Attack of the double C

I better post this before sis die of anticipation.

Bubble quilt in oh so delicious choco brown

Yes!! Finally I am the proud owner of one of the all time classic!! Woohoo! Ok ok, so I am a shallow designer bag freak in case you don't already know. I own less than 10 including the 'small goods'. It's not really a big collection if I dare say.... Awww please don't kick me.....

Model - Pocket in the city, small double flap

What is an old lady bag?

Yesterday I was on the phone with Big King who was in Deauville, France. We were talking about bags and suddenly I told him I am going to bin my Longchamp dumpling bag.

He laughed out loud and said it is an old lady bag. Hello?? A sexy lilac mini dumpling bag with leather handle? It's all the craze among them Jap ladies. Or until it became the craze among the above middle age ladies in town.

Oh well, mine is tatty looking already. Sis keep asking when I'm gonna bin it. I can't bear to part with it, maybe I'll just keep it in the darkest corner of the drawer. I can use it when I venture into the Valley so I can just smile it off when it was jerked away from my grasp and disappear with the pitiful thief FOREVER.

[Brisbane] Cafe Mi

Cafe Mi Sunnybank
Foodcourt
Sunnybank Plaza
Mains Rd
Tel: 07-3219 6288
10:30am - 10:00pm


Photos taken with Nokia E65

A Hong Kong style cafe famed for it's barbeque pork. I have tar-powed the char-siew twice and I can vouch it's quite good, albeit without the beautiful marbling but the meat is still moist.

We had initially wanted to have dim-sum, oh, I was craving for salt and pepper squid. We got number 60+, while the number being called out were 40+. Sigh...it would be a long wait, maybe 45 minutes. We left and went inside the plaza for food. We settled on Mi as the turnover was quick. Within couple of minutes we were seated.

Big King ordered the 'Golden Rice' (A$10.80); deep-fried pork cutlet with fried rice topped with fried egg. The rice is cold and the pork cutlet is dry, obviously over-fried. But taste is ok.

I ordered '5 Treasures Rice Noodle in Fish Stock' (A$9.80). 5 treasures were fish beancurd, fishball, fish springroll, cuttlefish ball and lobster ball. The so-called treasures could be bought frozen fromChinese supermarkets. Well, what do I expect from a cha-chan-teng when instant noodles were on it's menu. To make-up for the frozen ingredients used, soup stock is actually tasty.

I spied a covered tray laden with egg-tarts near the entrance and they were going for A$3.50 for two. Ah, why not, it's Princess' favourite. She was so eager to put it in her mouth, shouting she wanted tan-tart and fingers pointing vehemently while we peruse the menu. After I cannot tahan and shove some into her mouth, she diam-diam finally. When I tried to feed her some again, she said, 'mai bah, chin tee bah (no, very sweet)'.

[Brunei] Emperor's Court

Where: Hua Ho Mall at Jalan Muara, 3rd floor

We celebrated Chloe's second birthday with a dinner with family at Emperor's Court.

We had mixed hot and cold platter (lusted after the shark's fin scrambled egg), fried chicken in ginger sauce (for the fussy niece), claypot beancurd with seafood (crowd pleaser except the niece of course), braised lamb shanks with buns (restaurant's specialty) and spinach cooked in broth with salted egg yolk, century egg and fried ikan bilis (I love this dish! No photo, lost).

We finished with honeydew sago pudding blended with vanilla ice-cream and a beautiful Torte de Mama (chocolate custard sandwiched in between chocolate hazelnut sponge) from Sheraton.

Nothing except the shark's fin had pleased the guests with the served cake only half eaten and left ever so lonely on the plate. Mind, the cake is delicious and cost a bomb. I was secretly pleased that I had cut each a small piece and tar-powed the rest for my sisters and brother. It was gone within a day.

