Arteastiq at Plaza Singapura Food Review

Posted on September 21, 2015 by missuschewy

– Tasting Invite –

The last time misterchewy and I visited Arteastiq’s flagship outlet at Mandarin Gallery was a few years ago. It was an impromptu decision to have afternoon tea there on a weekday but it was the best decision ever! I remember lusting over Arteastiq’s famous apple and orange cakes, as well as their lovely dessert teas! Thanks to Agnes from ATMC, misterchewy and I got to be one of the first to try Arteastiq’s revamped menu at Plaza Singapura, their new outlet which opened end August this year.

Just like its flagship outlet, the newly opened Arteastiq at Plaza Singapura also serves to provide a sanctuary for city dwellers to retreat from the stress of living in fast-paced Singapore, while enjoying the ambience of contemporary Europe tucked in a cosy corner. The dining area of the new boutique tea house accommodates 68 pax while the art jam studio can accommodate 24 pax, totalling to a maximum capacity of 92.

In true Arteastiq fashion, the new location provides a view of lush greenery and social art jammers will be able to let their creative juices flow in the art jam studio adjacent to the premium tea lounge. While we were dining there, I couldn’t help but observe the art jammers work on blank canvases from scratch and it does seem to be a very therapeutic and enjoyable activity for people of all ages!

Arteastiq has launched a charity program called “Get Creative for a Good Cause” in collaboration with the Rare Disorders Society (Singapore) (RDSS). Individuals are encouraged to submit their artwork from their art jamming sessions at Arteastiq and these art pieces will be put up for sale. Upon successful sales of Art Jammers’ artwork donation, Arteastiq will refund the Art Jammer as a sponsorship and donate all proceeds to Rare Disorders Society Singapore. Photographed above are some of the art pieces by local celebrities like Dawn Yeoh, waiting to be purchased for a good cause. Each Art Jamming session costs $48 per person and comes with one standard 50cm x 50cm cotton canvas, unlimited flow of acrylic paint, one set of brushes, and one choice of Arteastiq lite specialty beverages.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Arteastiq serves an incredibly extensive range of beverages which are categorized into Fruit Teas, Ginger Teas, English & Floral Teas, Chinese & Japanese Teas, Blency, Blencelato, Dessert Teas, Coffee, Tea Latte, Cioccolata and Steam Milk. I have a thing for floral teas and selected the Cold French Rose Tea ($7.40). It came in a large pot which was sufficient to be shared between two people. Brewed with the finest floral tea leaves, the French Rose Tea was delicate and fragrant, which also had a calming effect.

Don’t you think that it is a very bold move to name your own mushroom soup as The Best Mushroom Soup in the World ($12)? We immediately caught a whiff of truffle as soon as the mushroom soup was served to our table. It was creamy and had a smooth consistency, with tiny bits of mushroom that we bit into. Definitely not the best but it was quite good. Having said that, the hubs and I wiped the entire pot clean! Perhaps a little less salt would work wonders.

The other starter that we had was Nordic Lights – Soba Salad ($16). Presentation wise, it was interesting to serve the combination of greens, smoked salmon, soba noodles and cherry tomatoes on a huge tortilla bowl. I love how clean tasting and easy to stomach this was.

The mains of the revamped menu is divided into two segments: ‘Ladies Affairs’ and ‘Gentleman’s Dinner’, which was conceived with the idea of having foods specifically engineered for both genders, with the ladies preferring lighter and more sophisticated items while the gentlemen tend to favor hearty and robust dishes. We tried 3 items from the ‘Gentleman’s Dinner’ section. The Beijing’s Dynasty – Duck Pancake ($28) is stuffed with tender and juicy chunks of duck confit, wrapped around light, fluffy crepes. Generously drizzled with orange caramel, the harmonious marriage of sweet and savory is indisputable. You really can’t say no to another piece of Arteastiq’s duck pancake.

The Latin Lover – Frijolles ($25) is made up of baked Mexican pork bean stew that is cooked with sausages, eggs, topped with arugula, and a side of country bread. If you have not tasted Mexican food before, you should give this a try. It is amazing because you can really taste the complex flavors in every bite!

The Boston Love Boat – Ciponio ($29) sounds feminine but the seafood and saffron stew is very rich and robust. It is actually served with a light puff pastry covering the soup bowl and comes with a side of crispy sweet potato fries. The best way to eat this is to savor each spoon of stew together with the pastry. Tomato has also been added into the mix so the result is very tantalizing and hearty. Also, there are plenty of fresh ingredients such as prawns, scallops and mussels in this one! Eat this on a cold rainy day, confirm shiok!

