8 Valentine’s Day Restaurants at $100 or less

Valentine's Day Restaurant

Love is that not madness is not love.” – Pedro Calderon de la Barca

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s time to get romantic!

Before you exchange your gifts, cards and kisses, you’ll need a perfect setting on this special day.

Here we list 8 restaurants that not only has the perfect ambience, and also food that will satisfy your tastebuds!

READ ALSO: 3 Delicious Valentine’s Day Dining Places Under $50

1. CASA TARTUFO

Casa Tartufo Restaurant

(Image credit: Sparklette.net)

33 Erskine Road
The Scarlet Hotel 069333
Phone: 6836 4647

Casa Tartufo is helmed by Alex and Tammy who was inspired by the homely feeling of restaurants in Milan, Turin and Florence. Casa Tartufo is the Italian of “House of Truffles” so expect their signature dish to be truffles-inspired. For this coming Valentine’s Day, indulge in a five-course truffle dinner consists of their raved-about dish Burratina (Burrata Cheese with a Truffle heart), Agnello (Char-grilled Lamb Chop with Truffle Potato puree. End off your meal with a Chocolate Molten Cake with Hazelnut Gelato, served with coffee or tea & biscuits. You will definitely leave this place feeling satisfied.

Cost: $208++ per couple, Menu

2. PRIVÉ GRILL

 

Prive Grill

(Image credit: www.chillax.sg)

2 Keppel Bay Vista
Singapore 098382
Phone: 6776 0777

Privé Grill makes a perfect venue for your date on Valentine’s Day. Located near the harbour, stroll down the water’s edge at Marina after your dinner. If your special one have an insatiable craving for seafood, Privé is set to serve up the freshest Poached Oysters and Smoked Norwegian Salmon Belly. Tuck into the main with a choice of Salt-Baked Atlantic Cod or a Josper-grilled Brandt Fillet Steak. Don’t forget to sweeten up the rest of the day with a Rose Panna Cotta dessert served with Tonka Bean Ice Cream. Did i say you can serenade by the pier under the lamplight after your sumptuous meal?

Cost: $108 per pax (6-7pm) or $118 per pax (regular seating), Menu

3. JOIE BY DOZO

Joie By Dozo

(Image credit: mychefdoeuvre.com)

181 Orchard Road
#12-01 Orchard Central
Phone: 6838 6966

Who say you can’t fine dine without meats? Joie Restaurant is a restaurant that goes meatless in their menu. Chef Sherwin (Previously Executive Chef from Coriander Leaf Group) creates a new concept for diners with his French-Japanese fushion cuisines. You would be surprised at how delectable vegetables can be after he put them on the wok. If you and your partner are a fan of greens, Joie Restaurant is the ideal place to be where you can chomp on the freshest ingredients such as white asparagus, zucchini, portabello and mushrooms. You don’t want to leave this place without trying their signature Rubik Cube made up of red and yellow watermelon, pair with mint gelee and feta cheese (Cubes of Duo Watermelon).

Cost: $68++ per pax, 7-course dinner, Menu

4. CHOTTO MATTE

Chotto Matte Singapore

(Image credit: www.lifestyleasia.com)

54 Blair Road
Singapore 089954
Phone: 6222 8846

Don’t wait (pun intended) to try out the Japanese fares on the menu of Chotto Matte. If you dine at the sushi and sake bar, you will see Chef Roy Chee (Previously Executive Head Chef of Standing Sushi Bar) slicing the sashimi with pride and concentration and you know it’s good stuff that you don’t want to chotto matte. The Shiro Maguro (Marinated American White Tuna) are generously cut to melt in wholesome in your mouth. For this Valentine’s day. they are offering a four course dinner where you get to try not only assorted sashimi, but together with Grilled Wagyu Steak or Pan Fried Cod Fish Foie Gras with Mentaiyaki Sauce.

