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eastcoastlife's Reviews

       04 Sep 2007 at 4:19 am
    Category: Coffee Shops
    Endoh Taiki Endoh Taiki says:

    Who says one can't find good food in coffeeshops?

    I hate living in Woodlands because it is so far from everywhere but luckily, there are some form of compensation (or comfort they called it) when it comes to food.

    Zai Lai (再来) Minced Pork Noodles can be found in S11 Coffeeshop situated at Blk 304 Woodlands Ave 1. It is one of the few stalls around Woodlands that dishes out minced pork noodles 24hrs a day. It has provided me an extra option apart from the prata 5mins away from me. It is also not hard to see why shift workers from Senoko, Marsiling and Kranji industrial estate often flock to this stall for their supper.

    (Let's just call minced pork noodles as bah chor mee - BCM)

    Their noodles have evolved over the years. Nowadays, the BCM are darker than what I used to get. The reason for this is due to more dark sauce being used instead of the normal soya sauce. It is also a little soupy than it used to be, but not to the extend like the mutant you find at Bedok 85. (I hate that soupy BCM to the core.) Much to the delight of a meat lover like me, they give alot more minced pork too!

    One reason why I absolutely love their BCM, they cook their pork only upon ordering. I have tried BCM, and I realised quite a handful of stalls pre-cooked their pork. The problem is, pre-cooked pork tend to harden up and that doesn't taste good. This is something I don't get here, where the pork are nicely soaked in the boiling water. Tender... and fresh. Why fresh? They only take out a small bowl of minced pork every now and then to prevent over-exposure of the raw meat, I was told by the auntie.

    There are other noodles too, for example their Teochew Dumplings Noodles, which is a little different from the usual Wanton Noodles you eat.

    Is this the best BCM we can find around, let me be honest and say - NO! This is definitely not the best stall. Afterall, they have a morning cook and a night cook, sometimes their standards differ. I still prefer the good old traditional BCM which is dry. I find it a little soggy currently and next time I might ask for a little lesser sauce in my noodles.

    My verdict? It's a tough call between Good and Average. Sorta dangling in between both.

    No doubt it's not the best BCM around, I must admit that it is one of the better quick fix when one goes hungry in the wee hours. If you happen to go hungry around Woodlands, you know where to go and what to eat. This stall is definitely better than the other located at the infamous Woodlands 888. Zai Lai has a branch in Ang Mo Kio too, but I ain't sure where exactly.

    Hint: I just took a 10mins walk at 3.30am to get myself BCM, and I have no qualms about it. It's worth the walk. I'm enjoying it while I post up this review. Yummylicious~


    Rating given:Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5

       03 Sep 2007 at 6:01 pm
    Category: Bars and Pubs
    Endoh Taiki Endoh Taiki says:

    Noticed that small entrance flanked by the winding stairs and faced with a beautiful fountain? What goes on inside is not small, I assure you. I am not a regular at that place, but yet BarCelona is always the top choice automatically whenever friends and associates ask for suggestions.

    Besides good companionship, what do I look for in a wine bar? BarCelona answers that part of my demands perfectly. All of these demands lies in the ambience, music, service, food, comfort and more. Is it really possible for BarCelona to provide all of these?

    The friendly staffs are very good ambassadors to this bar. Unlike in some dance clubs, they are very attentive. The bar managers take a significant effort to chat up with customers and build a rapport with them. I think that's one of the main reasons why it is not difficult to spot the same few faces of returning customers.

    And yes, for once you do not need to scream into the ears of your pal given the loud music elsewhere. So it's not hard to see why I still prefer BarCelona among the many.

    Ambience wise, you can really let your hair down and chill out for the night. It's not one of those high society bars, so do away with the formalities. One one side, pool players like myself enjoy a good game while on the other, most would laze back on their chair and relax. Don't worry, no matter where you are the music can be heard loud and clear. I have forgotten to mention too, a few tournament pool players enjoy playing at BarCelona too.

