Patissez @ Holland Village, Singapore

Trying something new...

"When one door closes, another opens..."

As our favourite (convenient) Sunday brunch place was no longer available**, we were forced to look for a new place to go to. After racking our brains, we headed over to Patissez, a new-ish café located on the Ground Floor of the new Raffles Medical Center in Holland Village.
(** They suddenly decided they don't want to be open on Sundays anymore)

Outside Patissez

Overall, it's nice inside, although I did note that about half the tables are equipped with hard, uncomfortable, wooden "You are welcome here, but please don't stay too long" stools.
(We quickly swapped out our stools with the nearest available cushion-ed chairs once our buns started aching)

Interior of the café

The coffee was decent - I had the Iced Cappuccino (S$ 6), and The Husband had the Flat White (S$ 5):

Caffeine, my best friend

There was a decent (but not extensive) selection of brunch items and mains. After some deliberation I chose the Corn and Zucchini Fritters (S$ 15), which was served with smashed avocado, kale pesto, poached eggs and a grilled tomato.

I didn't like the kale pesto, which I found had a slightly bitter aftertaste, but was completely wowed by the so simple but so perfectly cooked, smoky grilled tomato (A pity there was so little of it though). As for the fritters, I enjoyed them - 3 generously sized pieces, which were moist in the middle and slightly crisp on the outside.

Zucchini Fritters

Interior of The Pattissez

The Husband had the Get Pig'd (S$ 20) - Pulled pork served with eggs benedict, bacon jam, atop a crusty sourdough slice and a side of spinach.

At first we were a bit disappointed by how small it was for the price, but it turned out to pretty filling as there was quite a lot of meat packed onto that little plate. The pulled pork was ever so slightly dry/ stringy but overall, it was enjoyable.

Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict

When I was preparing to write this post, I looked around online and there seem to be quite a mixed bag of opinions on this café. Apparently, the "famous" milkshakes here are way too sweet? I didn't try them, but just FYI so you can manage your expectations before you head over.
:)

So, it's: Decent food at ok prices, convenient location (just steps away from Holland Village MRT), friendly service BUT some of the seating is very uncomfortable (hard wooden stools)....

Summary Information:
Patissez @ Holland Village, Singapore
Website: CLICK HERE

Opening Hours:
Mon to Wed 10am – 6pm,
Thu to Fri 10am – 10pm,
Sat to Sun 9am – 10pm.

Phone: +65 6262 3616

Address: 118 Holland Avenue, #01-06, 278997
Map: CLICK HERE

NOT HALAL

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Lady Iron Chef
- Daniel food Diary
- Lirongs

Herd of Bots?

How weird...

What a strange place the internet is...

It seems like a travelling herd of bots visited my blog, poked around and did not return...
(Look at high it spiked on that one day! Wow...)

Sudden spike in stats...

Ah well. It was interesting/ nice having such amazing stats, if even just for a day
:)

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!
(TGIF)

Cheers,
J

Neon Pigeon @ Kheong Saik Road, Singapore

Cool Izakaya with modern Asian small plates...

"What a cute name", I thought, as I walked around looking for the Neon Pigeon to meet my friends.

It wasn't far from Outram Park MRT (about 6 minutes walk), but was a little hard to find as it didn't have a clear sign - Look out for the (literal) small neon pigeon so that you won't accidentally walk past it like I did:

Very discreet sign
Inside, it's quirky and cool, with the typical(?) hipster style mix of exposed brick, warm wood furnishings and cool graffiti style wall art.

It was also dark and noisy (music volume as well as fellow diners), which may suit younger folk. Conversely, not so young folk like me may find it a bit uncomfortable to have to shout conversations when trying to catch up with friends.
(Ok lah - I can see that this could be a good date spot because of its romantic lighting, and "oh, you don't want to but you just have to move closer to hear each other" kinda thing but that's not the life stage I'm in right now...)

Velly lomantic lighting inside
There was a decent selection of interesting fusion Japanese dishes on the menu, and we started the night with the Soft Shell Crab Bao (S$14/ $26). Really enjoyed this as there was a generous amount of fresh, crispy soft shell crab which went well with the moist bao, creamy avocado and seared corn kernels:

Crabby buns...
We also tried the Chicken Tsukune Bahn Mi (S$ ?) which wasn't bad - chicken was moist and there was nice "punch" from the pickled veg, all nestled in a crusty bun. Unfortunately, as I have been spoilt with AMAZING freshly made bahn mi made by my dear Vietnamese colleagues, the one at Neon Pigeon paled in comparison.

