When 鼎泰豐 first came to Singapore, I was very disappointed as I held very high standard from the original Nanxiang in Shanghai. However, the variety and the price range kept me going back for satisfying meals. Lunch today was at 鼎泰豐 and the queue was horrible as usual. But they did fulfill the promise of the 15 mins wait unlike Putien (was at Putien over the weekend and they told us the wait was 30 mins but no tables even after an hour) which was utterly disappointly. As you can imagine, the restaurant was packed with people. I will not be talking about the quality of food but the service level at this Raffles City branch of 鼎泰豐.
Service was top notch. Little anecdotes to describe why I'd say so.
1. Orders were correct. Easily taken for granted but trust me, with a full house behind you, it's definitely commendable.
2. I was sharing my seat with my bag and the very moment the waitress saw that, she brought me this "barang holder" container to put my bag in it and not to mention, they also used a clean sheet to cover the top of it to protect your privacy and also to prevent any accidental spills damaging your belongings.
3. The tea cups were never empty and we never needed to ask for service.
4. There's always a waiting staff available to respond to your needs and not merely people who avoid eye contact so they wouldn't need to serve you.
5. Most importantly, throughout my time there, they always serves me with a smile no matter how chaotic the restaurant gets.
Just on the service level alone, which is extremely rare in Singapore nowadays, they will always get my vote (and money of course).
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Universal Studios, Singapore
For those of you people who have yet to visit the Universal Studios in Singapore and might be planning a trip there in the near future, let me share my 2 cents worth. According to a disclaimer that I have read somewhere on their website, they may open on different hours on some days but given that Singapore is summer all year round, I'm guessing that if it doesn't rain like the last Saturday that I was there, it will be opened from 10am to 7pm. I would advise that if you're not willing to take the gamble, please buy the tickets online since there is no difference in the pricing. Given the weekend crowd that I experienced, if financially it's not too much of a consideration, do pay for the Universal Express as it will save you hours (of standing, perspiring and lamenting all at the same time) from queuing in the rides. I spent more than half my time there queuing so do be warned.
The architectures in Hollywood/New York were captivating albeit it still looks a little too new. Stars spotting was part of the fun ranging from Frankenstein to Marilyn Monroe but it's more of a hit or miss thing. For one, I didn't manage to catch Po of Kungfu Panda which was a tad disappointing but not enough to ruin my day. "Lights, Camera, Action" by Steven Spielberg in New York was intriguing but definitely not a must watch if you're strapped for time.
While walking past Madagascar where the ride wasn't quite ready yet, we managed to catch some of the stars from Madagascar and even sneaked a shot with Alex the Lion when everyone else were all over the penguins i.e. Skipper & Friends. Parents with young children can bring them on the carousel which we obviously skipped so not much reviews we can achieve here.
It wasn't long before we found ourselves queuing in Far Far Away for our first ride of the day on Enchanted Airways. While queuing, we were kept amused by Puss in Boots entertaining the crowds with its antics. What we didn't know was that Enchanted Airways was really but a junior roller coaster. I suppose for a 10 year old kid, it could have been exhilarating but the ride that lasted for less than a minute was a little close to boring for senior people like us. To be fair, we were silly as to not find out more before we went for the ride AND the other little bits set along the queue line eg. Gingy in the ticketing booth and other interesting signs kept us entertained while we were in the snaking queue. The main not-to-be missed attraction in Far Far Away has got to be the Shrek 4D Adventure. To avoid being a total spoiler, let's just say, the timely hisses, tickles and sprays sent natural screams which made us feel rather silly thereafter. Right after the show, we were "ushered" into watching Donkey Live with the 2 shows one after another. It wasn't as good as the 4D one but the interactive element did squeeze a few good laughs out of us.
If there's one ride you must get on apart from the Battlestar Galactica, it would be the Revenge of the Mummy in Ancient Egypt. For this ride, you will need to store your bags in the locker which you can use almost for free if it's within the duration of the ride (including the queuing time) and for a nominal sum thereafter. There's a good reason why you're not allow to carry your belongings with you! The thrills from the high speed were unforgettable. Robotic Imhotep didn't manage to scare me but I was incredibly impressed by the intricacies of the props.
Now comes the climax of the entire outing - Battlestar Galactica. There are a total of 2 rides, Human (Red) and Cylon (Blue), taking off in tandem. The Red ride is a seated roller coaster with steeper and faster drops whereas the blue ride turns you in succession of loops and cockscrews. The adrenaline rush was enough reason to keep me going back for more! I was a scaredy cat so I went for 1 of the 2, no prizes for making the right guess but I know I will be heading back for more.
For 4 shows a day, the Water World was in business and we caught the last one of the day. Performers were getting some "participation" by getting some spectators all soaked from the pre-show entertainment. To be fair, the seatings were coded by whether you're ready to get a little wet or totally soaked. But if you prefer to stay dry, there were colour coded seats to prepare you for what you can expect. You were warned! Queues started as early as 30 minutes before the show so if you haven't got the universal express, good luck!
And since we were already wet, it didn't take much for us to head directly back to The Lost World for The Rapids Adventure. We were there earlier for the Canopy Flyer. We thought it was interesting as we heard screams hovering everywhere above us when we were having lunch at the "hotdog place" which obviously wasn't memorable. It was a pleasant ride but a tad too short. Before you know it, you're at the end of the ride. I was wondering almost aloud, "is that it?" The Rapids Adventure however shouldn't be on your list of must-do or in fact can-do if you can get sick from motion. It's like tea-cups but random and with absolutely zero control. I tried very hard to focus on points along the way so that I wouldn't throw up. Towards the last leg of the attraction when the raft came to a halt, I was fortunately well-placed to see a ray of light coming from metres below us whereas my fellow passengers were left wondering... "Hmmm... Why the pause?" Before we knew it, we heard a really loud splash.
Food wise, prices were acceptable but definitely on the high side. If the alternatively is to lug water, I'd gladly pay $3 for a bottled drink. The only full meal I had was at Goldilocks which reminds me a cross between Marrybrown and Popeyes. Just alot more herbs (read: MSG) and a little less yummy. I will not complain on the quality of food because it's a little better than mere acceptable but the waiting time was horrible. It was about 4pm, restaurant wasn't full but I waited for at least 30 mins (probably close to 45 mins) for 2 pieces of chicken. This took time out from my limited time for queuing up for the rides and now even to have a meal, I have to queue the same amount of time just to be fed! Totally ridiculous!
If you have been or are planning to go to the Universal Studios in Singapore, do let me know what else I should really look out for during my next trip there. Enjoy!
The architectures in Hollywood/New York were captivating albeit it still looks a little too new. Stars spotting was part of the fun ranging from Frankenstein to Marilyn Monroe but it's more of a hit or miss thing. For one, I didn't manage to catch Po of Kungfu Panda which was a tad disappointing but not enough to ruin my day. "Lights, Camera, Action" by Steven Spielberg in New York was intriguing but definitely not a must watch if you're strapped for time.
While walking past Madagascar where the ride wasn't quite ready yet, we managed to catch some of the stars from Madagascar and even sneaked a shot with Alex the Lion when everyone else were all over the penguins i.e. Skipper & Friends. Parents with young children can bring them on the carousel which we obviously skipped so not much reviews we can achieve here.
It wasn't long before we found ourselves queuing in Far Far Away for our first ride of the day on Enchanted Airways. While queuing, we were kept amused by Puss in Boots entertaining the crowds with its antics. What we didn't know was that Enchanted Airways was really but a junior roller coaster. I suppose for a 10 year old kid, it could have been exhilarating but the ride that lasted for less than a minute was a little close to boring for senior people like us. To be fair, we were silly as to not find out more before we went for the ride AND the other little bits set along the queue line eg. Gingy in the ticketing booth and other interesting signs kept us entertained while we were in the snaking queue. The main not-to-be missed attraction in Far Far Away has got to be the Shrek 4D Adventure. To avoid being a total spoiler, let's just say, the timely hisses, tickles and sprays sent natural screams which made us feel rather silly thereafter. Right after the show, we were "ushered" into watching Donkey Live with the 2 shows one after another. It wasn't as good as the 4D one but the interactive element did squeeze a few good laughs out of us.
If there's one ride you must get on apart from the Battlestar Galactica, it would be the Revenge of the Mummy in Ancient Egypt. For this ride, you will need to store your bags in the locker which you can use almost for free if it's within the duration of the ride (including the queuing time) and for a nominal sum thereafter. There's a good reason why you're not allow to carry your belongings with you! The thrills from the high speed were unforgettable. Robotic Imhotep didn't manage to scare me but I was incredibly impressed by the intricacies of the props.
