The Italian restaurant, Borgata Trattoria Osteria, at The Cannery, offers decent food at decent prices. Take your pick from the menu which offers familiar Italian favorites such as pizzas and pastas, as well as a selection of main courses.

Alfresco seating allows for people-watching along the river, or you can sink into the cushy indoor seats, too.

Portobello
SGD16++

Our choice for the starter is the Portobello which, as an ingredient, never seems to go wrong. Stuffed with vegetables and ladled over with cheese sauce, juices ooze out as you bite into the succulent mushroom. And that’s not even the best part. The sauce is a winner — rich, creamy and delicious with mushroom bits. Oh, Mama Mia!

Borgata
SGD22++

As for the pizzas, there are classics like the Margherita (tomatoes, mozzarella and basil) and the namesake pizza that comes with a United Colors of Benetton mix of toppings (mozzarella, ham, capsicum, Porcini and Parmesan cheese). The pizza is excellent, with a thin crust so crispy that you will have no problem finishing everything up — all 8 slices of them!

You may wanna go easy on the red chili pepper flakes though. They are flaming hot! Just a few specks are sufficient to make you wanna reach for that sparkling San Pellegrino. I kid you not!

Fusilli Porcini Gamberi Con Salsa Alla Zucca (sampling portion)
SGD20++

The fusilli with prawns and Porcini mushroom usually comes in pumpkin sauce, but the chef would be happy to switch it to tomato sauce if you prefer. The sauce is a tad tangy for me, although the sweetness of the plump prawns (neatly sliced along the sides so that the shells come off easily) helps to alleviate the tartness.

Tiramisu and profiterole (sampling portions)
SGD9++ for each

Do save some room for desserts. What kind of an Italian meal would this be without Tiramisu? The cake here is so light and airy, it practically melts in the mouth!

The profiterole is a delightful pastry puff, with chocolate coating on top and creamy milk chocolate at the centre.

Lava cake
SGD9++

The chocolate lava cake arrives in dramatic fashion. It is served in a ramekin, one of those porcelain cups used for baking. The staff would pour rum on top of it, then set it on fire. How’s that for a wow factor? Apart from the flaming drinks like Lamborghini and Waterfall, and the seafood platter at the Manhattan Fish Market, can you think of any more flaming drinks and dishes?

Unlike the regular chocolate fondant where only the core is filled with molten chocolate, the entire top half of the cake is gooey chocolate goodness! The portion is really ample, too. Throw in a cappuccino and I’m done!

Have Your Say!

What are the other restaurants worth checking out at Clarke Quay? Share with us below!

Borgata Trattoria Osteria
Clarke Quay
Blk 3C River Valley Road, The Cannery #01-02
Singapore 179022
(65) 6305 6723
Service:

Opening hours:
Mon, Tue & Thu: 6pm – 11pm
Wed, Fri & Sat: 6pm – 1am
(Closed on Sun)

Posted by Veron in Food category | alfresco/outdoor dining, Clarke Quay, dessert, Italian, lava cake, pasta, pizza, waterfront, Western

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While Chinese-style restaurants serving this popular dish are aplenty, Western ones have not exactly ventured into the chili crabs’ territory. Casual Western restaurant, Eighteen Chefs, surprisingly offers it in the form of cheese baked chili crab. Doesn’t that sound enticing?

Only limited sets are available daily. So if you want to enjoy your favorite chili-spiked crab done with a twist, you would have better chances coming here earlier in the day.

Cheese baked chili crab
SGD18.90+

A whole crab is served swimming in the trademark spicy sauce and topped with cheese. Then, there’s the crab cracker. If you are like me and don’t know how to handle it properly, it’s a good idea to watch DIY videos on Youtube ask friends on Twitter ask the staff to crack the shell for you.

The sweet and sour gravy is the real winner here. Many places make it mildly spicy to cater to a larger group of people, but that doesn’t lend much of a kick does it? Thankfully the one here is spicy enough to make you wanna reach for that iced lemon tea every 5 mouthfuls. Apart from the spice, it is also thick, ribboned with egg and utterly flavorsome. Hot stuff! The only gripe is that there really isn’t much crab meat. Maybe we just got a skinny crab.

To make sure you don’t leave any of that spicy, saucy goodness behind, you can mop it all up with crispy mantou (Chinese buns). These sweetish buns come in a cute size and go really well with the gravy, traditionally speaking.

Cream of corn soup

The cream of corn soup of the day, which unlike the cream of mushroom soup we had the other time, is pretty decent too. We slurp down every last bit!

Baked Rice and Pasta

What if chili crab isn’t really your thing? Go for the baked rice or pastas. You can customise each dish with any of the 8 sauces and 12 ingredients. Check out our earlier Eighteen Chefs review on those! (Hint: They’re good!)

Have Your Say!

Chili crab – yay or nay? What is the most unusual incarnation of chili crab that you have come across? Where can we find the best chili crab in Singapore? Share with us below!

Eighteen Chefs ( Halal certified)
- Eastpoint Mall
- Fusionopolis
- Yishun 10
- Tiong Bahru Plaza
Website | Food menu | Drinks & desserts menu

Posted by Veron in Food category | Halal, seafood, Tiong Bahru, Western

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With Citibank Gourmet Pleasures, cardholders get to enjoy such popular signature dishes for just $10 each! And that’s not all.

When you dine at any participating restaurant, the bank also promises to match any better discount offered by other credit cards!

Sounds good? Apply online now for any Citibank Credit Card (it’s free!) and get free shopping vouchers, too.

More perks

The bank offers a wide range of credit cards that caters to various lifestyles and individual needs. Tertiary students, for instance, can go for the Citi Clear Card which has no minimum income requirement.

All cards come with different sets of privileges, as well as these benefits:

• Dining deals with Gourmet Pleasures
• 10% discount at Esso
• 6% rebates at Tangs*

* Not applicable to Citi Clear Visa and Citi Paragon Platinum MasterCard

Sign up online now!

If you have been thinking of signing up for a credit card with Citibank, this is a great time.

Application is free for the first year for all cards except for the Citi SMRT Platinum Card which is free for 2 years. Plus, you get the following freebies:

• $40 Tangs voucher when you successfully apply for both a Citibank Credit Card & Citibank Ready Credit
• $20 Tangs voucher when you successfully apply for either a Citibank Credit Card or Citibank Ready Credit

Note: Only applications made through here are eligible for these vouchers.

Useful links

• Citibank Credit Cards: Range of cards and benefits
• Citibank Gourmet Pleasures: Complete list of $10 signature dishes and dining perks.
• Citibank Credit Card Recommender: Choose a card that best suits you.
• Online application form: Free Tangs vouchers when you apply from here.

Posted by Veron in Food category | promotion

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The restobar at Siloso Beach, Sentosa, has unveiled a brand new food menu with an extensive range of Mediterranean and international cuisine. Apart from sunbathing and sipping on a Mojito at the swim-up bar, you can now enjoy a sumptuous seafood meal while admiring a panoramic view of the sea.

Photo by Café del Mar

The indoor dining area is decked out in blue, white and pink. A huge bar counter dominates the center of the restaurant, with the tables spilling outdoors by the kidney-shaped swimming pool.

Photo by Café del Mar

The menu features a selection of starters and salads followed by pastas and main courses such as baked Pacific dory.

Starters

Bruschetta
SGD6++

We start with a half dozen bruschettas. These are rather filling, with mozzarella cheese, chopped tomatoes and olive oil served atop grilled French loaf. Great when you need a quick bite!

