Singapore brand Pleatation first caught my eye at Fashion Steps Out@Orchard in 2015. The gorgeous pleats and flowy silhouettes were hard to miss. Timeless, effortlessly chic yet gracefully feminine, what’s there not to love about this homegrown label?

Sounds like the perfect dress for traveling too, isn’t it? I packed this with me for a weekend trip to the city of Nanjing. Temperatures were soaring and I knew this silky number was just what I needed to paint the town red without breaking into a sweat. It worked like a charm and I had an amazing time flying the Singapore flag in a foreign land.

If there is one feature on your face that you could change, what would it be? I am actually pretty contented with what I have but if there is something that I could change, that would be my skin!  I’ve been plagued by pigmentation on my upper cheeks for ages (I conceal it with CC cream so you can’t tell) and most of the aesthetic clinics that I have visited in the past told me that it would be challenging to get rid of it completely.

Dr Ram’s affable and easygoing disposition put me at ease right away. He is a wonderful listener who pays careful attention to what your needs and preferences are instead of simply promoting his products and services. I have met doctors who gave me the “only I know what’s good for you” vibe, but with Dr Ram, you wouldn’t get any of that. He also goes the extra mile to ensure that you are comfortable with his suggestions every step of the way, which is why I knew right from the start that I would be in safe hands.

I did a vintage photo shoot recently with an Old Shanghai theme and I really love how it turned out.

Where? Where else, China of course. If you’re traveling to China and you love having your photos taken, this is an enjoyable and relatively inexpensive activity (if you pick the most basic package) that you can add to your bucket list. Be prepared to draw lots of oohs and ahhs from all your friends and family when they see your photos!

Waiting to elope with my secret lover

Laomendong, Nanjing (China)

If you prefer the full works, you can opt for the most comprehensive package which includes an elaborate vintage hairstyle, make-up and several backdrops and poses. You’ll get to keep an album of photos too. This would set you back by 1680 yuan or about S$350.

The full works

Casio is famous for its selfie functions, beautifully brightening and unblemishing faces in what I describe as a natural automatic photoshop function.

If you see here, the ZR3600 has enhanced the ease of selfies even further by adding a 180 degree flip screen so you can view the screen while taking a photo (and adjust your face and hair accordingly haha).

What’s so convenient too is the button in the front where your forefinger can easily press while holding the camera, a really common gripe of selfie lovers that Casio has wonderfully addressed. What’s more, there’s also the “wave” function where you don’t even need to press a button. Just wave your hand in front of the camera and it’ll automatically take the photo!

The even more awesome news is, this camera doesn’t just take great selfies. It has so many other  amazing functions.

Without further ado, I’ll let the photos during the media trip to Penang do the talking.

Note: All images featured in this post are unedited.

1. Capture Close-up Details without Compromising on Image Quality

There is no need for filters with this camera. All the images come out crystal clear, even when you use the zoom function. Seriously, just look at this.

I zoomed right into the dragon perched on the roof of the temple. All the vibrant colors against the bright blue sky were completely captured.

Look at this magnificent sunrise. The striking orange hues and the gorgeous golden yolk were beautifully captured up close with minimal noise.

This was taken at sunset, when the skies turned into cotton candy shades of pink and purple.

2. Achieve Great Shots with Minimum Time & Effort

 

This was taken in a rush, walking along a street when I saw these flowers randomly growing by a colorful fence. See how well the colours turned out, even when I literally stopped and snapped the photo in 3 seconds!
 

 

And this “Of Parallels and Opposites” photo was another 3 second snap, the words of which poetically came to mind while I was rushing down the same street. Mid-street, in between the houses and the bustle, this space just seemed to call out for a shot.

The camera is also able to capture details well. The famous street murals in Penang are a must-see for many tourists and locals, and here are a few in various sizes and intensity of color: the one similarity? They all turned out beautifully with just a simple click of the camera!

This is one giant cat that spans the width of 10 people!

This is one mini cat that is one human head width.

This was at a non-descript, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it area along the street. It was also shaded by trees so the mural appeared darker and less obvious. However, look at how gorgeously rendered it is as the camera picks out the light and shadows!

Look at the detail of the dragon scales, even in this quick sideways shot!

Here’s one of the great moments when I said hi to a durian seller uncle. He was sitting in his chair as everyone passed him by. I was intrigued by the durians in the boot of the car, and told him so. It was a brief connection of two strangers, with a warmth and heartfelt poignancy as we smiled at each other. Sir, I wish you well!

P.S. Yes the mural behind him says “kah lu kong hokkien” (teach you speak hokkien).

Coincidence?

3. Achieve Bokeh (Blurred Background) Automatically Without Adjustments RequiredI love how the camera automatically blurs the background while retaining sharpness in the foreground, making the subject come alive instantly. There’s no need to fiddle around with the aperture mode to do this (although there is an option for you to do so if you wish). The bokeh effect may not match up to my usual DSLR camera, but for a regular point-and-shoot camera, this is pretty commendable!

Just look at this snake! Did you know that I was also the only female in the group who mustered enough courage to place this snake around my neck? It may sound frightening, but it really wasn’t!

The food images look fantastic too, again bearing in mind that these photos have not been post-edited in any way. I would consider bringing this camera with me for my food tasting sessions in future.

There are many other functions including a selfie art mode, art mode, and even full HD video recording!

I’m sure Casio’s selfie art mode needs no introduction, but here are a couple of selfies that I took with three of my favourite scene selections. You can choose from a total of five scene selections to achieve different moods and effects.

4. Get Flawless Skin with the Selfie Art Mode

~ Beauty shots with “Selfie Art Mode – Elegant” Scene ~

5. Tukwila, Washington (USA)

Dreaming of crispy Peking Duck skin that crackles like a thin slice of caramel in your mouth?

Jiang-Nan Chun, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore

Fine traditional wood carvings contrast with rough fishermen baskets – a manifestation of Jiang Nan, located south of the Yangtze River

Traditional medical cabinets serve as decorative backdrops

Traditional chopstick holders are incorporated into the exquisite design of the reception counter

What’s special about the Peking duck?

Caviar aside, here’s essentially what differentiates the roast duck here from its counterparts.

Fresh
ducks undergo special preparation methods for 14 hours before they are
roasted in a mesquite wood oven, which not only imparts succulence to
the meat, but also ensures that the fat beneath the glossy crispy skin
is greatly reduced.

I
was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Peking duck when it was
swiftly wheeled out by the Chef, making a dramatic entrance in the
dining hall. Watching

the chef wield his magic and carve the duck in front of guests was a
feast for the eyes.

Chef carving the beautiful glossy Peking duck

The crispy duck skin was the first to be served,
followed by slices of succulent duck meat. I
usually find Peking duck skin a little too oily and the meat, when
taken alone without any sauce, too dry for my liking, but I soon discovered that Jiang
Nan-Chun’s Peking duck is truly in a league of its own.

Crispy skin that crackles in your mouth like caramel

I
thoroughly enjoyed the crackling crispy skin without the extra layer of
fats, which is perfect for even the most health-conscious patron, and
as I sank my teeth into a slice of duck meat, I was immediately greeted
by the wonderful aroma and an explosion of intense flavours.

It was only then that a wave of realization hit me – I have yet to even pair it with the condiments that accompanied this dish.

In
line with Jiang Nan-Chun’s new concept of “享乐主义”, or “the principle of
enjoyment and happiness” which promotes the idea that how you eat, and
why you eat, is just as important as what you eat, the various eating
methods of “Peking” versus “Cantonese” roast duck are explained when the
condiments and pancakes are served.

Caviar
is the main highlight of the condiments and surprisingly, it
complements the traditional flavours of the Peking duck perfectly,
lending the finishing touches to an unforgettable experience.

Highlight of the condiments – Caviar

Peking Duck served with a generous dollop of caviar

Words
fail to describe how impressed I was as I have never tasted Peking duck
that has approached this level of sophistication.

But that’s not all
that Jiang-Nan Chun has to offer.

Beyond just duck, some of its
signature dim sum and claypot dishes are prepared in the
specially-customized duck oven to greatly enhance the depth of flavours.

Dim Sum

Crispy Flaky Pastry with Black Pepper Beef, Steamed Shrimp Dumpling with Mushroom, Char Siew Sliders with Homemade Pickled Green Chilli

Can
you see the beautiful layers on the Crispy Flaky Pastry with Black
Pepper Meat? There is a total of seventeen symmetrical layers alternated
between water-based and oil-based skin, forming a crispy textured
pastry that envelopes the wood-fired black pepper meat within.

It
takes many hours to make this and the chefs’ hard work certainly pays
off. Just take a bite and let the light, flaky layers melt in your
mouth, revealing the juicy black pepper meat.

I felt like I went to dim sum heaven.

Crispy Flaky Pastry with Black Pepper Beef

The
Char Siew Sliders with Green Pickled Chilli is yet another work of art
that showcases the chefs’ attention to the finest details.

Only
Kurobuta pork, the most highly prized pork in Japan, is used to create
its signature Char Siew. The juiciness, tenderness and distinctive
flavour set it apart from the usual char siew, and that tangy sweetness
of green pickled chilli gives it that extra punch.

Char Siew Sliders with Pickled Green Chilli

Now,
how could I forget the steamed shrimp dumpling, a dim sum mainstay?
Jiang-Nan Chun’s version is clearly a notch above the rest as it comes
with thin, silky smooth skin and generous portions of large succulent
shrimps.

Steamed Shrimp Dumplings with Mushroom

 Appetizer

What
I love about Jiang Nan-Chun is how innovative the dishes are. Take this
appetizer for example. The soft shell prawns are fried to perfection
(they’re so crispy you can actually eat them whole!) with curry leaves
and spices based on the chef’s secret recipe. The almonds and crispy
rice added that extra crunch which made this dish highly addictive.

Soft Shell Prawns with Sliced Almonds & Crispy Rice

Double-boiled Soups

Sea Whelk, Maka (Peruvian Ginseng), Dried Scallops & Pork Ribs

Jiang-Nan Chun’s double-boiled soups are well-loved by VIPs and dignitaries alike, and it is not hard to see why.

To
create a rich stock, the base of the soup is boiled for eight hours
with fresh, natural ingredients. Then, key ingredients are added to the
stock and boiled again for another eight hours.This process ensures that
you reap the wellness benefits of their nourishing soups, which have a
rich, complex flavour yet remain incredibly light on the tastebuds.

Double-boiled soups are my idea of comfort food and needless to say, I finished my bowl of hearty soup in a heartbeat.

Claypots

Wagyu Beef Oxtail with Lemongrass-infused Oil

The
Wagyu Beef Oxtail with Lemongrass-infused Oil is a new signature dish
at Jiang-Nan Chun. Cooked for over 30 hours in the mesquite wood oven,
the meat is so tender it melts in your mouth. It is exceptionally
flavourful and goes very well with a bowl of fragrant white rice.

At
Jiang-Nan Chun, even the tiniest of details is not spared and you’ll be
happy to know that every bowl of rice is individually steamed, so that
every grain is moist and soft.

Main Dishes

Steamed Cod Wrapped in Paper Rice Roll

When
I first read that the next dish to be served was Steamed Cod Wrapped in
Paper Rice Roll, I wasn’t expecting it to turn up looking like a
beautiful art piece with an equally enthralling story behind it.

Can you tell that this dish evokes silk in the water ripples? This
dish tells the story of one of the Four Beauties of China, Xi Shi.
According to the legend, she used to wash her silks in the famous West
Lake in Hangzhou and her gorgeous reflection stunned even the fishes, so
they swam lower below the waters.

I
enjoyed this wellness dish with cod, mushrooms and water chestnuts,
accompanied by a touch of truffle personally shaved by the chef for
every guest.

 Dessert

Desserts are less traditional and like every item on the menu, each brings an element of surprise to the table.

Crispy Salted Egg Yolk Puff Pastry

Fans
of salted egg yolk can get your fix here with the Crispy Salted Egg
Yolk Puff Pastry with Almond. I was particularly enamoured with this as a
refreshing and creative spin is given to the salted egg yolk craze by
incorporating almond cream in this delightful crispy puff pastry.

Avocado cream, coconut sorbet, osmanthus jelly and cocoa nibs

Those
of you who are a little more health-conscious can opt for the Avocado
cream dessert which is lighter on the palate yet equally tasty.

Yogurt Cream, Mung Beans, Longan, Chia Seed, Sour Plum Granite

If
you are feeling more adventurous, opt for the Yogurt Cream dessert. The
juxtaposition of yogurt cream and sour plum granite, topped with a
sprinkling of Chia Seeds, gives it a unique east-meets-west twist.

Tea Pairing & Wine Pairing

In
line with the concept of 享乐, you can always look to the servers for
recommendations on a cup of tea or a glass of wine to complement every
dish and to complete your dining experience.

Tea Pairing

From now till 30 June 2016, call 6831 7220 and quote “25% off Peking Duck” when making a reservation to enjoy 25% off the Signature Peking Duck (U.P. S$98).

There is also a special wine-pairing promotion @S$65++ for 3 glasses of wines curated by their resident wine experts.

*****

Jiang-Nan Chun

Address:
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646

Tel:
+65 6831 7220


Opening Hours:
Lunch – 11.30am – 2.30pm
Dinner – 6pm – 10.30pm

Have you decided on where to take your mum this coming Mother’s Day? If you’re still cracking your brains as to where you could possibly go, why not take mummy dearest to Mondo Vantaggio for shopping and tea this weekend!Located just off Orchard Road on the second level of Furama Riverfront hotel, Mondo Vantaggio is a new multi-label luxury store spanning 13,000 feet that offers designer labels at competitive prices. A welcome respite for retail therapy amidst the city bustle, you’ll find over 40 high-end designer labels including Gucci, Prada, Balenciaga, Burberry, among others in the lavishly designed store. Aside from leather goods and bags, it also stocks an exclusive selection of ready-to-wear apparel and shoes.

The issue of authenticity always comes to mind when shopping for designer goods, and I love that I can shop at Mondo Vantaggio with complete peace of mind as it has a refund policy where customers can receive a full refund on returned purchases in their original condition within seven days of purchase. I have every intention to feast my eyes on the new arrivals every fortnight!

This weekend (7-8 May), in conjunction with Mother’s Day, Mondo Vantaggio will be hosting a tea party for you and your mum.

Not only is it the perfect time to pamper your mum with a gift or two as there is a 30% discount store wide (lowest price guaranteed during this promotional sales period), both of you will also get to indulge in a complimentary afternoon tea session at their in-house cafe run by popular cafe, The Tiramisu Hero.

Date: 

7-8 May (Saturday & Sunday)

Venue:

Mondo Vantaggio

Furama Riverfront Hotel

#02-01

Time:

2pm – 5pm

To attend this event (you can also come with your hubby or girlfriend instead!), all you have to do is to click here to RSVP on Mondo Vantaggio’s  Facebook Page now!

Walk-in customers who decide to pop by without RSVP will have to spend a minimum of $300 to join in the tea party.

I will be there on 7th May at 4pm, so do come by and say hi!

See you there!