Fruity Paradise

I first came across Fruit Paradise among the mad crowd in Manpuku (Tampines). You can now tantalize your taste buds at Fruit Paradise in Orchard Central with a lesser crowd! This new branch also serves a reasonable list of food other than their renowned fruit tarts. It's now time for a taste test!

Soft Shell Crab Salad, S$8.80

Was slightly disappointed with the soft shell crab salad. The presentation was reasonable but the soft shell crab is cold and it was no longer crispy. The salad will be more enjoyable if they are able to fry the soft shell crab before serving and plate it side by side with the salad.

Mushroom Curry Rice, S$12.80

The well flavored, crunchy mushrooms are delightful and go very well with rice.

Golden Black Curry Rice, S$14.80

What? Black curry? The unusual name intrigued me and I had to try this.

Both the golden and black curry was thick and fragrant. There are bits of pork slices in the golden curry but the portion was quite miserable. The black curry was quite interesting as it has a strong hint of black sesame seeds.

Strawberry Montblanc, S$8.30

A sweet note to end the meal. The strawberry montblanc had finally done some justice to Fruit Paradise. The skillfully decorated fruit tart is pleasing to the eye. Well balanced texture of the fresh strawberries, thick cream and crunchy tart base goes well in harmony with each other. The sweetness was perfect.

Fruit Paradise

181 Orchard Road
#05-51/52 Orchard Central
65099920

Opening Hours: Daily: 11.30am - 10pm

Food:
Ambience:
Value:
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This article is also publish on The Temasek Review
The Temasek Review is an internet newspaper which aims to provide an independent, balanced and unbiased coverage on socio-political affairs in Singapore.

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone a fabulous Christmas and a blessed New Year ahead!

Sukiyaki

Yes, you can have sukiyaki at home, fuss free! I did not have a steamboat or a portable stove at home, so I serve the dish immediately piping hot with Japanese rice that goes so well with the sauce.

Ingredients

* 1 pound thinly sliced beef * It tastes better if the beef slices are very thin.
* 3-5 shiitake mushrooms
* 1 block enoki mushrooms
* 1/2 Chinese cabbage
* 5 spring onion (use mainly the white portion)
* 1/2 yellow onion
* 1 tofu (silky or fried)

* For sukiyaki sauce:
* 1/2 cup soy sauce / 1/2 mirin / 1 tbspn sugar / 1 cup water
* For dipping: 2 eggs

Directions

Cut all ingredients into bite-sized pieces. Arrange all ingredients on a large plate and place the plate at the table.

Mix soy sauce, sugar, stock, and mirin together in a bowl.

Add oil to the skillet and heat. Brown meat in the oil. Remove meat from the skillet when well browned.

Add other vegetables, keeping each separate. Add sauce and cover. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Uncover and turn all ingredients while cooking 2 minutes more. Add meat when ready to serve.

Photography by Jeff Boyle

Now this is what I call SASSY!

5 Steps to Becoming a Model

Want to be a part of the glamorous and sexy modeling industry? Let's start with identifying the competitive and complex insides of this industry with some realistic tips.
Step 1: Understanding the Type of Model You Are Fashion Model A fashion model is a model that is often hired to promote apparel and clothing. The most typical type of fashion model is a runway model who works in a fashion show. Requirements for a fashion model include: Height requirement: Female 170cm / Male 180cm Meet specific clothing size measurements and long legs are preferred
Event / Promotional Model An event model works at either a convention or a trade show. In Singapore, this is the most common type of model. They are often seen in car shows, IT shows and all types of roadshows. Requirements for an event model includes: Pleasant looking Meet specific characteristics requirements to demonstrate a product. (e.g., Fair skin for skin whitening products, long hair for hair products)
Face / Print Model A print model is hired to model a specific product for photographs found in magazines, newspapers and all other forms of advertisements. To be a successful commercial print model, there may not be any specific requirements. However, you must be comfortable providing a variety of looks, emotions or body postures during a photo shoot.
Specialty / Body Parts Model A specialty model only models a part of his or her body (e.g., hands, legs, torso, neck, hair or feet.) Such models are often used in photo shoots for products such as jewelry, watches and shoes. Requirements for a specialty model include: Flawless body parts. No scars, blemishes or wrinkles on specific body parts to be modeled.
Step 2: Building Your Portfolio As a model, you need to promote yourself. You will need professional photographs of yourself to start off your portfolio. You can either engage a professional photographer or collaborate with photographers on a TFCD basis. TFCD / TFP, (Time For CD / Time for Print) is a collaboration between a model and a photographer. The job is usually unpaid for both parties and the model will receive a CD or prints of some or all of the shots taken during the shoot in exchange for her time. You can join websites like clubsnap.com or modelmayhem.com to network with hobbyist, freelance or even professional photographers to collaborate for a TFCD photo shoot. Guidelines to Building Your Portfolio Always use a professional photographer. Make sure you screen the photographer's portfolio before agreeing to a photo shoot. If you do not like what you see, often you will not get something you like. Never work with only one photographer. It will be best to work with several photographers to gather a variety of style for your portfolio. Use only the best photos. Do not include all your photos with similar poses and backgrounds in your portfolio. Use a variety of pictures, including different angles, body postures, profiles, hair styles and expressions. Dare to be different!
Step 3: Do Your Homework Do not expect modeling jobs to land on of your doorsteps. The modeling industry can be extremely competitive and bitchy. It might appear glamorous and breezy to be a model, but the actual fact is that a lot of research is required and there can be many pitfalls. Modeling Agencies Research reputable modeling agencies. One reputable resource is the Association of Modelling Industry Professionals (AMIP). In Singapore, we are able to find just a handful of accredited modeling agencies on the AMIP website: http://www.amip.sg/agencies.htm There are several small scale modeling agencies but make sure to do your homework to avoid getting scammed. Black and White You need to study legal documents such as engagement letters, model release forms, talent agreements, etc, to fully understand what you are getting yourself into. Avoid situations where you are tied down exclusively to one agency and the agency is unable to get you any modeling jobs. Monkey See Monkey Do Spend time looking at magazines and modeling websites. The main aim is not to follow exactly what other models do but to learn from them and enhance your own image.
Step 4: Join an Agency It is not mandatory to join any modeling agency. However major modeling jobs are often offered via agencies. Be extremely aware of scam agencies. A prominent example will be a suspicious modeling "scout" who approaches you in MRT stations or Orchard road telling you that they want to engage you as their model. Always do your homework and research modeling agencies, their projects and clientele listing. Avoid any agencies that require you to: Pay upfront fees. May it be signing fees, membership or evaluation fees, a real agency will never require you to pay any money upfront. Paid courses or photo shoots - If the agencies require you to pay for makeup, modeling courses or photo shoots to build up your portfolio. They are more than likely interested in earning your money rather than acting as your agent to get modeling deals. Too good to be true - There's no such things as guaranteed jobs or high initial salary. If the agency sounds suspicious or too good to be true, bail out immediately.
Step 5: Improve Yourself! In modeling, you are the trump card to making an impact! Start looking gorgeous! You will need to start proper grooming and a skin care regimen right away! Eating right and exercising regularly is also highly recommended. Essential skills also include the ability to apply basic makeup, posing comfortably in front of the camera and having reasonable fashion sense. You can also improve yourself by attending courses that teach you how to apply makeup, modeling and how to dress properly. Conclusion Not everybody will emerge to be the next top model especially in countries like Singapore where advertisers still favor Caucasians over Asian models. But never give up, work hard to pursue your dreams and protect yourself on your way to becoming a successful model. Credits: Model : Novia Lim, Welna Yeo, Angela Kiyomi Photographer: Satch, Leng Keong, Jeff Boyle

This article is also publish on The Temasek Review
The Temasek Review is an internet newspaper which aims to provide an independent, balanced and unbiased coverage on socio-political affairs in Singapore.