Classic Caesar salad
SGD12++

The classic Caesar salad is a mix of bacon bits, croutons and romaine lettuce. We dig the delicious dressing and the toasted cubed croutons!

Pastas

Linguine Pescatora
SGD20++

I love a perfectly cooked pasta in a tomato-based sauce, so I find the Linguine Pescatora very enjoyable. Pescatora is Italian for “fisherman’s style”, which means that it is done just the way the fishermen like it, with chock full of seafood and a succulent, flavorsome tomato sauce. How very satisfying!

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with seafood
SGD12++ (top up SGD3 for ham, chicken or seafood)

The spaghetti Aglio e Olio is cooked al dente, not too bland or overpoweringly garlicky. You can choose to add on ham, chicken or seafood. Check out the load of seafood that includes mussels, whole scallops, clams and prawns. Not bad at all!

Children aged 12 or below can order smaller portions of the pastas at half the price.

Mains

Baked Pacific dory
SGD24++

The chef’s specialty of baked Pacific dory is quite inventive. The fish arrives on a bed of mashed potato, drizzled with a garlic butter sauce and baked to perfection. The potato bears a slight hint of wasabi that lends some spice, yet is mild enough to not burn the nostrils. Coupled with the thick, tasty butter sauce, it is hard not to enjoy this dish. So it’s a good thing that it comes in a good-sized portion.

Marisco Paella
SGD28++

For something even more substantial, go for the Marisco Paella. In this Spanish rice dish, saffron rice is baked with seafood morsels and tomatoes. The rice is fragrant and savory with herbs and spices.

Rib-eye steak
SGD28++

Meat lovers have the options of roast chicken, pork ribs, lamb chops or the rib-eye steak. A medium order of the steak turns out firm on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and drenched in a sweetish red wine sauce. Perhaps it is the chorus of delicious seafood before, we find this dish rather forgettable.

Cocktails

Bailey’s Comet

Don’t forget to wash down all the goodies with one of Café del Mar’s signature cocktails!

Photo by Café del Mar

If you are yearning for a meal away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you now have a wonderful dining option right by the beach. Coming here at night would be even more memorable and enchanting, with the cool sea breeze and a resort-like setting under the stars.

Have Your Say!

Does dining by the beach appeal to you? Are there any more of such seaside restaurants that we should know about? Share with us below!

Café del Mar
Sentosa
40 Siloso Beach Walk, Siloso Beach
Singapore 098996
(65) 6235 1296 | Website | Menu
Service:

Opening hours:
Mon – Thur, Sun: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 2am

Posted by Veron in Food category | alfresco/outdoor dining, bar, International, Mediterranean, pasta, restobar, salad, seafood, Sentosa, waterfront

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The first thing that strikes you about Queen & Mangosteen is probably its memorable name. So how did it come about? There is a legend about Queen Victoria offering a reward of 100 pounds to anyone who could deliver to her the fresh fruit. Also, did you know that the mangosteen is known as the queen of fruits?

Photo by Queen & Mangosteen

The next time you visit a British pub, don’t forget to check out its sign. You may notice that it is represented by pictures. In olden times, customers who were unable to read would recognise the establishments by these pictorial signs. That explains the prominence of the crown and the fruit in the logo!

Photo by Queen & Mangosteen

The interiors here are just as charming. Seating is a choice between the indoor dining area, and an alfresco area by the sea with a view of the Resorts World Sentosa.

Photo by Queen & Mangosteen

Apart from Queen, the other bars and restaurants along the same stretch, such as Brotzeit the German bar and Serenity the Spanish bar next door, also offer the same waterfront view.

Queen’s snapper fish & chips
SGD24++

Our main reason for coming here is to try out the much hyped Queen’s snapper fish and chips. The beer-battered fish is served with mesclun salad, a lemon wedge and tartar sauce. The twist lies in the sauce itself, which is yellow and curry-flavored! It is very tasty, and goes delightfully well with the fish and chips.

Without the unique curry tartar sauce, the dish is otherwise quite ordinary. At that price, it would be nice if they offer a bigger portion than just two rather skimpy pieces of fish. So for now, I still prefer Fish & Co‘s cheese-stuffed fish and chips.

Photo by Queen & Mangosteen

Still, I wouldn’t mind going back to Queen. The drinks are priced more reasonably than the food. With the lovely ambience and sea view, it is a wonderful place for chilling out.

Have Your Say!

What is your favorite place for fish and chips? Share with us below!

Queen & Mangosteen
VivoCity
1 Habourfront Walk #01-106/107
Singapore 098585
(65) 6376 9380 | Website
Service:

Opening hours:
Sun – Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri, Sat & PH Eve: 11am – 1am

Posted by Veron in Food category | alfresco/outdoor dining, bar, beer, English, restobar, seafood, Vivocity, waterfront, Western

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At 1 Twenty Six in East Coast Park, you can enjoy a meal and drinks while admiring a view of the sea and the ships in the distance. The dining arm of this restobar goes by the name Coast, offering a communal dining concept.

If this sounds familiar, that’s because its sister, Roast at One Rochester, first introduced this dining concept where parties of two or more can share a lovely meal together.

Apart from an indoor dining area, 1 Twenty Six is mostly a restaurant without walls. That means no air-conditioning, but you do get a nice sea breeze blowing in.

We love the tent canopy pavilion at One Rochester, and are pleased to see it here, too. With the surrounding foliage, outdoor pavilions and the sea nearby, this place boasts a resort-like ambience that makes a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Communal dining

The menu comprises entree platters, main courses, salads and desserts/cheeses.

Nibble Platter

The Nibble Platter is an assortment of clams, cod brandade, soft shell crab, potato skins and Crudites (raw fresh vegetables).

The baby potato skins come with sour cream and ocean trout caviar. These are delightful!

The seafood items are even better. The soft shell crab is light and crispy, and goes perfectly with the chili mayo dip. These steamed Vongole clams come with an interesting garlic and herb crumb. It’s the first time I have seen clams prepared this way, and they taste slightly sweet and delicious.

Grilled cod fillet

To tie in with the seaside location, all the main courses are seafood. The grilled cod fillet is accompanied by a fresh fennel and blood orange salad. The boneless fillet tastes good drizzled with the sweet Beaujolais sauce, but is rather forgettable.

Spiced lamb shank

For our other main course, the waitress allows us to go for the spiced lamb shank which is not on the communal dining menu. The meat is very tender and falls off the bone easily. The generous portion and the nice sauce makes this an extremely satisfying dish for meat lovers.

French fries, Broccolini and herb leaf salad

Next comes the trio of French fries, Broccolini and herb leaf salad. These are not much to shout about, and kinda make me miss the cauliflower cheese gratin from One Rochester.

Artisan cheeses

In the mood for some rich and moist cheese? End the meal with a platter of artisan cheeses served with muscat grapes. Alternatively, you can opt for the Grande Assiette, which is a selection of petite-sized desserts.

Fancy a drink or two?

There is a nice selection of wines here. Ladies would like the Jabolet rosé wine that has a nice shade of salmon pink and tastes of berries.

For the TWG Tea, they are served in single cups rather than pots, which seems to contradict the whole idea of communal dining.

Have Your Say!

What do you think of coastal dining? Are there other restaurants you would recommend for dining by the sea? Share with us below!

1 TwentySix
Playground @ Big Splash
902 East Coast Parkway #01-26
Singapore 449874
(65) 6348 2126 | Website
Service:

Opening hours: 6:30 – 11pm daily, 10am – 3pm (Sunday brunch)

Posted by Veron in Food category | alfresco/outdoor dining, bar, East Coast Park, fine dining, live football, live music, restobar, waterfront, Western

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Built circa 1930s, the Tiong Bahru estate is amongst the oldest housing estates in Singapore. It is also the only housing estate built by the British-administered Singapore Improvement Trust that is still in existence today, making it an icon in Singapore’s landscape.

A group of four artists, Miel, Tia Boon Sim, Paul Wang and Don Low, have created over 40 beautiful sketches of the charming estate in pen, ink and watercolor. You can view their artwork at the White Canvas Gallery right in the heart of the Tiong Bahru estate itself! Whether you live in Tiong Bahru, or you just love the neighborhood, you may wish to visit the exhibition.

Click to enlarge

Notice the name of the street where the gallery is. Did you know that all the streets in the Tiong Bahru neighborhood are named after Chinese pioneers of the 19th and early 20th centuries (Guan Chuan, Kim Pong, Seng Poh, Chay Yan, etc.)?

Enjoy Tia’s video of herself drawing in a calligraphy fountain pen and watercolors. It’s pretty amazing!

Click to enlarge

Rounded balconies, flat rooftops, spiral staircases, light wells and underground shelters are just some of the characteristics of the two to five-storey flats here.

If you wish to purchase a piece of art, it costs between SGD250 and SGD900.

Click to enlarge

The four artists will also be leading a Tiong Bahru sketchwalk on July 17. Keen to pick up some tips from the pros? Gather your sketching materials and assemble at the gallery that day at 2pm! Oh yes, the event is free :)

While you are there…

Feeling peckish after visiting the exhibition? Head to Tiong Bahru Market for some nice lor mee or pork rib prawn noodle.

The neighboring boutique hotels have some nice restaurants, too, such as Nectar at Wangz Hotel and Potion at Nostalgia Hotel.

Feel like taking a little walk? Hotel Re! on Pearl’s Hill has wonderful set meals and international brunch buffet. Have fun!

Posted by Veron in Singapore category | Tiong Bahru

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A trip here always includes a meal at the in-store restaurant. The range is good and the prices are inexpensive, from the $1 coffees and teas, the $5.50 daily specials, to the $3 desserts.

Dining here is a self-service, no-frills affair, although finding a seat can be a chore when the restaurant is packed. You wait in line and get your tray, cups and cutlery, then push your tray along a metal railing to get your food. The fun part is when you get to select your food from the coolers and freezers (salmon salads, desserts, etc) and order the hot dishes like meatballs!

Swedish meatballs
SGD2.90 for 5 (kid’s meal), SGD6.50 for 10

Thanks to the ambassadorship of IKEA, Swedish meatballs are perhaps the most famous Swedish dish in the world today. These are made with ground beef and pork and served alongside freshly boiled potatoes, cream sauce, and lingonberry jam. The jam tastes very much like cranberry sauce. I would never imagine that jam can go well with meat, but in the case of the Swedish meatballs, it somehow works!

How many meatballs do you usually go for? A quick look around the tables show that people generally order the default 10-piece, which seems quite hefty especially with those potatoes. The kid’s meal of 5 meatballs may be just nice if you also want to have a taste of other dishes and desserts.

Chicken wings
SGD2.80 for 2; SGD7.50 for 6

My friend highly recommends the chicken wings. Man, these are finger-licking good! The seasoning is quite tasty, and the thin crispy skin is to die for. My only gripe is that there is little meat on the bones. Something fleshier would be perfect! Next time round we’re so going for that 6-piece (each)!

Chocolate mousse
SGD2.50

The chocolate mousse is a favorite dessert of mine. I remember falling in love with this years ago when IKEA first came to our sunny shores. Since then, I would have it every single meal at the restaurant. The chocolate is very rich and has just the right degree of sweetness. It is even topped with a dollop of whipped cream!

Daim cake
SGD3.20

The Daim cake is another popular must-try dessert. It is covered in chopped Daim candy and milk chocolate. Sweet, rich and extremely satisfying!

Have Your Say!

What are your favorite dishes and desserts at IKEA? Is it the ever popular Swedish meatballs? What other dishes would you recommend? Share with us below!

Posted by Veron in Food category | Alexandra Village, dessert, Swedish, Tampines, Western

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While Korea isn’t exactly known for her coffee, our caffeine-loving population would certainly welcome an additional option to get a quick pick-me-up!

The ordering process is very much like your typical Starbucks and Coffee Bean, although prices are slightly cheaper.

Over here, they give you a disc-shaped pager that vibrates once your coffee is ready to be collected.

Cappuccino
SGD5.20

The cappuccino is pretty decent, with a nice, creamy froth that rides like silk on top of it. I like it unsweetened. Does anyone else drink cappuccino without sugar?

There is also some attempt at coffee art which, even if not perfect, is always appreciated.

Colorful cheery murals adorn the walls.

Getting a cuppa here is basically a fuss-free process. Next time round I’ll probably get some of that toasted pretzel to go along!

Have Your Say!

Have you visited Tom N Toms Coffee yet? Would you welcome new coffee chains or do you find that there are more than enough here already? Share with us below!

Posted by Veron in Food category | café, coffee, Far East Plaza, Korean, poll, Tanjong Pagar, Vivocity

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At Eden Sanctuary Floral Cafe in China Square Central, meals can be personalised based on individual preferences and customised according to dietary requirements. In the 5-course meal, Chef Clement Ronald Ng painstakingly puts together each dish according to color, and ensures that you literally taste a rainbow!

Floral tea

This being a floral café, it is fitting that we start with some floral tea.

Served in glass pots and delicate cups, the teas come in almost every color imaginable. Don’t these look like magic potions?

Relax fusion tea
SGD6.90++ (twin sharing)

The fusion teas are made with various herbs and flowers. The Relax tea, for example, is a pretty in pink concoction that comprises rose, rose hip and lemon verbena.

Butterfly blue pea
SGD6.90++ (twin sharing)

With its dramatic shade of purple-blue, the butterfly blue pea certainly makes an impression. The color is totally natural, courtesy of the butterfly pea flowers.

With practically hundreds of possible tea combinations, you can definitely find one that suits your mood!

6 colors

And now, let’s begin our gastronomic journey of colors!

Eden Rainbow salad
SGD9.90++

The Eden Rainbow salad arrives first, so named for its composition of 6 colors – red, orange, green, white, blue and brown. It consists of orange slices, blueberries, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes and multi-grain bread, tossed in a dressing made from calamansi, apple cider vinegar and honey. The whole sweet combination is well put together, and I finish all of it in no time. Love the delightful dressing!

White

- Boost immune system
- Slow cholesterol absorption
- Promote heart health
- Contain antioxidants
- Help maintain a healthy cholesterol level

Dory Portobello mushroom with lemon thyme butter sauce

For this course, a cut of dory is served atop Portobello mushroom along with some mixed vegetables. The lemon zest and salted butter sauce is light and flavorful, but my favorite part of this dish is the mushroom that oozes delicious juices with each bite.

Green

- Build strong teeth
- Help build strong bones
- Boost immune system
- Promote eye health
- Offer antioxidants for healing and protection
- Reduce the risk of certain cancers

Prawns with Edamame peas pasta

The prawns with Edamame peas pasta is “green” due to the peas, asparagus and celery. And how are these green? Why, the chlorophyll of course! (Glad to know that those elementary science lessons haven’t failed me after all these years!) While the generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese lends some flavor, the pasta is a tad dry for me.

Blue and Purple

- Promote memory function
- Help promote urinary tract health
- Boost the immune system
- Help promote healthy aging
- Offer antioxidants for healing and protection
- Help reduce the risk of some cancers

Balsamic Ambrosia blueberry chicken

My personal favorite dish is the balsamic Ambrosia blueberry chicken. The boneless chicken cut is tender and moist, marinated over 24 hours in balsamic vinegar and a certain Chilean wine.

The Rucahue Ambrosia late harvest wine comes in a striking blue bottle. It smells fresh and crisp. Next time I’m gonna have a taste of it!

Yellow and Orange

- Help promote eye health
- Promote heart health
- Help reduce the risk of some cancers
- Contains antioxidants
- Boost immune system

Sauteed mushroom with Polenta and saffron cream sauce

The cornmeal Polenta with White Button mushroom slices, cherry tomato, saffron cream sauce and feta cheese brings the yellow to the table. As healthy as it sounds, I am not a fan of the texture of the Polenta. By this course, you would likely feel full, but without that unwelcome stuffed sensation.

Red and Brown

Brown
- Promote artery and heart health
- Help reduce the risk of diabetes
- Help reduce high blood pressure
- Offer antioxidants for healing and protection
- Help reduce the risk of stroke
- Help reduce the risk of certain cancers of the breast, prostate and colon

Modena mousse cake, chocolate ganache and hibiscus cheese filo

Ahh… desserts to curb your sweet tooth cravings! This is a trio of Modena mousse cake, chocolate ganache and hibiscus cheese filo.

The Modena mousse cake is sweet and sour. You probably won’t believe it, but amongst its many ingredients are balsamic vinegar and black pepper!

It is impossible not to love the chocolate ganache, which is a mould of dense chocolaty goodness!

Red
- Antioxidants for healing
- Promote heart health
- Promote urinary tract health
- Improve memory function
- Help reduce the risk of certain cancers

As for the hibiscus cheese filo (or phyllo), it is made with hibiscus (the national flower of Malaysia) and light cream cheese. The result is a beautiful pastry with a crispy skin, pink cheese layers and sweet fruity undertones. This is my favorite of the trio.

The 5-course meal is available at SGD55 a person.

Have Your Say!

Are you aware of the different color groups in food? Do you regularly pay attention to these colors while cooking and dining? Share with us below!

Eden Sanctuary Floral Cafe
China Square Central
18 Cross Street #01-16
Singapore 048423
(65) 6224 2298
Service:

Bus services: 61, 80, 145, 166, 197
Nearest MRT: Chinatown

Opening hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon to Fri), 11am – 6pm (Sun)

Posted by Veron in Food category | Chinatown, healthy, salad, vegetarian

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On first glance, the restaurant at City Square Mall looks more like a beautifully themed bar than a pasta restaurant. The interior is decked out in black and red, with sensual touches of chandeliers, purple sheer curtains and gold-rimmed kitchen windows that decorate the dark walls.

Pasta Stylo is founded by Mr. Alvin Koh, the same flamboyant chef who is behind the Singapore Heritage Restaurant.

The bar is fringed by optical fiber lights in cool blue.

The restaurant decor was inspired by today’s youngsters “who dare to make statements with their personalised style of dressing, and their desire for difference”. This place does look like it would appeal to the young crowd!

Potato bacon soup

The potato bacon soup is thick and hearty, with diced onion, potato and bits of bacon for flavoring and garnish. It serves as a nice entrée to the main course.

Fowl of Arabica chicken chop
SGD13+

The pastas comprise a mixture of mostly fusion dishes, including the chili crab spaghetti, a dish that first became popular at the Singapore Heritage Restaurant.

I go for the exotic Fowl of Arabica chicken chop, which is a cut of juicy meat marinated in Arabian spices. It certainly packs a lot of flavor. The taste reminds me of satay peanut gravy, too! It suffices to say that I really enjoy this one.

To help counter the spices, the chicken is served with salad and pasta. Nothing too fancy here.

One drawback about dining here is that they don’t serve tap water, only bottled water. Kind of contradictory, considering that this is Singapore’s first eco-friendly mall and plastic bottles are hardly eco-friendly!

Service charges apply while GST is absorbed.

Have Your Say!

Have you ever visited a themed restaurant? Share your experience with us!

Pasta Stylo
City Square Mall
180 Kitchener Road #02-35/36
Singapore 208539
(65) 6509 8943 | Website
Service:

Bus services: 23, 64, 65, 66, 67, 130, 139, 147, 857, NR6
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park

Opening hours: 12noon – 10:30pm daily

Posted by Veron in Food category | City Square Mall, Jalan Besar, pasta, Singaporean

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Whether it is the brick walls, the square-shaped wooden tables and chairs, or the rows of ancient Chinese wine that fill the shelves, the quaint decor makes you feel as though you are in a period drama. To match the rustic ambience, the cooking certainly does not disappoint either.

Duck roasted with Ten Wonder herbs
SGD12.80-34.80++

The main specialty of this mid-priced restaurant chain is the herbal roast duck. You can choose from 3 types of herbs — Angelica herbs (Dang Gui), Ten Wonder herbs or wild ginseng.

The Ten Wonder herbs are basically a combination of ten herbs that include Codonopsis root, Chinese Foxglove root and licorice root. The herbs are supposed to promote longevity and soothe the mind. Feeling stressed? You know what to eat!

Apart from the obvious health benefits of the herbs, the duck meat is tender, juicy and soaked in the most delicious sweet sauce. Even for someone that prefers chicken over duck any day, this dish remains deeply enjoyable. Bonus: The thin crispy skin!

Braised shark’s fin broth with crab meat
SGD23-46++

As you can see, the braised shark’s fin broth is chock full of ingredients. Tinged with the sweetness of crab meat shreds, this easily trumps any shark’s fin soup at Chinese wedding banquets!

You would notice that many of the dishes on the menu are denoted with little red logos. These represent the Singapore Health Promotion Board’s Healthier Dining Program, which means that the dishes are cooked with less oil, salt and sugar.

Stir-fried lotus root with macadamia nut
SGD10.80-21.80++

One dish that I favor less is the lotus root with macadamia nut, but mostly because I am not a huge fan of the greens. The crunchy nuts are very much welcome though!

Stewed Ee-Fu noodle with Conpoy (dried scallop) & Golden mushroom
SGD8.80-17.80++

To fill the stomach, share a pot of the stewed Ee-Fu noodle. This is tossed with dried scallop and Golden mushroom. Cooked with sufficient flavor, it is one of the better renditions that we have had.

Garoupa slices with carrot sauce

The garoupa slices with carrot sauce is rather average and unmemorable.

Braised mushroom, sea cucumber & abalone
SGD29-59++

Love the braised mushroom, sea cucumber and abalone. The mushrooms are simply satisfying, oozing out delicious juices as you bite into each one.

D-Boiled Hashima
SGD5.30++

Dessert lovers should leave room for the chilled Hashima. This isn’t one for the squeamish though, as Hashima is made from — gulp! — the dried fallopian tubes of true frogs! Still, when it is made into a dessert like this, you kinda forget that the jelly-like substance actually comes from a frog. Served cold in a sweet soup with ginseng and red dates, this is light and refreshing.

Here are the aforementioned ancient Chinese wine. Does anyone else just wanna drink heartily?

Have Your Say!

What is your favorite Chinese restaurant? Share with us below!

Dian Xiao Er
Various outlets
Website
Service:

Posted by Veron in Food category | Chinese, healthy

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But, did you know that there is a Freemason fraternity right here in Singapore? Freemasonry was first established in Singapore on December 8, 1845. Even with a lengthy history of more than 150 years, people know little about the mysterious society. Sir Stamford Raffles, the Founding Father of Singapore, was himself a Freemason!

In fact, you may have already seen the Masonic Hall numerous times before. This is the meeting place for the Masonic Club in Singapore.

Photo by Nobody’s Clown

Each time we visit the Singapore Philatelic Museum or the Peranakan Museum, we would usually pass by this building on Coleman Street.

The meeting room is known as the Temple. When a lodge meeting is held here, the Worshipful Master sits on the tallest chair in the group of three chairs in front.

At the second meeting room, the classic Masonic black and white checkered pattern is at the centre of the floor. A silver letter “G” hangs from the ceiling, whose meaning has never been defined. It could stand for God, it could be geometry.

Today, there are about 750 Freemasons in Singapore, all male and mostly professionals. Do you know someone that is a member of this exclusive club?

They even have a bar here which is not open to the public, as is most of the building. But there is a restaurant on the ground floor that is available to the public.

Photo source: Today newspaper article

Have Your Say!

Do you know any Freemason? Have you ever visited the Masonic Hall? Share with us below!

Further reading

• Today newspaper article
• Paper: Freemasons’ Halls Singapore 1845 to 1879
• Singapore Infopedia: Masonic Hall
• Discussion – Singapore: Masonic Paradise?
• Wikipedia: List of Freemasons

Posted by Veron in Singapore category |

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Just across the street from these two hotels lies the charming Nostalgia Hotel. With a name like that and its location in this historical neighborhood, it would surely appeal to history buffs!

At the hotel lobby, you would find Potion, a restaurant-bar with alfresco dining and live bands on certain nights. This is one of those places that have caught my eye many times before. One fine afternoon, we hop in for a drink and seek quick reprieve from the sun.

With the beautiful ornate mirrors on the wall and the classic wooden furniture, there looks to be some sort of a 1930s Shanghai vibe going on here, don’t you think?

Check out the line of antiques on display, no doubt to tie in with the nostalgia theme. I love the blue tiffin carrier with its pretty floral design (tiffin is an old English word for a light lunch).

An old radio jukebox. Radio Ga Ga!

At the bar, black and white floral murals adorn the walls.

With the plush seats and cushions, the lounge area is perfect for a relaxing chit-chat session with girl friends over a couple of drinks.

Love the ambience and the old-fashioned nostalgia. Next time round we’ll be back to check out the food.

Have Your Say!

If you are a history buff yourself, another place that offers a similar vibe is the Singapore Heritage Restaurant in Chinatown.

Do you know more of such places? Share with us below!

Potion
Nostalgia Hotel
77 Tiong Bahru Road
Singapore 168727
(65) 6808 1818 | Website
Service:

Bus services: 5, 16, 33, 63, 75, 123, 175, 195, 851, 970, NR5, 195A
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru

Opening hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 6-11pm

Posted by Veron in Food category | alfresco/outdoor dining, bar, live football, live music, Tiong Bahru

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Ever since stumbling upon the Rendezvous buffet dinner quite by chance a few years ago, I have returned at least twice every year to feast on the goodies.

While the buffet is international style with both Western and Asian dishes tossed in the mix, what I love most is the seafood. If I could use one word to sum up the dinner buffet, it would be quite simply “crayfish” — loads and loads of it!

Over here, the staff always refill the trays once the food runs out. You can be sure to get a bellyful of the shellfish each time!

Of course, apart from that you can also indulge in other seafood such as baby octopus, crab legs and scallops. These go especially well with the Thai sweet chili sauce provided, among other dips.

Look, the canapé is topped with a slice of bak kwa (sweet barbecued pork)! These days, bak kwa sure is showing up in many unconventional dishes, including mooncakes!

Spot a running theme here? Yes, the crayfish is omnipresent on every dinner plate. That is my single most favorite item in the buffet spread.

As for desserts, a few durian specialties are offered. The blended durian purée is melt-in-your-mouth goodness. If you love durian mochi, you would absolutely enjoy this!

Then there’s also the hotel’s well known durian fudge cake that is filled with layers of soft durian pulp, minus the durian stench. Yum!

Perhaps what is lacking in this buffet is a nice chocolate fountain and more ice cream flavors.

Love the colorful picks!

International buffet
Lunch 12noon – 2:30pm: SGD37++ per adult
Dinner 6:30-10pm (Weekday/Weekend): SGD44++ / SGD47++ per adult

Promotion

This June, every child dines free with each paying adult. Wow! Check out the buffet promotion. Don’t forget to join our Facebook Page to get fresh updates of new dining deals!

Have Your Say!

Where is your favorite hotel buffet in Singapore? Share with us below!

Straits Café
Rendezvous Hotel
9 Bras Basah Road Singapore 189559
(65) 6335 1777 | Website
Service:

Bus services: 7, 14, 16, 36, 77, 106, 111, 124, 128, 131, 147, 14E, 162, 166, 167, 171, 174, 175, 190, 502, 518, 587, 590, 598, 700, NR7, 162M, 174E, 502A, 502B, 518A, 518B, 700A, 857
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut

Posted by Veron in Food category | buffet, International, Rendezvous Hotel, seafood

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Note: Please do call up the establishments directly to double-check if a particular match would be shown. Don’t want to be disappointed now, do we?

Updates:
June 30, 2010: Added Wine BOS. Removed Singapore World Cup Festival 2010 (cancelled) & Beerfest (ended)
June 27, 2010: Added Breko Cafe (Holland Village) & Brotzeit (313@Somerset)
June 25, 2010: Added Singapore World Cup Festival 2010 & Trattoria (313@Somerset)
June 23, 2010: Added Canopy Garden Dining & Bar (Bishan Park)
June 22, 2010: Added 6 Harry’s Bar outlets, Bar on 5 at Mandarin Orchard, Smokey’s BBQ, INK Club Bar & Prego at Fairmont Singapore
June 21, 2010: Added 1-TwentySix (East Coast Park) & Potion at Nostalgia Hotel
June 18, 2010: Added 2 Modesto’s outlets & Overeasy
June 17, 2010: Added 9 Harry’s Bar outlets, 3 tcc outlets & Beerfest
June 16, 2010: Added Halo rooftop lounge at Wangz Hotel
June 15, 2010: Added Chili’s Grill and Bar
June 13, 2010: Added Bar Bar Black Sheep & Sapore Italiano
June 12, 2010: Added 16 bars & 5 SAFRA clubs

Restaurants & Bars

Harry’s Bar at Boat Quay

1. Harry’s | Website | Our reviews here and here
   Matches shown: 7:30pm, 10pm and selected 2:30am matches
   - 28 Boat Quay Singapore 049818 | (65) 6538 3029
   - Changi Airport T3, 65 Airport Boulevard L2-AF-11 Departure Transit Lounge Singapore 819663 | (65) 6446 7049
   - CHIJMES, Victoria Street #B1-06 Singapore 187996 | (65) 6334 9150 / (65) 6334 9151
   - 11 Dempsey Road #01-17A Singapore 247673 | (65) 6471 9018 / (65) 6471 9019
   - Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Avenue #01-05/07 Singapore 039802 | (65) 6334 0132
   - Far East Shopping Centre, 545 Orchard Road #01-01/02 Singapore 238882 | (65) 6838 0460
   - Harbourfront Centre, 1 Maritime Square #01-64 Singapore 099253 | (65) 6271 8234
   - Holland Village, 27 Lorong Mambong Singapore 277686 | (65) 6467 4222
   - Novena Square, 238 Thomson Road #01-59/60 Singapore 307683 | (65) 6478 3010 / (65) 6478 3011
   - Orchard Towers, 1 Claymore Drive #01-05 & #02-08/09 Singapore 229594 | (65) 6736 7330
   - 238 Pasir Panjang Singapore 118594 | (65) 6773 9017
   - Pier Robertson, 80 Mohamed Sultan Road #01-07/09 Singapore 239013 | (65) 6538 3029
   - The Rail Mall, 444 Upper Bukit Timah Road Singapore 678066 | (65) 6767 0283
   - The Sail @ Marina Bay, 4 Marina Boulevard #01-31A Singapore 018986 | (65) 6325 1321 / (65) 6325 1322
   - Sentosa Cove Arrival Plaza, 1 Cove Avenue #02-14 Singapore 098537 | (65) 6376 3078 / (65) 6376 3079
   - 12 Maju Avenue Singapore 556690 | (65) 6488 0638 / (65) 6488 0639
   - Suntec City Mall Galleria, 3 Temasek Boulevard #01-37 Singapore 038983 | (65) 6334 9042
   - 9 Tampines Grande #01-19 Singapore 528735 | (65) 6587 7140 / (65) 6587 7141
   - 20 Sixth Avenue Singapore 276479 | (65) 6464 5120 / (65) 6464 5121
2. 1-TwentySix | Website
   Matches shown: 7:30pm and 10pm matches
   Playground @ Big Splash, 902 East Coast Parkway Singapore 449874
   (65) 6348 2126
3. Bar Bar Black Sheep
   Matches shown: Check with staff
   Robertson Blue, 86 Robertson Quay #01-04 Singapore 238247
   (65) 6836 9255
4. Bar on 5 at Mandarin Orchard | Website
   Matches shown: Check with staff
   333 Orchard Road Singapore 238867
   (65) 6831 6288 / (65) 6831 6286
5. Bikini Bar | Website
   Matches shown: 7:30pm matches
   50 Siloso Beach Walk Singapore 099000
   (65) 6276 6070
6. Boomarang Bistro & Bar | Website
   Matches shown: All
   The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay #01-15 Singapore 238252
   (65) 6738 1077
7. Breko Cafe
   Matches shown: Schedule
   Holland Village, 38 Lorong Mambong Singapore 277694
   (65) 6468 4424
8. Brewerkz | Website
   Matches shown: 7:30pm and 10pm matches
   - Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Road #01-05/06 Singapore 058282 | (65) 6438 7438
   - Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk #01-06/07/K1 Singapore 397691 | (65) 6345 9905
   - 903 Bukit Timah Road Singapore 589620 | (65) 6464 8155
9. Brotzeit | Website | Our review
   Matches shown: Check with staff
   313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Road #01-27 Singapore 238895
   (65) 6834 4038
10. Café Iguana | Website
    Matches shown: All
    12 Greenwood Avenue Singapore 289204
    (65) 6462 1533
11. Canopy Garden Dining & Bar | Website
    Matches shown: All
    Bishan Park II, 1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 Singapore 569931
    (65) 6556 1533
12. The Chamber Bar & Bistro
    Matches shown: Check with staff
    Robertson Walk, 11 Unity Street #01-16 Singapore 237995
    (65) 6738 1332
13. Chili’s Grill and Bar | Website | Our review
    Matches shown: 7:30pm matches
    - Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road #02-23 Singapore 247933 | (65) 6733 3317
    - Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway #01-072/073/074 Singapore 098269 | (65) 6835 9077
14. District 10 | Website
    Matches shown: All
    10 Winstedt Road #01-17 Singapore 227977
    (65) 6738 4788
15. Durty Nelly’s | Website
    Matches shown: Schedule
    Marina Square, 6 Raffles Boulevard #01-01/02/03 Singapore 039594
    (65) 6338 8023
16. Hacienda | Website
    Matches shown: Check with staff
    Tanglin Village, 13A Dempsey Road Singapore 249674
    (65) 6746 2922
17. Halo rooftop lounge at Wangz Hotel | Website
    Matches shown: All
    231 Outram Road Singapore 169040
    (65) 6595 1388
18. Hannibal European Grill & Bar
    Matches shown: Check with staff
    The Pier at Robertson, 80 Mohamed Sultan Road #01‑04 Singapore 239013
    (65) 6732 7550
19. Hard Rock Café | Website
    Matches shown: Check with staff
    50 Cuscaden Road Singapore 249724
    (65) 6235 5232
20. Ice Cold Beer
    Matches shown: All matches before 2am; semi-finals and finals
    5 Emerald Hill Road Singapore 229289
    (65) 6735 9929
21. INK Club Bar at Fairmont Singapore | Website
    Matches shown: 2:30am matches
    80 Bras Basah Road Singapore 189560
    (65) 6431 6156
22. La Viva Spanish Bar & Tapas | Website
    Matches shown: Check with staff
    CHIJMES*, 30 Victoria Street #01-12/13/14 Fountain Court Singapore 187996
    (65) 6339 4290
    * There are more establishments at CHIJMES showing the matches. See the full listing of tenants and call to check if your favorite bar is broadcasting the games.
23. Malted Milk
    Matches shown: All
    Studio M Hotel, 3 Nanson Road Singapore 238910
    (65) 6808 8888
24. Mana Mana East Coast | Website
    Matches shown: All
    1212 East Coast Parkway Singapore 449886
    (65) 6339 8878
25. Modesto’s Restaurant | Website
    Matches shown: All
    - Orchard Parade Hotel, 1 Tanglin Road #01-09/10 Singapore 247905 | (65) 6235 7808
    - The Elizabeth Hotel, 24 Mount Elizabeth #01-05 Singapore 228518 | (65) 6736 2808
26. Muddy Murphy’s | Website
    Matches shown: All
    Orchard Hotel #B1-04, 442 Orchard Road Singapore 238879
    (65) 6735 0400
27. Mulligan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
    Matches shown: Check with staff
    Clarke Quay, 3C River Valley Road The Cannery #01-02A Singapore 179022
    (65) 6305 6726
28. Overeasy | Website
    Matches shown: Schedule
    1 Fullerton Road Singapore 049213
    (65) 6423 0701
29. The Penny Black | Website
    Matches shown: Schedule
    26/27 Boat Quay Singapore 049817
    (65) 6538 2300
30. Per Se Bar & Kitchen | Website
    Matches shown: All
    Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard #01-06/07/08 Singapore 038596
    (65) 6337 6300
31. Post Bar at The Fullerton | Website
    Matches shown: Schedule
    The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square Singapore 049178
    (65) 6877 8135
32. Potion at Nostalgia Hotel | Website | Our review
    Matches shown: Check with staff
    77 Tiong Bahru Road Singapore 168727
    (65) 6808 1818
33. Prego at Fairmont Singapore | Website
    Matches shown: 7:30pm and 10pm matches
    80 Bras Basah Road Singapore 189560
    (65) 6431 6156
34. Re!Wine at Hotel Re! | Website
    Matches shown: All
    175A Chin Swee Road Singapore 169879
    (65) 6827 8288 / (65) 6827 8234
35. Sapore Italiano | Our review
    Matches shown: Schedule
    Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road #01-15 Singapore 179103
    (65) 6333 4236
36. Scruffy Murphy’s | Website
    Matches shown: Schedule
    Marine Cove, 1000 East Coast Parkway B7 Singapore 449876
    (65) 6449 7717
37. Smokey’s BBQ
    Matches shown: 7:30pm and 10pm matches
    73 Joo Chiat Place Singapore 427790
    (65) 6345 6914
38. St. James Power Station | Website
    Matches shown: Check with staff
    3 Sentosa Gateway Singapore 098544
    (65) 6270 7676
39. tcc | Website | Our reviews here, here and here
    Matches shown: Check with staff
    - 51 Circular Road Singapore 049406 | (65) 6533 9033
    - Great World City, 1 Kim Seng Promenade #01-29 Singapore 237994 | (65) 6737 3317
    - PoMo, 1 Selegie Road #01-02 & #02-25 Singapore 188306 | (65) 6338 0520
40. Trattoria
    Matches shown: Schedule
    313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Road #01-16/17/18 Singapore 238895
    (65) 6834 4833
41. Treetops
    Matches shown: Check with staff
    The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia, 7 Raffles Avenue Singapore 039799
    (65) 6434 5288
42. Wala Wala Cafe Bar
    Matches shown: World Cup matches that start before 1am
    Holland Village, 31 Lorong Mambong Singapore 277689
    (65) 6462 4288
43. Wine BOS | Website
    Matches shown: All
    17 Jalan Klapa Singapore 199329
    (65) 6538 7886
44. Oriole Cafe & Bar | Website | Our review
    Matches shown: Schedule
    Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, 96 Somerset Road #01-01 Singapore 238163
    (65) 6238 8348

Coffee art at Oriole Cafe & Bar

Mini Theaters

Screening Room

1. The Screening Room | Website
   Matches shown: Check with staff
   12 Ann Siang Road Singapore 069692
   (65) 6221 1694
2. Resorts World Sentosa | Website | Our review
   Matches shown: Schedule
   8 Sentosa Gateway Singapore 098269
   (65) 6221 1694
   A 300-seat viewing theater with a giant screen as well as 72 television sets all over the resort are broadcasting the matches live.

Resorts World Sentosa

McDonald’s

Over 30 McDonald’s restaurants are open 24 hours and screening all the matches live. Find out if there’s one in your location!

1. Northpoint Shopping Centre
   930 Yishun Avenue 2 #01-02 Singapore 769098
2. Sun Plaza
   30 Sembawang Drive #01-19 Singapore 757713
3. Fajar Neighbourhood Shopping Centre
   445 Fajar Road #01-520 Singapore 670445
4. Ang Mo Kio Ave 3
   Big Mac Centre, 51 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 #01-04 Singapore 569922
5. Ang Mo Kio Ave 10
   448 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 #01-1693 Singapore 560448
6. Ang Mo Kio Ave 4
   163 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 #01-438 Singapore 560163
7. Bendemeer
   22 Boon Keng Road #01-01 Singapore 330022
8. Hougang
   208 Hougang Street 21 #01-318 Singapore 530208
9. Hougang Ave 8
   684 Hougang Avenue 8 #01-999 Singapore 530684
10. Sengkang Rivervale
    118 Rivervale Drive #01-32 Singapore 540118
11. Serangoon Ave 3
    267 Serangoon Avenue 3 #01-37 Singapore 550267
12. Toa Payoh Central
    600 Toa Payoh Lorong 4 #01-02 Singapore 319515
13. Toa Payoh Lorong 1
    109 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 #01-318 Singapore 310109
14. Queensway
    Ridout Tea Garden, 580 Queensway #01-580 Singapore 149066
15. Shaw Centre
    1 Scotts Road #01-03 / 08 Singapore 228208
16. Bedok Interchange
    Princess And Rajah Twin Cinema, 445 Bedok North Street 1 Singapore 469661
17. Bedok North
    539 Bedok North Street 3 #01-643 Singapore 460539
18. Bedok Reservoir
    632 Bedok Reservoir Road #01-850 Singapore 470632
19. Downtown East
    1 Pasir Ris Close #01-28A Singapore 519599
20. East Coast Parkway
    Marine Cove, Block A 1000 East Coast Parkway #2/4 Singapore 449876
21. Geylang East Central
    113 Aljunied Ave 2 #01-01 Singapore 380113
22. Kallang
    200 Stadium Boulevard Singapore 397801
23. Tampines Interchange
    513 Tampines Central 1 #01-150 Singapore 520513
24. Tampines Mart
    5 Tampines Street 32 #01-01 Singapore 529284
25. Tampines West Community Club
    5 Tampines Avenue 3 #01-07 Singapore 529705
26. Bukit Batok
    632 Bukit Batok Central #01-138 / 140 / 142 Singapore 650632
27. Chua Chu Kang Community Club
    35 Teck Whye Avenue #01-01 Singapore 688892
28. Farrer Road
    Serene Centre, 10 Jalan Serene #01-01 Singapore 258748
29. Superbowl Jurong
    1 Yuan Ching Road Singapore 618640
30. Jurong East
    256 Jurong East Street 24 #01-381 Singapore 600256
31. Pioneer Mall
    638A Jurong West Street 61 #01-01/02 Singapore 641638
32. West Coast Park
    71 West Coast Highway Singapore 126844

Community Clubs

Choa Chu Kang Community Club

Apart from the many neighborhood coffee shops that would no doubt be screening the World Cup, here are 16 community clubs where you can watch the football matches. All the clubs can admit more than 100 people each, except Braddell Heights and Fengshan, which have smaller capacities of 80 and 90, respectively.

Most of these places sport two to three 42-inch television sets while the larger ones — Telok Ayer Hong Lim Green, Chua Chu Kang and Chong Pang can take 500 fans each — have installed large projector screens.

Also check out the list of match screenings at the various clubs.

1. Braddell Heights Community Club
   50 Serangoon Ave 2 #01-01 Singapore 556129
   (65) 6288 1258
2. Cheng San Community Club
   6 Ang Mo Kio Street 53 Singapore 569205
   (65) 6458 8222
3. Chong Pang Community Club
   21 Yishun Ring Road Singapore 768677
   (65) 6758 8258
4. Choa Chu Kang Community Club
   35 Teck Whye Avenue Singapore 688892
   (65) 6769 1694
5. Clementi Community Centre
   220 Clementi Ave 4 Singapore 129880
   (65) 6778 1950
6. Eunos Community Club
   180 Bedok Reservoir Road Singapore 479220
   (65) 6448 6971
7. Fengshan Community Club
   20 Bedok North Street 2 Singapore 469644
   (65) 6449 5136
8. Gek Poh Ville Community Club
   1 Jurong West Street 74 Singapore 649149
   (65) 6792 0095
9. Jurong Spring Community Club
   6 Jurong West Ave 1 Singapore 649520
   (65) 6567 1374
10. Mountbatten Community Club
    35 Jalan Satu Singapore 399479
    (65) 6344 7387
11. Sengkang Community Club
    2 Sengkang Square, #01-01 Sengkang Community Hub Singapore 545025
    (65) 6312 5400
12. Tampines Central Community Club
    866A Tampines Street 83 #02-01 Singapore 521866
    (65) 6785 8292
13. Telok Ayer Hong Lim Green Community Centre
    20 Upper Pickering Street Singapore 058284
    (65) 6533 3260
14. Toa Payoh East Community Club
    160 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh Singapore 319380
    (65) 6256 7601
15. Woodlands Community Club
    1 Woodlands Street 81 Singapore 738526
    (65) 6368 9938
16. Zhenghua Community Club
    1 Segar Road Singapore 677738
    (65) 6310 6702

SAFRA Clubs

1. Mount Faber Club
   2 Telok Blangah Way Singapore 098803
   (65) 6278 6011
2. Jurong Club
   333 Boon Lay Way Singapore 649848
   (65) 6686 4333
3. Toa Payoh Club
   293 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh Singapore 319387
   (65) 6259 4000
4. Tampines Club
   1 Tampines Street 92 Singapore 528882
   (65) 6785 8800
5. Yishun Club
   60 Yishun Avenue 4 Singapore 769027
   (65) 6852 8200

Have Your Say!

Which team would you be rooting for in the World Cup 2010? Where would you be catching the matches? If we have missed any good venues, let us know below!

Posted by Veron in Singapore category | bar, live football

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Wee Nam Kee is one of the few names that always pop up when people talk about their favorite Hainanese chicken rice, along with Boon Tong Kee, Tian Tian and a couple of others. Sure enough, a friend of mine proclaims it to be his favorite, and so we head down one afternoon to try it out.

As a testament to its long legacy and reputation, its premises at Novena Ville is full house with the lunchtime crowd! Never mind the hot weather and the lack of air conditioning at this no-frills eatery, people are practically swarming the place to get a plate of the ever-popular chicken rice. Here, they serve both the roasted and steamed versions.

Hainanese chicken rice
SGD4 for chicken breast / SGD4.80 for a drumstick

We order the rice with the steamed chicken served separately on the side. See how the skin glistens! Do you belong to the group that throw the doctor’s advice to the wind and eat it all, skin included, or do you carefully peel the skin away and eat just the flesh?

The chicken breast (my favorite part) is tender and moist even though it may well be the driest part of the bird. The star of this dish however is the sweet sauce that the meat is soaking in. I find that for chicken rice to be delicious, this sauce is the key. And this one is just wondeful — flavorful and fragrant with sesame oil, just the way I like it.

The rice is pretty decent, too, though paling in comparison to Tong Fong Fatt‘s fragrant rice.

Photo credit

Nonetheless, a good plate of Hainanese chicken rice is a find. Despite the brisk business, the staff are very quick and prompt in taking our orders and serving the food.

Have Your Say!

Where can you find the best Hainanese chicken rice in Singapore? Is it Wee Nam Kee, Tong Fong Fatt, Boon Tong Kee, Tian Tian or some other place? Share with us below!

Posted by Veron in Food category | chicken rice, Chinese, Hainanese, Novena

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When Andy Warhol said this in 1968, it gave rise to the expression “15 minutes of fame”. With Youtube, blogs and the sheer number of reality shows these days, it sure looks like anybody can easily get his dose of fame!

And now, the 15 minutes café at the LASALLE College of the Arts offers aspiring musicians a stage and their 15 minutes of fame.

With its lofty ceilings, long tables and floor-to-ceiling windows, the atmosphere at 15 minutes is that of a large, jovial cafeteria. The bar area on the lower floor comprises of tall tables, comfy lounge seats, a deejay station and a stage. Bands perform here live every Friday and Saturday.

The crowd here is largely the college students, although the café is also open to members of the public.

On an elevated platform lies the main dining area. This section is decked out like a school canteen, with long wooden tables and benches and menus written on chalkboards. The food served are the standard Western fares such as pastas, pizzas and fish and chips.

Fish & chips
SGD12.90++

One of the house specialties is the fish and chips, an ample portion served with homemade coleslaw and Cajun fries. The crumbed skin of the dory is light and crispy, while the inside is fleshy and moist with no fishy stench. The tartar sauce makes a delightful dip, too. Nice!

Even with the awesome cheese-stuffed fish and chips at Fish & Co as a benchmark, this one still impresses!

Extra cookie points are awarded to the accompanying Cajun fries. If you have tried the fries at Popeyes, you would love the ones here, too. Tinged in Cajun spices, these fries are tasty and crunchy!

Wasabi prawn pizza
SGD9.90++

We also venture into the pizzas and go for the wasabi prawn pizza. Done fusion style with tomato sauce, cheese, prawns, sesame seeds and wasabi mayo sauce, this pizza looks really good on paper!

For someone that loves wasabi, it is hard for me to not like a dish with wasabi in it. And that’s where this dish falters. There is almost no hint of wasabi in it at all, or cheese, or tomato sauce for that matter. What gives? To be brutally honest I actually have a hard time eating this one.

(Speaking of which, here’s a wasabi joke: What did Sushi A say to Sushi B? … What’s up B?)

Orange juice
SGD4.50++

The orange juice tastes suspiciously like orange syrup water. Hmm. That wooden reservation sign is a nice touch though!

Overall, this is a great place for chilling out with friends. Love the relaxing ambience! But next time round I’m going for a cold beer and some fish and chips. Also, it would be just perfect if they play Michael Jackson as opposed to the hip-hop that night. Alright, I’m aware that I’m probably just wishing for the moon (pun intended).

On a side note, how snazzy is the school building? It’s totally befitting of an arts college. Wow!

Have Your Say!

Are there any cafés and restaurants on your school campus worth visiting? Share with us below!

15 Minutes
LASALLE College of the Arts
1 McNally Street Block D #01-01
Singapore 187940
(65) 6333 5915 | Website
Service:

Bus services: 23, 48, 56, 57, 64, 65, 66, 67, 131, 139, 147, 166, 170, 851, 857, 960, 980, 1N, 2N, 3N, 4N, 5N, 6N, NR6
Nearest MRT: Bugis, Little India

Opening hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon-Thur & Sat), 11am – 12midnight (Fri) (Closed on Sundays)

Posted by Veron in Food category | bar, Bugis, Little India, live music, pizza, Western

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Through a special custom-made iPad application, customers can peruse photos of the dishes, view suggested food and wine pairings, and read tasting notes. They can also indicate preferences such as how well they want their steak and whether to have fries to go along. Cool!

(Audio in Chinese)

Letting diners order food wirelessly is hardly a new thing. Local sushi chain Sakae Sushi has already done it using touch screen terminals. But the iPad offers additional functionality with its ready pool of great applications. For a start, we recommend these free dining apps. Plus, the iPad is just undeniably cool ;)

Source

Have Your Say!

Would iPads become a new trend in restaurants? Are you more keen to patronise a restaurant that uses iPads? Also…

Would you be getting an iPad? Why or why not? Share with us below!

Posted by Veron in FoodBytes, Tech category | iPhone apps

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The Rookie is a webcast reality show presented by Nokia. 12 contestants have been selected from hundreds of applicants to take part in a series of challenges. The prizes? 4 prestigious internships at Nokia, Microsoft, Standard Chartered Bank and even Zouk! The ultimate champion will be crowned the Rookie and win SGD5,000.

Like The Apprentice, the contestants are also divided into two teams. Everyone gets his or her own brand new Nokia E72 messaging device. Through the mobile device, the teams receive their challenges. In one of the tasks, the contestants had to sell drinks from local coffee and toast chain, Toast Box!

To make things even more interesting, the winning team gets to win awesome prizes, while someone from the losing team will be eliminated. Sounds exciting?

Win the Nokia E72

Now, you may be wondering: What has all this got to do with me? Well, if you would like to win the new Nokia E72 messaging device for yourself, simply predict the final winner of The Rookie, vote for him or her, and you may just win the mobile phone! There are 2 of this device up for grabs, so do try your luck!

New episodes are webcast weekly. Follow the show and predict the winner!

Posted by Veron in Contests category | Mobile Phone

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