[Brunei] Dim Sum Cafe

Where: Same block as Trader's Inn Gadong, corner end close to Scouts Centre (pork free)

Usual suspects in a dim sum joint:

Top left to right Fried sesame balls with red bean filling and egg custard (very good)

Bottom left to right Steamed chicken in black bean sauce and chicken char-siew rice sheet roll served with fried shallots and sambal

Top left to right Fried hockkien noodles (it's sooo good) and dry fried noodles

Bottom Stir fried spicy sambal radish cake (yum, a Brunei delicacy)

[Brunei] Roti for breakfast

Roti canai (Indian bread) is one of my favourite breakfast item. It was invented by the Indians after migrating from their homeland to south-east Asia. I tried ordering it in Indian eateries in England and was told they had never heard of it!

My favourite roti joint in BSB, Seri Complex.

Dedicated roti maker in action.

Roti telur (Bread with egg) served with curry gravy (chicken/beef)

I always order teh tarik kurang manis (pulled tea, less sugar) to go with my roti.

A satisfying breakfast, all for under B$2.00!

Hiccups in Lion City - No 1

Location: Paul & Joe counter at Wisma Atria

After being left to wait around for like 20 minutes while the pregnant sales rep chit chat to her friends and endless attempts to try to catch her eyes as my polite "excuse me please" fell on deaf ears; she finally found time in her busy 'work' schedule to attend to me.

Me: " Can I get one of your crayon sharpener please?"

She looked at me momentarily, no speech uttered through her faded lipsticked lips.

Oh, give me to me like NOW. Can't she see I am now pretty desperate.

After like an eternity.

Her: "One of your............?" She looked at me blankly, not understanding my request.

Oh for f%$@'s sake!

Me, took the sharpener off the display counter and hold it up to her eyes:" I want this, one please."

Her:" Just one?"

Why!! Instruction not clear ENOUGH?? Why on earth do I need TWO??

Does she want me to show her how to do her job?? (I used to be a mobile sales rep, vacation job)

Maybe next time I should mimic them and do the Singlish thingy. They might end up calling me Ah Lian soon as I turn my back. Sigh....

[Singapore] Okonomiyaki from Takashimaya Food Court

I have been eyeing this for a long time. Seeing it prepared and devoured on TV sets my tongue drooling.


Hiroshima okonomiyaki S$5.00

Essentially it's just fried noodles encased in a batter topped with fried egg and bacons and some greens.

I harboured great expectations but the experience left me vowed never to touch it again unless I am in Japan.

There are better options in the food court.

[Singapore] Sweets oh sweets

I love all sweets, no, not candies but serious desserts.


Teh tarik and matcha red bean from Haato


Black sesame and matcha parfait with sweet potato crisps from Azabu Sabo


Inside the AS shop at Marina Square


Canele

Top left Canele
Top right Le Royale
Bottom Trio of ice-cream

Canele Patisserie at Robertson walk is my must visit everytime I am in Singapore. Chef Pang is one person I give my utmost respect to for churning out such delectable work of edible art in this part of world.

Canele is my favourite baked goody and they do a mean version. Wouldn't named after it for no reason. My cousin had the Le Royale but I personally prefer Jupiter. Ice-cream is good with nice texture and flavours. I especially enjoy the chocolate ice-cream which I normally shun. But my oh my, this 66% is SO GOOD I wanna lick the plate clean! Also had 'Nougatine' and 'Candied Chestnut'. Nougatine is good but not WOW. Candied chestnut is weird, they served it with blueberry coulis which totally didn't go together. It was way off. NOOOOOO. Ah well, to each it's own.

[Singapore] Dian Xiao Er

A convenient restaurant with reasonable prices to match. You are bound to come across a branch in most major shopping centres in Singapore.


Taken at Vivo City branch


The ambience


The food

I enjoyed the spinach cooked in chicken broth with century egg and salted egg yolks while Big King liked the sparerins the most. Princess ate TWO bowls of rice and 1 bowl of soup plus nibbles of all the dishes @@

Rabbit in Sunshine State

We are here finally after a long wait. It's now winter. Grrrrrr. Heater's on full blast throughout the night.