Hearty Chicken Soup

Caught a cold during the rainy season? Have some hearty chicken soup that's power packed with nutrients and guarantee to warm up your body.

Ingredients

* 1/2 chicken or 3-4 slices of chicken breasts
* 4 carrots, diced
* 2 potatoes, diced
* 2 corns, cut into smaller portion
* 4 stalks celery, diced
* 4 big tomatoes, quartered
* 1 large onion, quartered
* water to cover
* salt and pepper to taste
* 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules (optional)

Directions

1. Put the chicken, carrots, celery, potatoes, tomatoes, corn and onion in a large soup pot and cover with cold water. Heat and simmer, uncovered, until the chicken meat falls off of the bones (skim off foam every so often).
2. Take everything out of the pot. Strain the broth. Pick the meat off of the bones. Season the broth with salt, pepper and chicken bouillon to taste, if desired. Return the chicken, carrots, celery, potatoes, tomatoes, corn and onion to the pot, stir together, and serve.

Basque Chicken Stew

You may throw your campbells away after tasting this stew. A great dish that you can dump the ingredients into a slow cooker, get out to office and simply enjoy it after a day of work.

Ingredients

* 6 slices bacon, diced
* 8 ouces mushrooms, sliced
* 1 red bell pepper, cut in 1-inch squares (or use roasted red peppers from jar)
* 1 green bell pepper, cut in 1-inch squares
* 1 bunch green onions sliced in 1/2-inch, about half of green included
* 4 chicken breast halves, boneless, cut in 1/2- to 1-inch chunks
* 1 can (4oz) sliced ripe olives
* 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
* 3 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 (14.5 oz) can tomatoes
* 1/4 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper or mixture of black and red pepper

Directions

Saute bacon until browned. Add mushrooms, peppers, and green onions and saute for a minute. Add vinegar and cook 1 minute more, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Set aside.

Place chicken in a 3 1/2 -quart or larger slow cooker. Add sauteed bacon and vegetable mixture to the pot, then the olives. Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl and mix. Pour over chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.

The Stock Pot

Went by Esplanade for a show and made a return visit to The Stock Pot.


Lobster & Crab Bisque, $7.90

The lobster & crab bisque made quite an impression with it's rich and creamy consistency with reasonable amount of crab meat which taste sweet and fresh. The bread today was however a bit disappointing as the base was slightly wet and it tasted as if it was left outside for a tad too long.


Bacon & Cheese Sandwich, $7.90

It was a delight to have nicely toasted fresh focaccia bread. The cheese was slightly melted and the bacon was not too salty. The hints of nuttiness from the rocket leaves were very pleasing.

Orders of soup and sandwich/salad comes with complimentary drink(can lemon tea) and dessert (Lime and vanilla ice cream stick)

The combination of a classic sandwich and a good bowl of warm soup on a chilling night? Perfect.

The Stock Pot

8 Raffles Avenue
#01-01 Esplanade Mall
64384140

Opening Hours:
Thu–Sun
11am – 9.30pm
Fri–Sat & PH Eve
11am – 10.30pm

Food:
Ambience:
Value:
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Blueberry Ice Cream

There's two lovely tubs of blueberries in my fridge and I thought it will be nice to whip up some home made ice cream.

Ingredients

* 2 cups blueberries, cleaned
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup milk
* 1-1/2 cups heavy cream

Directions

Two cups of lovely blueberries (rubies!).



Bring blueberries, sugar, and salt to a boil over medium heat. Mash berries while stirring. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.




Purée mixture with milk just until smooth. Stir in cream. Strain mixture and chill for at least 2 hours or up to 1 day.

What do you do when your guy is out for drinking session???

Throw your chores aside and PAMPER yourself with a lovely ice chilled bottle of sparkling wine with the flowers he bought!

*Kiaks!*

PS: And watch a chick flick DVD!

Food Fanatic - Creative At Work

Been wanting to roast vegetables for the longest time but I do not have an oven and only have induction stove............

I am 1000%%% sure that roasted bell pepper sauce will go so well with my pan fried pork chop tonight. Determined to roast some bell peppers, I got creative............................... *Kiaks!*




It smoked my entire apartment but the results were WORTH it. =P

Tomato Eggs

Sometimes it is comforting to have simple food.

Ingredients

4 large eggs
8 oz. fresh tomato (cut into thin wedges)
1 teaspoon shaoxing wine (optional)
1/2 teaspoon oyster sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 dashes white pepper powder
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon soy sauce
3 tablespoons cooking oil

Directions

Break the eggs into a bowl and beat the eggs until they break thoroughly. Add salt, sesame oil, shaoxing wine, white pepper powder, oyster sauce and lightly beat to blend well. Set aside.

Heat up a wok with 2 tablespoons cooking oil. Add the egg mixture into the wok, and use your spatula to spread the eggs. Keep stirring until the eggs form lumps. Gently break the lumps into smaller pieces. As soon as the eggs are cooked, dish out and set aside.

Clean the wok and heat it up again with 1 tablespoon cooking oil. Drop the tomato wedges into the wok and do a few quick stirs. Add sugar and water into the tomatoes. Cover it with the lid and let it cook for about 30 seconds. Transfer the eggs and chopped scallions into the tomatoes, stir-fry for 30 seconds or so. You can add some soy sauce if you like it more savory. Dish out and serve immediately.

Men-Tei : Ramen & the City

When you are in CBD and craving for a bowl of ramen, regulars will know where they should head off to. Men-Tei Ramen is smack in the middle of Robinson Road and a long queue will start forming by the strike of lunch time.


They have four main types of ramen.

• Tonkotsu / spicy tonkotsu ramen
• Miso ramen / spicy miso ramen
• Shio ramen
• Shoyu ramen

Men-Tei’s signature ramen? Tonkotsu ramen. It’s served with pork broth that’s known to be boiled over high heat for more than 9 hours.

They have a spicy version that adds some twist to cater to local taste buds. What intrigues me is that they charge different pricing for different level of spiciness.

Miso ramen – Men-Tei uses a secret blend of different miso pastes from Japan. They also have a spicy version known to add additional “kick” to for their miso fans.

Shio ramen – Made from another secret recipe with a blend of sea salt that’s seasoned in different types of seafood. If you prefer a lighter taste or not a big fan of pork broth you can opt for this ramen as it’s served in chicken and fish broth.

Shoyu ramen – Replacing salt with soy sauce, you will have a different ramen that’s light yet rich tasting.


Tonkotsu ramen, S$14.00 nett

My pick was the signature ramen. The noodles were slightly soft but you can request for a more chewy texture if that is your preference. Smooth and rich broth with a good balance of greens and bamboo shoots.


Spicy miso ramen, S$14.50 nett

My friend had spicy miso ramen for the day. The spicy level was mild, comfortable and does not overpower the miso taste.


I have to highlight their perfect tamago (hard-boiled egg) with a runny yolk consistency. The egg has a light tint of shoyu marinate and the runny egg yolk blends perfectly into the broth.


Yakibuta, S$4.00 nett

Nobody will never complain about too much yakibuta (grilled pork) slices. Hence, I ordered more to share! Dunk the pork slices into your broth and let it melt in your mouth with a sweet and aromatic after taste.

I’ve noticed that they have increased their ramen pricing from $13 to $14. It’s a dollar hike, but it’s still worth returning to.

Men-Tai Ramen

61 Robinson Road
01-01
64384140
Opening Hours: 11:00-15:00, 18:00-22:00
Close on Sat, Sun and Public Holidays

Food:
Ambience:
Value:
Service :

This article is also publish on The Temasek Review
The Temasek Review is an internet newspaper which aims to provide an independent, balanced and unbiased coverage on socio-political affairs in Singapore.