Lunch at Cafe&Meal Muji @ Plaza Singapura

68 Orchard Road #01-10 / #01-17 Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839

Tel: 6264 3838

Website: https://cafemeal.muji.com/sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muji.sg

So Muji opens its largest store at Plaza Singapura, comprising of a huge retail store and understated sophisticated cafe. Being a Muji fan, it was exciting to note that even their luggage and many other household items are also available here.

When *J suggested lunching for our threesome meetup with *L, it sounded like a fabulous idea to me. The cafe was glass-sided with dazzling lights overhead, a counter for ordering and well-spaced tables.

Food items comprised simply-cooked and natural ingredients so as to retain the nature blessed by sun, soil and water. There are rice or noodle bowls, hot mains, hot deli as sides, cold deli as sides as well as shatteringly beautiful desserts. Ordering is done at the counter, as is payment and collection of food.

*J had the Pork Katsu Donburi (SGD$15.90)  which was a huge bowl of goodness -  crispy pork katsu drizzled with a combination of Japanese mayonnaise and Tonkatsu sauce accompanied by leafy greens, onsen egg and 16-grain rice.

*L went for the Set of 4 Deli (SGD$16.90), which comprised 2 hot deli, 2 cold deli and choice of bread or white rice. *L went for rice and one of her hot delis, the beef patty with yuzu sauce, was devastatingly tender and tasty.

I had a hard time deciding, and eventually settled for the irresistable Butter Chicken Curry with Rice (SGD$14.90).  The butter chicken curry gravy was mildly spicy, pooling the sakura chicken beautifully, other ingredients included 16-grain rice and vegetables.

A Healthy Tofu Patty with Mushroom Sauce (SGD$4.80) was also added for sharing; this is under the Hot Deli section. The beancurd patty was springy in texture, and there were beans encrusted in the earthly-flavoured delicacy.

For dessert, we shared a Japanese Sweet Potato Cake (SGD$7.90) because it looked so dreamily pretty in lavender and white, draped with chocolate. Texture was fluffy and light, like its fleeting taste, the latter exuding gentle sweetnesss of Japanese sweet potato.

Overall, we enjoyed the meal at Cafe&Meal Muji.

Outfit of the Day - black blouse over denim skirt

"Fashion does not have to prove that it is serious. It is the proof that intelligent 

frivolity can be something creative and positive" - Karl Lagerfeld

Another weekend attire of black blouse over short denim skirt.

Blouse: Dorothy Perkins (SGD$69.00)
Skirt: TopShop (SGD$69.00)
Bag: Chanel
Necklace: Tiffany & Co
Watch: Rado

Outfit of the Day - blue and cream lacey dress

"Fashion is a language that creates itself in clothes to interpret reality." - Karl Lagerfeld 

All ready for dinner shortly. Supposed to wear black suit with dark blue shirt within but I'll be damned if I have to wear pants for dinner. Here you go sweethearts 💋 m e in my blue and cream lace dress and tiny leather vest.

Dress: Bought from Hong Kong (SGD$98.00)
Bag: Christian Dior
Necklace: Christian Dior
Bangle: Hermes

Lunch at Misato Japanese Restaurant @ Centrepoint

176 Orchard Road #01-33E, The Centrepoint, Singapore 238843

Tel: 6235 2822

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

Hidden in Centrepoint's new Gastro+ section is Misato Japanese Restaurant. The exterior is rather simple-looking, pale wood and curved in structure.

The interior is a different matter, with most decor items and tableware imported from Japan itself; rumor has it that the tableware alone cost a whopping SGD$400,000. It is definitely worth it as the dishes are all presented beautifully; even plain dishes are transformed magically into food fit for royalty.

Menu comprises traditional Japanese dishes and pricing is very reasonable. Ingredients are mainly imported from Japan. Service was excellent with polite, soft-spoken crew ready to serve.

We started with Miso Soup (SGD$3.50) using primary dashi stock was tasty and warms the soul.

Next up, Chawanmushi (SGD$4.90) - smooth and quality steamed egg custard using primary dashi stock; containing shiitake mushroom slices.

Handmade Gyoza (SGD$6.90) - a vertical stack of 6 chicken-and-vegetables dumplings, grilled so the edges were nearly crispy; served with dippping sauce to enhance  flavour.

Tamagoyaki (SGD$5.50) which picture has been selected as the first picture of this blogpost - Japanese pan fried rolled omelette, served on an elegant violet crescent moon plate.

Cheese Korokke (SGD$7.90) looks almost too decorative to be eaten - 2 crispy golden breaded potato with mozzarella cheese nestled on a bed of shredded lettuce upon a gorgeous plate.

Following that, we had the Okonomiyaki (SGD$14.90) - savoury Japanese pancake with eggs, cabbage and pork belly.

Moving on to the mains, Misato Oyakudon (SGD$13.90) is to kill for. Succulent chicken and egg in seasoned broth over Japanese rice tossed with salmon roe, was very flavourful.

Then it was Misato Ebi Donburi (SGD$15.90), made up of breaded deep fried live tiger prawns over seasoned broth and Japanese rice.

The life of the party was the Hoba Miso Beef (SGD$38.00), melty cubes of superior grade wagyu beef simmering its way to the table, cooked together with Japanese green gingko nuts, yam and pumpkin. Seconds were ordered, evidenced by photos.

Desserts are mandatory and we started with the Matcha Bavarois (SGD$7.80) - premium green tea French pudding that wobbled vibrantly when shaken, and was very aromatic with green tea taste. The pudding was cool and very smooth in texture as well.

Matcha Zenzai Mochi (SGD$7.80) , made up of premium green tea, Hokkaido red bean soup and grilled mochi - a dish made up of all my favorite things in one.

Next dessert we ordered was the Sanshoku Warabi Mochi (SGD$8.80) - Japanese mochi comprising 3 flavours, namely goma, kinako and matcha, served in a beautiful dish.

Final dessert for us was the Kuzukiri (SGD$8.80) - Japanese arrowroot slippery noodles served cold with sweet kuromitsu dipping sauce, and eaten with a pair of chopsticks. The clear chewy noodles are tasteless but the sauce complemented it beautifully.

What beverages did we enjoy along with the meal?  Premium Japanese Green Tea (SGD$3.90) with roasted rice served in elegant tea pot.

Hot Matcha (SGD$6.50) which is essentially premium green tea powder drink served hot and thick with a velvety texture and deep, vibrant flavour.

Finally, my Lychee Earl Grey Iced Tea (SGD$5.50) which is self-explanatory and refreshing for a hot weekend afternoon.

Did we enjoy dining at Misato Japanese Restaurant? Yes, very much so, especially when the presentation is so classy and artistic; and the quality of food is notably good. Best of all, this meal cost us each less than $40.00.  Come on down to try the food here!

Outfit of the Day - white dress with colored splashes

“Playing dress up begins at age 5 and never really ends.” — Kate Spade

White dress with colored patterns and shoulders that peek out suggestively.. Suitable for dates and hanging out.

Dress: Mango (SGD$99.00)
Bag: Guess
Bangle:  Chomel

[Media Invite] October's Middle Eastern Delights at AquaMarine @ Marina Mandarin

Photo source: Marina Mandarin website


6 Raffles Boulevard, Level 4, AquaMarine, Marina Mandarin Hotel, Singapore 039594

Tel: 6845 1111

Website: http://www.meritushotels.com/marina-mandarin-singapore/offers/rev-up-your-appetite-.html

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

Photo source: Marina Mandarin website

After the F1 Grandprix Night Race fever in September (review here), AquaMarine moves on to introducing palatable Middle Eastern delights in addition to their delectable buffet spread - specially for the month of October 2017.

The buffet spread is available at $60++ per adult and $30++ per child for lunch daily, at $70++ per adult and $35++ per child* for dinner from Sundays to Thursdays, and at $80++ per adult and $40++ per child for dinner on Fridays, Saturdays and the eves of Public Holidays.

From 1 to 31 October 2017, enjoy the flavours of the Middle East with AquaMarine’s buffet special, showcasing sumptuous highlights like the Slow-cooked Arabian Lamb and Tomato Shakshuka, Crispy Duck Leg with Apple and Moroccan Spiced Wagyu Beef Short Rib. 

The lamb was incredibly tender and its tasty meat fell off the rack easily, melting in the mouth deliciously.  The Short Rib was bursting with aroma, lightly lingering with notes of sweetness after the last bite.

Head down to AquaMarine today for your fill of quality food in lovely settings.

Outfit of the Day - black slip dress with ruffled hem

"Style is very personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over 

quickly. Style is forever.” — Ralph Lauren 

Black slip dress with ruffled hem and white floral prints. The perfect Summer dress ever.  Suitable for dates and hanging out.

Dress: Forever New (SGD$129.00)
Necklace: Tiffany & Co
Bangle: Hermes
Watch: Rado

Visiting Vietnam: Hankering Hanoi

Having visited Ho Chi Minh (review here) and decided that it was a cityscape filled with cosmopolitan indulgences and art studios, we decided to organize a family outing to the capital city of Vietnam- Hanoi.

It would have been fun to visit some museums and governmental buildings but we did not manage to do so. Here are some places we visited and dined at.

PLACES OF INTEREST

HANOI OLD QUARTER (BA DINH SQUARE)

Address: Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Ba Dinh is a touristy spot packed with places of interest showcasing some of the capital's finest examples of early twentieth French colonial architecture and historic icons - such as Ho Chi Minh's Masoleum, Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda.

squid fishing

HALONG BAY
Address: Thanh pho Ha Long, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
Website: http://www.halongbay.info

A scenic water body with caves and serene ambience, Halong Bay is a must-visit if you visit Hanoi. It borders north along China, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We boarded the V-Spirit Cruise where we woulf be staying for 2 days 1 night. The cruise took us around Halong Bay itself, offering gorgeous views when we were dining or simply hanging out. 

Food items comprised 10-course meals as well as Vietnamese Spring Rolls where we also learned to make this local specialty. Breakfast was traditional Vietnamese Pho (soup rice noodles with chicken or beef). We had lots of drinks as it was very affordable.

Other activities included evening squid fishing, sunset party, morning sunrise Tai-chi and water sports like kayaking. We also visited Sung Sot Cave (Amazing Cave) which will be described in detail.

SUNG SOT GROTTO
Address: Cat Hai, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
Website: http://sungsotcave.com

Located right in the centre of UNESCO-declared World Heritage area is Sung Sot Grotto, also known as "Amazing Cave"  or "Surprise Cave". The way in is paved by foliage, trees and stone blocks; the interior is beautiful with stalactites, stalagmites, rocks forming shapes of animals and an array of deeply beautiful lights adding enchantment to the cave.

HOTELS

FLOWER GARDEN HOTEL
Address: 46 Nguyễn Trường Tộ, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam 
Tel: +84 123 763 1111
Website: http://flowergardenhotel.com.vn/vi

We had a nice surprise upgrade to the new, 4-star Flower Garden Hotel located at Hanoi area. Around the hotel are rows of shops and diners where one could see locals eating seated on low stools or locals carrying sticks tied with goods on their shoulders to peddle.

Anyway the hotel staff was warm and very personable. The hotel was simple but elegantly furnished, with spacious rooms. The hotel restaurant serves good food as well, such as traditional Vietnamese beef pho. Hotel rates is merely around SGD$130 per night for a double bed executive room.

RESTAURANTS

VUON PHO RESTAURANT
Address: 3B Phan Dinh Phung, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
Tel: +84 94 569 78 66
Website: http://vuonphohanoi.vn

A beautiful hut-like restaurant standing on its own, where lower level was open-space dining and upper level consisted of air-conditioned, nicely decorated glassroom dining room. We took the upper level of course. The service crew was polite and friendly.

We started with 2 soups namely Lobster Bisque and Mushroom Tofu Soup, followed by Garden Salad. Then we had Pineapple Fried Rice and Pork Belly cooked with coconut and vegetables. Food was excellent and surprised us immensely.

SHOPPING

The tryst to hunt for huge malls or local bazaars was minimal so we were left to browse rows of shops near our hotel's vicinity.

I managed to get a nice dress when the mannequin donning it kept beckoning me over. A Mango dress, no less! And lots of local produce such as Green Bean Cakes, Lotus Seeds etc.

Overall, Hanoi is a more laid-back area compared with Ho Chi Minh city, allowing tourists to appreciate the culture of Vietnamese better, and visiting some historical spots which are the essence of travel.