i Light Marina Bay Singapore 2017 + GastroBeats + Carnival

ABBEY: I'm excited to see what iLight 2017 has to offer so we headed to Marina Bay and check it. We were able to see the following light installations:

Ocean Pavilion - made up of repurposed water bottles with LED lights.

Home - house frame traced by lights.

Light Network - abstract flow of light that resembles a network.

Moonflower - artificial flowers being lit up by solar cells in its center.

Northern Lights - strings of LED light in tubes that mimics the Aurora Borealis

The festival also offers gastronomical treats for the guests. At Gastrobeats, enjoy and indulge in delicious foods while being entertained by live performances. I got Street Food Circus' fish and chips with butterscotch beer sauce. The queue for this is so long. I hope they can improve their service to cater more customers and deliver their food items faster. To the owner of Street Food Circus: It doesn't make sense to let the staff wear a tube top and lifting it up every a couple of seconds. It is a waste of time instead of serving the orders.

WILL: First of all, if you want to enjoy, read and learn all the displays in ILight, do not go on Saturdays. Reality strikes when we reached the Marina Bay and there is a lot of people already roaming around waiting for the displays to lit up! 

It is hard to take photos or videos that will not capture any face. Haha! 

The iLight now is more creative than before and more interactive. This event was enjoyed not only by young but also the adults. 

If your tummy is grumbling, do not expect a short queue at GastroBeats which ate up all our time in. We queued for more than 30minutes to give our orders and more than 45 minutes to our food at Street Food Circus. I got a fast Burrito, but the taste is bleh! Haha! No wonder there is no people in line at the cashier. 

After we waited and ate, I am so sorry that I felt exhaustion and decided not to pursue the other iLight displays. 

Learned the lesson. No weekends! Mental note on that!

***

i Light Marina Bay Singapore 2017

(W) https://www.ilightmarinabay.sg

Make the Future Singapore 2017 | Shell Singapore

ABBEY: I saw ads of Shell:Make the Future in YouTube and I told Wilma for us to go there. It was held in Changi Exhibition Centre from May 16-19. We registered for the event and we hopped on to the free shuttle bus near Expo MRT station. 

We were given our ids and all throughout the exhibition you can show support to the ideas by scanning your QR code. Maybe the idea that have the most support will be materialized first. Some of the ways to generate or produce energy is through the wind in highways, or through the panels in the road by harnessing kinetic energy, and by help of gravity. 

It is a mind-opening experience. They also have games like car race using salt water-powered toy cars, making your engine fuel-efficient by collecting the right ingredients, and challenging a wind machine. Food and drinks are available in the venue. Eco-marathon (race cars made by universities around the world) competition was also running in parallel with Make the Future event.

WILL: All I want to do now is work and sleep. Yup! I am too lazy to roam around, to play or just go to the mall that is just merely beside our home. If you will see our calendar this past few months, it is so clear and white. Haha. But Abbey invited me to see for ourselves the Shell's - Make The Future Singapore. 

We got two tickets for free (shuttle is for free too) and we headed Saturday late afternoon and to my expectation not so many people are there. 

I am astounded that there are now new innovations/inventions to harness the power from different sources. Sun, wind, gravity, our footsteps, waves and even salt water. 

I am happy that many people are now devoted to lessen our carbon footprint, pollution and the use of oils. 

Abbey and I is looking forward to apply some of those learnings we had that time.

***

Make the Future Singapore 2017 | Shell Singapore

(W) http://www.shell.com.sg/energy-and-innovation/make-the-future-singapore.html

So Easy Rice Omelette Recipe

Ingredients:

Cooked rice

Capsicum (cubed)

Mushroom (sauted and cubed)

Eggs

For the fried rice, you can put whatever you have in mind; be it pork, sausage, chicken, beef slices. You can put as much as you want.

In a pan, stir fry the capsicums, then mix with mushroom then rice. Put salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Beat two eggs. Put a little oil in a non-stick pan and make sure to cover the pan. Stove is at low heat.

