Monthly Archives: September 2012

Cold Storage presents Canada Food Fair 2012

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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Established in 1903, Cold Storage Supermarket is a popular household name trusted by consumers in Singapore.

From 28 September to 21 October 2012, the annual three-week Canadian Food Fair takes place at all 49 Cold Storage stores, showcasing a wide selection of almost 70 fresh Canadian produce and products.

Working closely with the High Commission of Canada to organise this three-week fair, Cold Storage aims to stock its shelves with Canadian food and beverage products even after the fair concludes.

Shop & Win a Holiday to Toronto Canada

One lucky Cold Storage shopper will walk away with a holiday worth $6,000 to Toronto Canada during the Canada Food Fair 2012. To qualify for the draw, shoppers simply need to spend a minimum of $35 in a single receipt (inclusive of TWO Canadian products). Ten consolation hampers worth $200 will also be given away during the draw.

During the Canada Food Fair, booths will be set up for your sampling pleasures.
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Tiger Airways’ new den at Changi Airport Terminal 2

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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As an avid traveller, cheap fares and value-for-money hotels are what I’m always on a lookout for –this leaves me with more allowance to eat and shop! Being spontaneous and slightly impulsive, I am often enticed by sales fares, where most of my destinations are determined by how much the prices are marked down. I want to visit everywhere at least once!

I’ve travelled to China (Guangzhou), Taiwan, Bangkok, Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh) and Malaysia (Penang and Kuching) with Tiger Airways, departed from the Budget Terminal. Tiger Airways has awesome sales fares!

For my upcoming trip to Hanoi with Tiger Airways, I will no longer be checking in at the Budget Terminal.

To alleviate any confusion or anxiety, for those who’ve booked their air tickets way in advance like myself, Changi Airport Terminal 2 is where you should be heading for check-in!

With new plans for a larger terminal building, Tiger Airways has relocated from its former base, the Budget Terminal, to its new (temporary) comfy spot at the Changi Airport Terminal 2 on 25 September 2012.
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An unconventional Mid-Autumn Festival treat made using Tefal appliances

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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What does Mid-Autumn Festival mean to you? To many, this festival is generally associated with mooncake, tea, moon gazing, ‘dragon dance’, poetry and a dazzling array of lanterns.

This festive celebration is gradually adapting to our modernising lifestyles –battery-operated lanterns of varying shapes and sizes, buzzing with familiar melodies, are triumphing over the conventional paper lanterns illuminated with candles, and mooncakes are now available in every possible flavour you can think of, over and above the traditionally baked mooncakes.

For me, this year has to be the most rewarding Mid-Autumn Festival thus far, as I’ve tasted more mooncakes than I’ve had in the span of my 24 years of living –thanks to PR companies and independent establishments who recognise my efforts in manifesting their products the best that I can through my blog.

My preferences sway towards snowskin mooncakes, but I have to say some of the traditionally baked mooncakes that I’ve tasted are undoubtedly delightful.

For those who do not fancy traditional mooncakes, here is one very special ‘mooncake’ that metamorphoses traditional mooncakes into something funky –without losing that festive spirit.

Mooncake Milkshake Recipe

Here’s a drinkable version of mooncake that kids will enjoy!
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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.

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TungLok Mooncakes

Posted on by Melissa Koh

TungLok Group is one of Singapore’s most successful restaurant chains – that has expanded internationally, in Indonesia, China, Japan and India – with over 40 restaurants under its belt.

Well-recognised locally and internationally, TungLok group has been firing up quality Chinese fare since 1984, pleasing the most discerning of diners ever since.

This Mid-Autumn Festival, TungLok brings a range of mooncakes that is expertly crafted without the addition of preservatives and animal fat.


Shanghai Dream ($46-$48 for 4 pieces) –new packaging

TungLok Group introduces 3 new gift boxes this season, to add to a total of 4 different kinds of packaging to choose from.

