Caught the arcade gaming bug recently (specifically the claw machines) ever since my first catch in Taiwan. Few months back, had the chance to try some of the Japanese game centers in Kyoto and Tokyo. The game centers in Tokyo were really lively because once someone has won something (usually the bigger prizes), the staff would make it known to all by clanging on tambourines or blowing a horn, and shouting congratulatory messages. It felt pretty joyous and exciting! In Japan, I had some mini successes in catching snacks like KitKat via the UFO catchers.
By chance, came across Ton Amusement website and read that it provides similar gaming experience like in Japan. Plus, the toys are also similar to the ones in Japan. Oh, in that case, I do need to give it a try!
Ton Amusement is located at Level 5 of Orchard Central.
entrance
to catch a plushie or a figurine or both?
big plushies
At first glance, it is still very much smaller than those in Japan. However, I liked that Ton Amusement have interesting toys to be won and a good variety of games like tripod, claw/crane machines and UFO catchers (single prong and two prongs). One of the issues I faced in Japan, was not to try any of those with big items because I'd have a problem on how to lug those back home. Since Ton Amusement is in Singapore, there's no such concern anymore, yay!
Rilakkuma
do you want to take these kitties home?
large sized Pooh
Watch out for seasonal items such as Grinch or Jack Skellington plushies who made their appearances during Christmas.
Grinch (Christmas item)
For fans of figurines, there are plenty here.
sexy~
One Piece - Shiny Venus (Boa Hancock and Nefertari Vivi)
such details
One Piece - Marco
To play, one could change money into tokens. Most machines are 3 tokens per play and there are some with 4 token per play. That works out to about $1.50 per play minimally.
Or, you could get the member card (without package is $10 with no value) and first top-up of $20 is required. They have member-tier as well with discounts from 5% off per play to maximum of 10% off per play for the highest tier. Membership card starts from aoi (blue) $200 top-up, midori (green) at $500 top-up and black at $1000 top-up.
tap to play
Once you have exchanged your tokens or utilizing the member card, all you need to do is to choose a machine that you'd like to play or which prize you'd like to bring home. If I think the toy/prize might worth say $25, and if am able to catch it within 12 tries, then to me, that's a good play. I'm a noob so I'd be happy if can catch it actually. But yeah, will try to improve on the next plays. Which I think is still possible for UFO catchers since it has a skill component to it.
For my first catch at Ton Amusement, it was a Jack Skellington plushie via the UFO catcher machine. Took me about 15 tries to get it. Staff was rather nice to give me tips on the best position of the claw to start. Then after about the 10th failed attempt, he came over to position the toy to decrease the difficulty level and eventually, I got the plushie after a few more attempts. That was a similar to my experience in Taito Station Ikebukuro where the staff genuinely wants their customer to go home happy.
I like the one on the right
so cute x 2~
On second visit to Ton Amusement, it was evident that I was terrible at the tripod games! Neither was I any better at the game where one got to move the single prong of the UFO catcher to hook the top of the box where there's a hole to slowly hook and drag it to the drop point.
am no good at this type
Here's a short video on the Ton Amusement experience.
Was I able to win anything? Yes, eventually. On that day of visit, the most number of tries went to the UFO catcher machine with the Harry Potter/Newt Scamander QPosket prize. But was it fun? Definitely!
spent the most tries to プライズ
Perseverance is key and it is always good to have an estimation of a prize's worth prior to starting the game. There will be moments of 'almost there' only to have the prongs hitting the pole and an obvious grumble about a wasted chance.
finally
Quite handsome
Sometimes, you might get lucky and able to win a prize using just one or two tries. I got a mini Sumikko via this manner. Probably, it was pay load time?
mini Sumikko
tag
Thus far, have played there twice and both were pleasant experiences. Will be going back to see their newer prizes every now and then.
Our pre-Christmas gathering this year was at Food Capital Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. Visited on a weekday for dinner. Was seated in the insides of the place and just behind the roast meats counter.
all decked out
For the festivities, there's turkey and ham. Then, there are stollen, mince pies and log cakes too. Was disappointed as I discovered that there were no fresh oysters on that day. Bummer. But mood was lifted when I spied that there were baked oysters instead. Yay!
Made a beeline for that as soon as the freshly baked batch of oysters (looked like in trays of 30s or so) was brought out. Peak period are around 7 to 9pm where the yummy morsels were snapped up as soon as they were brought out. Some did not even have an opportunity to be plated onto its display on top of the salt bowl.
baked oysters with cheese
look at that!
Served piping hot, so be careful when biting into those creamy oysters cloaked with melted cheese. Lovely.
The Braised Bobby Veal Shank looked like a favourite since there were mainly bones left standing on its tray at about 7.30pm. I took some and it was pretty tender. Flavour was mild.
Braised Bobby Veal Shank (running out fast)
Typical of us, we will get some sashimi for some light bites before moving onto heavier meats. Food Capital just concluded their Japanese themed buffet recently but no worries, as everyone's favourite sashimi counter is still available.
Was informed that there isn't any salmon belly nor tuna left, so had to make do with just salmon and hamachi. Hmm, suggest to inform the staff that you'd like two servings (even if the portion is for 1 pax) as the staff that was manning the sashimi counter that day sliced it into pretty tiny pieces.
one portion each of salmon and hamachi (刺身)
Nevertheless, fish was fresh and firm so the sashimi was enjoyable. Next to the sashimi counter, is the tempura section. Oooh, how I liked the freshly fried ebi tempura (prawn tempura). So crunchy, still smoking hot and such firm and sweet prawns.
Ebi Tempura (海老天ぷら)
And, for something substantial and if you like soupy noodles, do try the Singapore Laksa. The version here is pretty good although it doesn't have any seahum (cockles). Quail egg is a good idea in a small bowl of laksa. My friends added the chicken meat or roast pork as additional toppings (加料).
Singapore Laksa live station
From the cold seafood counter, my favourite was the boiled prawns. So good. Firm, sweet meat.
enticing red
Lastly, I had a taste of turkey, roast beef and ham. As I was given the breast meat, and the outer sides of the ham, the meat were rather dry. The slice of beef was from a portion that was cooked to medium doneness.
traditional roast turkey
And then, finally, we moved on to dessert. First time trying the festive minced pies. Hmm, I will categorize it within the same category as fruit cake. Meaning, not my favourite. Hahaa!
minced pie
cakes
My friends liked the bread and butter pudding. For me, I like the traditional log cake for those crunchy crunchy things in it.
dessert platter for one
For finale, finish off with affogato. One shot of espresso from the coffee machine and a scoop of vanilla ice-cream from the ice-cream conter.
affogato
Thankful for the friends who had gathered to spend time before the festivities.
Once again, thank you Gilbert for your help and JC who took time off to meet up with us.
Here's wishing everyone Happy Festivities and with many more good eats to come. Be healthy, be happy.
A short video of the Winter Wonderland display at the hotel lobby:
The girls suggested to have high tea and Arteastiq was chosen as the venue. This time round, we visited the one at Plaza Singapura. It has been ages since I last dined at Plaza Singapura!
To start, we shared a salad that has quite a sizeable mound of burrata in it. Tasted sweet (probably from the honey mustard or sweet potato?). Quite nice.
Spinach and Sweet Potato Salad @$15++ (plushie not included)
creamy burrata
Got ourselves a "Signature Teasery" set that is meant for 2 pax to share. It comes with 2 specialty tea. We chose Pomelo Tea (hot) and Lychee Tea (iced).
Pomelo Tea (front) and Lychee Tea (back)
Signature Teasery for 2 (@$48++)
The best item from the savoury would be the Tortilla with Smoked Duck. Next was the Vol au Vent with its delectable puff.n The foie gras terrine on toast with yuzu marmalade was overpowered by the sweetness. Hmm, for a moment, I thought I was having dessert already.
Smoked Salmon with cream cheese mousse, Tortilla with smoked duck breast, Vol au Vent with mushrooms capers pate, Foie Gras Terrine on Toast, Yuzu Marmalade, and Crushed Pistachio
Double Raspberry Choux Pastry, Chocolate Cone with Banana Custard, Chocolate Truffles with Nut, Macarons
The raspberry choux bursts out easily when it was pressed. Thick jam in it. Did not try the rest.
Double Raspberry Choux
Thank you Tiara for making the reservations. An afternoon with Tiara, Shermaine and Kris.
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