Not running out of dinner choices at Plaza Singapura with Kai Sushi & Robatayaki

November 11, 2016, 10:49 pm

≫ Next: A "Native" Queenstown Food Trail: CHEF Hainanese Western Food (Tanglin Halt)

≪ Previous: Chasing Queues: I'm KIM Korean BBQ

$

0

0

I always run out of dinner ideas at Plaza Singapura. Right in the middle of town, how could I? There are a few major F&B brands that I sworn off (ah-hem) but still have long snaking queues which I never thought it was worth it, and then there's a hidden gem called Kai Sushi & Robatayaki which I would willingly part my money for (Almost. It is on the expensive side). Tucked away on the fourth floor of the new wing, this Japanese restaurant enjoys a decent-sized crowd on a weekday evening... we had to wait a little before a table was ready, but fair enough.

 

 

This dinner happened weeks ago, andso I cannot really remember the names of the dishes - but certainly the Bara Zuke Chirashi (SGD15.80) left quite a good impression on me, with its fresh and diverse offerings of sashimi that totally made for a wonderful dinner! The maki was also delicious and although not as flamboyant than a certain shiok maki in Orchard area as well, but they were incredibly enjoyable pops for dinner. Kai Sushi hasn't really made waves around my social circle but it is indeed a place that is worthy to visit if you're craving for a consistent, quality Japanese meal.

Kai Sushi & Robatayaki
Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road
#04-68
Singapore 238839

Never miss a post again!

I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

---

A "Native" Queenstown Food Trail: CHEF Hainanese Western Food (Tanglin Halt)

November 11, 2016, 11:35 pm

≫ Next: Baby clear skin is not by chance - skincare in safe hands with The Wellness Suite

≪ Previous: Not running out of dinner choices at Plaza Singapura with Kai Sushi & Robatayaki

$

0

0

Heyyo! I'm back with another Queenstown food trail post - this time on a place that is (quote) really hidden gem (unquote) called CHEF Hainanese Western Food at Tanglin Halt Market. Seriously, this stall just looked like any other "eh-hem-Astons" Western stall but then it is really way better than other Western stalls. I mean... I am someone who shuns away from this category when I am at a hawker centre, but one day I found myself at Tanglin Halt Market with the other stalls looking rather frumpy and unattractive relative to this one, so I gave this a try. And it turns out to be way above my expectations:

Going at only SGD5 a plate - these Fish & Chips and Grilled Chicken Chop were cooked up fervently with a passionate chef in there. Even the process of his cooking is a spectacle to behold. I am two minds about which one I liked better, arguably I liked the chicken chop's sauce, with a bit of savoury and citrus-fruity taste in it which made it especially appetising. The chicken chop was very tender to bite, and fits the sauce to a tee! The fish & chips on the other hand, has got to be eaten quickly while it's still hot and crispy to enjoy it at its finest. It is so sinfully fried and delicious, it will give Australians' fish & chips a run for its money. The sauce used is surprisingly similar, but it works. The fries were okay and the coleslaw was dismaying (okay, I generally hate vegetables, so) but the mains totally made up for it!

If you're in the area, you know what to look for: this sprightly old man cooking up a storm. Nevermind that his stall's banner seemed to be put together with some WordArt, because his food is da bomb. One word: SHIOK!

CHEF Hainanese Western Food
1A Commonwealth Drive
#01-04 Tanglin Halt Food Centre
Singapore 141001

Never miss a post again!

I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

Baby clear skin is not by chance - skincare in safe hands with The Wellness Suite

November 17, 2016, 10:59 pm

≫ Next: Chopsticks by The Asian Kitchen December 2016 New Menu!

≪ Previous: A "Native" Queenstown Food Trail: CHEF Hainanese Western Food (Tanglin Halt)

$

0

0

Why do some people have baby clear skin and some don't? Is it a matter of winning life's lottery? Apparently not. Effort needs to be taken, and I'm not just talking about daily beauty regime of cleansing, toning and moisturizing. I've been there, done that but my skin is still not the best I wished it could be. Here comes The Wellness Suite, my new skincare sponsor that taught me a lot about the hidden secrets about skincare.

1. Professional advice on your skin is essential.
As I said, even if you are rigorous in your beauty regime, there are limits to what your products can do. Seeking professional help is needed for persistent skin problems such as brown spots, acne scars, blemishes and enlarged pores. These do not vanish on their own, and some may even worsen with age or become harder to rid.

2. Timing is everything.
Did you realize that at age 23, your peers are getting more polished? And you find yourself falling behind? That's certainly how I feel now. And nope, it's not a biological puberty happening, but an awakening to how important appearance is to young adults especially in our superficial world. Even if you've skin problems from your teenage years (I totally feel you), you can actively improve it with today's technology. The team at The Wellness Suite shared with me that most of their customers indeed come from the age group of early twenties and how they have helped them achieve their desired complexion.

Doing the treatment slowly at a pace I am comfortable with

3. A little pain goes a very long way.
I consider myself quite interested in facial treatments and read a fair bit about them, but reading really doesn't equate to going through the whole process. The Clear & Glow treatment I went through, including a Q-switch and IPL, yielded very surprising results:

Immediately after treatment is complete - no redness at all

- Zero downtime (wowowow)
Given what I know about the laser zaps, treatments usually leave their clients very red-faced. I had none of that, and could resume my normal routine without any issues. I was pleasantly surprised.

- Afterglow
Not immediately, but the day after and next, there was an obvious glow in my complexion that could not be missed! I haven't had such good skin in a long while, and I was very pleased. 

- Improved makeup application
BB cream no longer gets trapped all over and glides on smoothly. I didn't even need to use as much BB cream anymore!

That short 10 minutes of pain for all these benefits? Yes, it's certainly a good trade off.

My doctor, Dr Benjamin Yong, was extremely patient with me, and reassured me throughout the process. He did it once first and asked me if I'm ok with the zapping feeling. It was very unnatural at first but it got better as it goes, it's a matter of getting used to the feeling.

If you want to improve your skin condition, I definitely recommend The Wellness Suite for their professionalism and amazing results. Quote my name to enjoy your 1st trial at $70!

The Wellness Suite

The Wellness Suite at Paragon is a boutique-styled medical aesthetic practice that provides a comprehensive suite of aesthetic treatments. All treatments are delivered using advanced technology and premium brands, and believe in providing customised and quality treatments to their patients.

For more information: www.tws.sg
Call/whatsapp 9329 1000
Visit their facebook page here.

Never miss a post again!

I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

Chopsticks by The Asian Kitchen December 2016 New Menu!

November 26, 2016, 2:04 am

≫ Next: A "Native" Queenstown Food Trail: The Milky Way Homemade Ice Cream

≪ Previous: Baby clear skin is not by chance - skincare in safe hands with The Wellness Suite

$

0

0

For the love of noodles: check out the new menu from Chopsticks by The Asian Kitchen this December 2016! The crew behind this famous restaurant chain in Singapore has come up with a new menu that caters to the lovely people that enjoys noodles, creating their rendition of noodles that have an Asian origin. Wanna find out if there will be anything that will spice up your next lunch? Read on!

Essentially - this is my favourite so I'm featuring this first!!! All of them are very different so it's hard to do a point-by-point comparison, it really depends on what kind of taste you like. Vietnam Roast Chicken Rice Noodles (SGD9.90) is my go-to choice because of how appetizing it is, it has a distinctive light, sweet, sour-ish, and refreshing fish sauce nước chấm flavour throughout the bowl. It is almost like a salad, rather than a main, which I guess small-appetite eaters will fully appreciate! The roasted chicken also adds more protein to the bowl, making it a well-marinated, tasty and nutritious meal.

Next up - the most photogenic bowl of Japanese-style miso noodles (SGD10.80) that got all of us really excited because it smells reallyy good! Of course, give it a good mix before you start your chopsticks, to roll the egg and miso paste to let it coat every part of the thin round noodles. The miso paste has a very strong, savoury taste that is very appealing as well.

Then, we tried the Seafood Tomato Noodles (SGD11.80) which is very thick in its tomato noodle base, it's almost like a sauce texture. I guess it's a love or hate dish - if you like tomato, you'll probably go crazy over it, and if you don't, it probably isn't going to change your mind about the fruit-vegetable. This bowl has an unmistakable generous medley of seafood as well.

The last new menu item is this bowl of noodles: Sichuan Spicy Wantons Lao Mian (SGD9.90) which for Singaporeans... will probably be reminiscent of wonton noodles! Straight up, it isn't spicy enough to be considered 'Sichuan' - however, if it were, most Singaporeans probably can't eat it any way! It's quite mild to be considered spicy wantons (红油抄手), though the quality is good I found it lacked that fiery spark that it should have. Or you can say it's child-friendly spicy wantons. You'll get a bowl of above average wanton noodles, but don't go expecting legit 红油抄手 because you would be disappointed. They also serve up these Sichuan spicy wantons (SGD7.50) as a side dish.. the wontons from the noodles are the same as this.