    Being al-fresco, how can we forget about the food? I just can't hold myself back from their Baked Mussels and Calamari Rings. The Spicy Topshell and BarCelona Fries (in-house menu) are also big attractions to me. One thing that impresses me the most is the Grilled Mixed Sausages. I ain't a big fan of grilled food because most that I've tried are often too dry and hard for my liking. That's not really the case for their sausages.

    Years ago when I first stepped foot into BarCelona, there were plenty of blues music. I still remember Jack who used to play his guitar along with his wicked vocals. That's like 8 or 9 years ago? Nowadays, we see a little rock music action in BarCelona which does not really appeal to me that much. I still prefer that good old blues and jazz in such a lovely setting, without being distracted by the human traffic outside.

    Additional tips? They don't charge exorbitant prices.

    My verdict? Love it you must. Be it with a bunch of friends, or an evening date... However, I'll stick to 4 stars due to the music factor.


    Rating given:Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5

    383. Sakuraya Fish Mart   
       03 Sep 2007 at 1:43 pm
    Category: Grocery
    Bobo Bobo says:

    Sakuraya Fish Mart located at the basement in the "new" section at the far end near Coffee Bean. It's a small shop selling authentic Japanese products and fresh food. There is a small seating area for about 15 people at the back of the shop.

    Here you can find the usual sashimi fare and some premium sushi. My companion and I had fresh salmon picked and then the staff sliced it for us. We also ordered California Maki and Handroll, some miso soup and Ocha. The miso soup was not too diluted and tasted just right. The Maki and Handroll was acceptable. The salmon was very fresh and just the way we liked it.

    There were also native Japanese dining there, and I always believe that if you find native Japanese at a particular Jap Joint then the place must be fantastic. And it was good. Although not as good as some of the joints you find at Taka but it's also not as expensive. The two of us paid $30 for our food which was reasonable for its quality. Recommended.


    Rating given:Rating: 5 out of 5Rating: 5 out of 5Rating: 5 out of 5Rating: 5 out of 5Rating: 5 out of 5

       03 Sep 2007 at 1:01 am
    Bobo Bobo says:

    Andersen's of Denmark has been in the basement of Parkway for as long as I can remember. It used to just be a counter where you had to buy and have your ice cream on the go. But it recently revamped (along with the rest of Parkway) and now has some sitting area which is both interesting (for people watching) and annoying (when people peep over your shoulder to see your food).

    Last week, I visited the place with friends on a quiet weekday afternoon. Parkway was still bustling with activity so there were people sneaking glances at our food. It's alright if you aren't the conscious type but if you are I would suggest to order takeaway.

    Anyway we had the couple fondue. There were 3 of us and we couldn't finish it after a meal at Sakae... it was our dessert and one which was nice. The chocolate tasted good. There were 5 small scoops of icecream but there wasn't many flavours to choose from. There was a variety of fruits, wafer, marshmallows, etc.

    It was cheap at $17, compared to some places that charge $25-$40 for the same serving.


    Rating given:Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5

       02 Sep 2007 at 5:31 pm
    Category: Coffee Shops
    Endoh Taiki Endoh Taiki says:

    If you haven't heard of the King of Pig Organ Soup, you have lose out a great deal.

    The name Cheng Mun Chee Kee Pig Organ Soup King - 正文志记猪杂汤大王 - fits this stall perfectly. Didn't our Taiwanese friends always say the good food are often hidden in the small lanes? True enough, that is very much the case for this stall.

    Cheng Mun Chee Kee (CMCK) is situated in a humble coffeeshop along Foch Road. If you have problems locating this coffeeshop despite the big signboard along the roadside, just remember it is directly opposite Lavendar Hawker Centre & Hotel 81 - Elegance.

    One of the most important aspects of Pig Organ Soup is the freshness of the organs. CMCK seems to score well in that, for all the times I ate there I smell nothing bad. I tried to spy on the cooking on how they manage to keep their innards and pork so tender, but I can't seem to spot anything. Perhaps, I am just not cut out to be a chef.

    The chilli that comes along also plays a big role. I have tried stalls which gave me normal sliced chilli with light soya sauce, chilli padi, pepper powder... but nothing comes close to theirs. Sliced chilli with DARK SOYA SAUCE! That's what I call the authentic chilli for Pig Organ Soup.

    Not enough soup? Craving for more? CMCK is more than happy to refill your soup FOC. Being a soup person, that is double thumbs up! If you want a refill, just bring your bowl to the side of the stall and your bowl will be topped up with soup in a jiffy. The uncle even told me with a smiley face, "not enough soup come back for more..." As I see it, he takes alot of pride not only in how the organs are cooked, and also the quality of the soup base. Can you imagine that feeling I get for each tablespoon of soup that goes down my throat? Only one expression is appropriate... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... SHIOK!

    Sure or not? Really that good? If a top chef in a 5-star hotel gives his full thumbs up for this humble little stall, what do you think?

    My verdict? Miss it, and you'll regret for the rest of your life!


    Rating given:Rating: 5 out of 5Rating: 5 out of 5Rating: 5 out of 5Rating: 5 out of 5Rating: 5 out of 5

       02 Sep 2007 at 3:37 pm
    Category: Skin Care, Spas
    Bobo Bobo says:

    This outlet is housed in the quiet Roxy Square just opposite Parkway Parade. Don't be fooled by the appearance of the complex though, this salon is very well renovated and looks posh with its spa theme.

    It has relaxing music playing in the background and nice dim lights to help you feel less conscious.

    Recently they advertised in the newspapers... 30 sessions (10 of 3 different kinds) for just a few hundred dollars so I decided to head down for some trials. The people were very friendly and less pushy (still pushy though but less) than some of the other salons I've been to.

    Just an outline of my problems: I have a tummy and thick thighs and generally not toned.

    So I signed up for their package and did the Radio Frenquency one straightaway. It was really good! I could actually see the reduced appearance of my cellulite on my thighs immediately and for a few days it maintained that look.

    I also tried the Detox Massage by Shirley. She was very patient and put me at ease immediately. She shared many home remedies I could do for my problems. Which was really helpful. They also stayed later than normal as I was the last customer and didn't seem impatient, letting me take my time in the shower etc.


    The only reason why they did not receive 5 stars was that I didn't like a couple of their pushier consultants but the therapists were very nice.


    Rating given:Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5

       02 Sep 2007 at 12:21 am
    Endoh Taiki Endoh Taiki says:

    One easy way of locating this small eatery is looking out for Thian Hock Keng temple along Telok Ayer Street. If you can't see it, that's only natural. Kah Soh is just directly behind the temple.

    I learnt about this place from a friend who operated his pub along Amoy Street, oh boy... I would have killed myself for not trying it. I keep giving myself excuses to drop by whenever I need to get work done around the area. The moment you stepped into the restaurant, the rich aroma of the fish soup seems to fill up every corner of the place.

    Don't expect young servers to take your orders, the aunties and uncles there not only lay the table for you but they are very knowledgeable about the food they sell. Coming to this restaurant, how can one not try their fish-slice soup? Afterall, fish soup is what they are infamous for.

    Their fish soup are somewhat different from what we usually see elsewhere. We still see a certain degree of transparency in fish soups found elsewhere, but here - the soup is white! According to the shop servers, that's only possible because they are using real fish bones and not artificial seasonings to create that soup base. With the thick bee hoon, everything melts in your mouth. Plus... the taste of fish without smelling stinky tells me of the freshness of their fish.

    There are other dishes to try of course, if you don't feel like having fish-soup noodles. The only setback is, tables laid out on the corridors are pretty dark. You need some waiting over the dinner time slot too.

