Drinks Buffet and Dinner at Cucina Italian Restaurant @ Aperia Mall

12 Kallang Avenue #02-10 Aperia Mall, Singapore 339511

Tel: 9248 6662

Website: http://www.cucina.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cucinasg

"Cucina" means "kitchen" in Italian, and is located in the fairly new Aperia Mall within the Lavender / Kallang region. This fiery red, family-style restaurant seeks to serve authentic yet creative Italian fare, focusing on food quality and affable service. Joyce the owner was very friendly when we visited, which probably explains why I would be going back in a couple of days again.

*Katherine, *Mira and I were there for our Christmas meetup and Drinks Buffet (SGD$19.90 - choose from Cocktails or Beers). But of course, we needed food too, and who could resist Italian fare?

We started with the Pizza Quattro Formaggi (SGD$26.90) - a thin-crust pizza consisting of 4 types of cheeses, namely gorgonzola, mozarella, parmesan and ricotta. It was crispy and tasty but we would've preferred for the flavour to be more "cheesey".

Next, the King Prawn Pasta (SGD$42.90) - grilled ocean king prawn served over pasta in tomato sauce. This was our favorite of the night, because of the sweet, springy flesh of the king prawn as well as the zesty flavour of the al-dente pasta. It was simply delicious.

The final mains was Salmon Fillet (SGD$28.90) - grilled salmon with special cocktail sauce. The flakey coral-pink salmon was soft, succulent and grilled perfectly to retain moistened texture. The cocktail sauce gave it a slightly fiery / tangy hint.

Last but not least, Tiramisu (SGD$11.90), made by their own chefs. This square of moistened cake was sufficiently infused with amaretto and espresso into a flavourful union. We also loved the soft texture of this dessert, finishing the entire cake even though we were very full from the main courses earlier on.

Best of all, we loved the Cocktails here. from the luscious Cosmopolitan to the minty Mojito to the creamy Pina Coloda to the coffee-concocted Italian.  We had a smashing good time here, and yes, would definitely return.

The aftermaths of Waiting...

I love the feeling of waiting,

For something beautiful to happen,

The anticipation and preparation,

The tension stirring gently within me,

And the warmth coursing through me,

Keeping me highstrung, like making love.

And then the magic comes, and came,

Though sometimes it doesn't feel special;

You'd want to take back the night,

To change it so you may be sated -

Or you'd yearn for it to never end,

So that every touch of reality tingles...

Copyright © TheArcticStar 2015. All Rights Reserved.

*If you think that Christmas has touched and gone too soon, we're on the same page, baby. Refill my wine glass and let the bubbles fizz so we'd have one more magical moment*

The Nuptial Series (xii) - Decorating the Wedding Banquet Hall (themes)

After selecting the wedding venues (read here), the natural thing to do next, about at least 3 months in advance, was to select the themes and get in touch with the florists or decorators.  We are given 3 preferred florists by our hotel to liaise with, so I have emailed them the same information about my ideal themes.

Photosource: http://blog.tbdress.com/post/Splendid-Ideas-For-Tiffany-Blue-Wedding-Theme-16759/

Photosouce: http://weddingsromantique.com/tiffany-blue-wedding-theme/

Photosource: https://www.pinterest.com/WeddingArtistry/wedding-ideas/

Bearing in mind that beach theme is out, and creating a faux beach would not be pretty, I have also decided to let go of nautical themes.  Tiffany's theme would be beautiful, but too many people have used it probably. The vintage themes would be lovely too - but I am unsure if it would look tacky in the posh hotel ballroom. Something gothic or Bohemian would be fitting too, but relatives (especially the older ones) would surely scorn.

Photosource: http://www.liliwedding.com/unique-gothic-wedding-decorations-special-wedding-
theme-consider/gothic-wedding-decoration-almost-gothic-atmosphere/

So, I sat down to research and reflect upon what themes I would truly love, and came up with 3 ideas that we would love,  and which I am sure would be enchantingly beautiful. I also want arch walkways (flowers or grapevine),  but for what purpose, I shall keep it discreet for now.  Rows of candles lining the walkway when we walk in would be enchanting too, but then there would be the danger of the train of my dress catching fire and lighting up the entire restaurant / hotel.

Photosource: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/340444053054911302/

Photosource: http://moreproduction.co.uk/category/roman-greek/

The first would be the Greek theme, complete with pillars and gold / white drapes, bringing one back to the mystical era of the Greek Gods and Goddesses - simple, elegant and yet, celestial.  There would be music and gowns to suit the theme, if we select this theme. We both have been regalled by Greek mythologies since young, so this might be a high possibility.

