Skyve Elementary Bistro and Bar unveils new ala carte items on their dinner menu! Tucked in a lovely courtyard filled with lush greeneries, this spacious restaurant used to be the canteen of an elementary school. The chic restaurant, with ample parking space, serves modern European cuisine imbued with Asian accents and has recently refreshed their dinner menu with new additions.

Created by Executive Chef-Owner Vincent Teng, the cuisine here features an emphasis on the sous vide technique which is one of Chef Vincent’s signature culinary characteristics. I find the sous vide cooking method has yielded very flavorful results, with vegetables retaining their natural sweetness and meats turning out juicy. Highlights of the updated dinner menu are featured below.

The ambiance of the restaurant is relaxed, with three distinct spaces – al fresco, lounge and main dining area (with separate private section for events or VIP dinners), any of which is appropriate for an evening out with friends or colleagues. To complement the updated food menu, Skyve is also introducing a new wine list comprising good quality yet affordable wines spanning over 70 labels.

Starter: A notable new addition is the Compressed Watermelon Oyster, Lychee “Saketini” Granita Oyster and “Escargot” Style Oyster (S$34/half dozen per style) — plump Canadian oysters topped with interesting ingredients. The Lychee “Saketini” Granita Oyster stood out the most for me and it is a nice savory sweet combination thanks to the cold lychee sake sorbet and seaweed caviar. Normally I balk at warm oysters, but the Escargot Style Oyster is fantastic because of its umami-rich flavors derived from nori butter and shaved bonito flakes.

Starter: Sous Vide Egg & Spaghettini (S$18). Move over, Gunther’s! This is an exceptional dish that’s been perfumed with truffle Hollandaise, embellished with beautiful ribbons of Iberico ham and rounded out with soft poached egg. It is so delicious I can’t begin to elaborate on how wonderful it is. Let’s just say that this is one very memorable dish that you won’t soon forget and I do not recommend sharing this appetizer with anyone. It is a small portion, yes. It is rich in flavor, yes. But you will enjoy every bite of this spaghettini.

Main: This Vegetarian Pizza (S$34) is testament that a meatless dish can be gratifying and wholesome. Topped with an array of colorful sous vide and grilled seasonal vegetables, this thin-crust pizza is so tasty that you won’t be missing meat in this. I enjoyed the natural sweetness of the vegetables and the serving portion is just nice for sharing before moving on to other main entrees.

Main: Asian Inspired Confit of Duck Leg (S$36). Seasoned with Asian Five Spice, this sous vide duck confit is crispy outside and moist inside. Served along side pickled fennel and orange segment salad, polenta fries and drizzled with orange sauce, this dish is well-executed even though I could only detect a very faint aroma of Asian Five Spice (that didn’t bother me much as tenderness of the duck along with its flavorful crispy skin more than made up for it). There is only so much you can do when it comes to this classic French dish, and you don’t want to deviate too far from what majority people expect. That’s why I find the polenta fries to be a notable twist due to the interesting texture and as a great alternative to the usual carb offerings.

Main: This Sous Vide Pork Shoulder (S$36) has been braised in root beer and spices, giving the overall result a sweet glaze. I didn’t care much for the savoury crackling skin but enjoyed the pineapple and pomegranate salsa, as well as the light dusting of plum salt on the side as interest. As for the pork shoulder itself, I know first-hand from cooking in my own kitchen that pork is often tricky; too dry, too “porky”, too tough, undercooked, overcooked, etc etc etc. In the full spectrum of meat tenderness, this isn’t melt-in-your-mouth soft but it is pretty good and almost close to getting there. My general feeling is that this is a tad on the overly sweet side for me though and dialing it down a notch will make this less cloying.

Dessert: Callebaut Warm Chocolate Molten Cake served with Maple Walnut Gelato (S$14). I found this to be a conservative option compared to the other interesting ones on the dessert menu, and it’s not as molten as I’d have preferred. The Maple Walnut Ice Cream, however, is a welcome change from the usual plain ole’ vanilla.

Dessert:  This Mango and Cheese Semifreddo (S$12) with frozen lime foam and sablee cookies caters to those who like their desserts tart (ie. sour, not the pastry). It is not my personal favorite even though the presentation is pretty; I’ve got nothing against this dessert other than my tastebuds just happened to be yearning for something different to conclude my meal with.

Dessert: Inspired By Reds (S$12) is a block of raspberry sorbet with strawberry parfait, sous vide strawberry in balsamic vinegar and crushed black pepper, flower tuile and dehydrated raspberry. I found the sous vide strawberry in balsamic vinegar (sorry not shown) to be extremely sour, however I was most pleased with the strawberry parfait being a great textural contrast to the raspberry sorbet.

