Tanjong Pagar - Dangerous Act

Tanjong Pagar Plaza
29 August 2015

Merlion Wayfarer was just at Tanning Pagar Plaza when she spotted these preparations going on for a neighobourhood dinner at the tentage nearby.

This was the walkway near NTUC. A man was hosing the entire floor near the yellow-painted low wall and busy scrubbing the entire area with a broom.

Just 1-2 metres away was this heavy bunch of wires on the ground. The wires were being connected from the electrical mains for the tentage needs of the dinner event.

Walking towards the group were a few senior citizens, some were on wheelchairs, others on crutches or holding walking sticks. They were oblivious to the wet floor, the electrical wires, and were moving too slowly to make an emergency turn when they finally noticed these hazards.

The very wet floor which a fall hazard to all passersby.

The first bunch of wires with their blue decontactors was on the floor, 

just mere steps away from a pool of water...

The second bunch of wires was still hanging from the ceiling.

A few senior citizens could be seen approaching, walking slowly.

Merlion Wayfarer hopes the authorities can take relevant action to prevent the occurrence of such dangerous acts.

Afternote

The Tanjong Pagar Town Council has speedily responded to this post shared, and reminded the event organizer to ensure the safety for the event and the public.

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Disney Infinity 3.0 - Unveil The Power Of The Force With Star Wars

On 17 August 2015, Disney Interactive announced the launch of Disney Infinity 3.0, which features the introduction of the Star Wars Universe into the best-selling hybrid toy-video game. The new playsets will be available in Singapore from 1 September, with the Disney Infinity 3.0 Starter Park retailing at a suggested retail price of S$99.90.

The award-winning Sandcrawler Building where Disney Infinity 3.0 was unveiled...

With the launch, the new Disney Infinity 3.0 edition brings to reality the following:

• Additional Play Sets offering distinct gameplay and environments, including a Disney Pixar Play Set based on the animation film Inside Out, and a Marvel Play Set featuring Hulkbuster Iron Man, Ultron, and other Marvel characters

Characters from the latest #Disney movies are now available in Disney Infinity 3.0.

Here, Fear, Disgust, Anger from "Inside Out" with their trademark expressions...

• A fully enhanced Toy Box with two new multiplayer Toy Box Expansion Games, Toy Box Speedway (kart racing) and Toy Box Takeover (action-adventure)
     
• More figures of fan-favourite characters from across The Walt Disney Company, like Mickey and Minnie, Sam Flynn and Quorra from Tron: Legacy, Mulan and Olaf, among many others

• Three Star Wars Play Sets, one set in the timeline of Episodes I-III, the second set during the original trilogy, Episodes IV-VI, and the third based on Star Wars : The Force Awakens

“Disney Infinity 3.0 creates an incredible opportunity for families and fans to relive their favourite Star Wars moments.”

- John Blackburn, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Infinity -

Each of the Star Wars Play Sets offers distinct experiences, with varied gameplay, environments and characters.  The Star Wars: Twilight of the Republic Play Set takes place in the height of the Jedi’s powers, where players will use the Force and Lightsabers in epic battles and master their combat skills alongside Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda and Darth Maul. The Star Wars: Rise Against the Empire Play Set will take players on galaxy-spanning missions with Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, Han Solo, Chewbacca and Darth Vader, piloting X-wing fighters or the Millennium Falcon to fight stormtroopers, or exploring and partaking in land-based missions on planets like Tatooine, Hoth, and Endor.  Additionally, fans will have the unique opportunity to play with all of the Star Wars characters in all of the Star Wars Play Sets.

Jason Moffitt shares about the inclusion into the Disney Infinity line-up. 

In #DisneyInfinity3, both #PlaySet and #ToyBox modes are available...

“We worked closely with Lucasfilm to deliver an authentic Star Wars game experience, featuring some of the most iconic stories and characters from the past, present and future.”

- James Pitaro, President, Disney Interactive - 

Disney Infinity 3.0  also introduces an all-new, 3-D Toy Box Hub that makes it easier for players to choose from a wider selection of gameplay experiences - including platform, racing, and farming simulation games.  Two new multiplayer Toy Box Expansion Games will bring action-adventure gameplay in Toy Box Takeover and kart racing in Toy Box Speedway, where kids and families can play with popular Disney, Disney Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars characters together in a structured setting.

 In the  Disney Infinity Community, Flynn's Arcade is designed for competitive Toy Box players. It uses a lobby-style system to players can compete against other players and not just their friends. El Capitan is where players can view episodes of Toy Box TV, preview and download the latest and greatest community made Toy Boxes...

“Disney Infinity is the only game where fans can play with Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars characters together in one experience.” 

- James Pitaro, President, Disney Interactive -

  

  

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Saizeriya City Square - Expect Only The Basic

Kitchener Road

North-East, Singapore

August 2015

Merlion Wayfarer made a lunch stop at Saizeriya City Square near Farrer MRT recently. 

For this outlet, service is (really) basic:

• On entering, you are pointed by a "cardboard man" to the direction where you ought to be seated.
• Cutlery and food are placed on your table with a clutter.
• Staff can hear you but still walk past. In fact, the recommended way to alert them is still by using the beeper system.
• When staff want to clear your table, it is done with gestures. No words will be exchanged.
• Food was thrown away before it was finished because the diner was at the Drinks Station.
• The Nescafe Allegria machine serves only "Milo", "Milo", "Milo", "Milo", and the labels on the fruit punch machine are so faded that you can only choose the orange-coloured drink or the pale yellow drink.

Sitting near the Drinks Station has its advantages. In the short 30 minute meal, this is what occurred:

• A male staff takes a cup and fills it with Milo. Finding it suspicious, he calls his kitchen colleague and makes a phone call to his HQ.
• Being the afternoon lull period, a lady staff takes a cup, rinses it thoroughly on the water counter before filling up with the drink she wants.
• A young staff wiping the drinks counter washes her dish cloth with the water from the cold drinking water tap.

It was fortunate that the food was really value-for-money. For just S$6.90 (no ++), one gets a simple salad, a freeflow drinks bar, and a main dish (pasta or rice).

Generous Thousand Island dressing on the salad topped with roe...

Authentic-tasting basil pasta...

Merlion Wayfarer really likes Saizeriya for its Italian theme and economical Italian-French food and really hopes its management can get its act together soon.

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Black Knights - Jubilee Weekend Aerial Display

Marina Barrage

South, Singapore

August 2015

The Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) Black Knights Team performed a series of aerial performances over the Jubilee Weekend to celebrate SG50. Between 07 to 09 August 2015, six F-16C Black Knights aircraft put up a show at noon each day at the Marina Bay area.

About 10,000 people packed Marina Barrage and its surrounding area on Friday morning to watch the Black Knights perform. Merlion Wayfarer was one of the them.

The traffic jam was so bad that it was impossible for most drivers
to go any nearer to Marina Barrage. Most gave up and waited by the sea...

The festive mood rubbing off on families.

It helps if your car has a strong roof for kids to sit atop...

Locals and foreigners alike watching as One Singapore...

With the first droplets of rain, the umbrellas appeared...

As the display went on, the rain intensified into a downpour. 

Even the city skyline was no longer visible...

The six Black Knights performed 22 manoeuvres in the skies just off the Marina Barrage. The 25-minute aerial show by an aerobatics team from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) was cut to 21 minutes due to the rain.

Happy National Day, Singapore!

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Suvai 2015 - Taste The Flavours Of Indian Gourmet Food

Last weekend, SUVAI 2015 was held at Tan Quee Lan Street. Pronounced "soo-vai", SUVAI means to "taste the flavours" in Tamil.

Sheltered marquee conveniently located right in the heart of town...

Top chefs are profiled in this event... 

Indian cuisine in all its exciting colours and tastes was experienced in this one-of-a-kind gourmet festival. Nine top chefs combine traditional and fusion flavours into 27 delectable Indian inspired dishes from just $4 each.

This is the section where the Masterclasses and Cooking Challenges are held...

The host of exciting programs ranged from Guinness World Record Attempts to Live Puppet Shows and Free Masterclasses by culinary masters.

Stage area where the performers will be performing...

  

Comfortable environment with both cocktail tables and benches.

The background music is jazzy and upbeat...

Chef Devagi Sanmugam (Singapore)

(Source : Suvai 2015)

"I am happy to be part of Suvai 2015 because it is one of a kind dining experience that doesn’t come by throughout the year; it is a chance for me to showcase my expertise and a place for me to unwind and meet people from all walks of life and finally I get to taste the food of all the other celebrities under one roof!"

For this event, Chef Devagi prepared the following 3 delicacies:
  

1. The Explosion

   Chaat meets Kueh Pie Tee! Velvety masala potatoes, mint and tamarind chutney served in a crispy pie tee shell topped with fresh pomegranate for a burst of sweetness

   
   
2. Hot Indian Chick
   Masala chicken sliders with sweet apple chutney, spicy green chilli and tangy achar, served with turmeric plantain chips
     
3. Saffron Puffs

   Airy, crisp saffron donuts served with a salted cardamom caramelised jaggery sauce. Served in pairs.

  

Chef Dhaithya Krawage (Sri Lanka)

(Source : Suvai 2015)

"I really wanted the participating guests to get really authentic Sri Lankan meal representing the various regions of the island. It's a rich traditional meal which could use for any special occasions."
  

For this event, Chef Irfan prepared the following 3 delicacies:
 

1. Calamari Lotus Chip Salad
      
2. Rolled Sweet Coconut Pancakes
      
3. Eggplant curry with Ragi Roti
      

Chef Irfan Pabaney (India)

(Source : Suvai 2015)

"Great food never tastes like its trying too hard."

For this event, Chef Irfan prepared the following 3 delicacies:
 

1. Crispy Chicken Tenders:
   Crispy chicken tenders with curry leaf, sweet paprika and mustard mayo
      
2. Jalapeño & Mint Chicken:
   Grilled chicken dressed with jalapeno, mint, coriander and lime served with Cajun spiced potatoes
      
3. Mango & Malibu Tiramisu:
   Coconut rum infused ladyfingers with mascarpone and fresh mangoes
     

Chef John See (Singapore)

(Source : Suvai 2015)

"Cooking is a happy process where we all gather to a point to enjoy. Food is a connector of all people. It is a great blessing for me to be able to cook for all."
   

For this event, Chef John prepared the following 3 delicacies:
 

1. Curry Fish Head Noodles:
   Spicy Curry Fish Head served with vegetable oil pasta
     
2. Indian Spiced Wings:
   Double Cooked Indian Spiced Lemon Yoghurt Chicken Wings
      
3. Spiced Chocolate Cake with Cinnamon Ice Cream

Chef Jonathan Lee (Singapore)

(Source : Suvai 2015)

"Variety's the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour - William Cowper

I couldn't agree more with this quote; in my style of cooking I love using a range of spices to infuse flavour into various dishes. My love for Indian cuisine stems from the layers and complexity of flavours within a simple and humble dish. I see the Indian cuisine as one which is grand and vibrant."
   

   

For this event, Chef Jonathan prepared the following 3 delicacies:
   

1. Aloo Gobi Sabbich:
   Fried cauliflower, potato hummus, "aloo Gobi" mayonnaise, herbs, pita pocket
   
   
2. Mysore Lamb Ribs:
   Charcoal grilled ribs, spiced gravy, herb salad
   
   
3. Masala Tea Slushie:
   Frozen Chai Slushie with Coconut Ice Cream

Masala Tea Slushie

This is ice-blended milk tea sprinkled with brown Masala powder to add that Oomph! to the taste. The coconut ice cream enhances the texture with a smooth creamy topping.

Chef K Damodharan (India)

(Source : Suvai 2015)

"I'm so proud to be a part of Suvai once again, to share my food and passion and to spend time with so many talented chefs from around Asia. Its a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Indian food!"

   

For this event, Chef Damu prepared the following 3 delicacies:
  

1. Lamb Moonthiri Varuvall:
   Mutton and cashew nuts with dried chilli, stir fried to charred perfection. This particular dish is more than 500 years old.
   
   
2. Damu's Chicken Briyani:
   A traditional dum briyani made with special grain called Jeegaru Samba which gives the dish its signature sticky texture.
   
   
3. Paal Kozhakattai:
   Pal Kozhakattai is traditional dessert in Chettinad of rice flour, panneer and sweetened coconut milk, topped with cardamom powder, almonds and saffron.

   

Chef Sultanul Arfin (Singapore)

(Source : Suvai 2015)

"Cooking is in my blood. I think events like SUVAI help to inspire the next generation of chefs and bring our local indian culinary scene to the next level. Whether it is traditional or modern we need to create opportunities for our local chefs and I'm happy to be a part of it."
   

For this event, Chef Arfin prepared the following 3 delicacies:
   

1. Mee Goreng Mamak:
   Classic Singaporean dish with minced mutton, egg and vegetables stir fried in a tangy, spicy sambal
      
2. Saffron Tulang:
   The Indian answer to chilli crab! Bone marrow slow cooked in broth of 15 special spices and served with a spicy gravy.
   
   
3. Roti John:
   Fresh baguette pan fried on a hot plate with egg and minced meat (mutton or chicken).

(The Saffron Tulang is the dark orange dish in the middle of the frame.)

Saffron Tulang

This is (really huge) mutton bones simmered over a long time in a spicy gravy. The result is tender mutton with zero mutton taste melted into the thick rich broth. To savour the flavours, it is recommended that the essence be "sucked" out of the bones. Chef Arfin thoughtfully created a break in the bottom of each bone for air to enter so that that can be achieved more easily.
  

Chef Thanyadar Suteedechanon (Thailand)

(Source : Suvai 2015)

"The vibrancy of Indian food is so inspiring! It was a great joy to draw inspiration from such a diverse culture and incorporate it into Thai cuisine. I hope everyone enjoys what I have created!"

For this event, Chef Thanyadar prepared the following 3 delicacies:
 

1. Larb Moo : Spicy Minced Pork Salad served on a crispy pappadam
      
2. Masala Fried Rice : Garam Masala Tom Yam Fried Rice with fresh prawns
       
3. Jaggery Lod Chong:
   A traditional classic Thai dessert of green noodles made from flour and pandan leaves and eaten with a ladle of sweet coconut milk

Chef Vikeneswaran (Singapore)

(Source : Suvai 2015)

"I have a real passion for great food and who enjoys cooking mouth-watering dishes. I get such a buzz out of working in a busy kitchen, and great pleasure out of seeing happy faces enjoying a good meal that I’ve cooked."
  

   

For this event, Chef Vik prepared the following 3 delicacies:
 

1. Potato & Paneer Croquette with Spinach Puree
      
2. Tandoori Baked Snapper with Potato Puree and Pickled Cucumber
    
3. Payasam Pannacotta:  Payasam infused panna cotta with frozen berries and meringue
      

Tandoori Baked Snapper

There is a variety of combination of tastes in this flavoursome dish. First, the Tandoori Snapper. Tandoori is a mixture of spices (e.g. cinnamon, peppercorn, cumin) specifically for use with a tandoor, or clay oven, in traditional north Indian and Pakistani cooking. The baking results in a moisture-retained fillet doused with the fragrance of the mix. Flip it up and there is a surprising blended mint mix beneath it. The Potato Puree is smooth and creamy. The Pickled Cucumber gives a light crunch touch to end it off.

Thank you, Suvai...

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