Little Cactus Pot

Cactus, IKEA ($2.90)

Ric just bought this "cute mouse" from IKEA. Do you have trouble caring for these little cactus sold in narrow pots? i used to kill them with over-watering that rot the roots.

Over the years i learned that Cactus behaved like eccentric people who preferred to be left alone most of the time, or are really independent plants :) Don't be overly attentive, water them only when they are feeling light of weight; leave them to dry out (they enjoy it). Bearing in mind: Soil NEEDS drying out between watering.

Under-watering never kills them; they may just wrinkle a little but plumps up beautifully once you water. You may notice that the moisture after drought actually stimulates cactus growth.

I drenched my cactus thoroughly once every week for these little pots that sits in my sunny yet full blast air-conditioned office; and once every 3-4 weeks for the larger pots in the sunny garden. Hope you enjoy these little cacti as much as i do.

Justice to RamenPlay ;)

Shoyu Ramen ($9.80++)

This post served as a postscript to my negative comments about Ramenplay's ramen just a month ago at their Bishan branch. Read here. But things were quite different in NEX today; different in a good way.

Why the repeats after the previous bad experience? Well, we were given two $5 Groupon voucher for the Ramen and tasked to utilise them before the expiry date of this month.

Gleefully, everything works impeccably - the tamago was runny soft, the broth was suitably seasoned and the texture of the noodles was so....so right!

It was not a wasted trip and Ramenplay does have a place in the regional market. Keep it up! We certainly support our local entrepreneurs!

Complimentary: Stir-fried Chilli Chives

Vintage Watches!

Art & Mechanique Incabloc

I am a sucker for antiques! Antiques watches, telephones, typewriters, it could be anything! Shall we look at my new purchases which Ric sourced out <3 from a reliable watch dealer? - a 1960’s vintage gents dress watch from Art & Mechanique.

Had actually loved a clear faced, 3 hands watch but soon discover that the sub-seconds dial could be such an elegant classic. The gold plated case looked great and fitted my small wrist snugly.

Omega Seamaster 600

This ivory 34mm was a special edition produced for launching the Omega 600 calibres in 1960's. Love these plexi crystal gentlemen who looked forever understated and clean!

Mido Commander Ocean Star Date/Day

And finally, i ended my search for vintage ladies dress watch from this Mido reproduction. The champagne silver M7169.4.71.1 was a 23.5mm that runs on automatic ETA 2678 and keeps perfect time. 'Day' display was in French as the watch comes from Europe stock; "VIE" reads FRI in English.

The hour markers and hands have a very retro look about them, and I have to own 1 of these nostalgic collections that comes with the legendary integrated bracelet and clasp!

Think i have enough for now ;))

海洋, Ocean Curry Fish Head

We had known Ocean Curry Fish Head stall for more than 10 years. Used to lunch here with colleagues for their Curry Fish Head where the place could be so... crowded, but personally we seldom make the trip here with families.

Ocean had recently moved to Blk 92, Toa Payoh Lor. 4 and we chanced on them today; it seems the fare was as good as it used to be ;)

Oyster Sauce Sotong ($4), Otah ($3), Japan Beancurd ($3)

Did not order their much-publicized Curry Fish Head; just some simple selection that feeds us two comfortably. Besides their signature Fish Otah, the Oyster Sauce Sotong was noteworthy.

Ric who had usually avoided having economic rice made an exception for Ocean; and yes, we could be here again for their many tasty looking home cooked dishes.

Rice ($0.60 per plate)

Best Yam Ball Fritters!

Probably the best Yam Ball fritters in Singapore! We have always travelled all the way here in Chinatown to pack these back for the elderly at home; my grandparents and parents love them.

Do not be surprise that the filling of the Yam Ball was not Yam but diced bits of moist, Char siew alike marinated meat. The Yam was mashed and made as the thin, light crust that molded and hold this Yam pastry - deep fried but never too oily.

 Yam Fritters ($0.80 each)

A definitely delightful, old-school food stuff that i'm beginning to appreciate. For my lighter taste palates, i enjoy the fritter over a small bowl of plain white rice ;)

培记，Poy Kee Yong Tau Foo

We spotted this another queue for Yong Tau Foo (there are several stalls of popular Yong Tau Foo here) in People's Park Cooked Food Centre, so let's try them. It was late lunch for us.

Yong Tau Foo, soup ($3)

Ric was having dry throat discomfort and opted for the soupy noodles while i had the dried ones. Standard ingredients from these traditional Yong Tau Foo stalls were served to you without the need for your selection, but they were all good and consist mostly Fish paste with bean curd or Tofu skin.

Although there was lots of Soy beans used in the Yong Tau Foo soup, we guess lots of MSG was in this delicious tasting bowl too? Were really thirsty after the meal. The anchovies (ikan bilis) throw in, however does sweeten the deal.

Yong Tau Foo, dry with Chili ($3)