Leading patisserie Bakerzin presents two novel cake creations this Mother’s Day. Both the Tango Bianco and NuttiYuzu feature fruity and refreshing flavours, of tangerine and yuzu respectively, laced with the decadence of rich creams and mousse. Continue reading
Lauded as the “Gem of the East” by many, Diamond Kitchen located at Laguna Park (condominium) gratifies diners from all across Singapore with its classic Chinese comfort fare and seafood offerings.
Young entrepreneurs Josh Chou and Lambert Chen, aged 30 and 27 respectively, are born into families in the jewellery business field, which gave rise to the name Diamond Kitchen. The cousins work hand in hand in establishing a cosy enclave offering hearty meals at affordable prices.
Superior Stock Clam Bee Hoon ($12/$18/$24)
The Superior Stock Clam Bee Hoon is comfort food with just the right attitude. An instant heart-warmer on sad or cold rainy days, this dish comprises vermicelli noodles stepped in heady stock scattered with clams. Served in a prodigious portion at downright decent bang for the buck, Diamond Kitchen also ensures that they secure the freshest clams possible. This was one of my favourite items that evening.
Gan Xiang Fried Rice ($8/$12/$16)
‘Gan Xiang’ is the kitchen’s magic formula made up of a blend of spices and aromatics including ginger, curry powder, chilli, lemongrass, fermented soy bean paste, onion, garlic and dried shrimp. This concoction is highly versatile; it is used to aromatise several dishes on the menu. Continue reading
New Zealand has a well-deserved and fiercely protected international reputation for being pure and clean, hence we can expect the highest standards from their products. Ever since I’ve been introduced to some of New Zealand’s finest foods at Food & Hotel Asia 2014, I was instantly won over by the impeccable quality.
If you have missed that opportunity to witness the high calibre of New Zealand products, don’t fret. The New Zealand Food Fair 2014 at 46 Cold Storage stores will be held from 25 April to 8 May 2014, where a wide selection of 200 specialty products, fresh seasonal food and beverages are brought in for this exciting occasion.
FreshFields Fruit Pouches and Purees
Enjoy free sampling at the special showcase of the New Zealand Food Fair at VivoCity atrium, Level 1, and take advantage of special discounted prices during this period. Popular and familiar New Zealand brands include Bluebird chips, Anathoth relish and pickles, Lemon & Paeroa beverages and Deep South ice cream, and new products include Mother Earth wholesome snacks, FreshFields fruit pouches and purees, and Phoenix organic carbonated drinks. Continue reading
Fish & Co. has been a huge part of my teenage years, and it was where fond memories with family and friends were built. During those days, Fish & Co. was one of the few establishments that serve up satisfactory fish & chips consistently, that’s why my family choose to return on many special occasions.
Mom’s Platter ($65)
I decided to bring my mum to Fish & Co. for an early Mother’s Day celebration upon receiving the media invite, and made use of the opportunity to bond since we hardly spend time together on regular days due to our (or rather, her) hectic schedules. Continue reading
I would like to start by expressing my thanks to Ayam Brand for sponsoring the tickets to the musical “Ah Boys to Men” by Jack Neo. Working for the military, the first thing I noticed as I entered the auditorium was tin of sardines by Ayam Brand in the gift pack. The packaging for Ayam Brand’s products has changed over time, its compactness now making it so much easier to carry around especially in a lunch box, just like how the ration packs have been made more accessible and portable compared to the past.
Having watched both Ah Boys to Men (I) and (II) in the movies, I did not come with high expectations of the musical, thinking it could possibly be tacky and just a repeat of the film. Being a fan of musicals and having watched a few, I had high expectations of musicals, which I did not initially believe would be met this time. I thoroughly enjoyed the two movies, but was dubious about this musical. However, my opinion was changed right at the start of the musical.
From the start of the musical, there was a local flair which made it very uniquely Singaporean, yet not in a crude manner which might deter some. There were explanations for all the Singaporean lingoes used during the musical, which made it easy even for foreigners to follow. Sitting next to me was a Caucasian couple, and I heard many laughs coming from them.
The entire musical was quite professionally carried out in my opinion, in terms of choreography, lighting, props, acting, dancing and even the singing. Some of the actors on stage were not professionally-trained singers, so one must not expect excellent vocals. However, the singers kept in tune most of the time, and it was not unpleasant to the ears.
