[Sponsored Post] The Best of Asian Food Under One Roof - Jurong Point

Jurong Point has embark on a focused F&B campaign promoting “The Best of Asian Food Under One Roof” to introduce its various precincts, for shoppers that are not residing in the West.

Dine and collect “immigration stamps” from the participating precincts and stand to WIN air travel packages! You may want to collect the passport at the customer service counter and to collect stamps today!

I get the opportunity to try out a few eatery at Jurong Point! They are Shabu Tontei, Woo's Ricebox, Thai Express and Putien. 

Shabu Tontei at Jurong Point is a specialty shabu shabu restaurant offering an assortment of premium meats such as Japanese kurobuta (black pork) and Japanese wagyu to ensure the best gastronomic experience. This is 1 of the participating precinct where you can start collecting your stamps! 

As seen above, this is a set for 2 ($33/pax). It consists of Japanese black pork collar & belly served with a choice of soup base (Tori Paitan, Tonkotsu, Wadashi & Pirikara Yuzu), assorted vegetables, chawanmushi, rice, souzai & fruit. 

The Tonkotsu soup based tasted quite salty but it no doubt added flavour to its black pork collar & belly. Particularly, I adore the chawanmushi for its silky texture that is not too flavourful and light in flavour. 

Woo Rice Box is a well-known brand of over 70 years and has more than 200 stores in Taiwan. It originated in Chihshang Township which was a major railway interchange in Taiwan, Taitung. There is a wide array of riceboxes ranging from braised, fried to healthy selections.

I managed to try the following dishes-:

1. Pork Chop Ricebox - $ 9.90

2. Spicy Drumstick Ricebox - $8.90

3. Braised Minced Pork Ricebox - $6.80

4. Double Boiled Soup - $4.50

5. Salt & Pepper Popcorn Chicken - $4.20

Particularly, I adore the salt & pepper popcorn and spicy drumstick ricebox. The meat is nicely marinated with good texture (Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside). 

Current Promotion:

- China Airlines and Taiwan Tourism Board

- Upon completion of stamp card, customers get to WIN air tickets to Taiwan!

- Trayliner: Snip coupon for exclusive promotion when you purchase tickets from China Airlines.

NTU & NUS Students-:

- Redeem a mini Salt & Pepper Popcorn Chicken

- Valid on Weekdays from 11am to 5pm for a limited time.

Terms & Conditions applied

They also offer a buddy and family meal for dinners. You may wish to find out more when you visit the eatery!

Thai Express is inspired by the needs of customers who want to dine amidst a relaxed yet contemporary ambience with no strict rules on decorum, still enjoy fantastically authentic Thai cuisine and at very reasonable prices. 

I managed to try the following dishes-:

1. Massaman Curry Chicken served with Thai Pancakes - $13.90

2. Phat Thai Seafood - $12.90

3. Tom Yum Seafood Soup - $ 9.50

4. Curry Soft Shell Crab served with Jasmine Rice - $12.90

Particularly, I enjoy the curry soft shell crab w Jasmine Rice for its unique flavour that stands on its own. 

PUTIEN brand traces its roots to its namesake city of Putian – a beautiful coastal suburb in Fujian, with rich cultural history and storied tradition since its settlement over almost one and a half millennium ago. It is, after all, the birthplace of the goddess Mazu and the fabled Southern Shaolin Kungfu, among many other legendary tales.

I managed to try the following dishes-: 

Seaweed with Mini Shrimps $7.50

Stir-fried Yam $12.90 (S)  $18.90 (M)  

Deep fried Pig’s Trotters with Salt & Pepper $5.90/pc (Minimum 2 pcs)

Fried Heng Hwa Bee Hoon $8.90 (S)  $17.80 (M)  $26.80 (L)

Particularly, I adore the Stir-fried Yam and Fried Heng Hwa Bee Hoon. The yam cubes are beautifully presented with a crisp exterior. The texture is tasty because only the middle and best portion of the premium yam are used.

Unlike other dried bee hoon, Putien Bee hoon is the only sundried vermicelli milled by hand. Hence, the texture is chewy yet not brittle. The rich and milky stock of pork bones and old hens certainly add more flavour to this dish.

How to participate?

Spend $50 in a single same-day receipt from selected restaurants under Mongkok, Shokutsu Ten, Korean Street or Halal Delights precinct and get a stamp on the passport. Accumulate all 6 stamps and stand to win a pair of air tickets to Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Dubai. (Spend $20 in a maximum of 5 single-day receipts for Malaysia Boleh. Accumulate all 8 stamps and stand to win a trip for 2 to Club Med Cherating).

When? 

31st October to 31 December 2015

Participating F&B Establishments: 

Mongkok 

- Central Hong Kong Café (JP2 #03-90/95) 

- Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao (JP2 #03-96/104) 

- Legendary Hong Kong (JP2 #03-80)

Korean Street 

- Chef’s Noodle (JP2 #B1-45) 

- Korbi Grill (JP2 #B1-45) 

- Seoul Garden (JP2 #B1-46) 

- Seoul Garden Hotspot (JP2 #B1-46)

Shokutsu Ten 

- Ichiban Boshi (JP2 #B1-75) 

- Kabe No Ana Japanese Pasta (JP1 #B1-55) 

- Kuishin Bo Authentic Japanese Buffet (JP1 #B1-47) 

- Kuriya Japanese Market (JP2 #B1-77) 

- Men-ichi Japanese Ramen (JP1 #B1-53) 

- Shabu Tontei (JP1 #B1-52) - Wadori (JP1 #B1-51)

Halal Delights 

- Ayam Penyet Ria (JP1 #B1-06) 

- Fish & Co (JP1 #02-20E) 

- Prata Wala (JP2 #01-71/72/73/74)

 - Swensen’s (JP2 #B1-64)

Malaysia Boleh! 

- All stalls 

For more information, visit: http://www.jurongpoint.com.sg/mallpromotions

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 Movie Review

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 brings the franchise to its powerful final chapter, in which Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) realizes the stakes are no longer just for survival - they are for the future.

Watched The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 with my poly friends yesterday evening! Previously, there is The Hunger Games and The Hunger Games - The Catching Fire & The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1.

Personally, I feel that the show is good and compact on its own. The introductory depicted is rather slow-paced, without any special element injected. However, it got slightly better with a good story build up. 

The story flow could have been fine-tuned with a more convincing plot. As certain scenes presented are rather brief, it may appear difficult for some viewers to get the gist of it. Hence, you have to watch closely and study it in order to truly understand the entire film.

The finale is predictable but it provided a good closure for the fans of The Hunger Games!

Ratings: 3.5/5

May Who? Movie Review

Pong (Bank – Thiti) is a high school geek who belongs to a group of high school outcasts known as the ‘Invisibles’. He enjoys letting his imagination run wild, drawing cartoons of a girl he likes. He doesn’t have the guts to ask her out because she belongs to a more popular clique in school. Pong’s cartoon illustration is the reason he gets to know a schoolmate named May. A nickname, so common for Thai girls that whenever anyone talks about a girl named May, whoever is listening will ask, “May who?” 

Watched May Who? with Ting Feng yesterday night.

Personally, I feel that the story is refreshing and entertaining that stands on its own. The way of expressing love is usually through letters. However, this film depict a creative method, which is through comical drawings. Each chapter in its drawing has a imaginative yet wild concept for a girl that the person adore. It also triggers certain memories one may encounter during high school.

The story flow well though it could have been more refined with a consecutive plot. The many humourous scenes certainly liven me up as a viewer. However, some of its humour elements seems 'trying too hard' for me.   

Particularly, I adore the character - Pong, who has a positive attitude in his love life. Despite whatever outcome, He decided to do his best and woo the girl. The touching moment is presented towards the finale, when May has to make a decision between the two. 

This film may have a predictable plot but it was fun to watch!

Ratings: 4/5

[Media Invite] Bejewelled Christmas By The Bay Food Tasting

Was invited to a media tasting: Bejewelled Christmas By The Bay Food Tasting‏! This Christmas, Bay Hotel Singapore's STREET 50 Restaurant & Bar is all aglitter with the season's freshest seafood-studded buffet specialties and festive staples from 24 December to 2 January 2016!

Salmon Carpaccio with Coriander & Pine Nut Vinaigrette 

Smoked Oyster & Crab Cake 

Black Pepper Alaska Crab Claws with Gingko Nuts 

Bay Scallop with Warm Tomato Essence 

Seafood Paella 

Tandoori Turkey Breast

Crepe Suzette with Mandarin Orange

The buffet spread, which are glinting with main courses of glowing hues such as the black pepper Alaskan Crab Claws with Gingko Nuts, Baked prawns with Redcurrant and Ginger Compote and other seafood choices! To round off the festive celebration on a sweet note, save room for the yuletide desserts that never fail to impress!

Festive Buffet Dinner-:

24 & 31 Dec: $68++ per person, 32++ (Child: 6 - 12yrs)

25 & 26 Dec, 1 & 2 Jan: $58++ per person, $28++ (Child: 6 - 12yrs)

Maybank Credit cardholders dine free with every 2 paying adults. Stand double the chances to WIN GOLDHEART diamond jewellery set worth over $2000! Extra 10% off (on top of the credit card festive promotions) for early bird reservations by 30 November 2015. 

Do make your reservations at 6818 6681!

STREET 50 Restaurant & Bar

Bay Hotel Singapore (opposite VivoCity)

50 Telok Blangah Road 

Singapore 098828

[Media Invite] HOHOHO! Pie-Tastic Christmas At Pies & Coffee‏

This Christmas Jubilee, Pies & Coffee will tantalise taste buds with a series of mouth-watering creations worthy of the Yuletide feast. Bask in the magical spirit of Christmas! 

Christmas Turkey Pie

This dish features grilled garlic turkey, turkey ham, turkey bacon, figs, orange peel, chopped walnuts and spices, harmoniously simmered in pumpkin cream sauce. A savoury pie to indulge during this Christmas festive season! 

The Shepherd’s Black Pepper Chicken Pie

Particularly, I enjoyed this dish pretty much! It is appetising and complement well with its crust. This pie is stuffed with stewed chicken chunks, carrots, celery, green as well as red peppers, potatoes and onions.

