Monday, July 18, 2022

Singapore - To Do 17July22 Oasis Waterpark @ Nee Soon East

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Oasis Waterpark @ Nee Soon East
9 am to 7.30 pm daily. Admission is free
I think its a relatively new addition to the Yishun area which revitalizes the older estate in the area.  A positive step forward, similar to the improvements and enhancement including family friendly facilities like in Toa Payoh.

Fantastic features working for the area:
Pros
- Completed gated which ensures that children would not wonder beyond the play area.
- Full closed shower/locker facilities and hot/cold water dispenser.
- Water coolers are also available.
- Good range of water play facilities to accommodate all play ages with plenty of wading water-pools. 
- Shaded areas provided for with seating for families to picnic.
Cons
- The play area is mostly completely open so remember to sun-block up.
- Maintenance issue. Notice that some of the clothes hanging hooks have broken off and considering the relatively new water play area.

A great water play explorative space that would be great for family gatherings for picnic. Parking is plenty all around and easily accessible.

Friday, July 8, 2022

Manila - To Do (08July22) Paco Park, Paco Market

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Paco Park
"Behind two layers of stone walls in the middle of bustling Manila is a quiet cemetery dating back to the days of Spanish rule. Built in 1807, Paco Park was originally designed to be a final resting place for the colonial elite; the inner walls of the circular garden still houses the marble crypt markers that bear their family names." www.atlasobscura.com

A beautiful quaint park that's located en-route to Paco Market. The place as was seen today is very popular for weddings and receptions. A nice break from the bustle of Manila and a juxtaposition where for some the beginning of a new journey and where others end.
You might be interested to explore Rizal Park, Saint Augustine Church, Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago

Paco Market
Current 2011 redesign

A bustling two story market with the first floor in operations at the moment. Lots of small stalls lining the side of the streets.
An assault on the senses and the meat section maybe a bit much for first timers and very reminiscent of the fish market in Dubai.
You might be interested in checking out local fish market at Dubai.

Monday, July 4, 2022

Singapore - To Eat 03July22 (The Line at Shangri-la)

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The Line
(at Shangri-la)


A fall from grace. That's probably sums up the experience at The Line. For the premium price that one is going to pay, there are pretty much many options available out there for a gastronomy adventure.
*Staff could not keep up with the onslaught of hungry diners. Oysters and lobsters, the two main stars for the Sunday service only were constantly emptied out leaving diners waiting in long queues or moving to other stations.*
*A delectable spread of desserts.*
*Roast beef and salt baked salmon were average at best and didn't scream creativity or impressive execution especially representing Shangri-la.*
*The rest of the western food section seemed more like kiddy meal offerings*
*Oysters were nice but as shared they couldn't keep up with the ravenous demand.*
Food 3/5
*Probably the only standout was the mutton from the Indian section. The rest were pretty standard fair with the western offerings more like a kids party selection of pizzas and mash potatoes. A wasted opportunity. The shashimi scallops were nice but one needed to know that it was available and only upon request.*
Service 3/5
*The plate build up was pretty rapid and it did take quite a while for staff to clear them. The counter staff were a little abrasive on which cutlery to use when picking out meats and most were pretty much overwhelmed to just put out the food. Sliced shashimi salmon, in the rush, was half sliced and needed to be re-cut.
Ambience 3/5
Value 2/5

*Far better options for the gastronomical asking price of over 115.35sgd/pax for a brunch seating.* 
The overall experience with the family celebration was positive. Thankfully the children aged under five were free of charge else it'd be an even worse outcome.
The Line has fallen from what it was known to be many moons back. If not for in-house guests with complementary breakfast at The Line, won't be returning anytime soon.

Despite the fall from grace of the once legendary Line, the Shari-la playcation was still a positive one and worth a stay-cation. Click here for the full write up!

Monday, June 20, 2022

Singapore - To Eat (19June22 Racines at Sofitel)

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Racines
(at Sofitel)

Award winning, Racines is located on the 5th floor of Sofitel. They primarily do sets meals and al la carte. Food are of French preparation with an Asian twist. Price range from SGD38-80SGD++. They do open for brunch and semi-buffets, primarily for special day events.

*Special Event appetizer spread*
Ordered On
19June22
Special occasion for Father's Day celebration semi buffet with main ordered.
Free of Charge for children aged five and below.


Food 4/5
*One serving per table*


*Excellent alternative suggested by the front of house staff with regards to the children friendly options which was unknown to the regular staff which offered the regular mains which may not be as kid friendly.*
*The spread was thoroughly enjoyable. Special mentions are their beautifully prepared salmon, hearty mushroom soup and escargots. The steak were more on the rare side, but the unique fries were beautiful prepared with their unique fry. The slow roasted lamb was beautifully prepared, however it was served warm and could be served hotter.*
Service 3/5
*They started out very strong however slid due to disconnect. It was probably junior staff not being aware of alternative food options for the children, the mains needed to be requested before they were served and after notification took a good 25mins to be delivered.*
Ambience 4/5



*Beautiful large pane windows with a near panoramic view of Chinatown as well as the evergreen Oasia hotel (click here for staycation review) in the backdrop.
Value 3.5/5
*A little on the steep side but the entire experience was enjoyable with the take-home dessert box and in conjunction with the floor managers service it was a memorable and overall enjoyable experience.*

Total Fed 4. Kids for this event is free for those aged under five. 
Despite the initial slump in miscommunication and  an under-cooked steak, the food itself and rest of service recovery were well done. The special event was overall memorable and allowed for doggie bagging balance eats.

A little on the pricey side for the special event, but based on the flavors and recovery service, would still return for a meal here.

Friday, June 17, 2022

Perth - To Eat 17June22 (La Veen Coffee)

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La Veen Coffee
*An unassuming side shop that would have easily gone unnoticed*
"Research from the web, La Veen Coffee is one of the best casual brunch spots on Perth’s King Street. Originally serving only filter coffee and dessert, the Perth café is still an ode to the old days, still focusing mainly on serving a variety of espresso, filter and cold brew coffees. "
Ordered on:
17June22
AUD4.30 Chai Latte

*The best had so far. The balance was perfect and that presumably dollop of tea ice cream really sealed the deal. Come for the light eats, but stay for the drinks*
Food 3/5
Service na
Ambience 3.5/5
*The place is very very limited in seating but its was quaint.*
Value 4/5
*Prices of a drink and a sandwich would set one back about AUD17. By Aussie standards I'd say it was a pretty good deal.*
Simple food fare at affordable prices, but stay for the coffee. Nice little spot which is located just opposite yagan square.