Wednesday 29 August 2012

Katsuya: Awesome Tonkatsu found!

It's always a pleasure taking a stroll along East Coast Road. I'm just amazed by the array of cafes and restaurants there are. Whether is it DYI-style Korean BBQ you're relishing or the infamous Katong laksa war as we Singaporeans know it. (Personally, I think 328 Katong Laksa is still the best, hands down winner and screw you for thinking otherwise!) Chances are, you will find something you crave for along that stretch of road. 

For me, it's the discovery of Katsuya, or what I thought and still think as some of the best place for tonkatsu in Singapore. Think of tonkatsu as your typical pork cutlet from a western stall at the local coffeeshop, just juicer, more tender and a whole lot crispier!
Looking through the laminated glossy menu was as usual, a pain in the neck due to the desire to try everything, especially I tired their Rosu Katsu ($12.80). Such is the perfection of I see in their kurobuta pork loin. Maybe it's because it's fried using sunflower oil, making this tonkatsu lighter, more flavourful and of course, healthier. Another pleasure worth sharing would surely have to be their Tonjiru Miso ($2.00). All I wish was another bowl after sipping everything in one go! 
Ebi Fry Soba ($11.50) came with two huge shrimps and a heap of buckwheat noodles, all soaked in a salty sweet soy broth. For me, I still prefer fried pork to fried shrimps but that's just personal preference.

Dining at Katsuya has prompt me to wonder is there another place that does deep frying red meat better than them? There's sure to be one or a few. Maybe it's time to search for the best tonkatsu in town for me! 

"Katsuya believes that people "eat to live" therefore keeping a healthy body is important. Nevertheless, satisfying our palate should not be neglect." *LIKED!*
-Katsuya.
85 East Coast Road, #01-01
Singapore 428787
Opening Hours: 11.00am to 3.00pm, 6.00pm to 10.00pm
Website: http://www.katsuya.com.sg

Monday 27 August 2012

Mei Heong Yuen Desserts (味香园甜品): Savouring love one visit at a time...

Cluttered along the hustle and bustle of Chinatown lies a dessert shop whose name is or has been synonymous with towering colourful snow ice desserts. I would have never known of Mei Heong Yuen's existence if ZX didn't bring me to this old school dessert shop that's always packed be it rain or shine, day or night. Trust me, we visited the shop almost every week after our first trip and we always have a hard time finding a table just to enjoy their desserts. 

Being a foodie who is always fascinated about food, I did a little research about snow ice desserts and after hours of filtering, I found out that it's a dessert originated from the streets of Taiwan where ice blocks of milk and your preferred coloured flavourings then shaved using a specialised ice shaver machine. Due to copyright sake and a huge amount of laziness, for a bit more information about the texture and sensation of eating one, feel free to visit Makansutra's review of another snow ice shop here.

I vividly remembered asking for ZX recommendations since she has savoured a few times before and without a second to spare, she pointed at the Almond & Sesame Snow Ice ($6.00) citing it as the second best snow ice she had among the rest. Our dessert came only after footing the bill first as the shop's customary rules. Yin & yang was the first thing that conjure up when the heap of ice appeared right in front of me. Intriguing I have to say...

But unlike the Taoist concept, I prefer eating each side of the ice mountain separately simply because you won't be able to savour both the sweetness of the white almond from the richness of the black sesame at the same time. Sad to say they just don't go hand in hand that well but nevertheless, one of the popular if not favourite ones enjoyed by the crowd.
 This was crafted on our second visit and who is complaining desserts can't be a form of art? 
If almond and sesame was the second best, that's because Mango Snow Ice ($5.00) has rightfully earn his place in ZX's heart and I'm kinda jealous that there's a dessert sweeter than Yours Truly... I guess there's always one mountain taller than the other (一山还比一山高). I'm also guessing this is another house favourite since I'm always surrounded by the yellow mountains around our table. 
At times, eating icy desserts at a shop which resembles a freezer can be unbearably freezing cold, then how about opting their hot ones instead? The Teochew Orh Nee ($3.00) was a thick purple yam paste with a diced pumpkins and the must have ginko nuts. Although a decent one, I can't help but to feel disappointed that they left out the lard in the making of this traditional dessert. As unhealthy and disgusting it might be, lard is what gives orh nee the distinct fragrance and luscious shiny glow.    
Health conscious dessert lovers would be glad to know their 糊 or paste are made healthier with less or no sugar added. I like to think of their Black Sesame Pasta ($3.00) as one of the better ones I had in Singapore for its thick paste-like consistency and rich black sesame taste with each mouth. I've yet to try their almond or peanut paste but I don't think they should be that bad.
There's also other specialty like their steamed carrot cakes and pasties which I have yet to try but based on ZX experience, I think they're worth trying especially when there's a bunch of friends joining in the name of sharing and enjoying good desserts.

For me and my beloved girlfriend, Mei Heong Yuen will always be a special place for us. A place where we got to know each other better as acquaintances, friends and above all, a loving relationship.

Until the end of time, it's always savouring love one visit at a time...

63-67 Temple Street, Singapore 058611
Tel: +65 6221 1156
Website: http://www.meiheongyuendessert.com.sg

Saturday 25 August 2012

Island Creamery: The must go local ice cream parlour

I sort of realised that there are some places that are more popular compared to others even though they might be baking/churning/whipping/cooking the same thing. When the conversations turns to good ice creams in Singapore, chances are the words Island Creamery would be uttered and I would be amazed by how most of not all of them describe about the local ice cream parlour. It's as though to me, like they're derived of their comfort food for centuries, living in some sort of trance or fantasy and wishing that they could instantly teleport back all in the name to savour really good ice creams!   

Although I'm not a really huge fan of ice creams, preferring the healthier alternative of gelatos ever since my first encounter of what is in my opinion, really good gelatos but as a food blogger scouring every streets and hidden corners in search of all good things, I just felt the need to share this wonderful place to you which I'm doing now, so you could try it yourself someday.

Always my wonderful partner and girlfriend, ZX accompanied me to their outlet at Serene Centre which looks like a 1900s American restaurant with rosey red walls filled with photos of past diners sharing their own experiences at the parlour, signboard menu fully loaded with huge words, price tags and pictures above the metal counter with tables and chair imprinted with their brand messily dumped everywhere. Pretty chaotic especially when everyone was blabbering at the top of their voice but that's the way things are at Island Creamery. A homely kinda feel I have to say.

We took our own sweet time, tasting each flavour, seeking each other's opinion and sometimes, assurance that it's not weird seeing teh tarik, pineapple tart, pulut hitam or even tiger sorbet ones and not a single tub of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ones in sight since the folks behind the counter thinks these are boring ones. Opting them out might be a bad decision but who really cares if you can create other flavours which are worth trying right? 

ZX walked back to our unattended table, eager to finish off her bowl of double scoop which were already melting along the way. Mango Sorbet was really sweet which sort of reminded me of those honey mango I enjoyed back in my childhood days only this time, iced. Milo Ping Bong Balls, as ZX described: "The marshmallows which are known as ping bong balls just melts in your mouth. The sensation is indescribable as though your secret crush just confessed to you!"   

I like to think as ZX being lunatic or something about her description since it's just milo plus marshmallows but I'm guessing it's her favourite so naturally she would be more liberal with her words? 
Pink is my favourite colour and I just can't resisting seeking a scoop of their Strawberry Sorbet with bits of strawberries incorporated in it was just a delight. Although Coconut Swirl was not ZX's favourite, it sure was mine! It's as though I can't stop scooping it once I started it. Highly addictive flavour I have to say... 
It was a wonderful time having ice creams at Island Creamery, a really good excuse to step into the cool shop to escape the blazing Sun outside. I also realised that the outlet at Serene Centre seems to me like a magnet for students to chill and relax after a day of school work. Not exactly a good place to bring your date-to-be if your intention expands more than just having ice creams...

Besides unexpectedly good steaks, now we know where's the must go local ice cream parlour in town. For me, I just wished they opened an outlet somewhere in the east. It's not exactly a short trip from Tampines to Bukit Timah you know?

Serene Centre #01-03
10 Jalan Serene, Singapore 258748
Tel: +65 6468-8859
Website: http://www.islandcreamery.com/

Monday 20 August 2012

Astons Specialities: Unexpectedly good steaks

For me, Astons was like the last place on earth where I would consider a steak for dinner. I have countless bad experiences with their express outlets serving under cooked poultry and overcooked dishes. (I won't name the location of that particular outlet so don't ask.) I sort of suspect someone inexperienced is manning most of the kitchen which meant I will never get a steak from the same kitchen.

Never or I thought otherwise...

Beside the "valid" reason above this paragraph, I never once thought of entering the specialties shop at Cathay since it's almost always perpetually crowded with a stretch of people waiting for their tables. Arriving at 9pm makes no difference either.

One by one our steaks arrived at our al fresco table and I have to say, I was pretty skeptical that I would get a really good slab of beef but well, I was wrong when I took my first bite of the specialities Prime Rib X'tra Cuts ($18.50). It sure caught me by surprise, savoring each small one piece at a time. The sides were pretty plain and the accompanying mushroom sauce, I have to say was negligible.
Black Pepper Steak ($13.50) was the cheaper alternative of the ribeye steak. Served rare as my friend preferred then drenched in a sea of black sauce sauce and accompanied by your typical rings and greens.

It was a good night, conversing with five others steak lovers, ordering more and more sides just to keep our bellies full. Having steaks at their specialities shops sure changed my perceptions about Astons. I have to say though, it wasn't the best I had in the month but it was good enough to make out a meal off. Now we know where to find good and affordable steaks in town but since it's always crowded, I'm guessing I'm the last person to know?

The Cathay #04-03
2 Handy Road, Singapore 229233
Tel: +65 6887 5889

Saturday 18 August 2012

Cafe Cartel II: It's who you're eating with that really counts

Sometimes, it isn't what you eat that is important. Rather it's who you're eating with that really counts. As a foodie scouring the face of this island in search of food that's worth clotting your arteries, I have to confess that not every dish I tried is awesomely fantastic. Sometimes, my noodles would be too soggy or overcooked, sometimes, my dish ain't well plated or worst, being served by rude staffs which is unforgivable. Trust me, it's just a fine line between a good or a bad dining experience and whether is it worth coming back for more.

Where they are bad ones, the only memory worth reminding is really who you're dining with...

My girlfriend and I wanted somewhere to have our typical late night desserts but yet at the same time, we weren't willing to spend a bomb since we were pretty much broke after a series of cafe-hopping and hilarious gastronomic adventures. I suggested Cafe Cartel since it's 50% off their desserts menu after 9pm.

She skimmed through the menu and found the Lover Fantasy ($7.75) which was a huge glass bowl containing four scoops of baby pink (strawberry) and snow white (vanilla) ice creams then laced in fruits of all sorts then topped off with a dollop of whipped cream and a bright red cherry. While we suspected the ice creams to be your typical magnolia off the supermarket shelves which meant I could prepare the same dish at my home kitchen, perhaps I would even be more generous with my toppings too, I was just glad sharing this fantasy with each other.
You describe to me about your mother's friend's son who is a self-profess baker while complaining to about Cafe Cartel's Strawberry Cheesecake ($3.20) which is all cheese and no or little strawberry. I have to agree that this isn't the best I tried in years but just listening to you makes this piece of cheesy cake worth ordering. Not because, it is a really good piece but because I got to know you even more. Now that I know you love Strawberry Cheesecake, maybe I could bring you to cafes that has even better ones?

It's never about the food. It's always about the person sitting opposite. Between me and my girlfriend, we prefer sitting side by side. You know, all the more to see each other's blissful smile?

PS: Do note that the prices shown in this post is half the price of the original prices and for my previous late night dessert supper, click here.

Plaza Singapura #01-32/33/35
68 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6336 2682

Thursday 16 August 2012

2012: A new chapter in our lives...

This post was written for you, the love of my life...

Although we knew each other barely a month but conversing with you felt like we knew each other for ages. I'm never short of amazement just how much similarities we hold in common, particularly how we could read each other mind and voice out each others thoughts. It's like there's a special affinity that we hold for each other, just between you and me, I think it's awesome just having you entering my life!

Almost everyone around us is casting their shadowy eyes upon us, doubting if our budding relationship would work or even last. There might even come a day where we would question our question and ask ourselves the same question.

If that day ever happens, I would then refer to this post for the answer lies here...