Other options include the Tung Lok Perfect Duo ($58 for 4 pieces –2 pieces of Double Yolk White Lotus and 2 pieces of Double Red Lotus), Mediacorp Tung Lok Mooncakes ($56 for 4 pieces –Egg Yolk White Lotus, Egg Yolk Red Lotus, Egg Yolk Pandan Lotus with Pistachios and Mixed Nuts), and the Tung Lok Bite-size Mooncakes ($48 for 16 pieces –Orange Peel White Lotus, Pandan Lotus, Red Lotus, Black Sesame, Red Bean Almond, Pineapple, White Lotus and Green Tea Lotus, 2 pieces per flavour).
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Creamy Vegetable Soup using Tefal Blendforce Glass

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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I love soups, all kinds of soups.

Soups are highly versatile; they can be served as a starter, an appetiser, as a side dish, or as a one-pot meal.

Soup is the epitome of comfort food for me. A warm bowl of soup can lift one’s mood instantly –it not only warms your tummy, but it warms your soul too.

A good blender is a necessary tool for avid soup makers; transferring sautéed ingredients from pan to the blender is a regular affair.

Thanks to my new best friend, Tefal’s Blendforce Glass (which I have been using religiously ever since I got it), I can finally make my own creamy soup!

This soup contains no preservatives and artificial flavours. You can even tweak the recipe for a low-sodium and low-fat option!

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Crystal Jade Mooncake Gift Boxes

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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This Mid Autumn Festival, Crystal Jade is striving to satisfy the preferences of every taste bud. Expect to see mooncakes rendered in various interpretations –and be prepared for the unexpected.

To make this festive season more meaningful, Crystal Jade will donate $1 to World Vision Singapore with every box of traditional mooncake sold.


Premium Gold Treasure ($88 for 4 pieces) –limited edition

To kick things off, the limited edition Premium Gold Treasure gift box will appease the ones adhered to traditional culture.

It includes 4 traditional baked mooncakes –Gold Leaf White Lotus Paste with Double Yolk, Gold Leaf Red Lotus Paste with Double Yolk, Gold Leaf White Lotus Paste and Gold Leaf Mixed Nuts & Ham.
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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!
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Grimbergen beers at 1128

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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Beer lovers in Singapore, laud the arrival of Grimbergen –a group of premium Belgian abbey beers exclusively owned by Carlsberg group, known for their exquisite taste profiles and rich history.

There are only two official places in Singapore that stock this remarkable abbey beer; they are 1128 (pronounced ‘eleven twenty eight’), and Nassim Hill. They mark the beer’s first exclusive presence in Singapore and proudly serve three styles of Grimbergen on tap –Blanche, Blonde and Ambrée.

You can’t get Grimbergen beer anywhere else in Singapore.

Named after the year in which Grimbergen beer was first brewed, 1128 was launched in July 2012 and is the world’s first flagship Grimbergen bar.

Situated on a quieter locale of Orchard Road, 1128 is the optimal chic destination to unwind with a smooth pint of Grimbergen beer.

Animal lovers will be pleased to know that this casual hangout is pet-friendly, and has thoughtfully set up special water troughs by the side of the al fresco area for their furry companions.

While mummies and daddies indulge in Grimbergen beers, furkids can quench their thirst here.

Grimbergen beers – Blanche, Blonde and Ambrée – are priced at $10 nett for 250ml all day long.
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Mooncakes from Si Chuan Dou Hua

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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I received a set of traditional mooncakes from Si Chuan Dou Hua, encased in an auspiciously charming gift box inspired by Chinese porcelains of the Yuan Dynasty.

Although my preferences slant towards snowskin mooncakes, Si Chuan Dou Hua’s series of classic baked mooncakes will bring delight to the traditionalists’ palates.
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Plaza Brasserie at PARKROYAL presents ‘Flavours of Thai’

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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I never fail to enjoy myself every time I dine at Plaza Brasserie. Great company complemented with good food, what more can I ask for?

