my life & my kitchen

Brownies

2011-11-18T22:40:00.000-08:00

I really have difficulty in baking. I need to repeat many times to get the result that I expect. For these brownies, this is my nTH time already. I love brownies and my son Albert too. Albert is playing Bakery Story in iphone and asked me to bake brownies. He said it only takes him 1 minute to bake brownies.

Ingredients

1/2 cup melted butter
2 eggs
1 cup white sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

3 tablespoons melted butter
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15 minutes. Grease and flour an 8 inch square pan.
2) In a large beat the eggs, add the melted butter and stir in sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan.
3) Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Do not overcook.
4) To Make Frosting: Combine 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 cup confectioners' sugar. Frost the brownies while they are still warm.

Excited to reach 40?!

2011-11-08T07:23:00.001-08:00

In the first two decades of my life, I studied because my parents told me that if I wanted to have a better life I, needed to finish my studies. So I did it. After another decade and a half, I could say they were right that getting a good education could really give me a better life. Even though I didn't become successful in my chosen field, I became an entrepreneur.

Recently, I've been thinking on how to reinvent my career to something that will really make me really happy.Five years from now I will turn forty, another cycle of my life to look forward. This time I want to make something different In my life. I will pursue what my heart desires. I will learn something at my own time and explore the other side of me. What will make me happy? That would be my Family, Traveling and Cooking.

Maybe I will start my life adventure in learning how to cook French comfort food.

I need to remind myself always of Steve Jobs's quote: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”

Jurong East Swimming Complex

2011-03-12T05:01:00.001-08:00

Jurong East Swimming Complex
21 Jurong East Street 31
Singapore 609517
Ticket/Fees:
Weekdays: SGD 1.50; SC SGD 0.80.
Weekends and holidays: SGD 2.00; SC SGD 1.00
Operating Hours:
8.00am - 9.30pm (Tuesday to Sunday & Public Holidays), Closed on Monday

Singapore has 23 public swimming complexes for people to have fun and enjoy with. Among these, there are two swimming complexes with wave pool: Choa Chu Kang Swimming Complex and Jurong East Swimming Complex. So these are probably the two complexes to include in you list if you want extra fun and adventure.

We first visited Jurong East Swimming Complex. It took us almost 2 hours by public transport from Sengkang to Jurong East Swimming Complex. I thought that the main attractions for visitors were the lazy river and wave pool. At certain times in the wave pool, water sprinkles from above and makes it looks like a rain storm. Aside from lazy river and wave, it also has three big slides which are colored blue, pink and yellow. These slide are for those who love adventure, speed and excitement. Yellow is the shortest but it gives the fastest speed into the water. The blue is the longest and highest; it has many spins and sharp turns. The red is in-between of both slides.

The entrance fees during weekends are S$2 for an adult and S$1 for a child. It would be fun if you rent a rubber tube for S$2 to float around the river or enjoy the wave pool. The lazy river is landscaped with waterfalls and rocks and is propelled by water jets. The tube may spin and bump into other tubes.

For food, there is a KFC upstairs and a cafe. If you want to have a picnic table, you need to be very early to get a one.

The wave pool.

The rain storm

Just enjoying the artificial wave

So what are waiting for take the plunge and visit this great water fantasy. Definitely, the kids will want to come again and again.

Getting there:
MRT
Chinese Garden MRT (EW25) 0.58 km
Lakeside MRT (EW26) 0.99 km
Jurong East MRT (EW24-NS1) 2.02 km

What to see and do:

Competition Pool
Wading Pool
Wave Pool
Lazy River
3 Water Slides
Jacuzzi
Kiddy Bubble Jet Station

NYNY Value Meals

2011-03-10T18:42:00.000-08:00

Restaurant: New York New York

NYNY introduces new Value Meal deals from $7.80++! Each set meal includes an ice cream AND a glass of ice lemon tea.

Don't forget to try Super Sundae that comes with triple scoops of ice cream drenched in chocolate and strawberry sauce and topped with the superb trio of whipped cream, cherries and wafers to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Menu:
Rocketfeller Chicken Rock
Pesto Spaghetti
Long Island Chicken Wrap

Outlet: New York New York
Parkway Parade #01-10

Validity: now till 31 March 2011

Billy Bomber Lunch Treat

2011-03-10T18:23:00.000-08:00

Restaurant: Billy Bombers

Lunch Treat till 3pm Daily 1-for-1 Main Course

Menu:
Mixed Grill
Ribs n Chicken
Ribs n Fish
All-Star Chix Burger
Fish n Chips

Outlet:
Billy Bombers American Diner
Marina Square
#02-176

Balloon Sculpting Workshops

2011-03-10T18:10:00.000-08:00

Bring your kids to one of our balloon sculpting workshops and let them learn how to craft creative balloon sculptures.

Registration fee is $10 per child (aged between 3 and 12 years old).
Each participant will receive an exclusive goodie bag!
Register at the Customer Service Counter (L1/L2). Limited to the first 30 children per session, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Date: 17 March – 20 March
Daily between 2pm – 5pm

Venue:
Marina Centre Holdings Pte Ltd
6 Raffles Boulevard
#01-101 Marina Square
Singapore 039594

Giant Balloon World

2011-03-10T18:07:00.000-08:00

Come and marvel at the fascinating giant balloon sculptures on display as we transform the Atrium into a giant balloon world. Explore the rainforest, trek through the wild safari adventure or take a plunge into the enchanting deep, blue sea. Don't forget to pack your camera! Plus, vote for your favorite balloon sculpture and you may be picked as one of the lucky winners who will get to take home your favorite masterpiece! Check on site for more details.

Date: 17 March– 20 March 2011

Venue:
Marina Centre Holdings Pte Ltd
6 Raffles Boulevard
#01-101 Marina Square
Singapore 039594

Swimming Complexes of Singapore (as of March 2011)

2011-03-09T00:08:00.000-08:00

Ang Mo Kio Swimming Complex
1771 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1
Singapore 569978
Tel: 6456 6821
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Thursday to Tuesday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Wednesday)
Facilities 1 Competition Pool, 1 Teaching pool, 1 Wading pool

Bedok Swimming Complex
901 New Upper Changi Road
Singapore 467355
Tel:No: 6443 5511
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Friday to Wednesday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Thursday)
Facilities: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Teaching pool, 1 Wading pool, 1 Learners' pool

Bishan Swimming Complex
Address: 1 Bishan Street 4
Singapore 579778
Tel: 6353 6117
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Friday to Wednesday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Thursday)
Facilities : 1 Competition Pool, 1 Teaching pool, 1 Wading pool

Bukit Batok Swimming Complex
2 Bukit Batok St. 22
Singapore 659581
Tel: 6561 0939
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Thursday to Tuesday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Wednesday)
Facilities Type: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Teaching pool, 1 Wading pool

Buona Vista Swimming Complex
76 Holland Drive
Singapore 278938
Tel: 6778 7230
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Wednesday to Monday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Tuesday)
Facilities: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Teaching pool, 1 Wading pool

Choa Chu Kang Swimming Complex
1 Choa Chu Kang St 53
Singapore 689236
Tel: 6767 8606
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Tuesday to Sunday & Public Holidays), Closed on Monday
Background: Opened to the public on 1 May 01
Facilities: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Toddler's Pool, 1 Wave Pool, 1 Interactive Pool, 1 Water slide, 1 River Rapid, 1 Whirlpool, 1 Spa

Clementi Swimming Complex
520 Clementi Ave 3
Singapore 129908
Tel: 6779 0577
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Tuesday to Sunday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Monday)
Facilities: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Teaching pool, 1 Wading pool

Co-Curricular Activities Branch Swimming Complex
21 Evans Road
Singapore 259366
Tel: 6468 8393
Operating Hours: Monday (2.30pm to 9pm), Wednesday & Friday (5.30pm to 7.30pm for competition pool), training pool (5.30pm to 9pm), Tuesday & Thursday (6pm to 9pm), Saturday (2pm to 9pm),
Sunday & Public Holidays (8am to 9pm)
Facilities: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Teaching Pool

Delta Swimming Complex
900 Tiong Bahru Road
Singapore 158790
Tel: 6474 7573
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Wednesday to Monday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Tuesday)
Facilities: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Teaching pool, 1 Wading pool

Geylang East Swimming Complex
601 Aljunied Crescent
Singapore 389862
Tel: 6745 7175
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Tuesday to Sunday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Monday)
Facilities: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Teaching pool, 1 Wading pool

Hougang Swimming Complex
95 Hougang Ave 4
Singapore 538830
Tel: 6386 5010
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Wednesday to Monday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Tuesday)
Facilities: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Teaching pool, 1 Wading pool

Jalan Besar Swimming Complex
100 Tyrwhitt Road #01-03
Singapore 207542)
Tel: 6293 9058
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Thursday to Tuesday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Wednesday)
Facilities: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Teaching pool, 1 Wading pool

Jurong East Swimming Complex
21 Jurong East Street 31
Singapore 609517
Tel: 6896 3566 / 6563 5052
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Tuesday to Sunday & Public Holidays), Closed on Monday
Facilities: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Wave Pool, 1
Lazy River, 3 Water Slides, 1 Jacuzzi, 1 Kiddy Fun Station Pool

Jurong West Swimming Complex
20 Jurong West St 93
Singapore 648965
Tel: 6515 5332
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Wednesday to Monday & Public Holidays), closed every Tuesday
Facilities: 1 Sheltered Competition Pool, 1 Teaching Pool, 1 Lazy River, 1 Jacuzzi, 1 Kiddy Pool, 1 Slide

Kallang Basin Swimming Complex
21 Geylang Bahru Lane
Singapore 339627
Tel: 6295 4261
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Thursday to Tuesday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Wednesday)
Facilities: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Teaching pool, 1 Wading pool

Katong Swimming Complex
111 Wilkinson Road
Singapore 436752
Tel: 6344 9609
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Wednesday to Monday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Tuesday)
Facilities: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Teaching pool, 1 Wading pool

Queenstown Swimming Complex
473 Stirling Road
Singapore 148948
Tel: 6473 7269
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Thursday to Tuesday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Wednesday)
Facilities Type: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Teaching pool, 1 Wading pool, 1 Diving Pool

Sengkang Swimming Complex
57 Anchorvale Road
Singapore 544964
Tel: 6315 3574
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Tuesday to Sunday & Public Holidays), Closed on Monday
Facilities: 1 Competition Pool, 2 Teaching Pool, 1 Fun Pool, 1 Jacuzzi, 8 Slides

Serangoon Swimming Complex
35-A Yio Chu Kang Road
Singapore 545552)
Tel: 6288 4606
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Friday to Wednesday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Thursday)
Facilities: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Wading Pool

Tampines Swimming Complex
505 Tampines Ave 5
Singapore 529652
Tel: 6786 1151
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Wednesday to Monday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Tuesday)
Facilities Type: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Teaching pool, 1 Learner Pool, 1 Wading pool

Toa Payoh Swimming Complex
301 Toa Payoh Lor. 6
Singapore 319392
Tel: 6259 4808
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Wednesday to Monday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Tuesday)
Facilities Type: 1 Teaching Pool, 1 Wading Pool, 1 Training Pool

Woodlands Swimming Complex
3 Woodlands St. 13
Singapore 738600
Tel: 6269 4192
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Friday to Wednesday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Thursday)
Facilities: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Teaching Pool, 1 Wading Pool

Yio Chu Kang Swimming Complex
202 Ang Mo Kio Ave 9
Singapore 569771
Tel: 6481 9054
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Friday to Wednesday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Thursday)
Facilities: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Teaching Pool, 1 Wading Pool

Yishun Swimming Complex
351 Yishun Ave 3
Singapore 769057
Tel: 6752 5513
Operating Hours: 8.00am - 9.30pm (Thursday to Tuesday & Public Holidays), 2.30pm - 9.30pm (Wednesday)
Facilities: 1 Competition Pool, 1 Teaching Pool, 1 Wading Pool

Singapore Zoo visit in 2007

2011-03-08T02:12:00.000-08:00

Even if you are a local in Singapore, Singapore Zoo is a MUST visit even if you don't have much interest in animals. It is worthwhile for you and your family to enjoy the scenic and rain forest environment. For tourists, this attraction is definitely not to be missed. The zoo is the home of over 3000 animals in their natural spacious habitats.

For many local residents, this is definitely a place that is worth visiting many times and we are one of those.

Near the entrance, you will start feeling the warm welcome of the parrots.

Albert with the otter

Behind the outback emus. Before taking picture, he wanted to make sure he was safe.

The horse stable

He was trying to feed them some leaves that he got from trees

a beautiful bufferfly landed on my shoulder

Behind are the zebras

after a long day, he was tired and time to sign off

Singapore Zoo

2011-03-08T01:53:00.000-08:00

Singapore Zoo
80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729826
Phone(65) 6269 3411

Set in a rainforest environment, Singapore Zoo's world famous "open concept” offers the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature. Home to over 2,500 specimens from 315 species, 29% of which are threatened, the Zoo has attained a strong reputation internationally for its conservation initiatives and breeding programmes. To better meet the healthcare needs of its animals and working towards its aspiration to become a leading global centre of excellence for veterinary healthcare and research, a purpose-built Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre was set up in March 2006. In 2009, 1.6 million visitors enjoyed the experiential learning experience at the 28-hectare award-winning Zoo. Singapore Zoo is part of Wildlife Reserves Singapore. The Zoo is a designated rescued wildlife centre by the governing authority.
- Singapore Zoo

Admission:
Adult: $20 & Child: $13 (3-12 years old)
Tram Ride:
Adult: $5 & Child: $3 (3-12 years old)
Opening Hours : 8.30am to 6.00pm daily
Boat Ride:
Adult: $6 & Child: $3.50 (3-12 years old)
To book now click here

Getting there:
By Car or Taxi
• From the City, take the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) towards Jurong
• Take Exit 24 into the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE)
• Take Exit 7 of the BKE and then turn right into Mandai Road at the traffic light
• At the next traffic light, turn right into Mandai Lake Road
• Journey will take approximately 30 minutes
By Bus
From the City, take bus service 171 to Mandai Road. Alight at the first bus stop after the bus turns off Exit 7 of the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE). Transfer to bus service 927 or 926 (Do note that 926 only operates on Sundays and public holidays).
By MRT:
here are the options

Alight at Ang Mo Kio station (NS16) and take bus service 138 from the bus interchange.
Alight at Choa Chu Kang station (NS4-BP1) and take bus service 927 from the bus interchange.
From Changi Airport station (EW29), board the train and alight at Tanah Merah station (EW4) to switch to the west-bound train to City Hall station (EW13-NS25), switch again to the north-bound train to Ang Mo Kio station (NS16) and take bus service 138 from the bus interchange.
From Changi Airport station (EW29), board the train and alight at Tanah Merah station (EW4) to switch to the west-bound train to Jurong East station (EW24-NS1), switch again to the north-bound train to Choa Chu Kang station (NS4-BP1) and take bus service 927 from the bus interchange.

What to see and do:
Feeding Time
9.15am Elephant Bathing Area
10.30am Treetops Trail & Otter
10.45am Giraffe
11.00am Jaguar
11.00am Primate Kingdom
Afternoon feeding time click here
Show Time
11.00am & 4.00pm Animal Friends Show
Venue : Rainforest Kidzworld Amphitheatre
11.30am & 3.30pm Elephants At Work & Play
Venue: Elephants of Asia

10.30am & 5.00pm Splash Safari
Venue: Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre
12.30pm & 2.30pm Rainforest Fights Back
Venue: Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre

Resturants:
Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife
Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop
KFC Restaurants
Ah Meng Kopi
Pizzafari

Nirwana, Bintan, Indonesia

2011-03-07T22:22:00.001-08:00

Bintan is the largest island in the Riau province, area 1140 sq. km, with a coastline of about 105 km. It is truly a unique paradise. With calm and beautiful beaches, Bintan is a known gem of Indonesia. It is just 55 minute Ferry ride from Singapore.

Nirwana Gardens is a blend of sunny Mediterranean spirit and warm Indonesian hospitality that will make you feel more than welcomed. A family hotel with 245 rooms & suites catering to every budget and need, offering breathtaking ocean, pool or garden views.

Ferry going to Bintan

The Hotel rooms

Hotel's swimming pool

The calm beach of Bintan

Really good for small children because of small waves

Enjoying the pool

In the Jacuzzi Pool

Dinner at the Hotel

At the playground

Just enjoying the breeze while lying in the hammock

feeding the koi fishes

Ferry going back to Singapore

End of our relaxing weekend.

Nirwana Gardens
S$118/night (Promo)
Jalan Panglima Pantar, Lagoi 29155,
Bintan Resorts, Indonesia
Tel: (62) 770 692505
www.nirwanagardens.com

Activities: Activities like snorkeling, jet-skiing, canoeing, wind surfing, golfing, fishing, sailing, diving, island hopping and shopping. Sun seekers may take a leisurely stroll along then white sandy beaches and enjoy sun bathing in the warm sunshine.

Getting There From Singapore - Accessible via high-speed catamarans from Singapore's Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT). The journey takes 55 minutes. Check-in time: 1 hour before departure. Each passenger has up to 20 kg baggage allowance. Tickets are available at Bintan Resort Ferry at TMFT and through selected travel agents in Singapore.

From Indonesia - Take a domestic flight to Hang Nadim Airport on neighbouring Batam Island. Regular speedboat available from Nongsa Ferry Terminal in Batam and Bandar Bentan Ferry Terminal in Bintan Resorts. The journey takes approximately 55 minutes.

