[Media Invite] Tsuta Set to Unveil 2 Ramen Dishes Exclusively Available in Singapore!

Tsuta has launched 2 brand-new ramen offerings:

Kamo Paitan Soba (Soup) and Kamo Abura Soba (Dry)

The chef uses only fresh, premium ingredients in the dishes, and does not add any MSG to them. The Kamo Paitan Soba [$11] features a bowl of slurp-worthy duck broth with a creamy consistency. The broth has been slow cooked for 5 hours at precise temperature control. Another star ingredient is the poached duck breast, which is slow cooked in shoyu sauce for a prolonged duration, so that it retains a tender bite. 

The Kamo Abura Soba [$10] features noodles that are marinated with premium shoyu and duck oil; the latter is made from scratch by the chef. As such, the dish boasts a strong umami aftertaste. In addition, it is accompanied with a light refreshing chicken stock with a tinge of sea salt (shio) to perfectly balance the taste. 

Both the soup and dry duck ramen offerings are exclusively available only in Singapore.

Tsuta Singapore 

9 Scotts Road
Pacific Plaza

#01-01
Singapore 228210 

[Korean Drama Review] While you were sleeping

A supernatural romance about a woman who can see the future in her dreams, and a prosecutor who fights to stop these future events from happening. The heroine has dreams about unfortunate events that will happen to other people, and the hero is a prosecutor who runs around trying to prevent her tragic visions from coming true.

Finished watching this Korean Drama - While you were sleeping. Personally, I felt that the story had a smart plot which kept me in suspense. The concept itself were refreshing and captivating.

The progression of each scenes were nicely depicted and carefully crafted, as though I'm watching a live-action film. Also, most cases are revolved around the detective and investigator, and that made this already good drama a more convincing one. The heart-warming, intense and humour presented, were commendable. At the same time, It educated me to cherish my loved ones. 

In order to grasp the story, viewers got to follow each episode closely. The finale had a rather good balance between sad and happy ending. This drama may not seems logical but, trust me, watch it with an open mind to truly enjoy the progression of each scene.

Besides Lee Jong-suk and Bae Suzy, I got to affirm Jung Hae-in acting capabilities! Oh well, the other cast did relatively well too.

Ratings: 4.85 / 5

AXA SmartTraveller

Whenever I travel overseas, my family and friends around me would constantly remind me to get myself protected by purchasing travel insurance. I always thought that it was unnecessary and troublesome to get one, until I stumbled upon AXA@POST travel insurance online. 

Before my trip to Hong Kong, I purchased the Essential Plan via AXA@POST and the process was really simple and convenient, unlike what I have experienced in the past! It would probably take only 20 minutes of your time, and you will be covered with many benefits!  

Basically, they offer 2 types of plans. At just $22.20 the Essential Plan’s benefits includes a high medical coverage of up to $300,000, and protection for lost or damaged belongings of up to $5,000. Not to forget, there is also coverage such as personal accident, which covers up to $525,000. In comparison, the Comprehensive Plan, although costs slightly more, has a better policy coverage. I will definitely get this when I go on a longer trip in the future.

The Essential Plan also allows one to customise with add-ons such as insuring rental cars, pets and leisure sports equipment. You save by buying only what is needed! If you need a travel insurance, why not consider getting AXA@POST's smart traveller travel insurance policy?

Get yourself covered for your next holiday NOW!

Thank God for blessing the time in HK!

[Japanese Drama Review] My Lover's Secret (Aishite tatte, Himitsu wa Aru)

When Rei Okumori (Sota Fukushi) was in the 3rd grade of middle school, he killed his father to protect his mother Akiko (Honami Suzuki). His father physically abused his mother. They buried his dead body in their yard and made it appear he went missing. Since that time, they kept they their secret and did not tell anyone.

8 years later, Rei Okumori is now a law school student and pursuing his dream of becoming a lawyer. At his law school, he meets Sawa Tachibana (Haruna Kawaguchi) who hopes to become a public prosecutor. They fall in love and Rei Okumori wants to marry Sawa Tachibana. He begins to receive a message from someone that knows his secret.

