Indulge in Singapore’s Iconic Flavours @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre This National Day

Hi Huneybees,

Sofitel Singapore City Centre is delighted to launch The Local Table Afternoon Tea in celebration of Singapore's 58th birthday. Indulge in an epicurean afternoon tea experience, inspired by nostalgic flavours that are close to every Singaporean's heart.

Be charmed by 11 delightful treats, including five savoury items and six sweets, all carefully crafted to tantalise the taste buds. Highlights include Foie Gras Butter with Curried Caramelised Candy, featuring creamy foie gras atop a crispy toast, topped with candy wok tossed with curry spices; Plant-based Otah with Spiced Lychee Lime Salsa, which is a delightful twist on the traditional otah, elevated with spiced lychee lime salsa; as well as Musang King Durian Puff, with the treasured Musang King durian variety encased in a cream puff pastry, finished with luscious durian crème chantilly.

Savouries

Highlights include the Chilli Crab Roll, where chunks of blue swimmer crabmeat marinated in sweet, tangy chilli crab sauce are encased in a brioche bun and topped with caviar for a luxurious burst of briny flavour. 

Another treat which takes an innovative twist is the Foie Gras Butter with Curried Caramelised Candy – where creamy foie gras butter on a light toast is topped with caramelised sugar that is infused with curry and spices, resulting in a fragrant bite with layers of fun textures. 

No Singaporean would be a stranger to the Otah, where a plant-based alternative is presented here along with spiced lychee lime salsa, bringing together an unexpectedly delicious flavour and texture combination that elevates the Otah’s umami notes.

Sweets

From the highly valued Musang King to the familiar and aromatic scent of pandan leaves, relish an ensemble of exquisitely crafted elegant sweet treats incorporating everyday Singaporean flavours. Stealing the show is the aesthetically pleasing Musang King Durian Puff – where the treasured durian variety is encased in a cream puff pastry and finished with ‘spikes’ made of luscious durian crème chantilly. 

Another creation putting a spotlight on Singapore’s perennial favourite is the Pandan Chiffon Cake, which comes in the form of a fluffy and moist cake topped with silky coconut namelaka cream glaze and a touch of 24k gold flakes for a fanciful finish. No afternoon tea experience is complete without scones, and the Local Table version has taken the classic pastry for a local spin with Cempedak Scones served with house-made jackfruit jam and clotted cream.

The Local Table Afternoon Tea is available from 1 to 31 August 2023, from 2pm to 5pm in 1864. Priced at $118++ for a set (serves two persons), including a choice of two premium tea from TWG, or

barista-made coffee. For reservations or enquiries, visit https://www.sofitel-singapore-citycentre.com/offers/the-local-table-afternoon-tea/, call +65 6428 5000 or email HA152@sofitel.com. 

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Melt The Heat Away With Leeu SG's Merlion Ice Pop

Hi Huneybees,

When it comes to Singapore representing food, one might think of Laksa and Hainan Chicken Rice, now we have a new iconic dessert to call as ours too! Something to cool down in the sweltering warmth comes the Merlion Ice Pop and Esplanade Ice Cream by Leeu SG.

So, the Merlion Ice Pop (S$4.80), is endorsed by the Singapore Tourism Board (Of course right?!) and just as its name is a patriotic Merlion shaped strawberry and vanilla-flavored ice cream on a popsicle stick. It is not overwhelmingly sweet and reminds me a lot of strawberry cheesecake slurpie style!

My favourite ice cream would be the Esplanade Ice Cream (S$11.80), inspired by Singapore's durian shaped building - The Esplanade, where Leeu SG resides. Instead of being on a popsicle stick, this special ice cream comes in a pie crust base and it's made from fresh durian and shaped like one too!

Leeu SG - which means “lion” in the South African language of Afrikaans is the baby of husband-and-wife team of Jenn Wei Yeo and Valerie Liu. Leeu SG's creations are carefully hand-crafted using top-grade ingredients and are made in small batches to ensure quality and consistency throughout.

