Asian Kitchen at Bugis Plus

The Asian Kitchen at Bugis Plus (the old illuma)

This was really a very satisfying meal. The sauteed beans with salted egg yolk was so fragrant with the kind of wok-smell and it's texture was just right with that mere degree of crunch that doesnt bother you as raw. The braised meat rice/noodles were so yummy! It's absolutely scrumptious. Full of flavors, the meat were lean and tender. They're very inexpensive too, although the portions were reallllyyy small. Dearie actually ordered 1 more portion to get full. And I needed dessert to complete my meal. Hee. The mango sago was very very nice too, it's unlike the normal ones you have. Apart from sweet mango cubes, it's made of mango sherbet that wasnt too sweet. Generous sago with that dash of coconut milk makes it smell wonderful. 

One thing you have to note is, I seemed to notice different Asian Kitchen outlets have different menus. So not all outlets serve the same dishes.

After our dinner, I went to buy a plushie for a dear friend who was hospitalized. She had to do a surgery too, poor thing. So I bought her this to cheer her up!! So cute righttttt~~~~ Still got a diaper one with a winter hood too!! Hope she get well soon!

Actually all along I dont really like plushies, I also dont know why. Can you imagine I dont own a single plushie? Lol. Okie I think I did have a Stitch before, which a guy friend bought for me. He probably thought all girls like it....but imagine my "zzz" face when I received the surprise gift. Haha. But it's a super cute Stitch because it talks and responds differently when you say different things to him! 

I bought Rilakkuma for my friend because I know she likes it. =D And dont know why.....suddenly....I feel Rilakkuma is really kinda cute too!! Casually mentioned it to dearie....and one day he came home and surprised me with Plushie too!!! 

This is much bigger than the one I bought for my friend, and it's body, hands and legs are filled with sand so they're bendable. So cute! It's super duper soft and comfy to hug! Just looking at it makes me happy. Haha. Ahhhh.........maybe it has to do with age, I also dont know why the suddenly change in me. =P

Thanks my dear!! Smuacks!!!!

March 2014 4days 3 nights Phuket trip @ Swissotel Phuket Resort

A very much overdue post. Nevertheless, a very memorable and enjoyable trip with dear hubby, with compliments from company.

Many of my colleagues had the same package but I heard some grumbling that they had to drag their luggage up to as high as 4 storeys of stairs just because the hotel doesnt have a lift. Fortunately, we were given the ground level without even requesting it specifically. I guess it's our lucky trip. =D It also means we're a stone's throw away from the pool.

I think ours is a suite? Ahhh....I guess so(since it comes with a quite a big rectangular living room), I'm not even sure.

 (Beware the pool gets deeper and deeper as it gets further away from the bar, as deep as 1.8m. No security guard)

Other than a few restaurants, cafes, tailors, a mini mart and Kamala beach within walking distance, you need transport for other day/night markets, shopping and beaches. Cab fare is extremely expensive, like maybe more than S$60. The hotel provides transport to the town for shopping. There is this Friday and Sunday markets with some shopping. Cant say the shopping are fantastic as compared to BKK as Phuket is a tourists place but well....you can find a few gems. If you're interested, do book your holiday during the weekend.

 We had been settling our meals more than 4 times at this non-airconditioned humble cafe called Jasleen near the hotel. It was SO GOOD. Dearie and I concluded it's the best thai food(although the dishes we ordered are not super thai-style) we ever had, even after compared with those we had in BKK. The prices are reasonable, as I can say, and somehow, during the daytime, there is a 20% off too. Service is good too.

Pictures of some of the different dishes we had for the whole 4days 3 nights trip.

Best crab cakes every! Very crispy and I actually screamed when I saw a whole prawn inside. 

Very fresh and not oily at all. 

Seasonal vegetables. Such a simple dish but it can taste so nice.

Fried fish with garlic. I've forgotten what sauce it was accompanied with but it's a must condiment.

The fish is so fresh and nicely fried with no muddy spell at all.

Some omelette. Surprisingly, this is forgettable. You can skip this.

Chilli lala. Hmm this is okie but cant be compared with our Singapore famous Chilli lala.

Same fish. =D

Broccoli with prawns. Also nice. =)

We actually walked a super long distance(more than 30mins) to another beach...and tried this restaurant, Lillo Island by the sea. The food is more expensive than Jasleen, but sadly, not better. 

 

During the night, we did try another restaurant, this one with a much better ambiance, Baan mai. Lol. No air condition but it's feel is like a bar restaurant. There's a high table where angmos sipped beer as well as a pool table. We played awhile...I think it was complimentary. 

This time round, I decided to order western food as we had been having thai food for many meals already.

Appetizers: Escargots. Ahhh........it was okay but not a must-order

This is my tenderloin steak with blue cheese sauce. However, the sauce is like tasteless and I requested for another sauce(mushroom or black pepper, I dont rem); it's much better. The steak was very nicely done to my preferred medium rare doneness. Quite juicy. The mash was pretty lumpy though.

Dearie's tom yum soup. Not much comments.

Hmmm..........we didnt went back the 2nd time. 

Back to nua-ing in the hotel after buying back some juice and beer from the nearby mini-mart. 

Bliss. =D

Breakfast. Ahhh..........nothing much to comment. At the egg station, the chef couldnt understand that I want poached egg....as much as I tried to describe...... =(

  

Cute kitty I saw in one of the tailor shops. However, we didnt make any clothes at this shop because there's not much cloth to choose from.

I made 1 ladies suit each from 2 different tailors: Armani and Bobby. Hmm, it's around 2 hundred plus SGD for each, dont quite remember. I like the cutting/style as well as the cloth from Armani better. Of course, remember to bargain. Dont expect classy services though. If guys tailoring shirts with detailing, be sure to draw properly, indicate which cloth properly, take pictures etc. Else they can really mess up and still insists you to pay. Be firm, however, dont get into an argument with them. Of course, tailor your suits early so that they have ample time to alter.

One super attitude kitty at the hotel. Fierce till~~~~ =P

Ahhhhh..........soooo lemming for another trip with dearie again...... =(

Review: Staycation at Bay Hotel with Groupon

So I came across this amazing deal on Groupon that a night's stay at Bay Hotel in their DELUXE room(23-26 sqm) costs only S$158 - S$188 or something around beginning of January. And I thought....oh ya...Jan 20th(or 21st I was wondering. HAHA) is our pa-tor(dating) anniversary. It was a weekday, thus the price is S$158 only. I thought we can have a simple and inexpensive staycation to have a break from our hectic lifestyle. God knows what a busy and tantamount Dec and Jan we had..... I'm a thrifty part-time housewife and generally I dont really splurge. There are simply too many dates to celebrate if you'll reallyyyy into celebrations. However, I feel couples, despite 老夫老妻 liao, should still try to keep things fresh and interesting once in a while. =) And counting with my fingers....oh....it's like our 7th year since the day we pa-tor. Or so I thought....I think it's year 2007 when we started.

Actually it's most funny. I have a colleague hor, who is extremely good in memory and with dates. Virgo girl. No wonder. You know I'm so bad with dates lor, I do remember important dates fairly well, for the month and day, but I have a problem remembering which year all the time. Even dearie dont remember very well too. And everytime when we were chatting among colleagues and the subject of how long have we been together, or how long since we ROM......often tossed us into a blur bout of confusion. But this cute colleague of mine, can always answer for us within seconds.

There was once when we were asked WHERE and WHEN we had our wedding banquet dinner...and I was like...."Ahhh....we had it at....*thinking*...Fairmont...but year ah...erm.....I think it's....2008 huh....*looking to hubby for affirmation, who looked back at me with a BLANK look*...and there my colleague answered with confidence, "No, your banquet was in 2009. I remembered very clearly. The same year XXX had his banquet too mah." And yeahhhhh, I went "Ahhhh yaya....we pa-tor in 2007....ROM in 2008....then banquet in 2009. Yaya you are right!" LOL

Amazing. If you forgot any details about anything, yes, just go for your female virgo friends. They remember (almost) everything!

Opps, without further ado, here are some pictures which I taken of the room.

Earth tones everywhere. I like...but will prefer a slightly lighter shade.

