2015 FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINE SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX

ABBEY: Another F1 season came in Singapore from September 18-20. We bought Bay Grandstand tickets for the whole 3 days and we saw some actions on Turn 18. The qualifying rounds for the Formula 1 cars was exciting as Sebastian Vettel finished a lap with 1 minute and 44 seconds. Though he didn't matched that record on Sunday night's race, he still proved that he is the champion of Marina Bay circuit. He managed to maintain the lead until the end.

For the concert line up, it was great. Pharell on Friday, Maroon 5 got the crowd singing and dancing on Saturday and Bon Jovi capped the event on Sunday.

Room for improvements and I hope Singapore Airline F1 committee will look into it.

1. Please open the track as soon as the race ended for the people to go to Padang stage. Bon Jovi was already on the middle of his concert when we arrived there.

2. When opening the track, I mean open the track in Turn 18 so the people can pass thru the Esplanade (under the bridge) just like the earlier years. What happened is that the people are routed to Esplanade bridge itself. And they have to go thru the fences or camera slots just to go in the concert ground. This is very disappointing. Adding to that the marshal is telling that that is not allowed. When he was asked where should the people go, he became silent.

3. Have Fanzone bands like the one when Singtel is the promoter. This will ensure that the ticket holder can enjoy both the race and the concert in the fanzone. This year, the patrons will have to decide if they will watch the race on their seats or wait for 7 hours for the concert in Padang just to get a good position.

4. Have more promotion/contest for ticket upgrades. The contest that I saw was only to have 1 pair of ticket to be upgraded, unlike other years where the all the tickets that you bought will be upgraded.

Hoping to get some improvements in future races. More power Singapore GP.

WILL: Nothing's gonna stop the roaring and revving machines of Singapore Grand Prix 2015. Yeah even haze can't stop people in merrymaking. 

This is my third time to watch this yearly phenomenal event here in Singapore and it just getting bigger and better. So what are the things that they made it more exciting for 2015? First of all is the list of main stage performers at Padang Stage. For three consecutive nights we were treated with famous singers from Hollywood. Pharrell Williams touched the stomping feet of teenagers. Maroon 5 make the girls scream and Bon Jovi makes our hands swayed up in the air. All generations were touched by F1 2015. 

How about the race? Not so many action as expected to Mercedes Benz. You can observe that Anti-Red Team is bored while they are watching Vettel leads the parade of racing cars. I think Vettel can drive in Singapore's Night Track even his eyes were closed. Haha!

On my third time to attend this, I assessed that I am more on to watch the actual race itself than to attend the concerts. Haha! I am converted now. 

Long Live Singapore GP. Hope to have an access again to Fan Stand by next year! :)

Kenny Rogers Roasters Great World City

ABBEY: From time to time we became homesick and we crave for food back at home. Yes there are fastfood in the Philippines that are also here in Singapore but the taste isn't the same. Maybe I just want the Filipino-version of that :) 

We came to know of Kenny Rogers and headed to Great World City. What we want the most? Their muffins. Unfortunately, Wilma wanted it more than me so she hoarded all the muffins we ordered to herself. We had quarter chicken platter with 2 sides (corn nibbles & mac & cheese) and a muffin for 18.90SGD. 

The taste is the same; it is delicious. The chicken is roasted well; no blood or undercooked meat. I hope they can lower the price.

WILL: I am watching a tv series and one of the character blurted out the corn muffin of Kenny Rogers and boom..my brain exploded and longing for the taste of it. 

Grabbed my phone and searched for Kenny Roger's Singapore branch and Great World City came up. Before our Saturday Singapore GP event, we went here for lunch. 

We all ordered Kenny Quarters and I grabbed all their muffin from their plates. Haha! I ate one, and I packed the rest. Gosh, every bite satisfies my cravings! The crusty texture outside plus the foamy bread inside. Oh! Yeah! The chicken! It is nice but pretty expensive. Macaroni and cheese taste is impressively good! 

