McDonald’s Returns @ Marine Cove

Media Preview

McDonald’s @ Marine Cove is open!

First opened in 1982, McDonald’s in East Coast Park held many fond memories for its customers like myself. I remembered the iconic McDonald’s to be the very first place I asked Kless out for a date. We were suppose to book a BBQ pit in East Coast Park but when we reached ECP, we realized the office was closed and that was how we took a long slow walk along the beach and finally ended up in McDonald’s for our first date meal and chat.

After 30 years of service and memories, McDonald’s @ East Coast Park was closed in 1982 for redevelopment of the Marine Cove area. 4 years have past and now McDonald’s is again back! Bigger and better!

When the invitation came for a media preview of the new place, I knew instantly I will not want to miss this special place. And we did the same thing again, almost 24 years ago.

We crossed from Marine Parade underground to East Coast Park, and took a leisure 10mins walk to Marine Cove, just the two of us, like the old times.

It’s hard to miss the huge logo even from afar.

And when I say it’s bigger, I really mean much more space catered to families and anyone who wishes to hang around. The outside sitting space is well cooled by the ceiling fans and as we waited outside for the event, I didn’t feel a bit warm or hot.

The re-opening of McDonald’s Marine Cove marks a milestone in McDonald’s evolution in Singapore. It will feature a salad and dessert bar, McDonald’s Signature Collection of premium burgers, soups and new sandwiches, along with family-friendly amenities such as wireless charging stations, an area to park prams, and a shadow wall for children.

For those who still remembers the old layout before the close in 1982, you will remember there was a Regent Bowl just right beside the McDonald’s outlet. It is exactly the same building, refurbished to house the row of new eateries including McDonald’s.

From this picture, you are able to see the slanted ceiling that used to be the ceiling for the Bowling Centre.

 

The new McDonald’s restaurant spans 8.439 square feet, serve customers over six counters, including one McCafe counter and a Dessert kiosk, and seven self-ordering kiosks.

One special feature at McDonald’s Marine Cove is the Google Cardboard viewers. It allow customers to experience virtual reality in a simple and fun way, bringing them on a 360 degree virtual tour so that they can experience the unique offerings that are exclusive to the store.

 

Catering to the growing need for “power”, there are ample wireless charging stations located around the restaurant so that our mobile devices can be sufficiently charged all the time.

For Android users, just place your phone on the aircharge disc and your phone will auto charge (as shown on the right). For all other users, just pull out the cable disc and you will still be able to charge your phone too.

 

So what can you expect in the new McDonald’s Marine Cove?

The Salad Bar offers three different salad choices: Asian, Caesar and Classic Green. The Classic Green is available for $3.90, while the Asian and Caesar are available for $5.50 each. Customers have the freedom to further customize their salad, choosing from a range of add-ons, priced from $0.60 to $1.20 each.

Asian Salad (on the left)
Mixed salad greens tossed with cherry tomatoes, spiral pasta, corn kernels, and red apple slices topped with roasted sesame dressing.

Caesar Salad (on the right)
Iceberg and romaine lettuce topped with chicken fajita strips, shaved parmesan, chicken bacon bits, garlic croutons, and a drizzle of Caesar dressing.

New range of soups will be available at the restaurant.

Mushroom Soup & Broccoli Soup, both are available for $4.50 each. I will vote for my favorite Broccoli!

 

There are also a wide range of sandwiches for you. All ranging between $5.50 to $6.70 each.

     

One of the main highlight for us was the Signature Collection of Premium Burgers. These will be exclusively available at McDonald’s Marine Cove.

Classic Cheese ($8.95 A la Carte)
The Classic Cheese burger features a deliciously seared Angus beef patty sandwiched between delicate slices of creamy cheese. Complementing the patty are juicy slices of tomatoes, sweet grilled onions and crispy smoky chicken bacon.

 

Spicy Tortilla ($8.95 A la Carte)
Featuring a delectable Angus beef patty with a slice of melted cheese, the savory combination is enhance by creamy guacamole, crunchy tortilla chips, whole leaf lettuce, and sweet and juicy slices of tomatoes and onions. The burger is then topped with a fiery spicy sauce.

 

Spicy Chicken with Apple Slaw ($6.95 A la Carte)
A crunchy and juicy chicken thigh meat is topped with peppery rocket and creamy black pepper sauce. This blazing combination is contrasted with a tinge of sweetness from the apple slaw.

 

Our couple choice for the day.
Her – Spicy Chicken with Apple Slaw
Me – Spicy Tortilla

 

Of course we didn’t end our meal without the sweet treats from the McCafe counter.

Affogato / Summer Delight / Belgian Liege Waffle with Avocado, Gula Melaka Syrup & Sundae

  

Though we stay in the North, I am sure we will be back to this place very often.