Mini Bahn mi
The Roasted Bone Marrow (S$19/ $36) fared better - although just a bit too greasy, it was well roasted (still jiggly, but with a nice char), and enjoyably decadent, pairing well with the crunchy bits of garlic and umami furikake seasoning:

Sinful to the core...
The Crispy Brussels Sprouts (S$15/ $28) were also nice - moist texture with a bit of char/smoky fragrance, pairing well with the large chunks of not too salty mirin glazed bacon.
(Would have preferred the sprouts to be a bit more crunchy though, but I do tend to prefer my veggies underdone)
Lovely sprouts...
Some at the table were a little taken aback by the lifelike presentation of the Charcoal Grilled Barracuda ($ ?), as it looked like it was ready to swim away (Lol).

Taste-wise, while the skin was moist and the flesh conveniently bone free, I didn't find it particularly memorable.
(Not sure if I'd order this again)

Looks like a wiggly eel...
Sorry I didn't have all the exact prices by the way - I'll be more careful with the receipt next time.
(It also doesn't help that the restaurant doesn't post up prices on their website so I couldn't check the ones I missed)

Overall, it added up to an expensive but enjoyable meal... Wouldn't mind going back again at some point to try out some of the other menu items, once my wallet recovers.
(Note: There were also a lot of interesting cocktails available but it was a "school night" so I didn't have any)

Pigeonus Giganticus Onna Wallus

So, it's: Cool ambience, good variety of fusion Japanese dishes and cocktails, convenient location, friendly service BUT some hits and misses on the menu, a bit too loud inside and gosh, it's pretty pricey as the small plates add up very quickly....

Summary Information:
Neon Pigeon @ Kheong Saik Road, Singapore
Website: CLICK HERE

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat 6pm-midnight

Phone: +65 6222 3623

Address: 1A Keong Saik Road, #01-03, Singapore 089109
Map: CLICK HERE

NOT HALAL

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Daniel Food Diary
- TRP The Ranting Panda
- Gourmet Adventures
- Sara Ann K

Island Creamery @ Serene Centre, Singapore

Serving up yummy ice cream with a local spin since 2004...

Recent events in the news have got me thinking about random (and unfair) life can be...

I never would have expected such a tragedy to happen in the Singapore Botanical Gardens. :(
My heart breaks when I think of how sudden it would have been, and how it happened in front of her twins and husband.  :( :(
(RIP)
....
..
.
So, reminder to self:
Life is short, and the only thing certain is that you will never know for sure when bad things will happen. Therefore: Be kind, be happy, cherish family and friends. Spend quality time with the baby and husband. Work hard, but not at the detriment of everything else. Plan, but don't worry too much/ overthink. Balance. Breathe.
.
..
....
Now, I'll start on the actual food related post, shall I?:
A few weeks ago, we went for a walk in the Botanical Gardens, and it was getting too hot. This inspired us to head over to the Island Creamery at Serene Centre, to cool off with some ice cream.
(It's just about 5 minutes walk from the Botanic Garden MRT).

Exterior of Island Creamery, Serene Center
While there is a decent variety of their fixed classic flavours (eg. Cookies & Cream), local flavours (eg. Pulut Hitam, Teh Tarik), and new seasonal flavors (eg. Pineapple Tart), I tend to stick to my favourites: The Reverso and the Burnt Caramel (Single scoop $3.80, Double scoop $5.8) - these 2 flavours just go well together, with the slightly too sweet chocolaty Reverso balanced by the slightly smoky Burnt Caramel ice cream.

Double happiness
We also decided to try one of the signature ice cream pies there, the S'Mores pie ($6.50).

Um. What can I say?

I didn't enjoy this at all: While it was an interesting mix of flavours and textures (crispy Graham cracker base, and ice cream topped with marshmallows), it was frozen solid and hard as a rock.
(I think next time I'll stick to the ice cream scoops)

Smores ice cream pie
Feels like it hasn't changed much over all these years - not that it's run down (although it has seen better days), but it does bring a feeling of nostalgia.

