[Media Invitation] Tomo Izakaya Launches Three New Ramen Dishes

In Japanese, Tomo (toh-moh) means ‘friend’ and izakaya comes from a combination of I (ee) and sakaya (sah-kai-ya] which means ‘to stay in a sake shop’. The origins of izakaya are the traditional taverns or pubs in old buildings frequented by Japanese salarymen who would, after a long hard day at work, unwind together with colleagues over large amounts of sake served together with light meals for them before returning home very late for dinner. Tomo Izakaya offers an extensive menu of Japanese small-plate dining which includes robatayaki, yakitori, sushi, ramen, soba, chazuke and karaage meant to be shared around. 

Tomo Izakaya has launched three ramen dishes: Tokyo Ramen; Kai Ramen; and Shake-tantan Men. Both are the brainchildren of Chef Hirotaka Murata, an expert in kaiseiki sets. With over 20 years of experience under his belt, the chef is adept at coming with Japanese mainstays that are steeped in tradition and authenticity.

Tokyo Ramen ($9)

This ramen evokes nostalgic feelings, and whisks you away to an old-world Japan. The broth is made with a medley of ingredients such as pork bone marrow, chicken bones, niboshi (Japanese dried infant sardines), bonito flakes, vegetables, Japanese dried scallop and prawns. The premium ingredients give the soup a robust and piquant flavour. Swimming in it are classic egg noodles, which are then topped with char siu made with the superior-quality Nagano pork loin. 

Kai Ramen ($14)

Equally enticing is Kai Ramen. The soup base is made using 2 types of clam: asari and hamaguri. Other ingredients used to enhance the taste of the soup include chicken bones, Japanese snapper bones and vegetables. The soup is paired with specially customised jade-green noodles. The 1st time green ramen noodles are offered in a Japanese restaurant in Singapore.

 Shake-tantan men ($12)

Finally, the Shake-tantan men is bound to delight. Salmon bone and head as well as a specially blended miso with salmon minced meat are used to make the white-coloured broth. Over a tightly controlled fire, the broth is cooked for 5 hours. The soup is then enlivened with a sesame flavour as well as spicy note of the chilli oil. Accompanying the soup are al dente ribbons of tantan mian.

These 3 new ramen dishes are available during lunch time.

Tomo Izakaya

3A River Valley Rd
Clarke Quay
#01-14
Singapore 179020

[Media Invite] Riverside Grilled Fish CNY Prosperity Set

Riverside Grilled Fish 江边城外 was founded in 2005 by two good friends who chanced upon the delicious traditional method of grilling fish and topping it off with Ma La sauces while travelling in Wushan Town, Chong Qing. Captivated by the robust and tantalising flavours of the Chong Qing recipes, the two friends set up their first shop in Beijing and soon became known for their unique Chong Qing styled grilled whole fishes made with the freshest ingredients and award-winning sauces.

Eight Treasures Soup

Whole Grilled Fish

Smoked Chicken

Herbal Prawns

Braised Mushroom with Dried Oyster

Steamed Sausage Glutinous Rice in Lotus Leaf

 Aloe Vera Pudding Fish

 Prosperity Set Meal:

$238.80++ (4 Person)

$328.80++ (6 Person)

$428.80++ (8 Person)

$488.80++ (10 Person)

Riverside Grilled Fish 江边城外

Raffles City Shopping Centre

#B1-06/07 

Singapore 179103

[Media Invitation] Miam Miam's Tower of Wealth (CNY) and Symphony of Love (Valentine's)

Miam Miam has launched its exquisite yu sheng called Tower of Wealth ($22.80 Small /$38.80 Large). Put a Japanese spin on your Chinese New Year celebration and toss to prosperity. Three marquee ingredients include the Japanese jellyfish, hotate (scallops) and wakame (seaweed). This trio works together to offer an interplay of wonderful textures and perfect combination of sweet and savoury notes.

Tower of Wealth also comprises a medley of chuka kurage, smoked salmon, crispy vegetable twirls, golden fish chip, sweet pomelo and garden nuts. Pulling all the ingredients together is the refreshing ume sauce, made with a blend of sesame oil and spices. This is an innovative yu sheng that will delight your loved ones.

