Located between Sinsa-dong and Apgujeong, Garosu-gil – which means “tree-lined street” in Korean – is fast becoming the hippest area in Seoul. An intriguing combination of the old and new, this quarter exudes an inexplicable charm that warrants a visit, and definitely one of the things that you must do when you are in Seoul.
Here are 5 things that we love about Garosu-gil in Seoul.
When we learnt that we were headed to Osaka, we asked ourselves, “what must we eat?”
Because Osaka is affectionately known as the Kitchen of Japan, and the Osakans worship their washoku (Japanese cuisine) – the ones who prepare dedicate their lives to perfecting the dishes they lay out on the table; the ones who savour spend their time learning and understanding every history and style of the different kinds of washoku. It is almost like a religion for Japanese (and quite possibly people from all over the world) to live and breathe the art of washoku.
So when we say ‘eat’, it is in every way an artistic indulgence, one that has us completely enveloped in the soul of Japanese expressions. The chefs pay so much attention to every step of the preparation and presentation, and there are always rich histories behind every style of dining; ingredients used are very much based on seasons, and the style of cooking has their own stories to tell too.
All that intrigue to speak about, but for now, we will begin with kappo – the definition of Osaka’s culinary glory. Like how Kyoto has its kaiseki, Osaka takes pride in their cutting and cooking, hence making up the word ‘kappo’. But do not be intimidated by the language if you do not understand, because if any, it is really a very affectionate way of dining.
Black pepper crab. Salted egg yolk crab. Curry crab. Chilli crab. Marmite crab. Crab kut teh. Wait, are we done with the list? Not quite, apparently. And you know what this means? It is time to party with crabs!
The annual crab feast at PARKROYAL on Beach Road is here again from 13 June till 27 July 2014, and it just gets better each year.
With 27 crab dishes including 14 whole crabs prepared in different styles, on top of everyone’s favourite seafood station, chefs preparing their speciality dishes ala minute, and a Best of Asia buffet spread – Plaza Brasserie presents its highly anticipated The Ultimate Crab Feast buffet dinner (adult S$65++. child S$39++). Yes, we can already feel your excitement!
We don’t know many people who would say no to free-flow of quality crabs, but we know this is one dinner you must not miss. Here are the highlights from The Ultimate Crab Feast by Plaza Brasserie at PARKROYAL on Beach Road.
Nearing the end of 2013, I was feeling jaded from my job as a writer. My performance was dipping and I realised it wasn’t the work that was changing – I was. It was time for a break – I needed some space to sort out the thoughts in my head and figure out what to do with my life (doesn’t everyone, at some point).
In March this year, I quit my job and went on a three-week volunteering trip to Nepal. I helped local villagers with their farm work and taught English at a school twice a week.
My time there was both fulfilling and difficult. Here are 7 life lessons that I learnt from a trip to Nepal, and hopefully they can benefit you too.
The dining scene along Upper Thomson Road is buzzing with life, with a myriad of old and new restaurants coexisting along the long food stretch. Some of these places have been around for decades while others are only a few months old.
From the famous 24-hours Meng’s Kitchen to Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters, we present to you the guide to top eateries, cafes and restaurants in Upper Thomson.
We have always been a fan of snow ice. This popular Taiwanese dessert – made of ribbons of flavoured ice topped with fresh fruits – is an indulgence, and a much-needed treat to combat Singapore’s weather.
Snow Colors Dessert & Bar – a simple, no-frills dessert shop located at the ground floor of Katong Plaza, just directly opposite the famous 328 Katong laksa – has brought this popular dessert to the next level by combining it with waffles. Brilliant move, we’d say.
A glorious mountain of snow ice piled atop piping hot and crispy waffle – It is like having the best of both worlds! We are surprised that no one had thought of this combination earlier. The other options include Waffles with butter and maple syrup (S$4), Waffles with fruits (S$7.50), and Waffles with snow ice & fruits (S$8.50). Go for the full works; it is satisfying as it is pretty. And the best part? No exorbitant price tags.
