Food Review by Novia Lim: Sun With Moon Japanese Dining & Cafe
By Novia Lim
Salmon Pink Dragon Roll, $13.80 
Very exquisite and well executed sushi roll. The creamy and sweet crab avocado is well balanced with fresh thinly sliced salmon. Perfected with a hint of lemon slice and salty fish roe. Yumz!
Yellow Tail Sashimi, $17.80
You cannot go wrong with fresh sashimi. The yellow tail here passed my stringent taste test as it has a subtle sweetness and almost melts in my mouth. It can be quite costly for 5 slices of fish but it’s definitely an eye candy as it is plated delicately on top of craved ice accompanied with seaweed by the side.
Hokkaido Ramen, $15.80 
The buttery taste really retained my attention but the noodle is slightly too soft for my liking. Comfort food and nice combination for the chilly night.
Okonomiyaki, $12.80
Pan fried very nicely but I love my okonomiyaki to be serve with more sauce!
Goshoimo Mentaiko Cheese Yaki, $15.80
This dish is very pleasing! They balanced the rich taste with broccoli. Cheesy and not too overpowering to the taste buds.
Kamameshi
The signature dish of Sun with Moon is the Kamameshi, a more delicate cousin of our local claypot rice. The kamameshi is served with a small hourglass on top. When the time is up, you can then lift the lid and start enjoying this dish. A bit gimmicky but cute and delightful nonetheless.
Unagi & Asari Kamameshi, $15.80
I had the unagi and clam kamameshi. The unagi was juicy but the clams were a little too dry and not too sweet. It definitely satisfy my carb cravings and can be quite filling.
I was quite impressed with the overall experience in Sun with Moon and will definitely return again!
501 Orchard Road
#03-15 Wheelock Place
+65 6733 6636
Operating Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun & PH: 11.30am – 11.00pm;
Fri-Sat & PH Eve: 11.30am – Midnight
Food:
Ambience:
Value:
Service:
About the Author:
Novia Lim is a global data analyst by profession, honored with years of solid experience with multinational corporations. She is also a hobbyist model and food blogger striving to achieve lifestyle balance with proper prioritization between career, demands of life on one hand and pleasure, leisure on the other.
Novia blogs at http://eatcookshoot.blogspot.com
Novia Lim: Men are “PIGs”
December 10, 2009 by Our Correspondent
Filed under Columnists, Living, Novia Lim, Opinion, Women
By Novia Lim
Following the sexist remark made by New Paper journalist Joanne Soh in a recent article entitled – “My mum is right: All men are pigs” – I have to agree with her, all men are PIGs.
Now, have I gotten your attention on this one? Let me start out by saying that I’m not here to insult or trash men. My understanding of men will be:
P owerful
I mperfect
G uardian
Every day women complain about how unfaithful and lustful men can be but the fact remains that the number of deceiving and unfaithful women out there are on par with men.
A Global Sex Survey conducted by Durex concluded that Americans are topping the list in the partners division with an average of 14.3 partners for both genders.
Maybe in the past there was a significant differences between both genders because women could not afford to be as promiscuous as men without risking the possibility of pregnancy. But through financial independence, modern technologies and birth control, women have leveled the statistics in the playing game.
Now that more female behaviors have evened out the playing field, narrowing the gap between gender equality, are women accusing men for having certain characteristics that even women possess?
Powerful :
“Men want power in order to do something. Boys want power in order to be something.” – Eric Sevareid (1912-1992)
All men want to feel powerful and in control. Since most men are physically stronger than women by nature, they try to prove their superiority over women in most aspects of life. However, men also need love, care and tenderness. No matter how a man may look physically, inside a man he remains a small boy that needs a woman to find comfort and love.
Imperfect :
“Love isn’t finding a perfect person. It’s seeing an imperfect person perfectly.” – Sam Keen
Let’s face it. We are ALL imperfect. Do I even need to elaborate?
Guardian :
For centuries men have seen themselves as the provider, guardian and problem solver of the household. This history explains why today men sometimes put taking home a paycheck ahead of family obligations and offer practical rather than nurturing approaches to women’s emotional crises. For example, if there are weird sounds coming from the living room in the middle of the night, the first reaction of a man will be to grab a baseball bat or golf club to protect his woman.
Men on the other hand can be charmingly simple with emotions like a child. Men are simple. They can survive an entire weekend with only three things: beer, boxer shorts and a TV or laptop.
Equality between men and women is never achievable. But we have been living together forever till now. So what are we fighting for?
Call me a BITCH: I don’t mind to be a Babe In Total Control of Herself.
About the Author:
Novia Lim is a global data analyst by profession, honored with years of solid experience with multinational corporations. She is also a hobbyist model and food blogger striving to achieve lifestyle balance with proper prioritization between career, demands of life on one hand and pleasure, leisure on the other.