Not much of a view and the caterpillar cushions near the windows are not comfy at all; they're so hard. More for you to put your stuff than to sit. There's a small writing table at the corner which is not suitable for seating too because there is no room for your legs! Unless you flip your legs 90degrees to the sides. How this design got approved siah?

As you can see, the rooms are no way considered big but told ya, I love cozy rooms. Fortunately it doesnt seem cramped or oppressive. From the reception to the lift and eventually to the room, the humble decor simply prepare you NOT to expect luxury so I was kinda glad that the room is actually not bad. The corridor was simply....ah...dampening; I've never been to Hotel 81 etc but I think it should be something like that too; just simple and humble. So thank god the room is actually not bad!

I love the queen bed because it was super fluffy and comfy; it's as good as any 4 or 5 star hotels. And they have a real big TV, much bigger than the one at Park Regis or some other hotels, which I feel is kinda too small in regards to the distance from the bed. Not many channels but HBO is there to save the world. Decor itself, it's really minimalistic. Pretty much prefer Park Regis's deco anytime.

A really tiny basin and washing with the one and only mirror in the room which can really pose a problem when for e.g, you need to makeup while he wash up at the basin. Not to mention, the distance from the mirror is strictly a no-no for makeup. It also means you have to stand longer. Apart from the default shower and brush teeth/wash face etc, you'll stand while using the hairdryer to dry your hair(as plug is nearby) plus finish your makeup. Old hag like me does find it tiring on the legs. Just drying my hair need 15minutes, mind you, hairlength was near my waist at that time. 

The rain shower was okie, with a flexible neck. You can tilt it if you're tall enough to touch it. Shower room neither big nor small, let's just say 2 person still can bathe together inside la. =P The other toilet cubicle was kinda arrrghhhhh..........it was just next to the room door so please either slide the toilet door closed which can feel oppressive......or lock the room door. Else who knows a room service personnel can just stride in and see you doing your business. 

Never say never. A room service boy did once entered my room while I was showering in the bathtub which was a distance away from the bathroom door. I remembered I was alone at that time but I didnt lock the bathroom door ; it was ajar. And the bathroom was very near the room door. I was so handdicapped with so much suds all over my face and body but I heard sounds. And I simply shouted, "Get out!!" I heard a very apologetic "Sorry" before I heard the door closed. "Phew"

Shampoo & Conditioner? Shit, it means NO CONDITIONER. 

However, I love them both to bits! The smell and texture is very much like the Chopard toiletries we had at Klapson's hotel, very masculine and moisturizing. Smells like Calvin Klein's Eternity fragrance I think. But I think Chopard's is more moisturizing, love. 

Actually the next morning then I realized they have another set of toiletries in travel sizes where the conditioner is available. Also very nice scent, more of citrus. So maybe you can request too.

All complimentary! So happy to see my San Miguel beer! 

Complimentary sweets because it's our 7th anniversary. Thank you.

He was sick. So was I. Le sigh...basically we just nua in the hotel with blankets up our chin. Still a very enjoyable night though. =)

Medicine before his meal. Haha.

We did went out for a simple dinner. It's like a 5-10minutes walk to Vivo only. Have to mention the walk wasnt entirely safe, in my opinion because I'm a super kia-si Singaporean.

Canto Paradise was it? Dont remember, not worth remembering. My seafood chinese ramen lacked a promised scallop and for once, dearie actually noticed and pointed it out. I got a giant scallop then. Lol. But still, I dont feel the standard of the dinner justify the price.

 The Room Menu pricing was surprising very friendly as compared to most hotels(I think). Ordered a sandwich and it was so bland and dry. FAIL. However, the apple strudel is very nice. BUT, we were served with a scoop of ice-cream which was half melting. Sigh......

Breakfast table

Complimentary breakfast. A mix of more misses than hits. Oh well...at least there is smoked salmon. No omelette station, very sad, only mushy scrambled eggs...yucks....

Porridge is bland and...blank...cant even taste any fish when it's supposed to be fish porridge.

Didnt take picture of the pool but it was a decent small rectangular pool.

