You can never separate good food and the welcoming warmth of a kitchen, presided over by mom who’ll insist you finish your (groan) third helping! This month, we celebrate Mother’s Day with ideas on how to eat well and stay healthy.
Words: R. Rajendra
HALAL DAYS
Muslim patrons at Days Hotel Singapore at Zhongshan Park can now dine on halal food at 21 on Rajah that was recently awarded halal certification by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore. Guests can savour a variety of Mediterranean and Asian dishes such as Salmon Gravlax on Focaccia with Dill Mayonnaise, Chicken Curry Singapore Style and Nonya Laksa. An extensive Asian and international dinner spread is also offered nightly, priced at SGD32++. www.ramada-dayshotelssingapore.com
HOLY CRAB!
Dreaming of crabs for dinner? Then head to The Holy Crab Restaurant in South Jakarta to enjoy the crustaceans in a new and fun manner – your order arrives in a massive plastic bag, doused in the restaurant’s secret sauce! With no utensils or crockery, diners will be handed, instead, unique shellfish crackers to pick out the freshest and juiciest crab meat. The selection of crabs is extensive too with Dungeness crabs, Alaskan king crab legs, Alaskan snow crab legs, local blue crab, mud crab and other shellfish like Canadian lobster, shrimps and clams. www.theholycrab.co.id
MAMMA MIA!
This Mother’s Day, take mom out for a special treat at Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur’s Favola Italian Hi-Tea affair on May 10, 2014. Available from noon till 3.00pm, mommy and her brood can enjoy a scrumptious Italian spread that features dishes such as Chicken Ragout with Mushrooms and Green Pea Baked in Parmesan Mash and Pescatore Mixed Seafood Dumpling in Capers Cream Sauce to name a few. Free flow of prosecco, as well as red and white wines will stoke the spirit while Mom will receive a special gift. Priced at approx. USD28 per person, for every three paying guests; mom dines for free. Alternatively, head to Latest Recipe and enjoy a traditional Sunday Roast Brunch priced at approx. USD46++, inclusive of free flow of wine, sparkling wine and beer. Call +603 22637434. www.lemeridienkualalumpur.com/dining
THE V WORD
Vegetarianism is gaining grounds daily as more and more opt for healthier lifestyles. Here’s a quick look at different types of vegetarianism.
VEGANS are very strict about where their nourishment comes from and do not consume any kind of meats or animal by-products such as milk and eggs. Most will not wear leather, wool, fur and silk.
VEGETARIANS generally eat meat-less products but may consume dairy products, egg and even gelatine.
LACTO VEGETARIANS will drink milk and generally consume dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt, cream etc.
OVO VEGETARIANS will eat eggs and egg by-products.
PESCATARIANS refrain from meats but will eat fish and other marine creatures.
CELEBRITY VEGETARIANS
Vidya Balan (Award-winning Bollywood Actor), Alec Baldwin (Hollywood, TV and stage Actor), Olivia Wilde (Hollywood actor, screenwriter, producer and Director), Richard Gere (Hollywood actor and humanitarian) and Betty White (Hollywood actor, author, TV personality and comedienne).
Maggie Q (Hollywood actor, animal rights activist and former model), Mike Tyson (Celebrity Boxer), Carrie Underwood (Country music singer, songwriter and past winner of American Idol), Vidyut Jamwal (Model and Bollywood Actor, Aya Liu (Taiwanese songstress).
VOGUE IS THE WORD
Vogue Café at Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel invites guests to enjoy a really long lunch that starts from noon up to 4.00pm on weekends and public holidays! The Long Lunch Buffet is a smorgasbord of wickedly delicious culinary offerings that include appetisers, salads, soups, a carvery and a dessert station. Priced at approx. USD32++ per person and half price for children under 12, now is the time to enjoy a leisurely afternoon savouring food so good, you’ll want your weekend to last forever! T: +603 2162 2233. www.renaissancehotels.com
GAGGENAU OVEN 400 SERIES
Function meets style with Gaggenau’s 400 series ovens that are sculpted most elegantly to add a dash of sheer class to any kitchen. The ovens, Combi-steam ovens, Combi-microwave ovens, fully automatic espresso machines and warming drawers come crafted in stainless steel and glass and, offer a variety of options for docking side by side or atop each other. www.bosch-home.com.my
EAT YOUR VEGGIES!
Vegetables and children are sworn enemies! Try these steps to get kids to eat their greens. Hide vegetables by chopping them up fine and mixing them into meals.
- Hide vegetables by chopping them up fine and mixing them into meals.
- The One Bite Rule encourages the child to take at least one bite of the ‘offending’ green. Slowly graduate to a Two Bite Rule.
- Make eating greens fun by creating games; tell the kid that as a Star Trooper, he needs to slay (eat) florets of cauliflower / broccoli to become the Master Star Trooper!
- Get them involved in the selection of greens for dinner or, in the growing process.
- Never force a child to finish greens. It just creates awful memories of miserable meal times.
- Children like seeing food separate and distinct on their plates. Keep the meats, carbs and greens separate. The food becomes far more appealing this way.
- They may be called greens, but so is slime. Introduce orange carrots, purple aubergine, yellow and red bell peppers or even weird looking veggies like Romanesco broccoli.
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