I will be back for muffins for sure. :)

Two Wings - One Just Isn't Enough

ABBEY: A news regarding Two Wings came to my FB feed. I read it and put it on my "To Dine" list. It is located at Pinnacle@Duxton. So I picked up my wife at her office and headed to the foodcourt at Duxton. 

For 8.90SGD I got a Chicken Cutlet which is a Chef Recommended item. It comes with 2 side dish of your choice. I had Rice of the day and fries. The chicken is big and crispy. It really made my stomach full.

WILL: I am pretty astounded when Abbey showed me a list of restaurant he wants to dine in to. Yes I am shocked because this is the first time he came up with it. 

Two Wings is the first place for us to dine. We went there before our Friday Singapore F1. We luckily arrived around 630pm. Why? Minutes later the place at The Pinnacle@Duxton is packed and there is no available table for other diners. 

I ordered their famous wings. They are correct! One is not enough. The skin is crispy, the meat is tender and not bloody. It will be served to you piping hot. They have a big serving and half of it was pushed to my leftover saviour..Abbey. :) 

I will definitely recommend this buttery/crispy wings to all our readers! :) High Five Two Wings!  

2015 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix - Pit Lane Experience

ABBEY: This is the second time I went to the Pit Lane Experience. I got a pair of tickets from Singapore GP by choosing an icon and voila, I won. At 7:30 we headed to Gate 1 where a long queue keeps on growing. A couple of minutes later and we found ourselves inside and enjoying the Hawaiian dance from The Dancing Fire. The roaming performance and music of Fiesta Tropicale will keep you on the beat. 

On the Village stage, the Boys of the Band rendered the version of songs of The Beatles and Motown. It was a trip on the memory lane. After the break, this Michael Jackson impersonator really set the stage on fire. With his copy cat moves and resemblance of the King of pop, Dajiow won the hearts of his fans. Then its time to assemble for the garage experience. Bloco Loco welcomed all the guests with their upbeat thumping of the drums. People took snaps and videos while the teams showed their skills on changing the tires of the car. 

We're not lucky to have a sighting of the drivers themselves, but something magical happened to me. I was interviewed by one of Fox Sports anchor and Food Detective herself, Nikki Muller. :) 'Twas a great night.

WILL: Singapore GP is one of the most awaited event here in Singapore.. an annual festival. But hey there is more! Before the actual festivity, Singapore GP is holding different kinds of activities for the people. 

Abbey won a pair of ticket for the second time. Yes! He won in two consecutive year and what makes us keep coming back? Well, except of the F1 cars, you can witness how really fast when they change tires, performers that you can only see at Zone 1 and you can do all what you want at the Pit Lane for a photo shoot. Some poses as if they are inside a racing car, some lay down, and some just kisses the floor. Haha! 

It is really a fun thing to do before the race day starts. 

Head over at their website and be updated! See you all there next year!

Panerai - History and Legend Exhibition Singapore 2015

ABBEY: We were given a guided tour for the Panerai exhibition at Orchard. In it, they showed us the history of the timepieces. They were used on military missions under the sea where conditions were cold and harsh. 

Come the modern day, the 44-mm wrist acccessory got contemporary designs and were used by the public as well. We were also shown the insides of the watch. It is intricate and complex. No wonder the cheapest they have starts at 10k SGD.

WILL: I am mesmerised to have lots of watch. I love to see my wrist wearing a huge watch. And almost of my watches were just gifts. :) 

When Panerai announced that they will be holding a mini exhibition just outside their Ion Orchard Store, I didn't think twice, I urgently booked to attend one of their guided tour. 

After the said tour, it is clearer for me where they were from and who were the first users of the timepieces. After a talk with their watchmaker, I asked how much is the price and I almost fainted. Why? The model I like costs S$35,000. Yes! You read it right. Haha!

I know I can have it. In the right time I will own one. :) Thanks Panerai of the magical tour! 

Spicy Fire Chicken with Cheese (Cheese Buldak: 치즈불닭) Recipe

Chicken breast (cubed)

Korean chili paste (depends on your spice level)

Chili flakes (depends on your spice level)

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp cooking oil

2 tbsp honey or rice syrup

1 tbsp of ground black pepper

3-5 cloves garlic (minced)

2-3 tbsp minced ginger

Or use 2-3tbsp of ginger-garlic paste

Mozarella cheese (cubed or grated)

Mix all the ingredients except chicken and cheese. This is for the paste. Once all the ingredients are incorporated, throw in the chicken and mix again. Put in a pan, and add a cup of water. Then bring to a boil. Upon boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Transfer in a baking dish and top with mozarella. Put into microwave until the cheese is melted. You can also put in conventional oven.

VERDICT
WILL: Abbey and I love to watch cooking channels at Youtube. Yes! We are punishing ourselves in watching a sumptuous meal being tasted by the cooks. Haha! But Abbey is not only there to watch but also to study how to do those. So last Sunday Abbey cooked Cheese Buldak. 

How good it is? Even it is hot, I ate it non-stop! Creamy, spicy, yummy! This is quite a treat! Love you Abbey! Thanks for keeping on surprising me! 

Singapore Night Festival 2015

ABBEY: Yahoo, another unwinding activity after a day's work. Singapore lit up the night when they launched Night Festival. We went last Aug 21. 

The first performance we saw is Anooki. :) They are performing at the front wall of National Museum. Yes, on the wall. It was a cartoon projection. The Anookis played, ran, and made the wall like jelly. They colored it with red, blue, green and even filled it up with balls. At the end, they whistled to the tune of Happy Birthday greeting Singapore for its 50th.

Then we went to Armenian street. Loud music caught our attention and we saw New Stream Brass Band playing and encouraging the crowd to sing and dance with the beat.

Next is the Peranakan Museum Variety Show (by The Main Wayang Co.). The Peranakans really got the crowd's vibes with their novelty songs. It was fun, cheerful and tiring (as you dance, shout and sing).

Few minutes after the show, we got to see the Spark! by World Beaters Music of UK. I thought they are yet to start their performance but they will be on a break. Luckily, they still beat their percussions and play along with the crowd as they marched to their place. They were all in white. And the drums have led lights. Taking snaps is easy as they got their own spotlights :)

We wanted to wait for Bloco Singapura (percussion band) but it was getting late so we headed home.

WILL: I am always excited once the Bras-Basah-Bugis Precinct will close its streets for annual Singapore Night Festival. Why? It is a feast. It never fails to amuse and make me glad. 

Last Friday, we watched the show of The Anooki Celebrate Singapore. They are so cute. I am smiling from start to the end of the show. It lighten up the mood of every people who witnessed that little Inuits. 

Then, we walked to Armenian Street to check out the New Stream Brass Band. I never get tired of clapping and stomping my feet on their beat. 

Next!!! The Peranakan Museum Variety Show. This is a total party! Abbey and I danced to their songs. 

We were on our way home when Spark (LED-lit drummers) marched towards to our direction. Do not get be intimidated if the first in line drummer is grumpy, because the last in line member is showing off her best smile. Haha! 

Great job Singapore Night Festival 2015 team. Till next year!

Comnam - Vietnamese Street Eats

ABBEY: Before heading to 2015 Singapore Night Festival, we filled up our tummies with food from Comnam Broken Rice bowl in Raffles City. It caters Vietnamese street food. 

I got marinated pork cutlet (with chicken ham, pickles, viet steamed egg with pork) for 10.5 sgd. Within minutes, the order was already on our table. It was zesty and tangy due to cilantro and lime and was flavorful. They are also using fish sauce which is used also in Philippines. Sweet, sour, salty, and spicy; all in one bowl. 

We also tried their version of sugar cane juice. They put lime on that as well. This is a sister company of NamNam Noodle Bar.

WILL: I am intrigued on the long queue that is building up every time I passed at Raffles City. So when Abbey and I got the chance to have dinner there, we instantly grabbed the chance. 

Comnam is serving broken rice. In Philippines this kind of rice is used for chicken feeds and I am not surprised that this store explains that in Vietnam's history it was taken by peasants. But now they discovered that this tiny rice absorbs more sauces and flavours. 

I went for Abalone, Pork Ribs, Soft Boiled Egg, Bean Sprouts Rice Soup. ($13.90 GST included / no service charge). The soup is tasty and the rice's texture is incredibly nice. I will love to consume this kind of food when it is raining or when I feel sick. It gives comfort to its consumer. 

A recommendable place to dine. :) 

Braised Pork/Mushroom Kimchi Recipe

Ingredients:

Kimchi (whole cabbage as this will be used for wrapping)

Slices of pork belly

Onion (1/2 of king sized-thinly sliced)

Pepper paste (depends how spicy you want)

3-4 tbsp sesame oil

3-4 honey

Ground black pepper.

Vegetarian version:

4-6 shitake mushrooms (soaked for at least 3 hours to be plumped- cubed or sliced)

2-3 stalks of green onion (chopped small)

Onion (1/2 of king sized-thinly sliced)

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp honey

2-3 tbsp sesame oil

Ground black pepper

For the vegetarian version, mix all the ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

On a pan, layer the onions.

Wrap the pork belly with kimchi. Put a strip of sesame oil before rolling. This will give more flavor to the pork. Ensure that the roll is tight. Put it on the pan when finished.

Do the same with the mushrooms.

Once all the rolls are on the pan, spread pepper paste on each of them.

Sprinkle with ground black pepper; drizzle with sesame oil and honey.

Put a cup of water and bring to a boil.

Upon boiling, lower the heat and rinse the rolls with the soup base.

Simmer for 45-60mins. This will give delicious aroma to your kitchen. :)

Add water if needed.

Serve with freshly cooked rice.

VERDICT

WILL: Abbey slashed one our week's menu and announced that he'll be cooking the menu I was drooling for months whenever I am watching it in Maangchi's youtube channel. 

The cravings end when the Braised Pork Kimchi touched my tastebuds. It is way too hot and spicy but I can't hold back my spoon to stop scooping the food inside my mouth. 

It is not only taste good but also one of the healthy alternatives in our daily menu. :) 

Love my chef a lot! Next time "Cooking Time" post please!

Muthu's Curry - Suntec City Mall Singapore

ABBEY: I first set my foot on Muthu's Curry at Suntec. It was when my colleague celebrated the arrival of his first child. It was really a treat. So from that moment, I want my wife to dine here. 

First, there's unlimited papadum which is really her favorite. Second, they have butter chicken. Third, the food taste great. We dined and ordered Dum Biryani (11sgd) and butter chicken. The biryani rice is aromatic and flavorful. It was served with raita (yogurt, onion and carrots) and chicken curry sauce. I wasn't expecting the serving of butter chicken that small which costs 12sgd. But it didn't stop Wilma to order another bowl of biryani rice. And we got a couple of bowls of papadum. 

WILL: I managed to come up with the decision what I will eat for dinner when I reached Abbey's office that night. I chose to buy some hot fish noodles but when I met my husband he announced that we will eat at Muthu's Curry. I protested for the idea but when he informed me that there is unlimited papadum there, I smiled and agreed. 

I ordered buttered chicken...?delicious!! How delicious? I asked for an extra rice and it is my first time. I love their self-served papadum. It is not oily. 

The price is quite expensive though. Anyways, this place is very recommendable. Find them at Suntec City at Fountain of Health dining area.

Singapore's Indian Heritage Centre

ABBEY: As people of all ages and races celebrated Singapore's 50th birthday, we also had some plans to participate. Since MRT and buses offered free rides it is expected for jam-packed destinations. Sentosa for one was really a crowd favorite. The snake line for Sentosa Express is very long that some people opted for the boardwalk. For me and my wife, we visited the recently opened Indian Heritage Centre at 5 Campbell Ln (nearest MRT is Little India).

We were warmly welcomed by their staff. They told us to go up to fourth story after giving us the information pamphlet. The museum exhibits the part of Indians in building in Singapore. How they thrive, built business and live in this land.

One of the busts that were given by Indian government to commemorate the museum inauguration is of Mahatma Gandhi. The first National Servicemen enlistee is an Indian. It was Mr. Albel Singh which served Singapore Armed Forces for 32 years.

Part of the museum shows their religion; from the gods up to the intricatedley-designed great door of temple. It was good to learn the culture, life and religion of other races so your knowledge will also be enriched.

WILL: Indians are one of the races who build Singapore and this Heritage Centre is to accredit all their works and milestones for the Little Red Dot. 

The centre showcases well the Indian culture, their contribution and their beliefs. It also magnifies how they live, their professions and their people who got a position in the government. 

It is a great idea to put this up. Hope it will housed a lot more information about the Indian culture. :)

MacRitchie Reservoir's HSBC TreeTop Walk

ABBEY: You want to walk in a suspension bridge so you can be as tall as the trees? You're in for a treat as you go to HSBC's TreeTop Walk inside MacRitchie reservoir. 

I've been here twice. The first visit is when I traversed the long journey from Lornie road (Lamppost 51). It was exciting at first as you can appreciate nature and the views along the trail. But if you're walking nonstop for more than 4 hours on the heat of the day it is not funny anymore. The signs keep telling how much more to walk but it seems endless. I thought that we were already lost, that I have to save battery for my phone and water :) I just want to walk on the bridge. At last we saw the ranger station. I knew we're close. Few more minutes then we were on top. It was relieving. The long walk is worth it. I can't imagine I've done that.

The second time, I stepped up my game plan. I came prepared. We took the track from Venus Carpark. Within 45 mins, we reached it. I'm glad my wife finally saw it after my numerous stories of the bridge. Since it is one-way, we circled along the boardwalk until we reached the ranger station again and off we go out of the reservoir.

WILL: If not for the sake of the project we are doing, I will not visit this kind of place. I mustered all my courage to face MacRitchie's HSBC TreeTop. Great thing Abbey had already been there; already lost and researched to be more specific what will be the shortest way to be there. 

When I entered the forest, I felt that it engulfed me. That was it! No backing up! 

I fought my fear (fear to see any reptiles or snakes) and walked..walked..walked. When we reached the HSBC TreeTop, I observed in awe. Trees and wildlife really matters here in Singapore.  

I went home relieved. I never encountered any iguanas, monitor lizard nor snakes. Please be careful with monkeys, they are not friendly and they are lurking some of the visitors for some food. 

This is one accomplishment! Wooohooo!

Dinner at Wheeler's Yard

ABBEY: We planned on meeting my former colleague, Arnold but due to some office work he was not able to come. So Wilma came up with something and asked me and Grace to go to Wheeler's Yard at Lor Ampas (one-bus ride -139 from Toa Payoh bus interchange). Grace was delighted to hear that as she is a cyclist. 

The ambiance is like a warehouse you see in movies where the bad guys hide their kidnap victims. But instead of tension and fear, the cafe was filled with all-smiling and attentive staffs. It was warm and relaxing. 

I got their spring chicken. It took time to be served. But, oh boy, when it was served, it was aromatic and delicious. Since it was baked, the fat is almost gone leaving the skin crispy. The meat can easily be removed from the bones. It came with creamy mash potatoes and purple cabbage coleslaw. The meals starts from 15sgd. 

Other half of the place is for the bikes and accessories that are for sale. 

WILL: Wheeler's Cafe is one of the must visit cafes here in Singapore. And because Grace is a cyclist, I thought of going in here with her for some dinner. 

We were amazed my the interior designing of the place. It is very clever for bicycle shop to put a cafe beside. We sat in front of the long table that have bicycles displayed on it. 

I went for Steak Hanger ($19.90). The meat is quite tough to chew. But the taste complements well with mushroom sauce. Abbey and I was delighted to their mashed potato, it is creamy. 

Next time? ...