Photosource: http://goo.gl/oib48W

Photosource: https://www.pinterest.com/davistalley/victorian-vision/

Next theme would be the Victorian theme, comeplete with mirrors, lace and candles, giving it a rather magical yet intimate look.  I love everything about the Victorian era - from the decor to the dressing, the plays, the stories and characters that sprang out of them, etc. This mysterious and charming setting would be another ideal theme to hold my wedding in.

Photosource: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/388857749049451520/

Photosource: http://www.humphriesav.co.uk/white-starcloth-starlight-wedding-backdrop-fairylight-curtain/

Photosource: http://www.maharaniweddings.com/top-indian-wedding-vendor-platinum-blog/
2014-04-09/4046-trend-alert-dazzle-the-dance-floor-with-a-starlit-experience

Finally, the Starlit Night theme, another element of the night captured in such intriguing and bewitching details - "stars" studded into the ceilings. Something mystical, mysterious and unforgettable, a blend of magic and almost sacred beauty - I can totally imagine my guests entering into a setting as such.

Why does everything look so glamourous? Anyway, it is time to bring these across to our wedding decorators / designers to see if we can incorporate one or more of the ideas into fascination for our Big Day. I absolutely cannot wait, but whatever it is, rest assured that it will be stunning.

Following this, would be the entry on preparing guest list and sending out the invites..



For the rest of the Nuptial Series:
Part (i)  - The Proposal
Part (ii) - Solemnisation procedure
Part (iii) - Solemnisation venues
Part (iv) - Finding the right photography studios
Part (v) -  Hunting for the suits and gowns
Part (vi) - Bespoke (tailored gown) - Review on Kelly's Bridal
Part (vii) - Pre-wedding photoshoot in Vancouver, Canada
Part (viii) - Pre-wedding photoshoot in Singapore - Loov Production

Part (ix) - Frustrations and Decisions
Part (x) - Hunting for the Suits and Gowns (Part II)
Part (xi) - Wedding Dinner Banquet Venues

Christmas at Indochine Rooftop Bar @ Supertree Grove

18 Marina Gardens Drive, Level 16, Gardens By the Bay, Singapore 018953

Tel: 6694 8489

Website: http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/dining/indochine.html

Alternate website: http://indochine-group.com/home/locsingapore-supertree.php

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/IndoChine-Rooftop-Bar-Supertree-Gardens-By-The-Bay/544427648913437

No stranger to Gardens by the Bay or IndoChine restaurants, The Beau and I decided to go to IndoChine @ Supertree Grove for our Christmas Eve dinner / drinks. It seemed a crazy idea to visit this place because of the crowd we were anticipating, especially when the Christmas Wonderland was also situated here.

But where better to experience the Christmas ambience better in Singapore this year? We had debated between IndoChine Restaurant and IndoChine Rooftop Bar, since the price was around the same - we'd get a bottle of Champagne with the former (set of SGD$168++ per table) and we 'd get to order whatever we wanted for the latter.  We decided on the latter.

Note that there is an entry fee for the rooftop bar - SGD$18.00 consisting of a drink (choice of juice, soft drink, wine, beer or cocktail).

We took the elevator all the way up to level 16 (rooftop level) and were immediately greeted with the cool touch of breezes and magnificent views overlooking seas and the Marina Bay Sands areas. We could hear the carolers in the background, and service here was impeccable. We reached around 6.45am where the skies were slowly darkening, and we watched the moon forming over the gentle seas.  The views were more and more becoming as the night drew deeper.

We started with Hand-pounded Papaya Salad (SGD$18.00), made up of green papaya hand-pounded with dried shrimps, Asian spices, greens and Laotian dressing. We also spotted peanuts, carrot strips and tomatoes in the mix. The salad was refreshing, tangy and zesty all at once, making it very delicious and appetite whetting. The nuts added crunch to the salad.

Next, we had the Vietnamese Fresh Rice Papaer Rolls with Tiger Prawns (SGD$16.00), consisting of carrots, vegatables, rice vermicelli, Asian herbs and poached tiger prawn chunks diced delicately, rolled inside thin, translucent rice paper. The rolls were rather bland in taste; we could not even taste the sweetness of tiger prawns - it made a difference when dipped into the special traditional IndoChine sauce served on the side, though.

Then we had the Crispy Squid with Spicy Salsa Rosa & Barbecued Lime (SGD$18.00), comprising of grilled squid on wild rocket. The succulent squid chunks were tender and chewy, with a slightly-crispy battered coating. I enjoyed this even without dipping the squids into spicy salsa rosa; but it was a great dip, giving the mild-tasting squids a fiery kick.

Following that, we had the Crispy Lychee with Kurobuta Pork Loin and Bacon (SGD$24.00) - crispy lychee wrapped with kurobuta pork loin and apple-smoked bacon; served dressed with mayonnaise and ebikko. These dainty items were served on spoons; we loved the luscious, crispy exterior that paved the way to the tender pork within. The lychee aroma was rather distinctive, perfect for us both lychee lovers.

Throughout the course of the meals, we had some drinks to accompany the meal with a view. I started with a glass of Terre Forti Pinot Griogio delle Venezia 2013 (SGD$17.00), loving its smooth descent down my throat; followed by the mandatory Mojito (SGD$21.00). The Beau had an IndoChine Cocktail named Frosted Jade (SGD$20.00) - a flirtatious concoction of Midori Melon, Sourz apple Schnapps and Passionfruit vodka with a kiss of pineapple and lychee juice - sweetness to the soul.

Overall, it was a beautiful Christmas Eve meal and chilling out session, and we would definitely love to be back. Special thanks to Daniel for the arrangements!

Afternoon Tea at 6 Oz Espresso Bar @ Raffles Place

20 McCallum Street #01-K1 Tokio Marine Centre, Singapore 069046

Tel: 6509 6602

Website: http://www.6oz.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/6oz-Espresso-Bar-175635612495448

I used to frequent the 6 Oz Espresso Bar at Fuji Xerox Tower quite often; they have better decor there - faux grass and all. Anyway, today we decided to lunch at the flagship outlet because it was a rainy day and this place was fortunately, not crowded at that point in time. The decor here is minimalist and simple, no fuss or muss. Service is efficient and businesslike; customers order and pay at counter while the crew would bring the food / drinks to our tables.

Menu was limited to sandwiches and pastries, mainly.  I was enroute to the bridal shop for gown fitting so a large croissant-wich or slice of dark chocolate cheesecake was out of the question, as tempting as it might be.

So,  I grabbed the lightest savoury food item in here - Honey Dijon Kettle Chips (SGD$3.00) - an all-time favorite of mine anyway.

The Scandinavian Cured Salmon Sandwich (SGD$9.00) - gravlaxed salmon served caramelised onions and alfafa sprouts clasped between wheat bread. The cured salmon was smooth in texture and springy; tasted good but would have been better with cheese or some lettuce, we felt - but oh well, this was probably the healthy concept or something.

For drinks, I had the Salted Caramel Cafe Latte (SGD$6.00), which was good. The coffee was satiny in texture and had a good body infused with salted caramel's subtle flavours, making it delicious and addictive.

The Nymph of the Nile Tea (SGD$5.00) - a beautiful and enchanting name for a tea, The flavour was faintly floral with dashes of fruits, very refreshing and rejuvenating.  Over here they have a rather healthy assortment of Gryphon artisan tea so that there's something for everyone, including the non-coffee drinkers.

Christmas Specials at Cedele @ Star Vista [Revisit]

1 Vista Exchange Green #01-19 The Star Vista, Singapore 138617

Tel: 6734 0763

Website: http://www.cedelegroup.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cedelesingapore

Having visited Cedele @ Star Vista several times and enjoying their food, I found myself back here with *Macy, a newfound dear friend  You can check out my Cedele reviews to get an idea of my favorite items here, here and here.  This time though, we did try something new, including one of the Chrsitmas specials, so here goes.

She loved the Salted Caramel Milkshake (SGD$6.80) while I decided on the festive specials - Chocolate Cranberry Lassi (SGD$6.80) in lieu of the Orange Chiaseed Lassi I'd originally wanted to try. This was lightly-flavoured with the aroma of chocolate and cranberry's sourness, both obliterated by the creamier taste of the yogurt.

As we both waited for our mains, we decided to start with desserts. The choice du jour was Pandan Gula Melaka Cake (SGD$5.80), looking so pretty and bright, it was hard not to select it. The tall slice of cake was soft and fluffy, with a layer of luscious gula-melaka cream stuck between the pandan decks. The strong, distinctive fragrant of pandan was easily detectable in the smell and taste of the cake; flanked by the heavier coconut palm sugar.

Then mains came. I had the Prawns, Quinoa and Yuzu Salad (SGD$17.50) again, feeling the bliss of this dish comprising of all my favorite ingredients- springy fresh prawns, zesty yuzu hints, edamame beans and tiny little quinoa grains tossed into a colorful and delightful dish of delicacy.

*Macy had the Basil Pesto Chicken Wrap (SGD$9.50) filled with bits of roasted chicken, pesto sauce and brie cheese all wrapped into a soft tortilla-like shell. She thought it was delicious and liked it, but it was too huge so she had to pack half back.

Overall, it was a fun and healthy dining experience, and Cedele remains one of my favorite lunch places !