Plate @ Carlton City Hotel - Dinner Buffet

ABBEY: My younger brother and his family paid us a visit at the start of 2016. So we planned to have a buffet dinner. We went to The Plate at Carlton City Hotel (Tanjong Pagar); which offers seafood and international buffet. We were an hour early and they are still setting up. When they opened, we were ushered to our table. The staff really took care of our needs as we have a little cute baby in our group. 

We hurriedly went to the buffet table and pick up our first rounder. Mine was sushi and sashimi. After saying grace, we indulged ourselves to every bite. Next I got roast beef; the part with oozing fats :) It was delicious. Then I went for baked salmon with yogurt and cucumber sauce along with that I also had baked potatoes. For dessert I made my own ice kachang. Only ice and syrup. Haha. No beans. Then I also tried their chocolate ice cream. It is creamy and not that much sweet.

We got the deal from Deal.com.sg for only $40.00.

WILL: As a matter of fact, buffets can either make you spend or make you save money.  In our course, we always make it to the point that we will surely be on "save money" side. 

As usual, we treat our Singapore tourist with a buffet dinner and I am glad that deal.com.sg offers a mouthwatering list of buffer options. Abbey and I chose the Friday Dinner Night pf The Plate at the Carlton City. 

What to expect for $40 nett (voucher price)? Seafood! Arrays of Singaporean menu, bak kut teh, live station of laksa and pastas, and ice kachang. Their mini cakes, roasted beef and ice creams. That value includes refreshments like soda, juices, tea, and coffee. Do not forget to indulge on their ice creams. 

The place is full-packed that day and all people seems enjoyed their food. Kuddos to the lovely staffs that relentlessly clearing our table and keeping our little one feel like home. :) 

***

Plate (Level 3)

CARLTON CITY HOTEL SINGAPORE

1 Gopeng Street, Singapore 078862

T:+65 6632 892  Email:f&b@carltoncity.sg

The Giant Grand Ferrero - Casa Ferrero, Wisma Atria Singapore

ABBEY: I have no idea what to give my wife for Christmas. But when I saw how excited she is when she saw the Ferrerro Rocherone, I knew that I should get that. So the next day, I waited for the shop to open and place my reservation. I got three. Yes. Wilma only expected to have one. One Rocherone is a little bit shy to 25SGD.

Upon arriving at home, I gave the first ball. She was ecstatic and suprised. Then she went to the kitchen and I placed the second one on the dining table. I asked her to open it immediately. She went back to our room to get her phone. And realisation came to her. The giant chocolate treat is more than one. At the same time, I heard her shout "Why is there so many? Stay where you are." The surprise became a threat. When she found me, I gave her the third. There's nothing she can do but to accept my gifts and be happy with it.

I was more happy because I'm seeing my wife happy.

The taste is delicious. The chocolate is smooth and the nuts complement it well.

We can't finish in one sitting. By the way they have the junior version of this for less than 20SGD.

WILL: Huge! Big! Grand Ferrero!

Ferrero really knew how to revolutionize their product. Can you imagine what would Ferrero Rocher can do its chocolates? Ferrero brought the Casa Cafe here in Singapore for their holiday treat to us. You can buy exclusively in there their very cute and awesome Grand Ferrero. 

Abbey surprised me a three big ball of chocolate Ferrero. My eyes opened wide and my voice squeaked with delight! 

The taste? Same! Nothing changed, just the appearance! But this is really a grand and pleasant thing for a gift! 

Hey Ferrero! I hope more and more new packaging/product  you will introduce to the world. :) 

Ben's Cookies Singapore - Baking with CHUNKS not Chips

ABBEY: At last we got to buy half a dozen of Ben's Cookies. Not that it is too expensive but the shop is always out of our way. We visited their branch at Wisma Atria.

The look of the cookie is like a novice chef baked it; mix the ingredient until the dough is formed then put some chocolate chunks. Press it down and put to oven. But the taste is delicious and rich. The cookie is soft and the chocolate chunks complemented it well. 

Recommended to partner with coffee or tea or just it on its own.

A 5-cookie pack plus 2 costs 14.75SGD.

WILL: Husband knew that I am a real-life cookie monster. Well, after about 6 months of delaying gratification I have decided to pushed (yah.. pushed, haha.. because it is not our normal to go to Orchard area) Abbey that I want him to buy me some of Ben's Cookie.

Every bite is a piece of heaven for me. Not that sweet but chewy and soft. This make it to my love to eat list..obviously. I like all the flavours, but white chocolate chunk standout. 

Try it. It will definitely solve your sugar cravings. 

***

Ben's Cookies Singapore

435 Orchard Road, Wisma Atria, #B1-50

T: 6235 5340

https://www.benscookies.com/

52 Week Money Saving Challenge - 2015 (Singapore Dollar Version)

ABBEY: Before the year 2015 came, we already finalized our plan to take the 52-week challenge. It is to save specific amount of money each week. But first goal must be set first. The money we'll collect is to fund our California and Disneyland trip. We only need small budget as we will stay with our relatives.

The US escapade was halted due to some unexpected hurdles along the way but that didn't deter us to complete the challenge. We started with 1SGD and increments of 2 dollars after. We want it to be fun so when we're drafting the plan, we went back to 1SGD at the half of the year. This made that the highest contribution per week is a little more than 50SGD. More than that, then it'll be a burden for us. We want to enjoy it as time goes.

Sometimes, if I gave 10SGD for 5SGD collection, nothing comes back. My wife is telling that "our" bank doesn't give change :) We also put money we got from Chinese New Year packets or changes in our pockets.

We won the challenge and it was a great feeling of accomplishment. The fund will be used for our rental apartment investment. By the way, we got 53 weeks in 2015 :)

WILL: We make to a point that we enjoy every goal we are focusing at. This is one of those. Haha!

Blogged about saving money, that is started at $1 (saw and experienced the cons) then we went up to $2 (loves the result) and now we are posting our experience in the 52-week money challenge.

We went for odd numbers, $1 - $53 and once we hit 26th week we restart to $1. Why start again at $1? Well $55 and so on is not fun anymore. It feels to be more obligation. And our goal is just to surpass our past savings (inflation applies in savings too haha) and to reach an amount that can suffice an airfare from Chicago to California. But because Abbey cannot have a leave that is more than 2 weeks, decided to divert the 52-week challenge funds to another project. 

We enjoyed this 52-week challenge and we got our savings for fun-funds doubled the amount. We are proud to announced that we are one of the finishers. We will definitely do this again.

***

If you want a template for 52 Week Challenge kindly email us at

abbeyswil@gmail.com
Do not procrastinate to start the habit of saving, the template is free!!!

Pie Face Singapore @ 313@Somerset - Café · Bakery

ABBEY: I didn't got the chance to bite into their pie, the first time we went here. I just had coffee as we came just after dinner. Good thing that I'm not...

My experience just got better. Second time, I ordered their Pie-fect meal; a drink with The Stack combo (Spicy chicken pie) for 7SGD. The Stack is compose of the pie at the bottom, then mash potato, then peas, then gravy. It was so delicious. The mash and peas were smooth and really went well with the gravy. I keep on catching for breath as the pie filling is spicy :)

WILL: After a remittance made at iRemit at Lucky Plaza, we walked our way to 313 Somerset basement 2 to indulge at Pie Face. 

Yep! I do love pies and I quite happy that Pie Face always have a promotion. Since my tummy is still under rehabilitation (haha), I ordered for a non-spicy variant... the chicken + mushroom. I love the idea of The Stack. A mashed potato and peas and splashed the pie with their gravy. The flavour is bursting inside my mouth. Total happiness! It made me full. A total meal. 