Dessert: Tiramisu (S$12) with the addition of kahlua granita over the whipped mascarpone cream layer. This is an interesting interpretation of the classic Italian dessert and I’d go back to try this again (because this was shared and I got the end bit of the lady finger biscuits that was still crunchy; I prefer ‘em to be soaked really well). Or perhaps it was a deliberate attempt to leave the lady finger biscuits that way considering that the granita will melt and you don’t want to tip over the sogginess factor. Hm, tricky tricky. If you’ve made Tiramisu at home before like I have, you’ll know what I mean.

Overall I think the dishes featured here showcase the sous vide method fairly well and I like the pairings of various ingredients in every dish. While they may not all be crazy avant-garde, I like that there’s creativity evident in the design of the new dinner menu (I’m stating this from the perspective of someone who avidly does grocery shopping and cooks/bakes). Food is priced reasonably, flavors are abundant and textures are juxtaposed in interesting manners. I enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant tremendously because it’s laid-back; I’d totally come back here for date night and go for those oysters and spaghettini again.

Skyve Elementary Bistro and Bar
10 Winstedt Road Block E #01-17
Singapore 227977
Tel: (65) 6225-6690

Skyve Elementary Bistro and Bar Website | Facebook

Code Deco, a new artisanal perfumery in Singapore, is proud to announce the launch of its three debut collections: JAZZ, FÉMINITÉ and DETOUR. Helmed by founder and creative director Mrs. Gauri Garodia, who has more than 16 years of experience in the international perfume industry, Code Deco will appeal to perfume connoisseurs with its cosmopolitan appeal, finesse and artistry. These collectible fragrances are specifically designed for both men and women who possess the savoir vivre and choose to express themselves through these masterfully crafted indulgences.

It took Mrs. Gauri three years to perfect a line of 12 fragrances for Code Deco’s three debut collections. Drawing inspiration from her love of literature, travel, music and art, she has carefully come up with three collections – JAZZ, FÉMINITÉ and DETOUR.

JAZZ
With the free-spirited nature of Jazz music as muse, this collection of four pays tribute to music legends such as John Coltrane, Freddie Hubbard and Art Blakey. This series is built around a dark enigmatic base reminiscent of the swinging Jazz bars of the 1930s with their gin-based cocktails, wood and leather interiors and cedarwood cigar boxes. Accordingly, the Jazz base is a complex and dark blend of dark woods, smoky tobacco, leather, patchouli and the pièce-de-resistance: vetiver from Haiti.

The fragrances in this collection are:

• A Minor
• B Minor
• Kokomo
• Happy Blu

FÉMINITÉ
A celebration of the multiple and different facets within each woman, this set of four beauteous fragrances is built around layers of sublime floral notes: feisty ginger snaps in the bubbly and tomboyish George, a romantic bouquet of violets in the French-styled Juliette, a sultry riff in the avant garde Eaux de Jasmine, and a sensual hint of fresh spring in Eaux de Rose.

The fragrances in this collection are:

• Eaux de Jasmine
• Eaux de Rose
• Juliette
• George

DETOUR
Appealing to the wanderlust in everyone, the eclectic scents of DETOUR evoke memories and dreams of fantastical journeys around the world. From the rugged beauty of the Rajasthan plains, the pristine waters of the Tasman sea to the exotic splendour of old Damascus, each fragrance tempts with its allusion to a sophisticated lifestyle of adventure and discovery. The fragrances in this collection entice with their exotic palette of Italian bergamot, Tunisian orange flower, English violet, Cyclamen blossoms, Bulgarian rose and more.

The fragrances in this collection are:

• Thar in Pink
• Marwar
• Tasman in Grey
• Damasc

I attended a public workshop conducted by Mrs. Gauri herself where she guided us on an olfactory journey and I developed a great appreciation towards the different notes in each individual fragrance. I find the fragrances to be exceptionally luxurious, smooth, sophisticated and well-crafted. Unlike commercial fragrances that have been designed to give a big initial impact and then tapers off rapidly, the complex and non-linear fragrances by Code Deco are crafted such that the scents evolve and reveal different dimensions of their character over time. I learned from Mrs. Gauri that a good fragrance ought to be multifaceted and that it should form a connection with who we are, it tells a story and it becomes part of our personality.

For example, several of these fragrances, such as Marwar and Eaux de Jasmine, are complex and extremely beautiful. They conjure imageries of a mystic old world faraway and evoke feelings of effortless glamour for me. Marwar is a modern fragrance that is sheer with contrasts of both warm and cool. Meanwhile, Eaux de Jasmine is an avant-garde scent that’s kinda sleepy, decadent, dark, feminine and sensual.

It’s incredible how Coco Deco fragrances can eloquently communicate worldliness, exotic cultures, moods and ideas. Mrs. Gauri has a very gifted nose and she has truly mastered the art of fine perfumery.

Each fragrance is packaged in full-sized 50ml bottles which retail at $150 each. Code Deco also offers the option of customising a Fragrance Sample Set of six 3ml-sized vials at just $75, allowing perfume enthusiasts to fully express the numerous sides of their personality through a vibrant spectrum of scents: perhaps cheerful Kokomo to blast the Monday blues, the luscious Damasc for a fancy soirée, and bohemian Juliette for a languorous weekend.