Aside from the 2 mentioned signature items, another eye-catching item on the menu is the strikingly pink and blue hued Fish Tail Soft Serve (S$6.80). You can choose from plain or charcoal flavoured taiyaki (fish tail) base - that has mochi inside, making it so chewy and yummy to pair with the soft serve on top. What's special is the blue ice cream. It is made from the trendy health food - Blue Majik. There is a very subtle hint of saltiness, that I find goes well with the sweet, warm fishtail bite base.

If you are looking for some thirst quenchers, Leeu has also a variety of milk or soda-based ice cream floats (S$6.80). 

A mini sample version of The Purple Fantasy

The Sentosa Breeze and The Red Dot features fizzy fruity soda base topped with soft serve; The Zouk-Out Cure has a yuzu lemon ginger soda base that can shake that hangover from last night; The Purple Fantasy is a taro smoothie served with the most adorable sprinkles on top of the soft serve, whilst The Old Timer is pandan milk topped with beancurd instead of a soft serve. It definitely brings back loads of childhood memories as well as a ton of Asian flavour.

In celebration of Leeu SG’s official opening, all visitors to the store can enjoy the signature Merlion Ice Pop and Esplanade Ice Cream at promotional prices: the Merlion Ice Pop is available at S$3.80 (U.P. S$4.80); while the Esplanade Ice Cream is available at S$8.80 (U.P. S$11.80). Unicorn floats are also available at $1 with every drink purchased!

Leeu SG
Address: The Esplanade Mall, #02-07, 8 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039802
Opening Hours: 12pm to 10pm daily
Instagram Page: @leeusg
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/leeusg/

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Ready, Get Set, ORDER NOW For Your Hello Kitty

Hi Huneybees,

It's the fastest fingers first! It's now time to head on over to https://onlinestore.mcdonalds.com.sg/ and get your the super adorable SG50 sets of Hello Kitty from McDonald's! Online ordering for the SG50 Hello Kitty set opens NOW!

Be the first to get them and you don't even have to do the queuing! Get them delivered straight to your house! This is what you get in the set of $80 (inclusive of GST and delivery).

Quick! Quick! Get yours now!!! 

Here's the link and another picture to entice you more -- https://onlinestore.mcdonalds.com.sg/

More information can be found here - http://huneyzworld.blogspot.sg/2015/07/mcdonalds-to-celebrate-sg50-with-hello.html

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McDonald's To Celebrate SG50 With Hello Kitty & All Things Singapore =)

Hi Huneybees,

Now here's another reason for Hello Kitty fans to start queuing again, as McDonald’s commemorates Singapore’s Golden Jubilee by celebrating SG50 with commerative SG50 themed Hello Kitty Plush Collectibles this July!

These cute adorable 6 exclusive SG50 Hello Kitty plush collectibles will feature Hello Kitty dressed in costumes representing some of Singapore’s most iconic characters including a Trishaw Uncle, Durian Lover and Samsui Woman.

Of course, if you hate the queuing session, you can do the pre-purchase of the McDonald’s SG50 Hello Kitty Special Collector’s Set Online and have them delivered to your doorstep in collaboration with DPEX Worldwide Express (S) Pte Ltd. Be sure to get you fingers ready and sit yourself in front of the computer from 11am on 20 July 2015 to grab the SG50 Hello Kitty Collector’s Set at onlinestore.mcdonalds.com.sg.

The Collector’s Set will comprise six SG50 Hello Kitty plush collectibles along with a Limited Edition Singapore landscape booklet (inclusive of six paper standees and six Hello Kitty cards) and six Extra Value Meal food vouchers valued at S$5 each.

• The set will cost S$80 inclusive of GST and delivery. 
• Customers will be limited to three sets per online transaction, available while stocks last.

