Sunday, November 21, 2021

YY Kafei Dian @ 37 Beach Road

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Was staying at Naumi Hotel and YY Kafei Dian is nearby. Like just a few minutes walk. Plus, I heard about YY Kafei Dian from Fiona. I remembered something she was sharing with me about their bread which is of the old school bun type. Hence, I trudged the next morning of my staycay 

YY Kafei Dian

One orders the breakfast set directly from the cashier of the drinks counter inside the shop. She will ask you for your table number. So don't be like the noob me whom luckily, still managed to point to an empty table during her visits.

waiting to be buzzed to collect

While waiting, one could observe the other patrons having their breakfast here. There was one uncle whom I saw on my two visits in the morning, so I reckoned he probably is a retiree who likes to have breakfast at the same shop most of the days. Back in my hometown, my dad used to do that as well but he hasn't been able to do so for the past one and a half years due to the pandemic. And yes, am checking out retired persons activities for future references.

traditional breakfast set of kopi and kaya toast

Actually, the only thing that I needed to pick-up from the counter, was the bread. The rest of the stuffs were brought to the table by the staff.

am ready

slurp worthy

I liked the size of the soft-boiled eggs here and how perfectly it was boiled. Both eggs had perfect liquid yolk. Do you break the eggs and mashed it up then dip the bread in? For me, I don't like breaking them up. Straight up slurp them in! Happiness!

kaya and butter

It has been a while since I had a toasted bun. They did it pretty good at YY Kafei Dian with its outer part crisp while the inside of the bun was still soft and pillowy. Kaya tasted of caramel and coconut.

Loved the kopi here for its balance of bitter-smokiness plus the milk taste not too strong. Good!

Their breakfast noodles are popular. Come on a weekend after 9am and one could see the long line outside the shop.

all these for just $4.80

bee hoon mee combi

A packet of noodles with 4 extra added ingredients costs less than $5, hence its priced reasonably. So one could add their favourites like luncheon meat, chicken drumlets, ngoh hiang, vegetable, egg etc. 

ngoh hiang

When you're adding the fried egg, can let the staff know if you prefer more cooked or more runny yolk and she will try to accommodate. I think shops that allow you to choose to this extent, are pretty nice. I added egg (with softer yolk), vegetables (turned out to be tasty chap chye, and it was yummy!), ngoh hiang and a longish looking fish cake. The ngoh hiang here is smaller than others but still packs a nice taste. The sambal chili was towards the sweeter side with some spice.

Came back during lunch and tried their Hainanese Pork chop. It was cooked upon order and served with chunky fries. The wait was about 10 minutes and it came piping hot. No extra sauce was served.

Hainanese Pork Chop @$10

The tomato sauce underneath the pork chop though watery, it was slightly tangy sweet. Soothing taste. The pork chop meat was tender, not too thin and its batter was crisp and well fried.

closer view of the meat


I spied other tables and most officer workers ordered claypot noodles , or chicken rice during lunch time. I felt like a tourist with the pork chop. Hahaaa!

Overall, YY Kafei Dian is a popular place for breakfast and lunch, with a nostalgic vibe.


YY Kafei Dian 

Address: 37 Beach Rd, #01-01, Singapore 189678

Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/yykafeidian/

Contact:  6336 8813

Business Hours:

Mon - Fri: 7:30am–7pm

Sat - Sun: 8am–7pm


Thursday, November 18, 2021

[Staycation] One Night Experience - KēSa House, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood | Dinner from Olivia Restaurant and Lounge | Breakfast from Tong Ah

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KēSa House, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood

I must admit that the stay was on a last minute whim. In Oct 2021, AMEX had a promotion where a maximum of $50 will be credited back for spending of $200 or above at participanting Oakwood properties.

Made a last minute booking the day before of the stay for their last Standard room for which I paid above $200 and hence, eligible for the rebate. Standard room rates starts from $168 if you booked in advance.

I love the colour of KēSa House, and this would be my first time staying in a heritage building.

KēSa House

The frontdesk officer on duty that afternoon, was Salina. She regretfully informed that my room wasn't ready as I was early. The standard check-in time is 3pm. No problem, I said. But it will be good if it can be ready before 2.30pm as I needed to go elsewhere by then. She said she will try.

Took a walk outside for about one hour, and returned at about 2pm. The room was still being prepared. If the lobby is occupied, there's another corner at its side where there are more seats. Just that, guests will pass by this area everytime one leaves the hotel or going back to their room.

lobby


Level 1 - more seats near the lift


stairs to Level 2

Was just hanging around at Level 1 as the lounge at Level 2 was occupied. Saw a couple moving in with lots of barang barang, so am guessing they'd be here for longer stay. Saw on the hotel website that they used to have an offer called "RENO-CATION: THE MONTH-LONG ESCAPE".


decor at Level 2

Level 2 comfy Lounge (evening view)

At about 2.10pm, I was informed that the room is ready. It'll be at Level 3 (same floor as the laundrette). There is one lift in the building, hence could use that if required.

lift

Laundrette

The Standard room is actually not the smallest room at 13  m2. Bed is standard Queen sized. No window for the room that I got, unless you count the tiny one next to the floor near the bed.

Standard Room

bathroom


The bed is comfortable, the room space is efficient and there is a pull-out table beside the bed (where the blue stool is) for vanity or to eat da bao'ed food.

The bathroom space is good for one pax.


well stocked amenities

toiletries

The room is clean enough for visible places. Had discovered that the bathroom sliding door (the one that is between the bathroom and the room) was pretty dusty. Probably no one slides this out? Hmmm, perhaps I'm the only one feeling insecure because if the room door is opened, the person who walks-in, can see whatever state you're in, in the bathroom.

the view when lying down on the comfy bed

There are glass bottles in the room for guest to fill with sparkling or cold water from the kitchen in Level 2.

water bottles

How'd you like your water? Room temperature, cold or sparkling?

sparkling~

Sparkling water was refreshing! But I learnt that sparkling doesn't taste that good, the next day. =P

There is a kettle in the room but no mugs for hot coffee/tea. Disposable cups, instant coffee/tea are found in the kitchen. There is no bedroom slippers so you gotta bring your own, if you need any. I brought mine because I don't like to use my outside shoes in the room.

night view at Keong Saik


Olivia Restaurant and Lounge

turn to the back for takeaway menu from Olivia Restaurant and Lounge

One could order takeaway from Olivia Restaurant which is just downstairs of the hotel and turn left. The menu can be located in the room and guest could order using the Waitrr app. Only needed 15 minutes to prepare my food on a busy Saturday evening. Pretty efficient. 

Bikini, Barcelona @$16

Iberico Ham, mozzarela cheese and truffle sandwich

Ok, granted mine wasn't hot food. The sandwich was really tasty and I think it'd be good with a glass of wine. Pretty yums.

But the highlight, is of course, their cheesecake. One must eat the original cheesecake from Olivia.

Olivia's Homemade Cheesecake (slice) @$14

But, I forgot to ask them to pack me a fork/spoon. How am I gonna eat this melty cheesecake? Well, I found a pair of disposable chopsticks in my bag, so used that instead. Too lazy to head back downstairs.

flavourful


Wow, I didn't expect blue cheese to taste this good! Am impressed and yes, the next time I'm eating this, I won't be sharing. All mine!



Tong Ah Eating House

No hotel breakfast? Not an issue. Just head out for local breakfast at Tong Ah (but finding seats are very challenging on a Sunday morning) so, I packed my breakfast back to the hotel.

iconic Tong Ah


kopi, kaya toast and soft-boiled egg set

local breakfast, 'unboxed'

kaya toast

soft-boiled eggs with soy sauce and dash of pepper

I liked the gray kaya used in the toast bread. I remembered my nanny used to make this version. The eggs were nicely big and runny but the coffee I didn't like due to the stronger milk taste. Am not a milk person, sorry.

The stay at KēSa House was pleasant but the walls are thin. Any loud noise from the corridor can be heard clearly in the room. Hence, am thankful for the night that stayed, was only disturbed for a short 10 minutes after midnight. The airconditioning was alright, and the mini-fridge kept things cold. There's a 7-eleven nearby too. Plenty of restaurants nearby so no issue with food and drinks.

Check-out process was fast and no extension, typically due to the high demand for their rooms.



KēSa House, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood

Address: 55 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089158

Websitehttps://www.oakwood.com/the-unlimited-collection/singapore/singapore/kesa-house

Contact: 6958 1588


Olivia Restaurant & Lounge

Address: 55 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089158

Websitehttps://www.olivia.com.sg/

Contact: 6221 0522


Tong Ah Eating House

Address: 35 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089142

Websitehttps://tong-ah-eating-house.business.site/?m=true

Contact: 6223 5083

Monday, November 15, 2021

[Tasting] Winestone's Immersive Christmas Experience @ NOVOTEL Singapore on Stevens

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Congratulations to Winestone on its achievement in securing the Singapore Environment Council’s (SEC) Eco F&B certification. The award is in recognition of the restaurant’s efforts on sustainability. Besides its ongoing efforts in its management of energy, water and waste practices, one noteworthy effort is its implementation of the green purchasing policy is the use of locally sourced fish and vegetable produce.

Are you ready to experience an immersive journey towards new inspirations, new rituals and new tastes for this Christmas?

Be inspired by four local makers - Dannon Har (Section D), Leon Hay (Hay Dairies), June Chen (Floral Mikelle) and Jas Rehan (A Poet’s Terroir) as Winestone presents a series of festive cocktails, sustainable floral wine hampers, freshly made cheese from locally harvested goat's milk and lastly, the art of taste, wine art from palate to palette.


Festive Cocktails

by Dannon Har, Section D Bar


A Berry Christmas – wheat beer, spice syrup @$20

Candy Rush – peppermint vodka, lemon, Cointreau, prosecco, candy cane @$23

Taste the Snow – gin, heavy cream, vanilla ice cream @$18

Santa’s Mudslide – cognac, coffee liquor, bailey’s Irish cream, heavy cream, chocolate shavings @$28

Warm Hugs – dark rum, spiced syrup, butter, cinnamon @$20

My favourite would be Taste the Snow. Ice-cream in my alcohol? Yes please!


Discover Local: Goat’s Milk

by Winestone’s culinary team

Goat’s Cheese Salad – prosciutto, fresh goat’s milk ricotta, rock melon pickle



Christmas Wine Hampers

by June Chen, Floral Mikelle



Elegant Blanc @$140

Elegant Blanc


A rosé and white wine packed in a modern chic red bag paired with winter wonderland in tones of elegance – white, silver and gold. Free delivery included.

  • Hecht and Bannier Languedoc Rosé Languedoc, France
  • Famille Perrin Luberon Blanc, Rhone Valley, France



The Art of Taste

by Jas Rehan, A Poet’s Terroir


• An artistic experience of tasting and painting your wine

• A visual journey of wine and art as we take you through the wine tasting experience

• Explore it on a colour filled canvas, along with a 3-course lunch

• Priced at $220 per person, seats are exclusive and limited

• Available on 26 November, 27 November, 4 December and 5 December 2021


Shop festive at Winestone. Merry Christmas!



Festive 4-Course Dine-In Menu

15 Nov 2021 - 30 Dec 2021


Pepper Tuna Salad


Seafood Bisque


Grain Fed Rosedale Ruby Pure Australian MS 2 Ribeye 

medium rare

Mille Feuille, Apple Croustillant, Molten Chocolate Log Cake


For the main course, one could choose either ribeye, free range organic chicken or sea perch. The ribeye was cooked just the way I liked it, flavourful and lovely texture.

The salad was good too and loved the micro greens with a burst of bright yellow. Visually pleasing and tasted refreshing.

For dessert, my favourite were the Mille Feuille and the Molten Chocolate Log Cake. The pastry was crisp while the chocolate was melt in your mouth.

Mille Feuille


Molten Chocolate Log Cake


Thank you to Juliana, Cheryl and Stephanie and Novotel for the invite, and Winestone for hosting the tasting. Special thanks to Christina for taking care of us.


Winestone, interior



Winestone

Address: 30 Stevens Rd, #01-09, Singapore 257840

Websitehttp://www.winestone.sg

Contact: 6491 6100

Business Hours:

Closed on Mondays.

Sun to Thurs: 12pm to 10pm

Fri to Sat: 12.00pm to 10.30pm



 
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