eMAG Vol 19 - December 2012

eat • enjoy • explore DEC 2012 - JAN 2013 Vol.19

Bloated & Sick?

The answer could lie in your diet

The Real Lost World

Heed the call of the Gran Sabana

Grape Guru

Want to be a sommelier?

Brick Kingdom

Legoland comes to Asia

Jumbo Seafood Branding Advertisement 23.7.11.psd

The Famous

Thai Teochew Cuisine

Braised Whole Sharksfin with Crabmeat

bster

Live Salad Lo

Baked Whole Crab with Vermicell

i

Rama Thai Sharksfin Restaurant Pte Ltd Ltd

皇廷泰式鱼翅酒家

81 Tanjong Pagar Road Singapore 088502 Tel: 6222 6626 Fax: 6222 6325 www.ramathai.com.sg

email: Reservations@ramathai.com.sg

MAG Team!

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Dennis Lim Email: dennislim@pcl-pub.com

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief: Collin Chee Email: cchee@pcl-pub.com Associate Editor: Catherine Tan Email: cat.tan@pcl-pub.com Contributors: Cheryl Leong & Christopher Leong

ART DIRECTION Robin Lim

PRINTER PCL Printers (Pte) Ltd Tel: +65 6745 8733

PHOTO Paul Yap, Sze Kiat, JK Ho

ADVERTISING & MARKETING Daniel Heng, Media Consultant Mobile: +65 9620 1350 Victor Lim, Account Manager Mobile: +65 9857 1862 Email: vic.lim@pcl-pub.com Beverly Fong, Regional Sales Manager Mobile: +65 9068 1122 Email: bev.fong@pcl-pub.com

DISTRIBUTOR

e mag wishes everyone

a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2012 - 2013

Huang Sin Trading Company Tel: +65 6841 1367

DISTRIBUTION - 80,000 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.

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MAG is a free bi-monthly publication, published by PCL Publishers Pte Ltd. Website: www.pnl-group.com/emag MICA (P) 114/10/2012 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.

Cover Photo: Orchard Hotel

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5

Alain Delon writing instruments collection are exquisitely designed and superbly crafted.

Contemporary elegance and fine styling for a distinctive vibrant personal style. Inviting you to rediscover the satisfaction and pleasure of writing.

Using the finest materials, the Alain Delon collections are truly elegant writing instruments of highest quality, one that will bring you lasting impression.

ALAIN DELON Sole Agent: Keong Hua Trading 25, Woodlands Industrial Park E1, #03-03 Admiralty Industrial Park, Singapore 757743 Tel Fax Email Website

: 65 6363 2016 : 65 6363 2061 : sandy8833@yahoo.com.sg : www.cstrade.com.my

Authorized Dealer (8 locations) S28 10

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Bee Kah Co #02-45/46, People’s Park Complex Tel: 6535 2027 / 6535 6534

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Creative Art Centre #03-27, Queensway Shopping Centre Tel: 6475 9390 / 6473 1406

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Card n Such #04-06, West Mall (Bt Batok) Tel: 6793 5633

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Card n Such #03-24, Jurong Point Shopping Centre Tel: 6793 5311

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Home n Office #B1-12, Jurong Point Shopping Centre 2 Tel: 6563 3966

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Lin Kong Watch & Pen #03-53, Peninsula Plaza Tel: 6338 3626 / 6338 1473

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Music Book Room #01-51/53, Bras Basah Complex Tel: 6338 7280

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Mustafa Centre Level One, Mustafa Centre

Grape

personality

Guru

Sommeliers, or wine stewards, used to be a relatively rare sight here and known only to a discerning few.

With the growing interest in wine and fine dining in Singapore, sommeliers have stepped up into the game and out of the shadows.

We chat with Myra Buccat, assistant restaurant manager and sommelier at Pollen, who tells us what is it like to be a wine specialist.

How did wine enter your life?

I was an intern at Marriot while studying Tourism and Hotel Management in university. They had an in-house wine training program and it was then I had my first taste of different types of wine. I fell in love with the different labels and characters of each wine.

How did you prepare to become a sommelier?

I started with the in-house training in Marriot. After that, I worked in a Japanese restaurant for 5 years where I learnt about different types of Sake. I am about to finish a one-year course from WSET. The next level will be a two year course. We have to study about the different grape varieties, labels, geography, wine-tasting techniques, food pairing and other information in great detail. It is an in-depth study into what is behind a label.

Do you need to have a sensitive palate in order to be a sommelier?

Yes. Every individual has a different palate and may taste different things from the same wine. Some people have naturally sensitive palates but palate can be developed over time, especially if you experience different types of wine.

Did you know?

• Sommeliers are not only wine experts. They have to be experts on spirits and liquors such as port wine, brandy and whiskey.

• It can take over a decade of studying, examinations and tastings (on their own expense) for someone to become a Master Sommelier who is recognised around the world.

• Sommeliers can tell the stage of aging the wine is in just from the colour of the wine.

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What would you tell someone who wants to be a sommelier?

You must have the interest and passion for it.

How much wine do you drink on a normal day?

About 4 glasses of wine regularly?

“Red wine with dark meat, white wine with white meat.” Is this true?

Yes that is a general rule of thumb but it also depends on each person’s personal preferences, how the food is prepared and what the characteristics of the dish are. For instance, fish needs to go with high acid wines but a creamy fish dish will kill the taste of Sémillon or Sauvignon Blanc. Chardonnay would be a better choice.

It doesn’t mean white meat has to go with white wine too.

For example, chicken can be paired with very light red wine depending on the style of cooking. If the sauce is heavy or the flavour of the dish is rich, you can try wines that are more fullbodied. Lighter food goes with lighter-bodied wine.

Some people have very fixed ideas on what they like to drink so they may prefer to stick with wines they are familiar with regardless of the food.

“The wine I would like to drink before I die is…”

There are many! But if I were to choose one, any vintage from Romanée-Conti would be great. There are very limited bottles released each year and it’s probably the most highly valued wine in the world.

• Champagne used to be made by monks and the bottle that is still used today was designed by a monk named Dom Perignon in order to facilitate the fermentation of Champagne in the bottle.

• You can tell real Champagne apart from sparkling wine by the size of the bubbles. Sparkling wine has bubbles of different sizes that disappear quickly while Champagne has small bubbles of uniform size that stay for a long time.

Dining in a Park. Italian & Asian Cuisine

Parco Caffè @ Raeburn Park 10 Raeburn Park #01-28, Singapore 088702 Operating hours Mon - Fri 11:30 - 14:30 / 18:00 - 23:00 Sat, Sun, Ph: 09:00 - 23:00

For resevation: enquiry@parcocaffe.com.sg Tel +65 9653 9132 Fax +65 6223 4338 www.parcocaffe.com.sg www.facebook.com/parcocaffe

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F&B

Fairyland Cottage

Buche Passion Star Cake

At Orchard Hotel Singapore Orchard Hotel Singapore welcomes you to its Amorpho Fairyland Cottage surrounded

by Clock Tower’s Magic Tree, colourful fairies, toadstools and fairy lights!

Christmas Goodies House

Bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones with unique new creations, traditional favourites and other tasty delights from Orchard’s Goodies House.

Orchard Hotel’s new Pastry Chef Chee Leong has infused joy, magic dust and Christmas festivity into one unique highlight this year:

Coming your way this Christmas, enter a whole new dream-like Fairyland and dance around with various Fin Folk, Gnomes, Irish Elves, Heather Pixies, Snow Fairies. Twirl around our Magic Tree in the middle of the Lobby, and experience the true meaning of Christmas.

Buche Passion Star

In the spirit of celebration, our new highlight for Christmas this year is the Buche Passion Star, created in two different spectacular versions to suit your every indulgence – a 750g Buche Passion Star Cake or 6 delightfully packaged Cupcakes.

Both are perfect for a gift to your special someone or to pamper yourself with friends and family!

A refreshing sight for the eyes, the Passion Star is created to resemble a snowy mountain – a unique scene we do not get to see in our tropical climate!

Let your imagination take flight with our light citrus chiffon sponge cake lined with passion fruit mousse and an almond chocolate praline base for added crunch before being topped with passion fruit meringue bits and snow to complete your picturesque Christmas.

Red Berries and Rose Log Cake

Orchard Hotel Singapore 442 Orchard Road, Singapore 238879 Website: www.orchardhotel.com.sg 6

eMAG Dec 2012 - Jan 2013

Fill your Christmas table with a delightful mix of festive goodies from the Fairyland Cottage for a hearty celebration! For a classic turkey with a twist, opt for Hua Ting’s Cantonese Roasted Turkey stuffed with Herbs and Spices.

This year’s new offerings include Buche Passion Star Cake and Cupcake, Red Berries and Rose Log Cake, Homemade Raspberry or Strawberry Marshmallow, Orchard Christmas Brandy Fruit Cake,

and the Christmas Cempedak Gateaux Basque!

Christmas Goodies are available at the Amorpho Fairyland Cottage from 12 November to 25 December 2012, open daily from 11:00am to 9:00pm.

Call our Fairies’ Hotline: 67396577 to reserve your goodies by 10 December 2012 and enjoy a 20% discount!

New Pastry Chef Ng Chee Leong

Coming from 10 years of formal training and being a familiar face from representing Singapore in many regional and international competitions, Chef Chee Leong was most recently Team Singapore’s Pastry Chef that won the Gold Medal Gourmet Team category at Food & Hotel Asia.

With vast experience in whipping up sweet creations, the 33-year-old Singaporean has done it again this year with a unique twist as his debut as Orchard Hotel Singapore’s Pastry Chef – the Buche Passion Star.

