EXPERT BLOGS


Smokey secrets behind Yakitori Enmaru ION

The Finder visited Yakitori Enmaru ION today for a quick lunch to see what all the fuss was about. And what a find we found. 

The restaurant situated on level 4 at ION Singapore is inviting from the outside and has a calm and relaxed feeling about it as you walk through the distinctive Japanese entrance hall into the main table area. The room is spacious, seating about 60 plus at any one time - just a quick heads-up, today the lunch crowd filled within 15 minutes.

It’s always good to experience attentive and happy service staff. The crew on the floor today worked together as a team like clockwork. Only four or five minutes passed before our hot and cold tea was served to our small group. The food order was taken - not a hard task when the menu boasts pictures of most of the main items and a clear introduction to the selection of meat and vegetarian dishes available. Before we knew it food started to flow. I selected just a few small dishes - still nursing the Christmas belly. Fujiyama Soba (pictured) is a crispy version of hot Cha Soba heated and served on a hot lava plate.

Yakitori Enmaru ION This dish was particularly delicious and definitely a must try for first timers. Next, the meat lovers version of heaven.

Yakitori Enmaru IONThese skewers hit the spot. Even after the indulgence of Christmas Day - and turkey left overs for a few days to follow - I was well and truly ready for some succulent, juicy chicken and beef. I then decided to try something a little more adventurous (for me that is). It was a winner from the moment I saw the dish before me. Wagyu Tataki, seared tender wagyu salad. In this case - a picture paints a thousand words.

Yakitori Enmary IONA great lunch had by all and once again, well done to the staff on the floor and crew in the kitchen. A great find. Thanks Yakitori! I look forward to returning to visit again for a leisurely evening meal soon. I’ll have more time to enjoy a wider selection of succulent tastes from your extensive menu. Top find and just in time to make a mark on my 2011. You’re on my HOT LIST for 2012.

Posted by ACP The Finder Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:37:00 GMT

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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Callum Pip Ernest White gets cosy for ChristmasAnd so it is Christmas and what have I done… nothing! A lot! Had a baby! Yikes, I must apologise for my absence - being a mum keeps me busier than I thought it would 


Let’s just saying I’m loving parenthood - what a magical experience. And now the fog of the first four months is lifting I promise I will be posting updates in the New Year - it’s my New Year’s resolution. That and a few others…

After two weeks in the UK introducing Callum to his English rellies we’re now jetting off to Australia for three weeks. No rest for the wicked! And as Callum is becoming a seasoned traveller - and we are becoming the seasoned "traveller" parents - I’ll have loads of tips for travelling with a bub. Until then all I can suggest is Glad ziplock bags for keeping everything in easy reach on the plane and not having to take a big diaper bag into those squishy loos. And opt for the disabled toilet if you can - more room!

So for now, wishing you and your families all the very best for Christmas - whether you’re opting for a relaxed celebration in Singapore, or jetting off to be reunited with loved ones overseas.  May your holiday season be filled with much joy and laughter and 2012 bring you all you wish for!

Posted by www.TheFinder.com.sg Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

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How to distinguish an Aussie non-resident from a resident for tax purposes

Australian property tax and expatriate tax expert STEVE DOUGLAS gives guidelines to differentiate an Aussie non-resident from a resident for tax purposes.

Q My family lives in Australia while I work overseas. Does this mean I’ll be taxed in Australia?

A In the 2009 Australian Federal Budget, the Rudd Government announced rule changes for Australians working abroad – if they are residents for tax purposes. If you’re genuinely living overseas these changes don’t apply to you and tax is not payable in Australia on offshore income, as long as you establish non-resident status.
     If one spouse lives overseas and the other in Australia, this can cause confusion when establishing your tax position. Living apart doesn’t affect your tax status, but it does mean closer scrutiny to ensure you’re actually living overseas, rather than working abroad.
     Consider the following to determine whether you’re a non-resident or resident for tax purposes:

Situation          
Non-resident outcome   

Reason for a split household
You’re entitled to live apart as long as you have a valid reason, such as not wanting to disrupt your child’s education or pursuing personal career goals.   
 
Career location and permanence
You should have a valid employment agreement and your intended period of tenure should be long term, preferably more than two years.  
 
Entitlement to stay        
You would logically need to have a valid Visa in the country you live in to entitle you to stay and work. A short term social or visit Visa would not be appropriate.   
A genuine home. You must maintain a permanent home address in the country in which you reside.  
 
History of travel
You’re able to travel freely to Australia as often as you want, but it should be temporary in nature. If trips become more regular and longer it can be construed you’re based in Australia but visiting overseas for work – hence you will become an Australian tax resident.           

Longevity.
Your intention to live and work abroad for the indefinite future should be clear and your actions should support this – perhaps you might have plans for your spouse to join you at a later date.
 
If you have any doubts as to what type of resident you are, seek professional assistance immediately. Australia allows a full tax credit for any tax paid abroad and there are other tax planning techniques which can help, so don’t be afraid to confirm your status.

Posted by smats Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:08:00 GMT

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Receive facial aesthetic treatments as part of your routine dental treatment

Dr Myles Holt of SMILEFOCUS explains how facial aesthetic treatments add a new dimension to dentistry and your overall appearance.

