Adventure, baby!

Singapore

FORTY HANDS: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Tiong Bahru, Singapore

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I’ll be frank. I don’t actually think Forty Hands is thaaaat kid-friendly a cafe. It’s a typical hipster cafe, pretty cramped, and with lots of sharp table edges. However, I realise this cafe is ‘hot’ with… well, just about every coffee drinker out there, and I always see people with babies and young kids here. So I guess it somehow works!

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Their Latte ($5) is a serious work of art and, yes, is delightful. The beans are from Common Man Coffee Roasters and the flavour is full bodied with zero bitterness.

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I was charmed by the cutely-named Ang Mo Classic Gourmet Dog – organic pork sausage, gherkins, melted cheese, mustard, red carrot ketchup ($13). This is an upscale version of the traditional hotdog. I was delighted with the artisan bun, which was fluffy and soft, with the right amount of ‘give’ with every bite. The sausage was fat and juicy, and not too overly salty. However, it was the relish that did it for me – it gave the whole hot dog a burst of flavour and made it well worth the money.

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The Truffle mushroom toastie ($12.50) sounded pretty plain on the menu, and also arrived looking rather uneventful. That said, the mushrooms were beautifully cooked to juicy perfection, and with a bright burst of truffle. The toastie bread was thin and crisp, and paired well with the mushrooms and rocket leaves.

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Last Bite: Forty Hands serve simple but delicious food, but it’s their hot coffee that really stands out. We loved our latte art!

Highchairs: Yes
Easy access: Yes
Change tables: No
Kids’ menu: No

Forty Hands
78 Yong Siak Street #01-12
Singapore 163078
Phone: 6225 8545
Prices: $$
Hours: Tue – Sun: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

NASSIM HILL BAKERY: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Orchard Road, Singapore

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I hold a soft spot for Nassim Hill Bakery, and always leave the place so impressed and eager to return. It’s along Orchard Road (right where the Tanglin post office building is), yet very quiet on weekdays and not packed out on weekends. I fear Orchard Road, and malls in general, on weekends. I can’t handle crowds, and a really packed out cafe makes me anxious. With two young kids in tow, we also don’t have the option or luxury to sit around waiting for food and jostle with everyone else.

Nassim Hill Bakery is centraly located, yet makes for a wonderful and relaxed brunch spot. The area is spacious, the staff are friendly, and the food is excellent.

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The menu is pretty extensive, but be warned that the Breakfast and Lunch menus are mutually exclusive – the latter kicking in only at 11AM. I wish the dishes were just part of one menu, because the Breakfast options are limited to eggs, eggs and more eggs.

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Nassim Hill Bakery do a lovely and smooth coffee, albeit with woeful latte ‘art’. I have never had a chance to try the biscotti, because my kids always pinch it straight off my saucer!

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The complimentary bread basket (served with the Breakfast menu items, I believe), is a stunner. All the breads are baked fresh that morning within the premises, and it shows. The breads are all exceedingly soft and fluffy, with a beautiful aroma. A HUGE hit with the kids, being the carboholics that they are!

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My interest was piqued by the sound of the Spicy Huevos Benedict. The two poached eggs oozed perfectly, and the seared Spanish chorizo slices added a lovely saltiness to the dish, which was paired well against the subtle flavour of the freshly baked ciabatta.

The only woeful item was the jalapeños guacamole, which was shockingly bad. It was basically mashed avocado, but the avocado was clearly ‘off’. It was brown, mushy, and had the weird brown ‘wormy’ bits all through it. It was absolutely inedible, and very obviously looked disastrous to the naked eye – so I was totally shocked they actually allowed this out of the kitchen (pretty shameful).

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Nassim Hill Bakery’s rendition of the Chilli crab pasta ($16/$25) is a stunner, and easily the best crab pasta I’ve had in Singapore.. and possibly one of my favourite overall pastas. Yes, it’s spicy, but it’s worth it. The sauce is spot on, tasty and creamy, and studded with generous amounts of crab meat. It was fantastic and a must-order.

