There are only 2 reasons for me to walk into a McDonald’s; (1) I’m a tourist in another country and I’m checking out their local McD’s for something unique, or (2) there is new McDonald’s product launched in Malaysia.

Rest assured I’m not an advocate of Mcdonald’s or any of its food.

So far I’ve tried McD’s in Australia (wagyu burger), Paris (McBaguette), Chengdu (green Chicken Wrap), Hong Kong (macaroni soup and corn pie), Thailand (pork), Singapore and Korea (Bulgogi burger).

For Malaysia the previous Lychee Pie was disappointing, and so was the Spinach Pie.

I didn’t managed to try the Foldover Mashwi and Foldover Lazeez last year so I had to have my curiosity satisfied this year.

And you know what?

I wish I wasn’t the curious sort.

Yes, my expression says it all.
Take a look at the images and I’ll let you draw your own conclusions.

Foldover Mashwi – “filled with tender grilled beef topped with a unique hot sauce. Both are served wrapped in a warm, toasted flatbread along with crisp lettuce, crunchy onions and juicy tomatoes.”

What I got:
Dry beef patties that are obviously the SAME beef patties for the other McD burgers, a squirt of bland sauce and the vegetables as per description.

Foldover Lazeez – “filled with juicy chicken and garlic sauce“.

What I got:
The whole foldover is essentially the same as the Grilled Chicken Foldover that was sold before. Or at least it tasted that way to me.

The Mashwi was RM12.50 + 6% and the Lazeez was RM10.95 +.

To say it is an expensive disappointment is putting it mildly!

We tried the Bubur Cha Cha Pie (RM3.50) too.
It was frankly, just sweet coconut cream with tiny cubes of yam.

It took some effort to the yam cubes too.

We had our meal at the Mid Valley McDonald’s, which sadly didn’t have the Cendol Sundae that we wanted.

Anyways, this is how the McFlurry & Sundae Mata Kucing dan Pai Bubur Cha Cha is supposed to look like.
But as we know, “photos are for illustrations purposes only” right?

Our Sundae Mata Kuching – RM3.95+.

So, what do YOU about McDonald’s latest offerings?
Have you tried them? Did you like it?

I’m a big fan of anything homemade, even more so when it is not “entirely commercial”; as in it is available for sale but in small batches and from homemakers/bakers that keeps strict QC on her/his produce.

Andrew Kit was someone I noticed a few months back via a Facebook group.
His contributions to the group was (and still is) sincere, wonderfully engaging and full of positivity.

They said never judge a person by their face (or in this case Facebook profile) but over the months, I had detected no egotistical nor self-centered attitude from him; and overall Andrew seems to be a humble, kind stayhome-dad taking care of his sons and making a living doing what he’s passionate about; baking and cooking.

His daily meals and bakes were distracting temptations since I follow the FB group where he posted daily about his kitchen adventures.
So when when recently Andrew’s breads was made available commercially I decided that to order some to try!

I love breads and I’m terribly picky about the types of breads that I would consume.
Artisanal breads are no doubt my choice if I have to eat breads.

So as I observed Andrew’s posting, I took note of a few flavours that I would like to try.

For my review to be completely unbiased I got a friend to order the loaves that I want.
I was not in contact with Andrew at all, though we are FB friends.
I paid RM90 (RM13 x 5 loaves + RM25 cake) in total for my purchases as shown below.

If the breads are to my liking (taste is subjective after all) I would certainly promote them.
After all, I’ve always been an advocate of healthy eating, and commercially made breads are more often than not, with added preservatives, softening and chemicals.

So here I am, stuffing my face with glorious, fresh breads (after a 10km run of course).

All were good on its own, though on some days I whacked slices with a good dollop of pure butter on top, and on other days I added some form of protein.

1. Diabetic matcha and mulberries (RM13). About 260g.
The name diabetic would have given you the clue that the loaf is non-sugar. Andrew made it a bit salty for taste.

I find the matcha flavour discernible enough and was imagining eating this with matcha butter or matcha spread. Oh my!
Anyhow for now I’ll savour it with French butter while waiting for my green tea spread from Japan.

2. Multigrain (RM13). About 330g.
This is one of Andrew’s specialty and if you know the ingredients that goes into them, you might agree with me that RM13/loaf is reasonable.
Ingredients: German unbleached flour, German fine wholemeal, wheat barn, black raisins, sultanas, golden Raisins, cranberries, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, blue poppy seeds, oats, psyllium husks, brown sugar, salt, instant yeast, sourdough starter, extra light virgin olive oil.

The bread itself is not sweet and you will only taste sweetness when you bit into the parts with the sweet ingredients, which is plentiful.

3. High Fibre w/ VCO (RM13). About 280g.

This one is slightly drier and rather plain. I trust this loaf would be suitable for those who prefer their breads heavy and more grains.
I would use this for sandwiches, especially for my tuna, sardines and eggs sandwiches.

4. Rosemary and Cheese Loaf. RM13. About 260g.
A bread ideal to eat on its own, though I felt there should be more cheese for RM13.

5. Apricot Raisins. RM13. About 300g.

6. Banana Cake RM25/loaf. About 600g.
I may not know Aunty Pat personally, but I’ve heard of her and I doubt she is the sort to be sharing her banana cake recipe with just about anyone.
No doubt Aunty Pat must have known Andrew and liked his sincerity/character/etc, so much so that she divulged him her personal banana cake recipe.

I love banana cakes and I’m fussy about it. Well, I am fussy with just about anything and I’m glad to have found a banana cake that suits me; fluffy yet compact with banana and rich in banana taste and aroma, minus the heavy grease, yet with a pleasant buttery moistness.

Goodness, there goes my low carb diet!

Don’t take my word for it, try them yourself. What suits me may or may not suit your palate.
Andrew is contactable via his FB page and I hope that, just like me, you will get to know Andrew and enjoy his bakes.

** Do note that I’m in no way obligated to promote or “help” out homemakers (I know there are many around) and I would only do so for those I’ve personally known, or have enjoyed their products.

I was part of the 80% of the tourists to Melaka once, only knowing of Baba Charlie and steadfastly visiting BC each time I’m in Melaka.
I swooned over their bongkong and absolutely love the durian apam. I even wrote a glowing review of it.

Then things changed.
On one visit I was disappointed with the kuih. Perplexed, it hit me that the quality is sliding south faster than our ringgit.

Deprived of good kuih suddenly, I started to bug my ever reliable guide and friend Daniel Cerventus. “Eh, Melaka only one place got kuih ah?”
Overworked yet ever obliging, he was coerced into getting me other options, for he realized he will never hear the end of it from me if he didn’t.

Thus from his help I got to know of Bibik Ong and the kuih at the Yummy Food Court. Satisfied, I left him in peace for a while.

But of course, as expected I wasn’t satisfied for long.
Bibik Ong is hard to catch. Not only she only sells at a certain time, her kuih sold out fast. Grrrrr…

The Yummy Food Court at Sungai Ujong is also on evenings only. Kuih selection is limited as well.

And thus the quest for the best Melaka Nyonya kuih restarted anew.

Through some FB foodie groups I got to know of Nyonya/Baba Kim and Dapur Cho Cho.
I visited both last December, took photos and predictably, got caught up with work and travel and never posted about both.

So now I’m back (Sept + Dec 2015) and ready to document all these not as famous but offers delicious kuih lovingly handmade and taste fabulous too.

Here goes.

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Click on the “+” sign for the full review and pictures.

ADDRESSES:

1. Koh & Oon Nyonya Delight (known also as Baba Raymond)
Address: Jalan Tengkera, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. 
Address 2: 336, Jalan Asean 2, Taman Asean, Jalan Malim, 75250 Melaka.
Hours: 8am – 10am
Waze: “Kedai Kopi & Makanan Soon Yen ”
Off day: Call and ask.
Contact: Ah Lim (Baba Raymond Koh) 012 – 661 8838 / 012 – 652 4705
Ah Hock (Francis Onn) – 012 – 666 7497

2. Kuih Nyonya Kim
Address: 9-1 Bt 4 1/2 Batu Berendam, Batu Berendam,
Alor Gajah, Melaka 75350.
Hours: 7am – 10am (call to check if there are any kuih left)
Off day: Tuesday
Waze: Not on Waze unfortunately.
Contact: 017 – 610 8262 / 06 – 317 2700

This is Nyonya/Baba Kim house.

This is the large open foodcourt beside Nyonya Kim.

Nyonya/Baba Kim’s menu:

3. Dapur Cho Cho
Address: 84-3, Jalan Mohd Zin Dsh,
Taman Padang Balang,
Batu Berendam, Melaka.
Hours: 7am – 7 pm
Call to reserve your orders or to inquire the type of kuih available.
Off day: NA.
Contact: +6012-276 8606
Waze: Not on Waze. 

Look for this:

At the far corner is this mamak shop. Dapur Cho Cho is at the other end, in a single story house.

This house is Dapur Cho Cho.

Dapur Cho Cho menu:

4. Bibik Ong Nyonya Kuih
Address: A stall outside Hilir Garden Ice Cafe at the junction of Jalan Low Hee Kong and Jalan Ujong Pasir.
Hours: 3pm – 5pm (call to check if there are any kuih left)
Off day: Not fixed.
Contact: 06 – 2844 598 

5. Yummy Garden Food Court
Address: Jalan Ujong Pasir, Batu Berendam, 75050.
Hours: 5 pm til late.
Off day: To be updated.
Contact: Mr Yee – 016 644 1525

This is my 4th visit to Wok and Pan.

Is it an obsession?
Not really, no. Or maybe, it is!

I’ve had very enthusiastically recommended Wok and Pan before for its western repertoire and I followed up with a Nyonya lunch shortly after.
One of my favourite restaurant in Melaka, Wok and Pan is an outlet that offers adeptly prepared western and Nyonya fare under the same roof.

With friends in tow, Wok and Pan’s extensive menu equates to less headache for the food guide (me) to plan a meal that pleases everyone.

Browsing the thick volume, a diner could choose to eat pongteh or curry fish head or a rack of ribs or a thick slab of steak.
Everyone at a table could savour something different or they could share their orders.

When I walked in today, I had planned a Nyonya lunch for myself while my companion was all prepared to tuck into a rack of pork ribs.

However, our plans were derailed when we saw the new items that was scribbled on the board.

The temptation of “Hainanese Pork Chop” overruled all senses.
My partner was game so we decided on the 2 specials from the whiteboard; a Spicy Oriental Pork Burger (RM16) and the Hainanese Pork Chop (RM16).

The Hainanese Pork Chop came with 2 tender pork loins drenched in light, sweet and tangy gravy with sides of crispy hot fries, housemade coleslaw and vegetables.
The gravy is lively (fresh and appetizing) and consistency-wise not overly starchy or watery. I personally found it excellent and rate it as of the best rendition of Hainanese pork chops I’ve had so far.

Generous amount of stewed onions, green peas and tomatoes came with the gravy and while the green peas could be of better quality, my friend and I agreed that this is a steal for RM16.

Our other order of Spicy Oriental Pork Burger (RM16) came with pork loin as well, but with 2 streaky bacon added plus generous garnish of shredded cucumbers and raw onion rings in a sharp, sweet and spicy dressing.

