OWL Café Opens 2 New Branches With New Menu Additions

Hi Huneybees,

OWL Café has always been serving Straits Asian Food ever since it first opened in Star Vista. Well, the great news is, with the expansion of 2 new stores -Republic Plaza & Bedok Point, they have added new additions to their menu...

 

Toast with Kopi (Coffee) is the Singapore way of enjoying a nice tea breakfast or tea break. OWL Café has given it a new twist with its Signature Pumpkin Kaya Toast. I liked that they have used Ciabatta bread instead of the usual white bread and with the addition of pumpkin into kaya, it's almost like having a bread bowl of pumpkin soup. 

The Chicken Hae Chor Salad has always been my favourite and now that it is served as an appetizer in a cocktail glass, you can enjoy it in smaller proportions and save the tummy for more food. :)

Something refreshing would be the Seafood Fish Noodle. Thinking that it was Bee Hoon (Vermicelli), I was definitely in for a surprise. The noodles are made of FISH MEAT! 

This is something that you can't find in Singapore and I always have my "fix" whenever I drop by Hong Kong. 

Though it doesn't really taste that good as what I had in Hong Kong, I liked that this is a lighter version, with a whole lot more ingredients. This will be a favourite amongst those ladies who wana watch their diet!

 Another main to check out would be the Double Boiled Cordyceps Flower With Pork Ribs Soup and Glutinous Rice 'La Wei' Mushroom Sausage. It makes me miss my mum's cooking and it's nice to be able to find "home-cooked" food when you are out at work in the middle of the day.

And lastly is the dessert - Mango Pomelo Soya Beancurd. Though I'm not a huge fan of mango, I must say the beancurd was what surprised me. It's made with OWL's Soya Beancurd Pudding packaged mix and it taste so smooth, like those you can find handmade in the market. This is a summer must-have, so refreshing!

OWL Café  is located at:

• The Star Vista, #02-10&11 1 Vista Exchange GreenSingapore 138617Tel +65 6694 3537 

• Bedok Point, #01-07

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2 Oishii New Local Delights At Ramen Kagetsu Arashi

Hi Huneybees,

If you are J-crazy like me and have an exquisite palette for Japanese food, you would be delighted to find the 2 new additions to Ramen Kagetsu Arashi an Oishii delight.

The Ginjiro Ramen ($13.90) was the star of the show. Being introduced to me as rich in collagen, I was literally diving into the bouncy noodles with the sweet broth. What makes the bowl of ramen that special has got to be the broth. You could taste the sweetness of pork and with the very unique dried bonito and kelp flavour, I couldn't stop drinking it.

I do like the softness of the Cha Siew pork slice, but I was a little disappointed to find hard boiled eggs instead of the Ajitsuke Tamago (soft boiled egg) which I always prefer. But as the soft boiled egg changes the ramen broth, the hard boiled egg was chosen instead.

Of course, if you insist to have the soft boiled egg, you could always order it on the side.

The black pepper is specially flown in from Japan and try the soy sauce made from Kagetsu Ramen's secret recipe. which has been passed down from generation to generation.

And along with the Ginjiro Ramen, you can have a few add-ons to go with it. One that I would recommend would be the freshly crushed garlic. It enhances the taste of the ramen, making it not as sweet, yet bringing out the strong flavour of the pork bone taste in the broth.

Another would be to have the special in-house seasoned chives prepared daily. It may be a little spicy, but it gives every bite a special kick and oomph, a total twist for your taste buds!

Next, we had the Itameshi Dry Curry Rice ($12.90). Though the sausage was not a big favourite of mine, I must say the thin butter slice and the unique curry sauce when blended together with the slightly scorched rice and egg, it was heaven in my mouth.

I'm always a fan of the crunchy slightly burnt rice and to my surprise, the curry sauce was a little peppery instead of the usual sweet curry. It's very much closer to the fried rice style we have at Zi Char stores, definitely a must-go-to dish.

We also got to try their Gyoza ($6.00). The best way to enjoy the Gyoza-s would be to dip them in a mixture of shoyu, white vinegar and chili oil (layu) together. Totally a highly rated sauce, but consistency in their Gyoza-s is a must.

The first batch of Gyoza-s we had were a little soft, not "burnt" enough on the skin and the filling was definitely more bland compared to the second serving.  I was not a big fan of it though...

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Out of curiosity, I also tried the number 1 favorite seller in Japan’s Ramen Kagetsu Arashi -  the Arashi Genkotsu Ramen. 

The Genkotsu Ramen soup had a strong garlic aftertaste, and was overly sweetened with onion. The broth is not as thick as the Ginjiro Ramen. so if  you prefer something light, you could give the Genkotsu Ramen a try...

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Ramen Kagetsu Arashi 

• The Star Vista: 1 Vista Exchange Green, #01-41, Singapore 138617 | Tel: 6339 0335 
• Tampines 1: 10 Tampines Central 1, #02-09/10, Tampines 1, Singapore 539536 | Tel: 6854 0335
• The Cathay: 2 Handy Road, #B1-01/02/03, The Cathay, Singapore 229233 | Tel: 6736 3055

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/KagetsuRamen

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Win Tickets To See B.A.P.!!

Hi Huneybees,

Bang Yong Guk, Zelo, Him Chan, Dae Hyun, Young Jae & Jong Up will be here in Singapore on 8th Augugst 2013!!! B.A.P (BEST, ABSOLUTE, PERFECT), the 6-member boy group from South Korea will be here for their final stop for the group to mark the end of their tour in Asia as well as the members’ first ever full-fledged concert in Singapore.

Wana win tickets to see them?

F&N Sparkling Drinks is organizing a contest to give out 20 pairs of tickets to meet B.A.P upclose and personal at their concert through their ongoing facebook contest - https://www.facebook.com/FnNFuN. The contest ends on 23.59 hours, 4 August 2013.

It's very simple. 

1. Create a fun photo with F&N Sparkling Drinks (like the picture seen in the note: https://www.facebook.com/notes/fn/fns-win-tickets-to-bap-live-on-earth-singapore/10151580451528090 )

2) Send an email to fnnfbcontest@gmail.com with the title: F&N Sparkling Drinks – BAP Facebook Contest. The email must include the following:

• Your Full Name (as it appears on your NRIC or Passport):
• NRIC/Passport No.:
• Mobile Number:
• A Fun photo created with F&N Sparkling Drinks

Good luck and see ya there!

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My Grandma's Favourite OWL Coffee Has A Cafe Now!!!

Hi Huneybees,

Since 1956, OWL Coffee began its Straits Asian Coffee legacy. Through the years, OWL has been with us and available in convenient sachets and packages. My grandma has been a huge fan of OWL Coffee, even till today, she insists in her morning cup of thick, strong Kopi O.

Yipee! And now OWL has a Café! We can get specially brewed OWL Coffee right at OWL Café @ The Star Vista. Just a stone's throw away from Buona Vista MRT, the new baby of OWL is so convenient and refreshing.

Stepping into the Cafe, reminds me of my days working at a coffee place. The strong aroma welcomed me in and seriously, I'm so addicted to it, I couldn't bear to leave! Trust me!

And if there's beautiful weather of even at nights under the beautiful moonlight, you can choose the alfresco dining area...

NO! 3-in-1 coffee is not served here even though you can purchase them off the rack. Every cup of coffee is freshly brewed and they are flavours you can't find in their packaged coffee.

Interesting must try coffees would be the Gula Melaka Kopi (sweet!) as well as the rare, 100% authentic Kopi Luwak (Civet Coffee served with Coffee Caviar). Take your time to savour the coffees!

My Kopi Luwak came specially served in a tray and glass dome. Slowly open up and breath deeply for the strong aroma of the coffee. It's really like the cartoons where the smoke comes out drawing you close...

Coffee Caviar! I would say, don't start pouring everything into the coffee. Have a sip and the scoop a couple to go with it. That's how you can taste the wonderful coffee blend!

Hae Chor Salad with Oriental Dressing

Not just coffee, delicious food is also served here. If you are looking for an affordable place to chill out with your friends or looking for something special to eat, come find it all at OWL Café! The dishes are specially thought out by the chef and they all have the  

Spaghetti with Laksa Sauce

I would recommend starting off your meal with a salad and the interesting thing here is that the salad is served with Hae Chor (Prawn Roll). The portion is pretty big and filling, so be sure to share it!

 Assam Mango Chicken with Nasi Kuning

Assam Chicken Wings  

Don't miss out trying the high recommended Assam Chicken Wings or Assam Mango Chicken with Nasi Kuning too! They are slightly spicy dishes, but I'll say the burning's worth it! The taste is so authentic and you won't be able to find it elsewhere.

Have a cup of Calamansi Freeze or Soursop Freeze to "cool down".

If you are not too hungry or just looking for some bites during tea time, you can have the Otak-Otak (Spicy Fish Cake) Toast or Roti Bakar Assam Nanas (Tamarind Sauce Topped With Ham & Pineapple Slices).

What's amazing is that this is not your usual bread toast, no thick toast etc. It's actually Ciabatta Bread! My favourite Italian bread that's soft and fluffy on the inside and there's a thin layer of flour on the outside. The slight spiciness of the ingredients bring out the flavour and they both enhance each other's taste.

DESSERT Time!!!

Glory Hitam and Durian Pengat

Choose from the smooth silky beancurd or the fusion dessert that we are familiar with - Glory Hitam (Cold Pulau Hitam), Chendol (With Jackfruit Slices) or the orgasmic Durian Pengat! My high recommendation goes to the Durian Pengat, but be sure to share it and check the availability of the desserts as they run out pretty fast!

Front: Chendol (with jackfruit slices)

So gather your friends and head on over for a "Nanyang" time!

More information can be found at http://www.owlcafe.com.sg/

Owl Café

#02-10&11
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
Singapore 138617
Tel +65 6694 3537

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Wine & Dine at Ricciotti Pizza Pasta Grill

Hi Huneybees,

I was recently at the newly opened Ricciotti Star Vista for a food tasting session. The Star Vista is located right at Buona Vista MRT station.

Ricciotti, the home-style Italian restaurant (located at Level 1 of The Star VIsta #01-33 & #01-K2 ) is committed from the start to provide a relaxed and communal setting, that's centered on warmth and sincere food that tugs on one's heart strings.

Walking into the restaurant, it's this huge wall mural that caught my attention. All things Italian can be found right here in the drawing.

Ricciotti was first unveiled at The Riverwalk in 2004 with an aim to be the destination of choice for authentic yet affordable Italian food in Singapore.  Popular among locals and expatriates alike, a second outlet was opened at China Square Central a year later with the third outlet at The Star Vista mall. 

There's even Alfresco dining!

Calling all wine lovers!

Ricciotti is not only presenting a brand new outlet at The Star Vista, but also concurrently, breathing new life into the 8 year old brand. The newly named Ricciotti Pizza Pasta Grill will shed its more formal front and veer towards enhancing a more homely ambiance in an unfussy manner.

Other than changing the red and white checkered table cloths and white flatware, Ricciotti Pizza Pasta Grill has the good old Italian style of communal eating with sturdy wooden table and benches in a sleek stylish and comfortable environment.

The table setting even had a little crossword puzzle, brain quizzes and I was playing them like a kid before the food was served...

It was raining, so I asked for a nice warm cup of Hot Chocolate. It's a must-have! I had the thicker version and the drink was a little like pudding! NICE!

Now, it's time to introduce the food! Here are some of the food I tried that day and of course they are the restaurant's must try! For appetisers, we had:

Caesar salad with chicken

  Caprese (Mozarella cheese with tomatoes and fresh basil). My favourite! I love cheese and this combination is to die for!

Garlic and anchovy pizza bread

Fritto Misto (Combination of suppli, calamari, pollo fritto). I love the Suppli from this dish. It's my first time eating and what is it you ask? A fried ball of rice with cheese and eat it when warm!

The name itself is lots of fun as it literally means supplì “on the phone”, because if you open them when still warm, the cheese inside that has melted while cooking, will stretch between the 2 halves similar to the wire of a telephone.

Cozze (Fresh black mussels with toasted garlic bread in Marinara sauce). 

Who don't love mussels right?! The sauce is very tasty and I will say eat the mussels and don't forget to drink the sauce too!

Now, on to the main dishes. Please prepare a napkin before you go on reading. I bet you will be drooling non-stop!

1.5kg diavola chicken with Ricciotti’s spicy marinade

1.5kg grilled boneless whole chicken in Ricciotti’s signature marinade.

The special marinated chickens are tangy and well grilled. Opt for the non-spicy if you are afraid, but I definitely say go for the spicy marinade one. It's more tasty and even the sauce that comes along is so refreshing. I have not tasted that before!

Pizza Magherita

Pizza Magherita has the right amount of cheese and tomato sauce. Some said it was salty, but I loved just the way it is. But the surprise and must have is their signature Pizzotto. It is topped with bacon, egg, mushrooms, pomodoro and mozzarella. I would suggest break the egg yolk on top and spread onto each slice of pizza. I love the PIZZOTTO!!

 Pizzotto (Bacon, mushrooms, eggs, pomodoro, mozzarella)

400g pork ribs in Ricciotti’s own slow cooked style with glaze.

Woohoo! Dessert time! I love how they are all individually presented and each of them are not super sweet. My recommendation? Tiramisu and Soffiato!

 Lemon Meringue

 Ricotta cake with strawberry jam

Soffiato

Grandma’s Cake

Chocolate Brownie

Chef Gero Dimaria, the Executive Chef of Ricciotti aimed to bring authenticity to the restaurant by serving hearty Italian dishes and presenting them with a "cucina nostrana" (i.e. home style) feel. 

Tiramisu

 Garibaldi Cheese Cake

Here are some of the deals that you can find at Ricciotti Pizza Pasta Grill...

You can find Ricciotti Pizza Pasta Grill at:

1. Ricciotti Riverwalk
   20 Upper Circular Road
   #B1-49/50, The Riverwalk
   Singapore 058416
   Tel: (65) 6533 9060
   Opening Hours: Everyday 10am to 11pm
2. Ricciotti China Square
   3 Pickering Street, #01-36/37,
   Nankin Row, China Square Central,
   Singapore 048660
   Tel: (65) 6438 8040
   Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 11am to 11pm
3. Ricciotti Star Vista
   1 Vista Exchange Green, #01-33 & #01-K2
   The Star Vista
   Singapore 138617
   Tel: (65) 6694 4101
   Opening Hours:  Everyday 10am to 10pm

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