Dinner at Style by Style Vibes Cafe @ Mediacorp

1 Stars Avenue #03-01A Media Campus, Singapore 138507

Tel: 8868 2288

Website: http://www.stylexstyle.com

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

Opening hours: 10.00am to 10.00pm daily except Sundays, which closes at 6.00pm.
(subject to changes if there are events)

Decided to drop by Mediacorp Building for some star-gazing and dinner on a Friday evening, before our monthly wine session. We heard there were a few cafes there, so decided to try one of them - Style by Style Vibes, opened by none other than ex-artiste Sharon Aw herself.

The cafe had a pretty, long grassy exterior and some tables outdoors. The inside was very spacious, with different types of tables and chairs filling up the main areas. A long counter was situated at the front, and I browsed the pastries shelf first, before anything.

A hot cup of Moroccan Mint Tea (SGD$2.50) kickstarted my meal, warming me up on the cool rainy night.

Truffle Fries (SGD$9.90) was good - one could taste the aromatic infusion of truffle oil but not overwhelming, and the lovely taste of potatoes was still evident through parmesan cheese sprinkling.

Salmon Carbonara (SGD$15.90) consisted of a tender wedge of grilled salmon on softened strands of creamy pasta with a heavy garlic flavor.

We also shared the Mushroom and Chicken Pizza (SGD$14.90 for large / SGD$10.90 for small). I have not been a fan of pizzas for a long time, but the sight of this thin-crusted pizza laden to the brim with ingredients, was enough to work up an appetite. Ingredients were generous and crust was crispy, so it was a tasty delight.

Moving on to our favorite parts of the meal - desserts! Baked fresh daily by the cafe's central kitchen, these delicious and quality cakes are also sent to some hotels for sale to their patrons.

Salted Caramel Cake (SGD$7.90) looked humble and plain in its light colors, but the smooth, salted cream was a pleasing touch to the palate. Combined with the fluffy sweetness of the cake, we were happy to have ordered this.

Next, Chocolate Truffle Cake (SGD$6.90) was rich and decadent, with chocolate dustings that melted on the tongue like a dream.

Finally, Durian Pandan Kaya Cake (SGD$7.90), beckoning with its bright green and yellow colors. Soft chiffon layers boosted gently of sweetness of kaya and fragrance of pandan, enhanced dramatically by durian aroma. If you are a durian fan you would enjoy this indulgence very much.

Overall, the food and service at this cafe was pretty enjoyable. The crew was very friendly and hospitable, checking that we were happy with our meal.

[Poem] Dead Seamen

The shores were deserted 

In anticipation of a storm, 

Brewing in lands not too faraway 

Boats were rocking their phantom rowers. 

The seagulls' dulled cries 

Trembled the gentle rippling of the waves 

The lighthouse blinked unceremoniously 

And dead seamen came out to play.

Copyright © thearcticstar 2016

Dinner at Royz et Vous Cafe @ Raffles Place

137 Telok Ayer Street #01-01 Hokkien Association Building, Singapore 068602

Tel: 6293 0270

Website:   http://royzetvous.com.sg

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

What used to be a tiny hole-in-the-wall cafe at Arab Street area, has relocated and blossomed into a rather spacious cottage-like cafe bistro with expanse of alfresco seating and a bar ledge meant for people watching. 

I was glad we decided to come here,  because the beautiful ambience and excellent, personable service just blew me away.  One could always expect a smile from the staff, be it order taking, clearing of plates or sending the bill.

Being the alcoholic that I am, I had to check out their non-alcoholic Lussory Carl Jung Red Wine (SGD$8.90) from Spain - there's the white version too, if you are keen. Not too sweet, very smooth, and one could still detect faint traces of alcohol within this beverage. Tempted to get another glass, though.

We decided to do the girly thing and share a salad and a main, beginning with Mango Chicken Salad (SGD$12.90), for a rather huge serving. Fresh, crunchy lettuce paired with juicy tomatoes, sweet fresh Thai mango dices and succulent Cajun chicken cubes made for a good starter. Ingredients were so fresh and tasty, no dressing was required.

For mains, we had Brazen Beef (SGD$32.90), medium doneness. We felt it was a little on the medium-rare side, but I liked it that way - the Striploin was very tender, moistened, even juicy and lightly salted. Fries were crispy and bed of lettuce was fresh with sweetness. This was a hearty dish and we were happy with the recommendation. It went well with my wine as well.

Time for after-dinner drinks. Desserts of tall Cakes (SGD$8.90 / slice) looked very tempting, but we were both stuffed to the  rim.

*Shanti had a Caramel Latte (SGD$6.00) that was served with pretty latte art, and she enjoyed her coffee.

I seldom take coffee or tea latte at night, for fear of sleeplessness, but somehow I decided to try their Red Rooibos Tea Latte (SGD$7.00), a reddish cup of very yummy tea latte, redolent of rooiboos' exotic taste and definitely sweet. It was one of the best lattes I have ever tried - if I had to sacrifice sleep for it, I'd gladly do so.

Overall, we had a good time here at Royz et Vous Cafe, largely because of the delectable dishes and amicable service. They have just opened an even bigger outlet at Chai Chee area, so drop by if you are in the area.

Lunch at Rocky Master Cafe @ Tanjong Pagar

60 Anson Road #01-02 Mapletree Anson, Singapore 079914

Tel: 6736 3511

Website: http://www.rockymaster.com.sghttp://www.rockymaster.com.sg/

Founded by 2 Americans and named after both their nicknames, Rocky Master is a cafe that seeks to serve good cafe and good food at affordable prices.

They currently have 7 outlets around Singapore - Alexandra Techpark, Biopolis, Delfi Orchard, North Bridge Road, Mapletree Anson, Starhub Green, ST Engineering Hub and Tampines Grande. Decor is simple and efficient; their Cosmopolitan menu serves up a large variety of Western and Asian dishes to cater to everyone's preference.

I started with a Hot Yuzu Lemon Tea (SGD$4.00) while the friend had an Iced Sencha (SGD$4.00).

His choice of food was the Dry Mee Siam (SGD$7.00), without taupok (dried beancurd), with they usually serve. The chilli was solid and spicy, lending the sour dish a higher level of spiciness, making it rather palatable.

I chose a Mushroom Baked Rice (SGD$11.00), which was coated with a thick layer of melted cheese with crispy edges. The servings of shittake mushroom slices were generous, filling the rice with earthly flavours.

Overall, food was satisfactory and since the service at this outlet was relative good, I would like to come back to try other items one of these days - such as maybe their flavored rice, pottie pies etc. Maybe their coffee as well, since Rocky Master proclaims to serve good coffee such as the Devil's Brew.

[Poem] Hints and Miss

You pressed your lips 

Against my lipstick mark on the glass; 

Like the kiss, 

We had been dropping hints. 

I gingerly fingered my collarbone, 

Ready to be your own; 

Touching where I'd most moan, 

Imagining your fingers trace. 

Boldly, I walked into the room, 

Wanting to take you by storm; 

Only to see your unclothed form, 

Moving between her bosom.

Copyright © thearcticstar 2016

[Poem] Porn Star

Gingerly, she removed the coat, 

Opened buttons with siren red nails; 

Allowing luminscent skin to peek, 

And fill the room with its glow. 

The men stifled a groan 

At her wobbling bosom; 

Looking away from the soft tufts 

Between her smooth long legs. 

Her lacquered nails inched 

To land where her thighs join; 

Two fingers went deftly in, 

Her feigned moans filled the room. 

Flashes of lights lit the dimmed studio, 

As she arched back to pout;

In her mind she saw herself five years ago, 

Forced into this role with no escape.

Copyright © thearcticstar 2016

[Poem] Birth

He pried apart her still legs 

Like a ventriloquist's dummy 

(Do people still use this term nowadays? 

But he does, oh, he does) 

Hearing not her moans and cries, 

Working deftly, swiftly, 

Eradicating her acute agony, 

Eyes focused, hands orchestrated, silently. 

She screamed between her sighs, 

Moving her body in tune to him; 

Leaving raw marks as her nails dug, 

Pooled in warm sweat in this icy room. 

And she heard it, she heard its shrills, 

She saw its head emerging from her; 

The overhead glare continued to blind, 

She, exhausted, seeing only black, collapsed

Copyright © thearcticstar 2016

Desserts at The Fluff Bakery @ Bugis

4 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199071

Tel:  Not provided

Website: http://www.fluffbakery.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fluff-Bakery-393757450679237

Fluff Bakery is a small desserts shop located the Haji Lane / Arab Street cluster of shophouses. I discovered it by chance - was waiting out the 1-hour queue at The Lab (review here( for dinner, so I popped right opposite and there it was - a pretty little cupcakes shop wafting very delicious aromas the moment I stepped in.

So the specialties were apparently cupcakes, but they also have some other cakes and tarts on display. This is pretty much a takeout shop with no tables or chairs for dining in. Service was friendly and the many flavours of cupcakes went for SGD$4.00 each (yes, more expensive than Twelve Cupcakes).

Curious and unable to resist the sweet aromas penetrating my nose, I ordered  4 to try. By the way, they change menus on a weekly basis so check out the surprises when you can, and note that their cupcakes contain fillings in the center.

The Lemon Meringue Cupcake was so fine in texture, bursting with distinctive touch of zest to give this cupcake a refreshing element. Lemon cream can  be found in the core of the cupcake. My friends thought it was a little sweet though, I thought the level of sweetness was just nice.

The Horlicks Cupcake was divine - the first fluffy bite exuded strong maltish taste of our favorite childhood beverage. Horlicks lovers would appreciate this dessert very much, finding it especially delightful to dig into the center where a small pool of Horlicks sauce lies within.

Next, Red Velvet Cupcake - fine and moist in texture, rich in its chocolately flavour, with a velvety chocolate heart.

Finally, Salted Caramel Cupcake - blend of sweet and salty, with a sticky but delicious core made of salted caramel itself.

Their cupcakes are certainly delicious, and totally worth the carbs.   We also tried a slice of the Chocolate Cake but forgotten to take pics while it was still in good shape - smooth, sticky with a sandy texture and richly luscious in taste.

Love the desserts here absolutely, and would certainly be back to buy more for friends and family.

[Poem] Winter Wilderness

Frost of Winter coated the paths 

On which illusions strutted. 

Leaving foodprints leading to the winds, 

Cold, but kept warm by the mind. 

Cigarette remained unlit in winds' wings, 

Her hair bent on kissing her lips, 

Blazing eyes rimmed with smudged rings, 

Blinking pure snow away from the lids. 

The skies began to cover midday sun 

Draping the lands in stark darkness; 

Her rooted feet began to run 

Tripping on branches in the wilderness.

Copyright © thearcticstar 2016

Review on Hydro Deep Cleanse Refining Facial @ Fresver Beauty [Sponsored]

14 Scotts Road #05-18 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213

Tel: 6100 8108

Website: http://fresver.com.sg

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

Fresver Beauty was started in 1988 and now has 3 outlets in Singapore at Orchard Road, Tampines and Hougang. They use a pure, comprehensive, holistic and effective approach, coupled with a team of highly-trained therapists to executive excellent facial and body wellness treatments. Immunity, vitality and rejuvenation are their foci here at Fresver.

I was invited to try their Hydro Deep Cleanse Refining Facial (worth SGD$160.00). This treatment makes use of gentle aqua vibration technology so that skin debris (dead skin cells, dirt etc) are effectively cleared to reveal soft and supple skin. Micro ions reach deep into skin dermis to stimulate cell rejuvenation and intense hydration.

Anyway, I was informed that each outlet would have 7 to 8 service crew. When I entered, I was greeted warmly by them with bright smiles and served hot Ginger Tea. Decor of their beauty salon is understated elegance;  clean cut in tones of beige and deep emerald green.

After filling out a declaration questionnaire, undergoing a quick consultation and skin scan in the pretty Consultation Room.

My friendly therapist Eileen brought me to the Treatment room so I could change into the emerald green tube gown. I lay on the bed and discovered their hard pillow - felt strangely therapeutic after a while though.

My makeup was then removed gently, followed by a soft facial scrub and facial massage. Eileen then applied a thick layer of cooling cream / gel onto my face and used a machine to go over my face. The vibration of the device permeate micro ions into my face to treat it.

After that, a cooling herbal sheet mask was placed over my face while Eileen did a shoulder massage for me. She mentioned that the mask would deeply hydrate my skin. I was left to rest for about 15 minutes.

Mask was cleansed off afterwards, followed by application of toner and moisturizer. I returned to the Consultation room to fill out a form to rate the service rendered. Very satisfied and soothed! - thanks you Fresver Beauty for the beauty treat!