Now comes the climax of the entire outing - Battlestar Galactica. There are a total of 2 rides, Human (Red) and Cylon (Blue), taking off in tandem. The Red ride is a seated roller coaster with steeper and faster drops whereas the blue ride turns you in succession of loops and cockscrews. The adrenaline rush was enough reason to keep me going back for more! I was a scaredy cat so I went for 1 of the 2, no prizes for making the right guess but I know I will be heading back for more.
For 4 shows a day, the Water World was in business and we caught the last one of the day. Performers were getting some "participation" by getting some spectators all soaked from the pre-show entertainment. To be fair, the seatings were coded by whether you're ready to get a little wet or totally soaked. But if you prefer to stay dry, there were colour coded seats to prepare you for what you can expect. You were warned! Queues started as early as 30 minutes before the show so if you haven't got the universal express, good luck!
And since we were already wet, it didn't take much for us to head directly back to The Lost World for The Rapids Adventure. We were there earlier for the Canopy Flyer. We thought it was interesting as we heard screams hovering everywhere above us when we were having lunch at the "hotdog place" which obviously wasn't memorable. It was a pleasant ride but a tad too short. Before you know it, you're at the end of the ride. I was wondering almost aloud, "is that it?" The Rapids Adventure however shouldn't be on your list of must-do or in fact can-do if you can get sick from motion. It's like tea-cups but random and with absolutely zero control. I tried very hard to focus on points along the way so that I wouldn't throw up. Towards the last leg of the attraction when the raft came to a halt, I was fortunately well-placed to see a ray of light coming from metres below us whereas my fellow passengers were left wondering... "Hmmm... Why the pause?" Before we knew it, we heard a really loud splash.
Food wise, prices were acceptable but definitely on the high side. If the alternatively is to lug water, I'd gladly pay $3 for a bottled drink. The only full meal I had was at Goldilocks which reminds me a cross between Marrybrown and Popeyes. Just alot more herbs (read: MSG) and a little less yummy. I will not complain on the quality of food because it's a little better than mere acceptable but the waiting time was horrible. It was about 4pm, restaurant wasn't full but I waited for at least 30 mins (probably close to 45 mins) for 2 pieces of chicken. This took time out from my limited time for queuing up for the rides and now even to have a meal, I have to queue the same amount of time just to be fed! Totally ridiculous!
If you have been or are planning to go to the Universal Studios in Singapore, do let me know what else I should really look out for during my next trip there. Enjoy!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Japan Earthquake & Tsunami 2011
When we first heard of the earthquake, many things went through my mind, including "maybe it's not that serious and people will come round this soon". With the progression of the blasts at the nuclear plants and news of "insufficient body bags around", this is getting worrying although I have heard that the Japanese people are very calm and are taking this in stride. Their unity in building up their nation at a pleasantly alarming rate got my fist clenched up and you may have heard me cheering on if you're within a mile. We know their road to recovery would be much easier and faster than any other economy but even then, my heart goes out to those who have lost their loved ones in the episode. The stoic Japanese with their calmness handling this turmoil gained my utmost respect.
For people around me, I haven't been specifically advocating nuclear energy but before you start ranting on, please read this article taken from Reuters. Of the entire article, I would like you to pay special attention to this part of the article:
Atomic power causes significantly less harm than fossil fuel.
In 2010, 11 people were killed in the Deepwater Horizon oil drilling explosion while 29 people died in a coal mine in West Virginia. Nothing so bad has ever happened at an atomic power plant in the United States or European Union. Annually, coal mining and oil refining accidents kill several hundred people: annual worker deaths at atomic power plants, and in uranium mining, are much lower. Fossil fuel generates greenhouse gases that are causing climate change: atomic power production is just shy of zero-emission for greenhouse gases. Smog from coal burning in the developing world causes respiratory diseases and tens of thousands of premature deaths each year: no similar problem is associated with atomic power.
This morning, Reuters said the Fukushima situation is “the world’s most serious nuclear accident since the Chernobyl meltdown in Ukraine in 1986”. That statement surely is true, but think what it means — a quarter century of atomic power did no harm at all, and now the major problem in Japan may be resolved with only minor public harm. In the same 25 years, oil and coal use worldwide have killed many thousands of people while triggering global warming.
I do admit that this disaster could be prevented if more care have been taken during the construction of the plant. But do not deny that nuclear energy is much cleaner than other forms of energy given the current technology to extract reasonable amount of energy. If we can commercially utilise solar energy without manufacturing solar panels which are actually harmful to the environment and be all over our heads just to light up a room, I will support it fully with all of my means.
My message across if to urge all of you people not to be narrow minded and judgemental before you know the entire story or if you're not an expert in a certain area. Of course, you will have the right to your own opinion (Read: The ignorant Chinese citizens who thinks this entire earthquake is karma for the Japanese for the atrocities the Japanese have done during the WWII) but please, every life is innocent until the day that specific being have killed or destroyed someone who meant anything to you. And if you truly believe in karma, your words will hit you one day. What irony!
My heart goes out to those who are in distress (and not despair) over the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Lastly, please go your part and donate what you can. Please click here or the World Vision logo on the right and do what your part as a world citizen.
For people around me, I haven't been specifically advocating nuclear energy but before you start ranting on, please read this article taken from Reuters. Of the entire article, I would like you to pay special attention to this part of the article:
Atomic power causes significantly less harm than fossil fuel.
In 2010, 11 people were killed in the Deepwater Horizon oil drilling explosion while 29 people died in a coal mine in West Virginia. Nothing so bad has ever happened at an atomic power plant in the United States or European Union. Annually, coal mining and oil refining accidents kill several hundred people: annual worker deaths at atomic power plants, and in uranium mining, are much lower. Fossil fuel generates greenhouse gases that are causing climate change: atomic power production is just shy of zero-emission for greenhouse gases. Smog from coal burning in the developing world causes respiratory diseases and tens of thousands of premature deaths each year: no similar problem is associated with atomic power.
This morning, Reuters said the Fukushima situation is “the world’s most serious nuclear accident since the Chernobyl meltdown in Ukraine in 1986”. That statement surely is true, but think what it means — a quarter century of atomic power did no harm at all, and now the major problem in Japan may be resolved with only minor public harm. In the same 25 years, oil and coal use worldwide have killed many thousands of people while triggering global warming.
I do admit that this disaster could be prevented if more care have been taken during the construction of the plant. But do not deny that nuclear energy is much cleaner than other forms of energy given the current technology to extract reasonable amount of energy. If we can commercially utilise solar energy without manufacturing solar panels which are actually harmful to the environment and be all over our heads just to light up a room, I will support it fully with all of my means.
My message across if to urge all of you people not to be narrow minded and judgemental before you know the entire story or if you're not an expert in a certain area. Of course, you will have the right to your own opinion (Read: The ignorant Chinese citizens who thinks this entire earthquake is karma for the Japanese for the atrocities the Japanese have done during the WWII) but please, every life is innocent until the day that specific being have killed or destroyed someone who meant anything to you. And if you truly believe in karma, your words will hit you one day. What irony!
My heart goes out to those who are in distress (and not despair) over the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Lastly, please go your part and donate what you can. Please click here or the World Vision logo on the right and do what your part as a world citizen.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Up The Valley
I've been meaning to post on so many issues ranging from my latest trip to Hong Kong to the property shopping recently but there's this inertia holding me back which I'm blaming stress from work. Having said that, I've never been happier. That could also be the reason why I don't find it imperative to offload via the blog anymore.
Working with a bunch of helpful people which includes my boss made money making alot easier. It's only the beginning but the pressure is on. The pressure I've created by myself, for myself. All the exercises on viewing properties are playing its part edging me on to build my career which has faced its fair share of peaks and valleys over the past few years. I'm more than ready to put the moves behind me.
Lesson #1 - Keep walking and not let small setbacks tie me down.
Lesson #2 - Be focused.
Meanwhile, just to share a quote from Good Will Hunting "The bad things in life open your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before."
Working with a bunch of helpful people which includes my boss made money making alot easier. It's only the beginning but the pressure is on. The pressure I've created by myself, for myself. All the exercises on viewing properties are playing its part edging me on to build my career which has faced its fair share of peaks and valleys over the past few years. I'm more than ready to put the moves behind me.
Lesson #1 - Keep walking and not let small setbacks tie me down.
Lesson #2 - Be focused.
Meanwhile, just to share a quote from Good Will Hunting "The bad things in life open your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)