21 Mar 2012 -- Like A Boss! Episode 04: Cubes and Chevrons

After our last gathering a month ago, we decided to have another one at JCube this time. Unfortunately, Kwang Yueh was unable to join us this time due to work commitments... T.T

Anyway, JCube is the latest shopping centre located at Jurong East. Most people will perhaps remember its predecessor, JEC (Jurong Entertainment Centre) as it featured the Fuji Ice Palace, one of the only two ice rinks in Singapore. However, it was demolished in 2008 and finally made way for JCube after 4 long years. JCube was officially open on 2 April, and he current shopping mall now consists of 5 floors , as well as a rooftop landscaped plaza.

Before, it was the Jurong Entertainment Centre...

Now it has evolved, into JCube!

In addition, the ice rink has been refurnished and expanded to a bigger size, making it Singapore's first Olympic-size skating rink. For moviegoers, JCube seeks to provide you with one of the best movie experiences as it is now home to the first IMAX theatre in the suburbs.

Anyway, we had lunch at Manhattan Fish Market before exploring the shopping centre. We were amazed by the size of the skating rink. It is really, really HUGE! Unlike the previous ice rink which was much smaller and occupies one floor of the building by itself, the new skating rink is now surrounded by two levels of shops and restaurants. As the skating rink was closed on the day we were there, we were unable to get into the rink to play. Hence, all I got were pictures from outside the rink...

After exploring the mall for around nearly two hours, we went off for our next part of our gathering -- Karaoke at The Chevrons! This was a bit unplanned though, so we got a bit lost trying to find our way to Chevrons by foot (although we had fun along the way, doing funny things like taking random pictures etc.). After walking for half an hour (which was much longer than expected as my GPS said we should have reached within 10 minutes) and 1.1km later, we reached The Chevrons.

Inside the Aviary KTV, we were in for a surprise as we were told that Joshua's and my dress code was improper -- no short pants allowed. We had to rent pants for $3 each. T.T

Still, we had fun singing for two hours. Due to a sore throat, I was able to sing a lot, and it didn't that they were picking a couple of Aerosmith songs. So I had to make it up by doing a horrible imitation of Abracadabra and Bubble Pop, to everyone's "approval" (no pictures though, sorry.).

12 Mar 2012 -- Like A Boss! Episode 03: And We Thought Aaron Is Going To Study Overseas...

Well, turns out he is going to tour Central Europe first before studying. (-.-)|||

Anyway, before he set off for London two days later, we decided to go for a gathering. We met at ION Orchard this time, and Joshua couldn't join us because he has counter duty that night. Upon Kwang Yueh's recommendation, we decided to have Xiao Long Bao at Paradise Dynasty.

When we reached the entrance of the restaurant, we were surprised by the large crowd outside the restaurant. As such, we had to wait for about 30 minutes before it's our turn. In the meantime, we just sat outside the restaurant and chatted...

Since our aim is to eat Xiao Long Bao, there was no doubt that the first thing we had on our wishlist was the best selling  Xiao Long Bao Sampler set. It comes in 8 different flavours, ranging from the simple original flavour, to the more creative flavours such as Cheesy and Foie Gras. Priced at $13.80, this set of Xiao Long Bao never failed to surprise us with its unique tastes.

We also ordered 2 sets of the original flavour Xiao Long Bao. The skin texture and thickness was just right and the soup inside had a rich flavour which complemented well with the moist pork. Well worth the $9.80 we paid for 10 pieces. :)

I also ordered the La Mian in Signature Pork Bone Soup served with Pork & Vegetable Dumplings. The silky handmade noodles did not disappoint and has a firm texture. The pork bone soup was also awesome as it tasted just nice and not too salty for me.

I enjoyed my dining experience at Paradise Dynasty, and I thought it was well worth the wait and money. I definitely would make a return for it! :)

12 Feb 2012 -- Like A Boss! Episode 02: WHY YOU NO TREAT ME!!!

Spurred on by the considerable success of Like A Boss! Episode 01, the second outing came fast and furious! Anyway, I suggested the second outing to Kwang Yueh mainly because I was very apologetic for missing Kwang Yueh's 21st birthday party at Costa Sands Resort. Hence I promised him that I will give him a lunch treat.

After a bit of planning, we decided to have a second outing, starting with lunch at Ramen Keisuke. We went to the branch at Parco Marina Bay. Ramen Keisuke is the first overseas venture of Mr. Keisuke Takeda, who carries the title of "TV Tokyo's Ramen King". One interesting thing I liked about the restaurant's menu is that it allows customers to choose how strong they want the soup base to beand also the noodle texture, hence it seeks to cater to everyone's ltastes buds.

Kwang Yueh recommended me the hot favourite Watarikani Ramen (Crab stock ramen), but I can't really eat seafood, so I opted for the standard Tonkotsu Ramen.

The broth was flavorful and thick, but may not suit everyone's liking as it may be a bit too salty. Conscious of the sodium content, I opted for "light" when ordering my ramen. Then again, Japanese ramen tend to be saltier and have a richer flavour compared to the reinvented versions sold in Singapore, hence you should take this chance to experience the taste of Japan's ramen.

(OOT: I have always wondered how the chefs cook the eggs so well. It's definitely hard-boiled, but somehow the yolk is semi-cooked and has a luscious dark orange colour. A quick search on the internet revealed that all you need to do is put the egg into the water first before you start boiling the water on the stove. Once the water is boiling, let boil for another 5 mins and off the fire. Then put the eggs in cold water. I've never tried it before, but it looks pretty easy...)

I looked over to the rest of the people who ordered Watarikanu Ramen, and almost instantly I regretted not ordering the crab stock ramen. It is a very unique flavour, and Vincent and Kwang Yueh were singing praises about the rich flavour of the crab broth. If only I could eat seafood... T.T

Look, we could try Korean songs...

After lunch, Joshua left first due to other commitments while the rest of us head for our next activity: karaoke. We made our way to Cuppage Plaza to sing our hearts out! Here we go!!!!

Put your hands up!

Surprisingly, Vincent is pretty good at Chinese songs! And Kwang Yueh does what he does best, singing like a star! Meanwhile, Cheng Wai and I will just act as back-up vocals..hehe... :D

We belted out hits like Lady Gaga's Poker Face, Katy Perry's Hot'n'Cold, Cee Lo Green's F*** You, and even attempted the impossible by screaming out throats out singing Shin's songs (the likes of 千年之恋 and 如果还有明天 nearly killed all of us.). But we definitely had fun singing for 3 straight hours!




Here are the other pictures! Enjoy! ^.^

我问天，我问天。。。

Blame Vincent's shaky
hands for this! Anyway, the
one on the left is yours truly!