MAGGI 2-Min Extra Spicy Curry Noodles

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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MAGGI introduces the new, bigger and spicier MAGGI 2-Min Extra Spicy Curry Noodles. Providing a more satisfying tummy-filler, there’s a visible difference in portion size compared to the regular MAGGI 2-min noodles.

A simple addition of fresh vegetables and meat completes the meal. Here, I’ve added hardboiled egg, vegetables, meatball, crabstick and fishcake. Each packet of noodle comes with a sealed pack of deep-fried shallot bits for the finishing touch.

For a richer soup base, add less water than the recommended when cooking.

The spice level is just right for me. Any spicier I might need a fire extinguisher. Try it and let me know what you think!

MAGGI 2-Min Extra Spicy Curry Noodles are available at all leading supermarkets including Cold Storage, FairPrice, Giant, Sheng Shiong and Prime, at $3.45 for 5 packets of 103g.

(Mother’s Day Special) Velvety Mom-ents Cake from Swensen’s

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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Velvety Mom-ents ($49)

This Mother’s Day, pamper mom Swensen’s new Velvety Mom-ents cake that’s fashioned in the shape of a heart – the universal symbol of love – and blanketed in a passionate red hue.

The gorgeous cluster of fondant flowers and marbled white chocolate emulate the spectacle of a dazzling bed of flowers. The cross section of the cake reveals thick layers of red velvet sponge cake sandwiching vanilla ice cream.

This has got to be my favourite ice cream cake creation from Swensen’s thus far.

The Velvety Mom-ents cake is vailable at all Swensen’s and Earle Swensen’s outlets from 25th April 2014 while stocks last.

Visit swensens.com.sg for the list of outlets.

10 Restaurants worth CHOPE-ing your seats at!

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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Chope – a term used to express the act of reserving seats – is one trait that’s uniquely Singaporean. Here are 10 restaurants worth Chope-ing your seats at, some of which are popular ones you should Chope way in advance.

1) A for Arbite – Providing relief from the bustling city centre, this spacious and relaxing enclave offers meticulously crafted dishes that will leave an impression. Potentially one of the top brunch places in Singapore, A for Arbite also makes for a cosy and intimate dinner venue. They are also adept at making their own pastas from scratch. Read my full review here: https://melicacy.com/?p=7067

Make reservations for A for Arbite HERE.

2) Basilico – One of my favourite buffet restaurants in Singapore, Basilico is Regent Singapore’s flagship Italian restaurant offering a gastronomic array representative of the many regions of Italy. Diners get to choose their main course, which will come with the antipasti and dessert buffet of unsurpassable quality. Read my full review here: https://melicacy.com/?p=5528

Make reservations for Basilico HERE.

3) Checkers Brasserie at Hilton Singapore offers a delectable A La Carte Sunday Brunch. Diners can spend more time bonding, and less time picking from the buffet line –dishes are served to the table, warm and cooked a la minute. Indulge in unlimited portions of Lobster Thermidor, Foie Gras Dumplings, Pan-seared Scallops, Broiled Chilean Seabass and more. Read my full review here: https://melicacy.com/?p=6025

Make reservations for Checkers Brasserie HERE.

4) Forest – Dishes at Forest reflect Chef Sam Leong’s creativity in interpreting Chinese classics with a modern twist. Read more here: https://melicacy.com/?p=7073

Make reservations for Forest HERE.

5) Original Sin is my favourite vegetarian restaurant in Singapore, because it defies all preconception on vegetables being boring and insipid. The kitchen dishes out meatless dishes with creativity and flair.

Make reservations for Original Sin HERE.

6) Pepenero is a quaint little restaurant housed in one of the conservative shophouses on Stanley Street. This small and cosy restaurant is dressed with crisp white tablecloths and plush seats. Dishes are homely Italian, well executed. Alluring flavours are evidence they cut no corners. Read my full review here: https://melicacy.com/?p=4845

Make reservations for Pepenero HERE.

7) Platters Bistro & Wine Bar offers a new menu every four months, re-designed by guest chefs. Platters is all about sharing and bonding; items are served as sharing platters on wooden boards. Read about my dining experiences here https://melicacy.com/?p=5096, here https://melicacy.com/?p=5606, and here https://melicacy.com/?p=6921.

NOTE: Platters has reopened as My Little Tapas Bar.

Make reservations for My Little Tapas Bar HERE.

8) Stellar at 1-Altitude was the first restaurant to have blown me away –breathless. The view is spectacular, and the fine dining experience, impeccable. We have also heard of countless marriage proposals happening in this well-appointed restaurant. Read my full review here: https://melicacy.com/?p=4851

Make reservations for Stellar at 1-Altitude HERE.

9) Wooloomooloo Steakhouse one steakhouse you have to visit at least once in your life. The ambience, service, food and cocktails amount to an experience like no other. Purchase $2,5000 worth of wines to own a personalised locker and receive a personal steak knife with your name engraved on it. Read my full review here: https://melicacy.com/?p=4575

Make reservations for Wooloomooloo Steakhouse HERE.

10) 7Adam is a chic and stylish restaurant housed in a charming black and white colonial house at Adam Park, where apart from dining, guests can admire and purchase art pieces. Exhibits are changed every 8-10 weeks; hence patrons have varied works to admire throughout the year.

Make reservations for 7Adam HERE.

Showcase your talents –be a guest writer at Melicacy.com

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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Melicacy.com is welcoming guest writers on board. As a guest writer at melicacy.com, you get to eat, a lot. Job scope includes attending media tastings/events, eating, taking photos, photo processing (if necessary), and submitting the review. Requirements: a humble personality with a great passion for food, writing and photography. If you think you fit the bill, email with a short description of yourself, along with writing samples or photography works.

Diamond Kitchen – Classic Chinese Comfort Fare

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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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 Food Fair 2014 at Cold Storage in Singapore

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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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 →

(Mother’s Day Special) Fish & Co.’s Mom’s Platter

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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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 →

Ah Boys to Men: The Musical

Posted on by Guest Writer
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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.

Rock and Ash –value-for-money meal with free-flow of soft drinks and soup all day long, plus free WiFi

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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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 →

Roosevelt’s Diner & Bar (#NotHorsePiss)

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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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 →

Happy Easter!

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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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 and Crodo from Da Paolo Castronomia

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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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 – 7-Course Spring Menu, $138++ for 2 pax (April to June 2014)

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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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 →