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Equally impressive was their Hot Reuben – corned beef with melted emmental, sauerkraut, onions and russian dressing on signature asahi kuronama beer bread ($18). The saltiness of the corned beef went very well with the melted cheese, but was not overly salty. The beef was extremely tender, and came in a generous portion. In fact, the whole sandwich is actually pretty big. Small eaters can easily share one of these sandwiches between two people.

It comes with a side of garden salad, though I’d have also loved to have seen it served with a side of fries as well.

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I’d actually ordered the Granola & Berries Parfait for Carter, but I ended up eating quite a lot of this, surprisingly! I generally dislike this sort of breakfast (too healthy, too boring, too fruity), and don’t like fruit in my meals. But I was surprised to find myself liking this, and kept going back for more with my spoon!

The crunchy granola paired well with the smooth yogurt, and the berries and raisins dotted through were sweet. It was very nice all mixed up together, and Carter gave this the thumbs up too.

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Last Bite: Nassim Hill Bakery is the place to go to if you want a relaxed cafe right on Orchard Road. Their food is excellent, as is the coffee, but it’s their freshly baked breads (also available to bring home) that wow!
 
Highchairs: Yes
Easy access: Yes
Change tables: Yes (in mall)
Kids’ menu: No

Nassim Hill Bakery
56 Tanglin Road #01-03
Singapore 247964
Phone: 6835 1128
Prices: $$
Hours: Tue – Sun: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
 
 

COMMUNE BISTRO @ PHOENIX PARK: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Tanglin, Singapore

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Spacious, airy, and not too crowded, Commune Bistro is an excellent choice for parents that want a quiet brunch and lots of space for their child. Service is attentive and food arrives swiftly, a huge bonus in our book.

Look carefully for the non-descript entrance, or you’ll walk straight past without noticing! Parking is free and available just outside the building.

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I was particularly entranced with the clean palette of neutrals used to decorate the place. Everything is orderly and decor is carefully arranged. Check out the beautiful (and giant!) vase of flowers by the front door.

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Our Iced lattes ($7) arrived in tall glasses and were very soothing on a hot day. The coffee, however, could have been a little more fragrant and stronger.

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If you want to be wow’d, make sure you order the Baked camembert with brandy & maple syrup, almond slices, pear ($11.50). It’s outstanding and a must-order if you’re into your cheese. A whole wheel of Camembert comes surrounded by thinly sliced pear (that was super sweet!) and a scattering of almonds. The brandy & maple syrup sounded very interesting, and whilst it lent a sweetness to the dish, wasn’t particularly stand-out.

A scoop of oozing cheese, plonked on a pear slice, and scattered with some almond slices? Talk about a luscious brunch!

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We were equally impressed with the Pink carbonara pasta with prawns, scallops, bacon, cream and splash of tomato jus ($22.50). The pasta was presented with FAT, juicy prawns, and gigantic tender scallops. The seafood was full of springiness and freshness, and was complimented well with the subtle flavour of the tomato-cream sauce. Delicious.

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The Beef pho ($20.50) was less impressive compared to the former two dishes. It arrived looking very legit, with a plate piled with condiments and a big bowl brimming with beef, noodles and soup. However, the soup was relatively bland (it didn’t pack that rich broth punch we love), and the beef was not that fragrant. It was an “okay” dish, but not a must-order. Especially factoring in the price…

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Last Bite: Commune Bistro boasts an airy ambience and a neutral decor. We were particularly delighted with the Western dishes on their menu!
 
Highchairs: Yes
Easy access: Yes
Change tables: No
Kids’ menu: No

Commune Bistro
308 Tanglin Road, Phoenix Park
Singapore 247974
Phone: 6235 9008
Prices: $$$
Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat – Sun: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
 
 

TUNG LOK SIGNATURES: Kid-Friendly Restaurants, Harbourfront, Singapore

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We’ve been to Tung Lok Signatures at Vivocity a few times, and each time, have left really impressed.

Service is prompt and attentive, the restaurant is brightly lit with sunshine streaming in, and their yum cha dishes are fantastic. They’re especially patient with the kids, and are quick to bring out kids cutlery without being asked to.

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Their dim sum baskets range from $4-$5, which is pretty reasonable. The kids will pretty much eat everything at Tung Lok Signatures, save the spicy stuff. We usually order a storm of dim sum baskets, but I only managed to take photos of a handful – it’s all snapped up too quickly most of the time!

The char siew bao is a favourite of my kids’. The bun is fluffy and soft, and the BBQ pork meat encased inside is not too sweet, so I’m happy to give them the entire thing to eat.

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I’m not sure what the correct Chinese name for this is, so I simply call this the crispy yam yumcha dish. The swirls on the outside make this a very pretty dish to look at, and is conveniently bite-sized for little fingers.

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I thought this bowl of noodles with fish puffs was a bit strange, but my kids lapped it all up, so I’d order it again next time for them! The silky noodles come in a fine broth, and the soft airy puffs fascinate the kids. It’s a pretty plain dish, but it’s satisfying.

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I adore their spicy dumplings. The tender pork dumplings are juicy and moist, and generously laced with minced garlic and chillis. Admittedly, I push the chili aside (I’m a bit weak and can’t hold my spice), but the soy sauce mixture they come sitting in is spicy enough for my taste buds and gives the dumplings a real kick of flavour. It’s a must-order dish for me!

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No yum cha lunch is complete without liu sha bao, otherwise known as Salted egg yolk and custard buns. I only recently discovered that these buns exist, and have been ordering them at every single yum cha joint around Singapore. They’re AMAZING!!!

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And this is what’s inside. Molten, gooey, creamy custard mixed with egg yolk. It sounds like an odd combination if you’ve never had them before, but it works oh-so-well. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and salty, and I haven’t met anyone that doesn’t like them (except those that are health conscious, because these babies pack serious calories!).

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Last Bite: Tung Lok Signatures can always be counted on for excellent yum cha and attentive service. Their spicy dumplings are a winner!
 
Highchairs: Yes
Easy access: Yes
Change tables: Yes (in the mall)
Kids’ menu: No

Tung Lok Signatures
#01-57, VivoCity
1 HarbourFront Walk
Phone: 6376 9555
Prices: $$$
Hours:
Mon – Sat: 11:30 – 15:00
Sun & PH: 11:00 – 15:30
Daily: 18:00 – 22:30
 
 

EGGS & BERRIES: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Jurong, Singapore

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A girl friend first mentioned Eggs & Berries to me, so one day, I decided to pop in when I was in the area. The cafe is located within Westmall, but is quite open concept, so it’s great for people watching. It’s not too busy on weekday brunches, and so is a great place for a quiet and relaxed meal with your kid(s).

They also do an amazing 1-for-1 omelette deal during the day! It’s valid for any omelette dish on their menu.

I thought the Bacon, onion and wild mushroom omelette ($15.90) was delicious. The bacon added just the right amount of salt and taste, and the mushrooms a lovely accompaniment. The omelette was cooked well – still creamy and bouncy. I opted for extra cheese in mine, because, well… because I can!

The thick slice of bread was a good side to the omelette, and the salad greens a bit of an afterthought but still pretty welcome. They were out of rosti that day (so sad!!) and so substituted it for mashed potato and gravy. It was average.

EGGS & BERRIES: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Jurong, Singapore

 

The Corned beef omelette ($15.90) was presented exactly in the same manner, except the omelette had corned beef instead. It was small strips of corned beef, and I found myself wishing there was double the amount in there, as it was so little that I couldn’t quite taste it..

EGGS & BERRIES: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Jurong, Singapore

 

The generously sized Latte ($5.50) pleased me, and I thought the sugar cubes in little glass bottles were a nice touch. Their coffee definitely does not taste top-barista-made, but is passable.

EGGS & BERRIES: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Jurong, Singapore

 

There’s a giant life-size menu at their entrance, as well as a huge board detailing their specials.

EGGS & BERRIES: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Jurong, Singapore
Last Bite: Eggs & Berries @ Westgate offers decent food at excellent deals. You won’t find a western Brunch place in a mall much more affordable than this!
 