I loved the sauce as it was unlike your typical sweet sour dressing.
It is as a matter of fact, a custom blend of Wok and Pan’s fiery chilli sauce mixed with their popular honey chilli dip.
The crunchy cucumbers and fresh onions added a refreshing bite to the whole burger while the fresh lettuce and 2 thick slices of tomatoes made it a substantial meal on its own, not to mention that all of this was between a thick, crusty loaf.

For RM16, you get a side of superbly fried fries (non-greasy, crispy and fluffy inside) plus a side salad.
Talk about value for money!

There isn’t much dessert to be had here, but I was told that their Mango Cheesecake (RM9.90) is a bestseller.
It does look pretty doesn’t it?

Looks like I missed my Nyonya lunch this round (no regrets!) but that means I need to be back. On my to-try list are the Braised Nyonya Pork, Cincaluk Egg and Curry Fish Head.

Here, check out the superb sweet and sour pork, pongteh and oyster omelette I had previously –>  http://www.rebeccasaw.com/good-nyonya-restaurant-in-melaka-wok-and-pan/

For Wok and Pan’s repertoire of western dishes, do take a look here –>
http://www.rebeccasaw.com/affordable-western-food-pork-ribs-pork-burgers-and-steaks-in-melaka-wok-and-pan-nubacha/

The ribs and steak are pretty value for money (compared to KL) so if you are in Melaka and feeling carnivorous, this is the place to be!
Do be early (lunch by 12 pm or dinner by 6.30 pm ) or risk a long wait.

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Wok and Pan
Address: 46, Jalan Melaka Raya 23, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Contact: +60 17-673 8896
Hours: 11:30 – 3:30pm, 6:00 – 10:00pm
Off day: Monday.

Prices: RM10 onwards.
Pork-free/Halal: Serves pork.
WIFI: No.

Tax: 6%, no service charge.
Service: Don’t expect too much.
Your orders are served to you.

Ambience: Comfortable. Casual.
Aircon: Yes.

Outdoor seating: Yes for dinner.
Powerpoints for charging: NA.
Parking : Roadside.
Payment: Eat first, then call for bill to pay.

So, my friends said I look cute in glasses.

I should consider that a compliment, but to be honest, I hate wearing glasses!

Vanity aside, I find it very “mafan” aka troublesome.

I got a quality pair made at Vision Space last year (link HERE) because I was getting headaches and my eyes was stinging terribly from long hours of wearing contacts.

However, it remained a chore to remember where I last placed my glasses, and because I live such an active lifestyle, wearing glasses is a terrible inconvenient.

I mean, try running or hiking with your glasses on and you will get what I mean!

And so to avoid wearing glasses and not be blind, I wore my contacts for about 18 hours a day, from 5 am (as soon as I’m awake) until I retire at night, which is likely to be 12am.

Naturally I’ve thought of LASIK.
In fact it was on my mind for many years.

And this year, I finally had the opportunity to do it!

But first, do you that NOT everyone is suitable for LASIK?

Yes. Not everyone.

Should you made the decision to get LASIK, you would have to pass 2 assessments (besides checking that your bank account is healthy enough) to be pronounced suitable for LASIK.

In this article, I’ll run you through my “INITIAL ASSESSMENT“, which is a complimentary appraisal session to determine your suitability for LASIK.

This assessment takes about an hour.

The initial assessment involves a total of 4 machines. 
Just follow your consultant as she will lead you from one machine to the next.

Meanwhile you can surf using the complimentary WIFI and make yourself a hot drink from the coffee dispenser.

MACHINE 1: Auto-ref
Function: To check the eye power.
Remarks: I was told to focus on a red object in middle of the screen. This was done on one eye and then repeated to the other eye.
The entire duration was less than 4 minutes.

The procedure at subsequent machines followed this format. You will be told when to rest or close your eyes and not to blink or move while the reading is done.

Machine 2: IOP
Function: To check eye pressure and make sure it doesn’t exceed the reading of 21 and above.
Remarks: I was told to focus on a yellow dot in middle of the screen. I was also warned there would be a spurt of air blowing into each eye and was told not to blink or move.

Rest assured it wasn’t anything painful or uncomfortable. Just imagine it as a puff of air cooling your eyes!

Machine 3: ORB Scan
Function: To map on the cornea and to measure the thickness of cornea.
Remarks: This does look like some hypnotic machine doesn’t it?

The procedure is similar here; the test starts with one eye followed by the next.

Machine 4: Pupilometer – a handheld apparatus.
Function: To check size of the pupil.
Remarks: I was told to focus on the red light in the centre and the reading for both eyes were recorded in less than a minute.

And thus that’s it.
The first consultation required for a suitability appraisal of LASIK at Vista Eye Specialist is done!

Apparently I have (1) healthy eyes with no eye diseases or corneal abnormality, (2) sufficient corneal thickness, (3) older than 18 years old and is currently (4) not breastfeeding or pregnant.
All in all I hit all the criteria required to be LASIK patient!

Since the results were positive for me I was scheduled for the 2nd comprehensive test in a few days’ time.
Meanwhile I was given a concise explanation of the test results and other important details regarding LASIK.

I can’t wait to say ‘hello‘ to perfect vision, no contacts or glasses ever again!
To think that blurry eyesight has been a good 20 years issue for me.
It will all be over soon!

Last but not least, here’s my TOP 5 reasons to get LASIK:

1. Save money on glasses and contacts:
It’s no secret that glasses and contacts are costly.
In fact, I spend on average of RM400 every 6 months on contacts, solutions, and prescription eyewear (change of power means change of glasses, broken/bent frames means new frames required).
That’s RM800 a year (minimum) — for life!

By undergoing LASIK, qualified candidates can save thousands in eye care costs throughout their lifetimes.
When you schedule your surgery at Vista Eye Specialist, you can opt to pay for the surgery all at once or spread out the cost over several months.

The end result is superior vision without having to spend a fortune on designer frames.

2. Minimize risk of infections:
Many of us assume that laser eye surgery is riskier than wearing contacts every day.
The harsh truth?
A LASIK eye surgery offers less risk than wearing daily contacts and much less risk than extended-wear contacts.

As someone who wears contacts for a good 20 years, I am constantly inserting and removing my lenses. I to touch my eyes regularly.
At times my eyes stings like hell and at times it gets seriously itchy and I can’t help but felt like scratching my eyeballs out!

With LASIK I can now have superior vision while minimizing the odds of contracting a nasty infection.

3.  Convenience.
Putting contact lenses every morning and the annoyance when you realized that you forgot to pack your case and solution on a trip?
Trust me. It is a routine that people easily tire of.
Wearing glasses is a chore I tell you!
Cleaning them, going out on a rainy day, the chances of losing or breaking them are all annoying issues!

4. Experience immediate results, faster recovery:
The latest VISTA iLasik procedure offers a safer bladeless surgery.

Downtime is minimal. In most cases, individuals return to work or are able to travel immediately after undergoing treatment, with certain precautions taken of course.

5. Improved quality of life, improved Work and Play Experiences!!

I’m tired of my glasses falling off in yoga class. I’m tired of wiping my sweat and finger prints from my glasses.
I’m tired of looking for my glasses every few hours because I can’t remember why and where I took them off.

After undergoing laser eye surgery, I can bid adieu to inconvenient glasses and uncomfortable contacts!

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All reasons aside, of course the biggest reason to undergo LASIK is to improve your vision.
As of 2016, more than 99 percent of excellent candidates for LASIK are satisfied with their treatment results.

If you could change your life with the cost of an average MONTHLY handphone bill, would you do it?

At VISTA the basic LASIK is RM3, 498/ eye and there is the option for 12 months EzyPay Interest Free instalments which worked out to be about RM298/month.

VISTA Eye Specialist
Unit 228, The Curve,
Mutiara Damansara,
47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Waze: “VISTA Eye Specialist The Curve”.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/vista.eye/
Tel: + 603 7711 3937
Hours:
Tues – Sat: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Sun: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Off day: Mon.

I enjoyed my visit to the KL Tower last week.

I’ve lived in KL for almost 2 decades (I’m a Penangite) and I’ve not been to the KL Tower until recently when the Sky Box was launched.

IF you are like me, and would like to know what to expect at KL Tower after paying RM75 (Malaysians – MyKad) or RM105 (foreigners/no MyKad), here you go, I’ve list 5 reasons to visit the KL Tower!

And this June and July, do take advantage of this promo which allows you to visit 3 locations plus another attraction of your choice, all within the KL Tower grounds.

** 1st of June until 31st July 2016 (yes, like now!) you will be entitled to 35% off your entry ticket price where you can visit the (1) Sky Deck  +  (2) Sky Box  + (3) Observation Deck AND the (1) XD Theater OR (2) F1 Stimulator OR (3) Upside Down House OR (4) Blue Coral Aquarium OR (5) Mini Zoo OR (6) Flavours of Malaysia.

Here, take a look.

This is the Upside Down House which was opened just last week and is located at the entrance to KL Tower.

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Reason 1. Fabulous photo opportunity.
It is Instagrammable, PERIOD.

Yup, take a look at my pictures if you need inspiration.

Dress up and get someone to take good shots of you. There is a clean, large (dry too!) washroom on the same floor if you need to change.

Best time to do so?
From 9.00 am to 12.00 pm on weekdays.

I am sure other Sky Box visitors are understanding as long as you DO NOT take forever to take your pictures.

So PLEASE be considerate.
My photographer and I made sure that we did not take more than 2-3 minutes each time we were in the box.

And all these shots were done in less than an hour, during NON-PEAK hours and we made sure there were no other visitors waiting to get on the Sky Box during each outfit shot.
It helps if you have planned ahead the poses that you want to do.

BELOW: 200 ++ likes on FB.
Need I say more?

Oh, did I mention that your entry fee allows you unlimited time on the deck?

Yup, you can hang around until night time if you wish. I bet there view is even more amazing then.

Reason 2. It is cheap and entry is for UNLIMITED hours.

Ok, cheap is relative to your pocket size but for Malaysians, RM75 nett (** for foreigners it is RM105.) allows you entry to (1) Sky Deck  +  (2) Sky Box  + (3) Observation Deck.

And let’s not forget the June & July promo that I’ve just shared. 

Reason 3. Spectacular Sky Box offers views across the capital and far beyond.

Imagine this cosmopolitan city is right under your feet, feel like you are standing and floating in the air with nothing below you.

Reason 4:  Fun time spent with families, friends or even work colleagues.

*Image credit: Menara KL Tower OFFICIAL (https://www.facebook.com/officialmenarakl)

Reason 5: Our KL Tower is pretty comparable to other sky towers in Asia.

Our very own KL Tower Sky Box will give you all the thrills (or for some, jitters) of heights if you’re curious, and for a reasonably fee.

In comparison Macau Tower, Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower and the Melbourne Eureka Skydeck is more expensive or almost similarly priced, though of course, it is be a different (some might argue incomparable) experience since you are in a different country.

Still, if budget is an issue for you, I doubt you would be forking out a large amount to be visiting those other towers yes?

Just so you know, below are the 2016 prices for these attractions and yes, I’ve personally been to them so I can tell you the differences.

1. Melbourne Eureka Skydeck 88: 300 metres (AUD53/ RM156++ adult).
The Edge is similar to Sky Box where it extends from Eureka Tower’s 88th floor and suspends you nearly 300 meters over Melbourne in a glass cube.
To enjoy this, you would have to pay AUD20 (Eureka Skydeck alone) + AUD12 (Edge) = AUD52 (RM156++).