Moving on to the ‘Ladies Affair’ section, the Louisiana Love – Chicken And Waffles ($22) is a dish that I definitely wouldn’t mind ordering again and again. The pan-fried dredged buttermilk chicken and wholewheat waffle proved to be a winning combination, especially when slathered with Arteastiq’s own improvisation of margarine, a tasty maple butter!

And finally before we move on to desserts, the Summer in Provence – Foiegras ($28) is DA BOMB. I believe not just the ladies, but even the gentlemen will truly enjoy this gastronomic indulgence. It is such a brilliant idea to serve seared foie gras with lightly baked eggs!

Mix the eggs and foie gras for an ultimate eating experience! The taste of the foie gras was further enhanced by the egg yolk. There is also a slice of bread served with this dish for diners to soak up all that yummy goodness!

The desserts that we tried were good, but didn’t manage to outshine the mains we had earlier. The New York Connection ($15) is basically french toast with brie, served with coffee syrup and vanilla gelato.

I have a strong preference for sweet stuff but the Whirling Mist ($12) is highly recommended nevertheless. The Lemon Meringue Tart was unusually sour in a refreshing way. Of course, I soon found myself digging into the dark chocolate gelato.

Arteastiq is not just a place for afternoon tea. Their mains are pretty exceptional so you should head there to try them out for yourselves! And don’t forget to indulge in some art jamming 😉
Stay connected with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missuschewy and on Instagram @missuschewy and @misterchewy

Arteastiq Boutique Tea House
Plaza Singapura
#03-70/72
68 Orchard Road
Singapore 238839
Tel: 6336 0951 (Dining)
Tel: 6336 0952 (Social Painting)

Opening Hours:
Daily
10am – 10pm

Hotel Kai Singapore Staycation Review

Posted on July 7, 2015 by missuschewy

– Sponsored Staycation –

(Image taken from Hotel Kai’s Facebook Page)

The hubs and I were recently invited to review a boutique hotel named Hotel Kai, along Purvis Street. Having stayed in a number of hotels over the past few years, it is a refreshing change staying in Hotel Kăi which is centrally located in the heart of Singapore’s historic Civic District. Housed in a beautifully restored conservation shophouse, re-birthed with a unique blend of history and modernity, misterchewy and I were both very eager and looking forward to a cosy weekend together!

Two Hotel Kai staff were all smiles and greeted us at the reception area the moment we stepped in. The area is actually quite small but there is a lounge area beside it for guests. Hotel Kai lives by the philosophy, “Small is More” which is evident from the small little touches and services that can be found in big luxury hotels.

We were really thrilled when we stepped into our Urban Heritage room which spans 25sqm. The first thing we did when we saw the flight of stairs in our room, was to scurry upstairs to see what’s on the second floor. Who wouldn’t? More on that later!

We really like the clean and minimalist design of our room which exudes a modern yet homely feel. It wasn’t difficult for us to feel right at home! Yes, there is complimentary Internet access (Wi-Fi) provided.

Impressed to find a washing machine and a microwave oven! It’s really convenient for guests who prefer to settle everything in the comfort of their own rooms.

I know these are the few standard amenities that most hotels provide but I have come across boutique hotels that do not.

Hotel Kai does not scrimp on bathroom amenities either. They provide just about everything a hotel guest needs for a comfortable stay.

Our Urban Heritage room is able to accommodate up to 3 adults and the additional super single bed is found on the second floor. Actually, misterchewy, little misschewy and I can fit in a super single bed but that’s another story. We noted that the temperature is a little warmer on the upper floor during the day but things were slightly better at night.

Complimentary tea, coffee and Oreos! Awesome!

Back to the Queen sized bed on the first floor!

We found this really cool remote control located at the side of the bed. Actually the super single bed upstairs also has it. You can adjust the angle of the bed to a comfortable position for lounging, reading or sleeping! There’s even a vibration mode which we did not enjoy. Lol.

Light switch and socket to charge your devices.

Another thing that I like about our Urban Heritage room in Hotel Kai is that it allows sufficient natural light into the room for nice photos!

We celebrated Father’s Day that weekend but I will share more about it in a separate blog post 🙂

The both of us had a blissful uninterrupted sleep and woke up feeling refreshed the next morning! Went for our breakfast at Bistrokăi downstairs.

