Starbucks is the largest coffee chain worldwide and although it doesn’t serve the
best coffee (sorry Starbucks fans!), it is always very comforting to be
able to spot a Starbucks from afar in a foreign land, especially in
China.

And you’ll be surprised.

Many of these Starbucks stores are architectural marvels in their own right too.

I was amazed to find not just one, but two very beautiful Starbucks stores in Nanjing alone. There are many other branches around the worldthat fit the bill just as well, and today I’ll be sharing where all these gorgeous stores are located. If you are a Starbucks fan, be sure to put these on your bucket list! Even if you’re not a fan, I assure you that these stores will make excellent backdrops for your travel photos!

5. Tukwila, Washington (USA)

 Have you come across other Starbucks stores that are just as beautiful? I would love to hear from you so do leave a comment or drop me an e-mail at regina.chow@gmail.com!

Dreaming of crispy Peking Duck skin that crackles like a thin slice of caramel in your mouth?

Or a slice of tender and succulent duck meat that boasts an aromatic smoky flavour?

How
about completing your gastronomic experience with a generous dollop of
caviar that brings out all the flavours of the Peking Duck beautifully?

If
this sounds enticing to you, the newly revitalised award-winning
fine-dining restaurant Jiang-Nan Chun at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore is
where you should be heading to for the most indulgent Peking Duck
experience in Singapore.

Jiang-Nan Chun, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore

 

Fine traditional wood carvings contrast with rough fishermen baskets – a manifestation of Jiang Nan, located south of the Yangtze River

 

Traditional medical cabinets serve as decorative backdrops

Traditional chopstick holders are incorporated into the exquisite design of the reception counter

 

What’s special about the Peking duck?

Caviar aside, here’s essentially what differentiates the roast duck here from its counterparts.

Fresh
ducks undergo special preparation methods for 14 hours before they are
roasted in a mesquite wood oven, which not only imparts succulence to
the meat, but also ensures that the fat beneath the glossy crispy skin
is greatly reduced.

I
was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Peking duck when it was
swiftly wheeled out by the Chef, making a dramatic entrance in the
dining hall. Watching

the chef wield his magic and carve the duck in front of guests was a
feast for the eyes.

Chef carving the beautiful glossy Peking duck

The crispy duck skin was the first to be served,
followed by slices of succulent duck meat. I
usually find Peking duck skin a little too oily and the meat, when
taken alone without any sauce, too dry for my liking, but I soon discovered that Jiang
Nan-Chun’s Peking duck is truly in a league of its own.

Crispy skin that crackles in your mouth like caramel

I
thoroughly enjoyed the crackling crispy skin without the extra layer of
fats, which is perfect for even the most health-conscious patron, and
as I sank my teeth into a slice of duck meat, I was immediately greeted
by the wonderful aroma and an explosion of intense flavours.

It was only then that a wave of realization hit me – I have yet to even pair it with the condiments that accompanied this dish.

In
line with Jiang Nan-Chun’s new concept of “享乐主义”, or “the principle of
enjoyment and happiness” which promotes the idea that how you eat, and
why you eat, is just as important as what you eat, the various eating
methods of “Peking” versus “Cantonese” roast duck are explained when the
condiments and pancakes are served.

Caviar
is the main highlight of the condiments and surprisingly, it
complements the traditional flavours of the Peking duck perfectly,
lending the finishing touches to an unforgettable experience.

Highlight of the condiments – Caviar

Peking Duck served with a generous dollop of caviar

Words
fail to describe how impressed I was as I have never tasted Peking duck
that has approached this level of sophistication.

But that’s not all
that Jiang-Nan Chun has to offer.

Beyond just duck, some of its
signature dim sum and claypot dishes are prepared in the
specially-customized duck oven to greatly enhance the depth of flavours.

Dim Sum

Crispy Flaky Pastry with Black Pepper Beef, Steamed Shrimp Dumpling with Mushroom, Char Siew Sliders with Homemade Pickled Green Chilli

Can
you see the beautiful layers on the Crispy Flaky Pastry with Black
Pepper Meat? There is a total of seventeen symmetrical layers alternated
between water-based and oil-based skin, forming a crispy textured
pastry that envelopes the wood-fired black pepper meat within.

It
takes many hours to make this and the chefs’ hard work certainly pays
off. Just take a bite and let the light, flaky layers melt in your
mouth, revealing the juicy black pepper meat.

I felt like I went to dim sum heaven.

Crispy Flaky Pastry with Black Pepper Beef

The
Char Siew Sliders with Green Pickled Chilli is yet another work of art
that showcases the chefs’ attention to the finest details.

Only
Kurobuta pork, the most highly prized pork in Japan, is used to create
its signature Char Siew. The juiciness, tenderness and distinctive
flavour set it apart from the usual char siew, and that tangy sweetness
of green pickled chilli gives it that extra punch.

Char Siew Sliders with Pickled Green Chilli

Now,
how could I forget the steamed shrimp dumpling, a dim sum mainstay?
Jiang-Nan Chun’s version is clearly a notch above the rest as it comes
with thin, silky smooth skin and generous portions of large succulent
shrimps.

Steamed Shrimp Dumplings with Mushroom

 Appetizer

What
I love about Jiang Nan-Chun is how innovative the dishes are. Take this
appetizer for example. The soft shell prawns are fried to perfection
(they’re so crispy you can actually eat them whole!) with curry leaves
and spices based on the chef’s secret recipe. The almonds and crispy
rice added that extra crunch which made this dish highly addictive.

Soft Shell Prawns with Sliced Almonds & Crispy Rice

 

Double-boiled Soups

Sea Whelk, Maka (Peruvian Ginseng), Dried Scallops & Pork Ribs

Jiang-Nan Chun’s double-boiled soups are well-loved by VIPs and dignitaries alike, and it is not hard to see why.

To
create a rich stock, the base of the soup is boiled for eight hours
with fresh, natural ingredients. Then, key ingredients are added to the
stock and boiled again for another eight hours.This process ensures that
you reap the wellness benefits of their nourishing soups, which have a
rich, complex flavour yet remain incredibly light on the tastebuds.

Double-boiled soups are my idea of comfort food and needless to say, I finished my bowl of hearty soup in a heartbeat.

Claypots

Wagyu Beef Oxtail with Lemongrass-infused Oil

The
Wagyu Beef Oxtail with Lemongrass-infused Oil is a new signature dish
at Jiang-Nan Chun. Cooked for over 30 hours in the mesquite wood oven,
the meat is so tender it melts in your mouth. It is exceptionally
flavourful and goes very well with a bowl of fragrant white rice.

At
Jiang-Nan Chun, even the tiniest of details is not spared and you’ll be
happy to know that every bowl of rice is individually steamed, so that
every grain is moist and soft.

Main Dishes

Steamed Cod Wrapped in Paper Rice Roll

When
I first read that the next dish to be served was Steamed Cod Wrapped in
Paper Rice Roll, I wasn’t expecting it to turn up looking like a
beautiful art piece with an equally enthralling story behind it.

Can you tell that this dish evokes silk in the water ripples? This
dish tells the story of one of the Four Beauties of China, Xi Shi.
According to the legend, she used to wash her silks in the famous West
Lake in Hangzhou and her gorgeous reflection stunned even the fishes, so
they swam lower below the waters.

I
enjoyed this wellness dish with cod, mushrooms and water chestnuts,
accompanied by a touch of truffle personally shaved by the chef for
every guest.

 Dessert

Desserts are less traditional and like every item on the menu, each brings an element of surprise to the table.

Crispy Salted Egg Yolk Puff Pastry

Fans
of salted egg yolk can get your fix here with the Crispy Salted Egg
Yolk Puff Pastry with Almond. I was particularly enamoured with this as a
refreshing and creative spin is given to the salted egg yolk craze by
incorporating almond cream in this delightful crispy puff pastry.

Avocado cream, coconut sorbet, osmanthus jelly and cocoa nibs

Those
of you who are a little more health-conscious can opt for the Avocado
cream dessert which is lighter on the palate yet equally tasty.

Yogurt Cream, Mung Beans, Longan, Chia Seed, Sour Plum Granite

If
you are feeling more adventurous, opt for the Yogurt Cream dessert. The
juxtaposition of yogurt cream and sour plum granite, topped with a
sprinkling of Chia Seeds, gives it a unique east-meets-west twist.

Tea Pairing & Wine Pairing

In
line with the concept of 享乐, you can always look to the servers for
recommendations on a cup of tea or a glass of wine to complement every
dish and to complete your dining experience.

Tea Pairing

From now till 30 June 2016, call 6831 7220 and quote “25% off Peking Duck” when making a reservation to enjoy 25% off the Signature Peking Duck (U.P. S$98).

There is also a special wine-pairing promotion @S$65++ for 3 glasses of wines curated by their resident wine experts.

*****

Jiang-Nan Chun

Address:
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646

Tel:
+65 6831 7220


Opening Hours:
Lunch – 11.30am – 2.30pm
Dinner – 6pm – 10.30pm

Have you decided on where to take your mum this coming Mother’s Day? If you’re still cracking your brains as to where you could possibly go, why not take mummy dearest to Mondo Vantaggio for shopping and tea this weekend!Located just off Orchard Road on the second level of Furama Riverfront hotel, Mondo Vantaggio is a new multi-label luxury store spanning 13,000 feet that offers designer labels at competitive prices. A welcome respite for retail therapy amidst the city bustle, you’ll find over 40 high-end designer labels including Gucci, Prada, Balenciaga, Burberry, among others in the lavishly designed store. Aside from leather goods and bags, it also stocks an exclusive selection of ready-to-wear apparel and shoes.

The issue of authenticity always comes to mind when shopping for designer goods, and I love that I can shop at Mondo Vantaggio with complete peace of mind as it has a refund policy where customers can receive a full refund on returned purchases in their original condition within seven days of purchase. I have every intention to feast my eyes on the new arrivals every fortnight!

This weekend (7-8 May), in conjunction with Mother’s Day, Mondo Vantaggio will be hosting a tea party for you and your mum.

Not only is it the perfect time to pamper your mum with a gift or two as there is a 30% discount store wide (lowest price guaranteed during this promotional sales period), both of you will also get to indulge in a complimentary afternoon tea session at their in-house cafe run by popular cafe, The Tiramisu Hero.

Date: 

7-8 May (Saturday & Sunday)

Venue:

Mondo Vantaggio

Furama Riverfront Hotel

#02-01

Time:

2pm – 5pm

To attend this event (you can also come with your hubby or girlfriend instead!), all you have to do is to click here to RSVP on Mondo Vantaggio’s  Facebook Page now!

Walk-in customers who decide to pop by without RSVP will have to spend a minimum of $300 to join in the tea party.

I will be there on 7th May at 4pm, so do come by and say hi!

See you there!

A wedding lasts a day, but a marriage lasts a lifetime. Or so we hope.

It takes a lifetime of work and commitment to sustain a happy marriage. Sometimes, people start to drift apart and begin to lead their own separate lives. Sometimes, certain visions, values or principles that perhaps both of you used to hold close to your heart get compromised or lost along the way. Sometimes, the love you once felt so strongly for each other gets eroded with time, and at best, you end up feeling like you are just living with a companion or a best friend. In the worst case scenario, you feel like you are now living with a stranger…uncomfortably.

Does this all sound too familiar to you? Why does this happen and when do you call it quits?

I am no marriage expert, having been married for just over 8 years, and I am not about to attempt to wreck your marriage by encouraging you to seek a divorce, which should always be the last resort.

All I wanted to do is to share my views on when and why I would seek a divorce. According to my friend who also happens to be a Singapore divorce lawyer, the lack of communication (and not sexual infidelity) is usually the root of all evil. That is why I think it is important to share your ground rules with your partner and accept each other’s value system before you even get married so that you’re on the same page.

Have you ever been so blinded by love that you would do anything that your partner asks of you? For instance, changing your dressing according to his likes and dislikes, eating the food he likes to eat, or participating in a sport that only he enjoys? 

While it is good to take your partners’ likes, dislikes and interests into consideration, striking a balance is crucial as pandering to his every whim and fancy will only lead to a loss of your individual identity. We are all entitled to our own opinions, views and ideals, and I feel that if my partner is unable to understand this and accept that we have differences, therein lies a deeper problem – a lack of respect for me as an individual. 

Respect is an important part of love, and if my partner doesn’t respect me, what love is there to speak of?

Some people think that marriage or having children is the panacea to all problems. Unfortunately, fundamental issues like a clash of expectations or values will never go away magically with a marriage certificate or a new addition to the family.

Perhaps your partner wants you to be a housewife – cook, clean and look after your children, but this doesn’t gel with your aspirations of being a career woman or an athlete who loves adventures and the great outdoors. Or perhaps you enjoy the finer things in life but your partner is contented with a simple, frugal lifestyle. 

If compromises are made willingly, the marriage might work, but if either party feels coerced or forced to make changes, neither would truly be happy. If the differences are irreconcilable, they will only become more apparent over time and will drive a wedge between both parties.

We know that sustaining a marriage takes effort, but in our fast-paced society, we can get so engrossed with various aspects of our life like work and kids that we end up forgetting to hold our partner’s hands, give him a hug, or even ask him how his day is.

Don’t even get me started on intimacy in the bedroom. I read that men are biologically programmed to require intimacy in the bedroom in order to feel loved (also confirmed this with some friends), but it is the complete opposite for women. Making a conscious effort to go the extra mile usually does wonders for both parties. Always make time for each other, and for us ladies, sometimes it doesn’t hurt to take the initiative, if you know what I mean. 😉

Intimacy is an important aspect of any relationship as it is a special way of bonding and communicating with your other half. Without intimacy, you are no different from being just friends. If left unnoticed and unchecked, a couple could well be seriously estranged in the intimacy department. You may have heard about the 5 Languages of Love – Gifts, Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service and Physical Touch (Intimacy). If you find that you and your partner are just unable to connect well in the language(s) of love that mean the most to each of you even after trying, your marriage will be mundane at best.

These are just 3 signs that a marriage is going downhill and I hope that by penning them down, they will serve as a reminder not just to me, but also to everyone out there whom I care about, to prevent these scenarios from happening in your marriage.

Should I ever find myself falling into a downward spiral, I pray that I will have the strength and courage to communicate with my partner, seek help and only reach out to a divorce lawyer as a last resort. 

While I am in a happy and healthy marriage currently, and of course it is our hope that we live happily ever after, I am not ruling out the possibility that people may change, when we least expect it. Because you never know.