Fares:
Ferry fares ranging around S$40/head for 2-way. For more details visit www.brf.com.sg website

Equinox Complex, one of Singapore Highest Observation Decks

2011-03-07T19:47:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: equinoxcomplex.com

Equinox Complex – 71 storey

Equinox Complex is situated at the top of Singapore's tallest hotel; over 71 & 72 floors, 226 meters above sea level . It is the highest bar and fine dining restaurant and with a spectacular view of the wonderful city and the harbor. Enjoy panoramic views of Singapore, gorgeous during sunset and spectacular by dusk.

Restaurants:

Equinox, Singapore's “highest” culinary landmark with world-class cuisine and spectacular views of Singapore. Seated in the elegant amphitheatre-style restaurant, be awed by three-storey high teak and rice paper lanterns, Ming-inspired wooden trellises and a luminous wall of mother of pearl.
Jaan, Delightfully modern and idyllic, this jewel has received innumerable awards for excellence, serving a distinctive menu of neo-classic, essentialist cuisine crafted by Chef de Cuisine Ebbe Vollmer from Sweden.
New Asia Bar, located on Level 71 steals the limelight with its classy attitude at altitude. Designed in hues of gold and amber with a majestic chandelier, engage in aesthetic panorama with stunning views, indulge in sensuous cocktails and pump the pinnacle with invigorating tunes of house, classic, new age, funk and Motown.

Opening hours: Equinox
Lunch: 12noon – 2.30pm (Mon to Sat)
Brunch: 11.00am – 2.30pm (Sun)
High Tea: 3.30pm – 5.00pm (Daily)
Dinner: 6.30pm – 11.00pm (Mon to Sun)

Jaan
Monday to Saturday
(Closed on Sunday)
Lunch: 12.00pm to 2.30pm (last order)
Dinner: 7.00pm to 10.00pm (last order)

New Asia Bar
3.00pm to 1.00am (Sun - Tue)
3.00pm to 2.00am (Wed & Thu)
3.00pm to 3.00am (Fri & Sat)

As per nightlife establishments, a minimum age entry of 21 applies.
A Cover charge of $25.00 nett and inclusive of 1 house pour from 9pm (Fri, Sat & Eve of Public Holiday)

Address:
Swissotel The Stamford
2 Stamford Road (Level 71 & 72,
Equinox Complex)
Singapore 178882
Tel: 6837 3322

Getting there:
Nearest Station: City Hall

For more details visit www.equinoxcomplex.com.

1-Altitude, one of Singapore Highest Observation Decks

2011-03-07T18:36:00.000-08:00

Photo credit: 1-altitude website

1-Altitude - 63 storey
1-Altitude is situated 282 meters above sea level, it one of Singapore’s highest dining, al fresco bar and entertainment venues. It is the highest gastro bar in the world with a spectacular panoramic 360 degree view of the city and the harbor.

Restaurants:

1-Altitude, the highest rooftop bar in the world
Stella, a fine dining restaurant
City Golf, a sports bar and indoor golf simulator

A cover charge of S$20 cover charge with one drink after 6pm. Free entry to guest of 282 lifestyle and F&B venue, and Stellar fine-dining restaurant.

Opening hours:
1-Altitude
Sun to Thu 6pm - 1am
Fri to Sat 6pm – 2am

Stella
Daily 6pm – 1am

282 and City Golf
Sun to Thu 10am – 1am
Fri to Sat 10am – 3am

Address:
1 Raffles Place #61-01
One Raffles Place Singapore 048616
(65) 6536 4930

Transport:
Nearest Station: Raffles Place
Bus Lines: 10, 70, 97, 100, 107, 128, 130, 162, 196, 532

Dress code:
Smart casual attire is required. No flip-flops or slippers allowed. No shorts and bermudas.

Age limit:
All guests must be 21 years of age to enter the establishment after 6:00pm.

For more details visit www.1-altitude.com website

Magnificent view from Sky Park

2011-03-06T05:03:00.000-08:00

Marina Bay Sands

The Sky Park is on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands Hotel & Casino and with a height of 200 meters in the sky. It is a stunning observation deck with a 150-meter infinity swimming pool. It is 12,400 square meters of space big enough to fit three football fields. Its dazzling landscaped gardens are home to 250 types trees and 650 types of plants. It is an architectural work of art.

The view of the hotel from ground

Walking to Marina Bay Sands Tower 3

While waiting for Edward and Dette in the Lobby

Excellent view of the city

Stunning view of Singapore central business district

Magnificent view of Esplanade Area

At the Observation Deck

Relaxing near the infinity pool

Infinity pool area

In their room

With my dear bff dette and our kids

With my dear bff dette.

The two hyper

For more details of Sky Park

Sands Sky Park

2011-03-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

Marina Bay Sands – Tower 3
10 Bayfront Ave
Singapore 018956

The Sands SkyPark is an architectural masterpiece sitting on top of the three hotel towers at Marina Bay Sands. This 1.2 hectare tropical oasis is longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall and large enough to park four-and-a-half A380 jumbo jets. It extends to form the one of the world’s largest public cantilevers.
- Marina Bay Sands website

Ticket/Fees:
- S$20 for adult
- S$14 for children (aged between 2 – 12 years)
- S$17 for senior citizens (aged 65 years and above)
The Sands SkyPark Public Observation Deck, which is open to members of the public and is a ticketed area, is accessible daily from 10am-10pm on Mondays to Thursdays and 10am-11pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Getting there:
Nearest MRT Promenade

What to see and do:

200 meters in the sky
Landscaped gardens are home to 250 types trees and 650 types of plants
12,400 square meters of space big enough to fit three football fields
Exclusive restaurants including The Sky on 57, helmed by Singapore’s celebrity chef Justin Quek
A spectacular public observation deck that can host hundreds of people
A 150-meter infinity swimming pool, the world’s largest outdoor pool at that height

For more scenic pictures during our visit in Sky Park click here

For more info visit Marina Bay Sands

Marina Barrage

2011-03-03T18:13:00.000-08:00

Marina Barrage
8 Marina Gardens Drive Singapore 018951

Built across the mouth of the Marina Channel, the Marina Barrage creates Singapore’s 15th reservoir, and the first in the heart of the city. With a catchment area of 10,000 hectares, or one-sixth the size of Singapore, the Marina catchment is the island’s largest and most urbanised catchment. Together with two other new reservoirs, the Marina Reservoir will boost Singapore’s water catchment from half to two-thirds of the country’s land area. The Marina Barrage is the result of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew’s vision nearly two decades ago when he envisaged damming the mouth of the Marina Channel to create a freshwater reservoir.
- marina barrage website

Ticket/Fees: Free
Mondays to Sundays: 10.00am - 11.00pm

Getting there:
By Car/Taxi :
From East Coast Parkway (ECP) in the direction of Vivo City, take 17A exit and turn into Marina Place and Marina Boulevard before turning into Marina Mall. Drive pass the construction site of Gardens by the Bay and you will see the main entrances of Marina Barrage.

From Shenton Way, take Marina Marina Boulevard next to One Marina Boulevard or Central Boulevard before turning into Marina Street which connects Marina Place and Marina Boulevard before turning into Marina Mall. Drive pass the construction site of Gardens by the Bay and you will see the main entrances of Marina Barrage.

By Bus :
SBS Bus 400 or Marina Barrage Shuttle Bus
Exit from Marina Bay MRT Station. Turn at road junction and continue straight. The bus stop is about 5 mins walk from the MRT Station.

Schedule of SBS Bus 400 and Marina Barrage Shuttle Bus

By MRT :
Nearest MRT Station: Marina Bay

What to see and do:

Water Playground - Located next to the children water play area, the Water Playground offers one of the best views of the Singapore city skyline. Children can also play the fun water play area which has a map of the Marina Catchment. Sheltered by part of the Green Roof, the venue is most suited for parties, corporate functions, and award presentations.
Central Courtyard - The Central Courtyard is located in the middle of the Barrage. The location offers a spectacular view of Singapore’s city skyline with a water feature. Ideal for outdoor events like parties, corporate functions, award presentations and performances.
Pump House - The Pump House at Marina Barrage uses glass and louvers for its external walls so that the interior is lit by natural lighting. This also eliminates the need for air-conditioning and reduces electricity consumption and operation costs.
Marina Bridge- The Marina Bridge spans the Marina Channel and allows visitors to walk across both reservoir and sea all at once. The nine crest gates are housed under the Marina Bridge.
Boat Hoist Operation - A boat hoist located at the east abutment of Marina Barrage allows vessels access between the Reservoir and the sea. The boat hoist has a maximum lifting capacity of 70 tonnes and is able to carry vessels with length up to 20m and breadth up to 6m

Takashimaya Kitchenware Household Bonanza Sale

2011-03-01T23:34:00.000-08:00

Date: Now to 6 March 2011
Brands: Diodem, Bueno, Gourmet, Gala Plus, Perfect Plus, Classic Line
Venue: Takashimaya B2 , 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238873
Contact details:
FAX: 6732 6626
TELEPHONE: 6738 1111

Household Bonanza is back! With more fabulous buys from wide range of international renowned brands.

Diodem, Bueno, Gourmet, Gala Plus, Perfect Plus, Classic Line

Hay Diary Goat Farm

2011-03-01T22:24:00.000-08:00

Hay Diary Goat Farm
No. 3 Lim Chu Kang
Agrotech Park Lane 4
Singapore 718859

Hay Dairies Pte Ltd is a goat farm with about 1000 goats of mixed breeds. It has the latest milking, pasteurizing, homogenizing and bottling machines. The farm produces very fresh milk and sells directly to its customers.

Children get to watch goats and their kids. The milking session is only in the morning and starts at 9am to11am, so bring your children during this time to widen their horizons. Demonstration and tour cost is S$3, including a free bottle of goat's milk.
You can even order the goat's milk online for regular home delivery.

Ticket/Fees: Free
Educational Tour at $3.21 per pax includes 200-ml bottle of milk and souvenir with Hay Dairies logo and an estimated 30 minutes of orientation briefing.

Opening hours is 9 am to 4 pm daily including Public Holidays.

Getting there:
By Public Transport

Take Bus 175 from Choa Chu Kang MRT Station and get off at Lim Chu Kang Lane 4. It's a three-minute walk from there.
SMRT 925 (Sundays & Public Holidays) – from either Woodlands Interchange or Kranji MRT station
Kranji Express (Yellow Bus) shuttle service– departs from the Kranji MRT station every hour (fares : adults $2, kids $1)

Contact Details:
Hay Dairies Pte Ltd
No. 3 Lim Chu Kang
Agrotech Park Lane 4
Singapore 718859.
Tel: 6792 0931
Fax: 6794 1580
Website: www.haydairies.com.sg

Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden

2011-03-01T17:25:00.000-08:00

Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
Bukit Timah Core of Singapore Botanic Gardens,
1 Cluny Road

Jacob Ballas Children's Garden is Asia's first children's garden. "All Life On Earth Depends on Plants" theme is created as a unique and interactive fun place where children up to 12 years of age can discover how plants provide their daily needs. Apart from plants you can see many animals in the Gardens. Animals like birds, frogs, squirrels, butterflies, dragonflies, ants, earthworms and you may even have the chance to get up-close-and-personal with an oriental whip snake and a monitor lizard.

Ticket/Fees: free
8.00am - 7.00pm (last admission at 6.30pm)
The Jacob Ballas Children's Garden is closed on Mondays (except when it falls on a designated public holiday)

Getting there:
By Car
From Bukit Timah Road - At the Bukit Timah-Kheam Hock Road junction, turn left to enter NUS Bukit Timah Campus. Turn right into Jacob Ballas Children's Garden after car park gantry.
By Public Transport
SBS Bus No. 48, 66, 151, 153, 154, 156, 170, 186 and SMRT Bus No. 67, 171. Alight along Bukit Timah Road, NUS Bukit Timah Campus bus stop.

What to see and do:

tree house
suspension bridge
pond
playground
slide
play and learn area
water play area
waterfall
cave
garden maze

Contact details:
Singapore Botanic Gardens
1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
Telephone: 6465 0196
Fax: 6473 7983
Email: NPARKS_SBG_Visitor_Services@NPARKS.GOV.SG
Website: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden

Bottle Tree Park

2011-03-01T00:24:00.000-08:00

Bottle Tree Park
81 Lorong Chencharu (Yishun)
Singapore 769198

Bottle Tree Park is a 7ha park. It is used to be forest and now transformed into a beautiful sanctuary of a restaurant, a pond, kampung-style buildings, mini-zoo, basketball and volleyball courts, an obstacle course and a paintball field. There is a little pond full of guppies, swordtails, goldfish etc for kids to fish. It is called the “Longkang Fishing” Pond. It cost $10 per kid to fish in the pond and a tank and net are be provided.

Getting there:
By Car
Exit from SLE (Yishun). From Lentor Avenue, turn left into Yishun Avenue 1. At the traffic light, turn right towards Sembawang Road. Keep right, then turn into Lorong Chencharu. (Opposite Sembawang Country Club and Airbase.)

By Public Transport
Take the North-South Line and alight at Khatib MRT station. It’s a 15-minute walk to Bottle Tree Park’s side entrance opposite Yishun Stadium. Or take bus from opposite Yishun Stadium bus stop Services 39, 85, 851, 852, 853, 854, 855, 857, 858, 965 and 969 stop there.

What to see and do:

Couple Swan Paddling, S$9 for 15 minutes
Fishing, S$10.00 inclusive of tank and net
Outdoor Courts
Paintball
RC Car Racing

Contacts:
Restaurant : 65 6759-7077
Office: 65 6759-5771
Fax: 65 6759-5796
Website: www.bottletree.com.sg

The Animal Resort

2011-02-28T23:58:00.000-08:00

The Animal Resort
T81 Seletar West Farmway 5
Singapore 798061

It is a great place to escape from the concrete city building to a simpler "Kampung" life style. Kampung' means 'village' or 'community in Malay. This place offers small pets and farm animals where you could feed them with the food from the Resort. You can give small donation; you get to feed the fishes, rabbits, chicken, goose, horse, goats and other resident animals.

Really fun to feed animal and I'm not scared at all

After feeding the goat, it is time of getting to know you :)

Feeding time of hamster, guinea pig and rabbit

Marching with the ducks

Please come near to me

Peak-a-boo!

Please do not disturb

Information about Animal Resort
Ticket/Fees: Free (Animal Feeding: Donation)

Getting there:
By Car
From TPE
• Exit by Jalan Kayu slip road and travel for 0.75 km (passing by shop houses and a petrol kiosk)
• Turn right to Seletar West Farmway 4
• Travel for 0.31 km till a side road and turn right to Seletar West Farmway 6
• Travel for 0.89 km till a side road, turn left and proceed to travel to The Animal Resort

By public Transport
From Sengkang MRT take LRT towards Sengkang West Loop. Alight after the 4 stops. Then walk towards Animal Resort for about 25 minutes.

What to see and do:

Animal Feedings

Contact
Tel: (+65) 6338-7665
Fax: (+65) 6234-1360
Email: ricted@singnet.com.sg
Website: www.rictedkennels.com

Pasir Ris Park

2011-02-28T23:19:00.000-08:00

The Pasir Ris in Malay means 'beach bolt-rope', implying a narrow beach. The park offers modern park activities such as pony rides, water sports, cycling, inline skating and barbeque rental, but also features a carefully preserved 6-ha mangrove forest.

Ticket/Fees: NA

Getting there:
Walk to Pasir Ris Town Park then take bus 403 towards Pasir Ris Interchange. Alight after 9 stops or Before Pasir Ris Way and walk towards Pasir Ris Park.

What to see and do:

Children's Playground
pony rides
water sports
Bicycle and Skate rental
barbeque rental
also features a carefully preserved 6-ha mangrove forest
Boardwalks
3 storey high Bird Watching Tower located within the mangrove forest

Guided walks at Pasir Ris Park:

Creatures Up Close and Personal - A mangrove guided tour

Date : Every 3rd Sat of the month, 9am - 10am
Venue : Meet at Pasir Ris Park Carpark C
Fee : $4/person
What exactly is a mudskipper, a Fiddler crab and a Sesamine crab? Does a dogfaced
water snake look more like a dog or a snake? Join the walk and discover answers to
the questions above and more. The guided tour will commence with min. 15pax.

Kitchen Garden Tour

Date : Every 1st Saturday of the month, 9am to 10am
Venue : Meet at Pasir Ris Park Carpark C
How do vegetables make their way to your plate? Find out more as our guides
show you how vegetables are grown. Learn also how some plants from the
garden can be used as natural remedies.

Registration closes 2 days before the walk.
To register for guided walks at Pasir Ris
Park, please email Lili at lin_lili@nparks.gov.sg

To download brochure and guide visit Paris Ris Park

Mainland Tropical Fish Farm - Kampung Fishing

2011-02-28T19:22:00.000-08:00

Mainland Tropical Fish Farm - Kampung Fishing
1 Pasir Ris Farmway 1
Singapore 519352

A "Longkang" fishing is an alternative fishing activity for kids if you don’t want to wait for hours and hours in order to hook up a tiny fish. "LongKang" in Malay means drainage.

Ticket/fees: S$2 inclusive of rent pail and a net

Getting there:
By car
Use TPE towards PIE and turn off Pasir Ris Ave 12 . Look out for the sign-board along the way to the Pasir Ris Farmway 1. The Fishfarm is near to the entry to the Farmway. Free Parking
By public Transport
Walk to Pasir Ris Town Park then take bus 403 towards Pasir Ris Interchange. Alight after 6 stops or after Pasir Ris Drive 3 and walk towards Pasir Ris Farm Way 1.

What to see and do:

“Longkang” Fishing
Prawn Fishing
Fish Spa Therapy
Largest Freshwater Fish in the world – Arapimas

Contact details:
Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm - Every day
Tel : 6287 3883, 6584 3643, 6581 2550
Fax : 6288 4200
Email : enquiries@mainlandfishfarm.com
Website: www.mainlandfishfarm.com

Islands to visit in Singapore

2011-02-23T00:24:00.000-08:00

Island Hopping? Is there any such thing? Singapore is just a tiny island. Yes! Singapore has well-preserved beaches that server as an ideal gateway for weekend, nature and outdoor activities. It is nice to switch to a laid-back environment after the busy week from the City itself. The islands are just less than 30minutes boat ride from the ferry terminals.

