The Singaporean Florist That Changed the Game

It seems impossible to make blooms more beautiful than they already are, in their sole existence as such, but it actually is. A Better Florist is a florist in Singapore that have taken the floristry scene seriously and they are producing some real attention-grabbers in their flower shop.

They are the perfect combination of skills and talent, which they have mastered to the core, and their flower designs are a clear reflection of that. As you would expect from their name, they offer flowers that stand out, are always fresh and their bouquets and arrangements are on a whole other level of creativity.

The standards are high, but the prices are low, which plays a significant role, as once you set your eyes on these blooms, you’ll want to have them in your possession as often as possible.

A Better Florists designs indeed stand out, but if their selection isn’t enough for you, you’re also able to request custom-designed bouquets, that are going to be crafted with ‘you’ in mind only. Her Flowers is another flower shop, owned by the same team that has a different variety of bouquets and arrangements making sure that you’re good to go, no matter what your flower preferences are.

They are ideal for any occasion and not just Valentine’s and Mother’s Day. Their philosophy promotes gifting flowers for no reason at all, which I applaud. This means, you’re spreading happiness and positivity with flowers, which is what flowers are really about.

A Better Florist delivers all around Singapore, but recently their flowers have reached larger distances. In fact, they know have flower shops in Hong Kong and Dubai as well. After the huge success in Singapore, it was only a matter of time when the rest of the world would want a piece of them for themselves. After they’ve made it to the list of ten best florists in Singapore, it was no surprise that they were able to make the list of top ten florists in Hong Kong as well.

The website is really easy to use, as you’re able to make a purchase via your computer or mobile phone, within only a few clicks. Perfect for everyone who’s on the go, but still wants a special token of appreciation for their loved ones. They even deliver flowers within 90 minutes, on the same day, which is quite impressive.

Overall, A Better Florist is definitively a game-changer and worth looking into. You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you step into their bloom world. 

This post is brought to you by Elma Humpries

Teppan Bar Q – Scintillating Teppanyaki Experience [MEDIA INVITE]

Teppan Bar Q

Teppanyaki is a style of Japanese cooking using iron griddle. Having Teppanyaki is not just about the food, it is about the experience being entertained by Teppanyaki Master Chef. Seating in front of the iron griddle, looking straight at the Chef preparing your food, is one of the most memorable Chef's table experience you can have.

The Centre Stage

Teppan Bar Q by Torikin is originated from Hakata, also known as the birth place of Ramen. In Hakata, Teppan Bar Q has many sister restaurants specialising in different type of Japanese cuisine. To ensure Teppan Bar Q quality remain up to standard, Chef Ishida visits Singapore regularly and we have the pleasure to taste his cooking that night.

The Wall Decor

Squid with Pesto ($12) kick start the evening. Serve in small plate like Japanese version of Tapas. Springy yet succulent squid, served with creamy mild pesto sauce. The salty and sour taste of the olives provided contrasting flavour in this dish. Hidden under the squid is grilled potatoes to add starch or carbo to this dish. A good start to the meal.

Squid with Pesto

Tonpei Yaki ($17). Tonpei Yaki is Japanese omelet filled with cabbage and pork. It is bold combination of sweet and savoury, topped with bonito flakes. Though the fillings are juicy and succulent, the sauce just covered the original taste of the ingredients. An interesting dish, but not to my liking.

Tonpei Yaki

Kwee Zeen – French Rotisserie Buffet Nights [MEDIA INVITE]

Kwee Zeen @ Sofitel Singapore Sentosa

Sofitel Singapore Sentosa is one of the resorts located on Sentosa Island. Blending intricate French design with Singapore's colonial heritage plus the panoramic view of South China Sea, you can look forward to memorable stay in this resort.

Pool View from Outdoor Seating

Kwee Zeen is one of the four dining choices in Sofitel Sentosa Singapore. It focuses on pan-Asian specialities and classic French cuisine. Kwee Zeen opens 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. From Monday to Wednesday, it is ala carte. Thursday is ala carte plus the option of Cheese Rendezvous. Friday to Sunday will feature the French Rotisserie Buffet.

Traditional Coffee Machine

Check out the video below for the highlights of the French Rotisserie Buffet.

[CLOSED] 55 Steamboat – Traditional Steamboat in Non Traditional Way

55 Steamboat

We were intrigued by the décor of 55 Steamboat during our search for a new steamboat place. As we tried to fit it within a certain budget, we have to exclude those high-end steamboat place. While most steamboat restaurant is decorated in a traditional way, 55 Steamboat décor is catchy with cafe like modern industrial setting.

55 Steamboat

Table Setting

Price quoted for weekend dinner is $29.80+, which is reasonable. Though price quoted is for buffet, they apparently still charged for the soup base. The options for the soup base are Tomato Soup, Bone Soup and Hot & Spicy Soup. We decided on Tomato Soup and Bone Soup ($18 for double soup) combination.