2. Macau Tower : 338 metres (RM68++ adult).

3. Petronas Twin Towers: 452 metres (RM60++ adult) .
Note: I was told that visitors are not allowed to take pictures inside. However, a phone call verified that tripod and selfie sticks are not allowed, but you are most welcome to take photos.

4. Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower : 632 metres (RM135++  adult).

BELOW: My time at the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower!
Unfortunately my Macau Tower and Eureka Skydeck photos are lost.

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So, will you be visiting KL Tower soon?

KL Tower
Jalan P Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur,
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Waze: “Menara Kuala Lumpur”.
Tel: + 603 2020 5499
FB: https://www.facebook.com/officialmenarakl
Hours: Daily: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm.

I’ve accepted fewer and fewer invites for food tastings lately.
The reasons are many, but not suitable for this post.

However, I make exceptions when the outlet concerned is related to health and wellness!

In recent years many F & B proprietors jumped on the bandwagon and started offering “eat clean, healthy food“.
More often than not, the quality of food is unjustifiable for the price, the portion meager and many hoodwinked ignorant customers by adding a lot of cheap carbs such as rice and pasta into the meals.

I for one, meal-prep and read up on nutrition often. I may not be a certified nutritionist, but heck, a box of creamy pasta plus a few florets of broccoli and thin strips of chicken for RM20/box is not “eating clean” and neither is it worth RM20!

Anyhow, I avoided those opportunistic proprietors like the plague.
As with any businesses there are ones who poured heart and soul into the concept of eating healthy, and there are ones who mislead and cash in on the uninformed.

And for the last time, eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive neither does the food need to taste like dust.
Prepared right, wholesome food should taste wholesome and satisfying!

My preferred wholesome-eating outlets are few, and today I’m glad to have discovered another that I can’t wait to share with you!

Let me introduce you to Botanica Deli, recently opened, helmed by a chef who is a fitness enthusiast himself and manned by a team of attentive, cheerful staff.

The outlet itself breathes of life with ample space, light & greenery.
It is hard to walk in and not feel at ‘home‘. Yes, it felt that cosy for me.

This was one of the few review sessions that I didn’t hasten the process so I could leave as soon as it was over.

The air conditioning wasn’t too cold, each table is nicely spaced out and the whole outlet is uncluttered.

I felt calm, I felt comfortable, and I felt my stomach growl as my eyes roved over the salad bar.
iIt didn’t help that the staff was walking pass me every few minutes serving platters of scrumptious looking sandwiches!

The ingredients at the salad bar numbered at almost 60 which includes base of greens plus fruits and toppings such as nuts, corns and beans.
I eyed them all and took note that every ingredient is bright and fresh.

To ensure consistency the team has a SOP in place. All salads served are weighted with the small (S) starting at 450g (RM19.50 nett) while the BIG is 600 g (RM24.00 nett).

To order a salad, a simple process is in place.

Walk up to the salad bar and inform the staff the ingredients you want in your salad. Your choice can be as little as 2 ingredients or ALL the ingredients available.

The staff will endeavour to stuff the bowl (dine in)/box (takeaway) with as much as the container would allow, and of course to hit the weightage promised.

BELOW: This is my LARGE salad.

Once done, the salad bowl is given generous drizzles of Botanica house dressing before it was served to you.

If you are the sort who prefers not to customize (less headache, so to speak), select any one of the 4 Botanica’s salads on the menu.
All 4 are familiar variations; Caesar, Beef, Tuna and Smoked Salmon so you wouldn’t be getting any unpleasant surprises.

Besides my customised salad above, I added an order of the Armstrong Beef Salad (RM23.00 nett) since I love my red meat.

While I would have preferred my meat juicy and medium rare, the roasted beef slices in the Armstrong was tender and acceptably moist.
This salad was tossed in Botanica’s Green Goddess dressing; a creamy dip made using a base of Greek yogurt plus lemon juice and a myriad of herbs.

Armstrong came topped with blue cheese (do note this if you do not fancy blue cheese) and candied pecan which provided a nice crunch and mild sweetness.

Botanica Deli’s menu is limited to soups, salads and sandwiches for now.

For sandwiches, the “highly recommended” option is the Roast Beef Sandwich (RM24.00 nett).

Don’t let this simple stack fool you, for once you dissected the heap to check the insides (don’t lie, I’m sure a lot of you would do so – “Hmmm.. worth the price or not?”) you will be pleasantly surprised with the amount of fillings that was sandwiched between the fluffy but substantial slices of bread (which was baked in-house by the way).

One can’t help but fell in love with such a fine sandwich.

A dollop of smoky fruity housemade BBQ sauce and mustard with generous slices of juicy tomatoes added plus generous cuts of slow roasted beef made this one of my favourite sandwich of the year.

You can opt to upsize your meal by adding RM5 nett (small) for one of the 3 soups available.
A large Onion Soup like this goes for RM12 nett if ordered ala-carte.

I’ve not tried the other soups, but this one is excellent. I love how natural and wholesome it tasted.

I know some of you might prefer the heavy onion soup with a crust of cheese but my tastebuds appeals more towards food that are tasty, but light in flavours.

We moved on to sample desserts next.
All desserts are baked in-house except for the croissants which the team promised to be making their own in 3 months’ time, if not sooner.

My favourite from the lot is the Yuzu Pudding (RM12.80 nett) which was a fluffy buttery cake rained with thick, tart and fragrant yuzu sauce.
The sauce, the chef has assured me, was not mixed with any other citrus fruits and is made using ONLY imported yuzu.

This is one dessert uniquely available at Botanica Deli and I would recommend easily to friends and readers of my site, especially if you are a fan of not-overly sweet desserts.

Thank you to the team at Botanica Deli for having me today.

I found the food at Botanica Deli suited to my personal palate with its wholesome, fuss-free and tasty concept. Prices are justified by the quality of produce used and portion of which each dish is served. I have personal plans to revisit soon with some friends who shares my idea of wholesome eating.

It looks like my first visit to Botanica Deli is off to a promising start and I wish the team all the best with their upcoming Botanica + Co outlet.
It would be interesting to discover the menu there as that would be a full-fledged restaurant with heavy mains and cocktails and perhaps even live music!

Directions:
Botanica Deli (and the to-be-opened Botanica + Co) is actually located at the ground floor of the VE Hotel & Residence Bangsar South, which is right opposite Nexus and connected via a link bridge.

Since the restaurant is not on Waze yet, Waze yourself to “VE Hotel & Residence” instead.
Park at the B1 parking (RM2.00 per hour on weekdays) and take the lift up to the Ground Floor.

Botanica Deli
G3A/G5, Verticals Podium, Bangsar South City,
59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Daily: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Contact: + 603-2282 5066

Though Bake Cheese Tart is not available in Malaysia (as yet, but maybe soon since it is already in Singapore!), I’m including a short snippet here so if you are ever in Hong Kong or Japan and asked yourself if it’s worth the queue, I hope my description here will help you to decide.

Personally, I would rate Bake (Hong Kong) over Tokyo Secret (IPC) and coming in last would be Hokkaido Cheese Tart (Empire Subang).

Bake Cheese Tart (Hong Kong) was truly cheesy; like seriously eating melted cheese ‘cheesy’.
A blend of 3 cheeses, it imparted more aroma and complexity in each bite.

The crust was a bit too thick and dense for me while the Tokyo Secret crust was much more crumbly and lighter to eat.

However Tokyo Secret’s filings are more creamy (milky actually) and slightly sweeter compared to Bake’s.
Like I said, Bake’s tarts (Hong Kong) are alike cheese bombs.

So for me, Tokyo Secret is more like a molten milk custard with very mild cheese flavour.

Coming in last is Hokkaido Bake Cheese Tart.

There was no crowd on a weekday lunch and the tarts were all cold.
The crust is buttery yes but the filling is milky and any cheese flavour was practically non- existent.

For RM5.80 this is a sad, overpriced tart.

I’ll be in Singapore next week so I might try the Bake cheese tart again just to see if there is any difference compared to the one I had in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Pablo cheese tart is still on my to-try list!

Can anyone let me if you have prefer Pablo or Bake Cheese Tart (if you have tried both)?

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1. Tokyo Secret @ IPC
Look for the Mac store on the ground floor.

2. Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart @Empire Subang
Beside Kampung Kravers, along the same side as Serai.

3. Bake Cheese Tart (Hong Kong)
B2 (basement 2) Sogo, Causeway Bay.

4. Happy Happy Bakery @ Sg Chua branch.

There is another cheese tart option at Kajang but I don’t think I’ll head there.
Besides, how much better can it be?

It is only RM3.80 each and I’ve heard that there is a long queue. The tarts are out of the oven at 12.30pm and 6.00pm onwards.

So after the initial assessment (read HERE) I was pronounced suitable for LASIK!

Yes!!

That is a step closer to my dream of perfect vision.

Now the next step is a comprehensive Specialist Consultation as per the visual below.
This is RM 178 /patient/session.

The Specialist Consultation is an in-depth examination of your eyes, picking up from the previous complimentary Initial Assessment where I was more or less pronounced a suitable LASIK candidate.

Here the 1st 4 tests from Initial Assessment are repeated and there will be an additional 3 machines after these 4.

1. Auto-ref – To check eye power.
2. IOP – To check eye pressure and make sure it doesn’t exceed 21 reading or above.
3. Orbscan – To map on the cornea and to measure the thickness of cornea.
4. Pupilometer – To check size of the pupil.

Machine 5 :  iDesign Advanced WaveScan Studio.
Function: To map the whole structure of the eye.
Remarks: I wasn’t able to see anything here. As per usual eye check, one eye will be scanned first,  then followed by the other eye.

Machine 6: Keratometer
Function: To measure curvature and astigmatism of cornea.

Machine 7: Phoropter
Function: A more accurate check on the eyes’ vision and power.
Remarks: The session here is slightly longer (approx 20 minutes) as there were various screens where I had to identify the alphabets and clarity.

Finally over with the machines, I was escorted to the centre’s resting room.

Here the lights are dim and I was told to be comfortable on a sofa. If you are cold (like I was) you can request for a blanket.

The check here involves a paper strip to be placed on temporal side of the lower lid in BOTH eyes for 5 minutes.
The purpose is to check for dry eyes.

This is a tad uncomfortable since there is a firm paper sticking into your eye.
The key here is NOT to move at all to minimise the discomfort.

This is followed by the dilation process in both eyes.
There are 3 solutions used.

Solution 1: Alcaine – To numb the eyes.
Solution 2: Mydfrin – To dilate the pupil.
Solution 3: Mydriacyl – To dilate the pupil.

Again, the eyes might experience slight uncomfortable after the drops. You should close them and rest for the next 20 minutes and let the solutions get to work.

I was warned that this dilation process will cause the eyesight to be slightly more blurry than usual and thus one should not drive after this session.
So do plan ahead and get someone to drive you home or hire a Grab/Uber.

Before meeting my eye surgeon, my consultant shared my test results and gave me a brief on my impending surgery.
This one-to-one session is an opportunity for you to clear any queries or uncertainties you may have.