There is something so alluring about this place that keeps me wanting to come back for more. :)

From 5 September to 31 October 2012, Plaza Brasserie presents Flavours of Thai –an empirical interpretation of Thai cuisine by Executive Chef Jackson Goh. He is not Thai per se, but do not belittle his expertise and his deep understanding of the culturally rich Thai cuisine.

Blending vibrant colours and invigorating flavours, this is no mundane dinner session.

Let the feast begin.
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An exquisite and one-of-a-kind mooncake by Torte

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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It is just a few more days to the Mid-Autumn Festival! Mooncakes are all the hype and in abundance now –you see them everywhere, from hotel atriums to restaurants; from cafés to independent bakeries; even the homemakers’ kitchens are not spared.

It’s amazing how Mid-Autumn Festival have evolved over the years, from a traditional moon-gazing affair to a feast of varied flavoured mooncakes, and slowly the occasion will turn into a spread of the most avant-garde mooncakes. Modern chefs no longer follow age-old recipes to please the traditionalists; they have to up the ante every year to keep up with the newfangled palates.

Torte’s Yuzu-infused Snowskin with White Lotus and Crème de Marron is one inspirational creation that left the deepest impression.
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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.

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A story of Miguel and Julia; a splendid stay at Oasia Hotel

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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The following story is written based on observation, comprehension and drawn loosely from real-life experience. The character is fabricated, but the subjective nature of reality gives this story a high possibility of turning into actuality.

The protagonist is a 37-year-old gentleman named Miguel. He is a businessman from Los Angeles, who travels widely to attend business meetings and to oversee business operations.

With the clever recommendation from Travelcasts, and great reviews from TripAdvisor, he snagged a Weekend Savers deal from StayFarEast.com, an online booking site with the best rates, for a stay at Oasia Hotel.

He booked a Package Club Room for $300++ that includes daily buffet breakfast at the Club Lounge, unlimited internet access, buffet dinner for two at Zaffron, daily cocktail and canapés from 6pm to 8pm at the Club Lounge, exclusive usage of pool at the Living Room, on top of all facilities available for room guests.

It is 11.45am on a scorching Saturday. Miguel steps foot out of the aircraft, finally, after a 17 hours non-stop flight from Los Angeles. His muscles, stiff and sore from the lack of activity; his energy level, wearied due to jet lag -the common woes of a long haul traveller. His wife, Julia, who accompanies him on his trips, felt no less enervated.

Upon entering the hotel premises, guests were greeted with warm smiles and a prepossessing ambience –a handsome brown-hued lobby with a stunning high ceiling.

When it comes to authenticity, décor elements at this charming enclave are idiosyncratic, conceived by none other than Japan’s leading interior design firm, Super Potato.

As Club Room guests, Miguel and Julia were promptly and courteously ushered to the 22nd floor for an express check-in.

Refreshing welcome drinks and wet hand towels were served upon getting seated; check-in was completed swiftly. Miguel and Julia couldn’t wait to check out their ‘home away from home’.

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PrimaDéli Mooncakes

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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PrimaDéli is a home-grown bakery chain that has carved a big name in the baking scene in Singapore over the past 20 years. Being the first to bakery franchise to receive the Halal food certification, their wide variety of freshly baked goods panders to a wider customer base.

This Mid-Autumn Festival, PrimaDéli celebrates its 20th anniversary with a launch of 3 new exciting flavours.

A supplement to their colourful range of mooncakes, the new flavours – Mini Toffee Cappuccino, Chocolate Hazelnut and Raspberry Truffle – are sure to pique your curiosity.


Royal Gift Set ($38.80)

The Royal Gift Set features nine snowskin flavours – Pandan Lotus with Half Yolk, Oreo Chocolate, Cranberry Cheese, Toffee Cappuccino, Strawberry Chocolate, Chocolate Hazelnut, Raspberry Truffle, Black Sesame with Mochi and D24 Durian – packed in a classy gift box that sports a plush golden sheen.

Those who embrace tradition will find pleasure in their baked treats, which include the Pure Lotus with single yolk, White Lotus, White Lotus with single yolk and Golden Jade with single yolk.
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