Pulau Hantu

2011-02-23T00:18:00.000-08:00

Pulau Hantu is home to lagoons, sheltered beaches and beautiful water. It is also rich in marine life and coral.

Getting there:
Fast workboats or bumboats are available for charter at West Coast Pier (West Coast Ferry Terminal)

Ferry:
range from SGD $17 to $20 per person depending on current diesel prices.
travelling time:
15 mins one way, landing at jetty

What to see and do:

two sunny swimming lagoons
Diving
snorkeling
fishing
Camping
Picnic

Camping: please write to the Executive (Southern Islands Management), Sentosa, fax us on 62750161, or email administrator@sentosa.com.sg with your name and contact number, choice of island, camping dates, and the number of campers wishing to stay.

Pulau Ubin

2011-02-23T00:07:00.000-08:00

Pulau Ubin is in essence, the last village in Singapore. A stroll through Ubin takes you back to Singapore in the 1960's with the simpler pleasures of life.

Getting there:
Take a bumboat from Changi Jetty (now called Changi Point Ferry Terminal), which is near the Changi Village Hawker Centre.

Ferry: S$2.50/person max capacity is 12. People who do not want to wait can pay S$30.00 for the whole bumboat and leave without waiting.
travelling time: 10-15mins one way, landing at jetty

What to see and do:

Camping
Cycling
Fishing
Trekking & nature walks

Tel: 6542 7944
Accommodation: http://www.celestialresort.com/

Sisters' Island

2011-02-23T00:06:00.000-08:00

The Sisters' Islands, located to the south of the main island of Singapore, are two of the Southern Islands in Singapore. The Sister's Islands are two separate islands each with of which have rich sandy shores and coral reefs.

Getting there:
Private hired boats service from Marina South Pier.

Ferry/admission:
S$15 for adults for 2 way
S$12 for children under 12 for 2 way
travelling time: 15 mins one way, landing at jetty

Schedules:

What to do and see?

Monkeys(do not feed them)
Beaches
palm trees
snorkeling
diving
camping
picnic(do not leave your food exposed and put rubbish in their right place)

Tel: (65) 6534 9339
Ferry Website: www.islandcruise.com.sg
Accommodation: Not Available
Camping: For overnight camping on Sisters' Islands and Pulau Hantu, please write to the Executive (Southern Islands Management), Sentosa, fax us on 62750161, or email administrator@sentosa.com.sg with your name and contact number, choice of island, camping dates, and the number of campers wishing to stay..

Kusu Island

2011-02-22T23:58:00.001-08:00

Kusu Island is located just 5.6km from Singapore. Kusu island also known as Tortoise Island.

Getting there:
Private hired boats service from Marina South Pier.
- Alight at Marina Bay MRT Station (NS27), use Exit B, then take Bus Service 402 at the bus stop outside the station to Marina South Pier.

Ferry/admission:
S$15 for adults for 2 way
S$12 for children under 12 for 2 way
travelling time: 15 mins one way, landing at jetty

Schedules:

What to do and see?

Lagoons and beaches
a wishing well
tortoise sanctuary

Tel: (65) 6534 9339
Ferry Website: www.islandcruise.com.sg
Accommodation: Not available
Camping: Overnight stays are not permitted.

St John's Island & Lazarus Island Beach

2011-02-22T23:14:00.000-08:00

Situated around 6.5km south of Singapore, St John's Island (previously known as Pulau Sekijang Bendara) has all the makings of an idyllic getaway. Recreational Southern Islands including Saint John's and Lazarus Island are managed by Sentosa.

Getting there:
Private hired boats service from Marina South Pier.
- Alight at Marina Bay MRT Station (NS27), use Exit B, then take Bus Service 402 at the bus stop outside the station to Marina South Pier.

Ferry/admission:
S$15 for adults for 2 way
S$12 for children under 12 for 2 way
travelling time: 15 mins one way, landing at jetty
Schedules:

What to do and see?

Marine Aquaculture Centre (MAC)
water sports
lagoons and beaches
picnics
trekking
flora and fauna

Tel: (65) 6534 9339
Ferry Website: www.islandcruise.com.sg
Accommodation:
Holiday Bungalows SGD $53.50 to $214
Holiday Camps SGD $64.20 to $107
Visit Sentosa website for accommodation details

Camping: Camping is not permitted.

Chicken Caldereta

2011-02-06T04:05:00.000-08:00

Cuisine: Filipino

Chicken Caldereta is a popular comfort food in the Philippines. There are many different version in every household. You can experiment with the ingredients and try different vegetables. And here is my version.

1 whole chicken, cut
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 cup of pineapple chunks (can-type)
1/4 cup of pineapple juice
1 red bell pepper, strips
1 green bell pepper, strips
1 jalapeno pepper, sliced
2 potatoes, peeled and slice into wedges
cooking oil
1 onions, quartered
1/2 head garlic, minced
5 tsp. soy sauce
salt & ground pepper
1/2 cup thai chili sauce
1/2 tbsp of chili powder
3 tbsp of bread crumbs

1) Clean chicken, cut into small serving pieces. marinate with soy sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic.
2) Fry the potato wedges until golden brown. Set Aside.
3) Let stand for 1 hours. Drain.
4) Fry until a little brown. Add soy sauce mixture , water, tomato sauce, onions, thai chili sauce and chili powder. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes in low heat.
5) Add the rest of the ingredients. Cook for another 10 minutes.

Beef Stew Cowboy style

2011-02-06T04:04:00.001-08:00

Cuisine: American

I was watching food network the other day and was inspired by Paula Deen's recipe but i added one ingredient which is the soy sauce.

Recipe of Paula Deen, Food network.

1/2kg lean beef, cut in cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cups water
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, peeled
2 bay leaves
1 medium onion, sliced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Dash ground allspice
3 large carrots, sliced
3 ribs celery, chopped
2 tablespoons cornstarch
ground pepper
1/2 cup soy sauce

1) Brown meat in hot oil.
2) Add water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, bay leaves, onion, salt, sugar, pepper, paprika, and allspice.
3) Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours in low heat. Remove bay leaves and garlic clove.
4) Add carrots and celery. Cover and cook 30 minutes longer.
5) To thicken gravy, remove 2 cups hot liquid. Using a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup water and cornstarch until smooth. Mix with a little hot liquid and return mixture to pot. Stir and cook until bubbly.
6) Serve hot with rice.

Pasta with chick peas and spinach

2011-02-01T03:39:00.000-08:00

Makaronia me spanaki kai revithia
Cuisine: Greek

1 can chick peas
250 g spaghetti (thin size preferred)
1/2 cup olive oil
1 medium onion, cut in slices
3 garlic cloves, diced
200 gr spinach, finely chopped
1 tsp lemon rind
2 tsp lemon juice
4 medium tomatoes, peeled and cut in slices
2 tbs parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp mint, finely chopped
1 cup water
Salt
Pepper

1) Boil the spaghetti, wash them with cold water and strain them.
2) Saute the onion and the garlic with some oil portion.
3) Add the rest of the oil, lemon rind,lemon juice, tomatoes, chick peas and spinach. Stir well, add water, salt, pepper and the herbs and let it boil for 5-10 minutes.

Tiger Shrimp Salad with Flat Green Beans

2011-02-01T03:36:00.002-08:00

Yesil Fasulyeli Karides Salatasi
Cuisine: Turkish

250g tiger shrimp, peeled, deveined and cooked
250g cherry tomatoes
1/4 red onion, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
250g flat green beans, cut in bite sizes and boiled with salt and pepper
2 tbsp parsley, chopped, finely

Sauce:
1/2 cup mayo
2 tbs cream
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

1) Whisk the sauce ingredients. Then mix all the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Pour the sauce all over and toss.
2) You can serve this dish at room temperature or after chilling it in the fridge.

Fried Calamari

2011-02-01T03:36:00.001-08:00

1kg medium sized Squid, Cleaned & bodies cut into 1/2-inch-thick rings
2 egg whites
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbs dried parsley
Juice of 5 calamansi (lime)
Salt & Pepper
Vegetable oil

1) After cleaning and cutting the squid, marinate it with lime juice with salt and pepper for about an hour or two.
2) Pour enough oil into a heavy large saucepan to reach the depth of 3 inches.
3) Mix the flour, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
4) Soak the squid in the egg white then dip to the flour mixture.
5) Carefully add the squid to the oil and fry until crisp and very pale golden.
6) Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the fried calamari to a paper-towel lined plate to drain.

Serve with Chili-Mayonnaise Dip as an appetizer.

Adobong Pusit

2011-01-24T17:47:00.001-08:00

1 kg medium-sized squid, cleaned and ink separated
2 tbsp cooking oil
1 large onion, diced
5 cloves crushed garlic
2 medium sized tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup black soy sauce
4 tbsp cup vinegar
1 cup water
1 tbs oyster sauce
3 tbs sugar
2 red small chilli
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat the wok. Pour the cooking oil. Saute the garlic, onion and tomatoes
2. Pour-in soy sauce, vinegar, and water then bring to a boil.
3. Add the squid and immer for 8-10 minutes.
4. Add the oyster sauce, ink, chilli, salt, pepper, and sugar then stir. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl then serve.

Note: If you want a thicker sauce, remove the squid from the wok or cooking pot and let the sauce boil until enough liquid evaporates. Once done, you may top the squid with the sauce.

Sinigang na Bangus

2011-01-24T17:45:00.000-08:00

Cuisine: Filipino

This is one of my favorite and very easy to prepare.

2 Bangus (milkfish), cut into 4
4 cup Water
3 Tomatoes, sliced
1 Onion, sliced
2 tbs powdered tamarind(Sampaloc) or sinigang mix
5 bunch of pechay or watercress
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbs Patis (fish sauce)

1. Salt all over the fish
2. Boil water and tamarin powder
3. Add tomatoes and onions to boil. Cook 3-5 minutes. Add fish and patis. Lower heat and simmer 3-5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat, add pechay leaves, and let stand for 5 minutes.
4. Serve with rice.

Fresh Tomato Marinara

2011-01-24T17:33:00.000-08:00

2 tbs olive oil

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

3 cups (about 3 large) tomatoes, peeled & chopped

2 tbs tomato paste

2 tbs sugar

3 tbs fresh basil, finely chopped

3 tbs fresh parsley, finely chopped

salt and pepper to taste

1) Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Saute onion and garlic. Add remaining ingredients. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until tomatoes are very tender, about 15 to 20 minutes; stir occasionally. Cool 5 minutes.

2). Serve over fresh pasta

Inihaw na Bangus (Grilled Stuffed Milkfish)

2011-01-22T02:39:00.000-08:00

1 large sized bangus ( milkfish )
1 onion, chopped finely
3 tomatoes, chopped finely
2 stem parsley, chopped finely
1 salted egg, cut in cubes
Salet and pepper
2 tbps. vegetable oil
Banana leaves ( for wrapping )

1) Remove the internal organs of the milk fish but do not scrape scales and wash thoroughly. With a sharp knife slit the back to make an opening up to the stomach. This can be done by the fish vendor when you buy it in the wet market or supermarket.

2) Sprinkle with salt. Mix chopped onions, salted egg, tomatoes and parsley together. season with salt and pepper. Stuff the mixture inside the bangus (milkfish). Rub the fish with 2 tbps. vegetable oil before grilling to enhance flavor.

3) Wrap bangus in wilted banana leaves. Grill in your oeven for 30 minutes at 200C overn or grill on hot charcoal for 1/2 hour turning the fish on the other side to avoid burning the skin.

4) Serve Hot with Soy Dip.

Hospitals in Singapore

2011-01-18T23:02:00.000-08:00

Hospitals
Adam Road Hospital
Alexandra Hospital
Bright Vision Hospital
Camden Medical Centre
Changi General Hospital
East Shore Hospital
Gamma Knife Center
Gleneagles Hospital
John Hopkins
KK Women's & Children's Hospital(Kandang Kerbau Hospital)
Mount Alvernia Hospital
Mount Elizabeth Hospital
National University Hospital
Raffles Hospital
Ren Ci Community Hospital
Singapore General Hospital
Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Thomson Medical Centre
West Point Family Hospital

Saffron

2011-01-15T05:18:00.000-08:00

Brand: Masterfood
Price Sgd 10.40
This herb is very pricely with just a size of M&M peanut.

Saffron derives from the Arab word zafaran, meaning yellow. Further derivations come from the Old French safran, Medieval Latin safranum, and Middle English safroun. The majority of the world's saffron is produced in Iran and Spain is the world's largest

Istanbul Pilaf (Istanbul Pilavi)

2011-01-15T05:07:00.000-08:00

Cuisine : Turkish

1 chicken breast, ~150 gr, skinless, boneless, cut in cubes
1/8 cup butter
3 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup hot chicken stock
2 tbsp almonds
2 tbsp pistacchios, peeled
1 pinch saffron, soaked in 1/8 cup warm water
3 cups of cooked rice
2 tbsp butter
Salt
Pepper

1) Roast almonds and pistacchios in separate small pan for about 2-3 minutes. Put aside.

2) Melt 1 tsp of butter and olive oil in a pot, add chicken cubes in and saute for about 5 minutes while stirring. Then add 1/4 cup chicken stock and cook until a little bit water is left. Put aside.

3) Put the cooked rice. Add salt and pepper. Keep mixing until the rice absorbs all the water.

4) Serve the rice and garnish it with the roasted nuts.

Makes 4 servings.

Kapuska (Chicken with cabbage)

2011-01-15T00:18:00.000-08:00

Cuisine: Turkish

Kapuska is a hearty traditional Turkish stew.

1/2 head of cabbage, cut in medium sized chunks
4 pieces of chicken, dark or white
3 tbsp rice, washed and drained
1 red bell pepper, discard the seeds, cut in medium sized chunks
2 tbsp butter
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp vegetable oil
4-5 tbsp crushed tomato, in a can
1 tsp red pepper, crushed
1/2 lemon juice
Salt
Pepper
1 cup hot water

1) Rub the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the pan with vegetable oil and half fry it.
2) Place the cabbage in a large pot. Add the chicken pieces in along with the rest of the ingredients and the half portion of water.
3) Cover the lid and cook for about half an hour over medium heat. Check the water regularly to see if it is necessary to add more.

TIP: Don't put too much water in the beginning, the cabbage will leave water during cooking.

Makes 4 servings.

Shrimp Saute with Tomato or Domatesli Karides Sote

2011-01-09T05:13:00.000-08:00

I came to like Turkish dishes when we went to Istanbul, Turkey last September. For sometime now, I was craving for the distinctive taste of Turkish dishes. So I decided to try a recipe that I got from the Internet. I made some changes. It tasted close to the authentic meal that I had and I would like to share the recipe to all of you.

250g Tiger prawn, peeled and de-veined
2 tbsp butter
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove,chopped, mashed with salt
4 tomatoes. peeled, diced
1/2 tsp sugar
1 tsp basil, chopped
1 tbsp parsley, chopped
1 Bay leaf
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

1) Saute the onion with butter for abot 5 minutes.
2) Add the garlic, tomato, sugar, basil, parsley and bay leaf. Cover the lid, turn the heat to low. Cook for about 15-25 minutes until the sauce gets thicker.
3) Add the shrimp, salt and pepper. Continue to cook for 5 more minutes. Remove the Bay leaf and discard it. Serve Shrimp Saute with Tomato on Turkish Rice Pilaf .

Garlic Butter Prawn

2011-01-09T04:58:00.002-08:00

1/4 c. butter
1/4 cup tbsp. parsley, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/4 tsp. salt
juice of half a lemon
250g Tiger prawn, peeled and de-veined
1 onion, finely chopped

1) Preheat oven to 230C
2) Melt butter; stir in parsley, garlic, onion, lemon juice and salt.
2) Cook one to two minutes over medium flame..
4) Arrange prawns in a shallow baking dish. Pour the butter mixture over the prawns and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the prawns are pink and opaque.

Sweet and Sour Fish

2011-01-07T23:02:00.000-08:00

Fried Tuna Lumpia

2011-01-07T22:59:00.000-08:00

Chicken and Pork Asado

2011-01-07T22:50:00.000-08:00

Filipino Chicken and Pork Asado is a popular food in the high protein diet. It is a much enjoyed side dish. It is undeniably one of the tastiest Asian foods. Traditionally Pork and Chicken Asado is always prepared by boiling.

Ingredients:
1/2 kilo pork, cubed
1/2 kg Chicken meat, cubes
3 tbsps. soy sauce
1 tbsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. minced onion
2 potatoes, peeled, wedged and fried
1 green bell pepper, cut
1 carrot, cut
1 cup tomato sauce
3 cups of water
salt and pepper to taste

1. Boil the the pork for 15 minutes with water, soy sauce, salt and pepper.
2. Saute onion and garlic until cooked. Add the chicken and saute for 5minutes.
3. Add tomato sauce, pork and broth and mix well.
4. Let it boil for 15 minutes then add the carrots.
5. Add the Salt and pepper, green bell pepper and simmer for for 5minutes.
3. Add the potatoes and simmer until the sauce is slightly thick.

Ube na Kalamay(Kalameng Ube)

2010-12-21T05:20:00.000-08:00

a
Ubeng Kalamay is usually sold in wet markets in the Philippines. This delicacy is part of the Christmas eve dinner or Noche Buena.

Ingredients:

1 kg ground yam root(purple yam or ube)
1 1/2 cup of glutenous rice flour
4 cups white sugar
2 cans coconut milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp butter
banana leaves
latik (cook coconut milk slowly
until all oil is extracted and latik is formed)

In large wok, mix ube, coconut milk, glutenous rice flour, sugar, vanilla and butter. Keep stirring until mixture is very thick.