They also have take-outs! Instead of going to a fad coffeeshops this place is quite good to have some talks and catching-up with friends. You will surely enjoy the ambiance and the food and your pocket will not cry because they charge a set of meal that starts at $5. :)

***
Pie Face Singapore
(A)313 Orchard Road, #B3-10 313@Somerset
23 Serangoon Central, #B2-49A NEX
(T) 9622 5662
(W)http://pieface.com.sg/

(FB) https://www.facebook.com/piefacesg/

Teddy&Me Cafe Singapore @ Marina Square Shopping Mall

ABBEY: We planned twice to visit Teddy&Me Cafe  but both of them failed. No time as our guests' schedules were tight. But on Christmas Eve, we set foot on their branch at Marina Square. 

We got carbonara with a cup of your of coffee and chicken pot pie. It all costs $30.90. I liked the pasta; it is creamy and the taste reminds me of the noodles we used to eat back in Philippines. The pie crust is crunchy and the filling is delicious. We also watched episodes of Mr. Bean. They still made me laugh even though I saw it multiple times. 

They also serve desserts like sundaes, ice cream, waffles, and crepes.

WILL: Another cafe that holds the flagship of a famous tv series. I am thinking that this will be a lame idea for us to splurge and get the same taste like the other western restaurant offers. But who am I to reject this idea. Abbey requested for it. 

I love pies so I went for Chicken Pie and husband for Carbonara. As usual we always chitchat on many ideas that needs actions. Pasta landed in his mouth, and blurted out "Mmmm. Taste this!" I obliged and it instantly reminds me Lucky Me Pancit Canton of the Philippines. Bite after bite my mind is chasing where that flavour came from? What they have done to the white sauce to be tasted like that. The pie is just the same as others. 

Well, let's go back to their carbonara  That white sauce pasta will be the reason that I will be coming back to Teddy&Me Cafe.

***

Teddy&Me Cafe 

Plaza Singapura #05-20

Marina Square #02-207A

Teddy&Me Playground

Changi Airport Terminal 3 B2

https://www.facebook.com/TeddyandMeCafeSingapore

enquiry@mrbeancafe.com.sg

The Burger Bar @ Marina Square Shopping Mall (by Fatboy's Concept)

ABBEY: This is where we had our Christmas dinner. We visited their branch at Marina Link. I got this huge burger Double Bacon Double Cheeseburger with fries and drink for 17.50SGD. It was delicious. 

The bacon-meat patty is a great combo. My jaw got tired of chewing. It took me time to finish the whole meal. It is amazing how to put your order. Go to one of the tablets, choose from their variety of options, go to the cashier and pay. 

They will give you your electronic "coaster" and wait for it to light. Voila, your meal is ready.

WILL: Everybody are feasting on wide selection of food that time, Abbey and I is at the Burger Bar at Marina Square to feast on their delectable burgers. 

I went for Swiss Shroom Combo ($15.00). Oh darling! It is humongous. Does it met our qualities to a burger? Yes! A thick and juicy and milky tasted patty. The price is just the same as other fastfood chain. Another addition to out list. I want to commend their ordering pattern. Pretty systematic. 

If you around the Marina Bay area, just drop by in here. 

***

The Burger Bar Marina Square

6 Raffles Boulevard #B1-03 Marina Link

6635 6660

http://fatboys.sg/

https://www.facebook.com/theburgerbarms/

Marina Mandarin | 5 Star Hotel Singapore Marina Bay - Christmas Eve Staycation (2015)

ABBEY: Got reservation at Marina Mandarin on the eve until Christmas day. We understand that it will be a busy day at the hotel and services will somehow will be delayed. But the hotel management also must need to consider that if it is a holiday then more people is needed to support the workforce. Sadly, we got the room keys by 4PM. We were there since 2PM.

We got a deluxe room at 14th storey with a view of Marina Bay. Ths room and spacious, the pillows are soft and we got a bathtub :)

After spending few hours watching reruns we went down to grab some bite to eat.

Coming back to the hotel, we had a chance to see live performance at the lobby. Christmas spirit can be filled thru the songs. We also took a look at their gym. It was clean and I even tried some of their machines.

