Wet aged and dry aged beef - what's the difference? Why is dry aged beef so expensive and hard to get in supermarkets? What is aging anyway and why does beef need it? Isn't freshly slaughtered beef better?
This was after an insightful interview with the folks at Emporium Shokuhin which has an on-site dry-aging facility, Singapore's first such customised facility that ages beef for retail.
Beef needs aging in order for the meat to become more tender and tasty. Dry aging is lengthy and laborious, but produces more depth of flavour. Wet-aging came out in the 60s and 70s as a faster and cheaper method that ensured no shrinkage, but meat aged in its own juices in vacuum sealed plastic tends to have a sour metallic taste. Most of our supermarket beef is wet aged.
I've found the perfect wireless speaker for my study and playroom. We've been looking at Bluetooth speakers for a while but not quite liking what we saw on the market.
And then MobileFun, the site for all mobile-friendly accessories, sent me this Olixar BoomBrick Bluetooth Speaker (one to test, one to give away):
It's very affordable, only S$52.99, but I was really pleased with the quality.
Firstly, it worked right out of the box. The Bluetooth pairing using iPhone 6 was simple and instantaneous! Good start. With minimal but well thought out buttons, operation is fuss-free.
And the sound - smooth bass with decent treble and mids! Very nice!
The Bluetooth coverage is excellent - works in 5-room HDB flat; you can control it from one end to another (unless you have too many walls in between).
We tested the speaker with MacBook Air for movies and YouTube. Wow, the sound experience becomes much more immersive. For S$50+, this turns your bedroom into a small media lounge. It should work with the iPad and other mobile devices with Bluetooth.
This doesn't take up too much space (180 x 65 x 48mm) but it's a good front-firing speaker equipped with a passive radiator to enhance the bass of such a small speaker.
The small size also makes it totally portable. Charging is via a standard Micro USB cable, and the battery gives you 8 hours playtime.
On the back, it's smooth and clean, with just a line-in port and the micro USB port for charging.
It's got a nice bonus: a built-in microphone for hands-free calls and even conference calls. Many expensive speakers don't even have this.
This is a sturdy brick speaker too; it doesn't vibrate or tremble even at loudest volume.
The reviews from other users are also extremely positive. People have come back and bought more for others as gifts or for themselves.
The item is out of stock already at the moment. Well I'm not surprised. It's a good product. They tell me they are restocking soon. Meanwhile feel free to browse their other items - they have quite a few interesting things that work with most mobile phones.
Giveaway
Now for the Olixar Boombrick Speaker giveaway! All you have to do is:
1. Share this post (make it public)on your social media platform(s), tag friends who may like this, and leave me the link(s) in the comments.
2. You can also get extra chances on the Facebook Fan page or Instagram:
As I'll be away in Hokkaido 15-21 December, the deadline is will be 23:59hrs, 21 Dec 2015. I will pick a winner (by random draw) for the prize to be given out before Christmas. However, I may prefer to award this to someone whose page is not filled with contest entries.
Happy Christmas.
Many thanks to Mobilefun for sponsoring the review unit and prize.
Where will you be celebrating Christmas and New Year's Eve?
If you're looking for turkey that's more tender than chicken (yes, seriously), try the St Regis. I don't know how they did it (sous vide first before roasting?), but it's like no turkey I've ever had.
Also, they had glazed yam to go with it, which is the absolute bomb. Savoury fried wedges of yam coated with a sweet gravy-like glaze (see browned items in the background). Loved the Brussels sprouts too.
St Regis has three dining outlets - Brasserie Les Saveurs, LaBrezza, and Yan Ting - and they each have festive promotions.
Brasserie Les Saveurs (Lobby Level)
Amuse Bouche Slow Cooked Egg with Smoked Salmon Tartare and Horseradish Espuma
An Extravagant Christmas Eve Dinner, 24th December
7pm – 10pm
$298++ per person with complimentary flow of “R” de Ruinart
$268++ per person with complimentary flow of wines
$208++ per person with complimentary flow of coffee and tea
Hors d’oeuvres and an array of luscious seafood on ice, highlights such as Pan-seared Sea Bass Fillet served with Butternut Squash Gnocchi, Parsnip Purée, Salt-Roasted Purple Beetroot, Sauce Vierge and Lemon Balm, and Roasted Young Grain-Fed Lamb with Puy Lentils, Orange and Anise Braised Carrots, Crushed Pistachos and Pomegranate Gastrique Sauce, and from our live carving station, Honey-Glazed Gammon Ham with Roasted Spiced Pineapple and Natural Jus and Whole Roasted Turkey with Buttered Brussel Sprouts, Glazed Chestnuts, Caramelised Yam, Cranberry-Orange Compote and Giblet Gravy. A Joyful Christmas Champagne Brunch, 25th and 26th December
12 Noon – 3pm, with complimentary hour of apéritifs from 11am to 12noon
$218++ per person with complimentary flow of “R” de Ruinart, wines, beer and juices
$198++ per person with complimentary flow of wines, beer and juices
$178++ per person with complimentary flow of freshly brewed coffee and tea
An indulgent brunch beginning with an assortment of luscious seafood, with Freshly Shucked Oysters, Black Mussels, Alaskan King Crab and Boston Lobster and delicate canapés including Foie Gras with Sauternes Jelly and Toasted Brioche Espuma and Roast Duck Consommé with Soya Flan and Goji Berries. Tuck into a selection of gastronomic main course selections such as Char Grilled Halibut Fillet with Celeriac Fondant, Braised Leeks and Shimeji Mushrooms, Browned Butter and Citrus Nage, and Duo of Kurobuta Pork with Savoy Cabbage, Red Currant Jelly and Calvados Reduction.
A Jubilant Christmas Day Dinner, 25th December
7pm – 10pm
$108++ per person
On Christmas Day, celebrate with your loved ones with a buffet spread of masterfully crafted plates like the Oven-baked Sea Bass Fillet with Braised Endives, Orange Segment and Orange Zest and traditional French Duck à l’Orange. Prepared with the finesse of the St. Regis masterchefs à la minute, savour Foie Gras indulgences, and relish in an array of traditional Christmas desserts.
Grain Fed Angus Beef Tenderloin with Rock Lobster Tail, Black Trumpet Stuffed Dauphinoise, Heritage Carrots, Sauce Périgord
A Momentous New Year’s Eve Dinner, 31st December
7pm – 1am
218++ per person
Kick off the New Year with an exquisite dinner buffet spread. Begin the evening with butler-passed canapés of Fines de Claire Oysters with Yuzu Jelly and Granny Smith Apple Salad and Foie Gras Royale with Red Wine Reduction and Brioche Crouton.
Along with a tantalising spread of delectable offerings, complete the festive dinner with gastronomic main courses like Potato Gnocchi Tossed in Champagne Beurre Blanc, Shaved Matsutaki Mashrooms, Glazed Globe Artichokes and Celery Leaves and draw the evening to a close with desserts such as Kaffir Lime Pâte à Choux and Mango & Almond Panna Cotta, and countdown as you enjoy a dessert buffet served till 1am.
Raspberry Lamington with Whipped Chocolate Chantilly Cream, Royaltine Sable and Raspberry Foam
A Triumphant New Year’s Day Champagne Brunch, 1st January 2016
12 Noon – 3pm, with complimentary hour of apéritifs from 11am to 12noon
$218++ per person with complimentary flow of “R” de Ruinart, wines, beer and juices
$198++ per person with complimentary flow of wines, beer and juices
$178++ per person with complimentary flow of freshly brewed coffee and tea
The New Year’s Day Champagne Brunch features hors d’oeuvres such as Pumpkin Velouté with Nutmeg Chantilly and Gingerbread Crumb. Savour delectable appetisers including an array of Home Made Charcuterie, accompanied by fresh seafood on ice, fresh salads, and exquisite offerings from the carving station.
Select from a choice of gastronomic main courses such as Goat Cheese and Spinach Ravioli with Roasted Pumpkin, Shaved Winter Truffles and Basil Oil and Trio of Barbary Duck with Roasted Breast, Seared Foie Gras and Leg Confit Wrapped in Feuille de Brick, Pumpkin Fondant, Baby Turnips and Orange-infused Duck Jus, and complete the experience with a spread of luxurious desserts.
Appetiser Foie Gras and Boston Lobster Terrine with Dates and Shallots Compote, Bitter Cocoa Sauce and Lobster Essence
An Exuberant 6-Course Christmas Dinner, 24th & 25th December 6pm to 10pm
$178++ or $198++ per person with wine pairing
Fancy trattoria-style Italian cuisine amidst lush tropical surrounds? LaBrezza gives you this Christmas 6-course experience beginning with Smoked Eel and Venison Loin with Steamed Broccoli, Dried Apricot and Fig Compote, followed by Sardinian Artichoke Soup with Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab Tempura, Egg and Mandarin and Dried Taggiasca Olive Compote.
You'll also enjoy Chestnut Risotto with Monkfish Medallion Wrapped in Parma Ham, Pale Ale Reduction, Tropea Red Onions and Prosciutto Tuille and Oven-Baked Black Cod with Walnut and Fresh Herbs Crust, Castelluccio Lentil Purée, Asparagus Tips and Confit of Cherry Tomatoes along with Avruga Caviar and Sour Cream. Complete the splendid experience on a sweet note with Croccante Semifreddo, with Torrone Ice Cream, Panettone Biscuit, Amedei Dark Chocolate Sauce and Candied Fruit Powder.
Polenta Ravioli Filled with Porcini Mushroom, Pork Belly Sauce and Crispy Savoy Cabbage, Parmesan and Black Winter Truffle Espuma
An Intimate Festive Prosecco Brunch, 25th, 26th December & 1st January 2016
12noon to 3pm
$138++ with complimentary flow of Franciacorta, wines, beer and soft drinks
$118++ with complimentary flow of Prosecco, wines, beer and soft drinks
$83++ with complimentary flow of freshly brewed coffee & tea
LaBrezza is well-known for its brunches with free-flow Prosecco and a delicious spread of antipasti including 24-month Cured Parma Ham, Mortadella and Salami Milano along with Burrata served with Mixed Green Salad. Delight in Grilled Lamb Chop with Hazelnut Crust, Potato Gratin and Avocado Salad, and Calamari and Prawn with Tomato Gravy Capers, Oregano and Lemon Zest, all fresh from the grill. Served à la minute, enjoy gourmet pizzas like Fresh Mozzarella and Basil and Vesuvio Pizza with Tomato Sauce, Italian Sausage and Roasted Sweet Pepper.
Savour specially crafted festive highlights such as the Guinea Fowl Rollata with Parma Ham and Foie Gras, Potato Gratin and Wine Reduction and Roasted Veal Shank with Sautéed Seasonal Vegetables and Romanesco Cabbage, Herbs and Meat Natural Jus and complete your meal with specialty desserts like Tiramisu served with Whipped Mascarpone Cheese, Espresso, Ladies Finger Biscuits and Cassata alla Siciliana served with Ricotta Cheese, Candied Fruit Terrine and Citrus Coulis.
Oven Baked Black Cod with Walnut and Fresh Herb Crust, Castelluccio Lentil Purée, Asparagus Tips and Confit of Cherry Tomatoes, Avruga Pearls and Sour Cream
A Glorious 6-Course New Year’s Eve Dinner, 31st December
6pm to 10pm
$208++ per person
Welcome the New Year with fine Italian creations at LaBrezza. Masterfully created by Chef de Cuisine Luca Moioli, the menu features Foie Gras and Boston Lobster Terrine served with Date and Shallot Compote, Bitter Cocoa Sauce and Lobster Essence. Continue the epicurean journey with Slow Cooked Capon Roulade served in Double Consommé with Shaved Marinated Egg, and Polenta Ravioli filled with Porcini Mushroom, Pork Belly Sauce and Crispy Savoy Cabbage, with Parmesan and Black Winter Truffle Espuma.
For the main course, luxuriate in Breaded Sirloin Medallion and Slow Cooked Shank Roulade with Sweetbreads Ragu, Sundried Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan Shavings, along with Onion Confit and Kipfler Potatoes. Finally, savour a sweet Panforte Cake served with Vinsanto Reduction, Brûlée Persimmon and Yoghurt Sauce.
A Cherished 6-Course Christmas Dinner, 24th & 25th December
6pm to 10:30pm
$178++, or $228++ person with wine pairing
A traditional Cantonese feast for Christmas? Why not? The food at Yan Ting usually never disappoints. Enjoy a Trio of Appetisers of Shredded Turkey with Jellyfish, Hand Roll wrapped with Scallop and Pine Nuts and Crispy Roast Pork. Savour a nourishing Double-boiled Sea Cucumber Consommé with Maca Root and Braised 5-head South African Abalone with Fish Maw.
Menu highlights include Baked Beef Ribs with Herbs and a hearty Braised Prawn with Pumpkin Soup. Complete the epicurean experience with the Walnut Paste served with Silky Mango Roll.
An Exultant 6-Course New Year’s Dinner, 31st December & 1st January 2016
7pm to 10.30pm
$228++ per person
Commemorate a year of success with a Trio of Appetisers – Crispy Suckling Pig, Pan-fried Goose Liver and Scallop with Champagne Sauce, and Chilled Crab Claw, and enjoy specially crafted dishes like Double-boiled Superior Bird’s Nest Consommé, Braised 5-headed South African Abalone in Superior Oyster Sauce and Stir-fried Wagyu Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic. Delight in Braised Flat Egg Noodles with Lobster in XO Sauce and end off your evening with a sweet indulgence of Refreshing Jelly with Ice Cream served in Young Coconut with Silky Mango Roll.
If you want an entire space all to yourself, be it for an intimate gathering or lavish year-end party, the John Jacob Ballroom or other event spaces are available. The St. Regis Culinary Events team will tailor a festive experience the way you want it. Festive menus start from $108++ per person.
Freshly baked staples - Christmas Stollen complete with Dried Tropical Fruits; Christmas Brandied Cherry Fruitcake; buttery Cranberry Orange Blossom Brioche; and Blue Corn and Whole Grain Baguette.
They have traditional Christmas cookies too, including Christmas Cinnamon Stars, Gingerbread Man and Girl, Orange Sable, Chocolate Chip with Macadamia Nut and Vanilla Crescent.
Over at La Pâtisserie from 1st to 25th December, there are more handcrafted sweet and savoury specialties like smoked salmon, roasted lamb leg, marinated beef tenderloin, gammon ham and foie gras terrine.
Shucks, I just saw this. Cancer is bad enough, but four types? That's just brutal and cruel, especially for someone so young. Please help to spread the word, and help support Sebastian in any way possible.
You know how we tend to overpack skincare items when we travel? Yes, so many bottles of this and that that we feel we will need just in case the weather turns dry or cold, plus sample sachets because they're so portable?
Well, I have found two very useful travel companions that do well in all climates - dry or humid; hot or cold. The SK-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age duo of moisturiser and essence.
With these two, I only need a make-up remover, cleanser and maybe a mask to complete the ziplock bag skincare essentials. TIP: Put these in your handcarry luggage; little bottles of liquid doesn't do so well in cargo with changes in air pressure and temperature. Plus you don't want to risk losing these!
Wow, seeing Anggun in person (middle) is just phenomenal. She was at the first of SK-II's #changedestiny forum series, which also featured Sha (right), Thailand's social influencer and author.
SK-II's new philosophy - Change Destiny - is inspired by stories of women who have overcome personal and societal limitations to change their destiny and achieve success.
Because "destiny is not a matter of chance; it's a matter of choice".
Anggun shared the challenges she faced in trying to break into the international scene with her music, and how she persevered and surmounted setbacks to achieve success in Europe.
Yes, everyone by now has heard that the Michelin guide is coming to Singapore.
Hopefully it will not be a duplicate of the winners on the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list, although some overlap is inevitable. How many restaurants will be awarded, I wonder?
The bigger question is whether the Michelin inspectors will understand Singapore style cuisine (like Peranakan and zichar). And some are also asking if hawkers could one day be decorated with a star as well. Should they be included? Well, some of them certainly are worth traveling for, which is in line with the spirit of the guide!
Anyway, we are all having fun predicting the winners. These days there are plenty of food guides and online reviews and references, but the Michelin guide remains highly venerable and gives the F&B industry incredible recognition.
Here are my 10 or so guesses (and part wishlist, in no particular order) on who might get stars.
Are you looking forward to the festive feasting this Christmas? For many families, this is a great time for catching up with loved ones and friends. How many of us have spent way too much time at work, leaving very little time and energy for friends and family? The year end holidays are a good way to balance that out a little!
It's also about gorgeous epic treats like this Bourbon Marmalade Glazed Leg of Ham (above) from Morganfields. And I don't know what it is about Christmas, but it's very much a Coke® season too! Must be all those ads I watched as a kid.
Even better for sharing with family and friends - a festive platter with the works!
