After reading so much about Island Creamery from blogs and hearing people talk about it in forum, finally I went to check the place out yesterday. Rushed down to meet a group of bloggers at Serene Centre after a quicky at Games Convention over at Suntec.
First thing that came to mind upon entering the small shop at the corner of Serene Centre was, "Hmm... another one with photo wall, just like pitstop." The big wall opposite the counter was covered with photos taken by the customers of Island Creamery. They have a portable photo printer where you can use to print your photos on the spot, scribble your names and what not on the photo and have a piece of the wall for your group. This is a very nice way to fill-up blank spaces on the wall as it added colors to the place with all the photos. This might also be one of the pulling factor that draws customers to return to see if they can spot their photos again few months later at the same spot or if any friends they know visited the place too.
So what can you find other than the photo wall at Island Creamery? Ice-cream of course! And in many interesting flavors too. One of the other attraction is the many local taste flavored ice-creams available. Find Teh Tarik, Pulua Hitum, Chendol, Apple Pie, Holick, Milo and many other flavors that'll make you want to try them all.
My group bought 4 tubs for $8 each and shared. Flavors are Nutella, ReversO, Burnt Caramel and Teh Tarik. I tried them all and concluded that other than the unique flavors and taste, that tasted just the way they should, there's really nothing much to rave about. The ice-cream is too creamery for my liking. And they are very sweet too. I had to drink 2 gulps of water after each scope (small scope) of ice-cream.
My bf bought a scope (at $2.50) of the berry mixed flavor to try. We both felt that this one tasted slightly better as the sourness from berries somehow lessen the sweet taste of the ice cream. And you can taste the berries and had to crew on it.
There're other better ice creams out there. If I were to return to Island Creamery, it would either be for another gathering or someone invited me there for free ice-cream. Other than that, I'll probably not return for the ice cream.
Finally I got to try the donuts at Donut Factory. Passed by the one at Raffles City so many times but the queue is longer than the MRT train. When I saw that there's a seperate queue for this outlet at Suntec, I was delighted!
There's a mini cafe within Donut Factory where you can sit and enjoy a cup of tea with your donut. They also has pretty interesting donut dishes. Can't recall the name, but there's one that is served with a scope of ice-cream (like how others do it on brownies) and one that comes like a sandwich with something in between and comes in a bento box with side salad. Didn't try these, maybe next time when I passed by it again.
And thanks to this cafe concept of theirs, they have a seperate counter for cafe or takeaway. But you can only buy max. of 2 donuts. So everyone in the queue bought 2 donuts each.
Now, the donuts, I've to say, there's really nothing that great about them. The dough taste like the one at Dippin Donut (used to be Vinco Donut). We tried the Hazelnut Milk Chocolate, Mint Dark Chocolate, Strawberry White Chocolate and the Glazed (which is reserved for my breakfast tmr).
The first we bit into was the Strawberry White Chocolate, it's too sweet for our liking. The strawberry tasted more like sugar cream and blended with the sweet white chocolate, its overpowering! Try it if you have a super sweet tooth, if not, try others. Hazelnut one was alright. The nut makes it crunchy and kind of compilment the soft dough. I like the Mint Dark Chocolate. Not too sweet and the mint taste is refreshing.
Overall, the donuts was just so-so. I guess its the variety available that attracted the long long queue. And also maybe due to the way they price the donuts. The more you buy, the cheaper you pay. So everyone also buy more. And when everyone infront of you buys more, the longer you got to wait for more to be baked. Even with the many staff, about 6 in the kitchen baking donuts, the queue was still long (but not as long as the one at Raffles City.) But if you aren't buying in boxes, join the cafe queue. It's faster.
************ Updated 19 October 2007 ************
Was at Suntec for dinner this day and passed by donut factory to check out the queue, and to our delightness, the queue was bearable. So we joined the queue and were served in less than 10mins. Great work! There were 2 staff taking turn to pack customers' orders and 1 cashier for the main donut queue. There were also 12 others working non-stop in the kitchen. Amazing team they have.