VERDICT:

For the price I paid, of course it's definitely worth it! How and where else can you get a room this price in the central within walking distance to a giant complex where you have so many shops with a cinema! Awesome bed and TV, nice toiletries and rain shower. Complimentary carpark too.

On the website without any voucher deals or promotions, it may costs S$226 and above for this DELUXE room. I say it's still worth it because the hotel is relatively new. And the most important factor is it's location. It's so near Vivo, you can do your shopping there or go harbourfront to take a cable car ride into Sentosa. It's also very near St James so if somehow you get knocked out and cant drive, you can just book a night there. Their STANDARD room is smaller at around 15 sqm and costs around S$200 or above. I think it's great if you just want to crash somewhere.

However, for dearie and me, when our sole purpose for staycation is to NUA in the hotel room instead of spending time outside shopping or clubbing, we will most probably be willing to top up more for a nicer hotel with more pleasing deco, which can up the "luxury" staycation "feel" and "chemistry", if you get what I mean. =) Not somewhere to impress a new girlfriend or to rekindle lost spark. It's somewhere where you can have a nice sleep, enjoy convenience and efficiency. =)

Dearie's birthday at Park Regis Hotel - Full Review of Park Regis for 3 different staycations

It's hard to plan a birthday surprise especially when you see your hubby everyday....including the time when you work. >.<  I had to fish my credit card sneakily to book the room for his birthday eve and despite so, he kinda saw how I key in my credit card numbers in the midst of booking something and was as happy as a bird. Geez....I tried to act embarrassed and said, "Huh...the credit card is for my online shopping.....I never plan anything leh....sorry dear...lately really busy no time."

His face fell. "Orh............nevermind lah....we just go for a dinner lor...."

"Ok."

My acting not bad leh. Lol.

So after our work and supper, which was already very late, I had to wait for him to sleep before I can start packing. OH MY GOD, he only went to sleep at around 3+am....zzZzzz......and by the time I finished packing(simply too many stuff on my mind too), it was around 4+am. I was so tired, and I also thought it's kinda dangerous for me to put the stuff into his car boot at that hour...so I was like....arggghhhh......forget it la...he sees the holiday bag then sees it lahhhhh~

We're supposed to check in at 3pm and actually I intended for us to catch a high-tea at L'espresso, Goodwoodpark from 12pm - 3pm prior to checking in. BUT, I was simply too tired and overslept. And had to hurry both of us to bathe and get changed. He saw the packed bags anyway and was happy as a bird.

"Dear, you planned something for me righttttttt?"

"Ya la ya la...since you saw liao.... Dear!! *act excited and enthu* I've planned a surprise PICNIC at SENTOSA, we can go stroll along the beach lomantic lomantic and then head for a swim!! Dear, you love swimming isnt it?? I already pack your swimming briefs liao!" *SmileZ*

His face fell again.


SO FUNNY LAH!!! Wahahahahaha!!!

The thing is, he hates Sentosa and picnics and stuff(he knows I'm into it) BUT he does really likes swimming! So for a MOMENT, he indeed believed me(I think). LOL. However, logic got the better of him and he said, "Dear, it's going to rain. Need to change plan liao."

WAHAHAHAHA.

I think after my hilarious laugh, he also realized I couldnt have plan that for him since I know he's so NOT into picnics and such. It's a norm for us to have staycations, but he didnt know which hotel I book. Since he had to drive, he asked for the address, and I said 23 merchant road, thinking he wouldnt know where and was opening my "MAPS" app to direct him. Stupid lor me...how could he not know....and he said, "Hee.....Park Regis huh?" I was like........"....ya la......."

ANYWAY, the boy was happy. FYI, it's super difficult to get him to smile properly for a picture. This is the most precious.

 The Room

The room is definitely not considered big but it's very cosy to me, to us. I like the concept of the open bathroom alot because sometimes I feel uneasy if the toilet is kinda far away and a big one on it's own. *Spooky* Oh if you love bathtubs then sorry this doesnt come with one. It comes with rain shower, which is also very shiok! =) 

Oh....I have to say the TV channels are really PATHETIC. Thank god I bought my Lenovo along and using connection from my HP, we watched shows on my lappy while munching our tidbits. I love the bedsheets!!! So smooth and soft!!!! The pillows are very soft too, I might consider requesting for a firmer one for sleeping next time. 