Chicken potato salad - tried and tested, and we say Yes! This is pretty good as an appetizer to kick off a meal. The pan-fried dumplings are presented in a different shape from the usual fan-shape, and I found it decent, a little more heavy-handed on the chives than I would have liked.

Some other 'yes-es' that we had round the table - the Nonya Fish Slices (SGD10.80) really packed a punch and hit where the right tastebuds are, highly piquant and rich in flavour. It would do really well with just rice on the side. The fish slices were also cooked to a very tender texture.

Some of the signature items from Chopsticks by The Asian Kitchen include their original roast chicken (SGD10.50 per plate) and also their mala roast (SGD11.50 per plate) and ginger roast (SGD11.50 per plate), maintaining its moisture at a decent level, and ensuring that every bite is yummy!

Chopsticks by The Asian Kitchen

1 Raffles Quay

Raffles Quay Asset Management

Singapore 048583

Never miss a post again!

I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

A "Native" Queenstown Food Trail: The Milky Way Homemade Ice Cream

November 26, 2016, 2:44 am

≫ Next: SAVOUR 2016 CHRISTMAS

≪ Previous: Chopsticks by The Asian Kitchen December 2016 New Menu!

$

0

0

I've been going to Queenstown quite a bit to the point that... I actually dreamt I walked to Queenstown to search for food last night. I guess that's either a sign that I should return soon or I should get down to blogging about my impromptu foodie adventure there. (Or I am simply a glutton that food makes its appearance so often even when I am sleeping) Dessert time - The Milky Way Homemade Ice Cream ranked pretty high in this rather obscure neighbourhood (in terms of food hunts). So that's where we went:

Yes, dreaming of ice-cream right now 😉

This is a classic case of: I don't really remember the details, but I remember how visiting this cafe felt... I don't remember which flavours we had, but I remember finishing it with gusto (sorry to my friend who was sharing with me hawhawhaw) and still raring for more even though I was seriously full from dinner nearby... This ice-cream parlour almost strictly only sells waffles, ice-cream and coffee, and that's about it. It is really quiet and ideal for conversations, and probably if it isn't a weekday night - damn, I've actually turned into a morning person - I would love to stay for a long, good conversation here. I guess there's a reason why they actually got a 4.9 rating on Facebook (rare! but well deserved).

The Milky Way Homemade Ice Cream

48 Tanglin Halt Road

Singapore 142048

Never miss a post again!

I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

SAVOUR 2016 CHRISTMAS

November 26, 2016, 10:02 pm

≫ Next: A Refreshing Sunday Outing with Singapore Turf Club (Sakura Day 2016)

≪ Previous: A "Native" Queenstown Food Trail: The Milky Way Homemade Ice Cream

$

0

0

🚩 Somewhere right outside Marina Bay Sands

I sincerely think I am not a good blogger because I often blog when good things are already over (or I don't, at all), and SAVOUR 2016 is one such example. It has come and gone last weekend, and if you didn't try it... don't be too sad, apparently Savour organizes a few events a year and you can always wait for the next one! I really enjoyed SAVOUR 2016 Christmas this time and I definitely foresee myself going for their events the next time. Christmas is lookin' a lot more sleek & delicious with the weekend at Savour! 

What is Savour 2016 all about? To put it simply, it's an outdoor food market with not just random stalls BUT stalls from atas (high-end.) restaurants! Most, if not all the chefs are actually inside the stalls to cook right here for you, and if that's not amazing dedication, I don't know what is! It totally reminds me of Queen Victoria summer / winter night markets in Melbourne, with all the fairy lights and delicious wafts of food all around... wow, it's hard not to fall in love with this place. 😍 In fact, I secretly feel that Savour 2016 has an even better atmosphere than Melbourne's markets...! OK enough gushing about it, and let me show you:

This time, the food market selections are priced at $6 or $12 depending on how premium the food item is. And... the best part, DBS/POSB cardholders get 10% off. Such is the love-hate relationship with DBS. We have to first top-up a certain sum of money into a wristband and then go around for a cash-free food market experience. Great idea. Plus, it's not tooo crowded as I thought it would be or as this fantastic food market deserves. The queues I would say move at a fairly decent speed, and lucky for us, the weather was extremely cooling for Singapore!

Let's begin our food trail at Savour 2016!

Restaurant Ember
Black Truffle Pasta - SGD5.40 after disc.

The black truffle is very rich and fragrant, melty and buttery, and every piece of the ribbon pasta is of a respectably al dente bite texture. A very small portion for $6, each of us only literally had about 10-12 pieces of the ribbon pasta each. But to be honest, I think I paid an equal amount for similar pasta in London's Borough Market, and the quality is comparable.

Omggg lights 😍😍😍

Three Buns
Smokin' Daddy (Burger) - SGD10.80 after disc.

I actually don't fancy eating burgers outdoors, especially when seating is scarce and mostly occupied by larger groups, and imagine having oily juices rolling down my arm to my elbows.... ugh! BUT for Three Buns... it's freakin' worth it. I don't know how I could eat any other burgers without thinking about this one, the meat patty is so juicy and delicious, and the bread is buttered and toasted just perfectly. How did they create this magic in a tiny white tent in the middle of nowhere? OK I am sold. For $12, all I can say is: TAKE MY MONEY!

Bird Bird

Pumpkin Softie Pie - SGD10.80 after disc.

They should totally rename this dessert to something that truly reflects how wonderful this creation is... I mean, how do you find such a photogenic AND delicious dessert at a food market? Eh-hem, shall not mention names about how many 'Instagrammable' desserts sprouting up over the past year that's teetering on the edge between Edible and Inedible, but this one is right smack in the zone of "Eat Me Or Regret". 👑 What is this peculiar dessert? It includes eggnog ice cream with pumpkin mash, cranberry puree, cinnamon crumbs & sweet potato chips... wow, and probably some unidentified ingredients to make it soo festive and memorable. 100% drool-worthy! 

This was a really heavy dessert though, after this we were so full we could hardly move...

Except move towards this wall of lights to take a picture 😳

There were obviously a lot more fancy food that we didn't get to try, including the Hokkaido Lavendar Ice Cream Soft Serve! Definitely a regret and I wished I could eat more, but... till the next time, Savour!!! You can take a look at Savour's Facebook page here for future events.

Never miss a post again!

I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

A Refreshing Sunday Outing with Singapore Turf Club (Sakura Day 2016)

November 27, 2016, 8:03 am

≫ Next: Hong Kong, A Picture Diary of Amie's October Trip

≪ Previous: SAVOUR 2016 CHRISTMAS

$

0

0

If you're thinking of pairing beautiful Sundays with brunches... that's a good idea but a little mainstream (nope, that's no longer hipster). There's another place that is always buzzing with activities and it's the Singapore Turf Club next to Kranji where you can catch some action with horses and soak up the atmosphere! Whether or not you want to jostle with an excited crowd or do it in style, it is completely up to you. It's definitely a ~ whole new world ~ for locals and tourists to do as a form of entertainment if you have never witnessed horse-racing!

Other than betting, there's plenty to do and enjoy here! Get up close and personal with the horses right before the race. This is not just to see how majestic these animals are, but also to check their moods, energies and strength to get an idea of how fast they might be in a race as compared to his counterparts. Obviously, betting with money might get your heart racing faster (pun intended;)), but it's not compulsory and neither is it enforced.

Horses trotting about...!

Besides the horses, the skies were a graceful azure blue, with even an eagle cruising across... the woes and stresses of city life disappear at that moment, just like that...

Looking up from the races, you see the glistening glass panels from which you can enjoy the races from an air-conditioned hall... with live music, free-flow buffet tables of international cuisines, alcohol, betting tables, clear analysis from other patrons. Now that's what I'd call enjoying a horse-racing day with style! 

This is the view you will get from the Derby Room, and whether it's for first-timers, amateurs or for professionals, I think it is an indulging upgrade. A worthy one especially if  you will spend good money on betting on some horses or the whole day enjoying time with your family or friends.

Check out Singapore Turf Club's Events Calendar here.

Sipping on some soju while waiting for the races to start! There are many races going on that day, so the excitement really never ended throughout the whole afternoon.

  

The international spread buffet is actually pretty not bad in terms of freshness and quality! The variety isn't amazing but decent enough, I am certain you'll have more than enough to eat. 😉 

We had Dester Beer - a relatively new local brand pale lager beer that is light, easy on the palate, and even a little sweet. As compared to the usuals, this one is really good to drink at a leisure pace without all the gas. I really liked the bright steel blue packaging too, it's so eye-catching.

Professional betting counters right inside Derby Room to service your betting needs.

Watch the horses go...!

Never miss a post again!