This time I get to buy all the flavors that I want to try. Yap, looking at the photos, I got almost all those that's yummilicious! The Double Chocolate is to die for! The filling tasted like Nutella and the chocolate melts in your mouth. Gives a great satisfaction when you bite into it. So relax... (yes choc helps one relaxes.)
I don't know what made me buy 4 of the Spicy Donuts, but I kinda regretted. It's nice, but not the flavor that I would like a second helping of. It's made up of nacho cheese I think. Guess I prefer sweet donuts.
Now, I know which are the flavors I'll get when I go back again. The Double Choc, Mint Dark Choc, Apple Cinnamon and Rasberry Dark Chco. And for the wide variety that I like, I'm increasing my rating from 3 stars to 5 stars. (Also cos of the many other donuts which I've tasted so far. Other than those that's yet to have arrived in SG. Psss... I heard some pretty good ones coming next year... Yeah!)
Being beautiful has never been easier with Benefit!
Chanced upon Benefit from their website and found it at CK Tangs. I just couldn't resist myself, the packaging is so cool! I told myself I just need to get them! After understanding about the various products from the lady, I bought dr.feelgood and some-kind-a-gorgeous. These two items burnt a $120 big hole in my wallet!
After using it for more than a month now, I must say, I simply love them! The powder is so light and you don't feel like wearing make-up at all! I used to hate wearing make-up, so when I say I loveeee Benefit, I truely mean it! I don't think I'll be using any other brands anymore.
Also bought their popular blusher, Dandelion online. And I simply love love love it too! Am waiting to buy more. In fact, I want all!
Talking about creativity! This group of creative people sure has a great creative idea and I've a feeling this is going to be big! (One day)
Saw them at MAAD today. I've to say, this is a very new and fun gift idea for everyone and anyone! Sure will put a smile on your friend's and loved one's face when you give a head to them. I am already considering getting it for couple of my girlfriends. (shhh...)
Go check out their website for samples of the heads. So cute lah!
Oh! btw... they're cushions aka huggables aka pillow or whatever you want to call it.
Was planning to head to play boardgames at Boat Quay when we chanced upon this Thai Restuarant. Took a glance at the menu and found the price pretty reasonable. So we went in to get our dinner.
I like the murals on their walls. Simple yet tasteful. Simple decor and gives a very easy and relax feel while dining. Clean too. Nothing fancy. I like.
We ordered fried tofu (3 flavours), spicy chiang mai squid and green curry chicken. The food was nice and lightly taste. Its different from the other Thai food i had before which has a very strong taste of their spicies. Food here is nicely cooked with just the right amount of spice. You'll still be able to taste the original taste of the meat/vege with the sauce over it.
Was quite confused with the ordering process at my first visit. First I was given a number card with my table number. Then the guy at the entrance will place a matching table number at an available table for the number of guest. Then we placed our order, collected our drinks and had to sit at the table given to us. (You cannot choose to sit at another table as it'll all be numbered.)
Food came and we had to cook our own food. Pour in the sauces and start cooking your meat on the hot stone. All the sizzling and cooking created a strong smell that filled the entire place. I personally wouldn't like sitting there for too long after my meal. Kinda stink the clothes.
Had my second visit at Pepper Lunch yesterday. My friends were there before me and were about to finish when I arrived. I queued to order my food and from my previous experience, I requested for a number card. The guy asked where I sit and I told him my table number was removed as the food already delivered. He doesn't seem to understand me as he kept asking for a table number! I repeated myself again this time slower and pointing to my table. Then finally he understood. But he seemed rather lost not knowing what to do. Later he told me to inform the cashier when placing my order. So I did. And the cashier gave me a confused look again! I'm totally lost. What's so difficult about giving me a new table number? Later he checked with the guy again and then he told her to give me a table number from her sets of numbers. Walking back to my table to join my friend, I asked myself, what's the difference from the guy at the entrance giving me a number and the cashier giving me a number? Aren't they the same?