Before putting the eggs, wipe the oil until only thin layer is there. Put the eggs. Turn of the stove. The remaining heat will cook the eggs. Mold the rice by using a bowl. Place it on the plate and cover it with the egg and serve. Enjoy.

VERDICT
WILL: Abbey advised me to free-up one slot for our weekly menu. So be it. On his off-day, he surprised me with a rice omelette. 

Gosh! The rice is no ordinary and the egg blends perfectly with it. 

Thanks Abbey for this spiced-up rice omelette!

Edge - Asian and Pacific Restaurant - Pan Pacific Singapore

ABBEY: Another night of farewell for Wilma's colleagues so another dinner was setup. I am a self-proclaimed  "adopted" son of Rejoice so I came as my wife's tag-along. It was in The Egde at Pan-Pacific Hotel. One pax is at 83SGD. 

The ambiance got a homey-feel. 

I indulged in sashimi, sushi, Korean food like bibimbap and spicy rice cake. Their bak kut teh has bitter after taste though. 

What I like the most is their grill station. Pick from pork chops, shrimp, and sausages. Only salt and pepper on the grill but you can put sauce like ketchup, soy and vinegar, and mustard. Don't forget your wooden stick to place your order.  

They also have laksa, baked cray fish and pasta. No chicken tandoor when we dined; sad. 

The staff is fast to clean up the plates, so fast that Wilma's office mate was almost shock when her plate vanished in an instant even she is still eating.  

I got a scoop of salted caramel ice cream on a cone and pieces of chocolate rum for dessert.

WILL: It is not a goodbye for three of our colleagues but wish them luck to their new venture. To celebrate that, Ms Ivy booked a dinner buffet at Pan Pacific Edge. We can get to try and put in a verdict on one of the famous buffet restaurant of Singapore. 

Of course, as usual, we went for sashimi and sushi for appetiser. They ran of dipping saucer. It took a while for them to get some of those. 

They have bbq live station. I asked for Pork Sausage and pork chop. Sausage is ok but the porkchop's meat is totally hard to chew. I surrendered the fight against that pork meat on my 4th try. 

Their bulgogi and chili crab is delicious. Do not forget your fried mantau to partner up with your chili crab! 

I requested The Real Carbonara on their pasta station. It was delivered on our table, excitedly I took a first try and frustratingly swallowed it. Gosh! It is creamy but too salty. I tried their lobster and it was bad. It is not cooked nor half-cooked, it still "raw". 

Papadum is crispy and not too oily. 

They have station there that you can get your complimentary tea and coffee. The tea taste is overly soaked. 

I am sorry for the rants but this is not what I am expecting to the winner of the Best Buffet in Singapore for almost every year. 

I do hope that you will take an account for the comments above. 

***

Edge - Asian and Pacific Restaurant - Pan Pacific Singapore

(A) Pan Pacific Singapore 7 Raffles Boulevard Level 3, Marina Square

(H) Dinner - 6:30pm to 10:30pm

(E) celebrate.sin@panpacific.com

(W) www.edgefoodtheatre.com

(T) 6336 8111

Caffebene Singapore ( A Popular Korean Café)

ABBEY: We visited CaffeBene at VivoCity for light snack. But come to their store, I noticed that they are serving an All Day Dining Menu which consist of pasta, bento, salad, wraps, and toasts. 

I tried their Soy Chicken Bento for $10.90 an order. The chicken comes with a cup of brown rice and broccoli. The vegetable is crisp and not overcooked. The chicken went well with the rice. Not too sweet or salty. But I hope they put more serving on the plate :)

We haven't tried the bingsu as we know we're not able to finish it when we saw the cup.

Caffebene Singapore's Caramel Gagouma Cake 

Caffebene Singapore's Japchae

Our Receipt at Caffebene Singapore

Caffebene Singapore's Soy Chicken Bento

WILL: Abbey and I decided to go to iLight, but the problem is it is too early. So we decided to drop by at VivoCity for some snacks. 

