LaoBeijing Dimsum Weekday Hi-tea buffet, Plaza Singapura

Been 2 weeks into my employment, well, time really flies.
I was still complaining about being jobless, but really...at least I found a job in September.
Back in Jan 2013, I thought I'd get employed in June.
Then, June came. I went on a graduation trip to Korea, and prayed I'd get a job in July.
July came - no news, despite going for several interviews.
I prayed, "let me get a job in August", since I'll be officially graduating then.
August came, my graduation ceremony had passed, and I was still jobless.
I prayed, "let me get a job in September". September, I believe, is my lucky hatch month.
True enough, I got it.
But, I got the job, not because I prayed - but because I took actions.
For those who're feeling down because you're unemployed or are facing any difficulties, pray for luck, BUT what's most important, is you take charge in steering your path.
I wish you all the best.

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Reflections aside, I could finally say, TGIF!
Rushed down from work to Plaza Singapura for dimsum buffet.
I came across this LaoBeijing dim sum buffet which costs $11.80+ from 3 to 530.
See here http://www.laobeijing.com.sg/pdf/hi-tea.pdf
Knew I had to go down and test it for myself, since it was cheap.

I should let you know that the price is in fact, $12.80++ (they've increased their price, BUT THEIR WEBSITE DID NOT REFLECT IT!), and the timing has changed to 3 to 5pm.
And guess what, on the board, it said that the last order would 15 minutes before closing time, but the waitresses came and told us to order our last dishes half an hour before.
Shitty service.

Anyway, since I rushed down from work, I only reached the place at 4pm - yeah, so lugi.
In actual fact, I was only able to dine for around 1 hour.

Their dim sum were rather horrible, to be honest.
Don't expect a lot of variety either, I felt conned because the pdf menu listed so many options to choose from.
Do compare by yourself what was listed on their website, and the options I was given on that piece of paper

Below are snapshots of what I ordered.

Most of the dishes were disappointing.

I like the hot and spicy soup,. and the braised mushrooms though.

Dan Dan Mian below. This was different from what I'd tried at Din Tai Fung.
I thought dan dan mian was supposed to have peanut sauce? Correct me if I'm wrong.
This is probably a different version, as it was soupy.
Well, I preferred DTF's though.

 Funny thing about their dumplings were, the waitresses don't tell us which was which when they plate them on our table?
As you can tell from the picture, the dumpling (pork and chives) below were of low standards.
One thing to note is, ALL their servings were really small.
If you order dumplings, they'd give you 2-4 for 2 pax, depending on their mood. WHAT?

 Char Siew bun was pretty good.

 Xiao Long Bao!
This was supposed to be my main highlight. I foresee myself eating many xlb to make my buffet trip worth.
Guess what, this was the only basket I ordered, and I only ate 2.
I officially declare this as the worst XLB I've ever tasted.
It's the meat's quality, I say.

Dried Noodles with Onion Oil - didn't like it

 The bowl above is the Spicy Beef Noodles Soup, while the bowl below is Zhajiang Noodles.
Both bowls are sooo tiny, yet I didn't finish them - they just don't taste good!

Paid around $15 per pax.

The price is decent, but for the standards, and the lack of variety, I'm NEVER EVER EVER coming back again.

NamNam Noodle Bar

I've been eyeing on Vietnamese for really long.
The image of Vietnamese food for me is healthy and clean, with loads of veggies.
No idea why I had that idea in mind.

So, when we walked past Namnam noodle bar at Suntec City, I knew I had to try it.
Furthermore, it was affordable - what you see is what you pay - prices are mostly below $10

Lots of sauces to add to your bowl, but many were alien to me.

Simple ordering method

Old school tables and chairs, but I settled for the ones with cushion haha

This is the Pho Beef Combination - with beef steak slices, beef meatballs, beef shank, tendon, honeycomb triper.

Ordered this because we wanted to try the other parts of the beef instead of the usual beef pho.

But, I kinda regretted ordering this as I didn't like the other parts of the beef.

That said, the broth was flavourful and you could taste a little spice due to the addition of chilli.

Also ordered this dry sauteed lemongrass pork noodles.

Colourful isn't it?

Decided for a soupy and dry dish.

Somehow I prefer the dry dish.

It's like a salad dish, coupled with beehoon haha

Unfortunately, we didn't get to try any dessert because my throat isn't well (it's still bad after a week).
I want to go back and sample more dishes!
Really affordable place and I love it :))

Covelli Italian Bistro [CLOSED] & Wine Bar, Paris Baguette

Went to town (again) to meet my friend.
Had French food at Saveur yesterday, and today, I had Italian with another friend!

Covelli is situated in Orchard Central.
Food was decent, and the ambiance was good.
Price was reasonable, due to my 1 for 1 voucher \O/
Saved my friend money since she was treating me this meal as my birthday cum her first pay treat LOL.
(I say one)

Complimentary garlic bread which was average

Cranberry juice for $3.90 - a total disappointment, taste like vomit

Pasta pesto. While the pasta was al dente, I didn't like it as it felt a little too firm for my liking.

Prawns were generous and large though 

My friend love it because it was flavourful, but I felt that it was a tad too oily

Preferred the beef risotto which was flavourful, but I may add that it was a little too salty?

The beef slices were delicious as well.

Everything costs us just $24 with my coupon! Talk about cheap yay~

181 Orchard Road Orchard Central #B2-11/22, Singapore 238896 6238 6400

The next stop after our lunch and shopping was to Paris Baguette at Wisma.
Been to their stores back in Korea, but this is my first visit to our local store.
It was packed and we had difficulties finding seats.

Here's our strawberry shortcake.
I really love it because it tasted so spongy!
Sharing this makes me crave for more

Had a cup of Caffe Mocha.
Tasted pretty good enough without the need to add sugar.
However, presentation wise, I've seen better

Loving the day spent with my dear friend! <3

Saveur @ Far East Plaza

Came back home from my dinner at Saveur, and I knew I had to blog about this.
I know I'm pretty slow in uncovering affordable and yummy cuisines, but it's better than nothing!
Saveur turns out to be a good dining location for me - it's located in town at FEP; and the price is rather affordable, however, not cheap, for French cuisine

If you've followed my posts on food, you'll know I usually grumble about the food standard :X
However, Saveur did not disappoint.
I'm loving what I'd ordered, other than the mains.
Funny that I find the sides more enjoyable than the mains!

MUST ORDER: 

Their signature pasta, Saveur's pasta, was a true delight.
For $4.90, it was a dish not to be missed.
I love how flavourful it was, almost like an aglio olio minus the garlic.
There was a generous serving of sakura ebi, but I didnt see much minced pork.
Shared this with my friend, and I was longing for more.

The next must order is the Foie Gras with lentils.
I was initially against ordering this dish since the last time I had Foie Gras, it was horrible.
What I imagined was thick, disgusting liver...ewww.
Thankfully my friend chose this, and I was able to try it.
It was sooo good.
I felt the Foie Gras just melt into my mouth once I bite it.
Love the lentil infused sauce all over the foie gras

 

Mains which were just so-so

My friend got the Duck Confit which was supposedly their bestseller.

I liked the creamy mash potato and the mushrooms, but I thought that the duck leg meat was a little too tough for me.

After having my Bebek Garing in Bali and Batam, I felt that the taste of duck should be best left at that, LOL.

That was why I didn't order the duck confit over here.

I got myself the Pan Seared Sea Bass.

Didn't like the texture of the sea bass, and I thought the meat wasn't juicy.

My friend felt that it tasted fresh though.

The only plus points of this dish for me, was the potatoes.

And, who can forget the dish presentation!

In fact, every dishes deserves full marks for their presentation, don't you think so?

Good to order Sides

I like how creamy and thick the potatoes were.

An addition of $2 for this dish, not sure if it's ultra worth it, but it was decent!

Plus points for the Pistachio Panna Cotta!

I thought it was green tea at first haha!

Topped with ground and caramelised pistachio nuts, it was good and creamy.

However, I'm the kind who can't take too much milky and creamy stuff, so I only took 2 mouths before the rest were wiped by my friend.

I think this can be listed as a must order too!

Lastly, I had the Textures of Citrus.

I wanted a refreshing dessert because of the fried and oily dishes I had, plus my throat was itching.

When it came, the people sitting near me went "WOW".

Awesome presentation, yet again.

This was indeed refreshing, although the acidic and sour taste became a little too strong for my stomach.

This dessert consists of orange Ice shavings and grapefruit jelly, topped with the salty crushed cornflakes and meringue bits. 

You could taste sweet, sour and a touch of citrus bitterness.

Kinda love it!

Overall, I felt like this was more worth my bucks, rather than the experience I had at Au Petit Salut
For 2 pax, the above dishes costs us a little less than $70.
Will definitely bring my bf over soon!

Sunshine after Rain

Pretty stoked that my previous blog post about unemployment received rather high views.
Well, hallelujah, I'm officially starting work soon!
It took me around 2 months after my previous post to get a job, and it wasn't easy.

During my unemployment period, which I'd say starts from the end of my grad trip, June till now, I've been feeling really negative about my worth.
These past 3 months were not as rosy as it seems (although I might add that it was carefree meeting with my bf and friends as and when I like, not burdened by any schedules whatsoever).
Episodes of rejections came when I went for many interviews, including phone interview, psychometric tests and written tests only to receive rejection emails or no news at all.
It's rather frustrating to see/hear rejection when you thought you've did well during the interview.
I questioned myself a lot during then, "Is my degree that useless?" "Why is it that 7/10 NTU grads found jobs but not me?" "Why am I so unlucky?" "Why can't I always get the things I want?" "Am I expecting too much?"

While a few of the assessment tests I went were successful,  I've yet to receive any calls for further action, even till today (psst, some companies are just too inefficient).
One told me that while I've passed the assement, there are no current vacancies for me, and they're keeping my application in view.
Sigh, such replies give me hope yet puts me to hell, it's like I'll never know when I will be called up. What if it's days later? Weeks later, or months?
Thankfully, I managed to secure a job in the midst of those interviews.  
To be honest, I had nearly miss this chance because I prioritized the other selection by a company (they've yet to get back to me even after me bugging).
I even thought that since I was successful for the first round in another company, I might as well skip my company's interview (both were for similar positions, except one was a management programme, the other wasn't)
Fortunately I did not - I took every chance I had seriously, because I felt like I shouldn't waste anymore time.
It's better to have options than none, don't you think so?
Long story cut short, the past negative feelings I had towards myself disappeared now that I've found a job I liked.
While the company isn't a prominent one, at least it's a job scope I eyed on!
Benefits and salary were competitive (although I wish for more, haha! People are just greedy).
I thank myself for persevering through and not give up, and I hope fellow friends who are facing this will do so as well.
You'll never know when opportunities will come and go, so grab onto it once you get the chance.
As long as you've tried, even if it turns out unsuccessful, know that at the very least, you've done your best!

Now that I'm going to embark on my career, it's  little regretful that my holidays are officially OVER.
No more going for promotional tea breaks, or going out as and when I like.
No more going on overseas trip (although I'm glad I went to Korea, Bali and Batam during these past 3 months of unemployment LOL).
It's time to give back to the society, as well as give back to my parents.

Anyway, I don't think I'll stop blogging since I don't find it a hassle.
I can still blog on weekdays and after work.
I find it a joy to share my reviews on places I've went, deals that I've bought.
I'm not a famous blogger, nor do I want to be one (since I hate plastering my face all over my blog), but I'll make this blog a place for me to share my honest reviews.
Hopefully, more readers would be attracted to this little space of mine!

The last thing to myself is, NEVER GIVE UP.
There'll be sunshine after the rain.

Hot Tomato (313 Somerset), Hifumi (Plaza Sing)

Hot Tomato

Headed here for lunch since I was in town to Paragon for medical checkup.

Should have chosen Fish&Co or others instead but I decided to make a decision quick and settled in here.

This is not my first visit though, the previous times were disappointing - I'm not sure why I came here again haha

Anyway, I ordered the grilled chicken chop which costs around $10 after charges.

The grilled chicken was pretty good, so was the aglio olio - while the portion of the aglio olio was a little small, it was the perfect amount for me.

I love the terriyaki sauce which accompanied the grilled chicken, also the chicken was grilled well (not too hard, nor too soft).

I was able to finish the whole plate, including the veggies - maybe I was just too hungry.

This was not a bad dish after all!

Hifumi

Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road #04-68 (The Atrium), Dhoby Ghaut

Came to Hifumi again.

This is my second visit.

The most memorable thing about this restaurant is it's all you can eat appetizer.

 I ordered the pork sausage and veg tomato hot pot set since this was a monthly special.

 

Bf ordered the curry chicken set.

After tasting both, I advise against ordering the tomato hot pot unless you're really a fan of tomato.
I love tomato, but having it as a soup with my japanese rice doesn't work for me.
In the end, I kept stealing my bf's curry sauce hahaha
I highly recommend you to order their curry set because the sauce was good.
His set comes with a chicken thigh, eggs, brocolli and mushrooms - we even took our own appetizer and dipped it into the sauce.
For my tomato soup base, the main ingredient was the pork sausage.
However, the pork sausage tasted really artificial - don't expect it to taste like bockwurst, they're vastly different.
Their pork sausage tasted more like the non-dried version of lap chiong....weird!

Bonus points to the ambiance though, since the restaurant is located at the extension of PS, it was less crowded.
We reached here at around 5 plus and we were the only few customers, shortly streams of customers came in.
Doubt I'd come back again though, unless I'm really running out of ideas on what to eat.

Total damage was $32 for 2 pax.

Have been dying to try the Beauty Pot [美人锅, Bijin Nabe]!
Let me know your reviews if you've tried it :)

Kiseki Hair House, Boon Keng. Deal.com.sg

Last Day! Only $25 for Japanese Silky Hair Colouring or Creative Highlights for All Hair Lengths + Wash + Blow Dry at Kiseki Hair House, Boon KengLast Day! Only $25 for Japanese Silky Hair Colouring or Creative Highlights for All Hair Lengths + Wash + Blow Dry at Kiseki Hair House, Boon Keng

http://www.deal.com.sg/deals/singapore/only-25-japanese-silky-hair-colouring-or-creative-highlights-all-hair-lengths-wa

Blk 102 Towner Road #01-270
Singapore 322102
(Boon Keng MRT Exit A)
Tel: 6396 4085 / 8358 9907

Operating Hours: 11.30am to 9pm (Tues – Fri); 11.30 to 7pm (Sat, Sun & PH); Closed on Monday

Bought my hair dye deal from deal.com.sg  and I'm here to do another review.

In comparison to the previous deal I bought from Plus! BigDeal at He@venly Cutz, this is BETTER.
The last visit to HC was during June 10th or 11th, so it's just been around 3 months before I cover my dark roots again.

Here're the before photos:

You can tell that my hair is very dry at the ends 

1. The dishonest part

• Bullcrap about the "Last Day!" sale of voucher because the voucher has been there for the past few days.
• It stated "Japanese Silky Hair Colouring", but I'm sure it wasn't because they tried to hardsell me into "upgrading" to better dyes.
• Creative highlights is not what it seems (read below)

2. The Bad

• Hardselling of products. They'd introduce you to different dyes such as Hoyu and Organic Hair dyes at extra charges - mine was $88 extra for Hoyu. 
• Hardselling of hair cream which costs $35 - the one who constantly hardsell is not my stylist, she carries a short bob with bright dye colour. Felt that she was quite persistent in hardselling, but my stylist was less persistent.
• I told them I wanted to do a brighter hair dye, but they told me it's not possible for my hair texture (since it's coarse and thick). I was told to upgrade to better dyes which allows better penetration and also, brighter colours. However I flatly rejected.
• Next, my stylist recommended me to do a creative highlight to get a brighter colour - first, they will dye a base colour, before adding brighter streaks. I asked if this creative highlight is inside the package, she checked my voucher and said yes. Thereafter, while she explained the process again, I asked if I need to top up any money, and she said yes. This is because, it would be a double process in doing base + highlighting. The moment I heard I need to top up, I insisted that I just wanted a normal dye which was what I paid for! I just felt like they weren't honest about their creative highlights part!
• In the end, I didn't get to properly choose the colour I want, but rather they advised me into a less bright colour - which was exactly like my old hair dye -.-''''

3. The Good

• The hairstylist who served me was rather friendly and nice. Felt a little guilty not upgrading my package but I just don't want extra unnecessary charges.
• Another compliment to my stylist (I'm sorry, I didn't get her name) - I forgot to print my voucher and they insisted that I have to present a hard copy. That said, I acknowledged it's my fault la. So I went around Boon Keng searching for a photo printing shop! Wanted to cry because there wasn't any! Thankfully I had my dearest bf, and he said he'll print it for me, but I can only present it after I'm done with my dye. Went back to the salon and they accepted my plea. Phew, I was so guilty to my stylist but she assured me it was okay :)
• Decent hair dye standards compared to the one at Heavenly Cutz (do read my previous review). The pleasant thing was they used the hair steamer to speed up the dyeing process. The previous time at HC, I was just left to sit and wait within a while before they ushered me to wash my hair (that's why the hair dye job was done so badly! the hair dye wasn't even allowed to be seep into the hair!)

• There was no rush for me to finish my dye job, the stylist patiently examined my hair, before applying a new coat again. The whole hair dye process took 2.5 hours.
• Ammonia smell was bearable
• Thankfully there wasn't any scalp analysis as stated on the site, because I know I'd be pestered to buy things that I DO NOT WANT.
• Another fortunate thing was, while they hardsell, I was able to reject politely, and they didn't look offended (although they might be).
• Hair treatment was a water spa which was so much better than what I had at Heavenly Cutz (grrr). Back at HC, the washing process was so fast, I doubt they even did any treatment to my hair! But at Kiseki, my stylist washed and massaged my head thoroughly, and also told me she'll be proceeding with the water spa treatment, which I gathered was just applying of some conditioner and washing it off. That said, this was so much better la.

Here're the after photos:

Hair is dyed evenly even at the roots! Yay!

 The bad thing is, this hair colour isn't obvious la! Really mild colour, which I'm not looking for.

I wanted a brighter colour :(

My bf said it didn't look like I dyed my hair because there was NO DIFFERENCE.

To conclude, my hair is dyed evenly (versus the horrible job at Heavenly Cutz).

It does feel smoother, however my hair ends is still as dry haha, I'm gonna visit a salon to snip off these dry ends soon!

I believe this deal is a success, except for my voucher blunder and the hardselling and promoting of other/"better" hair dyes!

I do wish that with many washes, the colour would become brighter! *fingers crossed*