The storyline follows that of the movies quite closely. Anyone who has watched both the movies can expect minimal surprises in the plot. Having already watched both the movies, the musical still did not fail to bring some tears to my eyes in some of the scenes. For obvious reasons, not all details for the movies could be squeezed into the musical that was perhaps just over two and a half hours long. However, I believe the main gist of the plot was still captured despite some details being left out.
Overall, it was a surprisingly enjoyable experience, and I would recommend friends and family to go see this. It was highly entertaining, and touching at some moments. Would I pay to see this musical? Yes, I believe I would. Jack Neo can give himself another pat on the back for another successful endeavour.
- Written by Gracelina, photo by Melissa.
Rockin’ Fries ($3.90 for small with 1 dip/$4.90 for regular with 2 dips/$5.90 for large with 3 dips)
Rock and Ash is a casual dining spot conveniently located along Marina Square Link, the underpass that links Esplanade MRT and Marina Square. Their striking metier is hot crispy fries complemented by a wide range of house-concocted dips.
Classic dips include inferno cheese (a personal favourite), nacho cheese, mayo & chilli, garlic mayo, wasabi mayo, black pepper and chocolate. Top up $1 for gourmet dips such as inferno king beef, saucy mushroom and crunchy bacon.
Benefit from the free-flow of soft drinks and soup that comes with every main course ordered, and take advantage of the free WiFi –this is where you can plonk yourself all day, munching and engaging in mobile work. Continue reading
Pork Belly Cubano Sandwich ($14)
Roosevelt’s is a diner and bar with a huge American influence, conveniently located just outside the exit of Outram Park MRT in the Tanjong Pagar precinct. The laid-back ambience is a huge draw; the spacious and New York-style industrial chic interior exudes a welcoming feel. The all-day dining menu comprises familiar comfort food and a good selection of wines and whiskeys to complement. Young ones will not feel left out with the inclusion of a kids’ menu.
Owners of Roosevelt’s are no amateurs in the F&B business. They currently own more than 5 unique F&B outlets in Singapore and Malaysia, including Millesime, an award-winning French dining restaurant in Kuala Lumpur.
Roosevelt’s beverage directors are clearly wine connoisseurs. The wide range of single malt whiskies and an extensive wine list offer something for everyone. One area they might lack experience in, is choosing the right coffee blend to suit Singaporeans’ palates. Continue reading
If sweet treats and crisps are your weaknesses, or you’re habitually rampaging the pantry or fridge between or after meals, you might want to consider healthier options such as the SunMoon Fruit Cups and Fruit Crisps. Continue reading
Happy Easter!
I’d like to share a letter from my kind and loving sister to my family:
To my most beloved people in the whole wide world,
Just wanna wish you a merry holiday, and remind ourselves why we celebrate this precious day. For we were sinners who had been separated from God, who had no hope and no help, but we now can rejoice because we know God, who loves us, who saved us, who sacrificed His only Son who bore our sins and burdens. We now can be called eternal sons and daughters of God when we have received by faith the hope and promise from God!
Ephesians 2:1-10
Made Alive in Christ
2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
I know I’m a sinner and Christ is my need;
His death is my ransom, no merit I plead.
His work is sufficient, on Him I believe;
I have life eternal when Him I receive. —Anon.
Accepting Jesus’ death gives me life.
The apostle Paul was not mistaken when he said that the Ephesian believers were at one point dead—spiritually dead. They were dead in the sense that they were separated from God, enslaved to sin (Eph. 2:5), and condemned under the wrath of God. What a state of hopelessness!
Yet God in His goodness took action to reverse this condition for them and for us. The living God “who gives life to the dead” (Rom. 4:17) poured out His rich mercy and great love by sending His Son Jesus to this earth. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we are made alive (Eph. 2:4-5).
When we believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we go from death to life. Now we live to rejoice in His goodness!
It is my prayer that God brings you joy and peace each day, healing and comfort. I pray that the love of God will touch you each day, and draw you to Him, that you may call Him Lord and Saviour, and realise that you have everything in Him, and that you will have no lack again!
I love you all very much!!!!!
:)
Love,
Grace
Easter has always been closely associated with food. The baking of hot cross buns, for instance, is one of the standard practices of Easter celebration. Spread the love and enjoy this very special weekend.
Special thanks to District 10 Bar & Restaurant for delivering this basket of freshly baked hot cross buns to my doorstep.
These Hot Cross Buns are available at District 10 Bar & Restaurant (UE Square) for dine-in or takeaways, from now till 30 April 2014, retailing at $6.80 for 4 pieces or $9.80 for 6 pieces.
Easter Bunny Cupcakes ($4.80 each)
This Easter, Da Paolo Gastronomia presents the ridiculously cute Easter Bunny Cupcakes that are guaranteed to infect with glee and bubbly high spirits. Moist butter cupcakes are lovingly topped with vanilla or chocolate buttercream frosting. Available from 5 to 21 April 2014. Continue reading
Chikusen Japanese Restaurant, located along the row of shophouses at Tanjong Katong, is where fine Japanese cuisine meets comfort. Executive Chef Fabio Lee demonstrates his broad wealth of culinary experience, of over 25 years, through fresh, inspired and palatable dishes.
The welcoming 80-seater restaurant encompasses a graceful yet cosy dining room, two private rooms that can open up to one, and a bar area ideal for pre or post dinner drinks. Parking lots are available right behind the restaurant.
Rape Blossom (Nanohana) with Soya Sauce Dashi
This spring season, Chikusen curates a 7-course menu that will be available from April through June 2014, priced at $138++ for 2 persons. Courses include an appetiser, salad, sashimi, braised/grilled fish, beef/pork sukiyaki, noodle and dessert. Continue reading
Food Republic’s latest concept at Westgate shopping mall showcases the best of Singapore’s hawker food in a stunning dramatic fashion, revolving around the themes of theatre and stage drama. The 14,900-square-foot cavernous atrium at the basement of Westgate is bedecked in lush stage curtain drapes, vintage posters and bright spotlights. 22 stalls, including two mini restaurants and two kiosks, are designed to resemble a live theatre set. Even the staffs are aptly dressed in suspenders and paperboy caps to match the theme. On top of that, patrons can look forward to live entertainment and music performances while dining –first in food court history!
You Men HK Roast – Mix Platter Combination ($19)
All tenants are meticulously handpicked based on strict standards to satisfy fussy taste buds, some of which are highly rated and well sought-after food stalls from across the island –this is why Food Republic has always been my preferred choice for food court dining.
Mei Shi Quan Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee – Black & White Fried Carrot Cake ($6)
If you’re indecisive on whether to order the black or white version of Fried Carrot Cake, Mei Shi Quan Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee stall offers a combination of both black and white –now you can have the best of both worlds on one plate. Continue reading
Afternoon tea is always an enjoyable and relaxing way to spend an afternoon, engaging in candid conversations over a leisurely pot of tea accompanied by delectable snacks. Axis Bar and Lounge at Mandarin Oriental Singapore serves up dainty savoury canapés and sweet treats from 3pm to 5pm daily. Items in its afternoon tea set refreshes monthly, hence guests have something new to look forward to each month.
This April, the limelight is on Easter. Brace your palates for saccharine sweet cupcake toppers in the shape of bunnies, chocolaty “eggs in a basket”, and savoury ham and green pea pie inspired by Easter. Continue reading
Cedele by The Bakery Depot presents a range of exciting seasonal creations this Easter, available from 5 April to 25 April 2014.
At Cedele, all of the foods are free of trans-fat. Grapeseed oil is used in baking their cakes; it is a brilliant brain food that promotes good skin and advocates anti-aging.
Hummingbird Cake ($55)
The new Hummingbird Cake is a highlight this Easter. Moist banana cake is slathered with an adequately thick layer of rich pineapple, cream cheese frosting, and finished off with a coating of dark chocolate topped with pecan nuts. Continue reading
One of the highlights from my recent trip to Tokyo would be the dessert buffet at Marble Lounge, Hilton Tokyo’s 24-hour restaurant nestled on the first floor of the hotel.
In the mornings, this is where guests take their pick from the sumptuous breakfast buffet. From 2.30pm to 6pm, the setting is inundated with all-things-pretty –dessert.
The theme changes every few months. This season, strawberries take centre stage. Plump, red, juicy and sweet –strawberries cultivated in Japan are known for that. Continue reading