Blend It Up Italian Fusion Restaurant by Celebrity Chef Peter Neo

Posted on November 11, 2016 by missuschewy

A few years back, misterchewy and I had the privilege of meeting Celebrity Chef Peter Neo in person and trying his dishes at another restaurant. Chef Peter has since ventured out on his own and set up a cosy and quaint Italian fusion casual dining restaurant along Upper Paya Lebar Road. With 35 years of cooking experience and numerous awards under his belt, Chef Peter, who was trained in Italy, is highly regarded in the media and F&B industry in Singapore and has garnered numerous fans who are also returning customers over the years.

Two-month old Blend It Up Italian Fusion Dining Restaurant aims to bring an Asian twist to Italian cuisine, using only the freshest quality ingredients and blending all of them together with their natural goodness to create the restaurant’s handcrafted soups, sauces and mains. Expect only authentic flavors that are free from any preservatives at Blend It Up!

For starters, we had the Seafood Soup which was rich and tangy, and more importantly, packed with flavors of the ocean. There was also a chockfull of ingredients such as prawns, squid, mussels and clams.

Using only the freshest mushrooms, the Wild Mushroom Soup had a very nice earthy taste that warmed the cockles of my heart. Great for slurping up on a chilly day!

The accompany slices of bread are freshly baked in-house and Little misschewy enjoyed it so much.

What’s the best way to eat a fresh squid? Grill it! The Whole Grilled Squid was first seasoned with homemade blend of mixed herbs, paprika, crushed black pepper, basil, and diced cherry tomatoes. After grilling, it was glazed with extra virgin oil and some lemon. The result was a wholesome piece of squid that was so tender and juicy, with its taste further enhanced by the seasoning.

The Roasted Pork Belly with Porcini Sauce is our favorite dish at Blend It Up. The pork belly was slow-roasted till tender and was evenly marbled with fat, underneath a layer of crackling which was perfectly crispy. A few steps were involved in the making of this dish, which is Chef Peter’s secret! You wouldn’t believe how crispy the pork crackling was! The homemade Porcini sauce went very well with the roasted pork belly, but I preferred dipping the meat in the refreshing pineapple sauce to tone down the taste of the pork a little.

The Salted Egg Spaghetti tasted almost like carbonara with a very faint hint of salted egg. Salted egg pizza is available too!

Blend It Up Pizza is Chef Peter’s favorite pizza. The pizza was thin, doughy and crispy around the edges, topped with feta and mozzarella cheese, honey baked ham, mushroom, rocket leaves and a beautiful sunny side up.

Little misschewy is quite a fussy eater but let me tell you that she ate at least two slices of pizza. It was that good!

There is a variety of lava cakes such as chocolate, salted egg, pistachio and durian, at Blend It Up. We had the Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Gelato. The lava cake was moist and warm, and upon slicing, molten black sesame oozed out from it. Eat it together with the vanilla gelato for a taste of heaven!

Thanks to Blend It Up, we have TEN $10 vouchers to give away! Simply comment on my Instagram and/or Facebook page by telling me what is your favorite Italian dish, and tag 3 friends in the comment, and also ‘Like’ Blend It Up’s Facebook page. Contest closes on 15th November 6pm and winners will be notified accordingly.

Blend It Up
325 Upper Paya Lebar Road
Quemoy Building
Singapore 534946
Tel: +65 6281 2688

Opening Hours:
Daily
11.30am – 3pm (Lunch)
6pm – 10:30pm (Dinner)

Furama RiverFront Singapore Family Staycation Review

Posted on November 8, 2016 by missuschewy

A big HELLO from The Chewys! It’s so difficult to take a proper family photo with two young kids these days and when we checked into Furama RiverFront Singapore for our staycation recently, we just had to pose for one in the gorgeous Family Room that we stayed in. We have made travel plans but it will only take place early next year, so in the meantime, Furama RiverFront promises to create equally memorable moments in their newly launched Family Rooms. Featuring a comfortable space with two queen beds in a colorful setting, The Chewys can attest to that!

When we tapped the electronic card and entered our room, Little misschewy ran in excitedly before exclaiming, “Wow! So nice!” The colorful wall certainly brightens up the room and we all know how important colors are in our lives!

