Noticed that small entrance flanked by the winding stairs and faced with a beautiful fountain? What goes on inside is not small, I assure you. I am not a regular at that place, but yet BarCelona is always the top choice automatically whenever friends and associates ask for suggestions.
Besides good companionship, what do I look for in a wine bar? BarCelona answers that part of my demands perfectly. All of these demands lies in the ambience, music, service, food, comfort and more. Is it really possible for BarCelona to provide all of these?
The friendly staffs are very good ambassadors to this bar. Unlike in some dance clubs, they are very attentive. The bar managers take a significant effort to chat up with customers and build a rapport with them. I think that's one of the main reasons why it is not difficult to spot the same few faces of returning customers.
And yes, for once you do not need to scream into the ears of your pal given the loud music elsewhere. So it's not hard to see why I still prefer BarCelona among the many.
Ambience wise, you can really let your hair down and chill out for the night. It's not one of those high society bars, so do away with the formalities. One one side, pool players like myself enjoy a good game while on the other, most would laze back on their chair and relax. Don't worry, no matter where you are the music can be heard loud and clear. I have forgotten to mention too, a few tournament pool players enjoy playing at BarCelona too.
Being al-fresco, how can we forget about the food? I just can't hold myself back from their Baked Mussels and Calamari Rings. The Spicy Topshell and BarCelona Fries (in-house menu) are also big attractions to me. One thing that impresses me the most is the Grilled Mixed Sausages. I ain't a big fan of grilled food because most that I've tried are often too dry and hard for my liking. That's not really the case for their sausages.
Years ago when I first stepped foot into BarCelona, there were plenty of blues music. I still remember Jack who used to play his guitar along with his wicked vocals. That's like 8 or 9 years ago? Nowadays, we see a little rock music action in BarCelona which does not really appeal to me that much. I still prefer that good old blues and jazz in such a lovely setting, without being distracted by the human traffic outside.
Additional tips? They don't charge exorbitant prices.
My verdict? Love it you must. Be it with a bunch of friends, or an evening date... However, I'll stick to 4 stars due to the music factor.
If you haven't heard of the King of Pig Organ Soup, you have lose out a great deal.
The name Cheng Mun Chee Kee Pig Organ Soup King - 正文志记猪杂汤大王 - fits this stall perfectly. Didn't our Taiwanese friends always say the good food are often hidden in the small lanes? True enough, that is very much the case for this stall.
Cheng Mun Chee Kee (CMCK) is situated in a humble coffeeshop along Foch Road. If you have problems locating this coffeeshop despite the big signboard along the roadside, just remember it is directly opposite Lavendar Hawker Centre & Hotel 81 - Elegance.
One of the most important aspects of Pig Organ Soup is the freshness of the organs. CMCK seems to score well in that, for all the times I ate there I smell nothing bad. I tried to spy on the cooking on how they manage to keep their innards and pork so tender, but I can't seem to spot anything. Perhaps, I am just not cut out to be a chef.
The chilli that comes along also plays a big role. I have tried stalls which gave me normal sliced chilli with light soya sauce, chilli padi, pepper powder... but nothing comes close to theirs. Sliced chilli with DARK SOYA SAUCE! That's what I call the authentic chilli for Pig Organ Soup.
Not enough soup? Craving for more? CMCK is more than happy to refill your soup FOC. Being a soup person, that is double thumbs up! If you want a refill, just bring your bowl to the side of the stall and your bowl will be topped up with soup in a jiffy. The uncle even told me with a smiley face, "not enough soup come back for more..." As I see it, he takes alot of pride not only in how the organs are cooked, and also the quality of the soup base. Can you imagine that feeling I get for each tablespoon of soup that goes down my throat? Only one expression is appropriate... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... SHIOK!
One easy way of locating this small eatery is looking out for Thian Hock Keng temple along Telok Ayer Street. If you can't see it, that's only natural. Kah Soh is just directly behind the temple.
I learnt about this place from a friend who operated his pub along Amoy Street, oh boy... I would have killed myself for not trying it. I keep giving myself excuses to drop by whenever I need to get work done around the area. The moment you stepped into the restaurant, the rich aroma of the fish soup seems to fill up every corner of the place.
Don't expect young servers to take your orders, the aunties and uncles there not only lay the table for you but they are very knowledgeable about the food they sell. Coming to this restaurant, how can one not try their fish-slice soup? Afterall, fish soup is what they are infamous for.