We supposedly going for hamburgers but I remembered that there is a Korean Cafe that we haven't tried. Just in front of FOX kids where Caffebene is located. 

I am astonished with their price but still go though and reasoning that maybe..maybe there is blast of flavour that will happen later. 

I ordered Japchae for $5.90. I am expecting that the serving is small.. but hey!!! Not that too small! The taste is bland. It seems that there is no pepper, sesame seed oil or even a salt was added. Gosh! All I can do is shake my head in disappointment. Luckily, the Caramel Goguma saved my day. 

No second chance for this.

***

Caffebene Singapore 

(A) 1 HarbourFront Walk #02-15 VivoCity

(E) ask@caffebene.com.sg

(W) http://caffebene.com.sg

Big Fish Small Fish @ Punggol Promenade Riverside Walk

ABBEY: My wife was away from a couple of days so when she returned, I admit that I really missed her. So to make up for lost time, we spent a dinner date at Big Fish, Small Fish (10 Tebing Lane ; Riviera LRT nearest). 

It is a restaurant built in a cargo container. It got alfresco dining and 3-4 tables indoors. Be there early or wait for 30-45 minutes to have your meal ready. That's what happened to us. Don't fret though, you can enjoy the the nature within the Punggol Promenade Riverside Walk and occasional "airshow" of the flying machines from Selatar. 

I got Salmon, one of their mains, for 12.9SGD. I can tell you that its worth the wait. The batter is crispy but the salmon is moist and delicious. It comes with a serving of thinly-sliced potato chips. Dip the chips into salted egg, then you have an Irvin chips-killer :) They also have mayo, chili sauce and cheese. 

Clean as you go for other customers. I hope they can serve faster so they can cater more customers.

Big Fish Small Fish - Menu

Big Fish Small Fish - Salmon and Dory

Big Fish Small Fish's Dip

Big Fish Small Fish

WILL: After my very short visit to my Mom, Abbey missed me so much that he asked me out for a dinner date.. instantly. 

Few bus stops from our home, we went to Punggol Promenade Riverside Park to checkout the "container" restaurants. The name of the diner is Big Fish, Small Fish. 

I ordered fried dory which comes with a freshly cut potato chips. We waited for almost an hour and my belly starts crumbling. Yup! It is 45minute wait. 

Is it a hype? For me, it is not a hype! The dory taste explicitly delicious with their cheese dip and the potato chips are perfect with their "unlimited" salted egg dip. Delicious! 

Another Abbey's to dine list was ticked off! Totally recommended! We will come back for sure :) 

***

Big Fish Small Fish 

(A) 50 Punggol East, #01-K35

(H) 12noon to 10PM

Javier's Rotisserie & Salad Bar - Suntec City

ABBEY: This is new concept of dining we went into at Javier’s Rotisserie & Salad Bar located at Suntec City Mall (B1-128/129). We were warmly welcomed and assisted by Andrew. Choose one of the main entries and you can have all you want in their salad bar. 

Don't be fooled by the size of their plate. Fill it up and you'll get full. Their salad bar has lettuce, tomatoes, chops of corn on cobs, potato wedges, nachos, mac and cheese and many more. For 2.80SGD you can have free flow of drinks. Please make coffee and sodas be both included in a single payment. 

I got a quarter of a chicken for 12.90SGD. But it seems like half as I had difficulty finishing it due to the side dishes which almost become the main meal :) The place has a touch of almost green/yellow-green and white colors. They also have baked rice, lasagna, roast beef and poached salmon.

Javier's Rotisserie & Salad Bar - Menu 

Javier's Rotisserie & Salad Bar - Complimentary for Fil-E-Plate

Javier's Rotisserie & Salad Bar - Complimentary for Fil-E-Plate

Happy Abbey :)  

Javier's Rotisserie & Salad Bar - Pork Sausages

Javier's Rotisserie & Salad Bar - Complimentary for Fil-E-Plate

Javier's Rotisserie & Salad Bar - Complimentary for Fil-E-Plate

WILL: Abbey went to our office and I am craving for something a food that I do not know! Haha! So we headed to Suntec City Mall. If you are not aware, Suntec is a food haven from basement to its 3rd floor. 

We found out Javier's. A newly open diner located at Fountain of Wealth area. 

We were delighted to know that there will be a free plate of salad (self-service) for every order of roasted chicken/beef, bbq ribs or sausage. Great idea! 

I fell in love to their salad bar which includes baked mac and fried onion rings. Oh! Beets is there to allure my tastebuds! 

This is value for money! Do you know that I went back in this diner the day after? Haha! Friday, I ordered their huge pork sausage and Saturday I went for their ribs. Yum, yum, yum!

Drop by and indulge your cravings on food at Javier's.

***

Javier's Rotisserie & Salad Bar

(A) 3 Temasek Boulevard #B1-128/129 (Fountain of Wealth) Suntec City Mall

(T) 6252 7371

(F) http://www.facebook.com/JaviersRotisserie

Kai Sushi & Robatayaki | Plaza Singapura

ABBEY: We were at Plaza Singapura and wanting to have a late dinner. Then we found Kai Sushi. The place were packed so we sat on the bar across grill. 

I got Tori Seiro in a wooden box. It was delicious: soft, newly cooked rice with teriyaki sauce topped with chicken. You need to finish it fast else the sauce will be absorbed by the wood. 

It came with a miso soup and chawanmushi (egg custard) for 15.80SGD.

Kai Sushi & Robatayaki - Menu

Kai Sushi & Robatayaki -  Menu

Kai Sushi & Robatayaki -  Salmon Maki

Kai Sushi & Robatayaki -  Tori Seiro Set

WILL: Abbey treated me a dinner after we donated blood at Red Cross's Bloodbank at Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station. We paved our way to Plaza Singapura and only Kai Sushi and Robatayaki got our attention. Luckily, there two available seats at the bar and we instantly grabbed that opportunity. 

I am half-full that time because we ate some snacks at Red Cross for us to regain some energy. So I went only for Salmon Maki ($12.80 for 6pcs). 

We waited for more than 10minutes but the time and price is all worth it. From time to time it is good to splurge in this kind of diner. 

Oh! They are offering alcoholic drinks too!

***

Kai Sushi & Robayataki

(A) 69 Orchard Road #04-69 Plaza Singapura

(T) 6336 1480

(W) http://www.kaisushi.sg

Cathay Cineleisure Orchard -- FREE Food Platter for Platinum Movie Suites

ABBEY: We wanted to watch Fifty Shades Darker in comfort :) So Wilma booked tickets for Platinum Movie Suites at Cathay Cineleisure Orchard. Wow. The experience is great. The seat is soft as well as the blanket (more or like a quilt as it is thick). 

And the table is movable so I can still munch on my snack while still leaned back. Yes, snacks are provided. I had the Signature Chicken Platter. But you need to pay extra for the drinks. I hope it will be included in the future offers also.

WILL: Almost all of the establishment is offering a Valentine's Specials and of course couples are ready to splurge on this kind of occasion and that is the reason why some took advantage and hiked-up their price but not Cathay's Platinum Movie Suites.  

On its regular price of $28 they giveaway a free food platter. I ordered Vegetarian Delight which comprised of Samosa, Spring Rolls and Potato Wedges. What I love the most is their samosa. 

Thanks Cathay's Platinum Movie Suites for this good food while we are watching 50 Shades Darker. It made our day, dining in comfort of the la-z-boy seats. :)

***

CATHAY CINEPLEX CINELEISURE ORCHARD - Platinum Movie Suites

(A) Level 4 Cathay Cineleisure Orchard 8 Grange Road

(W) http://www.cathaycineplexes.com.sg

Weekday Menu :

Complimentary Platter 1:

Vegetarian Delight (Samosa, Potato Wedges and Spring Rolls)

Complimentary Platter 2:

Signature Chicken Platter (Mexican Wings, Potato Wedges and Chicken Popcorn)

Complimentary Platter 3:

Asian Delight (Stir Fried Chicken & Basil With Rice)

• Promotion is valid till 31 March 2017.

• One Complimentary Welcome Platter will be provided at Platinum Movie Suites with every purchase of Platinum Movie Suites ticket

Fifty Shades Darker

ABBEY: This is the second installment of 50 Shades series. 

Mr. Grey wants Anastasia back. And he did everything in his power to reach his goal. The moves were suave; giving lavish gifts, buying the company she's working on, dressing her with designer clothes. All is well until his past haunted him. One of his past (submissive) went rouge. But Mr. Grey and rich as he is, it was taken care off. 

The "steamy" scenes were wilder than the first one: from the shower, to the red room and to the childhood bedroom of Christian. But I just can't imagine how the other elevator passengers didn't take notice of what's happening at the back :)

Cathay Cineleisure Orchard Platinum Movie Suites Online Ticket

WILL: I am frustrated with the first batch of 50 Shades Trilogy and I am so confused why I made a decision to watch the second movie. 

Well, I can't blame myself, I am blushing whenever Christian Grey make something to their "un-vanilla" relationship with Ms. Steel. 

If I will compare it with the book, ahmmm 2/10. But if it is a standalone, for "kilig" factor, I will rate it 9/10. 

Will I watch next year the 50 Shades Freed? of course! Hehe!

Colony at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore - Valentine's Day Dinner Special

ABBEY: It is ok to splurge on something fancy from time to time. So I booked a reservation for me and Wilma to attend Colony Valentine's Day Dinner at Ritz-Carlton Millenia. 

It is an international buffet compose of Western, Japanese, Chinese, Indian and local cuisines. Couples were able to strike a pose on the photo booth and created personal love notes for their loved ones.  Each lady received a big bulb of red rose and the pair enjoy a glass of Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Rosé 2006. 

This gave the ordinary buffet a romantic feel. I had sushi and slices of salmon. 

Then I also tasted tomahawk beef (soft and tender), chicken and mutton satay (their mutton satay meat is very soft). For Indian food, I indulged in butter chicken, papaddum, briyani rice and chicken tandoor. 

I also had a plate of red sauce pasta and dumplings. 

The dinner started at 7PM and lasted for 3.5 hours. Prepayment of 108SGD per adult is required. Great food and service. Thanks Ritz-Carlton and Colony.

WILL: Since January, Abbey is agitated where we will celebrate the 14th of Feb. He wants to surprise me, he wants to book a hotel BUT my work leaves won't permit that plan. So, it ended up for us to have a dinner. 

This make him spend, big time! Gosh! I know how much but he always shush me whenever I want to hold this case. He always assures, that it is in his budget. Okay then. What can I do if it is already paid. Yep! In Colony you need to pay upon reservation. 

So, I wonder why they hike up their dinner buffet price. There is a photo booth, a DIY card corner, 2 glass of champagne and a long-stem red rose. 

The food? What hits me most? Their cotton candy (delivered to my table), the laksa, of course their sashimi, shelled crab, and their dessert. Forget the cakes, I indulge on their ----. We asked kept in looking for roasted pork and cannot find it, luckily one of the Colony people gave us a plate of sliced pork that is somewhat near to it. 

This is the only buffet that I didn't take tea. Oh! Thanks for guava and jackfruit. It is lovely to see those, actually it is unusual for buffets. 

Am I coming back? Do not get me wrong, I enjoyed pigging out in Colony but I will not be coming back. Anyways, kudos to all the kind very patient staffs! :)

***

Colony at The Ritz-Carlton

(A) 7 Raffles Avenue, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, 039799

(T) 6434 5288

(W) http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/singapore/dining/colony

Breakfast - $45.00++

Lunch - $58.00++

Dinner - (Fri-Sat) $92.00++ / (Sun-Thurs) $78.00++

Spuds & Aprons (The Garden) - Faber Peak Singapore

ABBEY: We went for our pre-Hearts' day date here at Spuds and Aprons (Faber Peak). It was a lunch date. I was craving for laksa and good thing the menu is composed of local dishes. My eyes gleamed at the site of laksa though it is the dry-type, it is full of flavor; the spiciness and creaminess of coconut milk. 