Waffles aside, Snow Colors offers quite an array of snow ice desserts (S$6) – from everyone’s favourite mango shaved ice, to the popular D24 durian snow ice with durian puree, Japanese matcha snow ice paired with red beans, and Chendol snow ice topped with candied red beans, green jelly and doused in gula melaka sauce.
The folks at Snow Colors are constantly testing new flavours in the kitchen, so we are looking forward to more interesting and creative creations from them. Snow Colors shares the same premise as Baba Peranakan, an eatery which dishes out earnest and affordable homecooked Peranakan cuisine. If you are in the Katong and Joo Chiat area, you must drop by for Peranakan food and cool down with an icy treat.
‘Like’ Snow Colors Dessert & Bar on facebook, flash your phone to show that you have liked the page and enjoy 20% off on snow ice & waffles.
SNOW COLORS’ S$400 CAPITAL MALL CASH VOUCHERS GIVEAWAY
1. Snow Colors is giving away 4 X S$100 Capital Mall vouchers.
2. Leave a comment in this post and tell us which dessert you want to try at Snow Colors.
3. ‘Like’ Snow Colors Dessert & Bar on facebook.
4. Share the link to this post on your facebook timeline.
5. The contest starts from now till 23 June 2014, 2359 hrs.
6. Winners will be notified by email.
Updated on 24 June: The four winners are Wan Xia, Vivien, Quenmantha and Joel.
Snow Colors Dessert Bar
#B1-K3 Katong Plaza
1 Brooke Road
Tue to Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar/Eunos
This post is brought to you by Snow Colors.
When I first found out I was accepted into a university in Brisbane, Australia in 2010, I was resistant to the idea. For several reasons, too: It was unfamiliar territory, I was going to be away from home for an extended time (a first) and I knew no one there. But eventually, I had a great experience during my stay, and I don’t regret a thing. Yes, it may sound scary being away from familiar surroundings, it’s something I feel everyone should try, at least once.
Here’s why you should experience living abroad:
When it comes to picking a gift for your partner to celebrate a special occasion, you can always trust Reebonz – one of the largest online luxury shopping sites – to have the best deals.
The Great Singapore Sale has just started recently, and Reebonz is having its Great Reebonz Sale, which is just as enticing, if not even better! The Great Reebonz Sale is happening at Reebonz SPACE (24 Raffles Place, Clifford Centre #07-07) on 12 & 13 June (12pm – 8pm), and 14 June (11am – 6pm). Yes, we know how much you ladies love it when Reebonz SPACE opens up; it is like stairway to heaven!
There will be up to 70% storewide discount on brands like Prada, Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Givenchy, Saint Laurent, Chanel, Kate Spade, Coach and more! You get S$200 off with a minimum spend of S$2,000 nett. That’s not all. For Citibank card holders, there is an exclusive promotion. Citibank Rewards & Clear Platinum Cards get an additional 7% off, while all other Citibank cards get additional 5% off.
Want to get your hands on one of these Balenciaga bags? Every Reebonz sale offers different colours, so head over to find out to be surprised by the palate of colours available.
Reebonz will also be having a fabulous selection of pre-loved bags, and you can own all these vintage babies at up to 40% off.
If you have something to let go, sell or consign your pre-loved items — Reebonz is looking for brands like Audermars Piguet, Breguet, Hublot, Cartier, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Céline, Balenciaga, Givenchy, Saint Laurent — during the Great Reebonz Sale and receive S$50 cash voucher, which you can use to shop at the event.
And lastly, we have a special promotion for readers of ladyironchef. Quote ‘ladyironchef’ at the registration counter to receive S$50 gift voucher to shop at the Great Reebonz Sale. Go ahead, you know you need some retail therapy!
For more information, please visit http://go.reebonz.com/greatreebonzsale, and like Reebonz on Facebook and Instagram.
This post is brought to you by Reebonz Singapore.