The food was alright. Its the concept of cooking it yourself and the special sauce they have that makes it a novelty for customers. Other than that, I don't see what's so good about it, considering the smell and price and service, I'll rather not have my meal there.
Quick review: Was there yesterday for Secret. Show time was 7.45pm. But we were not allowed to enter earlier as the theatre wasn't ready. Wanted to buy popcorns at the counter inside and go to the ladies before the show. But we couldn't.
The cinemas was packed and the queue was long at the ticketing counter. As we bought our tickets earlier, we had to requeue to get popcorns. They should have created an express lane for those who just want popcorns instead of putting the ticketing n popcorn counter together. Yes its easier for those who buy ticket the last minute/ before the show and get their popcorns at the same time. But what about people like us? The most irritating thing is when those buying tickets infront of you can't decide which seats to pick! They held up the queue and we ended up late for the show. When we finally got to our theatre, the show already started!
Later we found out that they do delivery service to our seats for food orders. I feel that this is a good gesture for people who bought tickets first so they can order their food and get it delivered. But think again, wouldn't these delivery disturb the others in the theatre? Especially if the delivery is for someone sitting right in the center of the row?
I still feel that a seperate counter is better for those who just want popcorn.
I'm also a starhub maxonline user. Personally, I feel that maxonline is faster and better as compared to other bb provider. Have been asking around others too when I have to recontract my subscriptions. And usually a higher percentage of ppl I talk to recommended me to stick to starhub. At least you don't have to worry about your home line plans? Another reason why I'm on starhub is also cos I do not have a home line since everyone at home has a mobile phone. And with the free incoming, what's the point of a home line?
If you find that the plan you subscribe to is too high, you can downgrade to a lower plan. The speed shouldn't be reduced too much. If you're comfortable with the wireless@sg speed while surfing outdoor, then go lower plan for home cable I would say.
Pretty handmade crochet charms and embellishments make her accessories one-of-a-kind. Her lovely collection of accessories is very pretty and womanly. Her use of colors is simply magical.
Love all the designs! If only I can have them all!
Maria is also a very friendly lady who moved to Singapore with her family as her husband is deployed to work here. Very nice lady to chat with. She makes everyone feel so welcome at her shop (when she's goes MAAD at red dot museum.)
Go take a look at her blogstore. Buy one for yourself, or if you're a guy, buy for your gf/wife/mother.
Jalan Kayu used to be my dinner place after work couple years back. It was near my work place and near my home. Although there are quite a number of food places along Jalan Kayu, Cafeela is the one that we frequent often. So often that the uncle working there recognises us.
They've recently expanded and now has an air-con dining area too. Price and food still the same. Just that the menu in the air-con place is newer and has more seafood stuff as compared to their normal menu. This dining area is also a good place to host mini dinner party.
My usual orders at Cafeela includes their Pataya Fried Rice (Rate 4/5), Salted Fish Fried Rice (Rate 3/5), Curry Fish Head (Rate 3.5/5), Fried Beef Kuay Teow (4/5), Pratas (Rate 3.5/5, I prefer this as compared to the one down the road.) and Chicken Wings with Sambal (Rate 4.5/5). The wings aren't those crispy kind, but I like the marinating and the sambal just makes it more yummy! And now they serve satays too! Quite nice also. Can try. But you got to wait for quite a while during dinner time.
Overall, the food is not bad. Staff are mostly friendly, but do expect to wait for the food (sometimes even the drinks) during weekends dinner hours.
Nice place to chill too after midnight. If you like chilling with Tek Terik and Milo Dinosaur. =)
1=SGD 0.0587
Yes, its creamery. But is there more to it?