The Family Rooms are spacious enough to accommodate up to two adults and two kids. Even though Mini misschewy has her own playpen at home, the four of us always co-sleep in our queen sized bed. It’s also the reason why we didn’t request for a baby cot for our stay at Furama Riverfront. Anyway, two queen sized beds! What luxury! Misterchewy and Little misschewy shared one bed, while I co-slept with Mini misschewy. It was awesome because I didn’t have to push any hand or leg out of my face, if you know what I mean! LOL.

There was a platter of fruits and some titbits such as iced gem biscuits and peanut candies in the room. Little misschewy was quick to help herself to the biscuits while lounging on the couch watching cartoon. She really knows how to pamper herself la!

Complimentary bottled water and hot drinks. Ooh there’s Milo too! Instead of using glasses, Furama RiverFront is thoughtful enough to place plastic cups and spoons in the Family Rooms. Don’t have to worry about kids breaking a glass and getting a bad cut from it!

Look who’s helping herself to a packet of full cream milk from the mini-bar? What you see in there is complimentary!

Bathrobes and bedroom slippers for adults and the little ones! Adorable!

Toiletries for children are also included!

Gotta love the step stool! Little misschewy was able to brush her teeth and wash her hands without having us to carry her.

Credit: Furama Riverfront

After all the excitement, we got really hungry and proceeded to The Square @ Furama for late lunch.

Credit: Furama Riverfront

Children aged 4 years old and below dine for free when ordering from the special ala carte kid’s menu. Apart from that, there is a dedicated kid’s play area within the restaurant – Tykes @ The Square, with interesting and fun activities such as popular cartoon video screenings, activity sheets and free-play toys. Parents can finally eat in peace, but please don’t forget to watch over your kids while you eat ok!

We ordered some fresh honeydew juice to quench our thirst on this hot day! Totally refreshing!

We ordered from the a la carte menu and I had the Hainanese chicken rice. The portion was quite generous and it was so delicious that it definitely satisfied my chicken rice craving!

It took quite a while for the hubs’ lamb shank to arrive but it was totally worth the wait. The meat was cooked till fork-tender and it was still very succulent! Should have paired it with a glass of red!

Credit: Furama Riverfront

As part of Furama RiverFront’s efforts to create a family-friendly environment for guests, they have introduced the Kid’s playroom – PAWS at level 1, for juniors aged 5-11 years old. Children get to jump around on the trampoline, build their dream castle or empire with blocks, LEGO, and practice their drawing skills on the black or white board. The little ones can enjoy cartoon screenings at PAWS as well. Babysitting services are available at a minimal cost, and can be arranged by booking a day in advance. Great for busy parents!

As it had rained earlier that day, we decided to put off swimming to the next day. Furama RiverFront’s location is really convenient! The hubs and I wore the girls and we walked to Robertson Quay for dinner! It was a really short walk which took about 10 to 15 minutes. Loved the nightlife and variety of food choices there! But if you prefer to stay in the hotel, there’s buffet dinner available at The Square @ Furama!

Watched a bit of cartoon before calling it a night!

I didn’t wanna get out of bed the next morning because it was sooo comfy! By the time I woke up, it was already past 10am and the buffet breakfast closes at 10.30am! Misterchewy and Little misschewy went down to grab a quick bite while I continued to snuggle in bed with Mini misschewy.

It’s time for a dip in the pool! Whoohoo!

Little misschewy loveeees being in the water and she could hardly contain her excitement!

We brought our own float along but the hotel also provides pool noodles and styrofoam water guns.

Apart from the main pool, there is a baby pool which is great for kids to waddle in!

This is definitely the highlight of our stay! A gigantic inflatable waterslide! Even I got excited!

Little misschewy was initially a little afraid to go down the slide, but with much encouragement from misterchewy and I, she finally did it! It was so fun that Little misschewy kept asking for “last one” when we told her it was time to go! We will be back next time!

Starting from $268 only, Furama RiverFront is having a special #FuramaKids staycation bundle which includes the following privileges:

– Complimentary breakfast
– Complimentary wifi
– Kids amenities upon request
– Access to swimming pool and Children’s play room – PAWS
– 50% discount for lunch/ dinner at The Square @ Furama and Kintamani
– Room accommodates 02 adults and up to 02 children (below 12 years old)
– Extra-bed is not allowed
– Enrolment to FURAMAfirst program with Gold status

Applies to bookings till 31 December 2016 and for stays till 31 March 2017.