Put mixture in baking pan and bake in 350°F oven 10 minutes.

Cool and put latik on top.

Tips:
If you are living in Singapore, you can purchase Yam root in Tekka Market, Little India.

Simbang Gabi sa Singapore 2010

2010-12-19T01:18:00.000-08:00

Schedule of Simbang Gabi 2010 in Singapore

12th Year 'A', Novena Masses in Singapore
Theme: The Magnificent

Dec 15, Wednesday, 8pm
My soul glorifies the Lord

CHURCH OF SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA
25 Woodlands Avenue 1
Contact Persons: FRANCIS CEPE (94761255) / TONY ODIADA (91052930)

SAINT ANNE’s CHURCH
66 Sengkang East Way
Contact Persons: ALEX / GERALDINE QUIAMBAO (83607998)

CHURCH OF DIVINE MERCY
19 Pasir Ris Street 72
Contact Persons: ZAP SAPIERA (82881025 / 84848065) / MARIE SAPIERA (94783985)

Dec 16, Thursday, 8pm
My spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour

CHURCH OF SAINT MARY OF THE ANGELS
5 Bukit Batok East Avenue 2
Contact Persons: ARMAN ARDIENTE (81771269) / BENJO CASTILLO (97650411)

CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING
2221 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8
Contact Persons: VING RIMANDO (92278043) / ALLAN SATO (96548467) / ROBERT MENDOZA (97861448)

CHURCH OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE
4 Sandy Lane
Contact Person: MEL DIAMSE -LEE (91995621)

Dec 17, Friday, 8pm
He looks on His servant in her lowliness; henceforth all ages will call me blessed

CHURCH OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI
200 Boon Lay Avenue
Contact Persons: YOLLY LIGON (94876534) / ALDA VICTORIANO (96147106)

CHURCH OF OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA
10 Yishun Street 22
Contact Persons: JAY PISIGAN (98794572) / ELMER DEL ROSARIO (93826874) / BUTCH SARMIENTO (91349109)

CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY
6 Chapel Road
Contact Persons: ROLAND PAGDANGANAN (96622768)/ MARGIE PAGDANGANAN (91385807)

Dec 18, Saturday, 8pm
The Almighty works marvels for me. Holy is His name!

CHURCH OF SAINT IGNATIUS
120 King’s Road
Contact Persons: PERLIE BALLESTA (91651249) / MELINDA DUMALOGDOG (82174536)

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH
24 Highland Road
Contact Persons: PAULINE OLINDANG (97510262) / LYN ANTOLOS (91914392) / NELLY CALLANTA (98318044)

CHURCH OF SAINT STEPHEN
30 Sallim Road
Contact Persons: ARNOLD CORDOVA (96478721) / REY DE LUNA (97453947) / MANULET BULAONG (91258086)

Dec 19, Sunday, 8pm
His mercy is from age to age, on those who fear him

CHURCH OF SAINT MICHAEL
17 Saint Michael’s Road
Contact Person: FR. ANGEL LUCIANO, CICM (63920592)

CHURCH OF HOLY CROSS
450 Clementi Avenue 1
Contact Persons: BUDDY CASTRO (96799956) / BONG ERANA (82015842) / CHOY MEDRANA (97667985)

CHURCH OF SAINT BERNADETTE
12 Zion Road
Contact Persons: EDILBERTO ENDENO (96583526) / RENELEN VILLABESA (93255106) / DODETH VERGARA (84440213)

Dec 20, Monday, 8pm
He puts forth His arm in strength and scatters the proud-hearted

CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY
20 Tampines Street 11
Contact Persons: ZAP SAPIERA (82881025 / 84848065) / EDWIN JUSTINIANO (98307153)

CHURCH OF SAINT TERESA
510 Kampung Bahru Road
Contact Persons: ERIC ARROYO (81684570) / GILBERT NAGUIT (93572781)

CHURCH OF SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER
63A Chartwell Drive
Contact Persons: DAMIAN LOW (81239673) / ANNALIZA TAN (81180179) / DOMINIC TAN (93827463)

Dec 21, Tuesday, 8pm
He casts the mighty from their thrones and raises the lowly

CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
248 Upper Thomson Road
Contact Persons: MALEEN NGAN (97867143) / VIOLET LIEW (91542797)

CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
1259 Upper Serangoon Road
Contact Persons: DAISY LEONG (90995035) / MALOU TAY (97669971)

SAINT JOSEPH’s CHURCH
143 Victoria Street
Contact Person: JENNY ARANCON (93425839)

Dec 22, Wednesday, 8pm
He fills the starving with good things, sends the rich away empty

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL
SUCCOUR
31 Siglap Hill
Contact Persons: MARIE AVI GARCIA (96450814) / AMAPOLA HERNANDEZ (84211678)

CHURCH OF SAINT ALPHONSUS (NOVENA)
300 Thomson Road
Contact Persons: REV CLAVERIA (96717755) / REY TATOY (90122243)

BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH
1 Commonwealth Drive
Contact Person: BEBOY DELICANO JR. (82624866)

Dec 23, Thursday, 8pm
He protects Israel, His servant, remembering His mercy

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES
50 Ophir Road
Contact Person: JENNY ARANCON (93425839)

CHURCH OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL
301 Yio Chu Kang Road
Contact Persons: THIRD GUTLAY (96340743) / LUZ GUTLAY (91376938)

CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST
91 Toa Payoh Central
Contact Persons: TOCING KEW (96246061) / ALICE WONG (93669180) / MARICEL LEE (92383579) / HELEN PALEC (94495648)

Dec 24, Friday, 6pm
The mercy promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his sons for ever

CHURCH OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL
225A Queen Street
Contact Person: JENNY ARANCON (93425839)
Event Date : 15 Dec 10, 7:00 pm - 24 Dec 10, 11:00 pm
Location : c/o Fr Angel Luciano, CICM - Church of St Michael
Organised By : Filipino Parish Organizations in Singapore
Contact Email : fracl@singnet.com.sg

Listing courtesy of veritas.org.sg

Thai Pineapple Rice

2010-12-18T19:30:00.000-08:00

During the time when I was still working with my previous company, I always ate pineapple rice with Tom Yum. Yesterday I missed pineapple rice so I decided to try to cook up my own version of it.

Ingredients

1 fresh pineapple (peeled and deveined)

100 grams cooked ham, diced (chicken breast can also be used instead)

3 pcs oriental sausage, sliced

5 pcs mushroom, sliced

4 cups Steamed Rice
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 onions, chopped
4 garlic, chopped
2 tbsp raisins, chopped
2 tbsp toasted cashewnuts
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp fish sauce
salt to taste
1 green chilli, chopped (optional)

For the garnishing

pork floss or fish floss or chopped coriander

Cut the pineapple in crosswise almost near the leaves or you can cut lengthwise so you can have 2 shell. Scoop out the flesh with a sharp knife to leave shell with a thin broder of flesh attached. Chop half the pineapple flesh to use in the dish. The remaining half of the flesh is not needed for this recipe.

Heat the butter in a wok, add the onions and garlic and fry till soft. Add the shrimp, ham, chicken broth, chopped pineapple and fish sauce. Add the cooked rice, raisins and cashewnuts and stir until it become dry. Add the sugar, salt and turmeric(optional if you want yellowish color)

Spoon the rice mixture into the empty pineapple shell. Serve hot garnish.

Tips
1. Use a fairly ripe pineapple so as to be able to scoop out the flesh easily.
2. If you want yellow color rice you can add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

Halayang Ube

2010-12-16T20:49:00.001-08:00

Halayang Ube or Purple Yam Jam is one of Filipinos favorite desserts during Christmas. I used to cook with my Auntie Lhong when I was in elementary school and even until college days. Ube tastes like sweet potatoes but it is usually purple in color. Below is the recipe that I took from FilipinoFood Recipes.net but I made some changes to suit my taste.

1 kilo ube yam root
1 can (14 ounces) evaporated milk or full cream milk
1-2 cans (12 ounces) condensed milk (depending with you desired sweetness)
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)

On a pot, boil the unpeeled ube yam in water and simmer for 30 minutes. Drain and let cool. Peel and finely grate or mashed the ube.

Heat a big wok(preferably non-sticky) in medium heat. Melt butter, add the condensed milk and vanilla flavoring. Mix well.
Add the grated ube yam and adjust the heat to low

Keep on mixing the ingredients for about 30 minutes or until sticky and a bit dry (but still moist).

Add the evaporated milk and continue to mix for another 15 minutes.

Let cool and place on a large platter. Then refrigerate before serving.

Cooking Tips:

Instead of manually grating the ube, you may cut it in cubes and use a blender.

You may spread additional butter or margarine on top of the jam before serving.

Free kid's meal in IKEA Tampines Restaurant

2010-12-15T17:08:00.001-08:00

Kids dine for free in IKEA Tampines Restaurant

Kids dine for free* with any main course ordered! Valid from Mon-Fri, after 5 p.m.
(excluding public holidays). Promotion period: from now - 31 Dec 2010.
Only available in IKEA Tampines. Click here for meals set.

* Kid meals only

For more details visit Ikea

December shopping day

2010-12-14T21:04:00.000-08:00

It was Sunday and only two weeks before Christmas. So we decided to go shopping for a replacement of my jogging shoes. My running shoes were already showing signs of' overuse' during my last jog. We first went to Ion in Orchard to browse some books at Borders. As usual, Albert got stuck in the Thomas and Friends section; he tried to skim through all the Thomas & Friends books. After that, we had snacks at Dunkin' Donuts because we missed their Bavarian Kreme. Dunkin' was having a promotion of buy 5 get one free.

Orchard was really super-crowded and it was difficult to move around. To have a better shopping experience, we decided to go to Suntec City to finally buy my running shoes. I convinced Alvin to replace his running shoes as well. We bought both Nike at Royal Sporting House (other branches and address are listed below).

After the shopping, we had our dinner at Kenny Rogers. They offer a 10% rebate if you use a Citibank credit card.

RSH STores:
City Hall Area

Royal Sporting House (Funan Digitalife Mall)
109 North Bridge Road
#02-01A Funan Digitalife Mall S179097
Tel: 63388633 Fax: 63388336

Royal Sporting House (Suntec City Mall)
3 Temasek Boulevard
#01-157/159/161/163 Suntec City Mall S038983
Tel: 63321495 Fax: 63367550

Royal Sporting House (Marina Square)
6 Raffles Boulevard
#03-129A Marina Square S039594
Tel: 63364149 Fax: 63365152

Orchard Area
Royal Sporting House (Takashimaya)
391 Orchard Road
#B2-15/23 Takashimaya Shopping Centre S038985
Tel: 65388888 Fax: 67345580

Royal Sporting House (Tanglin Mall)
163 Tanglin Road
#01-21/24 Tanglin Mall S247933
Tel: 67355875 Fax: 67342530

Royal Sporting House (Lucky Plaza)
304 Orchard Road
#01-36 Lucky Plaza S238863
Tel: 67345338 Fax: 67342697

Royal Sporting House (The Centrepoint)
176 Orchard Road
#03-18/19 The Centrepoint S238843
Tel: 67325288 Fax: 67383641

Royal Sporting House (Shaw Centre)
1 Scotts Road
#01-01A/01B Shaw Centre S228208
Tel: 67347503

Others Locations
Royal Sporting House (Junction 8 Shopping Centre)
9 Bishan Place
#02-15/16 Junction 8 Shopping Centre S579837

Royal Sporting House (Jurong Point Shopping Centre)
1 Jurong West Central 2
#02-26 Jurong Point Shopping Centre S648886
Tel: 68620889 Fax: 68620887

Royal Sporting House (Tampines Mall)
4 Tampines Central 5
#02-17 Tampines Mall S529510
Tel: 67818702 Fax: 67818596

Royal Sporting House (IMM)
2 Jurong East Street 21
#01-29/30 IMM S609601
Tel: 65679308 Fax: 65671476

Royal Sporting House (Vivocity)
1 Harbourfront Walk
#02-111 Vivocity S098585
Tel: 63768015

Royal Sporting House (Changi Airport Terminal 1)
80 Airport Boulevard
#02-37 Changi Airport Terminal 1 S819643
Tel: 65452209 Fax: 65450932

Royal Sporting House (Compass Point Shopping Centre)
1 Sengkang Square
#02-35 Compass Point Shopping Centre S545078
Tel: 63156953 Fax: 63156954

Royal Sporting House (Northpoint)
930 Yishun Ave 2
#2-43/45 Northpoint Shopping Centre S769098
Tel: 67522956 Fax: 67522653

Royal Sporting House (Lot 1 Shoppers Mall)
21 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4
#02-14 Lot 1 Shoppers Mall S689812
Tel: 67636260 Fax: 67649650

Royal Sporting House (Bukit Panjang Plaza)
1 Jelebu Road
#01-33/34 S677743
Tel: 67699376 Fax: 67693024

Royal Sporting House (Century Square)
2 Tampines Central 5
#01-44/45/46/47 Century Square S529509
Tel: 67874123 Fax: 67871617

Royal Sporting House (Causeway Point Shopping Cenre)
1 Woodlands Square
#01-19 & #02-22/23 Causeway Point Shopping Centre S738099
Tel: 68947234 Fax: 68947216

Book fest at Suntec

2010-12-13T02:51:00.000-08:00

That past days I was really very busy. It's the week that our cafe served catering for the first time since we opened in July.

Last Sunday, we woke up late especially me because i still felt tired and was having slight headache + backache. At 4pm we headed to Suntec via MRT. Albert would be watching "All aboard for Christmas" featuring Thomas the tank engine at Millenia Walk. The show will be shown from the 19th Nov- 25 Dec. They also give free popcorns and photo-taking with Thomas and the Fat Controller for the first 40 families.

After the show, we went to the Bookfest at Suntec City. The fest was well organized and they had enough walkway for shoppers with pushcarts. Ever since Albert started to read, we became really addicted on buying books. I also bought some books for Christmas gifts. And if you shopped for more than S$300, you could avail of their free delivery service however.

About the bookfest

Suntec Singapore
International Convention & Exhibition Centre
1 Raffles Boulevard, Suntec City,
Singapore 039593
How to get there from Sengkang:
By MRT:
1) North-East Line
Board the train towards Harbourfront Station in about 4 min and alight at Dhoby Ghaut Station, 9 stops later.
2) Circle Line
Board the train towards Marymount Station in about 4 min and alight at Promenade Station, 3 stops later. Then walk to Suntec.

While waiting for our cab

all the about books

4km Morning Run, 7th Dec

2010-12-13T02:34:00.000-08:00

That morning, Karen and I met at Pungol Park around 8.30 am. I test run my new Nike running shoes for 3.93km which we completed in 46 minutes. I usually track my running work-out using endomondo.

It was a very pleasant morning jog. The sun and clouds were just nice for our jog. We ran across a group of old folks practicing Tai Chi.

Harry a grown-up

2010-12-07T05:41:00.001-08:00

Alvin's exam for this year is already over. So last Thursday, he booked in advance the December 5th, 9:40pm show of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" at the Cathay.
We took the MRT going to The Cathay. As usual, every time we watch a movie in The Cathay, there was a LONG queue to buy nachos. I suggest if you plan to buy popcorn or nachos before the movie, it would be better if you arrive there at least 15 minutes before your movie time.

About the movie:

* Voldemort is really hungry for power and full of anger to muggle-born wizards (wizards with magical abilities but without magical parents).
* At the start of the Harry Potter series, I think Harry was only 10 years old or younger. And now he's really a grown-up boy, same for Ron Weasley and Hermione. Harry and Hermione even have a Adam and Eve scene.
* The scenes with the very big "anaconda" snakes really freaked me out.

Information on buying Tickets:
* if booking online there is a booking fee of
* REVISED TICKET PRICES (wef 31 January 2008)
Mon - Wed (all sessions) General (S$7.50) Blockbuster (S$8.00)
Thu (sessions before 5pm) General (S$7.50) Blockbuster (S$8.00)
Thu (sessions from 5pm) General (S$8.50) Blockbuster (S$9.00)
Fri & Eve of PH (sessions before 5pm) General (S$8.50) Blockbuster (S$9.00)
Fri & Eve of PH (sessions from 5pm) General (S$10.00) Blockbuster (S$10.50)
Sat, Sun and P.H (all sessions) General (S$10.00) Blockbuster (S$10.50)
*Mom N' Tots Movie Deal
One Free Movie ticket for a child below 7 years of age when their accompanying parent/guardian purchases one movie ticket.
Valid Mondays to Fridays for movies screened before 2pm, including “No Free List” titles.
Only one free ticket is allowed per one purchased ticket (for the parent / guardian).
Promotion is valid for G and PG rated movie titles only.
Promotion is not valid on Public Holidays and Eve of Public Holidays

How to go there:
MRT: 28 mins travel bu train:
* North-East Line
Board the train towards Harbourfront Station in about 4 min and alight at Dhoby Ghaut Station, 9 stops later. Then Walk to The Cathay for about 3minutes.

BUS:
Bus 156
Board at Sengkang MRT (67409), Sengkang East Way in about 13 min. Alight at Serangoon Sport Complex, Yio Chu Kang Link, 16 stops later.

Bus 147
Board at Serangoon Sport Complex (63369), Yio Chu Kang Link in about 9 min. Alight at Plaza By The Park, Bencoolen Street, 21 stops later. Then Walk to The Cathay for about 4minutes.