    My verdict? Very unique fish soup. Thinking of it makes me hungry. Oh, if you're lucky you might just get to see the boss stopping by with his Ferrari.

    Note: Car park attendants patrol that area very very very frequently. Lose your heart to the fish soup, but don't lose your mind to the attendants! Get your coupons ready!


    Rating given:Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5

    388. Make Your Head   
       02 Sep 2007 at 12:05 am
    Category: Flowers and Gifts
    claud claud says:

    Talking about creativity! This group of creative people sure has a great creative idea and I've a feeling this is going to be big! (One day)

    Saw them at MAAD today. I've to say, this is a very new and fun gift idea for everyone and anyone! Sure will put a smile on your friend's and loved one's face when you give a head to them. I am already considering getting it for couple of my girlfriends. (shhh...)

    Go check out their website for samples of the heads. So cute lah!

    Oh! btw... they're cushions aka huggables aka pillow or whatever you want to call it.


    Rating given:Rating: 5 out of 5Rating: 5 out of 5Rating: 5 out of 5Rating: 5 out of 5Rating: 5 out of 5

       01 Sep 2007 at 11:58 pm
    Category: Thai
    claud claud says:

    Was planning to head to play boardgames at Boat Quay when we chanced upon this Thai Restuarant. Took a glance at the menu and found the price pretty reasonable. So we went in to get our dinner.

    I like the murals on their walls. Simple yet tasteful. Simple decor and gives a very easy and relax feel while dining. Clean too. Nothing fancy. I like.

    We ordered fried tofu (3 flavours), spicy chiang mai squid and green curry chicken. The food was nice and lightly taste. Its different from the other Thai food i had before which has a very strong taste of their spicies. Food here is nicely cooked with just the right amount of spice. You'll still be able to taste the original taste of the meat/vege with the sauce over it.

    Total spent $22 for 2 person. Worth a try.


    Rating given:Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5

       01 Sep 2007 at 11:42 pm
    Category: Fitness Clubs
    Endoh Taiki Endoh Taiki says:

    Hate the ERP? Hate the Orchard Road jam? Well, not to worry! Planet Fitness @ GWC is the perfect solution.

    Planet Fitness @ GWC is conveniently situated at such a location that we do not have to drive into Orchard Road, thus avoiding the ERP gantry. It is easily accessible from all directions, regardless if you're coming from Tiong Bahru, from Stevens Road, from Tanglin or from River Valley.

    Planet Fitness @ GWC supposedly hold a floor area 2/3 of Planet Fitness @ Suntec, but it does feel alot smaller when I am physically there. However, this gym still offers an enclosed studio without any qualms.

    Perhaps it's the smaller space, the machines appear to be closer to one another. Comfortable with a little "intimacy". This is one other gym that I visit because the crowd level seems to be lower. Of all the times I work out in Planet Fitness @ GWC, I hardly see a massive turnout. If you're someone who enjoys working out with lesser eyes on you, this will be the perfect place.

    I still visit this gym once in a while, mainly for weights and cardiac workouts. It can be quite boring running on the treadmills because Planet Fitness @ GWC does not boost a fantastic scenery like those of Suntec. Planet Fitness @ GWC also do not have any swimming activities available, which I always enjoyed after each session.

    If you think you are missing out on the shopping, fret not! Great World City has some exciting shopping for you to do after your training. Nearby, there is also a hawker centre to offer you a nice dinner. If that's not enough and you crave for some action on the dance-floor, Zouk is less than 300 metres away while Mohd Sultan is 5 minutes drive away.

    I would say it's an excellent place if not for some minor details. Tighter space making it feel more cramp, but yet small crowd seems like I can have the entire gym to myself. I'm still feeling sore there is no swimming activities in GWC... haha!

    My verdict? Good! If only they could throw in just a little bit more.


    Rating given:Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5

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