The Do’s and Don’ts are pretty much as below.
Do not take them lightly as any negligence means hurting your own vision. After all, having LASIK done meant restoring perfect vision and have healthy eyes. 
Why go through all that trouble (not to mention cost) to only neglect the aftercare and suffer the consequences?

I for one, fully intend to adhere to this list of Do and Don’ts!

Last but not least is the session with the Eye Surgeon in charge of your surgery.
Mine was Dr Aloysious and the kind doctor put me at ease with his concise explanations and fatherly air. We spoke about 15 minutes and once I understood all the necessary details of the surgery, I was good to go.

That is it!
I’m fully cleared for LASIK surgery now and I’m waiting patiently for my LASIK operation date.
Stay tuned as I’ll be sharing both videos and images of my surgery soon!

VISTA Eye Specialist
Unit 228, The Curve,
Mutiara Damansara,
47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Waze: “VISTA Eye Specialist The Curve”.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/vista.eye/
Tel: + 603 7711 3937
Hours:
Tues – Sat: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Sun: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Off day: Mon.

Workout, eat healthy, take care of your wellbeing and be rewarded?

Now, that is precisely the incentives offered by the AIA Vitality programme.

This unique insurance and health programme actively supports and rewards you for making healthy choices every day so you can live a healthier, longer and better life.

Now I’ve been getting queries ever since I announced its launch last week so I thought I should try to explain it further here.

In fact, I’ve personally decided to embark on this program and would love to have company to well, accompany me on this journey.

So if you are interested to be a part of the AIA Vitality program after reading my article, drop me a message!

1. Is AIA Vitality some kind of new insurance from AIA?

No, it is NOT a new insurance per se, and no, AIA Vitality isn’t new.

AIA Vitality is a proven programme which has enjoyed tremendous success in the other markets where it is available before Malaysia, namely Hong Kong, Philippines, Australia and Singapore.

Malaysians can now enjoy the same privileges as it was launched in our country earlier this month!

BELOW:
(L-R) Bill Lisle, Regional Chief Executive of AIA Group; Anusha Thavarajah, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Bhd; Mark Tucker, Group Chief Executive & President of AIA Group at the AIA Vitality Launch.

2. How to join AIA Vitality?

AIA Vitality membership will first be opened to customers who purchase any new life insurance policy or takaful certificate with AIA.
You can read more on this AIA Malaysia page: http://www.aia.com.my/en/our-products/aia-vitality.html

For customers who sign up for AIA Vitality with AIA’s flagship products A-Life Link and its takaful equivalent, A-Life Link-i, they can potentially receive free additional coverage of up to 45% on death and disability.

I am really excited to start my AIA Vitality journey in July. Honestly, who wouldn’t be excited to experience health, wellness and rewards all in one package?

All in all, AIA aims to attract 30,000 AIA Vitality members by the end of 2016.

3. How does AIA Vitality work?

Once you have done the above (sign up and apply for AIA Vitality via your AIA Life Planner), you are good to go.
The programme consists of 3 main pillars: (1) Know Your Health, (2) Improve Your Health, (3) Enjoy The Rewards.

1. Know your Health
For a start, you would have to bite the bullet and face the facts.

Just how healthy are you?

Once you know your shortcomings/weaknesses, you would be able to set a realistic self-improvement goal.

Customers who participate in AIA Vitality first complete the AIA Vitality Health Review to determine their “AIA Vitality Age”, an indicator of overall health that may be higher or lower than their actual age.
I’ve taken the test during the launch and I was surprised at the results.

I’m 35 this year, but my “AIA Vitality” age is 38! *GASP*

I blame it on the work stress!

So now that you are aware of your vitality age, what’s next?

Well, you embark on self-improvement of course, which brings us to Pillar No. 2.

2. “Improve Your Health”.

Here is where you engage in various chosen activities of YOUR choice to improve your well-being.

Hate swimming? Then stay away from it.

Love dancing? Do it! Join a class and sashay your way to a healthier you.

Whatever you do, record it and earn AIA Vitality points.
The programme is integrated with an array of mobile applications and wearable fitness devices, making it easy for AIA Vitality members to track their goals and log their activities to earn points.

What kind of activities are you supposed to log?
Here’s a few examples – number of steps, submit health check results, weight monitoring and (if you’ve attended organised fitness activities) proof of attendance. 

I had first experience with the whole reward system during the launch.

I began with the (1) AIA Vitality Health Review followed by (2) cycling for my juice and was (3) delightedly rewarded with a RM50 Guardian voucher.
So easy and it feels good to be remunerated for my effort!

4. What sort of rewards can you expect?

AIA Malaysia has teamed up with 12 partners to offer its AIA Vitality members discounts and rewards in the following areas: gym membership, wearable fitness devices, fitness apparel, healthy food, health screenings and fitness assessments, hotels, airlines and movies.

AIA Vitality Members will receive discounts of between 15% and 50%, depending on their AIA Vitality status, when engaging with the programme through its partners, namely AirAsia, Berjaya Hotels and Resorts, BP Healthcare, Emirates, Fitbit, Fitness First, Garmin, Guardian, Marriott, Medklinn, Mongoose Publishing’s Men’s Health & Women’s Health magazines and Reebok.

Here is a chart of potential rewards as of June 2016. There will be more partners in the near future.

As you can see, the rewards gets better as you make your way to a healthier, happier, fitter you!

I’ve committed myself to the AIA Vitality program as I always believe that health in itself is a reward but how could I ever say no to extra rewards on top of that? With that being said, let’s go through a journey of health and wellness together!

Are YOU with me?

I had a lot of car-related bills piling up this month.

Not long ago I had tinting done on the windows as the recent heatwave was threatening to burn my skin through the glass.
My car which has served me well over a decade finally had its first tint, which was an unnecessary “investment” (of RM400) until now.

And then the compressor broke down, and to quote the mechanic “The weather is so hot now, compressor working harder and yours is old so that’s about the end of its lifespan.”
As I grimly forked out RM650 he said gently to me “Miss, your 2 front tyres are bald.”

I glared at him in dismay, but for the sake of SAFETY, I changed the tyres immediately the next day, costing RM300 which adds up to a total of approximately RM1400 for car repairs this month alone.

All in all, I’m glad there wasn’t any problem with the engine, for as you know, any repairs to the heart of the car would probably cost an arm and a leg.

But how does one maintain your car with care so that it enjoys a longer lifespan?

Well regular servicing is a must, while the choice of engine oil and fuel plays a huge role.

Recently I was introduced to BHPetrol Infiniti, claimed to be able to help motorist such as myself achieve “economical lifestyle“.
Heck, at the rate our ringgit is shrinking, I could do with all the help I can get!

As I delved further into the attributes of BHPetrol Infiniti, it became apparent that this formulation has 5 factors that elevates it above other fuels.

For a start, Infiniti has double the recommended dosage of imported German addictives; thus doubling its performance.

This alike a morning workout boost that your trainer requested you to gulp down in the morning.
In addition to bananas and milk, double the nutrients by adding broccoli and chia seeds.
It is simple math – double dosage, double sustenance, double the performance!

The Deposit Cleaning Agents keeps the engine free from stubborn carbon deposits while the Friction Reducing Agents minimize friction.
Vital engine parts are able to function better and this results in ‘Harmony in Performance‘.
Simply put, Infiniti gives motorists more power and mileage on the road.

My personal car as well  as our 2 company cars are on BHPetrol Infiniti. All staff are briefed to pump Infiniti and my accountant had reported satisfying mileage so far.

Last but not least, I’d like to urge everyone to be a responsible motorist.
Take preventive measures to ensure the drivability of your vehicle, be it a 2 or 4 wheel. Changing your tyres, servicing your car regularly and using reliable fuel to keep your vehicle in optimum condition are just some of the duties a responsible motorist should do.

Likewise, be accountable for your driving.
Be aware that you are liable for your own as well as other motorists’ safety while you are driving.

It could be as simple as selecting a quality fuel that helps to keep your vehicle engine protected and running smoothly.
In turn you are rewarded with a car that performs more economically, which translates to an “economical lifestyle“.

All things considered, more savings is a positive thing, isn’t it?

KL’s nightlife isn’t all rowdy and naughty.
On the opposite spectrum, the city’s got a fascinating lineup (though limited) of cool and classy jazz bars ideal for whiling away the hours in style.

One of the crème de la crème of the KL’s music lounge scene is the barely a month old Forbidden City on Changkat.
A seductive space hidden above Opium and just opposite the popular El Cerdo, it is proudly the one and only vinyl lounge offering ‘vinyl records only‘ sessions in the Klang Valley for now.

Besides vinyl, Forbidden City is hostess nightly to some of the talented local and international artists in the Klang Valley which delivers unforgettable and soulful live music. 

After my dinner at Dining in The Dark KL, I had the opportunity to watch Aina Abdul live.
I’ve never heard of her, but then I’m no music connoisseur.

Boy, I was glad I stayed back for her performance. My initial intention of just “a few songs and then off I go” was derailed from the first moment she sang.
I was stunned and time stood still then.

One would have never guessed from her shy demeanour that she was blessed with such remarkable vocals.

Song after song she mesmerized the audience into absolute silence with renditions of her personal written works as well as covers from popular artists like Amy Winehouse.

During her 15 minutes break, I approached her for a few words and found her to be grounded, friendly yet outspoken.
She assured me that she is fine with me writing about her on my blog accompanied with images of her performance that night.

The few hours spent in Forbidden City left a strong impression on me.
Now I have a ready suggestion whenever my readers and friends asked me for recommendations of live music lounge!

Forbidden City KL emphasis is on superior aural experience and the stage-of-the-art sound system delivers it. It for audiophiles who prefers a laid-back, sophisticated spot to enjoy finer, polished harmonies and bask in the vocals of the best performers in Klang Valley.

There is a different performance lineup every night, each and every one of them carefully curated by the team.
Forbidden City aims to be THE playground for music lovers and I personally could vouch for that experience.

The space is provocative but cosy. Lights are dim, the cocktails naughty, the furnishings rich and the silky sofas inviting. One couldn’t possible miss the centrepiece – a portrait of a sultry woman, famous for her role in the original Forbidden City in San Francisco.

A small selection of tapas works to keep tummies happy but it is the cocktails that you should indulge in.

Forbidden City embodies the return of small, intimate entertainment venues.
There is no cover charge and the vibe is relaxed, cosy and upmarket. The service staff are experienced and enthusiastic.

All in all, nights in the Forbidden City held a rich promise of excellent evenings with great music and decadent cocktails. 

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Wondering “who” is performing “what” and “when“?
Simply click the link below for Forbidden City’s complete show calendar. Reservation and contact details are attached.
http://forbiddencitykl.com/

OPENING HOURS:

Mondays: CLOSED
Tuesdays: 9:00PM – 1:00AM
Wednesdays: 9:00PM – 1:00AM
Thursdays: 9:00PM – 1:00AM
Fridays: 9:00PM – 2:00AM
Saturdays: 9:00PM – 2:00AM
Sundays: CLOSED

Melaka never stops pampering the travelers. This UNESCO Historical Site always has the new way to attract travelers and make them comfortable to stay longer.

Another Melaka‘s way to pamper you is by providing great quality hotel ensuring the most comfortable place to rest. Furthermore, for those wishing the great and fun trip here, let’s consider one of these 5 Melaka Hotels recommended by Traveloka!