Highchairs: Yes
Easy access: Yes
Change tables: No
Kids’ menu: No

Eggs & Berries @ Westgate
#02-06, Westgate
3 Gateway Drive
Phone:
Prices: $$
Hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00
 
 

DISTRICT 10 BAR TAPAS RESTAURANT: Kid-Friendly Restaurants, Buona Vista, Singapore

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The sunlit District 10 at Star Vista holds a special treat for young diners…. a bouncy castle! Available during weekend brunch, the brightly-coloured bounch castle turned the head of every kid that walked enviously past (I felt sorry for them that they weren’t dining there!). The bouncy castle is free for your kids to use, so you can sit back and relax with your brunch whilst they make full use of it.

The outdoor tables are seated right around the bouncy castle, so it’s easy to keep an eye on the kids. There are also fans dotted all over the ceiling to keep the shady area cool.

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Me? I sat back and relaxed with my icy cold Lychee Mint Freeze ($10)It came in a startling shade of green, and was delicious. It had a distinct lychee flavour, with a subtle hint of mint. The PERFECT drink to sip on whilst sitting outside watching my kids bounce themselves silly 😉 (where do they get that energy from?!)

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District 10 offer a very reasonably priced kids menu. But my kids don’t eat burgers, fish & chips, or pizza (their choice, not mine!)…. so we decided the regular adult menu would suit them better. I prefer that anyway, because we get to order more for the table, and the kids get to pick and choose to their liking!

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The kids were kept occupied colouring in their kids menu with the crayons that our waitress provided.

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A dragonfruit blend, an iced coffee, and an iced latte. I must note here that I’m really liking how District 10 serve their iced drinks in a large glass. It makes me want to cry when restaurants serve them in that skinny little glass (which is 80% ice), you know what I’m talking about!

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The kids shared a pineapple juice, that was kindly divided up into two kiddy cups. Unfortunately they don’t do freshly squeezed juices, or I’d have ordered an orange juice for them.

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Carter, looking a bit anxious, waiting for the food to arrive.

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This is District 10’s version of the traditional big breakfast. Fried eggs on English muffins, bacon, roasted tomato, hash brown, and grilled mushrooms. It’s a sizeable platter with a lot of variety. The eggs were cooked perfectly, and I must give the bacon a special shout out – it was still meaty and tender, not overcooked or too crisp.

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Hunter really liked the hash brown – evidently!

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The Spanish omelette looked very similar to the previous dish, thanks to the identical side dishes (salad/hashbrown/tomato). The omelette is generously sized and I really enjoyed the sliced sausages in there, which gave the omelette that salty kick.

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Our Eggs benedict also looked very similar to the other mains! The kids really enjoyed the poached eggs, but I found them a bit too cooked for my liking – I prefer them runny and oozing. We did, however, enjoy the lusciously creamy hollandaise sauce drizzled over the eggs.

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By special request, we managed to get two of their tapas menu (normally available on weekday lunch and dinner). This is Huevos Rotos, a dish we had when we were in Barcelona and we adored it. It is a heart-stopping concoction of fries, layered with jamon and a gooey fried egg. It is a KILLER combination!

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And, my personal favourite when we were in Barcelona, Patatas Bravas. Soft potato chunks draped in a spicy tomato sauce and mayonnaise. How can you go wrong with this combination???? It was delicious and I gobbled my way through half this dish myself.

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Dessert was green-coloured Pandan pancakes with gula melaka syrup. It sounds incredibly sweet, but the pancakes are actually very mildly flavoured, border-lining on bland. It meant we drenched it in syrup *ahem* to make it sweet, but for the kids, I was happy that the pancakes were not overly sweet because they ate the pancakes as-is and didn’t go into a sugar high.

The pancakes are hotcake-style, high and fluffy. They’re moist on the inside and I found myself wishing for some salted butter to go with that gula melaka syrup!

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The French toast is very basic looking and in exactly the same presentation (ie. 3 raspberries as decor) as the previous pancakes. It would have been gorgeous dotted with strawberries and blueberries instead, and with a scoop of freshly whipped vanilla bean cream on the side.

The French toast was very well cooked, though. It wasn’t soggy, nor was it dry. It had the perfect amount of eggy batter, and was lightly pan fried til golden-brown. I would have liked the syrup in a little pot on the side, as it came with it already poured on top of the French toast.

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There’s a TV in the corner out the outside area, which kept the boys occupied for awhile too.

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Last Bite: District 10 @ Star Vista serves up simple brunch dishes in accompaniment with icy cold drinks, to keep you comfortable whilst your kids have a ball playing on their bouncy castle.

Highchairs: Yes
Easy access: Yes
Change tables: Yes (in the mall)
Kids’ menu: Yes

District 10 Bar Tapas Restaurant @ Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
The Star Vista #01-42/K3
Singapore 138617
Phone: 6694 2884
Prices: $$$
Hours: See here

GIVEAWAY: One four-session pass to Bodytec (worth $320!)

GIVEAWAY: One four-session pass to Bodytec (worth $320!)

I’ve crossed the three-month mark with Bodytec! (you can read my in-progress reports here and here).

All that’s required is once-a-week sessions, 20 mins each, and OH HELLO biceps! Hi there, newfound strength!

The whole premise of Bodytec is that they use EMS (Electro Muscular Training), one of the first studios in Singapore to do this. In short, it pulses electricity into your muscles to stimulate them as you’re training. It hails from Germany (the owner of Bodytec is German) and was originally used in hospital rehabilitation programmes for physical injuries, as well as training for athletes. It places ZERO impact to your joints, so it’s ideal for people with back or limb pain. Yet, it’s so effective that the recommendation is one 20-minute session per WEEK and that’s it!

The big bonus is that you “come as you are” – workout clothes, towels and toiletries are all provided, and you train barefoot. Really really good for office workers to pop by, and for individuals that can just pop into the gym, since you don’t need to drag a gym bag along.

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So here I am all suited up in Bodytec’s EMS gear, ready to rock and roll. Doesn’t it all look like something out of Tron or any science fiction movie?

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The cool thing is that Bodytec’s 20 min strength-training working is 18x more effective than ‘normal’ weight training. That is totally up my alley, because I simply don’t have the time to sit in the gym for an hour doing weights. And no, it doesn’t hurt at all. It feels satisfying, like you’re scratching an itch. It does require energy and concentration though, especially after a few sessions and they up the ante!

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To let you try out what Bodytec is about, and for you to see and feel the results yourselves, Bodytec are giving away a pack of four sessions! These are personal training sessions, so expect excellent advice, hands-on help and super results.

Bodytec is giving away one four-session pass (worth $320!)

a BWMB giveaway

You can submit some of the entries more than once a day, so come back tomorrow to get more entries in the draw.

Giveaways will run from 23-29 May 2014 inclusive.
Winner may do their sessions at any Bodytec studio.
Winner’s entry(s) will be verified according to the entry criteria(s).

 

So you want to see results? 

I’ve lost 1.5KG, but it’s not really weight loss that is the point of the strength training. It’s more to build your core, strengthen your muscles, and give you a leaner and stronger physique. It’s addictive because it’s a simple and quick workout, and it gives visible results in a relatively short time frame.

Here’s my bicep!! Don’t laugh, it was entirely non-existent before, and this photo was taken after about 5 or 6 Bodytec sessions. Not too shabby, eh?

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And a pic of me, about 8 sessions of Bodytec in. No, it hasn’t made me super skinny or anything, but a few people have mentioned that I look/feel tighter. I’m taking that as a compliment 😛

GIVEAWAY: One four-session pass to Bodytec (worth $320!)

And, a couple that works out together….. can later eat together! Chris joined me for a session one evening. They amped it up for him so he was pretty sore for the next two days 😉

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So what kind of person is Bodytec good for?

Thankfully, it’s actually VERY lazy-person-friendly. In fact, it’s fantastic for those of you that make 20504820 excuses as to why you can’t go to the gym. You don’t have to bring a single piece of gym gear, and you’re done in 20 minutes. And it’s highly effective. It’s the lazy person’s idea of exercise heaven.

Bodytec is also excellent for those that want to improve (or actually have SOME) muscle tone. It’s strength training, so results are visible in terms of muscle leanness and definition.

I’ve seen older folk in the studio, I’ve seen fit young lil things, I’ve seen fat people.. pretty much anyone can walk in and have a good workout session. And that’s what I like most about Bodytec – it’s not overwhelming or daunting at all!

