Senin, 02 Februari 2015

[Food Review] Flavour Flings

Flavour Flings is a newly established cafe and bistro located in Hougang, one of the owners of Flavour Flings is a Muslim and food here is all halal. My impression of this place is fantastic and definitely unforgettable because they have proved themselves to be awesomely different!


 Recycled-wood furnishings give this place a laid-back vibe, perfect for casual brunch affairs. This place can comfortably host 30 pax at a time. I was so attracted to the wooden flooring with pebbles when I stepped in. It exudes a warm, rustic and modern atmosphere.




Cemented walls had textural designs, and the plain walls were made alive with hand drawn paintings creating a very refreshing and welcoming ambience.

 Iced Chocolate ($6.50) Huge portion of rich dark cocoa powder goodness to satisfy even the most rabid chocolate lover, the drink was of the right richness and with just the right touch of sweetness.

They also have a selection of premium tea to add to their beverage menu.
Home made Truffle Fries served in a compact metal tin. Truffle oil as well as truffle salt (which is quite rarely used in most cafes) are used for this. They also have other selections of fries like the Ice-Cream fries and Nacho Cheese fries which I am definitely going back to try soon (because I am a huge fan of fries).

Eggs Jupiter ($17) Served with brioche, poached eggs, momotaro tomatoes, avocado, melted gruyere, nacho cheese baked potatoes and chicken sausages. 

What makes this stand out is the use of Brioche which has a rich and tender crumb due to the high egg and butter content and also, it tastes sweeter than most other pastries due to the occasional use of sugar. It truly complements the poached eggs very well and brings this dish to a whole new level.

Most importantly, instead of the usual Hollandaise sauce that other cafes serve, Flavour Flings top their poached eggs in Nacho Cheese! In my most honest opinion, I feel Nacho Cheese is wayyyyy better than Hollandaise because taste is more intense and I often feel 'jelat' after maybe the 5th mouthful of this but surprisingly, I finished the whole of this with Nacho cheese and I even thought of having more! You must really try this and you will know what i mean.

And lastly, even the tomatoes sandwiched between the egg and the cheese is premium and sweeter, juicier than normal tomatoes.

Look at how the egg is poached to perfection! Pardon the mess over here but my tummy was definitely having a great time. I really wished this came in a bigger portion but then again, awesome stuff comes in small portions so that you will be yearning for more and it's not always a good idea to have too much of anything (because more awesome stuff awaits, continue reading) :)

Carbonara ($15) Made with egg yolk, cream, turkey ham, mushrooms, Parmesan. Pasta was cooked till al dente and it was quite different from carbonaras i've had before. It was cheesy and yet tasty but not overly creamy and cloying, which is rather hard to attain. Another 2 thumbs up for this.


Last but not least comes The Awesome One ($11). Pancakes with salted caramel sauce and bananas. My stomach was already close to exploding after all the above dishes but I was strongly recommended to try this and I never regretted it! I was never a pancake person but this totally changed my views on pancakes!

I loved how light and fluffy the pancakes were. They were slightly crispy on the outside and so soft and fluffy on the inside which made me soooo happy savouring it. The pancakes absorbed that sweet-salty goodness that was in perfect ratio; not too sweet, but not too salty as well. 

I left Flavour Flings a very very happy girl :) 

Flavour Flings is definitely a place to visit if you love pancakes and eggs. Service is friendly and the folks are warm and hospitable. As I'm typing this, I'm already trying to fix a date to revisit this awesome cafe again :)

Tonight, I hope to dream of warm, fluffy pancakes!

Flavour Flings
Blk 121 Hougang Avenue 1
#01-1348
Singapore 530121

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Kamis, 29 Januari 2015

[Car Review] 2015 TOYOTA RAV4!

Last Christmas, which was only last month, I got the special opportunity to test drive the ALL NEW TOYOTA RAV4, it certainly came just in time for my last minute Christmas shopping and errands.

March 2013, Toyota's fourth generation RAV4 will officially be introduced in Singapore. The all-new RAV4, a reinvention of the world's original crossover sports utility vehicle, now comes with a new 2-litre petrol engine; offers attractive fuel efficiency, class-leading cargo capacity, cut-through design, and a compelling array of user friendly features. The all-new RAV4 comes in 2 variants – Elegance and Premium.

Key Attributes of the All-New RAV4

In summary customers can expact from the exciting all-new Toyota RAV4:
  1. Distinct Design
  2. Avant-Garde Interior
  3. Class Leading Features and Technology
  4. Best in Class Protection
RAV4 is now more clearly differentiated from Toyota's larger Highlander crossover. It's a balanced small crossover, offering more room than some with a little bit of driving enjoyment to go with it, but not providing either in extremes. This sexy shade of red oozes elegance and class and it's distinct design clearly makes it stand out from the crowd.