Looking up at the wall of polaroids (which you can add on to, using the in house camera): So many happy faces, mostly young/ school kids, teens and families. It definitely got me reminiscing to days gone past.

Wall of photos
So, it's: Good selection of ice creams with a local spin, decent pricing, friendly service BUT hits and misses on the menu (didn't like the ice cream pie)....

Summary Information:
Island Creamery @ Serene Centre, Singapore
Website: CLICK HERE

Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 11am to 10pm
Fri, Sat, Eve and Public holiday: 11am to 11pm

Phone: +65 6468 8859

Address: 10 Jalan Serene #01-03, Serene Centre, S258748
Map: CLICK HERE

NO PORK (but some of the ice creams have alcohol)

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Foodie FC
- The Dessert Prince

Tanjong Beach Club @ Sentosa, Singapore

Fun, sunny family day out at the beach...

I have been going Tanjong Beach Club (TBC) on and off for years; was introduced to it by friends, and we went there for people watching, drinking and general partying.
(Love the Truffle fries there! It does seem a bit funny though, stuffing my face with sinful carbs, while some of the best exhibits of eye candy flounce around... but oh well!)

I hadn't been there for quite a while (my partying days are long, LONG over lah), but it was a beautiful day, and we decided to drag the baby (and about 10kg of baby stuff) out of the house, for a family day out.
(Basically: The Baby is in her "learning her voice" stage right now, and our ear drums needed a break - she behaves so much better outdoors, because there are enough distractions)

Beautiful, sunny day
We finally got to Tanjong Beach, and proceeded to our table.
(Note: Best to book ahead if you want to dine there... If the weather is good, it can get packed pretty quickly - it's not as hard to get a table as during it's peak popularity years ago, but you don't want to have trekked all the way to the far end of Sentosa Island and find out there's nowhere to sit)

We started our meal with the Barbecued Octopus Salad ($24). The octopus was perfectly cooked and had a nice smokiness, served atop a bed of fresh baby spinach, quinoa, fennel, pomegranate, and orange segments. I didn't like the dressing, a sherry vinaigrette which I found the sweet, but my husband thought it was ok.

Overall, an enjoyable salad which I would order again (but next time, will tell them to put the dressing on the side).

Octopus salad
Next, we had the Chorizo Orecchiette Pasta ($33). The minced Spanish Iberian chorizo was spicy without being overpowering, and went really well with the perfectly cooked Hokkaido scallops and al dente pasta.

Delicious pasta
To me, a day at the beach is synonymous with Fish & Chips ($28). The one at TBC was delightful - moist fish (snapper) encased in a crispy batter that wasn't too heavy, served with pickled cucumber and fries.

Classic western dish
We were pretty stuffed at that point, and proceeded to swimming pool to splash around with the baby.
(Note: While we didn't drink (alcohol) that day, I've had the cocktails there before and they're good)

It's not a very a big pool, but no complaints! - nice view, all the facilities you need close by, and as much good cocktails and foods as your wallet can afford just right there. In the morning/ early afternoon, it's a very different vibe, with families and kids having fun VS. the young, fun, partayyyyy! shenanigan-y vibe in the evenings/ night.
(Note: There is only a changing room (no shower) at TBC, and they charge $10 for towel rental. So, remember to come equipped with everything you need and just proceed to the public showers which are just a few steps away from the restaurant)

Cheeky sign near the pool: "Unattended children will be given Red Bull and Super Soakers"
While it wasn't a cheap and cheerful day out, we thoroughly enjoyed it - felt like quite the treat, and gave us a vacation feeling without leaving Singapore.

Small pool, but it works

So, it's: Good food (although a bit expensive), convenient facilities (changing room, showers nearby), friendly service BUT a bit hard to get to if you are not taking a taxi/ driving directly....

Summary Information:
Tanjong Beach Club @ Sentosa, Singapore
Website: CLICK HERE

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri 11am-10pm
Sat-Sun 10am-10pm

Phone: +65 6270 1355

Address: 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa, Singapore 098942
Map: CLICK HERE

NOT HALAL

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Seth Lui.com
- Miss Tam Chiak
- Lady Iron Chef

Food For Thought @ Botanic Gardens, Singapore

Great place for weekend family time...

