Hello friends! And happy 2016! I feel like every time I write in this space I’m always apologising for having disappeared. Just realised that for the WHOLE of last year, I wrote a grand total of <10 entries. HAHAHA. But hey, at least this means life OUTSIDE the internet has been fulfilling and busy, so no apologies for that 😀 I’ve missed this space and all the people on it though, and I’m always glad to be writing to you guys again 🙂

How has 2016 shaped up for you guys so far? I may not be blogging much but I still endeavour to reply each of your emails and help you through as you struggle with your inner demons but for those who have emailed about life in NIE, applying to be a teacher, wedding matters, traveling in Japan, ED recovery mealplans etc, I’m afraid I’ve decided to consolidate all your queries and blog about them instead because to reply each individually would just take too long!

Anyway, 2015 was WAY overwhelming for me but I’m glad to report that things seem to have settled (at least for now). Oh, oh! And my sister in law adopted a rabbit from House Rabbit Society Singapore late last year and I’ve been obsessed with her eversince! She’s called Flora and I’m sure you will see lots of her on this page because I’m like an obsessed aunty. HAHAHA.

Anyway! I turned 28 a week ago and instead of going to a farm and cooking my own birthday meal like I did last year , my husband (first birthday with a husband! Haha) brought me to Tangerine instead. Been wanting to try for a long time and thankfully, it didn’t disappoint! 😀

Located in Sentosa next to Equarius Hotel, ESPA Tangerine is worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of the city. I have a weakness for SPA restaurants/ Spa cuisine and another I thoroughly recommend is The Gardens at Beaufort Hotel. The environment is just filled with such lush greenery and the food so light yet nourishing!

The place is just AWASHED with natural light. GORGEOUS.

Pretty plants, a gurgling water place and… maybe some frogs (I don’t know. Might have been my husband trying to imitate them to annoy me -.-)

In contrast, the interior is cool, dark and very welcoming.

YES I AGREE WITH THE ESPA PHILOSOPHY.

Should you happen to be around the vicinity on weekdays at lunch time, the lunch deal seems to be a pretty good deal!

View from my seat

We started the meal with a refreshing lemongrass drink and complimentary bread rolls with a fresh tomato dip, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. I have deep weakness for the smell of good quality olive oil. Do you?!

D ordered the 4 course set meal (68++) and I ordered the 3 course (38++).  First up for mine was this lovely creation called ‘Tangerine’s Garden’ made up of the most delectable salmon rolls, accompanied with a side salad and a tangy yuzu dressing. The attention to detail was just fascinating. I couldn’t help marveling at the little touches of herbs in the wrapping around the salmon. SO PRETTY.

Dan’s appetiser was a Thai- inspired Sous Vide Pork which was delicious as well. My fork couldn’t help wandering to his dish after I was done with mine HAHAH.

The 4 course meal set came with an additional soup. This was the Hawaiian Papaya. It looks unassuming right? But the flavours were just amazing! Think creamy, smooth, sweet papaya paired with a freshly grilled scallop and a hint of sour cream and kaffir lime dust. THE CHEF IS INGENIOUS AND I WANT TO BE HIS PROTEGE.

 

Next up, my Asian Style Sea Bass and Salsa. The description was horribly unexciting- Napa cabbage, chinese celery and lime chili dressing. -.- Napa cabbage? Eee. I hate hard cabbage. But I ordered it because the other option was Braised Chicken Roulade La- Mian Soup with BEANSPROUTSSSSSSSS. And if there is anything I hate more than hard cabbage is BEANSPROUTS.

But of course, we all know how the story goes. I poke gingerly at the fish and cabbage when it arrives and eat it resignedly. The first taste of the fish and cabbage in my mouth is an unexpected explosion. The cabbage is super fresh and sweet. Really. You guys need to try just plain, fresh cabbage. The fish is savoury and THE SAUCE. It’s the typical lime and chili mix that you get at most thai places and it wraps the fish and cabbage in this exceptional blanket of tangy with a hint of spice. Spicy, tangy, sweet and savoury all at once. Needless to say, I finished the whole dish.

I had no wariness in launching my spoon into my husband’s dish when it came (hahahah, much to the chagrin of D). His Risotto with Light Red Curry Emulsion was one of the best I’d ever eaten. It was just so flavourful and despite the fact that I was a little disgruntled it came with only ONE scallop and ONE prawn, I was suitably satisfied at the end of it that the ONE scallop and ONE prawn were so well done, it was definitely quality over quantity. This was D’s favourite dish of the day and I had to restrain myself from eating his food because he was enjoying it so much. HAHAH.

My course ended with Double Boiled Papaya Soup which was delicious but slightly meh in comparison because I was more interested in Daniel’s…

Avocado Espuma with Goma Ice Cream!!! Maybe I’m just a cold-dessert kind of person but organic avocado, wild honey, museli bits, dried fruits and SESAME ICE CREAM!!!!! Isn’t it pretty?

Oh and since it was my birthday, I think D requested for a birthday cake and that was the end of a wonderfully beautiful meal. Ahhhhh, the epitome of nourishment for the soul and body, indeed. I was so happy!!

Do try this place if you are looking for a light and healthy way to celebrate a special occasion 🙂

Be back with rabbit pictures next time. 😉

xoxo.