 Thanks Bodytec!

Bodytec – Singapore’s first dedicated and largest EMS studio

3 Pickering Street #01-01 Nankin Row Singapore 048660 (6822 8761)
6 Stanley Street #01-01 Singapore 068725 (6423 1306)
121 Upper East Coast Road #01-01 Singapore 455245 (6243 2497)

GIVEAWAY: One of three Gymnademics trial class passes (worth $58 each!)

giveaway!

 

Carter just finished a full term at Gymnademics at ARC!

He (very obviously) loves it, and recognises the place the moment I turn into the carpark. He eagerly runs past the kiddy car rides (quite a feat in itself!) and straight for the Gymademics entrance. I guess it helps that his teachers are young, vibrant, and pretty 😉

Gymnademics at the ARC - Brunch With My Baby Singapore

 

Gymnademics prides itself in being an enrichment centre that adopts a holistic approach towards early childhood development. In short – your kid learns, whilst having a TON of fun. And I mean, a ton!! Carter views it as a playgym, and adores the stimulating environment (it is totally different to playschool, by the way).

Hunter, who did Gymnademics too a year ago, is always envious when he finds out I’m bringing Carter there, so we’ve had to be really surreptitious about it or the poor child pleads to come along too.

Gymnademics has a strong focus on music in combination with intellectual and physical activities. Carter is in the Pre-Fellow class (1-2 year olds) and it is perfectly suited for his high-activity personality.

You can see a rough class breakdown of what happens here.

Normally, you’d have to pay for a trial class. But Gymnademics are giving us a cool deal right here!

Gymnademics are giving away three Gymnademics trial class passes (worth $58 each!)

a BWMB giveaway

You can submit some of the entries more than once a day, so come back tomorrow to get more entries in the draw.

Giveaways will run from 16-22 May 2014 inclusive.
Winner’s entry(s) will be verified according to the entry criteria(s).

 

These are the kids running towards Gymnademics. Carter is going for their class, whilst Hunter was signed up for their Free Play deal (4 sessions for only $40! I thought it was such a bargain.)

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What I personally find the cutest is the trapeze! Kids start off just holding (with assistance) onto the bar and swinging.. then progress to doing a full head-over-heels spin over the bar. It progresses gradually each week, so kids don’t end up overwhelmed.

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Outlet Details
Address: Alexandra Retail Centre, 460 Alexandra Road #02-25, Singapore 119963
Telephone: +65 6271 7569
Email: arc@gymnademics.com
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm

LES BOUCHONS: Kid-Friendly Restaurants, Tanjong Pagar, Singapore

LES BOUCHONS: Kid-Friendly Restaurants, Tanjong Pagar, Singapore

Come to think of it, I so rarely eat steak. A mean ‘ol slab of steak. I suppose it’s because I wouldn’t grill it myself at home (not convinced I can cook it properly and no way am I wasting it!), and if I’m out in a restaurant, I inevitably end up choosing something else off the menu.

But when one is at Les Bouchons, a restaurant specifically for steak, one orders STEAK.

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I was recommended a Farnese Fantini red wine ($16) and it was smooth and delightful.

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We were served a linen-lined basket of warm bread rolls. What a lovely touch!

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The steaks all come with a garden salad, which is refreshing and a lovely accompaniment. It’s not drenched with dressing, which is a big plus.

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There were 5 condiments to go with the steak. I preferred the grained mustard the most!

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This is our Grilled rib eye steak with vigneron butter ($38.80). The steam was more medium-rare than the medium we ordered, so I found that it was a bit chewy and tendon-y. The meat was lovely and with a fantastic charred flavour, but was not meltingly soft.

The vigneron butter was luscious, though! I wished it came in a large pot on the side, to slather on as much as we please 😉

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The Extra tender beef filet ($42) was, yes, more tender than the rib-eye. I’ve had more tender steaks, but this was still pretty good. It was a very small chunk, smaller than the palm of my hand, but had less tendons and fat than the rib-eye.

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Special mention to their hand-cut fries, which are cooked fresh and absolutely DIVINE. They are tender on the inside, crisp on the outside, and retain the most gorgeous flavour that frozen fries cannot achieve.

They are FREE FLOW!!!!

That said, there is a very generous portion served with each plate, so we felt no need to request for more.

 
Last Bite: Les Bouchons specialises in steak, but it’s their hand-cut fries that truly impress. They’re free flow to boot!
 
Highchairs: Yes
Easy access: Yes
Change tables: No
Kids’ menu: No

Les Bouchons
7 Ann Siang Rd
Singapore 069689
Phone: 6423 0737
Prices: $$$$
Hours:
Mon – Fri: 12:00 – 14:00
Mon – Fri: 19:00 – 22:00
Sat: 19:00 – 22:00
 
 

BREW MAISON: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Bukit Timah, Singapore

 

Brew Maison

Brew Maison is a Japanese and Korean-inspired Western cafe that quietly opened very recently. Tucked away in a housing estate along Bukit Timah Road, it’s not very noticeable from outside and so has not yet attracted the hordes of cafe goers.

But they’re good. Oh, they’re really good!

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I will admit that their decor and crisp turquoise-and-white colour scheme completely delighted and captivated me. They are my dream colours, and exactly what I want (and do) our home to be like. Everything in the cafe is so clean, airy and beautiful.. not to mention the large amount of space it occupies – absolutely perfect for young kids!

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We were there for brunch, and this is their menu (below). It’s small, but I LOVE the photos!

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The food didn’t take long to arrive, but we amused ourselves by pottering around (it wasn’t busy on a weekend morning) and checking out their decor.

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The Cafe Latte was served in a big mug for $4. That is a bargain! It was milky and well balanced. My only complaint was that Brew Maison is famous (or rather, they crow on about this in their Facebook) for foam art on their coffee. It’s gorgeous, from what I’ve seen in photos. But both our coffees had ZERO foam art, not even a miserable little heart.

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The Hamago Crossanwich ($5.20) is, dare I say, the cheapest you will find in any cafe in this country. And it was good! It’s a simple dish, and served simply with zero sides, but the ingredients were fresh and the croissant was flaky and buttery.

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The Shibuya  ($6.50) looked both unappetizing and unexciting when it arrived. But it was AMAZING. My favourite dish and I’d order it again in an instant.

It consisted of a very special bagel at the bottom. Normally bagels are tough and chewy. This was soft and I could bite through it easily.. it was more of a bagel-soft bun? Big slices of shitake mushrooms sat on top of it, followed by a generous layer of soft sweet cooked onions (oh man these were good), followed by a big dollop of creamy scrambled eggs, and topped with a sprinkle of seaweed.

It sounds (and looks) odd, doesn’t it?? But it was excellent!! The flavours went together in perfect harmony and I would consider this to be their signature dish. 

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The Tamago Sandwich ($4.30) was also very reasonably priced, and was a solid, good dish. We really enjoyed the fluffy and light brioche-style bread, with chilled egg and very fresh shredded lettuce inbetween. Yes, again, it’s a simple meal… but Brew Maison somehow manage to execute it very well.

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Carter was very, very pleased with the food!

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The L’experience chocolate cake ($4) had me REELING. It is beyond good. I wouldn’t consider it a cake. Think more of a chocolate mousse/rich cream.. sitting on top of a crispy base. It quite literally melts in your mouth, is full of rich chocolate flavour, yet doesn’t give the ‘heaviness’ of a dense chocolate cake.

It was amazing.

A definite must-order and I hope they never remove this from the menu!

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Chris and Carter, food coma’d out from that luscious chocolate cake……

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Is Brew Maison Carter-approved? Oh YES it is!

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Last Bite: Brew Maison can serve up a main + dessert at under $10, which is no mean feat! The food is simple but well-executed, and we were delighted with the lovely ambiance and service.

Highchairs: Yes
Easy access: Yes
Change tables: No
Kids’ menu: No

Brew Maison
383 Bukit Timah Rd,
#01-9B Alocassia Apartments
Singapore 259727
Prices: $$
Hours:
Mon – Fri: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sat – Sun: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm