Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Thai Green Curry



My favourite form of Thai curry - green. My parents came back from their trip to Thailand with packets and packets of green curry pastes and tom yam pastes. Our 2 favourite Thai dishes, apart from kapraw pork that is. If you have eaten green curry locally you will immediately be able to spot the difference between the instant pastes from Thai supermarkets and the localized version. The Thai  version is true to the authentic flavour and packs layers of flavours into just 1 dish.




Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Baby Ryan's early Birthday



My sis will be in hospital with her 2nd baby when this little boy turns 2. So we celebrated his birthday earlier, on a public holiday when everyone is available. I must have overestimated his size, the fun pack bag matches the oversized birthday card.



Monday, August 29, 2011

San Lo Horfun



My lunch today of fish, beansprout and kway teow - san lo horfun, so called as it comprises of only 3 ingredients. Fish is supposed to be really good for recuperation.




Sunday, August 28, 2011

Jigsaw Puzzle



Singapore themed 500pcs jigsaw puzzle that I am going to frame up once I get better.



Saturday, August 27, 2011

YU Restaurant



This is a typical Chinese seafood place in an oceanic palace decor. The first thing you notice is the bejewelled signboard and then the crystal studded chairs.


Seafood fritters that I always order as it's my favourite. You will find skinnier you tiaos here.


There is a tea cocktail menu as well. Every MBS restaurant must have a separate drinks menu. 


Ark shell in chef's XO sauce that was highly recommended but quite ordinary in taste.


We also ordered the herbal drunken prawns for comparison and it was quite good - bitter - but still good. Signature fried rice was the "rich man" version done with egg whites & crab meat.


When you are done, they offer an instant lucky dip where you can win vouchers and free desserts. It's quite a different experience and the food is delicious.


Friday, August 26, 2011

Mee Pok



Fishball noodles served dry with a chilli gravy. Eaten at all times of the day, only in Singapore.




Thursday, August 25, 2011

Praying for my back



I think it is a sign of old age that I start to get funny problems like sprained back. I got up from my desk at work yesteday and felt a slight twang. It got progressively worse through the night and I was unable to sit upright. This morning, I can't even get out of bed. Thanks to modern technology, I can still remain connected & entertained. Hoping it will get better soon, please pray for me. Thanks.




Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Snowskin Mooncake



Snowskin mooncakes are like seasonal mochi. It's soft chewy skin wraps lotus paste, red bean paste, ice-cream, fruit puree within. It's very much a dessert, more so than the traditional baked version and the varieties are endless.



Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Durian Season



Durians are in season now and you can eat it fresh out of the shell. I prefer to have the fresh puree in the form of cakes and puff pastries. Durian cake and puffs from Goodwood Park Hotel are always popular.


Monday, August 22, 2011

Sunday, August 21, 2011

7th Month



The 7th month of the lunar calendar is designated as the hungry ghosts festival. The Chinese believe the gates of Hell open and the ghosts roam our world during this month. People burn hell money and setup alters near their home and workplace to appease these spirits. Getais appear during this time and the first 2 rows are left open for you know who lah, don't sit there.


Saturday, August 20, 2011

Big Weekend

 
 

Lots of events going on this weekend. I got a slow start this morning, but managed to make a round at the Club 21 Sale, no more sizes or accessories - got to get an early start on this sale every year or the good stuff is gone.


Was in time for the comic convention at nearby Suntec. Haul! I got a cute heart doodoll with a funny hat and drooly mug. Tokidoki unicorn necklace, bag, tin of mints (with a mirror inside, soo cute) and a Singapore Post affiliated puzzle & stamp set. No Hello Kitty this year?

Skipped Bay Beats, it's raining...
 
 
 

Friday, August 19, 2011

The Action Bible



The comic strip bible. Biblical tales in chronological order and depicted as accurately as possible. The perfect gift for my little nephews who are just learning to read. Hopefully, this will pique their interest and they will pick up the bible on their own to read one day. I had a cartoon bible when I was younger and it really helped me understand the main storyline as the actual bible deep dives into details.


Pick up your copy at the STGCC 2011 (Singapore's comic convention) this weekend.


Thursday, August 18, 2011

Won more Envirosax Bags





I bought a dozen envirosax bags to give away to friends and family and wound up winning 8 more from their best selling series. Can you believe that! This really made my week, thanks! 

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Turquoise Goddess Necklace



New stock of turquoise or reconstructed turquoise that is alot more blue than normal turquoise, has inspired more necklaces. I also re-did the coral coral necklace with hearts.






Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Sashimi



You know the best thing about sashimi is you just have to prep and plate, no cooking involved.




Monday, August 15, 2011

Pizza Hut



Falling back on fast food, the oldies are truly goldies. Pan crust is soo hard to find these days. Freshly baked dough with a crispy base because of the cast iron pan....ooohhhh.


The wings are good - juicy, soft, flavourful. Just don't order the tortilla chips with plasticky, watery cheese.



 
 

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Handmade Rosaries



Growing up in a catholic school, I do own a collection of rosaries. Most are given by friends and family. Only 1 rosary was purchased by myself and it is a solid 24kt gold version that I chanced upon in a goldsmith shop. Back in school, exchanging handmade rosary bracelets were as common as friendship bands. It was very popular in an all girl's school where the only permitted form of jewellery is religious in nature (e.g. necklace charms, rosary rings, rosary bracelets).


An unexpected gift from a supplier - a strand of shiny lavendar seed pearls. Started me on this mini project to create a rosary. Of course, I also made a rosary bracelet from citrine gemstones as well, since I was in the zone.


 

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Salon & Spa Day



At the recent Kerastase roadshow, I was given an Action Salon voucher and told I could use it at the newly opened MBS boutique salon. I promptly booked my next hair appointment and was surprised that there was only 1 other customer apart from myself on the actual day. Located in a quiet wing of the casino, the salon is tucked behind the counter down a short corridor to afford customers more privacy. The spacious seating area is done up comfortably to sit more customers.


There is a coffee & gelato bar for customers. I was kept content with a constant flow of freshly made iced tea mixes. The snappy service contributed to a quick 2hr dye + treatment. Only complaint is the hair washing station has low sinks so the water will flow into your back, leaving you soaked. The staff are not properly trained but I guess they need to start somewhere.


Just 1 level below, in the newly opened Robinsons is Vedure Spa offering nail and facial services. I heard it will soon be in every Robinsons but until 15 August, this particular branch is offering a 1-for-1 on all services and the red-carpet Minx Nails service. *yay!*


Friday, August 12, 2011

Chicken Curry Rice



This is soo Singaporean, you can find Chinese, Indian and Malay stalls that serve it. It's just chicken, potatoes and egg in curry sauce.


Thursday, August 11, 2011

DL & Co



Took time to admire the new DL & Co display at Robinsons. I absolutely love this goth brand that carries popular skull candles, weeping bust candles, formal stationery and other desk accessories. Adoring their Jardin range of enameled fruit containers that hold fruit frangranced candles and a chicken foot silver letter opener - positively spooky.


Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Horse Mackeral Sashimi



Every Japanese restaurant I frequent serves horse mackeral or blue fish this way - the body speared. Would love to see the chef do up a bigger fish like salmon this way. This one was not alive & jumping as often seen in youtube videos but was no less fresh. I like the new summer menu at Sushi Tei.


Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Steamed Grouper



The quintessential dish you have to order when dining at any Chinese restaurant is the fish - steamed. It's this amazing mix of flavours and perfect timing that the fish arrives at the table perfectly cooked and infused with oriental flavours that would make your mouth water.




Monday, August 8, 2011

Quiche



A savoury pie made with cream, cheese, smoked salmon and spinach. Served warm, feel the crust crumble, the crackle of the burnt cream surface then the warm delicious fillings - smoked salmon for the slight saltiness and smooth fleshiness. Light summer lunch favourite.


Sunday, August 7, 2011

TWG Cafe



I do love tea also, and couldn't wait to try TWG cafe especially when there are several intimate seating areas setup around MBS. It's kinda old world like what Raffles Hotel used to be like with starched white linen, elegant orchids and piped in opera/classical music.


Do order one of the tea cocktails. I had a lychee rose mix that sent me to heaven with the deep complex flavours that characterize TWG brand of quality tea and refreshing tropical juices.


Soo strange that the sides came first (even before the bread rolls). The shoestring fries drizzled in white truffle oil and matcha salt reminded me of McDonald's seaweed shaker fries. I was expecting thinner strips of potato - shoestring?


The foie gras salad surprised me. Definitely yummy but it was all poached fruits and compote. Did the chef forget the veggies?


The waiter recommended the lamb medallions that was absolutely tender even when cooked thoroughly. The vegetables were delicious yea, it's like fresh Japanese mountain veggies - plain clean flavours and soo fresh, it's crunchy.


Didn't have dessert, maybe next time.


Saturday, August 6, 2011

Caffe B



Italian Japanese restaurant at MBS.


The food is distinctively Italian with maybe what one would consider to be Japanese ingredients. I tried their signature fish carpaccio that was delicious, unfortunately the portions were too small. It's essentially chopped sashimi, seasoned.


Spaghetti al nero di seppia or squid ink pasta slathered in sea urchin (I love sea urchin). Could do with more rosemary herbs.


Tiramisu dessert, it's soo Italian. I am not a fan of molten chocolate cake.