Cosmetic dentistry has evolved in leaps and bounds over the past decade using innovative techniques such as tooth whitening, porcelain veneers and tooth-coloured filings to significantly enhance the appearance of your teeth and overall looks. These treatments are today a staple of any modern dental practice.
     However, there’s more at play when you smile, laugh and get older than just your teeth. The soft tissues around the mouth and face generally show signs of ageing before the rest of our body. Texture changes in the skin due to exposure to the sun and pollution, lines and wrinkles from years of smiling, frowning and laughing, and a loss of volume in the lips and skin are all signs of aging. So, restoring your teeth only improves one aspect of your overall appearance. 
     If your dentist has the additional training and experience, he or she may also offer facial aesthetic treatments such as wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers, which can make you look more refreshed and youthful and subsequently improve your smile. Dermal fillers restore volume and give greater definition to your lips. They also eliminate the fine vertical lines around your mouth – also known as smokers’ lines – and soften the deep lines and grooves running from your nose to your mouth. Dentists also perform procedures to minimise or eliminate the expression lines around your eyes (crow’s feet), across your forehead and between your eyes.
     When you consider how much time a Dentist spends assessing and working with the appearance of your teeth and face plus their experience in providing safe, accurate and comfortable injections in this area, it’s only logical they are well qualified to provide these particular services. And the best part is these treatments can be done during routine dental appointments and take only minutes to complete – ideal for busy individuals who don’t have the luxury of time. And since the results are temporary and require enhancements approximately every six months, you can do this in conjunction with your routine dental check-up. Facial aesthetics treatments are a natural complement to cosmetic dentistry and when done concurrently, will not only restore your smile but also create a more youthful looking you.  

Dr Myles Holt
B.D.S. (Sydney)
Dr. Myles Holt is from Melbourne, Australia and has more than 10 years of international experience spanning Australia, UK, Europe and the Middle East. His passion and expertise lies in Cosmetic Dentistry and Facial Aesthetic procedures.

 

Posted by smilefocus Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:47:00 GMT

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Crust opens second Gourmet Pizza bar in Singapore

 

 
I know you like it. Most wouldn’t argue, a night in with family or having friends over for some good tucker, a few laughs can be the best remedy for relaxation after a long working week or keeping the family on track heading to the festive showdown, but wait! Let’s not get the turkey in the oven just yet- how about a pizza night.
 
 
The Finder attended the launch of Crust Gourmet Pizza bar on Upper Thompson road this week and the taste was something to write about. The Crust secret I’m sure is just as I say – in the crust. Start with a rectangle shaped pizza base, top with fresh, nutritious ingredients selected from a wide and varied selection of meats, seafood, vegetarian and garnishes, Crust is definitely a winner.
 
The crust difference seems to be in the creative preparation, final texture and consistency of the brand having delivered from over 100 locations Australia Wide - Crust has expanded from its flagship pizza bar in Holland Village Singapore and now delivering to your door. Check out the Crust menu for your next night in – better still, enter the draw to Win The Ultimate Crust Gourmet Pizza Party  
 

Posted by ACP The Finder Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:54:00 GMT

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Give effortlessly and Christmas Cheers!

John Gordon & Jassmin Peter (Assistant Editor) spend quality time with Santa.

Every month is a celebration in Singapore and without exception December takes the (Christmas) cake.  Term break for the kids, festivities to organise, holiday plans to confirm, not to mention the additional and obligatory retail therapy excursions, December in Singapore offers a sumptuous variety of diversity and choice.
Art, music, culture, entertainment, food, wine and seasonal soirées with family and friends all to a backdrop of twinkling fairy lights and snowflakes along the thoroughfares of Raffles City, Millenia Walk and without doubt the most magical and enchanting of all lighting displays, Orchard Road. Be delighted as a member of the local community or an international visitor in a month long celebration of colour and movement to ignite your senses.
If you’re looking for an excuse to hijack your daily routine, now would be a good time to hang up those running shoes – and yes, I’m talking to the 60,000 participants of the Standard Chartered Marathon (you know who you are), we have news for you. It’s time to Party! But getting the party started calls for organisation and military precision. Whether you’re willing to tackle a home cooked spread and savour in the delights of all thing culinary or source the most appropriate festive dining location for you and your loved ones to eat, drink and be merry, we have created a complete Christmas issue which shines a star of wonder to point you in the right direction.
Celebrate the Festive Season is your essential roundup of the tastes of Christmas, where to book your year-end celebration, source the perfect tasty turkey or peruse gift ideas for the one who’s got it all.  There are plenty of festive offers to consider and shopping suggestions to fill your X-mas stocking. And if you’re looking for a venue to raise a glass for a festive cheer’s, Assistant Editor, Jassmin Peter has some high spirited suggestions in Singapore Secrets after visiting waterholes upping the classiness of the Lion City’s cocktail culture.  There’s no denying, we all like to indulge now and again, and in anticipation of those few extra pounds that may creep up on us all in the weeks ahead, The Finder takes a note from a Personal Trainer and Nutritionist who share fitness and wellness advice to ensure we all look sharp throughout the festive season.
Without doubt, Christmas is one of the most anticipated and joyous times of the year where giving is regarded as an integral part of the Yuletide, therefore a perfect time to reflect and consider giving a gift from the heart. We introduce you to The Chain Reaction Project (TCRP) and Cambodian Carers in 5 minutes with…two women whose gift is to give for the benefit of others.
The Finder is the result of a team who give effortlessly and I wish to thank everybody named on the right of this page for their creative, professional and consistent contribution throughout the year. On behalf of The Finder team, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year.Happy Holidays!
  The Finder Team in Singapore 2011
 
 
 

Posted by ACP The Finder Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:14:00 GMT

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