Choco-Holly  Indulgence

Chocolate hazelnut mousse layered on top with the homemade pistachio butter cream! It is chocolatey rich in flavour. If you are a chocolate lover, you would definitely enjoy it. 

Christmas Rhapsody

Hand-whipped pandan custard spread across a subtle gula melaka sponge, which is then  rolled with soft-boiled azuki beans and nata de coco. A rather unique creation that stands on its own! 

The Classic Fruitcake

A classic Christmas tale of fruit symphony: figs, apricots, prunes, orange peels, cherries, almonds and sultana toppings. 

Festive Eggless Chocolate Loaf with Peanut Butter 

Luvin' the chocolate loaf w peanut butter! A moist eggless texture that complement well with its rich and creamy peanut butter!

Robertson Walk

11 Unity Street

#01-25

Singapore 237995

[Media Invitation] Guan Kitchen: Authentic Zi Char dishes in a new-age environment‏

Was invited to a media tasting: Guan Kitchen: Authentic Zi Char dishes in a new-age environment‏!

Guan Kitchen is a restaurant that purveys an array of zi char dishes at affordable prices. Savour the  mouth-watering cuisines in a new-age, air-conditioned interior. The cuisines are artfully plated, and the presentation is western-inspired. 

Crisp Fried Fish Skin with Salted Egg Yolk

The fish skin is thinly sliced and prepared with seasoning imported from Nanyang. 

It is coated with salted egg yolk and has a crunchy texture that is appetizing! 

A good side to go along with other dishes.

Sautéed Lotus Roots with Macadamia 

The macadamia nuts certainly added more punch to this dish with peapods, 

carrots, celery and lotus roots! 

Red Grouper Soup w Pickles

Initially, the taste of the broth appear quite spicy. Subsequently, it got better with its light and unique flavour that stands on its own. Not to forget, the fresh and tender red grouper!

Deep-fried Pork with Fermented Bean Paste 

Tender and juicy it is! However, it could have been better if it is more 

flavourful to truly enjoy this dish.

Lemongrass Pork Ribs

The combination of Malbec and secret sauce creates a truly 

transcendent flavour! It could have been better if its texture of the meat is more tender.

Homemade Preserved Radish Beancurd 

Crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside! The beancurd complement well 

with the preserved radish and gravy! 

Cereal Prawns

This is one of my favourite dish! You need not dirty your hands nor find ways to 

deshell it because it has already been done for you. 

Rib-eye Beef w Leeks in Ishinabe

Particularly, I enjoy its tenderness of the meat that complement well with the gravy!

Prawn Paste Chicken

Comparatively, this dish is light in flavour. However, it tasted decent that stands out on its own. 

Guan Kitchen

225 River Valley Road

Singapore 238283

Detective versus Detectives 探偵の探偵 Drama Review

Rena Sasaki (Keiko Kitagawa) is a beautiful woman with excellent memory and intelligence. She becomes a private detective and risks her life to chase down evil private detectives, because her younger sister was murdered by a stalker. The person that provided information to the stalker on her sister's location was a private detective.

Finished watching this Japanese Drama - Detective versus Detectives 探偵の探偵. Personally, I feel that the story flow rather well with a smart plot that kept me in great suspense. 

Particularly, I enjoyed the build up and progress in each episodes. From the scratch, when Rena Sasaki decided to join the detective college, not to become one but to understand the traits of a detective. In the progress, while she investigate to find out more evidence. Till the end, when she managed to find out the hidden truth. 

The drama has an unexpected twist towards the finale. Every thing just fall into pieces when evidence are gathered in each episode. I hope there will be a movie for this series because it was well-crafted as a whole, not only with its suspense and mystery but action scenes as well!

Ratings: 4.25/5

[Invitation] Imakatsu Singapore New Store

Was invited to Imakatsu 2nd outlet on Sunday evening! This time, I was there not only for the food but to enjoy a new dining experience. Previously, I attended 2 of their food tasting session and blog about it as well. - Imakatsu new menu & Imakatsu food tasting.

I adore the ambiance of the restaurant as it is cosy with dim lighting used. The layout is classic which stand out on its own. Customers can choose to dine outside or inside, to their preferences.

Satsumaage Mentai

The dish tasted like fish cake with a slight tinge of saltiness. It was nicely sliced and well-presented. It may appear slightly oily but I adore its texture.

Mochi Cheese Cutlet

I adore this dish which was nicely prepared. The battered is flaky and crispy, not overly done. It complement well with the mochi cheese that was pleasantly tasty. 

As before, these dishes below still tasted as good as it is!

Piyopiyo Minced Meat Cutlet

Premium Pork Loin

Healthy Katsu

Premium Oyakodon 

Salt

The salt used here is extracted from seawater of the Yamaguchi Prefecture. Dip a little with the Katsu and Pork loin to give you a different surprise to your taste bud.

[Happy hour 6pm - 10pm] 

1 pint - 1 for 1 Asahi, Blanc & Highball! 

Available till end of November 15. 

Imakatsu Singapore

52 Boat Quay

#01-01

Singapore 049841