View Larger Map

Cathay Cineplex Locations:
The Cathay Cineplex
Levels 5 & 6, The Cathay
2 Handy Road
Singapore 229233
Nearest Mrt Station:
NE6 / NS24 Dhoby Ghaut

Cathay Cineplex
Cineleisure Orchard
Levels 4, 5, 6 & 9 Cathay Cineleisure Orchard
8 Grange Road
Singapore 239695
Nearest Mrt Station:
NS23 Somerset

Cathay Cineplex
Causeway Point
1 Woodlands Square
Level 7
Singapore 738099
Nearest Mrt Station:
NS9 Woodlands

Cathay Cineplex
AMK Hub
53 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3
AMK Hub Level 4
Singapore 569933
Nearest Mrt Station:
NS16 Ang Mo Kio

Cathay Cineplex
Downtown East
1 Pasir Ris Close
Level 4, E!hub
Singapore 519599
Nearest Mrt Station:
EW1 Pasir Ris

Cathay Cineplex BOOKING

Mommy's Day out

2010-12-06T23:46:00.001-08:00

It had been years since PSGmoms saw each other. So we decided to meet again for a simple dinner last Friday.

Not all were able to make it: Amy (busy with her work), Ana (now in the Philippines), Marj (now living in Germany), Ana R (busy with her work). We met at 8pm at Tresor Tavern which is in 243 Jalan Besar. Tresor Tavern is a good chill-out place with affordable and delicious food. We ordered Sisig (S$8.90), Crispy Pata (S$10.90), Tortillas with Bolognese (S$7.90) and Creamy Pasta (S$7.90). For our drinks, we all ordered fresh juice. During our chill-out we ordered Margarita ORT and Frozen Strawberry Margarita. Guess how much we spent???? Just S$100.80 for all five main course, fresh juice and cocktail drinks! If you want to chill out, this place is highly recommended!

Tresor Tavern Cafe and Bar
243 Jalan Besar
Singapore 208916
Tel: 62936005

How to get there from Sengkang
North-East Line
Board the train towards Harbourfront Station in about 4 min and alight at Farrer Park Station, 7 stops later. Then walk to 243 Jalan Besar.

View Larger Map

Hakone, Japan

2010-09-02T22:54:00.000-07:00

We took a Shinkasen train to Odawara station which was just 2 stations from Shinagawa. We bought our Hakone pass there. We knew that there were 2 kinds of passes. One was valid for 2 days (3900 Yen) and another was valid for 3 days (5000 Yen). We planned to visit Hakone for one day so we just bought the 2-day pass. We bought our packed lunch at the station.

Odawara

Owakudani

Hakone

Lake Ashi
HAKONE PIX

For more details about Hakone pass click here.

Tokyo, Japan

2010-09-02T22:53:00.000-07:00

Shinagawa Prince Hotel
4-10-30 Takanawa Minato-ku
Tokyo 108-8611
Japan
Price Per Room Per Night S$168
(Inc. Tax & fees)

View from our Hotel room

Shinagawa Station

We woke up 7am to catch an early Shinkansen train. The travel time from Nagoya to Shinagawa was around 1 hour and 44 minutes. The hotel accepts early check-in but we need to pay Y1000 per night. So we decided to go Achihabara first. We took a local JR train to Achihabara. Akihabara is a major shopping area for electronic, computer, anime, and otaku goods, including new and used items. The Electric town is really amazing because of the many signage and wide range of IT products. We visited 4 shops just to feel the price and look for an e-book reader and new camera for Alvin. The three shops didn’t have stock of the e-reader. I asked where to find the Sony Shop and was told that it was in Ginza.

Achihabara Street

Ginza is recognized as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world. From the Tokyo station, we walked to Takashimaya, Ginza. We went to Ginza and dropped by Takashimaya first to buy Albert’s JR Train set. After our walk to Takashimaya Alvin felt sick and decided to go back to hotel.

Ginza Street Pix

Thank God Alvin was okay after the rest last night. He had a fever that night after our first day trip in Tokyo.

We took the JR Train to Tokyo Station and went to the Imperial Palace Garden. We realized that it was closed; that’s why I scheduled our visit to that place on Thursday. So we just took pictures around the area. The palace is surrounded with gnarled pine trees and thick walls. We sat there, had some potato chips and enjoyed the scenery.

Wadakura Fountain Park

Imperial Palace Garden

Pinetree Park

Tokyo Business District

We walked to Ginza to look for the Sony Building to buy e-reader because we didn’t find it in Akihabara. In front of Sony building we saw a small landscape of carnation flowers. I took pictures of the carnations while Alvin and Albert were watching inside the showroom. We were told that the e reader was only available in Europe.

We took our lunch at Yoshinoya in Yurakucho station

We headed to Metropolitan Tokyo. It was a free observatory in Japan. We hoped to see Mt. Fuji but again it was cloudy.

TOKYO on Top view

Nara, Japan

2010-09-02T22:51:00.000-07:00

Kyoto Station To Nara

Nara Station

The next morning, we took the Shinkansen again and headed to Kyoto. After which, we transferred to a line that went to Nara. We rode to the first train that came and we only realized that the train we took was not a rapid as it stopped at every station. It took us more than an hour to reach Nara. It was very cold that day in Nara, maybe around 10 degrees Celsius. The Nara station was of wooden type style which was kind of rustic. The Nara Park is around 30 minutes by walking from the station. Walking to Nara Park is good as you will see and enjoy all the small shops that sell souvenirs, beauty products, clothes, tea, and also parlors and restaurants. Around Nara Park you will see many deers just roaming around.

NARA PARK

Albert had lots of fun with the deers. I told him that the deers were friendly. At first, he was too excited and he wanted to chase the deers.

Deers at Nara Park

NARA WITH THE DEERS

Kasuga Shrine
This important Shinto shrine was founded in 768 and is filled with over 3,000 bronze and stone lanterns.

Kofukuji
This temple has two pagodas, one of which is the second-highest in Japan. Many Buddhist statues and artworks are on display in the Treasure House.

Nara National Museum
Opened in 1895, this museum houses many pieces of Buddhist art plus temple artifacts and archaeological finds from local tombs and sutra mounds.

Todaiji
Founded when Nara was the capital, Todaiji was the head temple of all provincial temples in Japan. It is home to the largest Buddha statue in Japan, which weighs 250 tons.

Nara Street

The scenery around Nara Park is very pleasant. We had a simple lunch at Nara Park. Then we walked back to Nara Station and took a train back to Kyoto. At Kyoto we took JR train to the nearest station to castle. We walked around 1.5 km and sad to say we, they were already closed when we reached the entrance.

Kyoto Castle

We reached our hotel early. I packed our things as we needed to check out the next day and check in another hotel and in Tokyo.

Hiroshima, Japan

2010-09-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

Royal Park Inn Nagoya
3-27-5 MEIEKI NAKAMURA-KU
Nagoya 450-0002
Japan
Price Per Room Per Night : SGD188

Inside the Shinkansen Train

It was a long journey to Hiroshima from Nagoya. Although the two cities were more than 400 km apart, it only took 2 hours 20 mins for the Shinkansen. At Hiroshima Station, you could see many stalls selling “pasalubong”. We encountered many tourists around; Westerners around and old Japanese on group tour. From Hiroshima Station, we expected to reach Horoshima Castle for 30 mins walk (according to Google Maps). But it took as a little bit longer because we followed one group of Japanese seniors which was heading to Shukkeien, on the same way to A-dome. At the Shukkeien, we followed the group and didn’t realize that there was an entrance fee. After taking some pictures of the cherry blossoms, we quickly went out. We then walked to the Hiroshima Castle.

Inside Hiroshima Train Station

Hiroshima Train Station

City view of Hiroshima

Bicycle Parking

Shukkeien
Address: 2-11 Kami-nobori-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
Tel: 082-221-3620
Access:
From JR Hiroshima Station
Walk 900 meters.
Take a Hiroshima bus bound for Asahi-machi or a Hiroden bus bound for Yokogawa Station, and get off at "Shukkeien Iriguchi".
Open Hours: From April to September, 9:00-18:00, From October to March, 9:00-17:00
Admission Fee:
Adults 250 yen
High school students or college / university students180 yen
Elementary or junior high school students 120 yen

Hiroshima Castle Gate

Hiroshima Castle Cherry Blossoms Trees

Hiroshima Castle
Address: 21-1 Moto-machi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
Tel: 082-221-7512
Access:
15 mins walk from Kamiya-cho-nishi/Kamiya-cho-higashi Sta. on Tram from JR Hiroshima Sta.
Open Hours: 9:00-18:00(9:00-17:00 weekdays from Dec. to Feb. ) Entry permitted until 30 min. before closing time
Admission Fee:
Adult: 360 yen
Children: 180 yen

Instead of going directly to A-Dome, we first decided to have lunch. From the map we though Sogo was an affordable place to buy our lunch. But we were wrong; Sogo was an upscale Department store in Japan. So we just looked for food in a supermarket just beside Sogo.

After our lunch, we headed to A-Dome which was another 10 minutes walk. After taking pictures at A-Dome we went to Aioi-bashi Bridge and Peace Memorial Park. From Hiroshima we took a tram for Y150 each. Albert played and talked gibberish with an old Japanese lady who only spoke in Japanese. They were laughing and tickling each other as if they knew for a very long time.

Aioi-bashi Bridge, Ota River

The Bell

Peace Memorial Park
Address: Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
Tel: 082-247-6738
Access:
From JR Hiroshima Station
Take a bus bound for Yoshijima ,get off at "Peace Memorial Park".
Take a Tram bound for Eba, get off at "Genbaku Domu-mae" and walk 3 minutes.

Children's Peace Monument

A-bomb
Atomic Bomb(Genbaku) Dome
Address: 1-10 Ote-machi Naka-ku, Hiroshima City
Access:
TRAM "Genbaku Domu Mae"
BUS "Kamiya-cho" or "Hiroshima Bus Center"

After Hiroshima we were supposed to stop in Osaka but we were very tired so we decided to skip Osaka.

Nagoya, Japan

2010-08-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

Royal Park Inn Nagoya
3-27-5 Meieki Nakamura-Ku
Nagoya 450-0002
Japan
Price Per Room Per Night : SGD188

We started our Japan journey in Nagoya. Nagoya is the third largest city in Japan and is located in the Chubu region.

Our Singapore Airlines flight reached Nagoya around 830 am. We took a metro to Nagoya Station and reached the hotel around 10 am. Unfortunately, no rooms were available for early check-in so we went to Takashimaya and checked the shopping mall where we found the supermarket. In the Basement 1 of the mall, we found all kinds of Japanese food from Bento to Sushi. We always bought our food when traveling because it was much cheaper. I managed to take one picture but I was informed by the security that I can’t take any picture. After roaming around we went back to the hotel.

Our hotel, Royal Park Inn is just less than 3mins walk from Nagoya Station. It was very convenient for us since we were traveling daily across Japan by JR (Japan Rail). The hotel also has a free high speed internet and just few steps away from two convenient shops. The room that we booked was small but it was clean and well organized. We were very tired so after eating our Bento lunch, we took a rest because we didn’t manage to sleep in our flight. After 3 hours of snoozing, we all woke up and got ready to explore Nagoya.

We headed back to JR Nagoya Central Tower and bought our Metro ticket from a machine which was all Japanese. We didn’t see any single English letter and after a minute of staring at the machine we saw button that said “English”. We bought tickets to Hisaya-Odori at Y200 each. From the exit Nagoya TV tower was already visible. We walked from the Central Park or Hisaya Odori Park all the way to Oasis 21. Albert wanted to eat at McDonalds but we just bought him fries instead and find other restaurants. We dined at Saizeriya, a Japanese chain of Italian family-style restaurants. The restaurant was high-tech (of course, what else can we expect in Japan). We didn’t know that you needed to press a button for a server to come to your table. Luckily, Albert accidentally pressed the button and a waitress came to our table.

After our dinner we had a short walk in small street near the restaurant and headed to station. When we reached the central Nagoya station, we went to the JR Information Centre and activated our Japan Rail Pass. And that’s for all for our first day. The following day would be a very long day for us.

How We Taught Albert to Read

2010-06-13T03:56:00.001-07:00

Now, Albert can read more than a hundreds words
Click here At 60 months (5yo) old

The stages:
click here At 46 months (3yo & 8mons) old

click here At 46 months (3yo & 8mons) old

click here At 47 months (3yo &10mons) old

click here At 47 months (3yo & 10mons) old

click At 48 months (4yo)

Here are some of the tips that I got from the book (How to Teach your Baby to Read by Glenn Doman) which I think are quite effective based on my experience:

1) Show your child the words in lower case letters except first letter of a proper name and in large font.
2) 5-minute sessions several times a day in order not to tire out your child (Vocabulary of the family environment; Vocabulary to build sentences structure; Phrases)
3) Follow text with your finger as you read
4) Teach according to your child’s mood. Do not force!
5) Build up the confidence of your child, appreciate his accomplishments
6) Don’t start a session when one of you is tired, hungry or bored.
7) Have fun together; take this as your bonding time with your child.

Bali Indonesia trip in May 2010

2010-06-12T04:35:00.000-07:00

Seven months before our trip, I purchased our discounted tickets from Airasia.com. It was the 0 fare promo and I only paid S$84 which was the taxes for the three of us. Our accommodation was complimentary from Marriot which we haven’t claimed for almost two years already.

Our plane was delayed for about 30 minutes. We arrived in Bali at around 8pm and took a cab to Ayana Resort (formerly Ritz Carlton), Jimbaran and paid 90,000 rupiahs for one-way. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the friendly staff of the resort and they also adorned us with garlands and offered us fresh fruit drinks. We got in our room around 9pm. Then we hurried to the restaurant for our late dinner because we are really hungry. We had a sumptuous dinner, Alvin ordered Jimbarayan dinner while I ordered Tom Yum soup rice and Albert took a kiddie burger.

Then next day, I woke up around 630am and it was raining hard. I called up our day tour driver, Mr. Putu, and told him that we might cancel our trip if the rain would never stop by 10am. We had our breakfast at the hotel restaurant and before we finished our breakfast, the rain finally stopped. Our transport arrived around 1030am. We headed to Ubod to eat our lunch. We went to an eatery that sold Balinese sucking pig (Lechon in Philippines and Guling Babi in Bali). The package meal is suckling pig, veggies and rice. When you order, they serve the food to your plate using bare hands without serving spoons or gloves. Interesting, isn’t it? I was expecting stomach problem after eating but luckily it didn’t happen. On the table, there were mangosteen and when you pay they would ask you if you’ve eaten any of the mangosteen in your table. I thought I was complimentary and I ate four of it. We paid 80,000 for 2 plates of rice, 2 coke drinks and the mangosteen.

After our lunch we had some photos in the temple in front of the Babi Guling and went to the nearby the tourist market. There were a lot of handicrafts, bags, beach clothing and I bought some t-shirt souvenirs.

Then after that we headed to Tegalalang to see the rice terraces. On the way, we stopped at two two painting shops. We bought one abstract painting in the second shop.

Rice terraces

After seeing the rice terraces we went to Seribatu village for coffee tasting. I didn’t try their coffee I tried cocoa instead. We dint bought coffee or any spices we bought fruits instead.

It was already 4pm and according to Mr. Putu, it was raining hard in the Kintamani area so we couldn’t have a glimpse of the volcano and lake Batur.

On the way to our hotel, we asked Mr. Putu to drop by the nearest Mc Donald to our hotel. We bought chicken with rice for our dinner. We reached hotel around 7pm and quickly took our dinner. The taste of the fried chicken that we got from Mcdonald was like Mcchicken in the Philippines.

After our dinner, we had a short walk to find some stars but sad to say, there were no stars because it was quite cloudy.

The next day, the sun was UP! So I was so happy. I woke up the boys around 7am and the breakfast was delivered to our room by 730am. The hotel was on the cliff so to reach the beach we still needed to take the shuttle for around 5 minutes. At the drop-off point, needed to go down by stairs by around 150 steps. From the steps you could see the magnificent view of the Kubo beach. The waves were really strong…it was worse than our Phuket trip two years ago. Maybe we’re not that lucky when it comes to beach vacations. However even if the red flag was up (meaning that no swimming was allowed), they still allowed us to have fun in the beach. The waves just kept on getting bigger. After a while, we decided to go back to the hotel and just swim the pool. We had pizza and pasta for lunch. After that we played billiards before using the swimming pool. We had a great time at the pool and didn’t realize it was almost sunset.

On our last day, we woke up early and were still lucky enough to have a sunny day. We didn’t go back to Kuta beach because we only had time until lunch because we needed to check-out by 2pm. At the airport, our return flight was delayed (again) for almost an hour.

End of almost free vacation.

Our day tour was not that successful because of the weather. A month before, I arranged a Kintamani day tour from a driver who has a blog.

1. Cultural performance (Barong dance at Batubulan Village)

2. Lod Tunduh Village (painting center)

3. Ubud

4. Tegalalang (rice teraces)

5. Kintamani (volcano and lake Batur)

6. Holy Spring Temple at Tampaksiring

7. Any places on the way you are interested in for example: coffee

tasting at Seribatu village (if there is enough time)

The cost is only Rp 400,000 per full day.

And tour cost will include:

- driver/tour guide

- airconditioned car

- petrol

- parking fee

- flexible time

For more details about Mr. Putu visit his website http://www.probaliguide.com

Hotel:
AYANA Resort and Spa
Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera
Jimbaran, Bali 80364, Indonesia
Phone: +62-361-702222
Fax: +62-361-701555
Website: www.ayanaresort.com

Airline: www.airasia.com

2010 School holidays activity: Sentosa Luge

2010-06-11T07:34:00.000-07:00

Alvin took a leave and we went to Sentosa. We had a lunch picnic at Siloso Beach and after that Albert enjoyed the beach for an hour. He was mostly excited on our main activity which was the Sentosa Luge and Skyride. We took a Family four ride so we can enjoy twice. Albert rode with Alvin in the luge. During the first luge ride, Albert kept on asking that why I was too slow. It was my first luge experience so i was not that very adventurous. I enjoyed the second ride as i was more relaxed with it.

2010 School holidays activity: Concert @ Esplanade

2010-06-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

Albert likes music so I included a few music related activities during this school holidays. Last week we watched a free piano concert at the park in Botanical Gardens. Then today, we watched a free Philharmonic concert at the Esplanade concert hall. The program ran for 60 minutes and Albert really enjoyed the show, amazed at the sound of the various wind instruments.

Japan Trip Expenses

2010-03-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hotel (3Nights and 1 night free) S$ 674.27
Shinagawa Prince Hotel
4-10-30 Takanawa Minato-ku
Tokyo 108-8611
Japan

Hotel (4 nights) S$ 684.00
Royal Park Inn Nagoya
3-27-5 MEIEKI NAKAMURA-KU
Nagoya 450-0002
Japan

Japan Rail Pass S$ 906.00

Airfare (via Singapore Airlines) S$1,624.00
(1Adult and 1Child, 1 Adult used Krisflyer miles)

Food/Allowance/ S$
Entrances/Transport

=====================================================================

Hakone Pass

2010-03-23T23:57:00.000-07:00

Alvin's 34th Birthday

2010-03-21T19:35:00.001-07:00

It’s my husband’s birthday and turned 34. We celebrated his birthday with a simple dinner at Café Cartel.

Plaza Singapura, Orchard Road, 68 #01-32 to #01-33
Tel : 63362682

St. Louis Pork Ribs S$13.80

Carbonara S$13.50

Crispy Jumbo Combo S$43.00

Tic-Tac Platter S$5.60

Aloha Soda S$4.60 Strawberry Delight S$4.60

Albert's home-made card to Daddy

Outlets:
Marina Square, Raffles Boulevard, 6 #01-208
Tel : 63389396

Springvale, East Coast Road, 907 #01-02
Tel: 64499789

Tampines Mall, Tampines Central 5, 4 #01-46
Tel : 67846066

Junction 8 Shopping Centre, Bishan Place, 9 #01-33
Tel : 62504323

Bukit Panjang Plaza, Jelebu Road, 1 #01-55 to #01-59
Tel : 67677900

IMM Building, Jurong East Street 21, 2 #01-19
Tel : 66659296

My Verdict:
My verdict: 1(lowest) to 10(highest)
Ambiance: indoor and outdoor
Food and Beverages: 6
Value: 8
Service: 8
Been there a few times. But this time the standard dropped. We qeued for more than 30 minutes. One of our order is carbonara and it's little bit salty.

Japan Itinerary

2010-03-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

Day 1: Nagoya
Hotel: Royal Park Inn Nagoya
3-27-5 MEIEKI NAKAMURA-KU Nagoya 450-0002 Japan S$171.00/night, Double Standard, without breakfast and free internet

View Larger Map

A. Nagoya Castle/ Meijo Park
* Where you can view five floors of antique exhibits that tell the fascinating story of Nagoya. Completed in year 1612. Surrounding the castle is Meijo Park; this scenic park contains a variety of flowers that bloom in different seasons, and is a popular walking place for local residents.
Address: 1-1, Honmaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya Tel: 052-231-1700
How to get there: From "Shiyakusho"station on Meijo Subway Line,No.7 exit, northwest, walking 5 minutes
Opening Hours: 9:00 - 16:30
Admission Fee: Adult 500yen, Student(under 15) 100yen

B. Nagoya City Archives
* This beautiful brick and granite building was built in 1922 as a district court house.
Address: 1-3, Shirakabe, Higashi-ku, Nagoya Tel: 052-953-0051
How to get there:
From "Shiyakusho"station on Meijo Subway Line No.2 exit, east, walking 5 minutes
Nagoya castle roop bus "City Archives"getting off,just
Opening Hours: 9:15 - 17:00

C. Nagoya City Science Museum
*Comprised of an Astronomy Building, Science and Technology Building, and the Life Science Building
Address: 2-17-1, Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya Tel: 052-201-4486
How to get there:
From "Fushimi"station on Higashiyama and Tsurumai Subway Line No.5 exit, south, walking 5 minutes
Opening Hours: 9:30 - 17:00(Last entry is 16:30)
Admission Fee:
exhibition room and planetarium
adult 600yen, student(under 15) 100yen, exhibition room only, adult 300yen, student(under 15) Free

D. Nagoya TV Tower
*100 meters above the ground, visitors can enjoy a panorama of the city and beyond to Ise Bay, Suzuka Mountain and Yoro Mountain.
Address: 3-6-15, Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya Tel: 052-971-8546
How to get there:
From "Sakae"station on Meijo and Higashiyama Subway Line, No.4 exit, walking 5 minutes.
From "Hisaya-Odori"station on Meijo and Sakuradori Subway Line No.3 exit, walking 5 minutes.
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 18:00(weekday), until21:00(weekend,holiday/vacation)
Admission Fee: Adult 750yen, Student(over16) 500yen, Child 350yen, Baby 100yen

E. JR Central Tower
* The two towers are completed in 1999. The small tower is Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel. The towers are connected with sky bridge or the"Sky Street". At 245 meters, this impressive building has even made it to the Guiness Book of World Records as the tallest station building in the world.
Address: 1-1-4, Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya Tel: 052-586-8311
How to get there: Nagoya station on JR Line Opening Hours: 10:00 - 22:00(Last entry is 21:30)
Admission Fee: Adult 700yen, Student(under 12) 400yen

F. Tsuruma or Tsurumai park
*Tsuruma or Tsurumai park as many people confusingly pronounce it as, is a beautiful mix of water, winding lanes and sculptured gardening. The first park in Nagoya opened in 1909. The park is popular for viewing Hanami or cherry blossoms.
How to get there: Tsurumai Station (Nagoya Subway Tsurumai Line & JR Chuo Line)
Opening Hours: Everyday 10am-8pm, closed Wednesdays. Tsuruma park.

Day 2: Nagoya to Kyoto/Nara
Hotel: Royal Park Inn Nagoya
3-27-5 MEIEKI NAKAMURA-KU Nagoya 450-0002 Japan S$171.00/night, Double Standard, without breakfast and free internet

In Nara
Nara Park
* Enjoy lunch while sitting in the picturesque Nara Park, famous for the 1200+ tame deer that roam the area. It is in the middle of the city that measures just over 500 hectares and lies next to Kofuku-ji Temple, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, the Nara National Museum, Wakakusa-yama Hill and Mt.Kasuga-yama virgin forest.
How to get there: JR Kyoto Station board a JR Nara Line limited express train for Nara (45 min). All sightseeing is within comfortable walking distance of Nara Station. From the station make your way along Sanjo-Dori (street), past the 100 yen shop and amusement game centre, and head towards Nara Park.
Opening Hours: 9:30-5pm, tue-sun

In Kyoto
View Larger Map

A. Kyoto Station Building/Observation deck
*A view of Kyoto can be enjoyed from the observation deck, the sky plaza located on the 12th floor. Address: Higashi Shiokoji-cho Karasuma-dori Shiokoji sagaru Shimogyo-ku Tel: 075-352-5441

B. Kyoto Tower
*Kyoto tower built on top of a 9-story hotel across the street from the Kyoto Station. Its height is 131 meters. Address: 721-1 Higashi Shiokoji-cho Karasuma-dori Nanajo-sagaru Shimogyo-ku Tel: 075-361-3215
How to get there: JR: Kyoto Sta. and Subway Karasuma Line: Kyoto Sta. -walk 1 min. / City Bus: Kyoto Sta. Stop -walk 1 min.
Opening Hours: 9:00 - 21:00
Admission Fee: Adult(770 yen), senior high(620 yen), junior high/elementary school(520 yen),
children(150 yen)

C. Shosei-en Garden
* Shosei-en is located on the grounds of the Higashi Honganji Temple that was founded when the Honganji Temple was split in two schools and became the head temple of Shinshu Otani sect.
Address: Higashitamamizu-cho Shimojuzuyacho-dori Ainomachi higashi- iru Shimogyo-ku
How to get there: JR: Kyoto Sta.-walk 10 min. Keihan Rlwy: Shichijo Sta. -walk 10 min. Subway: Gojo Sta. -walk 7 min. Opening Hours: 9:00 - 16:00 Office closes at 15:30

Day 3: Nagoya to Hiroshima/Miyajima island
Miyajima island
*The entire 30 sq. km. island is designated by the Japanese government as a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty. The must see Itsukushima Shrine, built in the sixth century, is dedicated to the maritime guardian goddesses.
How to get there: Hiroshima Station board the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (26 min). Miyajima is reached by JR ferryboat (10 min / using your JR Pass) from Miyajimaguchi Pier, a few minutes walk from JR Miyajimaguchi Station.
Opening hours: Daily

Hiroshima

View Larger Map

A. Shukkeien
*The name means "shrunken scenery garden," and it is said to be the miniature model of West Lake (Xi Hu) in China.
Address: 2-11 Kami-nobori-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima Tel: 082-221-3620
How to get there: From JR Hiroshima Station
Walk 900 meters.
Take a Hiroshima bus bound for Asahi-machi or a Hiroden bus bound for Yokogawa Station, and get off at "Shukkeien Iriguchi".
Opening Hours: From April to September, 9:00-18:00, From October to March, 9:00-17:00
Admission Fee: Adults (250 yen),
High school students or college / university students (180 yen)
Elementary or junior high school students (120 yen)

B. Hiroshima (Rijo) Castle
*This beautiful castle is also known as "Rijo," or "Carp Castle," because it was near the district of Koi, a homonym for carp. It was originally built in 1591 by the lord Terumoto Mori, one of Hideyoshi Toyotomi's top five generals. It was one of the few castles that lasted into the twentieth century, and was declared a National Treasure in 1931--but unfortunately, it was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945. The current tower is a reconstruction done in 1958, and now houses a museum.
Address: 21-1 Moto-machi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima Tel: 082-221-7512
How to get there: 15 mins walk from Kamiya-cho-nishi/Kamiya-cho-higashi Sta. on Tram from JR Hiroshima Sta.
Open Hours: 9:00-18:00(9:00-17:00 weekdays from Dec. to Feb. ) Entry permitted until 30 min. before closing time
Admission Fee: Adult(360 yen), Children(180 yen)

C. Atomic (A) Bomb Dome
*Positioned below the epicentre, this skeleton of melted steel and concrete stands as a stark reminder of the city’s August 6, 1945 bombing. Address: 1-10 Ote-machi Naka-ku, Hiroshima City
How to get there: TRAM "Genbaku Domu Mae"
BUS "Kamiya-cho" or "Hiroshima Bus Center"

D. Peace Memorial Park
*Covering an area of 122,100 sq metres this park houses the city’s “peace memorial facilities".
Address: Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima Tel: 082-247-6738
How to get there: From JR Hiroshima Station
Take a bus bound for Yoshijima ,get off at "Peace Memorial Park".
Take a Tram bound for Eba, get off at "Genbaku Domu-mae" and walk 3 minutes.

Day 4: Tokyo
Shinagawa Prince Hotel
4-10-30 Takanawa Minato-ku
Tokyo 108-8611
Japan
S$151.00/night, Double Standard, without breakfast and free internet

Ueno Park/National Museum
*there is a concentration of cultural institutions such as the first zoo in Japan, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo Cultural Hall, National Western Art Museum, National Science Museum and Tokyo National Museum, all offering recreation and relaxation for the citizens. With its 1000+ cherry trees, Ueno Park is the most popular cherry blossom viewing point in Tokyo.
Address: 13-9, Ueno koen, Daito-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-5777-8600
How to get there:
10 mins from Ueno or Uguisudani Sta. on JR Line
15 mins from Ueno Sta. on Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line
15 mins from Nezu Sta. on Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line
15 mins from Keisei Ueno Sta. on Keisei Line
Opening Hours: 9:30 - 17:00 (the last admission at 16:30)
Admission Fee:
Adults: 420 yen, University Students: 130 yen, High/Junior High/Elementary School Students and under: Free

Akihabara
Akihabara is a well known as a place where you can receive the best offer for electronic stuff.
How to get there: 1 mins. walk from Akihabara Sta. on the JR Lines and the subway Hibiya Line

View Larger Map

A. Tokyo International Forum
Tokyo International Forum designed by an architect, Rafael Vinoly opened in 1996. Vinoly attempted to capture and incorporate venerable traditions seen in Japanese forms and interiors into his western design by using glass and stone. You will see the best part of the design when you come closer to the building and when you enter the atrium - beautiful curves of the roof with a high sealing providing open space and narrow walkways reaching the other side of the building. The four venue halls in various sizes and event rooms comprise this forum to host concerts, conferences, performing arts, cinemas, exhibitions, and conventions. The largest hall can accommodate more than 5,000 people. Cafes, a gallery, gift shops, and a variety of restaurants are also available inside of the building. The Tokyo International Forum is located just a few minutes walk from the Tokyo Station. Address: 5-1 Marunouchi 3-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-5221-9000
How to get there: 1min. walk from Yurakucho Sta.
5min. walk from Tokyo Sta.
5min. walk from Hibiya Sta. on Hibiya Line
5min. walk from Nijubashimae Sta. on Chiyoda Line
5min. walk from Tokyo Sta. on Marunouchi Line
5min. walk from Hibiya Sta. on Mita Line
Opening Hours: depends on scheduled events

B. Imperial Palace East Garden
The Imperial Palace is where the Imperial family resides in and their residence in the inner side is surrounded by gardens and is guarded by moats. The palace stands on the site where the Edo castle used to be during the Edo Period. The site was given to the Imperial Family when the last Edo Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu gave back the political power to the Emperor and the Edo era came to an end. The original palace completed in 1888 was destroyed due to the air raids during the World War II; however, structures of the present palace were completed in the same forms and styles on the same ground in 1968. Visitors can only walk around the outer area of the palace to enjoy the view of famous bridges and greeneries. Strolling around and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, you will forget that you are in the central area of Tokyo. In addition to the views, there's also a museum where you can learn more about the Imperial Family. Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3213-1111
How to get there: Subway Otemachi Stn or Takebashi Stn.
Opening Hours: open 9:00-16:30.(16:00 from Nov to Feb). Last entry 30 min before closing time. Closed Mon, Fri

C. National Diet Building
The construction of the building began in 1920; however, plans for the building date back to the late 1880s. The Diet met in temporary structures for the first fifty years of its existence because there was no agreement over what form its building should take.
Address: 1-chome, Nagatacho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.
How to get there: Subway Tokyo

D. Tokyo Tower
Erected to relay broadcastings in 1958, Tokyo Tower, the tallest edifice in Japan boasts a height of 333-meters as a symbol of Tokyo. The tower is 33 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris, but is 300 tons lighter. You can enjoy a magnificent view from the Main Observatory at the height of 150 meters and the Special Observatory at the height of 250 meters. On clear days, you will be able to see all the way up to Hakone and Mt. Fuji in the west, Mt. Tsukuba in the northeast, the Boso and Miura peninsulas in the south. Below the tower, there is an amusement complex housing souvenir shops, an aquarium, a wax museum, and art galleries. After about 5 decades have passed since the opening, the Tokyo Tower painted in orange and white is transmitting 14 broadcasting signals for both TV and FM radio stations. Since 1989, the tower has been lit up from the bottom at night and has been creating a fantastic view in the night sky of Tokyo. Address: 4-2-8 Shiba-koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3433-5111
How to get there:
5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Sta. on the Toei subway Oedo Line.
6-minute walk from Onarimon Sta. on the Toei subway Mita Line.
7-minute walk from Kamiyacho Sta. on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.
Open Hours: 9:00-22:00
Admission Fee: Adult(820 Yen), Child(460 Yen)

E. Ginza Shopping District
Ginza is one of the most popular shopping and entertainment districts in Japan. Known worldwide for its high class shops, there are many large department stores and commercial complexes here.

Day 5: Tokyo
Shinagawa Prince Hotel
4-10-30 Takanawa Minato-ku
Tokyo 108-8611
Japan
S$151.00/night, Double Standard, without breakfast and free internet

Railway Museum, saitama
The museum features about 30 railway cars, train cab simulators, railway model dioramas, mini trains, storage for artefacts and books, video booths, a multi-purpose hall, a gallery balcony, a cafeteria, a museum shop, and a research room.
How to get there: * Take the New Shuttle from JR Omiya Station and get o at "Tetsudo-Hakubutsukan Station". One-minute walk from "Tetsudo-Hakubutsukan Station".
* As parking space is limited, we recommend you use public transportation.
Operating Hours: 10:00-18:00 (last admission 17:30)
Closed Every Tuesday and the New Year's holidays (Dec. 29 - Jan. 1)
Admission: Adult(1,000 yen), Elementary, Junior High and High School Students (500 yen),
Young children (Preschool children 3 years old and up) 200 yen

View Larger Map

A. Metropolitan Government Building
The Metropolitan Buildings consist of three main buildings Tokyo Metropolitan Main Building No.1: 243 meters (797 ft) high with forty-eight stories above and three stories below ground. Tokyo Metropolitan Main Building No.2: 163 meters (535 ft) high with thirty-four stories above and three stories below ground. Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly Building: 41 meters (135 ft) high with seven stories above and one story below ground. Address: 2-8-1, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-8001 Japan
Opening Hours: North Observatory: daily 9.30am-11pm; South Observatory: daily 9.30am-5.30pm
Admission: Free of charge, No reservation necessary

B. Meiji Shrine, Tokyo
A peaceful oasis in the heart of modern Tokyo, Meiji Shrine is sheltered by a 700,000 square-meter forest of 120,000 evergreen trees, donated from all parts of Japan when the shrine was established. The shrine consists of two large areas: the Inner Garden, with the main shrine buildings; and the Outer Garden, with sports arenas and the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery. The shrine grounds are entered through two of Japan's largest torii (shrine gates), made of beautiful cypress wood more than 1,700 years old. Address: 1-1 Kamizono-cho, Tokyo, Japan Tel: 03/3379-5511
How to get there: Metro for inner garden: Harajuku
Metro for outer garden: Aoyama Itchōme
Opening hours: Daily sunrise-sunset (until 4:30pm in winter)
Admission: Free

C. Yoyogi Park
Established as a city park in 1967, Yoyogi Park located near the Meiji Jingu Shrine is one of the largest parks in Tokyo, which offers a large wooded area and open area. The park was used by the military during the World War II, but a residence for American forces, the Washington Heights was built on the site after the war and remained at the site until the Yoyogi National Stadium designed by a Japanese architect, Kenzo Tange was built on the site, was used as the Olympic Village for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. In 1967, the Olympic Village was converted into a park, and the 3 fountains were added to the park in 1990. Yoyogi Park is a popular place for cycling, jogging, and taking a break. In April, as the cherry trees reach full bloom, the park becomes crowded with many people who come for cherry blossom viewing. Address: Kamizonocho, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3469-6081
How to get there: 5mins walk from the JR Harajuku Station

D. Shibuya
Shibuya is known as one of the trendiest neighborhoods within Tokyo proper. Much of current pop culture originates here - definitely, a popular gathering place for ultra fashion-conscious young men and women.

Day 6: Tokyo to Hakone
Shinagawa Prince Hotel
4-10-30 Takanawa Minato-ku
Tokyo 108-8611
Japan
S$151.00/night, Double Standard, without breakfast and free internet

At Odawara Station, purchase a ‘Hakone Free Pass / Hakone Weekday Pass’ which entitles the holder to 2 or 3 days of unlimited travel on a variety of local transport including the unique mountain railway, bus, cable car, ropeway and cruise boat. Use your ‘Pass’ to gain entry to and discounts at the region’s many hot springs, museums, galleries, gardens, temples and shrines. 3day pass 4,400 Yen, 2days pass 3,900 Yen

Lake Ashi via Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
- The 400,000 year-old volcanic crater lake that never freezes! Ashiko is a popular place for fishing, boating and water sports. Use your ‘Hakone Pass’ to cruise the lake by pirate ship. On a clear day you will be able to take pleasure in Mt. Fuji’s inverted reflection. Togendai, the terminal for the Hakone Ropeway, is also the gateway to Lake Ashi, symbol of Hakone. The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise links Togendai with Motohakone-ko and Hakone-machi, two main stops on Hakone Tozan Bus routes. Travelers from Tokyo using the Hakone Freepass can get on and off anywhere they like along the way. In fine weather, passengers aboard the sightseeing cruise can get a fine view of Japan’s most famous peak, Mount Fuji, and enjoy Hakone’s rich scenery reflected on the lake’s calm surface. Using the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, passengers can travel to art museums, hot springs (onsen), historic sites and other attractions along the lakeshore and enjoy nature in Hakone.

Owakudani (Greater Boiling Valley)
- Accessible by ropeway this entire gorge reeks of sulphurous fumes, spewing clouds of steam from crevasses among bubbling hot springs.

Ancient Cedar Avenue
- Enjoy a leisurely stroll along this superb 2km flora-lined winding passage; once the pathway to Edo (Tokyo).

Sounzan(Hakone Rope Way)
-Sounzan, the terminal station for the Hakone Tozan Cablecar, is also the starting point for the Hakone Ropeway, which offers the ultimate enjoyment of sightseeing in Hakone. The trip from Sounzan to Togendai on Lake Ashi, symbol of Hakone, takes 30 minutes. The large windows of the Swiss-made cabins allow visitors to observe the sweeping panorama of Hakone’s unspoiled natural setting. The magnificent scenery makes it hard to believe that Hakone is just a few hours away from Tokyo. Owakudani, one of the stations along the way, offers magnificent views of Mount Fuji and hot springs (onsen) in what is still an active volcanic region.The Hakone Ropeway gondola and station facilities offer barrier-free access. To make travel to Hakone pleasant for all.

Hakone-Yumoto(Hakone Tozan Train)
- Hakone-Yumoto, the starting point of the Hakone Tozan Train, can be reached directly from Tokyo (Shinjuku) by Odakyu Line “Romancecar”. From Hakone-Yumoto, the Hakone Tozan Train takes a leisurely 40 minutes to cover the 15-kilometer distance to Gora. The Hakone Tozan Train is a mountain railway that has been cherished by travelers since it went into operation in 1919. Not only does the line have minimal impact on the plant and animal life of Hakone, which is registered as a national park, the long tunnels and steel bridges along the line are part of its appeal. During their trip, travelers can get a close look at Hakone’s beautiful nature. After reaching the end of the line at Gora, they can relax and refresh themselves in the many hot springs (onsen) there while admiring the beautiful scenery.

Hakone Tozan Cablecar
- The Hakone Tozan Cablecar covers the 1.2-kilometer distance between Gora, a popular Hakone sightseeing spot and site of numerous hot springs (onsen), and Sounzan Station in 9 minutes. The Swiss-made cable cars have large windows through which visitors can enjoy ever-changing scenic panoramas throughout the four seasons. The difference in elevation between Gora and Sounzan is 214 meters. Along the way are Hakone Gora Park, with its beautiful fountain, the Hakone Museum of Art, which specializes in pottery, and many other attractions. Enjoy a ride on the Hakone Tozan Cablecar using the economical Hakone Freepass from Shinjuku.

Day 7: Tokyo-Yokohama
Shinagawa Prince Hotel
4-10-30 Takanawa Minato-ku
Tokyo 108-8611
Japan
S$151.00/night, Double Standard, without breakfast and free internet

View Larger Map

A. Yokohama Landmark Tower
Yokohama Landmark Tower is the tallest building in Japan. On the 69th floor there is an observatory, Sky Garden, from which one can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city, and on clear days Mt Fuji. From here it is about a 400m walk to Bashamichi (subway) Station along the way you will get to view and photograph the buildings and ships from a different angle. From Bashamichi Station take the Minatomirai Line two stops to Motoachichukagai Station.

B. Yokohama Cosmo World
Opened in 1999, Yokohama Cosmo World is an urban amusement park designed to fit into and to enhance the Minato Mirai 21 skyline. There is something for everyone in its three zones ? "Wonder Amuse Zone," the "Burano Street Zone," and the "Kids' Carnival Zone." The first has all of the rides; the world's largest ferris wheel, the world's first coaster that dives into water, the world's longest log flume ride… plus a building full of interactive arcade games. The second zone, which is modeled after the streets of Burano Island in Italy, has simulation theaters and interactive shows, and the last has fun, relatively tame rides for families with small children. At night, the rides are illuminated to produce a harmonious effect with nearby Queen's Square and the Nippon Maru Memorial Park, making the entire area look like a futuristic city floating on the water. Needless to say, it is a popular destination for a date.
Opening Hours: Mid of March-November 30: Weekdays 11:00-21:00 (Closed at 22:00 on Saturdays,Sundays and national holidays)
Admission Fee: depends on each ride

C. Yokohama Museum of Art
The Yokohama Museum of Art actually opened in spring of 1989 as one of the pavilions of the Yokohama Exotic Showcase?or YES'89. The permanent collections are displayed in thematic exhibits which are changed three times a year: about 200 pieces chosen from a collection of approximately 9,500 Japanese and Western paintings, sculptures, prints and photographs from the late 19th century and on. Some of the artists of note are Japanese painters Kanzan Shimomura and Shiko Imamura who have connections to Yokohama, as well as Dadaists and Surrealists such as Ernst, Dali and Magritte.

D. Nippon-Maru Memorial
Built in 1930 as a training ship for the Ministry of Transport, the tall ship Nippon Maru sailed 1,830,000 kilometers and trained over 10,000 sailors until it was decommissioned in 1984. Today the "Swan of the Pacific" is moored in its own Memorial Park, and is open to visitors for viewing. About ten times a year, specially trained volunteers unfurl its 29 sails in a magnificent display. Beside the Nippon Maru is the Yokohama Maritime Museum, which was opened in commemoration of the 130th anniversary of the Port of Yokohama. Exhibits show the contribution of Yokohama to the modernization of Japan, and include historical material ranging from Commodore Perry's Black Ships to those of the present. There is also an interactive corner where visitors can try "steering a ship
Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00 Closed on Mondays
Admission Fee: Adults: 600 yen , Jr. High & Elementary school students: 300 yen

E. Red Brick Warehouse
These warehouses, built by the federal government between 1911 and 1913, have withstood the ravages of a major earthquake and the Second World War. Over the years, as shipping operations dispersed to other ports, these warehouses were slowly forgotten. They were bought by Yokohama City in 1992, and were refurbished using the latest in renovation technology and earthquake-proof reinforcements while preserving the historically important physical structures. It took a while, but the Red Brick Warehouse Park was reopened in 2002. The smaller Building #1 is mainly for special events: it contains a large theater on the third floor and several smaller exhibit spaces on the second floor, and a few shops on the first floor. The larger Building #2 has three floors of specialty shops, cafes and restaurants. The open space between the two warehouses is maintained as a park, and in the evening, the two buildings are beautifully illuminated.

F. Marine Tower
At 106 meters, the Marine Tower in Yokohama is one of the tallest lighthouses in the world. It was built in 1961, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the opening of Yokohama Port. Visitors may ascend the tower to a two-storey observation deck 100 meters above the ground, and take in a breathtaking view of the Park, the entire Minato Mirai 21 District, the Yokohama Bay Bridge, and weather permitting, beyond to Mount Fuji.

G. Yamashita Park
The very first Yamashita Park was a small western style park built by foreigners living in the area in 1870. After the Great Kanto Earthquake destroyed much of the area, the city rebuilt the Park as a revitalization project. Rubble from the quake was used as landfill, and the urban seaside park was reopened in 1930. Today visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk among the flower gardens, and watch the ships as they come and go. There are several monuments to children's songs, a Water Guardian Statue that was presented to Yokohama by the City of San Diego, and an Indian Water Fountain presented by an association of East Indians living in Japan. The Park was also involved in the exposition YES'89, and this is evident on the east side of the park where there is an open area with 6 paths pointing out radially to the six continents of the world. The Park is also home to the Hikawa Maru, a luxury ocean liner that was retired in 1960
Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00(22:00 on Fridays/Saturdays)

H. Yokohama Bay Bridge
Built in 1989 in order to alleviate increasing traffic congestion in the Yokohama area, the Yokohama Bay Bridge is now a prominent feature of the Yokohama waterfront. It is a cable-stayed bridge with two levels, the top being the Metropolitan Expressway Wangan Line, and the bottom being Highway 357. It connects Daikoku Pier to Honmoku Pier, and on the Daikoku side, there is a glass-enclosed pedestrian walkway called the "Skywalk." The bridge, like everything else in the area, is lit up at night. Although there is no parking on the bridge except for emergencies, many people drove to the bridge and stopped midway to take in the breathtaking view when it first opened.
Opening Hours: Skywalk: 10:00-20:00(10:00-18:00 from October 1 through March 31), Tue / Wed closed
Admission Fee: Adults: 500 yen, Jr. high & Elementary school students: 250 yen

Day 8: Tokyo-Nagoya
Hotel: Royal Park Inn Nagoya
3-27-5 MEIEKI NAKAMURA-KU Nagoya 450-0002 Japan S$171.00/night, Double Standard, without breakfast and free internet

Last day - Super relax day

Day 9: Nagoya-Singapore

Bye JAPAN

BBQ Chicken

2010-03-12T01:02:00.000-08:00

City Square Mall
180, #02-21/22, Kitcherner Road,
City Square Mall
Singapore 208539
Tel: 6509 9644 Fax : 6509 9624
Operation Hours
Daily 11am - 10:30pm
(Last Order 10:15pm)

It was last week when Alvin and I tried the promotional of BBQ of 1for1. The brochure looks like they serve nice barbecue chicken.

Mushroom Chicken Steak S$11.90

Tomato Chicken Pasta s$10.90

My Verdict:
My verdict: 1(lowest) to 10(highest)
Ambiance: 10
Food and Beverages: 6
Value: 10(if with promotion of 1for1)
Service: 9

The meat remains juicy while the skin is crisp.

Outets:
Cathay Cineleisure Orchard
8 Grange Road
#B1-04/05
Singapore 239695
Tel: 6887 3638 Fax : 6887 3234
Operation Hours
Sun - Thurs & PH - 11:00am - 10:30pm
Fri - Sat & Eve of PH - 11:00am - 11:30pm

Downtown East (E! Hub)
Pasir Ris Close,
E!Hub Downtown East,
#02-121/122,
Singapore 519599
Tel: 6583 7933 Fax : 6583 6939
Operation Hours
Daily 11am - 10:30pm
(Last Order 10:15pm)

West Coast Plaza
154 West Coast Road,
#02-45,
Singapore 127371
Tel: 6777 8980 Fax :6777 9920
Operation Hours
Daily 11am - 10:00pm
(Last Order 9:45pm)

NorthPoint
930 Yishun Avenue 2,
#B2-17/20,
Singapore 769098
Tel: 6481 3310 Fax : 6481 7780
Operation Hours
Daily 11am - 10:30pm
(Last Order 10:15pm)

Tampines 1
10 Tampines Central 1,
#B1-06, Tampines 1
Singapore 529509
Tel: 6784 4903 Fax : 6784 2637
Operation Hours
Daily 11am - 10:30pm
(Last Order 10:15pm)

Toa Payoh
600, Lorong 4,
#01-05, Toa Payoh,
Singapore 319515
Operation Hours
Daily 11am - 10:30pm
(Last Order 10:15pm)

Orchard Pointnew
160, Orchard Road,
#01-13, OG Orchard Point,
Singapore 238842
Tel: 6235 0933 Fax : 6235 0966
Operation Hours
Daily 10am - 10pm

Pan De Sal (Pandesal)

2010-02-23T05:01:00.000-08:00

Pan de sal is very popular breakfast bread for Filipinos which is commonly served with hot coffee.

We've been longing for pan de sal and the only way to satisfy our craving was to bake some as we could not buy it from the bakeries around. It took us months to perfect the recipe that was according to our tastes. It was actually Alvin who really made the effort to make the recipe perfect.

Pan de sal means Salt Bread. This is a popular Filipino breakfast bread. Click WIKI to have more information about pan de sal.

Before baking

3 tsp yeast (dry active)
2 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1/4 cup water (50˚ Celsius)
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup butter (melted)
1 cup milk
4-5 cups bread
bread crumbs (fine)

You need to activate yeast by using 1/4 cup water (50˚ degree Celsius) to dissolve 1 tsp sugar and 3 tsp yeast. Wait for 10 minutes.

Heat milk to 50˚ Celsius using microwave then pour to mixer. Pour 1/2 cup sugar the dissolve. Pour butter then mix. Beat egg separately and slowly pour to the mixer while mixing. Add the salt. Add the activated yeast. Mix the flour 1 cup at a time while mixing.

Let the dough rise for about 60-90 minutes. Poke holes using fork. Knead a bit and slice to desired size. Roll on with bread crumbs. Let the bun rise for about 60 to 90 minutes.

Preheat oven to 180˚ Celsius for 15 minutes. Then bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

Serve hot with butter and coffee.

Creamed Veggies

2010-02-21T02:37:00.000-08:00

· 1/4 cup butter
· 3 cloves garlic, diced
· 1 onions, diced
· 300g chicken meat, sliced into small pieces
· 200g shrimps peeled
· 1/4 kilo cauliflower, broken to bite size
· 1/4 kilo broccoli, broken to bite size
· 3 cup jícama, diced
· 2 cup young corn, cut into two
· 1 cup snow peas, cut into two
· 2 carrot, diced
· 1 green bell pepper, diced
· 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, dissolved in 1/4 cup of water
· 1 cup water
· Salt & pepper to taste

· 1 cup evaporated milk
· 1 can of campbell cream of mushroom
· 1 can of nestle cream (optional)

In a big pan or wok, melt the butter then sauté garlic, onions then add in the chicken and shrimps. Mix well. Add 1 cup of water, milk cream of mushroom and pinch of salt and simmer for 5 minutes. Add all the vegetables cauliflower, brocolli, jícama and carrots cook for 5 minutes. Add the dissolve cornstarch, nestle cream and mix well. Add the rest fo the vegetables and cook for about 5-10 minutes or until the vegetables are done. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with rice.

Bacon Wrapped Chicken

2010-02-21T02:27:00.000-08:00

It was our wedding anniversary so I called my mom because I wanted to ask how to cook the chicken cordon bleu. But instead of following cordon bleu recipe, I made some modifications. I wrapped the chicken breasts with bacons instead of the usual bread crumbs before frying.

· 2 chicken breasts, skinned and deboned
· 10 slices bacon
· 4 pieces picnic ham
· 4 stripes of cheese
· salt and pepper

Pound chicken breast thin between 2 plastic bags or simply slice in butterfly style. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Marinate in 15-30 minutes.

Lay the chicken, ham and cheese then roll. Wrap the roll in bacon. Tie it using string.

Deep fry for 5 minutes.

Cinnamon Roll

2010-02-21T02:20:00.000-08:00

Japan Rail Pass

2010-02-17T04:32:00.000-08:00

Two types of JAPAN RAIL PASS:
1) Green (for superior-class Green cars)
2) Ordinary

Each of these types is available in 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day PASS. The validity period of a JAPAN RAIL PASS is the consecutive 7, 14, or 21 days beginning on the date the PASS is first used. Japan Rail Pass cannot be purchased inside Japan.

