This year hasn’t been a good one for anyone, and the F&B industry in Singapore is one of the hardest-hit sectors. This has caused many well-loved eateries to close their doors.

Joining the other eateries that have shut down in Singapore is The Pelican, which will officially cease operations on 30 June 2020.

The Pelican will not be reopening in phase 2 along with the other F&B outlets.

This popular dining establishment had been a popular spot for fresh seafood and hearty mains that were great for any occasion.

We are sad to see them go and we hope that the rest of the eateries in Singapore will continue to stay strong during this trying period.

Hailing all the way from Taipei, the famed Ningxia Night Market has, at long last, arrived on our shores. The critically acclaimed Asian Night Market: Taiwan Food Festival has recreated a mini version of the bustling night market — a popular spot among locals and tourists for Taiwanese delicacies — which will span across Siloso Beach and Siloso Point from 16 January to 9 February 2020 (excluding 20 – 22 Jan).

Coined ‘the stomach of Taipei’, Ningxia Night Market Singapore will be offering a diverse range of mouthwatering Taiwanese street food such as Flaming Beef Cubes, Scallion Pancake and Taiwanese Oden. Locals can look forward to feast on an assortment of Taiwan’s exquisite delicacies in our very own Lion City as we will be featuring more than 30 vendors and chefs from the original market itself.

Here are 12 Taiwanese street food and drinks at Ningxia Night Market Singapore that you should not miss out on. So, put your new year dieting resolutions on hold, bring your family and friends down, and get ready to stuff yourself silly with snacks!

SESAME CHICKEN MEE SUA (STALL #7)

A perennial household favourite dish, Sesame Chicken Mee Sua is a hearty bowl of noodles that makes for a splendid comfort meal.

Stewed with wolfberries and bok choy, the broth was herbaceous with gingery nuances. It was also rich and full-bodied, pairing impeccably well with the silken noodles. Slurp the noodles with the aromatic soup to truly enjoy the dish.

BRAISED PORK RICE (STALL #7)

Braised Pork Rice is a dish testament to Taiwan’s food paradise. Essentially a dish comprising of braised minced pork served on a bed of steaming rice, this comforting bowl is sure to remind you of your grandmother’s cooking.

This simple dish is highly raved about by both locals and tourists and we can understand why. The pork was fork-tender and paired nicely with the fragrant rice, which was coated with a thin layer of flavourful oily sauce. The braised gravy also brought out the innate savouriness of the meat.

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BROWN SUGAR BUBBLE MILK (STALL #11)

Brown Sugar Bubble Milk has captured the hearts of many with its combination of fresh milk, brown sugar syrup and chewy tapioca pearls. Nicknamed “dirty tea”, the original brown sugar bubble tea fad was birthed in Taiwan, where Taiwanese brands pride themselves on their “QQ” tapioca pearls and creamy milk.

First boiled with handmade brown sugar, the sweetness-infused pearls are cooked till chewy. Cold ice milk is then added to the piping hot pearls where it blends to become a “dirty” mixture, allowing the drink to be a harmonious blend of saccharine and rich milk.

SCALLION PANCAKE (STALL #9)

The scallion pancake is an iconic local snack in the “OG” Ningxia Night Market — this well-loved, crispy delicacy is known for its gigantic size and crisp texture, reminiscent of Singapore’s very own roti prata. Customers can eagerly await their turn as they watch their pancakes being expertly prepared right in front of their eyes!

The dough is first flattened, then sprinkled with seasoning and spring onions before it is fried to crunchy, golden-brown perfection. An unpretentious dish, it is simple and prepared quickly, relying only on the strong fragrance from the onions to bring out its savouriness.

FLAMING BEEF CUBES (STALL #9)

Locals will be familiar with flame-grilled beef cubes — we have seen this beloved snack at every night market or festival. A Taiwanese street food favourite, these beef steak cubes are compactly packaged, making it a convenient snack to munch on.

The beef steak cubes are cooked over a grill and sprinkled with seasoning. Each beef cube was caramelised to perfection, giving it an addictive, smoky taste. Grilled to a medium-rare, the exterior of the beef was nicely charred and boasted juicy, tender meat.

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BRAISED BEEF NOODLES (STALL #13)

Taiwan’s “national dish” is none other than beef noodles! Featuring Braised Beef Noodles, this beloved delicacy is whipped up by renowned chef, Cheng Cheng-chung. Boasting a potent broth with morsels of beef, each bite is guaranteed to bring you an authentic Taiwanese experience.

The al dente noodles were infused with the piquant herbal notes of the full-bodied soup, allowing customers to thoroughly savour its distinct, rich flavours. The braised beef chunks were also juicy and tender.

FRIED SQUID (STALL #12)

Stroll along the stretch of food stalls, and this Fried Squid will stick out from the crowd. A giant deep-fried squid skewered on a stick, this snack will capture your attention with its monstrous size. A testament to Taiwan’s rich marine life, this is the treat to go for if you are looking to nibble on something hearty.

The battered squid is garnished with salt and pepper, allowing us to taste its rich and briny seafood flavour. The tentacles were also nicely charred, adding smokiness to the snack. We also appreciated how the meat was chewy and extremely “QQ”.

MENTAIKO PIZZA (STALL #11)

Pizza lovers should definitely check out the Mentaiko Pizza! The mentaiko is imported all the way from Japan to ensure that customers savour the dish only with the freshest ingredients.

The pizza dough is thinly spread and baked, rising to form a crumbly, flaky crust. Toppings such as the cheese and mentaiko are then sprinkled and laden on the base before it is baked in the oven a second time. This allows the layered snack to have contrasting textures of both a doughy middle and crisp exterior.

TAIWANESE SAUSAGE WITH GLUTINOUS RICE (STALL #19)

Sink your teeth in one of the most unique goodies available at the market: Taiwanese Sausage with Glutinous Rice. Known as “little sausage inside big sausage”, a pork sausage is wrapped in a bigger sausage made from glutinous rice. Customers can also spice the snack up with a variety of condiments such as garlic, peppers, or pickled cucumber.

A perfect harmony of sweet and savoury, this pork sausage is addictively good. Chomp on the springy meat and you get a satisfying burst of flavour!

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WINTER MELON TEA (STALL #3)

Beat Singapore’s sweltering heat with a cup of Winter Melon Tea! Attaining the title of Taiwan’s national tea treasure, this chilled drink is made from winter melon and sugar that has been boiled for an hour.

Regarded as a summer beverage with hydrating health benefits, the drink was mellow with just the right amount of sweetness. The usage of fresh winter melon fruits also lent the drink a fragrant, all-natural nectarine aftertaste.

TAIWANESE ODEN (STALL #3)

Taiwanese Oden, also known as Tian Bu La, is a traditional fried fish cake dish that has been moulded into various shapes and sizes. Made from a thick fish fillet paste, the mixture is slathered with sauce and seasoning before it is deep-fried. It is then skewered and enjoyed as a snack to go.

STIR-FRIED BRAISED SNACKS (STALL #12)

Known as Lo-Wei, Stir-fried Braised Snacks features an assortment of vegetables and sides that customers can choose from before it is stir-fried and served. Customers can also have a fun time watching the chefs skillfully toss their ingredients!

Expect a colourful mixture of ingredients such as chicken hearts, livers and drumsticks that individually adds a unique flavour to the dish. Distinct, herbal flavour from its gravy also entirely permeated the various snacks, making it all the more delectable.

Promising good vibes and good food, Ningxia Night Market is the perfect destination to make a beeline for when you are planning a day out during the weekends. Come on down and spoil yourself with Taiwan’s delicacies!

Ningxia Night Market Singapore
Siloso Point, Sentosa
Singapore 098997
Date: 16 Jan to 9 Feb 2020
Time: 5pm – 10:30pm

This post was brought to you by Asian Night Market: Taiwan Food Festival.

After months of anticipation, Five Guys is finally making its first foray into Singapore!

Hailing from the land of fast food, this American cult favourite is a fast-casual burger joint with a simple goal: selling the best quality burgers possible.

That’s quite a bold statement. Then again, Five Guys takes pride in standing out from the crowd – after all, they claim their burgers are made of the right stuff.

Starting out as a humble business venture by four (plus one) brothers, Five Guys soon became the spot to grab a freshly-grilled burger at.

The brand then took off, and the rest is history. Now boasting over 1,600 outlets worldwide, the brand has recently set its sights on Asia.

Brought in by Zouk Group, Five Guys will open its flagship local outlet in Plaza Singapura. Located next to the main atrium, the store offers both indoor and al fresco seating.

Because all its burgers are made-to-order, the patty retains its moisture, the greens stay crisp, the buns remain airy, and the cheese continues to melt.

The chunky beef patty is no doubt the highlight; oozing with meat juices and partially charred from the grill, these hand-formed patties pull away easily with each.

With up to 15 distinct toppings, whether you want a slight twist or plan to go all the way, the choice is yours.  Five Guys has all the right stuff on hand; it’s up to you to pick how much of it you want.

Handcut and made from real potatoes, these strips are fried in peanut oil until golden-brown. These snacks have a fantastic contrast: crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. For something different, try their zesty Cajun seasoning!

If you’re feeling peckish while awaiting your meal, grab a handful of the complimentary roasted-in-shell peanuts for a quick snack. Addictively smoky, be careful not to fill up before your mains arrive!

Sliced butterfly-styled and freshly grilled, these hot dogs have the same smouldering saltiness as the patties. Pair them with your favourite toppings and savour with your bare hands – dripping sauces and all – for the optimal American diner experience!

For a lighter alternative, try their grilled sandwiches for an easier-on-your-belly and lower-calorie option without forgoing the brand’s signature taste and quality!

Smooth, creamy, and wonderfully saccharine. Handspun to the perfect consistency, the smoothies are an absolute slurpable delight, and the perfect accompaniments to the savoury-on-savoury profile of the mains.

Whether you’re an enthusiastic follower of Singapore’s Burger Wars or just craving a well-made burger, swing by Five Guys for a tantalising and unforgettable treat! Try to visit early; with how kiasu the foodie crowd is, that’s the only way to guarantee getting your hands on one!

68 Orchard Road
Plaza Singapura, #01-32/35
Singapore 238839
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

For those of you who are frequent travellers to Thailand, you probably would have chanced upon Café Amazon. This is the country’s most popular coffee chain and it has over 2,700 outlets scattered across the Land of Smiles alone, 3,025 stores worldwide and 3 in Singapore at Jewel Changi Airport, Jurong Point and Republic Plaza. Globally, they are the sixth-largest coffee chain, which is a testament to how well-loved their cups of coffee are.

All 3 of their cafés in Singapore are inspired by the Amazon Rainforest and shrouded in lush greenery, with the Jewel Changi Airport outlet being their first flagship store outside of Thailand. If you’re looking for a spot to have a chill catch-up session with your friends or some much-needed alone time, their verdant, botanical vibes make it the perfect place to do so!

Food-wise, diners can look forward to a Singapore-exclusive menu that also stays true to its roots by including cuppas made with their famous and uniquely formulated Amazon Blend as well as other Thai-inspired and fusion dishes.

The Amazon Blend is the café chain’s pride and joy and the folks of Café Amazon work very closely with Thai farmers to select the best quality coffee beans. These are then roasted, processed and packaged with strict quality control measures to ensure that every bean used in their coffee is perfect.

ICED YIN YANG 

If you’re both a coffee and matcha fanatic and you can’t decide between the two, get yourself a cup of their Iced Yin Yang (S$5), Café Amazon’s take on the popular Yuan Yang. This drink can only be found in their Singapore outlets!

Our usual Yuan Yang is a blend of milk tea and coffee, but here at Café Amazon, they decided to spruce it up a little by using high-quality matcha that is blended together with creamy milk and topped with a shot of their signature espresso.

ICED ESPRESSO 

Coffee aficionados will adore their iconic Iced Espresso (S$4.50), which features a single iced Amazon Blend shot sweetened with milk and cream. While iced espresso may seem rather unconventional to Singaporeans, it is actually very popular in Thailand amongst locals.

A Thai tradition that provides the drink with a little sweetness is the addition of milk, which also gives the entire drink a creamier, smoother texture.

ICED THAI MILK TEA 

To pay homage to their Thai roots, Café Amazon also offers traditional Iced Thai Milk Tea (S$4.50)—one of their best-sellers. What makes the Iced Thai Milk Tea here at Café Amazon Singapore stand out is how each cup of tea is brewed individually to ensure that every drink that’s pushed out is of the highest quality.

Made with richly-brewed black tea and ingredients such as star anise, crushed tamarind, cardamom and condensed milk, this popular Thai drink will make you feel like you’ve been whisked all the way to Thailand for a retreat.

ICED COFFEE MARBLE 

For something with a little more bite, we recommend the Iced Coffee Marble (S$5.50) where chunks of chewy coffee jelly are doused in milk coffee. The texture of the coffee jelly is similar to that of bubble tea pearls, so you’ll feel like you’re drinking a cup of coffee-flavoured boba!

To jazz up your cup of Iced Coffee Marble, you can also add a scoop of coconut gelato (S$3.80 per scoop). The addition of gelato definitely enhances the flavour and texture of the drink, giving it a creamier and sweeter consistency.

Just in time for the festive season, Café Amazon has released two magical and frosty Christmas drinks — Iced Peppermint Mocha and Red Velvet Chocolate Frappé. These are available from 1 to 31 December 2019.

ICED PEPPERMINT MOCHA 

Minty, chocolatey and full of crunch, the Iced Peppermint Mocha (S$6.50) features a dark chocolate and mint blend that is embellished with chocolate malt crunch. This smooth, aromatic concoction leaves a lovely minty aftertaste in the mouth that’s reminiscent of Christmas and all its positive feelings.

RED VELVET CHOCOLATE FRAPPÉ

For those of you who aren’t huge fans of mint, you can opt to have their Red Velvet Chocolate Frappé ($6.50). Here, a dark chocolate frappe is spiced up with mixed berry sauce and then finished off with a copious sprinkling of chocolate malt crunch. The result is a winning sweet and sour combination that’ll tickle your taste buds.

Café Amazon doesn’t just specialise in drinks; they also have a menu featuring a variety of mains and desserts that pair amazingly well with their drinks. These are only sold in their Singapore stores.

WHOLEMEAL THAI CHICKEN WRAP 

If you’re constantly on the hunt for healthier food options, you need to try their Wholemeal Thai Chicken Wrap (S$5.90) that is also one of their best-selling menu items. Each wrap comes stuffed with chunks of juicy chicken leg that are smothered in Thai chilli sauce which gives this entire ensemble a lovely tangy and sweet touch.

BEEF LASAGNA 

For something a little heartier, get the Beef Lasagna (S$8.90). Its pasta layers are cooked to a nice al dente which holds the cheese and meat filling well. The acidity of the tomato sauce is also nicely balanced out with the savouriness of the beef and the creaminess of the cheese.

The lasagna is also available with chicken for those of you who do not fancy beef.

BLACK SESAME LAYER CAKE 

Nothing pairs quite as nicely with a cup of coffee as a plate of mouth-watering dessert. If chocolate and red velvet cakes are getting a little old and you’re looking to try something more unique and local-inspired, you should have a go at Café Amazon’s Black Sesame Layer Cake (S$6.90).

The cake essentially consists of fluffy black sesame sponge layers that are held together with silky caramelised sesame frosting and finished off with a scattering of toasted sesame seeds. Nutty, creamy and earthy, this cake truly is an innovative take on popular Chinese desserts such as black sesame soup.

FESTIVE LUCKY DRAW IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

To add to the festivities, Café Amazon is also be having a lucky draw from November to December. All you need to do is spend a minimum of S$30 in a single receipt to qualify.

The first prize is a pair of Thai Airway return tickets to Bangkok while other prizes include gift hampers worth up to S$150.

We wish all participants all the best!

1-FOR-1 DRINKS

Another promotion that you can look forward to is their daily 1-for-1 drinks at all their stores islandwide from the last week of November throughout the whole of December!

Here is the lineup for the 1-for-1 drinks:

• Mon: Iced Cappuccino ($5 for 2)
• Tue: Iced Honey Black Tea ($4.50 for 2)
• Wed: Iced Espresso ($4.50 for 2)
• Thu: Iced Green Tea Latte ($4.50 for 2)
• Fri: Iced Caramel Macchiato ($5.50 for 2)
• Sat: Iced Chocolate ($4.50 for 2)
• Sun: Iced Coffee Marble ($5.50 for 2)

So, grab a caffeine-loving friend and snag these great deals!

Café Amazon Jewel Changi Airport 
78 Airport Boulevard, #04 – 225
Singapore 819666
Tel: +65 6694 7028
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

Jurong Point
1 Jurong West Central 2, #02-31
Singapore 648886
Tel: +65 6694 7028
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Boon Lay

Republic Plaza
9 Raffles Place, #02-03
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 6694 7028
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 8am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

This post was brought to you by Café Amazon Singapore. 

Zi char restaurants are a dime a dozen in Singapore, but one that truly sets itself apart from the rest is Uncle Leong Signatures. Famed for their fresh seafood since 2002, the restaurant boasts a diverse menu of delicacies and is a perennial go-to spot for family dinners and special occasions.

We had the opportunity to try out some of their signature dishes and here’s what we thought!

First up, we had an appetizer: Salted Egg Lotus Root (S$11.80). The lotus chips were well-coated with salted egg, and each savoury bite oozes flavour – a perfect balance of sweet and salty. It was also crispy and reminiscent of potato chips.

Served next was the Sunkist Pork Ribs (S$13.80). The succulent ribs were well-marinated and drizzled with a generous amount of their orange-juice infused secret sauce. The sweet citrus dressing was also not overpowering; it complements the savoury meat and gave it a zesty bite.

One of the must-try items is the Signature Hor Fun (S$10). Deemed as a childhood comfort food, the hor fun here was scrumptious – the noodles were slightly Q and silky smooth. The rich egg gravy was also very piquant, while the hint of spiciness gave the dish an extra kick.

The moment the Hong Kong Style Typhoon Shelter Crab (S$76.50) was placed on our table, we immediately dug in. The fresh crab was succulent and sweet, and you can taste the slight wok hei. Despite being cooked with dried chilli, you can’t taste the spiciness at all.

Lastly, we were served the Mala Crab (S$76.50), an off-the-menu item. It was a perfect rendition to the usual crab sauces we were accustomed to. The crab paired really well with the sauce; the meat had a sweet yet spicy aftertaste. The spice packed a punch, giving it a tangy flavour.

The food standard at Uncle Leong Signatures is definitely a cut above the rest, and the portion sizes are generous.

83 Punggol Central
#B1-21 Waterway Point
Singapore 828761
Tel: +65 6385 9989
Daily: 11am – 10:30pm
Nearest Station: Punggol

Gluttons, it is time to prepare thy bellies for the biggest online food sale of the year!

Chope is back at it again with the much-anticipated ChopeDeals Online Food Festival which will be happening from 24 to 26 September 2019. Get yourselves ready for over 200 shockingly good dining deals at up to 75% off! Diners can look forward to promotions such as heavily discounted 1-for-1s for signature mains, buffets and set menus as well as timed flash deals at 12pm, 6pm and 8pm from 24 to 26 September that will be going for as low as S$1.

Also, from 19 to 23 September, you can hop on over to ChopeDeals to spin and win discount codes up to S$80 to offset your purchases. If that isn’t value-for-your-money then we don’t know what is.

So, set your alarms and get ready to start scrambling for all these great deals!

