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Thursday, 6 July 2017

[Media Invite] Singapore International Jewelry Expo 2017 @ Marina Bay Sands


Singapore International Jewelry Expo is back in town - the region's largest consumer jewelry show with more than 200 exhibitors from 25 countries showcasing over USD$150 million dollars' worth of international jewelry, gems and luxury timepieces.  SIJE 2017 celebrates the love of jewelry with stunning gemstones that make a statement. Several "gifts from the heart" celebrations by the offsprings of well-known jewelers will make their debut at the show, presenting their own creations for a new generation of jewelry enthusiasts.


"Whimsical" - from The Magical Land Collection by Caratell


What: Singapore International Jewelry Expo 2017 (SIJE 2017)
When: 6th July to 9th July 2017
Where: Marina Bay Sands Convention Halls A and B
Time: 11.30am to 8.30pm (6-8 Jul) / 11.30am to 7.30pm (9 Jul)




"Tree of Dreams" Pendant / Brooch


One Thousand and One Tales Ring by Simone Jewels


This spectacular event will be sectionized to exhibit jewelry designed by the next generation of jewelers as well as rare finds, ultimate collection and more than 500 pieces of specially-commissioned limited edition jewelry. For the jewelry investors, there will also be experts at the event to advise you on investing in rare gemstones worldwide.




I was honoured to be invited for the Opening Ceremony on 6th July at 3.00pm, opened by MP Dr. Lily Neo, followed by a Jewelry Fashion Show. If you have missed this, you can also enjoy the Qipao Fashion Show on 8th July at 3.00pm. I was bedazzled after eye-feasting on all these sparkly pieces of art known as jewelry.





Wait no further - head over to the SIJE 2017 this weekend to visit this glittery gargantuan spectacle, be dazzled, learn about exquisite jewelry pieces and simply admire the beauty of it all.

Thank you The Rain Maker team for the invite.









Fairy Tale theme by DeGems

2-Sided Earrings by Simone Jewelry

A Ring for 2 fingers by Simon Jewelry

Beautiful pendant that opens up to a locket - Simone Jewelry




Sunday, 2 July 2017

[Media Invite] Dinner at Teppan Bar Q at Robertson Quay



11 Unity Street #01-21 / 22 Robertson Walk, Singapore 237995
Tel: 6235 0629




Teppan Bar Q is a takata-style teppanyaki joint, serving up quality Japanese food with a Spanish influence. It is also owned by the team behind Torikin Restaurant @ Bukit Timah area. One can expect to find a variety of food items here such as Teppan tapas, Hakata tonpei yaki and teppanyaki cook-in-front-of-you seafood / meat dishes.




Though small, the restaurant's contemporary settings and personable service crew draw crowds like a magnet. I was honoured attend this media tasting with representatives from Hungrygowhere as well as some other familiar reviewers / food-bloggers, and we were fortunate that the Japanese owner Kyota Ishida was in town and was preparing some of the food dishes himself!




We started with Squid with Pesto (SGD $12.00) - deliciously grilled squid with olives, tossed into creamy, rich pesto sauce for a light "grassy" taste. It was a good beginning.



Tonpei Yaki (SGD $17.00) is a must-have Osaka appetiser - a fluffy omelette tantalizing the tongue with added pork slices, cabbage, and drizzled with Okonomi sauce and homemade plum-infused soy mayonnaise.




Then we tried the Seafood Teppanyaki (SGD $54.00) comprising Tiger Prawns with Balsamic Sauce, Hokkaido Scallops and Salmon Teriyaki. My favorite were the plump, juicy Hokkaido Scallops that sprang to life in the palate.





Next, 200grams of Sirloin Steak Teppanyaki (SGD $30.00) grilled to a beautiful melty tenderness with hints of smokiness hovering. The dish is served with wasabi, fried garlic pieces and homemade sauces on the side.



Miso Soup (SGD $3.00) was served as well, a cloudy concoction with generous pieces of seaweed.



Finally, we concluded with Garlic Rice (SGD $6.00 per person) tossed with some eggs and spring onion, exuding fragrant aroma that spoke of strong fire, supple wok's breath and brilliant culinary skills.

The overall dining experience here was lovely, opening up our palates to some interesting dishes. Thank you Teppan Bar Q for hosting and Hungrygowhere for the invite!


Thursday, 29 June 2017

[Invited Tasting] Dinner at Oh My Tian Cafe @ Boon Keng


34 Whampoa West #01-79 Singapore 330034
Tel: 6612 1166


A cheery exterior with colorful words forming "Oh My Tian" - the name of the cafe, leads into an interesting cafe interior when one pushes the door open with the brass knockers.






An adorable cart-like counter sits silently at the front; while a large carousel commands attention in another corner. Chandelier lamps, hot air balloons on the walls, faux brick walls and quirky furniture give the cafe a mis-matched yet fun, cheerful, carnival-like ambience.






Many may know that Oh My Tian Cafe was opened by the same guys behind Hatter Street Cafe (review here); it has however changed hands since November 2016, and the menu has been revamped. The owner is Aloysius Chan, who manages different businesses and this is his first foray into F&B.



The first dish was Fries Combo Set (SGD$8.00 for small / SGD$12.00 for large) - comprising crispy curly fries and huge onion rings. Interesting house-made sauces such as Salted Egg Yolk or Mayo Cheese Sauce were served on the side. This was a delightful dish that could not really go wrong.



Following that, we had good old Nacho Chips with Cheese Sauce (SGD$8.00) - the perfect thick, corn-delicious chips that my favorite theater used to serve before they switched to packaged nachos.




We also had a lush green salad, Greeny Protein (SGD$14.80) made with a mixture of green vegetables, grilled Teriyaki chicken fillet with herbs, roasted sesame and hard-boiled eggs. 




Mains were served next, starting with Oyakudon Fillet with Japanese Rice (SGD$15.80) and Oyakudon Thigh with Japanese Rice (SGD$16.80) - juicy, grilled chicken parts with Japanese curry and sunny side-up egg atop the rice. The portions were generous but we thought that the dishes were a tad too salty.



The spicy version of the above was served next - Fiery Oyakudon Thigh with Japanese Rice (SGD$16.80) - tender grilled chicken thigh served with rice and sunny side-up egg and spicy Nonya curry. This dish was pretty tasty. 



Then we had the Dory Voyage Fish & Chips (SGD$18.80), made up of deep-fried beer-battered Charcoal dory fish fillet served with curly fries and mixed greens salad on the side, along with dips such as salted egg yolk and Thai chilli sauce. The dish looked better than it tasted.



Grilled Saba Fish (SGD$12.80)- grilled sake seasoned mackerel fillet, served with fish flakes, Japanese cucumber, cherry tomatoes, lettuce and teriyaki sauce. I rather enjoyed the sweet-fleshed fish and refreshing salad. 



Following that, we had the Grilled Seafood Platter (SGD$51.60), made up of 2 plump, springy lobsters, 3 tiger prawns, grilled potatoes, vegetables and fish flakes.



Next, Seafood Pasta (SGD$18.80), a generous serving of spaghetti tossed with tomato sauce, prawns, fish, clams and mushy squid. Apparently the cafe has a chef who was not able to tell the difference between fresh and mushy squid, spoiling the supposedly-luxuriant pasta with bad seafood.



The final main course was the Waffles Chicken Nachos (SGD$16.80), grounded by charcoal waffles topped with hash browns, chicken pop corn, bacon and house-made cheese mayonnaise. It was a pleasantly texturized dish with some crunch and creaminess.



Moving on, we had desserts. Donut Ice-cream (SGD$6.00) was basically a heated round doughnut supporting a huge scoop of chocolate ice-cream. "Facial features" were added to the ice-cream to look cute, but unfortunately the heated doughnut was still frozen, cold and hard.



Following that, Charcoal Waffle with 2 Scoops of Ice-cream (SGD$12.50) served with marshmallows.



Our favorite dessert was the OMT Dou Fu Hua (SGD$5.00), signature house-made traditional beancurd inspired from Hong Kong, served with brown sugar on the side. This was smooth, creamy and soft.



Drinks wise, we had Eiffel Tower (SGD$8.80) - a concoction of Earl Grey tea, vanilla ice-cream and salted caramel.



Handcrafted Refreshing Italian Soda (SGD$6.80) was exactly like its name implied -refreshing, made of strawberry extract, soda water and steamed milk.




The Heavenly Milkshake (SGD$8.80) consisted of milk, vanilla ice-cream, blended ice-cubes, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and Peppero stick. This was rather rich and indulging.



Then Iced Matcha Latte (SGD$7.50) with quality green tea powder, steamed milk blended with ice cubes.



The grand finale was Affogato (SGD$6.00) created with aromatic double espresso and vanilla ice-cream.



Sad to announce that Oh My Tian Cafe has ceased operations as of 28 June 2017 due to mis-management of a self-proclaimed "partner" named Jay who does not meet qualifications on every single count, including taking up the role of the chef (his only culinary experience horned by watching cooking programs). It is the saddest demise of a lovely cafe and the rightful owner Aloysius sincerely thanks everyone who has visited and supported his venture!