It's not everyday that you will be able to chance upon a unique restaurant or bar that serves fantastic food (unless you are the sort who really goes and hunt them down). And I was rather thrilled finding a fantastic buffet in an almost obscure part of Newton.

Just a 3 minutes walk from Newton MRT Station, my family and I went to Sheraton Towers open concept styled restaurant for lunch.

You have to admit that not every restaurant comes with a waterfall embracing the scenery. The beautifully landscaped garden really does wonders by creating a soothing ambience. 

I went for this buffet 2 weeks ago but only have time to put them up now because of my examinations. So I can't really remember all the names of the dishes (though I try), but I guess I should really allow the pictures to speak for themselves as much as possible.

Skewered Teriyaki Chicken

Ahh this was good. I enjoyed the smooth and tender chicken glazed with the teriyaki sauce on it. Served with pickled radish by the side, YUMMY!

Fantastic Roast Beef 

Now, its not everyday you come across a giant slab of roast beef all waiting to be carved, don't you?

Ask the chef for at least 2 servings when you order this. The meat has been perfectly roasted on the outside creating that all too good crispy brown texture for you to savour.

Though my only gripe about this dish was that it should have roasted a little longer. It was too rare for my liking, but then again that is a personal preference.

 

Left - Soba Noodles served with Eel and topped with salmon eggs

Right - Fresh prawns, quail egg with a garnish of black caviar

Now this is what I rave about at this buffet! The appetizers are superior!

I literally had about 4-5 servings of the appetizers. They are very well presented and each one its a unique creation in its own right. It's not your everyday fare at a buffet.

P.S I relished the prawns served nice and whole. *Craving for more....*

 

Salmon Appetizer served with fruit

Roast Duck served with jellyfish

Serving of Fresh Sashimi from the counter 

Ok, this is like the standard fare for all buffets in Singapore. (*At least to the ones I've been to and excluding Carnivore [ meat buffet ], vegetarian buffets...etc. etc.)

I presume most Singaporeans would grade the quality of a buffet by the quality of the sashimi served. If that were the case, I would give this place a 3.5/5 based on sashimi alone.

Maybe I am particularly biased because while they serve the usual Salmon, Tuna, and swordfish, they also serve the Sweet Prawns(Amaebi) which I so deliciously savour.

However, I would have expected a wider range of sashimi and their sushi selection was not actually fantastic. Hmmm, I think this is one area for improvement for them. Oh I so dream of the days when I was in Himawari Japanese Restaurant for that fantastic Sashimi buffet.

Creamy Seafood Pasta

Number one on my list! I am easily satisfied when pasta is around, especially good pasta. But my more discerning buffet lovers will all go like "OH MY GOSH, YOU DO NOT, EAT PASTA AT ANY BUFFET. IT FILLS YOU UP! GO FOR THE EXPENSIVE STUFF"

Haha, well that being true, I will stick to my sashimi (expensive) and caviar (expensive) more often, but I still want my pasta!

The creamy seafood pasta was well...creamy and the best part was that each morsel gave you that cheesy sensation in your mouth. Mmmmm, that lovely kick to the dish!

Mini Chicken Pies - Burpp.

Vietnamese Beef Noodles

Another surprising fare at the buffet. It's ok if you love noodles, and the broth was nicely done. However, I feel that if they really want to serve Vietnamese food, serve more! Not just one little noodle counter enshrined in some far away place hidden next to the cashier.

A perfect little Christmasy Picture. Ring any bells to you? 

 

Are these desserts enough to tempt you?

While nearly every buffet will have the standard fare of tiramisu, chocolate cake, chocolate fondue, I particularly enjoyed the fresh serving of cocktail desserts.

There was ice jelly, even little cups with jelly and berries inside sprinkled with silver icing powder (left). I thought that the dessert section was really there to impress, though it would be better if they served berries alone as a fruit.

 

I believe that would be a fine way to end such a delectable buffet experience and at a price for approximately $30++ per person, fabulous!

Ambience Rating : 4/5

Food Rating : 4/5

Overall Rating : 4/5

This buffet is the Weekend High Tea Buffet served on Sundays 12pm - 4pm

For reservations and enquiries on price please call +65 6839-5621

The Dining Room
Sheraton Towers Singapore Hotel
Thirty-Nine Scotts Road

Now who knew I would have a cube of amethyst lying around the house. This purple passion is truly a work of art from Nature and through the dextrous craftsmanship of a skilled messier, a beautiful cuboid is hewed right off the rock.

Its very unique how this striking piece of amethyst is able to give off a glow when seen in the sunlight (look above) - As though within the gemstone itself there was a light bulb shining its way out. Such a wonder.

Historically believed by the Ancient Greeks and Romans as a jewel that prevents harm and intoxication, it was much sought after by the nobles. Furthermore, the stone itself represents understanding, knowledge, and philosophy. 

However, this purple beauty is found in various hues as well. There are amethyst in brown, yellow, red and even pink. Just imagine a string of amethyst in different colours but all cut similarly. It would be almost like a glittering rainbow of mystical wonder.

