17 Satay Bee Hoon @ East Coast Lagoon Food Village, Singapore

Not long ago, the owners of the legendary Meng Kee Satay Bee Hoon were selling their recipe for S$200,000 due to health issues and believe it or not, more than 10 parties including a local food group, have expressed their interest. Now taken over by 17 Satay Bee Hoon and as it name suggests sell the similar dish made using a completely different recipe (which the owner, Mrs Ye shared that it has a history of more than 30 years in Indonesia). Debates sparked naturally, saying the new owner is riding on Meng Kee's established fame and reputation.

But you know what? As a hungry cyclist who had just finished his tiring cardio, I am not that interested in all the gastronomical politics. Oh by the way, haven't did I try Meng Kee's satay bee hoon before.

Over the years, the Chinese-Malay fusion dish has gained much popularity with the younger crowds with its savoury flavour and an abundance of textures consisting of cuttlefish, bean sprouts, prawns, cockles and vermicelli, completed with a huge scoop of the deciding factor - the crunchy and thick satay peanut sauce.

I am not a fan of satay bee hoon, but this dish did impress me. Considering the price tag of S$4 at a laidback tourist attraction, the portion is more than expected with a generous serving of every component. The star of the dish was never less than satisfying, although it packed a lesser crunch than the others I had before. Nonetheless, I bet you would savour(lick) the remaining gravy off the plate soonafter.

17 Satay Bee Hoon

1220 East Coast Parkway
#01-17

 East Coast Lagoon Food Village

Recipe: No Bake Cookies and Cream/OREO Cupcakes

Twist, lick, dunk. Well, that's one way of eating these delicious childhood biscuits, but I definitely prefer them mashed up and mix with good ol cream cheese. The result is nothing less than satisfying. And what's best? You don't even need an oven for this recipe! Okay look, this little delicacies are dangerous, and by that, I meant they are not exactly healthy and you wouldn't have the willpower to stop at one. Hence, when they come in cupcake-form, one wouldn't feel as guilty as eating a whole slice of Oreo cheesecake, eh?

Anyway, these are great for children parties and those who are young-at-heart. I mean, who doesn't love Oreo? (Just remember to check the mirror before grinning to anyone else!)

Marmalade Pantry @ ION Orchard, Singapore

Nestled within the premises of downtown Orchard, TheBigIdea Group's Marmalade Pantry integrates well into Ion's concept with its beautiful open-dining atrium - an enticing haven for diners, filled with chic furnitures and luxury comfort food, such as their legendary cupcakes, weekend brunches and dinner mains such as favourites Truffle Field Mushroom Risotto and Oriental Grilled King Salmon (S$26).

Ichiban Sushi @ Clementi Mall

With highly accessible outlets throughout Singapore, I wouldn't be at the least surprised if Ichiban Sushi comes straight to your mind when someone mentions Japanese cuisine. At Ichiban Sushi, one might opt for a wide range of conveyor belt sushi and sashimi, a la carte, as well as various promotional platters, udon and rice sets.

It was quite some time I visited Ichiban, and I thought why not have a good dinner before my wisdom teeth surgery? And so I did. I am sure that those who had their's plucked out would understand the agony of not being to savour any kinds of food. Before the dishes and hot ocha had even arrived, the waiter(esse)s had already scored high, impressing us with their amiable and pleasant services.

Food for Thought @ Botanic Gardens, Singapore

Amidst the lush greeneries of Botanic Gardens lies Food for Thought (FFT), a brunch-dinner place big enough to sit at least two-hundred hungry diners. As most of you all might know, the FFT outlet at North-Bridge has closed down and currently, the other outlet is at Queen Street's 8QSAM. Different from the latter, Botanic Garden's is mostly self-serviced - you order directly from the cashier and the service staff delivers to you. Oh, and you get the water yourself from the water-station as well. The result is the waiver of 10% service charge, or as they put it nicely - it is their pleasure to serve you.

Recipe: Walnut Aglio e Olio

Aglio e Olio is one of the first dish that I whipped out in the kitchen. I mean, it's easy and the original recipe requires only about 5 ingredients (pasta, olive oil, chilli, parsley and parmesan), all that you can easily find at home. What else? You could even plus-minus the ingredients, for example, I do not have parmesan at home, so I substitute with crushed walnuts instead. Oh, look at the crabsticks and hotdogs lying in the fridge, why not throw them in as well? 

All in all, this fuss-free dish is simple and customizable, yet does not disappoint. Try it and get amazed at how the crunchy nuttiness of walnuts complement the usual aglio olio.

Yayoiken @ Liang Court, Singapore

Liang court is best known for its Eastern-influenced culture and mall tenants, such as giant bookstore Kinokuniya, Meidi-Ya supermart and a dozen of authentic Japanese eateries. Unlike my Japanese-obsessed friends (okay, I'm being a little stereotypical here), Liang court is one place that I would put last on my "to-go list". First, prices are jacked sky-high there, because everyone claimed their goods are air-flown all the way from Japan. Second, the mall is out of my vicinity. Third, I could probably count the number of shops with my fingers (and toes). It is just not worth the trip, and the travel fare as well.

Well, not until recently when I visited their restaurants, such as Ryoshi Sushi Ikeikemaru, Tampopo and Yayoiken. Talking about Yayoiken, my bestfriend is forever raving about this latest addition at Liang Court. I am not going into the history, just that a whopping 125 years of history since their first humble outlet in Kayabacho, Tokyo was just incredible.

For their oh-so-beautiful menu, expect to find hamburger steaks, fried cutlets and fillets alongside with "more typical Japanese cuisine", such as tempura, sashimi and bento sets. My friend had Hire Katsu Set (S$16.90) the last time and was so tempted to order it again. I did the honour of savouring the pork cutlets, well.. in his place. Deep-fried to mere perfection, what's hidden beneath the crispy golden-brown skin is a combination of soft and juicy tenderloin cut, accompanied by the little traces of lard. I tell you what's better, pair it with the sweet sauce. Foodgasm. Oh, it is deep-fried, so don't expect it to be healthy, but do yourself a huge favour by eating the veggies.

Our Great Redang Escapade Part 2

The highlight of the trip is none other than snorkeling. Aside from my recruit days in Pulau Tekong, I've had been to Batam, Langkawi and Pulau Tioman, and the waters in Redang are one of the clearest. Again, I am still thankful that we were blessed with such good weathers, which might have affected the clarity of the waters and the brightness/colours of the corals.

During the second snorkeling trip, we had amazing opportunities to marvel at the beauty of God's creation, such as schools of colourful fishes, beautiful corals and a wide variety of anemones (like the one below which resembles brown noodles imo).

Jesline with "noodle-anemone"

Our Great Redang Escapade Part 1

After a gruelling 12-hours coach and ferry ride (10 and 2-hours respectively) from Singapore's Golden Mile Complex, we finally made it to Redang Island! Locally known as Pulau Redang, it is one of the largest islands off the east coast of Malaysia and which offers snorkeling and diving opportunities at its picturesque, crystal-clear waters. And if one would to watch the Hong Kong film titled Summer Holiday (夏日的麼麼茶) prior, which was released in 2000 and stars Richie Ren and Sammi Cheng, this island should be no stranger to you.

Imperial Treasure Noodle & Congee House @ Orchard Ion, Singapore

"Sorry, we are closed" are the four words that hit me hard when the service staff at Taste Paradise told us. To be honest, we did went all the way to town to try their highly acclaimed Custard Bun and Baked BBQ Pork Pastry. My insatiable craving for good dim sum was growing gradually, I whipped out my iPhone immediately, punched in "best dim sum in Orchard Road", and  lo-and-behold! Imperial Treasure came out next.

Establishing their first restaurants of Imperial Treasure in 2004, it has since garnered numerous ravings and media interviews, and has opened more than 10 eateries and bakeries under Imperial Treasure's trademark, serving authentic Chinese cuisine with great passion.

Looking at their extensive lists of Shanghai/Hong Kong dim sum, Xiao Long Bao (S$4.80 for 4) struck my eyes like a pretty girl across the street (okay, this makes no sense). I mean, who wouldn't love these delicately crafted steamed pork dumplings? Their version has a smooth bouncy texture to the dumpling skin, which is thin, yet strong enough to hold the succulent fillings in. And as with all the good food - One is never enough.