alexis blogs: November 2017

What to watch: CNA 8-part series Savouring the Future

November 28, 2017

Here's a TV series I can get behind (after watching Chef's Table on Netflix): Channel NewsAsia has recently launched an 8-part documentary called "Savouring the Future" to talk about the future of Singapore food SMEs, hosted by chef-owner of Artichoke Bjorn Shen.

Here's a short trailer of the show, which you can catch only at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/video-on-demand/savouring-the-future

The first episode is about vending machines, and in future episodes the documentary will touch upon innovative and niche food products, going global as well as automation, which is a big thing for Singapore's manufacturing industry.

I can't wait so watch the next 7 episodes online, or if I happen to catch it every week on Saturdays 8.30pm on Channel NewsAsia! Hope you guys will enjoy them as much as I do (it's good to feed your brain too)!

food review

Food Review: The Bird Southern Table and Bar at #B1-07, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Singapore 018956

November 26, 2017

As the artwork on the wall rightly put, "There are 2 kinds of people in the world. Those who love fried chicken and those who will." At The Bird Southern Table and Bar, that's exactly the kind of mentality they have, and I'm glad they did! I was invited for a tasting sometime back and even though its been a while, the memory of their Southern styled cuisine still stayed with me! Read on to find out if its even worth it to be there if you're at Marina Bay Sands or are you better off just going to Mozza!

The restaurant is super nicely done up, as it is with all the restaurants in MBS. Starting with a whisky/bourbon stocked bar of course.

I like the lighting and farmstyle decor.

There's even a private room section if you are too boisterous for the public dining area.

Here's the menu. As you can see, prices are rather evenly distributed and sides or small plates do not cost an arm or leg to have. Which is good, even though most people won't be here for that.

They even have some classic Southern desserts such as the peach cobbler, which was refreshing. The theme continues throughout.

And the drinks menu deserves a second too as well. Other than the classics, there's even the appearance of regional flavours such as sour plum and pandan. That's what's cool about The Bird.

I tried the Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade (S$27, ouch!) while my friend had the classic Yardbird Old-Fashioned (S$27). Ok, the drink prices are a little hard to stomach but if you're in MBS for dinner be prepared for a notch above the average prices. Our drinks were well-balanced and mixed so much so we were definitely flushed from the alcohol even though we can't taste it! That's slightly dangerous...

For our tasting we had a small fixed menu so I won't refer to the ingredients in the write up below.

First up, the deviled eggs (S$14) at the top right and fried green tomato BLT (S$18) beside. I totally did not expect them to look so dainty and petite! I also hope they come in more than 1 portion per plate if you order ala carte! The deviled eggs was creamy and not too heavy. 3.5/5 I really enjoyed the BLT for how refreshing it was due to the green tomato. 4/5

Then came the 3 mains. The star of the evening had to be the Southern style fried chicken with cheddar cheese waffles, spiced watermelon and bourbon maple syrup of course! At S$45 for that dish I'll recommend you split it with a fellow fried chicken lover.

The Butter Lettuce and Grilled Mango Salad (S$18) was ok - everything was fresh and light of course, which worked well with the chicken and mac and cheese, though it wasn't exceptional or anything special. If you aren't a veggie lover, this can be missed. 3/5

After all, pasta is also a vegetable right? Haha. In this case, the Mac and Cheese (S$14) is probably the most worth it of the sides/snacks. It was super rich and cheesy with five artisanal cheeses in there coating the torchio pasta, topped with a herb crust. I like it but it can be quite strong tasting if you have to consume the entire portion, dulling your senses for what's to come, so share it! 3.5/5

