I had the pleasure of being invited to a food trail at Orchard Central through Aloysius and discovered some hidden dining gems!
[Som Tam]
We started off at the modern Thai fusion restaurant, Som Tam. Their dishes are inspired by classic and modern cooking methods and the restaurant exudes a very contemporary feel overall.
Our wide spread of dishes for tasting.
Green Curry Pasta (S$14.90)
The mild spiciness and thickness of the sauce, together with the generous amount of ingredients, made this dish so delightful to savour.
Som Tam
Address: #08-13 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road Singapore 238896
[Tonkin Viet Noodle Bar]
Our next stop was an authentic Vietnamese cuisine outlet that serves many small bites.
Beef Combination Noodle Soup Namdinh Style (S$9.90)
It was a hearty portion of savoury goodness with a little hit of sweetness in the meat.
Rice Flour Roll with Pork ($6.90)
I thought that we were served Chee Cheong Fun at first glance! It's comparatively thicker and has much more filling though, and who could ever turn away mushrooms?!
Tonkin Viet Noodle Bar
Address: #B1-02 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road Singapore 238896
[Table @ Pip's]
I can't even begin to express how happy I was to have discovered this restaurant! It's so perfect for a celebratory meal with it's clean design and superb service.
Fresh Oysters (S$2 each with any Main Course ordered)
The Thai dressing went really well with the oysters! It was a tad spicy but it did add to the delicious experience.
Chive Salmon Steak (S$24.90)
The salmon was done to perfection!
There were much to savour! I can also safely say that I've tasted and pretty much enjoyed crocodile meat!
Table @ Pip's
Address: #B2-11/22 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road Singapore 238896
[Seeds of Joy]
There were such an assortment of nuts and dried fruits to choose from and every type is packed with different yet important nutrients that our bodies will thank us for. Snacking doesn't have to always be sinful!
Seeds of Joy
Address: #B2-07 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road Singapore 238896
I was actually right on the Padang Grandstand soaking up all the SG50 goodness! Everything is still a little surreal. I haven't been to an NDP since I was ten and it wasn't even an official one, just the rehearsal. To be honest, NDP tickets are not cheap or easily accessible so it's a no brainer that I spent previous years hanging out with friends and family near the fireworks display to celebrate.
It had to be extra tough to get tickets to this year's NDP with all the SG50 hype and special displays but Dennis managed to! Thanks for asking me along. I'm so happy and grateful to have been able to experience my first legit NDP on our nation's golden jubilee!
Don't be fooled, the streets were so packed! I only decided to get my camera out after they ticketing counter. I cannot stand to see any more scratches on it!
The organisers certainly upped traffic control this year. There were many volunteers stationed around the city area to guide the masses accordingly and queues were much smoother than I anticipated.
Apparently there were multiple designs for the funpack so I tried to change mine for something more unique (like any other typical Singaporean would) but was obviously turned down. It was packed to the brim with nostalgic items like the capteh, Donkey card game, haw flakes and bangle candy. Oh, those good ole innocent carefree days…
I was searching through my funpack and there wasn't a Singapore flag! Seriously? I knew that I should have been more forceful in trying to change my funpack. Anyway, the blow-up balloon maraca became a really entertaining substitute and I shook it maniacally throughout the parade. Did I mention that light flickers from it when shaken?
We arrived pretty late compared to the other spectators (Kiasu much?) and had to settle for seats where the view of the field was a little obstructed. We had a very clear view of the Old Supreme Court Building though, which meant that we would be able to enjoy the mobile column to it's fullest, and we did!
It's so heartwarming to see everyone in the parade dressed to the occasion. There weren't any obligations! The cheers were constant and the mood did not dull for a moment. I could totally feel the national pride and excitement as the show began to start.
I didn't get why people were putting on the scarves. It was hot.
37 contingents were featured at the Parade and Ceremony this year. That's a lot. Is it weird that I somehow miss doing drills?
50 aircrafts were featured this year! What? Really? Wow. The aerial display was most certainly remarkable and I was left dazzled and amazed at the level of precision and finesse.
I initially planned to post live video updates on Snapchat but the mobile data connection was practically frozen! Too many people had similar ideas, uh?
We had a hard time enjoying the fireworks because the structure of the grandstand was in the way. Oh well, they were still a fantastic sight though. They were displayed pretty often, at the end of every segment, so I had my fill by the end of the parade.
I did snap a lot of photos during the mobile column but I won't be uploading them. Dennis was pretty much fanboying over the tanks and anti-aircraft weapons.
The dance performances were very captivating and it is evident that many hours of practice were invested. Everyone was on cue and sharp with their movements around the field. A tedious task considering the need for coordination between so many people!
I found myself enthusiastically singing along to the songs from yesteryears during the performances! I actually remembered them! Not to mention cheering at the top of my lungs for the amazing local performers who were giving us so much energy and spirit.
Our 1998 NDP song, "Home", still sticks to me the strongest. The level of passion the spectators exhibited when singing (and shouting) along to it was really beautiful.
I am so thankful to be a part of Singapore's 50th birthday and hopefully, her 100th! I'll bet that it'll be so much more spectacular with all the crazy technologies. (And a Singapore flag in my funpack, please!) On second thought, I'd probably be so lazy at 73 that I might actually allow myself to put a mock tattoo of the Singapore flag on my face instead. I can already imagine myself irritating the youngsters by taking my time climbing up the stairs to my NPD2065 seat.
I started taking on part time jobs in Singapore at the age of 16 under tremendous pressure (constant nagging) from my father. He never failed to emphasise on the importance of work experience and the benefits that it'll bring to my future. Well, I've got to thank him profusely for getting my lazy ass to start working cause it did much for my knowledge and personal growth.
Since then, I've tackled a number of jobs in different fields and learned quite a vast pool of skill sets. Moreover, I got to strengthen qualities which proved beneficial to my every day life.
Waiter
Many who seek part time jobs for students end up being a waiting staff because of its constant availability and fluid schedule. The most back-breaking job that I've ever done was when I was working at a salad bar as a waiter. I was tasked from peeling oranges to mopping the floor to serving the customers! Nothing seemed out of my job scope! Waitering is one of the more demanding jobs out there, requiring a vast set of skills to overcome tedious daily routines. Although I personally did not like working as a server, I have to admit that it was a very humbling experience. I learnt to be more perseverant and quick-thinking. Oh, and I managed to desensitise myself to dirt. (I used to be a clean freak!)
Admin Assistant
Many make a pass at doing administrative jobs assuming that it will be a waste of time but it can be quite an enriching experience (when properly done). I learnt much working in an office setting, many of which are very practical skills like operating and maintaining office machines. My personal discipline, organisational ability and time management were heavily strengthened as well. Oh, and let's not forget the ever so important office etiquette.
Tuition Tutor
Being a tutor may sound easy because of its flexibility, but it can be the most difficult based on the fact that you will be dealing with (more often than not) a child. Your patience will be put to the test. It's undeniably important that you have to remain level-headed no matter the situation. After all, you were probably in their exact position before, having trouble at the then (and sometimes still) complicated problem-solving questions! I currently still do tutor and I find it very fulfilling.You get to nurture a child's eagerness for knowledge and you play a big part in directing them in a positive direction in life. Now that's a really big responsibility!
Event Promoter
Perhaps among the more popular part time jobs Singapore has, event promoters are exposed to a diversity of environment, people and challenges. Social skills, as well as quick wit and charisma, are put to the test when engaging customers. Also, image is important as you will be expected to be a strong representation of the brand you are under. Personal grooming will play a big part. I personally enjoy doing events and find joy in building relationships with customers and clients.
Retail Assistant
Very similar to an event promotor, social skills and personal grooming are very crucial in this field. In addition, good organisational and management skill do come in handy when dealing with administrative tasks like cashier balancing. I will say that from my experience, being a retail assistant conditioned me to become a better all-rounder.
If you wish to gain (more) working experience through part time jobs in Singapore, you can head over to www.stroff.com to view all their latest listings.
For Singapore's 50th birthday, the aptly-named STREET 50 Restaurant & Bar is launching a special Golden Jubilee all-day a la carte menu, putting a local spin on popular global cuisines and churning out an array of over 50 gastronomic delights and beverages!
Fisherman's Soup (S$8.90)
The broth was a little too light and lacked the flavourful seafood punch I was hoping for. Oh, and the prawn… No.
Snow Crab Salad (S$9.90)
A refreshing dish with the undeniable tasty combination of crab and salmon roe. The amount of soy and sesame dressing added was just right and left the vegetables moist enough for easy consumption.
Otah by the Bay (S$8.90)
I personally like otah quite a fair bit and was pretty impressed with this dish. Crowned with clams, octopus, scallops and garoupa, it's basically a seafood buffet on a plate! Worth an order. I do have to point out on the tough texture of the fish though.
Bay's Spring Chicken (S$14.90)
I wasn't expecting much from this seemingly ordinary dish till I had a bite of the chicken. The breast meat was so tender and juicy! Contrasting it well were the crispy skin and fries.
Satay Un-skewered (S$19.90)
The lamb chop was really succulent and the flavourful satay marinate definitely made this dish a star. A must-order!
Satay Bay-Hoon (S$14.90)
Unlike the usual satay bee hoon, theirs are topped with a variety of ingredients like octopus, clams, kang kong, chicken, tau pok and quail eggs! Not forgetting the lovable satay sauce, of course.
Sambal Saba (S$16.90)
The Saba had too much of a fishy taste to it, even when eaten together with the sambal.
Hazelnut Escargots Half Dozen (S$9.90)
The taste of the escargots were quite overpowered by the tangy dressing, which I didn't mind much because it was that addictive.
Veal Cheek Rendang (S$19.90)
The tenderness of the veal cheek was absolutely delectable and the savoury Rendang sauce spiced the dish up very well. Definitely another must-order!
Garoupa Popiah (S$18.90)
The crisp popiah pastry and dressing were delightful, although the tough texture of the fish did make the dish a little of a downer.
Bubur Cha Cha Crème Brûlée (S$9.90)
A dessert that managed to taste better than it sounds. The humble bubur cha cha was drizzled with black sugar and coconut pandan foam to give a sweeter kick. I enjoyed it a lot. Worth an order.
Durian Pengat (S$8.90)
A dessert for those to crave a stronger taste. I liked the pairing of the aromatic durian pengat with the light note of the pandan jelly.
Now, for the special promotion! Enjoy a complimentary Bay's Spring Chicken when you dine at STREET 50 in a group of 4 and have ordered at least 3 main courses. Simply cite "KeefeKayvan"! This promotion will be valid till 31 August 2015.
STREET 50
Address: Bay Hotel Singapore, 50 Telok Blangah Road Singapore 098828
Opening Hours: 06:00AM – 04:00AM (Daily)
About Me
- Cyber spacecraft KAYVAN crash-landed onto this space and from the pixelated destruction emerged yours truly. Armed with my selfie-oriented camera, excessive personal opinions and wit in-training, I am ready for my reign over this (self-proclaimed) awesome site.
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