Category Archives: Food

Hot Tomato & Nana’s Green Tea Review

Hi Loves!

I’ve just got back from my BKK trip with my sisters this afternoon, it’s been a great trip and I can’t wait to share about the trip on my blog. 🙂 I’ve got an embarrasingly long list of blogging back log and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I can complete it before the year ends, hahaha! 😛

Quite a while back, the Kose cinderella contest finalists/girls and I met up for dinner at Somerset. At Gina’s suggestion, we had dinner at Hot Tomato at 313 basement and it was my first time at Hot Tomato cafe. I was quite pleasantly surprised with the taste and portion at an affordable price about $12 if my memory is right, as I’ve not heard of any reviews of Hot Tomato and didn’t quite know what to expect. I really enjoyed the mango flavored salmon pasta and would most definitely order it again when I am back. We then headed to Nana’s Green Tea cafe at Orchard Central for desserts and the green tea matcha soft serve did not disappoint and the recommended Green Tea tiramisu was also very soft and delicious. As usual, our meet up was full of jokes & laughter, love spending time with the Kose girlies. 😛

All in all it was a great dinner and meet up. Have you any good dinner and desserts recommendation? Let me know! Wishing you all a great week!

x

Ena
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Fun & Food-filling Weekend Trip to Malacca

 

Hi Loves!

A few months back, my secondary school mates and I headed to Muar & Malacca for a weekend road trip and here’s a post of the food places and fun destinations that we’ve been! I personally highly recommend Malacca as a road trip destination with friends because it’s relatively near Singapore, inexpensive, has great food and overall just a perfect & fun weekend getaway destination! 😉 Following this trip, I made another similar trip with my colleagues… Which I suppose I’ll get around to blogging about it in due time. 😛 As you should probably know by now, I take forever and a day to get my blog posts up… I’ve got tons of content and I need to get them up, but man, it’s hard to find time and the mojo to blog with work and activities during the weekend (and I also need time to chill too!). Anyhoos, it’s gonna be a super long blog post with 100+ photos and captions, grab your popcorn and enjoy the read! 🙂

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The skies and her beautiful clouds as I was leaving my office. <3

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We’re not in Malaysia yet, here’s my clams noodles from Asian Kitchen at Bugis+ where we met up for dinner! I personally think this was super yums, maybe because I’m a huge fan of clams – especially in soup! <3

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We walked past SeoulYummy at Bugis+, which I actually happened to pop by for dinner just recently, and they have all these funny & cute heart papers attached to “love locks” where couples/friends/narcissists can leave love notes to one another/themselves. 😛

And off we go! ^^
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Passing by the beautiful skyline with the Singapore Flyer~ <3

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And a front #wefie with the group~ Mao the super good tempered & friendly driver throughout our trip, Clinton, Jing, Lorry, Ganda & I! <3 <3 <3

Pictures taken at Muar, Malaysia, in between Singapore and Malacca:

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These are fruits harvested to be threshed to extract the seeds! Not very sure what these are though. Heh.

Our super delicious lunch at Asam Pedas Parit Jawa. I thought it was traditional Malaysian food, but after posting it on Instagram, my Indonesian friends commented that these are traditional Indonesian food. So I don’t really know which it is, anyhoo it was super yummy ok! Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 013

Snaps of our view while on the road: traditional shophouses, lots of Palm plantations & telephone lines criss-crossing in the skies.

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Oh look, Ma! Yunno, just a tractor refuelling at the petrol station! 😛

Then we headed to AK Extreme Go Kart & Paintball Arena at Plaza Hang Tuah (Plaza Ocean), Jalan Tun Mahmat, 75300 Melaka, Melaka for Go Kart! We didn’t know they had Paintball as well, but as we didn’t prepare change of clothes, we couldn’t play that. Now that you know, prepare change of clothes for some paintball fun while you’re there! 🙂

For Go Kart we paid RM30/~SGD12 for 10min. It might seem a short period, but it was about 13 laps and doesn’t seem that short a time! Unfortunately the one car I was on kept on stalling, but all my friends didn’t have issues with theirs. Overall, I’d still recommend this place.

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Here with our handsome Gan Da aka Mr Da. Check out this budding photographer & like his Mr Da photography FB page. 🙂

Then we passed by this gorgeous hotel… Super pretty facade that made us feel that we were at Europe… #CheapThrill, lol.Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 039 Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 041
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So we took advantage of the pretty background for another group shot!

Then we’re back on the road to head down closer to Jonker Street area, where we wanted to be for the evening. While on the road…

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Saw this cute Mamee sponsored signboard along “Little India” of Malacca!

My friends & I googled where to visit for good food and fun in Malacca and this was one of the recommended place, Nadeje Mille Crepe. Thanks to Missus Chewy! Hehe.

Nadeje Mille Crepe
G23B Mahkota Parade 75000 Melaka
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Yeap, that’s us queuing for the Mille Crepe cakes!Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 050

Finally we get to the counter… Quite a few flavours have ran out, we just picked from whatever’s available left. #TrueStory #MadPopularMalacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 051

The ceiling is seriously decked out and pretty!Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 052

The yummy Mille Crepe cakes, which we kind of over ordered for the 7 of us. HAHA. Definitely yummy, I like the Original, Green Tea flavour & Milk Tea flavours, in this order! Hehe.

Then we headed down to Malacca’s Heritage area.. Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 053

Lotsa decked out Tricycles for tourists. Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 054

At the A Famosa Fortress, which I honestly didn’t read up about before I went, and I’ve been there twice. 😛 In summary, in 1511 the Portuguese arrived, attacked and defeated the armies of the Malacca Sultanate. Then they built this fortress and it changed hands twice thereafter, first to the Dutch, then the British and perhaps an interesting link to Singapore would be found in this line: “The fort was almost totally demolished but for the timely intervention of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, who happened to visit Malacca in 1810. Because of his passion for history, this small gate was spared from destruction.”

Who knew that because of Sir Stamford Raffles’ decision, this fortress would attract to many tourists to Malacca today? 🙂

Then we decided to climb up and across the hill to head to Jonker Street…

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My lovely friends while on the hill~ ^^Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 056

We wanted to check out this place “Restaurant Capitol Satay” for its awesome Satay & food. But MAN, THE QUEUE TOO LONG LAH. So we promptly decided to leave and head to greener pastures, I mean shorter queues. >u<Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 057

While strolling pass the beautiful river walk and enjoying the scenery… Kindly ignore the man with the weird stare. >u<
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A view as pretty, if not prettier than Singapore’s Robertson Quay.

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Basking under the golden setting sun. <3 <3 <3
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Just random street side flowers, but so pretty!

I must have mentioned Jonker Street like 2-3 times already, and it is really the highlight of Malacca, in my opinion. It’s best to coincide your visit on a weekend (Fri-Sun & Public Holiday) night, so you get to see the night market starting at 7pm! I’ve actually been there on weekday afternoons but the best experience is definitely one with the night market!!

The entire street starts with San Shu Gong, a famous traditional food snacks shop and basically we started off eating from the Satay Lok Lok food truck parked at the start and eating, and eating, and eating (yes you get my idea) all the way to the end before walking right back. #SingaporeansConfirmPlusChopCanEatMalacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 065 Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 066 Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 104

Us going crazy with the Lok Lok. We took a lot of unglam photos of us eating, but I shall not kill your appetite by posting them. 😛Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 067

I have been to Jonker Street thrice, and I have always bought this refreshing Honey Lime Juice drink from San Shu Gong (the red building in the background in the photo). I recommend this drink if you like something refreshing, or basically love the awesome combination of Honey & Lime like I do!!! <3

Now, get ready for an onslaught of delicious food!!!Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 068 Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 069

Taiwan Hamburgers, it’s super oily and if you love eggs + meat, this is something you’d love. Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 105

The beautiful street market under the evening skies! That weekend had particularly awesome skies, isnt’ it?

Famous Famosa (pun not intended) Chicken Rice Ball restaurant!
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Another #PrettySkies photo. 😛
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Here we are!Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 074

I really do like these Chicken Rice Balls, but some of my friends didn’t. You can opt for regular rice if you prefer!Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 075

Delicious chicken too!

Famosa Chicken Rice Ball has a really cool interior and shop with all these cute and totally photo worthy backdrops!Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 076 Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 077 Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 078

Am I in Malacca, Malaysia or am I in Beijing, China? 😀Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 079

Back on the streets again! For more food! Wow! HAHAHA #SingaporeansReallyCanEatHorMalacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 081 Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 082

We ordered the famous Jonker 88 Chendol for takeaway and enjoyed our normal and durian flavoured Chendols at a park nearby.Sorry too busy eating so no photos! But this is the best Chendol guys! I personally am not a fan of Chendols only except for theirs! Cause it’s super fresh and yummy.

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OH. MY. GOSH. These super delicious curry fishballs and meat balls!!! I think we ordered 1 serving and then we went back again, and again and again. I think we had 3-5 servings for 7 of us, I lost count.
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Awesome looking scallops but we didn’t order any. Looks very fresh though!
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This place is pretty much at the of the Jonker Street and is like a really old Kopitiam… but the Tse Char is really YUMMY. SERIOUSLY.Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 091

Omelette. I don’t remember it being super yummy, I think Feng Shan/Bedok 85 Omelette is probably better. But if you’re a huge fan, you can also have it at Malacca!Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 092

THIS ONE GUYS. MUST TRY!!! Clams in garlic. OH MY GOODNESS DELICIOUS. 😛  I think this plate was S$6? I can’t remember, but definitely affordable.Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 093

I think this was ok only.

After ALL THAT FEASTING. We walked back to our car…and came across the lovely night views and scenes:
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Awesome looking ship. I think this is part of the Maritime Museum / exhibit.Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 101

There’s this fun looking ride too!Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 102

Polaroids for keepsakes! <3

The next day on the ride back to Singapore we decided to stop over at:

Shun Fa /Shoon Huat Bak Kut Teh 顺发肉骨茶
236, Jalan Sutera 1, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru
GPS: 1.490861,103.767779
Hours: Daily 8:00am to 5:00pm

For the record, we were there at 3pm so it was a late lunch and the lunch crowd was dying and the service took really long. 🙁 So it wasn’t a very pleasant experience but the food was undoubtedly good and I will go back again but I think best to be in the morning or during lunch timing. I’m not sure if the service is always that slow (have to wait quite long for them to refill the soup) or it’s because it was quite late so the stock was running low, but hopefully at earlier timings you get better service.

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This ginger chicken is good!

You might probably thing we’re crazy cause when we got back to Singapore, WE WENT TO EAT SOMEMORE HAHAHA.  Here’s our WingStops dinner at Bedok Mall. #SingaporeansCanReallySuperEat
Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 113 Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 114 Malacca Trip Blog Review and Recommendations 115I think that the chicken flavours were quite unique and I like the dips for the fries and I like the fries too! But I think the prices are pretty steep – $9.96 for 6 pieces, $11.95 for 8 pieces. But worth the try! 🙂

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Ok, that’s all for my uber lengthy and food-fulling Singapore + Muar + Malacca + JB + Singapore again food weekend group trip!

Any food or destinations to recommend in Singapore / JB / Malacca? Let me know!

x

Ena

Chic Modern French Cuisine @ Olivia Cassivelaun Fancourt (OCF)

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Olivia Cassivelaun Fancourt OCF Food Blog Review 019You must be wondering… Olivia Cassivelaun Fancourt, what’s the meaning behind the name for this restaurant? Well, Olivia Cassivelaun Fancourt, is the name of Sir Stamford Raffles’ first wife, who was mentioned as “My first wife…gave me no connexions, no wealth but on the contrary a load of debt…but it gave me domestic enjoyment and thus contributed to my happiness”. Perhaps the owners of the restaurant were inspired by the Sir Stanford Raffles’ statue just a stone’s throw away. Or perhaps they are taken in by the concept of Sir Stanford Raffles’ first love and similarly want others to be able to experience their “first love” for modern french cuisine.

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The restaurant is located at The Arts House, formerly the Old Parliament House which was constructed in the 19th century so its exterior exudes an old colonial charm that befits the name of Olivia Cassivelaun Fancourt. Diners will not be disappointed by the interior which is modern and chic, which also reflects the modernity and relevance of the cuisine which changes seasonally.

OCF is managed by A Thousand Tales, a lifestyle brand of adventurous F&B & retail concepts. They started with White House, a home furnishing brand offering Scandinavian bespoke pieces, before venturing in the F&B scene with Bar Stories, a no menu speciality cocktail bar, followed by Table Manners & The Crostini Bar.

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At OCF, diners have the option for Carte Blanche menu, which means blank card in french so you won’t know what will be serving up for the 5 course dinner. That was what my sister and I opted for, also informing the kitchen of my prawn allergy so I can avoid that in the menu. Alternatively you can also request for the menu of the night and make changes. However the menu is subject to the chef’s selection of the seasonal produce. So one can always expect a surprise each season! 😉 Executive Chef Jonathan Koh says it best, “Spontaneous cuisine working with Nature’s freshest…a new surprise every day.”

Enough of the introductions, here’s the menu & photos of my dinner for the night!

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Special & delicious butter from France and free flow bread while waiting for food to be served. Olivia Cassivelaun Fancourt OCF Food Blog Review 009

Mushroom vol-au-vents with truffle oil; pork sausage with mustard emulsion and mini tart.

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Salt baked beetroot, gruyere cheese, mustard emulsion and an aged balsamic dressing

My tastebuds were very entertained for this entree, it was in my opinion a very unique mix of different flavors. I liked the bitterness of the beetroot, the tartness of the cheese and the sourness of the balsamic vinegar.

First wine with entree:

Pessac-leognan le prelat du pape Clement 2008

This wine is on the heavier side and well bodied, recommended by the staff.

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2nd course:

Veloute of pumpkin with a parmesan emulsion.

I’m not a fan of pumpkin, so I didn’t quite enjoy this dish. However I did enjoy tasting the dish together with the Parmesan emulsion, and I thought that the flavor of the cheese blended well with the sweetness of the pumpkin.

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3rd course:

My sister’s dish: seafood capellini (squid, prawn and mussels)

I’m allergic to prawn, so I couldn’t have my sister’s dish. But I did try a little bit of the noodles which was delicious and I could taste the mussels in the sauce.

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My dish: sea bass with zucchini coulis

The fish was very well cooked and I enjoyed the baked potatoes and mushrooms.

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Main:

Guinea fowl with yellow chanterelle mushrooms, black radish and roasting jus

The main course for the evening. I found the dish to be very intriguing. There was a piece of breast meat and thigh meat. The thigh meat was cooked slightly so it was still dark, though not bloody and it oddly reminded me of medium rare beef, even though I was eating a chicken thigh. However the more I ate it, the more I enjoyed it and now I want to go back and have it again!

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Dessert:

Apple tart with salted caramel and Apple sorbet

Dessert wine:

Late harvest – sauvignon blanc – D.O. Maule Valley – Chile – 2009

I am not a big fan of sour apple, so this dessert didn’t cut it for me. Bieber what I did like was the sweet crunchy bits below the apple sorbet which evened out the sour and tartness of the apple sorbet nicely. The dessert wine is very sweet and is medium in consistency, it also goes very well paired with this dessert. My sister who enjoys sour food, liked this dish and wine pairing a lot.

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2nd dessert:

Hazelnut creme with chocolate ice cream
You can check out my chocolate dessert video on instagram here.

This is a dish and sight to behold. The experience of watching the hot chocolate sauce melting away the chocolate lid and then cracking it apart to dig into the chocolate icecream with brownie is so satisfying and indulgent. It’s a dish I could eat over and over again even if I needed to run an hour long just to burn the calories away! >u<

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The OCF also has a private room that can host up to 14 guest for exclusive luncheon and dinners. They are popular for corporate meal meetings and I personally think also ideal for a cosy gathering over great food and drinks.

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On Fridays and Saturdays, dinners can expect soulful jazz live music performed at the alcove in the restaurant.

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OCF’s an ideal place for celebrating birthdays with the family or friends and you can head over to Timbre @ Arts House just next door for more drinks!

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Thank you OCF for the great dinner and hospitality!

Visit them:

The Arts House
1 Old Parliament Lane
#02-02
Singapore 179429

CALL 65 6333 9312
Online Reservation on their site here.

X

Ena