It's been a pain looking for used car for sale and a place to live. Now that's all over, I can start to enjoy some peace now, that is, when princess is not ee ee oo oo aa aa by the side.............

I think Australia is a gourmand's paradise. Numerous delis, exquisite cafes, gourmet farmers' market all dotted around the whole country. I have found paradise!

[Singapore 2007] Superdog at Vivocity

Visited Singapore again in February during Chinese New Year.


Super dog and chicken sausage

Tried the much raved about german bratwurst topped with chilli. At S$7.50, it was not cheap. The chicken sausage meal was on offer with a voucher so we got one too. Both 'sausages' looked and tasted like hotdog. I much prefer butcher's style meaty, chunky sausages. The home-made iced lemon tea was so diluted I keep wondering whether I was actually drinking one.

Spotted Kuching's kolo-mee restaurant across Superdog. Tapaued home the deluxe version (the only version served at Vivo City's outlet), S$6.50. Speechless when I took first bite. This is the famed Kuching kolo-mee?? Not even close. The noodle's texture was fine but the sauce/oil it was tossed in has an unnatural sourish taste. Maybe the minced meat was off as it tasted a little sour too but you can't tell cos it's cooked in black soya sauce. Soy sauce turned acidic if cooked for too long or under too high a heat. Came home, ate my quarry kolo-mee, fully satiated and goodbye forever Jia Xiang. Burp burp, hee.

[Brunei] Thai Food at KNY Kitchen

MIL's birthday celebration. Food was average.

Highly recommend:
Thai lime juice

Chinese New Year in Brunei

Chinese New Year in Brunei is a simple affair. At least for me and my family. We have our reunion dinner on the eve, chap goh meh (15th day) dinner, again and visiting friends and relatives.

Tasty dishes served at one of my auntie's open house on the second day. That's when all my relatives congregate. Easy for ang-pow giving duty.

It just so happen the lion dance troupe from the Chinese Association stopped at a neighbour's house, we invited them to do an impromptu performance for us.

Young girls and boys strutting their stuff. Got experience or not?? Walau eh, all that we could hear were, tong tong tong, chang chang chang. No rhythm whatsoever. The 'lion' made the usual round of the house and off they went. Well, at least that remind us we are celebrating Chinese New Year.

[Brunei] Vintage Rose Cafe

Y's another birthday meal with me.

Venue this time is Vintage Rose Cafe in Kiulap specialising in western cuisine.

I had roast rack of lamb served with mashed potatoes, assorted steamed vegetables and black pepper sauce (aboutB$25).

Y had Dato's Favourite which is roast rack of lamb served on bed of home made spinach pasta in creamy carbonara (about B$29).

Good food, good ambience and generous portion. Great place to go for pasta and steak.

[Brunei] I Lotus Restaurant

I Lotus Restaurant situated in an isolated lone building near Perumahan Rakyat Jati. Despite it's out-of-way address, business is brisk.

These pictures were taken on my good friend's birthday in October 2006. The menu hasn't change and no new items were noted on recent visit just last week.

Must try:

Spicy chicken in lotus leaf

Bake and fried mushroom

[Brunei] Chocolate Hi-Tea Buffet @ The Empire Hotel and Country Club

I have always enjoyed passing my time in Empire. Be it brunch, lunch, high tea or dinner, no meal has ever failed me. Not to say everything is executed well but all my dining experiences have been pleasant ones.

Settings

Crockeries, cutlery, teapots are by Asprey

Savouries

Array of chocolate desserts, macarons and scones

Window view

[Singapore 2006] Desserts

Godiva @ Vivo City


The much raved about chocolate ice-blended. Cost a bomb. Tasted bland to me. Bad day for the cheery-faced serve staff? Give me a mocha ice-blended from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf any day.