Cost: $88 per pax, Menu

5. THE CLAN RESTAURANT

The Clan Restaurant

(Image credit: Hungrygowhere.com)

18/20 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089832
Phone: 6222 2084

If you have dined at Dozo Restaurant before, you would have known of the place as an affordable venue for fine dining. The team here were previously from Dozo so you would be glad that The Clan Restaurant is also pretty wallet-friendly, yet without compromising its quality! Expect a fushion twist of modern European and Asian fares brought to you by The Clan Restaurant. Sit down to the bountiful feast of seafood this Valentine’s Day as they prepare a six course dinner with a Baked Codfish and Lemon Parmesan Croquette drenched with Watercress sauce as the main. If you are a red meat lover, go for the Wagyu Beef with peppercorn sauce. Call it a day with their Tiramisu topped with chocolate shavings.

Cost: XX per pax, Menu

6. NOSH RESTAURANT AND BAR

Nosh Restaurant & Bar

9 Rochester Drive
Singapore 
Phone: 9755 5015

Nestled in Rochester Park, Nosh Restaurant and Bar sits in a two-storey black and white colonial bungalow in a lush surrounding.It is a quiet place so if you are someone who places ambience as your priority, look no further. It is also worth mentioning that service at Nosh is also impeccable, and they really make you feel invited as a guest. Check out the 4 course meal they have for this special ocassion, you start off with a sharing portion of Duck Rilettes, slow cooked to bring out its flavour before you cool down with Watercress soup. To whet your appetite further, choose between the Braised Short Ribs or the Baked Black Cod as your main. After your meal, head down to the Greenhouse Bar for a drink or two in the romantic alfresco setting. Love birds, what are you waiting for?

Cost: $198++ per couple (Including 2 glass of moscato), Menu

7. BURLAMACCO RISTORANTE

Burlamacco Ristorante

(Image credit: reserveit.sg)

77 Amoy Street
Singapore 069896
Phone: 6220 1763

With a 94% vote on Hungrygowhere, you can’t go wrong if you choose to dine at Burlamacco. Located along Amoy Street, you would be pleasantly surprised with its modern setting and warm ambience. Burlamacco also carries authentic Italian food that makes you go buono Burlamacco! Both of their signature dishes (Burrata with Red & Black Caviar and Grilled Angus Beef Tenderloin) are included in the Valentine’s Day Set Menu, so both of you are definitely in for a treat. At the end of the course, you would be served Strawberry and White Chocolate Mousse with Saffron & Vanilla Sauce. Perfect combination, ain’t it?

Cost: $108++ per pax for first seating, Menu | $128++ per pax for second seating, Menu

8. BISTRO SOORI

2 Teck Lim Road
Singapore 088380
Phone: 6438 3802

Indulge in a gastronomic experience when you dine at Bistro Soori. Its minimalist yet modern interior design emanate a chic and trendy vibe in its dining area, makes a perfect setting for the special day on the 14th. They literally transform food into precious gems on a plate with their fusion concept, and it not only look aesthetically pleasing, and it is simply lip-smacking! At $98++ per pax, kickstart your palates with Seared Tuna Tataki with Jelly Fish Salsa, Tibiko and Shiso Sprout. For the mains, you have a choice of a Baked Half Lobster or Braised Beef Short Rib. There’s also a glass of Prosecco or Dessert Wine and a door gift included in the 4 course meal.

Cost: $98++ per pax, Menu

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Important Things You Must Know About Money And Happiness

The aged old question of “Does Money Buy Happiness” has been puzzling the minds of many over the past decades. A current research by University of British Columbia and Michigan State University showed that while more money decreases sadness, it might not increase joy.

The researchers named Elizabeth Dunn, Kostadin Kushlev, and Richard Lucas said: “having more money provides more options for dealing with adversity”. Hence, wealthier people may feel a greater sense of control on a difficult situation that poorer people.

1. MONEY RELATIVELY INCREASES HAPPINESS FOR SOME PEOPLE

Princeton researchers released a study in 2010 showing that happiness increases as the income increases until US$75, 000. After this certain point, it plateaus. It is due to the fact that stress and financial difficulties get harder and harder as your income descends in the five-figure realm.

Image Credits: Aaron Patterson via Flickr

Image Credits: Aaron Patterson via Flickr

For those who are struggling to make ends meet, making more money generally increases happiness. But, once a person has enough money to provide for the family and oneself, more money doesn’t lead to increased happiness.