 Souffle De Nuage ($16.90)

 Glazed Teriyaki Chicken Donburi ($14.90)

 Mentaiko King Crab Aglio Olio ($14.90)

Then, continue to spread love as Valentine’s Day approaches. The Symphony of Love features 4 pancakes in different flavours: vanilla, matcha, red velvet and chocolate. It is an ideal dessert to share with your significant other, family members or colleagues. Express your love for them with these sweet offerings! 

These newly launched items, The Tower of Wealth and Symphony of Love are both available for take away if you wish to enjoy it at your own comfort. Miam Miam's Tower of Wealth is available until 11 February 2017 and Symphony of Love will be available from 8 February to 28 February 2017. 

Miam Miam
Bugis Junction
#02-14
Singapore 188021

[Media Invite] IPPUDO’s first quick-service ramen bar concept in Singapore – Kuro-Obi

IPPUDO launch its 1st Kuro-Obi outlet in Asia at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore! Kuro-Obi was first unveiled in New York, and very quickly it took the city by storm. Since its launch, it has received overwhelming response from New Yorkers. The inception of the Singapore outlet marks Kuro-Obi’s first overseas foray outside of New York. 

Kuro-Obi Singapore is IPPUDO’s only concept around the world to offer 100% chicken broth - Tori-paitan, a delicate and silky chicken soup base. The ramen is served with slow-cooked chicken chashu in lieu of the traditional pork chashu to accommodate the cultural diversity of Singapore. Priced affordably, each bowl of ramen features 140 grams of noodles, which weigh 40 grams more than IPPUDO’s. The thicker noodles complement and soak up the chicken broth perfectly. 

Kuro-Obi allows its customers to customise their own ramen dishes. They can choose to tailor the texture of the noodles, soup concentration, stock richness and condiment add-ons such as garlic and onion.

Pork Bun

 Crispy Corn 

Guests can accompany the dishes with IPPUDO’s much-beloved sides with their favourite ramen. An international best seller, the Pork Bun (S$5) comes in spicy and non-spicy flavours, and stars a slab of melt-in-your-mouth chashu drenched in homemade sweet sauce. Also, the deep fried corn kernels, sprinkled with smoked paparoka powder.

Samurai Ribs

 

 Almond Jelly Noodle

A brand-new dish, the Samurai Rib (S$7/1pc, S$13/2pcs) features pork ribs rubbed with the chef’s special medley of sauce and spices. Cap off the gourmet experience with Almond Jelly Noodle (S$6), another new innovative dessert offered at the new store with jelly noodles served in a milky soup.

Ippudo X Kuro-Obi

Marina Bay Sands

#B2-54/55

Singapore 018972

[Singapore Drama Review] I want to be a Star 小咖大作战

Part-time actor who first started out as a calefare, Zhong Da Tian (Chew Chor Meng) noticed the indispensability of calefares in the media industry, which then spurred him to establish the “Da Tian Calefare Agency”, where he engages talents to take up walk-on roles in various drama productions.Da Tian’s son, Zhong Di Long (played by Shane Pow) spends most of his time idling. After being forced into an acting gig, Di Long learns that being an extra is no easy feat as it seems. Thereon, Di Long embarks on his acting career and encounters other extras - each with a different personality and goal. Will these calefares overcome all setbacks along the rocky road to success? 

Finished watching I want to be a Star 小咖大作战. Personally, I felt that this drama was nicely crafted with a focused story-line. It somewhat urge aspiring people to be courageous and strive in pursuing their dreams!

It reminded me those days being a calefare, where I had to keep myself occupy because of the long waiting time. The earnings maybe small but the very least I got to experience it myself. 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. The cast did well in their craft!

A light-hearted series for the old and young.

View some of my acting experience entry here:

http://boyz86-simplicity.blogspot.sg/2007/09/filming-day-get-to-have-chance-to-be.html

http://boyz86-simplicity.blogspot.sg/2007/09/filming-day-ii-everything-seems-to-be.html

http://boyz86-simplicity.blogspot.sg/2008/05/will-be-in-one-of-episode-for-this-show.html

http://boyz86-simplicity.blogspot.sg/2008/04/2-went-to-be-extra-for-this-upcoming.html

You may wish to watch the entire series here

Ratings: 3.5 / 5

[Media Invitation] Steam Box Launches Its First-Ever Chinese New Year Menu

Steambox has introduced eight new dishes, just in time for the Chinese New Year! The menu comprises 2 new porridges and 6 new dishes, and will be available from 18 January 2017. 

Traditional steamboats tend to leave an unctuous layer of fat and scum after protracted cooking - there is none of that at SteamBox. All the ingredients are brought to the table raw, then freshly steamed - not boiled - before your eyes using the innovative culinary technique of high-speed steaming.  

 Eight Treasures Porridge

Double Happiness Chicken Porridge

 

The new mainstays include Eight Treasures Porridge (S$16), which features a medley of pumpkin, sweet potato, red dates, water chestnut, shitake mushroom, corn, broccoli and carrot; while the Double Happiness Chicken Porridge (S$16) is a nourishing dish, filled with succulent chicken chunks and fresh  mushroom. Together  with  the essence and  juices collected from the fresh ingredients steamed above the plate, these new porridge(s) are perfect to cap off the hearty meal.

Equally enticing are the juicy and plump Phoenix Prawn (S$12.80) and Scallop with Cheese and Bacon (S$19.80), which will tantalise the taste buds of seafood lovers. The Sliced Smoked Duck (S$6.80) are flavourful and tender, and are bound to delight. Then, temper the meat indulgence with Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (S$6.80), which features minced pork, diced prawn, mushroom and water chestnut wrapped with soft and sweet cabbage. Filled with crab stick and bean vermicelli, the Vietnamese Crab Meat Rolls (S$6.80) promise an authentic taste. Finally, the Bacon-wrapped with Baby Potatoes (S$9.80) will certainly satisfy carbs lovers.

Steam Box’s operating hours will remain the same during Chinese New Year period, making it an ideal address for families to celebrate the occasion.

Steam Box
68 Serangoon Garden Way
Singapore 555964

[Album Review] Kenji Wu 吴克群 - 人生超幽默 Humorous Life

等待超过一年，角色多变的吴克群又再一次惊艳所有人，进化为“人生观察家”，赤裸揭开现实生活中的荒谬，将于12月30日压轴发行2016年全新专辑《人生超幽默》。综观世事，吴克群这次不但以独特观点将所见所闻写进歌里，更用反讽口吻将看似美好的假象道破！而吴克群更无奈笑说：“这世界就是这么残酷又现实，就像我音乐做的再努力，但大家还是比较关心我的绯闻啊！

1. 人生超幽默
2. 鬼来电
3. 穷得只剩音乐
4. 拔萝卜
5. 我不要再比了
6. 山东丫头
7. 孤独是会上瘾的
8. 奇怪的你
9. 失速
10. 失声

After about 1 year, Kenji Wu's new album (Humorous Life) is out! Managed to preview this album and its really good! Most of the lyrics are penned by this talented singer, himself. I like the songs from track 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 9. They are meaningful and catchy to the ears. If you like songs that are simple and speak to your heart, you should consider listening to his songs. 

Ratings: 4 / 5

[Media Delivery] Kay’s Instant Macaroni

Kay's instant macaroni (halal certified) are available in 5 flavours - Chicken, Curry, Tom Yum, Vegetable and Anchovy. They are produced with top grade 100% durum wheat semolina with no preservatives at all. Unlike the usual instant noodle, the macaroni are non wax or fried.

It take only 3 minutes to cook this chicken flavour macaroni (seasoning included). For a normal pasta, it usually takes around 8 - 12 mins. I added shredded chicken to complete my meal. The broth was light yet not too flavourful, with no bitter after taste. I cannot wait to try the other flavours as well because I think it taste just as good!

Kay's Instant Macaroni comes in a pack of 3s and cost $3.20 in a bag. You can purchase them from Sheng Siong Supermarket, selected NTUC Fairprice stores, UMart, Prime Supermarket, Mini Marts and Ang Mo Supermarket.

[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