The 3-day sale event will have a different theme on each day: Bites Day, Feast Day and Mega Sale Day.

DAY 1: BITES DAY (24 September 2019)
Score massive discounts on affordable grab-and-go dining deals which include 1-for-1 bubble tea and bak kut teh set meals. 

There will also be a one-day discount code which gives you S$4 off when you spend a minimum amount of S$30. This is applicable for selected deals that will be listed on the campaign page and it is limited to the first 300 redemptions, so fastest fingers first!

DAY 2: FEAST DAY (25 September 2019)
Treat yourself to something more luxurious with Day 2 promotions which entail deals from high-end restaurants that serve up sumptuous feasts that include the likes of seafood, hotpots and buffets! 

There will also be a one-day discount code which will give you S$7 off a minimum spending of S$50 for selected deals. It will be limited to the first 300 redemptions and you can find it on the campaign page.

DAY 3: MEGA SALE DAY (26 September 2019)
The 3-day feasting concludes with the Mega Sale Day which includes storewide flash sale items starting from 12 am sharp. For just one-day, use the code and get a discount of S$10 off with a minimum spending of S$50 when you make payment with DBS PayLah! This is limited to the first 5000 redemptions, so it’s time to start camping!

UNCLE LEONG SIGNATURES (WATERWAY POINT)

• S$70 for S$150 cash voucher (Limited quantities available!)

26 September, Mega Sale Day

• If you miss the flash deal, you can still get S$150 cash voucher for S$75, and S$200 cash voucher for S$100 on 26 September

Aside from mala and salted egg, another thing that Singaporeans are unanimously addicted to is bubble tea. We don’t know why but these little starchy balls of happiness never fail to make any drink taste better and every time there is a new bubble tea store in town, we find ourselves gravitating towards it even if the queues are 2-hours long.

This time around, it isn’t a new bubble tea store that’s opening, it’s a bubble tea factory. That’s right, you read that right! For just two months starting from 19 October 2019 onwards, The Bubble Tea Factory will be welcoming bubble tea fanatics to enjoy an enthralling and immersive bubble tea journey that features larger-than-life cups of bubble tea and an infinite galaxy of pearls.

Designed to stimulate the mind and provide a feast for the senses, visitors can look forward to more than ten multi-sensory and visually-stunning installations that will extend across its 7000sq ft premise at *SCAPE. The immersive experience expects you to make use of your five senses to enjoy and appreciate the exhibit.

Bubble tea lovers can look forward to things like the Pearl Pit, where you can dive into a massive “pot” brimming with taro pearls.

You can also swing on a giant pearl wrecking ball or pose with an IV drip of bubble tea!

Upon entry, each visitor will also be given a Boba Booster Pack which contains a set of limited-edition collectable cards that feature fun and interactive challenges. After you’re done with the exhibit, you can also enjoy a refreshing cup of bubble tea on the house to end the journey on a sweet note.

Tickets for the event will be available from 19 September 2019 from 10 am onwards.

Ticket prices
Weekday: S$24
Weekend: S$28

Opening special tickets prices
Weekday: S$18
Weekend: S$23

The Bubble Tea Factory
19 October 2019 to 18 December 2019
*Scape
2 Orchard Link
Singapore 237978
Mon to Fri: 4pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Gluttons, prepare your stomachs for an intense feasting session as Twilight: Flea & Feast will be back again this year with a smorgasbord of scrumptious grub. Inspired by the weekend food markets in Australia, this much-anticipated event will house a tantalising array of street food from all around the world.

This year, you can look forward to stuffing your faces silly with goodies from over 50 Muslim-friendly stalls that will be selling an exciting selection of foods that include the likes of beef cubes, poke bowls and takoyaki.

After filling your bellies, take a break and head on over to the arcade zone and retail booths to take part in the many exciting activities available. You can also support some of our local talents who will be performing during the event.

Here is a peek of what you can expect this weekend!

FOOD 

There were a plethora of different food stalls here and we were completely spoilt for choice. We tried a few different items and here is what we thought about them.

MEAT MY MEAT 

Meat My Meat specialises in western grub such as Philly Cheesesteak (S$6) Cheezy Popcorn (S$5.50 and Poppy Cheezy Sandwich (S$6). We tried the Cheesesteak Fries (S$6.50) which featured tender beef chunks draped across a bed of golden brown fries and smothered in a generous amount of cheese. Each mouthful was packed full of umami and cheesy goodness and for the price point, it was really worth it.

THE FAB FIVE 

This simple, unassuming bowl of Classic Mac & Cheese (S$8) stole the show and was easily our favourite food item here. Each serving features spiral pasta drenched in a thick, cheesy sauce that managed to be flavourful yet not cloying at the same time.

Though S$8 may seem a little steep for Mac & Cheese, trust us when we say that it is worth every cent.

ODDBALLS  

Out of the 6 stalls we tried, this was an utter disappointment and a massive waste of money. The photos plastered across the storefront depicts a picture of a generous scoop of ice cream perched atop a crisp golden brown cone and topped with a creamy dollop of nicely scorched meringue.

In reality, we were served a sad scoop of ice cream that was so small that it could barely be seen from the top of the cone. We were hoping that the meringue would make up for the ice cream’s lack of size but instead were shocked and disappointed to see them squirt out a deflated, watery layer of meringue onto the top of our ice cream before carelessly torching it.

We tried the Lavender Honey flavour (S$8) and the ice cream itself was light and creamy with subtle hints of lavender and honey. It was honestly a huge shame because this stall had so much potential but it was completely wasted. We do hope that they buck up a little and start serving their customers proper, well-presented food before they disappoint more people.

SATAY UMMI BY LYDIA IZZATI

The queues for this stall were long and intense but we assure you that it is well worth it!

Lydia Izzati serves her satay without sticks in a brown paper box and each one is generously stuffed with chunks of succulent grilled meat that were well-marinated in a nutty, savoury suace. We ordered the chicken satay (S$7) and while the price point is a little steep, every cent is worth it and we can understand why people were willing to wait almost 20-minutes for a box of these ambrosial meats.

BROTI 

Broti specialises in massive drinks that can easily be shared amongst a group of 2 to 3 people. We got ourselves a Charcoal Matcha (S$4) that came in a gargantuan cup that was filled to the brim. The drink managed to be sweet without being too cloying and the earthy flavours of the matcha and charcoal thoroughly complemented each other.

JP KITCHEN 

JP Kitchen specialises in scrumptious takoyaki and Japanese oden. We had a go at their takoyaki and were not disappointed at all. You can order a box of either 5 or 10 takoyaki and we love how each takoyaki was plump and satisfyingly chewy. The dish was also enhanced by the spicy sauce that she doused the takoyaki in which provided the dish with a subtle amount of heat.