The Baba House

Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Melaka 127-127

The hotel espouses the Peranakan culture themed so it well blended to the location, which is close to the Jonker Street as one of the best historical sides of Melaka. The hotel was designed with the influences of Chinese Baroque and Chinese Palladian Style. The guestrooms are distributed into 3 styles; Traditional, Heritage, and Modern Heritage. The Traditional shows the beauty of classical Baba-Nyonya designed. The Heritage room is marrying the heritage nuance to the modern touch. Besides, the Modern Heritage Room is designed more modern and stylish, so suitable for couple and family. The entire rooms feature AC, TV, desk, coffee/tea maker, also bathroom. The facilities embrace with Nyonya cuisine specialty cafe and business center.

Home In The Garden

Jalan Hang Kasturi 41

Obviously shown from the name, Home In The Garden is designed with green themed. The floor is covered by grass carpet and the interior is designed in the white color scheme with yellow lighting and soft wooden furniture just like on your private garden at home. Home in The Garden comprises 7 guestrooms. Each room well appointed with tatami bed, AC, and clothes rack. Shared bathroom is available with complimentary toiletries and hair dryer. The 1 star Melaka Hotel is located strategically within 10 minutes walking distance from Melaka Old Bus Station. Batu Berendam Airport is less than 8 km from this hotel. Jonker Street, eateries, and Cheng Ho Cultural Museum are located within walking distance to the Home in The Garden.

Sayang Harmony Lodge

Jalan Tukang Besi no. 6

The budget friendly Melaka hotel is located on the Jonker Street. It takes only a stone’s throw away to reach the popular Jonker Street Night Market. It also sits only 7.1 km from The Batu Berendam Airport. The hotel situated on the small road, resulting the quiet and calm atmosphere for your best retreat in Melaka. Sayang Harmony Lodge is a home away from home that embracing the classic Peranakan touched with wooden antique furniture fashioned the interior. The rooms feature modern amenities, such as AC, Wi-Fi connection, desk, and bathroom. Selected room is available with fridge and TV. The public facilities comprise shared TV area, and bicycle rental.

Rama-Rama Designer Boutique Hotel

Jalan Lagenda 3, Taman 1 Lagenda no. 15

This Melaka hotel looks great with the dark facade and the touch of a colorful butterfly as the logo. Step inside the building, you can feel different nuance with the red brick wall coupled with the striking colors of red, blue, green, and yellow. There are 2 room types at this hotel; Kubix room as the dormitory style room with bunk beds ranging 7-10 beds each room, and the private room. The private room is consisting of Standard Room, Superior Room, and the Deluxe Room. The Kubix room features bunk beds with light, curtain, power socket, locker, and shared bathroom. Besides, the private room is complemented with AC, TV, coffee/tea maker, Wi-Fi connections, and bathroom. The hotel is located only 15 minutes from Malacca International Airport, with many eateries around.

Olive Flashpackers Hostel

Jalan Munshi Abdullah 76

The hotel is really suitable for the backpacking trip in Melaka. Olive Flashpackers Hostel offers dormitory style room and basic private style room. The Loft Bed is the dormitory style room that contains a bunk bed in unique designed where the underside is used for relaxing with a beanbag chair. All rooms are designed significantly to images fun and young sense. The gray wall is being more cheerfully with the touch of yellow square accent. All rooms also feature AC, desk, in room safe, and Wi-Fi connection. The on-site facilities you can enjoy in here are public lounge, shared kitchen, and airport transfer service. Olive Flashpackers Hostel situated in the heart of Melaka city, brings you having easy access to the top destination, also only 15 minutes drive away from the nearest airport.

Scottish fare you say?

Yes, the folks over at Singapore can now lay claim to a ‘New Scottish cuisine” dining venue barely a month-old named UsQuBa at One Fullerton.

The venue is beyond reproach.
While spearing through scallops and chewing on juicy Angus cattle from the Scot highlands, you are treated to an impressive view of the waterfront of Marina Bay and beyond, no additional view charges apply.

Whisky aficionados would be thrilled too as the curated whisky list is sure to satisfy both the novice and the enthusiast with familiar favourites of classic cocktails as well as rare and exclusive whiskies.

Suffice to say that it is a cool place for some after-work hydration as well as to tranquilize oneself after a particularly harrowing day.

I was, as expected, keen to explore the food.

‘New Scottish cuisine‘ they had called it.
Days prior to my visit, my Instagram feed was flooded with enticing images. Coupled with raving reviews, UsQuBa seemed to have taken Singapore by storm.

“What is ‘New Scottish cuisine’ exactly”, I’m sure many of you had wondered.
I’ve had the same curiosity as I slip on a loose dress, skipped lunch and got myself ready to be impressed by this new, novel cuisine.

As we drove into One Fullerton my eyes took in the majestic Merlion, the vast Marina Bay and the lighted buildings along the river.
I have never been to One Fullerton or the hotel, so it was all new to me.

Stepping into UsQuBa, we were enveloped in its warm and welcoming interiors of warm honeyed tones, dim lights, dark high chairs and striking vermillion upholstery for the booths which added pops of color to an otherwise pretty masculine space.

Now, lest you struggled to pronounce the name, allow me to assist.

It is UsQuBa; as in us-q-bar. Not that tough yes?

It is a Gaelic word – usquebaugh, which means “water of life” or “whiskey”, all in all an apt name for this restaurant.

I was all geared up to try the Scottish national dish haggis, a traditional savory pudding made with oatmeal and sheep’s innards.
Or some highlander food. I mean, what is Scottish grub like?

But as the meal progressed, there were no haggis, but we were served dish after dish of Scottish ingredients prepped with French finesse.

The staff got our meal rolling with Sundried Tomato Focaccia with slabs of cold butter.

I’ve always opined that the starter of the humble loaf should never be overlooked or underestimated as it is the first digestible item that goes on their tongue.
More often that not, the bread starter set the prelude for the rest of the meal.

Chewing through the fluffy bread, my partner and I decided that dinner will be good.

And it did, very much so, and dinner progressed marvelously.

We got down to business with the Orkney Islands Scallop Ceviche (SGD25); plump, delicate whole scallops crowned with a fold of sweet, briny sea urchin.
Both are my favourite edible sea creatures and having them on a plate certainly perked up my mood!

The fascinating element of this dish?

An innocent cloud of horseradish snow, so deceivingly delicate-looking but still packs the sting expected of wasabi.
Meanwhile the accompanying sides of apple slices imparted a jolt of crisp, refreshing acidity.

At this point our waitress hurried over and explained that every element on the plate is meant to be eaten together, as how the Executive Chef Guven Uyanik would prefer us to.
And that would be the rule for the rest of the dinner that evening.

Well, I hope she passed the message to Chef Guven that we had no problem devouring everything on that plate of scallops!

Next: Seared Foie Gras (SGD21).

Stomach juices awaken, the heavier and fatty foie gras followed. The waffle was a surprise and I suddenly had an image of breakfast in bed with molten foie gras spread on crispy waffle.

Well, I won’t complain if this was breakfast.

The foie gras was perfectly executed with the required seared crust and the portion was superbly generous for a starter plate.
The accompanying fruity sides of spiced persimmon and pickled apple was predictable, functioning in its role to cut through the fattiness of the liver as all foie gras dishes goes.

At this point, I realized that there will be no shocking hearty Scottish fare, but an elegant dinner with a menu executed with finesse; and the key Scottish element here being the ingredients flown in from the highlands.

The meal was conclusively more European than anything else; boasting of familiar flavours adeptly prepared with the precision of French cooking.

And thus when ravioli appeared next, I stopped questioning the “Scottish-ness” of the meal and proceed to enjoy the rest of the meal.

Ravioli of Pork Cheeks ($21): Pockets of braised pork cheeks was served in a pool of porcini sauce with bits of confit onion and port wine reduction.
I personally found the sauce to be heavy on the fungi flavours and it overpowered any taste from the ravioli.

However, a mention is deserved for the delicate ravioli.
I’ve read from fellow influencers that Chef Guven made the pasta from scratch and no water was added in the painstaking process.
The pork cheeks were also tenderly braised for an amazing 26 hours.

Imagine that – over 26 hours but it took me all of 2 bites to finish each of these!

The Duet of Aberdeen Angus Beef (SGD56) was one competent meat dish and I’ll recommend this to those who need their red meat.

Sourced from the renowned Aberdeen Angus grass-fed cattle in Scotland, the grilled tenderloin; the half of the duet of Aberdeen Angus beef was deliciously pink and juicy.
The other half of ribs were on point as well.

UsQuba Fish and Chips (SGD32).

This was a fine cod dish!
For the price paid, the cod was a rather huge serving and sous-vided to perfection, providing layers of flaky protein glistening moist for satisfaction in every bite.

Desserts were good as well though two particular ones that are worthy of mention were the Peanut Butter Bread Pudding with homemade kaya ice-cream (SGD11) and the Tastings of Strawberry (SGD15).
I liked the Tastings of Strawberry which comprises of pistachio cream sandwiched between pistachio biscuits topped with strawberry sorbet. Cubes of strawberry jellies swam in a pool of strawberry juice, all made in-house from actual strawberries.

This was refreshing and delectable at the same time!

But my favourite is this – Peanut Butter Bread Pudding with homemade kaya ice-cream (SGD11).
Kaya ice cream is a genius, and the peanut butter bread pudding totally calls out the PB freak in me.

For those who can’t live without their cocoa, I’ll recommend the Chocolate Delice ($15), which as a bonus, has coffee flavoured Bailey’s ice cream. 

All in all, UsQuBa is a restaurant to watch.
It offers good European food using Scottish ingredients and coupled with that remarkable view, what is there not to like?
Let’s not forget that list of superb cocktails with a rare whisky collection to boot!

** This was a hosted meal, courtesy of UsQuBa.

UsQuBa
One Fullerton Road, #02-03B
049213, Singapore.
HOURS:
Monday – Thursday: 11:30 am to midnight
Friday & Saturday: 11:30 am to 1 am
Sunday Brunch: 11:00am – 3pm, Bar open from 3pm, and dinner from 6pm to 10:30pm.

Much has been raved about Open Farm Community since its inception.

A space that so emphatically embraces nature, an honest farm-to-table (animals excluded) concept, splendid recipes and diners had even professed big love for their flatware, Open Farm Community is much more than just a dining establishment.

When it first opened it was all over social media.

But I was naturally skeptical, for just like Malaysia, there is a new cafe popping up daily promising all sorts of heavens in Singapore as well.

Because the proof of the pudding is in the eating, I had to visit personally of course.

Thus it was my good fortune that Open Farm Community launched their new menu last month and I happened to be in Singapore during the same period.
I have my good friend thesilverchef to thank for this session, as well as the good PR folk of this wonderful establishment.

Manned by a young yet unquestionably skilled Italian chef who called Singapore home since 2012, Chef Daniele has certainly shown much dexterity in fusing local ingredients into drool-worthy plates of hearty fare.

The place won me over instantly from the moment I stepped down from the car at the car park.

Gosh, am I still in the city?

Apparently I was, with Orchard merely a few kilometres away.

Open Farm Community was akin to a greenhouse in the city, but bigger. Home on a sprawling 35,000 square feet of lush greenery with gardens sprouting herbs and vegetable produce, which in one way or another, a contribution to your dinner plates, OPC offers a restaurant with a cocktail bar, a small retail store doubling up as a cafe and retail outlet while the outdoors provide recreational space for bowling, yoga session and a sand playground for kids.

It is truly a welcoming space for adults, hipsters and kids.

Surroundings aside, did the food live up to the hype?

Well, I’m glad to report that the ones I’ve tasted that evening surpassed expectations!

As we sipped on potent cocktails and refreshing blend of juices, Chef sent us plates of appetisers studded with frog legs on a bed of purple starch and green potions to be poured over wobbly eggs.

Yes, all the wonderful colors of nature.

We lapped them up in a flurry, for besides whetting our appetites with its gorgeous colors and plating, every dish was outstanding in its flavours profile.

The Sweet Corn & Basil Soup, Charred Baby Corn served with Warm Pita Bread (SGD19) boast of a creamy sweetness expected of corn, but punctuated with the pleasant bouquet of basil. Quite an interesting rendition I must say, and most pleasant til the last drop.

Even more outstanding was the Watercress Soup, Soft Poached Hen’s egg, Crispy Kale, Olive Oil Caviar (SGD19). It was a refreshing deviation from the common vegetable (broccoli/pumpkin/carrot) soups.
That said, it is an acquired taste due to its notable saltish, ‘green‘ aftertaste, mildly bitter, which is a trait of watercress, I was told.

I loved it though and wished that I could nourish myself with a bowl of this every day. This is akin a superfood dish in liquid form!

Meanwhile the Crispy Jurong Frog Legs (no, not Geylang), Beetroot fregola pasta, Sour Sheep Cheese was alike a mini main course for me.
The protein – 2 juicy frog legs that was almost as sizeable as chicken drumlets plus the fregola pasta was filling as it was rich with cheese.

Being Italian, Chef Daniele was rightfully proud to showcase his pasta dishes.

Steering away from the ordinary spaghetti and angelhair, we had trofie (yes, I see your “what?” expression) and risotto, both made from scratch in-house.

Minden Road Pesto Trofie, Potatoes, French beans, Pumpkin Chunks (SGD26++).

The pesto is for sale (I think I saw it in the cafe) and I should stock up half a dozen on my next trip!
It was redolent with basil, thick and wonderfully well-rounded in its pungency, the best I’ve ever had.

The short twisted pasta had a nice chew to it and each wriggly stalk was slick with this wondrous pesto. Needless to say, every mouthful left me wanting more, which says a lot, since I normally avoid pasta like the plague.

Carnaroli risotto, chorizo, cuttlefish, ebi, green peas, saffron threads, crispy serrano (SGD30++).

“The perfect risotto“, as crowned by the risotto-snob thesilverchef.

I concurred, for this was the best risotto I’ve had on this side of Asia.
The carbs aside, we were most agreeable with the soft, supple cuttlefish, the heavier taste profiles of the chorizo and serrano and how everything came together in harmony for every sublime spoonful.

Mains were equally delightful and it was a synonymous agreement among us that the outstanding dishes were the burger, the fish and the lamb shank.

Personally I liked the pork rib as well. It could be because I love pork in general, but truly, the rib was not unpleasant. It just couldn’t hold a candle to the other more impressive mains.

Roasted Short Rib, Buttery Green Asparagus, Crispy Kuzu Noodles, Vietnamese pho flavours (SGD37).

The inspiration for the ribs was the Vietnamese pho, Chef Daniele had explained.

The rib was marinated in a concentrate of the same herbs and condiments for the pho. A sous-vide process followed, resulting in uniformed tender texture.

More of the marinade was coated on the rib before it was seared upon order. Plated on a bed of beansprouts (pho components remember?) which was tossed in lime, fish sauce and herbs, this was a rather unique pork rib dish worth trying if you love your ribs.

But I can’t deny that it would be the chicken burger that I’ll gladly reorder on my next visit.

For me to choose chicken over pork is a peculiar occurrence so you can be sure that this chicken burger is worth every penny and every calorie.

Now, how could a chicken burger be so good?
Well, when you have a chef who knows how to throw together the best components to bring forth the best flavours in every bite, that’s how!

Chicken Katsu Burger, Carrot Spaghetti, White Cabbage Chiffonade, Curly Fries, Lime & Japanese Mayo (SGD-TBA).

The inimitable tang combined with that savoury creaminess from the lime mayo drenched julienned cabbage and carrots made this a ‘coleslaw‘ to remember.
I’m definitely going to attempt this at home!

The mayo worked to add moisture to the crispy chicken katsu which was sandwiched between house-made spring onion bun in a subtle hue of jade.
The spring onion aroma was subtle too, but discernible enough to play its role in elevating the overall flavours of the burger.

Coconut Laksa Barramundi, Crushed Potato Cake, Bok Choy (SGD29).

Heavy eaters should order the Braised Lamb Shank with the homemade couscous, olives, capers, green peas (SGD35).
This was perfectly tender and ultimately, a fulfilling meat dish, both in portion and taste.

Desserts lovers will be very well pleased as there plenty offered by OFC, likewise with Asian elements thrown in. I was surprised to see gula melaka (coconut palm sugar) and the spiced pumpkin cake looked like “malaiko” at first glance.

Spiced pumpkin cake, butternut ice cream, gula melaka jelly, pomelo, garden herbs (SGD18++).

For this dessert, I loved the ice cream but found the jellies too sweet.

But of course, the dessert components were meant to be enjoyed together to fully appreciate the varying textures and temperature of each element – crunch from the pumpkin seeds crumble, creamy cold ice cream, spongy cake and burst of fruitiness from the pomelo and orange wedges.

Compressed watermelon discs, mexican tarragon ice cream, rock melon snow, chocolate soil (SGD18++).

As expected from Chef Daniele, a simple looking dessert doesn’t mean it was simply done.
The watermelon wasn’t your typical cut watermelon. Chef had them each soaked in different solutions so they came with a flavour each.
I remembered that one was poached in some form of Mexican tarragon soup. The rest was lost on me as I was suffering from food coma and well, too busy stuffing the remainders of desserts into my mouth.

Conclusion:
Food was exemplary, the service efficient, the location close to the city yet the surroundings and ambience offers a natural oasis away from the concrete jungle with its soothing calm, eye-pleasing greenery and wide, open space.

I would confidently recommend dining at Open Farm Community to all my readers and friends as I truly loved the concept and the food I’ve had.
I would personally return soon for more of Chef Daniele’s lovely food!

Open Farm Community
130E Minden Road,
Singapore 248819.
Tel: + 65 6471 0306
Waze: “Open Farm Community”.

Hours:
Restaurant:
Mon – Fri: Lunch: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
Dinner: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
Sat – Sun/PH: Lunch 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
Cafe:
Mon – Sun: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm

FB: https://www.facebook.com/openfarmcommunity/ 

Hi everyone!
Myself and a few friends are clearing out our stash (we are wannabe collectors) so do feel free to message me (since I’m the one with a blog/active social sites) if you are keen to snap up any of these bottles.
Prices are fixed, regardless of the number of bottles bought (individual owners) and all liquor are genuine stock.

To get in touch: message FB.com/RebeccaSawBlog. Thanks!

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1. The Macallan 1824 Series Amber Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Selling price – RM550.

The Macallan 1824 Series focuses on single malts that are of exemplary colour and flavour with a range of casks and liquid ages (no age statement) used to deliver the desired colour and exceptional Macallan character.
‘Amber’ is exclusively matured in sherry oaks casks from Jerez, delivering full bodied aromas and flavours of fruits: fresh green apples and lemons intertwined with cinnamon and ginger with a subtle oak lingering on the outskirts.

2. Nikka All Malt (700 ml)

SOLD!

A fascinating whisky made with Yoichi, Miyagikyo and some ‘grain‘ whisky that isn’t really grain – it’s malt whisky made in a Coffey still at Miyagikyo!
This is really a vatted malt, or ‘blended malt whisky’, as we’re supposed to call it these days.

3. Isle of Jura 16 Year Old (Diurachs’ Own)

Selling price – RM500. 

In a world of its own The Isle of Jura can be found nestled off the west coast of Scotland. It’s a place famed as much for its folklore as it is for its whisky.
A magical haven where a sense of solitude pervades: one road, one pub, one community and one distillery. There is no whisky and no island quite like Jura. It truly is in a world of its own.

Single malt scotch whisky tasting of enticing flavours of moist gingerbread and Demerara sugar finishing with dark chocolate, glazed oranges, nutmeg, sweet toffee, apple and honey. Rich & full-bodied with hints of citrus fruit and toffee.

WINNER: IWSC 2015.

5. Auchentoshan Noble Oak 24 Year Old (700ml)

Selling price – RM 1300. 

Auchentoshan Noble Oak was aged for 24 years in casks dating from 1990, and released in 2015 in travel retail ONLY. A rich whisky with notes of grapefruit, ginger, brandy and oak spice.

6. Glen Deveron 30 Year Old (700ml)

Selling price – RM 1700. 

Deep amber in colour. Rich, meaty and winey to start, then dusty and waxy like a fine old desk. The taste is sweet then lightly sour, with gooseberries in the aftertaste.

The nose gives us hints of the ideal drinking setting for this malt; a room with red leather sofas and a good supply of cigars. The notes detected are rich and fresh, with cut hay and oaky vanilla sweetness.

These flavours bloom larger on the palate, with a thick leathery flavour that combines with a cinnamon and nutmeg spice.

7. Camus Ile de Re Fine Island Cognac (700ml)

Selling price – RM350. 

Wonderful amber yellow appearance with hints of orange. The nose reveals complex spicy notes with hints of vanilla. On the palate the Cliffside Cellar is remarkably mellow, with touches of orange and dried grape.
This sweetness is accented by the subtle saltiness of the iodine notes, for a deliciously original sensation.

8.  Johnnie Walker XR 21 Year Old Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Selling price – RM700 

This is an individually numbered bottle – 21 year old Johnnie Walker XR The Legacy Blend, sourced from the private ‘reserves’ of the Master Blender. Limited edition.

Johnnie Walker XR was inspired by the hand-written blending notes of Sir Alexander Walker, the grandson of the legendary Johnnie Walker. A luxurious blend from the exclusive reserve of aged casks, including that of the now quiet distillery of Brora.

Aged for an extended period of 21 years this exceptional legacy blend is both warm and spicy to the palate with layers of complexity to suit the discerning whisky drinker.

9. Macallan Fine Oak 15 Year Old Scotch (750 ml)

Selling price-  RM 600.00

Macallan 15 yo Fine Oak is matured in a combination of Bourbon & Sherry Oak Casks. This one is the pick of the (Fine Oak) bunch.

10. Glenlivet – Nadurra (1 Litre)

Selling price – RM 220.00

Nàdurra. Gaelic for ‘natural’. A non-chill filtered single malt whisky that stayed true to the style of spirit enjoyed in the 19th century.