Code Deco fragrances currently retail exclusively online at Coco Deco Website.

I was at Glomax Aesthetics not long ago and tried out the award-winning Eternal Lifting Treatment that boosts collagen stimulation and tightens the skin. I find the treatment to be beneficial for me as I have high cheekbones coupled with hollowed cheeks from aging *grimace* and weight loss… Uh yeah, #skinnygirlproblems. This hollowed cheeks business ain’t a good look on anyone. You know how you used to look when you were a teenager, before you shed your babyfat? I know, I know, you most likely hated the way you looked at the time and had wished to be skinnier, taller, prettier, sexier, bustier, blablabla-fill-in-your-other-teenage-body-image-angsty-issues-here-blablabla. But you will agree that that round face and smooth bouncy skin are undeniably the visual keystone of youth for all of us.

The recent headline news about a blogger getting surgical fat grafting done onto her (originally flat and hollow face) to give her a plumper appearance is exemplification of how a more youthful and refreshed look can be attained through a fuller face shape. I don’t mean fatter or chubbier. I mean fuller as in filled and looking healthier. I also wanna use the word “plump” and not make it sound like a bad word, because plump in terms of texture is that babyfat bounciness that I’m talking about. Like, supple and firm skin. You touch it and it boings back. Have you seen what I used to look like ten years ago? Maybe look same same still *maybe*, but the texture of my skin was definitely much firmer at the time.

So the objective is to look youthful. The approach is to get a fuller appearance and have supple boing-y skin. The method – a completely non-invasive one I’m writing about here – is via Glomax Aesthetics’ Eternal Lifting Treatment.

The short video below will give you a better idea of how the procedure is done.

Eternal Lifting Treatment utilizes RF energy to stimulate existing collagen and elastin fibers, enhance collagen secretion, and improve skin’s elasticity over time. From the very first treatment, collagen fibers are contracted, giving an immediate firmed and tightened appearance. Bi-polar RF energy is applied to heat the dermis thereby strengthening tissue fibers and dermal collagen to improve skin laxity, sagginess and texture. Using proprietary advanced technology and an integrated skin cooling mechanism, the applied RF energy stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis to improve the skin’s elasticity, enhance collagen secretion and induce the production of pro-collagen for long-term effects.

The treatment itself was comfortable for me. There’s a slight suction sensation when the machine came in contact with the treatment area and short bursts of super mild heat could be felt. The heat was bearable and controlled by the beautician; she could dial it up or down depending on your tolerance level. There were just one area on my face where I felt discomfort from the heat: directly under my eyes. I think the skin there is too thin and delicate, whenever I get laser toning/IPL to phase down my pigmentation (at a doctor’s office), the periorbital area has always been painful and sensitive for me. But I suppose no pain, no gain and I just had to endure this no matter what because firmer skin in the periorbital zone = less visible eyebags, fine lines and crow’s feet.

All in all, with the exception of the under-eye area, the Eternal Lifting Treatment is pain-free and there are no side effects. This treatment is suitable also for the jowls, cheeks, forehead as well the sensitive areas of neck and decollete.

Here’s my face – before and after – on the left and right side respectively. At a glance you can’t see any difference, so I’m going to show you more closely below.

To better illustrate the immediate effects of this Eternal Lifting Treatment, I’ve drawn some lines and curves to show you the difference before and after. As you can clearly see now, the brow and eye area has been lifted on the side that had the treatment. Similarly, my cheekbone sits at a slightly higher position after the treatment. Another effect which I am unable to convey via diagram is the suppleness of the skin. Immediately after treatment, it feels tighter and bouncier – it has a bit more resistant when I press the surface with a finger. The boing-y effect that I was talking about in the beginning of this post.

This treatment is effective in diminishing the look of sagging skin and overall, gives my face a more youthful appearance. There is a definitive improvement in skin texture and laxity. Later that evening, when I applied makeup for a dinner date, I love how it glides on my skin and I looked so much more spritely and lively (somewhat of a departure from my recent surly self).

No wonder this Eternal Lifting Treatment has won The Women’s Weekly Best Non-Invasive Treatment Award 2013! The effects of this treatment in just one session wear off after about a week or so for me *sobs* – but it is a very good and effective picker-upper (literally) for a special occasion like birthday, wedding or anniversary dinner, for example. This treatment normally runs $400 per session, but I’m happy to share a special promotion code below for my readers to get the treatment done at a deep discount. I highly urge you to take advantage of this and try out the incredible lifting and collagen stimulating effects for yourself.

FYI, I have been getting my facial exclusively done at Glomax Aesthetics for the last few months. After being impressed with a trial session, I signed on for a package and they have been taking very good care of my face – the recurring breakouts I was getting around my jawline and chin have diminished a lot.