Night has passed and I'm looking forward for the breakfast. It was a buffet. It was included in the roomrate we had. They have Japanese, Indian, Western and local cuisines. I indulged myself with salmon teriyaki and sashimi, sushi. Pair it with vegan fried rice and it is a combo. I also have some sausages, ham and eggs. The egg station offers omelette, fully cooked sunny side up and the one with "runny and gooey" yolks :) The bacon is not that good as it is not crispy.

We dipped few minutes on their pool, fixed our things and then we headed for checkout.

WILL: Without having a second thought, I clicked the link when I saw the advertisement of Meritus Group for their holiday season. It will be a our first time to experience celebrating the festivity out of own home. That was August. 

Fast-forward December 24th, we have reached the hotel around 2pm. Well, the queue is not that long but we wasted so much time in waiting for our keycard to be handed over. They informed all of their guests that the rooms were not yet ready. The check-out time is 12pm and check-in is 2. I can only see that they maybe lack of people to clean the room. And you know what time when we got to our place? It is around 5pm. 

It gets me frustrated, of course, but I chose not to go to that mood because I do not want to ruin our staycation. 

As requested (came with a fee) we have a room with a view of Marina Bay Sands. The room is pretty huge, the bed and beddings feels and smells clean same as the bathroom. I commend their bath foam, one small tube is enough to bubble up the whole tub. When we go to the terrace, the floor tiles are still wet maybe because of the rain that noon time. 

After the dinner at Burger Bar, we roamed around to check out their pool and their gym. The gym is quite impressive. They have those complicated apparatuses inside. After walking and walking we sat and watched a mini concert  that was held in the lobby. The happiness is really in the air. 

Their breakfast buffet at AquaMarine is love! A quite of variety to indulge to. The pool! And the falls! Instant hydrotherapy haha! 

I noticed that their hallways are not properly lit even in the early mornings, the reason we do not get a good shots on that. 

Thanks for a wonderful experience Meritus Group - Marina Mandarin Hotel. :)

***
Marina Mandarin Singapore by Meritus
6 Raffles Boulevard
Marina Square, Singapore 039594

Tel: (65)­ 6845 1000
Fax: (65)­ 6845 1001

Reservations: resvn.marina@meritushotels.com
General Enquiries: marina@meritushotels.com

https://www.facebook.com/marinamandarinsg

Broccoli, Carrots & Tofu w/ Oyster Sauce Recipe

Ingredients: 

Tokwa (1-inch in length and fried)

Brocolli (separated into florets)

Carrots (1 1/2-inch strips)

Oyster sauce

Black pepper

Garlic

Onion

Saute onion then garlic. Then put in carrots, brcocolli and tokwa. Don't overcook the vegetables. Put in the oyster sauce and water for your desired sauce thickness. Let the tokwa sip some of the sauce and then serve.

Thanks to Terence for the recipe. We modified yours a little bit.

VERDICT

WILL: Architect Terence proudly upload a photo of his food that time and I tagged Abbey to cook it for us. 

Well, it is nice! I can eat that for a week. This is a healthy viand to take. Thanks Terrence for sharing your wife's masterpiece.

Wang Jia Shan Jiao Bak Kut Teh

ABBEY: This bak kut teh shop has been in Suntec (Suntec City Mall B1-126-127) for many months now. Only when we were looking for a place to dine before going to The Future of Us exhibit got a time to taste their item. All the while I thought they are only serving coffee and tea as they took the place of Toast Box :)

For 10SGD, you have a bak kut teh soup, serving of youtiao, and a bowl of rice and a glass of barley. The soup is peppery and hot. I was sweating while eating it. Have a sip in the iced drink and your good.

WILL: Is there a day that you are longing to sip a nice soup? That was what I am experiencing those past few days and that when I saw of  Wang Jia Shan Jiao Bak Kut Teh  promotion of $10.00 dinner set. 

Abbey and I happily approached the counter, ordered and took our food. Every sip is a piece of heaven. I like their Ba Kut Teh soup and the meat is so tender. 

We finished it all and merrily went to our next destination. Hey! Bak Kut Teh should not break a bank. Try it!

***

Wang Jia Shan Jiao Bak Kut Teh 皇家山脚肉骨茶 

(A) Suntec City Tower 5 #B1 126/127

(T) 9760 7722

(H) 9:30 am – 9:30 pm

Universal Studios Singapore® - Santa's All-Star Christmas 2015

ABBEY: I've been to Universal Studios Singapore many times and I act as a tour guide to our visitors. This time my highschool bestfriend paid a visit. The theme park "theme" is of course Christmas as the holiday is fast approaching. We were given candy canes at the entrance. We first rode the Madagascar : A Crate Adventure. Next is the 4D movie of Shrek in Far Far Away. After that was the new ride Puss in Boots' Giant Journey. I started to get dizzy. Haha.

We also got a chance to watch a dance showdown by Rockafellaz; Pinoy's very own Streetboys. We had pizza and pasta for lunch. Good thing that it was saved by Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase.

We got a chance to see and feel how it is like to be in a sound studio in Lights, Camera, Action.

By the time we rode Transformers The Ride, my head is really spinning. It rained hard but still Wilma and Jennnee queued up for Cyclon of Battlestar Gallactica. Me? Just waiting for them to finish.

No one ride The Mummy indoor roller coaster. No one wants to experience the unknown.

We also got a snap with Marilyn Monroe. As the rain pour hard, we rested in Jurassic Park's Discovery Centre while sipping coffee and munching chicken lollipops. The Waterworld show was cancelled due to the weather.

The last ride we had is the Canopy Flyer. Our guest was happy and got a great time.

WILL: This is my first time to go to Universal Studios Singapore during festive season. Why? Because I am avoiding a jam-packed themed park, because I hate long queues for the rides and for the toilets, because it is very hard to take a seat for some snacks, and ultimately.. because I will not enjoy the rest of the day. But, when we were there, there is no queue at all, but of course except the leading rides. Haha. 

I am praying not to rain but it did. It is Sunday but the sun fails to showed up! Argh! But still the fun never stops. Umbrella is on! Haha. 

I enjoyed their Sesame Street Saves Christmas Show, as if I came back to my childhood! Haha. As the rain is pouring, we sat and ate at Loui's NY Pizza Parlor. Luckily when we went out from the diner, drizzles greeted us. Oh, I am so excited for this.. Battlestar Galactica Cyclone version. Wohoooo! I only got to try the human version because the cyclone is always under repair when we visited the park. So what I can say? Cyclone version is indeed the best! Literally a hair-raiser, haha! I want to go for one more ride but Jennee refused my suggestion. Hmp!  

Next stop is the Transformers. Because I am with engineers, after the ride, they are explaining how it was made. Still raining, so we go to witness my one of favorite, Lights..Camera..Action. The. We go for kiddie ride Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase. Speaking rides for kids, we also got to try the new Puss in Boots Giant Journey and Abbey and Jennee cursed me when I asked them to seat behind the Canopy Flyer at The Lost World. 

We ate our snack at Discovery Food Court with my favourite corndog. Haha! We ended our USS tour with Donkey Show. We are definitely entertained. 

I hope our visitor enjoyed as we do. :) haha! Thanks rain and cloud another first time. First time visiting USS with no sunburn. 

Singapore's Holiday Trees 2015

ABBEY: Christmas is a happy season. As the song goes, "It is the most wonderful time of the year". The holiday spirit is full of love, happiness, sharing and giving. Singapore malls and hotels showcase their giant and unique holiday trees. 

One is made of macaroons, while the other full of lights. Orchard road is where you can feel much of the holidays. Lights, songs, people in costumes and specially the wonderful Christmas trees. 

This year a couple of those caught fire. Still the festive mood goes on. Hoping to see more design in the coming years.

