Expect a hot and cold experience of sensorial satisfaction with a unique take on classic and contemporary creations that pay homage to the DNA of the hotel

The quintessential mid-day indulgence – the afternoon tea – at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore’s Lobby Lounge just got more exciting with the introduction of its Fire & Ice Afternoon Tea, making every session now also one of hot versus cold, classic vs contemporary.

Its offerings of sweet and savory morsels with tea pairing will now come laced with odes to the hotel’s signature cocktail, Plantation 1840, with special creations inspired by its flavor profile and unique make centralizing rum.

It promises to bring visual and sensorial satisfaction with items personifying fire, like a lit Baba Au Rhum, and ice, like a raspberry sorbet and sparkling wine, for afternoon tea to remember matched with premium TWG Teas.

Fire & Ice  

Across five courses, nibble your way to an idle afternoon of relaxation.

The first-course presents Smoked Haddock dressed with mentaiko emulsion on a puffed rice cracker, Bacon Cheese Quiche and Chicken Rice Arancini with chili sauce. Brightening up the flavors is a No.10 Tea, an aromatic green tea with notes of bright chamomile and heather along with wild honey to lengthen the fruity aftertaste.

The second course serves a Smoked Salmon Focaccia layered with pistachio cream cheese, Cucumber Finger Sandwiches with dill crème Fraiche and Pulled Chicken Croissant with egg mayonnaise. The richness is matched with a Tie Guan Yin superior oolong tea of flowery fragrance and light astringent infusion.

The third course offers the quintessential afternoon tea Scones of classic and cranberry renditions. Served with passionfruit chocolate spread, clotted cream, berry jam and a Purple Buds Chinese Oolong Tea carefully blended to release the best notes of citrus astringency.

The Intermezzo brings the Ice element of the experience with fresh raspberry sorbet and a side of sparkling wine.

The fourth course introduces the fire, with a Baba Au Rhum, the hotel’s twist to the classic rum baba by incorporating flavors of its signature cocktail, the Plantation 1840. A light and airy yeast cake soaked in a syrup made from the cocktail is lit in fire for a fiery dessert that pairs exceptionally well with The Bellini, a warm black tea blended with Autumn nuts, peach, and fire-red blossoms.

The fifth and last course entices with all things sweet like Chocolate Marzipan Cake, Citrus Meringue Tart, Plum Streusel and Strawberry Cheesecake, all well matched with the White Sky Tea, a union of the Majestic Yin Zhen white tea leaves, which lend a crystalline flavor, and ylang-ylang flowers, which impart a fragrant oil to the fruity blend.

Step back in leisurely time every 2.30pm to 5pm at the Lobby Lounge, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore. The high tea set is priced at $58++ per person with tea pairing, add $20++ for two glasses of champagne. 

Address: Lobby Lounge, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, 15 Stamford Road, Singapore 178906

Phone: +65 6715 6871

Email: reservation.15stamford@kempinski.com

Opening hours: 11am to 10pm Afternoon Tea: 2.30pm to 5pm

Facebook: @capitolkempinski

Instagram: @capitolkempinski

Hashtag: #CapitolKempinskisg

As Singaporeans continue to spend more time at home, it’s important to support the health and comfort of those living spaces. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces is an important step, but one often overlooked aspect of a home’s health and comfort is its air quality.

Proactively addressing potential air quality issues can result in cleaner air and more comfortable living. There are multiple factors that may affect your home’s air quality. 

1. Indoor particulate matter consists of the visible and invisible airborne particles in the air that can enter your nose and lungs, some triggering allergies, asthma, and other potential health problems.
2. Carbon monoxide, sometimes called the “silent killer,” is a colorless, odorless gas that can build up to dangerous levels if not properly ventilated, causing headaches, drowsiness, and, in some cases, death.
3. Too much humidity can encourage the growth of bacteria and mold. Too little humidity can dry out your skin and wood furniture.
4. Volatile organic compounds are emitted by everything from household cleaners and paint to new furniture and dry-cleaned clothing. These compounds can have an adverse impact on your short- and long-term health, so proper ventilation is essential.
5. The level of air pollution in your community can affect your indoor air quality since opening a door or window brings that air indoors.

If you’re unsure about your home’s unique air quality needs, you may benefit from a tool like Carrier’s “Improve My Air” quiz, which was designed to help homeowners and renters determine which indoor air quality solution is a good fit for their spaces. You can also take steps to improve the indoor air quality of your home with these practical tips.

1. Change your filters. Clean filters support your heating and cooling system’s ability to operate efficiently.
2. Control humidity levels. When the air is too damp, the chance of bacteria and mold growth is higher, but when it’s too dry, your skin, lungs, and furniture may feel the impact. Many experts recommend a humidity level of 40-50% for optimal air quality.
3. Invest in an air purifier. An air purifier is a simple way to improve your indoor air quality. Carrier has just introduced a new room air purifier that doesn’t require professional installation, making it an easy and portable solution for both homeowners and people renting their spaces. The purifier comes in two sizes and is powerful enough to purify the air in rooms up to 550 square feet. Its high-performance fan and high-efficiency filtration system capture airborne pollutants and its 360-degree design filters air from multiple angles while easy-to-change filters make it a low-maintenance solution for busy households.
4. Strategically place greenery. Plants are natural air filters, so placing a few indoor plants around your living space may help improve your indoor air quality while also enhancing your home’s decor. Small plants like ferns and lilies are among the best options for pulling contaminants from the air.

Find more solutions for improving your home’s indoor air quality, and take the “Improve My Air” quiz, at CarrierAtHome.com.

Healthful eating starts with the ingredients you use, so it’s important to use fresh, seasonal ingredients that pack a nutritional punch. One of the easiest ways to meet your daily nutrient needs is to eat a variety of whole foods like fruit because they provide a unique mix of beneficial nutrients that can’t always be found in a supplement.  

Oranges are best known as an excellent source of vitamin C to support a healthy immune system because one orange can offer 70-100% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C depending on the varietal. However, oranges also offer other important nutrients your body needs to stay healthy, including: 

1. Phytonutrients (beneficial compounds produced by plant foods) like flavonoids, which can help mitigate cell damage and support brain and heart health. 
2. Citrus is the only type of fruit packed with hesperidin and naringin, two flavonoids that offer anti-inflammatory properties. 
3. Potassium, which the body can’t produce on its own, supports cell function, healthy blood pressure levels, bone health, and hydration. 
4. California Navel and Cara Cara oranges are good sources of fiber, which supports gut health. 
5. Oranges are good sources of folate, which is particularly important to consume during pregnancy because of its role in cell growth, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

Oranges are a versatile fruit, making them an easy addition to both sweet and savory dishes as well as beverages. Try incorporating oranges into your weekly meal plan with dishes like a lighter version of orange chicken or drinks like this Orange Moscow Mule Mocktail. To help maximize the flavor profile and nutritional benefits of California oranges, consider these tips:

1. Numerous parts of citrus can be consumed, including the flesh, juice, zest, and peel, meaning a single piece of fruit can go a long way. 
2. Next time you use citrus in a beverage or as part of a meal, bring it to room temperature before cooking to help ensure you get the most juice. 
3. Because vitamin C is water-soluble, it’s important to eat it fresh. When using as part of a recipe, use as little water as possible and avoid overcooking. 
4. For storage, it’s often best to keep oranges refrigerated to help them last longer and ensure freshness. 

Orange Moscow Mule Mocktail

Recipe courtesy of Gina Homolka of “Skinnytaste”

Servings: 1

1 California Cara Cara orange

1 cup ice

1 bottle (6.8 ounces) light ginger beer

fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Slice orange in quarters then cut 2-3 slices for garnish and set aside. Juice the rest of the orange and place it in a copper mug (or any glass). Fill the glass to the top with ice. Add ginger beer and garnish with orange slices and mint leaves.

Mornings may look different from the norm for many families but staying on track with healthy choices remains a top priority. While you may not be stopping at your favorite coffeehouse on the way to work or school drop-off, a new way to enjoy coffee has grown in popularity, allowing you to get more out of your cup of joe from home.

The popular trend, known as “proffee,” got its name from a protein and coffee combination that adds nutritional benefits to coffee drinks. By adding a protein-rich option like Premier Protein 30g High Protein Shakes to your coffee, latte, or cappuccino – hot or iced – your cup can provide you with up to 30 grams of protein and 24 vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants vitamins C and E that help support a healthy immune system.

Available in nine indulgent flavors – including fan favorites like Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel, Cinnamon Roll, and Cookies and Cream – these shakes make it easy to stay on track with your health goals and allow for “proffee” personalization. Plus, they can be enjoyed straight from the container as part of a nutritious breakfast, afternoon snack, post-workout boost, or as an ingredient in a protein-packed recipe.

For those looking to make their own proffee, a Chocolate Latte is as simple as it is nutritious. Basic in the best way, you can enjoy the benefits of coffee, but with protein, vitamins, and the addition of delicious chocolate notes. Or, for another warm coffeehouse-style option, you can take advantage of the many health benefits of curcumin and turmeric in a Golden Turmeric Vanilla Protein Latte. A sprinkle of pepper may sound odd in your latte, but the pepper can actually improve your body’s absorption of the turmeric.

To learn more, visit premierprotein.com.

Chocolate Latte 

1/2 cup hot brewed coffee or 2 shots of espresso 

1 Premier Protein 30g High Protein Chocolate Shake

2 teaspoons cocoa nibs

1. In a large 14-16-ounce mug, prepare espresso or coffee.

2. Pour chocolate shake on top to combine.

3. Top with cocoa nibs.

Nutritional information per serving: 203 calories; 6.4 g total fat; 2.4 g saturated fat; 0 g trans fat; 20 mg cholesterol; 189.6 mg sodium; 7.7 g total carbohydrates; 4 g dietary fiber; 1.1 g total sugars; 30.9 g protein; 6 mcg vitamin D; 23 mg vitamin C; 3.8 mg vitamin E; 650 mg calcium; 3.5 mg iron; 538 mg potassium. 

Golden Turmeric Vanilla Protein Latte

1 Premier Protein 30g High Protein Vanilla Shake

2 shots espresso

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 dash black pepper

1. Froth vanilla shake using frother on a warm setting. If you don’t have a frother, simply shake in a container for 45 seconds, pour into a mug, and microwave for 45 seconds. 

2. Add espresso to 14-16-ounce mug then top with the frothed shake, turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper; whisk to combine.

Nutritional information per serving: 171.3 calories; 3.3 g total fat; 0.5 g saturated fat; 0 g trans fat; 20 mg cholesterol; 238.6 mg sodium; 6.6 g total carbohydrates; 1.7 g dietary fiber; 1.1 g total sugars; 30.1 g protein; 6 mcg vitamin D; 23 mg vitamin C; 3.8 mg vitamin E; 650.2 mg calcium; 2.5 mg iron; 348 mg potassium.

If feeding your family wholesome meals is a daily goal, keep in mind you can serve up tasty foods that also feed your immune system by including ingredients like mushrooms. With their earthy flavor, mushrooms – like many other fruits and vegetables – can also play a positive role in supporting a healthy immune system.

There are a variety of micronutrients important for supporting a healthy immune system. Consider that three of these nutrients (vitamin D, selenium, and B vitamins) can be found in mushrooms, meaning these family-friendly recipes for Roasted Chicken Thighs and Veggies with Mushroom Orzo Risotto; Grilled Portobello Gyros with Yogurt Dill Sauce; Creamy Spinach, Mushroom, and Lasagna Soup; and Asian Barbecue Sesame Salmon with Noodles and Veggies can help you add all-important nutrients to your family’s menu.

Grilled Portobello Gyros with Yogurt Dill Sauce

Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks of “Zen and Spice”

Cook time: 15 minutes 

Total time: 25 minutes 

Servings: 4 

4 portobello mushrooms

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 yellow bell peppers, sliced

Yogurt Dill Sauce:

1 English cucumber, grated

1 cup whole-milk 

Greek yogurt

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 small lemon, juice only

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon minced fresh dill

4 pita breads or naan

2 tomatoes, thinly sliced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 head green lettuce

crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Remove stems from mushrooms and brush caps with a wet towel. Using a spoon, carefully scrape out gills. Slice mushrooms into 1/4-inch pieces and place in a medium bowl with olive oil, oregano, and smoked paprika.

Preheat an indoor grill pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and peppers; grill, tossing occasionally, until tender, 5-7 minutes.

To make yogurt dill sauce: Squeeze grated cucumber in a clean towel to remove excess liquid. Add to a large bowl with yogurt, sour cream, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and dill. Stir to combine.

To serve, place mushrooms and peppers in the middle of pita bread. Top with tomatoes, onion, lettuce, feta, if desired, and a big dollop of yogurt dill sauce.

