Review - Satay Istimewa and Its Juicy Goodness

 I don't know if I should classify this as a sponsored post because it was not meant to be one as I genuinely wanted to try Satay Istimewa as a normal customer. Long story short, I paid for delivery aje so don't @ me if I don't put disclaimer properly. Either way, you all should know by now, my reviews are all honest one. Whether this was sponsored or not, I legitimately wanted to review this.

A quick background story about Satay Istimewa was that they actually had a stall since 1970s in Katong, formally opposite Palace Theater and a few years later, to old Geylang Serai Market untill 1992. I am pretty sure a good amount of OG would recognize the stall. Unfortunately, with the passing of the founders, it also signaled an end to the stall.

BUT Satay Istimewa's lineage has awoken 28 years later, making a comeback with a modern twist! Satay Goreng Bento/ Platter sets and Frozen Satay Goreng! Satay goreng is basically satay without the skewers for ease of consumption.  This is also perfect for kids as it has no safety hazard or anyone who has 'susuk'. haha Joking ah!

Anyways, as all satay menus are, Satay Istimewa sells Chicken, Beef and Mutton. I ordered Chicken and Beef only because that's my general preference in Satay. I like Mutton but too much Mutton sometimes makes me woozy so I rather not take the chance (unless it's mutton chop or Beef steak tulang, I don't know why I am bias like that).

All Satay Istimewa Bento and Platter sets comes with sides which includes lontong, onions, cucumbers and of course, the satay sauce. You even have a choice to order additional lontong and satay sauce. The difference between Bento and Platter is basically number of pax it serves. Bentos are usually for individuals while the platter can serve 3 or 4 pax depending on the appetite. 

My chicken and beef platter was able to serve my household of 3 adults with some extra. The satay was very hearty and a quick shout out to Raf, to thank you for the extra gravy! I was grateful for it because I am the kind who likes to DUMP & DROWN the satay in gravy so the extra gravy helped with the job.

Oh, before I get to the taste and texture of the platter, I want to point out how careful they are with wrapping and packing the platter. They went beyond just putting the food in and cover it with the lid. they actually wrap it with cling wrap to protect the food. It shows how much they 'sayang' their product!

Let's talk about the meat, mainly the chicken and beef. They are absolutely juicy and succulent! It has the right combination of savory and twinge of sweetness that really satisfies my palate. The meat are well-marinated and are soft too so it will definitely caters to the older generation; no need to chew like chewing gum. hehe

The lontong was bouncy and of the right texture while the cucumbers and onions were both fresh and crunchy. 

Moving on to the satay sauce, they are rich and flavorful without being overwhelming. If you like generous amount of peanuts, you would love their sauce too! I greatly recommend to always order extra sauce if you are like me who like to coat every inch of the satay of sauce before eating plus, it is just delicious!

What I like about the entire platter is that you won't feel surfeited or 'jelak'. You will feel full but you won't feel the yucky-oily-bloated feeling afterwards like most hawker food does.

With that said, I do have a teeny-weeny remark about their satay. It is more of a personal preference really. One thing I also like about eating satay is the smokey-charred experience. Please take note that their satay are SUPPOSED to be fried over a pan so I am already aware what to expect. I, myself would occasionally buy frozen satay goreng at NTUC for those random craving fix. 

I like my satay a little charred. Yes, yes, there are reports saying charred food may be carcinogenic.  This is in part down to one particular molecule that forms when food is cooked at high temperatures but this applies when you eat too much and overly charred food. I like 'sikit aje'. There's something about a little charring whets my appetite; you know, that caramelized sugar, that heightened smoky flavor.

But fret not, if you are Team Charred, Satay Istemewa also sells frozen satay inclusive of their sauce so you can cook at your own convenience and preference! Wohoo! What more can you ask for? Oh, I wanted to add on that I kept and re-heated the left-over satay the next day and it is still as delicious!

Follow Satay Istimewa IG for promos and updates or straightaway order through their Google Form. It is perfect for gatherings, parties, company lunches or just for solo eating. Give it try!

Sarah's Birthday Treat At S.E.A Aquarium

 As a special treat, we decided to take Sarah to S.E.A Aquarium. Initially, I was not too keen due to Covid-19 but ever since the Circuit Breaker ended and we went through the phases, I had to accept that this is the new normal now.

We've been very responsible ever since we saw how Covid-19 has spread throughout the world. We were the people who stayed at home before we were told to stay at home by the government haha. But like I said, we have to accept that Covid-19 is not going anywhere anytime soon and as long as the cases are at a low range and we practice extra cautionary measures, we just gotta live.

On this trip, it was Jhon, Sarah, Abg Jamil and I. I love heading out early mornings to avoid the crowds but apparently, due to Covid-19, everyone had the same thought so it was already crowded when we reached there.

Sarah loves vehicles so she was more than happy to see cable cars in real life. I mean, she saw it when she was 2 years old but was indifferent about it. THIS YEAR, every since we took a cable car ride, that's all she talked about. hehe

Well, as I mentioned, the place was surprisingly crowded and the social-distancing was annoying. Some people followed the rules, some do not. Some take their sweet time while some just wanna zip through. It was a little disorderly.

I felt we can't truly enjoy the attraction but since Sarah is just a toddler, she just want to have fun and see the fishes as it is; no need to stare and learn so much. haha 

Those inquisitive eyes.

Ermm... Context was we were swimming.

Towards the end, Sarah was feeling all squiggly and hyperactive as she gets too tired. She was due for lunch a nap. We kinda zoomed soon afterwards and headed for lunch at Vivo and headed home. We can't stand the heat and the masks didn't help. We purposely took a long bus trip home and took a nap.

I am so happy Sarah had a great time. She was dancing without a care (I usually would let her but must.practice.social.distancing) and has been talking about this outing even a week later almost everyday. I really want to do more outings with her but it is so 'leceh' with Covid-19 and masks. I am still not used to it!

Review: Acai Bowl (The Acai Lab); Addictive & Good for You!

 sponsored review

The açaí (ah-sigh-EE) berry is a grape-like fruit harvested from açaí palm trees, which are native to the rain forests of South America. Açaí berries are famously known to contain antioxidants and fiber. It has been considered as part of the super fruit group that has many claims with helping health issues, including arthritis, weight loss, high cholesterol, erectile dysfunction, skin appearance, detoxification and general health. Although these claims has not been officially backed up, there is no harm trying if it's known to be good for you!

To be honest, I have never tried açaí before although I had heard of it many times and its benefits but I never had the urge to actually tried it. Until Acai Bowl  & Best In Singapore Service contacted me to let me try. Out of curiosity, I just have to say yes; who knows I will be a fan?

Acai Bowl is the first and only acai delivery specialist in Singapore that sells Organic, GMO-Free, Vegan, Preservative-Free, 100% Natural and Keto-friendly acai bowls. With 7 acai specialised kitchens island wide, they even have 1 hour delivery service for that quick healthy fix. 

Acai Bowl has several selections in Medium or Large size, Signature Acai Bowl, Berry Berries, Nutty Nature, Fruity Delight and Tropical Acai. On top of that, you can do a DIY bowl if you have your own preferred concoction or simply buy a pure Acai puree so can make your own Acai bowl at home.

There are even add-ons to give an additional kick like adding Drizzle (Peanut butter, Honey, Nutella), Superfoods (Chia Seeds, Almonds, Cranberries, Pumpkin Seeds) or Summer Fruits (Banana, Strawberry, Blueberry, Kiwi, Pineapple, Mango).  To be honest, after trying the acai bowls, I don't even think it is needed because they are generous with their toppings, adding more would be overkill but to each it's own ya!

I got my hands on 3 of their selections.

Berry Berries (S$10.10 – S$15.20) contains Special Acai Mango Base, Granola, Blueberries, Raisins and Almonds. Filled with all the anti-oxidants you need in a bowl. It does taste a little sour than the other 2 bowls BUT the sweetness from Special Acai Mango Base and Raisins does balances it out.  The more you eat it, the more you can't get enough of it!

Sweet and refreshing Tropical Acai (S$9.00 – S$13.80) contains Acai with Pineapple, Banana, Mango, Raisin, Coconut Flakes, Walnut, Cranberries and Chia Seed. This is my family's favorite among the 3 bowls. If you are also a first timer or want to recommend to a newbie, I greatly encourage this one! 

Lastly, I tried the Signature Acai Bowl (S$10.20 – S$15.60) that has all 10 popular toppings in one bowl! It has Acai with Granola, Banana Strawberry, Blueberry, Kiwi, Raisin, Pumpkin Seed, Coconut Flake, Cranberry and Chia Seed. This is perfect for those who couldn't make up their mind on the toppings because it has almost everything! Despite being filled with so much goodness, it has such cohesiveness that every bite tastes same but different at one go; if that makes sense. haha 

Prices for Acai Bowl are in the mid-range and there is no minimum order. There is also free delivery for orders above S$40. Yes, at a glance and for someone who is new to the world of  the super fruit, acai, it may seem expensive but I was thinking, wait a minute, occasionally, Jhon and I would spend a good amount on fancy ice-cream. Why when it comes to ice-cream, we don't even bat an eye with prices but for something that is actually good for us and have the similar sweet spot perfect for indulging, we think of prices?

Huh Huh??? I need a wake up call.

But! guess what! Acai Bowl is now having an offer!
Quote ACAI20 for 20% off your total bill!
Give them a try now! 

[source: Acai Bowl, photo by Owari Photography]

Sarah's 3rd Birthday!

My little darling has turned 3 years old!

We did a tiny celebration with a 6" cake bought from the bakery downstairs with decorations from her 1st birthday and random balloons I have stock lying around for fun. Just like that, I had the happiest daughter ever! She was gleaming and grinning from ear to ear.

I took these photos with my handphone and yet again, it gave me a giant reminder on how much I need to upgrade my handphone. haha

Look at that grin but too bad it is a blur photo!

That concentration needed to do 3 hand gesture though.

Don't know if it by luck or she was careful, she cut the cake perfectly in the center and we were like WOW! haha

Happy birthday, my darling!

You are an amazing girl and you always amaze me with your wit and politeness. Sure, you can be too clingy at times but I won't deny, although it may be testing sometimes, I so enjoy it when you would always look for me and literally cling on my legs and follow me all over the house. hehe I love you more than words can say, Sarah.