sin to indulge once in awhile.
Service at China Treasure is top notch. The friendly and attentive staff is well versed with the menu and the details of its preparation.
Finally, a Chinese Restaurant that provides quality food, a cosy and comfortable setting and reasonable prices. Unlike many of the restaurant chains out there, China Treasures take pride in their offerings when it comes to preparation and presentation. SD highly recommends this restaurant, Chinese New Year or otherwise. It is a halal Chinese restaurant so be sure to bring all your friends to share this Chinese New Year spirit with you.
Other topics : Wedding, Fashion, Marriage
Padang Palace: Fit For An Emperor
Reviewed by : Deyana
Mr. James Chang, the owner of Padang Palace, is the founder of the Restaurant Association of Singapore, a World Chinese Food judge, the director of the National Chinese Food Production and Service…. the list goes on. A profile like that almost guarantees that Padang Palace lives up to its owner's reputation. Located in the elite, exclusive Singapore Recreation Club (SRC), this traditional Chinese restaurant is the only one in Singapore that serves the near-extinct Imperial Cuisine.
Upon entering in, diners will be greeted by the theme of a typical Chinese restuarant. Adorned with hues of red and pink with chinese calligraphy, it is nonetheless, inviting with a homely feel. The sunlight illuminating the restaurant through the window frames adds vibrance and warmth to the place, making it conducive for celebration of joyous occasions. At the same time, it serves as a window for a peek to the magnificent view of the Padang field which used to host many sporting events in the past bringing on a sense of nostalgia for diners.
Padang Palace's food incorporates taste and culture. There is a cultural, historical or philosophical significance to each dish, making the enjoyment of good food an educational experience. The Peking Duck ($50), for instance, was first prepared for the Chinese emperor in the Yuan Dynasty. Padang Palace's version is cooked in the latest German-made oven, resulting in sweet and crispy duck skin wrapped with delicate pancake. The restaurant also cooks the duck meat in another style of your preference, for no extra charge. Try the Peking Duck Meat Fried with Black Pepper, where the duck meat is chopped into tiny cubes and fried with light, fresh black pepper. The dish is then wrapped in lettuce to add fresh flavour that eases the oiliness of the deep-fried meat.
A must-try is the Juicy Steamed Dumplings, or Xiao Long Bao ($3.50 for a basket of 3). According to Mr. James Chang, a quality steamed dumpling will “look like a lantern when held with the chopsticks, and like a lotus when placed on the spoon”. Padang Palace's dumplings are like that, with soft but firm handmade skin. The dumplings are filled with chicken soup and minced pork. The soup has a rich aroma and flavour that complements the meat. To add even more taste to the dumplings, eat it with the provided condiment of fresh ginger shreds and light soy sauce.
Sample quality Cheong Fun (rice sheets), with a choice of the Cha Siew Cheong Fun (barbequed pork rice sheet) or Fresh Prawn Cheong Fun (both at $4.50 for 3 pieces). The Cheong Fun here sets itself apart for the usual fare. Handmade with silky rice sheets, stuffed with meat and covered in light sauce, it is salty unlike the sweet Cheong Fun you find in many eateries these days. While the Cheong Fun is less spectacular than the Steamed Dumplings, only because of the uniqueness of the latter, it is nevertheless top-notch.
For Dim Sum dessert, try the Korean Puff ($14 for 6 pieces), which is not served anywhere else. Warm and sweet, the skin of this puff is made entirely out of egg white, resulting in a soft and rich flavour. The puff is filled with red bean paste and coated with sugar powder. Both in presentation and in taste, the Korean Puff is appetizing even after a filling meal.
Service crew is attentive to refill your chinese tea on a regular basis. For diners who are in the mood for love or linger on the days of yore with a glimpse of the Padang field and the old supreme court, the service staff will gladly leave you in the state of reminscence.
For a step back in time to dwell on the glorious days of Singapore back in the 1970s, this will be the restaurant to dine with good old friends sharing some old memories together, or for family gatherings over some chinese cuisine.
Other Topics : Plastic Surgery, Self Employed, Finance
Mr. James Chang, the owner of Padang Palace, is the founder of the Restaurant Association of Singapore, a World Chinese Food judge, the director of the National Chinese Food Production and Service…. the list goes on. A profile like that almost guarantees that Padang Palace lives up to its owner's reputation. Located in the elite, exclusive Singapore Recreation Club (SRC), this traditional Chinese restaurant is the only one in Singapore that serves the near-extinct Imperial Cuisine.