Finished watching this Japanese series - My Lover's Secret (Aishite tatte, Himitsu wa Aru). Personally, I felt that the story had a smart plot which kept me in great suspense.  

Particularly, I enjoyed the progression in each episodes, which led me to ponder and followed it closely. It was indeed mysterious and suspenseful. Not to forget, those emotional scenes that was beautifully presented. The drama also had an unexpected twist towards the finale which heightened the show.

It also depicted an unconditional mother's love. A mother could basically just do anything for a child, to protect and keep him safe and happy. Based on the final episode, most likely, there will be a sequel to this series. Am certainly looking forward to it! 

Ratings: 4 / 5

[Media Invite] Kohaku New Autumn’s Tendon Launch

Kohaku Tendon is proud to launch its brand-new tendon offering! Inspired by autumn in Japan, this hearty bowl (S$17.50++) is filled with six different types of mushrooms, salmon, prawns, and Japanese pepper tempura.

The marquee ingredients of this tendon, the different types of mushrooms are shiitake, maitake, shimeji, enoki, Erinji mushroom and oyster mushroom. Each mushroom has a different texture and flavour, making this an indulgent dish. The Atlantic salmon is marinated with a traditional Japanese yuan sauce, which marries soy sauce, sake, sweet sake, yuzu juice and kabosu. Steeped in history, the sauce is created by Yuan Kitamura in 1648, and has long been a favourite in Japan.

Dip the crispy ingredients in either one of Kohaku’s famous home-made sauces: spicy or non-spicy. Get to choose either the Japanese 16-grain rice for a healthier option, or the fluffy and fragrant Hokkaido rice for a comforting treat. Kohaku Tendon are available from now to December only, during lunch (11:30am to 4pm) or early-dinner service (5pm).

Kohaku Tendon
Suntec City Mall
3 Temasek Boulevard
#03-311
Singapore 038983 

[Movie Review] Geostorm

After an unprecedented series of natural disasters threatened the planet, the world’s leaders came together to create an intricate network of satellites to control the global climate and keep everyone safe. But now, something has gone wrong—the system built to protect the Earth is attacking it, and it’s a race against the clock to uncover the real threat before a worldwide geostorm wipes out everything... and everyone along with it.

Watched Geostorm with Trois at the GV Plaza yesterday night.

Personally, I felt that the film had a focused story-line but somewhat, predictable. Initially, it may appear draggy but thankfully, the progression of each scenes gradually got better with a conducive plot. Honestly, there wasn't many intense elements injected, but instead it was suspenseful and precise as a whole. Hence, don't pin too much hope on that area.

Also, the humour and emotional scenes were nicely presented. Especially, the kinship between two brothers and father/daughter. it reminded viewers not to hold grudges tightly because ultimately, family will be always there for you. Daniel Wu's cameo appearance definitely helped this film score well with his good acting capabilities. Overall, a rather good natural disasters movie!

Ratings: 3.5 / 5

[Media Invitation] Brand-New Katsu-don Hanakatsu Media Launch

Hailing from Gifu Prefecture, Japan, Katsu-don Hanakatsu offers indulgent katsu don at affordable prices. The pork and chicken are marinated with a special in house blend, and then coated with bread crumbs imported from Japan. The katsu is fried with a water fryer to perfection, and then sprinkled with aonori as well as traditional shichimi spices that lend a robust flavour.

You can choose to go with either Nanatsuboshi Hokkaido Rice or kick up the health factor by choosing to add 16 multi grains to the rice. Both the rice and multi grains are specially imported from Japan. A luscious ankake home-made sauce drenches the rice and imbues a sweet note. 

Sitting atop the rice are three slices of specially marinated pork and chicken . The marinade is a special inhouse blend, while the breadcrumbs are imported from Japan. The restaurant uses a special water fryer, brought in from Japan, to fry its katsu. The exterior is superbly crunchy and enticing. Then, they are drizzled with special tempura sauces. Finally, a sprinkle of aonori and shichimi spices enlivens the katsu.

Katsu-don Hanakatsu
Suntec City Mall
3 Temasek Boulevard
#03-10
Singapore 038983

[Media Treatment Invite] Gamma Light Mist Treatment - Regenerate, Hydrate and Repair in One Session!

I'm back here D'Skin again! This time round for their gamma light mist treatment, which was recently introduced. This particular treatment is targeted to repair and regenerate inflamed and stressed cells and tissue while ensuring the skin receives the full benefits of the entire treatment to reduce sensitivity and improve resilience.

It was definitely a pampering session and the whole process was carefully attended. Using a special sequence of Softlight 905nm and Gamma Nano mists to improve the absorption channels of the skin and carry the active ingredients deep into the skin.

The combination of lights at different wavelengths to heal the skin cells via cold infrared light accelerates the metabolic process and an infusion of hydrating boosters through a Cold Nano Mist which imbue hydrating properties to hydrate and plump thirsty skin. The shoulder massage was on point too.

I'm looking more refreshed for sure! This is a 120 mins treatment and suitable for all skin types, $99 [UP: $498] for its launch trial price.

D'skin Prestige

Velocity @ Novena Square
238 Thomson Road
#03-04/05

Singapore 307683

[Movie Review] The Foreigner

The Foreigner starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan, is a timely action thriller from the director of “Casino Royale.” The film tells the story of humble London businessman Quan (Chan), whose long-buried past erupts in a revenge-fueled vendetta when the only person left for him to love -- his teenage daughter -- is taken from him in a senseless act of politically-motivated terrorism. In his relentless search for the identity of the terrorists, Quan is forced into a cat-and-mouse conflict with a British government official (Brosnan), whose own past may hold clues to the identities of the elusive killers.

Watched The Foreigner with Gary at the GV Plaza.

Personally, I felt that the film had a focused story-line but somewhat, predictable. Even though the story flow did not turn out well, it was still engaging with such a suspenseful plot. It appear to be rather slow-paced, and definitely better if those dialogues were doubled. Each of every characters has their own agenda for their own benefit as well.

Jackie Chan's fight scenes was as good as before! I've got to agree that it was an important element injected. This film had an unexpected twist towards the finale which heightened the show. The hidden truth then began to piece up and enlighten viewers. Trust me, watch it with an open mind and you would enjoyed it more.

Ratings: 3 / 5

[Product Review] Floral Garage Singapore

Floral Garage is a local online florist in Singapore for 2 years and counting. They believe that you can show the deeper meanings of love, care, appreciation and gratitude through the simple gesture of gifting flowers. They provide same-day delivery service for a standard charge of $9.70 so last minute orders are readily accepted.

I have received this happy birthday gift hamper from Floral Garage recently. It is pretty, isn't it? There are also a wide variety of bouquet for customers to decide on. If you would like to customise a bouquet to your own liking, feel free to contact them directly because they are always up for a challenge! Once the order has been placed, you would received a prompt reply to facilitate the delivery process. This is definitely a good way to show appreciation and gratitude to the people around you!

Floral Garage

Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre

#03-34

Singapore 534626

[Thailand Movie Review] Bad Genius

Welcome to an exam-cheating business run by ‘Lynn’ (Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying), a straight-A student who gets the idea for her business after helping ‘Grace’ (Eisaya Hosuwan) and ‘Pat’, (Teeradon Supapunpinyo). Grace is a prominent school activist who can’t get the grades she needs and Pat is a filthy-rich boy who believes money can buy anything. Lynn’s business skyrockets as scores of students offer her cash in exchange for exam answers. One day, Pat and Grace offered Lynn an opportunity to make millions of Baht. They want Lynn to pre-take the STIC test, an international standardised test for students wanting to enrol in the world’s leading universities. The test is scheduled to take place on the same date and same time at locations all over the world. Their plan is for Lynn to fly to a country in a time zone that’s ahead of Thailand and then send the answers back to her customers. For that to happen, they need the help of another genius scholar and the only one suitable is ‘Bank’ (Chanon Santinatornkul), Lynn’s scholarship-student rival who detests cheating of any kind. What will Lynn do to convince Bank to overcome his moral dilemma and help them? How BAD will this GENIUS become?

