Category: Newly Opened

Eyescream And Friends: Shaved Ice GELATO That’s Super Cute, All Natural, And More!

When you’re sizzling in the Land of a Thousand Suns, you can’t help but crave for something cold… some shaved ice perhaps? Or, gelato would really hit the spot too. It sure is a tough decision when both seem equally yummy… Well guess what, now you can have both! That’s a food fantasy come true, as Eyescream and Friends has hit Singapore’s shores.

The mastermind of this refreshingly ingenious concoction, Mr Joad Lopez, took inspiration from shaved ice he ate at a Taiwanese night market.

Back in Barcelona where gelato was aplenty, he decided to matchmake the two. And that, was how Eyescream and Friends was born.

Eyescream And Friends – Compass One

As its name suggests, Eyescream and Friends represents the 7 basic flavours – a quirky medley of characters with distinct personalities and names to boot.

Woah, too many toppings, too little time! What a torture to have to choose, can’t we have all of them?

Here are some of the toppings – caramelized cookies, gummy bears, banana nut crunch, forest berries sauce, white chocolate sauce, and marshmallows.

Eyescream and Friends has just released its kiwi, watermelon and rockmelon toppings as well as a lovely salted caramel sauce.

As of now, there are 8 different flavours and a whopping 15 different toppings to please your palate as you mix-and-match.

This guarantees that you’ll experience the dessert in novel ways each time, as you play with endless new flavour combinations.

Oreo Yoghurt Flavour Complete Pack ($6.90)

The Complete Pack ($6.90) which we got, comes with a cup of shaved gelato and 2 toppings. The packaging is really cool, as it’s designed to hold a cup of gelato and 2 fun-size cups of toppings, so that you can stroll around the mall while you eat!

The tray even has a spot at the side to clip a piece of tissue or two. This way, your hands are free to tackle your yummy target.

The Oreo flavour was strong but not overpowering, and accurately encapsulated the taste of the crisp tidbit. No hint of stale biscuit there, we are talking Oreos fresh out of the packet.

We were surprised by how the shaved gelato managed to be creamy, yet not cloying. The icy texture of the gelato, which was smooth and slushy-like, prevented the Oreo flavour from coming across as too dense.

Add to that the tartness of the yoghurt flavour, which shook up the whole treat. Who would have thought that Oreo and yoghurt go this well together?

Wild Berry Complete Pack ($6.90)

If you could capture the joys of childhood in one flavour, this would be it. The wild berry shaved gelato tasted really fun and mischievous, like a mix of grape-flavoured Hi-Chew, Kyoto grape, and strawberry bubble gum.

The fact that it had just the right kick of sourness lent it a really refreshing touch, without going overboard.

It’s the perfect pick-me-up in the mornings, an invigorating treat in hot afternoons, and a perfectly spunky dessert to round off the night.

Chocolate shaved gelato ($4.90, without toppings)

Despite being a really common flavour, this chocolate shaved gelato is curiously different from the norm. It comes with a touch of je ne sais quoi that is hard to place.

While tasting similar to a hazel-nutty Ferrero Rocher, it has the added depth of the dark concentrated cocoa powder gathered at the bottom of a hot chocolate drink.

Cheesecake shaved gelato ($4.90, without toppings)

This was virtually a cheesecake blended into a slushy. However, with the pronounced taste of natural yoghurt, it’s a lighter, more refreshing version of your regular cheesecake.

For an interesting and yummy combination, try the  cheesecake-flavoured shaved gelato topped with forest berries sauce or strawberry sauce. We did just that, and couldn’t have been more pleased with the results!

The creaminess of the cheesecake flavour complemented the fruity tartness of the berry sauce, which was tangy and ripe with flavour.

How Eyescream’s Shaved Gelato is Made

We managed to capture how these little, tasty wide-eyed creatures are created!

First, a cylindrical block of ice maintained at an optimum temperature (for the right balance between creamy and icy), is loaded into an ice-shaving machine.

This contraption, which is flown in from Barcelona, then carves delicate layers of shaved gelato into a bowl.