I've always liked the Singapore Botanic Gardens: While it's not very big, they have spaced it out nicely, with a good variety of sections; meandering paths, nice pond area, grassy fields and a scattering of interesting sculptures.
(I would recommend to avoid it on Sundays and long weekends though, because it gets a bit too packed with not just families, but also tourists, and workers on their off day)

There are a few food options within the park, and we usually head to Food For Thought, which is nearer to the Tanglin Gate/ Botanic Center side of the park.

Ok, so back to my "Parenthood" criteria for restaurants:
1) Is it child friendly? (Yes, tables are well spaced and there are ample baby chairs),
2) Is the general area child friendly? (Sort of. There's a nice play area attached to the restaurant, but no Nursing room nearby),
3) Is it easy to get to? (Yes, easily accessed by many busses (7,77,75,106) - just stop at Gleneagles Hospital and it's a short 5 minute walk to the restaurant)
4) Bonus: Is the food nice/ worth the price? (Yes... Well, I think so anyway)

Play area right next to the restaurant
The restaurant interior is modern, and comfortable, and I was surprised how (relatively) quiet it was that Saturday. Although it wasn't empty, the last time I was there (on a long weekend), it was an absolute madhouse.

Still, better to book on Chope well in advance, just in case.
(I wouldn't recommend calling their phone - maybe it's just my luck, but they hardly ever pick up)

Restaurant Interior
In terms of food, they have a decent variety: some brunch items (eg. French Toast), mains (eg. Beef Burger), as well as a handful of kid's menu items. The dishes are mainly Western, with a few having Asian twists, like the Torch Ginger Grilled Barramundi ($ 20), served with chilled quinoa and feta.This is my favourite main there, as I really like the moist fish accentuated with the torch ginger aroma.
(My only gripe?: The limp skin. I wish the skin was crispy-that would take it from good to awesome):

Barramundi
My hubby went for The Full Works ($ 22) - a plate loaded with up with scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, pomme noissettes (fancy French name for Tater Tots), garlic mushrooms, salad, and brioche toast. Nothing to fault on this - everything was prepared well and the crispy Tater Tots were addictively crispy. It is a rather large serving though - I don't think I could finish it by myself:

Full Works

There is a selection of cakes and ice creams, but we were too full for any dessert. We had ordered the Tempura Mushrooms ($ 7) as a side though. Overall, it was enjoyable - big, whole mushrooms that were coated with a rather heavy but crispy batter, served with a piquant kaffir lime mayo:

Tempura Mushroom
After a nice weekend brunch catch up with friends, we waddled around the gardens for a while in an effort to "walk off" the meal.

The Iconic Gazebo in Botanic Gardens



So, it's: Good food at good prices, convenient location, BUT gets too packed on long weekends/ holidays....

Summary Information:
Food For Thought @ Botanic Gardens, Singapore
Website: CLICK HERE

Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday 8am to 9pm
(Last orders at 8.30pm)

Phone: +65 6338 4848

Address: 1 Cluny Road, Tanglin Gate, #B1-00, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 259569
Map: CLICK HERE

NOT HALAL

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Lady Iron Chef
- Follow My Wanders
- Bumble Bee Mum

The Wild @ Westway Mall, Singapore

Change is constant...

------ start update ----

Update (20 Feb 2016):
Change is constant, indeed! So, turns out they are not open on Sundays anymore.
New opening hours:
Mon to Sat 12 - 9pm
Sun and Public holidays closed

------ end update ----

Life... is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get..
(Haha.. Yes lah. Lame/ overused line, I know, but I really do love that movie)

As life opens up new chapters, priorities will change accordingly. Currently, I'm at the wonderful (yet absolutely time and energy draining) chapter named "Parenthood". While I used to chase the excitement of trying new restaurants, nowadays I find myself sticking more to a set of criteria:
1) Is the restaurant child friendly? (It's just too tough eating in somewhere that is cramped, noisy or doesn't have baby chairs),
2) Is the general area child friendly? (Eg. Are there proper changing rooms nearby? Or a play area?),
3) Is it easy to get to? (I no marnee to buy car. Sinjiapore velly expensive)
4) Bonus: Is the food nice/ worth the price?

My hubby and I's most recent find that fulfils almost all of the above criteria, is a little restaurant named The Wild, located in Westway Mall (which is just across the road from Haw Par Villa MRT).
Note to families with babies/small children: I just double checked this weekend and unfortunately, the Westway Mall does not have a Nursing room, or Child friendly change room.
(Still, 3.5 out of 4 ain't bad)

I don't know if I'd call this a proper mall, not because of it's small size, but because there really aren't any retail shops to well, shop at...
(The whole mall = about 6 restaurants/ cafes, a cake shop, a darts bar on the ground floor, and a swim school at the back)

Still, I consider the quietness as a good thing, especially when we just want to go out for a peaceful family meal during the weekend. Overall, we find the restaurant very welcoming, as the tables are well spaced, and the service is always friendly.
(For those who drive - the parking lot is always fairly empty, so there shouldn't be any time wasted going around in circles)

Interior of The Wild

The restaurant has a decent selection of pastas, pizzas, mains and desserts, with a special brunch menu available on weekends. My favourite brunch dish is the Chicken and Waffles (SG $18), as the chicken is consistently moist, with crispy skin that is tasty and not overly salty or oily, atop a crispy waffle.
(It tastes even better when drizzled with syrup and hot sauce, for an awesome mix of savoury, sweet and spicy. I struggle to try anything new off the menu, because I always end up ordering this! :))

Chicken and Waffles

Another dish we order quite often is the Truffle Eggs Benedict (SG $16) - the yolks are always nicely runny, and goes well with the slightly tangy Hollandaise sauce which is accentuated by the aroma of truffle.

A brunch menu staple - Eggs Benedict

We also tried the Panna Cotta (SG $6) and found it enjoyable - not too sweet (yay!), with a nice creamy texture that went well with the jam and fresh blueberries it was topped with.

Panna cotta for dessert

After a fulfilling meal, we usually amble over to the children's play area. It's not very big, but is just a few steps away, and lets our little monster work out some excess energy (of which she seems to have ample amounts of!)

Play area nearby

I don't work close enough to this area to come by for weekday lunch or dinner, but I did notice that they have a decent weekday lunch set (prices start from $10), and some good daily deals for dinner too (eg. 50% off second pizza on Tuesday):

So, it's: Good food at good prices, convenient location, friendly service BUT there really isn't much else to do at this mall....

Summary Information:
The Wild @ Westway Mall, Singapore
Website: CLICK HERE

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat 12pm-9pm
Sunday and Public holiday Closed

Phone: +65 9687 2269

Address: 27 West Coast Highway, Westway #01-12, Singapore 117867
Map: CLICK HERE

NOT HALAL

OTHER REVIEWS:
- joHoR kAki BLoGs BEsT jB sINGApoRE FooD

New Ubin Seafood @ Hillview Avenue, Singapore

A short review on some absolutely Moo-velous food in a casual zhi char setting...

I had heard of New Ubin, but it was one of those "famous" restaurants that I was so sure would be overpriced and underwhelming.... and boy, was I wrong.

Note: They have just moved from the Sin Ming area to a bigger location on Hillview Avenue, which is still casual, but a little hard to find (it's basically a refurbished food court on the 6th floor of a commercial building, hidden in the car park area).

One of their signature dishes is the US Black Angus Ribeye Steak (S$ 14/100gms, minimum order 500g), served with Fried Rice, Potato Wedges, and Caramelised Onions.

It's everything you could want in a steak: Tender, juicy, bursting with beef-y flavour, and wonderfully seared, with a lovely smoky fragrance. The addition of the fried rice, potato wedges, caramelized onions, sea salt and mustard on the side give you a variety of ways to "mix up" the flavors, but the steak is just wonderful on it's own.

Fantastic steak

If you feel like something Asian instead, the Curry Fish Head (S$26) is a must try - Fresh fish, cooked perfectly, swimming in a thick, fragrant curry filled with other goodies such as succulent eggplant strips, ladies fingers and taufupok (tofu puff). This dish always causes us to "accidentally" overeat rice.
(I could eat bowl after bowl of plain rice doused with this curry sauce and be perfectly happy, to be honest)

Claypot of fishy happiness

Do remember to leave some space for dessert. My favourite (so far) is the Banana caramelised with Gula Melaka (S$5/ serving), and Coconut sorbet (S$2/ scoop). It's sweet without being overwhelming, beautifully caramelized, and goes so well with smooth and fragrant coconut sorbet.
(It's one of those "so simple, yet so good" kind of desserts)

Beautiful bananas

I can see why New Ubin earned it's place on the Michelin Singapore Bib Gourmand list (of which the main downside is that it is just impossible to go there without a reservation now), and I'm definitely looking forward to going back and trying more dishes in future.


So, it's: Good food (surprisingly, not overrated) in a casual setting, great mix of Asian and Western dishes BUT quite hard to find location, sometimes slow service (although friendly) and so packed (do not even attempt to go without a reservation)....

Summary Information:
New Ubin Seafood @ Hillview Avenue, Singapore
Website: CLICK HERE

Opening Hours:
Lunch: Tue to Sun, 12.00pm – 3.00pm (closed Monday Lunch)
Dinner: Daily 6.00pm – 11.00pm

Phone: +65 6466 9558 / 9740 6870

Address: 63 Hillview Avenue, Level 6 (Canteen), 669569
Map: CLICK HERE

NOT HALAL

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Seth Lui
- Daniel Food Diary

Uno, Dos, Tres

Time flies...

Has it really been 3 years since my last update? Wow. Time passes too quickly.

So much has happened since then:
(This list is not exhaustive, and is in no particular order):

• I'm still living in Singapore (much to my surprise),
• Adopted an adorable kitten who suddenly got FIP and passed away (RIP Yoda, we will miss you forever),
• Adopted a cat named Ricki who is loud and greedy, but very patient and loves head scratches (Despite the heartache we went through with the sudden passing of Yoda, I still firmly believe that there are too many kitties (and doggies) in shelters who deserve loving forever homes, so please: Adopt, don't shop!),
• I watched Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus (it's an awesome movie, awesomely terrible, that is),
• I've popped out a baby (again, to my surprise - never thought this would happen),
• Oh and I found someone who wanted to marry me, and coincidentally I wanted to marry him too,
• My favourite aunt passed away (I miss her so much),
• I survived a company restructure (Well, hopefully! I still haven't heard the final answer on this yet, so please wish me luck!),
• Started going to the gym again several times (Yay),
• Fell off the gym wagon several times (Oops),
• Cut out 3 friends from my life (It was painful, never had to before, but decided life is too short for drama and toxicity),
• Learned how to survive on average 4 hours of sleep (I blame the baby),
• Went back to New York (which is now 100% my favourite city to visit on earth),
• Laugh, cried, and ate.
• Oh and of course, 1MDB, Brexit, and Trump (Enough said).

Ricki says, "MEW"

I do miss blogging.

It was a very dear part of my life - it gave me the chance to meet so many wonderful people, and it gave me the excuse to steal food off my friends' plates.

The past 3 years has been sometimes bitter and sometimes sweet, but I am very thankful for all the blessings I have received. Hope that you all have had days and years filled with blessings too.


Hugs,
J the Chocoholic

GREETINGS COLLEAGUES

Since so many of you have been talking about this already: Yes, I, Boring Finance Person in Office, really had a food blog.

If you really do Google for it:
*WAVES* HI!
:P

As you can see, I haven't updated properly for about 2 years, so, sorry to disappoint you....
Anyway, move along now - Nothing to see here :)

If you need Malaysian food referrals there are links to my friends' awesome blogs at the lower right side of the blog. Or just ask me in office :)


Cheers,
J the Chocoholic

PS/
Yes, I realise this is what Singaporeans can call a "bohliao" post, but I was stressed, and you guys made me reminisce over my now lapsed blog life so I took 5 minutes to post this up.

Nyarr

La la la ....

Wicked heart,
Wanting heart,
Always asking,
Always wishing.

Forever longing for something out of reach.
Why can't you learn what Life is trying to teach?:
Sh*t happens for no reason, so, accept your fate,
Try to bend, or you will just break.

Random,
J
PS/ Nothing to do with food? Sorry. :)

TAGS: Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, KL, Kuala Lumpur, Personal

Magical Marlin :)

*sings* Hello. Is it me you're looking for? ....

Update: Still stuck on this little red dot.

You know what people usually say about Singaporean food being so much worse than Malaysian food?

Well..
*clears throat*

For the record, IMHO, that's NOT true at all.

(I swear I have not been brainwashed after these few months here *LOL*)

To be fair, as with any other country, if you don't know where to look, you will end up assaulting your taste buds with substandard food that is entirely not worth the calories... and since the street food is much healthier in Singapore (less oil, salt, MSG, etc) of course there isn't that extra "oomph".
:)

BUT what I've found is that the restaurant food here is generally a lot better - particularly, more consistent in quality, although it can come with a price... (OUCH)

For example, here (pic above) is my current favourite from a little Japanese restaurant in the Chjimes/ City Hall area: Marlin tataki with Ponzu sauce...
(Seasonal pricing, I think I paid about $5++ per slice? Will double check next round)
(Anyway, although it doesn't seem like it's that expensive, it quickly adds up - I think my friends and I blew almost $170 per person that night on food and sake)

It was my first time trying something as exotic (to me) as marlin... and it's hard for me to describe it (I'm getting rusty!), but I'll try:
The fish was wonderfully tender and sweet inside, yet with a strangely(?) firm bite, accentuated by the citrus-y yet salty (umami) sauce.
(Super yummy - can't wait till I go back for more)

Ok, so this wasn't a real post/ restaurant review *blush*.... More like just a sign of life, I guess...
:)

Really miss blogging properly - I really have to get back to it soon. Till then...


HUGS,
J the chocoholic

TAGS: Blog, Weblog, Singapore, Food, Malaysia, KL, Kuala Lumpur, Personal

Indelible Ink

5 5 5 7 - A wanted to be, but didn't turn out as a haiku inspired by a feeling (and not any person in particular, really!)....

Memories unwind,
As old scars remind.
(Smiles, joy and laughter,...
... the tears that followed after)

Like shackles within,
Fear starts setting in.
(So afraid to try,...
... thinking the risk is too high)

Unreasonable,
Uncontrollable.
A permanent mark,
Wicked weakness of the heart.


Emo poet wannabe ;)
J
PS/ Wakakaka. So I didn't post on food - sorry.

TAGS: Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, KL, Kuala Lumpur, Personal

Going South

Hi y'all.
I'm taking a 5 minute escape from work to say hi. *waves*

For those of you who don't know,.. well... I've moved to Singapore (for work)...

I didn't really tell many people - first of all, it all happened so fast that I kinda lost track of who I told and who I didn't... and secondly - I've never been good at goodbyes.
:(

Work has worsened (mostly, especially when it comes to work/life balance) but I'm alive... and it's interesting I guess, this new adventure :)

In other news: My external hard disk CRASHED, so I lost all the photos of food I had yet to blog about.
(I guess this means I really am starting off on a clean slate *SIGH*)

Anyway.

I gotta get back to work.
(Wish me luck!)


Hugs,
J

PS/ I am much more active on Instagram now actually - so, if you want to have a look at the random and erratic food photos I take on a day to day basis, do look for me there (Username: J_CHOCOHOLIC)...

TAGS: Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, KL, Kuala Lumpur, Personal

Hopefully Just A Phase

*sings* I work harrrd for the moneeeeyy :)...

Hi there,
*waves*

I am alive. Really**.
(** Despite the glaring evidence otherwise, like the complete lack of updates)

Sorry....
... between work and a quick holiday/escape and the looming changes in my very immediate future, it's been tough (although admittedly, not impossible if I was more energetic/disciplined) to keep to my usual posting rhythm....
:(

It's just another low point in my life (in terms of blogging)... but I really hope to get out of this sort of hiatus soon.....

Don't give up on me yet, ok? :)

Hugs,
J the chocoholic

Weekend Buffet @ Rama V, KL

Almost like a mini holiday :)...

This was an invited review, so here are my usual disclaimers:
1) I have not been paid to write this, but neither have I paid a cent for my meal,
2) I will still be as objective as possible re. the food/ restaurant, and
3) If I go back to the restaurant incognito and find that the food/service is horribly different from this experience, I will amend my ratings here...

What have I not said about Rama V already (in my previous posts)?

Hopefully I don't sound repetitive... but truly, I love the ambience there - it's so wonderfully resort-like, nestled in a low key, charming bungalow on Jalan U-Thant (off Jalan Tun Razak).
(You can almost feel like you are on a holiday, without having to get on a plane):

The main dining area in Rama V....
Recently, I went there to try out a new promotion - the Rama V Weekend A-la-carte buffet.

"A Rama V Weekend A-la-carte buffet? What's that?", you ask.

It means that you get free flow of wine/ beer (or non-alcoholic Fruit Punch/ Soft drinks, if you don't want alcohol, for whatever reason), and you get to order endless rounds of freshly cooked food. :)
(The explanation on the menu that day was a bit confusing but basically, they only try to limit how much you order each round to help make sure that you don't end up accidentally wasting any food...)

Red or white wine, or Tiger beer? - up to you....
We had a lot to eat that day (and we didn't even make a dent in the menu - there's so much choice!)... so I'll keep each description short and sweet.

APPETIZERS:

- Pik Kai Tod – Chicken Wing stuffed with Minced chicken and Mushroom

Great with beer....
Delicious... Crispy yet moist - a nice way to start the meal.

- Chor Ladda – flower dumpling stuffed with minced chicken and peanuts

ALMOST too pretty to eat....
Their famous, beautiful starter that is a nice combination of sticky, moist, sweet and savoury.

- Poe Tak - Seafood soup flavoured with Thai herbs

Generous portions....
Loved this soup - it was everything I enjoy in a Thai soup, fragrant with spices, salty, sour, spicy, and with lots of juicy, fresh seafood.

MAINS:

- Gaeng Ped Pol Linchee – Roasted Duck Curry with Lychee

Quack quack....
I really enjoyed this mildly spicy curry that has moist slices of roast duck, accentuated by the sweet tenderness of the lychee - goes so well with rice.

- Asparagus, fried with garlic

Vegetables are good for your health....
A simple dish but it complements the meal well. :)

- Nuer Pad Prik Thai Orn – Sauteed Beef with Young Pepper, Chili & Oyster Sauce

Yummy! The slices of beef were really tender and the sauce was nice - a nice balance of savoury and slightly sweet.

- Pad Thai Kung Reu Kai – Thai Fried Rice Noodles with Shrimp or Chicken

Looking up at Rama V....

A Thai classic for the carb addicts.

DESSERT:

- Red rubies

OM NOM NOM NOM....
My favourite Thai dessert... and the one at Rama V is really good - big enough chunks of water chestnut wrapped in bouncy jelly,.. so refreshing in the icy "soup".

- Mango sticky rice

There's always space for dessert :D....
Another of my faves at Rama V - perfectly ripe mango slices matched so well with the sticky sweet rice.

What a lunch! :D
(They did a good job with the choice of wines - easy to drink and it went well with all the dishes... I liked the white wine better tho)

Price-wise, I think it's one of the best deals in town:
(Better book, to avoid disappointment)
- RM 68.90++ (adults)
- RM 34.45++ (kids under 10 years old)

(12noon - 3pm on Saturdays & Sundays, with last order of food at 2.30pm and last order of wines/beer at 2.45pm)


After our wonderfully long, looooong lunch, we went to check out the new addition upstairs - a new function room, this fully AV equipped meeting room, now available for rental.
(Can seat up to 70 people depending on the type of function - more if its a theatre style meeting, less if it's an annual dinner, or board room time style meeting)
(Oh, and it even has an en suite bathroom - so convenient!)

Part of the function room....


PS/
Thanks to the gorgeous Ciki for extending the invite and of course, to the ever so charming Andre Shum and Danny Jee of Rama V for being such good hosts.
(Also to all the bloggers+friends who was there that day - *HUGS* You make a good meal even better with your company...)


So, it's: Affordable price (considering it's an a-la-carte buffet with free flow wine), beautiful resort-like ambience, delicious Thai food BUT nothing bad to say really, if you like Thai food, you'll LOVE Rama V....

Summary Information:
Weekend Buffet @ Rama V, KL

Opening Hours: (For this buffet) Saturday & Sunday 12 noon -3 pm
Phone: 603-2143 2428
Address: 5, Jalan U-Thant, Kuala Lumpur

NO PORK SERVED

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Cumi dan Ciki
- PureGlutton
- Eat Your Heart Out
- Bangsar Babe


TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Restaurant Reviews, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan U-Thant, Rama V Fine Thai Cuisine, Weekend Wine Buffet