Creamy Spinach, Mushroom and Lasagna Soup

Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks of “Zen and Spice”

Cook time: 30 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes 

Servings: 4 

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, small diced

8 ounces crimini mushrooms, sliced

1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce

1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1 tablespoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 bay leaf

3 cups vegetable broth

6 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces

1/2 cup heavy cream

5 ounces fresh baby spinach

1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping

Heat large pot over medium heat.

Add olive oil, garlic, onion, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions and mushrooms soften, 4-5 minutes.

Add marinara, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, basil, salt, oregano, pepper, bay leaf, and broth. Bring to boil over high heat then reduce heat to low and simmer.

Add lasagna noodles and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and remove bay leaf.

Stir in heavy cream and spinach until wilted, 2-3 minutes.

Divide between bowls and top with a dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of mozzarella.

Roasted Chicken Thighs and Veggies with Mushroom Orzo Risotto

Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks of “Zen and Spice”

Cook time: 50 minutes 

Total time: 1 hour, 10 minutes 

Servings: 4 

Chicken: 

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

16 ounces crimini mushrooms, quartered

3 zucchini, sliced in half moons

3 large carrots, thinly sliced

4 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves removed and roughly chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

Orzo: 

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 small yellow onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

16 ounces crimini mushrooms, finely chopped

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1/3 cup white wine

1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

To make chicken: Preheat oven to 450 F.

Pat chicken dry. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Sear chicken until browned, 4-5 minutes on each side.

In a large bowl, toss mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, garlic, and rosemary. On a large baking sheet, spread vegetables. Nestle chicken into vegetables. Drizzle with butter and juices from the pan.

Bake 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.

To make orzo: In a small pot over medium-low heat, warm broth.

Using skillet from chicken, add butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions soften, 3-4 minutes.

Add orzo and black pepper. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Add white wine and cook until evaporated, about 1 minute.

Add warm broth to orzo 2/3 cup at a time, stirring until liquid is absorbed. Repeat with remaining broth, waiting until the last batch is absorbed before adding more. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan.

Serve in individual bowls with chicken and roasted vegetables atop mushroom orzo risotto.

Asian Barbecue Sesame Salmon with Noodles and Veggies

Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks of “Zen and Spice”

Cook time: 30 minutes 

Total time: 40 minutes 

Servings: 4 

Sauce:

1/2 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional)

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

2 tablespoons barbecue sauce

2 tablespoons water

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 1/2 pounds salmon (4 filets)

12 ounces stir-fry (pad thai) rice noodles

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 pound white mushrooms, sliced

1 cup sugar snap peas

1 large broccoli head, cut into bite-size florets

2-3 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

sesame seeds, for garnish

Preheat oven to 400 F.

In a small saucepan, whisk soy sauce; brown sugar; rice vinegar; garlic; ginger; chili garlic sauce, if desired; sesame oil; and barbecue sauce. Bring to boil over high heat then reduce heat to simmer. 

In a small bowl, whisk water and cornstarch. Pour into pan and cook on low, whisking often, until sauce thickens, 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Pour 3 tablespoons of sauce into a small bowl. Brush salmon filets with reserved sauce and place on a baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes, or until salmon is flaky. Discard small bowl sauce if any remains.

Cook stir-fry noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse and set aside.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sesame oil. Add mushrooms, snap peas, and broccoli. Cook, stirring often, until veggies are tender-crisp, 7-8 minutes. Add noodles and remaining sauce from pan; toss to combine.

To serve, divide noodles, veggies, and salmon between plates. 

Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Keeping fresh fruit around the house provides a healthier alternative when your sweet tooth comes calling. Understanding how and when to buy at the peak of ripeness (or just before, in some cases) can help you avoid food waste while keeping your doctor happy. 

Consider these simple tips for recognizing ripe fruits:

1. Strawberries: Check the area at the top of the berry near the stem and leaves. A ripe strawberry is fully red; green or white near the top means the fruit is underripe. 
2. Watermelon: The “field spot,” or the area where the melon sat on the ground, should be yellow, and a tap on the rind should produce a hollow sound. 
3. Cherries: Flesh should appear dark with crimson color and feel firm. 
4. Blueberries: Similar to cherries, the color should deepen to dark blue. A reddish or pink color may be visible in unripe berries. 
5. Blackberries: Look for a smooth texture without any red appearance. Because blackberries don’t ripen after being picked, they tend to spoil quickly. 
6. Cantaloupe: You should detect a sweet smell, and the melon should feel heavy upon lifting. 
7. Peaches: A sweet, fragrant odor should be apparent. The skin should feel tender but not soft. 
8. Pineapple: Smell is again an important factor for pineapple – a sweet scent shows it’s ready, but a vinegary one likely means it’s overripe. 
9. Raspberries: Generally follow the same rules as blackberries. Best eaten within a couple days of purchase, a bright red color represents ripe berries. 
10. Bananas: A ripe banana features a peel lightly spotted without significant bruising. Your best bet may be to purchase bananas still slightly green and allow them to ripen at home. 

Committing to a daily wellness routine may include many components from eating healthy and exercising to meditating and achieving quality sleep. For some, the most difficult of these goals is changing eating habits to consume more nutritious foods. 

However, rethinking the way you eat (and drink) doesn’t have to mean a colossal shift in your diet. According to Healthline, clean eating and the addition of a small amount of apple cider vinegar to your daily routine can help support healthy digestion, weight range maintenance, healthy glucose levels, and a functioning immune system. In fact, some experts recommend consuming 1 ounce of apple cider vinegar each day as a shot or part of a recipe. 

Consider an apple cider vinegar option from Marukan, which has brewed premium vinegar for 370 years, to create dishes from breakfast to dinner. Start your day by enjoying this Blueberry Apple Cider Vinegar Smoothie that takes just 5 minutes to make so it doesn’t throw off your morning routine. 

A quick, nutritious, and easy weeknight dinner is what many families strive for, and you can accomplish that feat with Apple Cider Vinegar Beef and Broccoli. Cooked broccoli florets and beef strips are combined with an apple cider vinegar and ponzu soy dressing-based sauce and served over cooked rice for a 20-minute meal your loved ones can savor together while simultaneously enhancing your nutrition.

These recipes can help you participate in the Marukan Apple Cider Vinegar 24-Day Challenge, which encourages entrants to consume 1 ounce of apple cider vinegar each day and share the benefits they experience while creating daily wellness habits journeys to healthier routines. 

Find more information about participating in the challenge along with nutritious recipes at MarukanACV.com. 

Blueberry Apple Cider Vinegar Smoothie

Total time: 5 minutes

Servings: 2

1 cup spinach

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons Marukan Organic Apple Cider & Rice Vinegar Drink Blend

1 tablespoon almond butter

1/2 cup bananas, frozen

1/2 cup blueberries, frozen

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, ground

1/4 teaspoon ginger, minced

1/2 cup almond milk yogurt, plain

fresh blueberries, for garnish

In a blender, blend spinach, water, organic apple cider, almond butter, frozen bananas, frozen blueberries, chia seeds, cinnamon, ginger, and yogurt until smooth. Pour into two glasses and garnish with fresh blueberries. 

Apple Cider Vinegar Beef and Broccoli

Total time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 pound broccoli florets

1 pound beef strips

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1/2 cup Marukan Ponzu Premium Soy Dressing with Sudachi Citrus

1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

3 tablespoons Marukan Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

cooked rice

sliced green onions, for garnish

cilantro, for garnish

sesame seeds, for garnish

In a skillet over medium heat, heat vegetable oil. Cook broccoli for 3 minutes until slightly softened; set aside. Add beef to the pan and cook for 3 minutes until browned. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. 

In a bowl, mix ponzu soy dressing, beef broth, sesame oil, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch. Add sauce mixture to beef in a skillet and cook 10 minutes until sauce mixture cooks down. Toss in broccoli and cook for 2 minutes. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds. 

Joy Luck Teahouse is set to open its sixth outlet at Sun Plaza! The happiness is doubled as the grand opening will coincide with Everybody’s Birthday, which falls on 18 February 2021. In conjunction with the new outlet opening, the teahouse will launch a new item: Crispy Condensed Milk Bun 奶油豬 (S$2.80). 

The fluffy bun is buttered after being toasted until the outside achieves delicate crispiness. Then, it is drizzled with condensed milk, which contributes a lovely sweetness. This staple is commonly served at Hong Kong's authentic teahouses. The bun will be exclusively available at the Sun Plaza outlet from 18 February 2021 to 21 February 2021; after which it will be available at other outlets.