Watched Bad Genius with Ting Feng at the GV Plaza.

Personally, I felt that this film had a smart plot with a focused story-line. Though the highlight were particularly on those few characters, the story itself was still engaging. The show would definitely trigger those good nostalgic memories in high school too. Those intense moment definitely kept me at the edge of my seat. Also, the humour and emotional scenes were nicely injected. It had an unexpected twist which heightened the show.

Through this film, it educated viewers about moral values and being ethical as a person. No doubt, you could be a top scholar but if you don't possess the right behaviour, the things you previously had would gradually fade. Money is also the root of evil which would turn a honest person to greed. The finale may leave you nowhere, but somewhat you would grasp what's going happen next.

This true event movie is still going rather strong in the theatres. Catch it before it goes off screen!

Ratings: 4 / 5

[Media Invitation] Chef Wan Launches His First-Ever A la Carte Concept That Doles Out Authentic Heritage Asian and International Cuisines

Welcome to Chef Wan’s Kitchen. A beloved TV personality known for his effervescent personality, Chef Wan is a culinary stalwart with 35 years of experience under his belt. For this venture, he has dug into his treasure trove of recipes, passed down from his grandmother to mother and auntie and then to him, and curated the best ones. Embark on an epicurean journey and relish the exotic flavours of Peranakan, Moroccan, Javanese and Spanish cuisines with Chef Wan! 

Bibik Neo's Laksa ($15.90)

The Bibik Neo's Laksa is Chef Wan’s favourite childhood dish, cooked by his grandmother on special occasions. Whenever Chef Wan hosts laksa parties for international celebrities, this is his signature go-to. Of a delightful coconutty creaminess, or described as "lemak" in Malay, the piquant gravy is made from a unique blend of spices, grinded fresh prawns and coconut milk.

Cik Aini's Mee Rebus with Prawn Fritters ($15.90)

A beloved dish of Chef Wan, Cik Aini's Mee Rebus with Prawn Fritters is a dish that Chef Wan had served to the royal family of Brunei, and it earned much praise from them. This rendition is Chef Wan's way of paying tribute to his mother. To support her family and bring up all her children, Chef Wan's mother made a living selling mee rebus for 31 years.  This will be the first time Singaporeans will enjoy this unique dish, which is served with premium crunchy and flavourful prawn fritters.  

 

Prawn Curry with Pineapple ($21.90)

Lawar Salad ($17.90)

Two other dishes that Chef Wan has regaled royalties and his celebrity friends with are Prawn Curry with Pineapple and Lawar Salad. Another cherished recipe by his grandmother, the Prawn Curry with Pineapple is a famous Malaysian-style curry, loved by many Peranakan families in Malacca and Singapore. The pineapple adds a slight sour flavour to the spicy curry. 

A must-have staple in any traditional Balinese feast, the Lawar Salad is made with a potpourri of ingredients, from garlic to red chillies, fried shallots, long beans, limes, palm sugar, desiccated coconut, fresh turmeric, black peppercorns, and many more. Chicken breast, candlenuts and jackfruits are tossed into the mix. This dance of sweet, savoury, spicy and tangy notes is sure to wow all gourmands.

Selangor Beef Rendang ($22.90)

Continue the indulgence with Chef Wan’s Selangor Beef Rendang, which boasts a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Of a smooth consistency, the gravy, enhanced with a blend of aromatic spices, will leave diners wanting more.

Chilled Coconut Custard & Steamed Jackfruit Custard ($5.90)

Churros Cheese Tart ($5.90)

Chef Wan’s Kitchen

Esplanade Mall
#02-14
Singapore 039802

[Media Invite] An Epicurean Journey with Antoinette: New Dishes Celebrating Singapore's Culinary Heritage

A quintessential Parisian pâtisserie, restaurant, and salon du thé that pays homage to Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France revered for her exquisite taste and lavishly indulgent love of excess, Antoinette is a venue for all things excitingly sweet and savoury. Decorated with elements inspired by the French neoclassical period, and with ornate finishings covered in carvings of garlands and ribbons, Antoinette is perfect for sophistication and luxury for dining.

