MsCorby

Hi Darlings! mscorby's blog has moved to www.mscorby, effective last week. hahha...there will be more postings on food, so do update your bookmark!

Now, you peeps would probably be thinking about the subject line and wonder why I would say something like that and that's because, just this morning, when I logged in and saw a photo that my good friend Lup Cheong sent, I almost flipped and died from embarassment. The photo in question is non other than that taken on my secondary school prom night almost 10 years ago (cue: yikes!) and I looked older than I do now! Think 80s mama-san with 90s brownish-red lipstick and you'll know what I mean. And no, I'm not gonna upload the photo till I've recovered from the shock of it all!

Alright, now that I have gotten it out, I have to admit that I always have this fear of doing up my hair. My JC prom wasn't any better so it just adds to the tonnes of bad memories. SO...I'm worrying myself crazy that my hairdos on ROM and AD will make me look BAD BAD BAD! Which explains why I'm so particular about getting a good MUA and am trying so darn hard to find a nice hairstyle off the web to replicate. Some hairstyles that I'm considering...





So many to choose from yet nothing that I can be sure will definitely look good on me. Anyway, talking about hair and makeup, my gf, Angie, who just got married looked absolutely princessy and sweet on her wedding day 2 Saturdays back. The hairdo and makeup were both great! It was natural beauty at its best. In fact, she's so absolutely stunning I can't stop looking at her pictures. haha...and she's just such a picture of bliss together with her hubby J. Congrats to you both! May the love between you bloom forevermore!

My version of a banana split:



This was done on Tuesday night. Actually it was more like Y wanted to eat a banana split and there was one left in the kitchen and a tub of Low Fat Strawberry Cheesecake Yoghurt from Gelare (my all-time fave) in the freezer. And I so happened found a crescent shaped dish in the cupboard. haha...so there you go, my version even though it's melting beyond recognition cos I'm just so bad at scooping ice cream!

Alright, this post is for a friend,C getting married at the end of the year. Congrats once again my dear! :) Though I only got to know her for a very short period, I have to say we really clicked well when it comes to shopping since we are both such shopaholics or what I prefer to call "value-hunters"!

Anyway, both of us being shoes-crazy, I just realized Weddings (for both the bride and the guests) are GREAT excuses for trying and buying more shoes (at last count, think I should have about 60 pairs of heels??) to match all the different dresses. Now, my dearie Y will be screaming if he sees this since I told him I only have 35. hahah...

I also realized, after speaking to many brides-to-be, shoes somehow appear to be a headache for many of them, especially if they want something reasonably priced but yet unique for this one-time affair. So, I shall do everyone a favour here by listing some of my favorite places to get such shoes.

1) Alegra @ The Arcade
This shop started off selling cute-looking heels from Korea from a push-cart at Far East Square. The push-cart is still there, but they have opened another branch (a proper shop this time) at Raffles Place, The Arcade. Anyway, they have 2 range of shoes. The cheaper ones are about $39.90 and the more expensive one starts from $69.90 I think. I much prefer the latter though since they're leather and the designs are always so much nicer. Anyway here's a silverish-grey 3.5 inches pair that I bought this week, inspired by a pair from Christian Louboutin's S/S 2007 collection , right down to the red sole though not quite in the right shade of red.





They have tonnes more of such pretty heels and one white peeptoes with a ribbon and diamantes at the shin that would be great for wedding gowns. So do check it out.

2) Nue @ Paragon
Think this shop doesn't need much introduction since they advertise all the time in bridal mags. I really lurve the pair shown here but the sizes do run quite big. Size 36 is almost like a local size 6.


Photo Courtesy of Style Wedding

3) D'Sire @ Amoy Street
If you like sparkly, crystal and sequin-embellished strappy heels, this is the place for you. Can't remember if their shoes are manufactured in Thailand or Vietnam though. Price from $89. Shop during their sale for even greater value. One pair that I wanted (UP: $139) was going for only $59 (too bad no size).

4) Rachael G @ Clifford Centre
Sometimes, just sometimes they have pretty quirky looking yet nice party shoes. But they're definitely affordable. Don't think I have seen anything more than $70 here.

5) OG and Metro
These two departmental stores are great for very reasonably priced and good quality party shoes. For OG, their house brand, Sarrer offers a very wide range of designs and the best about it is somehow I have never seen anyone wearing the same pair as me (read: not C&K common)!

6) Tangs Studio
Think this one needs no mention for people fo my generation. Prom shoes from here were HUGE during my time. I'm glad to say they're still as trendy as ever :)

This quaint little place near my office is a real gem. When I first discovered it, courtesy of some of my Jap-Food crazy friends, it was relatively unknown and we could walk in without so much of a reservation even though there really are a limited no. of seats.

