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Singapore Teochew Festival (2014) - This is Singapore's first large-scale Teochew Festival occupying an area of more than 30,000 square feet at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza from 25th September to 6th October 2014. (Extended by 1 Day to 6th October due to popular demand)

Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan presents a unique 11-day festival dedicated to the intricacies of Teochew culture. The public can look forward to specially curated sections of Culture & Heritage, Food & Beverage and Arts & Crafts.

The Teochew Festival comprise 20 vendors brimming with unique food products, scrumptious fare and gorgeous merchandise. Here are highlights of the Teochew Festival during my visit over the weekend.


Showcase of some intricate 3D Teochew Embroidery

Getting to know your Teochew roots
Teochew Woodcarving, a form of Chinese woodcarving originating in the Tang Dynasty. 

One of the Renowned Artist from China


Singapore's first and largest golden boat finished in 999 Pure Gold at the SK Jewellery Exhibition


Three Stars of Blessings, Prosperity and Longevity (Fu Lu Shou)

Chinese Opera, part of the special highlights
Fish Maw and Products from Renowned Teochew Store
Thye Moh Chan Goodies and Gifts

Chinese Betrothal Gifts from Shuang Xi Le

Souvenirs Shop
Beside experiencing the rich Teochew culture, visitors can check out the Teochew Food Street for a gastronomy affair.
Teochew Food Street, clearly the most popular section of the Festival.
Steamed Dumpling with Preserved Turnip Filling, Steamed Dumpling with Red Bean filling, Steamed Crystal Dumpling from Ping Ping Ju 平平居
Fried Kway Teow with Preserved Radish from Chui Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine
Oyster Omelette Orh Luak from Ah Biao 阿彪蚝烙

Teochew Bao and Kong Bak Bao from Swatow Seafood Restaurant 汕头海鲜酒楼

Braised Duck Rice from Jian Ye Restaurant 建业酒家 and Pig's Trotter Terrine from Chin Lee Restaurant 深利菜馆
Fishball and Fish Dumpling from Li Xin Fishball Noodles 立兴潮州鱼圆面

Gingko Nuts with Root Tuber Soup from Mi Qi 米琪甜品
Please note that the above are tasting portions only. Visitors will be getting the actual serving. 

There are many other food items not featured here such as Peanut Candies, Rice Cakes (Png Kueh), Mung Bean Kueh, Bak Ku Teh and more. 

The public can look forward to daily special highlights, such as Chef Masterclass by renowned chefs, unique art performances, lucky draws and a slew of activities.

There was a huge turnout when I was there on Sunday, I must say that the media publicity had contributed a big part to making the festival a great success. 

Due to the fire and safety regulations, there is a limit to the number of visitors entering each section at a single time. Especially the Teochew Food Street, you may expect some queues, so if you plan to head down to the festival, exercising some patience will help a lot. 

Admission to this Teochew extravaganza is only $5 per person. You can also grab the stored value tickets of $25 or $50 denomination to make your purchases at the event. 

Singapore Teochew Festival (2014)
Dates: 25 September to 6 October 2014 (daily)
Time: 11am to 10pm 
Price: $5 per person (entry only, inclusive of GST)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teochewfest2014
CoCo ICHIBANYA, the world most famous curry rice from Japan, opens its 4th outlet in Singapore at Westgate. 

The restaurant is splashed with vibrant hues that makes it looking fresh and cosy with its indoor booth seats and breezy outdoor seating area. 


This is CoCo ICHIBANYA's first cafe-style concept, a perfect gathering place for both families and groups of friends alike. 

Fans of the famous Japanese curry house will be happy to know that the signature curry rice are all available at this new outlet. The menu offerings carry curry rice with meat (chicken/pork), seafood and option for vegetarians. 
Pork Cutlet Curry (Omelette)
The unique feature of CoCo ICHIBANYA is that it allows customers to customise their orders. 

First, select the type of curry you want (meat/seafood/veggies). Then select the quantity of rice, the standard rice portion is 250 grams you can either increase the portion if you are hungry, or reduce it by 100 grams if you are carb-conscious and get a dollar discount.  

Select the level of spice from 1 to 5, with level 1 the lightest level of spice or challenge yourself to crazy hot spiciness at level 5. 

