Saturday, January 30, 2010

Where Are You?

Have you ever walked into a situation whereby the problems are all new and you've never experienced it before? Results will often be disastrous. You may be willing to solve the problems as they come, one at a time. Then troubles started rolling in faster than you can handle and more often, they take you by absolute surprise. You're left more lost than ever. With only the last bit of comfort you can seek, you walk on with all the courage and hoping that problems will be gone before you have to face it head on. The problems will then start eating you up bit by bit. Before you know it, you have vanished into thin air and dungeon is the place that you go to for comfort.

If only Grandma is here, she'll probably run her fingers through my hair and give me a pat on my head. That was all enough... If only...

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Mambo Jambo

Last night was Mambo Jambo night since a long time. To see organised dancing kept us giggling the entire night. Alcohol kept me happy. The group reminded me of Pink Elephant and hell yeah do I wanna party there again. Before I went, I was wondering if we would be the oldest patrons but as it turned out, besides the young punks, there are quite a fair number of people around our age. Dancing ourselves silly before tucking ourselves into nice hot Bak Kut Teh at Balestier is probably the most interesting thing I've done in months.

I'm not in a mood for a lengthy entry so here you go...

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Local Food Galore

Saw some pictures of friends pretending to be tourists at their very doorstep and I must say, it looked pretty darn interesting. Hell no, I did not decide to be a tourist. But by pure chance, I was up on the Singapore Flyer earlier this month. With friends visiting, a couple of us went down to East Coast Lagoon last night and decided to fatten up ourselves. Here's a list of the food excluding the beers:

- Char Kway Teow
- Hokkien Prawn Noodles
- A variety of satays
- Chilli Crab + Man Tou
- Gong gong (Some kind of shell fish)
- Sambal stingray
- Otah
- Gao Lak (Roasted chestnuts)

All these food among 6 people. I must have put on another kilo or 2 from last night.

After dinner came the fun part. I must admit that post dinner, my NYC Twin and myself decided that no decent coffee place would be open so we would love to head home. Eventually, we stayed and beer was "served" by the beach and conversations didn't end till the storm blew us away, literally. It was simple yet so much fun. All the laughter and teasing made up the night.

We didn't quite had the chance to bid each other goodbye but would that matter since we're heading to Zouk tonight. It is Wednesday and it's Mambo night. Mambo nights to many of us meant "last decade" so it's gonna be mainly people watching. Somehow, my sixth sense tells me it's gonna be an insane night.




This song by 庾澄慶 will always remind me of his ex-wife, 伊能静. I guess the most unexpected things do happen and it's not for any bystanders to say who's right or wrong. Was watching the entertainment news and saw the way he was protecting his son made me want to watch more of his videos on youtube and figure out what kind of man he actually is. His relationship with 伊能静 actually went back a long way and it's sad when breakups like that happen. But it happens...

Monday, January 18, 2010

Brunch @ Spruce

On a lazy weekend, all you want to do is to wake up to a lazy breakfast and slump back to laze the rest of the day away. Yesterday was slightly different but I must say, it's been a while since I had such a well-balanced and enjoyable Sunday. Apart from the fact that I didn't go to church, everything was almost perfect.

The day started with me jumping out of bed after hearing KWD's voice on the phone going, "you mean you're still in bed?" I was late for brunch on the weekend that followed my birthday so as much as I know it may not be a birthday celebration, I did expect a birthday song ritual to go off as some point in time. Lunch was organised by Atomic Pilot but unfortunately, he was unable to make it. Nonetheless, laughter filled the air in the private function room of Spruce.

Talks about wedding themes got everyone laughing and contributing to more stomach spasms. The HUGE slice of cake was shared amongst everyone, force fed by me with a single spoon. Looking back when Skeeter Mom tried to hold me back from an oxygen break, it brought a snigger to this quiet room that I'm in blogging on the event. I will probably never be able to forget that I told her, "Why later? Got cake huh?"

