Singapore Arts, Beauty and Inspirations Male Blogger

23 Oct 2015

I had the privilege to meet a local renowned artist Lim Tze Peng who celebrated his 95th birthday with IMPRESSIONS (墨韵)! It was a grand showcase of his 95 masterpieces at Ode To Art gallery located at Raffles City Shopping Center, #01-36 E/F . Being a cultural medallion awardee, Lim began practising calligraphy since young and achieved a stylistic breakthrough of abstract calligraphy once he had a strong foundation of it.

I don't count myself as an art lover to begin with. To appreciate art, it is said that it takes time to cultivate, not a sudden overnight thing. For me, I am still starting to appreciate art since art is a medium to showcase one's emotion as well as individuality. I could see a consistency in Lim's style across all of his paintings.

Lim rose to fame for his Chinese ink artworks of Chinatown and the Singapore River in the early 1980s. Since I am a 1990s' baby, his works helped me to visualise the urban landmarks, developments and scenes during that era. I appreciate such form of retrospect which I would never have a chance to witness and experience.

Since I am a foodie, I am particularly attracted to paintings that usually showcase the bustling marketplace, food streets or even stalls. Take the 'Duck Rice Stall' below for example. A simple scene with shophouses in the backdrop that once existed from the past and lost in the present. It portrays a simple makeshift-looking stall with patchwork shelters and people whose livelihood depended on it. As I looked closer, I see minimal outline of stocks and utensils needed to run the stall. The image lured me closer to observe each little details, yet the dull historic tones acts like a barrier, reminding me that it was all in the past. From a kampong village to a first-world country.

Duck Rice Stall (Ink on Paper)
144 x 179cm

My Neighbourhood (Ink on Paper)
142 x 179 cm

Morning Markets (Ink on Paper)
200 x 228 cm

Abstract Calligraphy

''When I write, impressions of paintings form in my mind'' - Lim Tze Peng

People might be stunned by some of his painting styles which has multiple Chinese characters seen overlapping each other. Lim prefer to emphasise on the expressiveness and elegance of strokes rather than the meanings of these characters. It is his stylistic breakthrough of abstract calligraphy which I myself heard for the first time, also known as 糊塗字.

I start to imagine myself looking at a painting instead of Chinese characters. Art has no right or wrong to me, just how each of us interpret each painting individually. My first image that materialized was a plantation. It might be due to greenish brown background. I see crops semi harvested, some left to decay as they were left alone. Towards the right middle of the painting, I must have spotted a house...

How about you?

Abstract Calligraphy 2

Fishermen Along the Seashore (Ink on Paper)
100 x 105 cm

I was staring at one of the largest and most eye catching painting in the gallery. The light brownish tones produced the same historic feeling that was felt across most of his paintings. The feeling of wanting to be there, strolling across the same river which our forefathers had once walked through. That feeling was surreal.

Feel free to visit IMPRESSIONS (墨韵) by Lim Tze Peng Exhibition. It would be great to view some historical moments as well as modern calligraphy.

Date: 13 Oct - 30 Nov 2015

Time: 11am - 9pm (Sun - Thur) ; 12 noon - 10pm (Fri - Sat)

Venue: Ode to Art Raffles City Gallery

Free Entry

6 Oct 2015

I could already hear shouts of excitement and splashing sounds even before I caught sight of the uniquely shaped pool. Rows of beach chairs lined up along the curves, mostly laying with adults sun tanning and relaxing while their children were happily taking a dip. The lively atmosphere tempted me to strip and jump into the pool with a splash as well! Besides the pool, there were also children slides, splash pad, all complimentary access as part of the Sunday Garden Party at Barnacles By The Sea.

While making my way to Barnacles By The Sea after being wowed by the architectural design of the resort, I met a 3-foot long monitor lizard which I later learned from the chefs that it was a regular customer of this place. Don't be afraid, it is harmless.

As I entered the spacious restaurant, my eyes were already darting towards the buffet spread. I caught sight of the fresh seafood section, attention seeking reddish hues from their shells as well as a containment of juicy-big shucked oysters on ice. Needless to say, this section was definitely the most popular among us!