The rooms are brilliantly designed so much so that ample space are saved; there are hidden drawers, hidden fridge, it's most amusing.  Wine glasses, wine opener, tea and saucers, hair-dryer, ironing board, safe etc. I love the floral carpets too. Although there isnt a proper dressing table, the surrounding mirrors are great for makeups; you can sit on the bed to do your makeup by turning to the left for the mirror. By the way...I love this comfy and thin long t-shirt with sweet pink florals and Eiffel towers!! Only S$10 from bugis village. *love*

The toiletries are of good quality and leaves both your hair and skin feeling great. However, I dont like the scent very much. If you're particular with scents then it's better to bring your own. 

It was lovely and damn shiok! Quite cold though and it was a pity we cant swim, partly because it was simply too cold and we kinda overslept also. HAHA! 

The main reason why I chose Park Regis was that dearie mentioned he wished to have the grilled cod from The Pump Room, Clarke Quay for his dinner on his birthday eve. Park Regis is walking distance to CQ and is a relatively new and charming hotel. FYI, for Park Regis, check-in time is 3pm while check out is 12pm. This is our 3rd staycation at Park Regis.

During our 1st stay, as the hotel was super new then, they had some hiccups and it wasnt until 5.30pm that we're allowed to check in; they did compensate with a slighter later check-out at 2pm(I think) plus an AWESOME complimentary dinner and drinks at Suite 23, their lobby restaurant, which includes soup, salad, 2 mains and dessert! (We paid for my lychee martini). Very yummy steak, I remembered! So overall, still a very pleasing experience!

The 2nd stay went smoothly without hiccups. Nothing out of the norm.

This time round, our 3rd stay, it was all great; the service was good too; reminded me of Fullerton's, where the receptionist actually walked us to the lift and pressed the buttons for the level we stayed. Of coz in comparison, the distance is much shorter, lol, but it's the sincerity and effort that counts. =) At checkout, another receptionist asked us how was our stay with affection. I had to tell her frankly it was all great until there was a neighbor guest who chatted animatedly with a laundry auntie early in the morning at 8am.

They spoke for more than 5minutes and it was full blown in our rooms. Being a light sleeper, I was already being awaken. Bearing no more, I opened my door and said to them, "Can you lower your volume please?" I dont remember whether I got a reply because I went back to bed immediately. They continued to chat audibly for around 1 or 2minutes more before....to my horror....the laundry auntie came to press our doorbell asking for laundry. Dearie shouted "No" to her and she left.

As hotels were generally quiet in the rooms premises......we didnt have any problems with noise.  It wasnt until this episode that we realized actually their rooms are not very sound-proof. The receptionist, surprisingly, heard me out throughout and gave me a sympathetic and sorry apology. WOW, you know usually people just ask for feedback for the sake of asking, but I felt she was really listening. I just felt better already. Sometimes customers just simply wished to be heard. Oh well, it was just 1 unlucky morning. 

Yup, so the grilled cod at Pump Room.......as always......his favorite. The prawns are starters, nice and fresh though nothing to scream about. He likes the dessert while I'm not one with a sweet tooth. 

After that we strolled around CQ and went Liang Court for some shopping of snacks to munch at night. We had Japanese crepes and it was niceeeee! Bought some Lychee Black Tea, Tea Voyage, from a pushcart. 

Very fragrant though more expensive than usual. A tin at S$28 with 20 teabags. But yeah, 1 teabag can make few cups of tea. 

Ahhh.....it has been such a long time since the "pator" feeling is back because we're always so busy....despite our effort to grab a nice dinner and movie now and then. Maybe because eventually you'll head home and there's always tons of housework and work to do.......... =(

It's just not the same when you're on a staycation. =D It simply feels different and wonderfullllllll. =)  I miss going overseas......will definitely try to arrange one soon....else I'm going berserk soon...

Bought tiramisu from FourLeaves, Liang Court, to act as his birthday cake. Haha. I had 1 too. 

Happy birthday my dear...........smuacks!!! 

Sincerely wishing all the best and only the best for you........and hope that we'll always be happy together........ =)