Then I indulged in bite-sized samosas and spring rolls. I also had a couple plates of Hainanese chicken rice; each with different sauce like chili, soy sauce and ginger. 

They also have prawns, vegetables and steamed fish (the texture is almost like a pulp). The ambiance is great. It is on a high place with trees and good view of Sentosa and Harbourfront. 

Don't forget to sound the Bell of Happiness. Lunch buffet is from noon to 2:30PM.

Spuds & Aprons' Menu is inside of this video. 

WILL: So it is "Love" Month and everybody is going crazy what to do or what to give to their love ones. I am planning 2 dates for me and Abbey and Spuds and Apron is one of them. 

This nicely located restaurant is on the top of Mt. Faber. You can reach this by either using cable car, taxi (around $6 from VivoCity) or by foot (1.5 hours depend on your phase). 

It is a buffet lunch and I got it for a promotion of $14.00 each which includes a free entrance to Sentosa via Sentosa Express (usual is $29.90). 

They serves Local Singaporean Cuisine and I am looking forward for this since I booked it from 90 Days of Fun At Sentosa platform. 

There are only few choices but $14 is all worth it. There is shrimp which everybody (yes! Everybody except Abbey) is splurging of. I keep on coming back for the fish which is perfect for rice. Ohhh! I got their hot mung bean dessert! 

The view is perfectly romantic and no doubt this is one of the best rented place for weddings and other special events. 

Spuds and Apron..you rock! Thanks for accommodating our date without breaking my budget! Haha!

***

Spuds & Aprons - Faber Peak Singapore

(A) 109 Mount Faber Rd, Singapore 099203

(T) 6377 9688

(H) 11AM–11PM

(W) https://www.faberpeaksingapore.com/eat-drink-shop/spuds-and-aprons

Prices	Adult	Child
Buffet Lunch only	$29.00	$24.00
Buffet Lunch & Singapore Cable Car Sky Pass Bundle (Ride on Mount Faber Line & Sentosa Line)	$47.00 (U.P. $62)	$38.00 (U.P. $46)
Buffet Lunch & Mount Faber Line Bundle (Ride on Mount Faber Line only)	$44.00 (U.P. $58)	$35.00 (U.P. $42)

Milk & Honey: Artisan Yogurt & Dessert Bar (City Square Mall)

ABBEY: Wilma really likes frozen yogurt. But our regular go-to stores for it were closed in the celebration of Chinese New Year holiday. When she told me that we will be having dinner at City Square Mall, I immediately checked if there are shops serving frozen yogurt. 

Lo and behold, it is located at the second storey (02-K14) of the mall and its name is Milk and Honey - Artisan Yogurt and Dessert Bar. I got her Cara-bana (6.80SGD for Moyen size). Toppings were the same as with other shops but yogurt is creamier and smoother. And that is a plus for me.

WILL: Not all malls are offering Llaollao and not all day everyday they are open. And I am delighted to know that my husband researched about City Square Mall and where I can get a fix frozen yogurt and his caffeine. 

We dined at Milk and Honey. Their location is few steps away from Decathlon and nice spot for sightseeing the other mall goers. 

One spoon and my eyes went bigger. Milk and Honey's frozen yogurt is more creamier than my usual doze, BUT, their sauces and toppings are not that nice as the leading brand. 

Anyway this is still a good alternative but still an expense. Whew! I am getting out of Abbey's budget because of this. Haha! 

***

Milk & Honey: Artisan Yogurt & Dessert Bar

(A) 180 Kitchener Road #02-K14, City Square Mall

(T) 11am-10pm