Spanish invasion

Christmas hit Singapore early this year.

Santa Claus (in the form of Ferran Adrià) is coming to town.

Doesn't he look like Tom Hanks? (complete with high forehead and receding hairline...keke)

Probably one of the most celebrated chefs in the world, this marks Adrià's first engagement in Asia. He will not be cooking but will instead be presenting a special documentary aptly titiled "A Day at El Bulli", offering attendees an insight into his ideas, methods and creativity. Filled with countless behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant and kitchen and interesting anecdotes, this event will make your day at El Bulli worthwhile.

Click below for event details:
http://www.worldgourmetsummit.com/wgs2010/english/eventdetail.php?id=121

Many a food lover have harbored dreams of visiting El Bulli one day. Many describe it as a "once in a lifetime" experience. It thus came as a shock when Adrià announced his intention to close El Bulli from 2012-2013.

Some snippets of El Bulli:
- Decorated with 3 Michelin stars
- Open for only about 6 months out of every 12
- Over the past few years, 2 million people have applied for 8000 spaces available each season
- Perpetually in the World's 50 Best Restaurants every year
- Located in the quaint Mediterranean town of Roses, north of Barcelona,
- Adrià, 47, arrived at El Bulli in 1983, when it was a French restaurant
- Despite its immense popularity, El Bulli and Adrià's cooking workshop in Barcelona are losing half million Euros a year

Makan Drama Festival by Action Theatre (18-28 March 2010)

How often does one come across a local play which mixes the love of art with the love of food? This is one opportunity not to be missed!

SYNOPSIS (taken from SISTIC website)

Indulge in a scrumptious double bill of two brand new Singapore plays by two of the country’s most celebrated playwrights! Cravings and Perfecting Pratas are the theatrical main course of Makan Drama Festival, an inaugural theatre event inspired by Singaporeans’ greatest loves – food and eating! They will be performed in The Room Upstairs, an intimate theatre in a beautifully restored pre-war bungalow amidst tropical garden in the heart of Singapore’s civic district. Your ticket to this double bill will also entitle you to free admission to all outdoor performances during the Festival. These include standup comedy about Singaporeans’ culinary obsessions, performance poetry of food-themed poems, dramatized readings of fresh-off-the-oven plays, fun talks by thespians and drama gurus, musical excerpts from Hokkien Mee – The Musical plus a brand new devised play Eat Here or Ta Pao?

For the complete programme, double click the below pic:

CRAVINGS: Written by Chong Tze Chien, prize-winning playwright of PIE and Furthest North, Deepest South, Cravings is a hilarious play that also takes a delicious dig into couplehood and marriage. This refreshing comedy drama is about a young husband who craves for a candlelit dinner and a passionate evening with his own wife - after having "lost" her for 9 full months during her pregnancy with their first child. Their hilarious “obstacles” include the nosy in-laws with their very own cravings!

PERFECTING PRATAS: by Desmond Sim Perfecting Prata by Desmond Sim, award-winning writer of Drunken Prawns and Autumn Tomyam, tells a comic yet moving story of a teenage Chinese-Indian boy who sets out to learn how to make perfect roti pratas from his Chinese father in order to impress his girlfriend. Smartly integrating food, humour and hearty moments, the play addresses what it takes to blend and balance opposing flavours in food and life. Directed by Life! Theatre Award winner Samantha Scott-Blackhall, this tasty double bill stars a cast of veterans as well as newcomers including Jo Tan, Edward Choy, Tony Quek, Fanny Kee, Mervyn Goh and Issac Ong.

Cards and Such

I've been a loyal subscriber of the Feed at Raffles card for donkey years.

When I initially took up membership, it seemed like a dream come true- 50% off the bill (for a table of 2 diners) at various fine restaurants like Bar and Billard Room, Plaza Market Cafe, Inagiku, Pregos and Ellenborough Market Cafe.

Unfortunately, 5 years, 10 kilos and hundreds of discounted meals later, the novelty seems to have died off. Prices have progressively increased at most of the restaurants and some dining discounts have been significantly reduced (e.g at Plaza Market Cafe, you no longer enjoy 50% off for 2 diners). The food selection and quality also seem to have somewhat deteriorated in restaurants like Bar and Billard Room.

The hunt has thus begun for other dining card alternatives. Several interesting ones have sprung up over the years and I've shortlisted the below few for serious consideration...

1) The White Card. Quite pricey at SGD535 per annum. However there is a current tie up with UOB where you can enjoy the card and accompanying privileges for an annual fee of SGD180. A discount structure similar to the Feed at Raffles Card applies. i.e. 50% food discount for 2 diners, 33% discount for 3 pax and 25% for 4. Restaurants covered are mid to upper tier (includes places like Cafe Iguana, Wild Rocket, Man Fu Yuan, Il Lido and Ko).

2) The iWish Card. Reasonably priced at SG98 per annum and fully transferable. Proceeds will be used to further charitable causes (e.g. job creation for the physically challenged). Most of the discounts offered are only applicable for weekday lunches. Participating restaurants include The Rice Table at International Building (1 for 1 set lunch and set dinner), Original Sin and Michelangelo's at Holland Village (1 for 1 weekday set lunch) and Zambuca at Pan Pacific (1 for 1 weekday set lunch).

3) eat @ Meritus Membership Card. You can get this card free when you apply for OCBC Platinum Mastercard, Titanium Mastercard or Artscard (first year annual fee is waived) Excludes co-branded cards like Robinsons, Best Denki and Ikea card. For existing OCBC Card Members holding OCBC Platinum Mastercard, Titanium Mastercard and Artscard, you can also get the card free by calling 62212340 and follow the instructions. A discount structure similar to the Feed at Raffles Card applies (i.e. 50% off for 2 diners, 33% off for 3 and 25% off for 4)

Participating restaurants are Chatterbox, Lobby Bar, Observation Lounge, Pine Court Triple Three (Meritus Mandarin @ Orchard), AquaMarine, Atrium Lounge, Peach Blossoms, Pool Garden, Restaurant Bologna (Marine Mandarin), Horizon and Cascade Pool Bar, Niyom Thai Restaurant, Pelangi Lounge, Spice Market Restaurant, Tepang Cenang Beach Bar, The Boat House BBQ Restaurant and Pub (Meritus Pelangi). On top of dining discounts, a host of other discounts ranging from a discounted weekend hotel stay (SGD120 nett inclusve of breakfast for 2) apply.

My advice- its a win-win situation- there's nothing to lose! Quickly grab the card before the offer expires on 31Dec09. After 1 year, if you find the card useless, cancel it!

4) Bakerzin Membership Card. Bakerzin is the next best thing to home cooked food on weekday evenings where we are too lazy to think of what to eat. The food is reasonably priced with a wholesome selection of western and asian favorites. At SGD20, this card entitles you to 10% off all meals (20% on your birthday month). You also get a whole stash of welcome treats valued at over SGD60. (these include a box of 6 assorted macrons, a free dessert, tea, soup of the day as well as a free snack). What's there not to like about Bakerzin?

5) The Hyatt Membership Card.
Benefits include a dining card with a discount structure similar to the Raffles Card at all participating restaurants in Hyatt (e.g. Pete's Place, Straits Kitchen, Mezza9), free carpark coupons valued at SGD72 and a SGD120 dining voucher.

From now till 31Dec09, sign up for this card at a discounted rate of SGD348 (usual price SGD408). Prices exclude GST.

Streaming for Food

As if streaming in schools wasn't bad enough, Botak Jones has now come up with a promotion to reward kids for their academic efforts using a similar method.

Here's how it works:
Grade Average above 85%: 10% off total bill and a free fish and chips for the (smart) kid
Grade Average 70-84%: 10% off total bill and a free mini me botak burger for the (not so smart) kid
Grade Average 50-69%: 10% off total bill and a free dessert for the (least smart) kid

Note: Grade Average: means average score of all subjects taken. Report book or photocopy of results has to be brought to shop for verification

For further details, check out the below poster:

I'm so glad I've already graduated from school. Imagine how demoralising it must feel to only qualify for a free dessert when the smarter kids in neighbouring tables have earned themselves a fish and chips.

Its tough being a kid these days.

Macaron Lovers' Alert

Bakerzin macarons are going at SGD1 (SGD1.05 to be exact after factoring GST) each for the month of Nov!

Cheap makan @ Clarke Quay

Woohoo....yet another lobang for cheap weekday lunchtime eats.

Over 18 restaurants in Clarke Quay are offering SGD15 nett set lunches (plus free parking on weekdays!)

For details, pls click on link below:
http://www.clarkequay.com.sg/lunchtime.htm

Note: Valid for all weekdays except public hols and eve of public hols. Selected restaurants may extend the lunch promotion to weekends. Advance reservations strongly recommended. Not valid with other discounts.

Here's a rundown of all the restaurants:
(places marked with an asterisk are under my radar...which means a visit is in the making!)

1) Bayang*
Choose Set A, B or C
Set A: Ayam Goreng Daun Pandan, Nasi Goreng Indonesia, choice of Soft Drinks or Lime Juice.
Set B: Satay Chicken, Bak Mee Goreng Ayam, choice of Soft Drink or Lime Juice.
Set C: Popiah Goreng, Nasi Goreng Hasil Laut, choice of Soft Drink or Lime Juice.

Add: Blk A #01-05
Tel: 6337 0144
www.katrinahldgs.com.sg/bayang.html

2) Cocoon Alfresco @ The Forbidden City*
Choice of Roasted Duck Egg Noodles/ Ladna (Beef / Seafood Hor Fun) / Pho Bo (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup)/ Pho Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup)/ Congee (Chicken / Prawn / Slice Fish)/ IndoChine House Fried Rice.
Served with a choice of Soft Drink, Coffee or Tea.

Add: Blk A #01-02
Tel: 6557 6268
www.IndoChine-Group.com

3) Coffee Club
Soup of the Day + Fixed choice of 1 Sandwich/ Pasta/ Main Course.

Add: Blk B #01-18
Tel: 6336 5663
www.coffeeclubworld.com

4) Hooters
Choose Set A or B
Set A - Seafood Set Lunch: Grilled Sole Fille with 2pcs of Succulent Tiger Prawns topped with White Wine Cream Sauce. Served with Garden Salad and Buttered Mashed Potato.
Set B - “Obligatory Set Lunch”: Pan-fried Chicken Coated with Egg & Cheese Batter. Served with Al-dente Buttered Spaghetti & Rosemary Sauce.
$10 Set Lunch Specials with 10 different choices of Main Course is available.
All set lunches are served with Soup of the Day, Ice-Cream, 1 Soft Drink and a Fresh Brewed Coffee or Tea. Add $5++ for a Mug of Tiger Beer.

Add: Blk D #01-03
Tel: 6332 1090
www.hooters.com.sg

5) Hot Stones
Choice of Appetizer: Sweet Corn Broth with Asparagus or Hot Stones Salad;
Choice of 2 Variety Meats: Aus Beef Sirlion/ Pork Tenderloin/ Chicken Breast/ Salmon Fillet/ Tuna Fillet/ King Fish Fillet/ Tiger Prawn;
Choice of Dessert: Panna Cotta with Plum Syrup/ Fresh Fruit platter;
Choice of Beverage: Coffee or Tea.
Add $5 nett for additional selection of above meat.

Add: Blk D #01-06
Tel: 6333 4868
www.hotstones.com.sg

6) Hutong*
Choose Set A or B
Set A: Appetizer, Hot & Spicy Boiling Fish Fillet, Sweet & Sour Pork, Stir Fried String Beans with Minced Pork.
Set B: Appetizer, Shanghai Dumpling Soup, Crispy Chicken in Szechuan Style, Stir Fried Seasonal Vegetables with Oyster Sauce.
Each set comes with a Steam Rice and a choice of Soft Drink.

Add: Blk D #01-07
Tel: 6336 0212
www.katrinahldgs.com.sg

7) Ivory The Indian Kitchen
Specialty Dish of Live Hot Indian Salads, Tawa Grilled Meat and Vegetables in Skewers; Wok Tossed Indian Spices Infused Noodles, Assortment of Exotic Tandoori, Choices of Curry, Soup of the Day, Salad, Non-Vegetarian and Vegetarian Main Course, Indian Chaat, Fresh Baked Naan & Breads, Dessert, Tea & Coffee.

Add: Blk A #02-04
Tel: 6333 4664
www.ivorykitchen.com

8) Kura No Naka
Includes Small Salad, 2pcs Salmon Sashimi, Vegetable Kakiage Tempura, Salmon Teriyaki, Pickles, Rice and Miso Soup.

Add: Blk B #02-02
Tel: 6336 6659

9) L’Entrepot Bistrot*
Choice of 1 Starter with 1 Main Course OR 1 Main Course with 1 Dessert.
Starter: Choice of Mesculan Salad/ Caesar Salad/ French Onion Soup; Main Course: Choice of Croque Monsieur/ Seabass/ Vongole; Dessert: Choice of Creme Brulee/ Profiteroles: Choux Pastry, Vanilla Ice-Cream, Almond Flakes, Chocolate Sauce/ Ice-Cream.

Add: Blk E #01-02
Tel: 6337 5585
www.esmirada.com

10) Le Noir*
Soup of the Day; Main Course: Choice of Oven Baked Fish Fillet with Garlic Butter, served with Mashed Potatoes/ Chicken Casserole with Eggplant, Cherry Tomatoes and Potatoes; Dessert: Chocolate Mousse. *Includes 1 Complimentary Soft Drink.
$12 Lunch Set: Choice of Grilled Chicken/ Vegetarian/Lamb Sausage/ Salmon Sandwich. Served with either a choice of Green Salad or French Fries and Complimentary Soft Drink.

Add: Blk C #01-01
Tel: 6339 6365
www.barlenoir.com

11) Lotus Grill
Choose Set A or B
Set A Menu- Balinese Set. Starters: Choice of Soto Ayam/ Sambal Kangkong; Main Course: Mee Goreng/ Nasi Goreng (Spicy).
Set B Menu- Vegetarian Set. Starters: Papaya Salad/ Mix Vegetable Soup; Main Course: Fried Mushroom Rice/ Lotus Hor Fun.
Includes Complimentary Ice-Cream.

Add: Blk D #01-04
Tel: 6338 0902
www.lotus-restaurants.com

12) Mama’s Carribbean Bar
Starters: Soup Of The Day/ Haiti Green Salad;
Main Course - Select an item from Main Course selection;
Dessert - Select an item from Acklins Desserts selection.

Add:Blk B #01-16
Tel: 6333 4482
www.mamas.com.sg

13) Marrakesh – Moroccan Lounge & Bar*
Appetizer: Choice of Harrira Soup/ Hot Mezza.
Main Course: Choice of Mussakhan Dajaj/ Istamboli Kebab/ Moroccan Fish Kebab/ Stuffed Egg Plant. Dessert of the Day: Choice of Semolina Pudding/ Almond Cream Pudding with Saffron and Rose Water.

Add: Blk D #01-01
Tel: 6338 7331

14) Ras The Essence of India
Starter: Soup of the Day;
Main Course: Curry of the Day with Rice, Naan/ Roti. Dessert of the Day.

Add: Blk D #01-05A
Tel: 6837 2800
www.ras.com.sg

15) RENNthai
Choose Set A, B or C
Set A: Tom Yum Soup, Phad Thai and choice of Soft Drink.
Set B: Tom Yum Soup, Fried Rice with Black Olive and Minced Chicken and choice of Soft Drink.
Set C: Tom Yum Soup, Thai Pineapple Rice and choice of Soft Drink.
Tom Yum Soup (choice of Chicken, Beef or Seafood).

Add: Blk D, #01-05
Tel: 6338 7200
www.katrinahldgs.com.sg/rennthai.html

16) The Tent Mongolian Fresh Grill and Bar*
Choice of Soup or Salad; Bowl of Grill; Dessert.

Add: Blk D, #01-05
Tel: 6338 7200
www.katrinahldgs.com.sg/rennthai.html

17) Tomo Izakaya*
Includes Rice, Miso Soup, Pickles, Main Course, Side Dish and Sashimi. *Main Course and Side Dish will be changed every week.

Add: Blk A #01-04
Tel: 6333 0100
www.tomoizakaya.com

18) Verve Espresso Bar
Choice of Freshly Baked Panini Sandwich, Illy Coffee/ Soft Drink and a scoop of Gourmet Handmade Verve Gelato (95% fat free!)

Add: Blk D #01-10
www.verve.sg

July delights

I'm teeming with excitement and I can't help it.

Since the start of this year, Bakerzin has been launching monthly promotions featuring some of their most delectable creations at half price. In the month of June, it was the strawberry cheesecake. In the month of May, it was the irresistable Chocolate Amer. And before that, macarons were going at a dollar each.

For the month of July (drumroll....) they are generously offering ALL the promotions featured in the preceding 4 months at the same discounted price of 50% off and have further shaved an additional 10 % off.

See above for details. To reserve online, pls visit www.bakerzin.com