little Joy

NO Coffee Creamer!

2012-03-12T11:53:00.058+08:00

Carnation Evaporated Full Cream Milk, 400g ($1.60)

We are quitting all powder or liquid non dairy creamer like Coffee-mate after learning about its content. Ingredients that goes into the pack of creamer are MOSTLY synthetic with names requiring a dictionary to understand; and "hydrogenated" palm kernel oil might be the chief culprit!

In hydrogenation, the manufacturer could turn a liquid oil into solid with longer shelf life therefore increasing its portability. In such process, natural oils are converted into totally unnatural fats which are known to have serious health implications.

It was understood that what's not natural, when consumed into our body, is difficult to be remove by the body system! Akin to consuming plastic.

So we have make the switch to canned evaporated milk for our coffee; though it doesn't taste as good as the creamer and needs refrigeration in the fridge; i guess we appreciate the healthier alternative.

Voyage de La Vie

2012-03-09T20:12:00.116+08:00

Booklet of Voyage de La Vie and ticket stubs

Are you interested in theatre, musicals, circus or acrobatics? For me, it's the latter.

Animal circus was no longer within reach for its cruelty; the closest i get to acrobats which really interest me would be the Olympics gymnastics - on TV.

But the 90-minutes Voyage de la Vie added clever theatre staging, effects and grace with agility in their stunts, making it a truly entertaining performance. The energy and athleticism of the cast are infectious and seems to rub on me as my working Friday night got cheered up.

Watching acrobatics live, before your eye is a very real experience. Without mentioning the more difficult circus acts; nimble balls juggling skit is already mesmerizing! And when the performers somersault themselves across elevated gymnastic bars on feet, i broke into spontaneous claps!

For the first circus theatre production created in Singapore, i believe the audience is well entertained tonight.

Sentosa Boardwalking

2012-03-09T18:40:00.062+08:00

Leaving our car in VivoCity mall, we strolled across to Sentosa via the garden boardwalk - a leisure and quiet meandering with gentle breezes in the beautiful sunset. The return trip was rewarded with singing guitarist from Queens dining on the boardwalk; the romantic mood!

All were perfect as we were in full anticipation of catching the night resident show at Resorts World Sentosa; and a promise from Ric of a supper after :D

As i do not have my camera with me, these photos were shots from Samsung Note 8-megapixel, on Auto Sunset mode. How's it?

Eno-Oka Japanese Ramen

2012-03-08T12:50:00.040+08:00

Tonkotsu Ramen ($11+)

Kimchi Ramen ($12+)

It isn't too bad but we think their Tonkotsu soup base could be better, else it's difficult to pay full price for the bowl when lower priced Ajisen does it so much better.

But we certainly have no complain for their Cha shu sliced pork, loads of green onions and the centre-melting tamago. Not much to lose, considering this our discounted meal with Jigopoints from Jigocity.

Four Swiss Tunes

2012-03-05T19:50:00.048+08:00

The Cuckoo by Royal Brass Quintet

Zurich March by Royal Brass Quintet

Attending an evening of brass chamber music at the YSTCM concert hall, i learned about the lively Four Swiss Tunes for Brass Quintet arranged by Elgar Howarth. And the individualistic Trombone further to my favourite Trumpet instrument.

Played by the Conservatory Brass Quintet C, i had found the above YouTube video by the Royal Brass Quintet instead; if you are interested.

Four Swiss Tunes
- Basie March
- The Cuckoo
- The Old Castle
- Zurich March

$2 Lor Mee @ Beo Crescent

2012-03-03T13:04:00.054+08:00

Braised Noodle ($2)

We love noodles.
And are faithfully catching "Just Noodles" which airs on Ch 8 which brings us to the stalls of all our favourite noodles - in different forms and varieties. The cheapest bowl to the most luxurious, and also the most popular stall.

We believe tasty food in its simplest form.
So we visit the cheapest featured in Beo Crescent Blk 38A where Soon Heng, 01-84 operates at minimum profit to a $2 Lor Mee - loaded with ingredients in every mouthful albeit the absence of braised eggs.

And, i'm hungry again...

亚坤, Ya Kun Kaya Toast in SP

2012-03-03T12:02:00.036+08:00

Kaya Toast Set ($3.60)

Ya Kun now opens in foodcourt 2 of the Singapore Polytechnic.

Yes, where McDonald's formerly resided.

Though located in a campus compound, prices here are only slightly lower than their city stores. But when the plump soft-boiled eggs were served and i took a sip of their aromatic Nanyang coffee, i find it all worthwhile.

Coffee and Kaya Toast

Lunch @ O'Coffee Club

2012-02-29T12:16:00.061+08:00

Beef Daube ($16.50++)

Fish & Chips ($14.50++)

Looking through the cafe's extensive menu, we both chosen 2 main courses each but when placing orders, i decide to have both of Ric's option - his favourite of Beef and Cod Fish.

While Ric enjoys his strong smoky braised beef, i had loved the delicate moist fish.

Aged Sumatra Mandheling ($7.80++)

Today's our first with "aged" or "vintage" coffee, meaning green (unroasted) coffee beans that have been stored well over long periods!

What's served is the exceptional Aged Sumatra Mandheling, a rare, aged old European tradition that is full bodied, with a unique syrupy flavor and clean neutral acidity!

Gifted Hands - The Ben Carson Story

2012-02-26T10:58:00.066+08:00

Everyone needs a push sometimes, an encouragement; someone who believes in them. And most time, only people who truly loves you does that. Believing in a person can help them believe in themselves; spur them endeavoring on.

Success don't happen overnight.

From "the dumbest kid in the world" to one of world's most famous Neurosurgeon, Gifted Hands was based on such a unbelievable life story of Ben Carson. A fast paced motivational storyline with awe-inspiring medicinal theories; we got to know an amazing character today.

8 mins movie excerpts from Gifted Hands.

"You can do anything that anyone can do; only you can do it better." This was what Ben's illiterate mom been encouraging him since he's a neighbourhood boy, even when he become an accomplished doctor later in life.

Here for more inspirational quotes from Dr Ben Carson.
9.0/ 10

Four Leaves Cream Puff

2012-02-22T12:44:00.055+08:00

Custard Cream Puff ($1.30)

Don't i seem to be squashing the pure snowy cream puff from Four Leaves Bakery? And for that i got my fingers all coated richly with their icing sugar :)

We had previously mentioned the significant price gap between a Tampopo Cream Puff and that of Four Leaves and how we had wanted to see if there's a huge disparity between the two?

Well, close your eyes and bite into each separately. You shall notice that our untrained palate couldn't differentiate their individual custard cream - both equally sweet, rich and smooth. But then, there's no denying that Tampopo delivers a more flattering bun of luscious texture.

For the 100% price difference, you judge which is of better value :)

$2 Wanton Noodle

2012-02-22T10:18:00.104+08:00

We had tried visiting this Tiong Bahru stall previously but it was always closed - We gave up. Not until a recent article from Yahoo! that we learned about their irregular opening hours: Wed, Fri, Sun, 6am-2pm.

True enough.

Today's a Wed and a constant long queue forms :)

Chicken Feet ($3)

Many placed a separate order for their plate of phoenix feet or meat dumplings, we followed suit. You should too. The phoenix feet are a melt in the mouth! I could shallow the entire feet without removing any bones!

And you may fancy their meaty dumplings with a tinge of dried sole fish; dried sole fish powder added?

Wanton Noodle ($2)

What other characteristics about 華豐 Wanton noodle?

Their springy noodle was familiar among their trade but Hua Fong has a special chili flavoring sauce which stands out from the others. Their low pricing that doesn't compromises on quality makes the trip all the more worthwhile. You could see that the roasted char siew is notably delectable too!

Chingay floats to the Neighbourhood!

2012-02-19T20:06:00.060+08:00

What a night!

When 11 glowing Chingay floats carrying its enthusiastic participants made their appearance in the Jurong GRC. More merriment to the parade as the adjoining Bukit Batok Community Club organised vibrant staging of songs and dances with food and games carnivals!

Singapore is a quiet city, but not tonight with drums playing and dragon dances!

Joining the sizeable crowd of onlookers, we could feel the excitement in the night cool air!

A spectacle event that involves partial road closure and a big team of traffic escorts! Whew!!

Monkeying Around

2012-02-18T17:09:00.043+08:00

"Oh! Why are you filming me?"
"I'm just getting a meal up this mango tree."

"Mmmm... See the delicious color, it's really sweet!"

"There doesn't seem to be enough food in the forested area of the Bukit Batok Hillside Park where i came from. Or maybe i'm just getting tired of that place. This neighbourhood seems fun as i people-watch from their windows! But they were shy and shut their window on me?"

"Just the other day, my friend was here. Did you see him today?"

"But, of course i'm prettier!" Heard everybody saying so..

Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel

2012-02-16T19:30:00.079+08:00

Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel, 230gms

While having other sun protection product, I especially love this bottle of Banana Boat After-Sun Aloe Vera Gel which i had for years. It is of very practical use to me cos i often went into the sun quite unplanned for and could not apply any sun protection before - Well, i hate the stickiness and oiliness of sunscreen lotions anyway.

After washing away my day activities, i would apply the gel generously onto my scorching arms, neck and face. Yes, the face also, the cheeks and nose especially.

The water-based gel absorb into the skin fast and cools the sun-burned skin almost instantly! Preventing peeling while leaving behind a soft supple touch. It is not exaggerating to say that it feels like donning a face mask!

For you.

Burger King Chicken Day

2012-02-16T13:16:00.095+08:00

We simply chanced on the first Burger King Chicken Day on our day off - when BK sells only their Chicken entries and offer a 1-for-1 for them all, ala-carte and set meals included!

All BK stores were thus marked by long lunch hour queues; their beef menu display board struck out by labels reading "ONLY CHICKEN items today." We never had Chicken at BK, only their famed beef patties. So this is a real good publicity stunt.

Our Set Meal at $7.95 + 1 free

Mushroom Swiss Tendergrill

And it does shed a different light on what BK can do with poultry while we recognise their expertise with Beef. We love their Mushroom Swiss beef burger, but the same recipe with grilled chicken thigh meat is deliciously awesome!!

Spicy Panini Tendergrill

Also with 100% chicken thigh meat but marinated with cayenne pepper, black pepper, mustard and celery seed, the grill tasted less spicy than it sounded. But it is the dry Panini bun that discounted the experience.

Singapore Airshow 2012

2012-02-16T11:10:00.099+08:00

Singapore RSAF, F.16C the Fighting Falcons and F-15G the Strike Eagle

Ric has been fairly busy; attending the aerobatics display of the Singapore Air Show should be the last thing on his mind. But he had planned for our trip and checked that the flying display starts from 11am and lasted for an hour!

United States of America USAF, Bomber B-52

So we spent an hour sun-tanning along the Changi beach ;)

Malaysia RMAF, Smokey Bandits

Australia RAAF, Roulettes

Under the vast blue skies, team aerobatics were definitely more rousing and cause much sensation than the solo flying planes.

Following the team display of Smokey Bandits on MIG 29 fighters from Malaysia, we had performance from the Australia Roulettes flying their elegant PC-9/A designed by Pilatus Switzerland.

It is amazing watching these planes does their flip, twist, back flop, diving and "yoyo" stunts, with all grace and synchronized co-ordination.

Timberland Footwear

2012-02-15T09:01:00.084+08:00

Timberland leather shoe ($59, stock clearance sale)

It was Valentine's evening and the shopping mall was quite deserted. We thus landed a very good bargain for the store's last pair of a genuine leather shoe, in my size!

Ric and i are faithful customers of Timberland for the past 10 years; our shoe racks are made up primarily of their footwear from sandals, slip-ons, hiking, boat shoes and city work shoes, adoring its guaranteed comfort, foot support and fashionable design. And when Timberland goes on sales, their reduced prices would be very much competitive to other regular shoemakers.

If you haven't found your ideal shoemaker, it's worth giving Timber a try.

鳳飛飛 - Strong lady with the sweetest voice.

2012-02-14T12:53:00.051+08:00

Her demise came as a rude shock via my facebook update last evening.
But i do not think i would cry for any unrelated stranger; was looking out for the night News broadcast.

This morning, in my rare instance, i tuned to all the Chinese FM stations as i yield to hear her voice - a voice who accompanied my tender childhood. I finally caught traces of her "敲敲门"; a cheerful song but i had a rush of sadness.

Lunch time. "今宵多珍重" was playing on my office PC and tears welled up in my eyes.

最認真的藝人，最在乎歌迷的歌手，如彩虹的絢麗，如雲一般地散去。再會，親愛的鳳姐。
＿＿郭蘅祈（郭子）

A definitely courageous lady who survived her husband and younger brother who both died of cancer in 2009 and 2006 respectively. She had supported them both and held herself till 3 Jan this year; all the while humble and low-key, not emphasizing to the public of her illness - lung cancer.

Somehow, Whitney Houston's passing on after years of drug and alcohol abuses doesn't seem so deserving of our empathy and grief now..

Veteran Taiwanese singer, Fong Fei Fei,
My applause has always been for you.
And you know our love is always with you - on our saddest Valentine's day.

Angove's Misty Mooring Red

2012-02-11T19:02:00.036+08:00

Angove's Dry Red Wine, 750ml ($26)

Blended from selected grape varieties of Cabernet, Merlot, Shiraz and Petit Verdot, Misty Mooring Red is a smooth and easy-drinking wine from Angove Austrlia, with more than 100 years in winemaking.

The palate is medium bodied with really soft finish. We like it.
Between us; emptied the bottle in 2hrs!

水梅, Wild Water Plum

2012-02-11T12:06:00.072+08:00

Like seasoned parachuters, the small fuzzy seeds of our Wrightia religiosa, the commonly known Siu-mei bonsai plant, cracked open its 2 harden green bean-like pod and scattered its seedlings by going with the breeze! We had waited all 7 months for its ripening!

Such pretty sight; i caught a handful of them flying off :)

Jasmine smelling white flowers

Is your Water Plum flowering? It should flower all year.

Besides being sun-loving, the plant prefers moderate watering. We water only when it withers from dryness - florishing much after drought. And Sis method of removing most of its leaves by hand plucking further triggers the plant to bloom exceedingly!

Manhattan MegaSaver Lunch

2012-02-09T11:53:00.051+08:00

Clear Seafood Broth

Looking for a value lunch deal? This February and March, the Manhattan Fish Market is having a promotion with several lunch sets at $7.90++ and $9.90++ that includes a day soup and soft drink! If you beat the clock and placed your order before 12pm, the $9.90 set would be charge at only $7.90; and that's what we did ;)

A crab claw, scrimp and squids in my seafood broth - delightful start of a meal.

Spaghetti in the Sea ($15.90++)

Fiery Cherry Snapper with Mussels ($13.90++)

I want my pasta while the man prefers his grilled Snapper with Garlic herb rice - it doesn't matter which menu you have, their kitchen is pretty reliable so far.

Bon appetit!

Komala's Vegetarian Fast Food

2012-02-06T13:12:00.114+08:00

South Indian Meal ($8.60+)

Love experiencing with Indian food ;) whenever i had a chance to. With Groupon, we paid just $4.80 for a value meal at Komala's Vegetarian Restaurant today, includes an Indian dessert and a coke/coffee/tea.

Ordering 2 of their most pricey set meal, i believe we covered most of their savory sambar, vegetable curries and kuruma - they have so many variety of them! It is interesting.

Briyani Poori Meal ($8.60+)

If your partner, like Ric, is not used to these light vegetarian palate, get him this Briyani Poori meal as the saffron rice with finely chopped vegetables tasted just like our regular meat briyani.

And the lightly fried Poori flour is an airy prata version that is great when dip into the potato and chenna (chickpeas) masala curry. I think the onion yoghurt is good too, albeit zero crispness of their Pappadam on both our plates.

Coffee ($1.20 x2 )

What we both agrees unanimously on is their coffee.

While its light color tone is a put off, the taste is very agreeing with us who like milk with coffee - their coffee carries a distinct aroma, we could not tell what, can you? Tell me.

Crackers and tibits from Batam

2012-02-02T20:10:00.040+08:00

Nuts, Beans crackers, Fish crackers

This new year season, Dad had days of leave and went with friends to 2 days 1 night trip to Batam. Me and Mom loaded him with our shopping list and this was what Dad got us as he's quite clueless of which crackers we specifically like - so he bought a little of each.

Besides what you see here, we also have 2kg of Attap seeds, big bag of Petai beans and Salak, the fruit with scaly snake skin textures. All of top grade yet so... ... much cheaper than in Singapore market :))

Remember to get them when you go over!

豪大大雞排, HOT-STAR Large Fried Chicken

2012-02-01T12:37:00.078+08:00

The large 30cm long chicken fillet was deep fried on the spot after we placed our order at their counter. Near 10 mins of waiting, the server dresses up our hot chicken piece with their seasoning and chili powder.

"Shake, shake, shake... ... shake, shake, shake"

Established in 1992, Hot-Star Fried Chicken now wholly famous in bustling Taipei Shilin Night Market is finally here in Singapore! And Ric make sure i try it cos, "It's different from the ones we had before, this is the real thing. It's not that saltish and much lesser oil also." He assured.

Original Fried Chicken ($4)

And i like it.

Not immediately, but slowly as i savour the unoily yet enticing chicken meat... something nice about the flour they use... the best part's when i'm half-way through - i reach the flavorsome rib bones; we all love the bone parts of fried chicken, don't we? "Suck, suck suck..."

Can buy me again?

Courageous!

2012-01-29T11:14:00.075+08:00

After reading the movie review of Courageous from IeatIshootIpost, i finally got to watch it with Ric today. And if you talk about New Year Resolutions; Yes, i think i have 1 now. Or 2.

1. Learn to do difficult things.
2. Be couragous; when facing life's decisions.

In living out these resolutions, i seem to see glimpses of a triumphant life..

Produced by Sherwood Pictures, an American Christian film production company in Georgia, under the Sherwood Baptist Church, the story attains a similarly aspirational objectives like any American movies - i was very much encouraged by the film to live out my new resolutions; which serves as an all year boosting when the going gets tough.

Especially remembering 'Javier' who was jobless but shown much gratitude and diligence in his every new found job. Thanks for the character of Javier, he is such a motivation!

A feel-good movie, go watch it. 8.0/10

UCC the Blue Mountain Blend

2012-01-29T10:34:00.066+08:00

UCC the Blend, Blue Mountain, 50g ($15.90)

Being much impressed with UCC 117, we had no qualms about going into its Blue Mountain (and bought also their other blend to try). Alas, we were quite disappointed with its shallow flavor and lack of bitterness in this expensive bottle - just 1 stick of creamer is needed; lest the cream overpowered the beans..

I needed the creamer badly to help drown this cup. Is that how this supposedly good coffee taste like??

Yes, it is. I later read it here that the best lots of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee tastes this way! And Japan, the main consumer, imports more than 80% of the total production from some of these highest mountains in the Caribbean!?

But we, like the rest of the world, are not making the Blue Mountain our regular cuppa ;)

Huat Ah! 蒙主恩典!

2012-01-28T18:30:00.063+08:00

This is our takeaway Yusheng from the Rama Thai Sharkfin Restaurant, after our visit to the gallery this morning. A steamboat dinner is planned again; prior to it, we performed the "prosperity toss" of the Yusheng while saying auspicious words to one another, loudly!

A fun, tasty and meaningful ritual, i finds it ;)

Bless all! Amen.

Yusheng with Green Mango, Jellyfish and Salmon ($16.80)

Dreams and Reality: Masterpieces of Painting, Drawing and Photography from the Musée d’Orsay, Paris

2012-01-28T10:02:00.189+08:00

Regrettably, i know next to nothing about paintings - having no physical exposures to these seriously good art pieces. Am thus often perplexed by collectors who blew fortunes over them, bidding sky high for renowned collections.

Most probably for investment value? But visit to the gallery today teaches otherwise - it is truly inspiring and most pleasurable experience to view such fine artistry of the times! Nothing's like viewing the real thing physically.

This Lunar New Year, the National Museum of Singapore offers 4 days of free entry to the exhibit of these prized collections from Musee d' Orsay, Paris. Many like myself were privileged to view, at no cost.

And i am grateful that some of the collections; and stories behind the paintings, really tug at the heart. I know next to nothing about paintings, but the emotions were very much stirred by these framed motionless.

The ability to paint is a gift; while you can be anybody to appreciate the paint works - of Dreams and Reality.

The Knight of the Flowers by Georges Rochegrosse, 1892

"Parsifal, the chaste hero, resists the temptations of flower-maidens in his path, thanks to his coat of silver amour which reflects and annihilates all the demons."

The Enigma by Gustave Dore, 1871

"The Franco-Prussian War. The battle is over, and atop a hill strewn with bodies, stands a sphinx overlooking the scene. In the distance, smoke rises from a city (Paris) set alight by enemy fire. Under the dark sky, a winged woman is in tears and questions the sphinx in vain for an explanation of the chaos and horror of war, but the sphinx remains silent."

The Dubourg Family by Henri Fantin-Latour, 1878

Young Woman on the Jetty by Philip Wilson Steer, 1888-1889

A Box at the Theatre des Italiens by Eva Gonzales, 1875-1878

The Ball by Felix Vallotton, 1899

The Lady with the Glove by Carolus-Duran, 1869

The Cardplayers by Paul Cezanne, 1890-1895

Starry Night over the Rhone by Vincent van Gogh, 1888-1889

Having hold 24 paintings of Vincent van Gogh, the Musee d'Orsay bought with them one of his precious work - Starry Night over the Rhone.

Quoting him, "For my part, i know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream." And he does make reality, his dream.

Tampopo Cream Puff

2012-01-27T13:09:00.041+08:00

Tampopo Cream Puff ($2.60)

We have often seen Tampopo's cream puffs sitting pretty in their display chiller; and how i wish to squeeze them open to see and taste its cream fillings!

Whoa! And this is satifying.

We will be trying out the cream puff from Four Leaves Bakery in the adjacent Meidiya supermart where the price fetches 2 puffs instead of 1 here; but having the much reputed from Tampopo is the order.

McDonald's Prosperity Burger

2012-01-27T12:22:00.032+08:00

Beef Prosperity Burger ($4.60)

Pepper sauce, Onions and beef steak with McDonald's regular sesame bun - that's about it, of McDonald's Prosperity Burger that makes its debut during the Chinese Lunar New Year.

The burger was a handful, fills the tummy but doesn't satisfy any adventurous palate.

I do miss the Chicken McGrill; one of Mc's best innovation :)

Watermelon babies!

2012-01-26T10:47:00.018+08:00

A pretty sight of fruiting Watermelons welcomes our return after the Lunar New Year holidays! And it seems all melon plants have identical yellow flowers? Like the previous Honey dew.

Two weeks later, it is still growing :)

Laksania - for the love of Laksa

2012-01-25T14:00:00.094+08:00

Laksa! You couldn't deny it is one of our favourite Singapore's National dish; often craving for and secretly slurping in more than necessary - the cholesterol laden Laksa soup!

I had with me, 5 coupons for 5 bowls of Laksa selections from Laksania. At $16 only ;)

Laksa Goreng ($7.50)

Out of their specialty Laksa, the dry version of Laksa Goreng is popular with their many customers; or i should say, every table has a plate of it.

We ate and pack another order for home. You judge.

Penang Laksa ($7.50)

My first decent bowl of Penang Laksa; and it came across as a refreshingly light version of assam-based Laksa with heavy garnishes of mint leaves, pineapples chunks, lettuce and ginger flowers. An appetite whetting Laksa, without coconut milk for the health conscious? i quite like it.

See their menu for Sarawak Laksa and Kelantan Laksa.
We planning our return trip for their Singapore LAKSA!!

Lemongrass Tea ($2.80)

The drinks are as wonderful as it looks.

Until next time, soon.

Full Pond of Lotus! 花都开好了..!

2012-01-25T12:03:00.024+08:00

Whoa! This is my first time catching a full pond of blossoming Lotus flowers!

We were stopping by the road side, checking up maps to Sengkang Punggol whilst i caught a glimpse of the sight in Ang Mo Kio Garden West. Be there!

Onion Omelette

2012-01-24T11:01:00.076+08:00

Right, this isn't a difficult dish to begin with and we have loved the recipe since childhood.
Let's look at some fine points that perfect it!

STEPS:

1. Beat up 4 Eggs, chopped up 7 Onions (Not too much Eggs ratio).

2. Heat up Oil in wok, add in Onions and stir-fried till it soften. Add 1/2 tsp of Salt.

3. Pour beaten egg mixture into the Onions; as one side of the omelet browns, flip the omelet over like a pancake (above pic).

4. Apply a little pressure to the omelet with the spatula; breaking it up a little.

5. Continue frying and tossing (about 15 mins).

6. When a satisfactory 'browning' of the omelet is achieve, turn up the fire for a last round of frying. This will further enhance the texture and taste of the omelet.

Trust me ;)

Everyone in the family loves this dish.

Assorted Mushrooms Pot

2012-01-23T12:00:00.063+08:00

Are you one who loves those bags of fresh mushrooms from the supermarket but clueless on the cooking methods? Being a non-vegetarian, here's one vegetarian recipe i like.

STEPS:

1. Finely chop up Garlic, Ginger, Red Chili. Stir-fried all in wok with Oil.

2. Add in washed assortment Mushrooms (We having the Enoki, Shimeji, Shiitake, Clamshell and Korean mini oyster mushrooms. Also the special Arrowhead tuber, 慈姑 sliced and textured like potatos).

3. Add seasoning of Vegetarian Oyster Sauce, Pepper, Salt to taste.

4. When the Mushrooms are almost cooked, add in the Yellow, Red Capsicums.

5. Garnish with Coriander leaves.

If you like a wetter version of the dish, cover and simmer while cooking. Else remove the cover, and the water produce from the mushrooms will slowly dry up. Excise your judgment ;)

Vegetarian Chicken Rice

2012-01-23T11:59:00.109+08:00

Like to share this recipe of vegetarian chicken rice with you; it is quite simple and healthy, without the chicken fats. The most tedious part of preparation would be mincing the ginger - which i'm doing for the first time this morning, it aches my arm muscles.

Ingredients listed were to feed our visiting families for the Chinese New Year, so reduce it to suit smaller serving size.

Main Ingredients to stir-fry together (serving for 5 cups of rice):

1 piece of palm sized Ginger

5 chopped Garlic

2 stalks Lemongrass (pounded open)

5 Pandan leaves

2 big tablespoons of Margarine, or Butter if you like.

STEPS:

1. Wash rice, measured your usual required water for rice cooking but reduce the water quantity slightly.

2. Stir-fried the ingredients in wok using small fire for a brief period.

3. Remove the ingredients from wok, add into the rice mixture for soaking of about 25 mins.

4. Switch on the rice cooker.

5. When the rice is cooked, give the rice a good stir altogether. Serve!

This recipe is quite a foolproof; the more herby ingredients you have, the more fragrant is your chicken rice and if you like a less oily rendition, just reduce accordingly - it wouldn't hurt the final result. But note that chicken rice must be a little oily to be nice ;)

Cook more rice than your daily serving, cos the kids and man might just love to have a little extra today!

The Reunion 2012

2012-01-22T18:58:00.068+08:00

We were having our annual reunion dinner for the Lunar New Year; as always, the party was held in the opened air garden where the rain just decided to halt, timely for our dinner to start. Praise God.

This year, married Sis couldn't join us for the dinner - it's the first time anybody is missing from the table and it is obvious..

Here's some photos of the steamboat ingredients; when cooking starts, nobody have time for any photographs taking ;) Happy New Year to you <3 <3 <3

Assorted Mushrooms, Fuzhou Fishballs, Mushroom balls, Taiwan Sausages, Imitation Crab Sticks, Marinated Pork Satay, Fish dumplings

Fresh Fish Fillets, Sotong, Prawns, Chili Fishballs, Marinated Chicken

Kurobuta Pork Belly vs normal Pork Belly (Can you tell which is which?)

Our usual favourite of Greens: Tang Oh (for steamboat soup) and Dou Miao (for hotplate stir-fried)

Sizzling Kurobuta Pork Belly on hotplate - Tis' what i've been waiting all night for ;)

Air Plant?

2012-01-14T14:29:00.058+08:00

Tillandsia

Where do i have this elegant plant from?

One day, some years back, a pint sized battered plant was found in my cactus pot. Thinking it's just another cactus, i left it as it is without watering or rooting it - months later it was thriving; suddenly dawns on me that this might be an air plant!? Still, i left it alone.

Today, the plant had grown much; my newly acquainted neighbour warned that i move the plant indoor as air plants are highly valued and may just be carried off - one of such sizes cost about $15-20? He further advised that a log would be ideal for anchoring the light weight piece.

So it stands now at my window pane; basking in the evening sun.

Yes, please try this handmade Kueh

2012-01-11T14:41:00.068+08:00

Soon Kueh 笋粿, Ku Cai Kueh 韭菜粿 ($0.50 each)

It's been some time since we had these handmade kueh from the Old Airport Road; i've long forgotten the taste. So it delivers a long approving "Ummm...!" from me as i bite into the succulent rice flour of the 'thick skinned' Soon Kueh!

Having too much conveniently factory manufactured ones, i've faint memories of these nice handcrafted. Can't help taking a second glance at the stall where the Teochew hawker is still hand kneading away...

01-142, Fu Xin Cooked Food

老伴, Lao Ban Soya Beancurd

2012-01-11T14:31:00.075+08:00

Soya Beancurd, Original ($1.20)

So, we were finally at the Old Airport Road Food Centre where Lao Ban Soya Beancurd gained much fame across this island.. and was it worthy of all the ravings? (A customer before us just packed away 50 boxes and we had to wait... ;)

Taste wise, we had find it a tad sweet for our liking. It doesn't carry much of the special malt or milk powder taste commonly associated with these new generation beancurd dessert, instead it has a nice tang of beany flavor.

Its texture was also grainier and firmer when we compared with that from Dessert First; not that i mind - achieving the almost perfect balance between that of firm traditional beancurd and the soft collapsible is commendable. What's your take?

On the flip side, the thousands of plastic containers used each day for these dessert is a perturbing thought...

137 Lor Mee - with loads of fried Dory

2012-01-11T11:50:00.030+08:00

Lor Bee Hoon Mee ($2.50)

This stall in Tampines Round Market drew a steady pool of customers with light seasoning braised sauce for their Lor Mee noodles; most importantly they have fried Dory fish fillets as their star ingredient - and are generous with its helpings.

We were however left wanting as Lor Mee somehow feels lack without braised pork belly; else if you preferred just fishes, you may wish to visit here.

Sahm Yook Korean Seasoned Seaweed

2012-01-09T15:32:00.003+08:00

Korean Dried Flavored Seaweed, 3 x 5g pack ($1.60)

Are you getting tried of having packed lunch everyday, from particularly the same food stalls? I am.. since we're getting too busy to afford lunch out :(

So i'm packing simple home-cooked food rather than agonizing over lunch orders. And these savory Sahm Yook Korean seaweed peps up any plain meal of rice - i ate wrapping the crunchy sheets, like sushi roll over rice. It certainly feels healthy, minimizing on food intake as we desk bound the entire day...

And though the seaweed tasted quite salty (going very well with rice), it doesn't dry you like MSG. Simple lunch; now's back to the computer screen...

Dracaena sanderiana, 观音竹, 万年竹

2012-01-08T08:30:00.047+08:00

Dracaena sanderiana, 观音竹 bamboo

The Dracaena sanderiana, or Ribbon Plant is flowering in this early Spring! My mother and some neighbours had deem it extreme 'good luck' to have the flowering because of its infrequency.

Another native from Africa, i think it loves the indirect heat and windy spot i had shifted (many months back) it to; with little watering. Never had we any blossom when the plant was placed under intense direct afternoon sun for years, albeit growing to a healthy 3m height. Now it stands just near 2m.

1st morning after, 17 Jan

We had thought that was it, but during a late evening some 1 week later, the much lengthen buds burst into bloom like fireworks! It is awesome! And the flowers gave off a pleasantly light fragrant.

2nd night

For every subsequent nights after, a fresh ring of buds flowered; withered by next morning.

The Red and the White!

2012-01-07T13:10:00.074+08:00

You have heard, "Red goes with red meat and the White with seafood." It is surely very very true; a most pleasurable experience to indulge such dinning arrangement!

Bin 888 - 14% alc ($31.95), President - 13% alc ($36.90)

As we took a bite of the mutton; craving was for the Red. Scrambled for the bubbling White as i reached out for the crayfishes and lobster. This is such blissful moment, getting tipsy with the loveliest taste on the palate - never minding we were in a most unsophisticated bbq party with plastic cups ;))

Having one of the finest from Australia - Bin 888, Cabernet Merlot 2008 from Wyndham Estate and Wolf Blass President's Selection Chardonnay! Cheers! Cheerio!

Seafood, Lobsters BBQ!

2012-01-07T12:28:00.152+08:00

Our friend and business associate, the Kees is 'notorious' for sparing no expenses and efforts on his company's annual lunch - a splendid spread of seafood is his usual style and we were indeed pampered.

These were his early morning purchase from the Senoko Fishery Port, at 3am! Followed by a market trip as he could not get crabs at the fishery today.

What's not in picture?

About 12 Lobsters in a separate plastic bag, large cut up Sotong and a bucketful of big, fat Crabs ;) Boxes of marinated chicken wings, otah and Taiwan sausages.

Fried Noodles and Kuih Lopes dessert

Curry Chicken with Pototoes

Mutton Rendang

While the men and hosts were busy getting the BBQ fire going, the ladies, kids and anyone hungry could stuffed themselves with the delicious carbo of fried noodles and curries with bread!

BBQ Crayfish

BBQ Squids in Aluminim foil

BBQ Prawns

The moment we were waiting for; letting the lobster rest from the charcoal heat first... before we laid our hands on it.

Lusciously beautiful!

While lobster salad is light and fresh; crisp lobster sashimi is truly addictive, it is lobster BBQ that gives you the most concentrated aroma of lobster meat! It may seems wasteful cooking it over the fire as you watched its sweet juice drains, but the intense taste of the soft leathery chew is a life's time memorable one!

Say, "Ah... ..." Heavenly!

And make sure you take a full mouthful, don scrimp!

This red fellow goes home with me, cos there was so much food yet too little time and appetite. In fact, the generous hosts made us pack home most of the seafood and the cooked.

Then, one of his supervisors shoved me a barbecued lobster for takeaway ;))

Cheapest Roti Prata, 50 cents!

2012-01-07T11:07:00.058+08:00

Plain Roti Prata ($0.50 per piece)

I know i would not rest till i uncovered the 50 cents Roti Prata; hailed the cheapest you could get in Singapore! Price of this Singaporean favourite food has gone up much since the beginning of world flour price upsurge - a piece easily cost 80 cents to $1 now.

At 304 Ubi Ave where the Kampong Cafe operates a stall named "Aziz's dream"; i had my most undisappointing meal of buttery roti prata with plate of tangy curry sauce!

Albeit Ric's grouses about some infuriating services at their self-service counter, I really do enjoy my cheap prata ;) You know any other good, cheap prata places?

Soya Beancurd - the new fad!

2012-01-05T13:24:00.093+08:00

Gui ling gao - Turtle jelly and Soya beancurd ($1.80 each)

While there wasn't any surprises about Dessert First Turtle jelly, i took a first sip of their signature Soya beancurd and was immediately reminded of the craze about the dessert that took its source from the Old Airport Road.

Quite unlike our firmer and coarser traditional Soya bean, the new recipe that's gaining its popularity is smoother, milkier with a tinge of milk powder and malt taste. Like pudding, it is eaten chilled. And as the beancurd burst in my mouth resembling to slurping semi-solid Soya milk, i know i'm hooked!

A word to describe it is "Shiok!"

Understanding what's the fuss about this new food fad, i found an interesting article about the fight of soya beancurd dessert at the Old Airport Rd Food Centre, read here if you are interested - there are 5 stalls in this single food complex! We might go there, right Ric ;)

天丼, Ten Tempura Restaurant

2012-01-05T12:20:00.091+08:00

2 Shrimps, 1 Kisu Fish, 3 Vegetables Tempura

Deluxe Tendon Set ($12.80++)

We were skeptical of the plainly simple Tendon presentation, but the meal turned out a surprise by the quality food standard at Ten Restaurant in Central Mall. Presumably, everything boils down to the first bite that tells you the efforts that went into their ingredients selection.

Tempura Don had always been a boring choice for me but today a well orchestral co-ordination between the freshest Tempura, Miso soup, pickles and their very own concoct Tempura sauce held up the show.

I was in fact feeling rather guilty, yet lucky of buying this deal from website of Jigocity at just $3.20 nett after utilising $2 Jigopoints from Jigocity's Special Christmas gift to subscribers.

Even at its normal price, the Tendon well justified its value.

維格餅家鳳梨酥, Pineapple Tarts from Taiwan

2012-01-01T13:52:00.014+08:00

鳳梨酥, Pineapple mini-cake (box of 12)

I always love Pineapple Tart during the Lunar New Year; it sweetens ones up and seems most appropriate for this most auspicious time of the year. Hack the calories yah!

Nic bought these from his recent Taiwan trip where his business associate recommend him some of their proudest local product - Vigo Kobo's Pineapple cakes, award winning of 1st prize at the 2006 Taipei City Council Gift Championship.

I like the tarlets finely textured crust and subtle sweetness that's really aren't cloying at all, thanks to its filling of just 30% fresh pineapple and white gourd; my first thought was possibly making this a nice treat for diabetic Grandma.

And Bro, if you are reading this, their website seems to have so many other tantalizing pastries, can you buy on your next trip ;)

Aloe Vera Hair Care, DIY

2011-12-31T11:50:00.085+08:00

Young Aloe Vera - for Nic's home

Ric is putting in the extra hours in overtime this New Year's Eve while i tried keeping myself busy.

Was gardening and trimmed the young Aloe of 5 thin stems - as i always does, slicing the stems open, applying the slimy gel directly onto the hair. Made more cuttings on the exposed flesh which in turn produces more gel and runs my coated fingers through my short hair.

Never forget to leave some aside for the facial mask.

It was not any hair treatment that Spas and hair salons probably fuss over using their purest Aloe Vera products, working immediate magic to your hair; just the simplest DIY you could do for yourself; leave the layer on over the afternoon and shampooed out by the evening. The whole process feels pure and unprocessed ;)

Happy Christmas! Peaceful New Year!
Healthy Hair!

Manhattan Fish & Cheese Promo

2011-12-29T12:50:00.049+08:00

Manhattan Fish 'n Chips, Cherry Snapper ($13.90++)

This is almost an impossible lunch date with Ric as his work schedule spills over to my off days and weekends as the year end approaches!

We were at City Square Mall to enjoy 1-for-1 set of lovely Cherry Snapper fillet drizzled with garlic herb sauce by flashing their promo poster from the Manhattan's facebook page. It made me rethink about the similarly priced Dory fish fillet at the Swensen's..

And i think i'm falling for something so sinful that i shouldn't - CHEESE potato fries with dusting of Cajun powder!

Buds & Blooms!

2011-12-28T09:23:00.052+08:00

Papaya flower

This may not be your first time seeing these blooms but it is for me. How pretty and dainty the waxy flower of the Papaya looked in the morning sun!

These strange December days had been swept by heat waves following weeks of rain and we were watering the young growth, making sure they survive. So it's an extra bonus that they blossom.

Then this is the hairy Honey dew melon fruit and its graceful yellow flowers that are spawning the ground! It's interestingly amusing that the young fruit is all finely furry; i love its touch ;)

Samsung Family! with the 8.9" Tab

2011-12-25T12:00:00.046+08:00

Samsung Tablet 8.9" ($680)

The Samsung family is growing! We collected Ric's new 8.9" tablet on Christmas's eve, in replacement of his 7" Tab. The bigger screen is great fun to play with and makes emailing such a breeze with the larger display!

But by press time of this post, Ric had sold the gadget and opted for status quo. Why? The higher screen resolution has a much smaller layout for some pages that makes it a really onerous task to read; pages that can't be zoom in. And it seems even a guy finds the size of the near 9" a tad heavy and oversized.

So the 7" Tab and MacBook Air service the man's mobile office for now.

Guys too like it light ;)

Honey House - Italy Candy

2011-12-25T09:37:00.069+08:00

Honey House Italy Candy, 130gm ($7.50)

As we need to depart early after the dinner, Nic gave out Christmas presents the couple bought for everyone - Italy Honey Candy! It is a thoughtful and pretty gift, why didn't i think of that?

The lovely pink box with yellow ribbon makes a cheery presentation for the celebratory occasion while the Ambrosoli's honey filled candies are wholesome and nectarous! Yes, i like it a lot; just popped one of the classic flavor and it tasted just like a slurp of real honey!

Will take my time to savour the box of 30 pcs assorted (Classic, Balsamic, Latte, Gelee) candies.

Christmas Dinner!

2011-12-24T18:23:00.094+08:00

God bless! Our cosy dinner that Nic and wife put together for the families of 10 (with some being overseas).

Christmas grilled Turkey ($80) from the American School in Woodlands sits at the table centre with Chestnut stuffing and Giblet gravy by the side. We enjoyed the juicier grill this year compared with the previous and we had several helpings!

Mutton Briyani Rice, pan-fried Sotong balls, French fries while Sis prepared Japanese hand rolls and i did some sausages and salad.

My plate; first plate... with more to come :) Yumm.

And Nic insisted i took a picture of his first try at making the Longan almond jelly ;) we have to agree it's a successful attempt - not bad for one who's going to be a father soon but acted like a kid who fought with me over the picture taking angles. Haha.

Swiss bake Dark Chocolate Yule Log Cake, 500gm ($24.40+)

Everybody was happily bloated without having the log cake, so Nic cut and packed it separately for our takeaway enjoyment. That's my Bro!

岑记, Sum Kee Food

2011-12-21T12:00:00.095+08:00

岑, is such rare surname. And we've never heard of Sum Kee Food, didn't know they are sited at a secluded yet exclusive site with their very own free parking lots. What i really like is their mini garden and efforts to green up the place.

Today, we planned for some Curry Fish Head that's subsidised by Street deal's dining coupon.

Ngor Hiang ($8)

The Ngor Hiang or five-spice sausage roll which contains bite sized shrimps are quite a delight, one of the best we've had. But none beats grandma's, of course.

Then comes the bubbling claypot that was kept warm by a lighting candle underneath... let us find the diving 1/2 fish head.

Curry Fish Head ($22, $10 after discounted by voucher)

Here! A pot of well spiced yet gently piquant curry that Ric agrees with; coupled with taste of sweet sauce from crunchy Ngor Hiang, it is enjoyable while we sweat, eating.

Yumm..

Mackie's of Scotland

2011-12-18T10:24:00.053+08:00

Mackie's of Scotland and Kettle Brand Chips (2x150g for $6.35)

Bought these potato chips from the Robinson's Expo Sale; having tried & tested Kettle, we were mostly snapping up the Mackie's from Scotland.

One characteristic of such expensive potato chips is that they're made directly from real potatoes and are tough and no good for weak tooth. Else you should be enjoying a good savory crunch of the thick potato slices.

Reasonable salted, we cleared out a pack pretty fast; and i had thought i was over my chips enslavement?

Skool for Ice-cream

2011-12-15T13:55:00.082+08:00

A nice toasty waffle just out of the hot pan!

Boy! I was impressed that this small HDB shophouse in remote Tampines meant business when it comes to waffles making! Skool serves real "deep-pocket" Belgian waffles of the thickest slab!

Double Scoop Ice-cream with Waffle ($8.40)

And the 2 giant scoops of gelato ice-cream (choose Lime and Green Tea flavor) was more than enough to fill each pockets over the brim - it was joyous! But i wished Ric had help decide on the ice-cream flavor, i was rather clueless over the many choices; Strawberry shortcake sounded nice right?

The dessert was just $3.90 out of our pockets - a shame that only 73 deals were sold on Superdeals! If i knew it was this good, i would have brought more! Next time. Any chance?

Guang Xing Fish Soup at Changi Village

2011-12-15T13:14:00.046+08:00

Fish Soup ($4)

"Mmmm... ... ... Changi Village Fish Soup?" Ric suggested.

"Oh, yes. Yes! YES! Yeah! How can i forget? Because it's such a distance but Yes... yes, yes!"

It's been much too long since i last tasted the good old fish soup.

Sambal Fish Head ($10)

"I just need the fish soup, you can decide on anything else", in my rare decisiveness. So Ric ordered their sambal fish head with loads of bitter gourd to go with our rice.

I just need the fish soup. Yes!

Bodum Double Wall Glass!

2011-12-11T08:22:00.067+08:00

Assam by Bodum, 0.25 l, 8 oz ($44.80, set of 2)

Dad had taunted as i ogled admiringly at the newly purchased Bodum mouth blown glasses; had always wanted to own one of these beautiful double wall glasses but was beaten by the sheer expense.

This month though, you could own it at a discounted price of $19.80 with $30 purchase in a single receipt from the Cold Storage Supermarket ;) So Ric got me this pair of handiwork.

Apart from the fact that it looks absolutely elegant holding colored liquid in "suspension", i love its cool dry touch (whether you are serving cold or hot drinks), blocking condensation. And i was surely amazed that the ultra light weight glass could withstand the dishwasher, freezer, microwave, oven!? A Switzerland design.

Bak Kee Teochew Satay Bee Hoon

2011-12-10T18:25:00.063+08:00

While i was sitting down comfortably, looking at the stall selling some nice $1 rice dumplings, Ric was in the snaking queue in front of the Satay Bee Hoon stall at the Redhill Food Centre.

Satay Bee Hoon ($3)

It was indeed a nice delectable plate of satay bee hoon, well worth the wait; with the right consistency of satay sauce and freshest ingredients. You don't find that many stalls selling these right?

Coming from the West, you can get this good stuff from the coffeeshop at 347, Bukit Batok West where their other relative runs the show - can't really tell their difference, i tell you ;)

Cheapest Rice Dumplings

2011-12-10T18:19:00.096+08:00

Meat Dumplings, Nyonya Dumplings ($1 each)

Hey! This is undoubtedly the country's cheapest rice dumplings; as rising commodity prices become a permanent feature of the new global economic landscape. And it is of a respectable palm size. Our next question would be the taste right?

We bought just 3 meat dumplings and the entire car was filled with its aromatic whiff; that had quite won us over but it wasn't until we unwrap for a bite... i finds it very acceptable with regards to its mild seasonings. Ingredients wise, you can't demand for lots given the little price but we have everything a traditional dumplings should have - lots braised meat, a chestnut, mushrooms. Much identical to that from the Ang Mo Kio Nonya Kueh which i have a photo to show for.

This is 福明熟食, Fu Ming Cooked Food at stall 49 in Redhill Food Centre - they've been on TV for their popular dish of fried carrot cake too.

Thalappakkattu Dum Biryani

2011-12-07T12:39:00.102+08:00

The nice restaurant named after "Thalappakkattu Biryani", a popular rice preparation in Tamilnadu state of India. House proud owner helpfully explained their traditional cooking of Jira Samba rice, aromatic spices, cashew nuts and meat ingrediants cooked on Dum over slow heat.

You should notice the smaller grain size of their premium Jira rice that's approximately 1/3 size of Basmati. When cooked it is less fluffy and thus absorb very much less Ghee, making it a really healthier meal.

You know, we pay just $8 for this set!
It's on a 1 for 1 Chicken Dum Biryani promotion with Outlet voucher.

I always loves to have these chilled creamy yoghurt sauce! It comes with shredded onions, carrots instead of the usual cucumbers. Then there's another 2 daal recipes that taste delightfully of coconuts and chicken with lentil beans!

Chicken Dum Biryani, Drumstick ($7.90), Mutton Dum Biryani ($8.50)

We topped up just $0.50 for a change from a chicken biryani to mutton, each comes with an hard boiled egg. And we like the mutton bowl that's a more flavorsome one.

I wished i had bought 2 vouchers for this superb-value promotion.

Burger King Breakfast Platter

2011-12-07T10:36:00.064+08:00

Burger King Breakfast Platter ($6.95)

All these raining, don't you wish to stuff yourself on rich food and hot drinks in the freezing morning?

Having one of the best deal from Gobbler, i gobbled up 6 vouchers of their joint promotion with Burger King - just $3 for their new breakfast platter set with includes a smoked chicken frankfurter, grilled tomato, turkey ham and cheese omelet, hash browns, croissant bun and cup of Seattle's Best Coffee!

Quite unlike its poster showing an omelet that's oozes melted cheese, it was suffering from serious cheese deficiency, else having a quiet weekday breakfast out with Ric is priceless!

We've got 2 more vouchers to go :)

Samsung Galaxy Note - my BEST smartphone so far!

2011-12-06T16:40:00.096+08:00

Samsung Galaxy Note, 16GB ($1188, premium charge for white tone)

Barely 2 months old, my Galaxy S2 is making way for the new Galaxy Note; shipment for the Note White just in to Singapore last weekend, exclusively for the Singtel shop! Thus the Singtel charges a premium price for the set.

Having owned Samsung's Galaxy Tab & its Galaxy SII, i conclude having found my ideal smart phone in Note - it is most adept in its larger screen size than SII yet less of the awkward mobility bother of the 7" inch Tablet.

Battery life performance? The Galaxy Tab champs positively, followed by Note then the SII; Note is significantly more lasting than SII. The screen light-out during talk time is a proven energy efficient feature while the phone stays perfectly cool against the cheek during long chats.

Samsung Leather Flip Cover (replaced my white cover for the dark blue)

As an introductory promotion, the Note comes with an original Samsung leather flip case which i finds it hard to put down - the leather cover fits the phone snugly without adding any extra bulk and has a really good feel in the palm; liken the touch to the tight skin of luxury Vertu phone ;)

Tomato Onion Salad

2011-12-05T12:12:00.065+08:00

Making this pretty salad is as easy as 1,2,3!

What's more, it has a perfect color hue for Christmas - all the reds and greens; might do this for our X'mas dinner.

STEPS:

1. Remove the ingredients chilled up in the refrigerator. Wash.

2. Chop up Tomatoes, Onions, Green Chili and Coriander leaves (In any ratios that you like, giving heed that more Onions and Chili make the salad REALLY spicy. In such cases, just add in more Tomatoes).

2. If someone loves Cucumber, cut and add it in too (optional).

3. Mix well and serve immediately.

Superb healthy.

It's a NO sauce salad!

Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Bordeaux 1998

2011-12-03T19:13:00.008+08:00

Bordeaux 1998, Reserve Speciale

Sometimes a good wine is wasted; our bottle had been removed of its metal capping and placed in the fridge, uncork, but the taste of the wine seems to have escaped... how do i post a review on it? Still it is smoothly mellow.

Just a record for the wine, from Pauillac France, the Barons de Rothschild.

On TV and movies, don't we always heard the affluent ordering, "Give me a 82 years, Lafite?" Haha... our 98 years quite close lah ;)

Honjin Japanese Buffet

2011-12-03T11:34:00.206+08:00

California Salad. Jelly fish, Chawanmushi, Baby Octopus, Kimichi (Appetizers, anti-clockwise)

Seafood Salad

Honjin Japanese at Chow House Robinson Rd is getting quite well known for their Ala-carte buffet which serve big plates of sashimi, free flow. Many years back we were here on a credit card 1-for-1; today's were on Groupon deal.

I love Japanese salad and all its appetizers. Without hesitant i made a full order for the listing and thoroughly enjoyed the crunchy greens and savory sides!!

Tuna Maguro, Hamachi, Salmon Shake, Tako (Sashimi)

Yes, this the place to be if you were so craving for a good serving of all-you-can-eat Sashimi; each slices thickly cut for a satisfying chew. We made a repeat order for the firm textured Hamachi and sweet Tako.

Yellow tail Hamachi, Tako Octopus

Grilled Salmon & Grilled Chicken with sweet sauce, Edamane (salted green soy bean)

And you must have their grilled salmon! Even Ric who hates fish, obediently gobble one. It is oishii.

Soft Shell Crab, Salmon Skin (Mini Handroll)

Up till this junction, everything had been almost perfect - well cooked food served warm from the stove, chilled food fresh from the chiller, all's fine and crisp in ideal portion.

Food standard starts going downhill as we begin ordering from the 2nd section of the ala-carte buffet menu - fried pork Tonkatsu, Gyoza, Kakiage, assorted Tempura, with boring Maki roll, Buckweat noodles, Udon and Ramen left a bad taste in the mouth. Only the Ebi Prawn Tempura was worth saving some appetite for.

Quite disappointingly, 6 slices of orange were served as dessert to end the meal; being fruit-of-the-day.

Hot Buckweat noodles, Garlic Fried Rice

Gyoza, Ebi Tempura, Shitake Mushroom, Eggplant & Sweet potato (Age-Mono, clockwise)

Singapore Science Centre - 20 years on

2011-11-29T14:30:00.147+08:00

It used to cost just $0.50 for children visiting the Singapore Science Centre (SSC), compared to the $5 now. So we used to pop in often during the school holidays, enjoying the air-conditioned, dark and mystic setting that holds many interestingly fun scientific displays.

I never expect today's trip would be appealing (just didn't want to waste the 2 complimentary tickets from the HSA); SSC just for kids isn't it? But being now older, i could better appreciate the aspects of Science and the exhibitor for putting them across to the general public so simply; relating Science to our everyday life.

In retrospect, we were definitely lucky kids to have the Science Centre, 20 years back.

Some scientific observations still fantasies me, such as this anamorphic print painted by Istvan Orosz where an image is cleverly hidden in an overall scene, only revealed from specific angles or reflections onto the column. Can you recognise any part of the image from the painting?

Portrait of Jules Verne

An interesting poster. "This quirky cat hides more than its growl. Can you perceive the hidden bunny?"

Gravity Iron Ball Drop

Dance Patterns of the Dry Ice

I couldn't cover even half of the 1000 individual displays in the 10 halls. But surely, nothing beats watching these kids held spellbound by these interactive exhibits - just like how we used to.

It maybe this belief of bringing Science to the people of Singapore that kept the Science Centre going through these years..!

Bangladeshi Lady Finger

2011-11-28T12:28:00.061+08:00

A sizzling wok is always enticing! Can't help peeping in while my Bangladeshi friend whips up a vegetable dish to compliment our packed lunch. Mmmm...

It is an easy and really delightful recipe - enliven with sweet Onions and zesty Green Chili!!

STEPS:
1. Chop up the 500g of Lady Fingers, 1 Onion and 3 small Green Chili.
2. Heat up Oil in wok, throw in the Onion and green Chili. After a while, give a generous pinch of Salt.
3. Add in the Lady Fingers, stir fried a little before covering it.
4. Open the lid and stir the mix from time to time for about 2-3 minutes apart. Continue this simmering process until the vegetables reached your desired cooked softness.

Serve. Yum!

Andersen's Ice-Cream Creation

2011-11-22T13:20:00.024+08:00

Single Fondue ($11.50++), Banana Split ($11.50++)

I love my ice-cream served pure, without any accompaniment; it was not until the ice-cream creation from the Haagen dazs that i learned to appreciate the complex richness from such put-together.

Today we have a much simpler blend from the Andersen's of Denmark. Ice-cream flavors of Yogurt, Rum & Raisins for the Fondue, Bailey's scorched almond and Macadamia Nut for the Banana Split. Both creations were served with a luscious helping of chocolate fondue sauce.

Apart from ice-cream and baked waffle cones the Andersen is so famous for, i wish to endorse their chocolate fondue - it is so good you can even eat it on its own ;)

Banana Split

Indian Fare about the Little India

2011-11-22T12:32:00.090+08:00

Always wanted to dine at these little Indian food stalls plying along the streets of the Little India - but even for locals like us, it is still quite an intimidating feat to barter in the 'territory' of the Indians ;)

Round the corner of Komala's Restaurant, we decide on a lone stall in "Shafina Cuisine" coffeeshop; using some simple English and finger gestures, we had our plate of Indian Rice with a huge food portion!

Spiced Chicken, Potatoes and Lima bean masala ($5)

Fried Fish Briyani, with Cucumber Pickles and 1 Egg ($5.50)

Still the experience was a little of disappointment as we were hit by a food pricing higher than what our neighbourhood stall normally charges while the quality of food (the fried Fish especially) took a little compromising..

This ended the little mystery of dining in Little India.

Audemars Piguet, AP

2011-11-20T10:50:00.025+08:00

Lady Royal Oak

Initially, i didn't agree to buy this diamonds studded Audemars Piguet watch - it was too expensive for the occasional wear and i didn't want the attentions drawn on such. But donning a similar watch to match Ric's Royal Oak on functions and dinners was a musing thought that's tempting enough to cause wavering.

Getting the green light, Ric placed order with a cash deposit week before the birthday. But dues to low stock availability, it was only month later that he got ringed up by the retailer that the watch had arrived. Sheepishly, the man tried to surprise the woman with the procurement ;)

It is an implicit beauty - finely brushed stainless steel finishes with quality certified diamonds that sparkle in minimum light conditions. On the wrist, it is formally subtle, never crudely pretentious. This is certainly one of my prized piece.

How the couple had loved to lock arms now...

Catharanthus roseus, 日日春, 长春花

2011-11-17T17:06:00.060+08:00

Catharanthus roseus (pink)

It was one of those moment when i dashed indoor for my cam to capture the 'first bloom' of any new additions to the garden! The young plant is frail, evident of the pale violet bloom.

But take care that it do not do well in over-fertile soil. An all season flowering shrub that loves the full sun and light watering; i believe its colors will improve when this wet monsoon passes.

This Madagascar native is from Aunt when her neighbour's self-seed into her garden ;)

Catharanthus roseus 'Bright Eyes', Catharanthus cultiver (red)

Two weeks later, i came to know a like-minded neighbour who gave me this pot of the mixed species. Pretty!?

Lunch at Killiney - i'm so missing the Ice-cream Waffle!

2011-11-16T12:28:00.072+08:00

Ice Lemon Tea ($2.20), Barley ($2)

Back in 2008, we fell in love with Killiney's Ice-cream waffles - tough, un-melting Vanilla ice-cream to be spread thick on sweet toast waffle! But today, we got to know Killiney more than their skin-deep Kopi.

They serve cool refreshing Ice Tea that reminds us of what the KFC used to concoct, with real lemon slices! What's better? Its sweetness was just right, none overly sweet and artificial like those from machine dispensers!

Mee Siam ($4)

Curry Chicken with rice/ french loft ($6.20)

The rest of the meal went positively as i had no qualms about slurping dry the Mee Siam bowl and we both, 'fight' to soak up all the Curry juices with the warmly browned baguette! Advise you order an extra serving of bread - you would be thankful.

Ice-cream with Waffle ($6.20)

Glass Jelly with Longan ($2.80)

All of the above with Big Deal voucher at just $13.90!

沈阳风味, Dumplings & La Mien

2011-11-13T17:45:00.082+08:00

On a foot trail left by Albert's comment, we finally found this handmade noodles, dumplings stall at Blk 466 Crawford Lane, in the Tai Hwa Eating House.

Negative social impact cause by the huge influx of these Chinese immigrants need time to be ironed out; while we always respect those, who like these hawkers, making an honest living by taking up the long-working-hour kitchen job.

Guotie 锅贴 ($4), Zhajiang mian 炸酱面 ($3.50)

Having our fair share of pan-fried dumpling and handmade noodles; those serve here were no-nonsense and respectably well done.

Fried Seafood Noodle, 海鲜炒面 ($3.50)

While Albert had laureled the fried seafood noodle, we both find it a tad saltish. But if you are one on heavier taste buds (and doesn't mind just 1 prawn and few fish cake slices), you should love this plate of hot fried noodle which was an exact of our local Hokkien Mee!

Stuffed Buns, 陷饼 ($4)

Our neighbouring table of 3 had 4 servings of these stuffed buns! So we followed suit.

We ordered the ones with Chives and Pork fillings while they also have them in Chives and Egg? Interesting? Between the Guotie and Stuffed buns, Ric and i were divided ;)

Galileo Thermometer - is it working?

2011-11-13T08:37:00.056+08:00

Galileo Thermometer, 28cm tall

I had always wanted a Galileo thermometer, fantasies by its working principle of changing liquid density according to temperature! But was clearly muffled by the cost of owning one - about $30-$60! It's quite a price to pay for a plaything and display ornaments right?

Yesterday, i saw this one laying right on top of Dad's work pile! Hehe... but is it working...? Depending on temperature, liquid glass bulbs in the thermometer should either rise or fall. Actual temperature was shown by the lowest of the upper floating glass bulbs - where 8 colorful bulbs graduated every 2 degree Celsius.

This morning, after a cold rainy night, i woke up and observed that the glass bulbs indicating 28 °C had risen to replace the 30 °C of last night! It's clever! It is working!

"Auntie, have Special?"

2011-11-09T16:14:00.047+08:00

Special Ice ($1.50)

It does seem embarrassing to ask, so Ric had me do the buying this time.

Nic and the wife had urged us to try this dessert that was not on the stall's normal menu (i later found it on their standard displayed board... my 'Sotong' brother).

The so-called "Special Ice" was actually a 'rojak' or 'supreme' mix of all the stall's available ingredients for their ice shavings - it does taste special as one part of the bowl has hints of Lychees, the other of Longans and yet another toss about gets you some milky icing with canned cocktail... haha..

We have had some daffy fun.

Dian Xiao Er Roasted Duck

2011-11-09T12:05:00.108+08:00

Duck Roasted with Wild Ginseng, half duck ($24.80++)

Chinese Lettuce 麦菜 with Fermented Bean Curd ($8.30++)

While we agree that Dian Xiao Er roast duck doesn't come cheap, for every occasional indulgence we unregrettably fling off costing factor as we savor its symbolic herbal flavors infused into each well roasted duck; quite literally, we inundate our rice bowl with the duck sauce, always.. It is yummy.

And whenever Chinese Lettuce is on the menu we would surely order the green for its bitter crunch.

Stewed Crocodile Meat with Sweet Almonds & Chuan Bei ($6.80++)

Ric developed slight coughing this morning, so i was all for the stewed crocodile meat soup brewed with 杏仁 and 川贝 that promise to moisture the lungs, drive dryness, eliminate phlegm and relieve cough.

Yes, i hear much less coughing after the meal ^*

Itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny-Pineapples

2011-11-07T18:38:00.093+08:00

On 3 Oct 2011.

My Ananas nanus or more commonly known as Dwarf Pineapple finally came forth with fruit after 2 years of grooming. Every morning i checked out the shoot and it seems to be raising up fast; maybe half an inch each day!

On 7 Nov 2011.

All in a month's time, dozens individual flowerets grow together to form the entire fruit. From the lowest row, purple flowerets bloom and dried up (you see blooming flowerets only at the top row now), forming the scales on the pineapple.

Each scale on the pineapple is thus evidence of a separate flower, it's amazing. I didn't realize it was flowers until i saw visiting Hummingbird probe deeply into the purple blossoms, feeding on its nectar!

Are now waiting for the fruit to ripen - hope to update with more photos and details.

The Real Gold - Moccona or Nescafe?

2011-11-06T09:50:00.082+08:00

Moccona Continental Gold, 250g ($12.50)

Nescafe Gold Rich Aroma Coffee, 200g ($12.70)

Set a budget of $10-14 getting some coffee for the new office; deciding to do away with 3-in-1 mix all together this time. The budget for a 200g isn't too spendthrift yeah? Compared with most 100g pack at the same price range.

Moccona is definitely reliable with its balanced flavor and subtle aroma - selected!

And even before we have the Nescafe, Ric forewarn, "You'll be disappointed." Nescafe branding had never got its way with him. "But, why was many people still buying it? And Nescafe is not cheap, even their 3-in-1?" i baffled.

We tried. We will never again buy it.

It was a cup of bitter tasting coffee with faintest hint of coffee aroma to speak of. Even the cheapest dried freeze we had of NTUC Fairprice Gold Premium Arabica tasted way better than this, really..

Olive Tree Restaurant

2011-11-03T12:25:00.198+08:00

We were on a 1 day seminar at the Intercontinental Hotel Singapore, thrilled with the provision of a buffet lunch at their Olive Tree Restaurant! I almost couldn't tear myself away from the table when the clock struck 2pm for us to return to the seminar ballroom...

It's a shame no photos of the good food were taken cos my bosses were at the same table (this blogger identity was sworn to secrecy!); with any dining promotion, i shall certainly hurried back here with Ric - this trip had left some sparkling impression of the hotel and the Olive Tree.

Priced at $39.50++, the lunch buffet serves notable spread of fresh seafood (prawns, clams, mussels, clayfish; no oysters), local and international fare with roast lamb leg and juicy roast beef. Freshness of ingredients used in popular recipes made this buffet standout from the common others; good reviews you read online about here were all true.

And for once, ice-cream outperforms cake dish up at buffets. Unalike to run-of-the-mill chocolate-strawberry-vanilla trio, they serve a grandstander of fine ice-cream that tastes of real fruits and nuts - in flavors of Pistachio, Melon, Pink Guava, Mango, Strawberry, Vanilla!

The courtyard dining hall was bright, spacious and quiet for a cozy up lunch while service at the serving counter was cheery as i recognized our celebrity chef, Chef Eric Neo who was all smiley, tossing nice tender squids for us all waiting in line at his live cooking station :)

Newton Meng Kee Prawn Noodle @ Jurong Island

2011-11-02T12:06:00.048+08:00

Prawn Kway Teow Mee, dry ($3)

We were finally back to Oasis Sakra canteen for my hot hot Prawn Bee Hoon soup! Ric had offered to pack it when he entered the Jurong Island earlier but i refused to hear of it cos i love to have my soup hot hot hot!

Guys with heavier taste buds here often opted for the dry version which was ladled richly with fried shallot oil; it was equally bewitching! Slurp! Slurp! Slurp up!

(Entry to Singapore's Jurong Island govern by valid security passes)

Prawn Bee Hoon, soup ($3)

Quatuor Manfred Recital

2011-10-29T20:33:00.097+08:00

The Quatuor Manfred

Visiting Artist Series from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music benefited the general masses as it hosts several free concerts every month introducing different music instrumentations.

Today we attended our first 'live' string quartet with Manfred, one of the leading French quartets of its generation. I was looking forward to chamber music as it allows one to be fully engage with just a few instruments instead of the complexity of a full orchestra - learning to recognize each instrument for its distinctive sound and play techniques.

Opening pieces of Hyacinthe Jadin's String Quartet in E-flat major, Op.2 No. 1 was particularly galvanizing as i got affix to the lead playing of the violin, it was captivating.. but after much 'strings' i start drifting and yearn for different vibration of sound. Think, a piano quartet...

Deepavali Gift of Sweets :)

2011-10-29T15:32:00.101+08:00

Indian Sweets and Crackers

This box of Indian sweets was from Nic's neighbour in celebration of the Deepavali, or Diwali the Festival of Lights for our Hindus countrymen. It's the first time i see such variety of sweets as gifts, i'm impressed.

As these were locally home made, they tasted less cloying than what my colleagues bought from India sweet house - the Indian loves their sweets heavily sugared! And i came to appreciate that every races took pains in preparing traditional recipes of sweets, cakes and cookies for each of their unique festivities.

With main ingredients of raw rice, dal, nuts, rice flour, ghee and milk, i like the content of entire box while Dad preferred the crackers of Mullu Thenguzhal and Ribbon Pakoda to the Cheese Cutras and Ladoo ;)

Whittaker's Almond Gold

2011-10-26T13:00:00.039+08:00

Whittaker's Roasted Almond Gold Milk Chocolate, 45g ($1.90)

I knew of this New Zealand chocolate 'gold bar' for as long as i knew Ric - it has been one of his favourite for the past 10+ years, but i've only had them today. Albeit the coarser finished cocoa, this mini slab is every mouthful of tight packed almonds! No chocolate bars had ever deliver such nutty sensation; it is very enjoyable.

Hershey's finer chocolate bars were Ric's take these recent years but we both agree that the Whittaker's Gold was the memorable one.

榕城, another haunt for good Bak Kut Teh

2011-10-25T12:45:00.085+08:00

Rong Chen at Blk 22, Sin Ming Road

My definition of a good Bak Kut Teh meal is simply make up of 1 primary bowl of sweet flavorsome pork rib soup that promises to nourish my body with a 'perk me' shake up. And often preferring the Teochew's lighter colored version of the peppery soup.

Bak Kut Teh Meal ($21.80)

It would be a bonus when the meal comes with appetite whetting vegetable pickles and side dishes option of soft gelatinous pork trotters or tender pig's liver; good service standard of constant topping-up the bak kut teh soup without having to ask for it.

Rong Chen is certainly good with its trade but my fave still of Ng Ah Sio; and we're always on a look out for the better or more - i love the warm soup with sweet rib bones ;)

Braised Pork Trotter

Blanched Pig Liver Soup

Fortunella - gave me my first wine allergy.

2011-10-22T19:18:00.083+08:00

Fortunella Premium Sweet Red, 750ml ($11.80 Promotion)

After savoring the sweet red from Brown Brothers, i was keen to explore more of such sparkling red wine. The NTUC supermart happened to have a promotion for Fortunella of South Australia; it was cheap and so we decide to try.

We do remember to serve it chilled but it does not improve the taste of the bottle. Even i was disappointed with its bland sweet alcoholic tang. There was weak hint of vine grapes and gave us drying throat.

Being one who never had skin, food or medical allergy of any sort, i was shocked that the drink tonight developed into skin irritations on both my arms by the following day! My skin itches with claw marks and got bumpy after my vigorous scratching! I never had such ugly arms :(

What saves me? The Axe Brand Universal Oil.

It eases the itch immediately. And after just 3 applications, i recovered :))

Cereal Prawns with Eggs

2011-10-18T17:00:00.071+08:00

My family love prawns and these were for my sister-in-law's craving albeit the smaller size prawns; bigness of the prawns would have been much enjoyable, really.

I done a slight addition to the previous recipe today. After Step 2 of deep-frying the prawns (refer earlier recipe here), i made scrambled eggs out of 5 beaten eggs with the red-orangey tainted oil that remains after the deep-frying. The eggs tasted superb.

It was set aside and added back to the wok together with the prawns in final Step 5 for a quick toss just before serving! That's it.

For the health conscious individual who abstain prawns, they could now taste this dish with just eggs, cereal and curry leaves. I'm not health conscious, i'm lazy to de-shell the shrimps ;)

SONY Blu-ray DVD Home Theatre System

2011-10-16T20:00:00.095+08:00

SONY BVD-E380 ($499)

Listened to my new Sony home theatre system and "WoW!" with disbelief - it was a make.believe perk up. Upgrading my current Philips 2 speakers to Sony 5.1-Channel sound system makes an obvious audio difference - sound quality was unmistakeably "fuller and rounder" now; in my layman's term.

The same CD recording sounded notably different on both players that was on plain stereo settings. Sony outperforms decidedly.

I am now thankful to Ric who 'forces' this 5 speakers sound system on me, for i'm one who hates clustering many pieces of electical equipment in the house. Now i stand for it and encourage anyone who shares this similar concern to make space and give 5 speakers system a try.

Incredible Roast Meat

2011-10-14T11:55:00.078+08:00

Whenever we visit the North Bridge Road Food Centre, Ric always murmur about the many people who went around to the neighbouring block no. 10 for their meals. "There must be something nice there..." He always said.

So we went over today to the corner coffeeshop at Blk 10. They have a popular stall of roast meat, double boiled soup and prawn noodles; each having their own tables of lunch time supporters. We joined the roast meat group, just for today :)

Platter of Char Siew, Roast Meat, Roast Duck, Sausages ($11.40)

And it was cool to pay a meager price for an assortment of 4 typical roasted items, which even includes a roast duck drumstick. Out of the 4, the Char Siew is the outstanding one.

Looks can be deceiving. The Char Siew doesn't look all that appealing, but like us, you may wish to give it a try and be amazed. Still i didn't rate it "incredible"; its signboard say so - it's amusing.

协胜隆, Heap Seng Leong

2011-10-12T14:41:00.059+08:00

I like Heap Seng Leong at 10 North Bridge Rd.

I like the oldness of the place and the weak music that was playing on a mono mode; as we ate, it plays "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton.

Kopi ($0.70), Kopi-O ($0.60)

I like his coffee that was sweet and thicken just like how my great-grandmother always made for me, with condensed milk.

1 Slice of Toast ($1)

I like the rich chilled butter sandwiched between warm toasted bread that's just been scraped of its burn marks.

Half-boiled Eggs ($0.80)

I missed him.

So we came back 2 days later for a repeat, and for what we forgot on the first day - the half-boiled eggs! Don't you like it? We love it..

Pasta Dishes at Swensens

2011-10-12T12:32:00.052+08:00

Salmon and Mushroom Pasta ($14.90++)

Swensen's restaurant 1-for-1 promotion is back! Yippie!

It was rare that we both decide to have pasta. But don't you find girls especially love pasta dishes? And i'm really craving for some that swims in milky cream sauce... so much that i overlooked my order which comes with smoked salmon.

I don like salty tasting smoked salmon but these were nice and tasted just like cooked than smoked.

Black Pepper Seafood Pasta ($14.90++)

If your girlfriend prefers something fiery, get her this black pepper pasta. It really hit the spot and had fresh seafood ingredients of fish fillet, clams and crab sticks.

With a couple of thick mushroom slices throw in, we like this plate.

I'll Have to Say I Love You on a Cake

2011-10-10T16:47:00.156+08:00

But it was more than that, i don't even have the courage to draw a "heart" for Ric on our birthday cake as we took up the Design-It-Yourself, DIY cake at the Icing Room; in full view of the public!

Still, it was really great fun!!!

My Design for Ric: "Pooh Bear always with Me"

Being just a day apart, we always celebrate our birthdays together :D

A month back, i chanced upon a promotion for the DIY 6"inch Cake Combo at $13.90 from Groupon; kept the purchase from Ric and meant it as a surprise, planning we could each design half the cake for each other! But be warned that macho guys don't fancy such public display of affection; Ric took it up only after some nudging and my 'lips pouting' protest.

This was my theme (i thought of it just the night before) for Ric's part of the cake - Pooh Bear. Cos he had always been my comforting, lovey Pooh Bear with a pouching tummy for hugs ;)

Ric Design for Me: "Doggie in Blissful Garden"

Being a passive big guy, Ric remarkably drew hearts, flowers and dotted his designed garden with colorful blooms; selecting the puppy icing figurine for me and sang a loud birthday song addressing me as his "dearest Dada". Haha...

Blackforest Cake

Our jointly design cake took 30 mins to complete and was like our labour of love, tasting especially great :)

When at the Icing Room, remember to ask for Chocolate and Red colored piping bags from the design desk, because they aid your design composition and is especially delicious for cake toppings.

Much to Ric's horror though, i'm so looking forward to another occasion to doing more cake design... i've got such inspirations after our first try today! You know we could have more colors here and ... ... ...Heh!

IKEA Meatball Set @ $1.90!

2011-10-10T11:00:00.028+08:00

IKEA 5-pieces Meatballs with Lingonberry drink, refillable (Promotional $1.90)

Ha! We made it to the last promotional day for IKEA's meatball set with their new Lingonberry drink! How can we miss it! We've got 1 set each; no sharing!

But in reality, we don enjoy the Lingonberry drink... whilst i sponged up all the Lingonberry jam on both plates ;)

Pasos de Tango

2011-10-08T18:52:00.063+08:00

Pasos de Tango Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml ($12.50)

We had our fair share of budget red wines but this Argentinian red from the NTUC Fairprice supermarket was really hard to shallow - one reason was the strong hint of alcohol, a typical characteristic of cheap wine but this bottle clearly has it lots.

Even the scenic waterfront view at the Marina Promenade fails redemption.

Light & Water Show at Marina Bay Sands

But we still had our time, watching the lights from the nightly show staged by Marina Bay Sands Resort. It's pretty cool and relaxing at the promenade which i hope helps Ric unwind; he had had a full work loaded week.

Maybe we should just avoid unknown budget wines... working hard is deserving of better right ;)

福南街, Hock Lam Rice Menu

2011-10-08T17:27:00.051+08:00

Beef Noodle with assortment, dry ($6.50)

I can't help craving for noodles if you brought me to Hock Lam, so i couldn't understand Ric's want for their fried rice? "How can it be good since that wasn't their signature?" i baffled.

Garlic Fried Rice with Stewed Beef ($6.50)

Upon receiving Ric's order, the cook set to work nosily in the kitchen with his wok and fierce fire, after a couple minutes this was served with a side of beef soup.

And how was it?

Well, i can't help pinching continuously from Ric's plate! The fried rice was well done and the stewed beef was surprisingly excellent ;)

Samsung Galaxy S2

2011-10-08T10:00:00.048+08:00

Samsung Galaxy S2 ($899)

It's been a week since Ric bought the latest Samsung Galaxy SII in replacement of my bulky Samsung Galaxy Tab; i was sad to part with Tab big screen convenience but welcome my new freedom without having to lug a little notebook everywhere i go, even to the supermarket!

Galaxy S2 battery life was only half of what i used to enjoy on Tab though; S2 needs charging up every alternate days even after installing the Automatic Task Killer Apps, Tab survives me over span of 3-4 days!

As i was used to the Tab Android interface, switching to the smartphone was a breeze. In fact, it was smarter with its phone options and settings compared to the tablet. Option of making the switch from Android to Apple IPhone OS was aborted after much consideration.

I love this phone. But was so afraid i might drop it as my small palm couldn't stretch and hold its broad 66.10mm width securely. The weight of 116g was so light that i sometimes jolted, forgetting the phone was in my pocket all this time :P

Though it could have been a white cased Galaxy SII, we were advised against the purchase as the white color coating stains after a period of usage.

Katong Sin Chew, after a lapse of 3 years.

2011-10-05T16:00:00.052+08:00

Gosh! How time flies, it's been 3 years since we last visited the Sin Chew Cake Shop in Bedok. And the rich buttery baking aroma from their oven was stronger than ever... in this quiet neighbourhood, the shop was crowded at 4pm!?

Best Sellers: Pandan kaya cake ($1.10) and Cupcakes ($0.80)

Egg Tart ($1), Hot Dog Bun ($1)

Our only grouses, the food items are not display with name tags or price labels, so you've got to guess or ask the sales assistance like a novice. Our lot cost $3.90 in total and the pricing was an estimate.

Though so many of their customers were snapping up the fluffy cupcakes, our favourite was the hotdog bun and the pandan kaya cake. Especially the Pandan Kaya Cake, remember!!

Quentin's - Semi Buffet Lunch at the Eurasian Restaurant

2011-10-05T12:35:00.188+08:00

Quentin's Buffet Table at China Square, level 3

I was sceptical; how can i not be when well reputed Quentin's discount their Express Set Lunches normally priced at $9.90 (Local delight) or $12 (Western set) to just $6 with Bigdeal Coupon!

Any meal could cost you $6 bucks easily these days, so we've got nothing to lose, i thought and bought 2 coupons.

Chicken Congee and Barley Sweet Soup dessert

Salad Bar with Deep Fried Bean Curb, Fish Fillets

As we made order for our Mains, we were asked to help ourselves to the salad bar comprising simple cuts of lettuces, carrots, green capsicum and cucumbers with thousand island sauce. The addition of fried bean curb and fish fillets as snacks were much appreciated to the otherwise plain spread.

Pot Roast Beef (Western Set), Babi Assam and (Local Delight)

Day to day option for set lunches varies; we have today the Pot Roast Beef that was beef knuckle marinated and pot-roasted for 6 hours till it melt-in-the-mouth, served with warm savory potato mash.

But it was Babi Assam who stole the limelight with its thick marinated curry made with tender Pork trotters, pork and soft potatoes! We do love the taste of the accompanying long beans cooked like Malay dish of Sayur lodeh.

Chicken Congee, Laksa, Coffee Tea with Cakes, Fruits with Barley Sweet Soup

From the buffet table we continued our meal; especially impressed with the congee and barley sweet soup. There was even cheese cake to go with our coffee.

Quentin's large dining hall was quietly conducive for making small lunch chat and all in all, it was quite a deal. Food presentation was unpretentious while we acknowledged Quentin's sincerity in providing a variety at low cost.