After lunch, KWD and myself braved through the heat and crowd of pre-Chinese New Year frenzy of Chinatown to look for this accupressure place I went to years back. Surprisingly, they were still there! So off we went to attempt to relieve the pain from my ankle injury and his stiff neck by putting ourselves through even worse pains.

A movie was all that was needed to end the beautiful Sunday. We couldn't get tickets to "It's Complicated" hence we picked any movie that was available. It was never a choice to watch "The Spy Next Door" but just because it's a Jackie Chan's film. As usual, it didn't disappoint us but I must say, some of the actions and tricks are getting kinda stale. It's almost like, I've seen it before! But the bloopers at the end of the movie was hilarious. If you ever go catch this film in the theaters, stay till the very end.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Sorry Sorry

Watching my words with tact has never been a forte. But for once, I knew my words stabbed right into where I knew it'd hurt most. Sadly, it's on someone I care the most for. The words didn't hold what it really meant but was said in a fit of anger. The damage was something I didn't expect. I do admit that I've taken the "everything nice" for granted. Sorry didn't sound like the hardest word for once. I had to volunteer the apology knowing that the fault was rightfully mine.



Even amongst all the tension, the gift of love was delivered to me. It wasn't the tangible material part but the love behind the surprise that was presented given all the pain I have put the giver through. My indifference did not reflect how grateful I really am. The subsequent silence stabbed me back in spiteful revenge. It was the kind of pain that I have to go through but nothing like what I caused.  The least I could do was to give you the space you need until I'm needed once again.

A lifetime is a lifetime. Only you'd understand...

Friday, January 15, 2010

Mad For Garlic

Wanted to share a latest yet understated discovery. For all the foodies (like myself) out there, you have got to try this place.




My first encounter with Mad For Garlic was when I was in Seoul sometime last year. The food impressed me hence my excitement when I found out that they are in SG. Take a walk down Suntec and right opposite Harry's (beside Top Shop), you will find this restaurant tucked in the corner and IMO, not doing it much justice. The vaguely gothic design reflects a simplified version of what they are in Seoul and I actually prefer the SG one.That said, here comes the most important part. The food...

How can you go to a restaurant with a name like "Mad For Garlic" and not have garlic bread? Now, here's their version of Garlic Bread. It's in a tower and after flattening it up, it cuts in 4 x 1.5" size. Feeds 2-4 comfortably. Absolutely yummy and it doesn't have the yucky pungent smell of garlic. At least I didn't burp garlic at the end of the meal... The bread was fresh and HOT OUT OF THE OVEN. Absolutely love it! My only gripe was that I should have asked for some olive oil to dip it in which I didn't because I wanted to have it original. Will try that on my next visit though.




Now comes the main. Unfortunately, I was too quick in gobbling down my favourite Garlic Snowing Pizza which has a generous yet just about right amount of cheese on it. It's the new Hawaiian! Then again, if you're allergic to shrimps, then please try this other pizza with 4 cheeses. Forgot the name but tasted as heavenly. The pizza selection is by far my favourite over the others including their very own menu of risottos and other dishes. I'm biased cuz their pizzas made me wanna go back for more ALL THE TIME. I guess that's what they call CRAVING!!!

And me, being a fan of good steak, I'm usually very particular. I get disappointed easily with horribly or overly cooked beef. I love mine medium rare and that was it. Even then, I plucked up enough courage to order the following dish which I totally forgot the name. (Yes, good food does that to you...) I was so prepared to get disappointes, as they say about having high expectations... And guess what, I wasn't. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised with how the beef turned out. It was succulent and soft. The rice was a little too spicy for my liking cuz haha, I can't take spicy food at all. But I guess I could have requested for them to have it less spicy. But those of you who like spicy food, they have got a great selection of really hot stuffs.





If you have got a private event to host for a small group, they even have a private room. Managed to sneak a picture for you guys...




Now here comes the most important part for some of you... The pricing. I guess for many of us, if the food is good, the price wouldn't be too much to consider but this is definitely not gonna burn a hole in your pocket. On average, I would say it ranges from $20 to $40 per pax. At about $30 per pax, it's quite a comfortable meal.