Gelato shakes and lollipops

Apart from shaved gelato, Eyescream and Friends truly lives up to its philosophy of creating smiles, by offering gelato shakes ($5.90) as well as handmade lollipops ($4.90).

Among the lollipops, mango and apple are the most popular flavours. They’re all extremely fresh, as Eyescream and Friends flies them in from Barcelona regularly.

BAKE Cheese Tart Continues Singapore Invasion At Its Second Outlet In Westgate Mall!

Cheese. Us Singaporeans love it, give to us on fries, melted from a wheel and even in a tart! Cheese baked tarts have become a Singaporean favourite in the past few months with cheese tarts popping up in bakeries and cafes alike!

One cheese baked tart that has been become especially popular with Singaporeans is the BAKE Cheese Tart. Originating from Kinotoya, a long-established Western confectionery store in Sapporo, Hokkaido BAKE Cheese Tarts is known for its crumbly crust and its warm gooey cheese filling!

Want to know why their tarts are so amazingly good? For one, their cheese tarts use 3 different types of cheeses! And to ensure that every cheese tart is of only the best quality, the cheese tarts are first made in Japan before they get dispatched to the various countries for a final bake!

BAKED Cheese Tart @ Westgate

If you’re a huge BAKE Cheese Tart fan, we’ve got good news for you! BAKE Cheese Tart is opening their second outlet! Located at the basement floor of Westgate, the newest outlet opens today(17 Oct) and is set to see queues similar to the ones at ION Orchard. So if you’re looking to avoid the crowd, we recommend heading down between 10 and 11.30am (you can thank us later!)

So what are you waiting for?! Head on down to BAKE Cheese Tart and indulge in their amazing cheesy goodness!

BAKE Cheese Tart
Westgate #B2-04
3 Gateway Drive S608532
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm

ION Orchard #B4-33
2 Orchard Turn S238801
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm

Also Read: Singapore’s First Popbar Outlet Serves Up Gelato – On A Stick!

Deepavali: 8 Ways You Didn’t Know You Could Celebrate The Festival Of Lights

Deepavali is here! Lo and behold, this Festival of Lights springs from the simple act of lighting a single oil lamp. A humble gesture that has transcended the ages and the seas, it aptly tells of the triumph of light over darkness and goodness over evil.

As part of the festivities, families light oil lamps and decorate their floors with rangoli, traditional patterns made on the floor using coloured rice or flour.

Sweets such as laddu, and savoury snacks like chakli are exchanged and shared between family and friends, who go all out in their finest garb to drink and make merry.

Hold tight, and hop on our magic carpet ride. We’ll take you through a list of places so fancy and awesome, you’ll be looking forward to Deepavali 2017!

1. Little India’s Deepavali Festival Village

For the ultimate Deepavali experience, head down to Little India! The Festival Village on Campbell Lane and Hastings Road comes to life with a bazaar, which will tantalize your senses in all the best ways.

What’s tasty and neon orange in colour? Yes, it’s a jalebi. A traditional Indian sweet, it’s a coil-like pretzel made of deep-fried wheat batter soaked in sugar syrup.

With a curiously appetising texture, it manages to be both slightly chewy and crunchy at the same time. Really fun to eat!

Temple flowers and flower garlands are sold by the dozen, in numerous stalls frequented by devotees who purchase them as temple offerings.

Hint: You might need to drop by here if you’re heading to Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple (read on for more info).

Here’s to dressing like a Bollywood star, right down to the bling!

At the end of the day, wind down and gaze upon the mad skills of henna artists, offering henna tattoos at $5 a pop.

With lifelike figurines of deities in striking colours and ornate carvings on literally every inch of the temple, it truly is a magnificent sight to behold.

Buzzing with life from the throngs of loyal devotees who visit regularly, this temple is an even greater hub of activity during festivals such as Deepavali.

All are welcome, so feel free to step inside to witness the prayers and processions!

29 Oct, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, 141 Serangoon Rd, 5am-12.30pm, 4pm-9.30pm

4. 48as: Halloween X Deepavali Edition

Is it a Deepavali party, or a Halloween fest?

Shophouse The Social Hostel is celebrating a genius fusion creation – a Deepavali party with Halloween spice thrown in. The best of both worlds indeed.

5. Bollyween Masquerade

All those sinful Deepavali snacks may make your taste buds happy, but your waistline might not be.

If that is cause for lament, or if you’re up for a buzz of activity, we recommend this ZUMBALICIOUS party.

[caption id="attachment_16046" align="alignnone" width="960"] Zumbalicious Facebook[/caption]

Shake and shimmy up a storm with zumba instructor Erich Edralin and Miko Valenzuela. Their zumba sessions are legendary, and you’ll be dancing like a pro in no time. You’re bound to have a great time with your fellow zumba mates with the hype at an all-time-high!

29 Oct, 1pm – 2.15pm. TMP Fitness Club, 55 Newton Road, #05-02 Revenue House. Tickets go for $20, and only 35 slots are available, so hurry! Call 9178 3443 for ticket reservations.

6. SICCI ‘Retro’ Deepavali Nite 2016

Ooh, a grand dinner to wrap up the Deepavali season would really hit the spot.

Join in this party and come decked in your best retro glam à la Audrey Hepburn and Clark Gable.

It’s time to raid your parents’ wardrobes, for the theme of this party is the evergreen era of the 60s, 70s and 80s. In other words, it’s retro with a capital R.

Get ready to be dazzled by top-notch singers, comedians who actually crack you up, and dance groups from both Singapore and India.

Held at Marina Bay Sands (MBS), you’ll enjoy an outstanding gastronomical experience. With a sumptuous spread of fine Mughlai food served by noteworthy MBS culinary experts, we give it two thumbs up!

26 Nov, 6.30pm – late, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue. SICCI members pay $150, non-members pay $165. E-mail [email protected], or call 6508 0140 / 6508 0142 for any enquiries.

7. Deepavali Arts Carnival

Frisk and frolic your way through this arts carnival!

Like no other, it’s a melting pot of diverse artists and art lovers coming together to add a splash of fun to the Festival of Lights.

There’ll be interactive arts installations, art and photo exhibitions, dances, fashion shows, sand art sessions and tons more fun stuff.

15^th October:

• 11am – 12pm: Music
• 12pm – 2pm: Rhythms Aesthetic Society – Spice Art
• 2pm – 3pm: Malaysian Dancers
• 3pm – 4pm: Fashion Show

22^nd October:

• 11am – 12pm: Music
• 12pm – 2pm: Bhaki-Rasamrta: The Rhythmic Waves of the Mellows of Love
• 2pm – 4pm: Malaysian Dancers

NOTE: Both event days feature these staple activities as well – Interactive art for the community, Art Jamming and Sand Art Station

Look forward to mind-boggling abstract art with meanings so obscure, even Da Vinci wouldn’t understand.

Here, it’s fun for all, and all for fun. Come with your friends and family for a great weekend of community art workshops and hands-on activities!

8. Deepavali Craft & Heritage Exhibition: Project Oasis in Little India

Lelong, lelong!

Hailing from India, traditional craftsmen and a parrot astrologer are here to showcase their skills and hawk their unique wares this Deepavali season.

[caption id="attachment_16056" align="alignnone" width="600"]

Also, read A Breath Of Fresh Air: 7 Insanely Unique & Crazy Activities In Singapore!

Hai Di Lao Tips: Essential Hacks That Will Save You Time, Money, And More!

Hai Di Lao? Yes, you heard it. When it comes to this legendary hotpot establishment, tales abound. By now, you must have amassed your own encyclopaedia of “black market” Hai Di Lao tips to take your Hai Di Lao experience to greater heights.

To add to your plethora of knowledge, we have gone undercover and infiltrated the depths of the Hai Di Lao world, right down to unearthing their new outlet in VivoCity!

Today, we are proud to present our findings – Hai Di Lao tips that are 100% legit and guaranteed to work.

Queue-killing hack

To beat the queue, arrive very early… anytime before 5pm is fine. Preferably, call before you head down. Otherwise, you’ll be faced with a horrendous queue that’ll shock the living daylights out of you.

Anytime from 10 pm is good, as the dinner crowd would be gone by then and Hai Di Lao is open till 6 am.

To ensure that your table is ready by 10pm, call in early to take a queue number and let them know that you’ll arrive at 9pm.

If you come with wine or alcohol, Hai Di Lao will even open your bottle and serve it to you and your companions, free of charge!

Now, who’s up for a glass of spirits?

Mini pot hack

If you think germs and bacteria are creepy… or if your idea of fashion is a Hazmat suit, Hai Di Lao’s individual hot pots are perfect for you.

Credits: Credit: be the next Freddy Krueger try Hai Di Lao’s paper crane challenge.

[caption id="attachment_15563" align="aligncenter" width="1532"] Credits: wfenzz[/caption]

For every 30 paper cranes you fold, Hai Di Lao will reward you with a free $6 dish of your choice.

Fret not if you do not know how to fold these cranes, the staff will teach you how!

Health hack

Fats? *shudders* Coagulated fats? *fear intensifies* 

Congratulations, you have just discovered the hidden horror… and we’ll let you know how to overcome it. Not with a crucifix, but with your trusty ol’ ladle!

The longer you boil your soup, the more concentrated it becomes. This causes the soup to become loaded with nitrates, fats and excess protein.

[caption id="attachment_16186" align="aligncenter" width="1824"] Credit: butter believer[/caption]

That white film floating on the surface of your soup isn’t the trail left by the Loch Ness monster.

It’s actually coagulated fats, nitrates and protein, which is no good for you. So, ladles up, and scoop away the white stuff!

Redeemable manicure hack

Who would pass up the opportunity of a free manicure? Not me!

The good news is, Hai Di Lao’s renowned manicure services are redeemable. Should the long queue prevent you from getting your manicure before dining, all is not lost.

[caption id="attachment_16496" align="alignnone" width="640"]

credit: cdn-geo dayre[/caption]

Should you wish to celebrate your grandma’s birthday there, the restaurant also offers a free platter of longevity buns to senior citizens on their special day.

This is in addition to the small gift that Hai Di Lao will present to the birthday guest, and the birthday songs that they will croon in 3 different languages.

[caption id="attachment_16185" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] credit: c3.staticflickr[/caption]

Protect-your-phone hack

A cracked phone screen is the ultimate nightmare for every phone user. This is why Hai Di Lao offers free phone screen protectors to keep your phone screens shiny and spanking new.

[caption id="attachment_16198" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Credit: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #03-09, VivoCity, Singapore 098585
Telephone numbers: +65 6250 7557 (for reservations) +65 6250 7667 (for enquiries)
Opening hours: 10.30am – 6am

Header image credit: where to get Hai Di Lao soup base!

The Only Montreux Jazz Cafe in Asia Has Finally Opened Its Doors In Pan Pacific Orchard

If you’re a Jazz enthusiast and love heading down to Jazz cafes and bars, you’re going to love this new kid on the block. Montreux Jazz Cafe is the newest Jazz cafe-bar-restaurant to open its doors. Named after the famous Montreux Jazz Festival, this 500 seater 7,000 sq ft spot brings amazing live Jazz music and incredible eats together.

Located in Pan Pacific Orchard, this multi-concept restaurant and live-music venue is the first Montreux Jazz Cafe in Asia joining other other outlets in Geneva, London, Paris and Abu Dhabi. Other than having both indoor and outdoor dining, Montreux Jazz Cafe also boasts two live stages!

Montreux Jazz Cafe – Restaurant

estellahoa dash of sax and the city at Montreux Jazz Café last night – the tunes and ambience were exquisite, so if you adore the genre as much as i do, or simply wish to expand your auditory horizons with a swanky drink in hand (your soul will thank you for it i swear!!), drop by and get swingin’. ?

my greatest thanks goes out to @discoversgofficial for this treat, you guys are jazz amazing. ?

So what are you waiting for? If you’re a huge Jazz fan, Montreux Jazz Cafe is the place to be! And even if you’re not a huge Jazz fanatic, the Montreux Jazz Cafe will definitely spice up your weekly dinner plans!

Chai Chee Folks – A Super Good Fish Head Steamboat Place Has Opened Near You!

For fish head steamboat lovers, Whampoa Keng is a familiar name, notably offering patrons wholesome fish and tasty broth.

Founded in 1990, Whampoa Keng has since opened its third outlet. Best of all? It’s located in the heartlands, in Chai Chee Neighbourhood!

Furthermore, this new location, situated in Bizhub 28, has two additional stalls – Whampoa Keng Economic Rice and Whampoa Keng Fish Soup Noodle. Perfect for those who prefer to have fish soup noodle or economic rice!

What is on the Menu at Whampoa Keng Fish Head Steamboat?

We headed down and had a taste of the oh-so-good food. Be warned, don’t read on an empty stomach!

1. Fish Head Steamboat

Served in a traditional pot with charcoal burning in the centre, Whampoa Keng makes their own soup stock, keeping the soup broth sweet and rich. Carnation milk is added to the broth to give it a slightly thicker texture.

[caption id="attachment_15490" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Credit: Rachel Lim[/caption]

Remarkably, 3 different types of fish are offered; Bardan Fish, Bucket Pomfret and Red Grouper.

Fresh fish is used everyday, with the meat marinated in their secret recipe before going into the steamboat, giving it a tender and firm bite.

No wonder, because this pot of goodness was polished off quickly!

2. Speciality Food Street Tofu (SGD $10-20)

[caption id="attachment_15494" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Credit: Rachel[/caption]

This egg tofu was smooth and silky. Generously doused in an abalone based sauce, it is the perfect companion to the Fish Head Steamboat

3. Signature Sweet & Sour Spare Ribs with Fried Cod Fish (SGD $15-25)

A unique dish found only in Whampoa Keng, the spare ribs are both sticky and sweet!

[caption id="attachment_15495" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Credit: Rachel Lim[/caption]

Cod fish was shredded into thin strips and fried till crisp. The combination of fried cod fish and sweet sticky pork ribs was heavenly!

4. Salted Egg Yolk Prawns (SGD $20-$40)

[caption id="attachment_15496" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Credit: Rachel Lim[/caption]

Another all time favourite – Salted Egg Yolk Prawns! Fresh, succulent and juicy prawns were cooked with the house made salted egg yolk sauce. Expect a spicy kick to the salted egg yolk goodness with the scattered chilli padi.

5. Signature Prawn Paste Chicken Wings (SGD $10-$20)

[caption id="attachment_15493" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Credit: Rachel Lim[/caption]

Whampoa Keng creates their own prawn paste and batters their chicken wings. This gives the juicy and delightful wings just the right amount of savoury prawn taste.

The perfect place for a gathering

This is the place for family dinners and gatherings with friends. Imagine everyone tucking into warm steamboat with the best side dishes!

[caption id="attachment_15530" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Whampoa Keng Bizhub[/caption]

As part of their opening promotion, Whampoa Keng is offering Lunch Promotional deals to guests. To top that, there is not GST or service charge when you dine at this new outlet.

Don’t just sit around, have your next gathering at Whampoa Keng @ Bizhub 28!

Whampoa Keng @ Bizhub28
Address: 28 Senang Cresent Bizhub28 Singapore 416601
Open: Monday- Friday, 11am-3pm and 5pm-11pm, Weekends and Public Holidays, 11am-11pm
Price: Total 5 dishes, approximately $95
Facebook: Whampoa Keng Fishhead Steamboat

This was an invited food tasting session.

Header image credit: Pizza Hut’s Hawaiian Puffection Is Cheesier Than Your Favourite RomCom

Tsuta: Japan’s Super Famous & First Michelin-starred Ramen Stall Opens Next Month!

Foodies and ramen enthusiasts rejoice! The world’s first ever Michelin-starred ramen shop, Tsuta, opens in Singapore next month!

If you are on the hunt for world class cuisine that promises to challenge your palate without breaking the bank, this is it.

Where and When?

Tsuta Singapore will be located at 9 Scotts Road, Pacific Plaza.

The bad news? The restaurant will only open their doors sometime in October.

Unless you are already in Japan, at which we suggest you to head over ASAP, we can only look at pictures…

Meanwhile, here’s something you can salivate at.

As much as we want a steaming hot bowl of Tsuta’s ramen to devour this instant, maybe the phrase ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ can apply to our stomachs as well?

Tsuta in Japan

This is the first overseas venture for Tsuta. The original shop is located in Sugamo, a neighbourhood in Toshima, Tokyo.

In Japan, Tsuta is a 9-seater joint that serves roughly 150 bowls of ramen a day. In addition, it is one of the most affordable Michelin-Starred establishments you can visit.

As a result, it is not surprising for queues to start forming outside the small shop in Japan as early as 6 in the morning.

The catch? The shop only opens at 11am for business.

Tsuta Singapore

Tsuta Singapore will offer 3 different soup bases. They are the renowned shoyu soba, infused with their signature black truffle oil, shio soba, and miso.

[caption id="attachment_15060" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] credit: In keeping with tradition, the Singapore branch will be a small 18-seater joint.

Tsuta Singapore
Address: #01-01 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road, 228210 Singapore
Opening Hours: To be confirmed
Official Website: Header image source : Also, read Mai Tu Liao! Up Your Cafe Game And Visit Sin Lee Foods For Some Sinfully Good Food!

Here’s Your Chance To Truly #FlipTable, Swap Books & More At This Year’s Archifest!

The 10th Archifest returns this year with a Pavilion designed by DP Architects. Themed “Exhale”, the festival will be held from 23 September to 9 October in the heart of the CBD at Raffles Place Park.

The theme ‘Exhale’ aims to examine the rapid pace of life within our dense city and to challenge people to dictate their own rhythm of life.

Take time to slow down and breathe while you enjoy the installations and events happening at the festival.

This temporary structure is not to be missed, so what are you waiting for? Come on down and explore the eye catching Pavilion at Raffles Place!

Highlights

Organised by Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) and the Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects (Sila), there are more than 30 events lined up at Archifest this year.

From talks, to workshops, and exhibitions, discover great things at Archifest 2016 with more than 100,000 visitors expected this year.

Of course, the best things first:

#FlipTable

Feeling all stressed up at work? Well, design consultancy Chemistry has the right solution for you.

Set against the backdrop of Raffles Place, the team designed #FlipTable. And it truly allows you to flip a table!

Have a go and finally put your words into action!

https://youtu.be/wcAvmzup2YA

In all seriousness, it’s actually an interactive installation that provides an avenue for you to vent your frustration in a creative manner.

Take a deep breath and exhale while you do some damage at #FlipTable. It’s all about harnessing negative energy into a positive form.

#FlipTable
Location: Raffles Place Park
Date: 23 Sep Fri, 27 Sep Tue, 3 Oct Mon
Time: 11.30am –  2pm

Book Swap & Beer

Books & Beer is Singapore’s first travelling book swap service. You’re invited to bring up to 10 pre-loved books and exchange them for another book!

No books to swap? Simply drop by and browse some books, courtesy of ORO Editions and ONG&ONG Group. These books are free for you to take home.

Bring your own beer and beverages and enjoy your time with Books & Beers!

Book Swap at Books & Beers
Location: Raffles Place Park
Date: 24 Sep Sat
Time: 3pm – 6pm

Barter Market

Barter Market is a collective effort between local makers, artists, and crafters in our community.

The goal? Take money out of transactions.

Bring a little something so you can trade your item for goods or services. No better way to bond with humans, we’d say! Nothing like good old bartering.

Barter Market
Location: Raffles Place Park
Date: 9 Oct Sun
Time: 2pm – 6pm

RGB Pavilion With A Psychedelic Selfie Tunnel

With a structure so vibrant and colourful, this is hard to miss.

The Pavilion is composed entirely of construction site materials; so it’s “zero waste”. There are rows of multi-coloured safety netting and over 70 tonnes of scaffolding pipes.

This structure is a breathtaking 22m tall! Here’s how small we’ll look:

There’s so much to do at Archifest 2016! With so many exciting programmes happening this weekend till 9 Oct, be sure to mark this event down on your calendars!

Archifest 2016
Date: 23 September to 9 October
For full details of events and happenings at Archifest, visit their official website Attention Coffee Lovers: Here’s Your Chance to Savour 30 Cups Of Coffee At Only $30!