Friday, March 11, 2011

Zurich Report - 72 Hours



Zurich may not be as exciting as big European cities such as London or Paris, but it is charming in its own ways. I spent 72 hours in Zurich while en route to St Moritz, and I left the city with good memories of little things that I encountered.

#1 - Eat bread & pretzel



I usually only eat bread when they are served warm, and with lots of butter. In Zurich, the bread taste good even when they are cold. I don't know if it's the water or the flour, but they taste darn good... especially the pretzels. I miss having a pretzel while walking down the street. Auntie Anne's is a joke compared to these.


#2 - Stop and smell the flowers


Couldn't resist taking pics of these beautiful flowers. I wish they were these pretty in Singapore.



#3 - Eat some roasted chestnuts


Eating roasted chestnuts on a cold winter day is one of the best simple pleasures in life. I particularly like this vintage looking cart.


#4 - Shop and dine at Globus

Globus is like Harvey Nicks to me. A good place to check out window display installations, as well as to shop.

I highly recommend the restaurant on Level 5, as it offers unpretentious and tasty food, while at the same time offering an amazing view of the city.


Cheese and spinach ravioli with ham and rocket


Very cheesy risotto... the way Laurent likes it!


#5 - Checking out IM VIADUKT

The viaduct on Hardbrücke’s railway is now a cool spot to hang out in Zurich. IM VIADUKT is a new concept mall that is being built from a landmark that has been around for more than a century. It houses the city's first covered market hall, a food hall, and a variety of boutiques.




I am looking forward to my next stopover in Zurich. :)

Thursday, March 10, 2011

The Edible Art Of FiftyThree



This is not the first time that I am writing about FiftyThree (It is actually the third time!) This time round, it is a little different because I got to experience FiftyThree outside of its Armenian Street restaurant. At the Hermes Spring fashion presentation on Tuesday, the clever team decided to bring Chef Michael Han to the store at Liat Tower... to create a special edible art installation.

I have always like the creativity of Chef Michael... but this time round, he showed me what an artist he truly is. Feast your eyes out on the photos below. I wished I had taken more pics but I had to upkeep my "cool" factor and play down my excitement. It was such an "Alice in Wonderland" experience!


Crispy chicken skin and crackers pegged on threads... waiting to be eaten.


Crackers displayed alongside bits and bobs of haberdashery... gotta watch what I put in my mouth.


Was so busy admiring the edible installation art that I forgot to try this. Not sure what it was but it seemed to be some crunchy yummy stuff.


White chocolate with caviar. Love the presentation.


Chocolate lollies. For some strange reason, it reminded me of the solar system. My warped brain!

It got me craving for more of FiftyThree. I shall drop by for dinner next week then...


For more about FiftyThree, click the links below:

http://style-canvas.blogspot.com/2010/06/fiftythree-is-more-than-number.html

http://style-canvas.blogspot.com/2010/08/new-season-at-fiftythree.html

http://sg.travel.yahoo.com/inspirations/179-molecular-gastronomy-in-singapore-alive-and-bubbling


www.fiftythree.com.sg

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Zurich Report - Sprüngli




When I was in Zurich last week, I had to visit this Swiss confectionery institution. If you are not from Switzerland or live in Switzerland, you might not have heard of Sprüngli. However, you will most likely know Sprüngli's other brand - Lindt.

I first wrote about Sprüngli last year, about its yummy macaroon-like sweets named Luxemburgerli. Click on this link if you would like to read more: http://style-canvas.blogspot.com/2010/06/laduree-or-pierre-herme-and-now.html



Luxemburgli is a trademark and this word can only be used by Sprüngli. The difference between Luxemburgli and macaroon is the size, the former is smaller and more bite-size.


My favourite flavour is champagne. It is a must try! Dusted in gold powder, it looks really posh and regal.

If someone brings you a box of Sprüngli's Luxemburglis from Zurich, you should feel honored. These yummies are best consumed asap as they are made fresh daily and won't keep well for long.

This year, Sprüngli is celebrating 175 years of pure sweet indulgence. If you are in Zurich, you have to visit Sprüngli even if you don't have a sweet tooth. It is a perfect place for hot chocolate and to pick up gifts for friends.

Sprüngli then...


Sprüngli now...



I had the best hot chocolate at Sprüngli. I highly recommend all hot chocolate lovers to try a cuppa here. It is rich without being over powering, and very satisfying.


I love it so much that I bought a tin home. This is not the usual hot chocolate in powder form... it is actually very thin chocolate flakes (you can even eat it as it is) that you melt into hot milk. Made of 70% cacao, this is the real stuff!


You can also choose from the range of cakes and pastries...



These chocolates make great gifts as they are easy to pack in the luggage...


Last but not least, I can't resist taking pics of these cute marzipan creatures...




For more info, please visit www.spruengli.ch




Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Horsing Around With Hermes



I just got back from the Hermes presentation of its Spring fashion show and I was blown away. The Spring collection offers what I am looking: tailoring, leather, great accessories. I got so inspired that I went to check out the entire collection on Style.com when I got home. I am so glad that I will be off to Paris next weekend. Guess that's where my paycheck will be spent.

Jean Paul Gaultier's swan song at Hermes is a beautiful end. What a strong collection! I never thought the French rebel would be a good fit at Hermes but JPG proved he could take give a modern twist to a historical brand that started off with equestrian accessories. Goodbye JPG. I hope your successor Christophe Lemaire will keep up the good work.


#1 - Harness Your Inner Sensuality





If this harness fits me well, I am so buying it. It has my name written all over it. I would wear it with a white shirt, an Hermes scarf or even with a black tube dress to a gala event.


#2 - B&B Is Cool




Black and brown is the new black and white. Wear it with a touch of white or grey to make the colour combo pop.


#3 - More Is More




The trend according to Hermes is to layer on your leather wrist accessories. Even a wrist bag... but make it a mini Birkin though! Wicked!


#4 - Tough Elegance





I am not the typical woman in saccharine sweet Marchesa gowns at gala events. A rebel at heart, I prefer edgier evening wear and Hermes has just the looks for me this season. Bring on the leather!

For the complete collection, please visit www.style.com