Korean superfood dessert & beverage parlour Kokopanda opens in Singapore

Health-conscious foodies who are looking for healthier dessert offerings can now look to new Korean superfood dessert & beverage parlour KoKoPanda for a guilt-free indulgence.

Launched yesterday, the parlour’s dessert menu comprises a combination of three different softserves.

The KoKo Black Yogo, a black frozen yogurt made from roasted coconut husk; the KoKo White Cremo, a rich Korean softserve ice-cream made from premium Korean milk; and KoKo Twisto, a combination of both.

Top them off with KoKoCrunch, a blend of dried fruits and rice puff granola which is rich in nutrients and fibre. For beverages, those who are more conscious of their weight can sip on ChiaChaCha, a combination of 100 per cent Coconut Water with nutrient packed Chia seeds, whereas tea lovers can choose from their exotic range of iced teas such as the Jeju Rose Green Tea and Darjeeling Champagne Tea.

From Dec 16 to 18, there will be a 1-for-1 promotion on all items on the menu. Located at #B2-60 Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road.

Diners will get to enjoy from Italian classic dishes with Japanese touches like the Charcoal Grilled Lamb Chops that is prepared with traditional Japanese cooking techniques. — Picture courtesy of Takumi

Takumi’s new menu of Japanese creations with a contemporary touch

Executive chef Kenji Okumura is launching a host of new Japanese creations that have a more modern approach to suit the local palate at Japanese restaurant Takumi.

Chef Okumura’s new menu will feature dishes from the restaurant’s famed sushi, robatayaki and teppanyaki counters and also showcases the freshest gourmet produce sourced direct from local farms and ports throughout Japan.

Diners will get to enjoy Italian classic dishes with Japanese touches such as the Burrata Cheese, a dish which is given a Japanese twist with sweet diced tomatoes and a shiso dressing in place of the traditional basil pesto, and the Charcoal Grilled Lamb Chops that is prepared with traditional cooking techniques.

He also takes a lighter approach with the new Takumi Healthy Salad that is paired with grilled nori (seaweed), fermented beancurd and laced with a wasabi dressing. Available for both lunch and dinner daily.

Takumi will also be offering its business lunch set menu priced at S$15 (RM46.50) inclusive of an appetiser, main dish of your choice, miso soup, chawamushi, rice and dessert. Located at 2 Keppel Bay Vista. Call 6271 7414.

Healthy Christmas treats with Polar Puffs and Cakes

Polar Puffs and Cakes has released a healthier range of cakes that contain less sugar as part of the brand’s initiative to fight diabetes.

Foodies can pick from traditional favourites such as the Mixed Mango Fruit cake (S$32 with 70 per cent less sugar) or the Black Forest cake (S$28 with 35 per cent less sugar).

Those who seek more indulgent options can look out for the log cakes, which include the Opera Christmas Love (S$41.80), a French-inspired chocolate and coffee pairing, and the Rustic Log (S$39.80), a chocolatey indulgence infused with the richness of milo.

Available now, you can purchase them at all Polar stores and its online store at http://www.polarpuffs-cakes.com/.

Essenso’s new addition to their line of microground coffee

After the successful launch of the Essenso MicroGround Coffee 3-in-1 and 2-in-1 blends last year, Essenso is introducing another addition, the Essenso MicroGround Black Coffee, to the brand’s existing line of microground coffee. It uses 100 per cent Arabica coffee beans and provides two variants — Columbian for coffee drinkers who prefer their coffee with a full body and light-roast palate, and Mandheling blends for those who prefer their coffee of a darker roast with a smoky palate. Each box of Essenso MicroGround Black Coffee contains 20 sticks of instant black coffee. Each stick is infused with Nitrogen to preserve the aroma and taste, ensuring freshness with every cup. The products retail at S$3.50 per box. It is available now at all major supermarkets.

AMK Hub has partnered with homegrown bakery chain Chewy Junior to introduce the Pokeball Puff, a sweet tasty snack designed to look exactly like a Pokeball. — Picture courtesy of AMK Hub

Igniting the Pokemon fever with Chewy Junior’s Pokeball Puffs

As Pokemon fans gear up to catch ‘em all again with Pokemon Go’s Generation 2 release, AMK Hub has partnered with homegrown bakery chain Chewy Junior to introduce the Pokeball Puff, a sweet tasty snack designed to look exactly like a Pokeball. To redeem a Pokeball Puff, visitors simply have to present any Gen 2 Pokemon on the Pokemon Go app at AMK Hub’s B1 Information Counter. It is limited to the first 100 Pokemon trainers each day with one redemption per trainer. Located at 53 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3. The deal will end on Dec 26.

Imperial Treasure Restaurant Group opens Fine Teochew Cuisine restaurant

The Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine restaurant is now open at Ion Orchard. Opened by Imperial Treasure Restaurant Group, the restaurant is an enhancement from its founding iconic Teochew outlet in Ngee Ann City, which is now closed. Diners can expect dishes such as the Chilled Flower Crab in Teochew Style, a classic Teochew dish, and Glutinous Rice Stuffed in Pork Intestine. Wine aficionados can also enjoy an extensive selection of wines and champagnes, carefully picked by sommeliers to complement the flavours of Chinese food. Located at 2 Orchard Turn. Call 6736 2118.

Booking ahead: Neon Pigeon festive menu 2016

From Dec 19 to Dec 31, enjoy some festive items with a Japanese twist at modern izakaya restaurant Neon Pigeon. Diners can feast on their Miso Poached Lobster (S$120 for 2 pax) that comes with a sides of mixed grains, edamame and black cabbage salad. Sweeten the meal with the Drunken Matcha Fruit Cake (S$12) made with infused dried fruits and vanilla bean custard. The meal can be complemented with either a Kurisumasu Punch (S$15) made with spiced wine and fruit-infused vodka or the fruity Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve NV (S$130 per bottle). Located at 1 Keong Saik Rd. Call 6222 3623.

Booking ahead: Whitegrass christmas eve dinner menu

On the eve of Christmas, modern Australian restaurant Whitegrass will be showcasing a seven-course Christmas Eve dinner menu to celebrate the merriment. The menu will feature some inspired new dishes such as chef Sam’s Pearl Oyster which is garnished with fresh green almonds and sea succulents and the restaurant’s Grass Fed Beef from the Scottish Highlands that is served with fermented mushroom puree and wilted wasabi leaf and accompanied with a rare 20-year-old soy sauce from the Kagawa prefecture. The Christmas Eve menu is priced at S$265++ per person. Located at 30 Victoria Street. Call 6837 0402. — TODAY