Tuna mousse ($18)

The Tuna Mousseis an Asian take on Italian bruschetta, with marinated tomatoes, levain, egg and chips as the marquee ingredients. For this dish, Chef Pang has swapped balsamic vinegar for Chinese vinegar, and Italian basil for Thai basil.

Hakka Gnocchi ($24)

Aesthetically pleasing thanks to a colourful scheme of beetroot, sweet potato, purple sweet potato
and yam, the Hakka Gnocchi features a medley of dried shrimp, foie gras, cured pork and morel.

Spaghetti ($24)

The homemade Spaghetti comes with the cuttlefish pork belly ragout and finished with drizzles of aromatic oil and sprinkle of ebi sakura lending a delightful well-rounded finish. 

Chicken Rice ($26)

The chicken breast in Chicken Rice is prepared sous-vide style, and paired impeccably with a scallion and ginger dressing, chilli gel and dark soya sauce foam. The rice is replaced with barley grains cooked with chicken stock and aromatics.

Kale Caesar ($22)

The Kale Caesar sees the anchovies in the dressing replaced by salted fish. Served with a roasted five-spice chicken roulade with a generous sprinkle of fried garlic, butternut squash and garlic croutons.

Chilli Crab Arancini ($16)

A convergence of Singapore and Italian influences, the Chilli Crab Arancini features homemade chilli sauce filled in a risotto ball cooked with lobster bisque and crab meat. This is served with fried Chinese bun and a sea asparagus salad.

Pandan ($14)

Pandan is a celebration of Asian ingredients. A 2-part dessert where a pandan kaya butter toast is served alongside a plated dessert of Pandan ice cream, coral sponge, caviar, coconut crumble, lime foam and salted gula Melaka.

Misty Forest ($18)

Presented in a beautiful bell jar, the Misty Forest is a marriage of grand cru dark chocolate cremeux, yuzu curd, praline cream, cashew nut nougatine, chocolate crumble, chocolate coral sponge, matcha moss and billowing smoke that adds mystique.

ANTOINETTE
Penhas Road
30 Penhas Road
(off Lavender Street)
Singapore 208188

[Japanese Movie Review] Tokyo Ghoul

In Tokyo, man-eating monsters called “ghouls” run rampant. The city is shaken with fear, as these mysterious creatures disguise themselves among people. Ordinary university student Kaneki(Masataka Kubota) meets a girl Rize (Yu Aoi) one day at a café he frequents, unaware that the encounter will drastically alter the course of his destiny. What does the future hold for Kaneki?

Watched Tokyo Ghoul at GV Plaza in the afternoon. Though I never read the manga or watch the anime, I decided to catch it because I enjoyed watching this genre of movie. Masataka Kubota grasped it again! His acting never fail to amaze me.

Personally, I thought that this film was compact and had a focused story-line. Honestly, with such a commendable introductory, I was anticipating a good flow on its plot. However, it turned out rather draggy. Thankfully, it got better with its progression in the subsequent scenes. It had an unexpected twist which definitely heightened the show.

There were also good intense and gripping moments, which kept me at the edge of my seat as well. The finale ended quite abruptly, which was a pity. Hence, I guess there will be a sequel for you to look forward!

Ratings: 3 / 5

[Media Invite] Lotus Kitchen Launch - a New Vegetarian Dining Concept

A vegetarian concept, Lotus Kitchen is a spinoff of the famous Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant. Its  menu comprises signature dishes of its predecessor, as well as new creations by owner Ms Lee. The dishes are made with natural premium ingredients such as lion’s mane mushrooms, agaricus blazei mushroom, tian ma, cordyceps flower, burdock and sugarcane sprout from Taiwan. Promising  exciting flavours and interesting textures, here is where gourmands can learn new definitions of vegetarian dishes!

Signature Double-boiled Herbal Tian Ma Soup 

(S$8.80)

A nourishing offering, steamed and brewed with over 10 herbs and premium-quality pearl mushrooms.

The tian ma herb also has liver-calming and neuroprotective benefits. 

