Parklane Wantan Mee - MSG-Laden Disappointment

After a gap of several years, Merlion Wayfarer visited this famous wantan mee stall again. Surprisingly, despite its fame, its two units at Sunshine Plaza were relatively empty at lunch.

Orders were placed with an employee who shouts it across to the other unit in a jarringly loud voice. In the meantime, rest on the simple stackable stools in the no frills dining area.

The plating was simple. This half-palm sized portion was "Regular" and consisted of char siew, fried wantan and some green vegetables. In a separate small bowl, there were some mini steamed wantan swimming inside. Priced at an above-average price of S$4.50, the noodle portion was sparse and char siew so dry that you either need to soak it in the dark sauce longer or eat it accompanied by green chili. Noodles were springy, and that was about the only saving grace.

For hungrier diners, the Large size costs slightly more at S$5.50. Merlion Wayfarer recommends you skip the soup as it leaves a very strong aftertaste and is laden with MSG.

If you have a strong desire for soup, the Shrimp Dumpling Soup can be considered. Priced at S$5.00, it comes with 6 dumplings and green vegetables. Definitely more princely than other similar soups elsewhere.

Even before the meal is done, the employee will be back to collect money. Orders may be taken at separate tables but she will demand that all to pay in one bill, despite requests to have separate table billing. She was back again for payment when she missed out one order. Definitively not a place to come by in big groups unless all have a craving for some basic no frills noodles.

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Caffe Vergnano - Barista Challenge 2016

To the sounds of cheering, whistles and buoyant atmosphere, Caffè Vergnano 1882 kicked-off their inaugural Barista Challenge at South Beach where 16 baristas steamed, foamed, frothed and created latte art to impress the judges and audience. Organised and sponsored by Caffè Vergnano 1882, Italian coffee machine producer Faema, Coffex Pte Ltd and bar tools supplier Barstylez, the event was a fun and resounding success with the top three winners setting the bar for future competitions.

Clinching the top position at this high-performance latte art competition is Mr. Joseph Bringcula from Google Singapore, a clear winner right from the start who impressed the judges with his calm and consistent execution of latte art. Followed closely by second place winner Mr. Stephen Wong from The Coffee Belt who displayed great skill in coffee extraction. Last but not least, the third place went to Mr. Rudel Rivera from D’Good Cafe.

Competitors were tested on basic skills involving preparation of espresso-based drinks from the optimal extraction of espresso to the artful texturing of milk to bring out the flavours of the coffee to the ability to adapt. Taste, aesthetics/latte art and customer service were definitely on display and in full-force at this competition.

“I think it was a breathe of fresh air. I like the community to see that these baristas are not just very good milk pourers and latte artist, if given a chance, they will make very good non-alcohol mixologists. I very much like to drive this further with more competitions and support from sponsors.” 

-- Tony Tan, General Manager of Coffex --

From the success of Barista Challenge 2016, Caffè Vergnano 1882 is confident that this will be an annual event that will help boost the coffee sector and raise the profile of baristas in Singapore.

Caffè Vergnano 1882 Singapore is located at South Beach #B1-17, and is open on Mondays to Fridays from 8am to 9pm, and Saturdays to Sundays from 10am to 6pm. Find out more at www.caffevergnano.com.

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Singapore Science Centre - Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.

Take on the role of recruits, be part of a combat support network for the Avengers, and explore the history and scientific origins of your favourite Avengers including Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America and Thor.

THE MISSION

Visitors enter as recruits and are granted probationary status with the objective of experiencing and learning the world of the Avengers, by carrying out detailed examinations of the History, Genetics, Technology, Mission and Personal Profiles of the Avengers team.

Before entering the exhibition, all recruits are advised to download the AVENGERS S.T.A.T.I.O.N. MOBILE TRAINING DEVICE application on their mobile phones. The application is available for free in the App Store and Android Google Play.

   

BRIEFING ROOM

Recruits, are you ready? You are about to receive your mission brief from Agent Maria Hill. Once your App is loaded and ready, you will be guided through your training by Tony Stark’s Artificial Intelligence - F.R.I.D.A.Y. The app will give you access and insight into every exhibit, so keep it handy during your visit. Now let’s begin.

 

CAPTAIN AMERICA

The first Avenger, Captain America, was recruited for the Super Soldier program because of his strength in character. Here you will learn about the resulting physiological enhancements from Dr. Erskine’s program. Learn about vibranium and its scientific properties, then test the shield yourself. Or hop on Captain America’s bike to continue the adventure.

 

Captain America's High-Performance Test Area

Are you stronger than Captain America? Try your hand at reaching Captain America’s extreme level of fitness at our High Performance Test Lab. Go through a strength test, cognitive reflex assessment and endurance test, and let’s see if you are worthy of being an S.T.A.T.I.O.N. recruit.

BRUCE BANNER's BIO-LAB

Bioengineering Research Bay

What do Captain America and the Hulk have in common? The Super Soldier Serum. Learn how the Super Soldier Serum works and its effect on Hulk’s blood.

The Advanced Diagnostic Screen

Watch the Hulk come alive through an interactive live screen display.

Hulk Neuro Display

What goes on in the Hulk’s mind? Learn about the brain and the neurological changes that he experiences.

SPECTROMETRY BAY

The Tesseract Portal Device

Witness and study the electromagnetic spectrum readings emanating from the Tesseract as the S.T.A.T.I.O.N. attempts to reopen the portal.

PERSONNEL AREA

We trust you, recruit. Here you may delve into the personnel files of The Avengers members and inspect their uniforms.

On the left is the life-size display of both Black Widow's and Hawkeye's suits... 

The Falcon’s majestic wing suit simulation shows the structural operation of the suit...



Ant-Man’s suit and revolutionary helmet on display.
There are even light simulations of ants on the floor! 

 

CONTAINMENT ROOM

A good agent always knows his enemies. Learn more about Chitauri, the Dark Elf and Loki through these displays. Here you will also find Loki’s Asgardian robes.

 

THOR OBSERVATORY

 


    

Discover the scientific theory that allows Bifrost transport Thor from Asgard to Midgard (Earth). Learn about the Dark Matter and how it relates to the Dark Elves. Find out the isotope detected in Thor’s hammer through the accelerated mass spectrometer. Take a closer look at Thor’s warrior garments and helmet.



Mjölnir Simulation

Are you worthy, recruit? Why not try lifting the Mjölnir? Legend says that only Thor and Vision are known to be able to control this hammer.



Eyes on ExoPlanets

Explore the entire universe on a giant interactive screen using NASA’s latest computer technology, Eyes On ExoPlanets. Scroll through stars that are millions of light miles away, or venture into the wondrous Marvel solar system and visit faraway planets. 

  

 

IRON MAN's ADVANCD ENGINEERING BAY

Hulkbuster Experience

It’s time to test your flight skills, recruit. Put on Iron Man’s suit in augmented reality and get set, jet!

All you have to do is to stand still and the AR fits you with your own Iron Man suit -
Best AR game ever!

 

 

 
Here, the War Machine exosuit stands ready for Rhodey... 

Standing over 3 metres tall, the Hulkbuster is ready to rumble...

 

Hall of Armour

Study Iron Man’s collection of MK 1-7 Suits and learn more about their capabilities through this interactive exhibit.  

 

 

KIDS PLAY AREA

Some interactive games for the family include colouring of superhero cut-outs and making of superhero keychains.

GAME ROOM

At this final stage, team up with fellow visitors and take on the roles of The Avengers to battle villains in an interactive game. 



Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. is located at Annex Hall and will run from 29 October 2016 to 05 March 2017. Tickets are priced from $18 for Children, and $25 for Adults. Tickets are available at SISTIC www.sistic.com.sg/events/cmarvel2017 and more information is available at www.science.edu.sg/exhibitions/Pages/AvengersStation.aspx. 

 

DECEMBER HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Omni-Theatre

Science Centre Singapore’s (SCS) Omni-Theatre, Southeast Asia’s first 8K 3D Dome Theatre, launched its inaugural 3D Digital Dome movie today. A first in the region, the animated film Natural Selection 3D tells an immersive tale of renowned naturalist Charles Darwin’s scientific journeys around the world on the HMS Beagle, his discovery of the evolution of life on Earth and his theory of natural selection. Natural Selection 3D is now available to members of the public, and is targeted at those aged 10 and up. Tickets for all shows are priced at $14. For more information, visit www.science.edu.sg. 

   

Snow City

Snow City offers educational programmes that are all conceptualized in the context of low temperatures (from -196°C to 0°C). For this Christmas season, there are exciting yuletide themed decorations. For the young ones, there are even gentler slides and snow toys for them.  

For more information, visit www.snowcity.com.sg.



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