The buffet spread was small but my favorite scrambled eggs and pancakes were offered!

The food was quite good and we went for a second helping.

Indeed, “Small is More” at Hotel Kai and the entire stay definitely surpassed our expectations of a boutique hotel. I would recommend Hotel Kai to travellers on a budget and to couples who just want to experience a staycation together without breaking the bank. Click here to find out more about the room rates and availability.
Stay connected with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missuschewy and on Instagram @missuschewy and @misterchewy 🙂

Hotel Kai
14 Purvis Street
Singapore 188593
Tel: +65 6643 9999
Fax: +65 6871 8931
Email: info@hotelkai.com

Marriott Cafe $20++ High Tea Buffet

Posted on June 27, 2015 by missuschewy

– Invited Tasting –

Do you know that Singapore Marriott Hotel was renamed as Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel as of 4 April 2015? In addition to this, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel is celebrating its 20-year anniversary by offering an irresistible array of attractive 20th birthday promotions and activities to local and international guests from now to 31 July 2015!

One of the promotions offered that I would strongly recommend, is the $20++ High Tea Buffet at Marriott Cafe which is limited to the first 20 reservations per day and a 2-day advanced reservation is required. The high tea buffet boasts more than 50 delectable treats from both Asian and Western delicacies. For people like me, it simply means that I will not have space to stomach a second helping of the same dish!

Oysters were really fresh and replenished on a frequent basis. I also enjoyed the smoked salmon thoroughly.

Assortment of sushi.

It was a delight to be able to find Singaporean classics like Satay.

Hokkien mee with really huge and fresh prawns.

Loved that the carrot cake had a slight wok hei flavor!

Assam Fish Head

Looking at these colorful kueh kueh makes me happy!

Isn’t it wonderful that we can have piping hot crepes made on the spot? You can choose either savory or sweet!

Little misschewy was contented with her scone!

We had a good time indulging in all the yummy treats at this high tea buffet session at Marriott Cafe! Make your reservations now! 🙂

Marriott Cafe
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
Tel: 6831 4605
Email: mhrs.sindt.fb.reservations@marriotthotels.com

Conrad Centennial Singapore Father’s Day Brunch

Posted on June 15, 2015 by missuschewy

– Invited Tasting –

Father’s Day is coming! I hope all of you know that it falls on 21st June yeah! The Chewys were very fortunate to be invited to Conrad Centennial Singapore Hotel where we had a first-hand preview of the sumptuous spread that will be offered at Oscar’s on Father’s Day. The hubs and I have never dined at Oscar’s before, despite hearing so many wonderful reviews because buffets aren’t really our thing. I mean, we love to eat but stuffing ourselves with food for two hours? I really cannot afford to do that! Hahaha.

We wasted no time upon reaching Oscar’s. The Sushi and Sashimi station was definitely my favorite one, which had me returning for more. Fish was fresh, thickly sliced and had a rich creamy taste!

A wide range of Seafood! But I skipped all these and went for…

Oysters!! Wow! These really impressed me. Oysters from so many parts of the world! I couldn’t make up my mind so I asked for one of each. No kidding.

The husband only went for two and that’s his glass of Prosecco.

If you love crabs like we do, be prepared to tuck into a variety of crabs cooked in various methods at Oscar’s! I usually go for Black Pepper Crabs as they are my favorite.

The Singapore Chili Crab was a crowd pleaser and everyone was busy dipping their man tous into the delicious sweet gravy.

The Desserts selection was also very impressive and we were spoilt for choice!

Oscar’s Signature Chocolate Cake is a must try! Pure decadence!

Surprise your dad this Father’s Day! All fathers will receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco or wine, and The Refinery amenity gift set.
Quote “ConradFathersDay2015” to enjoy 15% off when making reservations at Oscar’s Father’s Day Brunch on 21 June or at Golden Peony lunch or dinner on 20 & 21 June.

Conrad Centennial Singapore
Two Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038982

OSCAR’S
Father’s Day Brunch
21 June 2015
12pm – 3pm
S$118++ per adult, S$49++ per child

For more details or reservations, please call:
Oscar’s +65 6432 7481
Golden Peony +65 6432 7482/88

The Rockin’ Diner by The Mustard Incident

Posted on May 7, 2015 by missuschewy

– Tasting Invite –

Previously located in TANGS Basement One, The Mustard Incident has now expanded to become The Rockin’ Diner at 11 Club Street, serving up gourmet hot dogs, American diner favorites and imported artisan beer.

Owner Kelly Koh’s love for American food culture sparked off when he was studying in San Francisco. American diners, music and the American way had a special place in his heart, and that led him to bring a big part of his life home with him to Singapore. Kelly is a man with an appetite for big, meaty servings, and strongly believes in serving American food at The Rockin’ Diner that is as traditional and true to what one would get in the US.

Without knowing what to expect, we were pleasantly surprised at the sight of the Spam Fries ($9.99) which were served piping hot. Crisp yet tender, these are definitely not the Ma Ling luncheon meat that you grew up eating. Very addictive!

Bacon wrapped enoki? Seen plenty. But Bacon Wrapped Fries ($12.99)? These were da bomb! Yes they are artery clogging but not that anyone from our table cared.

Because the hubs and I don’t take beef, Kelly recommended the Louisiana Fish Steak ($19.99). The grilled fish steak was firm and flaky. It was my first time tasting Creole Cajun sauce and it was piquant with a very slight hint of spiciness.

Little Italy’s Killa’ Lasagne ($15.99)

Prior to this, the only B.L.T that I have eaten is from Subway. It was my first and last time ordering it. The Rockin’ Diner’s B.L.T ($12.99) totally took me by surprise! Who would have thought that simple classic ingredients such as bacon, lettuce and tomatoes, piled on toasted white bread could taste soooo damn good! I reckon the secret lies in the sauce!

Philadelphia Cheese Steak ($15.99)

Currently, there are about 10 different types of hot dogs on The Rockin’ Diner menu. They have really adorable names (LOL) such as The Frankenstein, Bar-B-Dog and Hawt Dog. We tried the Green Lambton ($11.99) and I must say that if you are someone who loves your lamb or mutton, this is a MUST TRY. The lamb sausage was tender and had a slightly strong flavor, which is an acquired taste of course. For people who don’t eat beef, the lamb or mutton would be our next best alternative I guess. Topped with pesto and mint sauce, chopped green peppers, onions and relish, the Green Lambton certainly was one very satisfying hot dog.

This is the newest dog on the menu, and the last we heard, it doesn’t have a name yet. Veal sausage, topped with foie gras and drizzled with purple mustard sauce. Doesn’t it spell decadence!

Moving on, the Baby Back Ribs (half slab $19.99, full slab $24.99) is another dish that I would strongly recommend, especially for sharing with a group of friends! Seasoned with homemade BBQ sauce, these oven baked ribs were very juicy and fall-off-the-bone.

Traditional Tiramisu made interesting with layers of nutella in it. Whoever came up with this is a genius! Out of the two desserts that we had, the Nutella-misu ($6.99) was my preferred choice.

I only had a mouthful of the Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie because it was way too sweet and rich for me. However, the hubs was seen happily digging into this sinful dessert because he’s a huge fan of peanut butter.

Delectable food, great music and awesome company! Will I return to The Rockin’ Diner? Definitely! 🙂

The Rockin’ Diner
11 Club Street
Singapore 069405
Tel: 6223 3647

Opening Hours:
Mon to Sat
12pm – 12 midnight

Celebrate Mother’s Day at NOX – Dine in the Dark

Posted on May 1, 2015 by missuschewy

– Tasting Invite –

When NOX – Dine in the Dark first opened its doors sometime around the third quarter of 2013, there was plenty of hype because the very idea of eating in complete darkness was intriguing and exciting to many. Shortly after its opening, I came across a handful of reviews online and was very tempted to check this place out but at that time, I was in my first trimester of pregnancy and didn’t think that it would be such a good idea. Decided to put it off till much later but I kind of became consumed by motherhood and ended up forgetting all about it!

Naturally, I was really enthusiastic when I received an email for a media tasting so on Monday evening, misterchewy and I turned up at NOX 20 minutes early. We made ourselves comfortable browsing the drinks menu while the staff did the necessary preparations. It was a pity that misterchewy didn’t get to try the Skippy Dip as the restaurant ran out of peanut butter so he was recommended the Blue Curacao while I chose the Rubus Pink. Both cocktails are really pretty as you can see from the photo and I liked my choice as it was sweet and also not overly potent.

We were also served our amuse bouche at the lounge and soon after we had to lock up all our valuables, in particular mobile devices and other items that give out light or glow in the dark. Like I had mentioned in my earlier posts, I am obsessed with my iPhone and I actually spent the last couple of minutes typing away furiously, trying to post a photo of the cocktails we had on Instagram. LOL.

You are also strongly encouraged to visit the washroom before heading upstairs for dinner. I was very paranoid so I went twice! Hahaha.

The dining area is situated on the second floor and we were introduced to our server, Hafiz, who was a very friendly chap. Going up the flight of steps would lead us to pitch black darkness, hence we had to form a line by holding on to each others’ shoulders with Hafiz leading the way. As we were shuffling our way up, those horror movie scenes started popping into my head! AHHHH I really felt like smacking myself. Suddenly, Hafiz paused and announced that we have reached our table! He guided misterchewy to his seat, and then me to mine. I could feel the cushion and the table but not sure if I positioned myself correctly and asked Hafiz stupidly, “Am I facing the right way?” to which he laughed, “Yes you are!”

Hafiz then went on to brief us about our 3-course dinner. Each course would consist of 4 different dishes served in individual bowls placed on a large plate. We were asked to feel for our cutlery and napkins on our right and subsequently tasked to pour water into our own glasses. At this point I almost panicked but told myself to remain calm. I ran my fingers along the side of the table and reached for the bottle of water. Instead of holding the body of the bottle like I normally would, I held its neck and poured really slowly. Dipped my finger into the glass to gauge how much I poured. No spills there. Phew! As we were waiting for our food, we waved our hands in front of us but nope, can’t see nuthin’! The hubs asked Hafiz how do the servers manage to serve in the dark and Hafiz explained that all of them are visually impaired and NOX is like their second home. I kinda felt emotional after he returned to the kitchen and thought long and hard about how difficult life is without our sense of sight! 🙁

Hafiz served our appetizers and boy, the food smelled really good! We were told to start off with the bowl closest to us (6 o’clock) and proceed in clockwise direction. I shall not spoil the fun by revealing what we ate that night. Anyway the menu changes every two months. I have to say that it was really fun pressing the bowls close to our lips and shoveling food into our mouths, all the while exclaiming throughout the meal. Good thing we were the only diners in the restaurant when we had our appetizers and mains. Halfway through our desserts, Phoebe and her husband entered the restaurant. I was 100% sure because I heard Hafiz address the couple as “Phoebe and Jonah”. Hahaha! I think they were seated probably two tables away from us and the conversation between Phoebe and her husband was kinda funny which livened up the atmosphere because before their arrival, misterchewy and I were like whispering to each other.

We called out to Hafiz when we were done with our desserts. I held onto Hafiz’s shoulders and he asked, “Ok are you guys ready?” The silly hubs exclaimed YES! and I was like “WAIT! NO! HE DIDN’T HOLD MY SHOULDERS!” Funny la this misterchewy. Hafiz kept reassuring us that we were walking on flat ground because we were taking like small baby steps. HAHAHA. I was so relieved when we finally saw light and shook hands with Hafiz. He was such a wonderful host!

It doesn’t end here! We had to fill in a short questionnaire listing what we think we had just eaten, after which pictures of the dishes were revealed to us on an iPad. I think we almost nailed it! I would also like to add that the food prepared by Head Chef Desmond Lee, formerly from some of Singapore’s highly-acclaimed and most decorated restaurants including Ember, Braise, as well as Private Affairs, is seriously delicious! The hubs and I were very impressed that NOX is not just another gimmicky restaurant.

NOX – Dine in the Dark is a dinner only restaurant. However, it will be welcoming the lunch crowd on Mother’s Day, 10th May 2015 offering a luxurious 2-course (S$68++) and 3-course (S$88++) Mother’s Day Mystery Set Lunch from 11am – 3pm. In addition, mothers dine for free with every 3 paying guests! A unique experience awaits, one that would tug on your heartstrings, and which is truly memorable! NOX – Dine in the Dark will also be offering a complementary glass of sparkling wine, coffee/tea, and petit four to go along with the exclusive Mother’s Day Set Lunch.

NOX – Dine in the Dark
269 Beach Road
Singapore 199546
Tel: +65 6298 0708

Opening Hours:
Mon to Friday
6pm to late
Sat
5pm to late
Sun
5 – 11pm (last reservation 9PM)
Lunch: Open for group bookings

The All-New Toyota Corolla Altis Car Review

Posted on January 30, 2015 by missuschewy

– Sponsored Review –

Late last year, I was given the opportunity to test drive the all-new Toyota Corolla Altis, which is now in its 11th generation, over a period of four days. It is my first time being approached to do a car review and I am more than willing to try out something different for my blog and readers! To be honest, I don’t know much about cars and absolutely nothing about technical specifications but I’m gonna give a shot nevertheless 🙂

The all-new Corolla Altis’ design theme exudes the confidence of a modern, advanced vehicle. With a longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs, the car holds an athletic stance with greater presence. More pronounced flared wheel arches, and a clean yet impactful sculpted surface adds an air of elegance to its sporty exterior. Viewed in profile, a sweeping crease in the body sheet metal spans the length of the sedan and accentuates the integrated door handle design. The exterior tapers towards the front and rear of the vehicle to emphasize its wheel arches, with a longer, faster sloping roofline that blends into a shorter rear deck to give the sedan a sportier image.

As a result of the 100 mm increase in vehicle wheelbase, passenger comfort in the all new Corolla Altis’ interior package has been dramatically improved, with significantly increased legroom for rear seat occupants. Compared to the outgoing model, the rear seat hip point has been moved back 75 mm, with additional legroom gained by adopting a slim front seat back.

The rear passenger floor was also made flatter by re-routing the exhaust pipes beneath the vehicle to offer a better middle position flat floor bed. A new sporty 3-spoke steering wheel, designed with a characteristic V-shaped silver ornamentation and clad in genuine leather, provides excellent ergonomics driving to remain a comfortable experience, even for longer journeys. Shortcuts to access frequently required information and audio controls are placed within easy reach to ensure safe driving at all times.

The Corolla Altis adopts sleek, compact LED lamp assemblies that reduce corner mass and help accentuate its tapered, rounded-corner design theme. In addition, the lower amounts of heat generated by the LED lamps enable the use of a lighter weight PES (Polyethersulfone) resin lens instead of conventional glass. The all-new Corolla Altis is the first compact sedan to offer LED projector headlamps as standard equipment. The Corolla Altis also comes with automatic headlamps which are really cool. The headlights lit up whenever we turned into a carpark, tunnel and when it was dark.

As a parent, I am very happy with the Corolla’s Altis wide trunk space which can contain a pram, luggage, bags, amongst a few other things. When our hands were full from too much shopping, the electric trunk release allowed us to open the car boot with a light touch.

The all new Corolla Altis has incorporated quite a number of cool features such as the keyless entry which, simply put, eliminates the need for drivers to rummage through their bags in search of their car keys. The car can be unlocked at a simple touch of the handle as long as the key is in your bag or pocket.

Instead of having to insert the car key into the ignition, the engine is started at a simple push of the button.

The all-new Corolla Altis offers an efficient 1.6-liter, four-cylinder 16 Valves DOHC engine equipped with Dual VVT-i that generates a power output of 121 bhp and 154 Nm torque. The Dual VVT-i varies the timing and lift of the engine’s valves to suit your driving requirements, resulting in improved responsiveness, superior fuel economy of 6.5l/100km and low CO2 emission of 151g/km.

Thanks to a rigid chassis that takes advantage of improved suspension tuning to offer a more engaging and more dynamic car, the Corolla Altis offers improved handling and steering. The vehicle also felt very stable and agile.

I love that the audio controls are located on the steering wheel. It certainly makes things a whole lot more convenient when I want to switch radio stations or turn up the volume while both hands are still on the steering wheel.

We all know how distracting it can be when glaring headlights from other cars shine directly into our rear view mirrors when driving! The electrochromic rear view mirror with auto dimming solves this problem.

Drinks holder for the driver and passenger. How thoughtful!

DVD infotainment with navigation is powered by Garmin. Quite reliable but takes quite a while to load when we were turning out from carparks.

I was initially quite skeptical about the rain sensing wipers but the wipers started sweeping as soon as it started to rain. The speed of the wipers is also dependent on how heavy the rain is.

All in all, we found the all new Toyota Corolla Altis to be a very reliable and stable car which boasts many intuitive features that form a conducive and hasslefree driving experience. Click here to book a test drive today!

Three Bistro Singapore Food Review

Posted on January 23, 2015 by missuschewy

– Tasting Invite –

With the many eateries scattered around Marina Square, it is not difficult to miss out on Three Bistro as it is not situated within the shopping mall but along its parameter. Remember to do yourself a favor and pop by Three Bistro the next time you head to Marina Square as this restaurant serves a wide range of delectable food such as pizza, pasta and main courses like lamb shank and kurobuta pork belly at reasonable prices.

If you enjoy live music performances, be sure to catch the live band on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Patrons at Three Bistro can even go forward and join in the fun!

Three Bistro is also a place for wine enthusiasts to discover wine that is not readily available elsewhere.

We had the Classic Mushroom Soup ($6) for a start. The freshly blended mix of wild mushroom had a rich, earthy flavor and we enjoyed the clumpy consistency of the soup as we could chew on the bits of mushroom. The icing on the cake was definitely the generous drizzle of truffle oil!

For something just as appetite whetting, the Seafood Soup ($8) is your best bet. A chock full of fish, prawns and squid in tomato soup is simply addictive!

Moving on to the main courses, we first tried the Duck Leg Confit ($25), which made us do a double take when it was being served to our table. The portion was huge and generous! We were told that the duck legs had been braised overnight, which probably contributed to the meat being moist and fall-off-the-bone tender! A large part of our enjoyment was derived from savoring the crispy skin with a layer of fat underneath. Sinful but worth every calorie. It is also interesting to note that honey mustard vinaigrette instead of the more common orange and cranberry sauce had been used.

Oven baked with tomato salsa and served with cream of anchovy, the Black Cod ($27) was silky and delicate in texture, while retaining its moisture within. Its distinctive sweet flavor was further enhanced by the tomato salsa.

The Chocolate Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream ($6.50) is the kind of dessert that will appeal to people of all ages. Loved that the chocolate brownie was delightfully dense and chewy, while the nuts gave the brownie an extra bite. When the brownie was paired with the vanilla ice cream, the result was beyond delicious!

Lastly, our Panna Cotta ($5.50) had a very nice pudding-like consistency which was gelatinous and not too wobbly. The strawberry sauce gave the panna cotta a refreshing and tangy taste which was truly unforgettable.

Apart from dinner dates and gatherings with friends, Three Bistro is also a perfect place to host events, parties and celebrations. The space is big enough to house around 70 to 80 people for a sit-down lunch or dinner. Also, Three Bistro is blessed with a very versatile kitchen that can cater Chinese food to the older generation if required. Be sure to check out Three Bistro soon!

Three Bistro
Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard
#01- 07/08
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 63388644

Opening Hours:
Mon to Thu
10am – 11pm
Fri & Sat
10am – 12 midnight
Sun
12pm – 9.30pm

Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Singapore Staycation Review

Posted on December 29, 2014 by missuschewy

– Sponsored Staycation –

The recent opening of Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Singapore in September 2014 marked the launch of the new Hotel Jen brand by Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd, which seeks to be fresh, friendly and fuss-free. The Hotel Jen brand is inspired by the virtual persona Jen, a professional hotelier who loves life, travel and the adventure of discovering new places. Hotel Jen takes care of guests with efficiency and care, while also giving them informed access to the best a particular destination has to offer. The location of Hotel Jen Orchardgateway is just perfect, giving direct access to Orchardgateway shopping mall. It is right smack in the middle of Orchard, where all the other vibrant shopping centres are.

There are a total of 502 rooms within Hotel Jen Orchardgateway with a choice of four room types – Superior (27 sqm), Superior Cityview (27 sqm), Deluxe (32 sqm) and lastly, Premier Panorama (41 sqm), which we had the luxury of checking into. When we first stepped into our room on the 17th floor, we were blown away by the floor to ceiling glass window, which is very unique because it leans outwards, thus enabling you a better view of Orchard Road.

The layout of the room is also rather uncommon. The work desk is actually quite hidden from view, unlike in most hotels, the work desk and bed are placed so closely together. I guess in this case, it demarcates the boundaries between work and play (or sleep). Most business travellers should appreciate this!

If you notice, our Premier Panorama room is surrounded by plenty of windows, making the room look really spacious!

This is the super comfortable King-sized bed which gave all of us a great night’s sleep. My only gripe is that the pillows are filled with down feather. As much as I enjoy the cushiony pillows, the smell of the down feathers was a bit too overwhelming for me.

Hotel Jen Orchardgateway’s 46-inch Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system is something to boast about. And if you are lucky, you might even have one in the bathroom!

Apart from the usual coffee and tea making facilities, the fresh cut fruits and my favorite childhood iced gem biscuits were a pleasant surprise.

There isn’t a separate rain shower in the bathroom, which means that there is no way I can avoid having to climb in and out of the bath tub even when all I wanted was a shower and not a bath. However, I’m glad that there is plenty of space around the tub for me to place my toiletries. This is very important, considering the amount of toiletries I have!

Baby Chanelle enjoys hotel staycations too! Here’s a photo of her testing out the firmness of the bed. See how upright she is sitting up?

Look, Papa and Mummy! I can chill here all day!

A mandatory family photo before we head out! We had been granted access to the Club Lounge but did not manage to make it for cocktails from 5.30pm to 7.30pm because I had an eyebrow embroidery appointment with Browtisan. By the time I was done, it was time for dinner.

Dinner saw us having a feast at Makan@Jen! The variety is really remarkable; they had everything we could think of, and more!

The automated WineStation has got to be the coolest thing around at Makan@Jen!

I love buffets because it’s a good time for me to get my salmon sashimi and oyster fix!

Very yummy curry chicken and pork knuckle.

Yay to having prawn noodles for dinner!

I like the baby chairs provided at Makan@Jen because they come with food trays, which are great if you wanna let your baby self feed.

Gave Chanelle different types of bread to nibble on.

It was our first time having buffet togther as a family! Bread and cucumber buffet for Little misschewy but towards the end of the dinner, she started hurling food everywhere because she got cranky.

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll along Orchard Road to enjoy the Christmas lights.

Good morning! All of us are well rested and ready for breakfast!

Decided to check out the Club Lounge on the 19th floor and also avoid the morning crowd at Makan@Jen.

I would expect the variety at Makan@Jen to be much more impressive, but this one at the Club Lounge is also adequate. Most importantly, there are waffles and eggs!

Here’s the gymnasium if you desperately want to squeeze time out for some exercise before check-out!

Gotta love Hotel Jen Orchardgateway’s very own infinity pool!

Very nice place to lounge around with a good book and a glass of beer.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. Felt very reluctant to check out after such an enjoyable stay at Hotel Jen Orchardgateway! Room prices start from S$215++ per night. There are various promotions that cater to the needs of different travellers, so be sure to check them out here!

Hotel Jen Orchardgateway
277 Orchard Road
Singapore 238858
Tel: 6708 8888
Email: hjog@hoteljen.com

Missuschewy is a Fisher-Price Play IQ Ambassador Mum!

Posted on November 24, 2014 by missuschewy

– Advertorial –

Photo credit: www.levinpoh.com

Hello everyone! We are happy to announce that Missuschewy has been selected as a Fisher-Price Play IQ Ambassador Mum! Since young, I have always been an ardent fan of Fisher-Price toys and never had a dull moment playing with them. Now that we have Little misschewy, it is only natural that I select the one brand that I can trust when it comes to buying toys for her. Of course, when I was invited to be a part of the Fisher-Price team, I knew I couldn’t say no!

Daddies and mummies out there, do you know that children learn through play? Play is the most effective method for children to develop their brain in meaningful ways that will lay the foundation for learning as they grow. Children absorb the most and their brain develop rapidly during the first five years of life. As caregivers, we need to understand how play really does benefit our children physically, cognitively and emotionally. The key point is not just playing, but HOW children actually play that makes the difference! Fisher-Price highlights the importance of giving children the right toys at the right developmental stage to help them reach their fullest potential. The only way to go about doing so is to first measure your child’s Play IQ, a tool developed by Fisher-Price which assesses a child’s level of development in three key pillars: Physical, Cognitive and Social & Emotional.

It’s all about choosing the right toys at the right developemental stage!

Photo credit: www.levinpoh.com

You can find out your child’s Play IQ here! Baby Chanelle is a Small World Explorer, displaying a high physical and cognitive play IQ. Not only does the Play IQ tool recommend toys that are suitable for your child depending on his or her play persona, it goes on to share your child’s development plan and upcoming milestones! How cool is that? I invite all daddies and mummies to join me on this journey to find out how you can help your child achieve his fullest potential! I will also be conducting a givewaway at the end of it all!

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

missuschewy

Singapore Lifestyle and Travel Blog

Category Archives: #Media Invite

Arteastiq at Plaza Singapura Food Review

Hotel Kai Singapore Staycation Review

Marriott Cafe $20++ High Tea Buffet

Conrad Centennial Singapore Father’s Day Brunch

The Rockin’ Diner by The Mustard Incident

Celebrate Mother’s Day at NOX – Dine in the Dark

The All-New Toyota Corolla Altis Car Review

Three Bistro Singapore Food Review

Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Singapore Staycation Review

Missuschewy is a Fisher-Price Play IQ Ambassador Mum!

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: