August 2013 – Regina Chow

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Ultimate Ramen Champion 2013

August 31, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments

I was invited to the media launch of Ultimate Ramen Champion 2013 at Bugis+ recently, which got me all excited as I am a huge ramen fan. The media launch was a grand affair complete with a delightful Japanese dance performance and interviews with the chefs of the respective Ramen outlets. We were also treated to a sumptuous ramen tasting adventure that absolutely tantalized our taste buds.

Established in
2011, the Ultimate Ramen Champion competition has since become a
favourite among fans of Japanese cuisine. In every competition, the brand that is able to sell the highest number of bowls of ramen during the year would be crowned the winner. The judging criteria also includes sales takings, votes on Facebook and onsite voting.

Thus far, over 13 brands have
participated in this competition and the spirit of competition has
propelled the quality of ramen to new heights. This is certainly
something for ramen lovers like me to rejoice about!

Here’s Koji Tashiro san, producer of Ramen Champion, kicking off the media launch with a warm welcome.

The 3 chefs on the left are the winners for the Ultimate Ramen Champion 2012, which took place from 1st Aug 2012 to 31 July 2013.

The leftmost chef represents Ikkousha, which sold 118,500 bowls of ramen and became the reigning champion for 3 years in a row! Gantetsu (whose chef was standing beside Producer Koji Tashiro san) sold 64,300 bowls and came in second, while Bario (the chef is in red) came in 3rd with 60,600 bowls.

At the same time, we were also introduced to 3 new competitors from Tokyo, namely Muso, Menban Yamagishi Kazuo and Buta God.

The Ultimate Ramen Champion 2013 will take place over a period of 1 year from 1 Aug 2013 – 31 July 2014. Other than these 6 brands from Ramen Champion’s Bugis+ outlet, an additional 3 brands from its Changi Airport Terminal 3 outlet will be participating in this competition as well.

How will these 9 brands fare? Will Ikkousha be able to defend its title as the winner? Only time will tell. 😉

Here’s Karen and I with the Producer Koji Tashiro san before we embarked on our ramen tasting adventure.

The line-up of piping hot ramen was a feast for our senses. We had a slice of Japan right before our eyes and the glorious presentation was an amazing sight to behold. I had a really light meal before the media launch to ensure that I had sufficient stomach space to devour these delicacies.

1) Buta God: Nikumashi Ramen (S$15)

The first bowl of ramen that we tried was the Nikumashi Ramen by Buta God. Buta God is a new contestant that specializes in Pork ramen with a unique Tonkotsu broth. Buta God’s Nikumashi Ramen is unique in that it comes with a poached egg instead of a soft-boiled egg, which adds to the intensity of flavours.

Everyone at my table agreed that the star of this ramen was the noodles, which were cooked to a wonderful springy consistency and the perfect complement to the exceptionally flavourful broth.

I also enjoyed
the thinly sliced pork belly. The meat was lean, tasty and absolutely
delectable!

We were greeted by Chef Mamoru Kanaya as we were savouring every bite of his lovely gastronomic creation. He opined that his Japanese customers found this particular ramen too sweet for their liking, but was relieved when all of us begged to differ. I think the hint of sweetness that came from the pork gave the broth a burst of flavours that was absolutely divine.

This beautifully
executed bowl of
ramen left me feeling so satisfied, I was ready to proclaim it my
favourite out of the lot. In fact, I personally think that Buta God is
one of the strongest contenders for this year’s competition.

2) Menban Yamagishi Kazuo: Special Ramen (S$14.50)

Next up was Menban Yamagishi Kazuo’s Special Ramen. This was good, but not spectacular, especially if you prefer lean meat. The cha shu meat is lined with sinful layers of soft, tender fats which melt in your mouth. If you love fatty cha shu meat, then this is the ramen for you. 🙂 The light sprinkle of spring onions also enhanced the flavour of the broth and added a delightful touch to the dish.

3) Gantetsu: King Chashu Ramen (S$15)

The broth in Gantetsu’s King Chashu Ramen was infused with a very strong chashu flavour. What I liked about this ramen was the generous portions of lean chashu meat, which are hard to come by these days.

4) Ikkousha: Special Ramen (S$16)

We finally got to taste the highly raved Ikkousha Special Ramen. It came as no surprise that Ikkousha won the championship 3 years in a row. The Hakata style ramen is an instant hit with Singaporeans.

Did you know that the broth is cooked for 12 hours and the pork bone is changed every few hours? You can definitely taste the essence of the pork bone in the flavourful broth. Yummy!

5) Muso: Special Cha Cha Ramen (S$15)

Muso’s chef, Masaaki Kawamura, was crowned the number 1 ramen chef in Tokyo and Hong Kong. That got us excited and we were all waiting in anticipation for Muso’s Special Cha Cha Ramen to be served.

What hit me first was the rich and tasty broth which clearly distinguishes the brand from the rest of its competitors. An ingenious concoction made from chicken, pork and vegetable broth, the ramen broth was absolutely unique and a delight to savour. The thick slices of cha shu were very lean and fresh, just the way I like it. I also loved the eggs and the springy noodles (albeit slightly less springy than Buta God’s). I honestly couldn’t decide if I preferred this or Buta God’s Nikumashi Ramen. I think Ikkousha is going to be up against some tough competition this year!

6) Bario: Ajitama Ramen (S$14)

Bario’s Ajitama Ramen was listed as one of the top 50 things to eat in the world by The Guardian UK. Cooked over 12 hours, the broth is very thick and rich in flavour. As delicious as the broth may be, what really makes this bowl of ramen stand out from the rest of its competitors is its noodles. Bario uses very thick, chewy and flat noodles, similar to ‘Meepok’. It was surprisingly scrumptious, especially when paired with the garlic and chili flakes that accompanied this bowl of ramen goodness.

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Are you all psyched up for ramen now? Head on down to Ultimate Ramen Champion today and take your pick!

Ramen Champion is currently running a photo contest in conjunction with ASUS too!

Here’s how you can take part to stand a chance to win an ASUS Fonepad:

1) Like both Ramen Champion and ASUS‘ facebook pages

2) Head on down to either of the Ultimate Ramen Champion outlets

Bugis+ Outlet

201 Victoria Street, Bugis+,

#04-10, Singapore 188607.

Operating Hours: 11.30am to 10.30pm (Daily)

Changi Airport
Terminal 3 Outlet

65 Airport Boulevard,

#B2-58 Terminal 3, T3,

Singapore Changi Airport,

Singapore 819663.

Operating Hours: 10.30am to 11.00pm (Daily)

3) Creatively snap photos of the ramen or the interior of the shop and post them up on Ramen Champion’s facebook page to participate and win an ASUS Fonepad!

The contest ends today!

If you haven’t made lunch or dinner plans, you know where to go!

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Candy Colour Therapy

August 28, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments

I may not have a sweet tooth, but I love injecting a dash of colour with a colour palette that is as sweet as candy. Don’t get me wrong though. Black is still one of my favourite colours (for work especially) as it emanates an air of confidence but I also appreciate bright hues for their unique ability to uplift your mood and stimulate your mind.

Dress from Ching

Bag from Celine

Necklace and shoes from random Singapore shops

Have you heard of colour therapy? In essence, it is the use of colours to balance your energy. Each colour has unique characteristics to treat different ailments afflicting each part of your body. I am certainly no expert when it comes to this, but I do believe that every colour possesses distinctive traits that evoke a range of emotions.

Let’s talk about the colours in this outfit post. Yellow is a cheery colour that brightens up your spirits, while red stimulates the brain and makes you feel reenergized. On the other hand, blue has a calming and relaxing effect. I don’t know if it is psychological, but I actually do feel these emotions when I look at each of these colours. Do you?

Wearing bold, clashing colours to work may seem like a no-no for most offices, but if your work environment is less conservative, this eye-catching and mood-lifting tailored look would be perfect without compromising on professionalism.

Instead of colour blocking, isolated pops of colour also lend interest to an all white palette, as shown in my casual weekend outfit here. The layered skirt adds dimension and texture to the overall ensemble while the quirky pale pink cat clutch completes the whimsical look.

Top from Taipei

Skirt from Hong Kong

Shoes from Miu Miu

Bag from MyJotterBook

Do you like colours too? Which look do you prefer? 🙂

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Vanity Trove August 2013 Edition

August 22, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments

I was brimming with excitement when I received my first personalized Vanity Trove some weeks back. Everything in this trove was handpicked by me and I knew that I would definitely put each and every item to good use because they’re tailored to my beauty profile and preferences.

Did I also mention that the delivery was extremely swift? I received my trove the day right after my order was placed. How very efficient!

Here’s a glimpse at what I chose for my first personalized trove! I received a mystery gift too, and it came in the form of two fruity lite drink sachets, which I will review in detail at the end of the post.

Now, let’s check out the other products that I’ve been wanting to try out.

I am sure Dr Georgia Lee needs no introduction as she is a familiar face in Singapore’s beauty scene. DrGL is Dr Lee’s custom range of skincare specially formulated for Asian skin. I’ve been thinking of trying the DrGL Collagen Essence as it is one of the most highly raved products in this skincare range.

The collagen essence works well as a moisturizer and suits all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is extremely lightweight and easily absorbed by my skin, which makes it a great moisturizer for our humid weather. The best part is, it doesn’t leave any sticky residue or film on your face. It feels just like water but it is incredibly effective in keeping my skin hydrated.

I always like to keep a tube of aloe vera with me when I travel because temperature and climate changes cause my eczema-prone skin to flare up. I love the cooling sensation of the Jorubi Aloe Vera Gel when it is first applied as it soothes and calms my inflamed skin instantly. I use this on my body and the handy size of this sample makes it the perfect travel companion.

Did you know that this multi-purpose gel can be used on your face too? I’ve yet to try it for myself but it can be used to treat a variety of ailments ranging from sunburn, rashes, bruises and even insect bites!

I’ve heard many rave reviews about Avance Dou Demaquillant Super Eye-Makeup Remover and have been tempted to buy it on several occasions. Thanks to Vanity Trove, I could try this at just a fraction of the original price. 😉 I chose the sample size for my trove, but this is available in full size too! It is a pity that my fingers were too slow and it ran out by the time I placed my order.

This bi-phase make-up remover makes it a breeze to remove waterproof eye-makeup. My waterproof liquid eyeliner and waterproof eyelash glue residue came off with just one swipe without causing any irritation to my eyes. I’m definitely going to buy the full sized item when this runs out!

I have tried GO60’s Go Hydrate Masque in my May Vanity Trove previously and was delighted by how hydrated and plump my skin was. If you are interested in my previous review, click here.

This time, I decided to try their Go Spot-Free Treatment Masque . It would be too onerous to expect the mask to fade away my pigmentation because that just wouldn’t be possible. However, this mask was effective in brightening my complexion without any sticky after feel. Not only did my skin look more radiant, it also felt smoother and more hydrated. Having only used it once, I can’t say much about its spot-free treatment. But this is definitely a great hydrating and brightening mask.

The other sheet mask that I tried was My Beauty Diary’s 2-Step Asia Brightening Pack . Unlike other sheet masks, this particular mask comes with a moisturizer to be applied after the mask. My skin felt thoroughly moisturized after masking, but it felt rather sticky too as the essence and moisturizer were both pretty rich. I personally prefer masks that do not leave a sticky after feel due to the humid climate here, hence I wouldn’t use this in Singapore. Instead, I think this would be a better choice for when I travel to colder climates and would require more hydration.

Vichy is another brand that I have been thinking of trying as its products do not contain soap, parabens or alcohol. Vichy’s Deep Cleansing Purifying Gel has a gel-like consistency that lathers well, resulting in squeaky clean skin immediately after usage. I also love its fruity fragrance!

Huiji Fruity Lite was a mystery gift that came along with my Vanity Trove August edition. Made from hawthorn fruit and honey, this drink is formulated with vitamin C and xylitol to promote a healthy digestive system. It dissolves readily in both hot and cold water, and is amazingly refreshing to the palate. While I can’t vouch for its effectiveness in aiding digestion, it definitely makes a delicious drink on a warm balmy day.

If you’re interested in trying these products or other products that suit your beauty profile, click here to sign up for your personalized Vanity Trove!

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Crisp White Cotton

August 19, 2013 by Regina Chow 1 Comment

I have a soft spot for crisp white cotton dresses because they radiate an aura of innocence and are the perfect canvas for experimenting with accessories. You can either dress up a white dress with feminine accents, like what I did here, or style it in an edgier fashion with bold statement jewellery and boots. The styling possibilities are endless.

I’m falling back on my usual vintage style in this post as this dress reminds me very much of the shift dresses made popular by Twiggy in the 60s. The flattering baby doll cut emanates an angelic sweetness and the simplicity of the design makes this a classic, timeless number that will never go out of style.

Dress from WhoaBlogShop

Bag from Aigner (Vintage find from Dustbunny Vintage)

Shoes from Dip Drops

Socks from Hong Kong

Hat from Seoul

This little clip-on hat is a treasured find from my recent trip to Seoul. I love wearing hats as they add a touch of panache to any ensemble, but finding a hat that fits well without trapping heat and flattening my hair has always been a challenge. This is the perhaps the best alternative. The only downside is, it does nothing to shield me from the sun.

Oh well, I guess I can’t have my cake and eat it. But it is cute, isn’t it? 😉

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Colour Parade

August 12, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments

Fashion is an outlet for creativity and a tool for self-expression, regardless of age. Having been inspired by fashionistas by all over the world, I too hope to share my fashion finds and style choices in the hope that this would inspire you to see fashion in a similar light, which is why I have decided to post more outfit shots in this humble space of mine in future. 🙂

So yes, it’s the start of
yet another regular work week, after a seemingly long national day
weekend break (but wait, weekends are never long enough, are they?).
Given that everyone is probably still suffering from Monday blues, here’s a bright and cheery outfit to chase away those blues and
brighten up your day.

I have been using the Celine Phantom for a while now and apart from its aesthetic value, I really appreciate its functionality. Not only does it add a pop of colour to my work wardrobe, where black dresses reign, it also provides ample space for work documents and all my other essentials.

The eye-catching royal blue shade also makes it the perfect bag for colour blocking experiments, as evidenced in this series of photos. I love this chic shirt and shorts set that I bought from Ching at Far East Plaza (#04-57). Ching stocks a wide array of irresistible apparel, ranging from casual wear to evening wear, which makes it quite impossible to step out of the shop without making a purchase. If you happen to be in town and in a shopping mood, you know where to head to!

Top and shorts set from Ching, Far East Plaza

Bag from Celine

Blazer from Shanghai

Shoes from random shop in Singapore

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Pastel Gatsby

August 9, 2013 by Regina Chow 2 Comments

I can’t get enough of lace and outfits inspired by The Great Gatsby

One of my favourite casual attire these days has got to be this Valentino-inspired lace top and shorts set from Ching (Far East Plaza), paired with “The Great Gatsby” book clutch from MyJotterBook.

Versatile, feminine and breezy, this outfit encapsulates all the elements that I love. I have been wearing this ensemble very frequently. I even wore this in Seoul while shopping and touring around the city.

This lovely detachable collar is one of my purchases from Seoul. I bought it there and then because I thought it would match this outfit perfectly. I know, I am so predictable. I love anything with beads, sequins, diamonds and pearls.

Thanks to fellow blogger, Grace, for spotting this!

Hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend thus far. Here’s also wishing all Singaporeans a Happy National Day!

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Hair Treatment at Jean Yip Hairdressing & Jean Yip Style of the Month Contest

August 8, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments

Every once in a while, it is important to indulge in a little treat, be it a sugary sweet macaron or a much-needed massage to ease your worries away. What did you indulge in recently?

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have found the picture above familiar. It was taken after my little treat last week, an intensive hair treatment at Jean Yip Plaza Singapura. I did my hair colour with Jean Yip not too long ago (read my previous post on Jean Yip), and this time, I decided a nourishing treatment would be necessary to ensure that my hair remains healthy.

The stylist listened attentively to my concerns about my dry hair ends and subsequently recommended a combination of the Scalp Peel Treatment and Super Silk Thermal Intensive Treatment.

This was my second Scalp Peel Treatment and I am very pleased with the results thus far. My scalp used to be relatively sensitive, and on occasions when I decided to wash my hair on alternate days, my scalp would itch. I used a clarifying scalp shampoo once a week, but even then, it never did resolve the root of the problem.

Benefits of Scalp Peel Treatment

Most issues relating to hair loss and slow hair growth are associated with scalp problems. Did you know that shampoo and conditioner can cause scalp build up over time? Scalp build up causes hair follicles to clog up and eventually lose their ability to function.

The Scalp Peel Treatment not only removes product buildup from shampoo and conditioner, it also removes dead skin and unclogs hair follicles to promote healthy hair growth.

After the first Scalp Peel Treatment, I noticed that my scalp is less oily than before and it hardly ever itches anymore, even if I only wash my hair on alternate days. I am truly impressed because I have tried scalp treatments in other salons but their effectiveness only lasted a few days.

The Super Silk Thermal Intensive Treatment is a heat-activated treatment to deeply moisturize and condition your hair. This was my first time trying this treatment and I think it is pretty effective in taming frizz. My hair looks smoother, shinier and healthier!

Have you joined Jean Yip’s Style of the Month Contest yet?

This facebook campaign takes place from July – Sep 2013 and Jean Yip will give away a hairdressing voucher worth S$1000 every month as well as 25 consolation prizes(total worth more than S$1000) every month!

The month of August has just begun, so keep those applications coming!

To take part, Like Jean Yip Singapore’s Facebook Page first!

Then, follow the instructions below to participate in the contest:

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My Encounters with Lace

August 5, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments

It has been a while since I last put up any fashion related posts , so I thought I’ll share two outfits today, both of which include lace.

Lace is one of my favourite fabrics and also a wardrobe staple for me. It exudes a classic, old world charm and a sense of femininity that no other fabric does.

When paired with other textures like beads and sequins in this case, lace adds dimension and an element of interest while taking a back seat, without overpowering the intricate details of the blouse.

Sequin Top from Ms Selfridge

Lace skorts from Bangkok

Nude glitter pumps from Miu Miu

Clutch from YSL

Hairclip from Japan

For an even more feminine look that can take you from day to night, full lace dresses never ever disappoint. The delicate fabric alone epitomizes elegance, sophistication and grace, characteristics that not many fabrics embody.

Vanilla Mood Purity Lace Dress c/o ClubCouture

Hat from Forever New

Bag from Chanel

Shoes from Salvatore Ferragamo

Do you like lace too? Which outfit do you prefer?

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Singapore Blog Awards 2013 – I was a Winner!

August 4, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments

I must be one of the last few bloggers to update about Singapore Blog Awards 2013, but I guess it’s better late than never!

I was very blessed to have been selected as a finalist for a main category (Best Fashion Blog) and a special category (Qoo10 Best Online Shopping Blog) this year. While June and July were busy work months for me, I tried my best to deliver what was required of the competition and was very grateful that I could take some time off to attend the awards.

I had a quick lunch with Karen prior to the event at Liang Court and everyone stared at us like we were aliens from outer space. We felt so out of place till we arrived at Shanghai Dolly, where familiar faces in 60s garb greeted us. It has been a while since I last attended any blogging events, no thanks to my work schedule, so it was great to be able to catch up with everyone!

I didn’t expect to win anything this year as the competition for both categories was very strong, so I was truly surprised when the host announced that I won 3rd place for Qoo10 Best Online Shopping Blog! Thank you everyone for your support!

Karen was a double winner at the SBA this year. She won both the Best Beauty Blog and Best Modelling Blog categories. I am so proud of her because she totally deserved the double win! You can tell how much passion, commitment and hard work she puts into her blog. No matter how busy she is, she always takes time to post interesting updates regularly.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my lovely sponsors for SBA 2013. My knitted dress, earrings and bag were kindly sponsored by Dustbunny Vintage. Karen’s dress too, was sponsored by them. In fact, both dresses are from Pia’s (the owner) personal collection and my dress actually belonged to her mum! What is even more amazing is that Pia’s mum made the dress! It is hard to believe that it came from the 1960s because the workmanship is so fantastic, it looks as good as new.

Karen and I love vintage apparel and our shared passion brought us closer to Pia, the owner of Dustbunny Vintage. Pia has been a friend of ours for ages now and we are always blown away by the delectable collection of vintage apparel that she brings in week after week.

Pia updates her facebook page regularly with the latest apparel/bags/accessories in store, so do like Dustbunny Vintage’s facebook page for more gorgeous vintage buys!

I love the sexy cut-out dress that Karen wore, which went very well with her Maison Martin Margiela shoes and her cute straw hat sponsored by Eskpade. Karen’s eye-catching outfit also won her a spot in the Top 10 Best Dressed for SBA2013! She got into the final 4 Best Dressed too, but the award eventually went to Mr Mata, a lady dressed as a 1960s cop, complete with a cute moustache plastered over her mouth to protect her identity. To this day, we have no idea who she is!

Now, let me introduce you to my hair and make-up sponsor for the event, Fion, who freelances at 99percent hair studio at Haji Lane.She did a good job of enhancing my features with the 60s makeup theme in mind.

Eskpade sponsored my beautiful Valentino-inspired hat, as mentioned in my previous post. Isn’t it beautiful? The 3D lace bow makes my heart flutter.

After some discussion with Fion, we decided that it would be better for me to wear the hat behind instead to complement my 1960s beehive. This versatile hat can be worn in front as well and looks best when worn with an updo.

I love the final look that Fion created, with the cascading curls framing my gorgeous hat.

After the event ended, Karen, Malcolm, JW and I went for tea followed by a photoshoot along Clarke Quay and the Singapore River. Many thanks to Malcolm and my trusty photographer (who dislikes photography) JW for the photos!