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Monday 30 May 2016

Review of Accent V Face Treatment at ClearSK Aesthetics @ Velocity [Sponsored]



238 Thomson Road  #02-48 Velocity Novena Square, Singapore 037683
Tel:  6634 6041


After my treatment at Clear SK @ Novena Medical Suites (review here), I am honored to be invited back for their one of their signature painless, non-evasive and effective Accent  V Face Treatment.
Service was. as usual, friendly, personable and professional.



This treatment combines unipolar radio frequency and focused ultrasound waves to contour targeted areas such as cheeks, chin, jaws and around the eyes. This is also known as "no-needle face slimming" , using ultrasound to effect fat reduction and skin tightening around the jawline, resulting in V-facial contouring - a comfortable, soothing alternative to Botox.




The first of its kind to be introduced in Singapore, I was psyched and all set for this treatment. So the first step was of course makeup removal and cleansing of my face by The Terapist.


Baby Oil with a lovely, flowery fragrance was then applied to my face to soothe and lubricate the skin texture, making it easier for the machine to move around / over.


Then the machine came to life and rolled over my face, pulsating heat all the while - besides tightening the face, collagen growth was also stimulated. The Therapist did half my face, showed me a mirror to see the visible difference, before proceeding with the left face.  My skin did feel tighter but the notable "V" contouring would only be visible after a couple of sessions.


After that, a cold hydrating mask sheet was placed over my face for around 15 minutes, while I rested in the tranquil settings.


Thank you ClearSK for the fabulous treatment and excellent service once again - definitely highly recommended!




Saturday 28 May 2016

Liquid Buffet at Moo Bar and Grill @ Raffles Place


21 McCallum Street #01-03 /06 The Clift, Singapore 069048
Tel: 6634 2662 / 9018 8908


Having passed by this interesting looking little pub / diner on several occasions, and never failing to see many patrons crowding around the open bar counter, I finally had the chance to visit.


It was a Friday evening, and 4 of us decided to come for the Liquid Buffet (SGD$29.90 for gentlemen / SGD$19.90 for ladies) where one got free flow mixers or a Vietnamese Beer from 5.00pm to 11.00pm.



Alternatively, one may go for Wine Buffet at SGD$39.90 for gentlemen and SGD$29.90 for ladies, and only free flow of wine, despite the fact that the menu seems to suggest otherwise. Anyway, these promos end 31 May 2016.




Internal setting was rather cosy and comfortable, with a long linear at the back creating visual spaciousness, tasteful lights were used, as well as some cushy couch seats.


Service leaves a lot of room for desire, although at least one of them was making efforts to bridge the gap in service lapse. Reservations were and confirmed at least a week in advance, yet when we reached, we were told they couldnt find our names. The good news was that we got the cushy end of the deal - huge soft set.


Then despite reminders that no outside food was allowed, since they have a kitchen that serves food and tapas, the kitchen was unfortunately down that night. Understanding that we couldnt enjoy a liquid buffet on empty stomachs (unless had the desire to change all furniture after patrons throw up all over) - they relented and allowed us to pack outside food into the cafe bar.


After making payment for our liquid buffet, we were each of us given a wrist band to wear. We could order all the Gin mixers, Rum mixers, Vodka mixers etc that we wanted (Mccallum and Tequila were excluded).






It was pretty dope, and made me feel like I was back at the polytechnic clubbig days during ladies' nights. So I started with Gin Tonic, moving in to Gin Lime, followed by Vodka Lime and finally, Vodka Ribena.

Music was loud so there was a bustling feel to the ambience, and the Friday night crowd was in high spirits.

Overall, it was a very value for money drinks session, just too bad we didnt get to try the food here.





Wednesday 25 May 2016

Lunch at (麺亭) Men-Tei Japanese Noodles Restaurant @ Raffles Place

Photosource: http://ieatishootipost.sg/best-ramen-in-singapore-contender-8-men-tei-this-ramen-is-shio-shiok/

 61 Robinson Road, Singapore 068893
Tel: 6438 3130 / 9865 7976


Men-Tei Rmaen Restaurant is a simple Japanese ramen house located at the restored row of Colonial shophouses near Lau Pa Sat, this simple-looking, no-fuss Japanese diner is a gem amid the CBD area.