If you need anymore 'healthy' additions, there's watermelon to go with your fried chicken! OK, so what's the verdict you ask. At $45 it is quite the hefty price for 1/2 of a chicken, but to me it is worth it. Just coming here to split a dish like this is enough to make any fried chicken lover's day I think! The insides are tender, juicy and COOKED, which was amazing to me because the skin was so well seasoned and crispy. According to my dining partner who is an amazing home cook herself, it is not easy to get the balance right. Drench the cheesy waffles with some bourbon maple and pair your chicken with the delightfully sweet watermelon and you will be a happy camper, just like us! 4/5

Lastly we had a Banana Pudding (S$14) for dessert, which was the perfect rum-soaked creamy sweet ending for the decadence before. I liked it for how simple and home-styled it was. 3.5/5

Overall a great place to get some classic Southern fare in the Marina Bay Sands Shoppes though your wallet will suffer a hit. It's still worth checking out, especially for their Fried Chicken Watermelon Waffles. Everything else I could imagine someplace else doing it for half the price and just as good so order in moderation!

The Bird Southern Table and Bar
B1-07, Galleria Level, The Shoppes, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018956
Monday to Fridays lunch from 11am - 4pm, weekend brunch on Sat-Sundays 10am to 4pm
Daily dinner from 4pm - 11pm, drinks and light snacks daily from 11pm - 2am

shopping

Shopping in Singapore: What to get this Black Friday 2017

November 25, 2017

Every time Black Friday rolls around I get tremendously excited because mostly of slashed prices from US brand though nowadays EVERYTHING is happening online as well so we get the offers too! Of course there was 11.11 and the upcoming 12.12, but I find myself more excited over BF because I like American products/brands more (even though they are all probably Made in China).

Anyway there are a few deals that's too good to be missed so I thought I'll just compile some of it here for you.

The first 3 are from Lazada and if you click to buy via my links I get a tiny commission off it, though I would genuinely recommend them since I bought them myself. Remember to use Shopback though to get cash rebates - sign up via my link if you haven't already (its free!).

1. Samsung Note 8 with 1 year warranty for S$1,109

2. Xiaomi Mi Powerbank 2 at 10,000 mAh for S$18.90

3. Logitech Silent Wireless Mouse for S$11.90

4. List of brands that has been floating around WhatsApp, I suspect it's from a HK person. I've taken out the more irrelevant ones and also translated the Mandarin to English and rearranged it by alphabetical order PLUS added more retailers. There's also this Buzzfeed compilation. Feel free to share my post!

6PM 50% off, use code WOWDEALS
https://www.6pm.com

Albeebaby : Selected Items 20-30% OFF
https://www.albeebaby.com/

Amazon Kindle US49.99, Paperwhite US89.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZV9PXP2

American Eagle 40% off, free shipping over US$100
https://www.ae.com/international?cm=sSG-cSGD

asos 20% off, use code WIN20
http://www.asos.com

Back Country 20% OFF
https://www.backcountry.com/

Bath & Body Works buy 3 get 3 free
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/

CottonOn 30-50% sale
https://cottonon.com/SG/women/

Eddie Bauer 40% off, use code FIREPLACE
http://www.eddiebauer.com/

Elwood at 40% OFF use code BLKFRIDAY
https://goo.gl/3V3999

EVO at 60% off
https://www.evo.com/

EZBuy Flash Deals and free agent fee + 15% off shipping
https://ezbuy.sg/

Forever21 Global Store (ships to SG etc) 30% off online exclusive
https://www.forever21.com/gl/shop/Catalog/Category/f21/promo-pre-black-2017

Disney free shipping >$75 code: SHIPMAGIC
https://www.shopdisney.com/sale

iHerb save 10% and earn 10%
https://sg.iherb.com/

J.Crew Factory at 50% OFF
https://factory.jcrew.com/

Jimmy Jazz EXTRA 15% OFF use code PREFRIDAY
https://goo.gl/rfQZia

GAP 55% off, use code GIFT
http://www.gap.com

Old NAVY 50% off, use code FRIYAY
http://oldnavy.gap.com/

Gilt 40% off use code X40
https://www.gilt.com/

GNC Selected Items Buy One Get One 50% OFF
http://www.gnc.com/

Godiva Selected Items 25% OFF
http://www.godiva.com/weekend-specials-sale

Gymboree 50% off
http://www.gymboree.com/

Kate Spade 75% off
https://surprise.katespade.com

Levi’s 40% off everything use code INDIGO40
http://www.levi.com/US/en_US/

MLTD: Pre ThanksGiving Sale use code 35EARLY
https://www.mltd.com/

MooseJaw 30% OFF use code JUMP30
https://www.moosejaw.com/

Nine West 50% off
http://www.ninewest.com/

Orbis Singapore free shipping w. no minimum spend
www.orbis.com.sg (*I recommend checking out the Powder Wash!)

Ralph Lauren, Sale 40% Off, Extra 30% Off with code HOLIDAY
https://www.ralphlauren.com/

RADLEY Women’s Bags 50% off free shipping with 100 pounds
http://www.radley.co.uk/

Samsonite : 35% OFF of US$200 use code SAVEMORE
https://shop.samsonite.com/

Sephora SG sale with up to 65% off
https://www.sephora.sg/sale

SkinStore : Selected Items 20% OFF (SEASONAL)
https://www.skinstore.com/

Shopbop 30% off regular
www.shopbop.com

Super Dry: Everything 30% OFF
Men’s https://goo.gl/XzWXhh
Women’s https://goo.gl/RwEvwv

Tarte 25% off everything use code FRIYAY
http://www.tarte.com

Tory, extra 30% off with code THANKS
https://www.toryburch.com

TOMS 40% off
http://www.toms.com/sale

Thermos: 20% off starting Thu use code HOLIDAY20
https://www.thermos.com/

Zalora Spend S$100 get 20% off use code CYBER20
https://www.zalora.sg/women/?catalogtype=Main

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I think that's it! HAPPY SHOPPING but remember, only if the item gives you joy!

cafe

CBD Eats: Lunch at Autobus, 6A Shenton Way, #01-01 Downtown Gallery, Singapore 068815

November 18, 2017

One of my favourite places to go for lunch during work weeks is at The Autobus at the newly opened Downtown Gallery. It is a protein bowl restaurant and cafe that serves what I find one of the tastiest protein bowls because of how well flavoured everything is. In some places the protein is so dry and bland, I might as well boil the meat. However at Autobus, its all complimentary, rich and deep flavours. Plus they have my fav avocado add on for just $1! And not forgetting the coffee and chai latte there which are also fantastic. I can't rave enough about Autobus. Everyone needs to go try it!

Here's the place - themed with bicycle gear but comfortable as a place to eat. Well ventilated and not too noisy.

Here's the menu during lunch time. Honestly, this is what I'll go for. Their dinner options are pretty unexciting compared to this. Feel free to print this out and select your food if you like. I don't think they do delivery at this moment.

My colleague's protein bowl yesterday.

My combi of honey mustard dressing, pesto chicken (full sized), onsen egg (awesome!), bell peppers and avo +$1 and pasta with furikake sprinkles. It's $13++ for the full protein bowl, and $10 or $15 for the half sized and double sized.

My only gripe will be that they don't do delivery or I would probably eat more of it! I wish they also have the protein bowl option for dinner. Otherwise I will 100% recommend for everyone to check out The Autobus for their healthy, delicious and happiness-inducing food and coffees!

The Autobus
6A Shenton Way, #01-01 Downtown Gallery, Singapore 068815
Mondays to Fridays 7am to 10pm, Sat-Sundays 7am-3pm

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What to watch: CNA 8-part series Savouring the Future

Food Review: The Bird Southern Table and Bar at #B1-07, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Singapore 018956

Shopping in Singapore: What to get this Black Friday 2017

CBD Eats: Lunch at Autobus, 6A Shenton Way, #01-01 Downtown Gallery, Singapore 068815

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