Bright gold. Aromas of ripe peaches, with gentle notes of cinnamon and rich fruit cake. Soft, creamy toffee, with the fruitiness of juicy sweet Clementine oranges. Long and sweet, leading to a slightly dry, spicy finish. First fill Oloroso sherry casks are famed for imparting wonderfully rich, luxurious flavours of dried fruits and warm spices to single malt whisky

11. Glenmorangie Dornoch Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Selling price – RM 300.00

LIMITED EDITION.
A classic Glenmorangie spirit matured in ex-bourbon American White Oak casks then transferred to ex-Amontillado casks. The swirling of under current of peat adds an unexpected dimension of sweet smoky apples, complemented by vibrant sweet nutty flavours layered upon the rich, warm toffee and dried fruits.
After tasting you are left with added layers of distinctive floral notes, the softness of vanilla with hints of citrus.

12. Royal Dragon Vodka – Imperial (1 Litre)

Selling price – RM350.

Travel Exclusive.
This is Superior Craftsmanship in all its elements. An award winning Vodka and a true masterpiece on its own. The Superior taste and our magnificent hand-blown bottles, including a masterly sculpted dragon, defines the Imperial as the ultimate temptation.

13. Cointreau Orange Liqueur  (1 Litre) OR 700 ml (2 bottles)

Selling price – RM80.00/60.00

Cointreau is a premium French liqueur that was established in 1849 and created from a perfect balance of sweet and bitter orange peel. The unique character and flavour ensure that it is at the heart of the finest classic cocktails, from a zesty Margarita to an elegant White Lady.
Cointreau is equally enjoyed as a refreshing long drink topped with soda and a squeeze of lime.

14. Kahlua
Since 1936 Kahlua has been producing a rum & coffee liqueur that’s filled to the brim with a heady combo of rich heritage, diversity and color – all to make a drink that’s rather extraordinary.

Selling price – RM100.00.

15. Mozart Chocolate Liquer
First-class chocolate liqueurs from Austria: Mozart believes that they owe it to the brand name, Mozart, to achieve the highest quality and perfection. Mozart chocolate spirits are a homage to Mozart and to his birthplace, Salzburg. Behind every single bottle stands 150 years of experience of the spirits industry.

Selling price – RM150.00.

16. Baileys Chocolat Luxe
Selling price – RM130.00.

The liquid is poured over ice into a long stemmed glass, which is then garnished with a raspberry threaded on a pearl-topped attelet.
The ritual has been designed to add theatre to Baileys Chocolat Luxe whilst respecting its balance of real Belgian chocolate, rich Irish cream and fine whiskey.

15. Carmen Sauvignon Blanc, Central Valley, Chile

Selling price – RM25

Pleasant fruit and floral aromas enhanced by the presence of skins before the fermentation process. Ingredients include citrus, pineapple, nectarine, melon, fresh grass and nettles.
Balanced and elegant, long finish.

16. Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Valley, Chile

Selling price – RM30.00

Cabernet Sauvignon is produced predominantly from grapes from the Maipo Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon represents 93% of the grape varieties, and supplemented with 4% Syrah and 3% Cabernet Franc. 30% of the young wine is stored for 6 months in barriques of French and American oak. The color is intense red, the smell is rich, nuanced and concentrated and followed by an intense and balanced flavor with a host of sun-ripened soft fruit.

16. Absolut Peppar Vodka (750ml)

Selling price – RM90.00.

Designed for the perfect Bloody Mary, Absolut Peppar is flavoured with essential oils of Jalapeno peppers and capsicum. Spicy, but not too fiery – this is a great pick-me-up.

17. XO Extra Century (350ml). 40% alcohol.
Selling price – RM80.00.

18. Hakutsuru Nama Sake

Selling price – RM21.00

Draft Sake gains its fresh, refined taste from being brewed and aged for 1 month in a cool state at about 41 F before bottling. Characterized by its light, fresh and smooth taste. Slightly Dry.
Enjoy this sake chilled.

19. **not sure what is it.  Will update.

20.**not sure what is it.  Will update.

21. **not sure what is it.  Will update.

22. Laphroaig 18 Year Old Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Selling price – RM600.00

Legendary Islay whisky distiller, Laphroaig, are synonymous for producing some of the world’s greatest and most intense single malt whiskies. Their 18 year old expression is made in very limited quantities each year and savoured by a fortunate few.

A supple, sweet and spicy Islay peat smoke greets you when you first open the bottle. The immediate taste is an oak sweetness, a contribution from 18 years in the barrel, with a faint hint of ocean salt notes, testimony to its time maturing on the remote island of Islay. The whisky is non-chill filtered, adding depth of taste and an oily smoothness to the textured, full bodied finish. A classic Islay.

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To all serious, keen buyers – do message me on fb.com/RebeccaSawBlog

I’ve heard a lot about Hotel Jen. Friends of mine in SG rated it highly and would recommend it in a heartbeat to fellow Malaysians.
“Good value wei..breakfast buffet is good. Location right in the city. Swimming pool very good.” they have said.

I could virtually read their mind, whose thoughts were no doubt along the lines of ‘Poor Malaysians.. ringgit is worthless now. JEN offers the best value lor“.

My SG influencers friends are forever posting about their staycations here; with their most popular postings being of the pool and rooms.

I finally got to see and have a feel of the hotel recently when I was invited for the launch of the “A Taste of Singapore” weekday dinner buffet.
This promotion placed the spotlight on Singapore’s flavours with many hawker delights taking centre stage. That said, it doesn’t mean it is cheap.
The dishes were amped up with plenty of quality ingredients; besides being prepared with utmost skill.

The Laksa Fried Rice was incredibly tasty, a proud specialty of Makan @JEN by the Head Chef Lee.

The international guests of Hotel Jen would appreciate this, Chef Lee had said enthusiastically, indicating the hotel’s aim to showcase more of Singapore local delicacies to tourists.

“For the locals, we wanted to show our support for our local cuisine and heritage this buffet showcases the diversity of our wonderful Singapore eats, prepared using the freshest ingredients, cooked on the spot as how it should be,” he had added.

Looking at the spread available, it is a value deal even for Malaysians, not to mention those earning SGD.

For SGD42++, the seafood on ice selection was fair with unlimited prawns, crabs and plus a spread of sashimi and sushi.

The humble Hokkien Mee boasts of plump fresh prawns and rings of squids while the oyster omelette station were dishing up plates after plates of juicy fat oysters omelette.
In fact the omelette was an afterthought, for the large oysters formed the main bulk of each serving!

A few plates of this and several rounds of fresh seafood later, I reckon that I’ve ate my money worth!

Other noteworthy items on the buffet spread was the chicken rice, the bak kut teh, the grilled fish, cooked seafood (yes, more seafood!), the wantan noodles with thick cuts of char siew (add as many as you wish) and the desserts.

The chicken rice was succulent and the ginger and chilli excellent.
International guests would have tasted one of the best chicken rice in Singapore and the locals would be hard-tasked to recommend a better version for a hotel.

We do not get pork in our buffets in Malaysia, so being able to slurp up piping hot bak kut teh soup and to chew on tender pork ribs was a treat.

Offering rojak on the buffet spread is a strategic move too, for not many tourist would put this high on their list to try, but having it part of a buffet would certainly encourage them to dig into this unique dish.

For desserts I found myself loading up on the ais kacang and heaping scoops on ice cream on my bowl.
There were a selection of 8 ice creams, pretty nyonya kuih, puddings, cakes and local “tong shui” aka chinese dessert soups.

The chef is spying on me!

1 scoop of durian ice cream please.
Yes, you read right. DURIAN ice cream!

And a scoop of refreshing coconut ice cream for added creaminess to my bowl.

The bubur cha cha was rich and loaded with yam, potatoes and the chewy jellies.
It is not an everyday occurrence that a good bubur cha cha was served at a buffet, especially one as good as this. If you love bubur cha cha, please make space for this!

I liked the liveliness of this property; decked out in furniture of numerous colors and exuding a modern, chic vibe.
Makan @JEN itself is similarly themed, and the vibrant atmosphere plus helpful staff certainly amps up the appetite.

Yes, Makan@Jen is certainly easy to like. With its variety of live cooking stations, delicious hot dishes options, local temptations and international treats, your hunger would be satiated in no time.
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Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Singapore’s Hawker Promotion is available for dinner only from 6:30pm to 10:00 pm on Mondays – Thursdays for the months of July and August 2016.
It is SGD42++/pax.

**Prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes.

Hotel JEN Orchardgateway,
277 Orchard Road, Singapore, 238858, Singapore.
MRT: Somerset. Exit: Orchardgateway
Look for Coffeebean and there lift to the hotel is nearby. Take the lift to the 10th floor.

For further details : Facebook Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Singapore or email them at taste@hoteljen.com.

Salted egg yolk + ‘anything‘ gets my attention.

And I had wondered for some time why no one has invented a kaya hybrid with it yet.

I mean, a salted egg yolk sauce possesses ALMOST the same consistency and texture. Both are made from eggs, though of a different nature but essentially, still eggs.

Kaya is inherently sweet, and blending it with the right ratio of savouriness from salted egg yolk does promises to work wonders.

It seemed that the higher powers heard my plea, for behold, Chef Alvin from Baba Chews at Hotel Indigo Katong Singapore has done it!

And it was exactly as I’ve expected – lowered sweetness with an unmistakably rich and delightful salted egg yolk aftertaste.

Likewise the salted egg yolk lend a savoury and ‘grainy’ consistency to the spread, and thus as you can see from my video the spread is not as runny.

In conclusion, the kaya retains its rich eggy, coconut essence. The salted egg yolk flavor is discernible but remained as a sidekick so it is still, first and foremost, kaya, not salted egg yolk sauce.

Too bad this is only served during brekkie at Hotel Indigo Katong Singapore. I bet it would be a bestseller if it was sold as a daily breakfast spread!

With a toast in hand, it doesn’t make sense if I don’t have a coffee in the other.
Baba Chews’ menu offers both coffee from Common Man Roasters as well as local blends. Since it is a peranakan restaurant, and we were having toast, I opted for the Iced local “cham” Coffee – SGD4.50.

The cold one came in a tall glass, but it was the hot one that got our attention. Not only it was smooth, robust and not overly sweet; just the way I like it, in was served in this cock pattern cup that is just nostalgic and cute!

Baba Chews Bar and Eatery is an all day dining outlet which pays homage to the unique Peranakan culture. The team have put together a menu of traditional and modern cuisines from places that have influenced Peranakan cooking.

It is not within the Hotel Indigo Katong, but a standalone outlet on its own so thus one shouldn’t feel intimidated to step in, thinking that you would have to access it via the hotel.

Just step in as you would into any independent cafe.
You would notice that Baba Chews is refreshingly unique from the typical Peranakan dining outlets and SG cafes. Its interiors is charming, the cutleries irresistibly pretty and the outlet is bathed in a welcoming warmth. One would not have to fret about the heat though, as it was kept cool by the air con.

The whole outlet has a mellow vibe to it, the kind that encourages one to linger and just relax. Its menu offers light bites, substantial mains or just coffee and snacks, whatever you like, from 6:30am to 10:30 pm.
Breakfast for the hotel guests is served here as Hotel Indigo does not have a food outlet attached to its premises.

And yes, lucky guests get unlimited amount of salted egg kaya every morning!

I spied the Keluak Burger (SGD18++) on the menu and couldn’t resist ordering one.

This hearty burger was good; thick, juicy patty coated with keluak paste on a bed of tangy achar sandwiched within fluffy multigrain bun.
The achar was a clever addition, replacing pickles to provide the zest and snap besides keeping to the Nyonya theme.

The rise of young food entrepreneurs should, and have been given much reverence lately.

However, when this couple first started this burger stall in September 2014, there were little accolades to such endeavours.

But both Ryan and Claire had a mission, which was to to serve unique and quality burgers at affordable prices.

Their Ayam Buah Keluak Burger was their lead product and it took them 2 years from thought to product.
Ryan’s inspiration came from the urge to transform the very traditional dish that he grew up eating into a contemporary form; something relatable to both young and old, and thus would encourage everyone to give it a shot.

A no-frills business with a choice of 5 burgers with each costing no more than SGD5 each, Hambaobao located in Beauty World Food Centre certainly isn’t your run-of-the-mill hawker joint in a Singapore foodcourt.

Located in this worn-out food centre at Beauty World Centre, an old and almost forgotten shopping mall in the once buzzing part of Bukit Timah, this isn’t exactly prime location.
I’ve stayed at the HDB flats just above Bukit Timah food court 2-3 years back and I still recall the hassle of taking the MRT to Clementi and then hopping on another bus (Bus 52 or 184) to alight at Shell station at Bukit Timah.

Yes, at the time of their origination, Beauty World Centre wasn’t even accessible by the MRT.

Today, the Downtown line station Beauty World is right next to this shopping mall, which makes Hambaobao more reachable and thus, incredibly convenient for you to satisfy your burger cravings!

After placing our orders, we stood there to watch the power couple work.
Ryan was drenched in sweat; assiduously flipping patties, buns, fish fillets and the works over a medium sized grill while Claire efficiently assemble the orders.

It is self-service here so once you’ve placed your order, keep your ears peeled to her Claire’s shrieks of “Number XX! Number XX ” and hurry over to grab your burgers!

For me the Ayam Buah Keluak Burger is a must-try.
I’ve long been fascinated with this Keluak (Indonesian black nut) burger ever since I saw it on Instagram and I was absolutely thrilled to be able to sink my molars into one now!

And happily enough, it didn’t disappoint!

The minced chicken patty had homemade buah keluak paste embedded in the mix, so it worked better than the keluak burger I’ve had at Baba Chews in Hotel Indigo Katong Singapore as there were more keluak flavour overall.

The unexpected and ingenious twist of finishing the assemble with Nyonya Chap Chye and a dollop of fiery sambal was brilliant.
Every bite was satisfaction for me!

This is definitely a burger for those who do not mind keluak and open-minded enough to enjoy a unique burger as their meal.

The Crispy Pork Belly Burger (SGD5) is another close contender for the best burger here.

Well, I personally know a few people who prefers it over the keluak.
I don’t mind it at all, for the price is amazing considering the amount of thick pork belly sandwiches between the soft buns.

I did however, found it a tad fatty as each slice of pork belly was 70% fat and skin.
It is in a good way though, for the fat layers were juicy and the skin crackling crispy happiness. Whatever little meat were there was tender and the refreshing crunch from the cucumbers helped.
The well-marinated roasted pork belly was nicely done to achieve the desired crispiness on the skin leaving the tenderness on the meat.

The Spiced Pulled Pork Burger(SGD5.00) was on the other hand, a mixed bag for us.
While the mountain of delicious, slightly spiced and spicy (as in heat) shredded pork was excellent, we thought it could do without the cheese.

BELOW: Generous squirts of mayo on top… 

Other than that we enjoyed it. The portion was overly generous and as you can see from my video, the meat was spilling out of the burger after my first bite!
This was finished with white and purple cabbage which gave a nice contrast to every bite.

Sure, the bun is slightly greasy since it was fried, but it was delightful having aromatic, buttery buns grilled on the underside that gives a crackling sound the moment you sink your teeth into each burger.

And if a burger is not enough, it wouldn’t hurt the pocket to opt for the additional Fairy Fries at SGD1 more. These fries aren’t your frozen variety, but are hand cut chips looking like a crossover of wedges and fries.

From looks alone these fries promised soft yet crisp potato skin, seasoned with salt to flavour.

We wanted to save tummy space for 3 burgers, and opted out for the fries.
I’ll definitely add on my next visit, which is imminent!

Oh, their broiled dory fish burger (SGD5) seems like a potential healthier choice if you fancy something “less guilty“.
A large fillet is grilled with red pepper, zucchini and topped with cheese and tar-tar sauce. You might want to opt for less tartar if you are really looking into a “lighter” burger.

Conclusion:
Besides the humid hawker environment and lack of utensils (you just had to handle the burger with your bare hands, exactly how one should eat a burger), I vouch for Hambaobao as an excellent burger fix joint.
PS: Their burgers are on the greasy side. Be warned.

HAMBAOBAO

144 Upper Bukit Timah
#04-49 Beauty World Centre
Singapore 588177
Opening Hours: Wed – Sunday: 12:00pm – 08:00pm
Phone: +65 96675254

Let’s see.. what were my experiences with oysters (the eating part of course) so far?

Well, an oyster sampling affair back in 2014 (KL) proved to be an eye-opener (post HERE) for me.

Initiated by Southern Rock Seafood, KL’s current best bet for quality oysters, that session educated me about Dutch, English and Irish oysters.
That tasting was a revelation for someone who was only familiar with Australian and Canadian oysters then, besides the common buffet variety.

In December 2015 Conrad Singapore hosted us for a French oyster and champagne session. Sadly I enjoyed the champagne more than the oysters.
The Tsarskaya, Normandes and Fine de Claire were just too briny for me!

And truth to be told, I usually avoid oysters at a buffet as those tend to be without much flavour and just plain fishy.

Unfortunately for Malaysia, that is the standards of oysters for now.

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So what sort of oyster do I like?

Well, with better experience comes higher expectations.
As of now my preferred ones are those with silky plumpness, creamy sweetness and a long finish.

And thanks to the World Oyster Festival 2016, I realized now that my preference would be those similar to the Ostra Regal and Gillardeau No. 3.

And thus I’m thankful for an event like The World Oyster Festival which allows one to taste 20+ variety in the comfort of one venue besides keeping prices reasonable for the quality offered.

After this tasting, I have personally urge every oyster lover and non-oyster fan to give it a go.

It is NOT a buffet hence you can halt your orders the moment you had enough and pay only what was consumed. Besides that, you can opt to order other seafood or meat dishes from their ala-carte menu.

For example, I enjoyed their Angus Burger, done med -rare as requested, prior to wolfing down my oysters!

The key to a good oyster is freshness.

It should possess the natural scent of the seashore as the tide recedes over seaweed-covered rocks. It should be full in the shell, firm in texture and brimming with the natural juice that is its life blood (sometimes referred to as “oyster liquor“), not just plain sea water.

The heel of the oyster, in the deep part of the shell, should be a creamy or ivory colour. The frill should be moist and pulsating, and the oyster should always look bright.

A tall order?

Not so if you have responsible suppliers like Greenwood Fish Market & Bistro which imports from trustworthy suppliers, examines and QC all their stock that are offered in the restaurant.
Besides just “selling“, the staff from Greenwood Fish Market & Bistro are knowledgable and thoroughly helpful.

Do not feel intimidated or self-conscious if the list seems daunting.

The staff is experienced to recommend these exquisite bi-valves based on your preferences; so be upfront and state if you like your oysters meaty, briny or creamy sweet.
Likewise the menu includes thorough description of each variety and I can assure you that these description are pretty spot-on.

Trust me, I’be tasted almost 10 of them!

So go ahead, pick and choose whichever oysters you think you will like from their menu. Order more of the ones you like yet give yourself an oyster adventure around the world by being adventurous in your picks.

Here are the ones that I had for this tasting:

	1. Barron Points Massive flesh size, soft-textured, sweet, mildy salty, and musky flavored.
	2. Belon "OOO" They are simply, intense, overwhelming, unforgetable, uplifting & aromatic. With Hazelnut finish.
	3. Britanny Specials Light aroma of the sea, smooth and meaty, tart tang of steel followed by a sweet after taste.
	4. Coffin Bays Petite, well rounded shell, meaty, clean, crisp and very briny, with a sweet finish.
	5. Dutch Crueses Regular oysters from holland, round shelled and deep cupped, sweet & briny flavor.
	6. Fanny Bay British Columbia oysters with full and firm meats, mild brininess and a pronounced cucumber finish.
	7. Golden Mantle Plump flesh, with a slightly mild mineral, sweet ivory meats with a deep cup and melon finish.
	8. Irish Oceans Buttery, nice bright and beachy essence to them, fairly briny. Zinc minerality in the finish.
	9. New Zealand Pacific Rock Delicate oyster, with light creamy texture; clean briny flavour with a sweet finish. Perfect for someone starting in the oyster world.
	10. Normandy Always highly iodised and rather fleshy, famous varieties include special oysters of isigny, tasty and pulpy.
	11. Ostra Regal Farmed in Bannow Bay, slight iodine and mineral taste, leaving a strong algal and sweet flavour.
	12. Royal Miyagi Full meats with a crisp flavour and mild brininess. Pacific Northwest oyster raised on the shores at the foot of the Olympic Mountains.
	13. Setinellles Speciale Meat rate between 12% - 15%, adult size is minimum 30 month. Semi Salty / Sweet Oyster.
	14. Speciales Utah Beach This generously fleshed oyster is sweet and crunchy. Appealing transition from brine to acidity with a subtle nutty flavour.
	15. St. Vaast Specials The Oyster of St. Vaast has become famous for its nutty taste. It's an oyster for both iodized and fleshy meat.
	16. Fine De Claire No. 3 Marennes-Oleron, France; Delicate white flesh, briny flavour. The salty taste may remind you of soy sauce. And it finishes with a mild hazelnut taste.
	17. Fine De Claire No. 3 Specials Selected from the best of the crop. Yellowish golden tint. Delicate, whitish flesh with light green mantle, briny flavour.
	18. Gilardeau No.3 Spicy, sweet and salty with a hazelnut aroma. The oyster is meaty; tender and crunchy.
	19. Tsarskaya No. 3 Firm to crunchy. It is powerful on the palate, pure and with a taste of iodine, almost like sweet almonds, slight hint of acidity & Hazelnut.

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Convinced to give it a go?
Please do!

Truly, even if you are not a huge oyster fan like myself, you are likely to change your mind once you have tasted one that you like.

From this session I’ve learnt to avoid the French ones though there might be exceptions, for surprisingly I did like the Fine De Claire No. 3 Special.
In conclusion, this session (or the more oysters you eat) will help you identify your preferred oysters.

I’m rather glum that I missed out on the Kumamotos as I’ve heard that they are amazing (read: sweet) which is totally my type.
Perhaps I should visit again before the end of the month?

Who’s keen to go with me?

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World Oyster Festival 2016

Date: 1st July – 31st July 2016*
Outlets: Greenwood Avenue Outlet
Add: 34/38 Greenwood Ave, S289236
Tel: 6467 4950
Opening Hours: Daily: 12.00 pm – 10:30 pm

Sentosa Outlet
Quayside Isle @ Sentosa Cove, 31 Ocean Way #01-04/05 S098375
Tel: 6262 0450
Opening Hours: Lunch: 12 pm – 2:30 pm, Dinner: 6:30 pm – 10 pm
*Closed on Mondays

Facebook event page: World Oyster Festival 2016