'e' MAG

DEC - FEB

Vol.8

Between 0 & 1 Looking back & forward

Warmth in Wine Culinary Treasures CBD

“Merry Christmas to everybody!

A happy New Year to the entire world!”

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Reference 414 & 1045 • • • • •

Extra-flat watch Swiss movement Sapphire Crystal Stainless steel case and bracelet Water resistant: 3ATM.

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Cheers: You made it!

How time flies: As you read Volume 8 of ‘e’ magazine, we’ve just turned three.

I must confess that it’s been challenging as much as rewarding to always strive harder to improve as much as we continue to receive more compliments, especially from those in the Food & Beverage and hotel sectors.

MAG Team!

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Dennis Lim Email: dennislim@pcl-pub.com

EDITORIAL

But we’re not resting on our laurels as we strive to make ‘e’ magazine bi-monthly, we know that we have to buck up more and more.

Editor-in-Chief: Collin Chee Email: cchee@pcl-pub.com Associate Editor: Catherine Tan Email: cat.tan@pcl-pub.com Editorial Consultant: Suresh Nair Advertorial Consultant: Chee Eng

Yet in the midst of the compliments, I want to take a step back and look back at how we took the first humble step.

Yes, it was a new beginning and, inevitably, there were stumbling blocks. I cannot turn back the clock now, and in a way, I don’t wish to, because I appreciate all the lessons that we have learnt along the way.

Contributors: Cheryl Leong & Christopher Leong Alex Ngai

In a nutshell, the message is clear: The editorial-direction is clearer. The content is more interesting. The layout has improved significantly.

Like every team sports, producing a magazine is never a one-man-show, and it is crucial that everyone works towards the same goal. I salute the camaraderie at ‘e’ magazine that spurred us to overcome the obstacles in the beginning.

The road ahead is going to be more challenging and exciting. The focus of ‘e’ magazine has been on food and travel. We will continue to bring our readers high-quality content in these two areas. In addition, our lifestyle and healthcare pages will continue to add value and the gadgets section will add yet another facet to our bubbly magazine.

Our ultimate goal is to see the big smile on your face when you find something of quality in ‘e’ magazine. Indeed, it’s always heartening to hear from you, the precocious readers, and we cherish your value-added feedback always.

It has been a tiring 24 months but the rewards have been amazing. Our readership is on the rise and from the bottom of my heart, I wish to thank the industrious team-players behind this magazine.

To our generous sponsors, I thank you for your support and trust. Most importantly, I thank you, the readers, for backing this magazine whole-heartedly.

Cheers: You made it!

Cheers: Have a rip-roaring year-end festive season!

ART DIRECTION Angeline Leow

PRINTER PCL Printers (Pte) Ltd Tel: +65 6745 8733 Website: www.pcl.com.sg

PHOTO Paul Yap Sze Kiat Martin

ADVERTISING & MARKETING Daniel Heng, Media Consultant Mobile: +65 9620 1350 Victor Lim, Account Manager Mobile: +65 9857 1862 Email: vic.lim@pcl-pub.com Jeri Yip, Senior Sale Executive Mobile: +65 9002 8862 Email: jeriyip@pcl-pub.com

DISTRIBUTOR Cheers,

Collin Chee

Huang Sin Trading Company Tel: +65 6841 1367

DISTRIBUTION - 60,000 COPIES MAG is distributed at all 7-ELEVEN stores

located in Shell Stations, selected prime landed estates and MRT stations.

Medan - 3,000 COPIES to selected landed estates and restaurants.

OFFICE PCL Publishers Pte Ltd 4 Ubi View. Singapore 408557 Tel: +65 6741 5211 Fax: +65 6741 2321 enquiries@pcl-pub.com

MAG is a free quarterly publication, published by PCL Publishers Pte Ltd. MICA (P) 020/11/2009 ISSN: 1793-8988 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher.

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FEATURES

Sake: A Rice &

Water Story

When it comes to Japanese alcohol, the one that easily comes to mind is sake. While we commonly know the beverage as sake in English, sake (酒) actually refers to alcoholic drinks in general within Japan. The specific term for the sake that most of us are familiar with is actually nihonshu (日本酒), which means “Japanese sake”.

Excellent sake requires a delicate balance of excellent rice and water coupled with stringent brewing processes. Skilled sake artisans are often experts who are attuned to changes in climate, rice and water.

Quality water is essential for sake brewing so renowned sakeproducing regions would usually have a source of tasty water. A special category of rice, sakamai, is used for making sake and is different from table rice. Proteins and fats which make up the outer layer of each grain of rice are milled away before brewing to reduce or eliminate undesirable aromas and flavours that may be produced during fermentation.

The degree to which the outer portion of each rice grain is milled before brewing is known as seimaibuai, which also determines the basic grade and inherent quality level of sake. In general, the more polished the rice is, the greater the complexity, fragrance, overall quality, and price of the resulting sake would be.

Sake Classification Chart: Tokutei Meisho-Shu Increasing quality, price, fragrance and complexity JUNMAI DAIGINJO

JUNMAI GINJO TOKUBETSU JUNMAI

JUNMAI

PERCENTAGE OF RICE GRAIN REMAINING

DAIGINJO 50% GINJO 60% TOKUBETSU HONJOZO

HONJOZO 70%

NO ALCOHOL ADDED

ALCOHOL ADDED

Sake can be divided into two groups. Junmai-shu is pure rice sake which is brewed using only rice, water, koji, and yeast whereas Honjyozo is sake brewed using rice, water, koji, and yeast with a distilled alcohol added.

Premium sake accounts for 20 to 25 percent of the sake market and can be further graded into 8 classifications according to the milling percentage.

While these are the minimum legal requirements for each class, many brewers often pursue a much higher milling percentage for better quality.

Among the alcohol-added premium sake, Dai-Ginjo would be of the highest quality and price. In the group made only with rice, it would be Junmai-Dai-Ginjo. Sakes labelled as Tokubetsu means that there is something special about the sake be it better rice, higher polishing or special attention.

Perhaps the only alcoholic beverage which experiences taste changes with subtle fluctuations in temperatures, sake can be enjoyed either warm or cold (usually between 5ºC and 55ºC). One popular temperature is “Hitohada”, which refers to body temperature. It is widely considered the ideal temperature to bring out the full flavour of warm sake.

A common social lubricant in Japan nowadays and also believed to be able to increase blood circulation, would sake be the drink of choice for your next party?

F

irst ever in Singapore to have a shop dedicated to selling only Japanese sake and related drinks products such as Japanese tea (ocha); sake enthusiasts would be delighted to seize them for they are previously impossible to get it. Directly imported from Japan, SAKE INN gives the greatest offer that one can get! Budding sake-lovers would also get to try on the sake through the weekly promotions held in the shop. Wood is one of the most sought after elements in Japanese culture as it marks the beginning of new life; hence the innovative design of SAKE INN comes about.

Approximately fifty of different variety of sake barrels that are resourcefully collected from an array of breweries would be welcoming the sake fans when they stepped into SAKE INN. The design of the shop will have a Japanese atmosphere and environment that fully suits the theme of the shop. In addition, Tokkuri (sake jar) and glassware would be available in different designs and shapes. For tea lovers, SAKE INN also offers a wide variety of tea sets that can be used during tea ceremony and for leisure drinking. Collectors would be delighted for finally there is a one stop centre!

SAKE INN PTE LTD

10 Tampines Central 1, #B1-30 Tampines 1, Singapore 529536 Tel/Fax: 6783 3931 9 Raffles Boulevard Millenia Walk, #P3-17, PARCO, Singapore 039596 Tel/Fax: 6337 9930 Email: drink@sakeinn.com.sg

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Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner

24 December, 6.30pm to 10pm $35++per Adult / $18++ per Child (10 Year and below) COMBINATION ORIENTAL PLATTER

Seasoned Japanese Octopus, Century Eggs, Spring Roll, and Crab Meat Ball

APPETIZER

Sweet Corn and Bean Salad Mixed Green Salad with Condiment (Thousand Island, Oil Vinaigrette and French Dressing)

SOUP Vegetable Goulash with Mini Bread Roll

MAIN DISHES

LOCAL & ORIENTAL HOT DISHES

Braised Whole Duck in Yam, Chestnut and Supreme Sauce Wok Fried Hong Kong Kai lan Steamed Fish Fillet in Tom Yam Gravy Deep Fried Pork Belly Ribs with Coffee Glaze Metro-Y Fried Rice

WESTERN HOT DISHES

Roasted Turkey Breast accompanied with Cranberry Sauce and Gravy Sliced Honey Glazed Ham Roast Beef with Mushroom Sauce Roasted Potato with Sliced Fennel and Herbs Spaghetti Neapolitan

SWEET TEMPTATIONS CORNER Chocolate Log Cake Rainbow Agar Agar Miniature Brownies Fresh Fruit Platter

Free Flow Coffee & Tea Lookout for our Chinese New Year’s Eve takeaway special

60 Stevens Road Singapore 275854 Tel: 6839 8333 Fax: 6235 5528 www.mymca.org.sg

www.facebook.com/mymca.singapore

Celebrate the joy of

Christmas at

Metro-Y Restaurant East meets West

F&B DIRECTORY

Christmas & New Year

where to eat!

ORCHARD HOTEL SWEETEST X’MAS! Visitors to Orchard Hotel will be greeted with the sweetest Christmas surprise yet.

Get into the Christmas spirit and sing-a-long as songbirds perform a medley of Christmas carols in the lobby between 21 Dec and 25 Dec. Join in as Orchard Hotel celebrates the sweetest-ever Christmas!

SHERATON SAVOR, STAY & SHARE Sheraton has an elite surprise: You will not only be able to do Christmas shopping and celebration, but also share some love with the less fortunate.

Guests who book the special 25th Anniversary Room Package will receive the dual-function Sherington Bear and the hotel will donate $25 from the best available rate to charity.

ORCHARD CAFÉ

Come Christmas Eve, be enthralled by the soaring vocals of Victoria Chorale and welcome Christmas with joyful songs.

A variety of sumptuous meals and all-day buffet awaits you at Orchard Café. Make your reservations early to enjoy early-bird discounts!

Savour Christmas delights like the decadent Pina Colada Yule Log Cake and Christmas hampers brimming with goodies over at the Festive Booth between 26 Nov and 25 Dec.

Christmas Eve Buffet

Embrace 2011 on New Year’s Eve with live music and top 40 hits at Lobby Bar. Toast and make merry with 25% discount on drinks.

Lunch : $52 adult, $28 child High Tea: $38 adult, $21 child

DOMVS

Dinner: at $88 adult, $46 per child

Christmas Set Lunch/Dinner: $90/$120 per person

Christmas Day

THE DINING ROOM

Family Brunch: $62 adult, $33 per child

Prelude to Christmas Lunch Buffet: $45 adult, $22 child. Available between 6-23 Dec.

Buffet High Tea: $38 per adult, $21 per child Buffet Dinner: $68 per adult, $36 per child.

Orchard Café also offers a series of pre-festive buffet lunches, high tea and dinners between 10 - 23 December as well as 26-30 December.

Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet: $78 adult, $40 child Christmas Day Lunch Buffet: $58 adult, $30 child New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet: $88.80 adult, $45 child New Year’s Day Lunch Buffet: $68.90 adult, $35 child

ORCHARD @ YOUR PLACE Celebrate Christmas at home with our newly created take-away package!

LOBBY BAR

From a minimum party of 10, select from a variety of appetizers, main dishes and desserts from our a-la-carte menu.

For enquiries and reservations, please call:

Advance reservations are recommended for the festive season. For reservations at any F&B outlets, please call Santarina’s Hotline at 67396577.

The Dining Room: 6839 5621

Orchard@YourPlace: 6739-6635 or email orchardatyourplace@ orchardhotel.com.sg.

25% off all drinks all day on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. DOMVS, The Italian Restaurant: 6839 5622 Lobby Bar: 6839 5625 Festive Booth: 6839 5636/21 Rooms: 6839 5755

Please note that all prices are subject to service charge and prevailing government taxes.

DON & GRILL BISTRO The only restaurant where you can find western & Japanese cuisine under one roof.

CHRISTMAS SET MENU Seafood Chowder ********* Surf & Turf grilled turkey ham w pineapple and topped w a rich creamy butter prawns or Reunion Moments combination of grilled sirloin steak to your liking and glazed w honey pepper sauce and glazed bbq rib or Surfer’s Rendezvous charbroiled crayfish to perfection bedded w spaghetti aglio olio ********* Oven Baked Apple Crumble dusted w sweet snow and topped w a dollop ice cream ********* Coffee or Tea ********* A Glass of House Pouring Wine S$29.90 Nett

348 Joo Chiat Road Singapore 427597 Tel: 6346 1709

*Please call for reservation

www.don.grillbistro.insing.sg www.singaporefoodweb.com/joochiatzone

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FOOD REVIEW

Texas

Chicken

O

ne of the fondest memories I have of my childhood was the fried chicken at Texas Fried Chicken. Even though Colonel Sanders had an outlet only a few blocks away, I had always preferred the Texan version. Maybe it was due to the distance, for I vaguely remember it being at Hougang, a fair distance from my home. Or maybe it was because it seemed exotic compared to the widely available Kentucky chickens. Either way, that memory seemed almost like some childhood illusion, for Texas Fried Chicken was nowhere to be seen by the time I grew up.

Imagine my excitement then, when I found out that there was going to be a new Texas Fried Chicken outlet in Singapore, and that it was going to be open at the Singapore Expo, which was a short walk from my house. I could finally verify my childhood fantasies and find out whether Texas Fried Chicken could stand up to my now practiced palate.

The Spicy Fried Chicken was my choice and from the first bite, I knew that my childhood memories were all true. The crispy outer skin had just the right amount of crunch, and even stood the test of time. I waited 20 minutes to bite into the last piece of chicken and it was just as crispy as the first one!

When it comes to fried chicken, especially the spicy kind, the marinate is everything.

Not only did the red marinate seep into the soft white flesh of the chicken, you could even spot it on the bones! This meant that every bite of chicken yielded the same amount of flavour and goodness.

Peri

One of the biggest peeves I have with the other “famous” fried chicken restaurants in Singapore is what I call the ballooning effect. There is usually a thick layer of air between the fried outer skin and the flesh, making the chicken piece look bigger than it is. No such problems here at Texas Fried Chicken. The skin stays on the flesh and the chicken pieces are of a generous size, easily half again bigger than the chicken from the good ole’ Colonel.

As delicious as the chicken was, the one thing that was the star of the show for me was the Honey Butter Biscuit. The biscuit came as a side dish with the chicken set meal, but it was so good that I bought a box of six to eat back home. Now the biscuits here are not the hard, cookie-like pastries that we usually associate the word ‘biscuit’ with here in Singapore. The biscuits here are of the Southern US variety, soft fluffy cake-like breads with a firm crust that is drenched in a honey and butter syrup. The result? Sheer heaven!

After disappearing from the shores of Singapore almost 20 years ago, Texas Fried Chicken has made a strong comeback with their delicious fried chicken and sumptuous biscuits. And judging from the taste of their food, I would say that Colonel Sanders and Popeye had better keep a close eye on their new competitor.

Hot, Peri Delicious

T

here are some people who believe that destiny plays a part in everybody’s lives. If that is the case, then destiny must have been against me meeting with Nando’s Chickenland, because we had passed each other by more often than we should.

I have heard that there was a Nando’s in Singapore back in the 80’s, but I am too young to remember. The first I ever heard of Nando’s was during my graduation trip to Australia, but for some reason, every Nando’s restaurant I passed by was either closed or overly crowded.

When I went to Kuala Lumpur last year, eating at the local Nando’s was on my agenda, but I could not find it until the last day. By then, I was already on the bus home.

So by the time Nando’s opened in Singapore, I was starting to fear that my anticipation would ruin the experience.

After all, no mere flame grilled chicken could stand up to years of longing and

desire. So I played smart. When I saw the extremely long lines at the flagship restaurant at Bugis, I stayed away. The crowd would probably affect the service, or maybe even the quality of the food, and I was not prepared to make any excuses for the chicken that I had yearning for.

That is how I found myself at Tanglin Mall, where Nando’s Singapore has opened their second restaurant. Designed for a more intimate dining experience as compared to the hustle and bustle of the downtown Bugis outlet, the branch at Tanglin Mall is spacious, comfortable and homely. But enough of the backstory and the décor, it is the food that I am here for.

The full name of Nando’s is Nando’s Chickenland, and the chicken, obviously, is what they are famous for. Naturally, a lot of work goes into the chicken. The chickens that they use have to adhere to a standard age and size. Effort is made to trim off any excess fats, while overly skinny chickens are rejected, all to ensure that each chicken is as similar as possible. The birds are then butterfly cut (meaning they are cut lengthwise, opening up like a butterfly) and marinated in the top-secret Nando’s Peri-Peri sauce for 24 hours before being flame-grilled to perfection.

And is it perfect? Yes it is. And what does perfection taste like? Well, let me just say that the chicken breast meat here is just as succulent as thigh meat that you find anywhere else. The skin is nicely charred and caramelised from the grilling and the flavour of the sauce goes right down to the bone. Sorry if my description is not enough, but words just cannot do justice to the beauty of a Nando’s chicken.

The signature Peri-Peri sauce deserves a paragraph on its own. Made from African Bird’s Eye Chilli, this sauce is 100% natural and vegetarian, contains no preservatives or MSG, and it will burn your eyebrows off. The chicken here comes in four flavours: Lemon & Herb, Mild Peri-Peri, Hot Peri-Peri, and Extra Hot PeriPeri. I have seen grown men brought to tears by the Hot Peri-Peri sauce, so unless you possess a tongue made from lead and a stomach of steel, you better consider taking back that order of Extra Hot Peri-Peri that you made in a moment of foolish pride.

CHILLI CRAB

1036

LIVE SEAFOOD

HERBAL DRUNKEN PRAWNS

活海鲜螃蟹王

Rustic Environment Reasonable Prices Huge, Fleshy Crabs

Sumptuous Seafood Free Parking Crabs Galore!

Juicy Flesh! Fiery Taste!

• Chilli Crab • Black Pepper Crab • Salted Egg Crab • Herbal Crab Bee Hoon

CLEAR SOUP CLAMS

Glorious Live Seafood!

Limitless Signatures!

• Lobster Mee Hoon • Herbal Drunken Prawns • HK Style Steamed Soon Hock • Clear Soup Clams

STEAM SOON HOCK IN HONG KONG STYLE

1036 Sembawang Road, Singapore 758504 OPEN DAILY 11am-1am email: live1036seafood.ymail.com

LOBSTER MEE HOON

TEL: 6555 1277 FAX: 6482 5336 HP: 9757 9050, 9797 8477

ilable! a v a s t nque e!

CNY ba g are welcom Bookin

Guide

Far East Square Far East Square is a unique enclave located in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District.

Opened in 1999, it is a heritage conservation project with a vibrant mix of restaurants, cafes, and pubs as well as shops, pushcarts and kiosks.

Located within a short walk from Raffles Place MRT station, it is nestled at the confluence of Amoy Street, Pekin Street and Telok Ayer Street. Stroll into the development and you will discover a delightful palate of exquisite flavours at over 30 dining outlets.

Embark on a culinary adventure and sample specialties from Fuzhou, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, India, Singapore and more.

Take a sip at the many cafes, cake and pastry shops- all set within an alfresco environment.

Learn about the life of early immigrants at Fuk Tak Chi Museum, which was restored from Singapore’s oldest temple. Admission is free.

Culinary Treasures CBD......

Far East Square 45 Pekin Street Singapore 048775 www.fareastsquare.com.sg

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China Square Central With a contemporary 15-storey office tower and rows of traditional refurbished shophouses converted into offices, shops, and restaurants, China Square Central is a true manifestation of modernised Chinese architecture.

Since mid-2002, China Square Central has been a rousing retail oasis located within the bustling Central Business District and allows one to work, play, shop and entertain all in one place.

From lavish dining to cosy eateries, fashion and accessories to beauty and personal care, there is everything you need and much more at China Square Central.

China Square Central 18 Cross Street Singapore 048423 Tel: 6327 4810 www.chinasquarecentral.com

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d

Merry

GUIDE

f

casual Chinese dining concept, catering to the A palates and pockets of diners from all walks of life. The complexity of Chinese cuisine is distilled down to quick and fuss-free meals for the discerning and time-starved local diners. Great for families!

Zhou’s Kitchen

#01-01 Far East Square 9-13 Amoy Street Singapore 049949 Tel : +65 6877 1123 Fax : +65 6538 7882

Mon-Fri Sun

10am-8pm 11am- 6pm

(Close on Sat & Public Holiday)

China Square Central Basement 1

Opening Hours: Lunch : 11:30 - 3:00PM (Weekdays) : 11:00 - 2:30PM (Weekend) Hi-Tea : 3:00 - 5:30PM Dinner : 6:00 - 10:30PM

5.00

Any hot Coffee or Tea with any Cake @ $

Far East Square, #01-01, 7-8 Amoy Street, Singapore 049949 Tel: +65 6536 4111 Fax: +65 6536 4222

Daily Opening Hours 11:30AM - 10:00PM (Last order: 9:30PM) (Closed on Sundays)

Only

(No Service Charge & No GST)

Spicing up meals with its distinct taste of Padang fare. With lush and piquant avours, Garuda is set to capture the discerning tastebuds of Singaporeans as it has with the Indonesians.

Christmas!

Fancy a Other series by muffinman: Luscious Chocolate Muffins - Black & White Chocolate - Mint Chocolate - Triple Chocolate - Orange Chocolate

with a difference?

Then look no further, introducing muffinman’s Hidden Treasure Muffins.

99% Fresh Fruit Muffins - Orange Blueberry - Lemon Raspberry - Passion Fruits Streusel - Apple Walnut Cinnamon - White Chocolate Banana

This serie of muffin has custard poured into the centre of the muffin, providing that extra burst of flavor in your every bite. Our creations included Mango, Cheese, Hazelnut Coffee, Rum & Raisin and Green Tea & Red Bean.

18 Cross Street, #01-07 China Square Central (Next to Hong Lim Complex).

Opening hours from 9.30am to 8pm (Mon -Fri), 10.30am to 5pm (Sun), closed on Sat & Public Holidays.

For order and delivery service, please log on to

www.muffinman.com.sg or call 9067 6889

Wellness Muffins - Wolfberry Longan

Present this to enjoy $0.50 off all food items

S E S S L E E F C H F I C A I U J W W H D N SAN FRES BELGIA

China Square Central, #01-39, 3 Pickering street For delivery call:

Adjustable Sweetness

90485772

We Are Here!

(Coffee & Tea)

SUGAR LEVEL

当茶遇上咖啡......味蕾从此不再孤单 台湾健康饮料店

Full Sugar (100%) Less Sugar (70%) Half Sugar (50%) Quarter Sugar (25%) No Sugar (Healthy)

Delivery Available:

6538-1874

3 Pickering St #01-31 China Square Central S(048660)

22 Cross Street #01-54/55 China Square Central S48421 Tel: 65361538 OPEN DAILY: Monday - Saturday: 7am to 9.30pm Sunday: 8am to 8pm

Other specialties include:

• • • • • • • •

Home Made Chee Cheong Fun

Carrot Cake Mixed Meat Porridge Century Egg Porridge Sliced Fish Porridge Chicken Porridge Oyster Omelette Rojak

Nice ambience and reasonable prices

Chinese food or Western food?

How about both?

With a wide selection of over 200 dishes made with ingredients from Hong Kong, there is something for every craving.

Free drink

upon presentation of cut-out coupon. Available from 1030am onwards (over 45 drink choices to choose from!)

✄

China Sq Central Cross Street

China Court

Fountain Sq

We have moved from Far East Square to

Hokkien Street

South Bridge Court

Hokkien Street

Great Eastern Centre Hokkien Street Nakin Mall

✄

Hokkien Street

Ta Lu Prawn Noodle

ur ss o t mi oked o n Do cial Sm ast, spe ck Bre ruffle Du n & T ies! o c Salmil delica O

With every $50 spent, present this ad to get a $5 Voucher for your next visit. (Not in conjunction with other promotions)

51, Telok Ayer Street, #01-02, China Square, S(048441) Tel: 6221 6623 Fax: 6221 6132 Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 7am to 10pm Saturday 11am to 9pm Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays Valid till 31 Dec 2010 (For dine-in only)

TAM KAH

• 16-18 UPPER CROSS ST.

(Business Hours 11:00am ~ 12:00am)

• 27 SMITH STREET

SHARK’S FIN PTE LTD

• 62 SMITH STREET

Prosperity Yusheng

TAM KAH ABALONE 6 Cans From

BUY

(Business Hours: 11:00am ~ 11:00pm)

TAM KAH FOUR FORTUNE Buddha Jumps Over The Wall

(Business Hours: 11:00am ~ 11:00pm)

NOW Take-away

$288

Tam Kah Bird’s Nest

TEL: 6223 1611 TEL: 6225 1259 TEL: 6220 1338

For 5 Pax.

* FREE JELLY FISH

Fortune Seafood Pot

Take-away Seafood Pot

• Abalone Seafood Pot Pot

$128

For 5 Pax. * FREE JELLY FISH

$248

For 10 Pax. * FREE JELLY FISH

$228

Take-away Buddha Jumps Over The Wall

• Prosperity Buddha Jumps Over The Wall

6 Free 1

For 5 Pax.

$128

* FREE JELLY FISH

Take-away Yusheng

BUY 1 BOX * FREE JELLY FISH

• Prosperity Yusheng

$28/$48

• Prosperity

Salmon Yusheng

$38/$58

For 10 Pax.

$248

* FREE JELLY FISH

• Abalone Yusheng $48/$68 • Exotic “Teen Kow” Shark’s Fin Yusheng $68/$98

PROSPERITY LUNAR NEW YEAR MEAL For 10 Pax. $488++ 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

* FREE ONE CANNED ABALONE

Prosperity Yusheng Braised Shark’s Fin w/Fish Maw in Claypot Five Fortune Combination Exotic Abalone “Pen Cai” Steamed Turbot Fish Braised Mushroom w/Vegetables Eight Treasure Rice Wrapped w/Lotus Leaf Lucky Longan Tea

Chinese New Year Set Menus For 10 Pax.

BUY INSTANT SHARK’S FIN FREE SUPERIOR STOCK

$40 Medium Shark’s Fin.... 500g $50 Large Shark’s Fin ....... 500g $60 Huge Shark’s Fin ........ 500g $70 Shark’s Fin ............... 500g $80 Small Shark’s Fin ........ 500g

$688++ [

] & $888++ [

FF RR EE EE 1 CANNED ABALONE

FREE

1 CANNED ABALONE

] Are Also Available!

SEA CUCUMBER (Prepared & Ready-To-Cook) COMPLIMENTARY SHARK’S FIN SET MENU (1 SET) • With Min. 1 kg Dried Stock Purchased • With Min. 2 kg Dried Stock Purchased

KING of TART

95¢

蛋挞王

*

t r a t E UES

G U T R O P

NO PORK NO LARD

NOW ONLY

per pc

Normal Price: $1.50/pc (Portuguese Tart) $1.70/pc (Singapore Tart) * each purchase must be in the form of 2 pcs of the same product. * above products are subjects to stock availability * the company reserve the rights to cease the above promotion

without prior notice

Mini Tart with Real Fruits Bit

t r a t E R O ss o P fl A n e G k c N i

SI cheese & ch

apple

apricot

black cherry

with

W

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*

blue berry

strawberry

singapore tart

portuguese tart

Free Delivery! * Free Delivery with min. $50/- order and above. * Within Singapore Land. * Terms & Condition apply.

Local & Overseas exCLuSive DiStributOr wanteD Corporate Sales are weLCOme Yahweh Delicacies 921 Yishun Central 1 #01-251 (S 760921) Tel : +65 9390 3132 • Fax: +65 6755 8618 email: yahwehdeli@yahoo.com.sg

Yahweh.indd 1

ENQUIRIES: 8187 9322

11/26/10 9:07:04 AM

foodprints in Medan text / photo: collin chee

‘Magic’

One year on, I feel the

Medan

Time and tide wait for no man, goes a popular saying. It’s been 365 days since I moved over to the north-west Indonesian city of Medan and now, after a year’s stay, I have a clearer perspective to a new-found Indonesian way of life, which is refreshingly exciting in many ways. Let me share some of the personal “goodies” with you:

“I faced many difficulties when I first came 52 weeks ago. Yet whenever the going got tough, I was always blessed with the warmth and care of the friends around me here in Medan. And now that a year has passed, I find that aside from business, it is the warmth of the people here that I appreciate the most.�

Indonesia: Untapped Potential

A

year ago, when I first announced that I was moving to Medan, many friends were surprised. Perhaps it was because Medan is neither a popular resort town like Batam or Bali, nor is it as metropolitan as Jakarta.

Maybe it was the political instability in Indonesia. Or perhaps plain ignorance. Not many people believed there were business opportunities in Medan. After spending 52 weeks there, I can safely declare that all of the above assumptions are wrong.

Indonesia has probably the most untapped potential in Asia. I have travelled to many countries in Asia and and I can confidently say Indonesia has just as much potential as any other country on this planet!

Indonesia possesses one of the world’s biggest mining and water-making industries. They are the biggest producers of palm oil. From seafood to fruits and vegetables, Indonesia exports massively to neighbouring countries. But these are just the tip of the iceberg.

One endearing example is Medan mangoes. The fruit trees are planted not only along the road but also in every backyard. Medan is just mad about mangoes. It is so infectious that I even planted my very own mango tree in my backyard!

What does this have to do with business opportunities? Well, it is the knowledge that you can grow almost anything in the soil of Indonesia.

Even someone as ignorant in gardening as me can still grow a perfectly healthy fruit tree.

Be it the fruits, vegetables or seafood, I can attest that the fresh produce in Indonesia can rival any organically-grown produce from First World countries such as Australia. Considering the speed of urban development in Indonesia, perhaps fruits and vegetables will become an even bigger industry in Indonesia one day. Until that day comes, however, I will look forward to savouring my wonderfully juicy, perfectly fresh, and absolutely free fruits every day.

The daily salt requirement is unbelievable.

Here’s a word of advice for those keen to pursue business opportunities in Medan: Be humble. It takes time to assimilate yourself in another culture and never assume that you know everything. Humans are always sensitive when it comes to their own cultures and people in Medan are no exception.

Medan: From kampong to cosmopolitan city

T

here are people who hold the perception that Medan is an underdeveloped city - a far cry from clean, green Singapore.

The truth is, although Medan is not as developed as Singapore, it is a city that is rapidly growing with more than two million people, with another 5 million in cities near by.

We may have taken 40 years for Singapore to reach where it is now, but Medan is growing so rapidly that it may take only a fraction of that time. And it is this amazing growth that has created the wonderful contradiction that is Medan.

On one hand, the term “rustic” definitely applies. Features like street food are abound, and there are some places that you could easily describe as a kampong.

On the other hand, all the fixtures necessary for a developed city are available.

From five-star hotels to fine dining, all luxuries are at hand.

Think Medan is far behind Singapore? Well, you can think again. You can just as easily find donuts from J.CO and buns from Breadtalk here as you can in Singapore.

There are Starbucks, Haagen Dazs, Italian cuisine, as well as Sushi Tei in Medan.

So is Medan just a pale photocopy of Singapore? Not so. In fact, in the course of Singapore’s development, the older generation always lament about how Singaporeans have lost their kampong spirit. Well, the kampong spirit is alive here!

I have often heard of how some of my workers, who barely make enough to support their families, will go borrowing money for a friend or colleague that is facing difficulties. The people here spend a good amount of time with their friends, neighbours and families and it shows, for they value their relationships a lot higher than they do the Singapore-styled “rat race”.

Try to learn the language if you wish to do business in Medan, because good communication will help build cordial relationships, which is a critical personal factor here.

I faced many difficulties when I first came here 52 weeks ago. Yet whenever the going got tough, I was always blessed with the warmth and care of the friends around me in Medan. And now that a year has passed, I find that aside from business, it is the warmth of the people here that I appreciate the most.

If I have to leave Medan tomorrow, I hope that I have learned to show the same amount of respect and devotion to my family and friends that the people in Medan have shown me.

Yes, there’s magic in the Medan air!

Lunch with my colleagues-simple, yet enjoyable

Street Food: A window into Medanese culture Time and tide wait for no man, goes a popular saying.

It’s been 365 days since I moved over to the north-west Indonesian city of Medan and now after a year’s stay, I have a clearer perspective to the Indonesian way of life, which is refreshingly exciting in many ways.

To genuinely understand a city, you must first immerse yourself into the culture.

And to do that, you have to start with the taste-buds and eat like the locals. And nowhere is this more apt than in Medan.

When I first came to Medan, everyone here was raving about the local noodles. This confused me because the food that I had in Singapore was delicious. I wondered if I would be able to find good Chinese food in Indonesia, especially when the Chinese are considered the minority.

Moreover, what kind of noodles were the people in Medan proud of? Egg noodles?

Rice noodles? Thick, thin or flat noodles?

As it turned out, they were proud of ALL their noodles. And what glorious noodles!

Char Kway Teow comes fried plain without black sauce or fried with sambal belacan.

Mee Pansit, the local version of Wanton Mee, has a distinct local flavour that made it different from the Singaporean, Malaysian and Hong Kong versions. One must also not forget the local favourite, Mee Bakso, which is beef balls soup with noodles.

This discovery took time. For a start, I searched for food stalls popular with the locals nearly every night. It was difficult at first, but I found the secret to Medan street food later.

One would assume that given the differences in currency exchange and standards of living, street food in Medan would surely be much cheaper. Not so.

In Medan, the better and more popular the food is, the more expensive it is. The good Char Kway Teows cost no less than 25,000 rupiahs, or more than S$3. That is more expensive than some of the Char Kway Teows we get in Singapore!

The secret lies in food preparation: The top food vendors make their food fresh by hand. The personal touch is amazing. They wake up in the wee hours of the morning to fry their sambal belacan or boil the bones for the soup stock. Even the beef balls are specially made to be sold the same day.

You could eat the same dish in different places and they would all taste diverse with a unique touch of class. Every food vendor sticks to his own recipes and that gives them a unique sense of identity. One might be spicier, another saltier. All are delicious in their own right and you can almost taste the passionate pride in their food.

It is this strict adherence to food quality that sets these food vendors apart. Street food vendors guard their recipes fiercely in the knowledge that their food will be passed down as a legacy to the next generation.

Whenever I eat in Medan, I feel as if I have been transported back in time to the early days of Singapore when it was such personal touch that gave Singapore hawker food its fame.

How times have changed. Sadly, many hawker stalls in Singapore today follow a set recipe and most, if not all, use ingredients supplied by factories. Many are run like franchises and the food is seldom prepared by the real owners.

It is this difference that makes me forgo many of the hawker food stalls whenever I return to Singapore. The ones that I frequent in Singapore all have one thing in common: They are traditionally run and they taste exactly the same as when I first tried them years ago.

It is this painstaking attention to details and loving attitude to cooking that allows the street food in Medan to go straight to a person’s heart. Be it their famed noodles, barbecued seafood or even a simple dish of rice, vegetables and fish, the food in Medan will allow you to experience the warmth of the people in Medan - with just one bite.

Despite the prices, the locals continue to flock to these “high-class” food stalls. Some of the stalls sell 500 to 800 plates every day. No wonder there is no lack of second or third-generation successors eager to take over their parents’ businesses!

I kept pondering: Where did such food quality come from? After all, locals are unlikely to pay high prices for just any willy-nilly noodles considering the modest income of most people here.

Medan produces top quality noodles.

Fine dining is always available.

FEATURES

Heal CHOPSTICKS

with a

chop (stick)

play a more exquisite role at Rustic Nirvana, a spa that takes pride in traditional Eastern therapies.

Rather than a traditional presence at the dining table, the humble chopsticks have found a new place in beauty, used in the signature Chopstick Healing Massage.

This treatment consists of three primary movements: Tapping, kneading and pressing on acupuncture points with chopsticks.

The technique is akin to a gentler form of Chinese gua sha combined with traditional hand massage and not only promotes blood circulation but also relieves muscular tension and negative heat.

While the name of the treatment would probably raise a brow or two, the use of chopsticks allows a firm and even spread of pressure during the massage that is surprisingly comfortable. The body also feels firmer and lighter after the treatment.

Class tells: The luxurious but inviting and modern design will make you feel tempted to want to head back to Rustic Nirvana again and again.

Rustic Nirvana Suntec City Mall 3 Temasek Boulevard #03-50/52/54 Tel: +65 6238 6890

The modern generation leads a very busy life.

Irregular meals, late nights and lack of exercise, in addition to poor air and water quality due to industrial pollution, as well as being constantly in the vicinity of electronics, have resulted in the absence of ions in the body and poor immunity.

LB Spa’s one-stop service provides health, beauty, slimming and massage treatments. Whatever it is ails you, LB Spa’s holistic treatments will revitalise your body, mind and soul.

LB Spa 大台北美容瘦身Spa

765A Geylang Road (Between Lor 39 and Lor 41) Tel: 67498056 Opening Hours: 10.30am – 1.30am

Come savour the authentic taste of Indonesia at Ayam Penyet RIA! Make sure you try our wonderful “Penyet” specialties!

From our trademark Ayam Penyet (Smashed Fried Chicken) to the new Soft Shell Crab Penyet (Smashed Soft-shell Crab), our fried entrees are all served with Indonesian favourites such as fried beancurd, soybean cake, and most importantly, our home-made belacan chilli sauce!

Ayam Penyet

Soft-shell crab penyet

Pomfret penyet

Make yourself at home with our traditional Indonesian comfort foods!

Choose from wholesome soups such as Rawon (Surabaya Beef Soup), Soto Ayam (Chicken Soto Soup) and Sup Buntut (Oxtail Soup). Or tuck into traditional favourites like Gado Gado , Tauhu Telor and Pempek Palembang (Fish Cakes).

Sup Buntut

Gado-Gado

Tauhu Telor

Our newest outlet at Bedok Point is now open!