I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

Hong Kong, A Picture Diary of Amie's October Trip

November 28, 2016, 8:31 am

≫ Next: Spice Up Your Weekend In Kuala Lumpur With 5 Ultimate Sunday Brunches

≪ Previous: A Refreshing Sunday Outing with Singapore Turf Club (Sakura Day 2016)

$

0

0

Don't look at me like this, I know... I am not posting my travel chronicles in chronological order, but well, these pictures from my Huawei P9 require no edits at all and is so convenient for blogging, so... I shall do a picture diary of my Hong Kong trip first! :) This was a work trip, therefore it wouldn't be a travel itinerary sort, and obviously by no means any kind of a travel guide. It's just some non-work related snaps that I took along the way that would help me remember this trip...

🚩 Hong Kong International Airport

My trip to Hong Kong came earlier than expected, and so I was a little overwhelmed by how much I did not prepare beforehand for it in terms of the usual research I usually do... but there is a thrill in going in unprepared too. It's almost like watching a movie without watching the trailer, reading the synopsis or hearing any reviews at all. Upon landing at the airport, I past by this entire wall of paintings which was pretty amazing! The amount of detail in each painting is incredible, but I was rushing for time so I didn't get to really slowly appreciate each of them one by one.

🚩 Sha Tin

Some of the scenes from the airport to my accommodation. Really, to say Hong Kong is hilly is such an understatement. Coming from an extremely flat terrain like our little red dot, Hong Kong is probably like the hyper version of Singapore with super dense buildings, both in terms of height and proximity of apartments/ buildings from one another (I would say as if Singapore on drugs, but the amount of pun is just too damn high to say that). That is probably one of the most unmistakable observations that can be seen just from the first hour in Hong Kong. Of course, even in the neighbourhood of Sha Tin, it's already considered the not so crowded part as compared to downtown.

🚩 Science Park & Pak Shek Kok Promenade

I probably would not visit the Science Park & Pak Shek Kok Promenade if I were here on holiday, because it is just way far off from the normal route of a regular tourist. It would not even fall under the 'off the beaten path' travelogues because you probably have nothing much to do here anyway. Except to ogle at this amazing landscape... and marvel at the beauty of Mother Nature. The sky was so blue and breathtaking, especially against the coral blue waves lapping up the shores, it really is a perfect day to go out and cycle along the promenade. Or just feel the wind in your hair. What a wonderful time to be alive.

🚩 Banabana Mongkok

Grab a drink of banana, grape and green apple yakult. The concept for choosing fruits is quite cute, where you choose little coloured sticks, and then pop them into a rocket and 'submit' it to the counter staff! One of the best fruit juice blends I've ever had. Maybe more so I enjoyed the process of choosing what I wanted in my drink.

🚩 老點點心竹筒飯 Mongkok

染布房街12-14A號依利大廈地下A號舖

Mong Kok, Hong Kong

Supposedly the best dimsum in Mongkok rated by OpenRice, this modern dimsum eatery is extremely popular and enjoys a queue from 8pm all the way to 11pm and beyond. The good thing is, they allow you to take a queue number and pretty much you can drop by, grab a number, go shopping around the district, and come back in another half an hour's to an hour's time. How is it though? I think it falls short of the hype (omg the queue was a little cray) but on its own, it's really not bad in general in terms of the taste. I would probably give it a 7/10 - decent enough but I feel like this isn't the best Hong Kong can offer. Maybe around Mongkok area, because I see that this is the most popular restaurant along the whole stretch. 

Streets of Mongkok are bustling with activity, street stalls, buskers, teenagers, interesting folks and characters of all shades. Shopping isn't ideal around this district (um, considering the only shop that I actually bought something from is Miniso says lots). By the way I love Miniso, it has a lot of functional and cute things to buy!

🚩 HomeSquare Starbucks

OK I love this Hibiscus Tea & Pomegranate Pearls quite a lot but I haven't had the heart to get another one in Singapore because it's just so expensive for just tea. The Starbucks here is also so pretty, but didn't really have time to stay for long to chill.

🚩 Tsingma Bridge

That's the end of my short trip. Till the next time, it'll be a true travel itinerary when I hit the shores of Hong Kong again next year 😘

Never miss a post again!

I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

---

Spice Up Your Weekend In Kuala Lumpur With 5 Ultimate Sunday Brunches

December 1, 2016, 8:47 am

≫ Next: Dine in style at Johor Bahru: Brunch2Wine - Vantage Bay

≪ Previous: Hong Kong, A Picture Diary of Amie's October Trip

$

0

0

Sunday, the only day in the week where one is allowed to laze around and do nothing all day. Or it could be the day where you’re allowed to have some bubbles during a luxurious brunch with friends or family.

Brunches are a great occasion to spend some time with your loved ones. Many of you may already know that Kuala Lumpur is the place to be when it comes to all kinds of foods. This article lists down the 5 ultimate Sunday brunches to have in Kuala Lumpur. So pick your favourite spot, set a date and invite your friends and family for some quality time.

Sunday Bubbly Brunch @ InterContinental Kuala Lumpur

This Sunday brunch in Kuala Lumpur, located at the Serena Brasserie of InterContinental Kuala Lumpur, is a great experience for the whole family. The adults can enjoy their favorite foods, while the kids are having fun in the kids corner, which has it’s own small section with a kid’s menu.

The choices of food at this brunch are endless, so I will highlight a few of the best options: A great thing about this brunch is that there is local satay being served, traditionally grilled on the barbecue and it tastes amazing! If you have never tried this classic Malaysian dish, this is your chance.

Every seafood lover will experience a heavenly brunch here, as the fresh seafood on ice includes the best quality oysters, crab legs, mussel, salmon, oysters and more. All cuisines are carefully picked and rich in flavour.  

There is even a small sushi section. What better way to spend your Sunday than with a glass of bubbles, the best seafood and your family? The outdoor grill station is perfect if you are craving for some grilled meat or fish. There is also an array of great vegetarian food and let’s not forget about the dessert section. Every dessert is a recommendation.

The Sunday Bubbly Brunch is available every last Sunday of the month and is open from 12 noon till 3pm. Check out InterContinental Kuala Lumpur’s FB pageto keep informed on the latest promotions and events and promotions.

Price

• RM150 per adult
• RM75 per child
  
  Drinks upgrade package:
• RM30 free flow of juices and soft drinks
• RM150 free flow of wine and beers
• RM250 free flow of champagne, wine, beers, juices and soft drinks

Contact

Serena Brasserie

InterContinental Kuala Lumpur

165 Jalan Ampang,

50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

+603 2161 1111

Prego’s Sunday Bubbalicious @ The Westin

When entering Prego’s you will enjoy a warm welcome with a glass of Moët & Chandon. There are live grill and cooking stations where you can see how your food is being prepared. Walk by the extensive anti-pasti, pasti, fruit or cheese buffets. The pass-around delights will make you sit back, relax and enjoy your brunch. Not to mention the broad array of fresh seafood.

Prawn, crab, oysters on the half shell and many more delicacies can be found at Prego’s brunch. Don’t forget to take a look at the delicious desserts, such as cheesecake, pannacotta, cannoli and the best of all: molten lava cake hot out of the oven. This brunch in Kuala Lumpur is every Sunday from 11.30 am till 2.30 pm.

Price

• RM365 Food and Champagne Package (free flow of Moët & Chandon champagne, wines, draught beers, chilled juices and soft drinks)
• RM265 Food and Beverage Package (free flow or sparkling, wines, draught beers, chilled juices and soft drinks)
• RM165 Food Only Package

Contact

Prego

The Westin

199, Jalan Bukit Bintang,

Bukit Bintang,

55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

+603 2773 8338

Mad Hatter Brunch @ Shook! Starhill Gallery

If you are looking for a unique experience for you and your company, take a moment to read about the Mad Hatter Brunch, because this one might exceed all your expectations of uniqueness. This champagne brunch theme is inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Entering Shook!, you will run into some of the famous characters of the Alice story.

Glasses of Moët & Chandon will be welcoming you at your table and the bubbles will flow throughout brunch. You will be stunned by the endless Japanese sashimi, delicious Chinese hot-and-sour soup, Italian pizzas and the Western section with their amazing pieces of meat. And of course, the seafood and salad bar, serving mussels, prawns, Caesar salads and anything else you can think of.

Don’t forget: keep room for dessert. Jars full of candy and chocolates, platters with macarons, muffins and chocolate cakes and many more will make you want to stop at this sections more than one time. This brunch in Kuala Lumpur will really make you think you are in Wonderland.

Price

• RM268++ for free flow Moët & Chandon champagne brunch
• RM168++ for non-alcoholic brunch

Contact

Shook! Starhill Gallery

181, Jalan Bukit Bintang,

Bukit Bintang,

55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

+603 2719 8535

Sunday Roast @ Marble 8

Brunch at Marble 8 is great for the whole family. The kids can enjoy bouncy castles, clay art and sand sculptures in the restaurant's’ garden, while the adults sip on a glass of free flow wine, prosecco or beer. Being one of the best steakhouses in the city, you will not be disappointed by the choices and quality of meat offered during this brunch in Kuala Lumpur.

There are also a lot of fish and vegetarian dishes for people who don’t like eating meat. Another great aspect for your little ones: the cotton candy machine at the dessert section, with 5 different flavors to choose from. This brunch is every Sunday from 11.30 am till 2.30 pm and kids 6 years and below eat for free!

Price

• RM198 Buffet and free flow prosecco, wine and beers
• RM138 Buffet with coffee
• RM138 Kids 12 years and above
• RM69 Kids 7 - 11 years old

Contact

Marble 8

Lorong Kuda,

Kuala Lumpur City Centre

50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

+603 2386 6030

All Day Breakfast @ Nutmeg KL

If you feel like having a simple brunch or simply don’t want to spend too much, Nutmeg is the perfect place. It does not have a set Sunday brunch, however they do have all day breakfast, so you can create your own Sunday brunch! Nutmeg offers various breakfast meals.

A great meal is the ‘built your own omelet’. Decide which products you want and create your perfect own omelet. A recommendation for dessert: Nutmeg’s house baked brioche served with vanila ice cream and chocolate hazelnut ganache. Nutmeg is open every Sunday from 10.00 am till 10.00 pm.

Price

• ‘Built your own omelet’ RM10 + Omelet Fillings vary from RM1 to RM5.
• Brioche French Toast RM16
• Non-alcoholic drinks vary from RM5 to RM14
• Beers & wines vary from RM13 to RM30
• Champagne & prosecco bottles vary from RM180 to RM280

Contact

Nutmeg KL

UGF-8A, Bangsar Village II 2,

2, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru,

59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

+603 2201 3663

Planning a trip to Johor Bahru? Check outthis article.

Dine in style at Johor Bahru: Brunch2Wine - Vantage Bay

December 3, 2016, 6:26 pm

≫ Next: 3D2N In Penang: 5 Hot Spots That Are A Must-See

≪ Previous: Spice Up Your Weekend In Kuala Lumpur With 5 Ultimate Sunday Brunches

$

0

0

Something is happening in Johor, and rumour has it that it is really tasty, tasty news. If you are into finding the latest restaurant openings, The Vibe at Vantage Bay is a newly developed restaurant cluster that must not be missed! They are officially opening in 10 December 2016. With the most amazing decor and service, you'll be astonished to find reasonable prices for the quality of dishes you will be able to receive. From bakeries to even high-end restaurants, let your pockets rest and your tastebuds delight to the finest feasts! The first of these restaurants is the impressive fine-dining Brunch2Wine, helmed by award-winning head Malaysian chef, Chef Kelvin Lee. He has years of experience in many countries, including three Michelin restaurants in France. 

We began the lovely meal with an enticing appetizer, the Carpaccio of Totoro Tuna (RM37). Served with Himalayan pink sea salt on the side, the sliced raw tuna sashimi is an indulging start to the meal. It is smooth and refreshing to pair with cubed vegetables, fish roe, and horse radish. I enjoyed it well, especially when it also looked so colourful and attractive to the eye!

The second appetizer we had was the Pan Seared Foie Gras, Onsen Egg, and caramelized morel buerre blanc (RM75). Instead of serving it raw, the foie gras was pan seared which takes out the usual distinctive taste of it, resulting in a chewy texture with a slightly crispy skin. Mix in the onsen egg and with the morel buerre blanc, it almost felt like a main course already! I prefer my foie gras raw, though pan seared is an interesting different take on the dish.

The main course that we were presented was the Miso Cod Fillet wrapped Bamboo Leaf, Lotus Roots Salad, Bamboo Clams and Sakae Emulsion (RM72). Immediately, it reminded me of a dumpling, but with a modern twist as diners could 'participate' in the dish creation by squeezing the dropper filled with the flavourful sakae emulsion! The Miso Cod Fillet was smooth and delicious! However, I wished they actually provide more salad vegetables on the side as the sakae emulsion and miso cod fillet can get a little heavy towards the end.



And... for my favourite part of the meal - dessert! The Palet D'or Chocolate with Cremeux Chocolate and Cocoa Pop Cracker (RM33) impressed me right from the start. What a beauty this was! The delicate golden netting is such a joy to crack, but the absolute charmer was the chocolate tart that was so so so well done! Well, I think it's worth it even to come here just for their desserts, because the tart's biscuit had such a lovely fine bite to it, perfectly executed and fragrant too. The chocolate was also rich and moist, yet not jelat. I would definitely think about this rendition created by Chef Kelvin Lee whenever I eat a chocolate tart.

If you are not sure what to order here, you can opt for Brunch2Wine's daily set lunch meals priced between RM45++ (3-course) to RM60++ (4-course) per set.

Brunch2Wine
6376 & 9236, Jalan Ibrahim Sultan
Kampung Stulang Laut
80300 Johor Bahru Johor Bahru

Never miss a post again!

I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

3D2N In Penang: 5 Hot Spots That Are A Must-See

December 7, 2016, 6:34 am

≫ Next: Mummy Bao Kitchen Taiwanese Restaurant in Johor Bahru 寶妈妈台湾风味馆

≪ Previous: Dine in style at Johor Bahru: Brunch2Wine - Vantage Bay

$

0

0

Many would have agreed that Penang should  be included as one’s bucket list of places to visit in Malaysia. Not just for the wonderful nostalgic memories or a quick stumble for a feast on local delights but for a weekend getaway to explore parts of Penang slowly, savouring the vast variety and vibrancy that Penang has to offer.

If you are proposing to someone on a visit to Penang for a 3 Days 2 Nights trip, of course, there is too much to do and see in a short period of time. A good idea is to plan out on the best Penang point of interests that they would like to cover most without feeling rushed.

To make everyone’s lives easier, check out the 5 hot spots that are a must-see in Penang that will make your 3D2N trip worthwhile.

1. Penang Peranakan Mansion

Given that Penang is filled with multi-cultural history and ornate sights,The Peranakan Mansion should be at the top of your list. Once a residence of the Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Kwee, which later led to decades of abandonment, is now an elegantly restored museum introducing people to the historical Peranakan culture.

The two-storey mansion was built in Chinese courtyard style, using the finest of materials. Details include a unity of artefacts such as the Chinese carved-wood panels and gorgeous European artworks. The Peranakan mansion now displays thousands of pieces of antiques, furnitures and collectibles, making it a fascinating place to swing by for perfectly captured moments.

2. Batu Ferringhi Beach

Make your way up to north of Penang and there you will find yourself standing on the tranquility of Batu Ferringhi beach. When the sky gets dark, this is when the life of Batu Ferringhi starts to come alive. A whole stretch of night market over the roadsides will be seen selling an assortment of souvenirs and delicious eats that will be a feast for your eyes.

Batu Ferringhi beach is lined with luxurious hotels catered to every holiday maker. With a 3D2N trip in Penang, an overnight stay at Batu Ferringhi would be ideal. Take your pick from a myriad of hotels available such as Holiday Inn Penang for a cozy and comforting stay right at the beach front. Check their FB page for latest updates on promotions, events, or news.

Holiday Inn Resort Penang

Address: 72, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Penang, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Tel: +60 4-886 6666

3. Kek Lok Si Temple

Situated at Ayer Item, lies the symbolic Kek Lok Si Temple which is one of the most well known and frequently visited temples. “Kek Lok Si” which translates to “Temple of Supreme Bliss”, is considered the largest temple in the whole of South East Asia.

Since its construction in the 1890’s, new structures of the temple have been erected in later years. The famous seven-storey “Pagoda of Ten-Thousand Buddhas” and the magnanimous bronze statue of the Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) became some of Penang’s point of interests at Kek Lok Si.

Get captivated by the colourful and intricate artworks found on different sections of the temple. At The Liberation Pond, bless yourself with good luck and fortune where you pay a fee of only RM1 to feed tortoises at the pond.

4. Penang Hill

Being at the peak will provide you with the much needed calmness and relaxation from the hustle and bustle of the city. A leisurely 30-minute funicular train ride up to Penang Hill will expose you to a panoramic view of the island with breezy air to enjoy. Outdoor enthusiasts may opt for a three-hour hike through the lush rainforest to get to the top of Penang Hill.

Attractions found at Penang Hill are endless. Nature lovers would enjoy the bird sanctuary, canopy walk and the exploration of flora and fauna. At the Penang Hill, you can also find magnificent colonial mansions which have now transformed into restaurants and guesthouses.

5. Penang Street Art

Besides discovering the historical side of Penang and trying out the city’s most “ho jiak” foods, you should not miss out on the famous street arts of Lebuh Armenian. Some of the most popular artworks were painted by a Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic, who shot to public fame after he created the “Little Children on a Bicycle” street mural. It is as creative as it gets, where wall paintings are now accompanied with motifs and sculptural objects.

Begin your hunt on these amazing masterpieces by making a stop at the junction of Lebuh Armenian. Over there, you will be given a map with trail guides to street artworks hidden in little corners, which you can get to easily on foot. Bring along your camera as the street art hunt would mean nothing without these shots taken as a token of gift. Besides, old murals fade overtime before new ones take over.

What do you think of these Penang point of interests? If you have other interesting areas to share, let me know in the comments below!

Have a weekend to spare in Kuala Lumpur city instead? Don’t miss out on 5 Ultimate Sunday Brunches to fill up your appetising trip.

Never miss a post again!

I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

Mummy Bao Kitchen Taiwanese Restaurant in Johor Bahru 寶妈妈台湾风味馆

December 16, 2016, 9:18 pm

≫ Next: VLV, 8 Million Dollar Stunning Makeover at Clarke Quay Contemporary Asian Restaurant

≪ Previous: 3D2N In Penang: 5 Hot Spots That Are A Must-See

$

0

0

JB is certainly a whole hotspot of delicous food of cuisines from lands far and wide. My adventures have led me to my a rare and my first Taiwanese restaurant escapade in Johor - Mummy Bao Kitchen Taiwanese Restaurant - or more affectionately known as 寶媽媽台灣風味館. Aww sweet. Let's check out all the awesome Taiwan food that you miss:

Mummy Bao has one of the popular Taiwanese street stall snacks, Meat Floss Steamed Sponge Cake. Steamed fresh every day with juicy meat floss stuffed inside its fluffy-as-a-cloud cake, this savoury snack is actually not commonly found in Singapore or Malaysia, but the folks at Mummy Bao actually make it so well. This is a signature here at their restaurant, so be sure to try this!

When we talk about Taiwanese food, I guess you certainly can't miss out on guotie, some good ol'panfried dumplings (RM7.5 for 8pc)! Smells so good from a distance, it's definitely hard to resist them! The golden goodness makes for slight crispy base, and the moisture of the pork fillings is not lost.

This was everyone's favourite, and couldn't stop gushing about this Chicken Floss Roll (RM8) which was seriously yummy! Wafer-thin and crispy eggy roll with piping hot fresh and fragrant chicken floss stuffed inside... this is simply heavenly and you've got to try it out for yourself. You'll not forget this one for sure.

The Beef Noodles with Dumplings (RM15.50) is a bowl of goodness and value for money. The beef broth soup is seriously good enough on its own, very savoury and rich because it has been broiled for hours to create this taste. I am surprised to find such a good quality bowl of beef soup at this price... like what?! Hmmm bring them on!

 

Beauty trainer, Carina from Beautybuzz here is holding Spicy Wantons (RM7.5), one of my favourite Taiwanese dishes ever. I do have a high standard for this dish because I love to order this whenever this appears on the menu... and this one is really pretty good too! It is spicy and piquant enough for me, and the wantons are also well done, with the perfect texture of wanton skin and delicious fillings. Couldn't have asked for more, this one is awesome!

Jjangmyeon! More of my favourite Taiwanese dishes, which got me really happy with the finely diced well-marinated bean paste and pork and the refreshing julienned carrot and cucumber. Mix it all up and there you have it. Shall not go on and on about the awesome quality you can find here, but really - I am really happy to have found a fantastic Taiwanese restaurant in this region. (Seriously I haven't seen any good ones in Singapore at all. Eh-hem Eat At Taipei)

 

Even the boyfriend approves.

Mummy Bao Kitchen Taiwanese Restaurant

1,Jalan Loo Hong Joon , Pandan
81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Never miss a post again!

I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

VLV, 8 Million Dollar Stunning Makeover at Clarke Quay Contemporary Asian Restaurant

December 17, 2016, 6:53 am

≫ Next: Getting to Dubai & From Dubai to Abu Dhabi

≪ Previous: Mummy Bao Kitchen Taiwanese Restaurant in Johor Bahru 寶妈妈台湾风味馆

$

0

0

A 8 million dollar stunning makeover has made VLV, one of the final restaurants definitely qualifying as one of the bests of 2016. Located right at the edge of Clarke Quay, you might have seen its sophisticated outlook but thought it is a nightclub... but not only is it a nightclub for your evening of dancing, it is also a two-storey contemporary Asian restaurant with a menu that wowed me, with an alfresco courtyard bar too. This is a super rare place with the whole package - beautiful and stunningly impressive ambience, food, service, music, and value-for-money prices (considering the experience as well). Sooo you might have seen it flooding your newsfeed - or it is about to - either way, get yourself down and check out what's the hype about! Because I think it's real worth the hype:

Look at this... just plain ol'grand opulence. Because dining is not just to fill up your stomachs, it's a lifestyle. Wherever you may be seated, just know that you're about to feel like royalty.

Every single corner is just a treat for the eyes and cameras!

What you are seeing is the upper-floors, where the more private, sophisticated dining area is. They have plenty of tables, but to ensure you have a space, call for reservations (Call VLV at 66610197).

If you fancy the riverside view, shift your party to the alfresco courtyard bar. It gave me major beach-resort vibes, what we needed was just the melody of waves lapping up the shore. Definitely a cool place to hang with your gang regardless whether you're going for pre-drinks, dinner or after-dinner drinks. Ooh yeah.

More glamour and lights.

Some Charles Heidsieck champagne to kick start our dinner to come, lovely and smooth on the palate! (OK Amie rarely rejects alcohol) Now that you have a good feel of how the ambience is like, let's get on with the foooodcreated by the talented Executive Chef Martin Foo, one of the most celebrated chefs in Singapore.

We began with these crispy appetizers, the Golden Dragon Skin that comes with a fruity dip! I love crispy fish skin, and this is like an entire tray of them, so it's the ultimate indulgence for me! What's more, there's no fishy taste to it, but just savoury and very appetizing. Another point to note - I was surprised to find that it maintained its crispiness even though we took some time to snap some pictures of this dish! Balance the flavours with the fruity dip and the prawn roe that comes with this 'golden dragon skin'. This makes for a great start!

After the round of tasting done for the appetizer, I was looking forward to what's to come! Next up: Kagoshima Kurobuta Char Siew - just look at it glisten in the light, oh my god! It is roasted to a blend of char siew sauce sweetness and slightly smoky charred taste. For texture... there isn't many char siew in the world that actually melt in your mouth, but THIS IS ONE OF THOSE. There are many dishes in the VLV menu, and if I were to recommend one thing to order (please exclude desserts because I wish you would try them all - ok will elaborate later), this is it!

Can you tell what this is already? A quintessential in many Chinese restaurants, but this is Peking duck with a spin - VLV Peking Duck with the crispy duck skin that cracks wonderfully under only a tiny small pressure. You can try it with two different sauces, the classic peking duck sweet hoisin sauce and also with a contemporary style - black truffle sauce! What's more, other than the usual cucumber, you can even add avocado slices and savoury tofu skin to your wrap. It's innovative, and they are flavours that work. I was skeptical about the truffle and avocado but again, it truly surpassed my imagination of how it'll work with these classic tastes. Especially avocado, which added richness and smoothness to the whole peking duck wrap. If you like peking duck, and liked all those that you have tried it in all the famous restaurants like Tunglok, Wan Hao, Four Seasons etc... I think you'd equally, if not love this more.

For something really gentle on the stomach, the Poached Ocean Fish Broth will be perfect. The ultimate comfort soup of all soups, there is black fungus, pickle chilli, garlic and ginger in there, creating this thick and nourishing piece. The poached ocean fish had a very smooth bite too! Popped in the tofu skin rolls into the soup to soften it for an extra oomph too.

As if these dishes are not dazzling enough, VLV has something to impress us even further -Steamed Sri Lanka Crab with Bonito Egg Flakes! I must say... I actually love this more than our local chilli crab. The number one reason why: I could really taste the fresh and sweet original flavour of the crab meat, paired with the non-overpowering sauce of bonito egg flakes and the slight pop of flavour from the crab roe... this is the ultimate enjoyment for those who love crab. Moreover, you get refills of cloth wipes if you got your hands dirty, so just go ahead and let yourself loose with this.

This is supposed to be a 'palate cleanser' but damn, it's surely worthy to be sitting on the desserts menu. It is so memorable and addictive, I am already raring for one right now! What it is: lime sorbet right in the middle of an igloo, that's what it is. And what's more, vodka is poured right where the lime sorbet is. I promise you won't taste any bit of vodka, but just delirious heavenly of sweet, sour, icy and every bit is just amazing. If you don't like it, just give them all to me!!! None was given to me though because everyone swept it clean. Palate cleanser, right. 

We welcomed the VLV Beggar Chicken with a ball of flaming fire, something that I guess even Beggars Sect Leader Huang Rong would approve. This one is more 'fun' and contemporary though, you actually have to work to get to your food, by smashing the hard clay casing with a wooden stick with quiet a bit of strength! What you get inside is baked chicken, but retained its moisture. It is one of those VLV dishes that are almost completely traditional (except for the presentation style).

Guess we have had too much meat and so some Sizzling Romanian Lettuce is a true palate cleanser! It is lightly stir-fried, simple as it is, it is executed to scientific perfection. Nothing to fault about here.

Another newfangled dish presented before our eyes: the Spicy Duck Cones on a creamy netting! Created from the duck meat from the VLV Peking Duck, these are delicious pops with an explosion of flavours! The peking duck is diced up with sesame and slight spicy tones, stuffed in a crispy skin.

 I was less impressed with their Kimchi Seafood Fried Rice, or felt it didn't exactly sync with the rest of the dishes. It was decent, but maybe it just didn't have a wow factor - relative to the other dishes had. It was a plain ol' good dish.

ONTO THE DESSERTS OMG. (´・ω・`)

Look at this smokin baby! Definitely the best Yam Paste (or nee) ever 😍😱 Despite feeling really stuffed from the amazingly delicious contemporary Chinese line up from VLV, I kept reaching out for this. There is even coconut ice-cream in the middle of this crazy good dessert. Anything coconut, I go nuts over it, OK? There are also gingkos and pumpkin balls in there, but they don't taste like gingko-gingko nor pumpkin-pumpkin. They taste magical. Don't ask how. Just. Go. And. Eat. This. You won't regret it, I promise.

Another dessert - Oriental Cheese Cake & Mascarpone Ice Cream is practically a cheese lover's paradise. I thought it would be quite gelat because it is practically cheese on cheese, but it turns out to be pretty rad. The cheese cake is very dense and fragrant with a dollop of raspberry on it to neutralize the gelat feeling from the cheese. I can't say I am crazy over this dessert even though it is not bad. ✌

I'm dreaming of this mesmerizing dessert, and if you think it LOOKS good, it tastes even better. 😳

This is hands down the best 'Chinese restaurant' dessert ever. Luo Han Jelly nestled among an icy luohan-flavoured ice-blended bingsu ball, chewy chia seeds, julienned coconut slices all served in a coconut on clouds. This one, I go crazy with it. Don't tell me you won't 😘

  

Part of their menu - for your reference of the general 'feel' of the prices.

This is the end of the super lengthy review on VLV. I had real fun reviewing this one, because it is a place I would want to recommend to everyone to go try. Especially the desserts. But not just the desserts! Check out their Facebook page here for some of their promotions. The best promotion that is totally worth catching is the 7-course lunch set at just $98++ for 4 persons, which is the most value-for-money to try the maximum number of dishes you could enjoy in one seating.

VLV Singapore

3A River Valley Road #01-02

Singapore 179020

Call VLV at 66610197 for reservations.

Never miss a post again!

I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

Getting to Dubai & From Dubai to Abu Dhabi

December 17, 2016, 11:08 pm

≫ Next: My ABDB Travelogue - 4 Malls of Abu Dhabi

≪ Previous: VLV, 8 Million Dollar Stunning Makeover at Clarke Quay Contemporary Asian Restaurant

$

0

0

Travelogue for my Abu Dhabi - Dubai trip, let's go! Some background of my holiday during CNY this year, I was doing some visiting for two weeks in the area so it does not take on the usual rhythm of my intense 'Singaporean' style of hitting up all the usual touristy places with full day itineraries. But I must say I have experienced a lot of ABDB and DB, so much so I think I will take a few posts (this might be a gross understatement) before I can completely show you my trip's adventures!

On direct flight tickets to Dubai / Abu Dhabi from Singapore

Emirates, Etihad Aiways, Jet Airways, Qantas or Singapore Airlines take this route.

I use Skyscanner to check my prices for my trips usually but book direct on the airline website after you sieved out the cheapest. Due to ticket prices, I flew in from Singapore to Dubai rather than Abu Dhabi. A return flight ticket (SIN-DXB/ABDB) should set you back around SGD700, any lesser you've gotten yourself a really good deal.

Currency

1 SGD = 2.5 AED (dirhams)

Flight on Singapore Airlines, the cheapest among all servicing airlines.

Getting from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

I got straight from Dubai to Abu Dhabi the moment I landed, but of course you could tour Dubai first and reference this method when you want to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai.

Method 1 - From Ibn Battuta

1. From Dubai Airport, I took the metro down to Ibn Battuta Metro station. This is about an hour metro ride. The Dubai metro is extremely new then and looks like it just unwrapped itself. There is even a women's only carriage.

2. Then, find your way to the Ibn Battuta Bus Station right next to the metro station. Just exit the station, it is right in front of you where the buses gather. Look out for E100. It costs 25 dirhams (~SGD10) one way. The last bus is said to be 11pm, and I took the second last one at 10.40pm. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach Al Wahda Bus Station of Abu Dhabi.

Method 2 - From Al Ghubaiba Bus Station

1. You can also catch a bus from the bus station next to Al Ghubaiba Metro station but I did not use this route so I cannot tell you exactly what it looks like. You should also end up at Al Wahda Bus Station of Abu Dhabi, for a journey of slightly more than 2 hours.

Method 3 - Taxi

Grab a taxi, it will cost between AED250-280 (~SGD100-110) one way. It isn't the most value-for-money way, obviously, but if you are in a rush to the airport / have lots of luggage / is with someone else, this is the recommended way.

Never miss a post again!

I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

My ABDB Travelogue - 4 Malls of Abu Dhabi

December 18, 2016, 12:23 am

≫ Next: A Celebration to Behold! Abu Dhabi Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2016.

≪ Previous: Getting to Dubai & From Dubai to Abu Dhabi

$

0

0

 

To start the first of many to come, I put together all my Abu Dhabi mall trips in one place. Looking through all my photos, I realized I actually visited a lot of them (four to be exact) despite coming from the land of shopping malls. Of course, this is not an extensive explanation of what each mall has, but just the interesting places that I've seen around here! I must emphasize though, ABDB is not just only about malls.

1. Marina Mall - The Mall Museum

On the way to Marina Mall, we walked past this stretch of empty sandy beach. It was supposed to be winter then (November to March), but the temperatures are around 25-28 degrees in the day. Pretty much like Singapore, except less humid (hurray). At the distance, you can see the gorgeous Emirates Palace which we visited another day.

Marina Mall is a more family-friendly, 'residential' sort of mall, with supermarkets, mid-range brands and food court upstairs. It is huge though. Before you think it's just another mall? Nope. There is no such thing as a normal shopping mall, because they decided to put a real 15,000 year old wooly mammoth fossil here! 😱 Originally found in Siberia and placed in Marina Mall for all to gape at, this is a stunner that is right in the middle of the mall. But no touching - or one of the security guards would wrestle you to the floor (did not try that).

There is an extensive supermarket but this is the wall that caught my interest the most.

Willy Wonka world from top to bottom! (This shelf stretches on quite a bit too)

Look up and you might find some interesting display hanging from the ceiling - this picture doesn't do it justice.

2. The Galleria - The Latest Luxury Mall

The Galleria, Al Maryah Island is a much more upscale shopping mall with all the high-end brands including Gucci, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen. It was Chinese New Year during then and the decorations were also up!

Pretty CNY-themed nails from 3D Nails.

3D Nails

132 Jurong Gateway Road #01-277

Strangely the decor was quite elaborate even though there aren't many Chinese around the area.

Of course I had to take a picture under this 'cherry blossom tree'.

Fancy malls with sofas and magazines sprawled across the middle, just like someone's living room. Super cozy! There is a promenade area for you to saunter around post-dinner too, but it was too cold so we got right back indoors.

3. Yas Mall - Fancy a rollercoaster restaurant?

Yas Mall is my favourite of the lot even though it is quite difficult to access. It is huge with a good mix of high-end and mid-range boutique stores, a lot of cafes and restaurants to dine at, and even a cinema! One of the restaurants, ROGO's, even has a crazy multi-spiral, double loop, and tornado track system to serve your food and drinks.

If you are into checking out interesting restaurants, put this in your bucket list!

One of our dinners we had it at Cheesecake Factory in Yas Mall, a restaurant that was made famous in New York! They had a really cheesy, savoury & completely appetising menu, and it is little surprise that the whole restaurant was packed with people.

Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken, this was da bomb! Cheesy fragrance and olive oil wrapped around every bit of pasta, this was dearly missed when it was swept clean. Stuffed Mushrooms is an absolute must-order. Fontina and parmesan cheese, garlic, herbs in a wine sauce were stuffed in the mushrooms and every bite is simply heavenly. The next time I see Cheesecake Factory, I would definitely order this.

Cheesecake Factory

Level 1, Yas Mall,Yas Island - أبو ظبي - United Arab Emirates

The most expensive dress I ever tried on in Yas Mall, this was SGD4000.

I think it's pretty... oversized.

Last mall that we stopped by was Nations Galleria for an afternoon tea time, at award-winning cafe Leopold's of London. They even have a Leopold’s Tea Library which houses more than 70 types of tea collected globally!

Whichever way you like it, this place is so lovely for cake and coffee (or tea, if you so fancy) 😍❤️

The coffee here is really good too.

Leopold's of London
Al Falah St - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Never miss a post again!

I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

---

A Celebration to Behold! Abu Dhabi Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2016.

December 18, 2016, 7:23 am

≫ Next: Charms & Twinkly Christmas Dinner with 1919 Waterboathouse and Food Panda Finest

≪ Previous: My ABDB Travelogue - 4 Malls of Abu Dhabi

$

0

0

What luck - our holiday coincides with the amazing annual Qasr Al Hosn Festival that is meant to celebrate the Fort’s status as a historic monument and community hub, in honour of the UAE’s founders and their visionary leadership. Running from 3 - 13 Feb 2016, this beautiful festival is easily the most well-organized, generous festivals I have ever attended, located at Qasr Al Hosn, the cultural heart of the Abu Dhabi city. 2016 is the fourth time that this festival have been hosted, with a vibrant panoply of cultural activities, performances, interactive exhibitions, light shows. There is not a moment of quiet at this festival with the exciting line-up!

Festival tickets go at AED10 (~SGD4), with 2 activity passes for you to choose what you wished to do. There is camel riding, bamboo engineering, gardening, pottery, and even cooking class. We could even try out some of the Emirati sweets, watch the ongoing stream of performances... it was such jolly good fun! Let's go let's go! 😄😄😄

 
 

Look at the parents have a go at their favourite activity - gardening! The lady at the booth was teaching them how to water and take care of the plants. We could even bring the plants home!

 

We wandered around to see this medicinal herbs booth where the booth owner was telling us seriously about the healing properties of each type of herb native to Abu Dhabi, and even tested us about it after that!

I was most curious about the Colocynth, which looked like mini watermelons (they are not). They are used to treat constipation, liver, and gallbladder problems.

 
 

More extensive displays and performances around the area showcasing Arabic culture and lifestyles with over nine thousand families being led by 630 traditional cast and demonstration experts. It was a wonderful experience and particularly memorable because they were all very elaborately demonstrated to us. There was even a 'wedding procession' on camels that meandered through the festival at some point. Everything happened so quickly, I wished I could slowly appreciate it. It felt almost like an Arabic-themed Universal Studios.

A military procession march-past us and then they proceeded to show us how the salute is done.

We gathered round to try the Emirati sweets - luqaimat, raghagh, and the chubab. They were all very sugary sweet, but interestingly they are all sweet in different ways. The luqaimat are the ball-shaped fried dumplings in the bowl, sweet dates flavoured, with sesame seeds around it. They are semi-crunchy on the outside and mashy inside. I haven't had anything like that before so it really tingles my tastebuds! Next, the raghagh refers to the crispy-wafer-thin Emirati bread, which is my favourite even though it is so messy to eat. It is very fragrant and with the honey-date syrup, it is just perfect. The chubab is the mini round pancakes that are of a perfect golden colour. By itself it is rather plain but with the honey-date syrup, it is delectable and delicious. It is a really short and sweet 😳 initiation to what Emirati sweets are.

(OK a very Singaporean comment but: omg it was free / part of the cheap ticket price / so happy)

 

The contrast of the beautiful architecture against the sparkly modern buildings around Qasr Al Hosn makes for a photographer's heaven. And I snap away, capturing snaps to document the festival through my eyes.

 

The ladies in our group all went to do the final activity - getting our hair tied up in traditional Arabic fashion! We got a simple henna done as well - which essentially freezes up our hands from touching anything else for a good 30 minutes to an hour. The women helping us to tie our hair were really, really proficient, taming my hair into these braids with just two black hair ties. 😍

A final picture to end the post... I have this picture in my camera because I was talking one of the younger ladies in the tent to help her tie our braids with the pretext of trying to find out... WHAT MASCARA DOES SHE USE. Because if you've been close enough to an Emirati girl, her lashes are always flourishing. The thing is, it doesn't look fake like extensions, nor does it look plasticky. It's always so natural, flowing and gravity-defying. So there you have it. Bourjois Push Up Mascara. And she says that most of her friends are using this too. She kindly searched for me on her phone and allowed me to take a picture of it too, and now I am spreading the love.

We went for an interactive light display to talk about the history of Abu Dhabi thereafter, but it was crowded and dark to take pictures so no pictures for this part of our adventure! The Abu Dhabi Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2016 was beautifully organized and executed, kudos to the team behind the festival. We had a great time here. 

❤ ❤ ❤ 

Never miss a post again!

I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

Charms & Twinkly Christmas Dinner with 1919 Waterboathouse and Food Panda Finest

December 19, 2016, 10:01 pm

≫ Next: Little Penang Island 小滨岛 The Vibe, Vantage Bay

≪ Previous: A Celebration to Behold! Abu Dhabi Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2016.

$

0

0

1919 Waterboathouse was a charmingly cozy restaurant, shied away fro the throngs of crowd in the middle of town. It is aglow with warm twinkling lights and filled with wafts of appetizing flavours around... is this place built for Christmas or what?

Of course, there is no better place to introduce the launch of Food Panda Finest. You should be no stranger to food deliveries with what 2016 has given us - Food Panda, the longstanding brand that everyone knows... and then there's Deliveroo and Uber Eats. So much help to feed our hangry souls on lazyyy days.

As we approach 2017, we can start re-imagining what food delivery can do for us! If you fancy some fine dining-sque creations sent to your doorstep, Food Panda Finest can do it for you with a longgg list of awesome restaurants under its belt... Antoinette, Song of India, Folks Collective, Burnt Ends, Peach Garden and more.

Delivery time will not be compromised as participating restaurants have to be kept to a strict time limit before they commit to certain food being listed up with Food Panda Finest! I know, stay hungry, means staying angry! The folks at Food Panda understand this too.

Key in your postal code at finest.foodpanda.sg to find out what delivers to your hood.

Hunt for food no more, let it come to you 😉✌

If you're thinking of celebrating Christmas at 1919, you can expect thoughtful and festive interpretations of their contemporary European classics. Begin your dinner with a hearty bowl of Veloute aux cepes – featuring a porcini and champignon mushroom soup and leek.

Wine pairing: 2014 Two Tracks Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough

For the main course, we had a Deconstructed Turkey Pie made of turkey breast, peas, brussel sprouts, and cranberries stuffed in a fluffy, crispy and buttery puff pastry. What an ingenious spin to an otherwise classic Christmas dish, one that challenges our tastebuds to indulge in the same flavours in a different way.

Wine pairing: 2014 Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir, Martinborough

This festive meal at 1919 Waterboathouse is not complete without a sweet ending with a luscious dessert, Buche De Noel – the signature Christmas Praline log cake with hazelnut and popping candy. It was quite heavy for a dessert though I really liked the touch of popping candy for much fun! The moscato we had to pair with the Buche De Noel was excellent though, easily one of the best moscatos I've had. For your reference it is the 2014 Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato D'asti, Italy. It's really very good and I would imagine it to be the perfect moscato for dinners. Priced at $35++ for a two-course menu and $45++ for a three-course menu, coffee or tea is inclusive.

Available from 12 to 24 December, the menus are priced as follow: 

• Lunch two course ($35++) 
• Lunch three course ($45++)
• Dinner four course ($88++)
• Dinner four course ($108++)  

When dinner ends, steal a prized spot at The Rooftop Bar! This is one of the less well known rooftop bars where you can soak up the unparalleled panoramic views of the Marina Bay and Central Business District skyline. Perfect for New Year's fireworks, eh?

Tis the season to party away & be golly 🎉❤

Never miss a post again!

I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

Little Penang Island 小滨岛 The Vibe, Vantage Bay

December 21, 2016, 5:32 pm

≫ Next: CNY 2017 with Plaza Brassiere of PARKROYAL on Beach Road

≪ Previous: Charms & Twinkly Christmas Dinner with 1919 Waterboathouse and Food Panda Finest

$

0

0

It isn't common in Johor to find other states' foodfare along the streets - most are espousing true blue Johorean pride. If Johor is the furthest up north you can afford to travel over the weekend, but... rest assured with knowing you could indulge in some Penang cuisine right at Little Penang Island小滨岛 of The Vibe, Vantage Bay. One gripe is that the place feels too atas to be 'authentic' with gorgeous long tables, high ceilings, impeccable service and the ventilation is excellent with air conditioning. Because if we're not sweating buckets and sitting in a stuffy grimy little shop run by an old, singlet-wearing grumpy uncle, what is authenticity right???

