Alex - Here have what I know

AKASHI
Not just a move, but a complete reinvention for Akashi. It was always a stalwart in the old days in the basement of Tanglin Shopping Centre - reliable fare and great prices. Now it has moved to an impressive space on the ground floor of Orchard Hotel (along with newly opened, energetic sister restaurant Inakaya) and gone upmarket. The setting is much smarter, the food is more elegant and the quality higher and, yes, you’ve guessed it, the good old prices are a thing of the past. To be fair, you are getting what you pay for.
#01-01A Orchard Parade Hotel, 1 Tanglin Road, tel: +65 6732-4438.

AOKI
Being part of the Les Amis Group, you know you are in for a pretty subline experience. This is arguably the ultimate in Japanese dining and service, so expect a not insignificant contribution to your credit card statement. Play it smart and go on expreses. The decor is the epitome of Zen minimalism. The menu covers sushi, sashimi, shabu shabu, sukiyaki, tempura, and seasonal produce is a highlight. Everything is exquisitely presented.
Shaw Centre, #02-17, 1 Scotts Road, tel: +65 6333-8015.

IKUKAN
The name of the lane off Club Street may elicit the odd giggle, but the food at Ikukan certainly won’t. This is serious, creative Japanese fare in an elegant setting and unusually, a Western style of dining is predominant with starters, main courses and desserts. The speciality is Japanese charcoal grill, so try the beef or black cod. Set menus are good value too.
23 Mohamed Ali Lane #01-01, Tel: +65 6325-3362.
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Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 6 scallops
- 50g grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon creme fraiche (or sour cream)

For the salad
- 4 vine tomatoes
- 14 asparagus spears
- 6 chopped basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon chopped red onions
- 2 stalks chives

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Ceviche ingredients (Serves 4)
- 200g of Kingfish (per pax)
- 1 orange
- 1 lemon
- 1 green apple
- 1 mango
- 1 red chilli
- 100ml olive oil

Tapenade ingredients (Serves 4)
- 50ml olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of seedless black olives
- 2 pieces of salted anchovies
- 1 garlic
- 1 dried apricot
- Rock salt
- Pepper
- French baguette

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Ingredients (serves 2)
- 1 whole chicken
- 3 lemons
- 2 whole garlic knobs
- 1 onion
- 50g ginger
- 1 packet of parsley
- 1 packet of thyme
- 125g soft butter
- 2 tablespoons of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 50ml extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
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Ingredients (Serves 4)

- 2 Momotaro tomatoes (peeled)

- 50g mizuna lettuce (can be placed with rocket)

- 50g Parmesan cheese

- 50g Iberico ham (replace with Parma ham), very thinly sliced

- 1 black winter truffle, thinly sliced

- 1 teaspoon Fleur de Sel

- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

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When it comes to bad luck, it doesn’t just rain; it buckets down. Luckily, we have an umbrella.

Ever feel like the world’s closing in on you? Like nothing seems to be going your way? Bet Jessica Simpson can relate. It might look like the biggest dilemma in her life is which designer handbag to carry to lunch at The Ivy but, the truth is, she’s going through a rough patch and the cracks are starting to show.

Since giving ex-hubby Nick Lachey the flick, Jess has struggled to make a splash in the dating pool while Nick’s been moving at lightning speed with new squeeze Vanessa Minnillo. She’s also reportedly fallen out with her best friend and her singing career is headed south foster than a duck in winter. Her latest album sold just 200,000 copies while her first blitzed the charts, selling 2.9 million copies. Throw in a family feud and a fired publicist and it doesn’t make for a very happy mix.

So how do you deal when you luck has packed its bags and taken a one-way trip to Alaska just like Miss Simpson’s? You “roll with the punches and not wallow,” as the singer said recently. “My life is chaos right now. But you can let the chaos consume you or you can just walk along with it.”

If you’re prepared to fight setback instead of losing the plot, you’re already on the fast lane to feeling better. But if you want to speed up that 180-degree life makeover, you need a little insider info. The goal news? We’ve plenty to go around.
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1. Cry every time you feel the need to. If you don’t release pent-up emotions, you’ll lash out at someone you don’t mean to.

2. Listen to music that reminds you of happy times, not sad songs.

3. Seek out company. There’s nothing like the unconditional love of a pet to lift your spirits, so check out the SPCA today and you and your new pet will both benefit.

4. Exercise, eat well and get into nature. Looking after yourself is key.

5. Make time for things you love to do and let everything else fit around that.
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Seven reasons why you should never move in with a man who’s never lived on his own.

You’ve finally snared yourself a man who doesn’t break out in a rash at the thought of commitment. He may even have told you he loves you before you uttered these words.

Giddy infatuation has over a few months given way to solid foundations of communication and consideration. Better still, these factors have combined to have you both thinking of and speaking about taking things to the next logical level: cohabitation.

Smart move. Despite several international studies which suggest couples who lived together before they got married have a higher divorce rate than those who did not, we’re not yet talking about nuptials. The fact remains there is no better way to get to know someone in his entirety than to live with him. Yes, you will be exposed to every nail-biting, toe-cleaning, pimple-squishing habit, but you will learn to love him despite these traits. One need only look at the relationships most of us have with our siblings for proof.
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Is the stress from doubling your workload before going on leave worth it? Here’s how to ensure you leave free from office-woes.

Step 1: STAY POSITIVE
Having something to look forward to helps. Holiday starts on the 20th? Decorate that particular spot on your table-planner with bright markers so you can see yourself moving closer to it.

Step 2: GET SUPPORT
Don’t be afraid to let family and friends know you have-to clear your work before your leave and that could mean OT. They’ll be more understanding when you arrive late for, or postpone, appointments.
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City slickers just don’t know how to relax. There are 101 things to be done and you’d rather be a super-duper multi-tasker than sit around twiddling your thumbs. But if you’re starting to forget things, lose your appetite or can’t sleep through the night, it’s time to go for a massage, take a work sabbatical, or try these simple ways to recharge the mind and body.

1. Rejuvenate with a massage
Massaging the face or body can aid in blood circulation and relieve tension. All it takes is an extra five minutes on top of your daily skincare ritual. When applying your body lotion, use slow, luxurious strokes (upward and circular motions). Avoid doing this in an air-conditioned room so as to keep the body temperature warm.

2. Refresh the body
If crashing in front of the telly and raiding the fridge are high on your agenda, be sure the fridge is stocked with healthy bites like yoghurt, carrot and celery sticks, and melon cubes - this way, you can also ensure that you get your daily intake of fruits and vegetables. If you’re craving savoury munchies, snack on pretzels or baked tortilla chips and pair them with salsa instead of sour cream. Your body will feel much lighter and fresher and it’ll love you for it.

3. Read a book
One of the best ways to take your mind off the strains of the day is to snuggle in bed with your favourite book. Whatever the genre, it helps to be transported to another time and place - even for an hour. Sure beats worrying about all the stuff you’ve to do tomorrow!
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