• Bedok Point #01-05

• Lucky Plaza #01-45 • Lucky Plaza #04-25 • Jurong Point #B1-06

SIGNATURE DISH House Special

Chen Fu Ji

Roasted Chicken with Garlic

Imperial Rice

This dish may not look special at first glance but reserve your conclusions till you tuck in.

Unlike normal roast chicken which is often salty, the first thing that surprises your senses when you bite into the House Special Roasted Chicken with Garlic is a subtle but fragrant taste of garlic.

The famous Imperial Fried Rice is royalty-class, distinctly valuefor-money and the dedication in preparation is unbelievable.

The dish follows a 50-year-old recipe based on cooking methods dating back to Sui Dynasty. Special grade rice is selected for the dish and the preparation for the rice starts three days before they are used for cooking.

To produce golden yellow fried rice, where every grain is wrapped with egg, only the freshest eggs are used. The frying process is also different from normal fried rice, so your dish may take a little longer than expected to arrive on the table.

G7 Sinma Live Seafood Restaurant Pte Ltd 161,163 Lor 3, Geylang Rd #01-01 Singapore 389239 Tel: 6743 2201 / 6848 4161 (4.00pm – 4.00am) 5 Cheong Chin Nam Rd Singapore 599730 Tel: 6467 7317 (12.00pm – 3.00am) 267 New Bridge Rd Singapore 088746 Tel: 6222 6797 (12.00pm – 5.00am)

The dish is not as oily as expected (which we were told was the result of a special frying method) and the lavish toppings of fresh crabmeat is luxurious. Despite rising costs of ingredients, the restaurant has maintained its price of $25 which serves about two or three people.

Chen Fu Ji

30 Merchant Road, #02-31, Riverside Point, Singqapore 058282 Tel: 6533 0166 www.friedriceacademy.com

This unusual taste, which is achieved with overnight seasoning, is refreshing without being overpowering. What impressed us further was how the breast meat, which usually tends to be tough, was tender to the bite. Definitely worth a try!

Blk 32 New Market Rd(FC), #01-1144 Singapore 050032 (10.00am – 10.00pm)

Nanxiang

In particular, we found a unique variation of the dish in the king-sized Nanxiang Crab Roe Steamed Soup Bun, which is a giant steamed bun filled with double-boiled soup that you can drink from a straw. Drink slowly because the soup is piping hot!

Steamed Buns The famous Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant in Shanghai dates back over a century and remains a culinary icon at Shanghai’s Cheng Huang Temple today.

To ensure quality, experienced chefs from the original Nanxiang in Shanghai man every branch to preserve the legacy of Nanxiang award-winning Steamed Buns.

Hundreds queue outside the restaurant for their awardwinning and internationally recognised Steamed Buns or Xiao Long Bao. No wonder this dish helms the popularity ranks at the Nanxiang franchise in Singapore.

Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant

Steamed bun lovers can choose from eight different flavours including Crab Roe & Pork Filling, Spicy Crabmeat & Pork Filling, Mushroom, Shrimp & Pork Filling and other interesting flavours.

Only

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Email: mamachinpopiah@yahoo.com.sg

At Mama Chin, we offer some of the best Peranakan and Padang dishes to showcase this unique fusion in Asian cooking.

WE ARE HERE!

SGH

air Bl

19 Kampong Bahru Singapore 169348 Tel: 6423 1254/5

The cuisine is a blend of Chinese and Malay cooking using unique herbs and spices.

pita

Nonya and Padang Cuisine

Food is central to the Peranakan culture which dates back to the 15th century.

Hos

MAMA CHIN

Sambal Udang

MRT

12.80 Nett

Chicken Crab Ball with Bamboo Shoot

a Outr

At only $

Ayam Buah Keluak

rk

Available now!

180 Kitchener Road, City Square Mall, #04-15/16, Singapore 208539 Tel : 6509 9134

Pa

Set Lunch

200, Victoria Street, Bugis Junction #02-53, Singapore 188021 Tel : 68357577

Rd

Steamed Live Frog with

Chicken Essence

Sin Hoi Sai Seafood Restaurant

Blk 55, Tiong Bahru Road, #01-59, Singapore 160055 Tel: 6223 0810

The first thing that hits you when this dish arrives at the table is a captivating aroma which you cannot help but wish for a second sniff.

Besides the tender live frog, the addictive soup which had a strong flavour from a generous serving of finely grated ginger and a nice touch of wine was most tantalising.

Tradition has it that this dish is great for raising energy levels and is particularly popular amongst party-goers looking to freshen up after a night of merry-making.

The next time you want a late-night perk-you-up, go over to Sin Hoi Sai and ask for this unique rousing-kick delicacy.

This dish was created by the chef in a twist of creativity after the restaurant received multiple requests for Chicken Essence from supper patrons.

211 Roof Terrace Café

Baby Back Ribs Holland Village is where one would turn to for some decent shopping and great food. Few, though, would expect 211 Roof Terrace Café to not only satisfy our taste buds, but to do so in the serenity of a garden sanctuary.

Located at the rooftop of Holland Road Shopping Centre, the café serves Italian and Australian cuisine in an alfresco dining area amidst a spread of greenery. Laid back in a relaxing setting with a gentle breeze, it is the perfect stage for a glorious meal.

The Baby Back Ribs, served with filling portions of garden salad and potato wedges, does the café proud by itself. Its sauce, flown in from Germany and jazzed up with 211’s secret recipe, is tantalising. The meat, also imported directly from Germany, is tender and falls off with a gentle swivel of the knife. Soft it may be, but it certainly packs punch. With each bite, the juice oozes out to add subtle sweetness.

Priced at an attractive $24, the Baby Back Ribs comes in a huge portion and may even be enough for two. Undoubtedly a “fans’ favourite” for 211’s most loyal patrons!

Chef Han Chicken Rice

Hainanese Chicken Rice You wouldn’t have known that preparing a plate of chicken rice requires one to possess top-notch meticulousness and a wealth of experience. Well, I didn’t know too, till I met Chef Han, formerly of Mandarin Hotel’s Chatterbox.

With over 30 years of experience, it wouldn’t be too far off to call Chef Han “Mr Chicken Rice”! Now operating his own stall at Centrepoint, he was more than willing to share his expertise.

“I only choose those chickens weighing approximately 2 kg. It’s the optimum weight.” According to Chef Han, the skinnier ones, well, do not pack enough meat while the meat from the heavier chickens is simply too tough! After sampling his treat, I couldn’t agree more. Even the breast meat was tender. To make the meal a wholly complete experience, the rice was exceptionally fragrant and most importantly, rather less oily than your typical chicken rice.

Famous chef and quality food equal exorbitant prices? Fret not. Chef Han’s chicken rice is going at normal food court prices!

211 Roof Terrace Café

211 Holland Ave #04-01 Holland Road Shopping Centre Tel: 6462 6194 (9am to11pm daily)

正文志记猪什汤大王 CHENG MUN CHEE KEE

The

One and Only

Chef Han Chicken Rice

Kopitiam @ The Basement (Stall No. 13) 176, Orchard Road Centrepoint, #B2-101 S238843

24 Foch Road, Singapore 209263 Operating Hours: 9am-5am (Closed on Monday) 营业时间: 早上9.00-凌晨5.00 (星期一休息)

Authentic Pig Organs Soup

PRODUCTS

What’s

NEW!

Muffin with a heart S

tart drooling as you read this: Get a first bite into one of Muffinman’s Hidden Treasure Muffins. Yummy. You’ll discover that the velvety soft muffin has a soft heart – one of custard, that is. This new muffin specialty store in China Square Central has added a new twist to the traditional muffin by pouring custard of different flavours into the centre, providing an extra burst of flavour in every bite.

Christmas Special

Popular flavours include Mango Custard, Cheese Custard, Hazelnut Coffee Custard, Rum & Raisin and their latest creation, Green Tea & Red Bean Custard.

Cookies

Health-conscious muffin fans will adore the Wolfberry Longan muffin from the wellness range as well as the 99% Fresh Fruit range that features flavours like Lemon Raspberry and Passion Fruits Streusel.

Chocolate lovers need not despair. Get your fix with the Mint Chocolate muffin and Triple Chocolate muffin of the Luscious Chocolate range.

Vanilla Custard and Chocolate Custard Muffins

$3 /pc $16.8 /set (6 pcs)

Walnut Chocolate Chips $4.20 /100g Crunchy Double Chocolate $4 /100g Date of last order: 15 Dec 2010

Muffinman 18 Cross Street #01-07 China Square Central Tel: 9067 6889 www.muffinman.com.sg

Enjoy drooling. Enjoy your delicious date at Muffinman!

Special

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Marigold A

tropical Fruits 100% Juice

brand new product from Singapore’s No. 1 100% juice selling brand. With a unique blend of seven exotic fruits like passionfruit, mango and peach, it truly feels like a tropical getaway in every sip.

MARIGOLD Tropical Fruits 100% Juice is rich in Vitamin C and is a great way to meet the daily requirements of fruits and vegetables. With no sugar added and no preservatives, you can now savour the natural and wholesome goodness of tropical fruits in every drop.

Serve it anyway you like: Chilled, with ice or simply by itself. It’s a great addition to a well-balanced diet.

Drink your fruits the 100% way today.

MARIGOLD 100% Juices are conveniently packed in 1L for families’ enjoyment at $1.95 and 6 X 250ml packets at $3.75 for individuals on the move. Available in hypermarts, supermarkets, minimarts and provision shops.

F&N AS

seasons Green tea ranGe e

new additions to the F&N Seasons range of refreshing beverages, F&N Seasons Jasmine Green Tea and F&N Seasons Ice Lemon Green Tea promise clean, crisp satisfaction that will instantly refresh body, mind and senses.

Green Tea reportedly contains the highest concentration of polyphenols in the form of catechins. These are powerful antioxidants that neutralise harmful free radicals, which can cause body-damage.

Brewed with natural ingredients with the same amount of care and attention to quality, F&N Seasons Green Tea range is aromatic and fragrant. With a low sugar profile, it also qualifies as a healthier choice beverage under the Health Promotion Board’s Healthier Choice Programme.

For delightful refreshment with a twist, try the firstof-its kind F&N Seasons Ice Lemon Green Tea for an added zing!

A unique ‘PositiviTea Plantation’ has been sowed on the F&N SEASONS Green Tea Facebook Fan Page, where fans are invited to nurture their positivity by posting positive comments and possibly winning prizes in the process. Visit www. facebook.com/fnnseasons for more details.

Available at all major supermarkets and convenience stores.

Sunshine

LITTLE BUNS ON THE GO! Enjoy these new treats anytime, anywhere!

S

unshine Bakeries is pleased to introduce a new line of Japanese-inspired bun snacks to tickle your taste buds! This new range will roll off with 3 exciting flavours: Chocolate, Taro and Red Bean.

Each pack of Little Buns contains 8 pieces of delectable mini buns, filled with generous helpings of chocolate, taro or red bean. Bite into and savour these Little Buns, which will be a hit with children & young, working adults with its ‘greattasting-convenience-on-the-go’ yet premium concept. You will be unable to resist popping these mini buns into your mouth, one after another.

Convenient and tasty, these new tasty treats are a must for those on the go.

RETAIL PRICE: Sunshine Little Buns Taro $2.00 Sunshine Little Buns Red Bean $2.00 Sunshine Little Buns Chocolate $2.00

Available at leading Hypermarkets, Supermarkets & Convenience Stores.

Sparkling H-TWO-O BLackcUrraNT FLavOUr B

I

ntroducing the lightly carbonated and refreshing Blackcurrant flavor, the new Sparkling H-TWO-O is a healthier choice to complement your active healthy lifestyle. Make it your must-have companion during daily workouts or simply savour it when you are thirsty on-the-go. The new varient is also great for complementing your hawker meals. Light in sodium and lower in sugar, you can now enjoy the drink as much as you like! Also available in two zesty flavours: Original & Apple.

Grab a can now and enjoy Sparkling Good Times with H-TWO-O! Available at all major supermarkets, retail chains and convenience stores at $1.50 - $1.80 per 500ml bottle.

The inaugural H-TWO-O Ultimate Move competition is now on! This year, we go on a search for vocal and songwriting talents. $5000 worth of cash & fantastic prizes to be won! Register at www.yeos.com.sg by 26 Dec 2010 to participate!

We are now on FaceBook too! Simply search for ‘H-TWO-O Original’. Visit www.yeos.com.sg for more exciting events and happenings! Don’t miss out the fun!

Glutathione Gold

SUpEr WHITENING SUppLEmENT

G

lutathione is a protein that is produced in the liver from the amino acids cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine.

It is also found in the lungs and intestinal tract and plays a key role in intermediary metabolism, immune response and health.

Excessive amount of free radicals in body lead to development of lifestyle related diseases and aging due to the damage on normal, healthy cells. Glutathione removes the cause of diseases by cleaning such free radicals.

For the beauty-conscious, Glutathione helps to keep the skin fair and beautiful by strongly inhibiting the enzymatic action of tyrosine kinase which enhances melanin generation, which in turn causes pigmentation problems.

At the same time, Glutathione also helps to care for the liver and maintain the integrity of red blood cells while protecting white blood cells. This aids in blood and liver disorders.

Visit www.holistictouche.com to find out more about how Glutathione Gold can help in enhancing your health.

NEWS

Berry Wonderful!

Black Raspberry A wonder fruit that will make you look younger, feel healthier and heat things up between the sheets!

The Boy Who Broke a Chamber Pot Once upon a time, there lived a weak boy who broke a chamber pot with the power of his urine stream after eating a dark raspberry.

In addition, Black raspberry contains many polyphenols, which also has strong antioxidant power that battles aging. Polyphenols are also believed to be able to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and serum lipid levels, prevent obesity, skinwhitening and improving eye-sight.

A World Health Organisation (WHO) study revealed the French Paradox, where the French have a lower rate of mortality than the British or Americans despite similar traits like smoking, blood pressure, fat intake and so on.

While the truth of this legend is unknown, the wonder fruit in the story is real and available today.

The reason behind it was attributed to the wine-drinking habit of the French as wine contains a lot of anthocyanins. Purple fruit like Bokbunja contain anthocyanins, which are strong antioxidant agents that have positive effects on anti-inflammation, cardiovascular disease and aging. Notably, Bokbunja contains four times more anthocyanins than grapes.

Bokbunja (Rubus Coreanus Miquel) is a black raspberry that belongs to a low bush raspberry of the rose family like wild berries often found in South Korea.

Slimming with Black Raspberry

It is particularly famous in Gochang, in the coastal region. The local climate, which is extremely conducive to cultivation of Bokbunja, has created a unique flavour and appearance to the fruit that is sweeter and darker. The coastal winds also added a diversity of medicinal benefits to Bokbunja.

A recent study by Dr Kang Kyung-sun of Seoul National University showed that Black raspberry contains active substances that aid in slimming by controlling the enzymes that break down carbohydrate and fat. By doing so, Black raspberry helps to reduce calories absorbed into the body.

This fruit later came to be known as Bokbunja, which is derived from the Chinese characters 覆盆子. That literally translates to “turn over a chamber pot”.

Berry Among Berries Black raspberry is high in Vitamin C which prevents adult diseases and ageing.

The amount of Vitamin C in Black raspberry ranges between 30 to 100mg, which is higher than that of mandarin oranges.

Isn’t that one remarkable little berry of wonder?

11/24/10

5:06:38 PM

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Efficacy of Black Raspberry Vitamin C: Anti-oxidant and skin whitening Polyphenol: Prevent high blood pressure and artery hardening Anthocyanin: Improve eye-sight

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Authentic Massage

MALE JACUZZI SPA & SAUNA

FEMALE JACUZZI SPA & SAUNA

China’s No. 1 brand in foot reflexology, JIAFU SPA, was established on 5 July 1998 in Chongqing and has over 700 branches in various cities all over the country now.

CHINESE HERB FOOTBATH

It also has three large-scale training centres for foot therapists in China and is about to launch its operations in the Malaysian state of Johor with a centre spanning over 2000 square feet. Its large hall and comfortable VIP rooms provide authentic foot reflexology services as well as full body acu-points massage. In separate male and female areas, there are also hot/cold pools and sauna pools, as well as a buffet spread for all customers.

Jiafu’s personalized and meticulous services, in addition to its unique foot and full body massage techniques, have won them a cluster of loyal customers in both Singapore and Malaysia.

NEXT TO NEW YORK HOTEL COMFORTABLE VIP ROOM

Suite LG-01 & 02 LG Floor Menare MAA, No. 15 Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, 80300 JB, Johor. (*FREE CAR JOCKEY SERVICE) +607-3352555 BUSINESS HRS: 11am-3am WEBSITE: www.zgjiafu.com

TEL: +607-3339888

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gadgets

CLICK WITH CLASS Whether you are a budding or an experienced photographer, there’s something in Canon’s new range of cameras for you to take better shots.

IXUS 1000 HS – For the Fashionable Photographer To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the IXUS range of compact cameras, Canon has added a new member to the IXUS family: The sleek IXUS 1000 HS.

Featuring 10x Optical Zoom, 1080p Full High Definition (HD) movie recording with stereo sound and two additional scene modes, it is also the slimmest super zoom camera (10.0 megapixel, highsensitivity CMOS sensor) in the IXUS range.

Available in three colours (silver, brown and pink) at authorised Canon dealers with the recommended retail price of S$599.

Canon EOS 60D Digital SLR – The Most Versatile DSLR The new EOS 60D DSLR camera introduces an array of EOS “firsts” such as a new 3.0” wide anti-reflective and

smudge-resistant Vari-Angle Clear View LCD screen.

Weighing merely 755g, it includes an 18.0 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor, Full HD video recording with manual overrides, in-camera image processing functionality and Creative Filters for image manipulation. With major innovations in both hardware and software, it is now easier to produce creative photos and high definition videos under a variety of shooting environments.

EOS 60D, the mid-range DSLR of choice for both amateurs and professionals, is now available at all authorised Canon dealers with recommended prices ranging between $1,599 and $2,299.

New Canon PowerShot SX30 IS –

Surpassing Visual Expectations

Canon has redefined the limits of compact camera photography with the launch of its new PowerShot SX30 IS – a high-performance camera that boasts a 24mm ultrawide, 35x super telephoto lens and a 14.1 megapixel sensor.

This new model is the world’s first point-and-shoot model to feature a 35x Wide Angle Optical Zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilisation. With a 2.7” vari-angle LCD screen, HD (high definition) movie capabilities, full manual control and Smart Auto modes, it offers photo enthusiasts a combination of performance and flexibility in a compact camera.

Available at all authorised Canon dealers. The recommended retail price will be announced very soon.

Canon PowerShot G12 – Pocket-sized Perfection Featuring a new High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode, a brand new front dial for manual settings, a 28-scene

Smart Auto mode as well as brand new HD video recording, it is the perfect compact camera for advanced amateurs and professional photographers.

At the heart of Canon’s new PowerShot G12 is the revolutionary HS System technology that combines Canon’s DIGIC 4 imaging processor with a 10.0 Megapixel high-sensitivity sensor to deliver high quality images with low noise. The camera also features a Hybrid Image Stabiliser (IS) which prevents image blurring in close-up or macro photography.

The PowerShot G12 also offers a comprehensive support for a wide range of accessories including underwater casing which enables underwater shooting down to depths of 40m and other tools to create your most memorable photographic memories.

Available at all authorised Canon dealers. The recommended retail price will be announced very soon.

True to its mission of keeping abreast with technological developments,

Audio-Technica has developed the ideal partner for your latest gadgets.

Made for easy listening and talking, the ATH-CK400i earphone is fitted with an original Apple certified microphone. It is downward compatible for ALL Apple products including iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod nano 5th generation, and even the newest iPad.

MiLi Power Pack4 (HI-C11) –

External battery of the biggest capacity for iPhone 4

Input : 5V-0.5A Output:5V-0.5A Capacity : 3000mAh(Li-Pol) Product Compatibility: iPhone4 Standby Time : Up to 675 hours Talk Time : Up to 11.25 hours on 3G/Up to 25.05 hours on 2G Internet Use : Up to 11.25 hours on 3G/Up to 19.95 hours on Wi-Fi Audio Play : Up to 87.5 hours Video Play : Up to 22.5 hours Dimension:114(L)×65(D)×22(T)mm

The wireless MusicBAND 807

is a portable Bluetooth stereo headset in a comfortable, stylish headband design. i.Tech’s audio engineering provides high-quality music performance and a rich, in-depth stereo sound. In addition, the headset features Bluetooth’s Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, or A2DP, which lets users stream songs from A2DP-compatible Bluetooth mobile phones or music devices. Once paired with the headset, the phone or music device can be used to control song play. With AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile), users can remotely control music playback modes, such as next and previous track selection. When a call comes in, the music is automatically suspended while the user answers or rejects the call through the headset, then smoothly returns to the previous audio setting after the call.

• • • • •

Special acoustics design to enhance stereo effect Fast Stream technology to provide excellent audio effect for music streaming during video watching Long music playing time (7 hrs) and talk time (10 hrs) Remote control of music in your own way Perfect communication audio ensured by CVC noise cancellation

Pure Wireless Entertainment from Creative The Creative ZiiSoundTM T6 – the latest addition to its extensive Pure Wireless speaker family. The all new speaker system

assumes the position of the flagship Surround Sound wireless speaker in the Pure Wireless speaker range.

• Works with all compatible stereo Bluetooth devices like notebooks, netbooks, the iPhone, iPad, PCs, Macs and tablet computers • Quality wireless audio transmission • Fast and easy connection

Creative ZiiO Pure Wireless Entertainment Tablet The Creative ZiiO touch tablet — the world’s first apt-X enabled touch screen tablet — which runs on Android, delivers the best

wireless audio performance you will get from an Android™-based tablet in the market, differentiating it from similar devices.

Creative Technology Ltd. release of a new Pure Wireless Entertainment solution comprising of Creative ZiiO 7” and 10” Pure Wireless Entertainment Tablets, Creative ZEN Touch 2 Wireless Entertainment Device and Creative WP-300 Bluetooth Headphones.

These new offerings together with Creative’s already extensive range of Pure Wireless speakers, give users everywhere the most complete pure wireless entertainment system available today.

Creative ZEN Touch 2 Wireless Entertainment Device The next offering in the Pure Wireless Entertainment range of devices is the Creative ZEN Touch 2 — great for users looking

for a pocket-sized wireless entertainment device. With Creative ZEN Touch 2 you can enjoy pure wireless audio streamed to your favourite Bluetooth headphones and speakers. At the touch of an onscreen icon you can also access the Internet. This means that you will be able to share photos taken from the built-in camera through your favourite website or stay connected with friends via email — all on-the-go!

Creative WP-300 Pure Wireless Headphones The third offering in the Pure Wireless Entertainment system are the Creative WP-300 apt-X codec enabled wireless headphones,

designed to allow you to listen to high quality music from your favorite Bluetooth enabled mobile device, such as a netbook, notebook, smartphone, iPhone, iPad or touch screen tablet. The Creative WP-300 pairs seamlessly and easily to the Creative ZiiO Tablet and the Creative ZEN Touch 2, giving you a compelling wireless listening experience for your music and game soundtracks.

FEATURES

5D4N

HONG KONG

CHINESE NEW YEAR FUN H

ong Kong, not that much different from Singapore in terms of population density and lifestyle, is probably an ideal getaway for those longing to experience a slightly different Chinese New Year this time round!

On 3 February, enjoy the spectacular Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year night parade down at Nathan Road. Watch colourful floats and an array of performing groups serve up magnificent performances showcasing the best of Hong Kong cultures.

Rise and shine early the following day. Have a lovely “yum cha” session with family and mates and savour delectable “dim sum” before heading down to the Che Kung Temple (车公庙). The god Che Kung was a general during the Southern Song Dynasty and the fan-bladed wheel of fortune in the temple is believed to be able to bless worshippers with good luck when spun three times.

Come evening, be sure to visit the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, where one can expect to see some magnificent fireworks displays.

Besides the traditional festivities, fun lovers will no doubt be heading towards such thrilling destinations as Disneyland and Ocean Park. The latter boasts of amazing sea animals like dolphins, sharks and sea lions as well as a cable car ride which allows visitors to take in splendid picturesque views of Hong Kong Island.

Enough sightseeing? No? Join the Lantau Island tour before heading home to Singapore!

L

ooking for a countryside getaway? Eager to worship the deities for blessings?

And still more than enthusiastic for some retail therapy? Well, have all that rolled into one by going on a trip round Taiwan!

Make your first stop the Shangri-La Leisure Farm, an agricultural retreat offering the most panoramic views and peaceful relaxation. Get ready to go even more camera-crazy when you visit Taroko National Park, one of Taiwan’s seven national parks. The name “Taroko” itself is self-explanatory. It implies magnificence and beauty!

One of the most iconic tourist attractions in Taiwan has to be the Sun Moon Lake (日月潭). Quite logically, the place got its name as a certain side of the lake looks like the sun while the other resembles a moon! For religious devotees, Taiwan’s many temples will also give you the chance to pray to the gods. Fo Guang Shan,

When

Michel Herbelin started his watch company in 1947, he set out to combine the principles of high-quality watch making with elegant design. Now helmed by his son, Jean-Claude Herbelin, Michel Herbelin has become a market leader in France.

Michel Herbelin watches are made in the purest traditions of watch making, paying the utmost attention to detail and precision. Together with their stylish designs, Michel Herbelin timepieces go hand-in-hand with excellence and perfection.

Now a recognized representative of sophisticated French taste, the company has also established a firm foothold in international markets, basing its corporate excellence on creativity, humanity, close contacts with its markets, technical innovation and good management.

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for one, is the centre of Buddhism in southern Taiwan. Then, there is the Wen Wu Temple, where Confucius, Guan Gong and Yue Fei are worshipped.

It is never like going on a tour without reaching home with bags of souvenirs and goodies. The night bazaars like Fong Jia Night Market and Shihlin Night Market provide you with plenty of cheap local food, handicrafts, clothes and the likes. Drop by too at Ximenting, which is not too dissimilar to Shihlin, and Taipei 101, where one can find wide ranges of goods and services from upmarket fashion products to international restaurants.

Not neglecting those looking for a piece of history, places like National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall, National Palace Museum and Tamsui provide tourists with rich and colourful historical tales.

All in all, there is simply a piece of everything for everyone!

FEATURES

text: catherine

Between 0 & 1

2011

Looking back & forward

T

here’s a famous speech by Steve Jobs which was made during the Stanford University commencement ceremony back in 2005. In that speech, he shared three simple stories about himself. The speech was so moving that the transcript and video were widely circulated on the internet and has been a source of inspiration to many, including myself.

I have read this speech many times over the years and finally got round to seeing it on video a few weeks back. In the same fashion, I decided to draw a close to 2010 with three ideas that struck me in the year that has just passed.

Nothing in life stays the same except for change itself. Steve Jobs said life’s change agent is death. Like death, change is common and unavoidable to everyone. Yet the idea of change is often uncomfortable to many. The unknown and the call for one to step out of one’s comfort zone are daunting thoughts.

This year, I took a long trip and spent several months alone overseas. Like many antics I have pulled in my life, friends have shown a mixture of scepticism, excitement and even awe. It wasn’t that the feat was great; it was the courage to do something as crazy as putting one’s job aside and throwing oneself in a foreign country with a foreign language that invoked a sense of envy.

The first idea is about connection.

Connectivity seems to be the word of our generation. We’ve certainly come a long way from the days of letters and phone calls to emails, online chatting and more recently facebook, twitter and so on. These days, you can do all that in the convenience of your mobile phone. Technology has made it easier for us to get in touch but has it truly made connection between people?

I am not protesting about the evils of technology for I am also guilty of dependence on email and facebook. However, a recent advertisement I saw which was entitled, “Disconnect to Connect”, perhaps best exemplifies the crime we have committed in our devotion to our phones.

The first half of the ad showed footage of several people engaged with their phones in daily situations- a girl walking in the rain with her eyes glued to her phone while a floating umbrella next to her shelters her from the rain; a man strolling on the beach while playing with his phone but leaves two sets of footprints behind him; a father checking on his investments through his phone while a floating crayon doodles endlessly in front of him.

The ad borders on resembling a horror movie until the characters started to turn off their phones. You begin to see that there was a mother holding on to the umbrella next to the teenage girl, a lover strolling next to the man on the beach and a child drawing a portrait in front of her father.

At some point or another, are we not guilty of banishing the people next to us to non-existence while we get deeply acquainted with the little device in our hands?

So often I hear of people wanting to quit a mundane job for something they love or going on a sabbatical. Yet, very few people follow through with their passions.

Cliché as it may sound, one conclusion dawned on me this year: Life, without passion or meaning, is just going through the motions.

We often attach so much importance to the things we may lose. Yet sometimes, that importance may well be overrated. If one is unhappy with one’s life, the worst that can happen should one fail in his or her pursuit of a passionate existence is to come back to an average life, of which one is already in at the moment. What is there really to lose?

Such situations often remind me of the famous quote by Andre Gide: “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

The last idea is compassion.

There have been several incidences of violence among young people here in Singapore recently. There was another piece of news overseas where a boy who killed his mother and then hanged himself out of guilt because of quarrels over his addiction to computer games. I was most horrified to see a video of young girls torturing a helpless rabbit to death on the internet a few days ago.

One cannot help but wonder: Why is there so much anger and so little compassion?

The second idea is about change.

p4-5_2010/2011.indd 2

11/29/10 1:21:09 PM

“If I could live 2010 again, I would like to display better parenting skill in handling my children who are growing up and – I am afraid – seemingly growing apart from me. In 2011, I really hope to be able to spend more time playing music together with my children.”

Yeoh Teng Kwong Senior VP, Corporate Planning & Development Millennium & Copthorne International Ltd

While it is not necessary to go out there to be the saviour of the world, a little compassion from every single one of us would make the world a more beautiful place. Compassion doesn’t always come in the form of charity although it is certainly wonderful. Compassion is also needed for our friends who may not always understand; family who may not always agree with us and perhaps most importantly, for ourselves because things don’t always go the way we plan.

Therefore, in the coming year, I hope you will join me and add the following to your New Year resolutions.

• Turn off your phone sometimes.

To my family that they have a year without sickness or bad health and that they continue to enjoy life and grow. For me - to enjoy my life with family, colleagues and friends and that we continue to trust, respect and empower each other to grow together.

Hideyuki Yanaka | Executive Director Global Sales Asia Pacific Fairmont Raffles Hotels International

• Try something that you’ve never done before (even if it sounds crazy).

• Say something nice to somebody every day (that includes you).

Merry Christmas & a very Happy New Year!

“The food I must have during Christmas is ironically not Christmas pudding or log cake etc. Chilli crab and abalone are my evergreen feasting items!”

Chelyn Ang Chief Financial Officer Asiatravel.com Holdings Ltd

p4-5_2010/2011.indd 3

11/29/10 1:21:15 PM

FEATURES

text: catherine

photo: dennis

Warmth

in Wine

Cheers: It’s time for merry-making and December’s the perfect month to flush a bottle of bubbly or wine.

Wine will surely be a rousing four-letter word in celebrations and the bottle has also become a gift of choice for its sheer elegance.

However, the world of wine can be a labyrinth to the uninitiated. So we have compiled a quick guide to how you can become a wine guru (or sound like one) just in time for the plenty of party nights ahead.

How Wine is Made It is typically produced by fermenting crushed grapes using different types of yeast that convert the sugar in grapes into alcohol and then allowed to age sufficiently before consumption.

Different varieties of grapes and yeasts will result in the different types of wines. The colour of wine is determined by the skin and seed of the grapes. Skin and seed are retained during the production process to produce the deep red in red wines and removed for white wines.

Types of Wine The easiest way to differentiate wines would be by colour. The main types are Red, White and RosĂŠ (pronounced as roe-ZAY), which are also known as Blush wines that are generally associated with pink color though the variation of pink can range from orange to near purple.

Wines are generally named after the grape variety or region from which they are produced.

Varietals are wines that are made 100% (or at least 75% - 90% depending on the legislation in different countries) from the grape on the label whereas Blends are made from a blend of different grapes.

Old World wines tend to go by region (for example, Chianti and Burgundy) whereas New World wines follow the varietals instead.

How to read the label

brand

region vintage appellation of origin

producer

Which Wine To Buy? Yes, it can be a mind-boggling experience when faced with endless shelves and hundreds of bottles or a long wine list with unpronounceable names.

If you are at a restaurant, try asking the server or sommelier (pronounced as somel-YAY) for some recommendations. Here are some questions you can think about as well: Who’s drinking the wine?

Wine is an acquired taste that may not sit easy immediately with non-wine drinkers.

White and rosé wines should be easier. When in doubt, buy both a bottle of red and white to be safe.

What’s on the menu? What’s the food that the wine will be accompanying?

Or do you need a dessert wine instead? The classic rule would be red with meat, white with fish or fowl but people are more adventurous these days. Try thinking along these lines: Lighter wine with lighter food and heavier wine with heavier dishes.

Where’s the party?

White and rosé wines are best served chilled so it may be better to get a red if you don’t foresee any chilling facilities.

What’s your budget?

Expensive wines aren’t always necessarily better. It is possible to find nice wines at affordable prices or great wines from a smaller winery rather than a big one.

What about ratings?

There are a lot of ratings available online or sometimes in stores. These will be useful in filtering your selection.

Here are wines you can pick up on the shelf with a quick pronunciation guide to match:

Red Beaujolais Burgundy Cabernet Sauvignon Chianti Grenache Merlot Pinot Noir Sangiovese Shiraz/Syrah

(BO-jo-lay) (BUR-gun-dee) (CAB-er-NAY SO-vee-NYON) (key-AHN-tee) (gruh-NOSH) (Mer-LOW) (PEA-no NWAR) (SAN-gee-o-VAY-see) (shee-RAZ/see-RAH)

White Chardonnay Chenin Blanc Muscat Pinot Blanc Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris Riesling Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

(SHAR-doe-nay) (SHEN-in BLAHNK) (MOOS – caht) (PEA-no BLAHNK) (PEA-no GRI-ji-o/PEA-no Gri) (REECE-ling) (SO-VEE-nyon BLAHNK) (SEM-ee-yon)

estate where bottled

country of origin

importer / negotiant requirement in some countries for the phrase “contains sulfites” to be included though almost all wines contain sulfites

alcohol content

Serving As a rule of thumb, white and rosé wines are served chilled (not icy cold) while red wines are generally served at room temperature (not warm). Serving wine at the right temperature can make a world of difference to its taste.

If you need to chill your wine, put it in the refrigerator two hours ahead of serving.

If you are in a hurry, put the bottle of wine in a bucket with a mixture of ice and water. It will take only 30 minutes in this case.

Tasting Wine has been described as “poetry in a bottle”.

Like people, individual wines have different characteristics and personalities. Even the same bottle of wine can taste different when sampled at different times or environments.

This is why it pays to drink slowly and savour the flavours. Try these simple steps:

Look at the wine. A good way would be to tilt the glass against a neutral background such as a white tablecloth so that you can examine the true colour. Observe the colour and shade. For example: Is it a crimson red or a deep-grapey red? A pale white or perhaps a golden honey white?

Swirl the wine. Swirling introduces oxygen into the wine and releases the aroma or “bouquet” of the wine. Hold the glass by its stem and make a gentle circular motion with your wrist. Just be careful to do it with a glass about one-third to half full. The last thing you want is a huge stain across the front of your dinner shirt.

Smell. Bring your nose right into the glass and breathe deeply through your nose to get a good whiff of the wine after you have released its “bouquet”. What comes to mind? You may smell anything from honey to chocolate and bell peppers. The words used to describe the smell of wine are known as “nose”.

Sip, not chug. Roll the wine around in your mouth gently and let it coat the inside of your mouth. To do it like the experts, draw in a little air while sipping. Feel the texture and weight of the wine. Is it light like water or does it have more body like full cream milk?

Savour. This is the stage where you close your eyes and relish. Our tongue is able to register four taste sensations: sweet, sour (known as “acidity” in wine terms), bitter and salt. Think about what registers after the first sip and take a second sip to reevaluate. Feel how long the flavour lasts in your mouth. Good wines will tend to have a longer, lingering finish even after you have swallowed.

So a Good Wine is…

With tasting comes the important question: What makes a good wine?

Everyone sees and tastes things differently, so it is possible to find completely different opinions on the same wine even in a room full of wine connoisseurs.

There are no “right” answers when it comes to wine appreciation. Have fun and be imaginative!

Wine producers have shared with us that a simple way to gauge the wine is whether people finish the bottle eventually. At the end of the day, the most fundamental question is: “Do you like the wine?”

Storing wine A good bottle of wine will spoil if not taken care of correctly. Even if you are not a wine collector, it is important to store wine properly whether you are drinking it tonight or next week.

Keep your wines in a cool place away from bright light and major vibrations such as your home entertainment system.

Avoid placing your wines near a heating source.

Lay the bottles on the side to keep the cork moist. This will help in preventing the cork from drying out and causing the wine to oxidize when air seeps in.

While this guide is not meant to be all-encompassing, we hope that it will help make the world of wine a more fun and accessible one. Cheers to the happy holidays!

How to sound like a wine guru These are some common terms that may pop up in a conversation about wine. Be in the know!

Ageing: The process by which wines develop over time in a barrel, bottle or tank.

Balanced: A descriptive term for a wine that has a harmonious blend of wine’s basic components such as sweet, sour and bitter.

Body: The term to describe the weight of wine or its perceived viscosity. Common descriptions include lightbodied, medium and full-bodied.

Bouquet: Description of how the wine smells. Aroma is often used for how grapes smell though the two terms are commonly used interchangeably.

Château: (pronounced as sha-TOE) In France, this refers to an estate where wine is produced and the house attached to it.

Decant: The process of transferring wine from bottle to a decanter or carafe in order to remove sediment from the wine.

Nose: The words to describe the smell of wine.

Old World vs New World: Generally wine from European regions such as France, Italy, Spain and Portugal would be considered “Old World”. Other regions such as Australia, New Zealand, California, Chile and South Africa would be “New World”.

Tannin: Describes the bitter sensation especially when drinking a red wine. It is similar to the sensation of drinking a cup of strong tea.

Terroir: (pronounced as tair-WAHR) A French term for “soil” that is used to denote the particular characteristics of the land that influences the taste of wine.