Brunch at Hatched cafe (Evans Road)

For someone like me who finds delight in having brunches, good coffee and cafe sessions, Hatched was always one of the brunch places that I would want to visit. Particularly the one at Evans Road, as I have drove past the place plenty of times but didn't stop by, yet I liked how this cafe is housed in Evans Lodge, a relatively 'old-looking' building that has those non-modern windows (It's a hostel building, by the way). So on one weekend afternoon, I made heading to Hatched for a meal as a 'To-Do' thing.

But before I share with you those food pics,

Imma bombard you with my self-taken shots! :p

Camwhore time!

My favorite Dior shades!

I liked my OOTD. :)

"The best feeling in the world is realizing that you're 
perfectly happy without the thing you thought you needed".

I felt that the decor around the counter area was interesting.

 


My 'Pancake Party'!
Thick pancakes served with maple syrup berry compote.

I dare say that I have tried better pancakes, so I had quite a difficult time eating this. These pancakes could have been better. Perhaps my brunch experience at the all-day breakfast place, Hatched, could have been better if I had chosen something else to eat. And nope, I did not finish my Pancake Party... Not quite the party that I was expecting. But I must add that the berry compote paired well with the pancakes.

Pancake Love. Yes. But perhaps not at Hatched.

One of my dessert weakness is this. So it was a 'must-order' item

for me when I saw the Chocolate Fondant on Hatched's menu.

The warm chocolate lava cake was good, thus it made up for my pancake disappointment. We had a cup of coffee each, which was clearly a disappointment. So much so that I even thought of driving down to the nearby Papa Palheta once I leave for a good cuppa coffee. Should have not ordered the coffee. Instead, we should have left the coffee-drinking to be at somewhere else after brunch. But what's brunch without a cuppa coffee?

We were there till 4.45pm. Last order was at 4.30pm.
2 hot girls who came specially for Hatched (overheard their
conversation) after 4.30pm were turned away. So be there early!

Hatched has another outlet (started its operations a few months back) at Holland Village, which I came across many negative reviews and comments on that outlet. Sadly. A pity, you can say. Perhaps there are certain 'must-order' or 'star' food items served at Hatched which I didn't order during my visit? If not, how else to explain the hype about Hatched? Maybe it is the 'all-day breakfast' concept? I have totally no idea.

It has been so long since I went to a F&B place and left with disappointment. Maybe I placed too much expectations on it with the hype and all. But of course, I braced myself for some room for disappointment since I read those negative reviews before I made the visit. If you ask me what I liked about Hatched at Evans Road, I will say it is the service, the decor and the ambience. And if you do want to experience Hatched dining, reservations are advisable especially at the Holland branch.

(Wrote this blog post with a heavy heart. Learnt that I shouldn't expect too much, else I will be more disappointed. Life~)

***************

Hatched @ Evans

26 Evans Road

Tel: 67350012

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (8am - 6pm, last order at 4.30pm)

Hatched @ Holland Village

267 Holland Avenue

Tel: 64630012

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (9am - 11pm, last order at 10.30pm)

***************

 

Review: Dinner at Oso Ristorante

The dinner that I had at Oso Ristorante was very memorable. Other than the fine company and conversation that I had with my dinner partner, the food was lovely and service at Oso was impeccable. In fact, I have to say that all, if not most, of the staff were very attentive and meticulous to my needs, yet they were warm and friendly at the same time... And I have to say, such splendid service provided was not seen in even some of the other fine dining places which I had previously dined at.


Oso Ristorante is opened by world-renowned chef Diego Chiarini. The Italian-decorated upscale restaurant is situated on the second level of the building that also houses the French restaurant, Absinthe (Well, this is one of the restaurants in my 'To Dine' list, as I love French cuisine. And the reason why we dined at Oso was because my partner likes Italian, so I chose that.)

I requested for a table in a quaint corner, and I was offered one beside a window, looking out to the balcony where tables are also set up for patrons to be seated at. Quaint it may be, but the girl (yes, girl, not lady) that was seated near us spoke a tad too loud and it seemed that she had so much to talk about that she did not seemed to stop throughout the whole dinner. That really killed the whole mood, somehow. (No, that 'loud' girl is not in the pic above. I'm nice like that.)


On a happy note, I felt we made a good selection in selecting the bottle of Prosecco Extra Dry sparkling wine as our choice of wine for the evening. When I saw Prosecco, the thought of my fave Bellini cocktail drink came into my mind, for it is the (original) main ingredient in the Bellini drink. :)

A bread basket was served to us, which I like the bread sticks most.

The starter plate as a perfect combination of the below, which definitely acted as a teaser, arousing my taste buds for the rest of the dinner.
Buffalo mozzarella tartar with basil pesto and tomato sabayon
Slowly cooked pork belly with honey served cold and thinly sliced "Porchetta"
Marinated tuna loin and mixed vegetables in tartar "Scapece"

Thick and creamy potato and white truffle flavor soup


Other than the warm soup that was served, a small amount of the soup
(cold soup, in fact, and that's really creative) was served in the cute little eggshell.

And so, one is to drink the cold soup from the eggshell using the straw provided.

With such a cute face doodle on the egg, it was no surprise that I was full of smiles! :p
You see it, you feel happy too.

Homemade tagliatelle with fish and seafood in tomato-dry oregano base

My partner's main: Stewed seabass fillet with mixed mushrooms and spinach cake

My main: Braised and deboned duck leg served in timbale
with mash potato and orange "Gremolata"

I enjoyed my main course thoroughly. It was something different from the usual duck confit. The orange gremolata brought out the duck meat's deep flavor. The meat was tender and it was presented in its shredded form but as a whole piece/block. One thing to mention was that my mains was served with mashed potato, which was rather repetitive since I already had the thick and creamy potato soup - Thus, something different for the sides would have been good to have.

Dessert: 70% dark chocolate soup served with saffron frozen parfait

I always believe that a good dinner must end with an unique dessert. Oso didn't fail to surprise me! I smiled widely with excitement when the waiter presented our desserts to us. The beautiful flower montif and the 3D butterfly biscuit captured my heart totally, almost too pretty to consume, hehe! Taste-wise, the parfait that contrasted with the dark-colored chocolate liquid paired off really well.


Overall, it was a gastronomic dining experience, coupled with great wine and company. The service is fantastic, same goes to the food pairing and presentation.... And all these, are enough for me to render a second visit, someday. :)



***************
Oso Ristorante

46 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089858

Tel: (65) 6327 8378

***************

Review: Fabulous Nip and Fab beauty products! Fix it all!

Sponsored Post

Nip + Fab (Nip and Fab website: http://www.nipandfab.com.sg/) originates from the UK, and is known to be a cult beauty brand. So popular that it has garnered fans whom are celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian and Gwyneth Paltrow, among others! 

The clinically-tested range of products for the face and body caters to the mass market of women and men whom are looking for effective solutions for their body and face concerns yet affordable and fuss-free. Nip and Fab's wide range of products addresses users' desires for body firming, skin soothing, skin hydration, and alot more!

Prior to the launch of their products, which are available at all Watson's stores (or you can purchase online at their website), they have kindly sent 6 of their products to me. And I have to say that I am truly amazed with it and I wanna share it with you!

The 6 Nip+Fab products sent to me were (L-R of below pic):

(1) Cellulite Fix

(2) Dry Leg Fix

(3) Bust Fix

(4) Tummy Fix)

(5) Dry Hand Fix

(6) Multi Fix Oil

Me at the condo pool. Thanks to my Sis for this pic. Heh!

We were swimming and I thought why not take a pic with the products.

Afterall, the Cellulite Fix, Bust Fix and Tummy Fix are SUPER UBER HELPFUL ESSENTIAL 

products to achieve the awesome bikini body! So I took them to the pool with me! Hee~ :p

Multi Fix Oil (SGD19.90, 100ml)

The Multi Fix Oil  is an award-winning product by Nip+Fab. This oil-based multi-purpose product is the hottest celeb-secret product as it has more than 100 fantastic use to it - Such as to reduce acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkle and fine lines. It can even be applied lightly under your eyes to reduce the appearance of eye-bags. Perfect to reduce body dryness and itchiness, as well as moisturizing and hydrating your skin during the harsh winter. (I am so going to bring this along during my year-end Winter Wonderland trip!) I felt that the oil application is quite heavy, so it will be better to use it at night, or perhaps in the day only when you know you will be home. Otherwise, I feel the rich oil content may not feel good on your skin in our humid weather!

Dry Hand Fix (SGD15.90, 75ml)

Nip+Fab's Dry Hand Fix is a hand cream which not only does the job of moisturizing one's skin and to reduce the hand dryness, it also helps to brighten one's skin tone. I will recommend to use it often, especially if you work in an air-conditioned environment. Like for me, I am never without my hand cream in office. A pair of beauteous hands is very attractive, IMO.  And I always feel that it is important to care for our hands as they show one of the first signs of ageing! This cream absorbs quickly and does not stain my laptop with greasy marks (Plus point!).

Dry Leg Fix (SGD15.90, 100ml)

With the help of an innovative moisturising + restructuring hydraconcept (water concept) called Aquaxyl™, the Dry Leg Fix is an intensive balm which smoothes and nourishes dry, flaky skin and makes way for silky legs that you will be so proud of to parade them around by wearing mini shorts and skirts, and of course, the sexy bikini! ;p I don't have dry legs, so I couldn't see a significant visible difference. But yes, my legs felt smoother, and thus... Sexier!!! Applying these seem to have made my legs look smoother and with a more even skin tone too. I applied it only before I go to bed. I think it will be useful to use it in the office air-con environment, especially if you do not wear stockings to work (Well I don't) and you want to keep your legs moisturized. :)

Ok! The interesting moment has arrived...

How to achieve the 'Fit for the summer, confidently parading yourself in your bikini at the beaches,to be the envy of everyone else' sexy body that you always dream of?

But I don't mean that you should start parading down Orchard Road or Marina Bay Sands while wearing only your bikini! Of course you can, if you want to... But remember to tell me, so that I can be there to photograph first-hand. :p

Do you want to have fuller AND firmer bust?

A firmer, less flabby tummy? Abs, perhaps?

To reduce the appearance of cellulite, say on your legs and butt cheeks?

 Miracles can happen and the secret lies in the following 3 products...

Bust Fix (SGD29.90, 100ml)

The Bust Fix serum contains CellActive®- FORM, which is a plant-based complex of active ingredients which supports the natural process of lipid deposition. It aims to visibly plump, smoothes and firm skin around the bust + décolleté. A fuller bust can thus be achieved, as well as to have the contours of your cleavage area to be nicely and firmly reshaped.

 I have never applied nor eaten any products related to enhancing the fullness of my bust ever before... So this was my first time that I tried a bust-enhancing product. The light gel cream sinks into the skin quickly. It is said to be a 'boob job in a tube'... Though I couldn't see significant results (Such as an increase in another cup size), but I can tell you that the Bust Fix is more like a 'bust plumper' where it plumps up your bust, just like how lip plumpers do the job to make your lips look plumper.

 But from the raving reviews and testimonials that I have been reading online, in magazines (Saw it in the Cosmopolitan magazine which I was reading at Salon De Choix last week, where it published the Cosmo Opinionators' review, which you can read it HERE.) and even on YouTube videos, seems like Bust Fix is THE answer for many whom are looking to achieve fuller-looking bust. :)

Side Note: I only applied this once a day, at night. I only tested it for 2 weeks. 

Perhaps, that was why it was not that significant of a change for me? Maybe.

Tummy Fix (SGD29.90, 100ml)

OK, I LOVE THIS!!! I LOVE THIS, I LOVE THIS AND I LOVE THIS!!! Doesn't that already tell you how awesome the Nip+Fab's Tummy Fix is? *grins* This is a popular product in UK, where it constantly sells out and consumers have to be put on the waiting list for this! Even celebs like Girls Aloud singer, Kimberley Walsh, endorses this product. And at the price of SGD29.90, I have to tell you 3 words... "JUST BUY IT!".

I can't promise you that you will have 6-pack abs after using this so-called 'Daily Ab Gel', but I have to say that the revolutionary formula, AmaraShape,which is a highly-effective combination of fat-burning actives, really helps in the toning, slimming, smoothing and tightening of your tummy area! I'm not blessed with abs or a flat tummy (Seriously!), so this product is really useful for me! So if you are looking into achieving a flatter/toner tummy, this TUMMY FIX is a MUST-BUY! Seriously, just buy it.... Really. I feel that Tummy Fix goes hand-in-hand with doing some abdominal exercises (Eg. Crunches) so as to achieve optimum results quickly. 

Now you can start wearing your bralet tops and Herve Leger bandage dresses without worrying about having a tummy bulge. And not to forget, put on your bikinis with new-found confidence, show your tummy, stop covering it up with your towel or top, and have fun by the pool or at the beach! Oh, beach bars too! :p

For the Mummies out there, I feel that this Tummy Fix gel cream will help in tummy toning and improving the skin texture. So if you are looking for something to use after birth to tone the once-taut tummy of yours, I feel that you can use this. Although I can't vouch that this works since I am not a Mummy, but there are reviews by Mummies who swear by this. ;)

Cellulite Fix (SGD29.90, 150ml)

The Cellulite Fix gel contains CellActive®- SHAPE, which is a complex active ingredienth which is enriched with a powerful combination of Indian forskolin, natural caffeine and the Essential Cell Boost-Factor. This aids in the fat breakdown, promote the removal of waste substances and improve tissue firmness. Thus, this acts quickly in combating cellulite. Say bye-bye to dimply thighs or orange peel butts now!

After trying it for 2 weeks, I feel that Cellulite Fix penetrates quickly into the skin. The non-sticky gel is certainly welcoming as I totally loathe those body cream/lotion/gel which leaves a sticky feeling after applicaion. I don't have visible cellulite (That's what he said! I concur that too!) so I can't comment if it really reduces the cellulite visibility. But my skin certainly feels firmer and toner. I feel awesome!

The 6 products under Nip+Fab's body care line!

Nip+Fab products can be found in Watsons stores.

And just to share with you, the one product I would like to try is the No Needle Fix!
Not in Singapore yet... But soon! ;)  

Check out Nip+Fab FACEBOOK PAGE!

They are currently running a '20 Days Of Giveaway' specials!

It's Day 7 already. So go 'Like' their Facebook Page NOW! :)

Stay Fabulous!!!

Get Pampered and Transformed at Salon De Choix!

Yes, I love my hair... I love my long hair.

I like that my hair often looks really awesome in pictures!!!

Like the 3 pictures below.

But what I dislike most is that my hair looks dry. 
My hair needs TREATMENT!!!

My hair is definitely in need of a 
new and refreshing COLOR!!! 

And I am guilty of trimming my hair only when I go for my hair color-treatment sessions. Thus, my hair requires a good TRIM too!!!



Yes, these dreadful dry-looking hair with split ends!

How my hair looks like after a shampoo/condition wash at home.
After air-drying my hair, no hair-dryer or hair product used. Dry, eh?




Yes, my wavy hair that someone can really do something to save me from, you say?
And of cos, those black hair roots too...

And rescue came in the form of my 

OFFICIAL HAIR SALON SPONSOR

*drums roll*

♥ SALON DE CHOIX ♥

The newly-opened Salon De Choix, which is conveniently located at Killiney Road (only a 5-minutes walk from Somerset MRT!), will be providing my hair with lots of TLC and transforming the way my hair looks from now onwards (which I am absolutely delighted about, and proud to have them as my hair salon sponsor)! Million awesome hugs to them! :p

Check out their posh and chic decor and interior, 

complete with their sleek layout!

Have a seat on one of the armchairs that await you, that is accompanied by a cushion for your comfort. Lean back on the cushion as your hair gets revitalized and transformed... Or have the cushion on your lap, while you browse through the up-to-date magazines which are provided for your reading pleasure. I especially like the abundance feel of mirrors all around. Oh, and I have to say, that I LOVE the music playlist of the salon. On my first hair makeover with them, I heard the current popular songs, as well as melodious Italian emotional songs which tugged at my heart strings.

I think I looked good here.

But I will look even better after my hair makeover, trust me.
See the last few pics in this blog post. :p

This is my long, brown, need-to-color-treatment-and-trim

'BEFORE SALON DE CHOIX HAIR MAKEOVER' hair.

My Outfit for the Day!
I think my hair looked totally fab on this day. 
But I cheated, as I used my Schwarzkopf satin drop to tame the ends. Hee! :p

Once seated, my Senior Hair Stylist, Jerry, handed me magazines.

(Cool, they have Cosmopolitan.) :p

Out of the many Hot & Cold drinks that I could choose from.I had Coke Light.
Certainly a soothing reliefas the weather that day was BLAZING HOT!

A delight to have a packet of biscuits to snack on too.

Jerry sat down with me for a hair consultation, where I shared with him my hair concerns, my lifestyle and my preferences for the style and color. Afterwhich, he advised me accordingly and gave me suggestions. I liked that he keeps himself updated to the latest hair trends and colors. With the many years of experiences to his name (plus he had experiences working for fashion shows/ hair shows), I know I can trust him with my precious hair. He won't ruin mine, as well as yours. ;)

This is my dear stylist, Jerry. Trimming my hair for me.

As my hair is around my hips area, I had no qualms when he took 4 inches of hair length off me. Yes, he did asked how much of hair length he could reduce mine too. So if you are on your way of keeping a longer hair length, just tell him and I am sure he will know what to do. He also layered my hair which I was super glad about as I do have thick tresses.

No, he doesn't smile when working on your hair. 

He likes to concentrate, so professional right?

I had to tell him to smile (for the pic below), just as I snapped.

Luckily he doesn't smile when he was trimming my hair.... I'd  thought that he was mad. :p

But he is very friendly and we got along really well, chatting most of the times.

And yes, you can see how my hair is in need of a fresh color job badly, in the picture below!

See the color difference! OMGosh!

I told you I trust Jerry. And I really do. I simply told him the type of base color (warm chocolate brown) which I want, along with highlights. He offered to show me the color chart as a confirmation, but I told him no need to. I really trust him to concoct the dye to the brown shade which I was hoping for.

And no, I did not want to do an ombre color dye for my hair. Not that I don't want, BUT I personally don't like to bleach my hair, and moreover, I have a job which requires me to have the corporate look.  Looking trendy and hip is awesome, but..... Corporate look equals to... Corporate. So Jerry countered that by giving me a base color, and 2 highlight tones. One of the highlight tone would be done in a way that it 'peeks' out at my bottom hair length to the ends. So much so that if it was a brighter color like pink or red for those highlights, it will be like ombre/dip-dyeing already. Thus, I love that Jerry was able to accommodate to me (and my job) and gave me something interesting too! ^_^

Getting my highlights done.

Mid-afternoon snack! Cup noodles!

I really adore this form of service from the salon.

Not allowing their customers to go hungry. Yums!

My Helmet. :p

It's cooling! Not warm air!  凉凉的!

So I had my cup noodles while reading my Cosmopolitan magazine...

When it was time to rinse off the hair dye and for a relaxing shampoo wash, I was EXCITED. Firstly, I like to have my hair washed by others as it feels very relaxing to have my scalp massaged. I bet you know what I mean. Tee hee. But the best part is that Salon De Chiox raise up the COMFORT & RELAXING level by 1000 times by fitting in MASSAGE CHAIRS, rather than the normal chairs for customers to lie on. 

Yes, you read it right... Chairs that have a remote control to operate the massaging functions. It was ultra relaxing and I wish that I have ultra thick or long hair like Rapunzel so that more time had to be spent to wash my hair, and I will get to enjoy it while having my shoulder-to-calves-massage. Hee!

Hair as thick and long like this, maybe? :p

Doing a hair treatment is of course, advisable, after you colored your hair. For me, it is always a MUST. And I know my hair condition will improve after the Keratase treatment that Jerry which he did for me next. No more frizzy or dry-looking hair... And my new hair color will be better protected, last longer and will have more radiance after the hair treatment!

Once again, Jerry sat down with me and went through the following hair profiling and needs with me, in order to tailor-made the hair treatment according to my hair condition and needs >>>

My Customized Hair Treatment

Jerry poured the Booster Polyphenols (the pink one) 

into the Concentre Oleo-Fusion (the orange one).

The highly-concentrated doses of active ingredients that were mixed together made it easier and cmore convenient to target my two hair concerns at once. The Concentre Oleo-Fusion provided the intense nourishment for ,my dry hair with shine and softness, while the Booster Polyphenols gave an antioxidant protection and long-lasting shine for my newly colour-treated hair.

Jerry followed by spraying the mixed treatment potion (Yes, the magic of it! Oh mann~) onto my towel-dried, slightly-damp hair and gently rub it into the lower portion of my tresses. While waiting for time to pass while I awaited for my hair to receive its special treatment, I continued to read magazines and drank a cup of hot green tea. 

Soon after, it was time to rinse my hair again, while seated on the comfortable hair salon massage chair. I know there are salons in UK and Japan that has the massage chairs for their customers to lie on while they have their hair washed. Not sure if Salon De Choix is the first in Singapore to have it... But all I can say is that it is the first time that I heard (and seen and tried) a salon in Singapore that has these! :)

Next is the final step to enhance my whole image, once I step out of Salon De Choix - Hair Blowing and Styling! As I was going for dinner after that, Jerry did temporary curls for me using the hair curler. I do like how bouncy the curls were, but if  I am to perm my hair (like a permanent perm), I would go for beachy wave instead. 

And...... WE ARE DONE! After 5.5 hours!

Check me out in below pictures!!!

Loved the wavy fringe which Jerry did for me.

Mann.... Simply love the overall color!

I like this picture alot.
Jerry asked why I wanted to take in this angle... I really had no idea but I just like it.

**Pictures below were taken back at home...
6 hours after I left the salon**

Check out my highlights!

My curls had loosened up by then but I felt it looked just as nice too! :p

Imagine if I tie up my hair?
Still looked just as nice with the highlights!

My hair ends certainly look healthier and smoother now! YAY!

To have different shades of brown peeking out 

with my different hairdos is certainly interesting.

"You'll never know what you'll get" :p

CHECK OUT MY "BEFORE & AFTER HAIR MAKEOVER" SHOTS!!!

Given my time and the opportunity to interact with Jerry while he worked on my tresses, I feel that he was experienced and he knew what he was doing, as well as to meet my requests, with the aim to achieve what I was looking forward to. He did not try to force his ideas on me, but rather to offer suggestions. Jerry was patient and meticulous, and I liked that he made an effort to build a "relationship" where communication and customer satisfaction is key.

If you are interested to make an appointment at Salon De Choix,

mention my name 'Feliza'  when you call to the salon 

and get 15% discount off your total bill~

(Not applicable for promotions)

CALL TO BOOK AN APPT: 68362959 

For more information about Salon De Choix, 
check out their >>> FACEBOOK

Salon De Choix is located at: 
3 Killiney Road #01-06 
Winsland House 1
Singapore 239519