Tomato x Pork Bone Soup

The tomato soup base turns out to be the right pick. It robust, refreshing, filled with the flavour sweet and tanginess of tomatoes. The bone soup looks like it has been boiled over a long period, essence from the bones was extracted into the soup base. Our friends that ordered the Hot & Spicy soup, gave their approval on the level of spiciness in it.

Hot & Spicy x Pork Bone Soup

There are about 50 items you can choose from ranging from meat, poultry, seafood, premium fish balls and vegetables. Check out the picture for the full menu. The sauces are sesame, chilli paste, mala (oily, numbing & spicy), satay and other regular offerings.

55 Steamboat - The Menu

Cook & Brew – Exciting New Additions with Grandma's Recipe [MEDIA INVITE]

Cook & Brew

We are back at Cook & Brew, the Westin Singapore's specialty gastro-bar for the unveiling of new curated dishes by Chef Aaron Foster and his team. Born in Canada, Chef Aaron Foster is known for his love using pork and beef to create a range of wholesome dishes. The taste of Poutine “EH” still lingers after all this time. (Check out theprevious review of cook and brew here).

This time around, the vegetarian has something to look forward to. Roasted Broccoli ($14). The aroma of roasted broccoli just filled the air when this dish is served. Topped with sweet pickles, chilli, sesame, honey dijon and sriracha dressing it looks like a lump of greens. It is crisp and crunchy, followed with multiple bold flavours teasing your palate. Unfortunately, my taste-buds did not agree with the sriracha. Interesting dish, but just not for me.

Roasted Broccoli

Nem Nuớng̣ Vietnamese Charcoal Grilled Pork Sausage ($16). Inspired by his recent trip to Vietnam, Chef Aaron Foster presents his version of grilled pork sausage. It is well seasoned, nicely grilled with smoky aroma and succulent meat. Presented in Japanese mini grill, the pork sausage continues to retain its heat. The pickled vegetables is almost as close as the one you get in a Vietnamese restaurant, while the spicy watermelon is refreshing. You can dip into the chilli mix if you want more kick to the dish.

Nem Nuớng̣ Vietnamese Charcoal Grilled Pork Sausage

Garganelli Pasta & Duck Confit ($32). It looks like a refined version of Italian Kway Chap. The duck broth is thick and robust. The Garganelli pasta is cooked to al-dente and absorbs the broth nicely. The duck just basically melts in your mouth. There is some cabbage at the bottom of the dish to balance the saltiness in this dish, while the parmesan cheese just binds all the components together. Yum Yum.

Garganelli Pasta & Duck Confit

Wan He Lou – The Warmth of Lobster Porridge [MEDIA INVITE]

Wan He Lou at Maude Road

Lobster Porridge is a dish that can bring the words classy and comfort in the same sentence. Inspired by his regular trip to Desaru Malaysia, Chef Lai Siew Dee, the Executive Chef at Wan He Lou created this dish. It has won many awards including the top prize at a culinary event which was part of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Signature Lobster Porridge

Signature Lobster Porridge ($31.90 onwards). Cooked based on Teochew style porridge, each grain of rice remain wholesome and submerged in the cloudy lobster broth. The rice is al-dente and absorbed the lobster essence from the broth. The pepper added to this dish is generous and helps to warm up the stomach.

Signature Lobster Porridge - My Serving

Crispy Lotus with Salted Egg ($11.90 for small; 19.90 for medium). The lotus is thinly sliced and deep fried and finished off with salted egg. It has a crispy exterior, but you can feel there is some moisture internally. The best part, of course, each piece of the fried lotus is evenly coated with the salty goodness and addictive flavour from the salted egg. Yum Yum, they should pack this sell it as snacks.

Crispy Lotus with Salted Egg

[CLOSED] AquaMarine – Iftar Specials this Ramadan [MEDIA INVITE]

AquaMarine is the main dining destination for Marina Mandarin Hotel. Known for its exquisite spread of Halal-certified buffet, during this special month AquaMarine offers the perfect venue to partake in Iftar with your friends and family.

Part of AquaMarine Dining Area

Highlights of the spread include:

Wagyu Beef Oxtail. Done in two ways, soup and rendang. I love them both. The soup is clear and robust, further enhanced with the sweetness from fried shallots. Add a squeeze of lime to give it a zing tangy taste to it and help cuts down the fattiness from the oxtail. I recommend you have this with emping (belinjo nuts cracker).

Oxtail Soup

The oxtail rendang is just superb. It is slowly cooked over a long period until the meat absorbs the spices. The end product is the meat that falls off the bone and basically melts in your mouth. Yum Yum!!

The Oxtail Rendang

Roti Jala with Spicy Coconut, chicken and Jackfruit Curry. A slight twist to normal jackfruit curry that we find in Nasi Padang restaurant here. The chefs actually use the non-sweet and sweet part of the flesh to cook the chicken curry. The usually hard non-sweet flesh is soft and tender. The sweet flesh that we normally eat raw, add sweetness to this dish plus the springy texture. Having this curry with roti jala is unique on its own.

Roti Jala

Spicy Coconut, chicken and Jackfruit Curry