2. YOU CONTROL THE EFFECT OF MONEY ON YOUR HAPPINESS

Having a balanced life, being able to practice your hobby, and volunteering certainly increases happiness. If you apply these ideals to money, you can generate happiness.

Studies show that you will get more satisfaction if you spend your cash towards memorable experiences such as vacations than towards material things such as a new table. Likewise, lending out possessions can help you enjoy the material things that your money bought.

3. DOES OWNING MORE AND ACHIEVING MORE MAKE YOU HAPPIER

If more money comes at a cost of more responsibility and heightened stress in the workplace, then that person will not experience added happiness. Owning more or shopping more only increases happiness for a short run. Spending more on others generates more happiness than splurging on you.

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How to Make Money Without Working Too Much

Do you find yourself short of cash but too lazy to find a day job? Well, here are fast and fabulous ways to earn money without working too much…

1. SELL YOUR PHOTOS

Just got home from an overseas vacation? You can still live up the holiday vibe by going through your camera and scanning through your gallery. Pick the ones that you could sell to photo agencies and libraries. Once you find them, go to Fotolia and sell them online.

Image Credits: Mac Qin via Flickr

Image Credits: Mac Qin via Flickr

Fotolia houses more than 20 million cheap or free images, vectors, and videos. It is targeted for publishing and marketing projects.

2. HOUSE-SITTING

Get paid by watching over someone else’s house. It is literally sitting in their house watching YouTube on your handphone instead of doing it on your own home without getting paid for it. You can find house-sitting ads in Gumtree.sg.

3. EARN BY SHOPPING

Sign up for credit cards that have a rebate scheme that fits your needs. For instance, UOB SingTel Card has up to 4% rebate on your SingTell bills while HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card can earn you up to 5% rebate on petrol. Get a list of Singapore Credit Card and its rebate here.

4. OFFER TO PURCHASE FOR OTHERS AND REIMBURSE IT

Once you get the rewards or rebate card, offer to pay for others then reimburse the money. For instance, if you are going to Hawaii with your friends, offer to book their flights too. This way you’ll earn more rewards or rebates than you could on your own, without spending extra cash.

5. JOIN FOCUS GROUPS

Tired of everyone else ignoring your opinion? Then join a focus group and earn cash or gift cards.

Image Credits: Michael Coghlan via Flickr

Image Credits: Michael Coghlan via Flickr

This is just sitting in a room full of a small number of people talking about the stuff you like and do not like. Submit a resume or a profile with a marketing company and they will reach out to you personally. You may join an online or local situated focus group. Try Inspired Opinions or Gumtree.

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What To Expect For GOSF 2015 Singapore

GOSF 2015

Shopaholics, standby.

In about 6 hours, the GOSF fever will hit Singapore.

If you haven’t heard of ‘GOSF’, it stands for Great Online Shopping Festival and it was first introduced by Google India in 2012. The concept originated from the United States, similar to Cyber Monday where online retailers will get together to offer huge massive discounts to shoppers for a limited time period.

Singapore has one of the highest smartphone penetration and active online shoppers in World and it is no wonder Google has brought this initiative to Singapore, partnering SingPost and DBS in this 3 days online event.

This will be the first time the GOSF is held in Singapore with more than 60 brands taking part in the 72 hours sale from 2 February 2015 to 4 February 2015.

Singpost will be offering delivery and returns solution for brands taking part in the festival, including access to 90 POPStations across Singapore.

Here’s an even better deal you don’t want to miss out.

DBS is offering 15% rebates for DBS/POSB cardholders for the first 2,000 shoppers who register on the GOSF website at the stroke of midnight on 2 February 2015.

There is a minimum spend of $168 for your combined transaction during the 3 days period and a capped of a maximum of $100 rebate. Check out the full term and conditions here: http://on.fb.me/1AebODd

Here’s a list of participating brands:

For the travelholics and the staycationists

Brands Type Exclusive Offers & Discounts Website
Agoda Hotels Bookings Up to 70% off www.agoda.com/singapore
Airbnb  Rent places to stay from local hosts Get 20% off all listings in Asia www.airbnb.com.sg
Hotels.com Hotels Booking Save $50 www.hotels.com
Accorhotels  Hotels & Accommodation Enjoy 40% off 480 hotels in Asia Pacific  www.accorhotels.com
Amari Colours & Rhythms Hotels & Accommodation Up to 35% off  www.amari.com
Copthorne King's Hotel Hotels & Accommodation Room from $140  www.millenniumhotels.com.sg
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Hotels & Accommodation Room from $165 www.millenniumhotels.com.sg
lntercontinental Hotel Group Hotels & Accommodation Enjoy 20% off www.ihg.com
M Hotel Hotels & Accommodation Room from $160 www.millenniumhotels.com.sg
Parkroyal Hotels & Resorts Hotels & Accommodation Free breakfast and $50 voucher  www.parkroyalhotels.com
Orchard Hotel Hotels & Accommodation Room from $182  www.millenniumhotels.com.sg
Orchard Parade Hotel  "Hotels & Accommodation Enjoy 30% off  www.orchardparade.com.sg
Oasia Hotel Hotels & Accommodation Enjoy 30% off  www.stayfareast.com
Rendevous Hotel Hotels & Accommodation Enjoy 30% off  www.stayfareast.com
Studio M Hotel Hotels & Accommodation Room from $170 www.millenniumhotels.com.sg
The Elizabeth Hotel Hotels & Accommodation  Enjoy 30% off  www.theelizabeth.com.sg
The Quincy Hotel Hotels & Accommodation  Enjoy 30% off  www.quincy.com.sg
Village Hotel Hotels & Accommodation  Enjoy 30% off  www.stayfareast.com

For the fastionistas and athletes

Brands Type Exclusive Offers & Discounts Website
Luxola Beauty & Comestic Enjoy 20% off storewide  www.luxola.com
Zalora Fashion & Apparels Enjoy up to 80% off + extra 28% off www.zalora.com.sg
Adidas Sportswear Exclusive online pre-order to top-selling collections  http://shop.adidas.com.sg
Uniqlo Fashion & Apparels Enjoy 20% off storewide  www.uniqlo.com/sg/
Cocomi Watches & Accessories Free Pandora Bracelet with $250 min spend  www.cocomi.sg
Mitju Fashion & Apparels Up to 50% off  www.mitjuonline.com
Style By Deckers Fashion & Apparels Up to 30% off  www.stylebydeckers.com
Under Armour Sportswear Enjoy 10% off + Free Gift  www.underarmour.com.sg
Decathlon Sportswear Enjoy 10% off  www.decathlon.sg
Reebonz Handbag & Accessories Buy 2 & Get 30% off  www.reebonz.com.sg
Edit Menswear Up to 50% off  www.editonlinestore.com
Crocs Footwear Up to 30% off storewide  www.crocs.com.sg
Headline Seoul Fashion & Apparels Enjoy 20% off www.headlineseoul.com
Marcella Tailored Clothing Enjoy 10% off  www.marcellacustom.com
Vintage:FB Men Fashion Up to 50% off  www.vintagefb.com
Love and Bravery Fashion & Accessories Enjoy 20% off  www.loveandbravery.com
Dear Laura Ladies Fashion Up to 50% off www.dearlaura.com.sg
Her Velvet Vase Ladies Fashion Up to 40% off  hervelvetvase.com

For the foodies

Brands Type Exclusive Offers & Discounts Website
Chope Restaurant Reservations Buy 1 Get 1 Free And More  www.chope.co
eWineGallery Wine Retailer Get 1 for 1 or 40% off for V-Day  www.ewinegallery.com
Indian Spice Box Spice Box Free gift worth $29 www.indian-spicebox.com

For the everyday shoppers

Brands Type Exclusive Offers & Discounts Website
Fairprice Online Groceries Great deals & free delivery  www.fairprice.com.sg
Redmart Groceries 15% off storewide www.redmart.com
GoFresh Groceries Enjoy 15% off www.gofresh.com.sg
Rakuten Online Shopping 20% off top brands  www.rakuten.com.sg
Qoo10 Online Shopping Up to 70% off  www.qoo10.sg
Lazada Online Shopping Up to 75% and more lazada.sg
Omigo Online Shopping Enjoy 10% off  www.omigo.com.sg

For the gadgets obssessed

Brands Type Exclusive Offers & Discounts Website
Challenger Mobile & Gadgets Up to 80% off  www.challenger.com.sg
HP Online Store Laptop & Gadgets Free online vouchers http://h20386.www2.hp.com/SingaporeStore
Singtel Mobile & Broadband Get $30 off  www.singtelshop.com
Starhub Mobile & Broadband Free $50 & $100 vouchers  www.starhub.com
MyRepublic Mobile & Broadband Free handset and 1 month free  www.myrepublic.com.sg

Others

Brands Type Exclusive Offers & Discounts Website
DBS Credit Card 15% rebates on GOSF http://on.fb.me/1CNQeEI
Noel Gifts Gifts & Flowers Up to 50% off  www.noelgifts.com
Hummings Gift & Flowers 7% off CNY Hamper  www.hummings.com
Courts Home & Furnitures Up to 90% off  www.courts.com.sg
ToTT Home & Appliances Up to 50% off  www.tottstore.com
Atlas Experience Home Entertainment Save $150 and get a free gift  www.atlas-sv.com
Nescafe Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine Free Mini-me Coffee System  www.dolce-gusto.com.sg
SingPet Pet Supplies & Accessories Enjoy 50% off  www.singpet.com
Oh Baby 'N' Me Baby Care & Maternity Up to 30% off  www.ohbabynme.com

Here’s a promotional video for GOSF 2015.


Check out the official GOSF.SG website for more details!

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5 Sweet Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas Under S$50

Valentine’s day is just around the corner. While seeking for the perfect gift, keep in mind that you must also be financial-savvy. You may be tempted to go over your budget since you want to make your lover feel special. But, your gifts need not to be expensive to make your loved ones smile! Here are 5 Sweet Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas Under S$50.

1. FOR THE FORGETFUL LOVER

“I LOVE US ROUGH SIGN” by Monoyono, S$24.90.

Image Credits: monoyono.com

To remind your partner of how much you love him or her, hang this rough sign saying: “I LOVE US”. This rough wood sign is available in Black color with cream wiring. How sweet is it to declare your love with this simple statement?

2. FOR YOUR COOL SWEETIE

“ANYONE CAN BE COOL TOTE” by Monoyono, S$26.90.

Image Credits: monoyono.com

Image Credits: monoyono.com

Wouldn’t it be nice to give your sweetie a bag that speaks your mind? This Black tote bag exclaims: ”Anyone can be cool, but awesome takes practice”. This 100% canvas tote bag that measures 14 x 14 inches is not only perfect for the beach but also for every day use.

3. FOR YOUR ONE-OF-A-KIND PARTNER

“PERSONALIZED NAME NECKLACE” by MyLittleBow, S$42.

Image Credits: mylittlebow.com

Image Credits: mylittlebow.com

Nothing beats a custom-made gift such as a Personalized Name or Word Necklace from MyLittleBow shop. You may use his or her nickname, your secret code or your term of endearment. It will make your girlfriend, boyfriend or best friend feel that you have really thought of them. Orders take about 3 weeks to be ready, so be sure to place your order early!

4. FOR YOUR FOODIE BUDDY

Image Credits: saveur.sg

Image Credits: saveur.sg

They say that a quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. If you desire to impress your loved one without breaking the bank then check out the 3 Delicious Valentine’s Day Dining Places in Singapore That Are Under S$50Tickle your taste buds with cuisines from France, Singapore, and Mexico.

5. FOR THE ADRENALINE JUNKIE

“NORTH FACE WALL CLIMBING” in Sentosa, S$19

Image Credits: sentosa.com.sg

Image Credits: sentosa.com.sg

Want to take on an adventure that is both physically and mentally rewarding for you and your partner? Then try the North Face Wall Climbing in Sentosa. Worry not about falling because the maximum weight the harness can hold is 120 kg. To keep your safety into an optimal level, you are encouraged to cover your shoulders, waist and thighs to minimize any discomfort from the harness. Covered shoes are also required.

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