GEOX : Spring Summer 2014

When we walked into the GEOX Spring Summer 2014 preview, all that we saw were colours, colours and more colours. The collection at GEOX this Spring Summer features an array of vibrant colours with shades such as orange, blue and red - colours you would associate summer with.

For the ladies, these flats that look like they were literally made for walking caught our attention almost immediately. With a spectrum of colours and made out of soft Italian leather that looked so supple and soft, we wouldn't think any woman would have a problem walking in them all day.

As for the guys, the suede and leather loafers looked like something we would want to be wearing this summer. With colours ranging from the neutrals such as brown and blue, to bright cheery colours like orange, we were kind of spoilt for choice which to pick - and if we had a choice, we would have got them all, one in each colour.

Of course not forgetting the kids shoes, which we wished came in bigger sizes because we wouldn't mind putting on a pair or two either. The kids range features mainly sports shoes, also in many colours, or like the pair above - all the colours on one shoe.

Fashionistas wouldn't want to miss the GEOX collaboration with Canadian-British fashion designer, Patrick Cox. This season, we spotted a few ombre designs which not only played with colours, but also textures such as suede and leather combined.

Despite the many colours to choose from, our pick in the end was still a pair of brown shoes made out of full Italian leather with minimal detailing - something easy to match. We really like the fact that the soles are extremely breathable and that they are extremely comfortable to our feet. In fact, they didn't hurt at all the first time we wore them for an entire day!

The GEOX Spring Summer 2014 range has launched and most shoes (if not all) are available at all GEOX stores island-wide. Which also means if you head down now, you should be all prep-ed up for summer this year with shoes so comfortable yet preppy - comfort and style, all in one.


This is a sponsored product review. 

Saboten

The largest Tonkatsu chain in Japan has arrived in Singapore with one outlet (yes, only one for now). Serving up one of Japan's most raved about Tonkatsu, we had to try and taste what the whole fuss was about and whether the 500 branches world-wide claim was indeed that worthy of their popularity.

The new menu at Saboten features 16 new sets consisting of different dishes put together. This includes sets with sashimi, shabu shabu, mentai, as well as teppanyaki combos. Each set still includes the mandatory Tonkatsu which we felt was mandatory since they are best known for that.

We felt that the Tonkatsu at Saboten definitely ranked above average. Of course not to be compared to restaurants that use Kurobuta quality pork, Saboten offers Tonkatsu at more wallet-friendly prices. The meat of the Tonkatsu was extremely moist and retained its moisture despite being deep fried in golden crispy bread crumbs - exactly how it should have been like. They also offer a special sauce at the side which we found to be of our liking as well.

I had a go at the Ebi Mentai set which had two medium-sized prawns. The partner on the other hand, tried the Kurobuta Shabu Shabu set which i thought wasn't that bad of a choice either. The miso-based soup was flavourful and there was a generous serving of pork to go with it. The Ebi Mentai however, won us over at the end with fresh succulent prawns topped with mentai sauce. And if all that in the set isn't enough for one to stomach, we recommend you to try the Tori Karaage on the side.

While the location for Saboten right now isn't too much of our liking, west-siders should rejoice that they probably wouldn't be as crowded since no one hardly ever travels to the west. And for us, we just hope they expand to somewhere more central soon but otherwise the effort to travel down (once in awhile) for such Tonkatsu seems to be pretty worth it.



Saboten 
2 Jurong East Street 21
IMM Building, #01-19
Singapore 609601
+65 6898 3432
www.facebook.com/saboten.sg


This was an invited media tasting.

Chikusen Japanese Restaurant : Spring Course

Mentioned before as one of the many pocket-friendly yet quality Japanese restaurants around, Chikusen at Tanjong Katong is one which has been raved by many people ever since they opened. No more new kid on the block, they now offer seasonal menus apart from their standard ala carte.

Currently helmed by Chef Fabio Lee who has many years of experience behind the counter, Chikusen's Spring Course offers a variety of textures and flavours which we enjoyed. The menu also features seasonal imported food products from Japan such as rape blossom and momotaro tomato. 

Starting off with appetisers, the Momotaro Tomato with Wasabi Yuzu Dressing definitely impressed. The simple dish of ripe juicy tomatoes soaked up the citrusy yuzu sauce with a hint of wasabi and was highly addictive. We were expecting the wasabi to come through stronger in taste like most places do but thankfully it did not.

Moving on to Sashimi - plated was the Bonito, Halfbeak (Soyori) and Bream (Tai). We enjoyed the torched Bonito best, out of the three. The Tai came off slightly dry due to it being blanched in hot water, which we felt was quite a pity given the freshness of it.

Not the most photogenic dish but nevertheless still worth recommending, the Rockfish with Foie Gras is served either braised or grilled. We picked the braised version which was recommended. Stuffed with foie gras in its belly, the natural sweetness of the fish still came through despite it being braised for more than 20 minutes.

Our favourite dish in the menu however, had to be the Sukiyaki which comes with either Wagyu Beef or Black Pork. We tried both, and both impressed equally. Served with an assortment of vegetables, we found ourselves devouring it to the very last bit.

Another interesting dish which we think deserves a mention is the Yaki Somen. The warm noodles cooked in fish broth topped with spring onions was a nice, simple ending to the whole menu. 

And of course while you are there and if your stomach allows, give the classic Chikusen Maki a go, as well as their Oyster Shots if you are an oyster person. Reservations are highly recommended as they run full house on most days (especially weekends). The Spring Course runs from April - June 2014 and items on the menu are subjected to availability. 

Chikusen Japanese Restaurant
309/311 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437094
+65 6348 1966
www.chikusen.com.sg


This was an invited media tasting.

The Royal Mail

Stashed right in the middle of the CBD, The Royal Mail is a take of Modern British Cuisine. With a menu featuring Prime Roast and Pot Pie, the restaurant boasts to feature food of English influence with a modern take to it.

Located at The Ascott Raffles Place, the location is easily accessible if you are taking public transport (right opposite the MRT). However, if you are driving, it is a totally different case. There is no parking at the building hence the nearest parking would be at buildings near it, which i found to be really inconvenient.

We tried a few appetisers but the one that we thought 'made the mark' was the Pan Seared Foie Gras. The perfectly seared foie gras accompanied the rest of the ingredients beautifully. This included Camembert cheese, dried mixed fruits and a scented honey-mustard sauce. We liked how to flavours came together and complimented each other without overpowering the foie gras as the star of the dish.

For the mains, we enjoyed the Kurobuta Pork Chop which was pan roasted and served with caramelised apples on the side. The pork was seasoned nicely and was extremely tender and juicy when we sank the knife into it. The Beef Short Rib on the other hand, had just the right amount of tangy barbecued sauce glazed on it and was accompanied by sautéed vegetables on the side.

Both the partner and i also recommend the Lobster Linguine if you are a pasta fan. The al dente linguine tossed with chunks of lobster meat and semi-dried tomatoes topped with squid ink foam got a thumbs up from both of us, although we wished they were more generous with the lobster.

Despite having The Royal Mail's signature dessert, Eton Mess, my pick would still have to be the Banoffee Tart topped with bananas and fresh cream served with salted caramel sauce. Not the most healthy dessert around, but worth every calorie.

Overall, while getting to The Royal Mail wasn't really as convenient as we expected it to be, the food generally made up for it. We liked how the presentation of the food was taken into consideration, apart from the taste.



The Royal Mail Restaurant & Bar
2 Finlayson Green
The Ascott Raffles Place
Singapore 049247
+65 6509 3589
www.theroyalmail.sg


This was an invited media tasting.