Wednesday 29 February 2012

One hundred & twenty One

One hundred and twenty one.

That's the number of days that went by...
And that's how long since it first began...

Two thousand and four.

Not the year 2004 but rather the number of hours that have passed by...
That's how long I know you more in person...
I cherish very single conversation I held with you...
I remember almost every conversation I held with you...

One hundred and seventy four thousand two hundred and forty.

That's the number of minutes that I spent thinking of you...
Your splendorous dressing that is befitting of your grace...
Your optimistic outlook of life and your occasional "Life Sux" comment you made every now and then...
Talking to you always seems to brighten up my day. Afterall, you're my Sunshine right?
I hope I won't end up in your "Life Sux" category though because that would really make my life sux!

I don't think there's a single day or a single hour or single minute that goes by without me thinking of you.
Trust me. There isn't.

Four hundred and ninety five.

That's the number of times I've been praying for you.
That's five times a day for ninety nine consecutive days.

I take my prayers very seriously. Uttering every single word under my breathe.
So now we all know why my prayers are unusually long...
It's afterall for you...

You asked me why and I told you it's my duty to do so...
But the truth is... There's nothing more important than to pray for you...
Believe me. There isn't.
It's the least I could do for you.

Don't get me wrong though. I have never prayed anything with ill-intention...
I've been praying for your health, for your happiness and most importantly, for your soul...
And I pray that my prayers for you would be answered.
Maybe it has... Only you know...

You might not believe in the concept of Hell but hold on to my words. It's a terrible place to be!
Afterall, it's where the Devil dwells. There's no place for an angel like you in that God-forsaken place!
But if I have the chance, I would go there myself.
Just to tell you how evil that place really is so you would never have to experience it yourself...

One hundred and twenty one days...
It's not very long actually.
On the contrary, it's just the beginning...

To be honest. my greatest wish is the day I ascend to the high heaven, awaiting for God to pass his rightful judgement on me. And while waiting, I will see you playing with the heavenly angels with the brightest halo ever made hovering above your head. Then I will know my prayers have been answered.

It maybe one hundred and twenty one days...
but after today, it will always be one hundred and twenty one days and counting till eternity begins...

Monday 27 February 2012

Raindrop Cafe: Droplets of memories

"Memories are forged by those individuals whom we call friends over an unforgettable experience..." 

Recently, I met a friend who made the statement above and I totally agree with her...
     
Indeed... I have the honor to make many wonderful individuals whom I call friends. Friends who have seen the best as well as the not so nice bits of me. Friends who can almost read me like a book.

And lastly...

Friends I can enjoy my joy with. I will always remember the time I had with a bunch of special friends. My Primary School friends...

Hidden amidst the hustle and bustle of Scape Mall, the small cafe is by no means an easy find. Unless you're someone who explores the deep ends to dine, like me...

Did I tell you it's located just behind Gong Cha?

It's not a big cafe that could fit a ton of people but you know what? That's precisely what I like about having my meals at the cafe! I never enjoy dining at crowded places which makes the place all noisy and distracting particularly knowing your other half. You know you know ;)
Reading those lovey dovey quotes off the charts. Yeah. Raindrop Cafe is one of those sweet places for dating.
Drumlets are the stuffs friends were made off... 
Thin crisp pizza! Luscious and definitively delicious. Purely indulgence... 
If my memory hasn't fail me, I vividly remembered one of my friends getting the same as me and when she's done with hers... I am barely half way done with mine! I just love to take my time when it's comes to dining with my friends. My close friends... Easily one of the better salmon I've tasted.

Although the dinner took place last year but somehow, it seems like just yesterday I drop by the cafe...

I guess that's how memories are forged and retained...

**
Photos were taken by my friend, The Professional Photographer. Nice shots!

Scape Shopping Mall #02-38
2 Orchard Link Singapore 237978
Tel: +65 6834 4977
Website: http://www.facebook.com/raindropscafe?sk=wall

Sunday 26 February 2012

Gong Cha: A serious addiction

The last time I talked about Gong Cha... Oh yes, I clearly remembered getting a cup of Earl Grey Milk Tea.
And I told myself it was purely curiosity that compel me to try it and I got to cheek to tell my friends that I rather spend my money on cakes than on such sugar infused drink!

How quick was I to judge. How wrong I am to draw such conclusions.

Every Wednesday without fail, I would head down to Junction 8 to get myself a cuppa! It's almost a weekly routine right now. I know I can't deny my feelings already. I'm offically addicted to Gong Cha's EGMT!
I just can't imagine a week without Earl Grey Milk Tea. It's unbearable I tell you! It's one of my soul comforting food/drink. The other being Tiramisu though :) It just brings me much joy to my soul just to slurp like as if there's no tomorrow!
Being the excessive me, I decided to get myself another cuppa. This time, Matcha Milk Tea with Azuki Beans. Personally, I love green tea and red beans desserts, especially when you put them together! It's like the perfect combination much like sea salt and caramel.

But when it comes to Bubble Tea, I just don't get Ommph factor that I had in cakes. Maybe the combination doesn't apply to bubble tea.

This is seriously getting out of hand. I just realised I had 4 cuppa of bubble tea this week. One theory my friend proposed was because I needed some form of sugar and it just so happen that I couldn't managed to get my hands on cakes and so I turn to the next best substitution. GONG CHA...

Yeah... Come to think of it, I haven't had a good piece of cake since a week ago? Seems like a long time ago for me. Maybe the addiction will go away once I had my fair share of cakes!

Or the least keep it at once a week...

Saturday 25 February 2012

The boy behind the blog

At the age of 13... I ventured on a virtual universe. I was curious. I was inquisitive. I was exploring.

The world of BLOGGING...

It started of as a simple journal entry. It was simple right but it got me hooked on. It was fun! Particularly when you start sharing a common interest among your peers.

But then I stopped abruptly due to some issues. Controversy that now I find it not worth stopping my passion. But well, that's a child for you I guess. Impressionistic

Twenty Ten came along...

I decided to venture back into the world. From there, I learn from my mistakes. I build on my strengths. I polish off my flaws. Still I was discovering more about myself with each post. A wonderful experience I would say although I have to admit it was marked by a series of downcast. Many changes came along. Changes which would lead me to a whole new dimension..

FOOD BLOG.

Before the creation of the victual, Romantic Victual now The Dessert Prince. I experimented with the concept of introducing. My love for food. My family's food culture. My wide social network. Packed them altogether in the form of a... 

BLOG.

It turned out well. It was well-received. It was one of those joyous occasions for me. I sincerely believe blogging is not just another source of information. It's a source of self-awareness. A platform for individuals to share a part of their life in the name of love...

I don't know about you but I find blogging to be a lonely affair. Almost akin to a private walk in the park. The process can get really lonely. Trust me, it can...

At times, I could be wondering who is just reading each post each day?
At times, I could start reminiscing about the past just by reviewing each post.
There were moments I would question myself is it worth spending my nights blogging much like baking?

But at the end of the day, what keeps me going time and time over again was vehemence. Sorry for the jargon. It just another complicated way of saying passion...

Yes... The drive is what keeps me going. Or I should say my love for food is what fuels my constant hunger to blog. My walk in the park is just a start. Soon, I might just venture deeper and further.

But rest assure. There's more to it from where it comes from.

Thursday 23 February 2012

Encounter

Listen. I have something to share. Something about the boy behind this blog...

I never knew a mere rendezvous with a past confidante, a close friend would rekindle the fondest memories hidden deep in me. Don't get me wrong. I would never dare forget them for God forbids it! 

Mmm.... or is it because I never did move on since that day you choose to walk out of my life...

It seemed like everything happen just yesterday...

"High Five!"

A simple gesture to many people but between the two of us. A pact of our beautiful friendship. A pact which I though it would have lasted a lifetime. I was wrong. I never expect it to fail as soon as we started.

You were always there for me when I needed someone most and likewise I was always there for you when you needed a listening ear. We had our fair share of problems but we never allowed them to interfere into our friendship... It was perfect in my eyes. Sorority was the best word to describe our unique relationship.

But just recently, you strayed off from me. No one knows why? Everyone was asking me what happened to you. I couldn't answer them. I was baffled. I was lost. I was afraid I might lose you as a friend.

