[Movie Review] The Great Wall

Starring global superstar Matt Damon and directed by one of the most breathtaking visual stylists of our time, Zhang Yimou (Hero, House of Flying Daggers), Legendary’s The Great Wall tells the story of an elite force making a valiant stand for humanity on the world’s most iconic structure. The first English-language production for Yimou is the largest film ever shot entirely in China. The Great Wall also stars Jing Tian, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe and Andy Lau.

Watched The Great Wall with Gary at GV Plaza in the evening.

Personally, I thought that the story was simple and direct. Certain scenes could have been further elaborated as it appeared rather brief. Not many war scenes but honestly, the plot itself was carefully crafted with a rather good flow. 

The well-planned strategies for the attack was smart as well. Glad that certain humour was injected to lighten this heavy-hearted show. Not a typical kind of war movie but one that reminded viewers on the importance of trust and humanity. 

Ratings: 4 / 5

[Tasting Invite] Ippin Cafe Bar New Menu

Ippin Cafe Bar not only serve authentic Japanese meals that taste like you're truly home, they are Singapore's first home concept Japanese cafe bar. Every ingredient that tickles your tastebuds is available for sale in our lovely concept store. All products are from Japan and exclusively imported by IPPIN PTE LTD.

Grilled Pacific Saury Salad w Garlic ($18) ($15 till Feb 2017)

Perfectly smoked fish using cherry blossom. Popular choice as a light meal or delicious when paired with beer or sake.

Chicken Sukiyaki ($18) ($15 till Feb 2017) 

Simple but delicious. Chicken with vegetable soup and a special wild yam and peanut dressing that reminds us of home.  

Shishiori Salmon Chazuke Set ($15)

Salmon porridge is one of Japan’s most comforting food. And we have our own mouth-watering version. Pour the hot and naturally sweet dashi soup into the rice. Enjoy this ultimate comfort meal with salmon kelp. 

Yakisoba set (Fried noodles set) -  ($10 ala carte or $12 Set)

Yakisoba is Japanese daily food. The secret of oishii is savoury sauce. Comes with mini dessert of the day.
Yakisoba comes from Chiba Prefecture. 

Shishiori Ikura Don Set $43 ($38 till Feb 2017) 

Salmon roe rice bowl using imported frozen ikura from Kesennuma Shishiori fish port, one of the top three largest fish ports in the world! This is the ultimate happiness bowl. Comes with miso, salad and dessert. 

Mini Houjicha Pudding 

Brewed from houjicha tea leaves, low in caffeine and safe for mommies and babies. Comes with set menu.

They do served pretty good sake as well!

IPPIN CAFE BAR

18 Mohamed Sultan Road

Singapore 238967

[Media Tasting] Portico Platos serving Spanish tapas

Portico Platos, Portico Group’s latest concept is a stall serving Spanish tapas, located within Timbre+, a gastropark at Ayer Rajah Crescent. The designs revolve around a shipping container style and food truck concept.

Originating from Spain, the word “tapas” means a wide variety of hot or cold appetizers or snacks. Patrons of tapas can order many different small dishes and combine them to make a full meal. Serving up comforting yet delicious tapas, appetizing paellas and simple sweets, diners are bound to find something they love.

 Rockmelon, Jamon Serrano and Herb Pesto Dressing ($10)

 Patatas Bravas, Black Garlic Mayo and Tomato Dressing ($8)

 Steamed Clams in Chorizp Broth ($10)

  Grilled Squid, Lime & Coriander ($12)

 Calamari in Szechuan Pepper and Roasted Garlic Aioli ($8)

  Signature Seafood Paella - $9 (Single), $16 (Glutton) & Whole Paella Pan ($50)

 Charcoal Churros with White Chocolate Sauce 
Only available from 24-31 December 2016

Portico Platos

Timbre+ 

73A Ayer Rajah Crescent

[Media Invitation] Saboten, the World’s Largest Tonkatsu Chain, Opens New Outlet at 100 AM

Saboten is proud to unveil its third outlet in Singapore at 100AM Mall. At Saboten,only high-grade ingredients are used. The restaurant imports fresh grain-fed pork to ensure its cutlets are juicy and succulent. The secret to its crispy and non-greasy tonkatsu is the premium breadcrumbs, which are specially imported from Japan. 

