Cafe d' Orient, 新香港

While still suffering from his jet lag, Ric was still capable of suggesting to dine at this new dining premise at Clementi Sunset Way. Though happy to see me, he was obviously 'stoned' tired.

The once sleepy neighbourhood here had been transformed to one lined with cafes and restaurants in relaxed, alfresco setting.

As this was our first time here, we strolled through the stretch of restaurants under Blk 106 and finally decide to have a simple meal at 新香港茶餐厅.

Pork Ribs Bamboo Rice ($5.90)

We ordered their Beef Slice Spaghetti ($8.90) and Bamboo Rice to share, with the winner being the rice. It was a very simple but satisfying dish that was not overladen with salty sauce. The taste was just right for a tiring body.

Their fried spaghetti came in a big serving but was not a better version than what we have tasted. Maybe it was a little too wet and just fails to bring out the flavor of this noodle dish. Photo was not post-worthy.

Prices were nett but on a higher side when compared with here.

We need a dessert and thus the next post.

On my Own

Ric flew off last night and i was suddenly down with a little Cough and Flu this morning. Talk about lovesickness haha...

By evening, a fever had developed. But stubborn as i am, do not want any medication until mom served me a cup of medicated tea which she had already had it diluted after drinking off the first pour herself.

Still, it is bitter yet effective. I collapsed to bed and miraculously recovered from my cold the next morning; but the cough persists.


Tan Ngan Lo Medicated Tea ($3.30 for box of 10pcs)

Else, everything was fine during Ric's absence, except for the unaccustomed quietness. A different sense of freedom gained but with loneliness i have to deal with independently.

No nagging, no reporting. No loving chiding, no teasing. No company for food enjoyment or for finishing up the food i detested. And nobody to run to in face of trouble arising or when i wish to act in a pettishly manner.

What would Garfield be like without Odie for bullying? Only i can bully Odie; Nobody touches him!!!
And how is my very different, the other half doing without his 'evil' other half, Me?

湾仔, Wan Chai Hong Kong Tea Room

Took a half-day leave today to gather things Ric needed for his overseas work assignments. Also to spent some more time together.

At IMM mall, we thought of dining at the same eatery simultaneously. I have read it off blogs while he always missed the chance of eating here dues to the lunch time queues.

Shrimps Won-Ton noodle (5.5)

Their signature dish of Won-Ton noodles pass the mark and came close to the version served in Crystal Jade Kitchen, but at a much lower price tag. Accompanying was a soup of robust shrimp's essence.

HK Thick Toast with Peanut Butter ($2.10)

HK Traditional Coffee ($1.40)

Boiled egg ($1.50)

The above when ordered as a set would only cost $4.10. We love their coffee that comes with a trace of tea, and rich buttery thick toast that glued our bites.

Affordable dining with no added service charges or GST, no tea or towel charges; prices are nett. Thumbs up!

Azabu Sabo Temptations

Making quite a buzz since its opening in Marina Square in June 2006, Azabu Sabo, since its inception more than 26 years ago in Tokyo, promises one that serves authentic Japanese desserts and Hokkaido ice-creams.

They were also being featured on TV - "Sweet for My Sweet" programme; i missed the episode but Ric watched. So today he happily dragged me into the store as his surprise recommendation for me.

At just after 4pm, the place was pleasantly quiet. But observing the pricey dessert model presentations outside the store, i was quite reluctant to budge.

Hokkaido Hot-ball w/ Premium Vanilla Ice-cream, Red bean paste, Sweet Potato & Brown Sugar Syrup ($7.80++)

As according to the waitress, Hokkaido Hot-ball are rice flour balls with custard infill. After enquiring, we ordered one.

Pics in the menu had been magnified; the actual serving size was for one only. The taste was not disappointing though, great ice-cream and red bean paste that leaves such satisfying aftertaste that i wish would stay on my taste buds longer.

Deep Fried Ham w/ Cheese & Chilli Sauce (6.80++)

We enjoyed this little serving of deep fried item too, couldn't well describe the lovely sensation of its ham with melted cheese. It must be something else also.

The chunk of salad with Japanese salad sauce as a side dish was also delightful.

Their desserts are worth coming back for; really recommend them for couples. It's undoubtedly a "Sweet for My Sweet" experience. I for one, felt pampered & sweeten after relishing the dessert here ;)

SparksWinds Go Pops!

Sparks Goes Pop! is presented by Esplanade as part of the Beautiful Sunday programme series. This being our first time into the Concert Hall is exciting.

A band of an almost 80 members range from full-time students to working adults from the former Yuhua and River Valley Combined Alumni Band and alumni members of the Pioneer Junior College Symphonic Band.

SparksWinds would be performing popular Pop tunes from Japan and America today.

As the band opens with repertoire of 'March.April.May', 'Tabidachi No Hini', 'Northern Ground Singer's Selection', i was already feeling the arrival of a beautiful Sunday :)

Following were selections of sprightly wind music, and rounding off the performance with Big Band Jazz and echoed piece of 'YMCA'. All in all, they performed a good selection of music in their one-hour set.

Kudos to efforts by the government and organization bodies to promote music and arts appreciation to the general public; we got to enjoy all of these free performances at the Esplanade.

And i applause the generous act of opening the Concert Hall for these free performances. Mostly local acts, but they’re actually quite good.

When I go there to see something free, it usually feels like something worth paying for. Everybody can appreciate the Arts, from old retirees to young children; Arts should be for all to enjoy.

So it maybe a right decision to building of the Esplanade in 2002 at a cost of SDG 600 mil, and steering Singapore towards being an Arts Hub after all.

Going Bananas...

While Ric was queuing up for the ever famous Loong Fatt's Salty Bean Pastry 豆沙饼 at Balestier Rd (later, we honestly don't think we like their version of the pastry, it's too sweet even for my sweet tooth), i walked past their back lane and saw this fantastic sight of banana flower.

This banana tree is just about my height; lesser than 2m tall but it's already blooming with banana fruits and flower. A marvel sight to behold...