Biocos Swiss, Pure Black Olive Smoothing Shampoo

Biocos Pure Black Olive, 800ml ($8.90)

Biocos Swiss, isn't a hair shampoo from Swiss. Salesgirl from Swanston @ Chinatown was honest to tell us when inquired. She explained it is a repackaged product. A search on the internet revealed its place of origin to be Guangdong, China (Mainland). So there's really no telling the amount of pure olive oil we could expect in this bottle.

Identity aside, the shampoo has a soft feel on shampooing. I feel it between the fingers. Compared to my Korean Organia shampoo which is double the price, the Biocos falls behind. But it will do. The man like that it is light, lesser moistening, yet not harsh like many commercial shampoos. It is also cheaper. So this identity chaos of Biocos is forgiven for now.

Bedok South (牛记) Niu Ji Prawn Noodle

You know how they say, behind every aged senior is a courageous past? One day, if you come across a once famous stall that is no longer commanding; remember too that they once had a glorious past.

It was strange, that in our numerous visits to the Blk 16, Bedok South Hawker Centre, i had never blogged about their very delicious fried prawn noodle. So popular among the evening diners, you have to take a queue and wait. I had only singled out their morning fare of soupy prawn noodle.

So many years had passed, with the hawker aging and their recipe, simplified to accommodate their weaken body. The fried noodle no longer carries that alluring burned aroma or the score of 100 points. But the sambal chili is still robust and the pork lard crispy. You could ask for an extra lime and the hawker is still all smiles. Use of fresh seafood was never compromised.

Frankly, a stall that still uses fine rice vermicelli for their Hokkien fried noodle is far and few between. I'm still eating here.

Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle ($3)

2011 Yerring Station Diamond Valley Regional Collection Cabernet Merlot

Diamond Valley Cabernet Merlot 2011 ($22.99 per bottle)

Diamond Valley, best known for their Blue and White Label wines released on an annual cycle. We thus never know how this Regional collection comes about; probably after the owner of Yering Station, the Rathbone family bought over the Diamond Valley brand from the Lance family in Jan 2005?

This Australian Bordeaux blend has powerful flavor profiles with intense structure, deep tannins and ripe berry flavors. In other words, its high acidity and full-bodied are difficult, and best paired with red meat and spicy fare that can stand up to its strong tannins.

So having done 2 bottles of these Australia Bordeaux style blends, and not enjoying them; what am i to do with 3 more bottles to go? They are definitely suitable for aging and will benefit from some decanting to allow them to 'open up'. We shall not waste them now.

To visit the Yarra Valley, I found this this link. 

全记, Chuan Kee Boneless Braised Duck

Mixed Platter for Two -Boneless Duck Meat, Braised Beancurd, Egg, Peanuts, Duck's Liver and Gizzard,

 1 Noodle, 1 Porridge, 1 Rice ($16)

Originally from Chong Pang City Market and Food Centre at Yishun Ring Rd, Chuan Kee has restarted their operation at the newly renovated Ghim Moh Food Centre. And boy! The place was crowded, with long queues at so many of the popular stalls; and this is one of them with a 30 mins wait in line.

Nice gooey porridge, albeit the overly generous braised sauce, which proved too much salted. The noodle was a personal craving while the dark rice was nicely fragrant.

If you are alone, get their $3 plate which includes a good amount of boneless duck meat, braised peanuts, half a braised egg and some braised beancurd - such good deal we saw from other tables!