GLOMAX Aesthetics – The Face Artistry
12 Eu Tong Sen Street #06-168
The Central, Soho 2
Singapore 059819
Tel: (65) 6225-5193

Website: http://www.glomaxaesthetics.com | Facebook

For the love of cheesecake and brownie, you now can have the best of both worlds with signature cheese brownies from The Baker’s Story. The Baker’s Story, helmed by owner and chef Eric Tan, boasts six signature cheese brownies that are one-of-a-kind. These velvety smooth cheese brownies are packed with flavors and at less than S$3 a slice, anyone with a serious sweet tooth with surely delight in these.

The original Cheese Brownie took six months of experimenting with different ingredients and combinations before Chef Eric Tan stumbled upon all the right notes of cream cheese and chocolate flavors. It has since become a best-seller and its popularity inspired Chef Eric Tan to develop more varieties.

These other flavors include the Mint Cheese Brownie, the Orange Cheese Brownie, the Crunchy Cheese Brownie, Banana Brownie and Walnut Chocolate Brownie (the last two are non-cheese based).

I dove into all six cheese brownies mentioned above and there can only be only one word to describe them: rich. My faves out of the lot are the original Cheese Brownie as well as the Walnut Chocolate Brownie. The latter’s ingredients add a nice wholesome crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft brownie. With that said, personally I find them all to be a wee too sweet for me and the texture is mousse-like, which is way too soft for my liking. I am aware that think this is a tricky one. I’m a hobbyist baker and I have made both cheesecake and brownie several times before. The ideal cheesecake texture ought to be soft and fluffy while I’ve mentioned before somewhere that I prefer my brownie to be cake-like and firm in texture. To bake these two dessert items together simultaneously and finding an ideal texture that balances both isn’t an easy task so I give kudos to Chef Eric Tan for his creation. However, I genuinely think that the overall texture can still be revised.

I’ll say that for me these cheese brownies need to be accompanied with a cup of warm tea and savored slowly one bite at a time. In other words, they are rich so take your time to enjoy.

The Baker’s Story first opened its doors at Sin Ming Center in 2004 and a second outlet was opened in Tanjong Pagar in 2012. For those curious to try these cheese brownies for yourselves, check out The Baker’s Story website for other baked goods and store locations.

I first came across What Women Want through Instagram. It was completely random and accidental when I spotted a photo of a statement necklace that was posted. I checked out the account and was floored by photos of other beautiful accessories that she has shared online. I must’ve double-tapped on almost everything that I saw on her account (double tap = an Instagram like) and was so excited that I had to pop into the store in person as soon as I could.

Did you spot anything that you like in the video?

What Women Want has a retail space in Mandarin Gallery and it’s a wonderland of glamorous items that yes, most women would want. Every corner of the store is filled with beautiful items, from colorful dresses, lovely shoes, playful bags and an array of really fun and glamorous accessories, including bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings. When I was at the store, my head was spinning in euphoria and I was frothing in the mouth from the excitement of seeing so many pretty things. The owners have carefully curated the items that are stocked in the store and new arrivals are added to the store regularly. The accessories aren’t very expensive either, they range from under a hundred dollars to about three hundred-ish. This store has gotta be the bestest discovery I made this year.

I ended up purchasing a few items — uhm, even though that week my horoscope had cautioned me about splurging on things that I didn’t need. But how to resist when in the presence of such trendy and gorgeous bling-blangs!?!!?! I know I will definitely go back to the store again to snag more swag. If you are looking for trendy accessories with a visual impact, the store you gotta go to is What Women Want. I’m super damn thrilled to have discovered it. If I could, I would have bought the entire store. Seriously.

Or maybe can I, like, live in the store or something?

Last but not least, ATTENTION TO ALL THE DUDES:

If a girl says not to get her a birthday present that means “get me a birthday present and make sure it’s jewelry”. — Quote by Kami Garcia.

Pssst, no need to wait for birthdays. Yup, you’re welcome, ladies. ;)

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What Women Want
333 Orchard Road
Mandarin Gallery #02-28
Tel: (65) 6887-4853

Stay up to date with new items added to the store via What Women Want FB page and Instagram.

Rockin’ the bling,
-MB.

Chef Keisuke Takeda, Tokyo Ramen Champion winner, is back with his fourth ramen joint in Singapore – Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King Four Seasons at Bugis Village. The concept of his new ramen restaurant, as the name suggests, revolves around the four seasons which as we all know are a visceral delight in Japan. As you step into this 54-seater restaurant, you’re welcomed by an interior which has been divided into four areas with distinct decorations that speak of each season. But of course, the heart of nature’s inspiration lies in Chef Keisuke Takeda’s new ramen creations.

Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King Four Seasons features five ramens with different toppings, of which are unique and unexpected — Spring Ramen, Summer Ramen, Autumn Ramen, Winter Ramen and King Ramen. All the ramens here are Tonkotsu broth-based; “tonkotsu” refers to pork bone broth and over here, the broth has been simmered beyond 11 hours overnight resulting in an undeniably robust flavor.