A look of it at night. 

I've always wanted to drive a big car though i'm actually really small and petite in real life. When i'm sitting inside this car, I look even smaller and thus, this makes the car look even more spacious and outstanding. I actually receive a lot of stares from many road users while i'm driving this car, they must be wondering "What is such a small girl doing in such a gigantic car?!"


 Toyota has always been a reliable brand, my previous car was Toyota Vios which was much smaller in comparison to Rav4. 

Its combination of features, passenger space and everyday utility warrant a closer look if you're shopping for a small crossover.
 
Newly enhanced Projector Headlamps for stronger appeal and better visibility.  Newly designed halogen headlamps enhance the presence of the vehicle while LED daytime running lights make the RAV4 visible to oncoming vehicles. 


The engine starts conveniently and effortlessly with the keyless entry and button ignition system.

Speedometer with multi information display consists of a 3 dial combination meter in a silver frame with blue illumination creating a sophisticated and sporty feel.

This function is pretty amazing. 
Apparently it helps reduce the visibility of lights from oncoming cars to prevent drivers from being visually distracted while driving.


Let me touch on some of the features of this amazing ride.

This is how the interior looks like. One look at it and you will instantly know how spacious it is. Roomy interior for people and cargo, strikes a good balance between ride comfort and sure-footed handling. 

 At the back. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more space for anything else.

Very nice and stylish console that comes with a cup holder. Seamless driving and improved fuel economy. Sequential Shiftmatic mode responds to aggressive shift operation when the shift lever is in ‘M’ gear. Shift operations can be performed even when the shift lever is set to ‘D’ gear by operating the paddle shift switches on the steering wheel.

You can toggle between ECO and Sport mode.
ECO mode - would help you save more on petrol
Sport mode - Would change the gear at a later rpm, definitely faster and would take up more petrol.

This well-equipped system includes a 6-speaker system with touch screen, DVD, Bluetooth, AUX and USB connectivity, reverse camera, and navigation. 

 The New RAV4 features the Power Lift Gate which makes loading and unloading so much easier where you do not have to use your hands to open the boot. It can simply open with a press of a button and closes with another press.

 From here... you can see how much space it has.. :)

Another illustration of how spacious the boot of RAV4 is. I can lie down inside. LOL, it's actually quite comfortable.

Here I go for a last min Christmas Gifts shopping with this car..
It is so much convenient to have this car that can load up all the presents that I wanna buy for my friends and loved ones..

Thank you Borneo Motors for this excellent and wonderful ride :)




 

I truly enjoyed the experience that this car has given me. Its quite powerful in fact even though its on the ECO mode. And I would have the option to switch to Sport mode when I'm in a rush! Design is sleek and sophisticated suitable for for the young as well as the old.

For more info about this car, visit http://www.toyotasingapore.com.sg/



Feel free to also visit the Toyota Showroom at

33 Leng Kee Road, Singapore 159102


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[Recipe] Drunken Steamed Chicken

This is a very very simple recipe and requires very little time. About less than 30 mins and it's done!

I used mid joints as I had a packet of these sitting in the freezer for quite a few days already :P And I remember seeing someone post a recipe on this easy recipe and decided to try it for myself :)




Ingredients:
8 mid joints (you can actually use any part of the chicken that you like)
2 tbsp Hua Diao Shao Xing Wine
1 tbsp light soya sauce
A handful of wolfberries

Method:
1. Season chicken wings in some salt for a few minutes.
2. Place chicken wings on steamer and add the hua diao, soya sauce and wolfberries on top.
3. Steam for about 10 mins.
4. Transfer all to a claypot casserole and continue putting ot over low fire for about another 5 minutes.
5. Serve hot :)

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Senin, 26 Januari 2015

[Food Review] I'm Kim Korean BBQ

Another Korean BBQ outlet has been established! Conveniently located just a 5-minute walk away from Dhoby Ghaut station in School of the Arts (SOTA), I'm KIM provides students in the Orchard / Bras Basah area with a great place for no-frills Korean BBQ. 


A friendly mascot who looks like a Kpop celebrity holding a cleaver greeted us at the doorstep.

I'm Kim Korean BBQ is pretty hard to miss as it's facing the road and with those vibrant light bulbs which makes up the signage, it would most likely attract your attention and cast an impression in your minds.

Walking a few steps closer, you will be able to see their price list. Prices are affordable and lunch starts from as low as $14++ for adults. Their dinner spread has more variety and therefore costs slightly more at $22++ on weekdays, which is still inexpensive!

In case you’re wondering about the restaurant’s name, Kim is the Korean partner of owners Sulim and Christopher Chew, who are also the same people who established 77th Street fashion retail brand with their sister Elim Chew.

4 types of soup available. Mushroom soup, Kimchi soup, Watercress and Samgaetang. I'm a soup person and was delighted seeing 4 big stoves of steaming hot soup!



Cooked food was aplenty for those who are starving and can't wait for the other food to be BBQed. The cooked food dishes are lined up in a welcoming row. There are glass noodles, sweet potatoes, fried chicken wings, spring rolls, four stoves of soups, wedges, rice rolls, stir fried fish, Korean pancakes, rice cakes, Japchae glass noodles. In fact, most of the common Korean dishes are available!

The meat counter had many types of marinated meat as well as plain meat. I was told that the native Koreans prefer having plain meat dipped with their preferred sauces. 
Beef, pork and chicken are all available. I loved their tender and savoury pork belly as well as their signature Volcano Chicken which is nicely spiced up and yet very delectable.

Lots of vegetables to go along with the meat. Lettuce is fresh and crazily crunchy and it is a MUST HAVE for me at Korean BBQs because I always use them to wrap up my meat.

Healthy salad bar with fruits, vegetables and salad dressing available too.

BBQ started on the non stick and smokeless pan. Friendly staff was everywhere to help you with your cooking which is what I absolutely love about Korean BBQ restaurants. 

My favourite way to eat Korean BBQ meat- wrapping them up with lettuce, garlic, onion and soy bean paste. 

This place can get really crowded because of their cheap prices and the wide variety they have to offer so do make reservations before coming down.
BUFFET LUNCH:
Mon to Fri: $14++ (adult); $9++ (kid)
Sat, Sun & PH: $24++ (adult); $18++ (kid)
BUFFET DINNER:
Mon to Fri: $22++ (adult); $18++ (kid)
Fri-Sun, Eves & PH: $24++ (adult); $18++ (kid)
I’m KIM Korean BBQ
Address: School Of The Arts Singapore, 1 Zubir Said Drive #01-04/07 Singapore 227968 (Dhoby Ghaut)
Tel: 6238 7218
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Senin, 19 Januari 2015

[Food Review] Kuru Kuru Japanese Restaurant

Kuru Kuru, translated as 'round and round' in English is located at Valley Point, River Valley right in the heart of Singapore's Japanese expatriate community. 

The Daruma Dolls which are roly poly toys are significant symbols in Kuru Kuru and they represent optimism, persistence and strong determination.


Kuru Kuru has an unassuming setting with ceilings that are not very high, just like typical Japanese restaurants, walls have the Daruma Dolls symbol and their menu is extensive with 140 items for buffet selection!!!





Most people will question about the freshness of sashimi whenever Japanese cuisine is in question. The sashimi served here comes in thick, fresh slabs and they even offer the seabass sashimi which is not commonly found in other restaurants here in Singapore.

I love dipping my slices of sashimi in wasabi and soya sauce mixture but I was told that the native Japanese don't usually practice this, they usually have their sashimi plain without any dippings.

 Sake Yukke- Seasoned salmon sushi.

Spider Wasabi Mayo- Softshell crab rolled up with cucumber, seaweed and rice topped with their special wasabi mayo.


Hotate Mentai Chiizu Yaki- Scallops with cod roe and cheese. I love anything with melted oozy cheese and this turned out so good.

 Yaki Niku- Beef with special sauce. This was one of my favourite dishes here. Beef was tender and sauce was so sweet they complimented each other very well.

Tori Karaage- Bite sized chicken, another one of their popular items on the menu.

So cripsy and juicy, this is perfect when dipped in mayo! I like having fried food with mayo so if you like too, remember to ask the friendly staff for some mayo.

The squid tentacles were quite yummy. The batter flavouring was just nice and the squid tentacles were firm without being too chewy.

Stir fried mushrooms with lots of garlic and butter.

Ended the meal with sesame ice-cream. My stomach was on the verge of exploding with all the yummy food but there's always space for dessert :)

Besides the above, Kuru Kuru also serves many kinds of rice and noodles dishes like Soba, Udon, Ramen, Baked Rice, Fried Rice and the list goes on.

Top up an additional $3 and you can have premium dishes which includes shabu shabu, ikura sushi, mekaijiki sashimi etc.

Quality is of importance and pricing is reasonble, a pity I only have one stomach, I will definitely keep this place in mind as I want to try more of their other dishes too :)

KURU KURU JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Add: 491 RIVER VALLEY ROAD
#01-07 VALLEY POINT
SINGAPORE (248371)

Tel: 6733 2292

Website: http://kurukuru.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kurukururestaurant?fref=ts





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