Additional toppings such as hard boiled egg, bacon, cheese, eggplant and more are available from $1 onwards.
Fried Chicken Curry (Omelette)
Widely known as the "King of Japanese Curry", CoCo ICHIBANYA curry is mildly spicy and a tad sweeter than traditional curry. It is considered a perfect treat for me as I do not have tolerance to take spicy food. 

The meat (pork cutlet / fried chicken) and omelette were not striking, but I am not complaining as the curry was thick, rich and flavourful enough. I had great comfort eating something that I was intimately familiar with, Japanese curry always an enjoyment for me. 
Bacon Salad ($6.00)
You can complete your meal by adding fried snacks or healthy sides like green salads. There are more than 8 salad options to choose from, and the portion is good for two to share. 

Exclusive only to this Westgate outlet, CoCo ICHIBANYA introduces speciality pancakes addition to their menu. There are four variants – Caramel Nutty Pancake ($7.90), Banana Choco Pancake, Rainbow Fruity Pancake, and Happy Berry Pancake (all $8.90).

The pancakes are made-to-order, so that customers will get only the fluffiest and freshest pancakes. We were told that each batch of batter is only enough to make six pancakes, and they are different from other types of pancakes available on the market. 

The pancakes at CoCo ICHIBANYA are small enough to enjoy on your own, and they are fluffier than the regular American style pancakes. The texture resembles the Dorayaki, a Japanese confection that is full of bite and not too cloyingly sweet. 
Banana Choco Pancake ($8.90)
Banana Choco Pancake, a classic combination of sliced fresh bananas, strawberries, and chocolate and custard sauce.
Caramel Nutty Pancake ($7.90)
Caramel Nutty Pancake comes with a generous serving of whole mixed nuts, as well as vanilla ice cream, sweet caramel and custard sauce. 
Rainbow Fruity Pancake ($8.90)
Rainbow Fruity Pancake is topped with fresh strawberries and mixed fruits, lightly dusted with icing sugar, and topped with custard, chocolate sauce and whipped cream. 

The fourth pancake not featured here is the Happy Berry Pancake ($8.90). It comes with blueberries and strawberries, served custard sauce and whipped cream. 

VERDICT
With 1,275 outlets worldwide and counting, CoCo ICHIBANYA Curry House is the largest chain of Japanese curry restaurant in the world. CoCo ICHIBANYA offers a fuss-free and quick tasty meal. The main takeaway lies in its delicious Japanese curry and highly customisable menu. 

The fluffy pancakes were really good, however I think that the toppings were a little ordinary. I was told that it is the soft launch of their pancakes, they are still improving it and it's good to know that they are taking customers feedback to heart. 

I think that CoCo ICHIBANYA bold take on the cafe-style concept and introduction of pancakes will be receptive on the road. 

It is quite an unexpected surprise to find pancakes in a curry house, and so if you are around the neighbourhood, do check out CoCo ICHIBANYA


CoCo ICHIBANYA CURRY HOUSE
Address: Westgate 3 Gateway Drive #01-02, Singapore 608532
Tel: 6710 7062 

Opening Hours
Sunday – Thursday: 10am – 9.30pm
Friday – Saturday: 10am – 10.30pm

Website: http://www.ichibanya.co.jp/english/index.html
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CoCoICHIBANYAsingapore
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/CoCo_ICHIBANYA (@coco_ichibanya)
PUNCH DETOX (2014) - Hong Kong First and Leading Cleanse Program had arrived in our shores recently and I was privileged to attend a recent Punch Detox tea-cum-sharing session at Flutes last month. 

I have never been on any cleanse program before, and probably the worst health-noob when it comes to health concerns, from the way you see me eat you can clearly tell. 

But why do I choose to take up the program?

People do juice cleanses for all sorts of reasons, from starting a new diet or changing an exercise regime or most commonly known is slimming down and losing weight, which naturally leads to being healthier and better-feeling.  


My reasons are just the same, and I actually found out with juice cleansing, you get results fast (which is true).

To help me reap the benefits of juicing, Punch Detox has developed a 3-day cleanse that I can start easy right at home, at work or even outside. Read on to find out more about my experience with Punch Detox
Here's the package that I have received from Punch Detox3 cooler bags with 6 bottles each day, 18 bottles in total (measuring tape excluded). 

Start by drinking the juices in order that they were numbered (1,2,3,4,5,6) with #1 being breakfast and repeat for the next 2 days. 

And if you are wondering what am I drinking, there is always something different.

#1 - Citrus Punch, ingredients such as lemon, ginger, cayenne pepper, agave nectar, etc. 
#2 - Green Punch, ingredients such as parsley, cucumber, green apple, kale, celery, etc.
#3 - Red Punch, ingredients such as beetroot, carrot, red apples, ginger, orange, etc
#4 - Fruit Punch, ingredients such as pineapple, watermelon, lime, acai berry. 
#5 - GazPuncho, ingredients such as tomatoes, cucumber, sea salt, cider vinegar, etc
#6 - Nut Punch, ingredients such as raw almond, raw cashews, agave nectar, sea salt, etc. 

Each of the raw, living-food juices comes with many benefits, where the body will respond to the difference. 
The juices are stored nicely in the fridge. The cooler bags provided will be very useful throughout the cleanse for transport when outside, while adding a few ice packs in the bag will help keeping the juices chilled. 
I cannot go on 100% juice cleanse entirely. I need to eat during the juice cleanse, but I’ll try to eat something that are raw, gluten-free and nutritious. 

I drink coffee everyday and love desserts, I know I cannot abstain from these at all. And I admit that I cheated a little bit during the cleanse, but I still continue to drink the juices and eventually completed the 3-day juicing. Think of it as how much you have done, not how much you haven't done. I think I did a great job for trying, but what about you.
Punch Detox is designed specially for busy people. You don't have to change your work schedule and lifestyle completely because you have no time. You can still continue with your regular routine, and bring along the juices wherever you go. 

For those whom have not tried any detox program before, you must wondering will things get frazzled when doing a cleanse. 

During the juice cleanse, our energy levels will change and it is recommended that you limit yourself to light exercises and pay extra attention to what your body needs before, during and after exercising.

May suggest doing some introspective activities, instead of jumping into something that is strenuous or exhausting. Come to think of it, it's just 3-days. Take time to relax, and experience the goodness. 
The first picture (2 Sep) was taken before I start on the cleanse, my waistline measurement was 33" and the second picture (4 Sept) was taken on the last day of the 3-day cleanse. My waistline measurement actually gone down by one inch to 32", that was absolutely amazing and good to know that juicing worked well for me. 

You know that pictures couldn't lie and you shouldn't even doubt about it. The photos have not be modified at all, except for the input of dates and arrows. 
The last picture you see above was taken just before I wrote this post into day 4 without juicing, but still maintaining my diet. 

I can clearly see the deposits of my "love handles" losing, which is a good indicator that I am on the right track.


This was my first step toward a long-lasting lifestyle change, Punch Detox gave me the opportunity to jumpstart my weight-loss regime, and also help me to retrain my taste buds. Now I have lesser cravings for sinful food, and will continue to work hard on my psychological connection to food. 

Juicing with Punch Detox have added some variety to my diet, and I discovered a whole new body feeling refreshed and healthier now. 

I never thought that the results can be so satisfying, Thank you Punch Detox for bringing goodness to my life. 

In the month of September, you can opt for the "Couple Cleanse" and enjoy $100 off your purchases. This offer is limited to the first 50 customers. 

Punch Detox is available for order online at www.punchdetox.com.sg 

Each three-day juice cleanse comes complete with 18 bottles and is priced at $330 nett, inclusive of delivery. Individual juices can be purchased at $20 nett per 500ml bottle, with a minimum order of 6 bottles. 

Punch Detox offers two levels of cleanse to suit varying needs – level one is an easier cleanse most suitable for beginners while level two provides a deeper cleanse made with less fruits and more vegetables.

Punch Detox juices come in 100% bio-degradable, compact, square-shaped bottles for easy storage, and are delivered in tidy soft-cooler bags that keep juices chilled for daily commutes.
You can get more facts and learn what is right for you at the website below. 

Do note that this is not a paid ad campaign. I hope by sharing my personal experience here it will reach the right eyes. 

Happy Juicing!


Punch Detox  
http://punchdetox.com.sg

JBM Coffee & Dining (2014) - One of the largest dining destination at the newly launched One Raffles Place Mall situated in the heart of CBD (Raffles Place). 

The 108-seater restaurant sits pretty on the third level of the mall, dressed in stunning red and plush brown leather furnishings, you will not be able to find another restaurant in the mall that exudes such inviting ambience with its spaciousness and concept. 