In keeping with the restaurant’s theme, each ramen variety is served in original Arita porcelain bowls individually bearing the season’s name in Kanji calligraphy.

Spring Ramen (S$11.90) features a very interesting basil and cheese topping, which when mixed thoroughly with the broth creates an exceptionally unique flavor. I bet you’ve never tried ramen with basil and cheese before.

Summer Ramen (S$13.90) comes with a topping of minced spicy pork that’s been seasoned with Szechuan peppercorns, Shichimi Japanese chilli powder and local Singapore chilli. This ought to be a huge hit for those who enjoy spicy food.

Autumn Ramen (S$12.90)’s unique topping is a mixture of ground pork, mushroom medley and bonito flakes. Japanese flavors for sure, but with a new twist.

As for Winter Ramen (S$10.90) this is the option for ramen purists who just want to evaluate and enjoy the Tonkotsu broth goodness on its own without distractions. This is hardly a plain version though, as it comes with a huge slice of Japanese char siew, woodear mushrooms, pork-ginger stir-fry slices and tamago eggs (which, btw, are all included in the other ramens too as standard embellishments).

There is one other ramen – King Ramen (S$13.90) – not shown here, meant for heavyweight champion eaters as it includes all of the unique toppings mentioned above.

I sampled all the ramens with the exception of the King Ramen, and found each one to be different and delicious in its own way. It is imperative to mix all the toppings well in order to enjoy the unique flavors imparted from said toppings. For starter, the Tonkotsu broth sans topping in Winter Ramen is definitely flavorful and hearty; perfect to slurp this pipping hot. I am on the fence as to which out of the other three – Spring, Summer or Autumn, I like best. The cheese and basil toppings in Spring Ramen brought forth a very interesting flavor combination that’s creamy and savory-sweet, however the basil component wasn’t very detectable for me. I really enjoyed the Summer Ramen’s spicy topping as it gives the ramen a nice spicy kick – but frankly it’d have been too spicy for me if I were to finish an entire bowl on my own. The Autumn Ramen has a pronounced bonito flavor which was nice but it got too overpowering for me after a few bites. Chances are the next time I return to Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King Four Seasons  I will go straight to the King Ramen so that I can have a bit of everything in manageable portions rather than being overwhelmed by any one topping type.

Just like at the other restaurant Ramen Keisuke Tori King, the serving portions here are generous and a bowl of ramen will make for a truly hearty meal. And if that doesn’t fill you up, there is free flow hard-boiled eggs and marinated beansprouts for you to munch on also!

Newly introduced at Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King Four Seasons is the Japanese Green Tea Cola to quench your thirst. It’s a green tea-flavored fizzy drink which is ultra refreshing and it isn’t overly sweet.

(Btw, mucho thanks to DanielFoodDiary for the impromptu ‘date’ and taking pics of me.)

To celebrate its new launch, Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King Four Seasons is offering a special promotion for all of their customers. From 10 May to 10 June 2013, please take any creative photo (ramen, staff, interiors, you drooling over your bowl of ramen, etc.) when you visit the restaurant and upload it to their Facebook page for a chance to win:

☆　1 x pair of Air Ticket to Tokyo!!! *kyaaa~*
☆　10 x One Keisuke Four Seasons Original Arita Porcelain Ramen Bowl
☆　20 x $50 Dinning Voucher

That’s right. PROCLAIM YOUR LOVE FOR RAMEN KEISUKE TONKOTSU KING FOUR SEASONS NOW.

Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King Four Seasons
Bugis Village, 158 Rochor Road
Tel: (65) 6333-5740

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Nomz,
-MB.

Start your weekend right with brunch at The Halia at Raffles Hotel, a new urban-chic sibling of the award-winning The Halia at Singapore Botanic Gardens. Situated on the ground floor of Singapore’s most iconic hotel, weekenders can now relish in the lush indoor greenery and relaxed atmosphere while enjoying delectable brunch specials.

The interior of The Halia at Raffles Hotel is spacious and well-lit with natural light streaming in from the framed colonial-style windows all around. Along with the black and white subway tiles on the floor, and a vertical garden against a back wall near the serving station, this sets the canvas for a casual dining experience.

A live tree, a nod to the original Halia at Singapore Botanic Gardens, with a wooden table is the centerpiece of the restaurant that welcomes you when you step in. Tall wooden tables with backed leather bar chairs are ideal for a group of friends, while regular-height tables (some with upholstered banquettes) are family-appropriate – especially those with young ‘uns.

Start your brunch with a refreshing drink from the extensive drinks menu which includes Heavenly Halia (S$20) – a concoction of fresh ginger, pineapple, peach liqueur, Blue Curacao and sprite.

Or if you prefer, kick back with a tall glass of the restaurant’s popular signature cocktail, Singapore Sling by Hendrick’s (S$28), a tribute to and an adaptation of the iconic original creation (invented right here at Raffles Hotel decades ago). What makes Halia’s version delightful is the addition of Hendrick’s Gin, which has unique rose and cucumber infusions, and a secret orange liqueur. I think this version is better than the original, it’s not as syrupy and the cucumber infusion adds an invigorating dimension to this sexy cocktail.

Brunch purists with voracious appetites and egg aficianados will be thrilled by the Grilled Breakfast with Any Style Eggs (S$23) – with an option to have it fried, poached, as an omelette or scrambled, accompanied with Italian pork sausage, sweetened bacon, Portobello mushroom, vine tomato and toasted sourdough. I’m all over poached eggs these days, like yolk on white yo. ;p

Another hearty option is the White Bean Iberico Chorizo Leek Stew (S$16) with egg sunny side up, smoked chipotle sauce, tomato and fine herbs. Not a common item on most brunch menus, the portion of this stew serves two or three people comfortably. Unlike most stews that tend to be heavy, this is robust without being too thick, and totally appropriate to dunk sourdough toasts into. The idea of having stew on a weekend morning is charming and I enjoy this very much.

Look forward to the Sous Vide Wagyu Rump Cap (S$36) served with buttered brocollini, truffle mash, slow roast cherry tomato and drizzled with tarragon jus. The slices of steak are excellent – every bite is juicy and the texture is soft, while the truffle mash completely shines. MUST TRY!

Too many restaurants serve truffle this, truffle that and the overkill made truffle-anything passé for me very quickly. However, this truffle mash is delicate and elegant with the right amount of truffle perfume. It has effectively revived my appreciation towards truffle again.

Another homerun for me is the Pancakes (S$12) with bacon butter, fresh strawberries and puree. Fluffy, airy and served in three pieces per portion, this tastes as good as it looks. I particularly enjoy the interesting sweet-savory combination of fresh strawberries and crumbled bacon – both in flavors and textures. This leaves me wanting more.

If you’ve got room for dessert (hey, it’s the weekend – please make room), there’s the Sticky Chocolate Brownie with Creme Brulee Ice Cream and Passionfruit Sauce (S$12). This brownie is a little bit like a denser version of a chocolate wafer and I personally prefer my brownie to be more cake-like, ie. thicker and less crunchy.

A definite MUST TRY is the Sticky Toffee Pudding (S$10), a simple yet beautiful dessert of fluffy pudding topped with vanilla ice-cream, butterscotch sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt. It’s not as sweet as it sounds, the flavors are just right and it definitely hits the spot for me. The moist and slightly springy texture won me over  - it’s like nothing I’ve ever had before – and I must go back to have this again.

Halia’s Signature Halia Infusion of Sundried Ginger and Wild Mountain Honey (S$10) rounds off brunch nicely – served cold or hot.

The simple brunch menu at The Halia at Raffles Hotel is certainly filled with surprises and out of the few which I featured above, I’d easily go back to the restaurant and order most of them again. Given the quality of food and serving portions, I think the prices are very fair. Brunch at The Halia at Raffles Hotel is served every weekend and on public holidays from 11AM to 5:30PM. I’m looking forward to returning soon!

The Halia at Raffles Hotel
#01-22/23, 1 Beach Road
Singapore 189673
Tel: (65) 9639-1148

The Halia at Raffles Hotel Facebook Page

Lipton, everyone’s favorite tea brand that’s instantly identifiable by its bright yellow tag, is celebrating the feel-good moments of their tea fans with the launch of Lipton Moments Singapore. If you’ve been following my Instagram feed (hellopleasefollowmeyaythanks), you may have noticed that I’ve been posting several photos with the hashtag #LiptonMomentsSG. It’s an Instagram photo sharing contest where you share images that capture a positive moment and inspire others to do the same through this online social media channel. Plus you also stand a chance to win great prizes including a trip to Bali and a luxurious spa experience at Hyatt Hotel! :)

Lipton Moments Singapore comes at a time when Lipton is encouraging new and younger consumers to drink tea on a more regular basis to provide that much needed lift during their hectic daily lives. This campaign reminds all of us that Lipton Moments are all about happy and positive times. So brew a cup of your favorite Lipton tea, kick back and enjoy the moment.

I am a big tea drinker so I’m thrilled to have stumbled upon this photo sharing contest because I totally am in sync with the idea that drinking tea is a positive sensorial experience. Tea is calming for me and I associate drinking it with happy moments, especially the tiny ones throughout the day. Let me share with you some of my fave feel-good moments below.

ME time = art time. The time to push myself creatively and explore the different processes to express this. Okay, that first part of the sentence sorta came out wrong. I don’t like thinking of it as pushing myself, it should ideally flow effortlessly through me while I surrender myself to an enjoyable experience and lose track of time. Thing is, I often kick myself for not doing enough of this. I know that for the most part, it’s due to the peripheral grievances that I’ve received whenever I bring up the importance of ME time. I get this little voice in my head reminding me how it’s hurtful to people who feel neglected and ignored, and then I feel guilty for having the desire to escape into my own imaginary world.

Meanwhile I see all these beautiful inspiring creations from talents all over the world and I ask, why am I shortchanging myself because of the way others perceive ME time as being selfish? I can’t always be responsible for the way others feel, especially particularly specifically when I am not out to be malicious or hurtful. Why, I guess being ME is hurtful to some? Well then… :[ I can only be who I am and trying to be the best ME that I can be. Sorry, I digress – as I was saying earlier… Curating ideas/inspirations isn’t nearly the same as actually creating something. I believe that as with other endeavors, time for creativity requires dedication and discipline. The more frequently I immerse myself in it, the more effortless it will be. At least in theory, we’ll see… I hadn’t touched my watercolors in a while – still wrestling with love-hate issues - but the other day I thought, what the heck if I don’t make small steps to reconcile, I will never break out of this glass ceiling that I put over my own head. Met with some hurdles initially, of course, lotsa crappy shit came out and my inner critic mercilessly reminded me how much I sucked when it comes to watercolor.

*shrug* I dunno. I suppose slowing down, stepping away and taking a breather when it got way too self-deprecating helped. Came back feeling less defeated and tried again. Then again. And yet again. Doodled mindlessly on the side. Sipped tea on the side. Decided to combine watercolor and ink, sorta looked like something nice was happening and finally I ended up with this painting/drawing/doodling combo you see above of a teacup with bunting. My inner critic was about to say something about that but I decided that it should STFU for now and let me have my feel-good moment. I’m happy and that’s that.

A plate of roast duck noodle with a side of Lipton Asian White Green Tea. What can I say, I love food – and I am aware that I don’t eat regularly enough. But that’s a-okay. Whenever I do eat, I enjoy my food and I like to cap my meal off with a cup of tea whenever I can. I don’t know if this is considered weird, but I don’t like to mix eating and drinking together. I mean, I’d eat, eat, eat and then drink to finish the meal… instead of sipping a drink in between eating/chewing – unless the food is really salty or spicy. Is that weird??? Most of the time I’m too full to have desserts or fruits (oops!) so the cup of tea is my palate cleanser and mock-digestif. It also assists in slowing me down mentally and wrapping myself around the food coma that usually follows after a satisfying meal. Mmm~ moments like these definitely count as a feel-good moment and life is good.

Inspiration can be found everywhere. Aurally via sounds, visually through images and also from words on paper. I don’t read as much as I should anymore (oops again!), but I do have a stack of feel-good boosting paperbacks that I flip through from time to time in my pursuit of positive living and spiritual wellness. Life can be hard to navigate sometimes and people often suck. I, for one, enjoy being a self-sufficient hermit, while having minimal interaction with people and mindfully keeping my distance from toxic situations. But of course no (wo)man is an island and I like to get reminders that the world is filled with loads of awesomeness even when there are way too many unnecessary passive-aggressions going around.

For example: “B!t¢h, you owe me money since last year and you don’t return my messages, whatdafug!!!”. True story.

In the meantime, I drink tea to keep calm. :)

It feels good to extract oneself from the piss pool that other people shoved you into. Rise above it, rise above it. That, my friends, is enlightenment.

On a separate note, lately I find myself feeling crushed and having a lot of doubts. Like, should I really be doing what I’m doing? Am I on the right path? What the fudge am I doing and why the hell am I doing this again? And so on and so forth. Dark clouds of feeling discouraged, not a happy state of mind. It happens, I guess, especially when one’s a juggler. I guess this is why drinking a cup of hot tea has a calming effect because you can’t rush the action lest you want to scald your mouth. It forces me to slow down, sip slowly and mindfully being present in the moment while I sort this out slowly in my head is a positive thing. There’s no other way around it. Doesn’t quite feel as good during the process of mulling over these shitty thoughts, but it sure feels damn awesome when the breakthrough moment arrives. Enlightenment? That’s what I’m talking about.

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#LiptonMomentsSG – a photo contest to share and connect.

I’m sure you experience plenty positive moments in your daily life too, yah? Lipton fans in Singapore are invited to creatively and visually share uplifting moments for the chance to win great prizes, including weekly spa vouchers from Hyatt Hotel Singapore (worth SG$ 184.89 each) for the first three weeks, and a Grand Prize featuring 3D2N trip to Bali (worth SG$826.00 for 2 pax!!!) in the fourth (and last) week.

The contest is running now through 20 MAY 2013.

An image can convey so many sentiments, whether it’s exuding excitement, posi-tea-vity (heh), spontaneity or brightness, images can capture a positive moment and inspire you to feel the same way. Sharing #LiptonMomentsSG photos via Instagram gives people the chance to socially experience that much needed lift. No Instagram? No problem! Alternatively, you can also upload your photos using Lipton Moments app that can be found on Lipton Singapore Facebook Page. Wheee~

So, what’s your Lipton Moment? :)

TGIF with mucho lurv,
-MB.

