Tolidos Espresso Nook at 462 Crawford Lane 01-63 - The Head Barista Douglas Tan in Action

One Sunday, I visited one of the cool chilled out spot called Tolidos Espresso Nook

at Block 462 , #01-63, Crawford Lane owned by a young handsome chap - Business owner, Entrepreneur  and Head-Barista Douglas Tan, who self taught and picked up his Barista skills initially by scouring the YouTube. 

Over here at Tolidos Espresso Nook, for the main blend, Douglas brew the silver medal award-winning classic espresso beans provided by Yahava Koffeeworks. The espresso beans that is brewed at Tolidos Espresso Nook is a classic dark Italian roast, featuring a combination of superb Arabica’s Colombian, Ethiopia and Papua New Guinea (predominantly Colombian Arabica), blended after Yahava’s roasting to maximize strong espresso flavors with plenty body.

Here's a close up of Douglas Tan, the Head-Barista at Tolidos Espresso Nook in action. 

The latte he made for me is rich, smooth, aromatic, full of flavor, that reflects the creative perfectionist streak in him. 

Here's some of the Espresso Coffee Art proudly presented by talented self taught Head-Barista Douglas Tan over at Tolidos Espresso Nook. 

Tolidos Espresso Nook is located at : 

Block 462, Crawford Lane,

#01-63, Singapore 190462

Telephone: 97282690/90073919 

Email: tolidosnook@live.com   

www.tolidosnook.com

https://www.facebook.com/tolidosnook

Opening Hours : 9 am to 9 pm, Closed on Mondays 

Free parking on Sundays and Public Holidays!  

BOUNTIFUL BEGINNINGS AT SHERATON TOWERS SINGAPORE HOTEL Jan - Feb 2014

BOUNTIFUL BEGINNINGS AT SHERATON TOWERS SINGAPORE HOTEL      

Beckon a flourishing year ahead with a stellar line up of gourmet feasts at the Sheraton Towers Singapore. From 13 January to 24 February 2014, the team of talented chefs will be serving up a bountiful mix of brave new flavors and the finest festive specialties for the whole family. 

AUSPICIOUS TAKEAWAYS 
13 January to 14 February 2014 
Embrace togetherness over an auspicious reunion dinner in the comfort of your own home with a multitude of award-winning culinary delights from the kitchen of Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant.   

New Item! 
Stewed “Eight Treasures” Chicken with 5-Head Abalone | 5頭南非鮑魚八宝雞 
Price: $298 

A flavorsome creation, this new festive dish is laden with premium 5-head Abalone and an adeptly roasted chicken encasing eight treasures - Lotus Seed, Chinese Mushroom, Sea Cucumber, Salted Egg, Barley, Chicken, Pork and Chestnut, all stewed to perfection.   

Buddha Jumps over the Wall | 宝鼎佛跳墙 Available from $438 (for 4 persons)                
Add decadence to your reunion spread with this requisite favourite that signifies prosperity and abundance. Brimming with prized delicacies such as Shark’s Fin, Fish Maw, Sea Cucumber, Ginseng, Scallop and Abalone, this nourishing pot of soup accents a luxurious note to the festive celebration. 

Double Treasures Fortune Pot (Poon Choy) and Salmon ‘Loh Hei’ Platter set (Small) | 盆菜 + 三文鱼生 
Available from $388 (for 6 persons) 

Featuring an abundant harvest of festive treasures including Goose Web, Sea Cucumber, Pork Tendon, Pork Belly, Hong Kong Dace Fish Ball and many more, the richly flavored Fortune Pot makes an auspicious combination with the ubiquitous Salmon Yu Sheng Lo Hei Platter.  

Other festive goodies available for takeaway include: 

Traditional Nian Gao with Red Dates and Lotus Seeds | 鸿运连连年糕   $42.00 per order 

Radish Cake with Conpoy and Preserved Meat |金柱腊味萝蔔糕  $42.00 per order 

Yam Cake with Pumpkin, Dried Shrimps and Preserved Meat| 金瓜芋头糕  $42.00 per order 

Water Chestnut Cake with Osmanthus Fragrance | 桂花马蹄糕 $42.00 per order 

Fortune Pot (Poon Choy – for 6 persons) | 盆菜 $368 

Stewed ‘Eight Treasures’ Chicken with 5-head Abalone and choice of One Festive Cake | 5頭南非鮑魚八宝雞 + 任選糕品一款 $318  

Yu Sheng Platters of Fortune       
Salmon “Loh Hei” Platter | 鸿运三文鱼捞起            Small         Large            
$ 52.00       $96.00 

Ikan Parang “Loh Hei” Platter | 鸿运西刀鱼捞起   
Small         Large 
$ 52.00      $96.00 

Turbot “Loh Hei” Platter | 多寶鱼捞起      
Small         Large 
$ 68.00      $128.00 

Abalone “Loh Hei” Platter | 鲍你捞起    
Small         Large 
$88.00       $138.00 

Vegetarian “Loh Hei” Platter | 齐齐捞起   
Small         Large 
$45.00       $80.00   

Additional Ingredients 
Salmon | 三文鱼                            $ 20.00 per plate Ikan Parang | 西刀鱼                     $ 20.00 per plate Crispy Salmon Fish Skin | 三文鱼皮 $ 20.00 per plate 
Turbot | 多寶鱼                            $ 32.00 per plate Shredded Abalone | 鲍鱼丝         $ 48.00 per plate Lobster | 龙虾                             $ 28.00 per 100gm Crackers | 薄脆                        $ 5.00 per plate “Loh Hei” | 捞起                $ 36.00 (small portion)   
LI BAI LUNAR NEW YEAR SET MENUS 
17 January to 24 February 2014 Apart from the delicious take-home goodies, Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant also offers nine exclusive dine-in reunion set menus that are catered to group sizes from two persons to a party of 10. 

Expect an extravagant feast of Braised 3-head Whole Abalone with Spiked Sea Cucumber, Imperial Chicken with Conpoy, Steamed Whole Marbled Goby with Golden Lily Bulbs and Black Fungus, Barbequed ‘Pi Pa’ Duck and many more.   
                                      8 persons    9 persons     10 persons Chinese New Year Set Menu A $ 848           $ 898            $  948 
Chinese New Year Set Menu B $ 1078         $ 1158          $ 1238 
Chinese New Year Set Menu C $ 1748         $ 1848          $ 1948 
Chinese New Year Set Menu D  -                   -                  $ 2398 
Chinese New Year Set Menu E  -                   -                   $ 3998 

Prosperity Delights Set Menu A                              $ 138 per person (minimum 2 persons) 
Prosperity Delights Set Menu B 
$ 148 per person (minimum 2 persons) 
Prosperity Delights Set Menu C $388 for 4 persons 
Prosperity Delights Set Menu D $588 for 6 persons  
THE DINING ROOM 

Lunar New Year Enhanced Buffet Lunch 20 to 24 January and 27 to 30 January 2014 
Catch the first bloom of spring early with our pre-festive buffet lunch which offers classic festive dishes like Lo Han Chai with Black Moss Seaweed, Steamed Whole Grouper, Longevity Noodles and Chinese Style Roasted Beef Striploin. Do not miss the Yu Sheng Station where you can toss to a prosperous New Year! 
Price: $62.00 (adult), $31.00 (child, 6-12 years old)   

Lunar New Year Buffet Lunch 31 January to 2 February 2014 
Spend a deserving afternoon amidst the serene ambience of The Dining Room as you revel in the festive fare which includes Braised Pork Belly with Chinese Herbs, Five Spices Roasted Chicken, Double Boiled Black Chicken Soup with Bamboo Pit as well as a fine selection of International spread. 
Price: $72.00 (adult), $36.00 (child, 6-12 years old)   

Lunar New Year Buffet Dinner 30 to 31 January and 1 to 2 February 2014 
Steep into the traditions of the Lunar New Year as The Dining Room presents a tantalising spread of celebratory favourites like Buddha Jumps over the Wall, Stewed Pork Knuckle with Chestnut and Black Fungus, Imperial Chicken and the quintessential Yu Sheng. Perfect the reunion dinner with a sweet finale of the Coconut Fantasia and Pineapple Financier at the dessert station. 
Price: $88.00 (adult), $44.00 (child, 6-12 years old)   

DOMVS, THE ITALIAN RESTAURANT 
30 January to 14 February 2014 
To celebrate the start of new beginnings, Chef Ee at DOMVS has thoughtfully crafted a set menu which features his refreshing Italian take on the classic Yu Sheng by incorporating the usual shredded vegetables with the well-loved trout Carpaccio. Another highlight is the popular Italian dessert, Panna Cotta, except Chef Ee’s rendition serves the delightful dessert in the shape of a koi fish. 
Price: $118 per person   

PROSPERITY BANQUETS 2014 
Gather your family, friends and business associates for the traditional Loh Hei as Sheraton Towers Singapore offers a range of well-appointed function venues to host every event size. With our dedicated banquet manager on site, you can set your mind at ease and toss to a year of abundance and good fortune. 
Lunch/Dinner: from $838 per table of 10 persons For confirmed group bookings of 100 persons and above, you can enjoy a Complimentary Barrel of Beer.   

FESTIVE RESPITE 
Following the rounds of indulgent feasting and boisterous gatherings, nothing beats escaping to the newly refurbished Sheraton Towers Singapore for a little respite. Enjoy up to 50% off our Best Available Rate as you indulge in a rejuvenated in-room experience or luxuriate in our renovated swimming pool creating unforgettable memories. Rates start from S$200 per room per night and offer is valid from 1 February to 31 March 2014. Please quote “Festive Staycation” when making reservations.   

For reservations and enquiries, please call 
Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant/ Auspicious Takeaways: 6839 5623 
The Dining Room: 6839 5621 
DOMVS The Italian Restaurant: 6839 5622 Prosperity banquet: 6839 5846 / 5847 
Room reservation: 6839 5755   
All prices stated are subject to 7% GST. Service charge is applicable for dine-in. 

Sheraton Towers Singapore is located at :
39 Scotts Road, Singapore 228230 
Tel : 65 6839 5609 

Skyve Wine Bistro at Blk E, 10 Winstedt Road - The Sleeping Oysters

This is the Sleeping Oysters served at Skyve Wine Bistro at Blk E, 10 Winstedt Road. The Oysters comes in three different flavours: 

1. Mentaiyaki - where Chef Jachun Tan uses core ingredients Mentaiko, ebiko, lemon juice, aioli. 
2. Chilean - Chef Jachun Tan uses serrano, lime juice, red wine vinegar, cilantro.
3. Kilpatrick - Chef Jachun Tan uses lardon of bacon, wochestershire, chives. 

Food Tasting Notes : Of the three I love the Mentaiyaki as it has a creamy cheesy savory flavor, and the ebiko literally gives you that bursts of the flavor of the the sea as they popped in your mouth. 

The Chilean Oyster is refreshing and juicy as well, with the lime and red wine vinegar lending it a citrus lightly vinegary sourly tinge.  

I find the Kilpatrick Oyster a little too salty for me as my palate is clearly very sensitive to the taste of salt. The bacon in the Kilpatrick lends a pretty strong smoky flavor, together with the worchestershire tends to give this oyster a more salty flavor that tends to overshadow the natural taste of the fresh juicy oyster. 

The Chilean

The Mentaiyaki 

The Kilpatrick 

Skyve Wine Bistro is located at :
10 Winstedt Road, 
Blk E, #01-17, 
Singapore 227977
Tel: 62256690
www.skyve.sg
www.facebook.com/skyvewinebistro
Opening Hours: 10 am to 1 am daily

Kuru Kuru Japanese Restaurant at Valley Point - Interview Part 1 with Owner Vera Wong

The Beginnings - Restaurateur Vera Wong started Kuru Kuru Japanese Restaurant in Serene Centre in 2006 after she sold her stake in Hanabi (which had two outlets, one in Bukit Timah, the second outlet in Odeon Towers). Vera Wong love Japanese culture and Japanese Cuisine so much that she wants to share it with other like minded people. 

Positioning - Kuru Kuru Japanese Restaurant is positioned as a causal dining restaurant specialising in Japanese Cuisine. Kuru Kuru is an original brand which Vera Wong started herself, and is not part of any International Franchise group. 

Experience - Vera Wong's background is in Business development, sales and marketing, first in the Real Estate industry, then in the Pharmaceutical industry, and finally in the Food and Beverage industry, restaurant business. Her experience in business development, sales and marketing has been a tremendous help in her current role as restaurateur, in areas such as understanding customer behavior, how to retain customers, customer loyalty, what appeals to customers, 

She brings with her total of 9 years F & B experience. She is the sole owner of Kuru Kuru Japanese Restaurant. Besides Kuru Kuru Japanese Restaurant, she has shares in Thai Table located at Simpang Bedok.

Expansion plans for Kuru Kuru - Vera may consider opening another branch of Kuru Kuru Japanese Restaurant in Singapore if there are suitable locations available. 

Menu Planning - currently handled by Vera and the chefs. 

Menu Expansion - usually done every one to one and a half years. 

Menu - Kuru Kuru Japanese Restaurant offers three types of Menu :

1. Ala Carte Buffet Menu with 140 items, 
2. Ala Carte Menu with more than 80 items, 
3. Set Menu with 15 Sets. 

There are about  16 Categories in the Ala Carte Menu and Ala Carte Buffet Menu, ranging from :

1. Zensai (Appetiser)
2. Temaki (Handroll)
3. Sushi (Vinegared Rice[Sushi-Meshi]with toppings)
4. Sashimi (Sliced Raw Seafood) 
5. Makimono (Mat Roll)
6. Agemono (Deep Fried)
7. Yakimono (Grilled)
8. Men (Noodles)
9. Gohan (Rice)
10. Shiru (Soup)
11. Ippinmono (Popular) 
12. Tempura (Deep Fried Batter)
13. Yoshoku (Japanese Styled Western Dishes)
14. Super Menu 
15. Dessert Menu 
16. Sake Buffet

Kitchen staff -  totals 7 at the outlet here at Valley Point, with each station needing at least one cook, the cooks at each station specializes in more than one category. 

Training for kitchen staff - kitchen staff are hired with or without experience in Japanese Cuisine, they learn on the job from the more experienced Chefs.

Marinates, Pastes - are prepared fresh daily. 

Food Ingredients Sources - some ingredients (e.g. Shoyu , mirin, sake) are sourced from Japan. The chef also prepares some specialty sauces in-house. Those sauces that required additional concoction are prepared daily. The kitchen does not use preservatives as the turnover for food is very high. 
There are some food ingredients sourced from local vendors (who imports from Japan, Mynamar, China), e.g. some of the yellow tail farm in China. Chilled seafood from Australia & Japan are delivered to the restaurant at least 4 days a week. Scallops are frozen, chicken are freshly chilled and delivered fresh every day.

Food preparation - the food are prepared ala minute upon order. 

Kuru Kuru Japanese Restaurant is located at :

491 River Valley Road, #01-07, 

Valley Point, Singapore 248371.

Tel : 67332292

Email : enquiries@kurukuru.com.sg

Email : verawong_ts@yahoo.com.sg

Website : www.kurukuru.com.sg

Opening Hours : 

Mondays to Sundays  from 11.30 am to 10.00 pm 

Kuru Kuru Japanese Restaurant at Valley Point - The Background and Origins Of the Restaurant

Kuru Kuru Japanese Restaurant is the brainchild of beautiful, intelligent, astute businesswoman and entrepreneur Vera Wong, who is the sole owner of the restaurant. Besides being in the Hospitality/Food and Beverage industry, Vera Wong is also in the Real Estate industry, providing consultancy to real estate buyers. 

Vera Wong used to be in real estate industry for about 5 years before entering the pharmaceutical industry for about 7 years, after which she decided to turn her passion for Japanese Cuisine into a profitable business by starting her very first Japanese Restaurant called Hanabi Japanese Restaurant at King's Arcade at 559 Bukit Timah Road. 

Because of her insistence on using authentic Japanese ingredient, freshest and finest quality sauces, condiments, curry pastes, fresh seafood, she built a steady clientele base made up of loyal fans, including Japanese expatriates. 

One outlet then become two. Before long, an Arab Shipping Conglomerate came knocking at her door and offered to trademark and buy over Hanabi Japanese Restaurant for a tidy sum. Vera Wong continued to run Hanabi for about 2 years even after cashing out her stake in the restaurant. 

Vera Wong soon realize that owning her own outlet gives her more leeway to managing the quality of ingredients served at the restaurant. Soon Vera Wong left Hanabi to start Kuru Kuru Japanese Restaurant at Serene Centre in 2006, and later re-locate Kuru Kuru Japanese Restaurant to Valley Point Shopping Centre at 491 River Valley Road. The restaurant has since been profitable for the past 7 years, it being the eighth year this year. Vera Wong credits her business success to a team of experienced, dedicated staff and the warm camaraderie among them, their loyalty and dedication to the company. 

Kuru Kuru Japanese Restaurant is located at :

491 River Valley Road, #01-07, 

Valley Point, Singapore 248371.

Tel : 67332292

Email : enquiries@kurukuru.com.sg

Email : verawong_ts@yahoo.com.sg

Website : www.kurukuru.com.sg

Opening Hours : 

Mondays to Sundays  from 11.30 am to 10.00 pm