Service wise, the staffs are very young and inexperienced. They do make blunders that makes you roll your eyes. But somehow, they're rather sincere so I kinda forgave them for it. And them being a new restaurant, it'll take a bit of time for the staffs to be fully trained up. Meanwhile, good food is enough to keep me going back for more.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Makansutra Horror

Was channel surfing and came across "Makansutra Raw" on Discovery Travel & Living. Needless to say, it is one of my favourite channels. Upon hearing a familiar accent, I stopped for a good 5 minutes because the host was introducing irresistible Royce chocolates.

And you may have guessed it, the host was not other than Seetoh. I have no issues with the accent but this chap, being the foodie that he's supposed to be, showed no respect for food. He gobbled down any and every dish that was in front of him. To be fair, it might be required of him to display some form of desperation for good food. But please, given that you're a travel/food channel host, can you please eat with your mouth closed? The crude and unsightly chewing definitely put me off from anything that he introduced. They certainly do not look more appealing (or even vaguely appealing) after his introduction and on the contrary, he could have easily killed your lunch or dinner if you have tried to watch him during your meal times.

If Makansutra is of any relation to good food, this guy must be the one hit failed actor from a very bad porn movie who no one will want to remember. There is no reason how he could host the show apart from being the person who founded Makansutra. I am utterly disgusted.

Have I ever mentioned his cameo appearance in Anthony Bourdain's trip to Singapore? If not, let me put this in record that the places that he brought Tony did not properly introduce what Singaporean food actually is. Very ironically, Seetoh brought him to some of the places that locals will never go. This is not a good reflection of how Singapore is like to the g'zillion other foreign viewers that get to watch the show in the comfort of their couch wondering what a horrible food Singaporeans can dish out.

By any chance if he gets to read this post, my advice to him is to get a decent wardrobe if you decide to appear in front of a TV show (especially as a host!), potentially to the rest of the world, please wear something decent or at least, TV worthy. The money that they pay you, include having you looking good but of course I understand that it's not easy for you. Please don't let me hate my favourite channel.

Bleah...

Monday, January 11, 2010

Yes, I'm that close to 30. But not quite...

Now! That's a party!



Finally, it's the end of yet another decade and another last 365 days before I hit the BIG 3. At some point before I hit the sack last night, I slump into some kind of very superbly mild depression. More of a moment of "mid-life crisis menopausal mood change". I felt old and thought, if only life could be simpler. If not for all the complication, would my life be more peaceful and settled? Everything seems to be hanging around in the air. It doesn't stink, or rather, the air smells good but it's still the air.

Doesn't matter because I'm a happy girl today. I refused to be called a woman until I'm 30 and I have got another year to go. I'm a big big girl, in a big big world...

Weirdly enough, I'm dying to get dead drunk some time this week.

Friday, January 08, 2010

My Potato & Egg Salad



Years back, whenever there's a party over at KTM Yacht's place, there would be copious amount of food, drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and cigars. Now that everyone is apart and I've lost total contact with almost everyone in that group, apart from all the fun and laughter that still lingers at the back of my head, KTM Yacht's Mom's wicked potato salad lived on in my memories. So days ago, I decided to make some for myself. Afterall, it can be refrigerated and be eaten for the next few days. And since I'm home most of the time, having something delicious to munch on is always a good idea. Then again, the fact that it's extremely unhealthy makes it a love and hate relationship.

While I start with the intention to make potato salad, I ended up with Potato & Egg Salad since I added a little too many eggs into the equation. Frankly, I never work with recipes and I wasn't working on any. But when I added everything together, I knew I'm going to have an egg-ified potato salad. Fresh bacon bits could have made it yummier but it was a trial. Thankfully, it turned out alright. It's just potatoes, eggs, onions and bacon. How bad can it get? Well, the onions are alot more pungent than I'd like it to be and now my fridge smells like durians galore. No one's complaining so I guess that's a good sign.

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Creating Dreams

Cakes have always been the age old celebratory tool we have all enjoyed and experienced too many times in our lifetime. Be it birthdays or weddings, it is a must. From old pictures, I had my first birthday cake shaped after the number "1". Subsequently, birthday cakes for me became smaller or in recent years, non-existent. The design of cakes, however, did not stop at traditional designs which we now consider it to be cheesy.

While surfing local confectionary sites, I salivated not at my favourite passion fruit meringue which my loveliest Meiren Cousin got me for my birthday a couple of years back, I was going through pictures of their amazing combinations of croquembouche and cupcakes. Although I've always wondered why have they not ventured into croquembouche of macarons, the gallery was enough to keep me busy for a while.

As my excitement level grew, I decided to feast my eyes with more beautiful pictures of confectionary, cakes in particular. Our very own talent, Cheryl Shuen, has never failed to amaze me time and again. If Vera Wang is to wedding gowns, Cheryl Shuen is to wedding confectionary in Singapore. I have to say that her popularity has a part to play in limiting her creativity but I'm always excited to see her new masterpieces on her blog. Essentially, she's selling a dream. A very beautiful dream that most brides & grooms would want her touch on their cake if given no limiting budget.

To not sound like a frog in my own well, I have seen even crazier, prettier designs and some are out of this world. They make you gasp for air and will catch you lost for your own words. But given the stifling environment in Singapore and the high cost of setting up a business, it's amazing that she was not discouraged then and went on to make a name for herself in the industry. For that, I have to applaud her courage and genuine ability. This girl is selling not just cakes but dreams and hopes. Even being able to see her finished work on her blog forces me to have nothing but respect and of course, much smiles every now and then when I return for a visit. Looking at her cakes make me happy.

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Return of the Twitter

There's a slight revamp to this blog. Irrelevant information has been removed. Twitter is back... So are my rantings!

In the new year, I'll try to upload more pictures after I finally figure out how to extract the pictures from my iPhoto! I'm a new Mac convert and still am an IT idiot. It takes a while... Not too long I hope. Bear with me for the time being.

If you're reading this off Facebook, do check out my blog when the writings become incoherent cuz it might be over a picture or a video that I grumble about. During other times, I'm just being myself by being incoherent. The auto upload doesn't allow me to sift and select which are the posts to have it on Facebook and which else not to, and if you happen to know how to, please let me know.

Monday, January 04, 2010

First Discovery For 2010

Call me a hermit but I have never liked to get myself in amidst of Orchard Road on a weekend. The crowd never fails to make me think I'm having an anaphylactic shock. The heat along the street melts me as I stroll down looking for the next ice cream seller and with KWD looking for his regular fix of Starbucks. The past couple of weekends of mine were all in town for one reason or another. Admittedly, one of the few reasons were either Kate Spade inside Takashimaya or Miu Miu over at Paragon or Ion.

Yesterday, we decided to check out new territories. So off we trotted to the brand new mall, 313. The moment we stepped in, yet another Epicentre greeted us. That kept us busy for the next 15 mins or so even though we came from Wheelock and Ion. For a moment, we wanted to skip basement altogether thinking it'd probably only lead to the subway. I couldn't have been more wrong and I'm thankful I felt a little more adventurous that day.

The moment I got off the escalator, a familiar name blinded my eyes. It read, "Lemongrass House". As I walked it, I knew it was the same place I visited in Phuket years ago. Then, I had to drive a couple of hours from where I stayed at Karon Beach in search for this Lemongrass House. The rest was history and a basketload of "victory". The owners were a couple, what is commonly known as a farang in Thai, it was a Caucasian man who married a Thai wife. There in Phuket, they started their aromathepeutic spa products. My favourite were in the flavours of lavender and lemongrass. Subsequently, I had to sift through the thousands of stalls in Chatuchak (Bangkok) for their branch but to no avail. And many years later, I finally found it on our little island.

Although the prices are steeper as compared to when I got it in Phuket, inflation and rental did play a big part. Even then, I was happy to finally be able to get my hands on them. The only piece missing right now is to make another trip back to the same ol' Phuket store and check it out again and to see if they have modernised with the rest of the world like the shops in Singapore.