{Gelato/Ice-cream} Bravissimo vs Haagen Daz


Black sesame and D24 durian


Green tea and double chocolate cookies

Both ice-cream chains are everywhere. They tasted average to me. I much prefer green tea with adzuki bean from Haato (formerly known as Pokka). I get my fix from the outlet at Meidi-Ya supermarket. For black sesame, I prefer Azabu Sabo at Marina Square. For chocolate ice-cream, only the 66% at Canele tickle my tastebud (that's another post altogether).

Canele Patisserie @ Robertson Walk

Also a must visit for me in Singapore. It's just a short walk away from Liang Court. Canele is my default purchase, the shop is not named after it for nothing. Best you could get this side of universe. Rectangular pastry is Le Royale and the dome top pastry is Jupiter. Both were executed excellently. Sandwiched between the cakes is rose and rasperry jam. Somehow the combination doesn't work for me. No fireworks above my head when I first tasted.

[Singapore 2006] Imperial Treasure Nan Bei Restaurant

Imperial Treasure Nan Bei Restaurant
Level 4, Ngee Ann City

Left: Roasted goose served with plum sauce

The beautiful amber coloured skin is wonderfully crispy with just a thin layer of fat underneath it. Meat is moist and seasoned well. A joy to eat.

Middle: Spicy sesame paste la mian (pulled noodle)

The best I have ever tasted so far in Singapore; till I get a chance to visit Silk Road. Broth packed a punch, the ma (spicy?) and la (hot) flavour orchestrating in your mouth till you wanna sing home to mama.

Right: Spinach Beancurd with seafood (also comes in assorted mushrooms version)

Our waitress highly recommended this dish. God she's right. Yum, yum, yum is all I can say. Beancurd so silky it will slip down your throat. The seafood fresh and springy (hope it's not from the bicarb, I didn't taste any). Spinach is well, spinach........

Left: Xiao long
Default order in a la mian shop. Average taste, can't tell the difference from a Crystal Jade version.

Right: Pan-fried meat bun
It's bun with the same xiao long filling. I actually prefer this to xiao long.

Other dishes I have tried are fried rice stick with beef, fried la mian with crispy eel strip (dry version) and beancurd in crab roe sauce. All are quite tasty. The dry fried eel la mian is not on the menu (they serve the soupy version) but they are happy to accommodate my request. Beancurd in crab roe sauce is only available when crabs are in season. The first time I tried it, I almost fell off my chair. I can taste HEAVEN!! It's the tastiest thing I've ever tasted apart from my favourite Amedei Chuao. Not to be missed!

[Singapore 2006] Tampopo at Liang Court

Left Char siew (barbequed meat) ramen in pork bone stock with mentaiko and braised egg

Right Spicy black pig ramen

I absolutely love the ramen at Tampopo situated on the same level as Meidi-Ya supermarket. My must visit everytime I am in Singapore; both the supermarket and Tampopo.

The stock is flavourful from long time simmering, the char siew tender and the egg was extremely tasty with the yolk perfectly undercooked such that they are just set and not runny. The famed black pig air-flown from Japan was sliced paper thin, the texture is tender yet crunchy, an unusual combination. You have to taste it to understand how it can be so.

On recent visit I tried the Omu rice (tomato fried rice covered in fluffy omelette) served with salad on the side. It was supposed to be Princess' lunch but she keep asking for my noodles -_-

[Singapore 2006] Faster than Fast Food - Lim Seng Lee Duck Rice

Deboned duck and beancurd for 2 persons

Lim Seng Lee Duck Rice

South Buona Vista Rd

Soon as we placed our orders, the auntie waitress shouted towards the back of the shop and our rice and duck arrived within SECONDS; ferried by another wait staff. Wow, talk about efficiency.

Apart from duck, there are only beancurd and kangkong available as side dishes. Drink wise only lime and barley are on offer.

Everything were cold apart from the rice which is only warm. I can't say the food is tasty as they were a little bland for my taste.

Good for a quick bite if you're in a hurry.

[Singapore 2006] Food Republic at Vivo City

Grabbed a quick breakfast before heading for the airport.


Big king had dry tossed noodles with barbeque meat and dumpling soup. We passed by a 'freshly made' steam rice roll (chee cheong fun) stall and couldn't resist. Got the barbeque meat version.

I opted for Toast Box's set breakkie. Consist of two soft-boiled eggs, kaya toast and kopi-O (coffee with sugar).

None of the food was anything to shout about and we stayed away from the food court on recent visits.

We decided to try Kopitiam/Banquet last week and the experience did not fare any better than Food Republic. I did not even bother with the pictures.

[Singapore 2006] Nyonya Buffet @ Princess Terrace

A delightful meal experience at Princess Terrace @ Copthorne King's Hotel, Havelock Road in Singapore. I went sometime in November last year (2006).



The spread of food is quite minimal but the standard of food more than made up for the lack in varieties. The fish and prawns were cooked to perfection which is very rare in buffet and they still taste great towards the end of the evening.

Popiah and rojak were the evening's major disappointment with the filling soggy for the popiah and the rojak sauce is too weak. Rest of the items on the above picture were average.


The porridge was labelled "double fried porridge". Don't ask, why the double. It looked a mess but great on the palette. The dried cuttlefish had both flavoured and lent a nice aroma to the porridge. Rest of ingredients unidentifiable......... Princess polished off two bowls by herself @@

Penang laksa was only average as my neighbour cooks a killer version, woohoohoo.

On the far right is mee-sua (a type of fine thread noodles) in herbal duck soup. The soup base was weak but meat fell of the bone beautifully, even the meat lacked in taste. More herbs will be a tad better.


I absolutely adore the nyonya kueh and the kaya, best I have ever tasted! I've never been to Penang so unable to compare with the local best. But those offered were good enough for me. Heard the Nyonya kueh chef ONLY prepares kueh and nothing else. Oh someone learn from him and come to Brunei to open a shop please..........

The normal Chinese tong-sui (sweet soup) was a let-down. The red bean fool was too sweet and the peanut fool was so salty I could have sworn they have mistaken the salt for the sugar.......

Highlight of the buffet was a nice-looking chef pulling tea (tarik), haha, he even let me took several pictures of him doing the 'stunt'. The teh-tarik was VERY good, he did not show off for nothing hehe.


The environment, tiny space I must say.

Royal Celebration--cont'd

Continuing on the call on Royal Greetings.

After escaping the sardine packed dining area, all visitors were required to form a queue to enter the FIRST waiting area.

In those numbered rows, we were ushered to fill in empty seats and move along when the row in front was vacated. I was stranded here for more than an hour.......

These were the people behind me! More were in the queue waiting for rows to be vacated! People actually bring their WHOLE family here, young and old even the just-borns! I think this is one MOST complete family gatherings ever. Not our family though...

Where do those front rows vacated to.......?

Surprise! Another waiting room. This time air-conditioned. Big King actually dozed off while basking in those gold lights and goldie bling bling decor, ha, that was how eager he was to meet the BIG MAN.

We formed yet another queue after leaving the grand room previously. I stand waited for about 45 minutes before I was granted an audience with the Big Man's family. First wife, new second wife, pretty daughter-in-law, two daughters , royal sis-in-law, all beautifully dressed and made-up. I quickly shook their jewelled laden hands and hurried along.

People leaving with their goody box, how I wish I was done and finished when I photo them while cursing in me head.......

Goody box station, how I was relieved when I saunter across the mini bridge to reach them in me aching aching feet, it's like sunlight has finally descended after 3 months straight of grey and rainy sky in Manchester.

Ah, the goody box. Highlight of the whole visit for some...........

Mission accomplished. Yahooooo!!!!