Co-founded by a team of Japanese partners, Senior Mr. Lim and his son Chef Jason Lim, this restaurant offers one of the best ramen in Singapore - all thanks to Chef Jason's love for ramen, his hunt around Japan, his studies at the Yamato Noodle School as well as unique scientific methods of cooking.


The interior decor was simple and rather Zen, reminiscent of ramen restaurants lining Japan streets, and the service is attentive and polite even during peak hours.

Menu was simple and comprise of a variety of ramen cooked with different broths, as well as some rice dishes. Price was reasonable, most items cost below SGD$20.00 - oh, and there are 2 levels of spiciness (topup required) for their ramen if one prefers.


*Kendra was the one who'd brought us there, raving about the goodness here for days on end. She had the Miso Ramen with Grilled Pork Cubes (SGD$14.50), and loved her succulent pork with piquant spicy miso soup base. I returned another day to try this - discovered a tinge of sweetness in the soup.

*A had the Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen (SGD$14.50) , which he enjoyed tremendously as well.


I went for the Signature Tonkotsu Ramen (SGD$14.50), made up of lovely flavored egg, utterly tender grilled pork slices, al dente fine noodles so enticing to chew on, and saccharine, slurp-it-up good pork-spices broth. I upped the level of spiciness for extra kick.


We also had a couple of sides, one of which was the Yakibuta (Grilled Pork) Cubes (SGD$5.00) - marinated and slow-cooked for 18 hours, these precious chunks of prime cut meat nailed it on both flavor and softness.


Even the Pork Gyoza (SGD$5.00) had a class of its own - crispy on the outside, especially around the edges; filled with moist and scrumptious pork and leek stuffing within.

I knew right there and then, that I have found a replacement to my much-missed Ramen Isshi, which was located in Raffles Place and has unfortunately closed - they have similar type of homemade noodles - and that I have found my new favorite lunchtime haunt.



Read about other ramen reviews from me hereinbelow:-
(i) Ramen Play review here
(ii) Tonkotsu Kazan review here
(iii) Men-Ichi review here
(iv) Santouka review here
(v) Tampopo @ Liang Court review here
(vi) Ippudo review here
(vii) Ramen Champion review here
(viii) Marutama review here
(ix) Ramen Isshi review here
(x)  Men-ya Kaiko Japanese review here

(xi) Menya Musashi Ramen review here



Sunday 22 May 2016

Dinner at Orchid Live Seafood Restaurant @ Sembawang



1 Bah Soon Pah Road, Simgapore 769959
Tel: 6756 0311

Photosource: http://purplelofts.blogspot.sg/2013/07/dinner-orchid-live-seafood.html

A seafood restaurant serving uniquely Singapore dishes since 1999, Orchid Live Seafood got its name because the first outlet was in Orchid Country Club. Today, they have 2 outlets - one at Sembawang and one at Seleter Hills Estate - click here to read my review on the Seletar Hills Estate outlet.


A typical Chinese live seafood restaurant with a casual setting showcasing large tanks of sea creatures swimming around in them, Orchid Live Seafood is well known for their Lobster Porridge and Steven's Chicken Wings. It is also a restaurant by Crystal 18 Restaurant.


We started with a platter of Milk Cabbage (SGD$15.00) gently stir-fried in a tasty gravy with garlic.


Then Black Pepper Hot Plate Venison (SGD$24.00), grilled deliciously with peppers and steaming hot with tinges of spiciness. The thin slices of venison were tender, as well.


There was also the Mango and Prawn Roll (SGD$30.00) - deep-fried battered rolls containing fresh, saccharine prawns and even sweeter mango.


Next, Steven's Chicken Wings (SGD$24.00) aka lollipop chicken wings - crackling on the exterior and tender on the inside- one of their signature dishes.



Finally, the star of the night and the main reason we were here - Lobster Porridge (SGD$150.00), made up of a huge pot of grainy rice cooked in rich, nectarous lobster broth. Every spoonful was a delight, bursting with deliciouness in the mouth. The lobsters were fresh and springy in texture, tasting lovely even after shedding their essence in the broth.

We enjoyed dinner there very much, and this is at least my 3rd visit for the famous Lobster Porridge.  You may also like to read about Lobster Porridge at Wan He Lou (click here).




Thursday 19 May 2016

Lunch at Kanazawa Sushi @ International Building (Revisit)



360 Orchard Road #02-13 International Building, Singapore 238869
Tel: 6738 3833


Decided to revisit Sushi Kanazawa for those delicious, freshly-prepared sushi by chefs right in front of patrons, and there were a few items that I missed. Read about the last revisit here.


Yeah, so we sat around the counter watching the chefs hard at work, dishing out plates of delicacies to us all. They have the a la carte menu but we decided to go for the buffet at SGD$48.50 per pax.


They started us off with a bowl of Soup - chicken, fried beancurd and melon, a rather tasty clear broth. There was a small plate of Edamame beans as well (didn't take photos of it this time round).


Then the Sashimi Moriawase (assorted raw fish) was served - there was swordfish, tuna, salmon and shrimp. The fish sashimi were thickly sliced and had the essential fresh, bouncy texture to them.


I did not really fancy the Bamboo Shoot so I just had a small bite to test it.


The first item of the day for us was the Amaebi Mentai Aburi (torched sweet prawn with cod roe) - my very favorite since the previous visit. The charred-and-buttery tasting mentaiko melted in the mouth along with the sweetness of the prawn, and it was just so tasty I repeated this order at least thrice.


Next, the Kawahagi Sushi (leather jacket), a white fish with a slightly leathery texture and subtle sweetness.


Salmon Aburi (torched salmon) was up next, another personal favorite that brought the natural flavor of salmon to new heights by the smokey hints that it adopted through the torching process. Needless to say, the salmon nearly dissolved in the mouth upon contact too.


Then we had the Tai (Sea Bream) which had a flavor similar to tuna but a gentler texture, like yellowtail.


The Chawanmushi (Japanese steamed egg custard) was finally brought to the table, smooth and piping hot, with the usual ingredients within such as fish cake, mushroom, gingko nut and chicken meat.


Following that, we were given the Kajiki Sushi (swordfish), buttery flavor and smooth texture.


Now, the Tabiuo (flying fish), with a slightly slimy texture but heavier flavor, garnished deliciously with sauce, spring onion and sesame seeds.


Maguro (red tuna) came to us next, buoyant in freshness, with an added crunch from the sesame seeds.


Next up, the Hokkigai (whelk) , another rather creamy-textured fish with a subtle flavor.


The Kakigai (oyster) was lovely as well, juicy and flavorsome.


We had Kajiki Aburi (torched swordfish) after that - another devastatingly good item that disintegrates in the mouth in a delicious mush of fish and garnishings.


Then the Hamachi (yellowtail) gentle in taste and texture, rather non-descript.


After that, the Nihotate (cooked scallop), something that I usually enjoy for its chewy juiciness.


The Unagi Aburi (torched river eel) was the other item that I ordered and repeated about thrice - it was simply awesome. Imagine the flavorful river eel melting into a heap of deliciousness in the mouth slowly...


Next, the Hotate Aburi (torched fresh scallop) that contained slowly disintegrated in the mouth upon contact as well.

Finally, for sushi, it was the Akagai (arkshell) exuding tastefulness amongst a crunchy texture.



As for desserts, there was the choice of Fruit Jelly as well as Mango Pudding -  I had the latter, which wsa a soothing, refreshing and coolness touch of sweetness to the palate after a fulfilling, savoury meal. The pudding was smooth and resplendent of mango flavor, definitely a delightful conclusion.

p.s. photo credits to *Celine for the last 3 pics - my camera died on me due to low batt.