VanityTrove -Beauty right at your doorstep!

Isn’t it every girl’s dream to receive beautifully wrapped parcels filled with a range of beauty products right at your doorstep?

Inspired by the concept of fukuburuko, the mystery grabbag style of presenting products from the fashion hub of Japan, VanityTrove bring this concept to Singapore –this new trend is set to grab the hearts of ladies who deserve some pampering.

How VanityTrove works:
1) Sign up for an account and subscribe to the service on www.VanityTrove.com for the monthly subscription fee of only S$25/- (inclusive of packing, shipping and handling fees) or S$300/- for 13 months (1 month free!)
2) On the 15th of every month, VanityTrove sends out specially curated sets of beautiful surprises to paid subscribers
3) Receive the troves hand-delivered to you and enjoy the beautiful surprises within it!

For S$25/-, you get to receive the top products in the beauty industry. Beauty experts behind the scene identify and pick the newest beauty trends for you to test; beauty sampling and pampering has never been made so accessible and affordable!

This January, here’s what VanityTrove has packed in:


1) YADAH Beauty Pack ($10.90 for full-size)
Newly launched in Singapore, YADAH Skincare boats organic ingredients with strong anti-flammatory and antioxidant properties, suitable for sensitive or troubled skin.

2) Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief ($75 for 50ml)
One of Clinique’s best selling products, Moisture Surge is the ultimate drink for your skin as the light comfortable gel plumps your skin with hydration for a full 24 hours.

3) Olivella Shampoo ($17.90 for 500ml)
Formulated with natural ingredients and Olive extract, it cleanses hair gently while adding vitamins and antioxidants benefits to enhance hair strength and vitality giving you that lustrous volume look.

4) Olivella Condition ($26.90 for 500ml)
The conditioner is formulated with 100% Natural Virgin Olive Oil; an ultra-rich daily moisturising conditioner that detangles and hydrates hair effectively.


5) 1 sheet of Leader’s Clinic Face Mask ($75 for 10 sheets)
Developed by top clinical experts in Korea, this facemask is the best-selling range of masks in Korea. These masks glide on like a “second skin” due to its ultra thin silk cellulose material, and contain no artificial preservatives.


6) Angel Lip Tint Lip & Cheek Stain in Juicy Red ($10.90 for 3ml)
The colorants from this paraben-free liptint are extracted from plants (red tomatoes and gromwell flowers), with natural safe ingredients that enhance the lips and cheek colour naturally, giving you that rosy-glowing look all day long.

Now you won’t have to splurge on beauty products and then find yourself leaving stacks around without finishing it; this is a great way to sample new products each month before deciding which one suits you best!

Go to www.vanitytrove.com for more trend articles and find out where to buy the full size products you love!

Call +65 64999440 or email Victoria@vanitytrove.com with your enquiries.

Don’t forget to add them on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates!

Giveaway Special!

melicacy.com will be doing a GIVEAWAY! Here’s what you have to do to win some freebies:

Step 1: Like VanityTrove on Facebook
Step 2: Like Chubby on Facebook (Optional, but you might stand a higher chance of winning :P)
Step 3: Comment below in this blog post stating which is the product you’d like to receive, or email me at femmelicacy@gmail.com

Winners will be randomly picked (maybe by Chubby!) :D

Melicacy wishes all a prosperous new year!

Here are three exceptional Lunar New Year feasts I’ve tasted:

Note: they are alphabetically listed, and not in order of preference

Goodwood Park Hotel, Min Jiang Restaurant

http://sparklette.net/food/goodwood-park-chinese-new-year/








Hilton Singapore

http://sparklette.net/food/hilton-chinese-new-year/











Mandarin Orchard Singapore

http://www.hungryepicurean.com/2011/12/lunar-new-year-at-mandarin-orchard-singapore/









Hope you’ve had your share of delicacy this lunar new year!
Best wishes to all!

Melissa and Family

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Sparklette for all the opportunities and for sparking my interest in food writing; now I’m able to put my love for food and photography to good use!

Movie Review: The Descendants

Directed by award-winning Alexander Payne, The Descendants conveys the love and anger of a lawyer, Matt King (George Clooney), who makes gruelling efforts to connect with his two daughters – the mischievious10-year-old Scottie (Amara Miller) and the rebellious 17-year-old Alexandra (Shailene Woodley) – while battling to cope with his wife’s unconsciousness from a boating accident. His poor relationship with his wife and daughters were resulted from his engrossed commitment to his job, and he later found out about his wife’s extramarital affair, which led to an intense zeal to hunting down her fling.

As the descendants of a plot of land, handed down from Hawaiian royalty and missionaries, the livelihoods of his cousins lie in the hands of Matt, who holds the stringent decision of churning an empty plot of land into a massive income, with a mere signature on the deed.

Along with tear inducing scenes and heart-wrenching moments, together with a fair share of giggle triggering humour, a medley of emotions is experienced within a touching story.

Watch how he gets back on his feet from the devastating crisis, facing the responsibilities of a father and importance of his role in his children’s upbringing and mending his relationship with his daughters.
George Clooney’s performance in this film is outstanding, with emotions that one can relate to, and tears that are hard to fake.

Apart from a touching storyline one can empathise with, a stunning panoramic view of the Hawaiian tropical beach will take your breath away. You get to travel virtually around Hawaii, gaining a deeper hindsight on how the islands are developed into villas and houses, bearing minimal resemblance to a typically stereotyped laidback vibe with islanders sipping cocktails and Hula-dancing all day long. The reality is that Hawaii isn’t immune to stress; and issues encountered in bustling cities are no less evident in a retreating island as such.

Watch the trailer here:

Thanks Omy for the invitation to the preview screening!

Hua Kee Hougang Famous Wan Ton Mee


Wan Ton Noodles (Dry) $3

I have never been a fan of these thin, tough (or so they call springy) noodles – it is just a personal preference – so I can’t comment on the noodles to be fair. As for the accompanying dumplings, I adored the soft and tender, well-marinated meat encased in a smooth wanton skin. I enjoyed it so much that I exchanged all my char siew for more wantons, with my mum, thus I didn’t get to taste it.

I would order an entire bowl of dumplings the next time I visit, dunked in their specially concocted chilli sauce.


Here’s an idea of how long you have to queue for the FAMOUS wan ton mee!

Hua Kee Hougang Famous Wan Ton Mee
#01-02 Old Airport Road
Singapore
Closed on Monday

Marina Mandarin 25th Anniversary Dinner

I had the honour of attending Marina Mandarin’s 25th anniversary dinner as a guest of J.Chen. Women donned in gorgeous gowns, and men looking especially smart in suits; I wasn’t quite expecting such a formal sight!

Arriving at 6.30pm, guests were served mocktails and juices, along with platters of canapés while waiting the arrival of all invited guests.

Canapés


Salmon Ceviche filled in Wafer


Chocolate coated Goose Liver

The Chocolate-coated Goose Liver – that totally melts in your mouth – left me wanting more!


Enoki Mushrooms, Asparagus in a custard-filled pastry tart

As a canapé, it didn’t quite fit into my mouth and crumbs were falling off with each bite – not something you’d want on your Vera Wang dresses or your perfectly tailored suits – but look how pretty they’re presented; I can totally picture myself as a mini-sized Super Mario running around in a Sahara gobbling mushrooms along the way!


Tuna Pastrami

A pop-in-your-mouth canapé; the exemplary Tuna Pastrami tastes nothing less elegant than it is presented. I probably had 5 of these!

Commencement of dinner

While we were getting seated in the ballroom at 8pm, breads were served –Sun-dried tomato and Seaweed were my top picks!



I can easily hold the title of bread monster that evening, requesting for seconds!

A host of programs were structured between each course of meal to keep us entertained.

Appetiser


Sturgeon Caviar on Crustacean infusion & Riesling Jello

The first course is presented by Executive Chef Tony Khoo; it is one of his signature dishes featured in his recently launched charity cookbook “To Be A Chef”, which has raised $118,000 to Community Chest.

It makes a delicious topping on a plain cracker!

Soup


Curry Lobster Soup with Seared Sea Scallops


Presented by AquaMarine, the Curry Lobster Soup with Seared Sea Scallops is an Asian dish with a twist of Western flavour.

Entrée


Poached Atlantic Cod with Wok-Fried Fish Noodles & Imperial Nage

Presented by Peach Blossoms & Chinese Banquet, the Poached Atlantic Cod with Wok-Fried Fish Noodles & Imperial Nage is served in an individual claypot, bespeaking the language of royalty with its fine ingredients.

Main Course


Smoked “Sous Vide” Chicken with Foie Gras glazed with Fig Vincotto, Saffron Risotto & Savoy Cabbage

Presented by Ristorante Bologna & Western Banquet, this dish is a medley of Italian and European flavours. The risotto certainly shines with the infusion of Saffron, which is said to be the most precious and expensive spice in the world –and it could not have been done more perfectly creamy and al dente. I had no complains with the crowning foie gras; that was my favourite component of this dish.

Dessert


Fresh Avocado with Sago & Coconut, Jivara Chocolate Mousse Cake, Classic Tiramisu (From left to right)

Dessert was served in a platter of 3 all-time award-winning favourite desserts; an epic closure to the evening!

It was a memorable night of celebration with Marina Mandarin!
Thanks for the invitation!

Pictures were taken with my Panasonic Lumix compact in horrible low-light condition, don’t mind the poor quality images!

Kohii at One Shenton

Homegrown Tokyo-inspired café makes its debut at the new One Shenton building, beside the Asia Square Tower.

Housed along the Shenton Way district where office personnel are aplenty, Kohii stands out in its austerity in essence of a casual, contemporary Japanese café and sandwich bar specialising in quality coffees and handmade sandwiches, made with the freshest of ingredients.

With almost 90% of the ingredients sourced from Japan, the well-travelled cosmopolitan executives who expect good quality with great value will be beguiled, simultaneously enjoying free WIFI in the cheery and chic alfresco setting.

Drinks


MangoMomo ($6.30)

For a deliciously fruity and thirst quenching beverage, Mango Momo is one of Kohii’s signature smoothies; it is a healthy marriage of mango and peaches with absolutely no sugar added, blended into a rich, icy concoction.


Banana Coco Maltese Frappe (Left). Apple and Cinnamon (right)

For something less rich, the refreshing and delightful palate cleansing Apple and Cinnamon smoothie makes the mark; it is the perfect beverage to beat the perennial heat!


Brewed Coffee ($5.00)

A Japanese café is not complete without quality Japanese coffee; Kohii imports UCC Coffee, a renown coffee brand in Japan with history dating back to 1933. It is aromatic and suitably robust; it is less intense than Robusta coffee (Kopi-Os), and will appeal to the ladies especially.

Salads


Assorted Seafood Salad $10.50

Salads come with a choice of one salad dressing with 3 to choose from: Soy Vinegrette, Goma and Miso. These 3 homemade dressings will complement the light and fresh mix of greens, creating unique tastes to suit different palettes.
Personally, Goma gets my vote. It is a slightly creamy dressing with rich sesame flavour, sufficiently thick, providing a nice coating on the greens without gliding off. The Miso dressing fares well too –it is a light and flavourful dressing; its mellow, savoury and sweet flavours are sure to perk up your salad. The Soy Vinegrette is passable; for those who like their dressings in a liquid state, this is an option.

Assorted Mixed Mushrooms Salad ($9.80)

The Mixed Mushrooms Salad is a vegetarian option; an assortment of mushrooms, all imported from Japan, is combined, creating a bounty of textures, in conjunction with natural juices retained in the mushrooms.

Soup

Pumpkin Soup ($7.50)

I realised I didn’t manage to snap a photo of the Pumpkin Soup, but how is that even possible, when we ordered a second serving because it was so delicious! Their pumpkin soup is made daily, composing of purely fresh pumpkin puree, with no cream added. It is less rich than the usual western rendition of pumpkin soup, with homely flavours and a smooth comforting consistency that will leave you wanting more.

Their signature Mixed Mushrooms Soup ($9.80) is so popular that they ran out of it when I was there!

Sandwiches

Sandwiches at Kohii are made with fresh ingredients upon order, and everything unsold will be thrown away at the end of the day. All sandwiches come standard with iceberg lettuce and Japanese cucumbers, with a leading ingredient or two to individualise them.
A choice of three types of bread – Wholemeal, Oatmeal and Plain – is offered, giving an option to the growing health-conscious group.


Tuna and Apple Sandwich with whole-meal bread ($7.80)

TheTuna and Apple Sandwich with whole-meal bread costs $5.90 in the Breakfast Set, and comes with coffee or tea. I didn’t enjoy the large chunks of apples; they aren’t exactly bite-sized and they create a mess, falling off the sandwich with each bite. The tuna didn’t impress either; it is dry and in dire needs of a dressing. However, I appreciate the refreshing pairing of apple and tuna; they could probably slice up the apples and spruce it up with some dressing for a more palatable sandwich. Despite the lack of devouring pleasures, this sandwich will appeal highly to the health conscious consumers.


Potato and Bacon with Oatmeal bread ($8.50)

The Potato and Bacon sandwich is delicious, although the boxy chunks of potatoes pose a hassle to consume if you were intending eat it like a burger. I ended up eating each ingredient separately to avoid the mess, cutting them up with the knife and fork provided. Chunks of food falling off your sandwich are the very last things you want on your office suit.


Teriyaki Chicken Breast with Oatmeal bread ($9.50)

I like how the breads are toasted prior to serving; you will find a warm, crisp bun with a fluffy interior that is neither dense nor too dry.
Chicken breasts are used at Kohii for its leanness, the Terriyaki Chicken Breast is a tad tough for my liking but the teriyaki sauce did help to moisten up the protein.


Curry Chicken with plain bread ($9.50)

The Curry Chicken sandwich is Kohii’s signature dish; with Japanese curry being widely popular in Japan, incorporating its piquant flavours into a sandwich can never go wrong.



Pesto Chicken ($8.50)

Of the three chicken sandwiches I’ve tried, the Pesto Chicken is a personal favourite. Cut in manageable strips, the chicken is coated with a delicious Italian sauce that is creamy and zingy, with a touch of herbs.

In conclusion:

Kohii gives the working bunch no excuse to pick up cold sandwiches at convenience kiosks, settle for MSG-laden hawker food or binge on greasy fast food.
The immaculate Japanese culture that focuses on quality and presentation will be experienced here. Providing pretty looking yet healthy sandwiches accompanied by a cast of palatable smoothies, with strong emphasis on warm and friendly service, Kohii will leave an impression.

Ongoing promotions:
Breakfast (8.30am to 11.00am): $5.90 Nett for a wholemeal sandwich and freshly brewed coffee or tea.
Lunch (11.00am to 2.00pm): $10 Nett for a sandwich (3 choices of bread), soup of the day, salad and freshly brewed coffee or tea.
Rainy Days Specials: Free coffee or tea with any item purchased, valid for Dine-in & Take-away.

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 8.30am-8.30pm
Saturday: 9.00am-3.00pm
Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays

1 Shenton Way #01-06
Singapore 068803
Tel 65099639
Fax 65099638
www.kohii.asia

Chong Chong Pork Porridge

Nothing beats a piping hot bowl of congee, of a thick and smooth consistency, topped with cut-up chunks of dough sticks, drizzled with fragrant sesame oil, and finished off with a crack of an egg, for the ultimate comfort food.


Pork and liver porridge with egg, $3.50

I love my congee with a high level of brokenness. Chomp Chomp’s isn’t the best, but ample to satisfy my fastidious taste buds.

How do you like your congee?

Chomp Chomp Food Centre
Blk 20 Kensington Park Road
Chong Chong Pork Porridge & Macaroni
#01-23