After reading so much about Island Creamery from blogs and hearing people talk about it in forum, finally I went to check the place out yesterday. Rushed down to meet a group of bloggers at Serene Centre after a quicky at Games Convention over at Suntec.
First thing that came to mind upon entering the small shop at the corner of Serene Centre was, "Hmm... another one with photo wall, just like pitstop." The big wall opposite the counter was covered with photos taken by the customers of Island Creamery. They have a portable photo printer where you can use to print your photos on the spot, scribble your names and what not on the photo and have a piece of the wall for your group. This is a very nice way to fill-up blank spaces on the wall as it added colors to the place with all the photos. This might also be one of the pulling factor that draws customers to return to see if they can spot their photos again few months later at the same spot or if any friends they know visited the place too.
So what can you find other than the photo wall at Island Creamery? Ice-cream of course! And in many interesting flavors too. One of the other attraction is the many local taste flavored ice-creams available. Find Teh Tarik, Pulua Hitum, Chendol, Apple Pie, Holick, Milo and many other flavors that'll make you want to try them all.
My group bought 4 tubs for $8 each and shared. Flavors are Nutella, ReversO, Burnt Caramel and Teh Tarik. I tried them all and concluded that other than the unique flavors and taste, that tasted just the way they should, there's really nothing much to rave about. The ice-cream is too creamery for my liking. And they are very sweet too. I had to drink 2 gulps of water after each scope (small scope) of ice-cream.
My bf bought a scope (at $2.50) of the berry mixed flavor to try. We both felt that this one tasted slightly better as the sourness from berries somehow lessen the sweet taste of the ice cream. And you can taste the berries and had to crew on it.
There're other better ice creams out there. If I were to return to Island Creamery, it would either be for another gathering or someone invited me there for free ice-cream. Other than that, I'll probably not return for the ice cream.
Rating given:
Finally I got to try the donuts at Donut Factory. Passed by the one at Raffles City so many times but the queue is longer than the MRT train. When I saw that there's a seperate queue for this outlet at Suntec, I was delighted!
There's a mini cafe within Donut Factory where you can sit and enjoy a cup of tea with your donut. They also has pretty interesting donut dishes. Can't recall the name, but there's one that is served with a scope of ice-cream (like how others do it on brownies) and one that comes like a sandwich with something in between and comes in a bento box with side salad. Didn't try these, maybe next time when I passed by it again.
And thanks to this cafe concept of theirs, they have a seperate counter for cafe or takeaway. But you can only buy max. of 2 donuts. So everyone in the queue bought 2 donuts each.
Now, the donuts, I've to say, there's really nothing that great about them. The dough taste like the one at Dippin Donut (used to be Vinco Donut). We tried the Hazelnut Milk Chocolate, Mint Dark Chocolate, Strawberry White Chocolate and the Glazed (which is reserved for my breakfast tmr).
The first we bit into was the Strawberry White Chocolate, it's too sweet for our liking. The strawberry tasted more like sugar cream and blended with the sweet white chocolate, its overpowering! Try it if you have a super sweet tooth, if not, try others. Hazelnut one was alright. The nut makes it crunchy and kind of compilment the soft dough. I like the Mint Dark Chocolate. Not too sweet and the mint taste is refreshing.
Overall, the donuts was just so-so. I guess its the variety available that attracted the long long queue. And also maybe due to the way they price the donuts. The more you buy, the cheaper you pay. So everyone also buy more. And when everyone infront of you buys more, the longer you got to wait for more to be baked. Even with the many staff, about 6 in the kitchen baking donuts, the queue was still long (but not as long as the one at Raffles City.) But if you aren't buying in boxes, join the cafe queue. It's faster.
************ Updated 19 October 2007 ************
Was at Suntec for dinner this day and passed by donut factory to check out the queue, and to our delightness, the queue was bearable. So we joined the queue and were served in less than 10mins. Great work! There were 2 staff taking turn to pack customers' orders and 1 cashier for the main donut queue. There were also 12 others working non-stop in the kitchen. Amazing team they have.
This time I get to buy all the flavors that I want to try. Yap, looking at the photos, I got almost all those that's yummilicious! The Double Chocolate is to die for! The filling tasted like Nutella and the chocolate melts in your mouth. Gives a great satisfaction when you bite into it. So relax... (yes choc helps one relaxes.)
I don't know what made me buy 4 of the Spicy Donuts, but I kinda regretted. It's nice, but not the flavor that I would like a second helping of. It's made up of nacho cheese I think. Guess I prefer sweet donuts.
Now, I know which are the flavors I'll get when I go back again. The Double Choc, Mint Dark Choc, Apple Cinnamon and Rasberry Dark Chco. And for the wide variety that I like, I'm increasing my rating from 3 stars to 5 stars. (Also cos of the many other donuts which I've tasted so far. Other than those that's yet to have arrived in SG. Psss... I heard some pretty good ones coming next year... Yeah!)
Rating given:
Being beautiful has never been easier with Benefit!
Chanced upon Benefit from their website and found it at CK Tangs. I just couldn't resist myself, the packaging is so cool! I told myself I just need to get them! After understanding about the various products from the lady, I bought dr.feelgood and some-kind-a-gorgeous. These two items burnt a $120 big hole in my wallet!
After using it for more than a month now, I must say, I simply love them! The powder is so light and you don't feel like wearing make-up at all! I used to hate wearing make-up, so when I say I loveeee Benefit, I truely mean it! I don't think I'll be using any other brands anymore.
Also bought their popular blusher, Dandelion online. And I simply love love love it too! Am waiting to buy more. In fact, I want all!
Rating given:
Talking about creativity! This group of creative people sure has a great creative idea and I've a feeling this is going to be big! (One day)
Saw them at MAAD today. I've to say, this is a very new and fun gift idea for everyone and anyone! Sure will put a smile on your friend's and loved one's face when you give a head to them. I am already considering getting it for couple of my girlfriends. (shhh...)
Go check out their website for samples of the heads. So cute lah!
Oh! btw... they're cushions aka huggables aka pillow or whatever you want to call it.
Rating given:
Was planning to head to play boardgames at Boat Quay when we chanced upon this Thai Restuarant. Took a glance at the menu and found the price pretty reasonable. So we went in to get our dinner.
I like the murals on their walls. Simple yet tasteful. Simple decor and gives a very easy and relax feel while dining. Clean too. Nothing fancy. I like.
We ordered fried tofu (3 flavours), spicy chiang mai squid and green curry chicken. The food was nice and lightly taste. Its different from the other Thai food i had before which has a very strong taste of their spicies. Food here is nicely cooked with just the right amount of spice. You'll still be able to taste the original taste of the meat/vege with the sauce over it.
Total spent $22 for 2 person. Worth a try.
Rating given:
Was quite confused with the ordering process at my first visit. First I was given a number card with my table number. Then the guy at the entrance will place a matching table number at an available table for the number of guest. Then we placed our order, collected our drinks and had to sit at the table given to us. (You cannot choose to sit at another table as it'll all be numbered.)
Food came and we had to cook our own food. Pour in the sauces and start cooking your meat on the hot stone. All the sizzling and cooking created a strong smell that filled the entire place. I personally wouldn't like sitting there for too long after my meal. Kinda stink the clothes.
Had my second visit at Pepper Lunch yesterday. My friends were there before me and were about to finish when I arrived. I queued to order my food and from my previous experience, I requested for a number card. The guy asked where I sit and I told him my table number was removed as the food already delivered. He doesn't seem to understand me as he kept asking for a table number! I repeated myself again this time slower and pointing to my table. Then finally he understood. But he seemed rather lost not knowing what to do. Later he told me to inform the cashier when placing my order. So I did. And the cashier gave me a confused look again! I'm totally lost. What's so difficult about giving me a new table number? Later he checked with the guy again and then he told her to give me a table number from her sets of numbers. Walking back to my table to join my friend, I asked myself, what's the difference from the guy at the entrance giving me a number and the cashier giving me a number? Aren't they the same?
The food was alright. Its the concept of cooking it yourself and the special sauce they have that makes it a novelty for customers. Other than that, I don't see what's so good about it, considering the smell and price and service, I'll rather not have my meal there.
Rating given:
Quick review: Was there yesterday for Secret. Show time was 7.45pm. But we were not allowed to enter earlier as the theatre wasn't ready. Wanted to buy popcorns at the counter inside and go to the ladies before the show. But we couldn't.
The cinemas was packed and the queue was long at the ticketing counter. As we bought our tickets earlier, we had to requeue to get popcorns. They should have created an express lane for those who just want popcorns instead of putting the ticketing n popcorn counter together. Yes its easier for those who buy ticket the last minute/ before the show and get their popcorns at the same time. But what about people like us? The most irritating thing is when those buying tickets infront of you can't decide which seats to pick! They held up the queue and we ended up late for the show. When we finally got to our theatre, the show already started!
Later we found out that they do delivery service to our seats for food orders. I feel that this is a good gesture for people who bought tickets first so they can order their food and get it delivered. But think again, wouldn't these delivery disturb the others in the theatre? Especially if the delivery is for someone sitting right in the center of the row?
I still feel that a seperate counter is better for those who just want popcorn.
Rating given:
I'm also a starhub maxonline user. Personally, I feel that maxonline is faster and better as compared to other bb provider. Have been asking around others too when I have to recontract my subscriptions. And usually a higher percentage of ppl I talk to recommended me to stick to starhub. At least you don't have to worry about your home line plans? Another reason why I'm on starhub is also cos I do not have a home line since everyone at home has a mobile phone. And with the free incoming, what's the point of a home line?
If you find that the plan you subscribe to is too high, you can downgrade to a lower plan. The speed shouldn't be reduced too much. If you're comfortable with the wireless@sg speed while surfing outdoor, then go lower plan for home cable I would say.
Rating given:
Pretty handmade crochet charms and embellishments make her accessories one-of-a-kind. Her lovely collection of accessories is very pretty and womanly. Her use of colors is simply magical.
Love all the designs! If only I can have them all!
Maria is also a very friendly lady who moved to Singapore with her family as her husband is deployed to work here. Very nice lady to chat with. She makes everyone feel so welcome at her shop (when she's goes MAAD at red dot museum.)
Go take a look at her blogstore. Buy one for yourself, or if you're a guy, buy for your gf/wife/mother.
Rating given:
Jalan Kayu used to be my dinner place after work couple years back. It was near my work place and near my home. Although there are quite a number of food places along Jalan Kayu, Cafeela is the one that we frequent often. So often that the uncle working there recognises us.
They've recently expanded and now has an air-con dining area too. Price and food still the same. Just that the menu in the air-con place is newer and has more seafood stuff as compared to their normal menu. This dining area is also a good place to host mini dinner party.
My usual orders at Cafeela includes their Pataya Fried Rice (Rate 4/5), Salted Fish Fried Rice (Rate 3/5), Curry Fish Head (Rate 3.5/5), Fried Beef Kuay Teow (4/5), Pratas (Rate 3.5/5, I prefer this as compared to the one down the road.) and Chicken Wings with Sambal (Rate 4.5/5). The wings aren't those crispy kind, but I like the marinating and the sambal just makes it more yummy! And now they serve satays too! Quite nice also. Can try. But you got to wait for quite a while during dinner time.
Overall, the food is not bad. Staff are mostly friendly, but do expect to wait for the food (sometimes even the drinks) during weekends dinner hours.
Nice place to chill too after midnight. If you like chilling with Tek Terik and Milo Dinosaur. =)
Rating given: