http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/want-flat-abs-4-reasons-to-stop-doing-crunches-2478751/
. Your spine is already flexed—don't make it worse
If your day is spent hunched over a computer or a steering wheel, your spine is in a constantly flexed position, leading to poor posture and a weak core. So why would you worsen the problem with spine-flexing exercises like crunches? You need to do moves that help prevent or correct misaligned posture.
8 Innovative Moves to Polish Your Posture and Slim Your Stomach
2. The terms “core” and “abs” are not interchangeable
Crunches work your abs, but for the biggest benefits, you need to work your entire core, which is made up of the four layers of the abs (rectus abdominis, external and internal obliques, and transverse abdominis), hip flexors, spine extensors, hip adductors (inner-thigh muscles), hip abductors (including gluteus medius), and multifidus.
12 Foods Your Abs Will Love
3. Move more and often if you want to spare yourself an expanding waistline
Consider this stat: Each 10 percent rise in sedentary time is associated with a 3.1-centimeter larger waist circumference. Researchers found that, of the subjects they studied, the waist measurements of people who got up most often were more than two inches smaller than those of people who got up the least.
Sneaky Ways to Lose Weight at the Office
4. Shedding belly flab is not just about gym time
A study found that while a group's average weight loss after a 12- week fitness program was about eight pounds, individual results ranged from a loss of 32 pounds to gains of almost four pounds. So although exercise is key for shedding belly flab, weight control still comes down to calories. To drop weight, you have to burn off more of them than you take in.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/healthieryou/10-fitness-tools-should-be-using
Odds are, your gym is littered with fitness tools like BOSUs, kettlebells and pilates rings, but if you’re not using them, you’re missing out big-time—and you may even be wasting time during your sweat sessions by not getting the results you crave. Case in point: A pilates ring is proven to help increase the tush-toning power of a standard squat by a whopping 50 per-cent! Ready to upgrade your workout? Use this easy-to-follow gizmo guide from SELF, which gives you the 411 on your soon-to-be favorite gear, plus fun, effective moves to tone and tighten all over. Give them a go today—do them three times a week and we guarantee they’ll help make you slim!
STABILITY BALL
Crunches are up to 38 percent more effective on this inflatable orb, which comes in three sizes (55, 65 and 75 centimeters). For the right fit, your thighs should be parallel to the floor when seated. For proven gut shrinking, try the rollout, says Michele Olson, Ph.D., professor of exercise science at Auburn Montgomery University. This stomach slimmer was rated most effective at firing ab muscles compared with six other ball moves, according to a study in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy.
The rollout
works abs, arms, back
Kneel on the floor behind the ball. Place your forearms on top of the ball, hands clasped, to start. Contract your abs and roll the ball forward as far as possible without bending your back or hunching shoulders (as shown). Hold for 2 counts, then return to start for 1 rep. Do 2 sets of 15 reps.
MEDICINE BALL
A soft, weighted medicine ball is as versatile as dumbbells but easier to hang on to, especially during dynamic moves that require twisting, swinging or throwing. (Ever try hurling a dumbbell? Please don’t!) The balls range in size from 2 to 30 pounds. Start with a 4-pounder; if you can fly through 12 reps unfazed, increase by 2-pound increments until you feel fatigued by the final rep, says Paul Katami, a trainer in Hollywood, California. To sculpt jiggle-free arms while taming your tummy, try the power-packed suitcase crunch.
Suitcase crunch
works abs, shoulders, butt
Lie faceup with your legs straight, arms extended behind your head; hold the ball with both hands above the floor. Bring your left knee toward your chest as you lift your upper back off the floor and bring the ball to your left foot (as shown). Return to start. Repeat on the opposite side for 1 rep. Do 2 sets of 12 reps.
KETTLEBELL
Quick physics: Because all of a kettlebell’s weight (5 to 100-plus pounds) is in the cast-iron ball, not the handle, momen-tum is on your side during swinging moves, so you can likely hoist twice your typical heft. The quirky shape (teapot sans spout) also creates a long lever, providing unique resistance during static strength moves. The gunslinger capitalizes on that leverage, leaving your biceps no choice but to get buff!
Gunslinger
works biceps
Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Hold the kettlebell in your right hand at your side. Keeping your elbow at your side, curl the bell toward your right shoulder until the bottom of the bell is pointed forward like a pistol (as shown). Lower to start. Do 12 reps. Repeat on opposite side.
BOSU
If you cut a stability ball in half and slapped a plastic base on it, you’d get the BOSU. Think of this balance trainer as a surfboard for landlubbers: Staying steady while standing on it activates your abs. Most people stand on the squishy side, but for an even more effective balance challenge, flip the BOSU over (it does mean “both sides up”), says Rich Barretta, who owns a private training studio in New York City. Now you’re working to steady yourself and the BOSU, so during our tush-tightening, saddlebag-busting side kick, your abs are working, too!
Side kick
works abs, hips, butt
Stand with your right foot centered on the flat side of the BOSU; step your left foot back and to the right on floor, arms out to the sides at shoulder height. Balance on the BOSU, swinging your left foot out to the side at hip level (as shown). Return to start. Do 10 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
BODY BAR
Unlike a barbell, the weight on a body bar is evenly distributed along its 4-foot length, keeping you balanced. (Imagine you’re a tightrope walker.) The bars are covered in rubber for a comfy grip and range in size from 4 to 36 pounds. Start with an intermediate-level 12-pound bar and go heavier or lighter from there, suggests Lashaun Dale, national creative manager for Equinox Fitness Clubs. Grip the bar during our pullover bridge to fight arm flab and keep your body in proper alignment.
Pullover bridge
works butt, arms, abs, thighs
Lie faceup with knees bent, feet flat, hips lifted; hold bar at waist with both hands to start. Lower hips to floor as you ex-tend right leg, bend elbows and reach bar behind head (as shown). Return to start. Repeat on opposite side for 1 rep. Do 20 reps.
STEP
This is no ’80s flashback—the deck popular in high-impact aerobics classes is also a universal toning tool. Add risers to customize the height on this use-anywhere weight bench, Dale says. Do the decline squat to downsize your butt and thighs while going easy on knees. Standing downhill helps perfect your form: You can sink deep into the squat without bringing knees too far over ankles.
Decline squat
works abs, butt, thighs
Put three risers under one side of the deck. Stand facing downhill, arms extended at shoulder height. Squat, then move your right heel down the step, toes up (as shown). Stand, extending your right leg forward at hip height, bringing your arms behind you. Return to start. Repeat on the opposite side for 1 rep. Do 2 sets of 12 reps.
FOAM ROLLLER
Foam tubes come in 12-inch and 3-foot sizes and are generally used for rolling out tight, achy muscles, especially in the quads, hamstrings and calves. The fancy name for the technique is self-myofascial release—it’s basically a sports massage minus the masseuse. During the treasure chest, the roller also has your back: Lying on it releases tension in the muscles around your spine and forces you to balance, for firmer abs, says trainer DeAnna Bellamy, a corrective exercise specialist and owner of Body Revolution in Chicago.
Treasure chest
works chest, shoulders, triceps, back, abs, hips
Lie faceup on the roller with your head supported, knees bent and feet flat. Hold a 5-pound dumbbell in each hand, arms bent 90 degrees. Contract your abs to stabilize and extend your arms up (as shown). Return to start. Do 2 sets of 15 reps.
YOGA BLOCK
Not-so-flexible yogis lean on these foam blocks to maintain proper alignment during poses or sit on them for bonus back support. In the serving tray, the tone-up toy hangs in the balance, and keeping it stable helps to shrink your stomach as you lean your legs, says Kristin McGee, a yoga and pilates instructor in New York City.
Serving tray
works abs, butt, thighs
Lie faceup with your legs extended on the floor, arms at your sides. Bend your right leg toward your chest, toes turned out, and place the block on top of your foot to start (as shown). Balance the block on your foot as you extend your leg straight up. Return to start. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
PILATES RING
Pilates devotees believe in the magic circle—a 13-inch soft rubber ring with comfort grips that adds resistance to basic body-weight exercises. Step into the ring and you’ll increase the tush-toning power of a standard squat by 50 percent, accord-ing to a study from The Journal of Applied Research.
Ring squat
works butt, hips, thighs
Stand with the ring around your thighs, feet hip-width apart. Press out into the ring as you squat (as shown) until your thighs are almost parallel to floor. Return to start. Do 3 sets of 8 reps.
TRAMPOLINE
Hopping on a mini-trampoline, also known as an urban rebounder, is 68 percent more effective than running on a treadmill at a similar heart rate and oxygen intake, a NASA study finds. You can jump off the jiggle and go easy on your joints. While there’s no bouncing with the trampoline jackknife, there’s plenty of benefit. The rebounder’s unstable surface recruits even your deepest ab muscles, says fitness expert Jonathan Roche, who developed a trampoline workout system for Gaiam.
Trampoline jackknife
works abs
Sit on the trampoline, your back at a 45-degree angle, knees bent, feet on floor. Grip the sides of the trampoline. Maintain the tilt as you bring your knees toward your chest (as shown). Return to start. Do 2 sets of 15 reps.
STABILITY BALL
Crunches are up to 38 percent more effective on this inflatable orb, which comes in three sizes (55, 65 and 75 centimeters). For the right fit, your thighs should be parallel to the floor when seated. For proven gut shrinking, try the rollout, says Michele Olson, Ph.D., professor of exercise science at Auburn Montgomery University. This stomach slimmer was rated most effective at firing ab muscles compared with six other ball moves, according to a study in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy.
The rollout
works abs, arms, back
Kneel on the floor behind the ball. Place your forearms on top of the ball, hands clasped, to start. Contract your abs and roll the ball forward as far as possible without bending your back or hunching shoulders (as shown). Hold for 2 counts, then return to start for 1 rep. Do 2 sets of 15 reps.
MEDICINE BALL
A soft, weighted medicine ball is as versatile as dumbbells but easier to hang on to, especially during dynamic moves that require twisting, swinging or throwing. (Ever try hurling a dumbbell? Please don’t!) The balls range in size from 2 to 30 pounds. Start with a 4-pounder; if you can fly through 12 reps unfazed, increase by 2-pound increments until you feel fatigued by the final rep, says Paul Katami, a trainer in Hollywood, California. To sculpt jiggle-free arms while taming your tummy, try the power-packed suitcase crunch.
Suitcase crunch
works abs, shoulders, butt
Lie faceup with your legs straight, arms extended behind your head; hold the ball with both hands above the floor. Bring your left knee toward your chest as you lift your upper back off the floor and bring the ball to your left foot (as shown). Return to start. Repeat on the opposite side for 1 rep. Do 2 sets of 12 reps.
KETTLEBELL
Quick physics: Because all of a kettlebell’s weight (5 to 100-plus pounds) is in the cast-iron ball, not the handle, momen-tum is on your side during swinging moves, so you can likely hoist twice your typical heft. The quirky shape (teapot sans spout) also creates a long lever, providing unique resistance during static strength moves. The gunslinger capitalizes on that leverage, leaving your biceps no choice but to get buff!
Gunslinger
works biceps
Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Hold the kettlebell in your right hand at your side. Keeping your elbow at your side, curl the bell toward your right shoulder until the bottom of the bell is pointed forward like a pistol (as shown). Lower to start. Do 12 reps. Repeat on opposite side.
BOSU
If you cut a stability ball in half and slapped a plastic base on it, you’d get the BOSU. Think of this balance trainer as a surfboard for landlubbers: Staying steady while standing on it activates your abs. Most people stand on the squishy side, but for an even more effective balance challenge, flip the BOSU over (it does mean “both sides up”), says Rich Barretta, who owns a private training studio in New York City. Now you’re working to steady yourself and the BOSU, so during our tush-tightening, saddlebag-busting side kick, your abs are working, too!
Side kick
works abs, hips, butt
Stand with your right foot centered on the flat side of the BOSU; step your left foot back and to the right on floor, arms out to the sides at shoulder height. Balance on the BOSU, swinging your left foot out to the side at hip level (as shown). Return to start. Do 10 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
BODY BAR
Unlike a barbell, the weight on a body bar is evenly distributed along its 4-foot length, keeping you balanced. (Imagine you’re a tightrope walker.) The bars are covered in rubber for a comfy grip and range in size from 4 to 36 pounds. Start with an intermediate-level 12-pound bar and go heavier or lighter from there, suggests Lashaun Dale, national creative manager for Equinox Fitness Clubs. Grip the bar during our pullover bridge to fight arm flab and keep your body in proper alignment.
Pullover bridge
works butt, arms, abs, thighs
Lie faceup with knees bent, feet flat, hips lifted; hold bar at waist with both hands to start. Lower hips to floor as you ex-tend right leg, bend elbows and reach bar behind head (as shown). Return to start. Repeat on opposite side for 1 rep. Do 20 reps.
STEP
This is no ’80s flashback—the deck popular in high-impact aerobics classes is also a universal toning tool. Add risers to customize the height on this use-anywhere weight bench, Dale says. Do the decline squat to downsize your butt and thighs while going easy on knees. Standing downhill helps perfect your form: You can sink deep into the squat without bringing knees too far over ankles.
Decline squat
works abs, butt, thighs
Put three risers under one side of the deck. Stand facing downhill, arms extended at shoulder height. Squat, then move your right heel down the step, toes up (as shown). Stand, extending your right leg forward at hip height, bringing your arms behind you. Return to start. Repeat on the opposite side for 1 rep. Do 2 sets of 12 reps.
FOAM ROLLLER
Foam tubes come in 12-inch and 3-foot sizes and are generally used for rolling out tight, achy muscles, especially in the quads, hamstrings and calves. The fancy name for the technique is self-myofascial release—it’s basically a sports massage minus the masseuse. During the treasure chest, the roller also has your back: Lying on it releases tension in the muscles around your spine and forces you to balance, for firmer abs, says trainer DeAnna Bellamy, a corrective exercise specialist and owner of Body Revolution in Chicago.
Treasure chest
works chest, shoulders, triceps, back, abs, hips
Lie faceup on the roller with your head supported, knees bent and feet flat. Hold a 5-pound dumbbell in each hand, arms bent 90 degrees. Contract your abs to stabilize and extend your arms up (as shown). Return to start. Do 2 sets of 15 reps.
YOGA BLOCK
Not-so-flexible yogis lean on these foam blocks to maintain proper alignment during poses or sit on them for bonus back support. In the serving tray, the tone-up toy hangs in the balance, and keeping it stable helps to shrink your stomach as you lean your legs, says Kristin McGee, a yoga and pilates instructor in New York City.
Serving tray
works abs, butt, thighs
Lie faceup with your legs extended on the floor, arms at your sides. Bend your right leg toward your chest, toes turned out, and place the block on top of your foot to start (as shown). Balance the block on your foot as you extend your leg straight up. Return to start. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
PILATES RING
Pilates devotees believe in the magic circle—a 13-inch soft rubber ring with comfort grips that adds resistance to basic body-weight exercises. Step into the ring and you’ll increase the tush-toning power of a standard squat by 50 percent, accord-ing to a study from The Journal of Applied Research.
Ring squat
works butt, hips, thighs
Stand with the ring around your thighs, feet hip-width apart. Press out into the ring as you squat (as shown) until your thighs are almost parallel to floor. Return to start. Do 3 sets of 8 reps.
TRAMPOLINE
Hopping on a mini-trampoline, also known as an urban rebounder, is 68 percent more effective than running on a treadmill at a similar heart rate and oxygen intake, a NASA study finds. You can jump off the jiggle and go easy on your joints. While there’s no bouncing with the trampoline jackknife, there’s plenty of benefit. The rebounder’s unstable surface recruits even your deepest ab muscles, says fitness expert Jonathan Roche, who developed a trampoline workout system for Gaiam.
Trampoline jackknife
works abs
Sit on the trampoline, your back at a 45-degree angle, knees bent, feet on floor. Grip the sides of the trampoline. Maintain the tilt as you bring your knees toward your chest (as shown). Return to start. Do 2 sets of 15 reps.
Rain - Train
http://sg.yahoo.matchmovegames.com/newsarticle/rain-workout
tep 1: The Burpee
From a standing position squat down, place your hands flat on the ground and jump your feet back to assume a push-up position. Do a push-up. Jump your legs forward to between your hands then jump up into the air bringing your knees to your chest and your hands into the air over your head. This makes one complete move. Repeat 20 times.
Rev it up: To increase intensity, do descending sets. After 20 repetitions, stop to catch your breath. Then, do 19 burpees. Catch your breath, then do 18.
Watch how to do a burpee here.
This full body workout alone covers most muscles groups, not to mention good cardio exercise.
Step 2: Upper Body - Shoulders, Triceps and Chest
Pushups
These three parts of your upper body go hand to hand. Most upper body exercises you do work out all three areas so don’t worry about variety; be concerned with the load instead. Start with normal pushups and then move into wide arm pushups and finally diamond pushups. When you get comfortable of doing 3 sets of 20 negative slow (that means doing the motion really slow on the way up), get into the inclined and declined pushups mode.
Dips
There is probably nothing even close to being as effective as dips for a chest and tricep workout. Pull two chairs, blocks or anything of similar height to your shoulder length. Press down your palms on both of these platforms and watch your arms break. Make it more challenging by widening the space between your two chairs. Make it even more challenging by adding weight onto your core, like your college textbooks or something equally heavy. 3 sets of max reps or until muscle failure.
Step 3: Core
Prone Bridges
Forget about situps. They’re boring and you’ll never get the correct form anyway. Prone bridges on the other hand, will give you a sick workout with little room for errors. All you need to do is to enter the prone bridge mode and stay there for as long as you can. Looks and sounds easy? Start with 3 sets of 1min.
Inverse Crunches
A little technical but nonetheless just as efficient, inverse crunches are designed as able replacements for situps. If find this too simple, use the proven formula of doing it very, very slowly.
Step 4: Lower Body – Thighs, Calves and Gluts
Squats & Weighted Squats
The basic form of squats is really simple. Stand shoulder length wide and squat until your thighs are parallel to the ground, rise until you move into your original position and repeat many times. Want to wow yourself? Fill two pails full of water, slot a strong metal pole in between the handles and rest the entire contraption on your shoulders, THEN do your squats. It’s easy to get wet under such circumstances so up the fun by punishing yourself for getting wet. Each time you lose water in the pail, you repeat the set until you don’t.
Calf Raises
Stand straight, lift yourself until you’re on your toes and repeat. Calf raises are extremely simple but require a lot of repetitions to see results so work on it continuously until you feel tired. When you feel your calves tiring, congratulations, you’ve just completed your warmup set. Take note of the number of reps and increase that number by 5 progressively. Again, go for 3 sets.
Step 5: Cardio
Jumping Jacks
A really primitive way of sweating yourself out with no space nor equipment is to just jump. Jumping jacks don’t even require a rope so you can’t even throw out the excuse of getting whipped by it. Get 100 reps in and you’ll start panting in no time. Of course you can always push it up to 300 if you’re up to it.
The prison workout routine is probably the best form of exercise for any lazy person out there. No gym, no travelling, no equipment for you to clean. All you need is a piece of space and you’re good to go.
tep 1: The Burpee
From a standing position squat down, place your hands flat on the ground and jump your feet back to assume a push-up position. Do a push-up. Jump your legs forward to between your hands then jump up into the air bringing your knees to your chest and your hands into the air over your head. This makes one complete move. Repeat 20 times.
Rev it up: To increase intensity, do descending sets. After 20 repetitions, stop to catch your breath. Then, do 19 burpees. Catch your breath, then do 18.
Watch how to do a burpee here.
This full body workout alone covers most muscles groups, not to mention good cardio exercise.
Step 2: Upper Body - Shoulders, Triceps and Chest
Pushups
These three parts of your upper body go hand to hand. Most upper body exercises you do work out all three areas so don’t worry about variety; be concerned with the load instead. Start with normal pushups and then move into wide arm pushups and finally diamond pushups. When you get comfortable of doing 3 sets of 20 negative slow (that means doing the motion really slow on the way up), get into the inclined and declined pushups mode.
Dips
There is probably nothing even close to being as effective as dips for a chest and tricep workout. Pull two chairs, blocks or anything of similar height to your shoulder length. Press down your palms on both of these platforms and watch your arms break. Make it more challenging by widening the space between your two chairs. Make it even more challenging by adding weight onto your core, like your college textbooks or something equally heavy. 3 sets of max reps or until muscle failure.
Step 3: Core
Prone Bridges
Forget about situps. They’re boring and you’ll never get the correct form anyway. Prone bridges on the other hand, will give you a sick workout with little room for errors. All you need to do is to enter the prone bridge mode and stay there for as long as you can. Looks and sounds easy? Start with 3 sets of 1min.
Inverse Crunches
A little technical but nonetheless just as efficient, inverse crunches are designed as able replacements for situps. If find this too simple, use the proven formula of doing it very, very slowly.
Step 4: Lower Body – Thighs, Calves and Gluts
Squats & Weighted Squats
The basic form of squats is really simple. Stand shoulder length wide and squat until your thighs are parallel to the ground, rise until you move into your original position and repeat many times. Want to wow yourself? Fill two pails full of water, slot a strong metal pole in between the handles and rest the entire contraption on your shoulders, THEN do your squats. It’s easy to get wet under such circumstances so up the fun by punishing yourself for getting wet. Each time you lose water in the pail, you repeat the set until you don’t.
Calf Raises
Stand straight, lift yourself until you’re on your toes and repeat. Calf raises are extremely simple but require a lot of repetitions to see results so work on it continuously until you feel tired. When you feel your calves tiring, congratulations, you’ve just completed your warmup set. Take note of the number of reps and increase that number by 5 progressively. Again, go for 3 sets.
Step 5: Cardio
Jumping Jacks
A really primitive way of sweating yourself out with no space nor equipment is to just jump. Jumping jacks don’t even require a rope so you can’t even throw out the excuse of getting whipped by it. Get 100 reps in and you’ll start panting in no time. Of course you can always push it up to 300 if you’re up to it.
The prison workout routine is probably the best form of exercise for any lazy person out there. No gym, no travelling, no equipment for you to clean. All you need is a piece of space and you’re good to go.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
It's in the Jimmy Choo
I'm a Hakka. They always say in Cantonese, "there is always a higher mountain." You never say you're better than people, and you always say thanks to people. My father always says to me, "Don't be afraid of spending money, but be afraid of not knowing how to make money."
Monday, April 18, 2011
Building the core muscles warm-up
CHEST - http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/upper-body-warmup/upper-body-warmup-cable-diagonal-raise.php#slidetop
ABS - http://www.menshealth.com/fitness/swiss-ball/page/2
http://www.menshealth.com/weight-loss/ab-exercises/page/1
ABS - http://www.menshealth.com/fitness/swiss-ball/page/2
http://www.menshealth.com/weight-loss/ab-exercises/page/1
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Food by Zubiri
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=675967&publicationSubCategoryId=81
Sushi Kappo Kobikicho is at 150 Legaspi St, Legaspi Village, Makati. Call 752-1280.
Swagat is at 119 Rada St, Legaspi Village, Makati. Call, 752-5669.
Sushi Kappo Kobikicho is at 150 Legaspi St, Legaspi Village, Makati. Call 752-1280.
Swagat is at 119 Rada St, Legaspi Village, Makati. Call, 752-5669.
Investing
Warren Buffett advised Indian investors seeking a word of financial wisdom from him, saying, “Invest in what you understand...don’t go outside your circle of confidence...don’t just buy and sell.”
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Rap of Jay-z
“I think it's every human's job to inspire others, to feed one another's senses. Inspiration begets inspiration times infinity. Imagine if the person that was inspired to create the phonograph didn't share it with the world.”
Saturday, April 9, 2011
A singapore happening blog
> http://mynjayz.com/2011/04/pictures-from-johnnie-walker-jet-black-party-singapore-2011/
Made in Taiwan
Taiwan beyond Taipei
Monday April 4, 2011 09:41 pm PDT
If you think Taiwan is all about Taipei, think again.
Taipei is, without a doubt, a bustling, metropolitan city with much to offer, but once you've had your fill of night market cuisine, gone up and down Taipei 101 and partied yourself out, it might be time to head south. Extend your Formosan adventure to the cities of Kaohsiung and Tainan and discover their many treasures. Rich history, gourmet delights and distinct regional culture await.
KAOHSIUNG
There are no direct flights between Singapore and Kaohsiung (for the moment at least), but it can be reached easily by high-speed rail from Taipei. Once you've arrived, you need only jump on the recently completed metro system (also called the MRT) to speed over to any of Kaohsiung's major tourist locations. Development in this harbor town is keeping brisk pace with that of its northern counterpart, Taipei, but unlike the capital, Kaohsiung is a planned municipality, which means wider streets and lighter traffic. Visitors will find Taiwan's second-largest city well into its evolution from an industrial hub to a modern metropolis.
Shopping Heaven
Tourists looking for a unique shopping experience can visit Dream Mall (789 Zhonghua 5th Rd., Qianzhen District, +886 (7) 973-3888, www.dream-mall.com.tw, MRT Kaisyuan Station), the largest shopping mall in Taiwan and secondlargest in Asia. If touring an endless row of upscale boutiques isn't enough for you, this titanic shopping complex is worth visiting for the spectacle of its rooftop Hello Kitty Ferris Wheel alone.
Seafood Island
Just down the block from Dream Mall is old Kaohsiung's Cijin District (it's a quick $0.65 ferry ride from the MRT Kaisyuan Station). The area is nestled on a slim island just off the city's western coast and is famous for its wide array of freshly caught seafood.
Midnight Madness
Foodies should flock to the Liuhe Night Market (Liuhe 2nd Rd., Xinxing District, MRT Formosa Boulevard). This sprawling snack emporium has been rebuilt by the government for maximum tourist-friendliness. Try the crab legs fried in basil and pepper before cooling down with Zheng Lao Pai's signature papaya milk. The market's 138 stalls also include games and shopping.
Romantic Riverside Views
Make your way over the Love River (MRT City Council Station, just one stop from Liuhe Night Market) before the stars come out. The aptly-named canal will surely stir romantic feelings in anyone who experiences its soothing ambiance, riverside cafés and live music beneath the streetlamps. Treat your loved one to a boat ride down the waterway and enjoy the lights of the city reflected on its shimmering surface.
Where to Stay
Kaohsiung 202 (202 Gwangfu 3rd St., Kaohsiung, +886 938-020- 304, www.kaohsiung-taiwan.com/202) is the spot for budget travelers looking for high-quality, low cost accommodation. The hostel is located right in the middle of the tourist area next to the Love River. Rates start at $12 per night.
For something a little more luxurious, stay at The Splendor Kaohsiung (1 Tzu-Chiang 3rd Rd., +886 (7) 566-8000, www. thesplendor.com). The tallest high-rise in Taiwan at the time of its construction, this glittering tower forms an essential piece of Kaohsiung's cityscape. The 74th floor deck offers one of the best views in the entire city. Rooms start at around $290 per night.
TAINAN
A short train ride from Kaohsiung, Tainan is Taiwan's oldest city and its former capital. Originally established as a Dutch trading base, Tainan is home to some of the island's most fascinating architectural sights. The city is also known as Taiwan's snack paradise.
Relics of Old Taiwan
Various periods of colonial rule have left Tainan with a collection of stunning relics. Anping Fort (82 Guosheng Rd., Anping District), originally called Fort Zeelandia, was built in 1620 by the Dutch. Its commanding views of the ocean make it a popular spot to watch the sunset. From Tainan Railway Station, take Tainan City Bus No. 2 and get off at the Anping Fort stop to get there.
Not far from the fort are the Chikan Towers (Section 2, 212 Minzu Rd., West Central District, 886 (6) 220-5647), formerly called Fort Provintia. The landmark, one of Taiwan's top tourist attractions, was later called "Tower of the Red-Haired Barbarians" by the Han Chinese. Like Anping Fort, the site is popular for its exquisite night scenery. To reach the Towers, take City Bus No. 5 from the Tainan Railway Station and get off at the Chikan Towers train station.
Snack City
Seasoned tourists know that Taiwan is a regional gastro hub and nowhere is that more true than in Tainan. Sample some "coffin toast," a fried bread box with any number of savory fillings such as prawns, crab, chicken and vegetables. Other signature foods include spicy duck's blood and candied guava. All can be found at one of the two dozen night markets throughout Tainan.
Salt Mountain
No trip to Tainan is complete without a hike up the Cigu Salt Mountain (66 Yancheng Village, Cigu). Originally the spot where the Taiwan Salt Corporation mined its product, the site looks like a snow-covered mountain from a distance. This man-made wonder is now open to tourists. To get there from Tainan Railway Station, take the Xingnan bus to the Jiali stop, from where you take another Xingnan bus (towards Qingkunshen) to Cigu.
Where to Stay
Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel (89 West Section, University Rd., Dong District. +886 (6) 702-8888) is Tainan's finest luxury hotel and it's located right in the heart of the city. Rates start at $150 per night. Tayih Landis Tainan Hotel (660 Section 1, Shimen Rd., +886- 6 213-5555, tainan.landishotelsresorts.com) is conveniently located near landmarks such as the Confucius Temple and Chikan Towers. Rates range from about $160 to $340.
Getting There
• Singapore Airlines flies three times daily to Taipei from about $1,180 (including tax)
• EVA Air flies daily to Taipei from about $800 (including tax)
• Tiger Airways and JetStar fly daily to Taipei from about $350 (including tax)
• High Speed Rail from Taipei to Kaohsiung (Zuoying Station) costs about $60 and takes around two hours
Monday April 4, 2011 09:41 pm PDT
If you think Taiwan is all about Taipei, think again.
Taipei is, without a doubt, a bustling, metropolitan city with much to offer, but once you've had your fill of night market cuisine, gone up and down Taipei 101 and partied yourself out, it might be time to head south. Extend your Formosan adventure to the cities of Kaohsiung and Tainan and discover their many treasures. Rich history, gourmet delights and distinct regional culture await.
KAOHSIUNG
There are no direct flights between Singapore and Kaohsiung (for the moment at least), but it can be reached easily by high-speed rail from Taipei. Once you've arrived, you need only jump on the recently completed metro system (also called the MRT) to speed over to any of Kaohsiung's major tourist locations. Development in this harbor town is keeping brisk pace with that of its northern counterpart, Taipei, but unlike the capital, Kaohsiung is a planned municipality, which means wider streets and lighter traffic. Visitors will find Taiwan's second-largest city well into its evolution from an industrial hub to a modern metropolis.
Shopping Heaven
Tourists looking for a unique shopping experience can visit Dream Mall (789 Zhonghua 5th Rd., Qianzhen District, +886 (7) 973-3888, www.dream-mall.com.tw, MRT Kaisyuan Station), the largest shopping mall in Taiwan and secondlargest in Asia. If touring an endless row of upscale boutiques isn't enough for you, this titanic shopping complex is worth visiting for the spectacle of its rooftop Hello Kitty Ferris Wheel alone.
Seafood Island
Just down the block from Dream Mall is old Kaohsiung's Cijin District (it's a quick $0.65 ferry ride from the MRT Kaisyuan Station). The area is nestled on a slim island just off the city's western coast and is famous for its wide array of freshly caught seafood.
Midnight Madness
Foodies should flock to the Liuhe Night Market (Liuhe 2nd Rd., Xinxing District, MRT Formosa Boulevard). This sprawling snack emporium has been rebuilt by the government for maximum tourist-friendliness. Try the crab legs fried in basil and pepper before cooling down with Zheng Lao Pai's signature papaya milk. The market's 138 stalls also include games and shopping.
Romantic Riverside Views
Make your way over the Love River (MRT City Council Station, just one stop from Liuhe Night Market) before the stars come out. The aptly-named canal will surely stir romantic feelings in anyone who experiences its soothing ambiance, riverside cafés and live music beneath the streetlamps. Treat your loved one to a boat ride down the waterway and enjoy the lights of the city reflected on its shimmering surface.
Where to Stay
Kaohsiung 202 (202 Gwangfu 3rd St., Kaohsiung, +886 938-020- 304, www.kaohsiung-taiwan.com/202) is the spot for budget travelers looking for high-quality, low cost accommodation. The hostel is located right in the middle of the tourist area next to the Love River. Rates start at $12 per night.
For something a little more luxurious, stay at The Splendor Kaohsiung (1 Tzu-Chiang 3rd Rd., +886 (7) 566-8000, www. thesplendor.com). The tallest high-rise in Taiwan at the time of its construction, this glittering tower forms an essential piece of Kaohsiung's cityscape. The 74th floor deck offers one of the best views in the entire city. Rooms start at around $290 per night.
TAINAN
A short train ride from Kaohsiung, Tainan is Taiwan's oldest city and its former capital. Originally established as a Dutch trading base, Tainan is home to some of the island's most fascinating architectural sights. The city is also known as Taiwan's snack paradise.
Relics of Old Taiwan
Various periods of colonial rule have left Tainan with a collection of stunning relics. Anping Fort (82 Guosheng Rd., Anping District), originally called Fort Zeelandia, was built in 1620 by the Dutch. Its commanding views of the ocean make it a popular spot to watch the sunset. From Tainan Railway Station, take Tainan City Bus No. 2 and get off at the Anping Fort stop to get there.
Not far from the fort are the Chikan Towers (Section 2, 212 Minzu Rd., West Central District, 886 (6) 220-5647), formerly called Fort Provintia. The landmark, one of Taiwan's top tourist attractions, was later called "Tower of the Red-Haired Barbarians" by the Han Chinese. Like Anping Fort, the site is popular for its exquisite night scenery. To reach the Towers, take City Bus No. 5 from the Tainan Railway Station and get off at the Chikan Towers train station.
Snack City
Seasoned tourists know that Taiwan is a regional gastro hub and nowhere is that more true than in Tainan. Sample some "coffin toast," a fried bread box with any number of savory fillings such as prawns, crab, chicken and vegetables. Other signature foods include spicy duck's blood and candied guava. All can be found at one of the two dozen night markets throughout Tainan.
Salt Mountain
No trip to Tainan is complete without a hike up the Cigu Salt Mountain (66 Yancheng Village, Cigu). Originally the spot where the Taiwan Salt Corporation mined its product, the site looks like a snow-covered mountain from a distance. This man-made wonder is now open to tourists. To get there from Tainan Railway Station, take the Xingnan bus to the Jiali stop, from where you take another Xingnan bus (towards Qingkunshen) to Cigu.
Where to Stay
Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel (89 West Section, University Rd., Dong District. +886 (6) 702-8888) is Tainan's finest luxury hotel and it's located right in the heart of the city. Rates start at $150 per night. Tayih Landis Tainan Hotel (660 Section 1, Shimen Rd., +886- 6 213-5555, tainan.landishotelsresorts.com) is conveniently located near landmarks such as the Confucius Temple and Chikan Towers. Rates range from about $160 to $340.
Getting There
• Singapore Airlines flies three times daily to Taipei from about $1,180 (including tax)
• EVA Air flies daily to Taipei from about $800 (including tax)
• Tiger Airways and JetStar fly daily to Taipei from about $350 (including tax)
• High Speed Rail from Taipei to Kaohsiung (Zuoying Station) costs about $60 and takes around two hours
Life's nature
“We go way back. It’s an honest relationship. What I mean by that is he doesn’t tell you what you want to hear. He tells you what you need to hear. That’s something I respect in people. I don’t like ass kissers. Never have. I have a great deal of respect for him.” - Kobe Bryant to Brain Shaw
Friday, April 8, 2011
Food to eat in Singap
Affordable Luxurious Lunches
Monday April 4, 2011 08:23 pm PDT
Whether you've an important deal to seal or just fancy a change from your usual grab-and-go lunch spot, the set menus at many fine dining establishments around town offer superb value for money. Here we pick some of our favorites across a range of price bands, with tips on what to expect and how much time to set aside. Your lunch hour will never be the same again.
UNDER $50
OTTO Ristorante
The menu: Rotating weekly, with delicately prepared re-workings of homestyle Italian classics, many from the north (their chef's from Treviso). You get a choice from three appetizers, three mains and two desserts. On our visit, there was soup, salad or beef carpaccio, as well as spaghetti with Parma ham and butter sauce, baby snapper fillet with soft polenta or pan-roasted chicken breast with fontina cheese.
The damage: $38 for three courses, including coffee or tea.
The verdict: Boy, does this place get busy. That's worth bearing in mind if you're in a rush, when food can take a while; it's quieter around noon, though. If you're looking to impress, the combination of innovative dishes and enthusiastic service makes it a real winner. And you've got to love the building it's in.
#01-02 Red Dot Traffic Building, 28 Maxwell Rd., 6227-6819. Mon-Fri noon-3:30pm.
Pamplemousse Bistro + Bar
The menu: Chef Adrian Ling presents a selection of modern European dishes and has the others beat in terms of sheer variety. We were able to pick from six different starters, eight mains and three desserts (that's a whopping 17 dishes in total). For appetizers, we went with citrus-marinated salmon and miso aioli, as well as foie gras terrine sachertorte with roselle espuma and apricot jam ($10 supplement), both of which were lovely. Settling on our mains proved to be a tricky business, but we finally decided on the signature uni tagliolini with a rich crustacean cream sauce and pork gratons and onglet steak with caramelized onions, pomme puree and truffle-infused Madeira sauce ($5 supplement). For a delightful finale, osmanthus-scented crème brûlée with lychee sorbet and baked black rice pudding with H jicha ice cream made us happy campers.
The damage: A mere $32 for three courses-talk about a steal.
The verdict: This is an ideal spot for both lunch and dinner, whether you're with business associates or catching up with friends (although we noticed more than a few tai tais in attendance). We're big fans of the discreet, decidedly un-snooty service and real value-for-money sets. Dempsey's not convenient for everyone, though.
#01-04, 7 Dempsey Rd., 6475-0080. Tue-Fri noon-3pm; Sat-Sun 11:30am-3pm.
Restaurant Ember
The menu: A range of 11 appetizers (three of which are foie gras, $6 supplement), seven mains and 10 delectable desserts. We can't help but be impressed that their dessert selection is almost as varied as that of their starters. Don't miss chef Sebastian Ng's drool-worthy homemade crispy tofu with foie gras-mirin sauce and pan-seared Chilean seabass with smoked bacon ragout and truffle yuzu butter. We also adore 12-hour-cooked pork belly with savoy cabbage, apple puree and spiced Calvados sauce. End on a sweet note with the caramelized pear tart and baileys ice cream or coconut panna cotta with gula melaka and water chestnuts.
The damage: $39.50 for three courses, including coffee or tea.
The verdict: It gets really busy here during lunchtime, with an endless parade of OLs and execs who work in the area. So if you're after a quiet meal, this isn't the place for you. But if you care more about good quality fare, are a dessert fiend and don't mind the bustling surrounds, we can't think of a better spot.
G/F Hotel 1929, 50 Keong Saik Rd., 6347-1928. Mon-Fri 11:30am-3pm.
UNDER $50-80
FiftyThree
The menu: Thanks to chef and owner Michael Han, the dishes on offer are well-executed and beautifully presented, with three options for each course. Our entrée of sashimi-style scallops with Earl Grey and lavender granita, balls of compressed watermelon, crisp chicken feet and passion fruit coulis was simply stunning, as were the mains of crisp pork belly with red cabbage puree and braised Wagyu cheek with Asian pear ($10 supplement). Desserts don't disappoint either. Give the five-spiced fried pineapple with brie ice cream a go ($5 supplement) or the Amedei Chuao chocolate ice cream with cassis leather and fresh berries ($10 supplement).
The damage: $53 for three divine courses.
The verdict: We'd gladly lunch here everyday, if we could. The space is understated and elegant (which makes it ideal for a business lunch or an intimate meal with a special someone), the service is exemplary, but above all, the carefully-prepared posh nosh is stellar. As a real bonus, the portions here are generous. We suggest setting aside at least a good hour and a half to get the most out of this experience.
53 Armenian St., 6334-5535. Mon-Fri noon-2pm.
Les Amis
The menu: With eight starters, five mains and six desserts to choose from, they've certainly got their bases covered. We highly recommend chef Armin Leitgeb's signature lightly-smoked eel "tiède," with crispy pork croûton, shaved horseradish and Dijon mustard emulsion and homemade ramp leaf pasta with poached Maine lobster and chanterelles ($12 supplement). Other winning items include Hungarian goose foie gras "parfait" with Gewürztraminer jelly and black Périgord truffles ($20 supplement) and charcoal-grilled Wagyu ribeye with Périgourdine sauce ($25 supplement). End your meal with rhubarb textures and tarragon-scented ice cream or be adventurous and try the pickled Hawaiian papaya, with frozen curry, ginger and lime.
The damage: It's $70 for three and $88 for four (two appetizers, a main and one dessert) courses. Both sets include coffee or tea.
The verdict: We grant that lunch here doesn't come cheap, but then again, you're getting more than just fabulous food. The setting is exquisite.
#02-16 Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Rd., 6733-2225. Mon-Sat noon-3pm.
Majestic Restaurant
The menu: Expect chef-owner Yong Bing Ngen's signature style of modern Chinese fare with a twist, exemplified in dishes such as a combination platter of Peking duck skin, pan-seared foie gras and crispy soft shell crab with mangoes. Other dishes include double-boiled shark's fin soup with black truffle, honey-glazed rack of lamb with XO carrot cake and stewed noodles with shredded abalone, mushrooms and truffle oil.
The damage: $40/60 per person for the five-course premium and deluxe set lunch respectively (for a minimum of two people).
The verdict: There's just something about Chinese food that makes it better-suited for bigger groups (we think four is the ideal number). While the food is good and service commendable, larger portions wouldn't hurt.
G/F New Majestic Hotel, 31-37 Bukit Pasoh Rd., 6511-4718. Daily 11:45am-3pm.
OVER $80
Andre
The menu: Sticking with the philosophy of a degustation menu, their lunch is prixe fixe, with three appetizers, one main course and a dessert. There are no choices whatsoever, so come with an open mind and be prepared for whatever chef André decides to craft. On our visit, we indulged in creations such as smoked salmon served with white peach and tomato salad, Hijeki seaweed and basil flower sorbet,
bruleed foie gras jello, périgord black truffle coulis with chives and slow-roasted Japanese Omi short rib beef with celery root puree and mushroom polenta Bianca.
The damage: It's one of the steepest lunches, at $125 for five scrumptious courses.
The verdict: For a five-course meal, it's surprisingly quick (we were in and out in just an hour and 15 minutes). The service was beyond reproach, the clientele is well-coiffed and the food superb. Our only gripe is that it's on the pricy side of things. Then again, if you're coming here, that shouldn't be an issue.
41 Bukit Pasoh Rd., 6534-8880. Mon-Fri noon-4pm.
Iggy's
The menu: It's a standard four-course deal here, as standard as it gets at Iggy's anyway. They switch things up every one or two months, depending on what's in season. We were offered a hot and cold entrée to pick from (naturally we ordered both), pea flan with mint and parmesan or a divine oyster with shiso leaf, encased in sea essence jelly, with mascarpone and pickled discs of cucumber. That was followed by a pasta course of squid ink tonnarelli with fried calamari and tomatoes or vegetarian lasagna. For mains, three offerings: Spring vegetables (for herbivores), quail with black beans and white asparagus, or charcoal-grilled Wagyu with tapenade, okra and yukon gold potato ($40 supplement). For the sweet-toothed, three different options such as yogurt panna cotta with raspberries.
The damage: $85 for four courses (one starter, a pasta dish and a main, followed by dessert). Not the most expensive, but certainly not cheap either.
The verdict: The crowd's a little older here (mid-40s, plus or minus 10 years) and it's a pleasant experience overall, with mostly competent wait staff (although they neglected to ask us how we'd like our beef done: For the record, medium-rare please) and good quality fare. The entire affair lasted a pleasurable 90 minutes.
3/F Hilton Singapore, 581 Orchard Rd., 6732-2234. Daily noon-3:30pm.
Kunio Tokuoka
The menu: Michelin-starred chef Kunio Tokuoka prizes freshness and simplicity above all else; you could say his philosophy is: Balance, balance and balance. Both lunch sets, the five-course and kaiseki, don't really give you options, although the former allows you to pick from assorted sushi, seafood shirashi donburi or tempura udon for mains. The latter is undoubtedly more filling, but at $450 a pop, you'd certainly hope so. Seasonal offerings include fresh scallops and ikura with homemade chirizu sauce, a tantalizing spread of the freshest sashimi and charcoal-grilled Wagyu with shaved foie pate.
The damage: $120 for the five-course set lunch or $450 for the seven-course kaiseki menu.
The verdict: Is it absolutely delicious? Without a doubt. But unless you're Miss/ Mr Moneybags, we're not entirely convinced the jump from $120 to $450 is worth it. Ideally, you'd charge it to your company or have your sugar momma take you.
#02-139 Crockfords Tower Lobby Level, 26 Sentosa Gateway, 6686-3633. Daily noon-3pm.
Monday April 4, 2011 08:23 pm PDT
Whether you've an important deal to seal or just fancy a change from your usual grab-and-go lunch spot, the set menus at many fine dining establishments around town offer superb value for money. Here we pick some of our favorites across a range of price bands, with tips on what to expect and how much time to set aside. Your lunch hour will never be the same again.
UNDER $50
OTTO Ristorante
The menu: Rotating weekly, with delicately prepared re-workings of homestyle Italian classics, many from the north (their chef's from Treviso). You get a choice from three appetizers, three mains and two desserts. On our visit, there was soup, salad or beef carpaccio, as well as spaghetti with Parma ham and butter sauce, baby snapper fillet with soft polenta or pan-roasted chicken breast with fontina cheese.
The damage: $38 for three courses, including coffee or tea.
The verdict: Boy, does this place get busy. That's worth bearing in mind if you're in a rush, when food can take a while; it's quieter around noon, though. If you're looking to impress, the combination of innovative dishes and enthusiastic service makes it a real winner. And you've got to love the building it's in.
#01-02 Red Dot Traffic Building, 28 Maxwell Rd., 6227-6819. Mon-Fri noon-3:30pm.
Pamplemousse Bistro + Bar
The menu: Chef Adrian Ling presents a selection of modern European dishes and has the others beat in terms of sheer variety. We were able to pick from six different starters, eight mains and three desserts (that's a whopping 17 dishes in total). For appetizers, we went with citrus-marinated salmon and miso aioli, as well as foie gras terrine sachertorte with roselle espuma and apricot jam ($10 supplement), both of which were lovely. Settling on our mains proved to be a tricky business, but we finally decided on the signature uni tagliolini with a rich crustacean cream sauce and pork gratons and onglet steak with caramelized onions, pomme puree and truffle-infused Madeira sauce ($5 supplement). For a delightful finale, osmanthus-scented crème brûlée with lychee sorbet and baked black rice pudding with H jicha ice cream made us happy campers.
The damage: A mere $32 for three courses-talk about a steal.
The verdict: This is an ideal spot for both lunch and dinner, whether you're with business associates or catching up with friends (although we noticed more than a few tai tais in attendance). We're big fans of the discreet, decidedly un-snooty service and real value-for-money sets. Dempsey's not convenient for everyone, though.
#01-04, 7 Dempsey Rd., 6475-0080. Tue-Fri noon-3pm; Sat-Sun 11:30am-3pm.
Restaurant Ember
The menu: A range of 11 appetizers (three of which are foie gras, $6 supplement), seven mains and 10 delectable desserts. We can't help but be impressed that their dessert selection is almost as varied as that of their starters. Don't miss chef Sebastian Ng's drool-worthy homemade crispy tofu with foie gras-mirin sauce and pan-seared Chilean seabass with smoked bacon ragout and truffle yuzu butter. We also adore 12-hour-cooked pork belly with savoy cabbage, apple puree and spiced Calvados sauce. End on a sweet note with the caramelized pear tart and baileys ice cream or coconut panna cotta with gula melaka and water chestnuts.
The damage: $39.50 for three courses, including coffee or tea.
The verdict: It gets really busy here during lunchtime, with an endless parade of OLs and execs who work in the area. So if you're after a quiet meal, this isn't the place for you. But if you care more about good quality fare, are a dessert fiend and don't mind the bustling surrounds, we can't think of a better spot.
G/F Hotel 1929, 50 Keong Saik Rd., 6347-1928. Mon-Fri 11:30am-3pm.
UNDER $50-80
FiftyThree
The menu: Thanks to chef and owner Michael Han, the dishes on offer are well-executed and beautifully presented, with three options for each course. Our entrée of sashimi-style scallops with Earl Grey and lavender granita, balls of compressed watermelon, crisp chicken feet and passion fruit coulis was simply stunning, as were the mains of crisp pork belly with red cabbage puree and braised Wagyu cheek with Asian pear ($10 supplement). Desserts don't disappoint either. Give the five-spiced fried pineapple with brie ice cream a go ($5 supplement) or the Amedei Chuao chocolate ice cream with cassis leather and fresh berries ($10 supplement).
The damage: $53 for three divine courses.
The verdict: We'd gladly lunch here everyday, if we could. The space is understated and elegant (which makes it ideal for a business lunch or an intimate meal with a special someone), the service is exemplary, but above all, the carefully-prepared posh nosh is stellar. As a real bonus, the portions here are generous. We suggest setting aside at least a good hour and a half to get the most out of this experience.
53 Armenian St., 6334-5535. Mon-Fri noon-2pm.
Les Amis
The menu: With eight starters, five mains and six desserts to choose from, they've certainly got their bases covered. We highly recommend chef Armin Leitgeb's signature lightly-smoked eel "tiède," with crispy pork croûton, shaved horseradish and Dijon mustard emulsion and homemade ramp leaf pasta with poached Maine lobster and chanterelles ($12 supplement). Other winning items include Hungarian goose foie gras "parfait" with Gewürztraminer jelly and black Périgord truffles ($20 supplement) and charcoal-grilled Wagyu ribeye with Périgourdine sauce ($25 supplement). End your meal with rhubarb textures and tarragon-scented ice cream or be adventurous and try the pickled Hawaiian papaya, with frozen curry, ginger and lime.
The damage: It's $70 for three and $88 for four (two appetizers, a main and one dessert) courses. Both sets include coffee or tea.
The verdict: We grant that lunch here doesn't come cheap, but then again, you're getting more than just fabulous food. The setting is exquisite.
#02-16 Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Rd., 6733-2225. Mon-Sat noon-3pm.
Majestic Restaurant
The menu: Expect chef-owner Yong Bing Ngen's signature style of modern Chinese fare with a twist, exemplified in dishes such as a combination platter of Peking duck skin, pan-seared foie gras and crispy soft shell crab with mangoes. Other dishes include double-boiled shark's fin soup with black truffle, honey-glazed rack of lamb with XO carrot cake and stewed noodles with shredded abalone, mushrooms and truffle oil.
The damage: $40/60 per person for the five-course premium and deluxe set lunch respectively (for a minimum of two people).
The verdict: There's just something about Chinese food that makes it better-suited for bigger groups (we think four is the ideal number). While the food is good and service commendable, larger portions wouldn't hurt.
G/F New Majestic Hotel, 31-37 Bukit Pasoh Rd., 6511-4718. Daily 11:45am-3pm.
OVER $80
Andre
The menu: Sticking with the philosophy of a degustation menu, their lunch is prixe fixe, with three appetizers, one main course and a dessert. There are no choices whatsoever, so come with an open mind and be prepared for whatever chef André decides to craft. On our visit, we indulged in creations such as smoked salmon served with white peach and tomato salad, Hijeki seaweed and basil flower sorbet,
bruleed foie gras jello, périgord black truffle coulis with chives and slow-roasted Japanese Omi short rib beef with celery root puree and mushroom polenta Bianca.
The damage: It's one of the steepest lunches, at $125 for five scrumptious courses.
The verdict: For a five-course meal, it's surprisingly quick (we were in and out in just an hour and 15 minutes). The service was beyond reproach, the clientele is well-coiffed and the food superb. Our only gripe is that it's on the pricy side of things. Then again, if you're coming here, that shouldn't be an issue.
41 Bukit Pasoh Rd., 6534-8880. Mon-Fri noon-4pm.
Iggy's
The menu: It's a standard four-course deal here, as standard as it gets at Iggy's anyway. They switch things up every one or two months, depending on what's in season. We were offered a hot and cold entrée to pick from (naturally we ordered both), pea flan with mint and parmesan or a divine oyster with shiso leaf, encased in sea essence jelly, with mascarpone and pickled discs of cucumber. That was followed by a pasta course of squid ink tonnarelli with fried calamari and tomatoes or vegetarian lasagna. For mains, three offerings: Spring vegetables (for herbivores), quail with black beans and white asparagus, or charcoal-grilled Wagyu with tapenade, okra and yukon gold potato ($40 supplement). For the sweet-toothed, three different options such as yogurt panna cotta with raspberries.
The damage: $85 for four courses (one starter, a pasta dish and a main, followed by dessert). Not the most expensive, but certainly not cheap either.
The verdict: The crowd's a little older here (mid-40s, plus or minus 10 years) and it's a pleasant experience overall, with mostly competent wait staff (although they neglected to ask us how we'd like our beef done: For the record, medium-rare please) and good quality fare. The entire affair lasted a pleasurable 90 minutes.
3/F Hilton Singapore, 581 Orchard Rd., 6732-2234. Daily noon-3:30pm.
Kunio Tokuoka
The menu: Michelin-starred chef Kunio Tokuoka prizes freshness and simplicity above all else; you could say his philosophy is: Balance, balance and balance. Both lunch sets, the five-course and kaiseki, don't really give you options, although the former allows you to pick from assorted sushi, seafood shirashi donburi or tempura udon for mains. The latter is undoubtedly more filling, but at $450 a pop, you'd certainly hope so. Seasonal offerings include fresh scallops and ikura with homemade chirizu sauce, a tantalizing spread of the freshest sashimi and charcoal-grilled Wagyu with shaved foie pate.
The damage: $120 for the five-course set lunch or $450 for the seven-course kaiseki menu.
The verdict: Is it absolutely delicious? Without a doubt. But unless you're Miss/ Mr Moneybags, we're not entirely convinced the jump from $120 to $450 is worth it. Ideally, you'd charge it to your company or have your sugar momma take you.
#02-139 Crockfords Tower Lobby Level, 26 Sentosa Gateway, 6686-3633. Daily noon-3pm.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Business Acumen
Ways to Develop Business Acumen
Reading business publications and watching specific business channels can provide current information about business trends, markets, or economic factors affecting various businesses and industries. Some of these include: The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, the Harvard Business Review, and CNN.
Joining professional networking organizations and associations dedicated to sharing business information with their members can offer networking events, conferences, and seminars.
Attending evening or weekend courses focusing on business topics can build one’s knowledge on matters such as understanding financial statements and P&L (Profit & Loss), cash generation, or revenue growth.
Finding a mentor with a strong business understanding is a great way to learn how businesses operate. The mentor can be a co-worker, a former boss, or someone who is a member of the same professional association.
Participating in task forces or committees responsible for developing the business can offer opportunities to work on challenging and exciting initiatives, such as improving quality, generating higher revenues, reducing costs, or process re-engineering.
Last but not least, finding an accountability partner can be extremely beneficial. He or she will not only provide support, but will also help track progress and keep the individual focused on their learning goals.
Although business acumen can certainly be developed by doing some or all of the things above, one of the best ways to learn is through hands-on experience with various business scenarios and challenges.
Opportunities to Develop Business Acumen
The following are just a few examples of scenarios that can help develop one's business understanding through the challenges they provide and the dialogues they encourage:
http://www.suite101.com/content/what-is-business-acumen-a136088
Reading business publications and watching specific business channels can provide current information about business trends, markets, or economic factors affecting various businesses and industries. Some of these include: The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, the Harvard Business Review, and CNN.
Joining professional networking organizations and associations dedicated to sharing business information with their members can offer networking events, conferences, and seminars.
Attending evening or weekend courses focusing on business topics can build one’s knowledge on matters such as understanding financial statements and P&L (Profit & Loss), cash generation, or revenue growth.
Finding a mentor with a strong business understanding is a great way to learn how businesses operate. The mentor can be a co-worker, a former boss, or someone who is a member of the same professional association.
Participating in task forces or committees responsible for developing the business can offer opportunities to work on challenging and exciting initiatives, such as improving quality, generating higher revenues, reducing costs, or process re-engineering.
Last but not least, finding an accountability partner can be extremely beneficial. He or she will not only provide support, but will also help track progress and keep the individual focused on their learning goals.
Although business acumen can certainly be developed by doing some or all of the things above, one of the best ways to learn is through hands-on experience with various business scenarios and challenges.
Opportunities to Develop Business Acumen
The following are just a few examples of scenarios that can help develop one's business understanding through the challenges they provide and the dialogues they encourage:
http://www.suite101.com/content/what-is-business-acumen-a136088
Butler does it again!
“I think the most important thing is that we try to advance appropriately without losing who we are,”
“It helps that we’ve been there before,” said Mack, referring to last year’s title game appearance. “We’ve been together three years now. We’ve spent a lot of time together on and off the court. That gives us a lot of confidence, especially on a stage like this.”
Still, even the Bulldogs realize that experience can only take you so far.
“In the end,” Vanzant said, “you still have to go out there and perform.”
“If I have a choice between a talented team and an experienced team, I’m taking talent every time,” Kentucky coach John Calipari said. “I really believe you have to have the best players.”
“It helps that we’ve been there before,” said Mack, referring to last year’s title game appearance. “We’ve been together three years now. We’ve spent a lot of time together on and off the court. That gives us a lot of confidence, especially on a stage like this.”
Still, even the Bulldogs realize that experience can only take you so far.
“In the end,” Vanzant said, “you still have to go out there and perform.”
“If I have a choice between a talented team and an experienced team, I’m taking talent every time,” Kentucky coach John Calipari said. “I really believe you have to have the best players.”
Friday, April 1, 2011
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