Sherra's Taste of Life

JPOT Hot Pot (Singapore Style)

Our Singapore food adventure has just started. From hawker centers to air conditioned food republics, we feasted and braved on practically anything that looked enticing. Last weekend was Hot Pot time. Although our Din Tai Fung experience did not deliver as we expected, we're glad that our Hot Pot day went otherwise. My sister arrived a few days ago to give us support in settling down. Since it's her first time to visit Singapore, we were challenged to give her nothing but good impression of the country "food wise". So off we went to Vivo City to try JPOT's Hot Pot Singapore Style.

Our overall impression of the restaurant is good. It's the kind of place we would like to visit every now and then. More often than not on times that we would be craving for comfort food. The Jpot and Bak Kut Teh soups are the must try for the fresh stuffs. The seafood goes well with the Jpot and the Beef with the Bak Kut Teh. On the whole, I would rate this first Hot Pot Singapore style experience a 4 out of 5 spoons. We'll definitely go back.

February 11, 2010

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Singapore

Singapore's Din Tai Fung

Time does fly so fast. Yesterday, we celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary and I still couldn’t believe that I almost forgot about it. Blame it to all the fuss and the bustle that the relocation had brought us. Once in a while I feel that my mind is lost both literally and figuratively. Things are just a handful to manage for now. Anyway, for many years we always look forward to this day hence, we normally plan and prepare for it. This year marked our first to celebrate it outside the Philippines and a first to choose impromptu a place to dine. There's nothing fancy in terms of preparation, we just decided to have dinner outside.

Because I was so enamored by the Din Tai Fung experience in Taiwan, so much so that the memory of its taste kept lingering through out my palate, we opted to try one of its branches in Singapore (Jurong Point).

Xiao Long Bao

Fried Rice with Pork Chop

Pork Chop Noodles

Braised Beef Noodles

Unfortunately, much to my surprise and dismay it did not come as close as to what I had in Taiwan. All the while the claims of my Singaporean colleagues were right. For someone who had tried it straight from its origin, it’s just way beyond my expectations. If you have not tried any of those well-known succulent dimsum in Taiwan, then the ones in Singapore might pass as acceptable. But the Taiwan experience is just so good that this one I had in Singapore (particularly in Jurong Point branch) failed in comparison. I am craving for that juicy and soft bite of the “xiao long bao” but Singapore's version is just too dry and tough. Even the beef noodles lacks that flavourful character of the soup albeit the softness of the beef is there. Thank goodness! the fried rice with pork chop tasted well. I'm so worried we'll leave the place completely unsatisfied. Overall, this Din Tai Fung dining experience is filling for the tummy. In so far as making me wanting for more because of its taste, I hold some reservations.

February 09, 2010

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Singapore

Recreational Park

Singapore is known as a garden city. There's no wonder the small - city state boasts of lush greenery and rich nature reserves. The choice of gardens and parks is endless. Whatever you feel like doing, be it a family outing, picnic with friends or just a relaxing stroll, there is a perfect place for that. Most parks in the country are equipped with playgrounds, open fields, biking and jogging tracks, fitness stations and many more. We visited some and I was delighted to see how the parks were kept clean and well maintained. We particularly liked the fitness corner where one can actually use all the equipment for free. There's even a guide on how to perform a warm up / cool down exercise properly.

This place will certainly be on our list during weekends. :-)

February 08, 2010

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Singapore

Orchard Road

The infamous Orchard Road was our home for two weeks before we found a place somewhere in Choa Chu Kang North. Orchard road is the most popular shopping haven in Singapore. It's a long strip of shopping centers, food and business establishments. Among the many things that we liked frequenting here is the S$1 Ice Cream Cart. Personally, I developed a liking for the ice cream - wafer sandwich. Durian is simply awesome! There is nothing so sophisticated about the taste of this popular ice cream. But the flavor actually delivers and the mouthfeel is just right. For something that costs only a dollar, this is quite worth it.

Orchard road being the heart of the city is always flocked with people. For a much comfortable walk, we often times opt for an early morning or late night visit. Unless we intend to do some serious shopping we actually veer away from this area. For now I can attest, there's absolutely much more than just Orchard road in Singapore. But anyhow, among my favorites here are 313 Somerset (being the newest shopping mall in the street, it got the cleanest Food Republic as well), Ion (for the food hall that houses a wide array of international cuisines), Plaza Singapura (for it's good mix of retailers and merchandise), Wheelock Place (for its relatively big bookstore - Borders) and Ngee Ann City (for the renowned brands it carries other than that it remains to be the largest shopping mall in Orchard).

February 07, 2010

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Singapore

New Life in Singapore

It's been more than a month since we relocated to Singapore. Until today, I can't say that we have completely settled. Not yet, but we're certainly on our way there. The kids are getting by so well. As for me, I would say I am adjusting more to Singapore life than work in general. In as far as my career is concerned, I am happy to be back to my comfort zone. I did miss the customary taste and aroma of savoury. My olfactory senses are once again waiting to be challenged. I am truly back home but in one way or another I am absolutely not.

Day in and day out, new discoveries of this so called "expat life" unfold right before my eyes. There were times that I felt so blessed to be given the opportunity others was hoping for. Likewise, there were days of looking back and doubting the decision of the move. Especially so when I am being remembered of how comfortable life was back home. I think my previous boss said it well for me - "in order for someone to succeed in his life (that he has chosen), he must submit himself into it completely. He must not only try, he must live it". I couldn't agree more, that is just so true. Thus, I couldn't have only a slice of the Singapore life I must embrace its entirety. The road for me from here on is appreciation of the new life that we have. And with our new found home, it's good to be waking up each day greeted by this view from our bedroom. Indeed, there's much to be thankful for. Don't you think so?

February 03, 2010

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Travel Finds

The Best of Singapore (Part 2 of 3)

After roaming around Singapore’s rich natural reserve, it’s the city sights that we wandered the next days. First off is the now famous Singapore Flyer. With the construction of the flyer, the country has a new towering landmark next to Merlion. It is currently considered the largest observation wheel in the world; even larger than London Eye. It has a total of 28 air-conditioned capsules that serve as the observation decks. As soon as you get into the capsule, you will be taken into a half an hour tour of the city and its fascinating history. A free radio will be given to the guest and you just have to follow the voice prompt for the narration. No city cab driver is needed to know the bits and pieces of the country. It’s a no-sweat kind of sight-see, truly enjoyable.

As the flyer slowly ascends, you will be entertained by a panoramic view of the entire city and the popular uniquely Singapore milestones such as:

Merlion

Esplanade

Marina Bay

National Stadium

Soon to rise - Casino Park

The increasingly becoming popular Hippo Tour. We were not able to try this one, but will definitely look forward to it when we get back on January.

During this time of the year, Orchard Road truly enchants with the vibrant holiday decors and lights. We enjoyed numerous leisure walks day and night.

And finally to find the right "pasalubong" (souvenirs) to bring home, Bugis Village is the place to be! It is home to a wide array of choices of goods at very affordable prices.

coming up next.... Foods to savor in Singapore.

December 17, 2009

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Travel Finds

The Best of Singapore (Part 1 of 3)

We're back from our recent trip to Singapore. I must say that much has changed and progressed in the Lion City since the last time I visited there. To a great deal of delight, the country has a lot of new things to offer. The Singapore Flyer for instance and the Hop on Hop Off - Duck Tours were another must try experiences. What with the opening of the Universal Studios by January 2010? Indeed, Singapore never ceases to amaze its locals and tourists alike. The country definitely has always something new. That's why undoubtedly; no country is too small to dream big. I've seen this realized from everywhere I've looked in Singapore. But before we can have a taste of any of their new offerings, we feasted on what's available at the moment. So for this photo essay of our Singapore Trip, I tried to capture those that we considered are must haves and a pleasure to do.

The first in our list is the Jurong Bird Park. It’s a large habitat for a varied population of aviary. It is the best place to indulge into the colorful world of birds. We enjoyed in high heavens the bird show which is usually slated at 11 in the morning. This is the highlight of the visit. Hence, it's a must that you catch this one when you visit the park. I was taken back in childhood time and it sure was a feel good experience to have.

Next in the list is Singapore Zoo. It is home to a wide array of animals. Wild or tame, name it they have it. We underestimated its vastness so make sure you are armed with a good stamina and highly conditioned feet to do the trails.

Night Safari is being claimed as the first and only in the world. For such a big claim, it makes this attraction a must do when you visit Singapore. No visit to Singapore is complete without having been terrified and enthused at the same time by the Creatures of the Night Show. This animal tour is one good example of a uniquely Singapore experience.