Universal Studios Singapore is Here!

5 years ago there was a big hoo-ha over whether we should have IR on our home ground. There were protests from the general public and it was much debated in parliament.

Some said that it will breed gamblers amongst us Singaporeans.

Others said, we need it to boost tourism.

The other side won. And here we are 5 years later…

We have to say kudos to the government who came up with the ingenious idea of ERPs…

On the good side of things…

Wearing: Korean top, Uniqlo jeans, Zara heels, Tiffany beanie & 2.55.

It feels surreal to have a theme park in Singapore!

We are so used to travelling 1000 miles to get ourselves tickets to other people’s theme park, it feels a little shocking to have something to call our own.

I mean come on!

Outside the theme park. This reminds me of Hollywood Boulevard for some strange reason.

And we have Hersheys too!

I made it a point to buy a giant chocolate bar to take picture with the Hershey sign.

As much as Mr. Hershey was being awfully cute, I didn’t feel compelled to buy it. Maybe I’ll buy the pillow the next time round.

Over the Casino side, we have our very first Victoria’s Secret flagship store. I was sorely disappointed at the lack of undergarment range. Deeply saddened by how small the store was as well. They pride themselves on the whole notion of “Victoria’s Angels” right? Where’s the fantasy in this particular store? On top of that, I was flabbergasted at the hefty $70 for $5 price tag on the normal range of undies. It goes for US$25 for 5. It would not have been a bummer if they had a nicer range of undies!!! Grrr…

Anyway, over at the Casino side as well. We have this amusing sculpture of Adam and Eve.

This is a definitely one of the first few sculptures displayed in public that shows how Singapore has evolved with time. We are being more accepting of taboo stuff. We hardly see any artistic depiction of nudity around.

I like elephants. How did this big guy manage to support himself on thin bones? Beats me…

And like all good tourists, I had to take a photo with Mr. Merlion, our own mascot.

The theme park has yet to be open, but the place was already buzzing with excitement and shows.

More pictures of Universal Studios soon!

Antipodean

One of my favourite local boutique is Antipodean. Located in cozy Holland Village, Antipodean carries a range of Australian and Singapore designer women’s wear and jewellery.

Although the boutique is small, it packs a punch. In a gist, the merchandise are simple yet versatile, feminine and exquisite.

I was a little sad to find out that one of my favourite designers, Antoinette will not be stocking up in Antipodean anymore.

On the bright side, Antipodean still carries my other favourite jewellery designers, Woon Hung and MyKillerHeels. I’m also becoming a fan of Miss B’s accessories. My sister and I recently bought this pair of earring - understated elegance. We like.

My sister (& me too!) is also an incredibly huge fan of MinkPink, Sewn, Fleur Wood, and Shona Joy. My sister has purchased many of their pieces, and I bought my first MinkPink dress (pictured on the left).

There are also other items like baby clothes and home scents. I like Bowerbird’s homeware. (Have been aiming to buy one of the items in the shop, but I’ve not saved enough money!)

You’ll find it a joy to shop in this homely shop. Far from being mass produced, Antipodean’s merchandise comes in limited quantity. It’s all about this sense of exclusivity isn’t it?

Pop down Antipodean @ 27a Lorong Mambong, Holland Village, Singapore (277686). Or call 6463 7336.

Le Le Pot

I love my niece very very much.

Ate at Le Le pot at Tiong Bahru some two weeks ago. Simply made for my niece who we lovingly call Le Le too!

Le Le pot is opened by a Chinese celebrity. The eatery is decorated with walls of pictures of celebrities, framed in colourful Ikea frames. The air-conditioned place is also really clean and not smokey at all. I didn’t feel the urgent need to rush home to bath, unlike most other steamboat experience.

Dining in this steamboat place feels like you are eating at home. The service staff are friendly and smiley. A definite plus.

The steamboat buffet is really awesome. You can choose between the ala-carte version or buffet. I would recommend the buffet if you are dining for 5 or 6 (which is approx $25 per pax), and the ala-carte version if you are only eating for 2.

The buffet spread include prawns, chicken wings, mushrooms and poultry meat. Crab, sea cucumber, and cray fish are available at additional cost. All of which are presented in nice clean plates. Drinks are sold separately. Oh, and I love their desert! It is homemade ice jelly, or ice topped with durian, mango.

Evidently, I enjoyed stuffing myself to the brim at this cosy homely eatery.

Visit the Le Le Pot at Blk 58 Seng Poh Road #01-23 (opposite Tiong Bahru Market). Call to make reservations at 6222 9442. They can be rather crowded during weekends.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today is my daddy’s birthday.

To celebrate his birthday, we went to eat at Nadamen at Shangri-La. It was so awesome! Even though it is a bit tad high class, the ambiance was not at all stuffy, and the service staff were so helpful and friendly.

Look at the sumptuous lunch that we had!

From the menu, I chose the beef teppanyakki lunch set. It costs $55. Really worth it. I heart the scallop and cod fish. The vegetables were a little bit too salty for my liking, but the rest of the menu was great! I heart the vanilla ice-cream too. To round off the sweet deal, the good people of Shangri-La gave my dad a complimentary cake.

Happy birthday daddy!

PS: Shangri-La is currently having “flash your age” promotion. On your birthday you are entitled to discounted meals (according to your age - if you are 60 years old, your discount is 60% - how fantastic is that).  Call 67373644 to make reservations. You have to be quick because there is a quota daily.

NB: One of the pictures above was taken from hungrygowhere.com

Summertime!

School’s out, summer dresses are in.

With the June holidays just around the corner, it is high time that I put on some summer clothes, throw on some sandals, and chill out with my friends.

I’m definitely excited to pull my friends out (regardless of their busy schedules) for a nice cup of high tea and some late night shopping.

Here I am enjoying a girls’ night out with one of my best friends, Yuan Shan. We had chocolate from 2am dessert bar at holland village. It was simply divine. Chocolate is a combination of a freshly baked tart with oozing bitter-sweet chocolate, contrasted with mango sherbet for that sharp taste of sourness. Pardon for the poorly taken photograph, it was snapped using my cell.

The ambiance is so romantic! There are these cushy seats where you can snuggle with your partner, or you can choose to sit on those classy high chairs with a bunch of friends. Really awesome.

Chill at 2am: desert bar at 21a lorong liput, holland village, s(277733). Phone 62919727.

I love oysters

I love oysters. I love them in the form of 蚝煎 (fried oysters egg) and baked with cheese. But I ultimately love them in the raw form. Just squeeze a little bit of lemon, scoop it out with a spoon. Slurp it down. In an instance, you are on a joy ride through the ocean.

It is difficult to find raw oysters in Singapore that has a fresh taste to it. Most are mired with a slight tinge of the muddy sea base. Though, if you need to satisfy your oyster cravings, The Line buffet at Shangri-La Singapore serves up decent raw oysters. So does the Ellenborough Market at Merchant Court Singapore.

But the freshest tasting raw oysters I have tasted so far hails from a petite seafood restaurant tucked in the quiet residence in Bukit Timah. They have oysters special every Tuesday with oysters going at $1 each. Also, they do serve some delicious fish & chips. Introducing, Greenwood Fish Market & Bistro!

Greenwood Fish Market & Bistro 34 Greenwood Avenue
Singapore 289236
Tel: 6467.4950