 

For all you February babies out there, this is the gemstone that represents your month. A jewel with its extravagance in violet.

An exquisite collection from my mum's humble treasure cove.

The marvelous Jadeite, a tender beauty of nature with a history of ages old. In times past, Jadeite or commonly known as Jade has been considered to protect a person from harm and to bring him good luck. It is also thought of as a stone with healing properties and was frequently used in Chinese alchemy and medicine.

Jade, considered as the stone of heaven, was once a symbol of rank and nobility in Ancient China where it was heavily appreciated. The gem, with its lustrous shine, is found in a wide spectrum of colours and is also varied with its translucency from opaque to glass. The most precious of Jadeites are the rare few which bode an imperial green colour with a glossy surface and an exquisite translucent interior. 

I think Jade is one of the most fascinating gemstones. It exudes a pleasant calmness and gives a cool feeling to the touch. A sense of serenity which perhaps no other jewel can fulfill.

Every piece is unique and no two similar stones can be found. Each has its own beauty, colour and character. Artistically crafted by man, created beautifully by Nature where creation tells its own story and journey.

The precious love of my Mum's humble treasure cove....

Welcome distinguished guests to the annual Spring Chicken Fiesta Apparel Collection! *Loud tempo music plays in the background*  Our designer for this season is none other then Monsieur Chicken Roosterik himself, critically acclaimed Chicken Design Specialist by Chicken's Vogue International.

Today Monsieur Roosterik will unveil two of his hot and fabulous creations. So Hens and Roosters, please put your wings together for The Roosterik SPRING Collection!

Aren't I HOT!

Mademoiselle Henrita is wearing a glazed golden embroidery on her feathers, laced lavishly with sparkling crystals. The dress is complete with a three-hued ensemble skirt with magnificent reddish brown, rich teal and oceanific blue!

The Golden Egg 

A perfect outfit for all hens who are ready to lay their eggs! Note how the shine of the outfit goes well with the glow of a "just-given-birth-to-an-egg" hen.

The fashion designer

We are not complete without seeing Monsieur Roosterik's other work and this outfit will be brought out by the designer himself! This Spring Collection comes complete with the suit for the charming and hunky rooster. Note how the shine of the feathers really stand out, and with even more jewels, this outfit will certainly be a dazzle in delight.

Roosterik and Henrita make their chickenific appearance....*squawk* 

Now, lets one again welcome the two models on stage! *Squawk squawk squawk*

*Cheers, Camera flashes, loud tempo music.....*

We hope you have enjoyed today's fashion show of The Roosterik SPRING Collection. Outfits are a limited collection, so place your order today!

As the water flows,

It lives, it breathes,

And it remembers.

 

In the 2 years of our time

Coming as different chimes.

The hours we shared

The joy we spread

From one another’s smile

 

AJ our second home

With sounds of laughter

and the taste of tears

We made it until now.

 

Where we started as buds

To become a majestic rose.

A rising sun over the oceans

As we journey on.

 

Things may have changed,

and it will change for sure.

But what will always remain the same

Are the moments of magic

Which we had as one AJ.

 

To always care for each other,

Wherever we are,

Whatever we do,

In the spirit of

 

Non Mihi Solum

Blackforest (looks like Whiteforest though) cake from Bengawan Solo

Happy Birthday 17/07! One year has passed by so fast and we are soon ending our school term.

It seems like we are one of the few (maybe even only) class that does class birthdays each year. This class spirit that we have is what really binds us all together and I am very delighted to be with you guys =) We have been through so much, like Service Learning, Sandcastle Building and even today's Dinner escapade at some unknown restaurant at Upper Thomson. Till then, all the best for our future endeavours!

You light up my life ( or rather...cake)

Oh yeah the cake was quite delicious. Blackforest from Bengawan Solo. Nice and creamy with fruits on top and in between the layers of cake, I suspect that its either grapes or glazed cherries that have been laid to rest there. Hearty cake for the occasion!

I wrote this little speech and presented it to my secondary school when I was in secondary 2. Hope you enjoy it and be inspired =)

Reflect on all the great leaders in the world, how did they become so successful in their lives ? How did they make people believe them ? Were they inspired and have they inspired others. Inspiration can be found in everyone. The only mystery to many is how do we unlock it. Life is an ever ongoing cycle of inspiration. You inspire me, I inspire others, they inspire everyone.

Quoting an example from Martin Luther King Jr. Spurred by the racial discrimination between ‘ blacks ‘ and ‘ whites ‘ in America, he was thus inspired and motivated to become mobilized in the movement of civil rights and racial equality. His most recognized words were “ I have a dream… “ This short phrase alone was his way of inspiring others. If we instill in ourselves this inspiration, we too can succeed in life, just like Mr King did.

Never be fearful in thinking that inspiring others is an impossible task. Everyone has this ability to inspire others. Without your knowing, you may have inspired others. If you have an inspiration, go for it. That inspiration would then be your source of motivation. Never listen to those who try to belittle you. They may laugh and ridicule, jeering about you going to inspire others. Although you are only one person, and the world may seem impossible, you can try with the person next to you. Start small and work your way. When you inspire others, you are the world to them

Haha, this thought came across my mind this morning as I was having breakfast at the local coffee shop. In this particular world of ours, I believe that there are few, if not Singapore is the only country who has unique beverages made from everyday drinks.

This is not to say that there are no foreign countrys with their local drinks, but from a Singaporean perspective, I simply find it unique that for 4 types of beverages, we have so many varieties in total! And what's best about ordering the local tea or coffee at the coffee shop is that the drink aunty or uncle will wail in their loud voices :

"KOPI-O, LIANG BEI!" - Two cups of coffee without sugar.

Sometimes, it will be in the dialect they are familiar in, and boy when each time the drink aunty or uncle wails, will memories of the past strike a chord in me. I believe that this unique aspect of Singaporean culture is not obvious to many but the sound of good old nostalgia is still struck. While each day, we embrace fusion delights such as the Singapore Sling, or even more commonly soft drinks and other beverages, have we momentarily forgotten the roots of our beginnings? Well, as the generation moves on, perhaps its just an unavoidable fact of transition from the phase of warm and tender drinks to that of the fizzy era.

Nonetheless, I won't say that this feature of Singapore will become lost, but rather more subdued in nature. Still, it will be an interesting quirk while lifting a smile on the faces who remember the past.

And what are the common  4 beverages found in almost any coffee shop? Try guessing without reading on...lol

They are...

-Kopi ( Coffee )

-Teh (Tea)

-Milo (Chocolate Drink by Nestle)

-Horlicks (Malt Drink)

Here is a list of the common top 4 beverages, with the varieties and what they actually mean.

Traditional Name	What does it mean?
Kopi-O	Plain Black Coffee no sugar
Teh-O	Plain Tea no sugar
Milo-O	Milo with no sugar
Horlick(s)-O	Horlicks with no sugar
Teh	Milk Tea
Milo	Milo
Horlick(s)	Horlick
Kopi-C	Thick Black Coffee with sugar
Teh-C	Thick Tea with sugar
Kopi-C Siew Tai	Light Coffee with less sugar
Teh-C Siew Tai	Light Tea with less sugar
Kopi-O peng	Plain Black Coffee
Kopi peng	Iced Coffee
Teh peng	Iced Milk Tea
Teh- Ahlia	Tea with ginger
Teh-Tarik	Pulled Tea

and the list goes on....

Well, you know how it gets during lecture times, when the lecturer goes on and on and on, and sometimes you don't have a clue - you are not alone. Haha, so at times I am struck with writing little thoughts that dawdle in my mind and sometimes its about a particular moment in the day which struck me.

Perhaps you can guess what these poems are about? Comment about them =)

Of Age That Is Old

I see the similarity

in their eyes.

One of a poor tire

and solitude.

Their wrinkles may give

a smile, but

that is not what they are

thinking.

The beloved leaves

for the heavens and

the mind plays trials

on them asunder.

Nothing more

can

be

said

in an hour.

Welcome that I do not feel

The foreign soul that comes.

Amidst a place

fresh and unknown.

He wanders the halls,

the corridors - the footsteps

of a lingering ghost.

Young noise infatuate

the land of brick and walls.

While only silence

beckons the warmth to him.

Like ash disappearing

bit by bit,

so does his

very own personality.

Never Ending

The orange slips folded out,

in a bid to spread its farthest reach,

towards the green, the yellow,

the glory of the sun

from once its inner sleep.

The colour that lives,

the colour that sparks,

in boldness of orange, and

just a tinge of white.

Nothing says more,

of life that exists,

wherever we look,

whenever,

we gaze.

And tomorrow it begins

yet again.

I'm alone

Years passed for me to age,

yet now I am left by myself.

Friendship I had when the Rain Tree cared

but he too has long gone.

The sights are changing,

huge behemoths are beholding

What has happened to my friends?

In the middle of the vast plains,

there I stand,

desperate,

desolate

all alone next to mankind's creation.

Will the time come

when I have to discover my entire

family gone, not only here

but everywhere else where

my far-reaching branches can go.

If not,

it will be my own passing first,

to create a land barren once more

for the future.

My life, once more,

all alone.

This is me playing Greensleeves - David Nevue Style.

Recorded using my new Fujifilm FinePix Z10fd. All photos are taken using it as well.

Played by me =) Enjoy.

I finally managed and discovered that I had the time to upload me playing One Little Candle. Haha, hope you guys will like it though i think the piano is way out of tune. Any sponsors?

Comment it on what you think. There are some errors at the end though, be forewarned :)

When I was in Sec 3, I took part in this nationwide writing competition for Senior Citizens Day (yeah...there is such a day...lol). I remember my english teacher making the competition a compulsory event for all her students to partake in. Of course not all were sent in, it was made as a challenge, so surprisingly, after a few months when mine was submitted, I received a startling call that I had claimed top prize for my level. First time winning a nationwide competition, of course I was astounded, but it did show one thing which I believed in and that is if you write with your heart and your feelings, you are placing the very emotion into your words, something which mere description cannot achieve. So yeah, enjoy reading the essay.

Essay found in the entire post :