GAMES

Arcade-lovers will be thrilled to know that there are a whole array of games to partake in here at Twilight: Flea & Feast. You can look forward to classics such as Mario Kart, claw machines and Retrocade.

Kids will also enjoy the massive bouncy castle next to the arcade section!

SHOPPING 

Make sure that you have enough money in your pockets to check out some of the retail booths here. All booths are owned by local businesses, so support a homeboy out by purchasing a little something from these stalls! You can look forward to brands such as Soul Singapore, Knick Knack, Dainty Dangles and Twokitz.

LIVE MOVIE SCREENING

Tired after a hectic day of eating and shopping? Sit back, relax and watch one of the movies that they will be screening. You can look forward to popular shows such as Kung Fu Panda 3, Star Trek and Bumblebee.

Twilight: Flea & Feast
Suntec Convention Centre Hall 401 – 402
1 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039593
30 August to 1 September 2019
Nearest Station: Esplanade

Refinery Concepts has over a decade of experience in creating, curating and operating unique F&B concepts in Singapore. To date, they have successfully managed a spectrum of stellar dining establishments with the likes of cosy cafes, bespoke bars and fine dining restaurants.

For all you foodies out there who love a good deal, we have some great news for you. From now until the end of December 2019, swipe your Mastercard at any of the 13 dining concepts by Refinery Concepts and get 15% off your total bill! Names to look out for amongst the slew of participating restaurants are Fat Cow, Bedrock Bar & Grill, The Marmalade Pantry and Oriole Coffee + Bar.

If you have always wanted to dine at some of the mentioned restaurants but your wallet hasn’t been the most forgiving, this 15% discount gives you more reasons to try them out. We are definitely going to revisit some of our favourite places.

BEDROCK BAR & GRILL 

If you’re hankering for a solid slab of steak, there is no better place to head to than Bedrock Bar & Grill. This steak restaurant is so serious about serving up the perfect steak that they even have their own dry ageing fridge within the premises!

With their curated menu featuring different types of premium cuts of steak to fresh seafood from the USA, Japan and Australia, this is one steakhouse in Singapore to love. Star dishes that are worthy of special mentions are the Tomahawk Steak, Ribeye Cap Steak and Double Cut Dry Aged Porterhouse.

And honestly, 15% off at a stellar steakhouse like this? Count us in.

96 Somerset Road
#01-05, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites (Next to 313@Somerset)
Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 6238 0054
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

CIN CIN 

COLD STONE CREAMERY 

For years, Cold Stone Creamery has remained one of our favourite places to get customized ice cream. Proudly dubbing themselves as ‘Ice Cream Innovators’, the popular ice cream parlour is famous for its innovative and creative flavours.

We love how Cold Stone Creamery’s ice cream is freshly made in-house daily to ensure that their customers get the very best quality ice cream. For those of you who like to jazz up your ice cream a little, you can also have your ice creams customised on their frozen granite stones. Our favourite toppings are cookies and nuts!

Celebrating a birthday? Check out their Character Ice Cream cakes featuring characters from famous movies such as Despicable Me, Madagascar and Kungfu Panda.

Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#02-K1 VivoCity
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9352
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

**Multiple outlets islandwide

DEAN & DELUCA 

Serving classic breakfast food staples, New York brand DEAN & DELUCA serves all-day breakfast selections including the All American Breakfast which consists of perfectly scrambled eggs, delicious mushrooms, crisp bacon, a juicy sausage, crispy hash brown, toasted bread and a side of salad. If you’re looking for something heartier, go for their Mushroom-Bacon Mac & Cheese.

We also like the Rainbow Cake and Seasonal Iced Teas with flavours such as Pink Flamingo and Cocktail Hour.

4 Hillview Rise, #01-01
Singapore 667979
Tel: +65 6710 7282
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hillview

**Multiple outlets islandwide

FAT COW 

For a gastronomic dining experience that will excite the senses, you should place Fat Cow high up on your list. Helmed by Chef Shigeru Kasajima, the Japanese restaurant’s signature Chef’s Table Omakase showcases a stellar lineup of seasonal ingredients that range from top grade wagyu beef to sashimi and sushi.

On top of that, they also have an impressive menu which includes juicy slabs of steaks and scrumptious rice bowls which mainly feature the range of premium Japanese steaks they carry in-house.

With the 15% promotion, this is your chance to indulge in these premium cuts of meat without feeling the pinch in your wallet. The Mastercard discount is applicable for Omakase lunch, dinner and a la carte dinner menus.

Camden Medical Centre #01-01/02
1 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248649
Tel: +65 6735 0308
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

KATONG KITCHEN 

Have a penchant for exquisite Nyonya fare? This buffet is inspired by the flavours of Singapore will whet your appetite with authentic dishes that pay homage to its traditional roots.

Tuck into a well-formulated line-up of both international and local cuisines. Relish favourites such as Ayam Buah Keluak, DIY Lobster Kueh Pie Tee, Cempedak Creme Brûlée and yummy assorted Nyonya Kueh. With many different options available, it’ll be hard for you to decide on what to begin with!

25 Marine Parade, Level 4
Village Hotel Katong
Singapore 449536
Tel: +65 6551 2141
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

KINKI RESTAURANT & BAR 

Kinki Restaurant & Bar’s location makes it seem like a secret hideout tucked away in Customs House. We love how the Japanese restaurant has a modern grungy twist with graffiti-filled walls and murals which add on to the enigmatic charm of the place but even more than that, we love how the large windows let in plenty of natural sunlight (for those Instagram photos!) and provide us with a stunning view of Marina Bay Waterfront.

To accompany the magnificent view, guests are also spoilt with a decadent selection of premium Japanese delights. Highlights on the menu are the Black Dragon Maki, Golden Mentaiko Maki and Wagyu Foie Gras Donburi.

70 Collyer Quay
#02-02, Customs House
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 6533 3471
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

NATIVE KITCHEN 

Tucked away at Sentosa is Native Kitchen, a spanking new destination in the South of Singapore for those of you who need a little island getaway. Despite being conveniently close to the city, Native Kitchen somehow manages to transport you to a space where you can rejuvenate, relax and pamper yourself with good food and even better company.

Aside from serving up an International breakfast, Native Kitchen specialises in Polynesian cuisine which offers a myriad of dishes that are based on seafood and exotic fruits that have French and Chinese influences. Some recommended food items that you can enjoy are the Big Kahuna Burger, Misoyaki Butterfish and Island Ceviche.