Everything you can remember in your List of Penang Food can be found right here. This includes the first dish we tried, the Popiah. Immediately after the first bite I took, I noticed the popiah skin was quite well done, thin and yet holds everything well together. The popiah fillings were also generous with turnip, cucumber, carrots, egg, chives...! They have a tantalising hoisin base sauce (with some other secret ingredients!) to dip the popiah with too! I wouldn't say it's the best popiah I've tried (the best is made by my parents so NFS) but I guess I would say it is above average! Great choice for starters.

Some noodle soup bowls we tried include the Penang Laksa and Penang Prawn Noodles. The Penang Laksa, in my opinion, is excellent, with exaggerated rich sour and assam tones. Of course, you have to like a sour-based laksa soup before you will enjoy this. I would definitely order the laksa when I'm here. The Prawn Noodles didn't fare as well in my books, with a very thick prawn delicious soup base, but the prawns used were not as fresh as it would be decently considered good. As prawns are the soul of this dish, it is difficult to consider this to be good enough.

Onto the dry noodles! The Dry Hokkien Mee is the Penang rendition, as opposed to the usual soupy, wet delicious mess Singaporeans may be more used to. It is pretty much similar, but imagine it without the soup and stir fried. The dry version is not bad, more fragrant than what we have, but I think I still prefer the Singaporean version one because old food habits die hard... Char kuay teow was decent, but somehow I feel that the wokhei taste it had wasn't as strong as I expected. I'm always looking out for when I'm eating ckt. The plus point is hat the flavours were balanced nicely, it wasn't too sweet like many ckts are there, you can say this is a "healthier choice"!

Overall, I would not travel here specifically for the Penang food herr but it probably is a good addition to the restaurants in this area as the Malaysian cuisine representative in The Vibe. At least folks in groups who can't decide what they want can have the luxury of choice here!

Never miss a post again!

I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

CNY 2017 with Plaza Brassiere of PARKROYAL on Beach Road

December 25, 2016, 8:36 pm

≫ Next: In Awe of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (ABDB Travelogue)

≪ Previous: Little Penang Island 小滨岛 The Vibe, Vantage Bay

$

0

0

Chinese New Year is always my favourite festival of the year, with all the cheery songs, heartwarming gatherings with loved ones, feasts (and angpows 😊)... who wouldn't love it? This year, it is going to be The Year of the Rooster. The Chinese New Year celebrations at PARKROYAL on Beach Road will present you with an amazingly indulging buffet, with a fusion of local, Cantonese, Asian and international flavours. Here are some of the creations by the talented Executive Chef Ken that will keep you captivated!

"From exquisite Asian offerings specially prepared to usher the season of Spring In, or Ying Chun, to a delightful selection of local and international cuisines at our all-day-dining restaurant, we ahve something to suit every taste."Mr Frankie Tan, the restaurant manager of Plaza Brassiere

This masterful rendition of the auspicious Prosperity Lo-Hei Fa Cai Yu Sheng is not just your regular yusheng for lohei, it has interesting additions of deep-fried salmon skin and deep-fried chicken skin! These make the dish so much, much more tasty than the usual lohei! You can look forward to this now, it's not just a plain 'salad' anymore.

Instead of the Buddha, this dish name is inspired by the year of the Rooster - 'Chicken' Jumps Over The Wall! It is an incredibly nourishing chicken soup for a soul-boosting... I haven't had such quality chicken soup in a while, they really broiled it for a long time to achieve this texture and taste. The chicken drumstick is also tender and meaty. Such a treat!

One of Plaza Brassiere's classic signatures - the Braised Eight Treasures Boneless Duck is a rich flavourful delicious dish, though a pity the star of the dish - the duck is slightly overcooked which made the meat quite tough to chew. The sauce is really good though.

Another signature item is the Sea Cucumber with Roasted Pork which had a similar issue - I was hoping for a melt in the mouth texture but it ended up a little overcooked and tough again, but the sauce was really thick and good. The sea cucumber was chewy and lovely to try.

I was impressed by the Salted Egg Crab, which I have tried plenty during the salted egg craze, but this one I must say, hold its own. Firstly, the crab meat is really fresh and sweet, and the salted egg sauce is the sweeter sort, very velvety smooth and delicious. I couldn't get enough of it! Eating crab comes with its usual inconveniences - but this one I say: IT'S WORTH IT.

I really like this next dish - Wings of Fortune! Not only does the name have a nice ring to it, the four flavours: spicy, soya, garlic and salted egg sauce coated each wing completely. I thought I would like one particularly over others, but turns out each of them is delicious in their own ways. The spicy wing had a quite a strong kick to it, while the garlic one is really fragrant!

Fried Crab Meat Mee Sua is such a generous rendition of the usual mee sua we have, with even real pieces of crab meat in there! There was not a lot of crab meat, but I guess its importance is to elevate the taste of the mee sua with a hint of sweet crab throughout. Other than these items featured in this post, there are other dishes such as the Crispy Soft Shell Crab with Tobiko Mayo, Deep Fried Pork Belly with Preserved Red Beancurd, and Stir Fried King Prawns with Honey Rock Sugar.

We finished off with a medley of CNY cookies, one of the most extensive variety of cookies in the same seating! They have a walnut cookie, pineapple cookies (open-top & wrapped), kueh bangkit, peanut cookie, green pea cookie and more. Really such great post-dinner snacks to have, whichever that you may like! There's something for everyone here. For Chinese New Year, there will be a special appearance by the God of Fortune on the CNY eve and first day of CNY, welcoming guests with chocolate gold coins! Evening diners will receive a New Year gift set including two oranges and a red packet on the eve and first day of CNY.

The Chinese New Year prosperity feast is available from 16 January to 11 February 2017 for lunch (12-230pm) and dinner hours (6-10pm). Prices of the buffet here:

16 January - 11 February 2017 (excluding below dates)

Adult: $48 (lunch); $68 (dinner)

Child: $29 (lunch); $41 (dinner)

27 January 2017 (eve of CNY)

Adult: $68 (lunch); $118 (dinner)

Child: $41 (lunch); $71 (dinner)

28 & 29 January 2017 (1st & 2nd day of CNY)

Adult: $68 (lunch); $68 (dinner)

Child: $41 (lunch); $41 (dinner)

Enjoy 10% savings on buffets for eve of CNY, Day 1 and Day 2, valid for reservations, and full payments by 15 January 2017. Seats are subject to availability.

Plaza Brasseire

7500A Beach Road

PARKROYAL Serviced Suites

Singapore 199591

Never miss a post again!

I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

In Awe of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (ABDB Travelogue)

December 27, 2016, 7:59 pm

≫ Next: Where to Eat in Abu Dhabi: Al Sayyad Marine Restaurant and Grills مطعم الصياد البحري

≪ Previous: CNY 2017 with Plaza Brassiere of PARKROYAL on Beach Road

$

0

0

This is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Every year, over 3 million visitors grace the spectacular white marbled flooring of exquisite workmanship. The entire mosque is a magnum opus, and even this is an understatement. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the UAE, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has even won the world's second most prominent architectural pioneer in 2016. It's not difficult to see why at all with its grandeur.

When travelling around Abu Dhabi, you will certainly not miss it along the main highways, reflecting in the brilliant sunlight or glittering in the dark night. Its walls are the purest shade of white, it is almost blinding.

The dress code in the mosque premises is very strict to respect the Muslim customs, not just for women who have to cover themselves from head to ankle. Shorts are not allowed for men. For visitors who did not prepare beforehand for the appropriate dress, a traditional robe abaya and headscarf shayla are provided. After donning on the abayas, we can now explore the mosque freely!

The best timing to visit the mosque is around 4 in the afternoon, because the lighting is the best for you to admire at the amazing architecture. I visited the mosque twice, and yet both times I feel so much in awe of the entire place, especially on the intricate details of how it is built, the materials that were used and the people that came together to make this possible. There were Arab, Persian, Mughal and Moorish inspirations in the mosque architecture, with materials from India, Italy, Germany, Morocco, Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, Iran, China, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Macedonia and of course, the UAE. For more details, catch the free guided tour of the day at 5.

For more guided tour timings, see here.

If you thought that the outside architecture is amazing, the main prayer room has even more to offer. The carpet in the main prayer hall is considered to be the world's largest carpet made by an Iran company. Let that sink in - and you could sink your feet in the soft hand-woven carpet that took two years to complete. It honestly feels too precious to be stepped on. Of course, when you look up, you have to see a spectacular chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

It is simply opulence whichever direction you turn.

Even the prayer timings are clearly reflected on the fancy wall clock.

And, lo and behold, millions of Swarovski crystals suspended in mid-air above your head - this is the third largest chandelier in the world that is 10 metres in diameter.

Selfies are not encouraged but it is so hard to resist a few here!

Just as the informative and fun guided tour winds down, the sun is also about to set in the most glorious way, casting shades of pink across the pools.

Thank you for the wonderful memories 💜

Just taking a picture of the chandelier from the expansive carpet.

As the sun sets further and the sky turns darker, the lights turn on with a warm glow...

Till the next time 💜