Sunday Brunch @ JuChunYuan (聚春圆) - 031113

Sunday dim sum brunch @ Ju Chun Yuan!

Chanced upon this place while looking for dim sum buffets online. To be honest, although this place may be just a stone's throw away from Raffles Place, I had quite a hard time looking for this restaurant.

Address: 
Spring JuChunYuan
Far East Square 
130 Amoy Street #01-01 
S(049959)

Operating Hours (daily): 
12:00PM - 2:30PM 
6:00PM - 10:30PM 

From the outside, one would certainly have no idea that JuChunYuan is a restaurant. I initially thought that it was an exhibit of the ancient times houses. 

The buffet consists of free-flow ala carte dim sum and mains from the menu provided. Drinks provided is a variety of chinese tea choices for you to choose from. 

Price (lunch):

Weekdays: 

$19.80++ (Adults)

$11.80++ (Child below 12 years old)

Weekends:

$24++  (Adults)

$26++ (Child below 12 years old)

Some pictures of the restaurant's layout

The restaurant gave me a very "atas" feeling as I could totally enjoy my meal in peace without disturbance from the staffs. Moreover, the staffs were always ready to help whenever I need them. On this sunday, when Yanjun and I visited the restaurant, we were the first customers to reach. Upon enquiry, the restaurant was actually fully booked on the afternoon. Luckily, we were there early, and they could squeeze in a table for a couple of hours for us to dine in. 

Their ordering slip with prices indicated for non ala carte buffet

Sliced Spicy Chicken 

Shallot Pancake （葱油饼）- One of my favourites! 

Superior Pork Ribs

The "Notorious" Salted Egg Custard Bun

Steamed Chicken Feet - My Top 3! Soft and tangy, not that spicy too! 

Shrimp Roll 

Shrimps Dumplings - A disappointment. A far cry from what I expected. Dry and hard to chew.

Prawns Dumpling Salad & Bean Curd Skin Roll - Top 3! 

Spicy Sauce Dumpling - Another disappointment! 

Four Seasons Dumpling - I am most disappointed with this dish. Despite being well recommended, and the chefs spending a great effort to decorate this dish, the "four seasons" just could not blend well with the pork in the dumpling. Two thumbs down...

Lastly, I want to introduce my top favourite! Their dessert, Durian Cream Pancake, melts in the mouth and leaves you hanging there for more. Sorry to those who detest durians! 

It comes in the shape similar to a pillow. And when cut open, the durian cream stuffed to the brim! And if there's any reason why I would return to JuChunYuan, it would be this dessert! 

Considering that it costs $24++ for a weekend afternoon buffet, my take on this restaurant would be it's value for money. Even though some food may not be suitable to my liking, but hey! there's many other choices to choose from... However, if you had to ask me one thing that I dislike, it would be the location. Although, it is located in the city area, but if you're not familiar with the surroundings, you could get lost easily and walk in circles when the restaurant is just on the next street. 

Squadron's 30th Anniversary Dinner @ Parkroyal Hotel Beach Road (011113)

Havent been updating this blog lately! Been trying very hard to find a gauge with my work-life balance hahahaha!

Anyway, my squadron celebrated its 30th birthday at Parkroyal Hotel @ Beach Road last Friday. It was a privilege to celebrate the squadron's 30th anniversary despite being so new at the squadron. Guests were seated at 1900H and the host kicked off the event with an opening address by our CO, and a walk-in parade by the servers. 

Games and shows put up by the hosts and guests entertained us throughout the event. One of the show which amazed me greatly was a mind-reading show put up buy a famous local entertainer, Ferris Yao. You can search for him here: http://www.ferrisyao.com/

Some of the great acts which he put up, shocked me for a moment, and made me bewildered at how can he be so ridiculously good! The 20 to 30 minutes show did not make me blink for a second (nah, just kidding). However, it made me wondered if there's more after each of his acts.

Nevertheless, my squadron mates and I truly had fun and enjoyed the dinner. Much thanks and kudos to the planning committee for creating this event to let down our hair despite our hectic work life!


Some of the pictures taken after the dinner:

 Cyrus acting awkward after some glasses of beer. HAHAHA! 

A group photo immediately after the event

Some group photos taken outside the ballroom

Johnny acting smart (well, kinda!)

Some photos in the gallery as well...

Oh cos, not forgetting a shot of myself. Oops! 

My two brothers! 

Oh wells, introducing the latest boyband from the military! "New Direction"?

Till then!

galvinpangg signing off! (:

Star Cruises (Superstar Virgo) (050713 - 070713)

Sorry for the long stagnation in my blog posts! Been posted to a new squadron and July was a hell busy month due to the yearly audit! 

Havent been able to find time for a short overseas trip. Luckily, Yanjun's Aunt has got extra tickets for Star Cruises by exchanging her membership points. The date has been set for the trip a month ago with Yanjun's family. Much thanks to her for providing the free tickets! (:

A well-spent weekend on-board Star Cruises! 

From the walkway towards the Cruise entrance

View from the top of the Cruise

Departure from Harbourfront Centre was about 1915H, and we were allowed to board the Cruise to settle our luggage and have our dinner from as early as 1700H. 

First dinner on-board. Chinese style. 

It's no wonder that many called Singapore the city of lights! Looking at the view when the Cruise departed, it's really a fully-lighted picturesque scene elaborating the Singapore City. 

It was all R&R inside the Cruise. Although there are programmes lined up for the passengers by the management, it is up to one whether to follow by the programmes. On the first night, we went for their theatre performance. a mixture of dance and magic shows, which took a little more than an hour. Damn entertaining, I would say! 

After the show, the passengers can choose to try their luck in the Casino, or have supper at their top deck while enjoying the night breeze.

Yanjun's brother with his cousin! 

A water playground for the kids!

Mini golf course

That long corridor on every level...

Yanjun's cousin. Super cute! 

On the second day, there will be a stopover at a port, depending on whichever dates the Cruise is taken. For our Cruise, it stops over at Port Klang for about 8 hours, for refuelling and stock replenishment. We reach Port Klang at about 1130H and departs back to Singapore at about 1900H. However, unlike the other stopovers at Penang, Langkawi, etc, Port Klang is just a jetty without much entertainment. Walking out from the jetty is a large carpark, and it is definitely inaccessible without a vehicle. Star Cruises have provide transport to their shopping malls and back, at a price of course! 

The jetty 

Teabreak at the small coffeeshop outside the jetty. Enjoying coconut and ice cream under the hot weather. 

Western dinner appetizer

Dinner on-board. Western Style.

Day three was back to Singapore in the afternoon. Be sure to wake up early to catch the sunrise, and I assure you that it will be an unforgettable sight. 

Three days of fun, and it's over... Even though the duration may be short, however the time spent together is invaluable. Seldom would I get a chance to go out with Yanjun's family on a trip together, while relaxing and putting the stress of work at the back of my mind. (: 

A list of activities on-board:

1. Casino

2. Swimming / Jacuzzi

3. Gym (Be sure to bring your own shoes)

4. Mini Golf / Table Tennis

5. Library

6. Arcade 

7. Theatre

8. Pubs / Bars

9. Tai-chi 

10. Kids' club

Anyway, I am planning an overseas trip to Bangkok on the late Nov / early Dec period. Please do let me know what are the things to include in my itinerary! Hit me up on facebook! (: