🇸🇬 Chara Brasserie Buffet at Mercure ICON -- 25% Off Promotion & Must-Try Seafood and Lamb Dishes

ABBEY: Everybody is talking about Chara Braserrie and we want to know if the hype is all worth it so off we go. We arrived 15 minutes early before they open at 6PM but they ushered us to our table. Boy, good thing I’m able to capture some good clips of the food. By the time I’m done people started to queue up and next thing we know the lobsters are gone. Haha. 

I asked for the lamb but was told only to be available after an hour. It was the star of the show but wasn’t ready. I got a slice (literally) of beef short ribs and I can say it’s not that good. The meat has a chewed up texture and almost dry. Same dryness as well as almost hard for the chicken satays. The lamb somehow redeemed it with its milky taste and moisture meat; really went well with the mint sauce. 

I also had a couple servings of seabass; no need for sauce as it is juicy and flavorful. Sushi and sashimi were also available. Don’t forget to have their pickled ginger (very nice) to clean your pallete. For dessert I had chocolate tart and watermelon.

Chara Brasserie Hotel Buffet: 25% Off Promotion & Must-Try Seafood and Lamb Dishes

WILL: Are you looking for the newest hotel buffet with a great deal? Chara Brasserie offers a 25% off promotion this month!

Upon entering, you'll first encounter the dessert table, but let's skip ahead to the main attractions. Head straight to the seafood table at the back, where you can indulge in lobster and oysters. If crustaceans isn’t your thing, there’s a selection of sashimi and sushi right next to it. You’ll also find a DIY rojak station, which seems to be overlooked by most guests.

Moving on, you'll see the roasted beef, which may appear overcooked to some. The real crowd-pleaser, however, is the lamb, which always has a long queue.

The highlight of Chara Brasserie's buffet is undoubtedly the lobster and whole lamb. Without these, the buffet might not be as enticing.

We decided to try it out, especially since we had a 50% discount with our AccorPlus membership. Was it worth the hype? Yes. Would we return if already in it’s regular price? Probably not. Why? Let’s #BeReal; we are expecting a wide array of food given the price point of $78++ — not value for money. 

Make your reservation today, enjoy the feast at Chara Brasserie while there’s a promotion! 

***

Chara Brasserie

(W) https://www.mercure-icon-singapore-city-centre.com/restaurant-bar/chara-brasserie/

(A) 8 Club St, Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, #02-01, S069472

(T) +65 6768 0008

🇸🇬Discover the Healing Touch Spa: Singapore's Premier Traditional Massage Spa

ABBEY: We are due for that much needed massage. And I’m not wrong as my masseuse told me that my back muscles were tight. We went to Healing Touch Spa and I got Guasha Orthoapaedic massage while Wilma had the bojin.

It was sometimes painful but mostly relieving. Lots of elbows to remove the knots. I felt like I’m a piece of dough getting kneaded. Then there was scraping with the wooden stick to improve circulation; from neck, torso and legs. I can say I can have this type of service but not too soon. My wife is surprised when she saw my bruises on my entire back. 

🇸🇬Discover the Healing Touch Spa: Singapore's Premier Traditional Massage Spa

WILL: Healing Touch Spa is a proudly Singaporean-owned chain of spas. They offer not only Western massages but also some of the best traditional massages, which are often seen only in TCM clinics.

Recently, Abbey allowed me to book a traditional massage for him for the first time. On that day, he had a Guasha treatment, and I experienced Bojin. The therapist focused on my spine, temples, and shoulders. It was indeed painful, but I endured it because I knew it was for my betterment! After the session, I felt that my muscles and veins had a good flow. Relaxing but had a hint of muscle pain. Haha! 

Well, let’s be real — Traditional Massage sometimes causes bruises like what happened to my husband, for me a bit sore on the next day, but it is a wonderfully fulfilling. 

I admit, this won't be my last traditional massage. Healing Touch has a new booking site that is very easy to use. Visit their branch at Upper Thomson Road they offer promotions.

***

Healing Touch Spa

(W) https://healingtouchspa.com/

(A) 199 Upper Thomson Rd, (S)574342

(T) 6856 3633 | 8139 2167

Surprising Success on Lemon8 - A Fair Platform for All

We were surprised by Lemon8. We thought it was just another platform for influencers' short videos and posts. So, we shared our thoughts without expecting many views. But to our surprise, some of our posts got over 10,000 views.

Then we went to a workshop in March and learned how Lemon8's algorithm works. We were happy to find out that Lemon8 treats everyone equally. It's not just about having lots of followers; the algorithm is fair to everyone. That's good news for everyone.

Another surprise was when we happily posted about our trips and joined the "# challenge," and our profile was chosen to win $100 from PostIn3.

It seems like Lemon8 listened to our feedback and created another challenge that everyone can relate to.

These experiences show that people at Lemon8 care about their users by being fair to everyone.

So, we'll keep posting there, hoping our posts can help someone with relationships, finances, and travel. 

🇸🇬Boost Your Immune System with These Top Vitamin C Supplements

Boost Your Immune System with These Top Vitamin C Supplements

Right now, many of us in the office are wearing masks. Why? A few colleagues and I are dealing with tonsillitis, runny noses, and headaches. We saw a doctor and got some medicine. Little did we know, COVID-19 is on the rise again in Singapore, with 25,000 new cases in just one week.

We know this virus is here to stay, and a strong immune system is the best defense. But what makes a good immune system? We're not doctors, but we all know that vitamin C helps.

Here are the vitamin C supplements we're taking:

1. Centrum
• This is the vitamin C my mom's doctor recommended. It's non-acidic and contains other essential vitamins. Her skin looks great (thanks to collagen production), so we decided to try it. My husband loves it and sticks with it. Unfortunately, I can't handle the strong taste. Plus, I'm allergic to rose hip ingredients.
2. Blackmores
• One of the pricier brands in Singapore, but worth it during sales. It's easy to take without needing to dissolve anything.
3. Guardian
• My go-to for stopping coughs and runny noses. It's very effective, so I stock up during sales. This vitamin C comes with zinc to help fight colds.

That's how we choose our vitamin C. Hope this helps you pick your defense system!

Get 60% Off Indulgent Eats at A Must-Try Yummo Chow in Bugis

ABBEY: We were able to spend some time with Chat for April celebrations at Yummo Chow (Hotel NuVe Heritage). The restaurant is not too busy when we arrived half past 12 noon. I guess we’re the only guests that time. We looked at the menu and included pork ribs on our first order but unfortunately it was not available at the moment.

We got teriyaki salmon, Australian sirloin and ribeye steaks, spam fries, french fries, mentaiko mayo prawn, and carbonara. The pastas (including our second order chilli crab) lack the flavor and got too much sauce. Our spam fries seems not to be Spam but other brand of luncheon meat but still good. I really liked the ribeye steaks, prawn, and pork satays (note that there are 5 sticks per order). 

For the drinks, the staff recommended fresh watermelon and it didn’t disappoint; not too sweet or watery. No credit card payments but Grab and PayNow is accepted.

WILL: Another year has passed, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious food on a budget, right? We decided to treat ourselves at Yummo Chow, indulging in some seriously crave-worthy dishes.

First up, we had to satisfy our fish craving, opting for both salmon and dory. Next on the list was Shrimp Tempura, because who can resist crispy, flavorful tempura? And then came the unexpected delight – pork satay! We ended up devouring 10 skewers of it, completely caught off guard by how good it was.

To balance out all the savory flavors, we were pleasantly surprised by freshly squeezed watermelon juice, offering the perfect natural sweetness. And as if that wasn't enough, they also served 1872 Clippers Tea, adding a unique touch to our meal.

Yummo Chow at Bugis definitely exceeded our expectations with their offerings. Highly recommended, especially with their current 60% off deal on the Eatigo App. Don't miss out this S$21++ deal (add: $1190 for Premium Items)! 

***

Yummo Chow

(W) https://www.hotelnuveheritage.com/yummo-chow/

(A) 13 Purvis Street, Singapore 188592

(T) +65 6250 4024

Ralph’s Coffee: A Taste of Luxury and Connection at Marina Bay Sands

ABBEY: We planned to visit Ralph’s Coffee a couple of times and that day came. Good thing there are less people on the shop when we arrived. I got the flat white and we ordered a slice of chocolate cake. My coffee tastes the same as with other cafes but the cake is to come back for. 

Remember the Matilda Cake? The decadent, sweet-bitter, and moist cake? This is close. You can go by here while thinking what Ralph Lauren’s piece of clothing you would buy, or rest after trying them all or just casually catch up with a friend or loved ones. They do takeaways too.

Ralph’s Coffee: A Taste of Luxury and Connection at Marina Bay Sands

WILL: Nestled in the heart of Marina Bay Sands, Ralph’s Coffee flagship store offers more than just a caffeine fix—it’s an experience. And let me tell you, it’s an experience worth having! As soon as you step in, you're greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the chic ambiance that Ralph Lauren is famous for.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show—the sea salt caramel latte. At just S$8, it’s a steal! Not only does it pack the perfect punch of caffeine, but it’s also not too sweet, striking that ideal balance that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, the price is just right, comparable to your favorite coffee chains.

But what truly sets Ralph’s Coffee apart is the atmosphere. Unlike other cafes where you often see people glued to their screens or buried in books, here it's all about connection. The three tables occupied by patrons were filled with laughter and conversations, as people took the time to bond with each other—a refreshing change indeed.

In conclusion, Ralph’s Coffee is more than just a café—it’s an oasis of warmth and connection in the bustling Marina Bay Sands. If you’re looking for a unique café experience that’s a cut above the rest, I highly recommend giving it a try. Trust me, you’ll feel the difference from the moment you walk in. Cheers to many more delightful coffee dates at Ralph’s!

***

Ralph’s Coffee

(W) https://www.marinabaysands.com/restaurants/ralphs-coffee.html

(H) Daily: 10am - 10pm

(A) Bay Level, L1-71

🇸🇬 Spago Buffet Breakfast for only S$52++: Budget-Luxury at Marina Bay Sands!

ABBEY: Lunch and dinner buffets are here and there. So why not have a breakfast buffet? We went to Level 57 of Marina Bay Sands at Spago Dining Room. And no, we’re not a hotel guest. We made reservation and we got a seat. The view is overlooking the famous infinity pool. They have buffet items which are self-serve and there are ala carte ones. No need to wave a hand to our wait staff as Juan Rey is very attentive. He even gave us a couple of Mimosas for Wilma’s natal day. 

The food in the self-serve stations are either dry, oily or not that appetizing thus we preferred to get our food from the premium items list. I liked the seafood hor fun and egg noodle with crispy pork belly (sin yuk). The nasi lemak has a good presentation but lack of umami or taste. The same goes for siew mai. However the cold-pressed ABC (Apple, Beetroot, Carrot) juice stood out. We also had buttermilk pancake that comes along with honey butter and blueberry compote. My iced americano was watered down due to the heat but it is refreshing.

🇸🇬 Spago Buffet Breakfast for only S$52++: Budget-Luxury at Marina Bay Sands!

WILL: April holds a special place in mine and Abbey's hearts, so to commemorate all its significance and to make the most of our MBS Rewards points, we opted for a lavish buffet breakfast at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, perched on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands.

For just S$52++/person, we indulged in delightful seafood horfun and fluffy pancakes with heavenly honey butter. The attentive staff, coupled with the breathtaking view of Singapore’s CBD skyline, truly elevated our morning experience. However, when it comes to the food selection, there wasn't anything particularly outstanding.

Will we be back? Perhaps, but mainly for their cocktails. Seek out Juan for a taste of the impeccable service we received. A big shoutout to Juan for treating us to complimentary Mimosas. Here's to more moments of joy and deliciousness! Cheers!

***

Spago Bar & Lounge

(W) https://www.marinabaysands.com/restaurants/spago-bar-and-lounge.html

(H) Breakfast: 7am – 10.30am

(A) L57, Sands SkyPark, Hotel Tower 2

🇸🇬Haidilao's Buffet and BBQ Delights for only S$69.90 for 2!

ABBEY: We had the opportunity to try both Hai Di Lao’s hotpot and grill.

The hotpot is at their branch at Clarke Quay last February 14. Since it was Hearts’ Day they gave a rose to my wife. The staff that was assigned to us went for the extra mile; from arranging the meat plates, taking great pictures, as well as preparing the pot and cutting the food for us. It was a superb service. 

The same can be said at their Seletar Mall branch. We haven’t had to worry about the meat getting burnt or getting the food literally to our plates.

The meats are juicy and tender and have less gunk. I thought the set meal for the BBQ is not enough for us unlike the buffet hotpot but surprisingly it was more than enough. 

What I like is the shrimp paste, lamb and beef. Each has its own unique taste and flavor.

They go well with the dipping sauces; vinegar, soy sauce, lime and partnered with garlic, fried shallots, and seaweeds.

Both lunches ended with chocolate and vanilla ice cream.

A third visit is recommended.

🇸🇬Haidilao's Buffet and BBQ Delights for only S$69.90 for 2!

WILL: The well-known hotpot restaurant Haidilao is reinventing the wheel by now offering buffets and bbq. Abbey and I recently had the chance to try them out. While Haidilao is usually a bit pricey for us, the S$69.90 deal for two was too good to pass up.

At the Clarke Quay spot, our host Samy made us feel like VIPs. She even doubled as our photographer, capturing our day beautifully. Now, onto the food! The meat's quality blew us away; we couldn't resist piling our plates high with lamb and beef. Plus, the service matched the high standards we expect from Haidilao.

Next, we tried the BBQ at the Seletar branch. It was the first time Haidilao offered BBQ at selected branches, and we were eager to try it. The Duo Grill Set was a real treat. The staff did all the work, grilling, cutting, and serving the meat, leaving us free to enjoy every bite. The meat's marbling was superb, and the side dishes were delicious.

Overall, our experience at Haidilao was fantastic. The quality of the food and the service at both locations exceeded our expectations. It's easy to see why Haidilao has such loyal fans. We'll definitely be back for more hotpot goodness!

***

Haidilao Singapore

(W) https://www.haidilao-inc.com/sg

Where to Stay in Singapore - Recommended and Best Singapore Hotels from Luxurious to Budget (Part 2)

Sentosa Island is Singapore's premier island resort destination, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, entertainment, and adventure. Tourists flock to this tropical haven to unwind in luxurious resorts, indulge in exciting activities, and create unforgettable memories amidst breathtaking scenery.

Staying in Balestier provides tourists with a taste of authentic Singaporean life, away from the hustle and bustle of more touristy areas. It's an ideal choice for those who appreciate a neighborhood brimming with character, great food, and a glimpse into Singapore's past. Plus, with its central location, it offers easy access to various attractions and excellent connectivity for an unforgettable stay.

Changi is a district in the eastern part of Singapore that is renowned for its peaceful ambiance and Singapore’s Aviation Hub. Whether you're in transit or exploring this serene part of the city, these accommodations cater to every preference and budget.

Let's explore the top hotels around 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 which features a modern, state-of-the-art facility with a retractable roof and seating for over 55,000 spectators. With its cutting-edge acoustics and impressive infrastructure, it's a favored destination for artists and fans alike. Get ready and enjoy the music and entertainment at the National Stadium! 🎤🎶🏟️

BUGIS. Originally inhabited by the Bugis people, an ethnic group from Sulawesi, Indonesia, the area was once a bustling center for trade and commerce and now transformed into a vibrant shopping and cultural district.. Get ready for a delightful stay in Bugis!

CHECK THIS OUT! 

Accommodation Excellence

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

Bonus Tip: Zalora for OOTD Goals!

Oh, and speaking of dreams, let's talk OOTD (Outfit of the Day) goals. Head over to Zalora for some jaw-dropping fashion finds. Click [here] to explore and snag those Instagram-worthy outfits for your trip. A fashionable adventure awaits!

🇮🇹Italy's Luxury Trains - Review of ItaliaRail and Italo

ABBEY: Our entry to Italy was by train. We onboarded TrenItalia from Bellinzona to Milano Centrale. Then ItaliaRail going to Firenze Santa Maria Novella until the final stop at Poggibonsi-San Gimignano.

We were shocked by the amount of people at Milano Centrale. Maybe because it is the last days before the New Year and everyone is eager to go home and be with their families. The ride is the usual; food is included in the ticket. The seats are comfortable and almost clean. There is no lounge for ItaliaRail as well as TrenItalia unlike with Italo when we went from Firenze S.M. to Roma Tibirtuna. 

We were given drinks as well as pastries on the lounge and got good seats while waiting for our train. The locomotive didn’t disappoint. The first class has large space for our luggages, is almost quiet and organized. We enjoyed our coffee, warm pastry and munchies.

Italy's Luxury Trains - Review of ItaliaRail and Italo

WILL: In our 20 years of travel experience, comfort has always been a priority, balancing it with the cost to fit within our budget. Today, as we wrap up our Italy trip, let's dive into Italy's Luxury Class train travel.

EUR47.90 / pax — From Milan to Florence we booked through ItaliaRail Business Quiet. I do not want to rant but can’t let this pass:

• Purchasing tickets through ItaliaRail led us to an unexpected twist – being assigned to a Trenitalia Train. Foolishly, I assumed there'd be lounges aplenty at major Italian stations. Milan's bustling crowds proved me wrong, highlighting the need for better lounge access planning.
• Despite the "Quiet" label, the Business Coach was anything but tranquil. Chatter about food drowned out any hopes of a nap, and dusty windows obscured the scenery.
• On the bright side, a steaming cup of coffee accompanied by hot bread was a pleasant surprise. Plus, the pristine water closets were a saving grace.

Eur75.90 / pax — From Florence to Roma Tiburtina we booked Italo Club Executive Class. It only tooked us less than an hour riding this Italy’s luxury train. 

• The Florence Italo Club Lounge offered a dedicated space with an attendant serving drinks and sandwiches, unlike other self-service lounges.
• Snagging seats just before the driver's cabin gave us an air of exclusivity. Quiet and spacious, with foldable tables providing ample legroom, it was a journey worth savoring.
• While reveling in comfort, we almost missed the underwhelming snack – more suited for a schoolyard than a luxury train. 

In conclusion, ItaliaRail fell short of our expectations, while Italo exceeded them, making our journey to Rome a pleasant one. Cheers to comfortable travels! On to our next adventure :) 

***

ItaliaRail

(W) https://www.italiarail.com/

Italo

(W) https://www.italotreno.it/en

Boost Iron Absorption with this Tasty Broccoli and Pork Liver Dish

Ingredients:

Broccoli 

Pork liver (thin slices)

Onion (cut into slices for sautéing)

Garlic (minced)

Oyster sauce (optional)

Sauté half of the onion then  half of the garlic.

Next put in the pork liver. Fry for 3-5 minutes. Put in a bowl and set aside.

On same pan, sauté the remaining onion then garlic.

Toss in the broccoli and stir fry for a couple of minutes.

Add back the liver. Add salt and pepper to taste or a couple of oyster sauce.

Serve with rice. 

Boost Iron Absorption with this Tasty Broccoli and Pork Liver Dish

VERDICT

WILL: Broccoli is renowned for its vitamin C punch, while pork liver shines with its iron content. But did you know that vitamin C actually enhances iron absorption? If not, let me introduce you to this recipe that harnesses their combined benefits.

How's the taste, you ask? Well, with broccoli playing a supporting role, the pork liver takes center stage, delivering a rich, savory flavor. The contrasting textures of crunchy broccoli and tender, not overcooked pork liver make for a delightful pairing, especially when served with rice.

So, there you have it—a nutritious meal that won't break the bank. Don't hesitate, get cooking and enjoy the health benefits!