Wednesday, January 22, 2014

And I can't...

"Her name is 'Trainee'... Look!"

And I laughed...

 

 

 

And I cried...

 

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Getting Older...

Birthday celebrations infamously last for a month. Previous years, my birthday was often forgotten because it's way too early in the year and everyone is still struggling with the very little rest they get in between public holidays.. Other years, I will usually have dinners with family, friends, colleagues, more dinners and then even more dinners. Not that much different this year but there is some highlights worth a mention.

As my cousins were heading back to the States for the new school term, we had our reunion dinner early which fell on the eve of my birthday. Dinner with the extended family always leaves a warm fuzzy feeling. Dad is the traditional Chinese father and has never, in the past 30+ years, given me a kiss nor hug. Despite that, I know he loves me. On the other hand, my affectionate Uncle, who is so full of love, would give me a kiss on my forehead occasionally, I just will feel like a little girl all over again. It is especially heart warming when he's the only one who would actually ask how I'm doing and will always reminds me... "Because we're family..."

Part 2 of the night was at Timbre@Substation. Since they don't take reservations, I was really close to having to find an alternative venue although I really wanted to catch 53A again. And out of the blue, a friend texts me and told me, he has requested to put me on priority waiting list. Some really good friends turned up, including "The Roommate" and even "The Brother". My army of girls were just army and we had a blast. Lone ranger, Racebred, turned up and was our official photographer. I'm just so glad the live music kept him entertained. He was the first the turn up and the last to go.

My most unique birthday present has got to be from "The Honey Bear". He's my best friend and I don't get to see him often and as expected, he didn't turn up for my party which I can totally understand. But the way he "passed" me my gift, has got to the be the first in history but I'm not letting on more.

On the day itself, I managed to catch Notre Dame de Paris and if you want me to review on the musical, please raise your voice. It was nice but... Dinner was... Nothing to shout about. Went home for cake number 2. And yes, peaceful birthday. For an OCD person who needs everything planned and scheduled, I did wish the dinner was a little more memorable. I didn't feel special maybe that's cuz I'm not.

Oddly enough, a client/friend found out about my birthday and wanted to buy me dinner. He asked what I wanted to eat earlier that day and promptly decided that we should go to this Japanese steakhouse due to my preference for beef (as usual). After work, he came to pick me right in front of my office. We had such a wonderful, intelligent and stimulating conversation during dinner before we got ourselves some drinks at Dempsey. At the end of the night, he sent me home. Like door to door or rather, doorstep. Just a simple "I'll walk you up". No ulterior motive and he ended the night by saying, "Hope you enjoyed the night." That was by far the most sincere birthday dinner. It wasn't the cost and definitely not the romance (We have known each other for years and I know there's no romance!). It was really nice. No hearts, no clouds, no bubbles, no flowers, no chocolates, no gifts. Just as friends. Great conversation, awesome dinner and too much laughter. He made good on his promise from many months ago "You're a girl and you deserve to be treated like one. Some men should learn how to appreciate you as one. One day, I'll show you how a woman should be treated". Thank You!

If you think the celebrations have ended, far from it. Watch this space!





Tuesday, January 07, 2014

The Holy Grail of Beef

This comes very late since I've been busy with my new job right after my Japan trip. Before my trip, I researched on the best beef you can find in Japan (eg. Kobe, Matsuzaka). 

In Osaka, I trekked for hours until I found Steak Ron before I was told that they don't serve Kobe beef for lunch. So I hung around Umeda which was painful because they were all uninspiring malls which are dime a dozen even here in Singapore. Like all meals you get in Japan, they all come in sets. For the first time in my life, I had sushi and for many people, beef sushi. And if you're wondering, yes, a raw slice of beef sitting on a ball of sushi rice. The garlic was heavenly but the beef was a let down. To be fair, it is decent but definitely not mind blowing. Interesting experience but not worth the trekking. 




After arriving in Tokyo, I headed straight to Imahan. My hotel was right smack in the middle of Shinjuku, so is Takashimaya. Plus it's time to eat something more Japanese instead of steak... Right? Since I didn't have a budget for my food expedition, I didn't think twice which I should have. Imahan does shabu-shabu and sukiyaki. When they served the beef, it's got to be the most beautiful 5 marbling on beef I've even seen in my life. But for that price, I felt ripped off. I had to drop by Lawson to grab myself instant noodles after my dinner. Most expensive and least satisfying meal. 


So you're wondering "where the heck is the Holy Grail"?

*drumroll*

Tucked in the little town of Kichijoji, about 15-20 minutes train ride from Shinjuku, sits an inconspicuous steakhouse on the second floor of a shophouse. The first floor is the Satou Butchery and you wouldn't miss it as there's a perpetual queue for their deep fried stuffed beef balls which I didn't have a chance to try. I will do so in March when I visit Tokyo again. 

So how do you get there?


Once you arrive at Kichijoji JR station, leave the station via the North exit. Cross the road, stop for a cigarette, and follow the smell of the beef. After you crossed the road, turn left and you will see an alleyway of shops. At the end of the alleyway, you will come to somewhat of a cross junction. On your left, you will see Steak House Satou. Do not join the queue on the first floor. Go to the side, you will see another queue on the stairway. Join that queue for the best experience of your life. The restaurant is very small and can seat probably between 14-16 people which explains the queue. There are various cuts and options but I headed for the 10000yen beef without batting my eyelid. The service there was impeccable. The friendly waiter even brought my perfectly marbled steak out for a photo opportunity. A photo which I wouldn't post because my eye was swollen from eczema. 



Japanese beef doesn't taste quite as "beefy" as their American counterpart but the marbling just means the juices of the beef will explode in your mouth. It's extremely smooth and tender. 



For my next trip there, I will try the regular matsu and update you guys. I can't wait!!!

My Song Know What You Did In The Dark (Light 'Em Up)



There's a burning suspicion that a little rock girl lives in me but really, my collection of music is rather eclectic. Never been a fan of a specific genre nor an artiste or a band. But every single time I hear a Fall Out Boy song, it makes me go... "Who is that?" 

They are not super distinctive like you will go "that's Katy Perry" but their songs ALWAYS ALWAYS makes me go... "Wow, that's such an awesome piece!" It's a great feeling when you hear something that makes your body dance when you're alone in the elevator. 

Like many people out there, I first heard it on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and now, my songs know what you did in the dark. The last song that was periodically on loop even years after was "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" even though I struggled to understand what it really meant.

Light 'em up!

Writers keep writing what they write
Somewhere another pretty vein just died
I've got the scars from tomorrow and I wish you could see
That you're the antidote to everything except for me


Time for something more upbeat than Say Something. 


And I will swallow my pride
You're the one that I love
And I'm saying goodbye