But if you just wana get a particular Hello Kitty and prefer to do the queuing, be sure to keep note of these dates below. Collectors can look forward to a new design every Monday at 11am:

• Trishaw Uncle (From 27 July)*
• SG50 Parade (From 3 August)*
• Orchid Lover (From 10 August)*
• Durian Lover (From 17 August)*
• Samsui Woman: (From 24 August)*

*Whilst stocks last
*Hello Kitty Plush Collectibles will not be available via Drive-Thru, McDelivery and at KK Hospital and Tampines Kiosk

Each plush is available at S$5 with every purchase of an Extra Value Meal at McDonald’s restaurants. You can buy up to 4 Hello Kitty Plush Collectibles per store visit.

Do note: the McDonald’s Crew Hello Kitty Plush is  a Limited Edition launch and it will be available from 11am on 6 August 2015 onwards, available while stocks lasts too!

Not forgetting to not waste food, there is also an option for meal donation to The Food Bank Singapore Ltd (a local non-profit dedicated to collecting and allocating donated food to the needy).
You could indicate to donate your Extra Value Meals to the counter crew when placing the order and The Extra Value Meals will be donated in the form of food vouchers to The Food Bank Singapore Ltd’s network of member beneficiaries, including family service centres and eldercare homes.

THAT'S NOT ALL!

It's SG50 celebration, of course there has to be some new limited period only menu additions too!
There's going to be Love SG50 Cones that will be sold during Singapore’s Golden Jubilee weekend, limited edition SG50 packaging for McDonalds’ food items that Singaporeans like best as well!

McDONALD’S SERVES UP CELEBRATORY LOVE SG50 CONES

Cool down and enjoy a delicious McDonald’s cone as the nation comes together to celebrate Singapore’s 50th birthday. Over Singapore’s Golden Jubilee weekend, from 7 to 9 August 2015, McDonald’s Singapore will be selling limited edition Love SG50 Cones available for just 50 cents each. These celebratory Love SG50 Cones will feature the classic Vanilla Soft-Serve, loved by many, in an iconic red cone.

CELEBRATING SINGAPOREANS

McDonald’s will also roll out limited edition SG50 packaging of three Singapore favourites – McSpicy®, Twister Fries and Filet-O-Fish®. In place of their usual packaging, SG50 packaging designs will feature colloquial Singaporean phrases and quotes that customers have used at McDonald’s - such as “Steady Bom Pi Pi” and ”Shiok”. The limited edition SG50 packaging designs will be available from 23 July 2015 across all restaurants, while stocks last.

In addition, McDonald’s Singapore has created a commemorative SG50 video that celebrates the different cultures, nuances, reactions and words that are uniquely Singaporean. This shared spirit, shared bond and shared knowledge that we are all one people will be depicted through a series of scenes depicting Singaporeans’ everyday moments at McDonald’s. The video will be aired on free-to-air television and online via YouTube, Facebook and MSN from 27 July 2015. So stay peeled!

So, what do you think of the McDonald's SG50 celebration items? Will you be rushing down to the restaurants like me too?

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Be Early To Get The Limited Edition 'SG50 x DEPRESSION' T-Shirts ~~~

Hi Huneybees,

Ready for SG50? If you are looking for something to wear this August, why not take a look at Singapore fashion label - DEPRESSION commemorative T-shirt collection titled 'SG50 x DEPRESSION'. 

The challenge?  To design 50 different limited edition t-shirts to celebrate Singapore's 50th Birthday. From pop art to street wear, the team spent 1 year to research and created these special Singaporean designs that will resonate with every single of us.  There's even 3 special Mr. Lee Kuan Yew tribute pieces!

"Lee Kuan Yew is the founding father of Modern Singapore and the only man I'll ever respect. It is our honor to be able to pay tribute to him through art and fashion" --- Kenny Lim, designer of Depression 

“We are very proud to call Singapore home, and in fact, Kenny and I were there to brave the rain during the final send off. One of the designs is dedicated to that Sunday. And I also hope this collection will give Singaporeans and foreigners living here a better appreciation and understanding of our culture” --- Andrew Loh, designer of Depression

The entire DEPRESSION team (including the design, retail and merchandising departments) has come together for the first time to contribute their ideas to keep it uniquely Singaporean. Do look out for some of the designers’ favorite pieces like the quirky ‘I Love Laksa’, ‘Heartlander’ and ‘Lorong Lew Lian’!

But here's the catch, there is only 1 piece for each design is available only in one piece! You have got to be early to grab the design that you fancy. These t-shirts will be retailing at at S$89 each and will be available from July at SECTS SHOP located at Orchard Gateway.

For more details and enquiries, visit www.depression.com.sg or follow the shop's instagram @sects_shop.

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I LOVE DURIANS!!! - Durian Mobilisation 2014

Hi Huneybees,

Here I am revealing me weakest link - DURIANS! I can never resist anything with a durian topping and whenever it is durian season, you will be finding me hoarding basket-loads of durian home to enjoy with my family.

So naturally, you will find me at the Durian Mobilisation 2014 at Telok Ayer Green Community Centre! This year, hubby and I joined 350 people enjoying the "King of Fruits". Everyone sat together to share their stories of when they had durians, shared interesting stories and it was a lovely lead up to building friendships and bringing the nation closer together!

The event was co-organised by the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM) and prominent food blogger Dr Leslie Tay, of ieatishootipost.sg. Now into its seventh year, and fourteenth edition, the durian degustation was first started by Dr Tay in 2008 to help durian lovers gain a deeper appreciation for the different varieties. This annual gathering has since grown into an event where firm friendships are  initiated  as  durian  lovers come  together  to  taste,  learn and  share their stories and opinions about the fruit.

Beneficiaries from The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund were invited to join in at the event and enjoy the durian feast with the participants. Part of the proceeds will be donated to charity organisations Goducate, which is a non-profit that seeks to provide  a  better  life  for  needy  children by  empowering  them  with  education,  and Prison Fellowship Singapore, a charity  that  runs programmes  to help prisoners and ex-offenders, as well as their families.

There were 2 varieties of the durians to be eaten that night - the buttery Mao Shan Wang  猫山王 and the fleshy D24. Every durian was opened, checked for quality before being served to us, all thanks to Ah Seng Durian.

The Mao Shan Wang is named after Gua Musang town, the main fruit trading centre in Kelantan, Malaysia. The cultivar is originally from the town of Tanah Merah, also in Kelantan. The texture of thick Mao Shan Wang flesh is rich and creamy, sweet to the palette and it is easily identifiable by the characteristic brownish 5-arm "starfish" at the base of the Mao Shan Wang. The arms warp around the base of the durian and run up to the middle of the shell as if it is trying to hold it together tightly.

This young Jedi has leanrt the art of opening and sharing the durian...

Whilst the D24 durian on the other hand is has a stem shorter than a Mao Shan Wang, greener shell on the outside but the flesh is a paler yellow shade. The seeds are big and the light, fluffy texture that can be likened to low-fat margarine. It may taste a little bitter, but it also comes with a tinge of sweetness to balance things up.

Well, durians can make your body constitution heaty, so it was lovely that they even arranged for mangosteen for us to counteract the effect. Another way if you don't want to have sore throat the next day, simply drink water from the durian shells you can even add a dash of salt to go with it.

And a last tip for those who don't want the durian lingering "fragrance" on your fingers, you can simply use the durian seed as a soap and wash those fingers in the water filled shells as well. See, that's how useful and tasty the "King of Fruits' is!

If you have not tried durians before, all I can say is "WHY NOT?!" You have got to try it and I bet you will fall in love with them like me! So here's leaving you with more photographs from that evening...

For more information, please visit www.kindness.sg.
You can find Ah Seng Durian at BLK 20 Ghim Moh Market, #01-197, Singapore 270020.

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