Signature Crispy Summer Wrap with Passionfruit

($35.80)

Signature  Stir  Fried  Laksa 

($9.80)

 This is a gratifying meal, starring in-house laksa gravy and fresh spices that lend a piquant flavour.

Braised Mushroom in Hot Pot

($18.80)

Signature Homemade Satay

($15.80)

This dish showcases soya slices marinated with more than 10 fragrant spices. 

Dip each skewer into the homemade satay sauce for the extra oomph!

 Lotus Yam Paste with Purple Rice 

(S$6.80)

The yam paste is cooked with  the purple rice together with red beans, red dates, dried raisins and wolfberries. 

The yam paste is piped onto the plate, and then topped with the purple rice mixture. Gingko nuts add the finishing touch.

Lotus Kitchen
Chinatown Point
#01-01/02
Singapore 059413

[Media Invitation] Japanese Concept BURG Kitchen Doles Out Juicy Handmade Hamburgs!

BURG Kitchen is a concept by Chef Kataoka, who has over 30 years of culinary experience. The restaurant specialises in making juicy hamburgs, with the secret ingredient being Australian beef. Choose either the Original or Cheese version, and pair it with one of seven sauces for the ultimate indulgence. BURG Kitchen also offers comforting mainstays to accompany its hamburgs.

Cheese burg ($19.80++)

This dish is topped with Colby and cheddar cheese torched for a smoky tinge and gooey consistency.

Crispy Chicken Wings with Spice Blend ($14.50++)

This is marinated with pepper, nori and sesame seeds that make you savour every last drip of goodness.

Golden Curry with Homemade Creamy Croquet & meatballs ($15.50++)

The curry has a creamy texture, and an onsen egg that tops it off.

Penne Meat Sauce Gratin ($14.50++)

Minced beef soused in meat sauce with the melted stringy cheese which promise patrons an explosion of flavours.

Burg Kitchen

Suntec City Mall

3 Temasek Boulevard

#03-315

[Singapore Movie Review] Wonder Boy

Set in the early 1970s Singapore, when rock music was banned and long-haired men were considered gangsters, WONDER BOY follows the story of 16-year-old Richard (Benjamin Kheng), an aspiring musician and the school’s social outcast, as he joins a singing group – The Wonder Boys – and embarks on his coming-of-age journey through youthful ambition, friendships and first love, all the while trying to have his music heard.

Personally, I felt that this film was simple with a focused story-line. It urged aspiring individuals to be courageous and strive in pursuing their dreams.

This show would trigger those good nostalgic memories in high school, where it journey viewers through youthful ambition, friendships and first love. It also showed me the importance of kinship; to be appreciative. Especially, to the one who contributed more in the family.

People who are currently pursuing their passion would definitely relate it better. Through this film, it encouraged viewers to persevere on but not give up even if circumstances may not seems that positive. If you are willing to work hard, you will certainly succeed one day.

Just follow your heart.

Ratings: 4 / 5

[Media Invite]: Party Popper Singapore Launch

The ONLY Specialist in party popper in Singapore! They offer the widest range of party poppers at the most competitive pricing. Browse their products for the full range of different poppers for your needs. They are please to offer customization of popper packaging for weddings, corporate events or company branding.

Recently, I have attended  Party Popper Singapore media launch. This event was held at backstage café. First up, it was the introduction to party popper by the founder, Marcus Poh. I have gained many interesting insights from the Q & A session.

After which, it was the lion dance performance that 'wow' everyone of us!

I'm amazed by the range of different party poppers that they actually offer. It varies from the US dollar mini notes confetti, flower petals and also come with shapes of the stars and hearts. These poppers are easy, fun and safe to use! All you have to do is to hold it with both hands and twist. The buttons ones are actually for the kids. Just release a safety catch and hit the button!

Honestly, this was my virgin try on those popper. It wasn't as bad as I thought. And there's a saying, once you start you cannot stop. This was the exact feeling. I had so much fun!

Party Popper Singapore
Mountbatten Square

#03-38 (Next to Mountbatten MRT Station)
Singapore 398007
Tel: 98215128 (Marcus)
www.partypoppersingapore.com
https://www.instagram.com/partypoppersingapore