christmas

Taste Gourmet Market Xmas Offering + Ah Ge’s Heirloom Savouries

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Christmas should be relaxing but sometimes we want things to be perfect and we put undue stress upon ourselves. Thus, Taste Gourmet Market recent launch of Christmas offerings is a god-send for me. It has everything we need for a memorable year-end celebration, which includes the Signature Spice Rubbed Whole Turkey or Smoked Whole Turkey, both come with gilbert and cranberry sauce. Despite leaving out on the cold for a while, the turkey still retains its moisture and tenderness, every bite is flavourful and juicy.

Besides the whole turkeys, Taste Gourmet Market also features specialty Slow-cooked Peppery Beef Pastrami and Roasted Beef Ribeye with Homemade Herbs Mustard with Shallot & Thyme, Guinness Beef Sausage & Sake Kurobuta Ham which is simply the crowd’s favourite!

One surprising highlights are Ah Ge’s Curry Chicken Set and Ah Ge’s Dried Scallop Hae Bee Hiam with Croissant, lovingly prepared using his family heirloom recipes handed down through generations. I love the fusion of soft pillowy croissants with strong Hae Bee Hiam flavours, not spicy but certainly it is strong in the flavour zone.

You can also consider add on a Japanese flair this Christmas by having some sushi and sashimi platters by SENS as well!

Festive Promotions Early Bird Special Promotion from now until 8th December, shoppers get 15% discount off all items in their orders with minimum nett purchase of $150! For online purchases, simply key in the discount code: XMAS20 to enjoy the 15% early-bird discount. Additionally, there will be free delivery for all orders above $150.

Taste Singapore

118 Holland Avenue Basement 1 of Holland Raffles V Mall Singapore 278997

Facebook and Instagram: @TasteSingapore

https://taste.sg/

Christmas from the Heart at Hotel JenOrchardgateway

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Author: Nigel Tan

As the end 2018 draws nearer, so does Christmas as well. Hotel Jen recently launched its festive Christmas menu and its one not to be missed. Being one of the relatively newer hotels in orchard, Hotel Jen’s buffet menu doesn’t fall short to the rest. Before I start critiquing on the food, can I just add that the nicely decorated alfresco dining is one you definitely need to request for. If you’re looking for something romantic or simply something warm that set the tone of Christmas, do request for the outdoor seating. The unrestricted outdoor view, the nicely decorated trees with fairy lights coupled with the cool wind really brings a whole new sensation to a Christmas dinner in Singapore.

Roasted Rosemary Crusted Australian Angus Prime Rib

A big shout out to all carnivores out there, Hotel Jen’s Christmas menu (on top of their standard buffet menu, which already have an extensive selection of seafood) consist of a myriad of sausages and meats! These include Coiled English Cumberland, Spiced Chorizo Sausage, Bratwurst, Neuberger and Cheese Cracker Sausage. Yes you heard it right, Cheese Cracker sausages! Who doesn’t like a good cheese sausage. The briny cheese within the warm sausage just compliments the umami-ness of the sausage without overpowering it. And if you’re wondering, the flavour of the sausage is not overpowering which really makes me return for more. They also provide condiments such as – mustard, pickles, sweet and red sour cabbage to compliment and cut through the fat.

Hotel Jen Orchard Gateway Christmas

Credit: William Tan

Next, what is Christmas without Ham. The Honey Baked Ham with Caramelised Pineapple is another dish not to be missed. Even though its slow roasted the ham still retained all that moisture and remained juicy even after the roast. The caramelised pineapples really bring an Asian touch to roasted ham as well. If you love Hawaiian pizza, this really reminds me of it, minus the pizza dough.

Hotel Jen Orchard Gateway Festive Sausage Platter

One thing I really like about Hotel Jen’s Christmas buffet is that the Chefs’ do carefully think about what side dishes compliments the poultry. The slow roasted ribeye was roasted to perfection. Complimented with the Wine ripe tomato, really brings a burst or freshness with every bite. Secondly, the Maple Syrup, Merlot Turkey. The maple syrup really adds another dimension to the dish and brings out the flavour of the bird. Complimented by the Trio Pepper in Yam Fritters, this dish is really one to be looking out for as well. The Roasted Turkey with stuffing, with the Own Grown Basil Morello Cherry Compote is also another notable mention.

Hotel Jen Singapore

Credit: William Tan

All in all, I would say that the Chefs’ at Hotel Jen did a great job in brainstorming for this festive menu. Each side dish has complimented the accompanying poultry well and bringing a new depth and creativity to our normal Christmas favourites. This Christmas menu really shouts out to all the meat lovers out there. Even if you’re not a meat lover, do head down and enjoy their huge variety of seafood dishes as well. At such a reasonable price, together with this extensive selection, do head down and celebrate Christmas at Hotel Jen, and remember to ask for the outdoor seats.

Makan@Jen
Festive Season Buffet Highlights
15 – 23 Dec, 26 Dec – 30 Dec
Lunch: $48++/pax
Dinner: $68++/pax

Christmas Eve – 24 Dec
Brunch: $48++/pax
Dinner: $108++/pax

Christmas Day – 25 Dec
Brunch: $88++/pax
Dinner: $88++/pax

New Year’s Eve – 31 Dec
Brunch: $48++/pax
Dinner: $118++/pax

New Year’s Day – 1 Jan
Brunch: $48++/pax
Dinner: $88++/pax

Season Greetings,
Nigel

Bedazzling Christmas Menu with Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel

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With Christmas around the corner, restaurants and hotels residing in every corner of Singapore are firing up their Turkey-licious Christmas menus! But if one was seeking a bedazzling Christmas menu, the award-winning “10 at Claymore” residing at the lobby of Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel, is definitely one of the top choice to consider.

This is with special consideration for an intimate round-table luncheon which the hotel will be hosting just on Christmas Day itself to add a special festive touch.





Nowadays, I find many restaurants either over-promising the variety of their food or compromised on its quality. Worst if sometimes both happens and at the expense of huge bill size! However, for this hotel buffet, I assure you that you will definitely fancy the spread here especially if you are avid poultry eater.














I would not say this is the most affordable Buffet in town but the cost is definitely well justified by Award-winning executive chef, Andy Oh’s creative spin to some of the traditional Christmas savories. This includes a series of delectable offerings such as Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Chutney, Honey Baked Ham, Herb Crusted Organic Rack of Lamb and etc. But the one that caught my stomach’s attention the most would be their Succulent Blackmore Wagyu har-grilled “Cape Byron” Angus Prime Rib, slow cooked to perfection!

You do not even have to sink your teeth into the steak to know its tenderness; it can even be sensed when slicing through the meat and marbling with my table knife. Indeed, I did not have to chew much to enjoy the entire slab of beef. Also, a good amount of marbling gave out its distinctive & palatable flavour.

Frankly, I enjoyed it so much, I think I easily had almost 500g of it myself! Speaking of making my buffet worth its cost! Lol! Of course, all the other dishes were equally good as well!








Another highlight of this buffet would be this award-winning Char Kway Teow! I bet you must be thinking what does Christmas got to do with this Penang dish! However, I still insist in sharing the best stuff I tried during my food tasting session. If you yearn for some Penang Char Kway Teow, this place offers the likes of it with a good, intense Wok Stir-fried taste! Thanks to the Malaysian roots of Chef Andy Oh!, Now you do not have to fly over to Penang just to enjoy a good plate of Authentic Char Kway Teow!





Pricing:
For Festive Lunch Buffet,
Mon-Fri, Adult cost $42++ & Child (5-12 years old) cost $21++
Sat & Sun, Adult cost $48++ & Child (5-12 years old) cost $24++
Christmas Eve & New Years Eve , Adult cost $58++ & Child (5-12 years old) cost $29++
Christmas Day & New Year Day , Adult cost $88++ & Child (5-12 years old) cost $44++

For Festive Dinner Buffet,
Mon-Sun, Adult cost $68++ & Child (5-12 years old) cost $34++
Christmas Eve & New Years Eve , Adult cost $118++ & Child (5-12 years old) cost $59++
Christmas Day, Adult cost $118++ & Child (5-12 years old) cost $59++
New Year Day, Adult cost $88++ & Child (5-12 years old) cost $44++





As mentioned above, you can also choose to dazzle your family with an intimate round table Christmas Luncheon, and revel in a memorable experience in their banquet venue decked with festive ornaments. For this luncheon, you get to savour Traditional Roasted Turkey complete with Homemade Chestnut Stuffing, Giblet Sauce and Cranberry Chutney, as well as the ultra delicious Chr-Grilled “Cape Byron” Angus Prime Rib and Protuguese Linguica Sausauge!

From 12-3pm, per table seats 10 pax and it is priced at $888 per table.

For more information, please visit: https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-resorts/singapore/orchard/stay/dining/10-at-claymore.html

Christmas Shopping with Escentials

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We are kinda stuck for all the Christmas gifts because there are simply too many choices around!! I wish I can get them all in one shop.

Till I saw all the goodies Escentials were carrying. They had presents that are suitable for both genders!

They are also going cuteee this time round. Escentials collaborated with Mina Kwon on their window and store display. She has worked with a number of reowned artistes such as Pharrel Williams, Chris Brown and more. Now, Escentials looked even more attractive than before!

The first thing that caught my attention was this box of soap – Extra Pur Discovery Box. I thought they were chocolates at first glance. The colorful and chocolate-liked packaging is really attractive and ideal. More important, Marseille soaps are made of vegetable oils.

A box of 10 for only $28!

They also have it in travel sized version – Extra Pur. This premium gift is retailing at $86 for 10 soaps (50ml each).

The fragrance wardrobe by Maison Francis for Her and him. Each box contains 8 11ml refills.

Her – Aqua Universalis, Aqua Universalis Forte, Aqua Vitae, Oud, APOM femme, Lumiere Noire femme, Amyris femme, féminin Pluriel.

Him – Aqua Universalis, Aqua Universalis Forte, Aqua Vitae, Oud, APOM homme Lumiere Noire homme, Amyris homme, masculin Pluriel.

REN has gifts of different sizes. From Mini Gift Set to Neroli Duo, Rose Duo and Luxury Rose.

Mini gift set is retailing at at $48 which includes their best-selling Moroccan Rose range and their new scent for 2014, uplifting Revivo-Tonic.

The set below you see is the Rose Duo Set. REN’s multi-award winning Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash is one of those things that makes life just a little rosier. Twinned with Moroccan Rose Otto Body Lotion, the gift set is currently retailing at $88. It comes in a metal tin box so it saves you the effort of wrapping it up.

I love love love Penhaligon’s miniature fragrance sets! They looked so cute and vintage. It comes in 2 different sets – Ladies and Genetlemen, which both has 5 miniature bottles each.

Ladies – Vaara, Malabah, Ellenisia, Iris Prima and Quercus (in a red tin)

Gentlemen – Blenheim Bouquet, Juniper Sling, Bayolea, Sartorial and Opus 1870 (in a blue tin)

Each tin is retailining at $90.

Juniper Sling Collection ($300) and Artemisia Collection ($260) are also available.

Juniper Sling is rather interesting as it is an intoxicating fragrance inspired by London Dry Gin.

And of course, Annick Goutal has something too!

They have different sets from Eau d’Hadrien to Petite Cherie to Vent de Folie and more.

Below is a beautiful picture of the gift set of Eau d’Hadrienat $210.

Diptyque candles Holiday Season Candle set at $168 featuring resin, winter and spice.

Miniature sets are available as well.

StriVectin also came up with a Holiday Kit 2014 Perfect Skin Trio for Face, Eyes & Lips. The set is only retailing at $120 with $171 worth of products.

Radical Start Set ($45) – Age-defying Exfoliating Pades, Advanced Peptide Antioxidant Serum, Anti-aging Restorative Moisture and Eye Relive Creme.

They have more than what you see here. Head over to Escentials if you need to do some Christmas shopping! Best option for last minute Christmas shopping as well since they are already nicely packed!

Find them at Paragon level 3 🙂

Christmas Party with Fairprice

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Christmas means parties and parties means drinks, food and snacks.

All these items can add up to a whopping mid 3-digits depending on how big your party is. Of course, there might be Christmas sale and all. But what is the best place to shop for all the food stuffs?

1. A huge variety of drinks to choose from – Wines, Champagne, Beer, Juices, Soft drinks
2. Shelves and shelves of snacks & finger food – Chocolates, Cheese, Nuggets, chips
3. Cooked food – Roast beef, Sushi platter, Roast Turkey, Ham
4. Desserts – Fruits, Cakes, Log cakes.

So where? Where is this one-stop-for-all store that is available almost everywhere?!

It’s FAIRPRICEEE FINEST!!!

The promotions will run from 6 November to 31 Dec.

An on-going promotion:

Spend a minimum of $30 in one receipt to qualify for their Christmas Lucky Draw where you will stand a chance to win a:

– Personal chef service
– A trip for 2 to Santa Claus Village, Finland
– A pair of luxury watches
– A staycation in Ocean Suite at Beach Villa, Resorts World Sentosa
– $1000 worth of FairPrice Gift Vouchers (60 winners)

You can also double your chances by using OCBC Plus! Visa Cards.

They had also kindly sent some of their items over to help me prepare for my Christmas party!!

You know when I received the huge log cake, I was like “Is it going to be nice? I think cakes from bakeries might taste nicer.” Then I had a slice of it for my breakfast next day and I went “OMG IT IS SO CHOCOLATEY. I LIKEY.”  Not kidding about the taste. I am pretty sure it taste so much better than some bakeries. The Premium Chocolate Fudge Log Cake only cost $35.80. That’s the best thing because a log cake will easily cost you $45 and above for the same size (or even smaller).

Other cakes are available as well like the Snowy Blueberry Christmas Cake or the Caramel Hazelnut Log Cake ($25.80). I might just get the Hazelnut one for my Christmas cause it sounds yummy enough already.

I gave the entire Black Pepper Rib-Eye Roas Beef to James because he is a meat lover. This entire chunk here is at least 3x larger than what you can imagine here. Like the log cake, it was flavorful! Buying it off the store and placing it on the dining table sounds like an easy task! On top of it, it comes in a convenient cooler bag!

What is alcohol without a party? I had a Long Flat Merlot which retails at $22.50/bottle that displays the aroma of dark berries and green olives. I am more of a sweet person so I would pick the breezer anytime! It comes in a pack of 3 assorted flavors. 6 bottles for only $19.50.

The americans like it with chips and cheese. Food for Friends Tortilla Chips make great nibbles for both the adults and children. I call this the healthier way of snacking because it is made from non-GMO corn and natural oil. Comes in different flavors too.

Tartare Aperifrals are cheese with a variety of spices including red pepper and whatsnot. Great for pre or post-dinner snack.

Other than food, they have assorted Christmas table top ornaments to brighten up your dining table and house too.

What was mentioned here is barely a quarter of the promotions that they have. Please please please head down to Fairprice Finest yourself to see what you can grab for the kids, or a cosy dinner, or even for a party.

I hope your tastebuds are as delighted as mine!

YUMS!!

Christmas & Valentine Gift Ideas for Him & Her

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CHRISTMAS & VALENTINE Gift Ideas for Him & Her – PAINT ME REAL
Painting People Since 1987
www.PaintMeReal.com
Personalised High Quality Hand Painted Oil Canvas Painting Portraits

After a long tiring day at work, I was surprised by the arrival of this oil painting from PaintMeReal.com. It brought a smile to my face cause this is how I look in cartoon! Cute yo?!

FYI, this is hand painted and not printed from any printer. I opted for an A3 sized self portrait which cost USD$99.

This is the original picture of me that was sent to them. Quite similar but the oil painting is cuter no?!

Instead of getting expensive perfumes, watches, bags or flowers for your partner, why not try something different this year?  It is unique, interesting and more importantly, meaningful. Picture speaks a thousand words, moreover, a hand painted one.

Look closely and you will realized that it is not drawn on any paper but a canvas. It doesn’t tear nor get dirty easily.

HINT HINT: Christmas is here soon!!!

Let me share with you some examples I saw from their website:





Paint Me Real is an international brand that paints high quality oil canvas portraits that is trusted by Global Standards. We paint individual portraits, family portraits, wedding portraits, sibling portraits, best friends portraits, couple portraits, graduation portraits, etc.

We do Worldwide International Shipping. It takes around 2 – 4 weeks for the painting(s) to arrive at your doorstep. It is the most creative and romantic personalized gift for your loved ones.

Follow these 3 Simple Steps
www.PaintMeReal.com
International Shipping – PAYPAL & CREDIT CARD System

HOW IT WORKS?

STEP 1
Upload Picture & Choose No. of Persons

I uploaded a selfie of myself. Please upload close up and clear picture of your face(s).
I selected (1) Personal Portrait. CHOOSE No. of Persons in your photo to be painted
* You are currently able to paint up to 4 faces, directly from the website. If you would like to paint more faces, you are able to request for a customized painting by email – sales@paintmereal.com

STEP 2
Choose Canvas Size and Add-ons

I choose to paint an A3 size. CHOOSE FROM VARIOUS CANVAS SIZE A0, A1, A2, A3, A4
* Apparently, the prices on the screen changes according to how many person faces are in the photo, hence please, select the [No. of Person] carefully in Step 1.

STEP 3
Shipping and Billing Information

Fill in your Shipping / Billing Address.
Chose “Registered Shipping” so that you can track your painting.

I keyed in the Special PROMO CODE (10% Discount): xmas2014 (Valid till 25 Dec 2014) OR vday2014 (Valid till 14 Feb 2015)

Click Check Out.

* You may also choose to select “Send as a Gift“, whereby you would need to fill in your recipient’s information. I think it is a great gift, for your friends and loved ones. Surprise them now!

I was very amazed by how good their customer service was, they sent me 3 emails in total.

1st Email
– Thank you for purchasing from www.PaintMeReal.com

2nd Email
– Your order has been Painted.

3rd Email
– Your Painting has been Shipped Out, with your Registered Shipping “TRACKING NUMBER”.

If you would like to have your hand painted portrait, just in time for CHRISTMAS, Don’t waste any more time, this is precisely the right time. Order it now, via Paypal, select “Send as a GIFT” to write a “Love Note/Message” to your special someone.

SURPRISE YOUR LOVE ONES NOW
Use this PROMO CODE to enjoy
10% discount all Paintings: xmas2014 OR vday2014
www.PaintMeReal.com

* Please read the Terms and Conditions / Shipping Details.

Christmas with Crabtree & Evelyn

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Can you feel the festive season in the air already?

Discover the secret Garden gift collection by Crabtree & Evelyn, explore a magical, natural world this festive season. Inspired by the wonder of an undiscovered English winter garden, the collection epitomizes the essence of Crabtree & Evelyn.

The Secret Garden gift collection offers a wide assortment of gifts for all ages and price points, housed in limited edition keepsake boxes and bags.

The picture below is from the Noel Home Fragrance Collection. Noel is an irresitible blend of fresh balsams, persimmon and citrus fused with spicy star anise, clove and nutmeg. This classic gragrance is warming and welcoming.

The Fragranced Botanicals is priced at $48/pack while the candle is priced at $38, $50 or $70 depending on it’s size.

Mini Floral Hand Therapy Sampler is only priced at $30/box. You can try all 3 therapy in a box. Well valued for money.

Everyone’s favourite. Evelyn Rose Ultimate Luxuries at $178 – This evolved interpretation of crabtree & Evelyn’s signature scent blends a timeless collection of English roses with the exclusive Evelyn Rose for a fragrance with unique charm. Perfect gift for woman who is both feminine and graceful with an understated elegance providing a subtle hint to her sensuous nature.

Iris Ultimate Luxuries – $138. A treat for any lady who loves a little luxury. This beautiful box contains a bottle of Iris Eau de Toilette, Bath & Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Hand Therapy and a compact mirror in silver.

You can also find different collections in stores.

Not forgetting the cookies. We know that Crabtree & Evelyn has fabulous packing for their delectable cookies and this year, with no exceptions, they are here again!

2 tall tins of assorted biscuits at $35 while 3 at $40.

This heritage biscuit barrel is probably the cutest! It is priced at $68 for 500g. I like the container!

Ginerbread Men are also available in a tin at $28.

You can even skip the wrapping of the presents because all of the items are nicely packed! Save you some time and best for last minute christmas shopping!

Hop over to any Crabtree & Evelyn to check them out! 🙂

The Body Shop Christmas Edition

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Had always felt that The Body Shop is one of the easiest and best place to get Christmas presents due to the large variety and the long history of the brand.


And this year, I was invited to their Christmas Launch and the whole theme was an old school theme to support The School Project by The Body Shop.




The body shop has been supporting education for over 20 years and through their Community Fair Trade programme, they have helped a lot of children over the world by investing in the building of schools and provision of teaching materials.
The Christmas edition is back again this year to spice up the festivities so you can spoil yourself everyday.

There are three scents to choose from – Ginger Sparkle, Vanilla Bliss and the Cranberry Joy.

I can’t make up my mind whose first. The Vanilla or the Cranberry. Both of them were REALLY GOOD.

To each his own, Ginger was quite a hot pick as well!

For every collection, it contains a Hand Wash, Hand Lotion, Heart Shaped Soap, Body Butter and Body Polish.

Items are sold individually. So you can decide what your friend may need. Very ideal and valued for money if you’re buying them for Christmas presents. I like milky stuffs and scents. Hence, I really really love this Vanilla collection.

As for the Cranberry Joy, you can see a cute little Canberry Joy Lip Balm at the bottom right. It is said to be slightly tinted as well. The Lip Dome only cost $12.90! The cranberry scent has a really sweet smell.  And I love all my scented make ups or perfume to smell fruity.

The ginerbread man can be found in the Ginger Sparkle collection which makes the whole outlook so christmas-y and cute!

The body butter is retailing at $32.90 for a 200ml tub. The gentle, special edition body exfoliator (Body Polish) is beautifully fragranced with the zingy Ginger Sparkle scent and contains Community Fair Trade honey from Ethiopia. It will only leave your skin soft, smooth, and ultra touchable.

Another good news, The Body Shop’s Sparkler is back!!

Also take note of the brush on the right. New Shimmer Bauble & Slanted Kabuki Brush can also be found in their new collection! It is said to be perfect for all skin tones! So, no matter dark or light, you can just try it!

You can decide if you want an Icy Plum or Golden Brown look for Christmas this year.

I love how the 4 step smokey eyes set are sold ($39.90)! You do not have to carry so many stuffs out just to make sure that the make up stays, all you have to do is to bring the palette out!

I love both, but I would love the Icy Plum look more!

As for the Lipstick (Colour Crush), retailing at $22.90 each, I gotta admit that I love the both of them equally. I am a sucker for lipstains.

They also have adorable Christmas Sets available for sale for the normal collection. You can save some time on packaging because everything is already nicely packed!

I love their Body Butter. Who doesn’t?

It is always nice to help the less fortunate. It is even better to be shopping and helping them out as well. I hope this entry has also given you more ideas for on what to get for Christmas this year! You really have to check the new collection out.

They will be in stores from November 2013 onwards.

The dress I wore that day. Courtesy of Justamaze.com