Chateau Rocs de Marchand 2006

Chateau Rocs de Marchand 2006, 500ml ($32.90)

It's a French (France) red wine? From the Montagne Saint-Emilion.

Mmm... tastes subdue, non spicy, full bodied and smooth, going well with our Asian Fried Bee Hoon and Curry Chicken that we had at the Kee's BBQ get-together! I like this wine and are drinking it up, fast, even in a plastic cup ;)

CHeers to a good year!
And a brand new year to start with! Happy New Year to you!

Seafood BBQ feast!

We arrived very late for the lunch BBQ invitation from the Kees family. But there was no worry, for we know our gracious hosts ALWAYS ensure there is food abundant!

For their annual BBQ party, they always get their seafood from the Jurong Fishery Port on the morning of the same day!

Crabs

Crayfishes

Scallops and Sotongs

This my 1st crab and crayfish today ;)

Crayfish "drumstick".

My hostess kept loading our plate with the biggest Crayfish she could find! This was the biggest. And i sat, eating busily with my hands full - 2 crabs, 3 crayfishes; breaking my past modest record.

But the atmosphere was kind of dull today as we came late and missed the most engaging part of the BBQ cooking and food grabbing ;) The cooked food sat waiting for us today, haha...

Satay!

Big O Cafe

Pan-Fried Cod Fish Fillet ($22.95++)
with brown lemon-caper sauce, spinach and potato mash 

We didn't have a good time at Big O.

The year end dining crowd who was cashing in on their 1-for-1 promotion was packing the restaurant; you certainly wait to be served, and serve proper!

From the din and smoke of their open kitchen, to salted day soup, beef steak that was a hell to cut and masticate, lousy coffee served without accompanying milk and long wait to be billed. It was a torture.

I much regretted getting Ric to come down here with me; and for the price you pay for cafe standard food..

Lastly, never have your Beef here.

Pan Seared Sirloin Steak ($22.95++)
topped with roasted field mushroom and green pepper butter

NEX... Malls and more Shopping for Singapore

NEX, the biggest shopping mall in the north east zone of Singapore drew us for a preview today after we heard so much "good" and "no good" about the Mall.

NEX had a good mixture of retail, entertainment, lifestyle and food & beverage with over 360 premium tenants and brands; many in little stall outlets. You could find plenty of familiar household names such as Isetan, FairPrice Xtra, Cold Storage, Courts, Challenger, Kiddy Palace, Party World KTV, G2000, Esprit, Cotton On, Charles & Keith, Eu Yan Sang... But it was too much of a "rojak" scene, just another neighbourhood shopping mall without a theme; but of a bigger scale - i was bored out quite soon.

Still if you need something specifically, it would be useful to have the many identical stores under one roof.

Dining options spoil you for choice with 2 Food Courts and thematic restaurants/cafes of Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Korean, Hong Kong, China, American, Italian cuisine! NEX would be a very good dining hub when the opening crowd dwindles.

Outdoor lovers can forget about seeking respite at the narrowly-designed SkyGarden that puffed heavily from the cooking exhaust of NEX's restaurants; screaming kids from the packed water interactive playground add to our exasperation ;)

Oh Singapore! Too much Malls! Neighbourhood shopping malls especially, give us a break!

Events Hall

Log Cake... for all

Chocolate Crunch Roll ($6.80)

Everyone gets to enjoy a little piece of Christmas with this affordable "Log Cake" alike from The Icing Room. Looking more of a Swiss Roll but of a smoother flour and cream texture; this is a pleasurable gift from Sister-in-law's neighbor for the Christmas.

Actually, i've always been thinking... does Log Cake have to be as expensive as a cake? Can't a cheap Swiss Roll pass off as one? I love the buttery Swiss Roll from our neighbourhood cake shop too ;)

Nantsuttei Black Ramen

Japanese Ramen Nantsuttei sits humbly in Itadakimasu on level 3 of Parco Marina Bay; simply furnished with clean, modest table setting with all dining essentials.

Ushering us into the little eatery and serving up our drinking water was 1 pleasantly earnest Japanese guy, friendly, helpful and all smileys. Gracious service certainly does win a customer's heart; even before we savour their famous "black" Ramen.. ;)

Maru-toku Negi Chashu-men ($17++)

This is their most expensive bowl of Ramen here that comes with toppings of Shiraga negi (green onions), Bannou negi (chopped thin green onions), Nori and Chashu (simmered pork). The menu promises "all the delights of Nantsuttei's in one bowl", that makes us order it.

And it overwhelmingly does ;)

Ramen ($12++), Egg ($1++)

We also have their cheapest bowl of basic Ramen that comes with 1 slice of Chashu, Nori and sprinkle of Bannou negi and Bean sprouts; the Ajitsuke tama (favored boiled Egg) was an add on.

None of their standard Ramen comes with Ajitsuke tama topping, but you MUST have the EGG! It is OISHII!

Frankly, just an order of their basic Ramen ($12++) that comes in ultra thick creamy Tonkotsu (Pork bone) soup and black Ma-yu (roast Garlic oil) bring ample contentment.

The addition of the Ajitsuke tama is 1 big bonus!

Filtered Water Bottle!

Clear2Go Sports Bottle - Green, 24 Oz. capacity ($45)

I actually need a filtered water bottle just like the CLEAR2GO i received from brother this Christmas!

Though my work place has been ordering regularly from drinking water dispenser supplier, i've be tasting unpleasant water after leaving them overnight in my tumbler? This can be quite disturbing...

The NanoCeram Filter!

Now i could drink comfortably! In fact from any taps and drinking fountains, as high-lighted by my brother; helpful for overseas travels where the filter provides mobile filtration from any water points.

I could understand that like any filter system, you need to replace the filter every 2-3 months for best results. But as a warm water drinker, the bottle that's only designed for cold water usage takes some re-adjustment on my side ;) Else, it's a great design.

Previously only available from overseas online ordering, CLEAR2GO patented filter that adopts the NASA-derived Class 1 Nano-Filter Technology from the USA is now available at Takashimaya, Isetan, Robinsons, John Little, NTUC Fairprice Finest, Fairprice Xtra and Royal Sporting House!

And i'm really impressed with the quality of the soft plastic bottle, it remain odourless after my many day use without rinsing! Removed my whiffy Starbuck's plastic tumbler immediately ;) Thanks Bro!

Mandarin Oriental Christmas Cake

Brother had ordered from the Christmas Bakery of  Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the Framboises Buche de Noel of meeker Raspberries and Jivara milk chocolate, Cremeux, Biscuit joconde and Macadamia nuts.

If you are one who loves tartish cream desserts, this is definitely for you. I was reminiscing the Christmas Log Cake we had last year... 

Framboises Buche de Noel, 1kg ($68+)

X'mas Day Dinner!

Festive are meant to be spent with family. What are festivals without family, right? Today, we gathered at brother's house for a Christmas celebration - this may have become our annual event ;)

It isn't a pot-luck party like last year's. Brother and his wife prepares all the food and presents for each and every one of us ;) Thank you very muchie!

Roasted Turkey from CSTay ($65)

Seems everybody enjoys the Turkey this year compared to the previous!? Even i took a good several slices; it got almost wiped out by the end of the night. But the expensive chicken came without Turkey's stuffing.

Ham, Roast Pork Rib, Roast Chicken - 2 styles from CSTay ($40)

All the above roast were collected from Kuroya, a retail outlet of CSTay at Bishan Junction 8 Mall.

Apart from the Turkey and Ham, we had found the Ribs and Chicken a tad overly seasoned. In fact, a bite from the rib prompted me to reach fanatically from some bread ;P It's just me and Ric lah, others all seems to enjoy themselves.

Cauliflower in Tomato Sauce

This dish had been our favourite since childhood; Mum cooked this. It's an ideal dish in teaching kids to love their vegetables! Yummy. Vegetables are sweet, NOT bitter!

Indian Biryani Rice Set ($4.80 x 4 pack)

The Biryani Rice that night actually reminds me of the story where Jesus feeds the multitude of 5000 with  5 loaves and 2 fishes... Why? Because the staple food for a serving of 4 actually feeds 14 hungry adults, with overflowing!

Fluffy Biryani rice with thick rich Mutton curry was packed from the little coffeeshop alongside famed Jalan Sultan Prawn Noodle, opposite Kallang MRT station.

Sister-in-law had cleverly kept the rice warm in rice cooker. Good job!

Ice Jelly Mixed Fruits Cocktail with Nata de Coco

This superbly refreshing dessert was helmed by Sister-in-law's Sister-in-law, haha...

Despite her foot 'handicap', she had made a conscious effort perfecting the dessert with Limes and icing served by the side. Inspiring ;)

Presents!

P.Osh - Brownie movement. Cookie revolution

The morning sms reads, "You may want to bring your camera tonight. My colleague gave me a box of pretty looking brownies. - Sister-in-law" 

P.Osh Valrhona Christmas Collection of Brownies ($34)

And so they were.

From P.Osh's Valrhona Christmas Collection of chewy Brownies, made with  exclusively 100% Valrhona Chocolate and each artistically hand-crafted. Too pretty to eat, and we had left "Happy" and "Christmas" untouched for our hosts - wouldn't wish to break them up ;)

Now, I wished i had left more room for dessert that night...

China-style Christmas Eve Dinner ;)

Shunning the crowd of Public Holiday's Eve, while looking forward to the Christmas Day dinner at brother's house tomorrow, we planned a quiet dinner in NTU Campus, Canteen 1 with Mum today!

Yeah, this was Mum's first visit here.

鱼香肉丝，Shredded Pork with Black Mushrooms ($6)

川香鸡丁，Dice Chicken in Home Style ($5)

The 2 new dishes of shredded Pork and diced Chicken were a nice try today, everyone likes it. One yields a gentler flavor while the latter is invitingly piquant, liken to Xinjiang's BBQ meat.

干扁四季豆，Four Seasons Bean in Home Style ($4)

Mum gave her approval for the cooking and i was glad the food was to her liking as she ate up heartily.

Gifts Selection...

Ric and i, we don't insist on preparing presents for each other on Anniversaries, Birthdays or the Festive, unless it so coincide that something caught our eyes then.

Ric saw an Esprit bag last week which i deny the buy as it was a normal priced item. "Unless there's a discount, else please don't get it." i was adamant.

This evening, Ric surprised me with a similar, or i could say a much befitting bag for me! Also from Esprit, but at a 50% discount ;)) He had saw the bag while Christmas shopping for his nieces and nephews the afternoon. Yeah, i love my new roomy huggable bag!

A credit to Ric, he's always there for my shopping of any sorts! Carefully considering its fashions, cuts, value and practicality. He helps me dress better; feels better about myself ;)

Loving Gifts

Tiger Balm Soft, 25g ($3.80), Tiger Balm Muscle Rub, 30g ($..)

"The cashier might thought I've whole body ache." Ric teases with a straight face when he sees my handful of Tiger Balm products. Haha... Well, NTUC Supermarket is having a 20% discounts for Tiger's, i would have bought more if Ric wasn't protesting ;)

Call me an addict, i'm certainly a devotee. Friends and family are labelling me as Tiger's spokesperson which i gaily acknowledged; i've been passing the Tiger Balm White widely as little gifts to them. Testifying how the ointment had help relieves Headaches, Migraines, Stiff necks and my most recent Night Cough (apply in nostril) and Flu, blocked nose (apply on nose).

Tiger Balm Soft was a new try. Targeted at the younger generation market who loves aromatherapy as the topical analgesic ointment now comes with a light Lavender fragrance instead of its trademarked senses. I've been enjoying this sweet aroma... perfect! But if you like your ointment to be extra "spicy", stick to the Tiger Balm White.

Tiger Balm Rub provides that almost instant relief to my stiffly aching neck when i could bear it no more! In under 5 mins. Thank God!

If these ain't too modest as gifts, i would have made them Christmas presents to ALL.
Give me a Tiger, anytime!

Chinese Noodles, SO GOOD!

The portion guarantees to fed you well; i needn't tell you how tasty and substantial they are, these photographs should help you conjure a positive notion ;)

Today, i gladly ditch the chance for a restaurant dining (as suggested by Ric), to lunch here! I miss this stall so much.

 Pork Rib Kway Teow ($2)

Wanton Noodle ($2)

Let me join the queue, during lunch peak hours and crammed with the corporate staffs from NUS/ NUH, students and outsiders like you and me in this non-air conditioned canteen of NUS, named Frontier ;)

Just give me a chance to be here!

Oh, Christmas Tree!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy leaves are so unchanging;

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy leaves are so unchanging;

Not only green when summer's here,

But also when 'tis cold and drear.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy leaves are so unchanging!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Such pleasure do you bring me;

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Such pleasure do you bring me;

Oh every year this Christmas tree

Brings to us such joy and glee!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Such pleasure do you bring me.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

How richly God has decked thee!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

How richly God has decked thee!

Thou bidst us true and faithful be,

And trust in God unchangingly.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

How richly God has decked thee! !"

(Play Song)

My first "Up Close and Personal" smell/ touch with a REAL Christmas Tree at IKEA today where we coffee break! Even the littlest 2m tree is magnificent to be near to!

Get the real tree or none at all; no more synthetic trees once you've 'feel' the green ones! With prices getting much more affordable these recent years, more were seen buying them.

I would too, if i'm having family/friends house gatherings - for all's enjoyment. One tree in each and every household is still a much lavish thought; for environmental sake :)

This maybe the simplest decorated real Christmas tree you could spot in downtown Singapore. Stepping into PARCO Marina Bay, i could smell the lovely woody tree scent.

But i couldn't differentiate was it a Fir tree or a Pine tree?

TOBY'S The Dessert Asylum

An unexpected busy year end left us with little time out; i still have a couple of 1-for-1 dining vouchers from DBS/POSB that expires this month...

One voucher was exchanged at TOBY'S in Parkway Parade Shopping Mall today :)

German & Cheese Bratwurst Dawgs Combi ($16.95++)

A Toby's house special that's served with Onions, green Salad and choice of Potato Salad, Fries or Garlic Rice. I love German sausages, their savory bite always makes you Beer thirst.. ;) 

Toby's Deluxe Burger ($16.50++)

Indeed a "deluxe" burger in terms of extra ingredients like the greasy Bacon and Onion Rings, in addition to the customary Cheese, Lettuce, Tomatoes and Onions.

But a burger need not be overly decorated, most time. Classic combinations would have given you the greatest satisfaction, like the simpler Swensen's Burger we had previously.

I do, however, appreciate their less salted beef patty, compared to that of Swensen's.

Buttery Cereal Prawns

I could actually smell the fragrant from this picture posted...Mmmm. First try on the dish was a tad oily but edible ;) Ric and Mum are both truly supportive. Will be cooking for my brother and sister-in-law nxt.

This recipe is pretty easy to follow even for an amateur cook like me, encourage you try it. Nothing can go too wrong with prawns, butter and cereal! It should taste yummy, however you cooked it ;)

INGREDIENTS:
Prawns (600g)

Plain Cereal (5 tablespoons)
Curry leaves (5 stalks of leaves)
Chili padi (1 chopped)
Butter (1/2 slab of 50g butter)
Corn Flour (200g)
Milk powder/ or Non-dairy Creamer (40g)
Egg (1 whole egg)
Sugar (1 teaspoon)

STEPS:
1. Wash/Clean and drain the Prawns, leaving the shells on.

2. Mix the Corn flour with the Milk powder.
3. Beat a Egg, empty the prawns into the egg mixture, well coating the prawns.
4. Drain away the extra egg mixture.
5. Coat the prawns with the mixture of flour and milk powder by adding it gradually to the prawns. Mix well with a Chopstick. Just before deep frying the prawns, powder them individually in the leftover flour mixtures.
6. Deep fry the prawns in sufficient Oil (high heat). Leave aside after cooked.

7. In a wok, melt the Butter, add in Curry leaves and Chili padi. Cook till there is aroma and the Curry leaves look crisp fried to you. (small fire)
8. Add in the Cereal and stir fry for a while before finally adding the Sugar. (small fire)
9. Add the prawns and stir fry for a while. (You can turn off the fire now lest you overcooked the Cereal.)

We have include more Cereals and Curry leaves in this recipe cos we love them. You could adjust the quantity to suit your family likes.

Just read a recipe that's without use of "Egg and Corn Flour", now that's easier and healthier! Should try it out soon!

Sky Park on 57!

Honestly, food was the last thing on my mind when you mention a visit to the Marina Bay Sands (MBS); i was preoccupied with the picturesque night view we'll be getting from their Sky Park!

The elevator at Tower 3 rocketed to level 57 where the SkyPark is, creating a vacuum in our ear drums.. And what anticipation! This is our first visit.

Strong waves of chilling December breezes hit us and blinding effects from the dazzling lights of the city skyscrapers were breathtakingly moving..

Feeling like a tourist myself; indulging in 5 star dining service, mesmerized by the world's largest outdoor infinity pool; and re-falling in love with the panoramic views of my familiar country.

Singapore looks all the more beautiful from this angle - like a picture out from a postcard. Our crowded Metropolis actually had an enchanting serenity, from this distance and lights..

What a night...