Their fish soup are somewhat different from what we usually see elsewhere. We still see a certain degree of transparency in fish soups found elsewhere, but here - the soup is white! According to the shop servers, that's only possible because they are using real fish bones and not artificial seasonings to create that soup base. With the thick bee hoon, everything melts in your mouth. Plus... the taste of fish without smelling stinky tells me of the freshness of their fish.
There are other dishes to try of course, if you don't feel like having fish-soup noodles. The only setback is, tables laid out on the corridors are pretty dark. You need some waiting over the dinner time slot too.
My verdict? Very unique fish soup. Thinking of it makes me hungry. Oh, if you're lucky you might just get to see the boss stopping by with his Ferrari.
Note: Car park attendants patrol that area very very very frequently. Lose your heart to the fish soup, but don't lose your mind to the attendants! Get your coupons ready!
Hate the ERP? Hate the Orchard Road jam? Well, not to worry! Planet Fitness @ GWC is the perfect solution.
Planet Fitness @ GWC is conveniently situated at such a location that we do not have to drive into Orchard Road, thus avoiding the ERP gantry. It is easily accessible from all directions, regardless if you're coming from Tiong Bahru, from Stevens Road, from Tanglin or from River Valley.
Planet Fitness @ GWC supposedly hold a floor area 2/3 of Planet Fitness @ Suntec, but it does feel alot smaller when I am physically there. However, this gym still offers an enclosed studio without any qualms.
Perhaps it's the smaller space, the machines appear to be closer to one another. Comfortable with a little "intimacy". This is one other gym that I visit because the crowd level seems to be lower. Of all the times I work out in Planet Fitness @ GWC, I hardly see a massive turnout. If you're someone who enjoys working out with lesser eyes on you, this will be the perfect place.
I still visit this gym once in a while, mainly for weights and cardiac workouts. It can be quite boring running on the treadmills because Planet Fitness @ GWC does not boost a fantastic scenery like those of Suntec. Planet Fitness @ GWC also do not have any swimming activities available, which I always enjoyed after each session.
If you think you are missing out on the shopping, fret not! Great World City has some exciting shopping for you to do after your training. Nearby, there is also a hawker centre to offer you a nice dinner. If that's not enough and you crave for some action on the dance-floor, Zouk is less than 300 metres away while Mohd Sultan is 5 minutes drive away.
I would say it's an excellent place if not for some minor details. Tighter space making it feel more cramp, but yet small crowd seems like I can have the entire gym to myself. I'm still feeling sore there is no swimming activities in GWC... haha!
My verdict? Good! If only they could throw in just a little bit more.
Why shouldn't anyone love Planet Fitness @ Suntec City?
The location itself, is close to perfection. Being situated close to offices, exhibition halls and the shopping strip linked within the 5 blocks of Suntec City makes it such an enticing place to visit. Exiting from the lift, the sleek sight of the entrance just makes one feel like dashing right into the gym. Friendly staffs greet you at the reception, before you proceed into the changing room.
It's ironical to say, the changing room is one of the most pleasant place to hang around. Hygiene and cleanliness are two important aspects to me, and Planet Fitness @ Suntec met my expectations wonderfully. Spanking clean and tidy, I really wonder how they manage to keep their changing room and bathing section so well maintained. The lockers are a pleasure to store our bags and clothes, instead of having to worry about dirtying them.
One might feel lost if they were to step into Planet Fitness @ Suntec for the first time. That is understandable. Not only are we looking at a huge hall of workout equipments, this gym boost two levels of workout area. The weight and cardiac training are available mostly on the bottom level, while more treadmills are hosted on the second level.
What makes me fall in love so much with this gym, is the fantastic scenery I can look out to as I work out. Never mind the TVs, even though there are plenty enough all around the gym hall. How many gyms are able to provide this "backdrop"? Honestly, I can't remember any.
One other thing that I am highly impressed, the attention given by their trainers. The very first time I signed up, they took extensive discussions and light tests to determine my abilities and probable training schedule. They were always ready to offer answers, and that only mean they are all appropriately qualified to do so. When they see you long enough, it's a great pleasure to be addressed by our names... more like friends.
No doubt I have shifted my training regime out of their cemented walls and glass panels, I still hold high regards for this particular gym. If you're a beginner in workouts, this is one place you should really go to.
Oh, have I forgotten to tell you, gym members are entitled to use the Suntec Swimming Pool? (Not available to public) The only setback is, you gotta walk a distance to another lift to hit the waters. Otherwise, a small refundable deposit makes it all the more worthwhile. Not to mention, not many people knows Suntec has a windy swimming pool on its roof even.
My verdict? Full thumbs up! A little expensive but worth every cent of it.
1=SGD 0.0587
Besides good companionship, what do I look for in a wine bar? BarCelona answers that part of my demands perfectly. All of these demands lies in the ambience, music, service, food, comfort and more. Is it really possible for BarCelona to provide all of these?
The friendly staffs are very good ambassadors to this bar. Unlike in some dance clubs, they are very attentive. The bar managers take a significant effort to chat up with customers and build a rapport with them. I think that's one of the main reasons why it is not difficult to spot the same few faces of returning customers.
And yes, for once you do not need to scream into the ears of your pal given the loud music elsewhere. So it's not hard to see why I still prefer BarCelona among the many.
Ambience wise, you can really let your hair down and chill out for the night. It's not one of those high society bars, so do away with the formalities. One one side, pool players like myself enjoy a good game while on the other, most would laze back on their chair and relax. Don't worry, no matter where you are the music can be heard loud and clear. I have forgotten to mention too, a few tournament pool players enjoy playing at BarCelona too.
Being al-fresco, how can we forget about the food? I just can't hold myself back from their Baked Mussels and Calamari Rings. The Spicy Topshell and BarCelona Fries (in-house menu) are also big attractions to me. One thing that impresses me the most is the Grilled Mixed Sausages. I ain't a big fan of grilled food because most that I've tried are often too dry and hard for my liking. That's not really the case for their sausages.
Years ago when I first stepped foot into BarCelona, there were plenty of blues music. I still remember Jack who used to play his guitar along with his wicked vocals. That's like 8 or 9 years ago? Nowadays, we see a little rock music action in BarCelona which does not really appeal to me that much. I still prefer that good old blues and jazz in such a lovely setting, without being distracted by the human traffic outside.
Additional tips? They don't charge exorbitant prices.
My verdict? Love it you must. Be it with a bunch of friends, or an evening date... However, I'll stick to 4 stars due to the music factor.
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The name Cheng Mun Chee Kee Pig Organ Soup King - 正文志记猪杂汤大王 - fits this stall perfectly. Didn't our Taiwanese friends always say the good food are often hidden in the small lanes? True enough, that is very much the case for this stall.
Cheng Mun Chee Kee (CMCK) is situated in a humble coffeeshop along Foch Road. If you have problems locating this coffeeshop despite the big signboard along the roadside, just remember it is directly opposite Lavendar Hawker Centre & Hotel 81 - Elegance.
One of the most important aspects of Pig Organ Soup is the freshness of the organs. CMCK seems to score well in that, for all the times I ate there I smell nothing bad. I tried to spy on the cooking on how they manage to keep their innards and pork so tender, but I can't seem to spot anything. Perhaps, I am just not cut out to be a chef.
The chilli that comes along also plays a big role. I have tried stalls which gave me normal sliced chilli with light soya sauce, chilli padi, pepper powder... but nothing comes close to theirs. Sliced chilli with DARK SOYA SAUCE! That's what I call the authentic chilli for Pig Organ Soup.
Not enough soup? Craving for more? CMCK is more than happy to refill your soup FOC. Being a soup person, that is double thumbs up! If you want a refill, just bring your bowl to the side of the stall and your bowl will be topped up with soup in a jiffy. The uncle even told me with a smiley face, "not enough soup come back for more..." As I see it, he takes alot of pride not only in how the organs are cooked, and also the quality of the soup base. Can you imagine that feeling I get for each tablespoon of soup that goes down my throat? Only one expression is appropriate... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... SHIOK!
Sure or not? Really that good? If a top chef in a 5-star hotel gives his full thumbs up for this humble little stall, what do you think?
My verdict? Miss it, and you'll regret for the rest of your life!
- 1 more comment »
Login to add your comment. Or, Register for an account now. It's free!I have tried this many years back. Will go and try it out again and see if the standard remains.
22 Sep 2007 at 2:13 am
Will be waiting to read your review. :)
22 Sep 2007 at 3:26 am
Tried liao. Still got standard.
26 Sep 2007 at 1:39 pm
I learnt about this place from a friend who operated his pub along Amoy Street, oh boy... I would have killed myself for not trying it. I keep giving myself excuses to drop by whenever I need to get work done around the area. The moment you stepped into the restaurant, the rich aroma of the fish soup seems to fill up every corner of the place.
Don't expect young servers to take your orders, the aunties and uncles there not only lay the table for you but they are very knowledgeable about the food they sell. Coming to this restaurant, how can one not try their fish-slice soup? Afterall, fish soup is what they are infamous for.
Their fish soup are somewhat different from what we usually see elsewhere. We still see a certain degree of transparency in fish soups found elsewhere, but here - the soup is white! According to the shop servers, that's only possible because they are using real fish bones and not artificial seasonings to create that soup base. With the thick bee hoon, everything melts in your mouth. Plus... the taste of fish without smelling stinky tells me of the freshness of their fish.
There are other dishes to try of course, if you don't feel like having fish-soup noodles. The only setback is, tables laid out on the corridors are pretty dark. You need some waiting over the dinner time slot too.
My verdict? Very unique fish soup. Thinking of it makes me hungry. Oh, if you're lucky you might just get to see the boss stopping by with his Ferrari.
Note: Car park attendants patrol that area very very very frequently. Lose your heart to the fish soup, but don't lose your mind to the attendants! Get your coupons ready!
Login to add your comment. Or, Register for an account now. It's free!
Planet Fitness @ GWC is conveniently situated at such a location that we do not have to drive into Orchard Road, thus avoiding the ERP gantry. It is easily accessible from all directions, regardless if you're coming from Tiong Bahru, from Stevens Road, from Tanglin or from River Valley.
Planet Fitness @ GWC supposedly hold a floor area 2/3 of Planet Fitness @ Suntec, but it does feel alot smaller when I am physically there. However, this gym still offers an enclosed studio without any qualms.
Perhaps it's the smaller space, the machines appear to be closer to one another. Comfortable with a little "intimacy". This is one other gym that I visit because the crowd level seems to be lower. Of all the times I work out in Planet Fitness @ GWC, I hardly see a massive turnout. If you're someone who enjoys working out with lesser eyes on you, this will be the perfect place.
I still visit this gym once in a while, mainly for weights and cardiac workouts. It can be quite boring running on the treadmills because Planet Fitness @ GWC does not boost a fantastic scenery like those of Suntec. Planet Fitness @ GWC also do not have any swimming activities available, which I always enjoyed after each session.
If you think you are missing out on the shopping, fret not! Great World City has some exciting shopping for you to do after your training. Nearby, there is also a hawker centre to offer you a nice dinner. If that's not enough and you crave for some action on the dance-floor, Zouk is less than 300 metres away while Mohd Sultan is 5 minutes drive away.
I would say it's an excellent place if not for some minor details. Tighter space making it feel more cramp, but yet small crowd seems like I can have the entire gym to myself. I'm still feeling sore there is no swimming activities in GWC... haha!
My verdict? Good! If only they could throw in just a little bit more.
Login to add your comment. Or, Register for an account now. It's free!
The location itself, is close to perfection. Being situated close to offices, exhibition halls and the shopping strip linked within the 5 blocks of Suntec City makes it such an enticing place to visit. Exiting from the lift, the sleek sight of the entrance just makes one feel like dashing right into the gym. Friendly staffs greet you at the reception, before you proceed into the changing room.
It's ironical to say, the changing room is one of the most pleasant place to hang around. Hygiene and cleanliness are two important aspects to me, and Planet Fitness @ Suntec met my expectations wonderfully. Spanking clean and tidy, I really wonder how they manage to keep their changing room and bathing section so well maintained. The lockers are a pleasure to store our bags and clothes, instead of having to worry about dirtying them.
One might feel lost if they were to step into Planet Fitness @ Suntec for the first time. That is understandable. Not only are we looking at a huge hall of workout equipments, this gym boost two levels of workout area. The weight and cardiac training are available mostly on the bottom level, while more treadmills are hosted on the second level.
What makes me fall in love so much with this gym, is the fantastic scenery I can look out to as I work out. Never mind the TVs, even though there are plenty enough all around the gym hall. How many gyms are able to provide this "backdrop"? Honestly, I can't remember any.
One other thing that I am highly impressed, the attention given by their trainers. The very first time I signed up, they took extensive discussions and light tests to determine my abilities and probable training schedule. They were always ready to offer answers, and that only mean they are all appropriately qualified to do so. When they see you long enough, it's a great pleasure to be addressed by our names... more like friends.
No doubt I have shifted my training regime out of their cemented walls and glass panels, I still hold high regards for this particular gym. If you're a beginner in workouts, this is one place you should really go to.
Oh, have I forgotten to tell you, gym members are entitled to use the Suntec Swimming Pool? (Not available to public) The only setback is, you gotta walk a distance to another lift to hit the waters. Otherwise, a small refundable deposit makes it all the more worthwhile. Not to mention, not many people knows Suntec has a windy swimming pool on its roof even.
My verdict? Full thumbs up! A little expensive but worth every cent of it.
Login to add your comment. Or, Register for an account now. It's free!