Food - Ristorante da Valentino

Part 2 of my birthday celebration involved dinner at an Italian restaurant that is supposed to be quite famous in Singapore. I don't know if it really is famous, but if it is, I can see why.

Ristorante da Valentino was founded in 2005 by Chef Valentino and his wife. Prior to moving to its current location at the Turf Club Grandstand, it was in a residential neighbourhood along Rifle Range Road. It is not the most accessible location, but the journey there was worth the experience.

I did not take any pictures at the restaurant as I really wanted to focus on enjoying the food, but here are some pictures from the restaurant's Facebook page:

The Entrance Foyer

Prosciutto, anyone?

A cosy restaurant, with beautiful, rustic settings

Service was good. We had a reservation, and once we confirmed it with the waiter at the reception, we were shown to a table set within one of those cubbyholes in the wall. The entire atmosphere was rather cosy and rustic, very typical of Italian restaurants. The waiters were prompt without being fussy and intrusive, something I really appreciate.

There was a bread basket filled with soft, freshly baked bread that came with its own special dip. I was told it is a mix of olive oil and some special ingredients, probably including basil as well. It was a beautiful dip (yes, beautiful) and so good with the bread.

For dinner, I suggested that we try the Carpaccio di Manzo ($20.90). For the uninitiated, carpaccio is usually a salad of sorts, with raw beef or sometimes, raw fish. The carpaccio here consisted of thinly sliced tenderloin, with lemon and olive oil, rocket and Parmigiano. The carpaccio was fresh, indeed, but could do with more flavour. But, eating everything together - wrapping some rocket and Parmigiano in the thinly sliced tenderloin, allows all the flavours to come together and makes for an enjoyable experience. I liked this dish well enough, but still think that La Braceria's carpaccio is better.

For our main course, I ordered the Scaloppini di Vitello ($33.90) - thinly sliced veal in lemon sauce. I have not had great veal since my trip to Italy in 2008, where I enjoyed veal at almost every dinner simply grilled with salt, pepper and a dash of lemon. The veal here was well cooked, and the thin slice of the veal allowed its flavour to not be overwhelming; instead, it went quite nicely with the tartness of the lemon sauce. My friend ordered the Fettucine al Granchio ($29.90) - squid ink fettucine with crabmeat in a creamy tomato sauce. Again, a dish very well done. The sauce was not too thick, and was a beautiful shade of orange. The squid ink in the pasta complemented the subtle creaminess of the tomato sauce and the sweetness of the crabmeat.

An Instavideo of the food!

I also ordered a very nice glass of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo ($13.50) to go with my food!

The servings may seem rather small to some, but were well portioned. You should not leave full to the point of being uncomfortable. This also means that you have space for dessert, and there was a wide range of desserts to choose from! After much thought, we ordered the typical Italian dessert - Tiramisu (~$13.90).

The seemingly simple but seductive Tiramisu

Tiramisu usually comes with sponge fingers well soaked in Kahlua or rum. I did not detect enough alcohol in this tiramisu, a significant ingredient that actually helps enhance the taste. In fact, some of the fingers were not as soft as I would like them to be. It should be noted that the desserts served at Ristorante da Valentino are not prepared by the restaurant itself, but by its sister bakery, Perla. Nonetheless, it was a good way to end the meal.

All in all, I had a very enjoyable time at Ristorante da Valentino. The service was impeccable. The waiters will ask if you are sharing certain dishes, and however they do it, it seems like all the waiters who serve you will know that those dishes are being shared, and will make sure to serve them to be shared. Nice. Definitely worth the experience, and the trek in and out of the area. Taking a nice walk after a great dinner is always a wonderful idea, and in all, coupled with the happy hour at Tanuki Raw, I had a memorable night, celebrating my 23rd birthday!

Ristorante da Valentino

200 Turf Club Road, #01-19

Singapore 287994

Facebook: Ristorante da Valentino

Contact No: +65 6462 0555

Opening Hours:

Tue - Sun: 12:00 - 15:00, 18:00 - 22:30

Food - Tanuki Raw!

As part of my birthday celebration, a friend and I headed to Tanuki Raw for pre-dinner cocktails and oysters. I'd heard about Tanuki's crazy happy hour oyster deal from another friend of mine months before, and have been looking for a good excuse to visit since then.

Tanuki Raw:

"Tanuki is a mythical, mischievous, shape-shifting creature.
"Enjoy happy hour overlooking Orchard Road.  5:00 PM - 8 PM daily, classic martini selections for $10, cocktails at $11, pints of beer for $10, freshly shucked oysters at $2, and salmon sashimi at $5."

Tanuki delights in the raw pleasures of food and drink.

Classic cocktails and urbane morsels amidst one of Asia's most vibrant streets."

And the Happy Hour Promotion:

"Enjoy happy hour overlooking Orchard Road.  5:00 PM - 8 PM daily, classic martini selections for $10, cocktails at $11, pints of beer for $10, freshly shucked oysters at $2, and salmon sashimi at $5."

Alright, how does one resist these?
1) Cocktails at $11? I mean, this is Singapore, and you'll be lucky to find a good cocktail for less than $15.
2) Freshly shucked oysters.
3) And in case that wasn't enough, they're priced at $2.

To kickstart the night, we ordered cocktails! I am a fan of cocktails. A good alcoholic drink for me would either be red wine, sparkling wine or cocktails. I don't really like mixers, and if I'm drinking alcohol for fun, then the drink itself should be fun as well.

I ordered one of my all time favourite cocktails - a margarita ($11). The margarita was quite good; the kick from the alcohol was there, and for someone who holds his alcohol quite well, I was already feeling some effects by the time I was done with the glass. Each alcoholic drink entitles you to 6 of the $2 oysters max, so I decided to make full use of the opportunity. I wanted to try the other types of oysters ($3-$10 each) but since I had a good dinner awaiting me, I decided to just enjoy the really cheap ones.

My friend ordered a mojito, another favourite of mine. I like my drinks sour. Sweet is okay, but not too sweet, and I love the mix of minty, sour and sweet flavours in the mojito. The mojito wasn't bad at all, but I would've loved for the flavours to be a bit more intense, especially the lime.

Together, we also ordered two plates of sashimi ($3 each, 1 portion per alcoholic drink), and finished off with truffle fries. I did not take any pictures of the food, but here is an Instavideo:

Please also ignore my friend's OCD tendencies regarding "things stuck in (his) drink"!

The oysters were fresh, and came with a shallot red wine sauce (if I am not wrong), which was passable. I enjoy my oysters with a tiny squirt of lemon juice and Tabasco sauce, and that was how I devoured all 6 oysters!

The fries were a last minute order, and were rather disappointing. They were crunchy, but too salty. I know fries should be salty, but this bordered on unhealthily and unreasonably salty.

On the whole, it was a great experience. Good alcohol at happy hour prices, and fresh, cheap oysters and sashimi. What's not to love? Service can be improved though. Our waiter was a bit confused, and made mistakes at least twice when bringing us our order. We also asked for mayonnaise for our fries, and he said,"OK." only to do forget about it and do other things. I like waiters who pay attention and have good memory, because it shows how serious they are about their jobs. But other than that, it was a great visit and I will be visiting again, with a good excuse or not!

Tanuki Raw
181 Orchard Road 
#02-03 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896

Facebook: Tanuki

Contact No: +65 6636 5949

Opening Hours:
Mon - Sun: 11:30 - 22:30
Happy hour: 17:00 - 20:00 daily

Skincare - Avene and Elancyl Travel Essentials Pack!

Two weeks ago, I was in Miri, Sarawak for a good friend's wedding. How time flies. Anyway, while I was shopping at the airport before my flight, I picked up this Travel Essentials Pack at Watsons (T1) for just $9.25!

7 items for just $9.25!

Included in this very conveniently packaged and cabin carry on-friendly pack are items that will ensure you continue to look good during your holiday, from head to toe.

For the face:

Eau Thermale Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser (Fragrance, Colouring Agent and Paraben-Free)

Eau Thermale Avène Skin Recovery Cream (Fragrance, Colouring Agent and Paraben-Free)

Eau Thermale Avène TriXéra Emollient Cream (Fragrance and Paraben-Free)

Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Optimale Rich Hydrating Cream

To look great head to toe:

Rene Furterer Smoothing Shampoo for Unruly Hair

Rene Furterer Silkening Shampoo

Elancyl Toning Shower Gel

I've never used any of these products before, but a quick glance through the ingredient lists turns up stuff like Sodium EDTA and alcohol. Therefore, it's really up to the individual's own tolerance towards these products that will determine if these products are good for them. However, I do know that Avéne's products tend to be rather "clean" and are well recommended by many people. I have used one Cleanance K product before, and loved it. I forget which one though. Nonetheless, if you are looking to try any of these brands that tend to cost quite a bit, or if you forgot to pack your toiletries for a trip, this pack is really convenient and price-worthy. Be sure to look out for it the next time you're hopping on a plane (you lucky bitch).

Food - Penny University

Coffee is apparently something that many people need to survive. Having been part of the working class for the past 2 months though, I am kinda glad to say that I do not need that. What I need is just plenty of sleep (10 hours for optimal performance) and good food to get me through each week.

Anyway, on this lazy Sunday, I got out of bed at 12pm and lazed around playing Angry Birds Star Wars (this week's App of the Week) until I decided to meet my friend for a very late lunch at Penny University!

"Penny University is an artisanal cafe born out of a love of coffee discovered in London. We source our beans from local roasters, serve specialist cakes and bread freshly baked daily in the area, support and collaborate with local bakers and aim to be a haven for people of the East Coast and beyond."

-Penny University

Now artisanal coffee, as a trend, has been around for a while. We've seen the likes of Chye Seng Huat Hardware Store and 40 Hands pop up around the island, in "hip" neighbourhoods in the past few years, and my impression of Penny University fits in with this.

Situated conveniently along East Coast Road, near Parkway Parade and the food heaven that is Joo Chiat, it was crowded when we arrived, chock full of customers getting their fix of cake, coffee and conversation. Most of the customers were young folks, around their mid-twenties to mid-thirties. When my friend and I entered, we were a little confused because there were some customers sitting outside with no cups of coffee or food that we could see. Therefore, logically, they should be queueing up for a table as well. But there was no one to show us to a table, and given the small space (around 6m, because well, I'm an architecture student), the customers making their orders at the counter were lined up right in the doorway.

We showed ourselves to a table at the back, and my friend went to get a menu. Prices at Penny U are quite reasonable and relatively affordable. A cup of coffee or a pot of tea costs about $4, and I heard the coffee here is good. I'm not really into coffee, so I ordered a pot of my favourite Earl Grey, for $4 with free refills. We ordered a smoked salmon bagel ($8), with a poached egg ($1.50) and a carrot cake ($7.50), for the total price of $21. Quite affordable, no?

The items arrived slowly, and individually as they were prepared one by one. First came the carrot cake, which was just sweet enough without being overwhelming. The sour cream frosting was great, and though smaller in size compared to Cedele's Carrot Cake, this was a good choice.

The tea arrived next, quite a while later, and I was told to allow it 3 minutes to steep. I was also given only one glass, and asked for another. It turns out though that the pot was good for one person. Oh well. Just after 3 minutes though, the tea was not hot enough. I think tea should be steaming; not boiling hot, but steam should be rising from it, in order for its flavours to be properly enjoyed.

Meanwhile, the decoration is really nice!

Then, we waited around for about 15-20 minutes for the smoked salmon bagel. This was my main gripe with the place. I understand that it's very popular, and naturally it will take quite a while for the kitchen to prepare its orders. However, it was unpleasant having to sit there with the carrot cake done with, and enough tea for one person, while the servers rushed around.

Finally... after checking with two waitresses, my food arrived.

Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, Oregano, Capers on Bagel ($8)

 I quite liked this sandwich. The smoked salmon was salty, and delicious without its fishiness being too overwhelming. The poached egg was also quite well done, and simply delectable on its own, or eaten with the other half of the bagel, which is what I did.

Is there anything else like it?

In all, I had quite a good experience. The food was quite good, and the prices definitely affordable. However, I think I probably will not want to visit on a weekend. I get it that it is popular, but I like my order to be served efficiently as well. Moreover, with so much chatter going on within the relatively tight space, it was not easy to have a long conversation. After all, tea and coffee are good for long, frivolous conversations, aren't they?

If you're in the area and the place is not too crowded (or if you like crowds), Penny University is worth a visit. However, it's not the type of place that I will want to visit again. And again. And again. For that, and better service, I will head to Group Therapy. More on that cafe when I visit again, hopefully soon!

Penny University Artisanal Coffeehouse

402 East Coast Road

Singapore 428997T

Facebook: Penny University

Contact No: 9008 9314

Opening Hours:

Mon - Thu: 12:00 - 23:00

Fri - Sat: 12:00 - 01:00

Sun: 12:00 - 23:00

Skincare - VMV Hypoallergenic's Know It Oil!

For Christmas last year, I received a box of VMV's My VMVery Favourite Things. Now I realise that Christmas was about 5 months ago, and the box contains 7 very good products that I have yet to make my way through. However, having used up all this time to give the products that I've actually started using, I feel so much more informed and confident about those that I will review on this blog. For a review of what this awesome treasure trove of skincare products from one of my new favourite brands, please visit my cousin's blog for more details.

Without further ado, please let me introduce my new favourite moisturiser - the Know It Oil!

Clinically-validated, 100% USDA-certified organic virgin coconut oil.

50ml - S$14

This wonderful product can be used both on our body, and inside of it as an ingredient in food. I have never tried doing the latter, because it is kinda weird to add something from my toiletry bag in my food, isn't it? Nonetheless, I'm sure it will be alright as well, just... perhaps buy two separate bottles?

What I love about this product, besides its aroma, is the fact that it is extremely moisturising. I have a combination skin type, and as anyone else with combination or even oily skin knows, moisturisers can be quite a bitch the figure out. Applying too much of it in the oily areas will just cause them to slick up, but we cannot ignore the drier areas as well. I actually started using this as part of my research into the Oil Cleansing Method. The OCM turned out to be quite troublesome, but I stuck with using this as a moisturiser.

If your hands are a little oily after this, just run them through your hair! Coconut Oil is amazing for hair as well, and will be better than any synthetic conditioner. It helped my grandfather retain his black hair well into his 70's, and only after he stopped using it did it turn white.

This product is not perfect though, but that really has to do with its packaging. Using this bottle has led to a great amount of spillage and hence, wastage. This is because the bottle does not come with a stopper, so it can be tricky when pouring the oil out of the bottle. I have spilled too much into my hand at least twice, and I am sure if I hadn't, this bottle would've lasted me longer than 4 months. However, it should not be a problem if you decant it into another bottle with a dropper.

There you have it - a simple, incredibly useable product that does its job well and more. If you need more convincing, do check out this article on Huffington Post on the Benefits, and Best Uses of Coconut Oil. I just finished my bottle of Know It Oil, and will be making a purchase at the VMV Hypoallergenics store as soon as I can! Be sure to check out their store online as well, or click here to purchase the Know It Oil online.

VMV Hypoallergenics Skin-Specialist Boutique

Ion Orchard #B3-48

Singapore 238801

Facebook: VMV Hypoallergenics Singapore

Buy Online

Contact No: 6341 9378

Opening Hours:

Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 22:00

Food - NeLi's Ice Cream

The trend for homemade ice-cream with unique flavours is... not really a trend. It's been around for more than the past few years, and there are many ice cream shops around our tiny little island that feature really interesting ice cream flavours. However, very few do them well.

Introducing NeLi's Ice Cream!

"NeLi’s Ice Cream is more than just another ice cream shop. To be exact, we are a boutique travel-themed lifestyle ice cream café... Every other ice cream shop uses the word “artisanal” so we’ll make it sound simple. We handmake all our ice creams from scratch – just basic ingredients milk, cream and sugars. No artificial flavouring, no colouring, nothing fake."

- NeLi's Ice Cream

What's interesting to me is that this is really not just another ice cream shop. The travel theme adds an interesting touch to the entire shop, and there are even cute travel journals where visitors may share their travel experiences!

Waiting till I have an opportunity to travel to North America to share my own stories!

But let's go back to the ice cream. What I really like about NeLi's is that it produces really unique and wonderful flavours! My personal favourite is the Chrysanthemum sorbet, with my favourite wolfberries. The Chrysanthemum is not too sweet. In fact, this makes for a very healthy ice cream!

Sweet but healthy - a convincing combination!

I love Chrysanthemum tea, so it was only natural that I try and buy this. Unfortunately, not everyone likes Chrysanthemum, nor will every Chrysanthemum tea lovers necessarily like this in its sorbet form. Should that be a problem, fear not! NeLi's has the usual crowd pleasers such as chocolate and strawberry, and some of these are given NeLi's unique take as well. I have tried chocolate Guinness ice cream before, and another favourite of mine: Ribena sorbet with gummy bears soaked in vodka! NeLi's does indeed fulfill both my sweet tooth and penchant for alcohol. Any excuse, right?

So there. If you are ever in the Upper Thomson Road area (which really is not very far from town), do check out NeLi's Ice Cream! If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below, and have a great weekend!

NeLi's Ice Cream

233 Upper Thomson Road

Singapore 574364

Facebook: NeLi's Ice Cream

Contact No: 6452 2410

Opening Hours:

Mon - Thu: 12:00 - 23:00

Fri - Sat: 12:00 - 01:00

Sun: 12:00 - 23:00

Reboot

I'm back. It's the summer holidays, and after almost 10 months of inactivity, I'm back.

Why?

I think I can offer a good perspective on living and enjoying life, and making the most of it. This will include style, skincare and food, something I am sure most people have a keen interest in. In time, I might start a Twitter and Instagram account, to share more with anyone who is interested, but for now, my personal accounts are private. In the mean time, please feel free to follow me on my Tumblr.