I love this! #ProudtobeSingaporean
Fizah Wizah does MRT Station Announcement in all four languages
Steady lah. Going to make it my life’s mission to master this as well. Why? For absolutely no useful reason at all.
Future Music Festival Asia update… Ohh yeah. (Coming soon)
No joke, guys. I had such a great time at this party, and I want to show you what went down! I’ve been sorting out lots of exciting stuff with consulting, my new company, my blogsite (yes, I think you will smell a new .com real soon!), and a bunch of other things… bla bla I’ll stop with the excuses now. #lousy
Seriously though, I have so much stuff to put up here VERY SOON so bear with me and wait a little longer? Please? Forgive me?
Thanks to you everyone who messages me on Facebook, Tweets at me when you’re bored or laughs at all my lame jokes on my blog. I LOVE YOU!
-I’m in Indonesia this weekend but I’ll be back with lots of content soon! Read me next week, squeak squeak!-
Skype with my beautiful Anna banana
The one who laughs at pretty much ALL my jokes. The one who shares my swearing and sarcasm. The blonde to my brunette. The billy to my silly.
I usually meet up with Ania (that’s how her name is pronounced in her language) several times a week, if I’m not already on the phone gabbing away with her. However, I’ve been on trips quite a bit the last month (KL, Japan – blogposts/pictorial stories to come!) and
she’s currently back home in Europe this month. It’s a funny feeling not seeing her and talking to her for such a long time and I am in need of an Ania-dote! (You see what I did there? An Ania antidote…? Hurhur.)
The upside is that she’s coming back so I’ll see her very soon – which means you probably will too 
(More pictures lah.)
Miss you banana!
EAT IT THIS WEEK! World Gourmet Summit 2013′s Master Chef Matt Moran at The Prime Society
Sorry for the mild absence people, I am back from Japan and I hope you’ve missed me as much as I’ve missed you! Have so many deer-in-headlight type of stories to tell you about the trip, but first I’d like spill the beans on an incredible meal I had yesterday.
Straight off the plane this week from Japan, to find out its the first day of World Gourmet Summit 2013 in Singapore. Am I the most blessed girl in Singapore or what?! (I will soon also be the fattest. Keep reading.)
World Gourmet Summit 2013 is basically one of the most esteemed culinary events in Asia, and it runs from 16-26 April 2013 through a calendar of unique dining experiences, brand-name F&B outlets, and exclusively flown-in international ingredients, served up with a side of celebrity and master chefs.
As part of their participation in WGS2013, the classy people at The Prime Society (Restaurant and Bar) brought down revered Australian chef Matt Moran.
“Wait, wasn’t he one of the judges on that TV show Junior Masterchef?” I first asked, like you might.
Yup, he sure is. Restaurateur, Businessman, and high profile TV personality – Matt Moran wears many other hats besides just being a chef. He is the co-owner of a number of successful restaurants, including ARIA Sydney, ARIA Brisbane, the newly opened CHISWICK Restaurant in Sydney’s Woollahra, and also co-owns some event and catering companies when he’s not busy filming a platter of different TV programmes.
Who misses and knows how to appreciate some good Australian cooking? Me me me! Read on if you do too.
ON THE EPICUREAN DELIGHTS MENU: BY CHEF MATT MORAN AT THE PRIME SOCIETY, SINGAPORE
A total steal at $168++ for food only, or $248++ including premium wine pairing.
My Dad, passionate food-lover and designated cook at home, was the ideal lunch date for my gastronomic journey. The 5-course symphony otherwise known as lunch started with smiles all around, and a small, warm handful of sourdough bread. I adore sourdough, and this was easy to eat as I tore it into little pieces and smeared truffle-infused butter all over it.
All dishes were served so promptly – the moment I put down the ruins of my bread, my waiter glided in with my first course.
FIRST COURSE: Yellow fin tuna sashimi with cucumber, wakame and avocado puree.
WINE: 2011 Pewsey Vale Riesling, Eden Valley, Australia.
The tuna was excellent, and tasted fresh off the sea. A little trick was pulled on me – what I thought to be wasabi was actually avocado puree. In the mix was a tinge of wasabi powder, but the puree gave my tuna a creamier finish than if it was served up in the usual Japanese style.
The formula for good food to me is just like buying property – location, location, location.
The best meals I’ve had in the world weren’t the most expensive, but are usually the freshest. Give me some snapper in Australia, mangoes in Philippines, suckling pig in Spain or salmon sashimi from South East Asia – I just love all sorts of seasonal produce, and they completely change the centre of every platter.
Chef Matt Moran would agree with me, since he has a new TV programme – From Paddock to Plate – doing just that. I can already imagine him trooping around and plucking vegetables from the ground, tossing it into a wok and frying up a hot plate of some farm fun. The focus of this Epicurean Delights menu, as well, is fully dedicated to the freshest seasonal ingredients. Chef Dallas Cuddy (head chef at The Prime Society) is equally armed with an impressive culinary pedigree and the same beliefs in seasonal produce. I guess life – as in cooking – does not have to be so complicated.
SECOND COURSE: Alaskan crab scotch egg with celeriac and lemon salad
WINE: 2011 Prager Hinter der Burg Federspiel Grüner Veltliner, Wachau, Austria.
Most seasonal ingredients used in the total menu were brought by Chef Matt Moran from Australia, except for this Alaskan crab – which was from Alaska.
This was the stand out dish for me. I completely underestimated how overwhelming and small ball of something could be. Chef Matt and his team demonstrated absolute skill with the scotch egg – it’s certainly not easy to deep fry an egg on an outside, while keeping its inside so fluffy and pillowy soft.
An understated quail egg embraced in Alaskan crabmeat, deep fried and then crowned with rock salt? Dont mind me. Totally worth the tiniest spike in my cholesterol and calories. I would have this meal just to consume this course all over again – the tartness of the salad against the salty, toasty egg both meet in the middle nicely to exalt the Alaskan crabmeat. All textures in this dish was perfect and worked hard to melt in your mouth.
Honestly, this is probably one of the most favourite things I have eaten in my life (next to Italian Ferrero Roche gelato ice-cream).
PS: This dish is available as an à la carte option for S$28++.
THIRD COURSE: Steamed sea bass with puffed quinoa, pine nuts and Jamón
WINE: 2008 Luca Chardonnay, Mendoza, Argentina.
I am a huge fan of fish, but this wasn’t my favourite. Maybe it’s because I was riding such a high from the second course (nothing to do with the wine, of course), but I still enjoyed the sea bass against the mild sweetness from the berries, crunch from the flavourful nuts and saltiness of the Jamón (Spanish ham). I’m not a sous chef, nor a scientist, but I think the Jamón should have come out stronger than it did (Spanish ham usually gives you a big kick). Anyway, what a party in my mouth.
We are still on white wine, and the 2008 Chardonnay brings out a heavier intensity of the meal as it progresses. I’m ready to take on the meat!
Food is better with friends: With Suan Fatt from Tatler.
FOURTH COURSE: Roasted fillet and slow cooked shoulder of lamb with black olive and fennel
WINE: 2010 Craggy Range Te Kahu Bordeaux Blend, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.
I’m usually more of a beef person (and The Prime Society is SO good for their beef), but the shoulder lamb was a splendid dish. The lamb was wrapped in plastic and slow cooked for 24 hours in 64 degrees, and you can definitely taste the TENDER loving care. The spinach with white fennel and olive purée was a lovely accompaniment and I wouldn’t have wanted my lamb any other way. Except maybe as a little pet.
The New Zealand red wine celebrated the dish nicely. It was 80% merlot,8% cabernet-franc, 8% cab-sauv, and 4% malbec and in other words, went down our mouths quickly.
FIFTH COURSE: Summer berry trifle with strawberry jelly and buttermilk sorbet
WINE: 2004 Pauleczki. Tokaji Aszú 3 Puttonyos Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary.
It makes me so sad to write about the last dish! (Already?!) Read it and weep.
Not just a visual treat, this was an absolutely delicious and pleasant dessert that wasn’t too sweet. Trifle is traditionally a dessert of sponge cake, fruits, jelly and custard, and this balance of berries with butter milk sorbet bowled me over.
The Hungarian wine was significantly sweeter than the dessert itself, but such sweetness is the signature of the Tokaj wine region. (Sorry I didn’t get a picture of the bottle, I was totally distracted by this point!) Aszú grapes are all handpicked and I felt like royalty, being given the opportunity to savour it. Obviously, we were given the best.
THE EPICUREAN DELIGHTS MENU BY MASTER CHEF MATT MORAN AT THE PRIME SOCIETY, SINGAPORE is available for a limited time only (17-20 April 2013). Priced at S$168 ++ with premium wine pairing at an additional S$80++, the tasting menu is available for lunch and dinner during this period.
I would strongly suggest the pairing with wine – it takes the dining experience to new heights and helps to envelope the taste of each plate.
Select dishes are available à la carte, or indulge instead in premium cuts of ethically sourced Rangers Valley grain-fed beef, Cape Grim grass-fed beef, and Mayura Station wagyu – all free of growth hormones.
For more information on this menu, check out this link.
*I must give special thanks to our waiter Efren – his service was spectacular. He was well-spoken, prompt, attentive in the right doses and as smiling as he was knowledgeable. If I was still working in F&B at Fullerton Bay Hotel, I might just try to hire him!
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THE PRIME SOCIETY SAYS… “Dedicated to the Upper Cut.”
I guess the best deserve the best. Besides the exciting medley of meat and other good food, the elegant yet homely steakhouse encourages cocktails at the central island bar, conversations in the open-concept kitchen, and lush afternoon-till-evening alfresco dining. Good times with friends or exquisite corporate entertainment will be a sure-fire hit here.
THE PRIME SOCIETY IS LOCATED AT:
10 DEMPSEY ROAD. BLOCK #01-20.
Operating hours: 12pm – 10.30pm
Call 64747427 for reservations or email info@theprimesociety.com
With Entrepreneur and the perfectly put-together Prime Society owner Ingrid Prasatya; her head chef Dallas Cuddy.
Me and Dad with The Prime Society chef Dallas Cuddy and Master Chef Matt Moran’s right hand man, Chef Ben.
What a remarkable meal. Thank you to The Prime Society, the exceptional culinary team and World Gourmet Summit 2013 for the invited tasting.
BRB – Japan land
Oh mama, hello Sakura!
Sorry I havn’t updated in a bit, I’m lost in a cherry blossom dreamland and have LOTS to share next week when I’m back to reality. (But really, when do I ever live in reality?)
I spent weeks of effort doing research, but if you have any recommendations for Kyoto and Osaka, I’d love to hear from you still. Please leave me a comment below!
Send me your wishes, prayers and hellos…
~Love, your lovergirl
Welcome April 2013. It’s not 1 party – but THREE parties. :) It’s called the DUNLOP STREET BLOCK PARTY!
HEY! WHAT’S EVERYONE DOING ON SATURDAY EVENING? If you’re feeling like some easy drinks, come join me and my friends for a POP UP PARTY!
Come and help me conquer not one bar, but THREE – Zeffir, Zsofi Tapas Bar, and my ultimate favourite cocktail bar in Singapore, Barkode Cocktail Bar will be hosting the one-time festivities.
Side by side parties across the whole block = BLOCK PARTY
When I first heard about this concept earlier in the week, I loved it. These kind of things happen all the time in London and New York, and it’s about time Singapore caught up to the fun. Somehow, a block party inspires thoughts of “new kids on the block” having a street party! (What comes into YOUR head when YOU think of a block party?)
Let’s kick it off at Zeffir, expect 4 live bands on the rooftop of Zsofi Tapas Bar till 11pm, then party on at Barkode Cocktail Bar with 4 live DJs. It’ll be as underground as underground can be. Only fabulous and fun people should come! 
ALL ACROSS DRINKIE SPECIALS! (Glub gloob.)
1-4-1 Pinnacle Vodka at $10nett
2 for $20 nett bottled beers, wine and housepours all night long
2 for $20 nett Caprioskas
Barkode Cocktail Bar is owned by my good friend, Caryn, who was one of the runner-ups for DIAGEO RESERVE World Class competition and I guarantee you – she sure knows her drinks! She’s a cocktail star, so make sure to ask her to create something special for you!
PS: Dunlop Street is in the Little India area.
Let’s wander around and get lost in the music, bands and new friends.
See you there and don’t forget to RSVP on the Facebook event page HERE!
Goodbye acne scars v1! EMATRIX is like magic – Fractional Radio Frequency with YUME Aesthetic & Medical Clinic (Orchard)
You know when you were young once upon a time, and you made one of those silly faces that was SO ugly, your Mom told you not to? My Mom always said my face would freeze and the ugly will stick that way forever.
We love to make ugly faces… Great times back in one of those casual nights with part of [the] Collective. They may be celebrities, but they sure aren’t divas!
I went through my photo albums but the only pic of mine I could find that describes the above ugly face is with you – sorry Oli!
PS: For anyone interested in Oli Pettigrew, he just opened a new kick-ass gym called RITUAL – like literally, they kicked my ass. In a good way. I’m writing more about asses and kicking at RITUAL in a separate blogpost.
THIS IS MY “UGLY-I-HOPE-IT-DOESN’T-FREEZE-THIS-WAY” FACE
Thankfully, My Mom was wrong, but unfortunately, I never listened to her about other things either. She snapped at me everyday to stop picking at my pimples on my face, but my hormones were out of control and so were my fingers. This time, I wasn’t so lucky… The ugly stayed and acne scars remained.
I’ve spent the ocasional money on expensive scar creams, and tried adjusting my diet. However, the damage done on your skin can hardly be reversed, and I always thought I would live bewitched under the acne scar curse. I had faith, but I had little – Those with acne scars would understand what I mean. When oh when would the world invent a magic cure for me, something special that would miraculously disappear my scars, and give me brand new skin?
Abracadabra.
The time and “magic cure” seems to have now come. Although technology ISN’T magic, it sure is magnificent. My acne scars aren’t super obvious in some of my photographs, but friends or people who see me face-to-face, know that my semi-fair skin isn’t flawless. I have an acne outbreak a few times a month (depending on my stress and sleep, among other things), and the redness and dents from my old acne doesn’t seem to have gone anywhere.
Lucky for me, I have friends who care about me. One of my guy friends – who had also previously suffered from acne scars – referred me to his doctor, who had worked his magic (technology) to help him to get rid of some of them.
“How much money did you waste? No drugs or creams can get rid of scars that are deep under your skin,” Doctor Wong from YUME Aesthetic & Medical Clinic administered the truth before any serums or treatments. He explained further in my first consultation, that all surface solutions (including IPL) DO NOT work on acne scars. I believed him, and believe that I can get better results with reduced acne scars just like my guy friend did.
We know that beauty isn’t skin deep, but without good skin, how can a woman hope to be beautiful? And so, my first session with Doctor Wong’s recommended Fractional Radio Frequency was scheduled.
WHAT IS THIS?
Ematrix – Fractional Radio Frequency. More information HERE.
Also known as “Superlative rejuvenation”
It is a kind of non-laser fractional skin resurfacing which can be used for a the wide variety of skin types and colors
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EMATRIX FRACTIONAL RADIO FREQUENCY IS MOST SUITABLE FOR…
Acne Vulgaris and scarring, such as ‘crater’ scars, and deeper ‘ice pick’ type scars. It helps to smoothen skin texture irregularities.
HOW DOES EMATRIX FRACTIONAL RADIO FREQUENCY WORK?
This treatment is basically to rebuild collagen in your skin. It uses fractional bi-polar radio frequency to penetrate through the skin and to allow more energy beneath the surface of the skin (magic!!!). This maximizes collagen production while keeping the top layer of the skin intact. The production of collagen gives you renewed skin, and so you look like a fairytale princess with baby-soft skin. In real-life speak, it plumps up the holes that your previous scars have left overtime.
The best results are seen about a week after the treatment, and your skin will keep improving up to 3 months after. The good effects of the treatment can last for 3 years. Downtime is famously minimal – you can even put on makeup 24hours after the treatment if you need to.
IS EMATRIX FRACTIONAL RADIO FREQUENCY A TYPE OF LASER TREATMENT?
eMatrix is a different type of fractional resurfacing technology that is not a laser. It works differently and has different effects to a laser treatment.
This means -
1) Minimal bleeding especially when dealing with deeper scars
2) Minimal post-treatment ugly face and much less recovery time
IS EMATRIX FRACTIONAL RADIO FREQUENCY FOR ME?
You don’t need to be a stay at home tai tai! This is said to be the ideal treatment for men or women of any ages with acne scarring, and especially those who have a normal work week schedule. EMATRIX is much more suitable than laser treatments if you have a darker skin type.
Don’t expect to look like a different person in one session, but Fractional RF is a quick and easy procedure to do on a Friday and expect to be back to work on a Monday. Like it has been shared above, one of the biggest pushes for EMATRIX RF is that it has a MUCH shorter downtime than laser treatments (which can keep you in recovery for up to 10 days).
IS THERE ANY PAIN?
Yes, but nothing very intense as numbing cream is applied to your face before treatment. Pain with fractional RF is supposedly less than with fractional laser.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE THE GOOD EFFECTS?
You look at your best about a week after the treatment, where you temporarily experience pretty perfection on your skin! Don’t get too excited though – the collagen starts balancing itself out after that and your bigger humps will start to return in a small way. There should be a 25-35% improvement on scars after the first session. Heavier or deep scarring need to undergo more sessions every 4-6 weeks for 3 sessions for maximum effect.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS AFTER THE TREATMENT?
Even if – and there probably won’t be – any side effects, it will only be on your skin and not in your deep tissue. This is a lot better than some other treatments can boast!
After the treatment, effects are redness (looks similar to sunburn) and dots of tiny scabbing.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
For someone suffering from acne scars, to get rid of this ugliness is indeed priceless. But if you need to talk money, feel free to call YUME clinic and arrange a consultation with Dr Wong to get a quote.
Most patients will receive three treatments, each spaced four to six weeks apart. During consultation, feel free to enquire about special packages customised to the needs of your skin.
I know I write as if I live in a fantasy land sometimes, but I’m over the moon to know that getting rid of my acne scars is now a reality. I have actually done my first EMATRIX Fractional RF session with YUME Clinic about 1+ month ago, and would you believe the before and after photos from it!? (Above.) You can see the tiny dots of scabbing I was talking about in the Day 2 photo.
Perfect skin doesn’t pop up overnight, but there is a HUGE significant improvement and all my friends and family are as excited as I am. I’m really grateful that Dr Wong from YUME Clinic immaculately picked the right treatment for my acne scarring, and also walked with me every step of this journey. He managed my expectations pretty well, waved his magic wand and restored the princess skin that I always wished I would have. I would call him my fairy godmother from now on, but I don’t think he’d like that.
PS: This is probably one of the few treatments out there for acne scarring that doesn’t have lingering pain, side effects and downtime. If you’re wanting something that is slower and easier going, but still capable of visible results, you should definitely give eMatrix by YUME Aesthetic & Medical Clinic a try. You might just have the same happy ever after as mine!
SUBSCRIBE HERE for my next blog post for more details on the procedure (and of course, my ugly ducking to swan pictures). I guess time CAN heal your wounds!
Tel: 67330073
Address: 360 Orchard Road, #04-08 International Building, Singapore 238869
This is a sponsored post for YUME Aesthetic & Medical Clinic.
