Step into Sakurazaka at the affluent Greenwood Estate and you would be forgiven for thinking that you are in a restaurant in Japan. Sakurazaka is the new restaurant of Consultant Chef Masashi Horiuchi (also of Shelter in the Woods and Verre Wine Bistro), and it marries Masashi’s Japanese heritage and European culinary roots in this Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki restaurant. 

Tuck into one of the 3 Shabu Shabu sets available at Sakurazaka- Pork ($48), Seafood ($54), or Beef ($64). Each set comes with the stone grilled Ishiyaki (Iberico, Seafood, or Wagyu), meats, vegetables, and a dessert (traditional Kakigori) to end off! 

It's always fun to be able to participate in your meal. Dip the sizzling grilled meats into the onsen tamago with mild Sukiyaki sauce. 

Have your choice of Shabu Shabu in 6 different broths specially created by Chef Masahi. Expect an infusion of European flair in the special soup stock with the rich and tangy Bouillabaisse stock and light Beef Consommé; or have a taste of Kyushu with the Ago Dashi (dried flying fish stock). Of course, the regular Chicken, Tonkotsu, and even Soya Milk are available. My favorites are the versatile Ago Dashi, and the slightly milky Tonkotsu.

To accompany the prime meats and seafood, 3 special dipping sauces are provided. My favorite is the refreshing and light peppery and very versatile Tamari Ponzu made with miso essence and yuzu. The Shiyo Ponzu is a slightly tart sudachi with seaweed salt. Of course, there's also the rich Goma sauce, with a touch of espelette pepper in this one.  

Have the Seafood set with the Bouillabaisse stock for that superb umami flavor at the end. Tiger prawns, white clams, succulent scallop, red snapper, squid, and mussels are in this one. The fresh prawn paste was definitely my favorite of the lot. The minced prawn is mixed with lotus roots, shiitake mushrooms, and shiso.

Fridays are for digging into bone tender juicy char grilled ribs slathered in glistening savory sweet sauce. Whereabouts? Right by the roadside in Ubud Bali Indonesia at Naughty Nuri's, the de facto prime ribs spot in Bali. Well of course, if you can't get on the plane for that authentic charcoal fire experience, there are over 10 locations in Asia serving some variation of the original, and we have one right here in Singapore at Capitol Piazza.

My initiation was at the Batubelig branch in Bali and it was a little more polished than the Ubud outlet and in fact the ribs were more tender. A full rack of Nuri's Pork Ribs will only set you back by IDR119k (S$12). In comparison, you wouldn't even be able to get a half rack in Singers (S$18.80/35.80). 

The ribs are first boiled in a BBQ sauce and then thrown over fire and grilled to smoky perfection. Standard varies from rack to rack, depending on your luck.  I've had a dry tough one at the Ubud outlet once. The smaller boned racks are more tasty IMO so ask for that! Top it up with a secret sauce and a squeeze of lime and watch your world explode.

I didn't use to care for my skin at all. Well when you are young, you think you're invincible and that your skin will always be perfect. So years of sun tanning had obviously caused some damage, which was improved with the Derma-RX products. Recently, I've been trying out different products in order to find a good mix to my skincare regime and was introduced to the Italian Vagheggi products at Bejeweled Singapore. Bejeweled is a one stop shop for your beauty fixes from nails, face, to your eyes and they have expanded from their 1st location at International Plaza to open a second outlet at Breadtalk IHQ in the east.

Shirlene, my beautician did a quick check on my face condition and i was recommended the White Moon facial treatment ($228/90mins) as I do have some spots that are starting to surface (SOBS) because of all the terrible sun damage in my younger days (girls, please use sunscreen and stop suntanning). This facial is touted to help even the skin tone and control melanin production, smooth the surface of the skin and acts as a barrier against pollution and free radicals. The effect, a radiant skin with more even skin tone.

We started with a cleansing foam to purify the skin, followed by the Fizzy Mask 1 and Activating solution 2 which work as a gentle peel for the brightening effect.

A smoothing concentrate solution helps to  renew and even the skin, followed by a brightening mineral mask. The effect is further enhanced with the Protective brightening emulsion which is rich in Vitamin C to provide protection against UV rays and smog. Cooling balls were used to massage the solutions into the skin.

Before

After- I still look the same without makeup!

I couldn't believe that my skin looked pretty unblemished despite the extraction. Serene was very gentle with that though. But honestly that glow! I had dinner with J after my facial and the first thing he said was how radiant my face was. Yay to all that natural goodness in the facial. 

Bejeweled also offers aesthetic eye treatments such as eyelash extension and perming, as well as nail services. I foresee I'd be coming here pretty often for my beauty fixes. 
Bejeweled

30 Tai Seng Street #02-01 

BreadTalk IHQ Singapore 534013 

Tel: +65 6443 9789 

Daily: 11.30am - 8pm

10 Anson Road #02-48 

International Plaza Singapore 079903 

Tel: +65 6222 2526 

Weekdays: 11am - 8pm 

Sat: 11am - 4.30pm 

Closed on Sunday & PH 

Always say yes to the hush-hush behind the dark curtained BÉNI at Mandarin Gallery. You wouldn't be blamed for not knowing much about exclusive Japanese-French fine dining establishment by Chef Kenjiro ‘Hatch’ Hashida (also better known for his Hashida establishment). Well unless you're one of the privileged 15 pax who has snagged a seat around the open industrial bar. Then, you would be able to dine on the exquisite seasonal French omakase that also changes daily, depending on what is fresh. 

Expect the usual (or perhaps fanatical) dedication to excellence by the team of Japanese chefs led by Chef de Cuisine, Kenji Yamanaka. You'd see precisely plated dishes of specific temperature, served in particular ways. The result was impressive and truly enjoyable, which is expected considering the price tag you're paying. It's $127/228 for a 5 course lunch, or $298 for a 7 course dinner (with more premium ingredients). But of course, indulge further with a tea, wine, or sake pairing. 

We started with the King of Green HIRO premium, a Gyokuro Japanese tea. I've never thought of green tea having that umami flavor until this one. After the first brew, olive oil and salt was added to the mix and we were told to eat it up. That was when the umami was enhanced and it tasted like seaweed. 

Next, the Miellefeuille de Crabe Royal au Nayet SHOGOIN. A Hokkaido red king crab layered with pickled Shogoin turnip (using rice vinegar), and a Shungiku sauce (made from Japanese spinach). The light refreshing flavor of the turnip was punctuated with a slightly strong vegetable sauce. That said, it was still balanced with the sweetness of the crab and briny caviar.

The Gateau au Foie Gras was a generous and creamy 3 layered foie gras cake. The bottom layer of marinated foie gras was super smooth, the middle a Jonathan apple celeriac puree, and the top was the Johnathan Apple skin jelly. I liked how the foie gras was balanced with the refreshing and slightly tart Apple and it's a nice depart from the usual berry pairing.

Think it's about time to make a short getaway back to Hong Kong to update my dimsum list (read my top Hong Kong dimsum list here) and possibly check out the brand new The Olympian Hong Kong, a 32-room boutique hotel in the heart of West Kowloon. 

Why? Well, i honestly have no idea where else to find such spaciousness in a Hong Kong hotel, especially in the Kowloon area. I'm already dreaming of soaking in this tub and enjoying the view of the changing lights over Victoria Harbor and the HK skyline. 

Space is not a luxury here with rooms and suites ranging from 43sqm to 75sqm, each featuring a 3.3m floor-to-ceiling windows and even a kitchenette. Personalized service begins once you step off the Airport Express, or even better, the chauffeured Rolls Royce service available at the hotel.

Shopping is right at the doorstep with the Olympian City hub where dining, shopping, and entertainment are readily available. If not, join the mad crowd at Mongkok, which is just a short ride away. 

In celebration of the opening of The Olympian Hong Kong, the hotel is offering a special introductory room rate from HKD1,600 per night, available until 30 April 2016.

Time for some dimsum! 

The Olympian Hong Kong

18 Hoi Fai Road, West Kowloon, Hong Kong 

T: +852 3199 8888

Of all the brunches in the world and all the breakfasts that i've eaten, Jack's Wife Freda (New York City) is up there at the top of my list and it certainly lists as the best in NYC. It's not your regular brunch food and the cuisine is a lovely mix of exotic from the likes of South Africa, Israel, and Jewish comfort food.

You know the funny thing is that i chanced upon Jack's Wife on Instagram and that is how i was led to this cozy spot in SOHO. The queue can be crazy as they only take reservations for larger groups. I only managed to get in on our 3rd attempt and it was a reward for an 8am run on the Williamsburg bridge. So highlights here for breakfast/brunch- Grilled Haloumi, Green Shakshuka with challah toast, Rose Water Waffles with Lebanese yogurt (labneh), and their secret weapon, the DUCK BACON.   

So we heard that SKIRT is featuring a refreshed menu and with it being on my food list of meat places to go to, this provides an added incentive to go. If you're a meat lover, SKIRT is one of the best places in Singapore to feast on premium and unique cuts of meats (think F1 Wagyu and Sher Wagyu..), grilled parilla style, using prime Mesquite wood-fire to bring out a milk smoky flavor of the aged prime cuts.

SKIRT uses the Blackmarket cut from Rangers Valley which is exclusive to them. 

Other featured selections include the Petuna Ocean Tartare, Foie Gras Torchon, Confit Duck Leg. That's if you're not into meat. Seriously who is not into meat. #judge

SKIRT

21 Ocean Way Sentosa Singapore 098374

Tel: +65 6808 7278

Sun - Thu: 6 - 10pm

Fri - Sat, Eve and PH: 6 - 10.30pm

If all the oozing of the Salted Yolk Lava Croissants haven’t flowed to your taste buds yet, wait till you hear this: Savory croissants with LOCAL flavors have officially hit the island now, thanks to Chef Pang Kok Keong from Antoinette. Now how about some Chili Crab Croissant and Scallion Arlette. 

A play on Singapore’s famous chili crabs with fried 饅頭 (Man Tou), Chef Pang has perfected a droolicious Chili Crab Croissant ($7.50). The sweetness of real crab meat in sweet and spicy flavors is a perfect match to the crisp buttery croissant layers. The level of spice is mild, yet sufficient to linger after the last bite. This tummy is crabby happy with this heartily-filled crescent.

Who would have imagined a plain Jane to explode in flavors? The Scallion Arlette ($3.50), a French interpretation of the traditional 蔥油餅 (Chong You Bing), was surprising in flavors and textures. With fragrant spring onions and creamy butter in the croissant dough, Scallion Arlette is a savory crunchy addiction without a hint of oiliness (unlike the traditional sort). It takes a lot of will power to stop munching this $3.50 a pop goodness.

Say hello once again to one of the best buffets in Singapore! Melt Cafe at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is back, prettier and better with their all-day dining buffet offering.

Melt Cafe got it right by tantalizing us with the extensive dessert and patisserie counter right at their doorstep. But if you are savory sort, you're not that far away from the fresh seafood counter where you'd be greeted with neat stacks of shellfish and crustaceans, sashimi, sushi, and cold cuts. 

While people were distracted by the seafood (which is quite the standard fare at buffets), i went exploring and found the a la minute Japanese Wagyu beef Shabu Shabu live station. O.M.G. Way too many servings of the tender beef over flavored Japanese rice.

Ready for a bloody good meal (i'm being literal here)? Diners can look forward to the bloody gorgeous selection of premium Australian Prime Cuts at Opus Bar & Grill. We're talking about a 4 to 6 marble score Himalayan salt dry-aged OP rib, Wagyu Rib-eye, and Tajima Wagyu beef, expertly cooked over the open-flame charcoal grill, to be accompanied by Pierre Jean wines (they have an ongoing drinks promo till 31 Mar 2016)!

Actually there's more to the menu than just beef. Opus Bar & Grill has recently refreshed their menu and here is what you can expect along with your reds.

Definitely start with some Hokkaido Scallops ($22) with edamame, blood sausage, and miso espuma. The sear on the plump shellfish was simply amazing and you get a touch of that smokiness from the blood sausage (it's really nothing scary). Seafood at Opus are from sustainable sources and they are also the first restaurant in Singapore to be awarded the MSC ecolabel. 

We also enjoyed the Japanese style Tartar of Blue Fin Tuna ($17) with avocado, trout roe, and extra virgin olive oil. It's kinda like a deconstructed California Roll without the carbs.