The menu here is really small, though exquisite in a very home-cooked kind of way. They also served a tasting menu which I will not elaborate since Chubby Hubby had done a fantastic job of describing it.

I am only interested in exhorting the virtues of the basket of appetizers which just blows me away with its presentation.



Of course, I have to let you know that the tamago, potato salad and the spinach is the best amongst this basket of 6! Do try the cheese ball-like dish as well. It's like the typical mozzarella cheese stick that you get in your American fast-food chain but a lot less oily, so you can truly savour and enjoy it without having to live in fear of an expanding waist line (or so I try to convince myself).



Overall, a truly quaint place with much emphasis on service and presentation, just as the Japanese are known for. The ambience is great for a tete-a-tete with a few girlfriends.


Wacha
14 Ann Siang Road #01-01
Singapore 069694
Tel: +65 6438 1553

This is Japanese casual dining at its best! Not so much in terms of food but in terms of service. Don't get me wrong, the food is great for the price, but the service of the wait staff is the star here.

I visited this place thrice in the past month at both the Central and Marina Square branches. And each time, they continue to surprise me with the little things that they do to keep customers like me going back.

During my first visit, they forgot my dessert and when I told them to cancel since I was in a rush, they actually thought I was angry and promptly came back with 5 $2 Apology Vouchers! And when I walked out, the manager kept bowing and apologizing!

2nd visit was to the Marina Square branch. There was a queue as usual, and they offered coke to everyone in the queue. I had to say that it's also a lot more systematic and efficient at the Marina Square branch.

3rd time was yesterday when I went there with Y for lunch. It was late so there wasn't really a queue. Y tried the Vongole in Wafu Cream Sauce with fettucine and it turned out pretty good. I'm not a fan of cream sauce as I always find it too rich but this one was really savoury and it actually tasted low-fat! hahaha...those who love their cream sauce though might find the sauce a tad too watery for their liking.

I, on the other hand ordered the Demi-Glace Hamburg Steak, which took eons to come. We actually finished the pasta and had to check with the waitress, twice on the order. And even after the waitress realized the order had never been put in, it still took a good 20mins for it to arrive. And did I mention that the complimentary salad never did arrive until I asked them about it halfway through the vongole? Typically, by now I would be in fits, making bitchy remarks about the restaurant's lack of a system in an audible enough tone so that all those sitting around me will hear what I'm complaining about. But since it was a Saturday, and I had just collected my 2 new dresses plus the fact that the waitress did seem genuinely apologetic, I decided to let it go.

When the hamburg steak arrived, I had no complaints. It was sizzling on the hot plate and the tiny sides of potatos, corns and carrots were cooked perfectly to my liking. The potatos were soft on the inside with the skin slightly crispy; the corns were the frozen sort but sweet enough for me to forgive them; and the baby carrots were sweet and not too soft.



Then just as I was bursting at the seams and getting the check, the surprise came. The waitress came with 2 complimentary servings of a wonderfully smooth, creamy and not too sweet ice cream, topped with corn flakes, strawberries and chocolate sauce as a gesture of apology for screwing up our order.

Now, I'm very particular about vanilla ice cream. In fact, there're very few which I would gladly swallow and this almost met the cut. It wasn't bursting with the flavor of vanilla beans, but it was creamy enough without the nauseating milk solids taste so common in many other vanilla ice cream. In short, it's balanced. So balanced that I actually finished 2/3 of it even though I was already very full. The very crispy corn flakes are a nice juxtaposition as well. In fact, I think I'll eat all my vanilla ice cream with that in future!



The ice cream certainly left a wide grin on my face the whole day. Nothing beats seeing a restaurant realizing its mistake and trying to make amendments. These little gestures are what make them stand out and they should form the benchmark of the service industry in Singapore.

So once again, I was a very satisfied customer even though this is not their 1st mistake. So happy was I that I will overlook these little mistakes and gladly return to the cafe soon.



Pasta de Waraku - The Central Branch
6 Eu Tong Sen Street
#02-82/83 The Central
Singapore 059817
Tel:6534-8085 (No reservations after 7pm)

It's been more than a week since I last posted anything. Blame it on work and my laziness (yes, I hear you...it's actually more of the latter). In any case, I'm back with more food reviews!

Shall do one 1st. This is my all-time favorite laksa. My description of it probably wouldn't do it justice. Just know that everytime I think about it, like now...I'll be salivating!

The laksa in question is Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Claypot Laksa. It's actual location though is at Alexandra Village Food Centre. And no, the "branch" at Market Street Carpark doesn't even come close! In fact, that "branch" has no relation to Zhen Shan Mei at all!