JBM Coffee & Dining features a two-metre tall state-of-of-the-art Probat Roaster from Germany, where they showcase their passion for coffee and at the same time offering a full dining experience.
JBM Coffee & Dining open seven days a week, serving scrumptious light bites and hearty mains for lunch and dinner. The menu curated by Chef Chamara Fonseka, formerly with Au Peitit Salut and Covelli, proffers a balanced selection of rustic French and Italian-inspired creations with playful menu names such as Red Riding Hood, Lil' Froggy, Hot Chick and The Not So Ugly Duckling. 

Started as a gourmet coffee purveyor, JBM Coffee takes pride in selecting the best quality beans around the globe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, as well as the coveted 100 percent Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. JBM Coffee also hires the best in the local industry, Barista Shaw Shyne Wei, better known as Shawn came in as the first runner up at Singapore's National Latte Art Championship 2014. 

Coffee creations are helmed by Shawn, and recently he paired up with Chef Chamara to introduce a signature dessert beverage - JBM Espresso Creme Brulee, which showcases a shot of espresso topped with creme brulee and topped with a crust of caramelised sugar. 

On the beverage list also provide a good selection of Gryphon teas, gourmet wines and other invigorating drinks.

THE FOOD
The Green Knight ($8)
Zucchini soup with crisp seaweed and croutons.
The soup is smooth and silky, and gets its creaminess from pureed zucchini. It reminds me of a creamy broccoli soup, but much tastier and great it is not too rich or heavy, you can have more appetite for bigger plates.
The Pork Terrine ($15)
Sliced Pork terrine with fresh greens, walnuts, bacon and croutons served with purple mustard brioche toast. This is by far one of the best pork terrine that I ever tasted. A well-dressed up house-made meat loaf to go along with the sweet brioche toast. 
Lil' Froggy ($24)
Crispy frog legs served with butter lettuce and mushrooms with a side of fresh ravioli. The frog legs were lightly seasoned and pan fried to perfection, crispy exterior while retaining its tender moist meat inside. 
A Big Bowl O'Mussels ($14)
I loved fresh green mussels and it was perfectly cooked in the sauce of white wine, shallots, black pepper and saffron-infused cream. If you haven't try mussels, you simply must try this dish, especially with crusty french bread for dunking. 
Beef Outside The Cubes ($24)
Cubes of sauteed beef tenderloin slathered in rich creamy mushroom sauce, which comes with either mashed or french fries. The beef cubes were juicy and chewy as they were grilled medium-rare, and the dish came out better with the mashed potatoes and mushroom sauce. Perfect score! 
The Golden Hen ($23)
Half spring chicken with garlic, onions and buttered sautéed potatoes, in traditional French style. The roasted chicken fell off the bone when teared, and served with nicely contrasting garlics and onions. The meat was tender and good but I find the dish overall was disappointingly bland, and lacking of flavours.
Sassy Cassoulet ($32)
If you like beans, you will probably enjoy this slow cooked medley of grilled seafood and white beans. The french stew is served with bread, which can be shared by two or three. 
Orange Blossom ($12)
Fresh oranges and orange jelly with grand mariner foam, set off with caramel crisp.
JBM Espresso Creme Brulee ($8)

The dessert experience was mixed. The grand marnier foam adds texture and mouth feel to the pile of flavours in the orange dessert, but I find that the soft syrupy orange was just too sweet to my liking. 

The JBM Espresso Creme Brulee, on the other hand was well received. The creamy custard was flavoured with a shot of espresso, and then crowned with caramelised sugar. The espresso went hand in hand pairing it up with the dessert, but I was quite surprised its being served as a beverage instead of a sweet treat. 

Either ways, it worked its magic.  


VERDICT
Apart from some hits and misses about the food, the menu prices are generally affordable and value-for-money, except for a few selections which I think is priced a little high for the portion. Hence, It is wise to take advantage of their weekday lunch deals, and check out their other ongoing promotions for dinner (1-for-1 evening special). 

I would recommend JBM Coffee & Dining for friends to catch up for meals and drinks, or couples looking for a quiet dating place. 


JBM Coffee & Dining
Address: One Raffles Place Mall, 1 Raffles Place, #03-23/24/25, Singapore 048616
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 9.30pm (last order 9pm)
Weekends and PH: 11am – 9.30pm
Tel: 6536 1047
Website: www.jbmcoffeedining.com