Sunday, February 13, 2022

Singapore - To Eat 11Feb2022 (Dolce Vita at Mandarin Oriental Hotel)

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Dolce Vita
Located at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
Dolce Vita is located on the 5th floor of the grand Mandarin Oriental. Located pool side. It has a mix of Alfresco and indoor dining.  ABBATip:
Due COVID, access from Marina Square to the hotel has been blocked off. One needs to exit Marina Square shopping mall and enter via Mandarian Oriental’s main entrance. 
Ordered On
11Feb21
Amuse-Boucher and sour dough bread (Complimentary)
(Single bite)
*A fancy potato ball. Nothing much.*
Toetelli SGD36 
Homemade stuffed tortellini the Brie mousse 
Porcini mousse, sautéed oyster mushroom, black truffle Creamy caper sauce
*The tortellini were packets of flavour explosion. The cream sauce however lacked the caper punch. Overall it was interesting but not screaming for another bite.*
Anatara al forno SGD48
Roasted duck breast
Carrot and ginger mash, spinach mousse, roasting jus. Crispy roll stuffed with confit duck leg. 
*The duck was perfectly executed, but personally the ginger carrot purée felt like they were forcing the Asian influence too much. The spinach mousse felt rough to the tongue and would have faired better with some seasoning. The roasting red wine reduction jus was pleasant but could have been better in concentration and bolder flavors to complement the duck. 
Best fine dining duck had thus far was at Wild Flower - Perth.

For Asian styled, duck, Gold Mine in London never disappoints and always a must when in town.*
Tasting plate with three kinds of cheese SGD34
30 month aged parmesan/Ubriaco Prosecco Grapes, Semi morbido al Tartufo
*Parmesan lacked that sharp bite that we enjoyed. It was shared by the impeccable staff that young aged and the very aged gives that sharpness and subsequent crystallization pops of flavor. 

The Ubriaco Prosecco Grapes win with aromatics but failed in actual taste. 

Only truffle cheese was fairly enjoyable. For cheese fanatics with a huge cheese room, the best to enjoy is at Bascillico, St Ridges. Oso located on the roof top hotel of Oasia Hotel also offers fantastic cheese options though a smaller selection.*
Total Fed 2
SGD138.90
Ambience 4.5/5
*Its got the photogenic pool by the side. With the large window planes, they allow for a semi panoramic view of the Singapore skyline. With outdoor al fresco dining available, it gives that additional flexibility to enjoy the space.*
Service 4.5/5
*Service was implacable. Staff were very knowledgeable and educational on the dishes. They were well aware of the flow of the course and gave the right amount of attention without being over bearing. A truly enjoyable dining experience.*
Food 3/5
*Honestly lacked lustre in all aspects. Though well executed for most of them but could have been that much better. Their table side sour dough breads could have been served warm and their olive oil and balsamic were average.*
Value 3.5/5
*Its ambience and service are what you are paying for.*

Come here for the ambience and the service experience. Perhaps it was the choice of order, but the food lackluster. If really pushed for a meal there, probably go for their simple pizzas and burgers. 
Click here for ABBA location of Dolce Vita
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Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Singapore - To Do 09Feb2022 The Artground (Fungus Huomgous/Masak Masak)

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The Artground
(Fungus Humongous)
 600m/7minwalk  from Mountbatten MRT Station to
The Artground

Located at the Goodman Arts Centre Space changes quarterly!
Visited 15June22
"The Artground – A Curious Place To Be is managed and nurtured by The Ground Co Limited, a registered arts charity. We aim to provide positive arts experiences across a variety of art forms for children from birth to 9 years old in an accessible space that welcomes children from every community." - The Artground

Free to enter with some booking conditions due Covid. I have personally been here a few times before and have enjoyed probably three to four interpretations of this playful space. Plenty of parking available on the premises.
 
The space is a kid friendly explorative area with different themes of art and interactive displays. All are free to explore and enjoy the air-conditioned space with a baby changing room located on premises. The washrooms unfortunately are located outside of this enclosed space.
Worth the visit especially with the regular updates and the place was popular with the preschool kids visit pre-covid and does get crowded around 10am.
ABBAtip:
- Note that with Covid, now, pre-booking is required and they are snapped up fast! A refundable SGD15 deposit is made to ensure guests turn up and booked time slots. Click here for booking details. Booking slots opens every Tuesday for the following week's entry tickets.
- Remember to bring your own socks. 

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Location: 90 Goodman Rd, #01-40 BLK J, Singapore 439053

Sunday, February 6, 2022

Singapore - To Do 05Feb22 (SG River Hong Bao 2022/23)

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SG River Hong Bao 2023 edition



SG River Hong Bao 2022
(Annual Event during Chinese New Year)
*The money god really stole the show with lasers and song.
Right front and center!*

*Searching for our Zodiac animal*
This year's River Hong Bao was held at Gardens By The Bay and came back as a bigger event. The event is free to enter, but requires per-registration as slots are limited.

*Featuring the artwork of local artist Mr Yip Yew Chong*

*The sheer size of it is impressive!*




*Dropping in flowers for well wishes and charity*

This year's display was mighty impressive and the various touch points and variety of activities made it a fantastic evening. These range to carnival games, floating flowers, love bell donations and the various impressive displays made the evening.
Going in the evening is recommended as one can catch the Garden Rhapsody which occurs nightly at the Gardens. Music changes throughout the year. This year's one with the laser lights were particularly impressive. Their ticketed annual Winter Wonderland one is also an excellent event to attend (Click for more details). 
Click below for some of the other interesting things to see and do at the Gardens.
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Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Singapore - To Eat 26Jan22 (Dino Cake House & Cafe)

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Dino Cake House & Cafe
In front off Upper Thomson MRT Station
Closed Tuesday. Opens daily 9am-830am
Known for their sugar rolls and Durian Cake!
Recommended by Alan.H

 
Old school bakery with no frills located right in front of Upper Thomson MRT Station. A touch for the classics in a flurry of eateries in this stretch. 
Ordered On:
26Jan22
Their Signature Swiss Roll SGD1
*Nice taste of nostalgia. A well executed roll which was light and fluffy. Note for our visit, their signature only comes in around 1030am*
Other Signature - Durian Cake SGD3.50
*One definitely gets your money's worth with durian filling. The cake itself was a little dense.*
Ambience 3/5
*Simple, traditional local bakery.*
Service na
Food 3.5/5
*If ya wanna get a taste of nostalgia, this place has simple unadulterated cakes.*
Value 4/5
*Their signature rolls go for a SGD1 each, while the Durian laden cream cakes goes for SGD3.50*
A homely setup for a pure taste of nostalgia/old school traditional cakes. Easy access with the MRT station located right in front of it.
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