Louis Vuitton Date Code

While selling my LV bag online, I happened to know from my buyer that authentic Louis Vuitton bags has a date code stamped either on its interior tag or on the lining. It indicates the place and date of its manufacturing.

This is my antique alma bag which was bought years ago.

I found the date code in the inner pocket which was quite difficult to reach. You really have to search thoroughly otherwise you might just miss it.

From my understanding, Date code consists of 6 alpha-numberic digits whereby

• 1&2 digits represent the country where it was manufactured
• List of LV country codes
• France: A0, A1, A2, AA, AAS (special order), AN, AR, AS, BA, BJ, BU, DU, CO, CT, ET, FL, LW, MB, MI, NO, RA, RI, SD, SL, SN, SP, SR, TH, TR, VI, VX
• USA: FC, FH, LA, OS, SD, FL
• Spain: CA, LO, LB, LM, LW
• Italy: BC, BO, CE, FO, MA, RC, RE, SA, TD
• Germany: LP
• Switzerland: DI, FA
• 3&5 digits represent the week or month depending on when it was manufactured
• 1990s it's showing month 
• 2007-present it's showing  week  
• 5&6 digits represent the year it was manufactured

In my case, my Alma bag has a date code of FL0093 which means it was manufactured in USA and a manufacturing date of month 09 in 2003.

Although this is not a proof of its authenticity but if we are buying second hand LV bag, at least it served as an extra check.

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine - Mini Me

I have long wanted to buy a coffee machine but I always find it too expensive.  However, as I was doing my grocery shopping at Cold Storage the other day, I came across this promotion, purchase S$30 in a single receipt and get the latest model of Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffee machine - Mini Me at only S$139. Original price is S$199.

I was so tempted but I did not buy on the spot as I was thinking of doing my research at other electrical stores such as Best Denki, since I have a S$50 voucher. In the end, Best Denki does not even carry this model. And the other model are more expensive than this.

With no surprise, I went back the next day to purchase this cute little machine. I purchased 3 boxes of the capsules to make up the $30 purchase and get to buy the coffee machine at a great price.

This machine comes with 0.8 litre water tank which can make up to 3 cups depending on the type of beverage you made. It is automatic as in you just need to select the level of pressure which are indicated on the capsules, choose it hot or cold (as in room temperature), and the beverage will be dispensed and stopped automatically. It also comes with 6 free capsules in the box which includes Cappuccino, latte macchiato and espresso. By the way, only black color is available for this promotion. 

So far, I am very satisfied with this machine.  It is very easy to operate and clean as well. It also take up very small space since it is rather small. However, it will splatter abit when dispensing the  beverage if you are not using a tall cup.

As for the taste, it does have a strong milky taste since it is using milk powder instead of fresh milk. But I am fine with it.  I am so going to buy more other flavors to try now.

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Coffee machine - Mini Me

S$139 purchase with purchase

Cold Storage

Promotion until 2 Jan 2014

Saveur

My friend brought me to Saveur @ purvis street on a Friday evening.  It was super long queue and no reservation is allowed.  There must be something unique about this restaurant that is attracting the crowd.  

Saveur served french cuisine at an affordable price.  Their main course is priced below $20 whereas the premium one at $24.90.  No wonder everyone is queuing to get in.

Foie Gras at $9.90

Saveur's pasta $4.90

Beef short rib braised in red wine $16.90

Pan-seared sea bass at $14.90

Duck Confit at $12.90

Creme Brulee

 Chocolate and hazelnut $7.90

The taste and presentation is really good for the price we are paying.  However, the portion is really small since it is french cuisine. I will definitely recommend this to my friends.  

By the way, Saveur has opened another outlet at Far East Square.  I walked past the other day on Friday night and there wasn't any queue at all.  Maybe I should go there instead.

Saveur
5 Purvis Street
Talib Court #01-04
Singapore 188584

Tim Wo Han

I believe this needs no introduction as you can see long queue almost every hour outside Tim Ho Wan at Plaza Singapura. There are people who waited for 3 hours just to try their Michelin star Dim Sum!!  

However, I was so lucky that I do not need to queue at all *blink blink* We went to the Toa Payoh branch on a Saturday afternoon. Surprisingly, once we reached there, we were greeted by the waitress at the entrance and ushered to our table immediately.  We even get to choose our seats! *Don't envy*

This is the restaurant menu.  They have quite a limited choice.  Of course we ordered the must try "Four heavenly kings"

The famous baked bun with barbeque pork aka polo bun.  We love this the most, the crust is crisp and the char siew is tasty.  We even ordered extra to bring home.

Steamed egg cake aka 马来糕 is fluffy and soft.  It is also one of our favorite.

Pan fried carrot cake which is nothing too special

Vermicelli roll stuffed with pig liver taste horrible as I do not eat pig liver. If you like liver, maybe you will appreciate this dish.

Overall, I do not mind having the Polo buns and steamed egg cake again.  However, there is no way that I am going to queue for hours just to have this.  

To avoid the queue, visit the Toa Payoh branch during weekday afternoon after 3pm.  The waitress told us that usually it is quiet during that timing.  The restaurant is located opposite courts and on the second level of ERA centre.

Tim Ho Wan
450 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh #02-02
ERA centre Toa Payoh
Singapore 319394

Bear Bites

Isn't this cute? Do you see bear paw bun pictures popped up everywhere in instagram and facebook?  

 This is the place to get your bear paw bun - Bear bites.  It is located at Scape which is just steps away from Mcdonalds. As it is an outdoor cafe, you might have problem eating there when it rains.

3 steps to order your bear paw bun:

Step 1: Choose your meat - only chicken and fish are available

Step 2: Choose the favour of the bear paw bun.  According to the salesperson, the popular one are original milk and squid ink.

Step 3: Choose the sauce from the 6 different choices

The combo set includes a bear paw bun, fries and a bottled drink which cost $7.80.  Add additional $1 to upgrade to cheesy fries and additional $0.20 for honey mustard sauce. The price comes up to $9.00, not really cheap for a fast food meal.

The burger is really huge.  It's almost the size of a person's palm. 

I have chosen the brown sugar bun with chicken and honey mustard.  The bun is soft but overall the taste is nothing to "wow" about. But the cuteness level is totally "WOW"

Bear Bites Singapore
Scape, 2 Orchard Link, #02-42
Singapore 237978