Saturday, November 9, 2024

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu: $25 Beef Cutlet with Unlimited Sides now in Singapore

ABBEY: Are you a fan of juicy, tender steak? Then you’ll want to check out Gyokatsu Kyoto Katsugyu, a fantastic spot to satisfy any steak cravings! We recently indulged in a meal here, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint.


I ordered the Sirloin Gyukatsu Zen, which came with a delicious spread: tender breaded steak, a side of miso soup, an onsen egg, Japanese radish, and fluffy rice. The steak itself was cooked to perfection—juicy, flavorful, and incredibly tender. The restaurant recommends trying the steak as-is, but if you prefer it a bit more done, no worries! They provide a hot plate so you can cook it to your liking.


For me, a couple of bowls of rice were perfect to soak up all the flavors, and the umami-rich soup made for a great finishing touch. Overall, this meal was a satisfying, delightful experience that’s perfect for steak lovers!


Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu $25 Beef Cutlet with Unlimited Sides now in Singapore
Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu $25 Beef Cutlet with Unlimited Sides now in Singapore

WILL: Are you ready for a new way to enjoy beef? Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu brings the magic of deep-fried beef cutlet—known as “Gyukatsu”—straight from Kyoto to Raffles City, Singapore. Traditionally made with Wagyu beef, Gyukatsu is a dish you’ll want to savor.


At first, I wondered: Would Gyukatsu taste like pork tonkatsu? But one bite proved me wrong. The beef is tender and juicy, cooked to a perfect medium rare despite being deep-fried. No need for extra searing on a hot plate—it’s just right as it is.


We tried the Sirloin Gyukatsu Zen set for SGD 25, which includes soup, fresh cabbage, rice, and side dishes are eat-all-you-can. However, one thing I noticed is that the meat is quite thin, which may be a bit unexpected. Still, the bold flavors and textures make every bite enjoyable.


If you’re looking for a meal that’s more than just satisfying, Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu is a place to return to again and again.


*** 
                          Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu
(H) Lunch 11am - 3pm (Last Order 2:30pm) / Dinner 5pm-10pm (Last Order 9pm)
(A) 252 North Bridge Road, #B1-63/64, Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore 179103

Friday, November 8, 2024

High Notes and Heartfelt Memories: A Night with Asia’s Songbird

ABBEY: When Regine Velasquez announces a concert, there’s only one thing to do: buy those tickets! We recently attended her “The Best of Times” performance, and it was nothing short of spectacular. While I’m not big on meet-and-greets, sitting just a few rows from the stage was perfect for enjoying the show up close.


Some might say Regine is past her prime, but this performance proved otherwise. She showcased incredible versatility, seamlessly moving between her beloved classics and powerful new renditions. Regine knows exactly how to keep her audience engaged, belting out hit after hit with those legendary high notes. Favorites like DadalhinTuwing Umuulan at Kapiling KaPangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka, and Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw filled the venue, reminding everyone of her iconic range and emotion.


One special highlight was her heartfelt Elvis Presley medley, including Love Me Tender and Can’t Help Falling in Love. It was a beautiful way for her to share pieces of her journey through the songs that defined her career. And as a fitting finale, she brought the house down with renditions of Huling El Bimbo and Huwag Mo Nang Itanong.


Regine Velasquez truly is in a masterclass of her own.


High Notes and Heartfelt Memories A Night with Asia’s Songbird
High Notes and Heartfelt Memories A Night with Asia’s Songbird


WILL: Lately, I’ve been more of a "please, let me stay home and rekindle my love affair with sleep" kind of person. So when I first saw the Facebook ad for Regine Velasquez’s concert, I didn’t feel the usual excitement. It just didn’t fit into my cozy weekend plans. But Abbey, who’s been wanting to see a Filipino artist live, bought us tickets anyway—even though my answer to “Nood tayo?” was just a casual “Ok lang.”


Then, the night of the concert arrived, and from the moment Regine stepped on stage, old memories started to come alive. I was taken back to my high school days when she was my fashion inspiration. I remembered copying her hairstyles, wearing clogs, layering chokers, and even putting a little sparkle on my forehead just like she did. Regine wasn’t just a singer to me back then—she was a style icon.


And then she sang. Regine’s voice was powerful, clear, and rich, and she hit those high notes with such ease—it was like no time had passed at all. I was amazed! She reminded everyone why she’s known as Asia’s Songbird, her voice soaring over the crowd, touching each heart. Song after song, I felt like I was on a journey through my own past. Her music brought back memories and moments that had been part of my life. 


Thank you, Abbey, for this special experience. And thank you, Regine, for coming to Singapore. Your songs are forever part of my story.

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Cheap and Tasty: Enjoy Date Night at Yappari Steak VivoCity

ABBEY: If you’re a steak lover, Yappari Steak should be on your must-visit list. Although you might encounter a long queue, trust me—it’s well worth the wait! Each order of their perfectly cooked steaks comes with unlimited servings of fresh salad, fluffy Japanese rice, and hot soup, making it an unbeatable deal.

On my first visit, I ordered the signature Yappari Steak, and on my second, I tried the Mix Cut. Both were incredibly tender, rich, and full of flavor with a smooth, milky texture. A word of caution: the hot stone they serve the steak on stays sizzling, so handle it carefully!
While the steak is delicious on its own, I highly recommend pairing it with their garlic sauce—it’s a game-changer. I enjoyed it so much that I went through four servings of rice and multiple bowls of soup!


Cheap and Tasty Enjoy Date Night at Yappari Steak VivoCity

Cheap and Tasty Enjoy Date Night at Yappari Steak VivoCity MENU



WILL: I’ve been stopping by VivoCity a lot lately. It’s my go-to spot when I want to avoid a long walk to the MRT. But now, there’s an even better reason to make the trip. Dinner! 

Yappari Steak is always buzzing with activity, and you can expect to wait at least 15 minutes during peak hours. But trust me, it’s worth it! The beef here is amazing, perfectly balanced between tender meat and just the right amount of fat. The cooks really know their stuff—they make sure the steaks don’t overcook, even if you leave them sizzling on the hot plate a bit too long.

My favorite has to be the hamburg steak; it’s so juicy and comforting. And don’t even get me started on the mixed-cut steaks—they’re incredibly tender. One of the best parts? Yappari Steak offers all-you-can-eat rice, soup, and salad, so you can really fill up and enjoy your meal!

I can’t recommend this place enough—let’s stop gatekeeping such a gem! The prices are fantastic, with sets starting at just SGD 16.80. See you at Yappari Steak! 


***Yappari Steak
(H) 11AM to 10PM 
(A) 01 HarbourFront Walk, VivoCity 02-110, Singapore 098585