But in reality, it's a fact. I have lose you as a friend. I was hurt. I was angry. I was depressed. But more importantly, I was curious. Why did you walked out on me? Have I done something wrong? So wrong that you couldn't forgive me?

I wanted to know. But your lips were sealed. By then, I realized just how much I know you, practicably zero...

At one point in time, we were forced to work together. It soured the relationship even further... How ungentlemanly I was back then. I really regretted my actions. I wish I could apologize to you right now but I know it's too late.

It's been months since I last saw you. When I did saw you. You were indifferent to my presence. I was observing you the entire time I was with you. You seem to have move on while I have fall back. You mingle with almost everyone other than me. A sad boy I was...

I really miss those times when we talked over dinners, over lunches, over tea...
I really do as much as I don't express it although I am doing now through this post?

But it doesn't matter already. So as long as you're happy. That's all I ever asked...

**
This post has nothing to do with food. It's for friend whom may never get to read this post...

Sunday 19 February 2012

Tom's Palette II: Synonym for rum & raisins?

It's my second visit and I guess there's no need for me to reintroduce Tom's Palette again right? It's one of my favourite ice cream parlor after Udders due to personal reasons. Hint, it's because I prefer Udder's Tiramisu ice cream ;) Not that Tom does not churn them out but it's somewhat lacking if you really have to ask me.

But set aside that small minor problem. Where else would you find a cafe right in the middle of Bugis Junction and Suntec City that offers a wide variety of ice cream at affordable price and best still with a 10% discount if you're a student? It's really dumb that NYP students are excluded from the list! 

Trust me, It ain't easy finding such places in Singapore. If you do, do share alright?

They do have pretty weird stuffs. 
Salted Egg Yolk? I would never try that! NEVER!
Maybe a real strong coffee ice cream but never salted egg yolk!

My all time favorite...
On your left, Salted Yuzu and White Wine Melon Sorbet on your right. Yuzu is always my all time favourite. Not sure why though. I guess you don't need to have a reason to fall in love right?

White Wine Melon Sorbet was delicate and mild compared to the Red Wine Sorbet. If you do not know, alcohol makes sorbet freezes at a lower temperature which is the result of a smoother texture...  
The moment you've been waiting for...
RUM & RAISINS! RUM & RAISINS! WOOOO! and the crowd goes wild!
To my two best friends, Nothing is comparable to Rum & Raisins.

"Those rum soaked raisins simply just oozes out rum in your mouth..."

"To me... Rum & Raisins are a delicacy..."

That was how they described their love for rum & raisins...
They are really serious about Rum & Raisins that's for sure!
There they were, lavishing over their eye candy and who else apart from rum & raisins?

It's almost Tom's Palette is another synonym for rum & raisins! It just goes to show Tom Palette's ice cream are up to standard. Particularly rum & raisins...

Shaw Leisure Gallery #01-25
100 Beach Road, Singapore 189702
Tel: +65 6296 5239/ +65 9070 7701
Opening Hours: Mondays to Thursdays: 12pm-9.30pm
                         Fridays to Saturdays: 12pm-10pm
                         Sundays: 1pm-7pm
                         Closed on the last Sunday of the Month

Saturday 18 February 2012

Olive Vine Pasta Fusion

I could always appreciate Italian cuisines, particular pastas. 

You see, it's one of those few dishes out there which takes so many forms or I should sauce! I could have my favourite Genovese Spaghetti, how about vegetarian-dominated Mediterranean Penne? Anyone daring to try Squid Ink Linguine as well?

It's never easy to searching a good eatery/cafe/restaurant that offers not just affordable but well worth pastas!

I'm not saying Saizeriya is inferior compared to Olive Vine but you know it's always good to explore new places to dine! Afterall, Liang Court and City Square Mall ain't located in the east right?
 "I'm gonna tie your heart with my little ribbon." -Fettuccine.

That's Carbonara Fettuccine ($8.90) for you. Such a happy boy I was, toying with my new found friend! Easily the better ones I tasted. "You mean Tiramisu does not contain alcohol?" My heart sank the moment I found that you weren't meant for me...

You have no idea how disappointed I was when I wanted Tiramisu! Tiramisu without brandy/rum/liquor or any alcohol shouldn't be called Tiramisu! I get extremely turn off by the idea of non-alchoholic Tiramisu much like girls who just eat salad just for dinner. Seriously... Get a life!
Guys, Meet Cheesecake... Please don't judge her for her looks. She might look plain or average compared to other cheesecake but trust me she's a sweet little angel. Everything about her could be sum up into one word. Divine.
When lesser beings like us think of Carrot Cake, the image that conjure up would be small bits of flour cakes fried with eggs and evenly coated with sweet sauce. How wrong we were... Yes, even a food fanatic like me can sometimes be mislead whenever some of my friends say they wanna have carrot cakes. I am such a confused boy!

Trust me, when they said it's carrot cake, be expected to find strands of carrots hidden deep inside. Fun to socialise with that's for sure.

Considering where it's located, I would dare say it's worth your money just to dine at Olive Vine. I can't really remember the exact price of the cakes but it was definitely under $4. 

What makes me soo sure? Well, because I almost wanted to order one more if my friends weren't there to stop me. Hehehe, I am just too excessive when it comes to cakes. Specially when it's cheap! Real cheap!

Marina Square #B1-17
6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6336 4034

Wednesday 15 February 2012

Lenas: An unexpected valentine

Lenas which from what I know, is under the management of MOF (Ministry of Food). Unlike other outlets catering more on Japanese cuisine and desserts, there's an added twist. You speak Italian? 

Though I still have to say that they do serve fantastic Hokkaido gelato ice cream which MOF takes great pride in. So much so that they even sell it by the tubs! No joke! It's your waste if you don't try it!

Alright back to the main question. What business do I have at Lenas during Valentine?

Roughly a week ago, I asked one of my many friends out for dinner on Valentine which apparently I've forgotten about it until I received the text from my friend just hours before the dinner. Which at that time, I actually pre-arranged another dinner date with another friend. 

And well... Basically I was screwed up. That's the problem with me. I can get so busy enjoying life that I could actually forgot who am I enjoying with! Tsk Tsk Tsk... Some friend I am right? 

To cut the long story short.

In the end, I decided to went out with that "forgotten" friend of mine while re-arranging another day for another dinner with my pre-arranged date. Good thing I have such understanding friends! It was totally unexpected! Hence the title! Let's move on with the food shall we?
Smoked Duck Salad ($10.90). Unlike my valentine date, I seldom order salad. It's one of those dish where I could like to think it's over-priced considering I could buy all the ingredients at the local supermarket and make them at my own mum's kitchen. But well, I have to give credit for the smoked duck and the gracious amount of Parmesan cheese sprinkled all over... 
Parma Ham with Rock Melon ($7.00). If my memory doesn't fail me, the last time I had Prosciutto or Parma Ham was at. Ahhh! Basilico at Regent Hotel. That was last year's X'mas. To even think that I am able to indulge myself in Parma Ham was just heavenly! 

I don't know who started the trend of eating rock melons with Parma Ham because it's one of those combinations where I could never seem to get sick and tired off! The sweetness of the melon and the umami factor of Prosciutto. Such is the Oomph factor in dining!
Salsa Cruda Grill Dory ($15.50). Nothing special but I do have to comment on the portion! It's quite big! Gratifying dinner!
The actual reason why I'm here. Vanila gelato with slices of green apple and banana filters ($5.00).
The best part were the banana filters! Warm and freshly fried bananas! I like!

I may talk about food all the time and at times, forgetting my friends in the process but I would never neglect my friends. That's a promise I made to all my friends! Valentine is just another special occasion to know you all in the name of good food! Agree? 

All in all, I would be back whenever I had graving for prosciutto or gelato! Their pasta seems appealing, wondering just when is my next visit... 

Tampines 1 Shopping Center #03-K1/K2
10 Tampines Central 1 Singapore 529536

Saturday 11 February 2012

Coffee Club: Muddy Mud Pie

When I was much younger, I was an ignorant little brat with little knowledge of coffee. It's like playing music to a cow. Totally different from where I stand today... But my first true taste of coffee wasn't a cuppa. It was from a dessert date with a few friends that got me hooked up! Weird but that's the truth!
An ice cream styled in the from of a cake with beige coloured cappuccino at the top and milk chocolate at the bottom. The entire sweet creation was resting on a crust of crushed oreo crumbs. Nativity wouldn't be completed without  a drizzle of chocolate fudge and generous amount of oreo crumbs.

There my fellow readers, is Coffee Club's signature dessert. Muddy Mud Pie. It's one of those best moments in life just you and me with a few of our friends for companions... I wish time would cease just for a while just for me to admire you.

That's how I got my first taste of coffee or I should say coffee ice cream...

Central #03-105-107
6 Eu Tong Street, Singapore 059817
Tel: +65 6534 9080
Opening Hours: Sundays to Thursdays: 11am-10pm
                         Fridays & Saturdays: 11am-10.30pm

Friday 10 February 2012

Rive Gauche II: Oreo Cheese cake

A week ago, I vividly remembered standing at the same exact location, peering through that transparent glass before making one of those difficult decision in life; What shall I have for dessert today? In the end I choose the luxurious cheese cake which I fell in love in, almost instantly! I guess that's the magic of love ;)

A life without Cheesecake is akin to no life at all!
A week later, I was tasked with the important mission by my parents. Buy a cake for my brother's Birthday.
Well, They have made the right choice for when it comes to cakes, I daresay no one knows them best! 

Of course being in Tampines, means being pampered by a a wide variety of bakery shops! I don't wish to go through each and every single one of them for I have my preferred shop. Let me give you a hint. It's starts with the letter R.

"I want that Oreo Cheese cake!" That was all I remembered before I plunged into my wallet... At $38.00, I swear it was all worth it. And moments later...
A Giant Oreo Biscuit appeared! It's magical I tell you!
Any objections? Of course not silly! How could anyone resist a good piece of oreo cheese cake? Simply pleasant to indulge. I never felt cheesy to say this:

"you're cute dear, I just wish you could be mine. All mine."

Happy Belated Birthday, Eddie consider it as a present from your brother :)

Tampines 1 #B1-13
10 Tampines Central 1, Singapore 529536
Tel: +65 6789 5518
Website: http://www.pokkafood.com.sg/gauche/index.php

Tuesday 7 February 2012

Bakerzin II: Will you be my Valentine?

Genesis 1:3
... And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. 
Photo by Ching Ting.

Light was the third thing God created. The first and second being the Heavens and the Earth. 
For God knows that light was for good for man and darkness? Bad I guess?

A beacon of hope.

Of course after talking to a close friend of mine, light doesn't necessary refer to the Sun. 
But you're just like the Sun, you never fail to lit up my day. You're my strength. My hope. My love.

You're my Sunshine...
Tiramisu ($6.20). Do you know how much I mi-su (miss you)? From that very day I met you till now... That feeling just get deeper and deeper...

Deeper than I've ever been before...
With a Coeur Noir ($6.50) I gave my heart to you, Wholeheartedly :)
Would you take great care of it? It's fragile you know?

Tiramisu... Will you be my Valentine? I hope you do.

**
This is my second visit to Bakerzin. Basically, my impression of Bakerzin has always been positive despite the last visit. In terms of service, I still prefer the Tampines branch but that's not the main point.

When bakerzin say that their tiramisu is soaked in brandy and rum, it means they soaked a lot of that concoction! The aftertaste of coffee liquor simply lingers in your mouth. Good if you're a alcoholic cum chocoholic fan!

Coeur Noir means Black Heart in French. 
Layers of dark chocolate and sacher sponge with brandied cherries and a layer of hazelnut dacouoise forming the base. All happening underneath a layer of dark chocolate glaze.
I'm a sucker for cherries. They're sweet little buttons that never fails to tickle my taste buds. 

All in all, Bakerzin is one of those patisserie franchise that I would frequent whenever I need to satisfy my lust for cakes.   

Northpoint Shopping Center #01-44
930 Yishun Avenue 2, Singapore 769098
Tel: +65 6754 2300

Sunday 5 February 2012

14th Feb 2012: Valentine's Day

It's nearing... 14th Feb 2012. 

There's a lot of prep work to do all just one special day...

Guys would be busy preparing gifts and planning dinner dates. Even my dad who is seemingly unromantic would never fail to surprise my mum with a bouquet of red roses and heart shaped chocolates just for her. Of course, my mum will always complain that there's no need to waste that kind of money. 

But behind the comfort of her room, I know that she's grinning from cheek to cheek enjoying those champagne laced chocolate. How come I know? Because I caught her in the act once :P

For girls? They would be busy with their hairs and nails, dolling themselves with the best dress/gowns that they seldom wear and if need to, buy one? How I know? Because there was once I accompanied my sisterly friends  for a day's worth of pedi/manicure, perm/dye/rebond/trim their hair even buying a few dresses...

All these just for that special day which we call Valentine... 

Love does make people the silliest of things but then again, if everyone around you seem to do the same thing, it wouldn't so silly afterall right? That would be what sociologists would coin as a societal norm.

I too had my fair share of silliness.
I was having that typical Sunday late brunch with my family and I so happen to chance upon this little beauty.
It was sitting on the display panel of a lovely florist shop. Two cuddly little bears spinning to a delicate tune and the best part was that I bought it without hesitating. Not my style of doing things but well it's Valentine's day afterall...

Now, there's this big problem I am having... Who should I give this to? I can only wonder...

Sigh... The things we all do in the name of Valentine...

Häagen-Dazs: A 20 minutes affair

In life, we're always in search of what greatness we were ever made for. It could be meaningful one or a simple one depending on how what you really want.

You see? It's always a journey; a journey to seek out what we were truly meant for... 
It could be seeking out that true love. It could be finding that one job. You decide for yourself. 

For me though...
Yes... A journey of Indulgence with that special someone. Just you and me and no one else. Every minute. Every Hour. Even this every moment. That sweet little smile on that angelic face. It's always constantly on my mind...
Have you been to Paradise ($18.00) before? It's made up of  Mango Sobert, Dark Chocolate Orange, Belgian Chocolate, Raspberry Sobert, Tiramisu and Macadamia Nuts. Each of them unique in their own way. But put them together, laced them with sweet strawberry sauce and you end up in paradise...

It's a fun place to be I tell you! I'm sure you will love it too!
If Paradise ain't sweet enough, why not drizzle that thick and rich chocolate sauce on over Paradise? I wish you were there with me... But sadly I could only imagine everything in my mind and hoping that some day it will become a reality...
And like all affairs, it's always messy and never clean... Sigh... Love is never as straight as an arrow I guess.

Our affair only lasted a mere 20 minutes. It's too short for me! I wish it could have been longer...
Afterall it's a journey of indulgence right? But I couldn't help but to just indulge in your presence...

Towards the end, I made you promise a you...
I will be back for you.

Tampines Mall #02-K3
4 Tampines Central 5, Singapore 52910
Tel: +65 6789 9336
Opening Hours: 11am-10pm daily

Friday 3 February 2012

Tampopo Deli: All you need is a little love

Tampopo Deli... Seems like yesterday when I first find my way down the basement of Liang Court. I have never regretted since then...Mont Blanc or a Strawberry Shortcake or a Mille-Feuille. Just give it to me. All of them!

Tea time. When they say it's extra light cake they really mean it's EXTRA LIGHT CAKE! Soft and fluffy cup cake with fresh cream in the midst of everything. It's just like how they say...

"All you need is a little love..." And Yes I do! Though I want more of where it came from...
It's all about you, Light Cheese Chiffon Cake. You're always on my mind. That very night when I first saw you... I know you're the one for me. I can say we met by fate and we met by chance. But I would just like to say it's all in the name of love. She's whiter than white sort of remind me of the interior of Bonhuer Patisserie and let's not forget she's tall for a cake! Sexy I tell you! I liked!

Light cream chesse cushioned with two layers of light chiffon cakes. Ahhh... what more can I say? I just wish I could just spend more time with you. Ohhh well, there's always a next time.

Till then, I'll be waiting patiently always...

Liang Court Shopping Center #B1-16
177 River Valley Road, Singapore 179030
Tel: +65 6338 7386
Opening Hours: 10am-9pm daily
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