Tag: Valentines’ Day

Need a last minute Valentine’s Day plan? Here’s your survival kit.

Post author By Michelle Tan
Post date February 8, 2018
1 Comment on Need a last minute Valentine’s Day plan? Here’s your survival kit.

Haven’t planned a single thing for Valentine’s Day? Fret not because these romantic and fuss-free activities will have you sorted in no time!

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Cr: AccidentalEpicurean.com

Head to Gardens By the Bay

Elude the crowd and kick-start the romance a night ahead with a stroll around Gardens by the Bay. Nothing says ‘bedazzled’ like a walk under twinkling lights amidst the world-renowned Super Trees! Up your ante by rounding up the night with an impeccable meal in a glass dome at Pollen, where fine Mediterranean cuisine meets modern European dining. With an experience like this, it’s definitely a date to remember!

Find it at 18 Marina Gardens Drive, #01-09, Flower Dome Gardens by the Bay, Singapore 018953
Book a table at Pollen and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

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Go for a morning hike at Mount Faber

So bae’s been hankering about shedding a few pounds. Why not give be the supportive partner that you are and go for a morning trek at Mount Faber Park? It’s never a bad idea to bond over a good workout sesh and achieve that “#CoupleGoals bod” or enjoy a leisurely stroll in the heart of Mother Nature.

Find it at Mount Faber Road, Singapore (at the junction of Kampong Bahru Road and Telok Blangah Road)
Click here to find out more.

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Cr: Fundamentally Flawed

Paint your way into each other’s hearts

You don’t need to express your love in words – try turning them into a work of art instead! Let your creativity run wild and have your taste buds tantalised at Arteastiq, a boutique tea house that offers a comfortable respite for diners to try their hand at art-jamming over beautiful brunch dishes that come served with an artistic touch. Fancy a little high tea? Their spectacular display of artisanal tea selections is guaranteed to spoil you silly.

Find it at Mandarin Gallery, #04-14/15, 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238867 or Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Rd #03-70/72, Singapore 238839
Click here to find out more.

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Go for a food crawl

If you and your partner are huge on food, then a food crawl is the perfect way to bond. Singapore’s never short of amazing food just waiting to be discovered, so whip out that map, pick an area, and start hunting! We’d recommend starting with Tanjong Pagar or Keong Saik area, where sensational cuisines call home in every corner of this neighbourhood of heritage shophouses and office buildings.

A hot spot worth mentioning is Xiao Ya Tou; this cheeky establishment is offering a limited edition love potion called XYT 爱s Kachang Cocktail, a concoction that doubles up as both a cocktail and a dessert!

Find it at 6 Duxton Hill, #01-01, Singapore 089592
Book a table at Xiao Ya Tou and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Whisk yourselves away to unwind at Keppel Bay

When the day’s spent and you just want a peaceful and quiet night out, look no further than Keppel Bay. This hideout is pretty much under-the-radar as a date night spot. Just imagine sitting on the seafront with a cool night breeze and a glass of wine while listening to the gentle lapping of the waves – sounds like a charm, doesn’t it?

Playing Cupid is the amicable Chef Allibone at Bayswater Kitchen who will be whipping up a charming 4-course Valentine’s Day menu that will woo your appetite. Featuring gorgeous seafood in the forms of Smoked Halibut Gribiche, Cod & Salmon Fish Pie, and more, it’s a given that satisfaction is guaranteed here.

Find it at 2 Keppel Bay Vista, Singapore 098382
Book a table at Bayswater Kitchen and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

And if all else fails…

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Get your cuddle-game on and stay at home instead

Instead of spending a fortune dining out, why not relax and stay in with your bae? Whether you want to enjoy a home-cooked meal together or relax on the couch and watch some movies, there’s plenty of fun to be had.

Staying in doesn’t have to be all dreary though. You don’t have to slave in the kitchen for hours to make an Insta-worthy dish! Here is a list of simple recipes you can whip up in an under thirty minutes, and here are some movies for you to cuddle up with your bae to. Have fun!

If you’re reading this before 1 am on February 14th, you’ve got some time to make some reservations at these dinner date spots. Love unconventional dates? Here’s some inspiration for you!

Tags art, Dinner, food, hike, love, Valentines' Day

Lifestyle Singapore

7 Unique Valentine’s Date Ideas

Post author By Veena Vinod
Post date February 6, 2018
1 Comment on 7 Unique Valentine’s Date Ideas

The dinner-and-drinks date has been done to death. From cruising on a superyacht to exploring the great outdoors, here are some unique ideas for Valentine’s dates to spice things up.

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Put yourselves to the test at the Escape Room

Seeking a thrill this Valentine’s Day? Why not try an Escape Room? A physical adventure game that tests your brains and brawn, this Japanese concept has been popular in Singapore since 2011. Solve puzzles and perform stunts in order to free yourself from the game room that you are trapped in. With a single game taking up anywhere from one to two hours, you’ll want to save more than a quick lunch date for this one.

Find it at Bugis Village, 160A Rochor Road, Singapore 188435
Click here to find out more about XCape Singapore.

A meal onboard the Royal Albatross

Enjoy your Valentine’s Dinner on the only luxury tall ship in the region. The Royal Albatross is 47-foot tall Superyacht with a gorgeous exterior and even more lush interior. Formerly used as Bruce Wayne’s private yacht in The Dark Knight film, there’s nothing quite like enjoying dinner onboard a vessel with so much star cred. With a signature Valentine’s Day menu and the option to enjoy the setting sun al-fresco, this is your go-to spot to up your Valentine’s Date game.

Find it at 8 Sentosa Gateway Resort World Sentosa Singapore 098269
Book a table at Royal Albatross and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

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Get some vitamin ‘sea’ by island-hopping

You don’t need to go to Boracay for Instagram-worthy beaches. It’s a closely-guarded secret that Singapore has a number of islands you can get to by boat. With white sandy beaches, quiet nature trails and beautiful heritage shrines, there’s something for everyone on the many islands around Singapore. Make a day of island hopping with your date and take some time to soak in the sights and sounds of Singapore’s natural beauty.

Find it at various locations.
Click here to find out more about Singapore’s islands.

Dine in the heart of nature at Botanic Gardens

Dining at a UNESCO World Heritage site is not an experience to be trifled with, but The Halia delivers – great food, gorgeous setting, and generous portions. While this spot is not the best if you want some privacy, it’s still great for a quiet dinner. Romance your date under the lush foliage of the Botanic Gardens here. Located within the Ginger Garden, the menu heavily features the healthy root, which blends perfectly with their signature European flavours.

Find it at 1 Cluny Road Ginger Garden, Botanic Gardens Singapore 259569
Book a table at The Halia and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

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Kick back, relax, and enjoy a Pop-Up Cinema experience

Old cinemas are becoming obsolete, and Pop-Up Cinemas are becoming increasingly popular. With screenings held in cafes, bars and on rooftops, this is a unique experience that a theatre can never provide. Take your pick from the many movies being screened every week. A ticket costs less than ten dollars and entitles to you to a complimentary drink – cheaper than a theatre screening, and way more interesting.

Find it at various locations.
Click here to find out more about Pop-Up Cinema.

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Romance is in the air – or trees – with a Treetop Walk

If you and your date a nature enthusiasts, you’ll love the scenic views of the Treetop Walk. Located on a suspension bridge and passing through parts of a developing secondary forest, there are plenty of Instagram-worthy spots to take cute photos together, as well as leaf cover to protect you from the sun. There are also some small spots with seats where you can stop and rest. Pack a small picnic and make a day of it!

Find it at 601 Island Club Rd, Singapore 578775
Click here to find out more about the Treetop Walk.

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Go for a dining experience in the dark

Prefer not to sweat it out in a forest in the heat? Try dining in the dark at NOX instead! The restaurant itself is unlit, so you can’t actually see what’s on your plate. This makes for a mysterious but memorable dining experience. With a menu that changes daily, and features the best of French fare, you won’t have to worry about the quality of your meal here. Have fun guessing what you’re eating with your date, and bond over this once in a lifetime experience.

Find it at 269 Beach Road, Singapore 199546
Book a table at NOX – Dine In The Dark and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

If you’re more of a dinner date person, you’ll love our roundup of date restaurants. Planning to wing it? Let our survival kit give you some handy tips!

Tags Cinema, Dates, Dinner, Escape Room, Hiking, Valentines' Day

Lifestyle Save/Splurge Singapore

Save vs. Splurge: Valentine’s Day Edition

Post author By Rachel Ho
Post date February 3, 2018
2 Comments on Save vs. Splurge: Valentine’s Day Edition

Valentine’s Day: We all know it’s a commercialised holiday, but we are suckers for any excuse to dress up and dine out.