Upon entering in, diners will be greeted by the theme of a typical Chinese restuarant. Adorned with hues of red and pink with chinese calligraphy, it is nonetheless, inviting with a homely feel. The sunlight illuminating the restaurant through the window frames adds vibrance and warmth to the place, making it conducive for celebration of joyous occasions. At the same time, it serves as a window for a peek to the magnificent view of the Padang field which used to host many sporting events in the past bringing on a sense of nostalgia for diners.
Padang Palace's food incorporates taste and culture. There is a cultural, historical or philosophical significance to each dish, making the enjoyment of good food an educational experience. The Peking Duck ($50), for instance, was first prepared for the Chinese emperor in the Yuan Dynasty. Padang Palace's version is cooked in the latest German-made oven, resulting in sweet and crispy duck skin wrapped with delicate pancake. The restaurant also cooks the duck meat in another style of your preference, for no extra charge. Try the Peking Duck Meat Fried with Black Pepper, where the duck meat is chopped into tiny cubes and fried with light, fresh black pepper. The dish is then wrapped in lettuce to add fresh flavour that eases the oiliness of the deep-fried meat.
A must-try is the Juicy Steamed Dumplings, or Xiao Long Bao ($3.50 for a basket of 3). According to Mr. James Chang, a quality steamed dumpling will “look like a lantern when held with the chopsticks, and like a lotus when placed on the spoon”. Padang Palace's dumplings are like that, with soft but firm handmade skin. The dumplings are filled with chicken soup and minced pork. The soup has a rich aroma and flavour that complements the meat. To add even more taste to the dumplings, eat it with the provided condiment of fresh ginger shreds and light soy sauce.
Sample quality Cheong Fun (rice sheets), with a choice of the Cha Siew Cheong Fun (barbequed pork rice sheet) or Fresh Prawn Cheong Fun (both at $4.50 for 3 pieces). The Cheong Fun here sets itself apart for the usual fare. Handmade with silky rice sheets, stuffed with meat and covered in light sauce, it is salty unlike the sweet Cheong Fun you find in many eateries these days. While the Cheong Fun is less spectacular than the Steamed Dumplings, only because of the uniqueness of the latter, it is nevertheless top-notch.
For Dim Sum dessert, try the Korean Puff ($14 for 6 pieces), which is not served anywhere else. Warm and sweet, the skin of this puff is made entirely out of egg white, resulting in a soft and rich flavour. The puff is filled with red bean paste and coated with sugar powder. Both in presentation and in taste, the Korean Puff is appetizing even after a filling meal.
Service crew is attentive to refill your chinese tea on a regular basis. For diners who are in the mood for love or linger on the days of yore with a glimpse of the Padang field and the old supreme court, the service staff will gladly leave you in the state of reminscence.
For a step back in time to dwell on the glorious days of Singapore back in the 1970s, this will be the restaurant to dine with good old friends sharing some old memories together, or for family gatherings over some chinese cuisine.
Other Topics : Plastic Surgery, Self Employed, Finance
ChaKuan: Tea-ing Off With Delicacies
Reviewed by : Deyana
Lesson number 1: A teahouse does not serve only tea . Visiting a teahouse is always an eye-opener since you never know what to expect. ChaKuan, which literally translates into “teahouse”, brings you a wealth of good food rather than teas. Located on the ground floor of the newly-revamped Market Street Carpark, this restaurant specializes in Chinese delicacies that focus on Cantonese and local Chinese cuisine.
The ambience of this teahouse – bustling, professional and creative replicates the area where it is located in; the heart of Raffles Place, Singapore's financial centre. Utilizing earthy colours that complement the bright red hues characteristic of the Chinese, ChaKuan's décor is empathetic to local living of the Singaporean-style city. Its fusion interior is further enhanced by cosy white brick pillars that create a very underground feel. Juxtaposed against this are the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the red walls that are painted with Chinese calligraphy. All in all, it is tradition meets modernity in ChaKuan, exuding a chic Oriental-Cosmopolitan look.
Teahouses love their specialties; sampling them is a must! Try the Teahouse Crispy Duck ($9.70), a dish of sliced roast duck in light sauce. Tender and juicy, the duck meat tastes especially delicious when soaked in the salty sauce. And of course, the highlight of roast duck is always the skin; ChaKuan's version is thin and crispy the way it should be.
For something less sinful, try the Broccoli with Shrimp ($11.70). Presented in an appetizing circle of broccoli with a centre of shrimps, the dish tastes as good as it looks. The broccolis are large, crunchy and, thankfully, not overcooked. Complementing the sweetness of the fresh prawns, this dish needs neither sauce nor seasoning to taste good.
However, if you like your vegetables a little soaked, you might want to sample the ChaKuan Treasure Plate ($6.70). A typical Cantonese dish of braised beancurd, the tofu here is well-fried to a thin and taut covering. Braised with thick, slightly sticky gravy, the Treasure Plate also comes with shitake mushrooms and an assortment of other vegetables.
Too much vegetable? Settle your meat-fix with ChaKuan's Rock Salt Pork Ribs ($10.70), platter of small pieces of deep-fried pork ribs and red peppers. Though a little tough, the salty goodness of the dish makes it irresistible.
If you do not have time, skip everything else and try the desserts at ChaKuan, particularly the Red Bean Banana Fritters ($3.70). This typically local dessert comprise of small, piping hot fritters. Well-fried, the banana here is extremely soft and sweet. In addition, the red bean paste is very smooth and adds texture to the banana. Alternatively, try the Mixed Fruits Sago ($3.90), a favourite among ChaKuan's patrons. Exquisitely presented with a flourish of colours, this sago consists of watermelon balls, kiwi slices, mango cubes and strawberries. Sourish sweet, the milk in the sago adds richness to the fruity concoction.
Perfect for the lunchtime crowd, service in ChaKuan is prompt and efficient. It still retains in warmth and friendliness, though, adding to the cosy feel of the place.
ChaKuan is an excellent place to visit if you happen to be around the area. It gives you the feel of being away from the crowd, and its ambience is bright and relaxing. Moreover, the food is above average and reasonably priced.
Wednesday 11 March 2009
Ice Cream Chefs: I Scream Homemade Ice Cream!
- The Vibe
At this ice cream parlour, fun is a big factor despite its minuscule size: the cheerful greetings from the “ Ice Cream Chefs”, the enticing purple candy-coloured walls, and the large photo collage of customers' snapshots that have been playfully doodled-on with funny captions.
- The Food
Replicating the concept of Marble Slab Creamery's and Cold Stone Creamery's homemade ice cream, ICC scoops out innovative cold concoctions by “mashing” its “100% homemade” (mixed, made and froze in-house) ice cream and various “mix-ins” (a.k.a toppings) on a “Chef's Rock” (a frozen granite slab). When it comes to the assortment of ice cream and mix-ins, though, ICC takes on the Willy Wonka's school of thought. Here, the flavours of ice cream range from the usual suspects of Beanie Vanilla, Strawberries and Chocolates & Hersheys; to the sinful Nutella Delight and Nutty Peanut Butter; to the healthy Blueberries and Waterlemony, and even to the localized Durian, Milo Peng and Milk Tea! The mix-ins, too, goes the similar route with at least 30 kinds of toppings! What's more, Tuesdays are free mix-ins days and you can have your first mix-in for free and subsequent mix-ins at the standard charge of $0.70.
At ICC, “homemade” is an understatement (“personalized” would better fit the bill): ICC welcomes your new flavour ideas and lets you bring your own mix-ins so that you can play ice cream inventor. But if you do not trust your own judgement, here are some cool creations which are, well, absolutely cool!
High on ICC's list of must-tries is Fruity Overload ($4.80 for large), a concoction of watermelon, Mrs. Smith (green apple and cinnamon) and peach ice cream that is laden with Fruit Loops and Corn Flakes. Popular amongst the ladies and weight-watchers, this healthy fruity concoction has the initial suspect taste of strawberries and cream that gracefully veers into a fruitier tang. The fillings of Fruit Loops and Corn Flakes were the right amount of crunchiness, though perhaps fresh fruits would be a better choice for mix-ins.
If you are in a dire need for a midday caffeine fix, the Cappuccino Chocolate Crunch ($4.80 for large) – a blend of chocolate, cappuccino and Nutella ice cream – will perk you up in more ways than a steaming cup of coffee can. With its sinfully rich mocha flavour, no surprises for guessing that this chocolate-cappuccino-Nutella ice cream will prevail as the new café mocha. What's more, the crunchy mix-in of Kinder Bueno and M&Ms in every mouthful will have coffee connoisseurs converting into Cappuccino Chocolate Crunch fans.
For the adventurous, try the Durian Surprise ( $4.80 for large), a customer's innovation of durian and chocolate ice cream mixed with Loackers mini wafers. Sceptics are advised to think along the lines of chocolate-covered strawberries and banana splits to rid of doubts. Rich, fragrant, sinful, sweet and crunchy in all the right parts, this is one must-try for fans of the thorny fruit.
- The Service
It is all self-service here: select from the array of ice cream and mix-ins, watch the ice cream master smash your ice cream into shape on the Chef's Rock, and collect and pay for your ice-cream at the cashier. Nevertheless, the service is warm and friendly.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)