Furama Riverfront
405 Havelock Road
Singapore 169633

For reservations:
Tel: +65 6739 6464
Email: reservations.riverfront@furama.com

Top 10 Must Try Food at Grand Copthorne Waterfront’s Borderless Sunday Brunch

Posted on September 29, 2016 by missuschewy

There’s something amazing going on at Grand Copthorne Waterfront every Sunday and we had just experienced it for ourselves! It is none other than the most extensive Borderless Sunday Brunch! The Integrated Dining Destination encompasses the interactive buffet restaurant, Food Capital, contemporary Italian grill, Grissini, as well as dynamic bar, Tempo. Every Sunday, guests get to enjoy THREE different dining experiences in a span of THREE hours! There is live entertainment and lovely balloon sculptures by their balloonist and face painting is also available by their professional face painters. You can choose to dine indoors or alfresco where you can appreciate the stunning view of the historic Singapore River. We have rounded up a list of Top 10 Must Try Food at Grand Copthorne Waterfront’s Borderless Sunday Brunch!

1. SEAFOOD ON ICE

Start your epicurean journey with Asian and international fare at Food Capital. We recommend the seafood on ice specials especially the poached main lobster. Very meaty and succulent! Others include the freshly shucked Irish and Canadian oysters, chilled tiger prawns, New Zealand mussels and mud crab and scallop with roe.

2. ROTISSERIE

Feast your senses at the interactive show kitchens where food is prepared “live” using fresh ingredients and original recipes. A selection of prime, veal and pork ribs are available at the Rotisserie station. Juicy cuts that are fall off the bone! Eat with your fingers for a finger lickin’ good experience!

3. PAN-SEARED FOIE GRAS

Free flow foie gras? Need I say more? Take all my money! These melt-in-the-mouth foie gras will send you straight to heaven.

4. INDIAN CURRY AND TANDOOR

I am fan of Indian food but seldom have it because the hubs can’t really take spicy food. Imagine my excitement when I saw mutton curry, sambal prawns and naan! I relished every bite and it’s a sin not to eat the naan with curry!

5. LAKSA

Another spicy favorite of mine! The laksa broth was full-bodied, and served in a giant cup, made it hard to resist slurping some of that delicious broth!

6. JOSPER OVEN-GRILLED MEATS

It was impossible for us to stay away once we found out about the Josper oven-grilled meats located outdoors. The Josper oven combines oven and grill in one and is fired by charcoal and flavoured wood to bring out the aroma and texture of the ingredients. Expect moist, juicy meat with a nice crisp exterior! Delicious grilled meats include baby spring chicken, Australian rack of lamb, prime wagyu beef ribeye, Mediterranean octopus and king prawns. There are three sauces to go with the grilled meats and we recommend the sun-dried tomato sauce.

7. LOBSTER LINGUINE

I enjoyed watching one of the Chefs prepare my lobster linguine on the spot. Loved the fresh sweet chunks of Boston lobster meat and al dente linguine!

8. PIZZA WITH BLACK TRUFFLE PASTE

Instead of tomato sauce, white pizza is typically made of ricotta and mozzarella. Topped with black truffle paste, the white pizza is as good as it gets!

9. NONYA KUEH

The dessert selection is very wide but the nonya kueh was my favorite. Must try the kueh dadar, rainbow kueh lapis, ang ku kueh and kueh lapis!

10. FRUIT SLUSHIES

The buffet is inclusive of free-flow juices and soft drinks. After all that indulgent fare, wash it down with some refreshing fruit slushies! If you can’t decide between strawberry and mango, you can always mix them in a cup, like what I did!

Borderless Sunday Brunch (Food Capital, Tempo, Grissini)

Sundays, 12.30pm – 3.30pm

$98++ (with free-flow juices and soft drinks)
#138++ (with free flow of Perrier- Jouët Grand Brut Champagne, Strongbow ciders, cocktails, house pour wines, juices and soft drinks)

For reservations, please call 6233 1100 or email dining.gcw@millenniumhotels.com.

The Manhattan Fish Market Launches its Weekend Breakfast Menu

Posted on July 16, 2016 by missuschewy

– Invited Tasting –

One of the greatest joys in life is to be able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast with family members and loved ones over the weekend. The Chewys had the opportunity to try out The Manhattan Fish Market’s newly launched first-ever weekend breakfast menu a couple of weeks ago. Fantastic food at affordable prices! Jump start your day with a cup of Marshmallow Cocoa ($4.50) Think rich, comforting hot chocolate topped with marshmallows lightly flamed before your eyes!

If you don’t fancy the sweet stuff, I urge you to try the Citrus Mint ($5.50). What could go wrong with a glass of refreshing smoothie made with fresh mint leaves and freshly squeezed lemon juice?

Little misschewy had the Nutella & Banana French Toast ($4.95) from the kids’ menu. I’m sure most kids have a sweet tooth, and Little misschewy was no exception! Simple, but so good!

If you like smoked salmon, the Salmon N’ Mushroom Sandwich ($8.95) might just work for you! Smoked salmon with sauteed mushrooms and a slice of cheese between oregano buns, complete with a poached egg in a crunchy tortilla bowl. Yummehhhhh!

We also had the Eggs Benedict Sharing Platter ($17.95) which consists of poached eggs, crispy turkey bacon with melted cheddar cheese, fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, hashbrown and snail sausage. It is really THE sharing platter for the whole family because there is something for everyone. While the hubs and I thought that the poached eggs and snail sausage were pretty good, Little misschewy kept asking for more hashbrown. A family that eats together stays together, so gather all your family members at The Manhattan Fish Market for breakfast next weekend! 😉

Saleduck Food Blogger Award 2016

Posted on July 2, 2016 by missuschewy

Hello chewys! I have been nominated for the Saleduck Food Blogger Award 2016! Honestly, I have never liked joining such voting contests because it’s so tiring having to get people to vote, so I will ask all of you for this favour just this time and I promise not to bug you guys anymore!

Please go to this link http://www.saleduck.com.sg/awards/food-blogger-award-2016 and vote for MISSUSCHEWY! I’m located at the top row, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find. Lol. Thanks in advance! 😀

8 Fun Attractions at Pororo Park Singapore

Posted on May 31, 2016 by missuschewy

– Media Invite –

Recently, we had the wonderful opportunity of taking Little misschewy to Pororo Park Singapore, a 11,000 sq ft play and educational indoor playground at Marina Square, which is themed after the award-winning top Korean animation “Pororo the Little Penguin”. Honestly, we didn’t know much about Pororo prior our visit and the night before, Little misschewy and I huddled together in bed to watch and listen to the Pororo opening theme songs on YouTube as my way of introducing her to this character. She instantly became a fan of Pororo!

Pororo Park first opened 5 years ago in Seoul. There are seven Pororo Parks in Korea and three in China. Opened late last year, not only is Pororo Park Singapore the first in South East Asia, it is also the largest character-themed indoor playground in Singapore! No wonder kids and adults were so thrilled when Pororo Park Singapore opened!

There are as many as 8 fun attractions within Pororo Park Singapore and they have all been named after Pororo and his friends. How cute is that! Travel Tip: While you visit Pororo Park of Singapore along with your kids there are times when you simply have to access your work, Now get an instant single click access to your online private work space with hosted citrix vdi from CloudDesktopOnline. Learn more about Hosted SharePoint, Exchange and Azure managed services by visiting Apps4Rent.

1. Pororo Express

All aboard the Pororo Express! Not surprisingly, this motored Pororo and friends train is an attractive and fun ride which makes children of all ages want to queue for it again and again!

Kids get to wave hello to their favourite Pororo characters as the train zips past on the track!

Look! There’s also a tunnel which the train passes through!

Just like any other train, the Pororo Express runs on a train schedule everyday! Check the schedule and don’t miss your train!

2. Pororo House

For children around Little misschewy’s size and height, Pororo’s life-size house is perfect for them to play pretend! Pororo’s house covered in ‘snow’ plus the little Christmas tree give us the perception that it’s cold and chilly outside, so let’s hurry in! Brrr!

Okie mummy! But first, let’s take a photo with Pororo and Crong!

I wonder how does it feel to wake up in Pororo’s little house! Must be a pretty awesome feeling! Pororo’s room is so neat and cosy! Wow!

Little misschewy proceeded to the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash up. Lol.

Wanted to take a bath as well but oops.. Pororo has another visitor in the house!

3. Shark Ball Pool

Kids don’t get tired of ball pools, do they? We placed Little misschewy on the ledge and she dived right in without hesitating!

Many of the older children were seen trying to shoot plastic balls into the shark’s mouth!

4. Poby’s Jungle Gym

I suppose Poby’s Jungle Gym is one of the most exciting play areas at Pororo Park because you never know what kind of maze or tunnel or slide awaits you till you probe deeper!

I really had to hand it to Little misschewy for being so adventurous. She actually wandered off to explore the gym on her own, while us anxious parents were trying to keep a lookout for her.

She was clearly pleased that her parents were still waiting patiently for her downstairs. LOL.

5. Eddy’s Classroom

We have not been to all the indoor playgrounds in Singapore but this is our first time coming across fun and interactive activities catered for little ones! Monthly activities include “Pororo Times”, “I’m a Fashion Designer” and “Cooking for Moms”. There are also exclusive members-only classes specially for Pororo Park members. While children are busy with these activities in Eddy’s Classroom, parents can finally take a breather!

6. Tong Tong’s Little Theatre

Over at Tong Tong’s Little Theatre, there are a variety of programs available for children to choose from. Apart from Pororo & Friends mini musical, kids get to enjoy monthly special performances by external talents such as magicians, puppets and juggling shows! Members can also participate in exclusive activities that are changed monthly.

When we entered the dimly lit theatre, we didn’t quite know what to expect but all the children were jumping up and down with excitement when Pororo and his friends made their appearance!

Pororo and friends entertained all of us with their live musical.

Pororo’s got the moves and it was infectious! The little ones clapped and danced along!

We also participated in the Babies and Toddlers Interactive Class. The theme was Under the Sea led by Poby!

Very interactive indeed!

All the children were really focused and attentive during the class!

7. Loopy’s Cafe

No need to step out of Pororo Park when you and your children are tired or hungry! Recharge yourselves with piping hot food and some drinks at Loopy’s Cafe!

If your kids are lucky, they might even get to be entertained by Loopy and Petty as they enjoy their refreshments during Loopy’s Dance Time!

8. Rody’s Toy Store

Can’t get enough of Pororo and friends at the park? Bring home a piece of Pororo with you! There are plenty of souvenirs and toys to choose from!

Now that we have covered all eight main attractions in Pororo Park, it is also worth mentioning that there are a few small play areas catered to babies and toddlers.

Here’s Little misschewy spending some quiet time on her own playing with a Pororo toy plane.

Here’s taking a quick glance at Pororo Park Singapore’s admission rates. Click for the full-sized picture.

Pororo Park Singapore membership rates.

Take part in the Pororo Park Singapore Grand Draw 2016 and stand to win amazing prizes!

Thank you Pororo Park Singapore for inviting us to your Family Fun Blogger Day and for the personalised recommended itinerary! If you need more information on Pororo Park Singapore, you will be able to find it on their website. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram 🙂

Pororo Park Singapore
6 Raffles Boulevard
Marina Square
#02-29
Singapore 039593
Tel: +65 6250 9700
Email: info@pororoparksg.com

Opening Hours:
Sun to Thu
10.30am – 8pm
Fri & Sat
10.30am – 9pm

*Socks are required for all visitors, including accompanying adults*

Rise and Grind Coffee Co. Singapore Food Review

Posted on March 28, 2016 by missuschewy

– Invited Tasting –

RISE AND GRIND! Isn’t that pretty much what most of us do everyday? Haha. Prior to my first visit to Rise and Grind Coffee Co. at Bukit Timah Plaza, I had walked past this cafe once and found it interesting that the cafe is not exactly located within the shopping centre but right outside, on its own. If I hadn’t passed by Rise and Grind Coffee Co. before, I think I would have a hard time finding it!

I’m a fan of green tea, so I ordered the Iced Matcha Latte ($6.50) which was full-bodied and pretty good stuff! Just make sure you don’t take too long to finish your drink as it will become diluted when the ice starts to melt.

Rise and Grind Coffee Co. serves breakfast and brunch till 3pm on weekdays and 5pm on weekends. I chose Ocean’s Thirteen ($17) because of the movie and also, I love smoked salmon! Poached eggs and smoked salmon are always a winning combination and this time was no different. The poached eggs were just perfect, with its molten yolk oozing out when our knives cut through them. I couldn’t really taste the yuzu in the yuzu hollandaise but nevertheless, it was light and refreshing when combined with the beetroot yogurt.

We have a thing for mentaiko and it was our first time eating Sweet Potato Fries with Mentaiko Mayonnaise Sauce ($10). Initially, we didn’t quite know what to expect since sweet potato is sweet and mentaiko is salty. We were pleasantly surprised that both flavors went really well together!

Little misschewy couldn’t resist her favorite fries and reached out for some.

Thumbs up!

We were also recommended the RGC Honey Wings ($9) which seem to be one of their more popular items on the menu. I really liked how crispy the skin was, while its meat was tender and juicy. The sticky sweet honey wings definitely make a great dish for sharing among friends!

Rise and Grind Coffee Co. offers a wide variety of mains and we certainly had a tough time choosing. We finally decided on Tom Yam Seafood Pasta ($17) which proved to be a great choice! We had tried the tom yam seafood pasta at 49 Seats previously, and found it ridiculously salty. The one at Rise and Grind Coffee Co. tastes so much better! The creamy tom yam sauce was flavorful and easy to stomach as it wasn’t overly rich or creamy. We also found a decent amount of prawns, squid and mussels in our pasta! Now I know where to head to when the tom yam pasta craving hits!

We were feeling quite full so we chose a smaller dessert for sharing. Homaigawd the sticky date pudding with vanilla ice cream screams awesomeness please. It was really one of the BEST sticky date puddings we have tried so far, if not THE BEST. Sticky date pudding served warm and moist, and topped with vanilla ice cream, this is really heaven.

Do check out Rise and Grind Coffee Co. if you haven’t! Everything on the menu is less than $20! 🙂
Stay connected with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missuschewy and on Instagram @missuschewy

Rise and Grind Coffee Co.
Bukit Timah Plaza
1 Jalan Anak Bukit
#L1-CA1, (Opposite DBS bank)
Singapore 588996

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed, Thu and Sun
9am – 9pm
Tue
9am – 4.30pm
Fri and Sat
9am – 10pm

Vita Italiana Singapore Review

Posted on December 9, 2015 by missuschewy

– Tasting Invite –

Singaporeans are a really lucky bunch. With new restaurants sprouting up ever so often, we can safely say that the F&B scene in Singapore is a very vibrant and exciting one. Vita Italiana is a new Italian restaurant located along Mosque Street and is barely 6 months old. We were hosted by Chef Jeremy, one of the co-owners who has an impressive 15 years of invaluable experience working in the kitchens at Tower Club, Da Paolo, Bel Mondo, etc. He had even operated a “chap chye png’ stall alongside his wife in a primary school!

Vita Italiana is a small and cosy restaurant which seats about 35 to 40 comfortably. Definitely a nice place for that first date or anniversary celebration!

We had some homemade bread with pesto while waiting for our food to arrive. The bread was warm and had a nice chewy bite to it.

True to its name, the Cappuccino ai Porcini ($12) arrived looking exactly like a cup of cappuccino. Four types of mushroom were used in addition to truffle foam. Dusted with a pinch of cocoa powder, this mushroom soup tasted hearty and had a wonderfully rich earthy taste. You know what they say – best for a cold, rainy day!

We tried two types of pizza, the Carbonara ($22) and Bismarck ($24). According to Chef Jeremy, due to certain constraints, Vita Italiana does not use a wood fire oven for their pizza but I don’t see any problem with that as the pizza was very fluffy and crisp around the edges. Interestingly, beer is used make the pizza dough which results in a hint of fragrance and flavor in the pizza.

We tackled the carbonara pizza first, which consisted of roasted garlic cream, mozzarella, bacon, egg, onion marmalade and parmigiano. The flavors worked harmoniously well together that we found ourselves licking our fingers clean. The Bismarck ($24) pizza was also a winner, with balanced notes of sweet, sour and savory. We absolutely loved the soft egg in the middle and we even used the slices of pizza to soak up as much egg yolk as possible.

We don’t usually order ravioli but Vita Italiana’s Ravioli al Granchio ($26) homemade ravioli certainly left a lasting impression on us. The vodka tomato cream sauce was very rich and had a sharp, bright flavor which screams delicious!

The pieces of ravioli were al dente and such a joy biting into. We were also very impressed by how generously stuffed the pieces of ravioli were, with fresh crabmeat and thyme. It was a brilliant idea to include thyme as it adds a subtle aroma to the overall dish and has a slightly minty flavor to balance out the heaviness of the vodka tomato cream sauce. This is definitely a very well-executed dish!

Upon learning from Chef Jeremy that the Maiale al Forno ($28) involves a very arduous cooking process, we just had to appreciate this dish even more. One of the steps involves the sous vide cooking method, which allows the flavor to be locked in and its essence is amplified as the pork is cooked in its own natural juices. The pork crackling was perfectly crispy and the meat-to-fat ratio was an optimal one. It also helped that some orange juice had been drizzled over the pork for that slightly zesty flavor.

I have a sweet tooth but sometimes, I just prefer my desserts to be not so sweet. Vita Italiana’s Tiramisu di Vita ($12) isn’t ridiculously sweet and also scored in more ways than one. The cake was moist and spongy, while the delicious creamy taste was simply unforgettable!

Just when we thought we didn’t have room for any more food, the Tortino di cioccolato con cuore fondente ($12) had a surprise element which we could not resist. The chocolate lava cake had a Gorgonzola centre filling which made the overall taste so much more interesting! Who would have thought that blue cheese and chocolate could go so well together! Chef Jeremy told us that it was actually an accidental invention in the kitchen! If you are not a fan of blue cheese, there is also a peanut butter option.

Chef Jeremy recommended this Ciu Ciu Tebaldo Marche Bianco IGT, Italy wine which was a great pairing for most of the dishes we tried. This wine is not readily available elsewhere, so be sure to try it when you are at Vita Italiana!

Vita Italiana is also selling a wide range of top quality Italian Christmas Cakes, Panettone and Pandoro. If you are looking for something for your Christmas party, do check out the selection here!

The husband and I had a wonderful dining experience at Vita Italiana. The food certainly surpassed our expectations and we highly recommend Vita Italiana to all our readers and friends. We can’t wait to revisit this fabulous restaurant! Stay connected with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missuschewy and on Instagram @missuschewy, @misterchewy and @little_miss_chewy 🙂

Vita Italiana
38 Mosque Street
Tel: 6220 0093

Opening Hours:
Sun to Thu and PH
12pm – 10pm
Fri, Sat and Eve of PH
12pm – 10.30pm

Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa Penang

Posted on November 26, 2015 by missuschewy

– Sponsored Post –

Earlier, we reviewed Golden Sands Resort Penang and we are gonna do a quick post on Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa today. When we were in Penang, we spent the entire day in Georgetown before checking in for a night in the evening. Rasa Sayang is located just next to Golden Sands.

We stayed at one of the newly refurbished Garden Wing rooms which had a spacious and airy, nature-inspired ambience. Elegant yet understated, the family-friendly Garden Wing allows guests to feel relaxed and at ease. The Garden Wing rooms are designed with the family in mind, marrying function and beauty, both practical yet elegant.

All rooms are serviced by the resort’s housekeeping team at least twice daily. Each room is facilitated with an in-room locker, data port for internet, IDD telephone with voice mail, satellite television with non-stop in-house movies, and more!

The bedroom is furnished with a separate shower and bathtub as well as Shangri-La’s collection of bathroom amenities, hair dryer, slippers and bathrobes.

The 189 rooms and suites at Garden Wings are breezy and pleasant, offering accommodation which features views of the sea and gardens. Most of the suites feature a spacious terrace with a separate sitting room and parlour, giving it a touch of home.

We took a buggy ride to Golden Sands Resort so that Little misschewy could have her dose of fun at Adventure Zone, a modular play area designed for kids of all ages.

The 10000 square foot facility has a comprehensive indoor playground with three categories of drop slides and multiple sections of modular play equipment. The main highlight are the drop slides, which have been proven to be extremely safe and offer a high level of enjoyable for both children and adults.

This is the toddler-friendly area that was more suitable for Little misschewy.

Can’t say no to her favorite ball pit!

We had breakfast at the Spice Market Cafe the morning before we checked out. It is a casual restaurant that offers authentic ethnic cuisines from diverse cultures such as Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai and also Western. Located on the ground floor of the Garden Wing, the restaurant is right beside the swimming pool under the rain trees.

Hearty breakfast before we make our way to the airport for our flight back home! Daily buffet breakfast at the Spice Market Cafe is from 6.30am to 11am.

Stay connected with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missuschewy and on Instagram @missuschewy, @misterchewy and @little_miss_chewy 🙂

Golden Sands Resort Penang Blog Review

Posted on November 9, 2015 by missuschewy

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With 2015 coming to an end soon, I really have to say that this year has been a pretty exciting one for The Chewys. We went on a total of five short trips to nearby countries, which is extremely rare and something which we never thought we could achieve now that it’s no longer just the two of us.. With a young one in tow, we have to take into consideration numerous factors when it comes to travelling and for now, long haul flights are definitely out of the question! We have always wanted to visit Penang for its delicious street food and I guess we couldn’t pass up the chance when we were invited to review two of Shangri-La’s resorts in Penang. We spent the first two nights in Golden Sands Resort before transferring to Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa.

Upon touching down at Penang International Airport, no time was wasted and we were whisked away in a limousine to the lovely Golden Sands Resort. We were caught in a bad jam but thankfully, the limousine was equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi which kept us occupied throughout the rest of the journey. Golden Sands Resort is located along Batu Feringgi Beach, which is about 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Unfortunately, we spent more than an hour on the road that day because we couldn’t get a better flight timing and reached Penang during its peak hour in the evening.

We were escorted to the check-in counter on the ground floor and our luggages were being sent up to our room thereafter. Appreciated the little welcome note and fresh fruits provided.

Our Deluxe Sea Facing Room is just one of the 387 guest rooms in Golden Sands Resort. It spans about 30 square metres and is a cosy haven for a small family like ours. I like that the design of our room is kept simple, such that it is not over-the-top and it emanates a low-key and laid-back charm, which is perfect for a family beach holiday.

There is a private balcony in our room which offers refreshing views of lush tropical greenery, the resort’s swimming pool as well as the enticing sea view beyond. It was actually pretty therapeutic lounging by the balcony while sipping a bottle of beer.

Little misschewy was contented with her comfortable corner in the room.

Double sinks!

Premium Shangri-La toiletries

It was already late evening by the time we settled down and obviously heading out to Georgetown for dinner would be a very bad idea. Golden Sands Resort has a plethora of dining options that will definitely make you spoiled for choice. The new Sigi’s Bar and Grill is a fun, family-style restaurant located right on Batu Feringgi beach and we say, go for it!

Besides their extensive Ala carte dinner menu, Sigi’s also offers BBQ buffet which is great if you want to try a bit of everything. We had roast chicken rice, sambal fish, grilled chicken wings, mutton curry, etc and certainly ate to our hearts’ content!

For registered hotel guests, children under the age of 12 can enjoy complimentary buffet meals when accompanied by a paying adult, up to a maximum of 2 children. Little misschewy loved the fried calamari rings!

We were so well-fed that we almost didn’t have room for desserts!

Took a leisurely stroll back to our room and saw that the resort has gone the extra mile in providing a turndown service for its guests. Not all hotels and resorts practise this, and it is a nice touch that Golden Sands Resort sees to it that rooms are refreshed and bed linens are turned down for sleeping.

Even though we had two days of food trail ahead of us, we couldn’t resist having the buffet breakfast at Golden Sand Resort’s Garden Cafe!

Piping hot food awaits!

The resort’s swimming pools look so inviting, don’t they! We regretted not packing our swimsuits along!

Hahaha pardon the little one’s expression. She was feeling bummed out that she had to miss out on all the fun!

Besides the pool, there are also other activities such as massage and foot reflexology services available.

For the adrenaline junkies, parasailing is a popular choice.

We were truly impressed that there is a family entertainment centre otherwise known Adventure Zone, housed within the resort. More on that in the next blog post!

Snapped a photo with Golden Sand Resort’s mascot, Polly the Parrot, before we boarded the complimentary shuttle bus to Georgetown for our Penang food trail!
Stay connected with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missuschewy and on Instagram @missuschewy, @misterchewy and @little_miss_chewy 🙂

missuschewy

Singapore Lifestyle and Travel Blog

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