Novia blogs at http://eatcookshoot.blogspot.com
Food Review by Novia Lim: Fruity Paradise
November 28, 2009 by admin
Filed under Columnists, Food, Living, Novia Lim
By Novia Lim
I first came across Fruit Paradise among the mad crowd in Manpuku (Tampines). You can now tantalize your taste buds at Fruit Paradise in Orchard Central with a lesser crowd! This new branch also serves a reasonable list of food other than their renowned fruit tarts. It’s now time for a taste test!
Soft Shell Crab Salad, S$8.80 
Was slightly disappointed with the soft shell crab salad. The presentation was reasonable but the soft shell crab is cold and it was no longer crispy. The salad will be more enjoyable if they are able to fry the soft shell crab before serving and plate it side by side with the salad.
Mushroom Curry Rice, S$12.80 
The well flavored, crunchy mushrooms are delightful and go very well with rice.
Golden Black Curry Rice, S$14.80
What? Black curry? The unusual name intrigued me and I had to try this.
Both the golden and black curry was thick and fragrant. There are bits of pork slices in the golden curry but the portion was quite miserable. The black curry was quite interesting as it has a strong hint of black sesame seeds.
Strawberry Montblanc, S$8.30 
A sweet note to end the meal. The strawberry montblanc had finally done some justice to Fruit Paradise. The skillfully decorated fruit tart is pleasing to the eye. Well balanced texture of the fresh strawberries, thick cream and crunchy tart base goes well in harmony with each other. The sweetness was perfect.
Fruit Paradise
181 Orchard Road
#05-51/52 Orchard Central
65099920
Opening Hours: Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Food:
Ambience:
Value: 
Service: 
About the Author:
Novia Lim is a global data analyst by profession, honored with years of solid experience with multinational corporations. She is also a hobbyist model and food blogger striving to achieve lifestyle balance with proper prioritization between career, demands of life on one hand and pleasure, leisure on the other.
Novia blogs at http://eatcookshoot.blogspot.com
5 Steps to Becoming a Model (Photos inside)
November 14, 2009 by admin
Filed under Columnists, Living, Novia Lim, Women
By Novia Lim
Want to be a part of the glamorous and sexy modeling industry? Let’s start with identifying the competitive and complex insides of this industry with some realistic tips.
Step 1: Understanding the Type of Model You Are
Fashion Model
A fashion model is a model that is often hired to promote apparel and clothing. The most typical type of fashion model is a runway model who works in a fashion show.
Requirements for a fashion model include:
- Height requirement: Female 170cm / Male 180cm
- Meet specific clothing size measurements and long legs are preferred
Event / Promotional Model
An event model works at either a convention or a trade show. In Singapore, this is the most common type of model. They are often seen in car shows, IT shows and all types of roadshows.
Requirements for an event model includes:
- Pleasant looking
- Meet specific characteristics requirements to demonstrate a product. (e.g., Fair skin for skin whitening products, long hair for hair products)
Face / Print Model
A print model is hired to model a specific product for photographs found in magazines, newspapers and all other forms of advertisements.
To be a successful commercial print model, there may not be any specific requirements. However, you must be comfortable providing a variety of looks, emotions or body postures during a photo shoot.
Specialty / Body Parts Model
A specialty model only models a part of his or her body (e.g., hands, legs, torso, neck, hair or feet.)
Such models are often used in photo shoots for products such as jewelry, watches and shoes.
Requirements for a specialty model include:
- Flawless body parts.
- No scars, blemishes or wrinkles on specific body parts to be modeled.
Step 2: Building Your Portfolio
As a model, you need to promote yourself. You will need professional photographs of yourself to start off your portfolio. You can either engage a professional photographer or collaborate with photographers on a TFCD basis.
TFCD / TFP, (Time For CD / Time for Print) is a collaboration between a model and a photographer. The job is usually unpaid for both parties and the model will receive a CD or prints of some or all of the shots taken during the shoot in exchange for her time.
You can join websites like clubsnap.com or modelmayhem.com to network with hobbyist, freelance or even professional photographers to collaborate for a TFCD photo shoot.
Guidelines to Building Your Portfolio
- Always use a professional photographer. Make sure you screen the photographer’s portfolio before agreeing to a photo shoot. If you do not like what you see, often you will not get something you like.
- Never work with only one photographer. It will be best to work with several photographers to gather a variety of style for your portfolio.
- Use only the best photos. Do not include all your photos with similar poses and backgrounds in your portfolio.
- Use a variety of pictures, including different angles, body postures, profiles, hair styles and expressions.
Dare to be different!
Step 3: Do Your Homework
Do not expect modeling jobs to land on of your doorsteps. The modeling industry can be extremely competitive and bitchy. It might appear glamorous and breezy to be a model, but the actual fact is that a lot of research is required and there can be many pitfalls.
Modeling Agencies
Research reputable modeling agencies. One reputable resource is the Association of Modelling Industry Professionals (AMIP). In Singapore, we are able to find just a handful of accredited modeling agencies on the AMIP website:
http://www.amip.sg/agencies.htm
There are several small scale modeling agencies but make sure to do your homework to avoid getting scammed.
Black and White
You need to study legal documents such as engagement letters, model release forms, talent agreements, etc, to fully understand what you are getting yourself into. Avoid situations where you are tied down exclusively to one agency and the agency is unable to get you any modeling jobs.
Monkey See Monkey Do
Spend time looking at magazines and modeling websites. The main aim is not to follow exactly what other models do but to learn from them and enhance your own image.
Step 4: Join an Agency
It is not mandatory to join any modeling agency. However major modeling jobs are often offered via agencies.
Be extremely aware of scam agencies. A prominent example will be a suspicious modeling “scout” who approaches you in MRT stations or Orchard road telling you that they want to engage you as their model.
Always do your homework and research modeling agencies, their projects and clientele listing.
Avoid any agencies that require you to:
- Pay upfront fees. May it be signing fees, membership or evaluation fees, a real agency will never require you to pay any money upfront.
- Paid courses or photo shoots – If the agencies require you to pay for makeup, modeling courses or photo shoots to build up your portfolio. They are more than likely interested in earning your money rather than acting as your agent to get modeling deals.
- Too good to be true – There’s no such things as guaranteed jobs or high initial salary. If the agency sounds suspicious or too good to be true, bail out immediately.
Step 5: Improve Yourself!
In modeling, you are the trump card to making an impact! Start looking gorgeous!
You will need to start proper grooming and a skin care regimen right away! Eating right and exercising regularly is also highly recommended.
Essential skills also include the ability to apply basic makeup, posing comfortably in front of the camera and having reasonable fashion sense.
You can also improve yourself by attending courses that teach you how to apply makeup, modeling and how to dress properly.
Conclusion
Not everybody will emerge to be the next top model especially in countries like Singapore where advertisers still favor Caucasians over Asian models. But never give up, work hard to pursue your dreams and protect yourself on your way to becoming a successful model.
Credits:
Model : Novia Lim, Welna Yeo, Angela Kiyomi
Photographer: Satch, Leng Keong, Jeff Boyle
About the Author:
Novia Lim is a global data analyst by profession, honored with years of solid experience with multinational corporations. She is also a hobbyist model and food blogger striving to achieve lifestyle balance with proper prioritization between career, demands of life on one hand and pleasure, leisure on the other.
Novia blogs at http://eatcookshoot.blogspot.com
Men-Tei : Ramen & the City
By Novia Lim, Lifestyle Correspondent
When you are in CBD and craving for a bowl of ramen, regulars will know where they should head off to. Men-Tei Ramen is smack in the middle of Robinson Road and a long queue will start forming by the strike of lunch time.
They have four main types of ramen.
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Tonkotsu / spicy tonkotsu ramen
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Miso ramen / spicy miso ramen
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Shio ramen
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Shoyu ramen
Men-Tei’s signature ramen? Tonkotsu ramen. It’s served with pork broth that’s known to be boiled over high heat for more than 9 hours.
They have a spicy version that adds some twist to cater to local taste buds. What intrigues me is that they charge different pricing for different level of spiciness.
Miso ramen – Men-Tei uses a secret blend of different miso pastes from Japan. They also have a spicy version known to add additional “kick” to for their miso fans.
Shio ramen – Made from another secret recipe with a blend of sea salt that’s seasoned in different types of seafood. If you prefer a lighter taste or not a big fan of pork broth you can opt for this ramen as it’s served in chicken and fish broth.
Shoyu ramen – Replacing salt with soy sauce, you will have a different ramen that’s light yet rich tasting.
Tonkotsu ramen, S$14.00 nett 
My pick was the signature ramen. The noodles were slightly soft but you can request for a more chewy texture if that is your preference. Smooth and rich broth with a good balance of greens and bamboo shoots.
Spicy miso ramen, S$14.50 nett 
My friend had spicy miso ramen for the day. The spicy level was mild, comfortable and does not overpower the miso taste.
I have to highlight their perfect tamago (hard-boiled egg) with a runny yolk consistency. The egg has a light tint of shoyu marinate and the runny egg yolk blends perfectly into the broth.
Yakibuta, S$4.00 nett
Nobody will never complain about too much yakibuta (grilled pork) slices. Hence, I ordered more to share! Dunk the pork slices into your broth and let it melt in your mouth with a sweet and aromatic after taste.
I’ve noticed that they have increased their ramen pricing from $13 to $14. It’s a dollar hike, but it’s still worth returning to.
Men-Tai Ramen
61 Robinson Road
01-01
64384140
Opening Hours: 11:00-15:00, 18:00-22:00
Close on Sat, Sun and Public Holidays
Food:
Ambience: 
Value: 
Service:
About the Author:
Novia Lim is a global data analyst by profession, honored with years of solid experience with multinationals corporations. She is also a hobbyist model and food blogger striving to achieve lifestyle balance with proper prioritization between career, demands of life on one hand and pleasure, leisure on the other.
Novia blogs at http://eatcookshoot.blogspot.com
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