Category Archives: Product

Customise your Chocolate Bar at Cocoa B

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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Cocoa B is an online chocolate boutique that allows you to customise your chocolate bars in a few clicks.

Visit: http://www.cocoa-b.com/
1. Choose your choice of chocolate bar (milk/dark/white)
2. Select your toppings (unconventional toppings include ikan bilis, wasabi nuts, chicken floss and more)
3. Make payment and your creations will be delivered/mailed to you.

Chocolate bars with a personal touch, unique from any other, make great gifts for any occasion. You can order them in bulk for corporate gifts, weddings and parties.

The wide array of toppings are categorised into five groups –‘Berries & Fruits’, ‘Exotic’, ‘Nutty & Seeds’, ‘Sweet & Décor’, and ‘Herbs, Spices, Powder’. Most of the toppings are rather intriguing, such as Dried Longans, Dried Tomatoes, Tapioca Chips, Bacon Bits, Sze Chuan Pepper, Garlic Flakes, and Crispy Lotus Seeds to name a few.

There are boundless possibilities in the combination of ingredients.

You can add up to 5 toppings per chocolate bar. Any more would be overwhelming and confusing.

If you can’t make a decision, you can fall back on Cocoa B’s Creations –or simply get some inspirations from them.


50g Dark Chocolate with apricots, dried tomatoes, cranberries ($4.90)

Chocolate bars are available in two sizes –50g and 100g. A plain 50g chocolate bar would cost $3.90, while a plain 100g chocolate bar would cost $7.50. The final cost would depend on your toppings. Continue reading →

“The Perfect Tea Party” with Corelle at Bakerzin

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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Leading global kitchenware company World Kitchen announces the launch of Corelle Provence Garden –an exquisite dinnerware set inspired by the beauty and cuisine of Provence in Eastern France, invoking the essence of Europe’s romantic countryside in Spring.

“The Perfect Tea Party” presented by Corelle and Bakerzin imparts wonderful tips, tricks and suggestions to hosting an elegant and memorable tea party.

Reminiscent of the idyllic scene of flowers blossoming and lush greenery blooming, the dinnerware set effortlessly brightens up a meal and adds a charming allure to the dining table.

Lightweight yet resistant to breaking, chipping and cracking, the brand’s signature Vitrelle glass construction demonstrates the hallmarks of superior dinnerware.

Bakerzin’s delectable teatime snacks were given a touch of elegance when plated on Corelle Provence Garden dinnerware. The intricate floral design on the white-dominated polished background complements the food without stealing the show. Continue reading →

DEAN & DELUCA Singapore Flagship Store’s New Expansion

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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DEAN & DELUCA Singapore’s flagship store at Orchard Central may arguably be the chicest gourmet grocer in town. With its recent expansion, shoppers can look forward to an array of gourmet selection from around the world, such as premium meat products, specialty herbs, fruits, salad bowl concept, artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, alongside one of the largest California wine retailer in Singapore.


This table is made from wood that’s extracted from the old railway track in Singapore!

On top an impressive selection of wines, there are high quality wine glasses and fancy wine openers to accompany –nothing close to the run-of-the-mill sort. Continue reading →

Get your Lunar New Year Gift Baskets from Hummings.com

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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Christmas is over, but the season of giving is so not over! Sending hampers and gift baskets – to friends, relatives or business associates – are a great way to welcome a prosperous Lunar New Year. It is almost customary in our culture to send regards and thanks accompanied by auspicious gifts, in the spirit of giving and sharing.

To save your time and hassle, Humming Flowers & Gifts presents an extensive range of gifts ideas in an online catalogue, where you can place your orders conveniently while on your Smartphone, or sitting comfortably at your desk.

Gone are the days when orders are taken over the phone. Order chits that risk getting misplaced, or smudged by spilled coffee, have now moved on to the digital era.

Having built a loyal customer base of both individuals and corporations over the past decade, you can count on them for good quality, creativity and great service.

I was delighted to receive a hamper from them! Here’s what I received:

Sakura Treats hamper $138

• Tsukasabotan Yama Yuzu Shibori Liquer 720ml
• DSH Japanese Flower Mushroom 150g
• Ferrero Rocher Chocolate 200g
• Skylight Premium Braised Shark’s Fin 420g
• Wang San Yang Tikuanyin Tea 75g
• Sanritsu Mini Youkan Mix 348g
• Ito Langley Vanilla Cream Sand 12pcs
• Bamboo House Red Bean Rice Cake 210g
• A Pair of Fortune Kitty
• Hand-painted Prosperity Musical Blossom activated by Motion Sensor
• Exclusive Japanese Gift Box
• Auspicious Festive Decoratives

Neatly assembled in an attractive Japanese-inspired gift box, accompanied by a pair of adorable fortune kitties, are a variety of traditional and Japanese goodies that families and friends can enjoy together.
Continue reading →

SONY NEX-VG20E Camcorder Review

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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Excellent food writers have a flair for transporting readers to various dining scenes; restaurant settings, atmosphere and surroundings are penned with clear and concise descriptions. Less competent writers who are still honing their writing skills have to produce brilliant pictures in order to be on par –or present a visual walkthrough of the restaurant, captured on video.

Thanks to the Sony Illuminate team, I’ve got an extra dining companion –the Sony NEX-VG20E Handycam.

Here are some things I like about this Interchangeable Lens Full HD camcorder:

- I can change the lens to cater to different events and needs, such as macro for food/nature, zoom lens for sports, wide angle for parties.
- The continuous auto-focus feature makes shooting effortless.
- Microphone’s clarity and sound quality –great for doing interviews!
- It functions as a camera as well, where you’re able to capture DSLR-like photos in RAW and JPEG on camera mode.
- It is lighter than my DSLR.

Check out my first post on Illuminate here: http://illuminate.sony.com.sg/index.php/2013/01/get-inspired-to-start-a-foodie-video-blog-with-the-nex-vg20e/

Here are some of the vlogs I did using this camcorder:
PSY performed for the first time in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands: https://melicacy.com/?p=4941
MooJaa Thai Hotpot and Barbecue Restaurant: https://melicacy.com/?p=4926
Taiwan trip on film: https://melicacy.com/?p=5020

I’m still very much a newbie at videography, so I’d gladly take in all the tips and advises I get along the way. Stay tuned for upcoming posts!

Visit Sony’s website for more information: http://www.sony.com.sg

Boss Café (Plus GIVEAWAY!)

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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It’s evident, with the growing number of beverage joints: the bubble tea trend is here to stay.

Boss Café is taking the trend up a notch, and gives it its own twist. In addition to the usual suspects – such as bubble tea containing a tea base mixed with fruit or milk and ice blended varieties – they have come up with idiosyncratic beverages that distinguish them from any other bubble tea joint.

Continue reading →

Strawberry ‘Cheesecake’ Milkshake using Tefal Blendforce Glass

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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Ever since the passing of my old blender, I’ve been meaning to get a replacement.

A blender an indispensable tool in the kitchen that provides sheer convenience; it is especially practical if you’re seeking to lead a healthy lifestyle –the possibilities are endless!

You can make your own smoothies, juices, milkshakes, sauces, purées, babyfood and more. Making them on your own ensures that you know exactly what goes into what you’re consuming –for instance you can adjust the sugar levels to your own preferences. (You don’t even need to add sugar.)

I am more than exhilarated to welcome a new member to my paltry range of kitchen appliances –that is the Tefal Blendforce Glass.

I noticed that most of the comfort foods that I love so much, are churned out by blenders; that smooth, creamy consistency has got to be the most comforting texture in the whole wide world.

As technology advances, consumers these days have higher requirements in terms of quality, durability and safety. This Tefal Blendforce Glass that I highly recommend, is equipped with the exclusive Tripl’Ax Blade Technology.

The blades are the most vital components of a blender –they determine the end product of your concoction.

Ever experienced having particles stuck at the bottom of the blender or at the sides, with chunks floating around?

Tefal’s Tripl’Ax Blade Technology solves that issue. With 6 blades and 3 combined high tech actions, a smooth blend is assured.

The 3 actions are: Cyclone Booster – 2 serrated blades facing upwards create a cyclonic effect and guarantee a homogeneous preparation without any pieces left, ensuring a smooth and creamy final product; Extreme Mixing – 2 horizontal blades (1 serrated + 1 sharpened) finely mix and crush all types of ingredients including ice cubes; and Chunks Killer – to finalise the preparation, 2 sharpened blades facing downwards ensure no chunks are left at the bottom of the jar.

I will be sharing my experience using the Tefal Blendforce Glass with a series of fun and easy recipes!

Here’s my first recipe for you.

Strawberry ‘Cheesecake’ Milkshake
Serves 2 tall glasses

I LOVE MILKSHAKES!

Making your own milkshake will not only save you a lot of money, but you can also control the amount of sugar you’re consuming, and use the freshest ingredients without the added preservatives or artificial flavourings.

You can even substitute regular ice cream with low-fat ice cream for a guilt-free treat –perks of having your own blender!
Continue reading →

Vanity Trove; August Special Edition Trove & a special gift from ChicKissLove and Vanity Trove (Plus a GIVEAWAY!)

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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A special gift from Vanity Trove and ChicKissLove arrived! Even before I finished blogging about my August trove.

Being the foodie that I am, this has to be my favourite trove so far; it comprises something(s) that I can orally consume –Brand’s rage of beauty supplements. I know it’s not food-food, but at least my taste buds don’t feel neglected. I have always wanted to try them! Now thanks to Vanity Trove, I get to sample them without having to purchase an entire box.

Okay now, back to my overdue August trove post. I know I am two weeks late, but here’s something that I’ve been yearning to share with you (mooncake photographing, eating and writing have kept me busy).

The very special August edition trove arrived at my gate, and as always, full of surprises within.

Continue reading →

Dole’s Yonanas –healthy dessert maker

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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I recently came across a dessert maker that I just had to share with you. It is an exciting new product that’s hugely popular in America that has finally made its debut in Singapore.

Do you love ice cream but loathe the adverse effect it has on your waistline? Are you vegan or lactose intolerant, and deprived of the creamy icy goodness that ice cream has to offer? Dole’s Yonanas churns out non-dairy ‘ice cream’ that will satiate your cravings healthily.

The revolutionary dessert maker turns frozen fruits into a creamy, delicious cold dessert –you’re in for a stunning new taste experience.
Continue reading →

ShareTea 歇脚亭

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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Native to Taiwan, Bubble Tea first made its debut in the 1980s. Since its launch in Singapore slightly more than ten years ago, a flurry of Bubble Tea joints have sprouted island wide, where you can spot a store in every nook of the heartlands and in the city.


Classic Milk Tea ($2.40 for Medium, $3.50 for Large)

Sharetea is a premium Bubble Tea brand that was first established in Taiwan in 1992. After gaining immense popularity with the Taiwanese locals, the highly favoured brand is now breaking into the international scene with over 100 outlets across China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, New York, Australia, Indonesia, and Brunei.

Continue reading →

Cooking: Brown Rice Risotto using Tefal Intensium non-stick cookware

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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Do you remember your first-ever cooking experience?

Memories of cooking are not all pleasant and encouraging. If not triumphant, did it turn out to be an utter disaster because food got burnt and stuck to the surface of your cooking pans?

Quality pans are especially crucial for novice cooks; you don’t want to be scarred (mentally and literally) so bad that you will shun the kitchen and shirk the duty of cooking completely.

I speak with experience, because I was once scalded badly due to a pot handle that broke while I was carrying the pot of boiling water across the kitchen. Lesson learnt: always check if the handles are wearing out, once they do, it’s time to get new pots. Get good quality utensils with higher durability.

Tefal is one of the quality brands that I trust.

Also, health concerns are reassured with Tefal’s safe non-stick coating, recognised by public health agencies in Europe and the United States. The non-stick coating is made from an inert material that does not chemically react with food, water or household cleaning product.

With the top quality Tefal Intensium non-stick Resistal Sauté Pan with Lid, I attempted my version of Brown Rice Mushroom Risotto, inspired from several risotto recipes that I gathered online.

Using fresh ingredients is key to healthy cooking.
Continue reading →

Grains of Love – Rice Dumplings at Mandarin Orchard Singapore

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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Dragon Boat Festival occurs on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, and rice dumplings are traditionally eaten during this festive season.

The mere sight of dumplings brings to mind the good old days at my grandparents’ modest abode, where dumpling making used to be yearly affair.
Back then, I knew nothing about the history behind the festival; all I knew was that dumplings are delicious, and I look forward to that every year.
After my grandparents passed on, traditions soon faded.

People these days are less inclined to get involved in the labour-intensive process of making dumplings.

The world progresses, and dumpling making is no longer just a tribute to the patriotic poet, Qu Yuan. Families get together, and revel in an array of dumplings, that can easily be purchased almost everywhere: a wide variety of flavours and sizes, with new inventive flavours that will drive your taste buds to sheer jubilation.

What used to be a humble affair can now be an elaborate event.

At Mandarin Orchard Singapore, premium ingredients that are incorporated into the dumplings will blow your mind.


Abalone and Seafood Mixed Grains Dumpling ($48)

The Abalone and Seafood Mixed Grains Dumpling is an exquisite new creation by Executive Chinese Chef Sunny Kong.

The size of the dumpling is massive – the biggest I’ve encountered with in my life – comparable to the size of a regular log cake. It comes in a rectangular block unlike the customary triangular-shaped ones.

Lotus leaves are used to wrap the dumplings, imparting a distinctive fragrance to the rice filling.

As I unwrapped the dumpling, a rich aroma releases, scenting the air, and triggering my hunger pangs. Irresistible!

The rice is nicely soft and sticky, just the way I like it. As I cut into it, I was dumbfounded by the generous amount of filling.

You will find dried scallop, dried oyster, dried shrimp, sea whelk, shiitake mushroom and two hunks of whole abalone.

Instead of using purely glutinous rice, it is specked with a mixture of rice grains. They add texture and pleasantly reduce the cloyingness of starchy glutinous rice.

It is a luxurious recreation of what used to be a humble dish.

I give nothing but the highest praise and compliments to the chef.
Continue reading →

McDonald’s Hello Kitty McDonaldland plush toys available islandwide!

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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Remember them?

The last time we saw Hello Kitty in McDonald’s (in 2000), the campaign – featuring Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel dressed in wedding attires of different cultures – created a mass hysteria amongst Hello Kitty lovers throughout the nation.

I was one of those little girls who made their daddies queue up for them.

The campaign even grasped the attention of opportunists who resold the collectible plushies at high prices.

After 12 long years, Hello Kitty plushies are finally returning to McDonald’s.

In partnership with Sanrio, McDonald’s introduces its first ever McDonaldland Hello Kitty plush toys featuring a series of four Hello Kitty characters each decked out in costumes inspired by McDonaldlanad characters:

Hamburglar Hello Kitty is available from 17 May to 23 May.

Grimace Hello Kitty is available from 24 May to 30 May.

Birdie Hello Kitty is available from 31 May to 6 June.

Ronald Hello Kitty is available from 7 June to 13 June.

15 lucky Omy.sg bloggers had a sneak preview of the plushies before they were officially launched.
Continue reading →

Prima Taste 7-minutes Curry La Mian

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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Are you hungry, and dreaming of that piping hot bowl of noodles on a cold rainy day?

Are you craving for curry, but reluctant to spend arduous hours in the kitchen?

Frown no more!

Prima Taste introduces a new flavour, Curry La Mian, which will satisfy both your curry and la mian cravings in just 7 minutes.

Continue reading →

NESCAFÉ® DOLCE GUSTO™; for both coffee and tea lovers

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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NESCAFÉ® DOLCE GUSTO™ which means “very good taste” in Italian, has refashioned coffee enjoyment by allowing consumers to calibrate their own personalised perfect cuppa.

NESCAFÉ® teams up with KRUPS® to present you with sleek, stylish and innovative systems that earned the accolade ‘Winner of the 2010 Product of the Year’, the largest consumer-voted programme in North America.

What’s been drawing waves of excitement among coffee lovers is also garnering raves from tea lovers.
Continue reading →