I love My Kanken!

It was love at first sight when I saw it in the pages of Grazia UK. Having collected most of the 'IT' bags, it has been a while since I have lusted after a bag. In fact, it came as a shocker to me that my latest desire is a utility backpack that has been around for half a century and costs slightly over S$100!

The first time I laid my eyes on Fjällräven Kanken bags was in the pages of GRAZIA.

There is a size and colour to suit everyone.

I had my eyes set on the Forest Green and Graphite. Can't wait to receive my order soon!

Fjällräven is a Swedish company that specialises in outdoor gear and the name means arctic fox. It was founded in 1960 by Åke Nordin.

 

I also love Fjällräven's I Love My Kanken Facebook page where it encourages its fans to post pics of them using their favourite bags. Here are some snap shots that caught my eye...

I am sure I will be sending pics of me and my Kankens to the official Facebook page when I received my order. If you are keen to get your hands on a Kanken, you can do so here on their online store: www.ilovemykanken.com

Chopsuey Cafe

There is a new place in town for dim sum, and it is not in a typical Chinese restaurant. Tucked away in a corner of Dempsey Village is Chopsuey Cafe, the new concept restaurant by the P.S.Cafe group. I checked it out last week before it closed for the Lunar New Year hols, which happened to be the first day they opened for brunch service.

Chopsuey Cafe presents a collage of fond food memories inspired by the many good times abroad spent in Chinese restaurants or takeaways satiating the food cravings of a hungry student or traveler.

The decor is highly Colonial-inspired, befitting the building's heritage as a army barracks.

For those who love outdoor dining, there's also the choice of al fresco area.

Here's a look at what we had at brunch. The dim sum is delish...

 Sweet Corn, Fresh Crab & Egg Drop

This is one of the best version I have ever tasted. Fresh handpicked crab meat with cut corn from a cob. I highly recommend this soup.

Sticky Crunch Baby Squid

It has a slight Thai cuisine influence to this dish. If you like squid, you must try this.

Pumpkin and Cod Dumpling

How clever for the chef to shape the dumplings like little pumpkins. Not my fav but they are sure pretty.

Flaky Char Siew Puff

They don't look like the traditional Char Siew pastries that you see in Chinese restaurants. These taste really good as they are truly flaky and not doughy.

Steamed Char Siew Bun

 These hot buns will give the Chinese restaurants a run for their money. Really delish.

Steamed Prawn Dumpling

 Smoked Duck & Lychee Salad

Not my fav but hubs loved it. I would say give it a miss and stick to dim sum.

Great ambiance, good service and delicious food. I will definitely be back for more. A great place to introduce Chinese & Asian cuisine to your visiting friends, as well as a quaint place for locals to have dim sum in a different setting.

They don't take reservations for brunch, but they do for dinner and is highly recommended. For more information, please visit chopsueycafe.com.

Ocean Restaurant By Cat Cora

It has been a while since I have been in awe of a restaurant's decor. When hubs suggested going to the new Ocean Restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), I was a little reluctant at first. Jaded me thought the idea was not novel, having been to Dubai's Burj Al Arab aquarium-themed restaurant named Al Mahara almost a decade ago. Ocean Restaurant turned out to be the most amazing "underwater" experience for a non-diver like me.

Located near Hotel Equarius of RWS, Ocean Restaurant is helmed by female Iron Chef Cat Cora and this 63-seat restaurant has an amazing view of the Open Ocean Gallery of S.E.A Aquarium. The menu offers many of Cat's signature dishes from her six restaurants in the United Sates, as well as some dishes that she created specially for this restaurant. Animal rights conscious foodie will be happy to know that the restaurant serves sustainably sourced seafood.

As the restaurant opened just two weeks ago, there are some teething problems that they have to sort out. Some examples of less than immaculate service are the waiter spilled sparkling water all over my leather bag and they didn't refill our wine glasses and hubs had to walk over to grab the bottle to top up his tipple. Don't get me wrong, the service staff are polite but it it just that their experience is not befitting of a restaurant that positions itself on the international level.

However, the view will make up for all the imperfections. I was in awe and was in fact distracted from my meal by the amazing marine life. The photos below were the view from my dining table. It beats any fancy decor or expensive artwork. 

Not forgetting the photos of our dinner...

 Ceviche

 Sakura Shrimp Risotto

 Seared Scallops with Soba

Lobster Mac & Cheese

Chocolate & Almond Tart

Definitely check out this restaurant if you can. The dining experience is really awesome with the captivating grace of the marine life. For more information, please www.rwsentosa.com