Pastry Chef Chee Leong

SENKI

JAPANESE RESTAURANT 109 Killiney Road Singapore 239548 Tel: 6734 5565 www.senki.com.sg

Senki is a hot favourite with Japanese food lovers. Dive into a Japanese ŐĂƐƚƌŽŶŽŵŝĐ ĂĚǀĞŶƚƵƌĞ ŽŶ ŽƵƌ ďƵīĞƚ ƚĂďůĞ ǁŝƚŚ ŽǀĞƌ ϭϯϴ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶƚ ŬŝŶĚƐ ŽĨ dishes to choose from! Let your taste buds go wild with ocean-fresh sashimi ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ƌĂƌĞ ĮŶĚƐ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ƐǁŽƌĚĮƐŚ͘ Bite into crispy tempura, snack on tangy barbecued yakitori or enjoy the Miso creaminess of your complimentary prawn dish. Refresh your palate with crunchy salads and feast again!

$30++ Ala-cart buffer, 138 different kinds of dishes to choose from!

ƌŝŶŐ LJŽƵƌ ĨƌŝĞŶĚƐ ĂŶĚ ŚĂǀĞ LJŽƵƌ Įůů ŽĨ ŐŽŽĚ ƟŵĞƐ ĂŶĚ ǁŽŶĚĞƌĨƵů ĨŽŽĚ Ăƚ ĂīŽƌĚĂďůĞ ƉƌŝĐĞƐ͘ dŚƌŽǁ ƉĂƌƟĞƐ͕ ŝŶǀŝƚĞ LJŽƵƌ ĐůŝĞŶƚƐ Žƌ ƐŚĂƌĞ Ă ƌŽŵĂŶƟĐ ŵĞĂů with a loved one. Whatever you do, ƌĞŵĞŵďĞƌ ƚŽ ŵĂŬĞ Ă ƌĞƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶ͊

Extravaganza!

Japanese Buffet

finds finding unique eats

Veganburg Text: Catherine Tan Photos: Veganburg

Who?

Veganburg (www.veganburg.com) What?

A fast food burger chain that serves up healthy and delicious which are meat-free, dairy-free and GMO-free.

The side menu also consists of healthy offerings, some of which were personal recipes from the owners themselves.

The outlets are cheery and welcoming with splashes of white and refreshing green.

Where?

4 outlets scattered across the island including Eunos, Raffles Place and Turf Club Road. Another outlet is set to open in Orchard by Jun next year. The chain already has its eyes set on expansion plans overseas with much interest from burger lovers around the region. Delivery services available.

What’s the story?

Veganburg was started out of love for the environment and a passion for good fast food that is not junk food. Their website says: “Our mission is to inspire and excite the world in introducing vegan diet into their lifestyle, as a form of sustainable diet and means of restoration for our global environment.

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Being fervent believers in the plant-based diet, we are always on the lookout for great-tasting meat-free cuisine.

But we didn’t want to wait around for things to happen… so we created VeganBurg!”

What’s the Ooh factor?

If you think vegan food is only about salads and bland food, think again. Veganburg may have done the seemingly impossible: Combining the epitome of junk food – fast food – with healthy eating. Rockstar Chrissie Hynde calls Veganburg the “perfect burger”.

Staunch meat eaters have been known to be fooled by the robust taste and texture of Veganburg’s offerings. This is no easy feat - considering that their patties are made from pure vegetable ingredients and contain no gluten, dairy, eggs, genetically modified organisms (GMO), preservatives or trans fat.

Another noteworthy point: Often mistaken for an American brand, the world’s first vegan fast food burger chain is actually a home-grown company that started right here in Singapore by Singaporeans.

Price Range?

Burgers start from $5.85 and set meals with fries and a drink start from $9.85.

How’s the food?

My personal favourite is the Smoky BBQ burger. One of our tasters who did not know that she was munching into a vegan burger swore that it tasted just like a meat-based burger from another prominent burger chain here. The BBQ sauce is smoky indeed and rich in taste. What truly amazed us was how the mushroom-based patty managed to achieve the taste and texture of a regular meat patty without gluten. Another burger that tantalized our taste buds is the Char Grilled Satay burger. We love the rich and nutty sauce used. My only gripe is I wish there was an option to upsize because I can easily polish off 2 on my own! e mag paid for all the food sampled in this article.

Dec 2012 - Jan 2013 eMAG

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signature dish 1 /4 Chicken with 2 Sidelines

T

his is probably Nando’s most characteristic dish – classic quarter chicken with 2 side dishes of one’s choice. We had Mediterranean Rice, which was cooked from chicken stock and butter as well as Sweet Potato, which was grilled with Nando’s secret sauce.

The rice was underwhelming but the sweet potato had an interesting mix of sweet and savoury. The star would certainly be Nando’s world-famous flame grilled chicken which had been basted with their signature Peri Peri sauce. While there are 4 levels of spiciness ranging from mild to extra hot from which one can choose from, most of the sauces should be manageable for spice-loving Singaporeans. Besides spice, one can also taste a variety of herbs in the sauces. Chicken toughens easily upon cooking but the butterfly cut of Nando’s chicken ensured even browning while keeping the chicken tender.

Nando’s Chicken Outlets:• Tampines Mall • 112 Katong • Tanglin Mall • JCube

• Bugis Junction • Plaza Singapura

Truffle Pasta with Caviar

W

ith ingredients like truffle oil and caviar, you need little else in a dish. Tossed with angel hair pasta, garlic and parsley, this dish is simple and that’s the beauty of it because one gets to taste the luxurious ingredients themselves without distraction. It may be a tad oily for some but if you love truffle oil, this would not be a problem at all. Tip: Mix the two types of caviar thoroughly with the pasta and enjoy the burst of caviar flavour every time you chew.

Gourmet Culture Bistro Bar 20 Hong Kong Street #01-03 Singapore 059663 Tel : 8288 8261

Crispy Fried Lotus Root

L

otus root is usually one of the unsung heroes in a soup or stew but in this dish at 1036 Seafood, lotus root takes centrestage.

Each piece of sliced lotus root is applied with a layer of fish paste that had been seasoned and mixed with vegetables before it is fried. While we feel the lotus root might benefit from being more thinly sliced, the creativity applied in this dish is laudable. The soft fish paste provides a good contrast against the firm lotus root in terms of flavor and texture as lotus root itself is not a strong-flavored ingredient.

Together with a crispy batter wrapped around each slice, this dish is one that both kids and older folks will enjoy.

1036 Live Seafood 1036, Sembawang Road Singapore 758504 Tel: 6555 1277

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Strawberry Shortcake

M

ore than a cake, this sweet treat from Texas Chicken comes in a cup, much like how tiramisu is served sometimes.

With Texas’ famous cookie as a base, soft swirl ice cream in the middle and chunky strawberry jam to top it off, this is great for a hot day. The jam is a tad sweet on its own but the ice cream bridges this with the buttery flavor of the cookie and balances the whole taste.

Texas Chicken Outlets:• Expo • United Square •nex • Tampines • Causeway Point • Changi City Point • Gardens by the Bay

Stir Fried Prawns with Baked Coconut

R

ainbow colours with a tropical flavour is what sums up this dish.

Using a bevy of colourful sweet peppers and juicy fresh prawns, this dish is something the whole family will enjoy. Hawaiian nuts pack crunch into the dish but the real star has to be baked coconut. There is a faint tinge of coconut in each bite which gives it a distinctive South East Asian flavour.

Taison Seafood (The Zon) Sdn. Bhd. C3, Fun Zon, Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, Stulang Laut, 80300 Johor Bahru Tel: 07-221 9988

Polenta & Passion

O

nce deemed as a poor man’s food, the humble polenta has made a fashionable return to dining tables. While this ingredient is not commonly used in Singapore yet, the chef at Parco has utilized polenta’s chewy texture to create a sticky pudding together with orange juice and passion fruit. The sweetness of the orange is appetizingly natural while the passion fruit creates balance.

Like Parco’s other dishes, this dessert is light even after a full meal.

Parco Caffè @ Raeburn Park 10 Raeburn Park #01-28, Singapore 088702 Tel: 6223 6338

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茗香菜�

Beng Hiang Restaurant 30 Over

Years of Finest Authentic Hokkien Cuisine

112-116 Amoy Street, Singapore 069932 Tel: 6221 6695, 6221 6684 Fax: 6220 2906 Opening Hours: 11.30am - 2.30pm / 6.00pm - 9.30pm (Monday to Sunday) www.benghiang.com

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Cai Lan – Hong Kong’s famous gourmet

travels

The Lost World

Text: Maggy Aguilera Photos: Vicky Martinez

F

or centuries, the Gran Sabana remained hidden from the eyes of Western history and till today, it continues to retain the charm of unspoiled nature with an air of ethereal mystery. In fact, it was believed that this glorious land was the inspiration behind Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1912 novel, “The Lost World”.

Located about 1,300 km from Caracas (capital of Venezuela), Gran Sabana is found in southern Venezuela within the Bolivar state near the border of Brazil and Guyana. Here, you would find the oldest rock formations on the planet 14

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with rock surfaces cut by numerous tributaries of the Caroni River. A grand picture of rounded hills, steep tables and tabular surfaces called ‘tepuis’, Gran Sabana was proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994.

There is much one can do in Gran Sabana including paragliding, rafting, bodyrafting, ecotourism, adventure and science tourism. Enjoy the view of breathtaking view of starry night skies (where you can even spot cosmic dust with your naked eye) together with the peace and tranquility of this magical place.

PLACES TO VISIT Virgin Stone (Piedra de La Virgen) at Km. 98

The Virgin Stone is a 80-metre high Precambrian rock located next to the road shortly after Las Claritas Town that welcomes you into the Canaima National Park. It’s also the beginning of a steep path through the tropical cloud forest of “Sierra de Lema” that will take you to 1,400 meters high above sea level.

At the foot of the rock there’s a shrine to the Virgin of Lourdes where you can not only visit but also refresh yourself in a spring nearby. Thereafter, the trip will be steep with several sharp turns and high

“This glorious land was the inspiration behind Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1912 novel, ‘The Lost World’.”

Kawi Waterfall (Kawí Merú) at Km. 194

A beautiful place with a lowrise waterfall that cascades into a deep lagoon, this is a pleasant place to swim in. You can sit under the waterfall but be cautious as the stones are slippery. Local crafts and souvenirs made by the Pemon natives that guard the area are available for sale nearby. It’s a good place to camp in but you’ll need permission from the natives and abide by their rules.

Kamá Waterfall (Kamá Merú) at Km. 201

At the 201 km mark of International Highway 10, there is a spectacular 50-metre high waterfall located next to the main road. Kamá Merú is a popular place for campers though you’ll have to deal with undesirable mosquitoes (puri puri).

For a very cheap price, you can also rent a canoe from the natives and enjoy a short trip behind the cascade.

If outdoor camping isn’t your thing, there is lodging available at very affordable prices along with a restaurant nearby. If the sky is clear at night, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the sky crowded with stars.

Traditional crafts are also available here.

Soroape Baths at Km. 244

Here’s another great place for camping and swimming. The river and the rock formations form tranquil freshwater lagoons where you can take a relaxing bath in and soak up the Sabana sun - which can get pretty intense in certain seasons. It’s one of the most visited places. Socks are recommended as the stones are very slippery.

humidity so drivers should be careful.

You’ll also notice a significant climate change as you go up this area. Enjoy the view of a variety of vegetation on both sides of the road.

Dec 2012 - Jan 2013 eMAG

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travels How to get there: Gran Sabana can be reached by air and land. The starting point is La Piedra de la Virgen (Virgin Stone) at kilometre 98 mark after “Las Claritas” town. From there, you can go up into “Sierra de Lema”, a tropical rain forest that will take you up to 1,400 meters above sea level with a wonderful view. As you enter the Sabana, you will find several tourist attractions, accommodation and hotels as well as petrol pumps.

By air:

Curtains of Yuruaní River at Km. 247

You will find this beautiful and grand waterfall near the iron bridge at kilometer 247 of the International Highway 10. Watch the vibrant display of colors which is a result of tanning in the water and red stones in the bottom of the cascade. You’ll have to take a short walk there as it is not easily accessible by car. In Santa Elena de Uairen, you can hire special tour guides that will allow you to walk behind the fall from end to end but be careful of stones and the strong currents. You can even grab a swim when the river flow is low.

Jasper Stream (Kakó Parú) at the Km. 273

Located just a few metres from the International Highway 10 at the kilometre 273 mark, Jasper Creek is perhaps the most popular place in the Gran Sabana. It consists of a shallow stream that flows through a smooth Jasper bed stone that’s approximately 300 meters long. Jasper is a mixture of semiprecious materials including crystalline quartz and amorphous silica stone.

You can fly from Caracas to Ciudad Bolívar or Puerto Ordaz, and then take another flight to Santa Elena de Uairén.

Santa Elena de Uairén is the capital of the Gran Sabana municipal district as well as the key administrative centre for Canaima National Park.

By car:

The distance from Caracas to Santa Elena de Uairen is about 15 hours’ drive through the International Highway 10 which can even take you to Brazilian cities. While this road is in good condition, make sure you have vehicle that is sturdy enough for long distance travel. Note that there are also some sectors without lighting. Puerto Ordaz, which is located halfway between Caracas and Santa Elena de Uairen, is a good place to spend the night.

By bus:

The water level stays low within 5 centimetres without sand and loose stones. It’s a fascinating place surrounded by lush trees. You can have fun sliding on the slippery slab nicely polished by the flow of water, or indulge in a soothing water massage from the small cascades while lying down on the stone

There are several bus lines that travel this route such as the Caribe Express and Los Llanos Express. Once you get to Santa Elena de Uairen, you can hire the services of a tourist company to take you to the different tourist sites around the region.

The Great Aponwao Waterfall (Chinak Merú)

The Great Aponwao Waterfall is one of the most important waterfalls in the Canaima National Park area and is a must-see. It is located at the 214 km mark of the road from Santa Elena de Uairen to Kavanayén.

With a height of 108 metres in freefall, the magnificent power of this cascade is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the area. To get there, you can hire a canoe from the natives at a cheap price.

After sailing through the Aponwao River for about 20 minutes, you’ll reach a small pier located about 500 meters before the cascade. If the water flow is high, you will have the opportunity to witness a unique natural spectacle – one that you’ll likely remember forever.

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he

t Voted

Best r e Peppb Cra re gapo

in Sin

TM

HOUSE OF SEAFOOD @ 180 Formerly Known @ Joo Chiat Place

S i n g a p o re ’ s

F r i s t G a rd e n Dining

E xp e r i e n c e 1 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427739 (Behind Joo Chiat Complex) Tel: (65) 6442 5180 Fax: (65) 6346 5180 30 Cosford Road Singapore 499550 (Near Changi Prison) Tel: (65) 6746 9000 Fax: (65) 6745 9000 36 Yio Chu Kang Road Singapore 545553 (Opp. Serangoon Stadium Car Park Entrance) Tel: (65) 6285 9711 Fax: (65) 6285 9722 Website: www.houseofseafood.com.sg

The Perfect Pre-Party Hangout DAILY 3-HOUR FREE FLOW SPECIAL Get ready for your party night out with a free ow of Tequila, Vodka, Whiskey*, Brandy*, Wine, Beer, Martini cocktails and more.

Available from 7pm onwards daily. $40 (Men) $30 (Ladies) *House whiskey & brandy only

Gourmet Culture Bistro Bar 20 Hong Kong Street #01-03 Singapore 059663 Tel : 8288 8261

Bak Kut Teh

@ Lau Ah Tee

T

here are many people who contest the history of Bak Kut Teh. Some believe that it originated from Malaysia.

Personally, I think the Teochew Bak Kut Teh is pride of Singaporean food. That would explain why so many politicians come here to experience it!

The soup of Lau Ah Tee’s Bak Kut Teh appears simple but tastes great. Robust but not overly peppery, it has a sweet savoury taste that comes from boiling pork bones until they are almost crumbly. The delicious ribs here are also cooked until they are tender and one must not forget to order the top quality steamed fish as well.

Tea, which cleanses the palate, would be an ideal accompanying beverage.

To learn more about the history of Singaporean Teochew Bak Kut Teh, invite Lau Ah Tee himself to sit down and share it with you over tea. He would likely be more than happy to share his knowledge and his passion with you.

One thing that deserves special mention is the hospitable service that sets Lau Ah Tee apart from other famous Bak Kut Teh stalls.

If you are looking for quality tea and Bak Kut Teh, Lau Ah Tee should definitely be your choice.

老 �弟肉骨茶 Add: 34 Whampoa West, #01-67, Singapore 330034.

Operating Hours: 7am – 3pm (Daily) Contact: 97555250

health

Hidden Danger Do you often feel bloated, stomach discomfort or experience unexplained weight changes? Is constipation or diarrhoea a constant worry? Do migraine or sinus issues bring you down? The answer could be hidden in your diet.

Janelle Castle, qualified Naturopath, tells us why.

What is gluten sensitivity?

By definition, gluten sensitivity is a reaction to gluten that is not a true wheat allergy, nor is it Coeliac Disease. There are varying levels of severity of gluten sensitivity with Coeliac Disease having the most intense symptoms - an allergic reaction to the protein found in wheat as well as other common grains.

Why should I care?

Scientists estimate that 99% of the population who are sensitive to gluten are unaware of it. Gluten sensitivity, if left undiagnosed, can create chronic inflammation in the intestinal tract.

Chronic inflammation is the starting point in the body for many diseases, including cancer, to develop.

A large study of 30,000 people with Coeliac Disease, non-Coeliac Disease intestinal inflammation and gluten sensitivity which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that participants with undiagnosed gluten sensitivity had a 35% increased risk of death.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a blanket term that refers to the storage proteins contained in common grains like wheat, oats, rye, and barley. The proteins are a natural part of these grains 20

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The content of gluten in a grain and the resulting flour when processed is what gives elasticity, shape and texture to breads, cakes, pizza bases and the like.

When yeast is incorporated into baking, gluten helps the dough to rise.

Where can gluten be found?

You may be gluten sensitive.

Janelle Castle is an Australian Naturopath who specialises in detoxification, digestive health and education. A passionate cook with a healthy slant and an avid writer, Janelle loves to teach people about the wonders of their own body and the environment around them in order to inspire and raise awareness. She is currently the Wellness Consultant at Absolute Sanctuary, Koh Samui.

and are what help the grain to grow into a plant.

Gluten is commonly found in anything made from wheat, oats, rye, barley and their flours. However, a high percentage of packaged and processed foods also contain gluten. This includes foods such as pizza, pasta, breads, crackers, flavoured potato chips and sweets, pastries, cakes and biscuits, processed and sliced meats such as sausages, soy sauce, salad dressings, gravies, soups, ready-made meals and fast foods, beer, ice creams, and more.

Gluten can also be hidden in ingredients such as ‘hydrolysed vegetable protein’, ‘textured vegetable protein’, stock cubes or powders, spice mixes, dried seasonings and flavour enhancers. It is often used as a filler or to increase the protein content of otherwise low protein foods.

Gluten is not always disclosed in the ingredient list of the product so you may be consuming gluten and not know it.

What are typical signs and symptoms of gluten sensitivity?

Some symptoms of gluten sensitivity can include: • gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating • flatulence at an abnormal level • diarrhoea or constipation • intestinal pain • unexplained weight gain or weight loss • tooth decay and poor gum health • infertility, miscarriage and irregular menstrual cycle • headaches and migraines • depression • aching joints • irritability and mood swings • frequent nausea and sinus congestion This list is not exhaustive and the intensity of the symptoms can be low grade over a long period of time or be a daily nuisance depending on the individual and amount of gluten ingested.

Due to the inflammatory response caused

by gluten sensitivity, it is also a contributing factor to many common disease states such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, lupus, anaemia, fibromyalgia, thyroid diseases, diabetes, asthma, cancers, neurological problems such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, nerve damage,epilepsy, autism, general poor health, failure to thrive or gain weight and constant gastrointestinal distress.

Both Coeliac Disease and gluten sensitivity can affect anyone. It can be triggered at any stage of your life by emotional stress, trauma, surgery, pregnancy, chronic illness or injury. It is possible for someone to become gluten sensitive suddenly even if he or she had not been before.

How do I know if I am gluten sensitive?

Dr. Alessio Fasano, who is considered to be a worldwide authority on the topic of gluten, recommends that patients ask their doctor for a blood test for Coeliac Disease as a starting point. If this test returns negative results, take a standard allergy test to wheat. If both of the test results are negative, he recommends going on a gluten-free diet to see if the symptoms disappear. Dr Fasano believes this to be the best test for gluten sensitivity at this stage if doing so relieves the symptoms.

What should I do if I am gluten sensitive?

Avoid all gluten-containing products. It takes around 6 months of avoidance for your immune system to re-set itself, so avoiding gluten for 1 or 2 weeks will not resolve the issue.

Read labels on everything you pick up before it goes in your shopping basket.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask for an ingredient list if you are not sure.

Try to avoid the trap of buying packaged gluten-free goodies in the shops like biscuits, cakes, breads and crackers.

They are often full of starch, sugar, hydrogenated oils, margarine and other health-destroying ingredients. They are fine as occasional treats but don’t make them a staple in your diet.

What are good alternatives to products with gluten?

Focus on what you CAN eat, rather than what you need to avoid.

Some tips for daily gluten-free living:

There are so many naturally gluten-free foods available. Head to your local market for fresh, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, shellfish, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils and any gluten free grains you can find e.g. rice (e.g. Jasmine, black, red, wild), quinoa, corn, buckwheat, Job’s Tears, millet, amaranth and so on.

If you bake, experiment with different flours such as buckwheat, quinoa and rice. Get accustomed to the differences they have in texture, flavour and the way they perform as compared to standard wheat flour.

Dairy products are largely gluten-free but make it a point to check all ingredient lists, especially for ice cream which often contains gluten.

Avoid any other foods that elicit an intolerance reaction (e.g. running nose, itchy nose, eyes or skin, digestive upsets, existing health conditions that worsen after ingestion of a substance) or it will not be possible to resolve the heightened immune or inflammatory reactions that are happening in your body.

• Make a shopping list for the week and loosely prepare some options for breakfast, lunch and dinner in your mind. Purchase the items accordingly.

• Prepare food the night before and bring them to work or school.

• Bring some ingredients as rice cakes, tins of tuna, avocados, a bag of fresh leafy greens such as rocket or watercress to work or school and you can put together a quick lunch or snack yourself.

• Make larger batches of meals e.g. soups to re-heat if you come home from work later at night so you don’t get tempted to order in pizza.

• Look for gluten-free recipes online.

There are many resources available.

Gluten sensitivity greatly reduces the quality and quantity of one’s life. Many people suffer in silence and consider their often uncomfortable symptoms to be ‘normal’ for them.

Go to your GP, get it checked out, work on improving your health regardless of the outcome and start living again. Life’s too short and it’s such a fun place when you are glowing with good health and bursting with energy!

Dec 2012 - Jan 2013 eMAG

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George & Dragon Times Christmas lights up at George & Dragon Prepare to immerse yourself in the mood of Christmas at George & Dragon Café as it dresses up for the festive season - complete with decorations and a special menu reflective of an English-style Christmas.

Enjoy Noel the traditional way with slices of fresh Roast Turkey topped with flavourful pan roasted gravy and accompanied with Mushroom Stuffing made from chestnuts, herbs and a variety of mushrooms.

For something different, indulge in sumptuous Grilled Tenderloin served with giant Fresh Water Prawns and Cheese together with rich beef stock cream sauce, roasted potatoes and vegetables.

Draw a sweet end to the festivities with alcohol-free Traditional Christmas Pudding. Homemade with fruits and dates, and topped with hot Vanilla Custard, this dessert will warm both the tummy and soul. The Christmas Ice Cream is all-natural and handmade with fresh cream, fruits and a dash of love.

Toast to the end of the year and new beginnings with a glass of Sparkling Wine. Cheers!

Christmas Festive Menu (Available 22 – 25 Dec)

Appetizer

White Tuna & Smoked Salmon Roulade

Soup

Roast Chestnut & Pumpkin Soup

Main Course

Traditional Roast Turkey with Mushroom Stuffing or Grilled Tenderloin Fillet & Baked Fresh Water Prawn with Cheese

The Unborn of the Swamp

Seared white tuna roulade and grilled fresh water prawn with avocado salsa

Dessert

Traditional Christmas Pudding with Hot Vanilla Custard Sauce or Homemade Christmas Ice Cream and Freshly ground Italian coffee / tea & A glass of sparkling wine

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At only RM 198, the hamper comes complete with a Roasted Turkey that is freshly prepared daily, traditional homemade stuffing, rich turkey gravy and sweet cranberry sauce.

The hampers are immensely popular so reserve your bird by 22 Dec before they run out!

Ring in New Year with Free Wine!

Welcome the new year with a bottle of Villa Sandi IL Fresco Brut Spumante “Prosecco” at only RM145.

Double up the celebrations with 2 bottles at only RM280. The good news is: Every purchase of 2 bottles entitles you to a 200ml Limited Edition bottle for FREE!

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BRICK KINGDOM Before the age of tablets and computer games, most kids probably had a bucket or more of LEGO® blocks from which they could spin their imagination from. Today, those blocks have gone on to build kingdoms of fun around the world through LEGOLAND® Parks.

T

he first Park opened in Denmark in 1968. The original plan was to build a small display garden for LEGO® models but the project grew to fill a 9 acre site. All buildings, landscapes and vehicles were built using standard LEGO® bricks. The success of the Park exceeded expectations after opening. This led to the building of more parks in United Kingdom (1996), California (1999), Germany (2002) and Florida (2011). Finally LEGOLAND® has made its way to Asia.

First in Asia

15 September 2012 marked the arrival of the world’s sixth and Asia’s first LEGOLAND®. With more than 40 rides, shows and interactive attractions spanning over 76 acres, the Park promises a full day of adventure, education and fun for the family. True to LEGOLAND® tradition, the 15,000 LEGO® models scattered throughout the Park are made from a staggering 50 million LEGO® bricks.

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eMAG Dec 2012 - Jan 2013

While the Park contains the most successful rides and attractions from around the world, everything has been tailor-made for the local environment. There are 7 themed areas which are equivalent to the size of 50 full sized football pitches in total.

The miniature world of Miniland is the largest of its kind for a new LEGOLAND® Park and sits in the centre of the Park with the miniature models of famous Asian landmarks made from over 30 million LEGO® bricks. Children turn into giants as they stroll through famous landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers, the Merlion Statue and the Taj Mahal. Visitors can also bring LEGO® figures, trains and aeroplanes to life at the touch of a button.

The LEGOLAND® experience starts at The Beginning, which is the entrance to the Park and home to the largest LEGO® shop in Asia - The Big Shop. With over 2,000 different LEGO and LEGOLAND products, it has more LEGO toy sets under one

roof than anywhere else in the region.

LEGO fans can also customise their own creations at The Brick Shop.

Imagination is where creativity knows no bounds. At the Build and Test Centre, LEGO inventors can bring their imaginations to life and find out if they really could work. The Kid’s Power Tower challenges visitors to prove their strength by hauling themselves upwards to gain a beautiful view over the Park, and young engine drivers can enjoy a gentle train journey on the life-size DUPLO® Express.

LEGO® Technic is home to high speed rides for the brave as well as exciting LEGO® workshops for the young. The highlight is Project X, a wild roller coaster with a steep switchback track.

Aquazone Wave Racers offers a thrilling surf experience. Kids wanting to dry off can head to LEGO® Mindstorms, where budding robot designers are encouraged to build the future.

Legends come to life in LEGO® Kingdom - a place of magic and ancient castles.

From deep inside the royal castle, The Dragon and The Dragon’s Apprentice offer guests heart-thumping roller coaster rides on a dragon’s back. Children are also free to romp through a multi-level treetop playground in The Forestman’s Hideout.

Journey into the forgotten worlds of Pharaohs and dinosaurs within the Land of Adventure. Dino Island is a daring boat trip to where LEGO® dinosaurs still roam. No adventure is complete without a hunt for hidden treasure in Lost Kingdom. Young children are given the freedom to create their own adventures in the Pharaoh’s Revenge play area.

LEGO® City is where children have the opportunity to be independent and take the controls. Driving School allows kids to steer their own cars on a true-to-life traffic circuit. Would-be captains take the wheel of battery powered boats at the Boating School. At the Rescue Academy, families race each other to put out fire.

Other attractions include LEGO® City Airport, LEGOLAND® Express and The Shipyard.

This however, is only the beginning of the LEGOLAND® story because there is more to come. LEGOLAND® Water Park is scheduled to open in early 2013, followed by the Hotel in 2014.

How to get to LEGOLAND®

LEGOLAND® Malaysia is located in Nusajaya in the southern tip of Johor. It is only 15 minutes drive from the Tuas Singapore second link and 30 minutes from Senai Airport, making it accessible for visitors from Malaysia, Singapore and the rest of Asia.

There are direct bus services from the surrounding area as well as dedicated coach services to and from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Opening hours

LEGOLAND® Malaysia is open throughout the year. It is closed only on Wednesdays outside of holiday periods.

Normal operating hours: 10am - 6pm Weekends/ Public and school holidays: 10am – 8pm

Ticketing Information

Visitors can choose between a day ticket, which allows single entry on one day, and a LEGOLAND® Annual Pass. The Annual Pass is valid for 12 months and permits unlimited visits during normal operating hours.

Annual Pass:

Full price

Promotional price (limited time only)

Adult:

RM 275

RM 245

Child (3-11):

RM 210

RM 180

Senior (60+):

RM 210

RM 180

Day Ticket:

Full price

Adult:

RM 140

Child (3-11):

RM 110

Senior (60+):

RM 110

LEGOLAND® Malaysia in numbers • Asia’s 1st LEGOLAND® Park.

• Over 40 rides, shows and attractions.

• 3 restaurants, 4 food stands and 11 food carts.

• 1,000 employees when fully operational.

• Asia’s largest LEGO® shop selling 2,000 different products.

• Parking spaces for more than 3,500 cars.

• 15,000 LEGO® models throughout the Park.

Dec 2012 - Jan 2013 eMAG

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