It's the stall with the Red Signboard

I have been eating this claypot laksa for a long time and I have to say, the standard's consistent every time even after the original lady boss passed on the business to whom I assume is the son (he used to help her with the collection of money). The gravy's nice and thick and exudes the fragrance that only comes with the addition of a lot of coconut milk. And I mean a lot, so this is definitely not for those on a diet.

Then there's the big and fresh cockles which makes me wonder who the supplier is because I could never get such big, fat ones from anywhere else. Coupled with the "boiled-to-death" tau pok (fried beancurd for the uninitiated) and the presentation in a claypot, which literally keeps everything piping hot throughout the entire meal, it is just my idea of the perfect laksa! Of course, there' re other ingredients like shredded chicken, fish cake and even prawns for the bigger sized portion but these are almost redundant ingredients to me.

There is however something that I never quite figured out. When you're in line queueing, take note of how the server will cover the claypot and remove it almost immediately before serving it to you. In fact, the claypot is covered all for like...2s?! Exactly what is the point, someone please enlighten me.

And while you're there, do wash down your fire hot and chilli hot laksa with the aid of the grass jelly drink 2 stalls to the left of Zhen Shan Mei. It's great just because the auntie uses finely shaved ice in the drink and it's not too sweet. Just the perfect end to a wonderful meal!

Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Claypot Laksa
Blk 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-75 Alexandra Village
Singapore 150120
Business Hour: 8:30am - 3:30pm

Shall do another food blog today since my dinner left much to be desired. Can't possibly starve my soul the same way, can I? Will keep it short though and just do a simple comparison of two muffin shops that most people working in the Raffles Place - Tanjong Pagar area often speak so highly of.

First, Chocolat N' Spice. This is actually the branch. Original one's at Shunfu market which I've NEVER had the chance to eat from since they close before I knock off on weekdays, and don't open late enough on Saturdays for me to wake up on time.

SO....there you have it. It wasn't until I started becoming a pathetic working class citizen at Raffles Place that I tried the muffins. And boy should I have made the effort to wake up earlier on Saturdays. The number of years spent not knowing that such great muffins existed while ingesting those rock-hard pastry that some bakeries would have you believe is the actual muffin.

What I like about the muffins here is that they are moist, fragrant, soft, not too sweet and chock-ful of ingredients. I especially LURVE the banana and walnut muffin where you actually get pieces of walnut sticking out the crust! And the aroma just reminds you of fresh bananas, not banana essence, mind you. And at $1 to $1.20, it's a real steal!

The other flavors like orange cheese, blueberry, and chocolate chips are all hot favorites, at least with my family. But for me, nothing brightens my day like a good old banana walnut. Trust me, you won't go wrong. Just make sure you go for late lunch before queueing for the muffins. The wait is much shorter (typically I only have to queue about 10mins after 2pm).

So for those who do not yet have the luxury of tasting these heavenly muffins, here's a picture to whet your appetite!

Yummylicious Muffins!

On to the other muffin shop. Bake_of is actually a muffin stall found on the 2nd level of Amoy Food Centre. They typically sell out by 230pm and have shorter queues so going during lunch time is okay.

The muffins are freshly baked at the stall itself, and they do not use butter. So for the weight conscious, this is definitely for you! But bear in mind, no butter also usually mean less or even no aroma. At the same time, the muffin is also less "fluffy" and much drier. Nevertheless, if eaten straight from the oven, it's still quite enjoyable.

Muffins here are all selling at $1 only. Blueberry and Oats and Raisin is what I would recommend if you buy from this stall. BUT please please don't get the mixed fruits unless you like those preserved dried fruits found in fruit cakes. It's so artifical tasting, I had to dig out the fruits piece by piece when I once had the unfortunate experience of eating it.

Here's a pic of the muffins from Bake_of. Looks the same but the tastes...hmm....think you should know by now who I'm rooting for.

Muffins from Bake_of

Chocolat N' Spice
Blk 1 Tanjong Pagar Road
#01-18 Tanjong Pagar Plaza
Singapore 082001
Tel: (65) 9276 2110

Bake_of
Amoy Street Food Centre
7 Maxwell Road #02-128

Alright, I know I really shouldn't be shopping anymore. But just can't help myself from getting these 2 items...

Bahiga Dress from GoJane

Isaac Mizrahi Trapunto Dress from Target

I like the first for its jaquared material. Reminds me a little of the material that they used for the cheongsam. With the update into a halter party dress, isn't it a lot more unique and wearable?

As for the 2nd, alright I admit I really want it after watching Hairspray. Absolutely love the 60s dresses in the show. The full skirt and the tulle netting...so pretty and romantic!

So anyone who has information on any ongoing sprees from these 2 places, please let me know asap! I'll be eternally greatful! Muacks!

This restaurant is one of my latest find. I'm not a big fan of chinese restaurants and I only ever go there with my parents. BUT I had wanted to try this particular one for the longest time in part because of its location, of which I had memories of the 18 levels of hell. haha...it just amuses me somehow to this date.

In any case, on the pretext of finding the perfect, unique, quaint place for my actual day wedding dinner (have I mentioned how much I abhor/detest/loathe wedding dinners in hotel?), I brought my future hubby, Y and my FILs (future-in-laws for the uninitiated) here on a whim one Tuesday evening for some "food tasting".

What struck me first was the entrance of the place. The courtyard in front of the main entrance, together with the bird cages hanging on the surrounding trees seemed like a scene that leapt out of a cantonese martial arts drama serial.

The interior was classy and polished, and had more of a modern chinese decor than the outside. The 1st dining hall was flanked by bamboo shoots and 2 libraries by the side of the entrance. Past the kitchen, to the right is the entrance to the museum where you can take a tour recounting our Chinese forefathers' lives in early Singapore.

On to the food. 1st on the list was the fish maw bisque. Very interesting dish and infinitely better than the usual shark's fin soup. The soup was thick and creamy, with loads of other good stuff inside. Next up was the pan fried foie gras with peking duck. I have read reviews that made it sound like a terrible combination, but I actually find the taste very balanced for this dish. Though the foie gras is a tad too overpowering for the peking duck skin, but I could still taste a hint of it. Coupled with the biscotti at the bottom, this dish is almost complete!

Then Y and I shared the lamb with a unique mint sauce and tried the beef tenderloin of my FILs, all of which were great. In fact, better than what a lot of supposed western restaurants serve. The wasabi prawns that came next was beautiful, both in its presentation and tastes. Placed in a bird's nest like basket and adorned with small pieces of strawberries, which juxtaposes nicely with the richness of the wasabi sauce, this dish was simply divine (I had the pumpkin prawns the next time which was even better, but that's for another post)!

Finally, we had the tofu (it was in a weird greenish color) with assorted mushrooms and vegetables which was a refreshing change after all the rich tastes earlier and the supposed famous bee hoon which was really nothing to shout about. I was so full by then that I couldn't stomach the dessert but from my experience later, I am going to recommend that you save your stomach, by hook or by crook, for at least the orh-nee (teochew yam dessert) served in coconut. You will not regret.

Overall, the experience was great and I did end up going back again and again. The manager, Sam, was great too though I can't say the same for the rest of the service staff. And, in case it's of any interests, I was told the chef used to be from Summer Pavilion at Ritz. Oh, and by the way, I did eventually decide that this is it for my wedding dinner!

Made in China
Hua Song Museum, Haw Par Villa
262 Pasir Panjang Road
Tel: 6777-7819

While I'm at it, might as well post up some of the old reviews that I've posted on hungrygowhere.com.

First off, will post on this perennial favorite of mine. WAH! Noogee House at Carlton Hotel, is what I would call a good alternative to Singaporean's favorite Cantonese cafe, Crystal Jade Kitchen! First started eating here during lunch hours in early 2006 when it first opened and even then as a new establishment, I couldn't find fault with anything.

Food's from Wah Lok's kitchen and so obviously there's a certain standard there. The usual suspects' are all available. The har gau, century egg porridge, radish cake and fried beancurd skin roll are good. The fried kway teow is even better (and I have to thank a friend, K, for that as I never eat fried kway teow when there're better dim sum alternatives around). I also like the fact that when I ordered the soya sauce chicken noodles and requested for drumstick, there was no extra charge! More Singaporean hawkers should learn from that! Basically whatever I have tried so far is good, just don't expect the service to be equal.

Would recommend this place for brunch, cheap dinner, and when you really don't feel like queueing up at Crystal Jade.

ps. will try to upload pix to this post soon.

Wah! Noogee house
Carlton Hotel Singapore
Level 1, 76 Bras Basah Road
Tel: 6311-8250

I have wanted to start a blog for the longest time to consolidate all my food reviews, tips on wedding prep and online shopping on other forums into one place. But alas, for those who knows me, getting started is often the most difficult for me. So it's just as well that a bout of food poisoning has kept me home for the past 2 days, with absolutely nothing to occupy my wandering mind (not even to eat or drink!) so much so that the moment I'm well enough to get out of bed, I'm at the computer starting up this blog.

As I was customizing my blog, it also just occured to me that it's Sep 11 today! Hence the subject "Strange Beginnings" for indeed, it is strange that I'm starting a whole new life in cyberspace on the 6th anniversary of a major disastrous ending. But oh wells, isn't it always said that death is just the beginning of another journey (most of the time, a better one too)?

So let the beginning of this blog be a wonderful one! And I promise, as much as possible, I'll update it at least once a week with interesting snippets of what I have experienced and learnt. Nuovo Inizio!