Her Food Journal...

Ban Lee Siang @ Jalan Ong Kim Wee, Malacca

2011-08-01T22:52:00.000+08:00

I have always love holidays for the simple fact that I rarely feel guilty indulging in food round the clock. Hmmm...not that I do feel guilty even on a daily basis...but well...I digress.

The last weekend was spent with a short road trip up north to Malacca. Which was basically a eat-and-eat trip and although I am into the Peranakan food (with lots of belacan), I made it a point to try something different this time round.

Having been to Jonker Street a few times in the past year, I vaguely recall this street vendor in his mobile cart displaying a variety of lok lok items for sale. Unfortunately, I could not muster enough courage to dip and eat by the road side.

Armed with my research, the group of six of us took a taxi to Jalan Ong Kim Wee for the acclaimed satay celup, Ban Lee Siang (which I heard is the fierce rival of the other equally, if not more well known Capitol).

Upon seated, there will be a pot of satay sauce ready to be dipped into. And judging from my observation, the pot remains the same pot throughout the night regardless of the different groups of patrons at the same table.

So rule of thumb, no double dipping!

And then you take a tray and pick up from the wide array of varieties at the fridge. There's inlards, fried tau pok, fishballs, sotong balls, prawns, otak, sausages, kang kong etc etc etc to take your pick from!

We also ordered servings of bread and cucumber to dip with the rich satay sauce.

Overall, it was a good dinner with our selected sticks of goodies dipped in its hot pipping satay sauce which is a unique experience from your typical hot pot soup.

However, do go with a sturdy stomach (if you have) since 2 out of the 6 of us did not quite survive the after dinner experience. I did good, as usual.

Till the next holiday,

Cheers!

Bistro One Zero Three @ Pasir Panjang

2011-07-20T22:05:00.001+08:00

Bistro One Zero Three has always been greatly raved about by a friend who proposed to his girlfriend with the help of one of the Bistro's owner.

And so since I was at Vivo City and most of the eateries seem to have perpectually long queue, I made a short trip down to Bistro One Zero Three which is a short 5 minutes drive away.

Granted, ambience is cosy given it's 'family run' nature and service is generally impeccable. I would have enjoyed my meal at this unpretentious if not for something about the food that does not quite agree with it.

Amongst the four of us we had a fish and chips, a salmon dish, a chicken dish and apparently its signature pork (pardon me but I can't quite remember the dishes now).

I had the salmon and unfortunately, the sauce which I suspect was prepared mainly with balsamic vingenar, was the sourest sauce I ever had and which was far too overwhelmingwhen paried with a fish dish. I can only vaguely recall this meal as a sour one. Which was a pity really given that the salmon was pan fried to a decent tenderness and the mashed potato smooth and creamy.

But fret not. Maybe I was just unlucky that day. Perhaps you will have better luck with the pork neck and/or chicken thigh.

Do give it a try if you're looking for somehwere homely, quaint and unpretentious.

Seafood Paradise - Changi Airport Terminal 2

2011-06-26T02:08:00.001+08:00

The Paradise Group is one of the few restaurants that seems to be able to maintain a consistent standard be it at its more high end outlet (i.e. Taste Paradise) or even a simple stopover for desserts at its many Paradise Inn outlets.

Seafood Paradise, for those who recall, is the pioneer of the group which has its roots at Defu Lane industrial estate area. Despite its humble beginnings from the somewhat famous creamy butter crab, the 'paradise' is currently widespread islandwide.

With its latest branch (or so I think) newly opened at Changi Airport Terminal 2, the location definitely makes it all more convenient to bring the family out for a nice seafood dinner instead of the usual East Coast Seafood cluster.

The restaurant is well lighted and ventilated although like your typical chinese restaurants, the service runs very tight during the dinner crowd.

For a table of 7 adults, dinner comprised of 2 appetizers, 2 crabs and 5 main course. Considering we are relatively big-eaters, all of us were stuffed (in a good way) by the end of the meal.

Anyway, here's a quick recap of the meal.

Teochew Prawn Roll ($8.80)

Crispy-fried Baby Squid ($10.80) - These baby squids fried and coated with honey bagged a good punch in terms of smell and favour and was one of the dishes that we just could not get enough off.

Shark's Fin with Crab Meat Soup ($15.80 per serving)

Chilli Crab ($48.00/kg) + Deep Fried Buns ($3.60) - I have always been a fan of No Signboard when it comes to chilli crabs but this is a fierce contender with its fairly spicy and thick chilli gravy with a generous amount of egg stirred into its making. Dipped with some deep fried buns, what more can one ask for?

Creamy Butter Crab ($48.00/kg) - I was initially a little hesitant about ordering this dish worrying that it may be too fushion for comfort. Surprising, the sauce with a mild mixture of butter, cream, curry leaves and fried garlic was the highlight of the meal. I can't quite describe the taste but man, do go for this the next time you are at Seafood Paradise, it was that good.

Coffee Pork Ribs ($12.00)

Prawns with Salted Egg Yoke ($16.00) - A cholestrol busting dish but a perfect compliment to plain steam rice. One bite into the succulent salted egg yoke prawn with one mouthful of rice...yum....you get the idea.

Hot Plate Spicy Squid ($14.00) - We all love how soft and easily chewable the squid was drenched with some XO chilli sauce served on a sizzling hot place lined with banana leaf to aid its fragrance.

Coral Clams with Asparagus ($16.00) - The 'vegetable' dish of the day.

Stir-fried Mee Sua ($12.00)

I am sure for easterners, there is now another alternative to a more than decent seafood :)

That is all folks! I'll try to do more regular updates if schedule permits.

Changi Airport Terminal 2
Level 3
Singapore819643
Tel: 6214 9655

Gandhi Restaurant @ Chander Road (Part II)

2011-06-14T22:57:00.000+08:00

It's Gandhi time again...my interim comfort food!

So...I have previously wrote about how Gandhi is one of the best indian banana leaf restaurant locally and my position still maintains.

Coming during the weekdays is always a good idea when the crowd is thinner and the ambience not as hectic.

This time round, we went directly after work at say 8 plus in the evening and unfortunately the fish cutlets were already sold out. Regardless, we ordered the usual rice with flower crabs, curry fish and sambal eggs.

Oh yes, food aside, service today was exceptionally friendly and a constant (almost instantaneous) refill of the papadum.

For the clueless (i.e. me a couple of months ago), you will first be served with banana leaf with the standard 'side dishes' of vegeable dal, cabbage, indian style sambal, rice, curry and papadum.

Next, you can either go to the food counter to choose your additional dishes or order on the spot. Since I'm unadventurous, fish curry, sambal eggs and flower crabs it is.

Now, let's turn our attention to the flower crabs. It's strange how the gravy/sauce actually makes the dish taste like a rendang or rather, flower crabs rendang. And it's addictive given it's savoury and non-spicy nature. This is a must have.

So there you have it. A splendid meal at all but approximately $16.00 with 2 drinks.

Durians @ Balestier

2011-06-08T18:44:00.002+08:00

Tucked along Balestier Road (between Quality Hotel and a Chinese Temple), this inconspicuous durian stall offers one of the best durian I've tried.

For a start, you can choose your Mao Shan Wang and inform the boss whether you like it bittersweet or just bitter.

And so bittersweet we chose.

As you can most probably tell from the photo, the flesh is rightly firm and tender with a strong structural taste of bittersweetness.

Not your watery and/or hald-ripe and/or tasteless nonsense.

But for S$30 a pop (which may explain the 'value-added' service of bottled water and tissue boxes readily available), this is one durian that's meant for the occasional indulgence.

Royal China @ Raffles Hotel

2011-06-01T23:40:00.001+08:00

Royal China used to be one of my favourite dim sum place until the makeover a couple of years ago.

I know the sky blue decor is supposed to look classy, but seriously sky blue for a chinese restaurant?

But anyway, since Royal China is relatively in close vicinity to my office, I decided to give it another go. And I am glad I make the trip, for the quality of the food at least.

We ordered a couple of staple dim sum and I pretty much enjoy the consistency of the dishes and the variety offered.

The Har Kaw (Shrimp dumpling) is wrapped is a thin layer of crystal like skin with each dumpling offering a generous amount of fresh, coarsely chopped shrimps.

(And please ignore the blurry photos...am still trying my best to figure out how to operate my new camera and the very silly focal point)

Next up was the deep fried beancurd roll with shrimps. Again, this was served with a generous amount of shrimp instead of minced pork as used by some other dim sum outlets.

The seafood porridge with bits and pieces of scallop, sliced fish and prawn is definitely the comfort food of the (rainy) day.

Maybe I was half expecting these to resemble their salted egg yoke custard bun counterparts, these salted egg yoke custard layer cake was quite mild in flavour and taste.

We also ordered the glutinous lotus rice and seafood dumpling which don't quite make it on the photos.

All in all, lunch for two sums up to a reasonable $40+ taking into consideration the quality of its food. It's just a pity that service was tardy quite an almost half filled restaurant.

Prego @ Fairmont Singapore

2011-05-30T14:02:00.001+08:00

Prego has always been one of the default restaurant on days where I am clueless on where or what to have for dinner.

The once brightly lit restaurant with clean defined furnishing aimed at executive diners has been recently revamped to a more cosy italian rustic settings. I understand from the staff that the revamp is primarily due to a change of its master chef which explains a total change of menu.

The new menu consist of a a more limited choices of its pastas, pizzas, mains and desserts. Likewise, the service crew now adopts a more causal serving approach from its 'choose-it-yourself' anti-pasti corner to the complimentary choices of bread brought around in a basket for a more personal touch.

Gone also is the 'Sparkling or Still?' the moment you are seated.

To kick start the meal, we ordered 2 variety of anti-pasti at the anti-pasti corner.

Smoked Salmon Bruschetta (S$4.00 each)

\

Seafood Salad (S$4.00 each)

The Bruschetta was nicely toasted with a parlsey and cream cheese (I guess) spread while the seafood salad, the portion of at most 3 spoonfuls, was well mixed with a right amount of olive oil and lemon dressing to whet your appetite.

Now, the mains.

We ordered a set dinner (S$55.00) and a seafood linguine (S$27.00).

The set dinner consists of a hearty bowl of chunky mushroom soup, arrabiata penne, grilled cod fish and tiramisu.

Dishes worth a mention are its wholesome mushroom soup and very tender grilled cod fish with fresh and juicy tomatoes on vines.

However, I personally feel that the penne was a tad overcooked and its tiramisu not as light and concentrated as its previous version offered before the revamp.

The arrabiata penne

Cod fish

Seafood Linguine

Tiramisu

Prego
80 Bras Basah Road
1F Fairmont Singapore
Tel: 6431 6156

Empire Cafe @ Raffles Hotel

2011-05-28T01:14:00.001+08:00

Nestled in a quiet corner of Raffles Hotel, Empire Cafe appeared to be a welcoming venue on a Friday evening when one needs some personal space from a busy weekend crowd.

Specialising in local fare, it is (at least in my opinion) a pricy alternative to your authentic hawker food in a local hawker centre where you can find local food at its best, both in price and quality.

But well, we don't have too much of a choice when it's nearing 10 p.m. and we want to settle dinner fast and in a comfortable environment.

We ordered an iced lemon tea, a nasi goreng and a prawn mee soup. The food came in hearty portions but I guess they better do, considering the exorbitant pricing.

Here's the Nasi Goreng with ikan goreng (I had it replaced from chicken), sunny side up, prawn crackers, archar, fish floss and fish balls. (S$29.00)

I like how the archar is coated with a generous amount of peanuts and how the fish was very tender and well marinated despite it being deep fried.

And here's the prawn noodle soup (S$24.00). It was comforting to have some soupy food at this time of the night and although the soup itself somewhat lacks in favour, it redemned itself by a good offering of fresh prawn and ingredients.

Here's the shocking part. The iced lemon tea was a whopping S$14.00, no joke.

What is only comforting is that you get a 50% with a Feed at Raffles card (although the same don't apply to drinks so don't be ripped off unnecessarily).

Empire Cafe
1 Beach Road
1F Raffles Hotel
Singapore
Tel: 6412 1101

Gandhi Restaurant @ Chander Road

2011-05-26T13:44:00.003+08:00

I first chanced upon Gandhi when my boss suggested an impromtu department lunch at what he described as one of the best of its kind in Singapore. Curiously, I followed along and was met with the hustle and bustle of activities during the lunch crowd and the colourful variety of indian dishes offered.

The dining experience intrigued a first-timer like myself.

You first find yourself a seat and a staff would follow to 'lay the table' with banana leaf, rice, curry, lentil and the likes. Thereafter, you have the option of choosing dishes you fancy before you tucked into the food with the very bare essential, your right hand (fingers to be exact).

Not long after, I made a trip back on a Sunday evening for a quick dinner. Bad decision to travel to little India on a Sunday. Full stop.

And so, after several months, I finally made it back to Gandhi again. This time round with a very satisfying dinner, no less.

Here's dinner!

And for the side dishes, we had the flower crab which was definitely the highlight of the meal.

Very savoury and well marinated Fish cutlets.

Sambal eggs.

And curry fish. The same fish curry drizzled onto my banana leaf that goes very well with the rice and papadum.

Dinner for two came up to approximately S$22.00 inclusive of drinks and the above.

Definitely worth a visit =)

Prego @ Fairmont Singapore

2010-11-10T23:20:00.004+08:00

I used to frequent Prego on a regular basis.

I've always like how the restaurant is always bright and cheery. With good food of course. And one of my favourite Tiramisu in town.

And strangely enoughly, I take comfort not in any of their signature dishes...but the unpretentious warm, fluffy bread dipped in a generous amount of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Uncomplexed food I say.

Now you can tell that I really love the bread since I was so engrossed with enjoying it that there's no picture whatsoever.

Anyway this meal happened quite a while ago and my memory failed me as to what exactly was ordered. It's unlikely you'll find the same dishes again since upon my latest trip down to Prego, I noticed the menu has since been revamped.

Italian baby octopus salad.

Some ham/meat appetitizer.

Grilled salmon with mashed and fried potatoes.

Old classic - Carbonara.

And how can one ever skip the Tiramisu?

Mouthful and mouthful of light creamy cocoa goodness.

This must definitely be why they say 'food is therapeutic'.

Therapeutic indeed.

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

2010-11-07T23:42:00.009+08:00

It's been a long hiatus of more than two years...

And I'm back...still 'a girl who likes to indulge in food...without the pretentious package and all...just food simple but good...'

Dynamics have changed since my last post...and I'm no longer the carefree student like when I first started working on this blog.

Nevertheless, let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that Her Food Journal will be up and running again!

I have been pondering over what should be the comeback post...and it really isn't a difficult decision to make.

Towards the end of my undergrad days, SC suggested we visit Gordon Ramsay's flagship restaurant @ Hospital Road, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, which has since gained three Michelin stars.

Since London is but a mere 2 hours train ride away, here goes!

@ Restaurant Gordan Ramsay, greeting us with its stylish and sophisticated interiors.

I remember myself being very excited. I wanted to try everything on their lunch menu! Decision! Decision!

The first course of the day - Vegetable Consomme. This was served chilled, with vegetable bits fresh and crisp, very refreshing for the summer and of course, the palate.

Next up - Tuna Tartare, another dish served chilled, with a combusting combination of a generous amount of olive oil, raw tuna, quail egg and cavier to top it off.

Main course - Grilled sea bass with summer roasted vegetables.

Dessert - Pear Tart with chocolate caramel ice cream. I'm usually not a fan of dessert but this was really good especially with the juicy succulent baked pear coupled with its crunchy base and a good spoonful of ice cream popped right into the mouth.

More sweets for the day - Silver coated chocolate.

White chocolate coating with vanilla ice cream.

I was stuffed by the end of lunch. In a good way.

If only life could offer such indulgences more often...

Till then...

The Smell of Sea

2008-05-13T07:49:00.008+08:00

I know it's been ages since the last blog entry.

To make up for it let us just imagine the smell of sea and the peaceful rhythm of waves...

And of course the scrumptious Indonesian food during my short vacation somewhere in April before the end of my easter break...

Fresh coconuts to quench the thirst by the swimming pool...

That's all for now folks. Have fun while this blog hibernates for the time being and I'll see you guys again in June!

Provided I survive the exams that is...

Take care!

Giselle in the Park

2008-03-31T14:32:00.007+08:00

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Fort Canning Garden, Giselle in the Park is a production by the Singapore Dance Society after the successful Ballet under the Stars. This dance performance unfolds the love story of Giselle, a village girl, from her falling in love with a duke to the spiritual world of her ghost after she dies from heartache.

Pinic party usually starts 2 hours before the event and it's amazing having a prepared dinner while the sky turns a gorgeous orange come dusk and into a canopy of stars a few moments before the performance begins.

For the pinic, I was initially deciding between preparing a smoked salmon baguette and a seafood butter rice but due to time constraint, I've cooked a simple bento of grilled salmon and prawn instead. If you are going straight from work, there are pinic baskets for sale as well so it's really hassle free.

For those interested, the next upcoming similar event (Ballet under the Stars) will be in July.

The Penny Black - Boat Quay

2008-03-27T12:03:00.003+08:00

Met up with a friend for a catching up session last night and knowing that I have a thing for snakebite, he brought me to The Penny Black along Boat Quay...an important discovery(snakebite in Singapore that is) I say!

The Penny Black
26/27 Boat Quay
Singapore 049817
Tel: 6538 2300

My Baking Disaster...

2008-03-25T10:04:00.005+08:00

Pandan Chiffon Muffin

My sister and GQ were both having a good laugh when these muffins couldn't stop expanding while in the oven and then the muffin tops got so bloated that they were pushing each other down while fighting for space. The outcome was a complete flop with the top sinking in once out of the oven and the middle portion all filled with air.

Lesson learnt:

Do not add baking powder indiscriminately.

Apple Muffins

I was initially prepapring myself for a luscious treat...looks pretty good ya?

But if you take a look at the 'before' photos now, it is obvious that the top portion of the paper cupcake liners were totally burnt and because the liners were not non-stick surface, the muffins ended up mostly inedible.

Lesson learnt:

Do not buy fanciful pretty-to-look-at cupcake cases and then ending up with poor end product.

Peanut Soft Buns

As the name suggests, this was supposed to be soft and fluffy...

Not a cousin of Popeye's biscuit...

Sis: Hey I think you should leave some by the main gate!

Me: ????

Sis: Hard enough to use as a weapon against any intruder!

Me: !!!!!!

I used the leftover dough from the previous bun flop for this hot dog roll...of course expecting another flop.

Lesson learnt:

Invest in a good electric mixer for kneading novice.

Treasure Resort Sentosa

2008-03-24T00:28:00.008+08:00

Just returned from a lovely retreat at Treasure Resort Sentosa enjoying the sun and carefree weekend.

And because this is 'her food journal', here's an obligatory photo of ermm....food...

I am starting to have a feeling that this holiday will be a tad too short...

Top of the M

2008-03-21T04:45:00.007+08:00

Been feeling rather under the weather...so here's a pictures' entry for lunch @ Top of the M...

Top of the 'M'
Meritus Mandarin Hotel
333 Orchard Road
Level 39
Singapore 238869
Tel: 68316258

Pricing: <$60 per pax

Ma Maison - Bugis

2008-03-20T09:53:00.012+08:00

Tucked in a corner of Bugis Junction, Ma Maison has been around for a long time and the appeal of this French inspiried Japanese restaurant is in its cosy cottage style setup, complete with tiffany lamp, wooden beams, floral curtains and the works.

Japanese style deep fried seafood with prawn, scallop and fish

Cuttlefish Ink Spaghetti with mushrooms, onion and squid.

Initially I was a little apprehensive about ordering this particular dish as I wasn't too sure how exactly does squid ink taste like(yeah curiosity got the better of me again). Despite the black outlook, the pasta came al denta with this edge to the flavour which I couldn't quite make out the details other than a subtle hint of garlic and onion with slightly inky aftertaste.

Just a gentle reminder to not order this dish on a hot date because the ink will stain your lips, teeth, tongue and even gum making the dining experience a dating disaster.

After wiping my lips for countless times, my teeth was still stained so you can imagine... ... ...

Lastly a warm brownie with ice cream.

***Both of us girls thought that the waiters were quite eye-candy material :P

Ma Maison Restaurant
200 Victoria Street #02-51
Parco Bugis Junction
Singapore 188021
Tel: 6338 4819

Pricing: <$30 per pax

Bubor Pulot Hitam

2008-03-18T00:58:00.006+08:00

I've tried searching for a recipe for Bubor Pulot Hitam online (a black glutinous rice dessert with coconut milk) but most seems complicated so I gave my Mum a call and asked her for the easiest way to prepare...which other than the 3 hours cooking time, there's almost not much effort needed.

I like the luxurious contrast of the smooth dark purple mixture against the white creamy coconut milk.

Here goes:

Ingredients:

- Black glutinous rice (200g)
- Pandan leaves (Screwpine leaves)
- Brown/rock sugar
- Water (10 bowls)
- Coconut cream

Instructions:

- Give the rice a thorough rinse
- Add pandan leaves and boil together with 5 bowls of water for 45 min (on medium heat)
- Add 1 bowl of water every 20 min subsequently or till the mixture is mushy (on low heat)
- Stir constantly to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pot
- Add sugar to taste
- Lastly garnish with some coconut cream (I mixed 25ml of coconut cream with 25ml of water)

Lei Garden - Chijmes

2008-03-16T05:14:00.010+08:00

(I almost completed my entry when I foolishly clicked on the exit button before saving the post so I guess with it being almost 6 in the morning and me not having a single wink as yet this shall be a short entry of my dim sum lunch at Lei Garden.)

Steamed prawn dumpling (Har Kau) has always been a staple during dim sum and with the crystalline outer layer of nicely done skin wrapped with fresh marinated prawn, this is easily the best dish of the meal.

Xiao Long Bao.

The deep fried shrimp roll with beancurd skin and avocado with prawn wrap were however not too impressive especially with oil still dripping onto my plate when served.

The lobster porridge was light and smooth with robust stock and bite size pieces of lobster.

The alaska crab claw was a recommendation by the captain which was coated with flour and deep fried, served drenched with thai sweet chilli over a piece of carrot cake and asparagus. Notice the word 'drenched'? Sadly, the thai sweet chilli was a tad too sweet for my personal liking and with the crab meat already fried and served with the sauce, there was no natural sweetness of the meat since the sauce overpowered any remaining flavour it should have.

Lastly, there's egg tarts baked with soft fluffy crust with the not too sweet custard served warm and durian pudding, both of which I find very delicious.

Generally, the immaculate service is a big pulling point. Tea was constantly being refilled, chair was pulled and napkin positioned on the lap, at the end of the meal a waiting staff walked us to the main door and a call was made to us 2 hours before the reservation asking if we wanted to pre-order any dishes in the event they sell out early. I will just make a mental note to avoid the deep fried dim sum...

Lei Garden Restaurant (Chijmes)
#01-24 Chijmes
40 Victoria Street
Singapore 187996
Tel: 6339 3822

Flauta (La) Bar & Restaurant - Barcelona

2008-03-15T06:45:00.009+08:00

Finally this shall be the last of my Barcelona series. There are a lot more fantastic restaurants that we've tried during the trip since we basically had 4 meals a day including supper but both of us agree that this is the only one we will visit again if we ever return to Barcelona.

Flauta is recommended by Lonelyplanet and a few other travel websites as an often packed restaurant being one of the best place to try a variety of tapas in the Catalunya area. We arrived slightly early to avoid the 9pm dinner crowd which is the Spanish's usual dinner time with the restaurant being more than half empty (this caused slight panick as I thought my nagivation skills went wrong and we were stuck in a wrong restaurant).

Service was prompt and we were served by a waiting staff from Philippines who asked if we were from Sout East Asia moments after we requested for an English Menu (it's easy to spot a Singaporean trust me!) Went on to have a nice chat with the lad and he recommended me to go to the bar where all the fresh seafood and cold tapas were displayed and take my pick from there since the English menu was not too extensive on the selection available. It was fun to order via the pointing method and most of the food came way better than expectations.

A bottle of sparkling wine to mark the last night of our trip.

The razor clams (also known as bamboo clams), with a nice touch of mere olive oil and parsley, was a nice change from the usually garlic loaded ones we get from Singapore. Cooked just tender enough without being over rubbery, this is my favourite dish so far!

There's grilled salmon with white raisin sauce and grilled cod fish with prawn.

Fried cheese coated with nuts and topped with cranberry sauce which remsembles deep fried camberet without the layer of nuts.

Deep fried anchovies

Deep fried squid (calamari)

More clams

For greens we ordered asparagus which was overcooked and way too limpy as can be seen from the picture.

And lastly...a slice of chocolate mousse cake with whipped cream for a sweet finish...

The bill came up to a little under 100 euros for 2 pax which I find reasonable given the overall standard of the place but it certainly showed not much mercy towards my student's pocket. Service was great, attentive and all, althought GQ felt they were all directed at the fairer sex but I bet he enjoyed himself just as much.

Flauta (La) Bar & Restaurant
Aribau 23,
Barcelona, CT 08011

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When choosing the hotel for this trip, we made a mental note to avoid international chains and landed ourselves in Hotel Montecarlo.

As quoted from their website: "The Hotel Montecarlo, an old nineteenth-century palace which used to be the home of the Royal Artistic Circle of Barcelona, opened its doors on one of the world's most famous avenues, Las Ramblas, next to Plaça Catalunya, in the centre of Barcelona, in 1945."

I have but only raves for this hotel...strategic location, personalised service, huge in-room jacuzzi with Champange's campange, automated bed with remote control to adjust the inclining level, balcony facing Las Ramblas (ours is the balcony on the third level towards the left from the picture) and chocolates were given thoughtfully everyday after room service.

All in all, this has been a great trip (discounting the pickpocket experience of course) and if given a chance someday, I'll definitely do a stopover just for its tapas!

*Finally touched down in Singapore last night and am up now with barely 3 hours of sleep...jet lag...jet lag...*

La Boquería - Barcelona

2008-03-08T08:05:00.007+08:00

The Boqueria Market is a great place to visit in Barcelona with a wide array of stalls from fresh meat to the colourful fruits and vegetables. It's a simple pleasure just to walk around and enjoy the sight, sound and smell of this bustling market place.

The interesting part about visiting markets in Europe is that you can experience a face to face encounter with freshly slaughtered animals rather than the processed meat we see in the supermarkets...the piles of the numerous types of seafood on ice...the almost perfect looking fruits and vegetables proudly on display and the irresistible smell of bread products hot from the oven...

Personally I found certain pictures to be quite disturbing...

The pigs on display as if they are smiling at the camera...

Rabbit meat is a delicacy in many parts of Europe and rabbit stew in itself is a popular item during winter season. I have rabbits as pets and so I find it difficult to be near the freshly dead rabbits with blood still dripping from their bodies.

We have curry fish head and perhaps the Spainsh...lamb heads (good for stews as well or so I heard)

Some inner organs of lamb

As for this, I have absolutely no idea what it is (anyone any idea?) but it makes my hair stand just looking at it! Judging at the price it is not cheap either!

At last some pleasant pictures...the fruits on sale...

The sweet smell of baked bread...

Gelattos and sobert

And lastly, some preserved plums and fruits...

The adventure that a supermarket can never match up to...

Breakfast & Supper

2008-03-05T09:42:00.007+08:00

It's been a long time since I made an effort to go to the local market and since I was there this morning, started the day with fresh seafood salad purchased from a seafood stall where I usually purchase my stuff from.

Iceberg lettuce with scampi, mussels and crab stick with some thousand island dressing...

For some unknown reason, I seems to be having a constant craving for omelette lately and thus with my tummy gumbling for food near midnight...decided to give in to temptation and satisfy myself with the craving...

Sinful I know...but good supper is a crucial element to a good night sleep with sweet dreams...

(Counting down to my pratas and mee goreng soon!)

Willyaki Assorted Sushi

2008-03-04T04:19:00.009+08:00

Starting from this semester, a section of the union shop is located to selling ready made sushi and lunch bento by Willyaki which has its permanent location along Portobello Road near the engineering department.

Now...when you face sandwiches, burgers or pasta day in day out, sushi is always a good choice to stay sane...

It's not the best but definitely worth the £3.99 as compared to those from Tesco and Sainsbury.

Another comfort food...hmm...

Chinese New Year - Peng Cai

2008-02-26T09:20:00.003+08:00

There are a couple of CNY entries which are long overdue but I figure better late than never :p

These 2 pots of Peng Cai were delivered to our place on new year's eve consisting of a basket of steam fish, roast pork, prawns and crab and a second casserole of shark fin, scallops, abalone and sea cucumber.

A quick and fuss free option for families who choose to have their reunion dinner in the comfort of their homes and crave for a few extra dishes.

At $200+, it is definitely not something which is really worth the money unless on special ocassions as such. Most importantly, chinese new year = you happy i'm happy everyone happy =)

King Prawn Alio Oglio

2008-02-26T09:05:00.002+08:00

Same cooking method as this.

Perfect with a warm bowl of wild mushroom soup...

Chiquito - The Original Mexican Grill & Bar

2008-02-24T05:26:00.005+08:00

Centretainment, just 2 tram stations away from Meadowhall, is pack with entertainment outlets with a huge cinema, bowling centre and various restaurants to choose from.

We were intially undecided about what to have for dinner after a day of shopping and with the nachos looking good, we settled for some Mexcian food @ Chiquito.

Waited roughly 20 minutes at the bar before a booth seat was available.

Ordered a Ceasar Salad Nachos to fill our very hungry tummy before the mains but the very generous portion of nachos and cheese made it almost a meal on its own!

I had the Vegetable Poblano Quesadila served with vegetables in Mexican chilli-chocolate sauce and grated cheese. Chilli and chocolate don't sound exactly like the perfect match isn't it? And no, I couldn't get use to the taste so there goes my main mostly untouch...

The partner ordered a Sizzling Prime Steak Fajitas with the beef being too dry despite a layer of onions and peppers separately it from the sizzling plate.

The main courses might not be the best but we have fun using our fingers, enjoying the meal with lots of different dips at Chiquito which added to the 'fun' factor and coupled with the relaxing atmosphere of the restaurant and very attentive staff, this is definitely a good place to unwind after some crazy shopping over at meadowhall!

Chiquito - The Original Mexican Grill & Bar
Valley Centretainment Leisure Park
Sheffield S9 2EP

Ya Kun Kaya Toast

2008-02-16T19:00:00.005+08:00

Suddenly have a craving for the always perfectly timed soft boiled eggs...hmm...

Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Tampines Mall
4 Tampines Central 5
#01-45 Singapore 529510

SIA in-flight Yu Sheng

2008-02-13T03:34:00.000+08:00

In conjunction with Chinese New Year, there's a choice of braised fish fillet with yu sheng (raw fish salad) on board the SIA fight bound for London.

A nice finishing touch to my 10 day's break back in Singapore...

Mandarin Oranges - Chinese New Year

2008-02-04T04:19:00.000+08:00

These honey mandarin at home all dressed up for Chinese New Year...3 more days to go!

Chocolate Coated Digestive Balls

2008-02-04T04:00:00.000+08:00

This is another self-created short-cut non-bake recipe so there's no waiting time...and it's really easy for beginners to fellow!

Like the title suggests, the digestive balls are made of cheesecake-base inspired dough rolled into tiny balls and then coated with a layer of melted chocolate.

Ingredient:

- Digestive biscuits
- Butter
- Milk chocolate
- Milk
- Rainbow sprinkles (or chopped nuts) to garnish

Instructions:

- Crush the disgestive biscuits till fine
- Add in butter bit by bit into the crushed digestive biscuits till it forms a dough
- Roll the dough into balls
- Place the dough in the freezer for 10 min to harden

- Break chocolate into pieces and add about a tablespoon of milk for every 200g of chocolate
- Place them into a microve for 30 seconds
- Melt well

- Remove the digestive balls from the freezer and place them into individual cookies case
- Add the melted chocolate into the case
- Lastly, some rainbow sprinkles to ganish

Mini Vacation

2008-02-01T17:05:00.001+08:00

Just touched down in the brand new terminal 3 this morning after a 12 hours flight.

It being such a last minute decision, I've forgotten to bring with me my Singapore sim card amongst many other stuff back home.

Friends: Please send me your number via email or msn k

So far I've had mee siam, nasi lemak and fried beehoon...

Ah...my sunny yummy island indeed...

Black Pepper Prawn Spaghetti

2008-01-24T23:34:00.001+08:00

For my friend who wants to cook a simple meal for her boyfriend - here's a very simple recipe to try out! All you need is a mere 30 minutes of your time, nothing more I assure you.

Ingredients:

- Prawns (Seafood works fine too)
- Celery - sliced
- Spaghetti
- Black pepper sauce (I use the bottle ready-made kinds which you can find in the section where the oyster sauce is)
- Oil - a few spoonful

Instructions:

- Boil the spaghetti for about 9 min (add some salt to taste and olive oil so they don't stick together)

- Meanwhile, heat the frying pan with some oil
- Add in the prawns and stir fry for 4-5 min
- Add in the celery
- Lastly add in the black pepper sauce (with some water if it's too thick)

- Remove the cooked spaghetti and transfer them onto a plate
- Pour the prawn and black pepper sauce onto the spaghetti

Good luck!

Cheese Toast and Mushroom Soup

2008-01-21T12:41:00.000+08:00

This is another one of my comfort food combo...

Nothing fanciful with just a can of mushroom soup and some remaining cheddar in the fridge on toast.

It's food so simple that keeps me happy =)

10 min Udon Soup

2008-01-20T17:16:00.000+08:00

The very best a student can afford to have (takeaways not included of course) in the midst of exam fever...a simple pre-packed udon soup available from most chinese supermarkets...add in your favourite ingredients and taa-da!

2 more weeks to freedom...

Lactuca Restaurant

2008-01-16T14:08:00.000+08:00

The morning was spent at Barcelona stadium on a stadium tour and compared to Old Trafford, Anfield and Bramley Lane stadium, this is really the big brother of soccer...just being there one can already imagine the passion of the crowd during match time!

We overran our schedule by quite a bit due to the trip to the stadium and opted for something quick for lunch.

Lactuca, a chain buffet-style restaurant, offers a huge range of salad options and some mains for a mere 10.30 euros if I am not mistaken which is our cheapest meal in Barcelona. Quality wise it is the typical buffet standard but the gem is the espresso machine at the fruit bar for a nice finish to a meal.

It says on the board to:

(1) Take a tray, a plate and cultery
(2) Serve yourself
(3) Pay at the cashier at the end of the line

I enjoy the salad options especially the different types of olives served.

Mains consisted of pasta, pizza, chips and grilled fish fillet.

A very affordable and quick meal if you want to avoid fast food and the best part is its location being just right next to the Familia Sagrada so you can pop right in after lunch.

Lactuca
Provenza, 427
Barcelona, Spain

Breakfast along La Rambla

2008-01-14T12:10:00.000+08:00

Been busy with the revision for the upcoming examinations which explains the lack of entries these days.

Here's a short update of a cafe along La Rambla in which we had a quick breakfast before the remaining exploration of the city continues.

Spanish omelette baguette

Cheese and ham toast

And before entering the metro gates, I came across the biggest vending machine I've ever seen! It is so unlike a vending machine that I did not give it much thought thinking it is the display window of a convenient store before the travel partner alerted me to it.

Gigantic isn't it?

(Will try to finish the barcelona series by this week...fingers crossed for my revision!)

Attic Restaurant

2008-01-08T11:38:00.000+08:00

After a long day starting from an exceptionally early flight to Barcelona, I planned to call it a night not long after 10pm and retired to the hotel for a relaxing soak in the jacuzzi when my stomach urged me to do something to compensate for the unsatisfactory dinner earlier on.

Attic restaurant, one of the those in my list of restaurants to visit, is brilliantly located right next door to the hotel where I am staying and so, we ventured into the street of the still crowded Las Ramblas and headed for this chic and modern restaurant.

I heard it is hard to get a table during dinner time from about 9-11pm but since we arrived slightly before midnight, getting a table was not a problem but even at this time, the place was still reasonably occupied with a steady stream of patrons even after we were seated.

The salmon moose over seafood salad, with the distinct oak taste of smoked salmon wrapped around a mixture of salmon moose and minced seafood, literally melts in the mouth. The chef also added some zest to the dish with spoonful of sauteed apple that I quite enjoyed.

Instead of the traditional way of whipping up this dish with potato pan fried together with egg and served as an omelet, the Spanish Omelet at Attic is served first with a layer of potato fried to a rosti state, ruuny scramble egg in the middle topped with a generous amount of bacon bits.

The wild mushroom rivioli is served with a thick wild mushroom soup and a cheese filled rivioli done al dente.

A fantastic supper at midnight...

The perfect recipe for a good night sleep...

Las Ramblas, 120
Barcelona, Spain
(0034) 93 302 4866

Larros Arrosseria @ Barceloneta

2008-01-06T10:05:00.000+08:00

Barceloneta, bordered by the Mediterranean sea, is known for its many seafood restaurants lining the broadwalk and with the long stretch of sandy beach, it's nothing short of a good breakaway from winter in UK.

We came here for some fresh sea breeze and also for the paella seafood restaurant that is being raved about by the concierge. Due to the fact that I am on holiday mood and the mind isn't particularly working well, both of us forgotten to bring the slip of paper with the name and address of the restaurant we wanted to dine in and so by memory (failing us of course), we made our way to Larros Arrosseria.

Appetizer of smoked anchovie on a thin pastry cust topped with spicy roe

For the main course, we ordered 2 huge portions of a chef recommended traditional scallop paella and a prawns and mussels noodle fideua (Spanish noodle paella).

Sadly, instead of enjoying what should be a great dinner by the seaside, the seafood was at best medicore and the mussels at time had a great hint of a detergent taste which my taste buds don't quite agree with.

While the main courses definitely have plenty of room for improvement, the service and ambience is good generally.

Pg. Joan de Borbo, 12
08003 Barcelona

Ciudad Condal (Barcelona)

2008-01-05T07:43:00.000+08:00

Tapas is commonly known as the variety of appetizers in Spanish cuisine and being in Barcelona, we of course asked for recommendations of good tapas restaurants upon checking into the hotel.

Ciudad Condal, located in the middle of Rambla Catalunya, is often crowded during meal time and come 9pm which is dinner time for the Spanish, a queue can be seen snaking from the bar area out along the street.

The interior is modern and comfortable with nice wooden decoration, with friendly service staff offering us their recommendations for first timers in the restaurant. Various types of Montaditos (tapas served on small slices of bread) are also available.

I usually do not have the habit of drinking in the afternoon so we ordered cola served in traditional glass bottles.

Grilled asparagus with coarse sea salt

Calamares - rings of battered squid (spanish version of calamari)

Tenderloin Steak and Grilled Prawns Montaditos

Parma Ham Montaditos

Prawn Salad Montaditos

My first meal in Barcelona...and a very light and satisfying one indeed.

(The same can't be said for the travel partner as he had to finish off the steak and ham dishes all by himself.)

After the trip in Barcelona, this remains the top 3 restaurants of the trip and if you happen to visit Barcelona anytime soon, do not give this place a miss. Coming to roughly under 40 euros for a meal for 2, it is certainly a good place for a slow lunch of good tapas selection and to rest the legs after a morning of sightseeing.

Rambla Catalunya, 18
Barcelona, CT 08007 Spain

+34 93 318 1997

New Year's Eve Dinner 2007

2008-01-01T07:06:00.000+08:00

Decided to go chinese for the last dinner of the year 2007...

May the new year be one which will lead me a step nearer to my goal in life and a fulfilling one as well :)

Another simple homecooked meal of 5 dishes.
(Supposed to be 6 but I overcooked one and it got all burnt)

Cai Fan (loosely translated into vegetable rice taught by my Mum when she came over for a visit last year)

Scrambled Egg with Tomatoes

Choi Sim with Cuttlefishballs

Teriyaki Vegetarian Quorn with Celery

And the highlight of the meal...Broccoli with Abalone

Happy New Year to all of you!

Stay healthy....

and happy!

Farewell 2007...

Welcome 2008 :D

Of Tapas & Paella....

2007-12-31T20:00:00.000+08:00

Just returned from the land of tapas and paella...

Had a nasty encounter from a pickpocket experience...

While I recover from the trip...

Happy New Year!

Christmas Dinner 2007

2007-12-27T08:18:00.000+08:00

In the absence of the warmth of celebrating Christmas with my family, a dinner of steamboat (improvised with my precious rice cooker) in front of the fire place with good friends can be just as nice...

We learnt from our lesson of the terrible hangover last year...so instead of this which was taken a year before...

We had cider with fresh fruits and desserts...

A very simple but blessed Christmas day...

Christmas Eve Dinner 2007

2007-12-25T08:48:00.000+08:00

A simple homecooked dinner for Christmas Eve...

Appetizers of cold lobster stuffed with cottage cheese and side salad

Fusion cold vermicelli with lobster tail

Main course of mixed herbs salmon, garlic mushrooms and mature cheddar cheese topped on roasted potatoes...

And finally...desserts of chocolate mousse served with banana bread and rambutan...

And a bar of Tesco Finest chocolate coated ice cream..

Have a splendid holiday season...

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve Lunch 2007

2007-12-25T08:25:00.000+08:00

A cold and wet Christmas eve here in UK...which also marks my final year as a student experiencing winter all wrapped up in layers and layers of clothing soaked in the festive mood.

Lunch was at the usual Zing Vaa before stocking up the fridge with food since nothing will be opened on Christmas Day itself.

Seafood Treasure Fried Rice...and at 9 pounds a plate, there's a generous amount of scallops, prawns and squid, garnished with some fried mei cai to spice up the taste.

Egg Tarts - usually available during weekends of special ocassions.

Har Kau

Bai Hua Juan

Fried Custard Bun

Bai Hua Niang Qie Zi

Nice and warm lunch at 18 pounds for 2 pax...my weekly hangout with very reasonable pricing and good variety of dim sum.

55 The Moor
City Centre, Sheffield
S1 4FP

London - Dec 07 - Hung Tao Chinese Restaurant

2007-12-23T08:12:00.000+08:00

Just came back from my London trip and I've finally managed to get the name of the mapo tofu rice stall I mentioned in one of the previous posts.

Hung Tao Chinese Restaurant...

Address: 51 Queensway London W2 4QH
(alight at Bayswater Tube station and turn right after exiting from the station)

Sweetcorn crabmeat soup

Mapo Tofu Rice

Roast Duck and Soya Chicken Noodle Soup

Being one of the numerous chinese restaurants along Bayswater, London's old chinatown, the restaurant usually scores good attendance. And with the bill for 2 costing only roughly 16 pounds, it's cheap for authentic chinese food in London.

Paris - Dec 06 - Latin Quarter - Part IV

2007-12-19T11:29:00.000+08:00

Latin Quarter, located on the left bank in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, is known for its many reasonably priced bistros due to it proximity to the Sorbonne University.

Come night time, the atmosphere is lively with lots of souvenir shops scattered around and bistro owners touting for business along the street.

Conveniently located right across Notre Dame.

Hmmm...I needed a toilet pretty badly then and so I believed I must have hopped into the second or third bistro in sight since almost all look very much the same offering similar seafood fare.

We ordered a fresh prawns salad as starter, crab roe and salmon as mains and a chocolate muffin as dessert. Food is good especially taking into account how difficult it is for me to find fresh seafood in UK and it's also the cheapest dinner in Paris so far costing us slightly less than 40 euros for a meal for two.

Ended the cold night with a warm and sinful nutella banana crepe.

The hotel for this trip is the conveniently located Paris Hilton, right across the street from Effiel Tower. Service is particularly good especially when on the day of our scheduled departure, alot of flights to UK were cancelled due to very bad weather and the staff went to extra mile to print out the details of my flight to assure me that the flights cancellation would not affect me (although the flight was delayed for 6 hours due to the weather after we reached the airport).

The view from the room's window

People say the French are arrogant...but I say they definitely know how to indulge in their way of life...

I like Paris...so much that I am planning for a trip again next summer...

Till then...

Paris - Dec 06 - Fastfood - Part III

2007-12-15T12:08:00.000+08:00

Food on the go is especially convenient when there is too little time and too many places to cover, thus breakfast for the day was a simple baguette from a local bakery.

The bread was extremely fluffy and soft in the inside while moist and cripsy with the layer of cheese on top of some slices of tomatoes...simple ingredients with fantastic results.

Some sights of Paris...

Notre Dame

Arch De Triumph

The building which is a nightmare for pockets of students like me!

Centre Pmpidou

Lunch was at a local fastfood restaurant across the street from Pompidou...operated in Marche-style manner...

Final part to be up soon...

King Ludwig's Castle @ Disney Village - Paris Dec 06 - Part II

2007-12-14T09:55:00.000+08:00

Disneyland...I imagine it must be every kid's dream to be there once in their lifetime ...immersing in the out of the world experience where all troubles are forgotten...

And despite the near zero degree weather, I have a fabulous time going from castle to castle and seeing all the disney characters coming alive!

So engrossed in the whole experience that I've forgotten to take photos of any food until my first generation camera decided to die on me after just one shot while having dinner at King Ludwig's Castle @ Disney Village...

The castle-themed restaurant was bustling with life and filled to its maximum capacity during dinner time and we waited for a good 45 minutes before getting a table...a good ending to the magical day indeed...

King Ludwig's Castle

Paris - Dec 06 - Part I

2007-12-13T08:40:00.000+08:00

Been very busy with school currently so here's a short entry on my Paris trip last December.

Don't you love it when there's nobody rushing you through a meal...and simply indulging in the gratifying food with a glass of wine while good conversation flows...with the Effiel Tower proudly shining its Christmas lighting as the backdrop no less...

This is no dainty food...

But unpretentious cooking at its very best...

The complimentary bread served with red wine vinegar, mustard and butter.

Seafood platter on ice.

Anyone caught the Mr Bean vacation movie where he went to Paris and ordered this similar dish and felt intimidated with the chief waiter observing his take to the seafood? It was indeed so initially...imagine using the hands to deshell the prawns and such and trying not to create a mess! But for seafood this fresh, it's worth every bit (and a little mess)...

The main courses of grilled seabass and steak with roasted potatoes...

This meal alone detroys any perception that good Parisian food has got to be in tiny portions served in big plates.

More to be up soon...

Mini-break

2007-12-10T11:10:00.000+08:00

After weeks of being in the depressing library...

It's good to still be alive :)

Cheers!

Hong Kong 2007 - Part III

2007-12-09T11:26:00.000+08:00

Finally, after endless nights of getting my essays done, here is the final part of my Hongkong trip. The last day of the trip was dedicated solely for dim sum since my taste buds have recovered from the fever and this is one day filled with massive load of good food I must say. If I can only choose one cuisine to last me for the rest of my life, then it'll definitely be dim sum for it's huge variety available.

Started off with a chinese restaurant right next to Tin Hau MTR because we were starving by the time of the check-out and that is the nearest dim sum joint recommended by the concerige.

Fish porridge

Steamed fish head

Fried beancurd roll and egg tarts

Chive and scallop dumpling, garlic squid with tofu, custard bun, har kau

Spent the afternoon exploring Kowloon area and had more mango dessert from Xu Liu Shan.

Krispy Kreme

Back to Causeway to get some local products from Kee Wah Bakery at the basement of SOGO.

And finally a late lunch before leaving for the airport.

Tao Heung Super 88, centrally located at Winsor House along Gloucester Road in Casueway Bay, is one of the restaurants by the well known Tao Heung Enterprise. The dim sum is surprisingly economical for the standard of dim sum served. My only regret is discovering this gem this late into my trip!

(The address is 6/F, Windsor House, 311 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, H.K.)

Very busy despite it being half three in the afternoon.

Fried beancurd roll

Fish porridge

Har Kau, Char Siew Bun, Custard Bun

Garlic Prawn with Tofu

Abalone Dumpling Soup

Steamed Beancurd Roll

Chilli and Salt Toufu

After looking at all these pictures, I am having a craving for dim sum now despite just having it yesterday and despite it being 4.30 in the morning now!

For this trip, the hotel chosen was Metropark Causeway Bay Hotel located at Causeway Way. It is not bad generally although we were given a smoking room despite repeat emails to the hotel that we require a non-smoking one. The MTR is a mere 3 minutes walk away and there are a couple of Cha Chan Ting in the vincity too.

That is the hotel on the right set in a residential area.

We got the habour-view room (if not then it will be a room with window facing the apartments right behind the hotel) and the picture belows shows the view from the full-length window that overlooks Victoria Park and even Kowloon in a clear day. Amazing view.

This trip was an okay trip partially because I am sick for most part of the trip and also bacuse other than the food (dim sum in particular which I enjoy very much), it is just too similar to Singapore.

Hong Kong 2007 - Part II

2007-12-03T09:37:00.000+08:00

There is a cha chang ting sitting humbly right next to where our hotel is located and this became a convenient stop to fill the tummy before setting out for the day.

I see a lot of people having nissin noodles and ordered them to try as well but it didn't agree with my ill body that morning...but the po lo bun comes as a life saver!

Our breakfast

Next is a short visit to Wong Tai Sin that is always mentioned in HK drama series...

Then it's back to Causeway Bay to meet my HK schoolmate for lunch since he is back in HK for his summer vacation as well...(he visited Singapore too after my HK trip and is full of praises for our black pepper baby lobster!)

A simple but delicious lunch at a char chang ting along the street behind SOGO.

Braised Pork Noodle

Fresh Prawn Chilli Noodle

The Convention Centre and yes, it's a rainy day again...

Last stop for the afternoon at the same cha chang ting before the medicine I took started taking effect and it's back to the hotel for more rest for the umpteen times.

Hot milo after a day in the rain

My po lo bun again :P

Woke up after my forty winks and headed to the Arena of Stars at Tsim Sha Tsui...and more snacks along the way...

Cute little carts selling HK street food and snacks for the display of lights at 8pm.

I love the curry fishballs!

Amazing skyline isn't it?

Still couldn't decide what to have for dinner so we reversed the order and had desserts first at Xu Lui Shan for their speciality of mango desserts.

Stewed egg white with brid's nest and harsmar.

Pudding with pomelo and mango.

Got distracted by the street food and I always believe eating these savoury snacks on satay sticks right next to the road always enhances the flavour of the food.

The infamous smelly toufu. If you have read my previous entries on Beijing then honestly this pales in comparison...the stinkiness that is!

And finally near midnight, we settled for dinner at a random cafe which seems like a chain outlet cos I remember seeing a few branches elsewhere too.

Shrimp with egg rice.

Salt and pepper pork cutlet rice.

Better food at better places in the final part coming soon....

Hong Kong 2007 - Part I

2007-12-02T10:35:00.000+08:00

The trip to Hong Kong during my summer vacation this year was my most sickly trip ever, with me spending more time in the hotel room drifting in and out of my sleep, popping paracetamol like my life depends on it and the most disappointing of all, not being able to enjoy the full glory of the food over there...

I went a day after the typhoon so with the weather not being operative as well, I spent the first day in HK in the hotel sleeping most of the time, hoping my fever will go down the next day but who knows it got worse instead and so, more medicine to keep me going!

Headed to Lantau Island the next day and the first thing that greeted us was the misty morning air.

I read about the vegetarian restaurant at the Po Lin Monastery so didn't want to give it a miss.

100 hkd per person for a fixed menu of 4 dishes and a soup (you need to buy the tickets in advance from the ticket office before the flight of stairs up to the buddha statue)

The food is good for vegetarian standard but I managed merely a few spoonful for the sake of lining my stomach for more medicine intake. The reason why I find it hard to comment about this trip other than being very sick...and finally recovering on the last day of the trip. (Interestingly, I went on the first day of the chinese lunar seventh month...) Okay I digress.

The food...

Lots of shops selling dried seafood products at Tai'O...and personally if not for being strengthless and having to go back to the hotel for more rest, I'll like to spend more time here...just enjoying the slow pace of life and the tranquility that surrounds...

Dried oysters

Then it's back to the reality!

Took a taxi up the peak after the afternoon nap and visited Madamn Tussauds and the amazing bird eye's view of the city at night...

Supper at Temple Street...a random Dai Pai Dang...

I know the amount of food photos in this entry is miserable due to the fact that half of the time I am just looking forward to going back to the hotel to take my medication and sleep!

I promise though...more pictures to come.

Taking a Break...

2007-12-01T04:07:00.000+08:00

When the going gets tough, and the urge to get away from everything is strong...I seek solace in a warm and cosy cafe...

Watching the world go by...Lost in my own thoughts...

And tomorrow shall be a brand new day :)

London - December 2006

2007-11-28T08:16:00.001+08:00

Another short stay in London for a getaway from Sheffield last December before Christmas.

My must-have lunch again in the noodle stall mentioned in my previous post. Same dishes ordered just that this time round, lots of vinegar in the sweetcorn soup.

A lot of people swear by this restaurant as serving the best roast duck in London and if you are a frequent visitor to London, then perhaps by now you should already know which restaurant I am talking about. Despite the ridiculously long waiting time, with or without booking, it is hard to miss the hustle and bustle of this place.

People come from everywhere just to try its roast duck and this is also the place that won my mum over and as quoted from her one of the best roast duck she's tried. Although I have not personally tried it before, perfect scores from basically everyone who's been here cannot be wrong ya?

For those visiting London, give this a try and I am sure you will not be disappointed. It's located in Bayswater and once you are there, just keep a lookout for 'Four Seasons' restaurant or just go towards where there is a long queue forming along the street.

Fish maw soup

Sweetcorn with crabmeat soup

Salt and pepper squid

Kai lan with cuttlefish cake

Seafood bee hoon

The highlight of the night - the house speciality roast duck (half)

All of the abovementioned dishes are only for 2 pax and as most of you are aware, I do not eat meat meaning my fellow diner actually finish half the roast duck by himself and still craving for more after the meal despite him not being a big eater most of the time.

The hotel chosen for this trip is Hilton Olympia London.

In short, this is way below the normal expectations I would expect from a Hilton branch. The location despite being next to a tube station is out of the way and the room is plastered with gloomy wallpaper with dull dirty green bedsheets to match. Further, the lock in the room couldn't work and it took the maintenance people 2-3 hours before they got back to us. Talk about service.

Crossing my fingers that my next stay in Hilton in a few more weeks will not bring disrepute to the name again...

London - November 2006

2007-11-27T09:47:00.000+08:00

The trip to London a year ago was when my mum visited me in UK for a short holiday and since her stayed lasted merely a week, the visit to London was a short one.

I remember she was craving for chinese food and so I brought her to my list of favourite restaurants in London. This noodle bar, located right opposite Bayswater tube station, can easily be located from the big 'mien' (noodle in Chinese) sign at the front entrance.

I never fail to have their vegetarian version of mo po tofu rice for lunch everytime I visit London except for my most recent trip down when the circle line was under maintenance and my common sense conveniently disappear forgetting that the district line can still get me there. It seems plain but very often the nicest food is always something so ordinary but heartwarming and this is the exact comfort food I come for each and every time.

My mum tried the 2 roast noddle.

We shared a sweetcorn soup and kai lan with crabmeat sauce.

The lunch was about 20 quid which is why people always say living in UK is expensive...I say it's all about not converting back to sing dollars to avoid feeling the pinch.

My random breakfast.

For this trip, we stayed at Millennium Gloucester Hotel @ Gloucester Road nestled in Kensington district which is literally across the street from the tube station with easy access to most tube lines . Recommended by my Canadian friend as a Singaporean owned hotel of good standards, I am of course not disappointed and if staying in London will be expensive, then why not pay a little more for a more pleasant stay and for those missing Singapore delights, they even have got a restaurant on the ground floor by the name of Bugis Street or the like!

More London food to come...

Banana Bread

2007-11-26T13:05:00.000+08:00

I apologise for the lack of updates. Been very occupied these couple of days and will be more so for the following weeks to come so while I am stranded in the library working on my seemingly 'mission-impossible' essay, do be patient with the updates :)

I am trying my hands on baking and if you are a first timer as well, this is an effortless recipe to follow through.

(Pardon the lousy quality of the images...I can only get my camera on the 19th Dec)

Ingredients:

- 1 cup 2 tsp flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 4 bananas
- 2 eggs
- raisins
- salt

Instructions:

- Mix butter, sugar and egg
- Beat egg gradually into the mixture
- Mash the banana and add it into the mixing bowl after the eggs
- Add raisins
- Fold the remaining flour and salt into the mixture
- Bake for approximately 50-65 min depending on your oven (I set mine at 180 degrees 60 min)

I shared the banana bread with my friends and they prefer this to the cornflakes bake so I actually got more bananas from the supermarket to bake them for the gathering last night. However, due to time constraint I bake the cornflakes snack again.

I am now thinking of what to do with the bunch of bananas in my kitchen (I don't like to eat banana as a fruit itself) now when I barely have the time to even prepare a proper dinner.

Til then...

Beijing - Day 4 & 5

2007-11-24T09:11:00.000+08:00

The Great Wall of China is our final destination carefully planned so that our stamina do not get exhausted prematurely. Getting there was tricky as it is out of the city area and I do not like the idea of renting a taxi for the whole day despite the cheap pricing but then to have them drive us to aimless tourists traps. So with me nagivating, we found ourselves staring at the magnificent structure 1.5 hours into the journey.

After the complete body workout, we decided to return to the hotel to have a shower before proceeding for dinner but since our tummy were by then protesting, we went to Oriental Shopping Centre, 5 minutes from the hotel, for a quick snack when we saw Food Republic food court at basement of the shopping complex.

Cashless system.

The vegetarian food was a terrible experience. Everything tasted like rubber which was a huge disappointment when my mum's hotplate chicken and my sis's chilli squid seem so tentalising.

The Liang Pi (which turns out thick and gluey).

Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodle.

A follow up with a more than pleasant dinner an hour or so later, at a restaurant opposite the popular Silk Street Market, made up for the earlier disaster. The place is well hidden along a small street with almost a full house consisting mainly of the locals.

BBQ skewers marinated with plenty of herbs.

A simple garlic broccoli stir fry.

Gong bao chicken dice.

My sis enjoyed this so much she almost finished it all by herself!

My mum's favourite.

We ordered a whole fish cooked in Beijing style. This is very identical to the clear tom yam soup but even spicier flavoured with lots of diced small chilli in the soup base. I like how the fresh fish meat complements the slightly sourish base that almost numbed my tongue with its explosive flavours.

Lastly, fresh prawns with ginko nuts.

5 dishes between the 3 of us...very sinful...but also a nice sum up to our final night in Beijing :)

Day 5 was spent shopping in Oriental Plaza again and a western lunch at Sizzler before heading to the airport.

During this trip, we stayed at Park Plaza Wanfujing Beijing which is right smacked in the city centre, directly behind The Regent - 5 minutes walk to the Oriental Plaza, a little longer to the nearest tube (but trust me the taxis there are so cheap that there is little reason to take the tube at all), 15 min to Wanfujing.

The hotel lobby.

The room (bed was not made as yet when we arrived at the hotel at 9 in the morning).

Next up will be my London trip (and possibly continuing with Hong Kong, Phuket, Rome and Paris) before the hopefully successful resurrection of my camera in 4 weeks time.

Beijing - Day 3

2007-11-23T09:25:00.000+08:00

I enjoy the freedom of being able to plan my own itinerary so the trip was a free and easy one with me being the 'tour guide' to my mum and sis. Provided time permits, I will say planning for a trip and then anticipating it is just as enjoyable as going on the trip itself :)

We spent the morning at Yi He Yuan with the infamous marble boat and 17 arch bridge...

And the afternoon @ Temple of Heaven...

\

Thereafter it's food street and more food streets!

Waiting for the teriyaki squid...nicely marinated 30cm skewer for 2 sgd...

One of the few official Olympics store in the city area.

Another similar food street...

Bing Tang Hu Lu that we always see on tv. (Notice the sign on the right? Loosely translated as fermented 'smelly' toufu that smells through ten thousand years...I kid you not but the smell was so strong it was as if someone puked on me!)

My favourite Liang Pi again.

And the many types of BBQ skewers all 2 sgd or less.

The exotic cocoons and scorpions...I never fail to get goosebumps all over whenever I see these photos again and the thing is I suspect they are 'for show' only cos seriously I've never see anyone else ordering them!

Day 4 and 5 coming soon...

Cornflakes Bake

2007-11-22T06:56:00.000+08:00

Sudden midnight craving for something sweet...

I remember seeing my sister baking these cornflakes bake back home but since I do not have any weighing scale, the baking is done soley on estimation as per my usual cooking style because one thing for sure, taste differ from person to person and as such, I usually go with my 'guts' feeling as to how much per ingredient to add.

It took me all but 15 minutes and all that I need are cornflakes, honey and butter :)

Beijing - Day 2

2007-11-21T08:14:00.000+08:00

We had lunch at a restaurant that specialises in Guo Qiao Mi Xian, loosely translated as crossing the bridge noodle.

They serve a large variety of noodles and most people order the set which comes with piping hot noodles and raw meat served separately so you get to add the ingredients to the noodle yourself.

Mine was a mixed seafood mi xian which comes with a good mixture of seafood in a subtly sweet broth and of course, the cold dishes that my mum and sis ordered.

Tianenmen Square and Forbidden City

All of us were starving by 4.30pm and thus an early dinner. We headed back to Wang Fu Jing and found ourselves in a restaurant that serves individual style steamboat. An interesting feature is that from my observation, the chinese enjoys dipping basically everything in the sesame sauce provided and even ask for refills a couple of times.

However, my mum being a chilli addict was quite disappointed that they do not serve any chilli sauce although I do find that the sesame sauce very appetitising especially when dipped with vegetables.

Good food can be found almost everywhere in Beijing really...and most importantly they do not hurt the pocket a single bit!

Beijing - Day 1

2007-11-20T11:10:00.000+08:00

In the next few posts to come, I will mainly be blogging about the food during my holiday trips. So there you are, with the Christmas season closing in, it is time for some rest and for the lucky ones, a holiday or two to rejuvenate the tired bodies.

This trip in the summer is my first time to China and to be honest, I went without much expectations. However, the trip left me very impressed with the development of the country and definitely changed certain stereotypes that I used to have!

Food wise I am always spoilt for choices since most restaurants offer an extensive menu with pocket friendly prices to match.

Our brunch at a restaurant near the Silk Street Market.

One distinct feature about the cuisine here is that cold dishes are very popular starters.

Seaweed, french beans and peanuts salad served cold.

By the end of the China blog posts, perhaps you will notice that this is my favourite dish in Beijing. My chinese schoolmate always rave about how she loves Liang Pi and now I am more than convinced. It is a simple toss of very smooth kuay teow with sesame oil, chilli oil and some cucumber to go with it. Simple...yes. Yummy...very!

Xiao Long Bao

Kai Lan

Shrimp Omelette

Dinner time.

Quan Ju De, right smacked in the heart of Wang Fu Jin (our Orchard Road equivalent), is recommended by the hotel as one of the most popular restaurant in Beijing itself and has been a household name for decades that specialise in Peking duck.

The restaurant itself occupied 3 levels of the building and yet, the waiting time was almost an hour before we were seated. That is the popluarity of the place.

Our starters of some red bean pastry

Peking duck served on the spot. I have no idea if it is really good but according to my Mum and Sis, both of them like it so much they wanted to order an extra portion to bring back to the hotel as supper.

Prawn with asparagus

Lastly, in loving memory of my camera, one of the last photos I took with it on Friday night...

I am missing it already...

Camera-less

2007-11-18T07:51:00.000+08:00

Yours truly no longer have the loyal companionship of her beloved camera after her daytrip to Oxford today. While she is nursing her heartache over the loss of her barely 4 months old camera, there are 2 options available now:

1. Continue taking photos of her food adventure using her mobile phone with inferior photo quality; or

2. Continue with the posts of all the food she had back in Singapore during the summer holidays.

Haiz...

:(

(This is the most expensive gift I ever got for myself using the allowance I earned during my summer internship and it is now gone just like that...can you feel my pain?)

Zeugma @ London Road

2007-11-17T09:02:00.000+08:00

Zeugma, a turkish restaurant along London Road, is known for their turkish kebabs and judging by the crowd everytime we pass by the restaurant, it seems very popular and gets especially crowded during the weekends.

I heard a lot of good reviews on the food they serve and the dinner tonight is indeed a very pleasant affair.

Service is good and because we were there to celebrate a friend's birthday, they even switch off all the lights in the restaurant when they bring out the birthday cake after having our main courses cleared.

Waiting time for the mains took almost a good 20 minutes but to be fair we went as a group of 16 people.

The only slightly down side is that by the time we leave the place, all of us are smelling of charcoal and bbq food.

The turkish tea

I ordered a baked spinach with cheese and egg. Initially since they are known for their kebabs I wasn't having too high expectations with their vegetarian food but this dish comes across as a very refreshing change from the conventional food that I am used to having.

Baby chicken 'something'. I couldn't recall the exact name but this is one of the dishes that one of my friends ordered. I heard it is good although the chicken contains more bones than meat.

Zeugma

146 London Road
Sheffield S2 4LT
Tel: 0114 2582223

Alio Oglio with Mussels

2007-11-15T23:56:00.000+08:00

I always believe the best way to ensure quality control is to cook the dish yourself provided it not a complicated one to start with. Then you can get the freshest ingredients and most importantly in this case, that the spaghetti is al dente.

Ingredients:

- Mussels (I got NZ mussels as they are juicier than the English lots)
- Spaghetti
- Parsley
- Garlic
- Chilli flakes (Use fresh chilli for best results)
- Olive oil

Instructions:

- Brown garlic with olive oil
- Add chilli to spice up the oil mixture
- Toss in already cooked spaghetti
- Add mussels
- Garnish with parsley

Mix Vegetables with Oyster Sauce

2007-11-15T23:48:00.000+08:00

Ingredients:

- Whatever vegetables you can find in the fridge
(I used carrots, cucumber, cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli)
- Oyster sauce
- Dried chilli flakes

Instructions:

- Stir all the vegetables with a little bit of water
- Add oyster sauce
- Sprinkle with chilli flakes (more if you like them spicy)

Cai Xin Stir-fry

2007-11-15T22:54:00.000+08:00

Cai xin, xiao bai cai, kai lan etc are all known to me under the leafy vegetables category as till now, I still find it hard to differentiate chinese vegetables. The thing about these vegetables is that you can hardly go wrong when stir frying them with either garlic, oyster sauce or soy sauce.

Effortless way of achieving the 5 servings of greens a day.

Ingredients:

- Cai Xin
- Carrot
- Brussel sprouts
- Chinese mushroom (Dong gu)
- Dried shrimps
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Oil

Instructions:

- Soak mushroom in hot water
- Chop the garlic
- Slice carrot and mushroom
- Cut brussel sprouts and cai xin into quarters
- Heat the oil in a frying pan and brown the garlic
- Throw in everything else except cai xin, cook for 3 minutes
- Add in cai xin and some water
- A dash of soy sauce to taste

Multi-grain Baguette

2007-11-15T06:09:00.000+08:00

I have never been a breakfast person but the faulty fire alarm buttkicked everyone in the house early in the morning and we are more or less forced to seek refuge elsewhere while waiting for the landlord to come over and perform some miracles.

With barely 4 hours of sleep, I struggle to think of a place to go.

Hmm...

But I decided to make myself a multi-grain bauguette with pickles and cheese first =)

And it's off to the Interval for tea and more revision time...

A good start to a bad day...perhaps...

Scream @ Cavendish

2007-11-15T02:56:00.002+08:00

Cavendish, part of the 'Scream' chain is located along West Street, a popular student area filled with pubs and takeaways which serves the student crowd primarily.

It used to be the only place that serves very decent vegetarian bangers and mash and it is hard to contain my disappointment when I notice a totally new menu with even lesser vegetarian options available.

Little choice left...so we went ahead with the good old english fish n chips.

Looks are deceiving I say.

The fries are soggy, the mashy peas watery, the fish tasteless and the crust like 'charcoal' as my friend described.

It is that bad. Certainly we are not the only table with the opinion looking at the leftovers from other tables.

Changes...are not always for the better.

Other than the liver damaging prices of their alcohol, I do not see any reason in returning for another visit.

Cavendish
218–220 West Street
Sheffield
S1 4EU
Tel: 01142525781

Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant

2007-11-14T03:03:00.000+08:00

It was a day after the mid-autumn festival that I visited Palm Beach for a seafood dinner before I leave for UK. Such nice weather beneath the graceful full moon shining upon us its pale moonlight...

Amongst the dishes we ordered is the Golden Crab coated with salted egg yolk. I've tried salted egg yolk with prawns but with Sri Lanka crab this is a first. The shell of the crab is evenly coated then fried with a generous amount of egg yolk and let me forewarn that this is the absolute cholesterol-bursting dish that the health conscious will do anything to avoid so order at your own risk.

The favourite on the table that night.

Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant
1 Fullerton Road
#01-08 One Fullerton
Singapore 049213
Tel: 6423 0040

Herb Roasted Potatoes

2007-11-13T03:57:00.000+08:00

This is a classic recipe of herb roasted potatoes as a side dish to your main course or if you add more root vegetables it can even be a simple meal on its own.

Indregients:

- Potatoes (cut into wedges if they are the normal baking potato)
- Olive Oil
- Rosemary
- Basil
- Oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
(root vegetables may be added to your preference)

Instructions:

- Preheat oven
- Mix all the ingredients together, add salt and pepper to taste
- Wrap everything (except vegetables) in aluminium foil
- Bake for 40 minutes
- Unwrap the aluminium foil and add the remaining vegetables, then without wrapping it, put it back to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes
- If no vegetables are used, then just unwrap the aluminium foil and bake it for another 20 minutes so the potato skin will be crispy

Victor's Kitchen

2007-11-13T02:50:00.000+08:00

I first read about Victor's Kitchen from ieatishootipost and the visit more than satisfy the weekly dim sum routine as to the quality of food the small cafe located in Sunshine Plaza managed to whip up despite not in some fancy hotels or restaurants. If you are on a budget then this is the perfect alternative for some decent above average dimsum from the humble shop space converted kitchen.

It was tricky trying to get a table during weekends but the staff are more than helpful in keeping me updated constantly on the tables available and the wait was barely 10 minutes long before the aunty led me to another shop space converted dining area a couple of units away.

The fried items ordered were the shrimp beancurd roll and vegetable springroll. Both are served with a small saucer of vinegar which helps to neutralise the the fried outer skin cripsy enough not to leave any hint of oiliness after a bite.

For the cheong fun, we ordered the shrimp cheong fun and za leong which is one of the rarely seen dimsum here. The you tiao was fried just long enough for it to be crispy on the outside and chwey inside which makes the mixture of both the cheong fun and you tiao one of the best combination served with the black sweet sauce.

The steam carrot cake with dried scallops is also something not usually seen in the menu of local restauarnts but when paired with the XO sauce provided the cake cake literally melts in my mouth so this is definitely one of the must try.

The har kau was served to us with broken skin and as much as it is not appealing to the eyes, this is an okay dish especially since the prawns were serves as chopped wholes and not minced and mixed with fish paste like some places do.

The fish and century egg porridge on the other hand was nothing to rave about. I find it rather bland and the muddy taste of the fish could not be masked despite the pepper and soy sauce added to it.

Custard buns to end the meal. Another okay dish. One bun was almost overflowing with custard and salted egg yolk while the other is suspiciously lacking in generosity so depending on your luck, this might be another must try or merely another ordinay item.

A good outlet for student-size pockets so do not go with restaurant expectations and you will leave a happy patron.

Victore's Kitchen
91 Bencoolen Street
#01-21 Sunshine Plaza
Singapore 189652
Tel: 9838 2851

Gatsby Bar & Restaurant

2007-11-12T03:50:00.000+08:00

Chijmes is often my preferred venue for a quiet dinner with nice ambience way back since China Jump was still around. Come weekends, the outdoor seating at the basement will be filled with football fans cheering their teams on while watching the match on the projector screens towards the fountain area.

A few years back I went to Gatsby for their valentine's dinner but food was average as expected since set menus were catered for the ocassion. Thus, this was comparatively a more pleasant visit.

For starters we started off with a Tropical Mango with Prawn Salad and Caraway's Camembert. The former wasn't very impressive with thousand island sauce poured onto the prawns on salad with mango syrup so if you must choose only one, go ahead with the Camembert which is a platter of fried cheese with their special cardinal dip.

Next up were Mediterranean Poached Seafood Platter and Ribeye Steak. A portion of garlic bread was served together with the hearty portion of seafood platter to be dipped with the goodness of lots of cream and cheese and the works.

Overall not too bad an experience but the servers were not too sure with the menu as some of my questions regarding the main ingredients of the dish were left unanswered with prices slightly on a higher note taking into the level of food served.

Gatsby Bar & Restaurant
CHIJMES
30 Victoria Street
#B1-09
Singapore 187996

Continental Market @ Fargate

2007-11-11T07:04:00.000+08:00

The plan of the day was to go down to the city centre for the Continental Market event along Fargate street but the trip was cut short due to unagreeable weather throughout the afternoon.

The Continental Market comes to Sheffield approximately 3-4 times a year and is always well received by the people here looking at the crowd on a wet Saturday afternoon. It offers a wide selection and choice of various European food products and mechandise with the odd Asian stalls appearing now and then.

The food on display was a feast for the eyes and making a decision as to what to eat was a difficulty with everything looking so appealing!

The apple tarts

Turkish delights

Homemade Meringue

Olives

Traditional Hog Roast

Belgium waffles. I got myself one with white chocolate which was heavenly...I mean the sugar overload sensation with some 'bad' carbo always match flawlessly ya?

I got all excited when I see this Thai stall tucked in a little corner and with Thai aunties to match no less! Now thinking back I must have been a carrot head for spending 4 pounds for a basic vegetarian stir fry noodles and 2.5 pounds for fishballs with sweet chilli sauce...but you know...comfort food...they are to make you feel comfortable and happy...and I am after that so I guess I can't complain much.

Smoked salmon from Port of Lancester Smokehouse

Sunday is the last day of the event so you are are reading this article just in time for it then do pop by for a visit. It will not disappoint.

Continental Market
Fargate Sheffield City Cenrtre
8th-11th Novemember 2007

Pasta Salad

2007-11-10T07:55:00.000+08:00

The thing about making pasta salad is that I usually make 5-6 portions at one go, pack them into individual lunch box and store them in the freezer which can save me alot of cooking time.

Ingredients:

- Pasta (your preference - I usually use durum wheat pasta)
- Pasta sauce (your preference - I like tomato and mascarpone sauce to go with salad)
- Sweetcorn
- Peas
- Crushed dried chilli
- Basil
- Olive oil

Instructions:

- Cook the pasta as per the instructions on the package, add salt to taste and olive oil to bring it to boil so that they will not stick together
- After pasta is cooked, drain and re-drain with cold water to prevent sticking
- Add all other ingredients and toss well
- Salt and pepper to taste

This is a very flexible recipe so do add anything you fancy and also more greens for a healthy and balance diet :)

Azabu Sabo

2007-11-10T06:08:00.000+08:00

Dinner @ Azabu Sabo before leaving for the Esplanade for the local musical Dim Sum Dollies some time back in July...

I remember when it first open its door, there's always a steady queue during dinner hours but it seems that the craze dies off pretty soon since the restaurant was less than 30% filled then..

I ordered their cold noodles. Wasn't having any expectations for the dish but it turned out very refreshing with a generous amount of almond slices on top of the al dente ramen which is a nice change from the usual food served hot which I'll prefer to have on other days.

And the dessert of black sesame ice-cream with caramelised sweet potatoes. I was having sugar craving the whole day but in the end still did not get to eat waffles which I was initially craving for...

The black sesame ice cream tasted so....weird....that I did not touch it after a bite...

So much for novelty...

Azabu Sabo
6 Raffles Boulevard
#02-170 / 171 Marina Square
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6338 1244

TCC @ Atrium - Orchard

2007-11-10T05:40:00.000+08:00

I was craving badly for some warm waffles that day and was very disappointed to know that TCC doesn't serve waffles so the next best alternative is probably the bread pudding.

Good things come when you least expect it and for people who do not fancy their desserts being on the sweet side should give this a try. I like the warm and moist texture of the pudding itself which goes very well with the scoop of hazelnut ice cream that comes with it.

TCC
The Atrium @ Orchard
60B Orchard Road #01-17 S
ingapore 238891
Tel: 6884 9223

Ming Jiang @ Goodwood Park

2007-11-10T03:57:00.000+08:00

Weekly dim sum once again...this time at Ming Jiang @ Goodwood Park Hotel.

The dim sum came to the very best as merely average taking into consideration the number of awards won by Ming Jiang. However this is expected since it is a high-tea buffet but if you are looking for a nice place to tuck in and chill out with friends, I strongly recommend this place.

Ming Jiang
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: 6737-5337

Formosa Delights

2007-11-10T03:18:00.000+08:00

With the increasing poplution of Chinese from mainland China, I am not surprise to see a significant increase in restaurants opened by the Chinese serving food from their respective province.

Was at the new Cathay Buidling for some corporate event and since the choices were limited to either Billy Bombers or Formosa Delights, the latter was of course my preferred choice.

Apart from one or two tables occupied by some Chinese customers who seem to be regulars, the restaurant was very quiet despite it being dinner time.

Assorted pickles and braised peanuts served

I asked for a recommendation and the service staff told me that this fried tofu with mango sauce is their speciality but I really don't see what is special about it. The sauce is too sweet and weird to go with rice and the tofu itself is way over fried.

Spicy Fish Head - the fish head was fried and then topped with chilli oil (yes that is not gravy you are looking at..it's all oil) which was a pity and the overpowering chilli masked any flavours if any of the fish so all I know is I am having fried fish with chilli oil...nothing else.

The life saver of the meal was the simple seafood and tofu thick soup.

After the meal, I remember constantly feeling thirsty which I highly suspect is due to the MSG added to the food. Maybe if you like food with very strong flavours, you can try this...but definitely not on my list of recommendations...

Mian Mian Ju Dao Formosa Delights
2 Handy Road
#B1-21/22 The Cathay
Singapore 229233

Durian themed buffet @ Cafe Vic

2007-11-10T02:59:00.000+08:00

In conjunction with the durian season more hotels are offering durian-themed buffet (back in July 07) and one fine evening after P3 managed to sheepishly sneaked out from a particular chinese restaurant, we hopped into Cafe Vic with the pictures of promising durians pulling our attention and boy I just cannot describe how good it was especially the black pepper crabs and all the sinful desserts!

The sashimi was tender and fresh especially the salmon which was a favourite that night.

Self-tossed Cesar Salad

Medicore Hot & Spicy Hot...without the vinegar and pepper added there isn't much of a taste to the overily starcy soup

The desserts:

Freshly made waffles with belgium ice-cream

The durian shooter and more desserts...

The price after tax is roughly 45sgd per pax which is pretty reasonable taking into consideration the variety of food available but unless there is a similar durian theme promotion going on, I doubt I will revisit again due to the inconsistency of the cooked food at different timing of the night.

Cafe Vic
Carlton Hotel
76 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189558

Snakebite @ Interval

2007-11-09T08:06:00.001+08:00

Beer garden @ union...

If this is not pure bliss I don't know what is...

Imgaine...

A cold yet windless night...with the starry sky as the background to your conversation...and the lunar eclispe right above you...the cheery spring flowers starting to bloom to their full beauty...and the ever so comforting one-and-only Yorkshire drink which is a good full pint of Snakebite...the seemingly never ending conversation and crapping...and don't forget that tray of chips for your munching pleasure...

I wish all of you were here with me...

TCC @ Clarke Quay

2007-11-09T07:52:00.000+08:00

Just for records, Imperial Treasure + Killiney + Tampopo + TCC are all the meals I took in a single Saturday (not counting the cheese nachos I had during the movie)!

Been a few months back...so cannot recall any names now...sorry =/

TCC - Clarke Quay
Blk 3E River Valley Road
#01-01 Clarke Quay
Singapore 179024
Phone : 6336 1121

Tampopo @ Liang Court

2007-11-09T07:33:00.000+08:00

In UK, the way to determine whether a chinese restaurant is good or not depends on the percentage of Chinese patrons in that particular restaurant...when we were there for the dinner there was a good size crowd of both the Japanese and the locals which perhaps somehow marks its authenticity?

We ordered their signature ramen, teriyaki squid and potato croquette.

Ramen was above average and I particularly like the egg we added with hard boiled egg white and slightly runny yolk.

The squid on the other hand was totally like rubber making my jaws work harder than it should.

Tampopo
Liang Court Shopping Centre
#B1-50
Tel: 6338-3186

Killiney Kopitiam

2007-11-09T07:28:00.001+08:00

A quick snack before a movie...

It's simple pleasure such as kaya toast with soft boil eggs that I miss so much when in UK...

Killiney Kopitiam
Marina Square
5 Magazine Road #02-03
Central Mall

Imperial Treasure @ Great World City

2007-11-09T07:04:00.000+08:00

Summer vacation weekly dim sum session again.

This will definitely be added to my Top 3 dim sum place and if you trust me enough to give it a try you'll know why it can be rated among the likes of Wah Lok and Royal China (perhaps still a slight notch below Lei Garden)... the service is fantastic from the manager to the superviser to the service crew and I enjoyed the lunch very much..

The coridoor to our private dining area (a small area enough for a table for 4 but visually enlarged by mirrors gracefully and cleverly placed at certain angles)....and the inside of the room...

The food we had...my favourite being the salt and pepper squid and the steam fish head with black bean sauce :)

I would have enjoyed the fish porridge more if not for the fish bones with almost every other sip...

Dessert time...my mango pudding with fresh mango bites and the alittle too overwhelming durian pudding...

If you are looking for somewhere private for lunch then do book their individual rooms in advance.

Imperial Treasure (Cantonese Cuisine)
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#02-06 Great World City
Tel: 6732-2232

Dunkin' Donuts

2007-11-09T06:55:00.000+08:00

Got a dozen dunkin' donuts back to Singapore while at transist in Dubai and very silly me only realised that I don't have a single dollar of their local currency nor do they accept credit cards after I've made my order. Luckily they accept pounds sterling!

I have no idea how they taste like because I don't usually have a sweet tooth but according to my family, it's way too sweet for their liking.

Bosses Restaurant

2007-11-09T06:41:00.000+08:00

When I was back in Singapore for the summer vacation and doing my internship in the meantime, dim sum was a almost weekly affair.

Bosses @ Vivocity, loosely translated as 'Secret Society' from their original Chinese name. Upon stepping into the restaurant, the only thing that caught my attention was that 90% of the decor is in black,chic black, and definitely something different from the usual lively rooms with light colour theme as per the usual Cantonese restaurants out there.

Food was generally alright...but with prices at least 30-40% higher than your hotel dim sum places, the food was nothing to rave about other than the appealing way the food was being presented and the habour view from certain parts of the restaurant.

The only thing I will come back for is the steamed beacurd roll wrapped in cheong fun...very light very smooth...and perhaps the very sinful custard bun with salted egg yolk

If you are slightly observant, you will notice that the skin of the har kau is comparatively thicker as compared to other dim sum joints I frequent

The rest of the dim sum...

Obviously the table for 2 is too small for the amount of food we ordered...but still we managed to finish everything...cos I am a big eater :P

Bosses Restaurant
1 Harbourfront Walk
02-156 Vivo City
Tel: 63769740

Wong Ting - Dinner

2007-11-09T05:13:00.001+08:00

I came for early dinner and thus the empty restaurant...

Menu

This is one of the top places to go for dinner here with its extensive menu despite the slightly higher pricing. We had the Pipa Tofu and Braised Fish Casserole. Both as good while I paricularly prefer the fish dish for the fish cripsy on the outside and with the right amount of gravy, it goes very well on its own or with plain rice.

Pipa Tofu

Braised Fish Casserole

Side dish of fried squid

Remember to make reservations in advance if you are planning for a weekend dinner.

Wong Ting
6-8 Matilda Street
Sheffield S10 4QD
Tel: 0114 275 7392

Rocky Road Chocolate

2007-11-09T04:34:00.000+08:00

This is a recipe I like when going for potluck gathering...it doesn't leave you smelling of smoke and oil and it's really easy to make.

I usually try to refrain from storing them in my fridge because I get tempted easily and will not stop myself from going down to the kitchen for that 'just one more'.

Ingredients:

- Milk chocolate
- Dark chocolate
- Milk
- Digestive biscuits

Instructions:

- Melt an equal portion of milk and dark chocolate in the microwave
- Add milk into the chocolate and stir it to obtain the melted chocolate texture
- Break up digestive biscuits and line them in a small baking tray
- Pour the melted chocolate onto the biscuits
- Put in the fridge until it sets

Black Pepper Salmon with Carrot Brown Rice

2007-11-09T04:20:00.000+08:00

Another salmon recipe. Same thing here 5 minutes of preparation time and 20 minutes for it to cook.

Black Pepper Salmon with Carrot Brown Rice

Ingredients:

- A slab of salmon
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil

- Brown rice
- Carrots

- Cucumber

Instructions:

- Rub black pepper into salmon with dash of salt to taste
- Wrap salmon in aluminium foil and bake for 15 min
- Unwrap the foil and flip the salmon is such a way that the skin is facing up
- Put the salmon back into the oven without the wrap this time for another 5 - 7 min for cripsy skin

- While the salmon is cooking, chop the carrots into 1cm cube and cook them with brown rice as per normal

- Serve with cucumber or salad for a balance meal

Wong Ting - Dim Sum

2007-11-09T03:51:00.000+08:00

As I have mentioned in my previous post, Wong Ting only recently joined the names of Chinese restaurants here and despite its infancy, it is very popular with students, family and even the British namely because of the service and grand interior.

I am just bias but dim sum wise, I still feel that Zing Vaa will win hands down. Still, it is a good place for gatherings with more than decent good food.

Seafood Fried Noodles

Za Leong (Fried dough with riceroll)

Anyone knows apart from Victor's Kitchen where else can I find this in Singapore?

Fried Squid - I believe the kitchen added curry power to marinate them but I seems to be the only person who tasted the curry aftertaste. Very good fried dish without excessive oil on the plate.

Fried Prawn Dumpling - This is different from the Bai Hua Juan I've blogged about previously as it uses minced prawn instead.

Carrot Cake

Har Kau

Chicken's Feet - LOL I know this sounds abit gross but according to my friends, they like it very much.

Marinated squid and jelly fish platter - The squid is tender and marinated just well enough for the fresh and slightly chewy bite. Will be on my next order list definitely.

So there you have it the constant comparison between Zing Vaa and Wong Ting...

Wong Ting
6-8 Matilda Street
Sheffield S10 4QD
Tel: 0114 275 7392

Zing Vaa

2007-11-09T02:19:00.000+08:00

My first visit to this restaurant was with my seniors who very much raved about the quality of dim sum found here. 2 years ago, being the only decent chinese restaurant in the city that offers authentic chinese food, we got to put up with an always packed restaurant, long waiting time and at times harsh staff. But this is now no longer seen after Wong Ting opened its door last year and while everyone are flocking there for the subjectively better food, I still prefer Zing Vaa for its nostalgia.

The interior of this Cantonese restaurant...

Har Kau (Steam Prawn Dumplings) - this is significantly on par with those found in Hongkong and because I have the habit of separating the skin from the prawn, it is obvious when the skin is too thick to 'melt' in the mouth after a few bites but like I've mentioned I like Zing Vaa and this to me this is still one of the best dimsum place I'll go.

Crispy fried squid

Bai Hua Juan (Fried Prawn Roll) - My no. 2 favourite :p

Har Cheong (Prawn rice roll) - can you see the smooth texture?

XO Seafood Udon - Oily and not much of a distinctive XO taste...there is another wet version that consists of more vegetables and gravy which I personally prefer.

There might be a lot more dim sum posts coming up...because I am a very dim sum person...even back in Singapore...so stay tune!

Zing Vaa
55 The Moor
City Centre
Sheffield S1 4PF

The Admiral (Fish and Chips)

2007-11-09T01:40:00.002+08:00

The origins of fish and chips has always been associated with the UK and it is not hard to know why looking at the numerous fish and chips takeaways almost at every turn of the neighbourhood.

After numerous disappointing attempts at most of the takeaways here, my heart now belongs solely to The Admiral up in Crookes and so far it's my weekly comfort food come rain, snow or shine I need to have it religiously.

The humble takeaway up in Crookes...

A thick generous portion of cod is used and coupled with mushy peas and chips, this is the only food I grew to miss when I am back in Singapore...

Now I just need to learn how to survive without it after I graduate...

The Admiral
202 Crookes
Sheffield, South Yorkshire S10 1TG