This spring, bring a Koh Lamp into your home to add a new dimension to your living space. The first home design product from Koh Concepts, a Hong Kong-based company, the Koh Lamp is a mood setter, space setter and conversation starter with its warm glow, flexible usage and creative design. Just one of the cleverly crafted Koh Lamps is required to fill an entire space with the colour of choice to set the mood. I just got mine in purple and it immediately transforms the ambiance of my apartment into a sexy, stylish creative den.

Designed by Christophe D’orey – founder and designer of Koh Concepts, the Koh Lamp was inspired during a trip to a village in Africa. Each night the villagers would gather around the campfire to discuss their days. To set the mood, they would place light bulbs inside coloured canisters to create complementary lighting. Paired together with the warm glow of the fire, this created a soothing backdrop for friends and family to come together and catch up. Who would have thought that an ordinary, everyday item could do just that? With that, a basic translucent-colored plastic water container repurposed into a stylish and eco-friendly home decor element was born.

Purple Koh Lamp before it’s turned on. Each unit comes with a bulb and detachable cord. Setting it up is easy, literally a plug and play item.

Purple Koh Lamp after it’s turned on. Let’s collectively say, “Ooooohhh”.

The soft muted glow emitting from the Koh Lamp is elegant, it’s not glaring or harsh and turns my apartment to look like one of those hip members-only privé lounges downtown.

My chic living room corner for a nightcap with purple ambient light and a couple of votive candles. Pair this set-up with a low tempo playlist that includes this couple of tunes I’ve shared in a separate post, and I’ve got me a full sensory experience to chill and unwind in style.

I moved the lamp to my hallway and I love how it became a grown-up nightlight. A really sophisticated-looking one at that too.

Even though purple visually feels most appropriate and “Moonberry-like” for my space, the Koh Lamp is available in eight radiant colours so you can pick a fave that enlivens, enlightens and elevates your space. This versatile lamp transforms itself into an extraordinary chromo-therapeutic tool to lift moods and soothe souls. (Remember the chakra colors and the relationship between colors and spiritual wellness?)

The vibrant and energetic glow that the Lime Green and Orange Koh Lamps emit not only brightens up your day but also enhances furniture you may already have. The radiant glow of the Magenta and Purple lamps add a touch of sophistication to any interior design while the natural beauty of the Bamboo Green and Green auras are perfect for those looking to connect with their inner peace. The calming Lagoon and Blue illuminators are ideal for those looking to create a tranquil, laidback and soothing space.

I this this purple Koh Lamp will look great inside my bedroom too and I can imagine I’m a tiny flower fairy sleeping in an Avatar-like magic forest. *_^

With its moderate glow, the lamp is easy on the eyes, providing the optimum brightness for movie watching and ambient lighting. The lightweight and easy-to-clean surface also makes it suitable for outdoor use. The Koh Lamp also compliments lifestyles with a green conscience as it eliminates the need for multiple types of mood lighting, consumes minimal energy and is easily recycled.

Measuring approximately 16″H x 11″W x 9″ D and retailing at USD150 each (includes worldwide shipping when ordered online), Koh Lamps are coming soon to your local design furniture shop, art gallery and trend stores. Find out more at http://www.kohconcepts.com and follow their Facebook page.

Which Koh Lamp colors turn you on?

-MB.

Even though it appears as though I was “doing nothing” on my hermitic weekends, I’ve actually discovered quite a few gems through my reading and solo explorations online in these quiet moments alone. I got to read a funny cat prose penned by T.S. Eliot, I got to unwind with my down-beat ambient electronic grooves, I got to catch up on reading self-improvement/spiritual wellness articles and gleaned some insights. These are the little things that I like and enjoy, and have an interest in. I want to list them here for posterity’s sake so that I have a handy index to refer to next time.

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If you’ve found yourself in the one-upmanship game of personal branding or the race to social media stardom, [...] you need to stop–today–and evaluate the value your business is creating.

The Promise of the You Economy: It’s Not About You

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We tend to seek to increase happiness by adding things (food, excitement, a warm bath, time with a loved one) but contentment is a skill that allows you to subtract things and still be content.

A Guide to Practical Contentment

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The result would be a saner way of living, where we aren’t “working for the weekend” or looking forward to the little vacation time we have, but instead are happier throughout the week.

The Practice of Work Mind & Vacation Mind, Simultaneously

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The best part about having “Me Time” on weekends is being able to bank in twelve hours of sleep and feel refreshed mentally, recharged physically, ready to tackle a new work week. As a creative, there is no “off” mode and I’m constantly soaking up information like a sponge. Taking the time to do things that are just for me, in my own pace and space, is important. No one’s gonna do it for me, only I can do it for myself. It is not a concept of luxury, but the preservation of sanity. Weekends are totally made for this! :)

What do you enjoy doing on weekends?

Being Moonberry,
-MB.