McDonald’s Marine Cove
Opening hours:
From Sunday to Thursday and on Public Holidays, the restaurant will open from 6am to 12mn.
On Fridays, Saturdays, and eves of Public Holidays, the restaurant will be open 24 hours.

Address:
Marine Cove, 1000 East Coast Park Parkway, Singapore 449876

TOTEM by Cirque du Soleil

Media Invite

The last time I watched a Circus show was probably more than 20 years back. The images of red nose clowns running around providing laughter to the crowd, elephants and monkeys performing stuns to wow the people, high rope acrobatic moves, those were memories that never faded away since. Or I thought would remain unchallenged. Until this show by Cirque du Soleil with TOTEM.

Cirque du Soleil returns to Singapore after ten years with TOTEM, and you will not miss it with the long-awaited return of its trademark blue-and-yellow big top on Bayfront Avenue, next to Marina Bay Sands.

Since its 2010 World Premiere, more than 3.8 million people in 30 cities worldwide have been mesmerized by the intimacy and beauty of TOTEM, winner of the 2013 NYC Drama Desk Awards for Unique Theatrical Experience. Written and directed by Robert Lepage, TOTEM features a cast of 46 acrobats, actors, musicians and singers from 17 countries performing an impressive collection of jaw-dropping acrobatic acts, in an uplifting array of athleticism, comedy, soul-touching theatrics and supporting visual effects.

The word “TOTEM” contains the idea of the order of species. We carry in our bodies the potential of all species, all the way to our desire to fly – like the thunderbird at the top of the totem pole. On an island evoking the shape of a giant turtle, TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. Through a visual and acrobatic language, TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species that share our planet, his dreams and his infinite potential.

With acrobatic performances evoking selected scenes from the story of evolution, and featuring Neanderthals, Cro-Magnons, primates and men in suits, among others, TOTEM depicts a world of archetypal characters who, in their own way, witness and act out the perennial, existential, questions of life.

Alternating between science and legend, and peppered with aboriginal stories of creation, TOTEM explores the evolutionary progress of species, Man’s ongoing search for balance, and the curiosity that propels him ever further, faster, and higher…

 

Thanks to the media invite, a chance to be out for an unforgettable evening with wife and some close friends.

 

The first impression of the set up truly brought me back to my younger days. Everyone was happy (partly because there was no haze), taking photos with family and friends, waiting for friends to come before entering the Big Tent. This is what Circus should be like!

Inside the Tent, we were treated with free popcorn and wine. Totally spoilt for the evening.

 

Be seated early even when the show is not starting any sooner, cos you will be treated to some clown fun.

 

The starting performance set the mood for something spectacular. An acrobat dressed completely in reflective costume hanging upside down was lowered down onto the center of the stage. With the stage lights shining on him from several angles, the result was amazing.

Let the show begin!

 

  

 

  

One of my favorite act has to be the couple acrobatic show. The accompanied music was beautiful and how both the actors twisted and turned hanging on the trapeze 10 meters up, showing off some stunning acrobatic moves was simply mesmerizing.

  

However, the highlight of the entire show has to be the Russian Bars! Literally everyone in the tent was sitting on the edge of our seats, hardly breathing, maybe for fear that even a simple gash would disturb the performance. Witnessing the acrobats leaping high up into the air and landing perfectly in sync with on the flexible bars, sometimes flipping and twisting more than 3 rounds in the air before landing, this is truly ART.

  

It was a very wholesome performance, with breath-taking acrobatics, beautiful dances & music, humorous & funny segments (even though some conversations were in Italian), amazing bodies & toned muscles, spectacular stage & theatrics produce, TOTEM is one show you won’t want to miss!

Tips to enjoy the show
- Entry opens 1 hour before show time. So be sure to be early and enjoy the free popcorn and drinks available.
- The tent is air-conditioned, so you may bring along a light sweater. But I’m sure the show will keep your heart pulsating with warm and anticipation.
- No smoking is allowed within the tent. Be considerate, it’s a family show.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, walking up the metal stairs to your seats can be a challenge for the high heels.
- No video recording. Photography without flash is allowed. Just be sure your camera or phone is good for low light photography.
- IMPT! Restrooms are limited within the Big Tent. Best is to clear your bladder at MBS which is just 3mins walk away.

Ticketing and Show Information
You can purchase your tickets online at www.sistic.com.sg or over the phone at +65 6348 5555.
Corporate and Group bookings are available via Showbiz. Email corporate@showbizasia.com or call +65 6688 1029.

Event Period: 28 Oct 2015 – 6 Dec 2015
Ticket Prices (excl. booking fee): S$98, S$138, S$168, S$188
Show Times: 8pm (Tue-Fri), 4.30pm & 8pm (Sat), 1.30pm & 5pm (Sun)
Duration: 2.5 hours (incl. 30mins interval)
Website: www.cirquedusoleil.com