Has your honey been hinting to go somewhere special, yet you know there are bills to pay? Pick the place that gives you the best bang for your buck. Maybe you’re feeling flush thanks to your year-end bonus, or you’re going Dutch? Splurge a little on some of the fanciest menus on offer. Whatever your budget, whatever your partner’s palate, we’ve got you covered.

In the mood for Asian fusion?

Save: The Palmary

Occupying a three-storey shophouse in the quickly gentrifying Owen Road in Farrer Park, The Palmarcosy a cosy, quaint restaurant with a love for all things marble and retro (read: it’s perfect for the ‘grams). For $59++, you and your date get three courses: Lobster and Blue Manna Crab Bisque, a choice between Tiger Prawn Linguine and Codfish, and Dessert; a five-course meal sets you back $79++. Enjoying a good glass of wine here won’t break the bank either: it’s $10++ a glass.

Find it at 142 Owen Road, Singapore 218941
Book a table at The Palmary and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Splurge: 28Wilkie Italian Restaurant & Caviar Bar

Housed in another conserved shophouse, this time in Selegie, 28Wilkie is an intimate restaurant that is Pinterest goals: white walls, cosy armchairs and just enough space for romantic conversations. The restaurant serves up eight courses of seamless Italian-Japanese food and a glass of prosecco. For this, you’d be out of pocket by $168++ per person.

Find it at 28 Wilkie Road, #01-01, Singapore 228051
Book a table at 28Wilkie Italian Restaurant & Caviar Bar and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

In the mood for Italian?

Save: Acqua e Farina

Enjoy old-school Italian at Acqua e Farina at The Rail Mall in Upper Bukit Timah — and if your partner loves nature, kick off the date with a walk along the Green Corridor across the road. Quench your thirst with a glass of sangria, then feast on Gamberetti (poached shrimps), Burratina and Parma Ham, Salmon Linguine or Mushroom Penne, Oven-Baked Seabream or Crispy Duck Confit. There is the classic Tiramisu too. The menu goes for $88++ per person, but there is a 10% discount if you take the first sitting from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Find it at 400 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 678050
Book a table at Acqua e Farina and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Splurge: il Cielo

Stay above the fray of the Orchard Road bustle and enjoy the city skyline from il Cielo, while dining on mouth-watering Italian dishes in a modern setting. Enjoy a six-course menu including Kinmedai Carpaccio, Cod Fish Mousse Ravioli and Raspberry pannacotta and a glass of champagne for $158++ per person. If you happen to be “working late” on Valentine’s Day itself, then dine on 10, 12 or 13 Feb for just $138++. Either way, we’ve got your back: Use the promo code VDAY18 to get 15% off if you book on Chope.

Find it at 581 Orchard Road, Singapore 238883

To score 2X Chope-Dollars, book a table at il Cielo with code TASTYBLOG*.
Want 15% off your Valentine’s Day meal? Book with the code VDAY18 to enjoy this exclusive discount*!

*Note: Only one promo code is applicable per reservation

In the mood for Japanese?

Save: Panko

Give your date something different by bringing him or her to Panko, a cyber-punk restaurant off Haji Lane. Part of the Unlisted Collection group, the restaurant features Kushikatsu skewers, fresh Negitoro (green onions + tuna) Don and a cocktail. Take advantage of your Chope affiliation: the dinner set is $58++ for the first person, and half-price for second diners!

Find it at 33 Arab Street, Singapore 199732
Book a table at Panko and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Splurge: Hashida Sushi

Does bae love exquisite but expensive delicacies like uni (sea urchin) and awabi (abalone)? Do his eyes light up when he sees a glistening piece of otoro, or her ears prick up when she hears the growl of a blowtorch aburi-ing her favourite sashimi? If you’re going to do sushi, do it right with an omakase set at Hashida Sushi, the Singapore leg of the award-winning Tokyo restaurant. Guests get a glass of Krug champagne. The price tag for the whole experience is steep — $480++ per guest — but it’ll be a night you both won’t forget!

Find it at 333A Orchard Road, #04-16, Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238897
Book a table at Hashida Sushi and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

In the mood for Steak?

Save: Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria

If your date loves meat and lots of it, what better place is there than a full-blown Brazillian barbecue buffet in Chijmes, the site of every other person’s dream wedding? Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria’s buffet menu on this special day features the butter herb steak at $69++ per person. It also comes with a complimentary glass of prosecco and a slice of tiramisu cake. Meat, wine and dessert? Sign us up.

Book a table at these outlets and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Splurge: Origin Grill & Bar

Treat your partner to a night of indulgence at the newly opened Origin Grill & Bar at the Shangri-La Hotel. The gorgeous restaurant is decked in warm wood and shaped in arches reminiscent of an old train station — the perfect setting to wax lyrical about how you have enjoyed the journey that is your love. Origin doesn’t just serve steak, but their snow-aged (yes, it’s buried in snow) full blood A4 wagyu beef is a must-try. Three courses cost $198++ per couple, while the four-course menu is $298++. After that, check out the moody, romantic bar next door. The experimental cocktails are sure to put you in the mood for love.

Find it at 22 Orange Grove Road, Lobby Level, Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore 258350
Book a table at Origin Grill & Bar and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

If dinner and drinks are too overrated, check out some unique date ideas! Didn’t plan ahead? This last-minute Valentine’s Day survival kit is for you!

Tags Fusion, Italian, Japanese, Save, Singapore, Splurge, Steak, Valentines' Day

Lifestyle

14 Worst Things to Happen on a Date

Post author By Michelle Tan
Post date February 15, 2017
1 Comment on 14 Worst Things to Happen on a Date

Ahh, Valentine’s Day – that one day of the year where couples go all out to impress one another in a battle of public declaration of love. However, not everyone’s experience is the fairytale it’s cut out to be!

We’ve rounded up some of the worst things that have happened on dates; although the names have been changed for privacy, these are #TrueStories that have happened to real people!

Here are our top 14:

1. Taking the easy way out (OUCH!)

“I met up with a guy for a date. After we sat down, he said he’d needed to withdraw cash. He left and never came back after that.” – Nikayla

2. Too soon, too soon.

“I was on a date with this amazing guy and it was going really well. Then he asked me to take off my shoes while we were sitting along the Singapore river. I thought maybe he wanted us to dip our toes in the water. He checked out my toes and said he wanted to suck on them – he had a foot fetish.” – Durga

3. This disaster.

“When you get to know a girl on the first date and she hits all of your checklist before she turns to you and says ‘What if I tell you the truth about religion, and how my faith is true and yours is fake!'” – Rajesh

4. That awkward moment when…

“You offer to pay the bill and the guy politely accepts. After you are done paying he accidentally says ‘thanks mum.'” – Carol

5. The PETA Crusader

“When you go out with the most perfect guy only to find out he will not take you out anymore unless you become a vegetarian – because ‘Meat is murder’.” – Lorraine

6. When it gets so boring that even toilets are more interesting

“I ended up talking about toilets with one guy for 45 minutes on our first and last date.” – Marissa

7. The moment you know you better drop him like he’s hot (because he isn’t)

“One time we were out and he (ex-boyfriend) bumped into his ex. He spent the rest of the date on his phone texting her and catching up.” – Shalini

8. When you can’t help but feel bad for the guy…

“Dining at an alfresco restaurant and a bird shat in his food.” – Shantini

9. We can’t believe this dude, either.

“He showed up 40 mins late, ordered a main, drink and dessert. I only had a soup. He asked to go Dutch and I’d agreed so as to not make a scene. Before leaving he asked me for 20 bucks for his cab ride here because ‘I would have actually taken a train to meet you but because you were already here, I had to cab.'” – Charlene

10. Let’s not even go there.

“Our date was going smoothly at first, but then he started insisting that we head to this hotel nearby because his MUM had a room there.” – Nikki

11. We don’t want no scrub.

“He made such a big deal out of bringing me to this extremely posh restaurant. When it was time to pay, he *conveniently* realized he forgot to bring his wallet and I ended up having to pay for everything (which were all extremely expensive dishes he insisted on ordering).” – Jo

12. How about YOU eat some makeup?

“The first thing he said to me on our first (and last) date: You need more makeup.” – Gabrielle

13. Hold your horses, honey.

“Had a first date with a guy, and by the end of the night he asked me if I wanted to go home with him… to meet his parents and get their approval for marriage.” – Felicia

14. Something smells fishy about this date.

“This girl shared a fun fact on our first date about how farts can fight dementia. She then asked if she could smell mine.” – K

Comment on our Facebook post with your worst date experience with the hashtag #SAVEMECHOPE for a chance to win a free meal for 2!

*T&Cs Apply

Tags Dates, Romantic, Single Awareness Day, V Day, Valentines' Day