* Child 06-11years old

The below map showing major train lines (many minor and metropolitan lines are not shown) which can be used by the Japan Rail Pass:

* click to enlarge

Japan Rail Pass is valid to the following types:

1) Railways:
All JR Group Railways--Shinkansen (super express) (except "NOZOMI"), limited express trains, express trains, and rapid or local trains. (Not usable on some trains)

2) Buses:
JR Bus Companies: Local lines of JR Hokkaido Bus, JR Bus Tohoku, JR Bus Kanto, JR Tokai Bus, West Japan JR Bus , Chugoku JR Bus, JR Shikoku Bus and JR Kyushu Bus.

3) JR Highway Bus Lines:
Sapporo-Otaru; Morioka-Hirosaki/Aomori;
Tokyo-Nagoya/Kyoto/Osaka/Tsukuba Centre;
Nagoya-Kyoto/Osaka;
Osaka-Tsuyama Car Shed/Kasai Flower Center
(not accepted on some lines)

4)Ferry:
JR Ferry Only the JR Miyajima ferry is covered. The JR Hakata-Pusan ferry is NOT covered.

Other rail passes:
JR East Pass
JR Do Nichi Kippu
JR Hokkaido & Higashinihon Pass
JR Holiday Pass
Tobu Nikko Free Pass
Odakyu Enoshima Kamakura Free Pass
JR Kamakura Enoshima Free Kippu
Hakone Free Pass
Fuji Hakone Pass
JR Kawaguchiko Saiko Free Kippu
JR Odoriko Minami Izu Free Kippu
JR Izu Free Q Kippu
Odakyu Izu Free Passes
JR Aozora Free Pass
Kansai Thru Pass / Surutto Kansai Ticket
JR West Rail Pass - Kansai Area
Kintetsu Rail Pass
Nara No Yuyu Kippu
Koyasan World Heritage Ticket
JR West Rail Pass - Sanyo Area
JR Shikoku Free Kippu
JR Shikoku Saihakken Kippu
Kyushu Rail Pass

In Singapore, you can purchase Japan Rail Passes
www.airfares.com.sg
www.statravel.com.sg
www.dinerstravel.com.sg
www.primetravel.com.sg
www.jtb.com.sg

It's our 9th Wedding Aniversary

2010-02-17T03:15:00.000-08:00

Time flies really fast and on the 21st of February will be our 9th wedding anniversary. After so many years gone by, I still remember the early days of our relationship when we were trying to know each other better. Here are some of those moments...

Our first meeting
Hard Rock Makati

Our first movie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKBF5JQJU3Y&feature=related

Our first date
Angelinos Glorietta

Our first mass
Antipolo (Feast of Christ the King)

Our first out of town
Antipolo

Our first stargazing
UP sunken garden

Al Dente Trattoria – Esplanade

2010-01-24T03:19:00.000-08:00

After Alvin and I watched James Ingrams’ concert at Esplanade for our pre-Valentine and pre-9th year anniversary celebration, we dinedat Al Dente Trattoria. The place has Rooftop Terrace for alfresco dining. The view from the rooftop is lovely; one can have a good view of the bright Singapore skyline. It will probably become better once Marina Sands is completed. Al Dente presents the best of Italian cooking with a la carte menu. It serves all time traditional favorites from various regional and provincial cooking of Italy.

Al Dente Trattoria - Esplanade
Blk 8, #01-13,
No 8, Raffles Avenue, Colour on the Bay
Singapore 039802
Tel: 6341 9188 Fax: 6341 9186
Opening Hours: Lunch
Mon-Sun: 11.30am to 3pm
Dinner
Mon-Thu: 6pm-10.30pm
Fri, Sat, and public holidays: 6pm-11.30pm

Spaghetti Carbonara @S$19

Italian Meat Lover Wood Fire Pizza (Signature) @24

Singapore Sling @ S$14

Margarita @ S$14

How to get there?
• MRT (alight at Cityhall MRT Station, walk towards Esplanade linkway)
• Buses numbers: ( 36, 56, 70, 97, 111, 133, 162, 174M, 195, 502, C1, C2, C3, 75, 77, 106, 171, 700A, 857, 960, 961, NR 1, NR 2, NR 5, NR 6, NR 7 & NR 8.
• Taxi ( by informing the friendly taxi driver “Esplanade Mall Taxi Stand, please!”)

My verdict: 1(lowest) to 10(highest)
Ambiance: 10
Food and Beverages: 8
Value: 9
Service: 9

Gluttons Bay

2010-01-24T03:09:00.000-08:00

Makansutra Gluttons Bay
8 Raffles Avenue #01-15 Singapore 039802
Mon – Thurs : 5pm – 2am
Fri & Sat : 5pm – 3am
Sun : 4pm – 1am

Originally located at Orchard (car park opposite Centerpoint), Glutton’s Square moved to Esplanade and is now known as Glutton’s Bay. The concept is similar, with the food stalls having the old retro street food carts style. They have twelve stalls serving up Singapore favourites: Boon Tat BBQ Seafood, Thye Hong Char Kway Teow, Hup Kee Oyster Omelette, Huat Huat BBQ Chicken Wings, Heng Heng Carrot Cake,Old Esplanade Mee Goreng, Alhambra Padang Satay, Big Thumb Yong Tau Foo, Ho Kee Dim Sum, Fei Siong Fishball Noodle and of course Five Star Chicken Rice.

We ordered Hokkien Prawn Mee @ S$6.

How to get there?
· MRT (alight at Cityhall MRT Station, walk towards Esplanade linkway)
· Buses numbers: ( 36, 56, 70, 97, 111, 133, 162, 174M, 195, 502, C1, C2, C3, 75, 77, 106, 171, 700A, 857, 960, 961, NR 1, NR 2, NR 5, NR 6, NR 7 & NR 8.
· Taxi (By informing the friendly taxi driver “Esplanade Mall Taxi Stand, please!”)

My verdict: 1(lowest) to 10(highest)
Ambiance: 10
Food and Beverages: 8
Value: 9
Service: 8

With a fantastic view of Marina Bay, alfresco dining and hawker-price food, Glutton’s Bay is definitely a “must visit and try”.

New York New York (Citylink)

2010-01-02T06:57:00.001-08:00

New York New York (NYNY) is an eye-catching restaurant located at the underground mall of Citylink. It is strategically located to tap on the huge crowd traveling from City Hall to Suntec/Marine Square. NYNY stands out with its attractive interior decorations.

1 Raffles Link
#B1-47A Citylink Mall
Tel: +65 6341 9695

Opening hours
Mon–Sun
11.30am – 10.00pm

Meat Platter

Hamburger

Spaghetti with meat balls

Mocha

Chicken nuggets with fries (Kid's meal)

My verdict: 1(lowest) to 10(highest)
Ambiance: 9
Food and Beverages: 6
Value: 8 (spent around SGD15/pax)
Service: 8

Chopsuey

2009-12-09T22:22:00.002-08:00

Chopsuey is a very classic Chinese dish that has been adopted by Filipinos. This is one of our family’s favourite vegetable dish because it is easy to prepare. This dish is very healthy dish also.

· 300g chicken meat, sliced into small pieces
· 200g shrimps peeled
· 1/4 kilo cauliflower, broken to bite size
· 1/4 kilo broccoli, broken to bite size
· 1 cup snow peas, cut into two
· 1 cup cup cabbage, cut into squares
· 2 stalk celery, cut into ½" long pieces
· 1 cloves garlic, diced
· 1 onions, diced
· 1 carrot, sliced thinly
· 1 green bell pepper. cut in strips
· 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, dissolved in 1/4 cup of water
· 1 cups chicken broth
· 1 tablespoons of fish sauce(patis)
· 4 tablespoons of soy sauce
· 4 tablespoons of corn oil or vegetable oil
· Salt to taste

In a big pan or wok, sauté garlic, onions then add in the chicken and shrimps. Mix well. Add 1 cup of stock, pinch of salt and simmer for 10 minutes. Add all the vegetables, fish sauce, soy sauce and the dissolved cornstarch. Cook for about 5-10 minutes or until the vegetables are done. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with rice.

Chicken Adobo

2009-12-09T22:22:00.001-08:00

Chicken adobo is the most popular of the Filipino dish or maybe the Philippines' national dish. There are many ways of cooking adobo but the common ingredient is soy sauce and vinegar that creates a right blend of saltiness and tasty flavour. This dish is perfectly served with steamed white rice.

· 500 g chicken, sliced serving size, (bone-in and skin on or you can cook it without the skin)
· cooking oil
· 1 cup soy sauce
· 4 tsp cup rice or white vinegar
· 3 cloves garlic, smashed
· 1 onion, chopped
· 2 asian chili(cut into 2 or 3)
· 3 bay leaves
· 12 peppercorns (you can use ground pepper instead if you like)
· 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or 1 can coconut milk and 1/2 cup chicken broth)
· salt

In a large non-sticky sauce pan, sauté garlic and onion then add the chicken parts. Mix well until meat turn brown. Add the soy sauce, chicken broth, pepper and bay leaves. Mix well. Add the vinegar and do not mix. Turn heat down to medium low. Cover the pan and let it boil for 15 minutes.

Adjust the seasonings you can add pepper and salt.

Picadillo

2009-12-04T18:51:00.002-08:00

Picadillo can be served with white rice or used as filling to bread. For picadillo you can use ground lean pork or you may use beef or turkey.

· 500g ground pork
· 1 large onion, chopped
· 2-3 garlic cloves, chopped
· 1 cup tomato sauce
· 1 carrot, cubes
· 2 potatoes, cubes, fried
· 1 green bellpepper, cubes
· 5 tsp black soy sauce
· ½ cup water
· Salt and pepper to taste
· Olive oil

In a large non-sticky pan, sauté garlic and onion then add the ground meat, soy sauce, pepper and salt until meat turn brown. Mix well.

Turn heat down to medium low. Add the tomato sauce, water and carrots. While it simmers, add the potatoes and green bell pepper to meat mixture. Adjust the seasonings.

If you like it soupier, just add more tomato sauce, if you wish.

Tekka Market

2009-12-04T18:51:00.001-08:00

Almost every weekend, we visit Tekka Market to purchase our weekly wet goods. While you can find almost anything and everything here, we normally limit our shopping list to certain things such as chicken, pork, vegetables, fruits, seafood, and eggs. For those who like beef and mutton, you can also find several beef and mutton stalls here.

Lee Chuan Seng Fishery (stall #01-16/17) sells most kind of seafood. Some claim that they have the best prawns in the market.

Tan Chee Boon Fruits (stall #01-191/192) sells all kinds of fruits. This stall carries everything from banana and apples to Japanese grapes, Taiwanese musk melons, and Korean strawberries .

I think the most famous stall (according to many blogs) in Tekka Centre is Chia’s Vegetables Supply (stall #01-201). They sell a wide range of vegetables from Asian to Western gourmet like fennel, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, matsusake mushrooms, baby spinach, as well as herbs like rosemary, basil, mint, thyme and others. You can easily spot the store as the stall owner likes to play jazz and bossa nova from a little stereo.

CHIA'S VEGETABLES SUPPLY
Blk 665, #01-201 Buffalo Road
Tekka Market
Singapore 210665

Tel: 6294-4901 Victor Chia (HP: 9731-9743) Desmond Chia (HP: 92708350)
Hrs: Tuesday to Sunday: 9am - 5pm. Closed on Mondays
MRT: Little India
Bus: Bukit Timah Road(171, 67, 700, 851, 852, 960, 961, 970, 980)
Serangoon Road(61, 67, 853, 966, 985)
Parking: Ample parking lots in the basement

Fish Soup@Food Republic

2009-12-03T07:06:00.000-08:00

Fish Supreme Stall

Fish Soup @ SGD4.00

Food Republic-Suntec a setting of an "Old Europe: ambience, Food Republic is prominently located on the first level of the convention centre. Its decor is conceptualised as a 19th-century library.

Opening Hours:
Mon – Thu 10am - 10pm
Fri-Sun & Public Holidays 10am - 11pm

Suntec Singapore
Suntec Singapore, Level One
1 Raffles Boulevard, Suntec City,
Singapore 039593

MRT:
The nearest MRT Station is City Hall. You can then take a 10 minutes’ walk via the underground City Link Mall. Alternatively, you can hop on board our Suntec City Courtesy Shuttle Bus– pick-up point is outside the City Hall Station entrance at St Andrew’s Cathedral, opposite Capitol Building.

Buses:
Bus services to Suntec Singapore: 36, 97, 106, 111, 133, 501, 502, 518, 857, 700. Alight right in front of the Convention Centre.

Toast Box

2009-12-01T23:27:00.001-08:00

If you are tired of western style coffee and settings like Starbucks, Coffee beans, Gloria jeans, TCC and others, you can try a kampong (village) style coffee shop in shopping malls. You can visit Toastbox.

Toastbox is a sister company of Breadtalk, a company that has been selling all sorts of breads since 2000. That is why every Toastbox outlet is always right next to a Breadtalk shop. Aside from toast and coffee, they also serve local dishes like Mee siam and Laksa.

Since I’m neither a coffee addict nor a local dish fanatic, I only tried their hot chocolate (actually its Milo) and a Kaya Toast.

Outlets:
AMK Hub L1
53 Ang Mo Kio Ave
AMK Hub #01-01 S(569933)
Tel 65554434

Bugis Junction
200 Victoria Street #01-67
Bugis Junction S(188024)
Tel 6333 4464

Capital Square
No.25 Church Street #01-08
Capital Square 3 S(049482)
Tel 6536 4434

Causeway Point
1 Woodlands Square #01-38
Causeway Point S(738099)
Tel 6893 4434

Changi Airport T1
Terminal 1 Departure
Transit Lounge West
Tel 6543 4484

Changi Airport T3
Terminal 3 Departure
Transit Hall South
Tel 6242 4434

CentrePoint
176 Orchard Rd #B1-02A
Centre Point S(238843)
Tel 6734 4434

City Square
180 Kitchener Road # 01-41/43
City Square S(208539)
Tel 6509 8340

Great World City
1 Kim Seng Promenade #01-52
Great World City S(237994)
Tel 6733 4144

Junction 8
9 Bishan Place #01-35/36
Junction 8 S.C S(579837)
Tel 6251 3444

Jurong Point
3 Jurong West Central 3 #B1-70
Jurong Point S.C. S(648331)
Tel 6862 4464

Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road #01-23
Plaza Singapura S(238839)
Tel 6337 4644

Raffles City
252 Northbridge Road #B1-44A
Raffles City Shopping Centre S(179103)
Tel 6339 4434

Suntec City
1 Raffles Boulevard
Suntec S'pore Convention & Exhibition Centre
Unit 125 to 126 Stall No 8
Tel 6376 4434

Tiong Bahru Plaza
302 Tiong Bahru Road #01-43
Tiong Bahru Plaza S(168732)
Tel 6270 4434

Vivo City B2
1 Harbour Front Walk LB2-34
Vivo City S(098585)
Tel 6272 4434

Vivo City L3
1 Harbour Front Walk L3-1D
Vivo City S(098585)
Tel 6272 4434

Wisma Atria Food Republic
435 Orchard Road #04-23
Wisma Atria S(238877)
6732 4434

Wisma Atria B1
435 Orchard Road #B1-55/60
Wisma Atria S(238877)
6887 4434

YewTee Point
21 Choa Chu Kang North 6,
#01-03, S(689578)
6509 4309

Yemas

2009-12-01T07:19:00.000-08:00

Garlic Chili Atchar

2009-12-01T06:53:00.000-08:00

Home made

· 2 tsp ginger, grated
· 2 cloves garlic, chopped finely
· 4 chili (asian/thai), chopped finely
· 3 tbsp sugar
· 4 tbsp cider vinegar
· 1 red onion, chopped finely
· 1 tbsp salt

Mix chilies, garlic, vinegar, onion, salt and sugar. Adjust sugar, salt and vinegar to taste. Transfer to a small glass jar and refrigerate.

The sauce will last several months in the fridge.

Serve with grilled or fried meat or fish.

Sago with mango puree

2009-11-28T07:29:00.000-08:00

· 2 pieces mango, cubes

· 1/4 cup sago(white)

· 5 tsp sugar

· 5 tsp condensed milk

· 500 ml mango puree or blended mango

· 1 cup full cream milk or evaporated milk

Boil the sago until translucent. Pour into a sieve and wash with tap water.

Add puree, sugar, sago, condensed milk, evaporated milk and chill before serving.

Chicken with grape sauce

2009-11-28T07:28:00.000-08:00

Around middle of November, I started a fan group in Facebook named Cooking Club, with the aim of letting members to help and share their culinary skills and specialties.

For starters, I opened my kitchen for our first session.
For our lesson I shared:
Appetizer: Leafy shrimp salad
Main dish : Chicken with grape sauce
Dessert: Sago with mango puree

I love cooking with tomato sauce, coconut milk and fruits as one of the main ingredients. I got to know this recipe in 2004 from one of the local newspapers here in Singapore. I made some changes and improvements according to our tastes buds.

· 500g chicken breast boneless & skinless

· 250 gram grapes

· 2 tsp herbs (Italian)

· 2 tsp butter

· 1 cup white wine

· 1 cup chicken stock

· 1 cup cream

· olive oil

· salt & pepper to taste

· Additional 1/2 cup of full cream milk or 1/2 evaporated milk

Season chicken breast w/ herbs , salt and pepper for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Set aside.

Heat sauce pan in low heat with butter. Saute onion for two minutes or until soft. Add the white wine and bring to boil. Add the chicken stock and let it boil. Add the grapes and cream while stirring. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add additional butter or evaporated if desired to overpower the wine. Cook for 3 minutes or until grapes are slightly soft. Set aside.

Brush the non-sticky grill pan with olive oil and heat the pan in low heat. Lay the chicken and cook each side for about 5 minutes.

Cut the chicken in 1cm thick slices and pour the sauce with grapes over chicken.

You can serve with rice or pasta.