Besides the launch of Saboten at 100AM Mall, the pristine Saboten Express at Raffles City Shopping Centre will be opening its doors before January 2017. The concept allows customers to order takeaways or enjoy express dine-in in a chic setting.

Abalone Katsu & Ebi Fry

Chilean Abalones, also known as 'Locos', are harvested from the pristine waters of the coast of southern Chile.

Mangalitsa Loin & Ebi Katsu

Mangalitsa is known for its unparalleled flavour and high marbling, it has a great reputation amongst gourmands; 

often described as the Kobe Beef of Pork.

Saboten @ 100 AM

100 Tras Street

#03-13
Singapore 079027

[Media Invitation] Happy Chinese ZODIAC New Year Tasting Dinner - STREET50

Bay Hotel Singapore’s STREET 50 Restaurant & Bar is raising the game in the Year of the Rooster  with auspicious home-style festive delicacies symbolizing not just one, but all the 12 Chinese zodiac animal signs in their buffets from 27 to 30 January 2016.

 Lobster Yusheng with Bird Nest 

(龙虾燕窝鱼生)

Regular  $38++ (up to 4 pax)
Large $68++ (8 to 10 Pax)

The yusheng dish is specially created to have the ‘dragonbird’ significance so you can toss to abundance and fortune with the heavenly combination of the luxurious lobster meat and the nourishing  goodness of bird nest.

Wolfberry Drunken Herbal Chicken 

(杞醉鸡)

With Dang Gui or Chinese Angelica Root and Chinese wine, the dish is given a nutritious boost with a generous sprinkling of wolfberries and embellished with ginger and spring onion.

Deep Fried Yam with Crabmeat and Pearl Mushroom

(珍菇伴酥脆蟹肉芋头)

With  yam  and  crab  meat  deep-fried to a golden crisp and paired with plump pearl mushroom in Cajun powder, it is both an auspicious and delicious starter.

Braised Dried Treasures Pot with Sea Cucumber and Snake Gourd

(瓜聚宝)

The auspicious fish maw, dried oysters, mushroom, sea cucumber and fa cai in a pot, it is a Chinese New Year dish not to be missed.

Rock Salt Baked Chicken Thigh

(盐焗)

With dang gui and Chinese wine, this rock sea salt-baked chicken thigh is rich in oriental touch.

Mushroom with Chinese Spinach

(三菇菠菜香)

A vegetarian dish with a trio of monkey mushroom, bailing mushroom and chinese mushroom, atop a bed of Chinese spinach, makes it a must-have dish on the first day of lunar new year.

Mongolian-Style Grilled Lamb Chop

(蒙古羊扒)

This meaty grilled lamb chop seasoned with Chinese wine, garlic, worcestershire sauce sauce, bay leaves and fennel seeds, will let you eat to your heart’s content.

Teochew-style Steamed Fish Fillet with Ham and Mushroom

(扬眉吐气白(兔)年鱼)

This steamed rabbit fish, paired with salted vegetables, tomato slices,
sour plum, young ginger and red chilli. 

Chilli Tiger Prawns

(虎虎生威老(虎)虾)

Coated with Singapore-style chilli crab paste and egg,the tiger prawns’ dish is emblematic of roaring with laughter.

Stir fried Beef with Ginger and Kai Lan

(姜葱(牛)肉芥蓝仔)

 Here’s a main course to a bullish new year, this dish of baby kai lan stir-fried with young  ginger slices and spring onion will be a heart dish for beef and veggie lovers.

 Mee Ta Mak Laksa
(老(鼠)粉叻沙)

Part of the noodle station, this mee ta mak laksa should be the first to dash to.

Braised Longevity Noodles with Lobster Meat
(龙)虾寿面)

Chinese New Year is also a time to celebrate long life and braised longevity noodles with lobster meat and sze chuan paste will be the way to add many more years to your new year.

Yam Paste with Water Chestnuts and Gingko Nuts
(马蹄)白果好芋头)

Last but not least, cap off the sumptuous buffet with this divine dessert that will let sweetness and harmony linger on the whole year round.

