Wednesday, March 21, 2012

REFLEXOLOGY...

This week I experienced Reflexology for the first time. Introduced to a small place called Health Step Foot Reflexology in Holland Village by my friend Libby, I wasn't convinced I would 100% enjoy as I'm not very good at letting people touch my feet usually. How wrong was I?! I found the whole experience totally relaxing and very fascinating being able to follow the chart that showed the various organs of the body that the pressure being applied to my feet related to. I will certainly be visiting again very soon!


"A natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears and their referral areas within zone related areas, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes without the use of tools, crèmes or lotions, the feet being the primary area of application, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body."

SINGAPORE RESTAURANT WEEK : NOVUS

Singapore Restaurant Week returns for the fourth time this week and last night myself, Jill and Victoria had our first taster. Novus Restaurant at the National Museum specialises in avant garde Contemporary European cuisine with a modern chic interior. I've never visited the museum before so the venue is pretty spectacular in itself as the museum building is very grand.  


"The dining experience at Novus is nothing short of sensational. The kitchen, helmed by Austrian Chef Stephan Zoisl who has worked with several Michelin Star restaurants, serves up creative and contemporary renditions of familiar recipes and innovative pairings. Menus are seasonally influenced, capturing only the freshest produce that befits discerning palates. Equal emphasis has been placed on the conceptualization of the restaurant interior which features Paul Smith and Cappellini contemporary European furnishings design by Cult furniture designer Jasper Morrison. At night, the mood livens up with music flowing from live performances at The Courtyard. The perfect venue for an evening soiree, to impress a date or to entertain business associates from out of town, Novus delivers - and  more - with its uncompromising food and service quality and the passionate professionals behind the establishment." *




Restaurants participating in restaurant week offer a a special 3-course set dinner for $35++ and the opportunity to sample some of the best cuisine in Singapore. From the menu below you can see my choices...


VEAL & TUNA
medium roast veal sirloin, tuna tatare, tomato marmalade, mirco coriander
OR
FOIE GRAS ANGLAISE
goose liver custard, duck confit, ginko beans, truffle salsa, parmesan foam
OR
JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE SOUP
almond powder, artichoke chips, purple shiso
OR
HEIRLOOM TOMATO
seasonal salad of heirloom tomato, prawns, avocado, radish
--------------------------------------
FISH OF THE DAY
our daily fresh catch, prepared in chef’s way
OR
LOBSTER RISOTTO
carnarolli risotto, Canadian lobster, shellfish stock, oven baked cherry tomato, fennel
OR
BLACK ANGUS BEEF
black angus beef tenderloin (200 days grain fed, 120g)
sauce poivrade, grilled asparagus, triple cooked French fries
OR
MUSHROOM GNOCCHI
creamed seasonal mushroom, potato gnocchi, thyme, parmesan cheese
 --------------------------------------
VALRHONA CHOCOLATE TEST
33% aerated mousse, 55% soufflé, 66% sorbet,
72% warm custard, 85% dehydrated chocolate
OR 
CURD SOUFFLE
warm blueberry sauce, buttermilk ice cream


The girls chose other options including the Foie Gras Anglaise, Jerusalem Artichoke Soup and Lobster Risotto. Another fab restaurant to check off the list and one to recommend to friends. Check out the website here : http://www.novus.sg/
*Singapore Restaurant Week : http://www.restaurantweek.sg/

Sunday, March 18, 2012

ELBOW...

Last night I spent a few hours down on Esplanade. A lovely dinner at Gluttons Bay followed by Elbow at the theatre. I wouldn't say I'm a massive fan by any means but I do enjoy their sound and found last night's concert spectacular. Performing favorite hits such as "One Day Like This" and "Grounds for Divorce" you would have said from shutting your eyes that you were listening to a CD. "Frontman Guy Garvey's voice is sweet yet, soulful and on stage, his lyrical wit and dark humor is refreshing and magnetic." I couldn't agree more. What an entertainer. 


“Their epic, orchestral rock is complex and ambitious but never smugly clever, personally expressive yet not morbidly self-obsessed, sweetly glum rather than oppressively gloomy.” — Uncut

Monday, March 05, 2012

ENGLAND 12 - 19 WALES...

Ever since I moved away from home in 2001 I have felt an immense sense of pride in my nationality. I have suffered years of abuse and banter from various university friends and work colleagues when Wales have been defeated in any game of rugby let alone those games where we have come face to face with England...and lost. You can only imagine how excited I was last weekend when Wales did in fact beat England....just their second win at Twickenham since 1988! I am lucky enough to know a great photographer, Marcus Dodridge, who I used to work with back at Vibrandt. Marcus is not only a fantastic wedding photographer, but, he loves his sport! And spends a lot of time photographing for Rugby World magazine. He was at the match on the 25th which saw Wales snatch a dramatic 19 -12 win over England to win the Triple Crown and keep their hopes of a Six Nations Grand Slam alive. 


Marcus has said that I can show a selection of his most recent shots here on the blog (thank you Marcus!) So enjoy these....I think they are great! And if you are looking for a wedding photographer at any point check out his website here ... http://www.marcusdodridge.com 


I know a couple of my friends struggle to understand why I am so passionate about my nationality and proud of where I come from. I think Welsh pride truly is real pride and I find my pride only grows stronger the longer I am away from home and the more people take the mick and joke about where I come from and how I sound. I am so proud to be Welsh and I will never forget my home, where I grew up and the family values that have made me the person that I am today. I will be even more proud when we (hopefully) win the Six Nations in a couple of weeks. Come on boys!!!!


I came across a great piece of design whilst researching for a project this week. From Patrick George...

http://www.debutart.com/illustration/patrickgeorge#/illustration