Food for Joy!
Posted Tuesday, 12 July, 2011 at 08:49 AM.Unlike other country, Singapore does not has its distinct well-known food, but she is proudly known for a wide-range of ethnic food like ‘Nasi Briyani, hainanese chicken rice, and Roti Prata” Definitely, it is something that Singaporeans are proud of, and it is a culture that should be showcased to the rest of the world.
Therefore, The Singapore Food Festival was set up 18 years ago, with its given intention to rejoice and celebrate the local ‘surviving’ food which was left behind by the past ancestors of different heritage and culture, which has provided Singapore with a reputation of being the food paradise. Food is mainly one of the attractions in Singapore, whereby the Singapore Food Festival which was set up by Singapore Tourist Board, showcases international and our multi-cultural cuisine.
The Singapore Food Festival takes place annually, with a different message every year. Just last year, the theme was ‘Explore, Taste and Celebrate’ whereby they discover the treasures of Singapore Chinese Dialect Food. This year’s theme is something different, as it goes all the way back to the history of the spice trade route in Singapore. In the 16th century, spices have not only played a vital role in developing the western civilization, but it has also make merchants rich instantly. Till date, spices like chili, cinnamon, ginger, coriander, cardamom and star arise are sold in supermarket, as such spices are use to bring out the fragrance in a dish.
Therefore, this year’s ‘Spice it up! Discover the flavors of Singapore Culinary Heritage’ theme has attracted many tourist and Singaporeans as they embark on a journey to discover and know more about the history of Singapore, as well as how the spices are used in different food. “ I have been going to the Singapore Food Festival for 5 years now, and I do enjoy myself, as much as the wide choices of food sold. This year, I have even brought my children along, and I am sure they have enjoyed themselves as well, as they were given a chance to take a sniff at how the different spices smell like. It is indeed educational!” said Mr Harry Chia. Parents with kids were not the only seen in the festival, even teenagers like Jace found the festival meaningful, as he mentioned that “it is something that Singaporeans should appreciate. Especially being such a food lover like myself, I was given the opportunity to try out the different food.” Tourist like Mr Kai Leach, from Australia said that “I enjoyed myself, as there are a variety of different kind of food available for me to try. It is something different, as Australia always has the ordinary fast food, and everything is the same, but over here, I can try out the different types of food! And, I really like the Popiah here!”
Indeed, the program highlights not only feature stalls selling different ethnic food ranging from curry fish head to North Indian curry, at Clark Quay, but also cooking competition, classes and demo happening at Asia Malls, Triffin cruise at Liang court jetty, The trishaw heritage, and the Longest table providing dinner buffet which took place at Little India.
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The Huge Exhibition
Posted Thursday, 14 July, 2011 at 12:04 PM.
“Sales”, “Lucky draws” or “Exhibitions” is what typical Singaporeans look out for. Getting a reasonable price for something that is costly gives you the urge to look out for it. An example is the furnishing products!
The Home Design & Decor exhibition was where you could truly find the right and economical furniture from. What’s more, the exhibition had sales with up to 80% off on furniture and design services. In addition, a lucky draw of $15, 000 worth of cash had awaited for the lucky winner. This year, the fair was held at the Singapore Expo whereby people of all ages crowded in a hall on 9 to 17 July.
Eagerness on the customers’ faces and polite service provision from the salespeople had created the right atmosphere to step into. Visually, the hall was exactly how you would fantasize your house to be where attractive lightings and furniture were placed in an orderly manner. Soon, you would find yourself spending a lot of time planted in front of the brands, having ideas of how you could furnish your home. Indeed, customers did not actually have to be troubled over it as there were free consultations regarding the floor plans of their homes on the spot. A large variety of improvements could therefore, be brought about on their own.
Well-known brands were exhibited in the hall, which include Sealy Posturepedic, Simmons, King Coil and companies comprise of IDees Interior Design, Classic Ideas and more.
Couples could be seen in the middle of the hall, due to the fact that they were testing out the beds. However, majority of them had taken the chance to try out the beds from Sealy Posturepedic. It is the number one highest quality standard mattress manufacturer in the world, which aims to address the needs of the human body at rest. The innersprings of the mattresses were jointly designed with the top orthopaedic surgeons to provide accurate support for the back and body.
“Because I am having back problems and that we are moving into a new apartment soon, so it is crucial when it comes to buying a bed.” said an engaged couple, Mr and Mrs Tony Sim. They seemed rather hesitant since many other brands were as competitive as Sealy Posturepedic.
“Nothing beats better than a good night’s sleep. I find that the brand and quality of the mattress should be of our expectations,” Said Mrs Sim. “My father-in-law is very particular with what type of bed do we sleep on. Overall, with what Sealy has proven to be an issue-free mattress, we may consider purchasing it.”
Mr Sim joked and said part of it was also that the commercial on television had enticed the couple to test if the bed could really make them fall asleep immediately.
It could be hard to say if the visitors were contented with their trips down to the Expo, but it might have satisfied their hungers for those reasonable prices for furnishing.
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The Good Old Days
Posted Friday, 29 July, 2011 at 3:53 PM.
“So what do you think about this heritage fest?”
I turned around and see a man, his glasses pushed up and an orange pen in his, “We’re doing a survey,” he says, “do you mind helping out?”
To be honest, I expected the heritage festival, held at Novena Square, to be boring and educational. I got the educational part right, but not about the part where the festival was boring. Upon my arrival, I witness a breath taking performance by a group of dancers. Watching them move gracefully to the beat of the music, their beaming faces, I was somewhat moved by their performance, and most importantly, the pride they had in their heritage.
The festival finale featured live performances, including dances from various ethnic groups, music from the 50s along with several skits. Themed “Family Fun”, the festival featured several exhibitions such as; The Family Celebrates, Down Memory Lane, Iconic Landmarks in Singapore, Entertainment in Singapore and Shopping in Singapore. All of which showcased how families in Singapore bonded. As I walked through the exhibition fringe, I realized how a “de-evolution” occurred. Videos games turned into board games with wrinkled covers which turned into toys such as five stones and ‘chaptek’, games my mother played, I was walking down memory lane and enjoying every moment of it. Giggles filled the air as children tested their skills at these games, practically extinct until now. However, they failed miserably, proving the fact that in this era, the skills of a player is in his thumbs and not his body.
“The games here are different from what I play at home,” Henry Chao said, revealing that his Xbox at home was the only thing he played nowadays. When asked on how the games from the past faired against his current technological hub, the twelve-year-old smiled, “My Xbox is definitely better, the games here gets boring after a while.”
His mother, however, had a different opinion. Having tried her hand at a game of five stones and conquering it she said with a laugh, “I’m actually enjoying this more than my son, even though I brought him here for his entertainment. It’s like going back to my childhood.”
Indeed, the heritage festival was bringing nostalgia to many adults, their joy written on their faces but for some, such as 17-year-old Alicia Long, the festival was a little plain and not as entertaining as she hoped. “It’s not very well planned, the exhibition is quite confusing, it’s here, there, everywhere! The showcases aren’t as engaging as I hope,” she added.
“Personally, I felt the heritage festival held here is a complete success and I have gain much insight on our local heritage, I think the event is worth going to, especially for adults who miss the good old days,” I smiled.
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Indulge Yourself this GSS
Posted Monday, 18 July, 2011 at 3:38 PM.
As the annual event finally unfolds, shoppers can expect to burn a hole in their pockets this Great Singapore Sale (GSS). However, apart from the usual shopping frenzy for clothes or accessories, how about spending this GSS bonding with your family and friends instead?
With discounts and promotions going on island wide, what is the most essential thing that shoppers can’t do without after a long day queuing for your victory items? The answer is definite – food.
Situated at River Valley, the Singapore franchise of the Japanese crepe chain, Mazazu Crepe (or Mother’s Crepe in Japan) experienced where food becomes the universal language. Famous for their delicious yet healthy crepes, Mother’s Crepe has at least 20 outlets worldwide. This GSS, Mazazu Crepe is offering a free drink of your choice with each crepe ordered.
From soft drinks priced at $2 to a cup of chocolate priced at $4.50 (hot) or $5.20 (cold), any drinks excluding gelato drinks come free-of-charge.
“Our cream contains healthy vegetable fats unlike usual creams, so it’s low in fats and beneficial. If you have reservations about the cream, you can always switch it to custard or enjoy a hot crepe which comes without cream.” Operations Manager, Mdm Julie Wee shared. “We are expecting increased business with GSS.”
Boasting a menu that has a total of 50 crepes and with the option of creating your own crepe, there is sure to be one that suits your appetite.
Frequent customer of Mazazu Crepe, Miss Shering expressed her happiness for the promotion. However, she wished that there were “even more promotional meal packages as the food is quite expensive”.
Thoughtfully presented in a cone, it is convenient to be shopping and eating at the same time. You can easily enjoy it as you go hunting for the best GSS deals with your family and friends. It can also be packed and taken home for you to share with your family.
If you’re enjoying your food at home with your family, what would be better than to watch your favourite drama series or movie together? With 28 outlets island wide, Poh Kim offers a wide array of the newly released dramas from South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and more.
This GSS season, Poh Kim is dropping various discounts on their home entertainment products. With 40% discount off Hong Kong dramas and Korea and Taiwan dramas going at two for $25, Sales Supervisor Miss Lim noted that “business is good with many foreign customers”.
“TVB dramas are usually expensive but the offer is such a good deal for an addict like me!” Miss Yeo expressed enthusiastically when asked about her view on the promotion.
Figures from MasterCard showed visiting cardholders spent nearly US$25 million and locals close to US$50 million, which were both significant increases from figures last year. The first weekend also saw great spending at eateries and restaurants, which tallied with retailers’ observations. Where will you be this GSS?
Locations
Mazazu Crepe
Liang Court
177 River Valley Road
#B1-30/30A
Singapore 179030
Poh Kim
Tanglin Mall, Plaza Singapura, Centrepoint Shopping Ctr, Novena Square, Shaw Plaza, Liang Court, People's Park Complex, 86 Whampoa Drive, Tiong Bahru Plaza, Bugis Junction, Suntec City Mall, Bukit Timah Plaza, AMK Hub, Westmall, Sembawang Shopping Ctr, Kallang Leisure Park, Aljunied MRT Station, Anchor Point Shopping Ctr, Habourfront Centre, Parkway Parade, Tampines Centure Square, Compass Point, Hougang Mall, 51 Yishun Central 1, North Plaza, Thomson Plaza, Hougang Mall, City Square Mall
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