Promotions:

‘1 for 1’ Buffet Including Complimentary Free-Flow of Soft Drinks and Juices for
Confirmed Reservations made by 4 January 2017
 
Chinese Zodiac New Year Dinner Buffet (Eve Menu)
27 January 2017
Dinner: 6.30pm to 9.30pm
Adult: $78++
Children (6yrs to 12yrs): $40++

Chinese Zodiac New Year Lunch & Dinner Buffet (Classic Menu)
28 to 30 January 2017
Lunch: 12pm to 3pm
Dinner: 6.30pm to 9.30pm
Adult: $58++
Children (6yrs to 12yrs): $30++
(Children below 6 yrs dine for free with every paying adult, subject to maximum of 2
children per table)

Reservations can be made at 6818 6681 or dining@bayhotelsingapore.com

STREET 50 Restaurant & Bar
Bay Hotel Singapore (opposite VivoCity)
50 Telok Blangah Road
Singapore 098828

[Media Invite] Official Opening of TaoKaeNoi’s first-ever store out of Thailand – TaoKaeNoi Land

San SeSan Global Pte Ltd is the sole marketer and distributor of TaoKaeNoi’s products in Singapore. Incepted in 2003, the company has since established itself as a leading food marketer, importer and distributor. Today, the company markets and distributes more than 16 brands of products, including MyKuali, Dahfa, Hakubaku and UHA.

TaoKaeNoi Land is here in Singapore! This store is located in Suntec city mall. 

The concept regale consumers with over 20 limited-edition snacks such as dried mango; soft dried durian; Seagle seaweed chips original or spicy; durian, coconut or mangosteen toffee; organic tea lemongrass; lemongrass with ginger; lemongrass with pandan; and ramen.

Another exciting rollout you can look forward to is the TKN online Facebook game, available on both iOS and Android mobile  platforms. From 10 December 2016 to 28 February 2017, a game card will be included in selected TaoKaeNoi products.

Stand to WIN $128 cash daily or limited edition TaoKaeNoi cushions. All you have to do is to buy the participating TaoKaeNoi snacks -> retrieve the game card -> play TKN online Facebook game & TKN Match & Win game!

TaoKaeNoi Land Store

Suntec City Tower 3 

#03-362/363 

Singapore 038983 

Operation Hours: 11am to 9pm daily

[Singapore Movie Review] Lulu The Movie 露露的電影

Lulu The Movie is a comedy about a determined Chinese lady named Lulu who comes to Singapore to meet her online lover, but after being disappointed by what he turns out to be, she decides to make it on her own and succeeds in becoming an international fashion icon and mogul.

 

Watched Lulu The Movie 露露的電影 with JW at GV Tampines. 

 

Previously, I watched Already Famous 一泡而红 which was also directed by Michelle Chong. In comparison, the previous film had a more focused story-line. 

Personally, I thought that this film was simple yet classic on its own. Initially, the story may appear dull and predictable but somewhat, it gradually got better with the story build up. Sadly, there were some hit and misses for that few characters which gone missing after which.

 

Certain good take away to learn from: Be humble & true to yourself. Honestly, anyone can be easily replaceable if you do not have that right attitude. Also, continue to work on your craft because you might achieve something that you least expected. 

 

The finale ended quite abruptly without much depth which was a pity. Anyways, kudos to Michelle Chong acting capabilities. A versatile actress indeed.

Ratings: 3 / 5

[Media Review] Shou Slimming introduces its Oriental Wellness Programme (Massage Treatment)

Flaunt a figure that only Shou can give. Shou revolutionises body slimming through the use of safe and effective treatments. Its personalised and natural treatments remove stubborn fat in a painless manner. At Shou, customers do not have to take any pills, meal supplements or undergo injections, crash diets or sweaty workouts. Shou’s programmes help to shape overall body contours - customers can achieve the body they have always wanted.

Shou Slimming introduces its Oriental Wellness Program, a sixteen-session program combining Eastern massage techniques with key Western technologies in a custom massage treatment programme. The series of massage sessions with medical-grade aesthetic technology, accelerates the lymphatic drainage and body rejuvenation while providing a comfortable treatment focused on pressure point therapy for relief.

 

Using the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) method of respecting pressure points along the nervous system (called Meridians), the Wellness programme focuses on relieving the pressure along these Meridians. With 12 principal Meridians covering the body’s nervous system from head to toe - such as the intestine, bladder, spleen and even the kidneys and liver, Shou Slimming’s Oriental Wellness Programme focuses on increasing overall well-being to improve general health.

Each session is a 90 minute therapy, kicking off with a herbal compress (a pack containing 8 different herbs & ingredients) to “warm up” the nervous system & improve blood circulation. Working through the different pressure points, my muscle aches & sores are relieved.

