tipsy

it's been a long time since i've updated this space...sadly. currently i'm awaiting my spot in a wine shop, so if i happen to get it, i'll let you guys know! provided there's even anyone reading this *sweatdrop*. anyway, i'm reviving this space as of now, and will be updating soon on the tiny stash of $330 bucks worth of alcohol that came back with me from vietnam. till then, watch this space!

sushi indulgence!

a first look at vivocity will reveal a myriad of restaurants and places serving great gourmet, and one of them is Sushi Tei (located on the second floor facing the sea, beside hagen daaz).

on the outlook, Sushi Tei adopts the outlook of a contemporary japanese restaurant, with emphasis on bamboo as their main theme, with a tinge of modern zen. apparently, the outlook is not the main attraction, for the tens of people who knew that their wait of at least half an hour was worth it.

upon entry through the pyramidal bamboo entrance, a busy sight of both workers and gourmet hunters invite you. ranging from 6 year old children, to the working bunch, and also students, this place promises something that will fit our appetite, and our budget. also, the transparent-walled kitchen gave eaters the opportunity to see what they were eating, and what others were eating as well. the conveyor belt which runs directly outside the wall allows customers to contemplate the choices of sushi and other on-the-go items, which were clearly marked with colour plates, indicating a clear distinction in prices.

Sushi Tei knows that for a total enjoyment, the sight is as important as the taste. cutlery wise, porcelain is used throughout the restaurant and it's Japanese authenticity cannot be questioned. the menu was also simple and easy for customers to understand, and was comprehensive enough to provide them with an informed choice. after much deliberation, the group ordered a total of 3 donburis and an Aso sushi combo.

Tendon

after a short wait of 10 minutes, and being hungry after gorging at the tantalizing dishes prepared by the chef and sous chefs, the two egg donburi's arrive (Oyakodon, which means chicken/egg/onion on rice and the Katsudon, pork/egg/onion on rice), both which looked and smelled wonderful. next came the Aso sushi combo, which comprised of 19 sushis for $18. lastly came the Tendon which was tempura and vegetables on rice. The oyakodon and katsudon were great, while the tendon, missing the egg, lacked a kick, but the freshness of the prawns and the well fried vegetables that were surprisingly not oily made up for it. overall, the donburis were great.

Aso

the Aso sushi combo was one that made us think, why 19? it cannot be split evenly, but the three of us dug in nonetheless. the sashimi sushis had none to little hint of fishy-ness while the others went down our throats really well with the shoyu and wasabe, and it tasted really good too. the rice stuck well together, and it wasn't too sticky for our tastebuds. on the whole, it was really worth it, though we were hoping that the sushi that came in 6s could be all of different variety for better value.

service wise, the food came promptly and the waiters and waitresses were very patient and courteous. in total, the donburis cost $8.50 each, which brings a total of $51 after GST and service charge, coming to about $17 per pax, which was quite a good value as we've filled our stomaches and enjoyed a great meal.

Presentation 8
Service 8
Food 7
Ambience 7
Value 7

Overall : 7.6 /10

Liquor Breakdown : Vodka

Made from : Distillation of a fermented substance like Molasses (usually the by product from the processing of sugar cane or sugar beet into sugar) or grains (grasses cultivating edible seeds)

Outlook : A pure, clear, colorless liquid (water and ethanol)

Alcohol Range : 35% to 50% (70 Proof to 100 Proof, where Proof is approximately twice of the percentage alcohol in the product)

Origin : Untraceable, though highly believed to have come from grain growing countries such as Poland, Ukraine and Russia

Types of Vodka : Clear Vodka and Flavored Vodkas

Clear Vodka is one that is unflavored, meaning that it is the product of the pure distillation, retaining it's original taste (usually tasteless due to Vodka regulations) while the latter is receiving much more attention. Flavored Vodkas are basically clear vodkas that are infused with different flavors (like fruits, spices), producing hints of these flavors in their scent and also in their consumption. Popular brands of vodka include Smirnoff, Absolut, Exclusiv, Zodiac and Ciroc. Serve neat (shot glasses filled with vodka and kept in the freezer, neat vodka should be served below zero degrees celsius) and mixed as a base (vodka gin, bloody mary, screwdriver, singapore sling, black russian and many common everyday drinks)

Carmen 2001 Semillon Late Harvest

Wine : Carmen 2001 Semillon Late Harvest (37.5cl)
Winemaker : Vina Carmen
Alcohol % : 12.5%
Country of produce : Maipo Valley, Chile
Rating : 90/100

Directly after opening, the strong hints of fruits will fill the air around. It has a golden brown texture, and is smooth on the palate. Upon drinking, hints of apple and peach are felt, with little acidity. Medium bodied. What follows is a smooth, sweet finish that has a lingering honey aftertaste. Great wine as an aperitif as well as a dessert wine. Serve chilled. Available at NTUC for $21.40.

the wine blog

welcome to my specialised section on alcohol! for wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts out there, i look forward to your support to this. it's been 2 years since i've been enjoying wine and alcohol, and i look forward to meeting people who are as enthusiastic as me! the following is a preview of what's to come in the upcoming months!

1. featured wine of the month
2. in depth analysis of wine types, and a beginners guide to wine
3. liquors analysis
4. rated restaurants and great dining places

watch this space for more!

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