As for me, I was quite inclined and impressed with the garde manger (cold dishes) section. The variety and quality of ingredients used was quite impressive I would say. Sushi, poached eggs with runny yolk, white/green asparagus with feta cheese, mozzarella cheese with tomatoes, sweet melon wrapped with parma ham, chilled crab meat, cold cuts, cold tomato soup and raw salmon related dishes. (Just some of the dishes that I actually remembered.) Of course not forgetting the salad section that contributed to the vibrant colours.

Don't miss the gourmet cheese selections imported from France! Bread sticks, fruits, nuts, sliced baguette and lavosh all set up and ready to compliment your cheese.

You definitely would not want to miss the feio gras terrine which I had, spread across a slice of baguette since the liver taste was a little overwhelming for me to eat it on its own.

I also had my fun decorating my salmon slice with colourful roes of salmon and sturgeon (caviars).

After a few rounds of garde manger, I finally decided to explore the other stations. Surprisingly there was a children's section where they had pasta, fried finger food as well as broccoli cupcakes?? An interesting way to get kids to have their greens! I almost laugh out loud (LOL).

I spotted the coffee and tea section as well! Biscotti and cookies available to go with your drinks? Anyway, I was satisfied with my glass of freshly squeezed orange juice while the rest had their alcoholic fill of white wine.

The mains were stationed outdoors but I was almost full from all the appetisers. Go ahead to try the Indian spread if you were more adventurous than me since I usually stick to my preference or comfort food. I tried the Peking duck, roast chicken, beef steak (well done by default) as well as lamb (medium rare by default). Ala minute pasta as well as soup of the day available too!

After stuffing myself silly with food and getting a little full, taking a walk around the place would definitely be a good idea, especially when the surrounding is greenery and seaside. Just outside the restaurant there would be a magic show going on, with the magician performing enthustically in front of a group of kids.

Balloon sculpting session is also available for kids! Check out the reaction of happy kids with balloons shaped like dogs or flowers. Also not forgetting the 3-men team of musicians performing in house while I enjoyed my meal.

The dessert section consisted of cut fruits, a 4-tier chocolate fondue, whole cakes, kuehs, macarons as well as mousse in petite cups. Yup, I tried everything as usual, including 5 scopes of ice cream from 'Gelato' brand (5 out of 8 types of flavours). Vanilla, raspberry cheesecake, cotton candy, pandan and passion fruit. For pandan, I felt that the taste was too overwhelming and artificial while the 'passion fruit' was actually pink guava dominant. The rest fared quite decent.

The buffet is every Sunday from 12 noon to 3pm and free parking on a first come first serve basic. Why not just take a stroll along the coastal line right outside Barnacles itself and not fret over your parking fees. Nice scenery, great place for a selfie/ootd as well as a great way to allow your food to slowly digest in your tummy after your buffet!

The Sunday Garden Party at Barnacles By The Sea is available at S$138++ per adult.

One child below 12 years dines free with every paying adult and additional S$28++ applies for each additional child (including free flow soft drinks and juices). (Include pool access.)

This offer ends at 15 Dec 2015.

For reservation or enquiries, please call (65) 6371 1966.

Thank you Hungrygowhere via Alvin Tan for the tasting invite as well as Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort and Spa for the hosting.

30 Sept 2015

I made my way up Robinson Point feeling slightly anxious as it was my first time attending a beauty related event. I was expecting to see other male bloggers around since Kris By Mence is a pioneer in men's skincare as well as body toning. I was wrong since the rest of the bloggers were females and treatments are also available for them too.

We got the privilege to tour around the clinic. I was quite impressed by the treatment rooms being so spacious, with the couple room large enough to be able to hold a 20 pax birthday party at least. A large TV screen as well as a glass walled shower cubicle spotted! I went to ask why was there only a shower cubicle for the couples. Do they share? Turned out that many people had asked the similar question before!

I get to take a picture with Kris By Mence's first celebrity spokesperson whom was the veteran radio DJ The Flying Dutchman.

He has a heart condition that prevented him performing intensive exercises, occasionally involved in a few business ventures and being a co host of One FM's #1 Breakfast Show on 91.3FM. It is nearly impossible for him to exercise the traditional way.

As a celebrity status, the more he would be conscious about going to the gym looking unglam, trying to workout with his big belly, feeling that all eyes were directed to him.

With help of Kris By Mence's customised management programme, he managed to regain his figure he used to have in his forties. His energy level is up, finally able to have an unobstructed view of his feet since his belly is gone.

Some weight lost facts he shared:

-Losing a total of 8kg; 5.3kg of fats

-Reducing visceral fat by 20%

-Dropping 2 pant sizes

-Surpassed his ideal weight of 79kg, a goal he has always wanted to achieve since 2013

-Jawline as well as neck tightened

He even joked that to lose weight, all he did was to SLEEP! (Yeah, during his treatments.)

Just some machines that would be used for the different treatments available.

Before any treatment, you need to go through a detailed body analysis that determined your overall body composition. Here's how the fat analysing machine's screen looks like. The data was mine I was in the acceptable range! Phew!

Anyway, check out their webpage for more information or call them for assistance.

23 Sept 2015

It wasn't exactly easy nor difficult to locate the venue where cakesonline.sg held their tasting. I arrived and I felt like I was attending a in-house party instead of a food tasting. Cakesonline.sg is actually a brand new online gourmet cake shop, ISO 22000 as well as halah certified.

I was in time and the first thing I did after placing my bag opposite miss chocoholic was to rush over to the beautifully set up table before anyone else started grabbing those irresistible petite cakes/tarts.
They even labelled the names of each individual cakes, arranging them artistically as if I were at a hotel buffet's dessert section! There were even mini chicken burgers, quiches as well as risotto which act as fillers in case we were not used to having desserts on an empty stomach.

Mini Sliders

Quiche

As the 'party' begins, I took one of each cake and tart for tasting, just like what I usually did in a buffet, before deciding to get repetitive ones later on. I started off with the Lime Meringue Tart and it happened to end up as one of my favourite! Beneath the slightly torched velvety meringue and within the super crunchy tart shell was the lime curd. The tartness was perhaps being too extreme to non-sour takers but I embraced that sensation that strike me hard, making me cringed a little.
I went for the Mixed Berry Tart next, and the crunchy shell remained consistent. Natural beetroot juice was said to be the tart's colorant, allowing it to gain a girly personality. I guess I would have squealed in delight if I were a girl, obsessed with the colour pink.
Being a cheese cake lover, it is not surprising that I would love their chilled (not baked) version of it. Spectaculoos Cheesecake had really low gelatin content, looking like they were in a semi dissolved collapsing state due to the warm room temperature. Ignoring that sight, I stuffed one into my mouth. It was so smooth, creamy and it basically melted down my throat. The lovely caramelized taste as well as the little crunch made it far from being mundane.
I had to 'borrow' the picture of Pistachio Raspberry Litchi Cake from Miss Chocoholic since I actually forgot to take a picture of it! I guess I must have been overly excited over these cakes! I took a second piece just to break down the different flavours since I only felt the rush of sourness from the raspberry. All because I popped the whole piece into my mouth. The lychee as well as the extremely mild rose flavour then surfaced and came into the picture.

Lime Meringue Tart

Spectaculoos Cheesecake

Mixed Berry Tart

Pistachio Raspberry Litchi Cake

That wasn't all, I then proceed on to the chocolaty ones which did not fare as well as those above. The Tiramisu was decent since I must have been too used to having ones with alcohol content. Chocolate Salted Caramel was thankfully not as gooey as it looks since I disliked desserts that could literally glue my teeth together. However, the saltiness overpowered the sweetness for this tasting portion.

I kind of liked the idea of using maltesers as a source of inspiration for the cake. The Malt-Teaser wasn't my favourite since it appeared too dry due to the malt cocoa powder. Kids would surely jump with joy upon hearing the name though.

There was a debate whether if the Eggless Blackforest Cake contained alcohol. Cakesonline.sg is halah certified and yet Miss Chocoholic and I thought that we had tasted alcohol in it. The truth had unfolded once Chef Evelyn came out to explain to us. (Chef Evelyn was Shatec trained and had 13 years of pastry experience.) The secret ingredient that mind fucked us was actually (..Sorry, I felt that it's a secret ; not convenient to reveal.) ! I was like 'Oh ya! Why didn't I distinguish that taste??'

Chef Evelyn was really nice to stay on to share some of her knowledge with Miss Chocoholic and I since we were so eager to know more about Cakesonline.sg. We constantly bombarded her with questions and she patiently answered them all!

(The pictures are in tasting portion. They sell whole cakes.)

Do check out their webpage as they provide free delivery service throughout mainland Singapore!