WILL: You will definitely feel the holiday and festive season once you see the gigantic Christmas Trees all over Singapore. From North to South, East to West, every mall and establishments have their own to express their feelings. 

Very creative minds were behind this magnificent trees. Next year? Hmmm... I am thinking who will win the award for Orchard Road Business Association's (ORBA) Best Dressed Building Contest for next year.

International Buffet Dinner at Window on the Park‎ (Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre)

ABBEY: Festive season is here. And cheat days as well. Nyahahaha. At last my bestfriend spare us some of her time. We had dinner at Window on the Park at Holiday Inn. 

The buffet has few choices but the food is delicious and fresh. I got a couple of plates of sashimi and sushi. I also had slices of roast beef and chicken, ham with their fried rice. It was aromatic and appetizing. Can't have even a piece of the chicken as it was mixed with shrimp paste (calling allergies). 

It was a good time catching up.

WILL: Abbey and I are proud of the restaurants here in Singapore. They are very competitive and only serve the freshest and finest. That is why, if time conforms to our foreign visitors' schedule, we never failed to let them experience a sumptuous buffet. 

For Abbey's bestfriend, Jenneelyn Flores, we went for Holiday Inn Orchard's Window on the Park Dinner Buffet via Groupon $40.00. 

Laksa, fresh oysters, sushi, ice cream, array of desserts, beef, and ham (because it is a festive season). What do I love? On all of the food that is in there? The shrimp paste fried chicken..perfect on their fried rice. The sashimi, the fatty part of fresh salmon is awesome. All you can drink tea and coffee is available. I tried their live pasta station too, their white sauce is too milky and not so creamy. 

You can see the chefs, roaming around checking on the food they are serving. You can approach them and they are friendly. ;)

Arnold's Fried Chicken - City Plaza Singapore Branch

ABBEY: I read a lot regarding Arnold's Fried Chicken and most of them says that it taste great. So when we got a date with our "Singapore parents", we planned to try to dine their first branch at City Plaza (#02-99). 

Long queue greeted us but you can place your order while waiting. We got 2-piece chicken meal with fries coleslaw and drink. A couple of minutes later then we were led to our table and a few moments and our meal came.

The chicken was freshly cooked. It was crunchy and juicy. This was the closest to Pinoy's Jollibee Chicken Joy. It was good that to know I can have an alternative. The chicken was really good that we had take-aways. I hope they can serve rice on their menu.

WILL: One of Abbey's Diners List is Arnold's. Arnold's Chicken is the oldest and most famous chicken here in Singapore. In saying that, we invited our own "oldies" to splurge on this restaurant. Haha. 

When we arrived at City Plaza (nearest MRT is Paya Lebar) we were astonished on its queue. We waited for 20minutes before our number was called. They are pretty systematic on their table system. Plus points. :) 

We all ordered 2 pieces chicken with 2 side dishes and I requested a coke float. After we dined, I witnessed myself why it is famous! The chicken is crispy and juicy. Just like our own Jollibee Chicken Joy. 

We will sure be coming back...that is for sure!

The Future of Us (Singapore) Exhibition 2015

ABBEY: As the name of the exhibit implies, The Future of Us showcases the future plans for Singapore. It was located besides Gardens by the Bay. It shows how an individual sees a problem and makes a solution for it. 

Intelligent cars that can drive by themselves, playground for persons with disabilities, future housing designs with vertical gardening are just few examples shown. 

The last dome asks every guest to put their wish for the city state. It just shows that nobody will be left behind when the Little Red Dot progress beyond.

WILL: So what's with Singapore after celebrating the big SG50? It is inlaid in this dome. 

From here, people saw what will the futuristic Singapore will be look like. What will be the steps to achieve those and how easy the life will be if that will happen. This Future of Us Dome mindsets the residents that those brilliant ideas are the plans of government for the Little Red Dot. 

I am so excited to see the future. I am fan of vertical gardening. Woooohoooo!! Majulah Singapura!