10 Artillery Avenue Sentosa Island
Village Hotel at Sentosa #02-02
Singapore 099951
Tel: +65 6722 0818
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

ORIOLE COFFEE + BAR 

Whether it is gourmet coffee that you are craving or alcohol for you to indulge in during a night out with your friends, Oriole Coffee + Bar posits as one of the best spots in town for you to have a meal at and chill out. We also love how the place is a hipster cafe by day and a snazzy bar by dusk.

It doesn’t matter if you’re are a coffee connoisseur, an alcohol aficionado or just someone who appreciates a hearty brunch as Oriole Coffee + Bar has something for everyone. Some of our favourites are the Chicken & Waffle, Oriole Truffle Burger and Capellini Crabmeat.

96 Somerset Road, #01-01
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites (next to 313@Somerset)
Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 6238 8348
Sun to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 12am
Nearest Station: Somerset

SALTWATER 

A hidden gem tucked away in the serenity of Changi Village, Saltwater is a halal-certified restaurant that has a stellar Muslim-friendly buffet line-up. Enjoy the cool air indoors next to the full-length windows or sit right by the pool.

A live barbecue station is available from Fridays to Sundays during dinner time, with their Grill Master serving gourmet meats and fresh seafood for you. Choose from Meat Skewers, Chargrilled Chicken, King Prawns, and many others. Other must-try food offerings include Nonya Laksa, DIY Rojak and Durian Pengat Shooters.

Take your pick from 15 tantalising sauces at their Chill & Grill dinner buffet and choose from a selection of sweet, savoury or tangy sauces such as Honey Mustard, Chimichurri, Mango Salsa, Sambal Belado, Pineapple BBQ Sauce and more.

1 Netheravon Road
Village Hotel Changi, Level 1
Singapore 508502
Tel: +65 6379 7018
Daily: 6.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

STRAITS CAFE 

Nestled within Rendezvous Hotel Singapore (Bras Basah) is Straits Café, a haven for those in search of authentic flavours from the Straits. Drawing inspiration from places like Penang, Melaka and our very own local cuisine, dining here is almost always a gastronomically sensorial journey.

Crowd favourites include the KL Prawn Noodles, Klang Chic Kut teh and Opoh Chicken Rice. Durian fanatics will also be happy to know that they have an entire section dedicated to durian-based desserts; from tarts, crepes, puffs, cakes to their insanely addictive durian pengat shooters.

9 Bras Basah Road, Level 1
Singapore 189559
Tel: +65 6708 7745
Daily: 6.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah & Dhoby Ghaut

THE PELICAN 

For the seafood lovers out there, The Pelican at One Fullerton is a top-of-mind restaurant whenever we crave quality, reasonable price point and ambience all in one. Facing the gorgeous Marina Bay waterfront, the restaurant exudes a laid-back vibe that is perfect for a squad gathering or a weekend brunch with your loved ones.

When dining here, it is a must to get their Grilled Seafood Platter which comprises of a whole barramundi, baked oysters, grilled squid, whole baked lobster, grilled corn, and tomatoes. Other dishes to indulge in are the Chilli Crab Linguini, NY Strip Steak, Ribeye Steak and Snapper Pie.

1 Fullerton Road, #01-01
One Fullerton
Singapore 049213
Tel: +65 6438 0400
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

THE MARMALADE PANTRY 

Over at The Marmalade Pantry, diners can look forward to an eclectic mix of desserts, pasta, weekend brunch items and other scrumptious offerings. Their mission is simple: to be a leading dining destination where you can always get hearty and wholesome food in a cosy environment.

Goodies that you can expect to stuff your faces with include their Curry Barramundi, Singapore Laksa and Spicy Crabmeat Pasta. We also highly recommend that you try their Sticky Date & Toffee Pudding, which is our personal favourite!

#04-11a, ION Orchard,
2 Orchard Turn,
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6734 2700
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

**Multiple outlets islandwide

This post is brought to you by Refinery Concepts. 

Light, crisp and thoroughly invigorating, Somersby’s premium range of ciders—including the very popular Sparkling Rosé—have revolutionised the way we think, drink and feel about ciders by showing us its lighter side without the unpleasant bitterness. As Singapore’s favourite cider brand since 2012, they have never failed to maintain an innovative range of refreshing ciders that always hits the spot.

Somersby has always believed in promoting open-mindedness and sunny togetherness. With this in mind, here comes the new Sparking White Cider—a drink that will definitely spark joy.

Inspired by the taste profile and aroma of white wine, Sparkling White Cider is the marriage between a refreshing cider and white wine; bubbly, fruity and crisp minus the bitter and astringent after-taste of wine.

Born in 2008 and the brainchild of Danish brewing company Carlsberg Group, Somersby cider was originally developed solely for the Danish market. However, that has evidently changed and today, their drinks can be found in over 46 markets which includes Australia, New Zealand, Nepal, Malaysia, Canada and of course, sunny Singapore.

Aside from the recently launched Sparkling White Cider, they are also known for their extensive range of ciders which include popular favourites such as their Apple Cider and Pear Cider.

With its fruity notes that have hints of oak and vanilla, the cider has a subtly tart and acidic mouthfeel that is reminiscent of its white wine components. The heady sparkly golden drink also has a lovely bubbly finish that is palate-friendly and feels similar to champagne.

The Sparkly White Cider is a great alternative for current wine/champagne/sparkling drinkers. It is also the perfect drink for people who have just started to get familiar with alcohol as it’s much easier to drink as compared to its other alcoholic counterparts.

Whether you’re throwing a huge party, hanging out with your group of friends or just spending some alone time chilling by the beach, Somersby’s multifaceted Sparkling White Cider goes well with any occasion.

What we also love about Somersby’s cider is how it is a unifying beverage that suits a wide range of palates, making it an ideal drink choice for get-togethers of groups of different people with varying drink preferences.

With the refreshing texture of a cider, taste & aroma of a white wine, this new cider innovation has the best of both worlds.

Somersby’s new sparkling white cider is the perfect Sunday brunch drink and tastes amazing when paired with seafood, a charcuterie platter or cheese.

We’d use a cider to combat Singapore’s insane tropical heat too; its light and refreshing taste goes very well with a lazy day of lounging by the pool while you get that tan on!

With that, it’s time for us to clink our glasses in celebration of Somersby’s latest concoction!

This post is brought to you by Somersby Singapore. 

We’ve waited long and we’ve waited hard for this very day and it is finally here.

The Famous American burger chain Shake Shack has FINALLY set foot on our sunny little island with their new outlet at Jewel Changi Airport. Done are our days of enviously scrolling through our social media platforms and seeing pictures of our friends enjoying one of Shake Shack’s juicy, lip-smackingly good burgers — now we can have them too!