Combining the very best of East-West therapy with technology, the Oriental Wellness Programme by Shou Slimming is a sure way to relieve those sore muscles and have an overall appreciation of wellness for good. Shou Slimming’s Oriental Wellness Programme is a 16-session programme and is $1,888 (incl. GST).


Shou
Novena Square Shopping Mall
#03-37/38
Singapore 307683

[Movie Review] Underworld: Blood Wars

The next installment in the blockbuster franchise, UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS follows Vampire death dealer, Selene (Kate Beckinsale) as she fends off brutal attacks from both the Lycan clan and the Vampire faction that betrayed her. With her only allies, David (Theo James) and his father Thomas (Charles Dance), she must stop the eternal war between Lycans and Vampires, even if it means she has to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Watched UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS with church pals yesterday night at GV Plaza.

Previously, I watched UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING as well. In comparison, I prefer the previous installment better as a whole. 

Personally, I thought that this film was simple and had a rather good story flow. At certain scenes, it appear to me that I am watching a theatrical play instead of a movie. Nevertheless, there are certain good intense moment which kept me at the edge of my seat. As usual, Kate Beckinsale (as Selene) did well in her craft!

Honestly, the plot was predictable and could have been further developed. By watching the finale, I guess there will be another upcoming sequel.

Ratings: 3 / 5

[Media Invite] Wah Kee launches first-ever restaurant at Esplanade

Began in 1951, Wah Kee’s signature dish is prawn noodles. The robust soup, gigantic prawns and firm noodles all come together to achieve a winning dish. Nestled in Pek Kio, the flagship stall has won the hearts of gourmands, including Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat and food blogger Dr Leslie Tay.

Wah Kee has launch its 1st 60-seater restaurant at Esplanade mall. Patrons can now enjoy good hawker food in such cosy, air-conditioned eatery. Orders will be placed via iPads, which are poised to heighten efficiency and eliminate human errors like wrong orders.

Despite these changes, the prices of the prawn noodles remain affordable, going from just $6 per bowl! Look out for wine & a wide range of fresh seafood which will be made available too! This outlet will be opened today at 11am.

Other new dishes that will be available exclusively at this restaurant include fresh Boston lobster, fresh oysters, French rojak salad, Wah Kee’s Style Seafood Oyster Omelette and more. Tuck into a wide range of seafood such as squids, half-shell scallops, flower crabs and more, all of which can be prepared grilled or steamed. They will also be served with a variety of special dipping sauces. Up the  indulgence and pair the fresh seafood with a comprehensive range of wine.

Big Prawn Noodle 

($20)

Wah Kee's winning formula is its extremely piquant soup, which takes four hours to prepare. Indulge in this dish, which features three gigantic and fresh prawns on a bed of al dente noodle. The mee kia is specially made for Wah Kee and all sauces are made in-house daily, using Wah Kee’s 65-year recipe. Pair the noodles with Wah Kee's original sambal chilli sauce and special spicy sauce.

Rojak Salad

($12)

This East-West-inspired rojak served with strawberry is bound to 

delight with its savoury and tangy flavour. 

Fresh Oyster (Canadian)

$3.50 per piece

These are really fresh, succulent and plump oysters! 

It comes with 4 different sauces - Sawadee, Chuan-Style, Devil's Tabaso & Ponzu.

Oyster Croquettes 

($12)

Pry open the crispy exterior, which houses juicy oysters in its shell . 

The interplay of crunch and smooth textures will leave you wanting more.

Blue Mussel With White Wine 

($30)

A multitude of Australia’s imported blue mussels, cooked in a pool

of divine white wine to perfection.

BamBoo Clam (Steam)

$10 per piece

The texture is quite similar of a squid.  It was steamed preciselythat their texture

 is kept rather tender and delicate on its own.

 Black Glutinous Rice w Coconut Ice-cream

($5)

Cap off your meal with this sweet dessert!

There would also be an opening promotion for today: 

100 Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle (UP$6) is going at only $5.
100 Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle (UP$12) is going at only $10.

Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle

Esplanade Mall

#01-13C

Singapore 039802

Opening Hours: 
Daily: 11:00am to 2:30pm (Last order at 2pm)
Sunday to Thursday: 5pm to 10.30pm (Last order at 10pm)
Friday, Satuday and Eve of PH: 5:00pm to 11:30pm (Last order at 11pm)