Shake Shack Singapore’s menu is similar to the one in the US and South Korea with goodies such as ‘Shroom Burger, Shack-cago Dogs and of course, their signature ShackBurger. Aside from that, they also have some Singapore exclusive items such as pandan shakes and a mango dessert.

The spacious restaurant is beautifully decked out in Shake Shack’s signature urban concrete and wood decor that makes for an amazing backdrop to up your Instagram game. Adding on to the ambience is the magnificent view of Jewel’s breathtaking Forest Valley which features a lush assemble of plants that surround the much-anticipated 40m high Rain Vortex waterfall.

SHACKBURGER

Being Shake Shack’s quintessential menu item, the ShackBurger (S$9.20 Single, S$12.70 Double) is the perfect representation of the classic American burger.

Wedged between the buttered and griddled potato buns are a slice of American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomatoes and an insanely juicy beef patty that uses Shake Shack’s special The Shackblend. To complete the burger, all the varying elements are coated in a generous smothering of Shake Shack’s signature ShackSauce that is bitter, salty, smokey and spicy all at once. 

SHACK-CAGO DOG 

If you aren’t a fan of burgers but you still want to get in on all the action and hype, you can have a go at their Shack-cago Dog (S$6.50) instead. Dubbed as one of the best hot dogs in New York, this hot dog lives up to the title and provides diners with the ultimate hot dog experience.

Each hotdog here comes loaded with onions, cucumbers, pickles, tomatoes, peppers, mustard, celery salt, Rick’s Picks Shack Relish and of course, a thick, juicy hotdog.

‘SHROOM BURGER

For the vegetarians out there, fret not as Shake Shack has created their very special ‘Shroom Burger (S$10.80) just for you! Replacing the beef patty here is a crisp-fried portobello mushroom that is injected with an addictive concoction mix of Muenster and cheddar cheese. This glorious patty is then topped with lettuce and tomatoes and then further drenched in a generous amount of ShackSauce.

CLASSIC CRINKLE-CUT FRIES 

Nothing goes better with a burger than a side of fries and Shake Shack does up some of the best ones around. Their Crinkle-Cut Fries (S$4.50) are thick and have satisfyingly crisp ridges that give the fries a lovely bite to it. If you want to up your fries game, you can also have a go at their Cheese Fries (S$5.90) which features fries that are doused in a heavenly medley of melted cheddar and American cheese.

SINGAPORE EXCLUSIVE ITEMS

Aside from the classic Shake Shack offerings, you can also look out for items on their Singapore-exclusive menu.

Pandan lovers can get ready to indulge in their Pandan Shake (S$7.80) which features frozen vanilla custard that is blended with pandan and coconut and then topped with a generous serving of gula Melaka crumble. The drink is said to be inspired by popular local foods such as pandan chiffon cake, ondeh ondeh and kaya toast.

You can also tuck into the Jewel Melaka, which consists of Vanilla custard mixed with coconut salted caramel, chocolate chunks from local brand Lemuel, shortbread and gula Melaka. Similar to that, there is also It Takes Two To Mango, a dessert that was inspired by the very popular mango sago pudding.

For those of you who prefer something more chocolatey, you can also try the Shack Attack which features Chocolate custard mixed with brownies from local brand Plain Vanilla, Shack Fudge Sauce, Lemuel chocolate chunks and chocolate sprinkles.

Shake Shack Singapore 
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard, #02-256
Singapore 819666
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

Read our Jewel Changi Airport guide to discover the best places to visit.

America’s famous fast-food chain In-N-Out Burger will be having a surprise pop-up at Upper Thomson on 6th March 2019 from 11am to 2pm or until they are sold out! 

Set to take place over at Columbus Coffee Co., In-N-Out will be serving just 3 variations of their burgers: Double-Double, Protein Style, and Animal Style.

Photo Credit: none.fit

When the famous burger chain first held a pop-up in Singapore in 2012 and 2014, their burgers were sold out within a whopping 5-minutes. This time, brace yourself for the insane queues as only a limited quantity of burgers will be sold!

Photo Credit: love_and_junk

The Double-Double is the one carnivores should keep a lookout for—featuring two thick and succulent beef patties, two slices of cheese, greens and their special sauce sandwiched between fluffy buns, this is a must to order for meat-lovers.

Their Protein Style, on the other hand, sees patties being held together by lettuce instead of buns, while the Animal Style burger is a classic rendition which features a combination of mustard-grilled beef patties, Thousand Island sauce and pickles.

More information on the prices of the burger will only be revealed at the pop-up tomorrow.

220 Upper Thomson Road
Thomson Garden Estate
Singapore 574352
Pop-up timing: 11am – 2pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

ICYMI: Shake Shack is opening in Singapore at Jewel Changi Airport next month.

Recently, I did an interview with Will Xavier on 938LIVE The Hot Seat, and we discussed about topics like food, photography, social media, and the blogosphere. There are four parts to the interview, click more to listen to them!

The interview was quite different from the others that I did before, hope you will enjoy it!

Many thanks to Will for the video clips, and the interview opportunity.

When I was in Hong Kong during Social Media Week, I spent a day doing interviews with the Hong Kong Media – Oriental Daily, HKET, WOM guide, and TimeOut magazine Hong Kong. Here are three of them, the last one with WOM guide is not ready, will let you guys know when it’s out.

Interview with Hong Kong Oriental Daily.

I took a screen shot of the TimeOut interview, you can read the original article here.

My food blog has been featured in August Man’s February issue (p126 & 127). This month, they have a special Social Media edition which talks about how Social Media has changed our lives and the way we communicate with everyone. Facebook, twitter, youtube, flickr, and blogs have become part of our daily routine.

In the article, I shared two of my food reviews on the Japanese desserts from Flor Patisserie and the Champagne Dim Sum Brunch Buffet at Cherry Garden.

Have a good week everyone!

I am aware of the articles that have been circulating in my absence, regarding an accusation that I visited a restaurant and asked for a waiver on their meals. I would like to make certain clarifications here.

1. The Basis of Food tasting events

Food tastings in the Singapore food scene are regularly organized and non-obligatory events. Any food blogger who has been invited to one to sample delicacies of the particular restaurant will agree that it is akin to inviting someone into their house. According to the dictionary, an invitation is, “The act of inviting; solicitation; the requesting of a person’s company”.

2. Invitation to the restaurant

Story: The articles seemed to suggest that I paid the restaurant a visit on my own accord, that I walked into the restaurant and announced myself as a food blogger.

Fact: This is not true. I was invited to a food tasting session by Melanie, PR Manager for the Restaurant. The first invite came June 2nd. I was unable to make it then and it was not until Friday, August 20th that I scheduled the Sunday brunch. In the invite, i was told to bring a guest.

Story: I had informed the restaurant that as food blogger, I assumed that the bill for all 4 of us would be waived

Fact: Following up on the food tasting email, I had duly informed that there would be 3 accompanying guests on that very day. There were no claims or requests made for “free food” since it was a direct invitation to sample the items on the new menu. It was an oversight to assume to that no acknowledgement from Melanie about my 3 accompanying guests would mean that their meals would be on the house too.

4. Asking for waiver for myself and my dining partner

Story: It was reported that the restaurant had decided to “waive the fee” for me and my dining partner out of goodwill

Fact: This was an invitation to a food-tasting session. There is no hard and fast rule stating a plus one for a food tasting. However having attended previous food tastings before, I assumed that the meal would be, at the very least, on the house for myself and one dining partner. I was not expected to be billed for and then “waived” off from what was disguised as a “food tasting session”. When questioned, Melanie then cited this to be in-line with ‘industry standards’ of food tasting sessions: that the restaurant would only pay for my +1.

5. Asking for waiver for myself and my other guests

Story: I had informed the restaurant that I was a food blogger, therefore assuming that the bill for all 4 of us would be waived.

Fact: In truth, I had asked for no waiver. I paid for my other two companions. The bill for 2, inclusive of sparkling wine, came to $260. Out of goodwill, they did decide to waive the wine and I eventually paid $160 for 2.

6. My attitude towards the staff

Story: It was reported that I had said: “I always get free food wherever I go“.

Fact: This was never said. Nevertheless, I must admit the hostility while paying (I had tossed my credit card on the table) was uncalled for and I sincerely apologise.

***

An eye for an eye makes the world go blind. I would like to not point fingers at anyone – it was simply a case of miscommunication. When I dine out, I pay for my food like any regular consumer. When I am invited for food tasting sessions, it is a mutual understanding between the inviter and myself, that I would be attending as the identity of media for a possible food review.

I would like to urge all parties to view this situation objectively. I hope this post clarifies any misunderstanding that this might have caused.

I did a short interview with Harper’s Bazaar Singapore, and it is published in the August issue. With the opening of the Marina Bay Sands Celebrity Chefs restaurants, we are living in exciting times to witness the evolution of the local Singapore food scene.

Other than that, I also discussed about how Singapore Food Blogs have changed and redefined the way people see food. Do pick up a copy of Harper’s Bazaar, they have some interesting articles on fine dining and food in Singapore.

Something interesting happened on twitter (again) today: “I always thought @ladyironchef was um well, a lady!” Sorry to burst your bubbles, ladyironchef is a guy – my name is Brad. HELLO!

Nuffnang is organizing their first ever Regional Blog Award (read: regional), and the five finalist in each of the eleven categories are up for voting now. And all the nominated blogs are strong contenders in their own field, so it’s amazing that they managed to narrow down from hundreds, if not thousands of blogs in the Asia Pacific region to just five in each category.

I never like the idea of a Best food blog, not lest when there are so many talented and passionate fellow food bloggers, how do you define what is best when everybody have different preference?

So I must say it was a pleasant surprise when I received the email from the Nuffnang folks informing me that ladyironchef is one of the five finalist. To whoever out there whom nominated me, thank you!

I will be lying if I tell you I do not want to win this award; I’m only human and it is nice to be recognized and acknowledged for all the hard work and effort behind the life of a food blogger. Moreover, the finalists this time round are all food blogs with very strong followings, I’m sure all of you know Leslie from ieatishoot, while lyrical lemongrass is my food bible when I went to KL recently. So you really need to vote this time round if you like ladyironchef.

While sometimes I feel that there isn’t anyone out there reading my blog since it’s always the handful of you that occasionally leave comments; but it doesn’t make sense to have just 20 comments each post when there’s a few thousand views each day. And time and again, you have proven to me that most of you are out there somewhere.

Long story short, given that you like it here at ladyironchef, show me you love my blog, VOTE FOR ME in the Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards under the Best Food Blog category, once every TWO hours. The voting will last until 11 Oct 2009.

You can also click on the delicious-looking link with pringles, at the sidebar to vote! Unfortunately, you need to vote for all the categories before you can submit the vote.

And shout out in the comment after you have vote yeah? You know I love you.

A while back, I received several emails telling me that I’ve been nominated for the Category, “Best food blog” by Omy, so I sleepily went to sign up for it, and completely forgotten about it. Last week I got a call from the folks at Omy, that I’ve been chosen as one of the ten finalist for the food blog category! The voting period starts from June 15th until July 31th, only one vote is allowed each day, and you even need to login to participate, what a bummer!

My vote goes to Camemberu, I’ve been an avid reader of Catherine’s blog since a long time ago; her posts are always full of enthusiasm, I can always feel her excitement and earnest attitude when she writes about food. So if you want to have a say in deciding the results for the blog awards, you can go to Sgblogawards.omy.sg and under the Best food blog category, vote for your favourite!

Add me as a friend: Twitter here, Facebook here, & FB group here.
Brad is hungry

There was five of us, five days, and six restaurants. Everyday a different place, everyday new surprises. I’m refering to the dim sum extravagant that I took part courtesy of Cuisine & Wine Asia magazine. For their may/june edition, there’s this dim sum special feature, and five of the food bloggers including myself went for the tasting.

I made it for four out of six places, even though we had dim sum everyday for a week – I still love my dim sum! The magazine is now out in stores, so as cliché as it sounds, grab a copy now! Right, I’ll be posting the series of 4 posts namely on Wan Hao Chinese restaurant, Si Chuan Dou Hua restaurant, Cherry Garden, and Man Fu Yuan restaurant for this coming week.

It was crazy, really. We tried more than a hundred dishes over the few days and it was not it; imagine the frenzy photo-taking among the few of us! We ate, snapped photos, and ate some more. We even tried two restaurants in a day for Si Chuan Dou Hua and Cherry Garden; after finishing at the former, we went straight to the latter to continue round two!

But it was very fun to meet up with the other food bloggers to appreciate the exquisite dim sum, and I really enjoyed myself for the few days. My appreciation to Jackson, featured writer for C&W who invited me for the tasting, to the hosts from the various restaurants, and my fellow food bloggers who had made the session enjoyable.

And now, let the mad-fast-and-fury dim sum blow you away!

Reference photo: Cuisine & Wine Asia 1 May – 30 June Page 106-111