We're authors of our own happiness. A book that can't be written (maybe you could capture the moments via blogging and scrap booking?) or read but only believe. Believe not because you're forced to after investing so much time and energy but because you choose to live a life of happiness...

Maybe I speak too soon but 只要有诚心,梦想可成真! (With a determined and sincere heart, even dream could materialise!) So let us forge our budding relationship with a pair of rings from Couple Lab and walk this path of happiness together alright? 

08.08.12. A new beginning, a fresh start, a wondrous relationship just you and me. I just like our anniversary. It's so easy to remember, just a day before National Day! Another day worth celebrating every year! 

PS: I still love the Tiffany and Co engagement rings we saw that day at Orchard ION. Time to save up and get those rings soon!

PS II: To read how our relationship started, do click here and be prepared to laugh your asses off. I shall not spoil your mood by tell you here. Just read it!

Sunday 12 August 2012

Kith Cafe: Definition of a good brunch

Often I am ask, what is the definition of a good brunch session...

Is there some special formula? Maybe the cuppa of your choice over your comfort food? How about having a few magazines to read while you wait for your food? What about utilizing the time catching up with friends? Well, I was about to find out and experienced it myself over at the newly opened Park Mall.

"Kith Cafe at Park Mall? I thought Kith's located along the riverside of Robertson Quay?" 

Well, Friends of Kith would be happy to know that they have set up a second branch at the more accessible part of Singapore and if you didn't know where is Park Mall like many of my friends always asked of me, it's the building opposite Plaza Singapura, pretty visible I have to say...

Greeted by a lady whose smile as gleaming as the Sun, who later lead us to our table for two with menu served promptly after our seating and I thought to myself "Wow! What a great way to start our brunch pig-out session!" It's definitely a bonus if staffs are friendly and approachable, paves a good impression on diners to return once more.

If weren't for the hot and humid afternoon, I would have taken the al fresco seats, observing the scenic view of Dhoby Ghaut. Maybe if we came earlier, we could enjoy the morning Sun too! 
Feeling bored while waiting for your food to arrive? How about grabbing a few magazines off the shelves located conveniently behind the seats? If nothing really fancy you, how about giving your undivided attention to your partner, gossiping about the next-in fashion or better yet; sharing your own little secret and I ain't telling you! Not here at least.
In my free time, besides high tea and blogging, the other thing I love to do is trying out locally brewed coffee, particularly Cappuccino ($4.00). To me, it's one of those few cuppas that truly makes a cafe worth re-trying and I am extremely satisfied to sip my wonderfully crafted artwork without even feeling urge to destroy the frothy surface by stirring in a few packets of sugar. Clearly, a testimony that you don't always need sugar to sweeten your coffee, provided it's well brewed.

It's self-explanatory to see what is 2 piece Toast + 2 Eggs ($8.00). Until I have to make decisions about the type of bread I prefer (Multigrain/ Sourdough/ White Brioche/ Spelt) and then choosing the preferred cooking style of my eggs (Poached/ Scrambled/ Sunny Side Up/ Over Easy). Never an easy task. I just wished I could have all instead but I couldn't...

The Multigrains were great with what I think it's strawberry jam and as for the poached eggs, it just tasted ordinary. If only there's a gracious amount of rich and buttery hollandaise sauce to go with the pair...
Big Breakfast ($15.50) was not just big but it's also extremely filling. my partner had a hard time finishing her plate full of food! Everything was great, particularly the smoked bratwurst and the sauteed mushrooms but it would have been perfected if there were hollandaise drizzled over those poached eggs. Maybe we should have opt for scrambled or sunny side up instead?

We walked out a few hours later feeling satisfied if not gratified for our brunch session. It is really comforting to experience the hustle and bustle housed within this cafe which doesn't come in a bundle just like your day to day school/work life. I felt relaxed right from the moment I stepped in, greeted by warm smiles of staffs who could have serve us in a jiffy, enjoying good food, good drink and good company and last but not least, fairly easy on my wallet too, given that I always eat out. Sounds too good to be true? Why don't you experience it yourself?

I think I saw their dessert menu along the boards of the walls and cakes housed along the glass counter. I think I might just walk in again someday to give them a try. Until then, Kith Cafe at Park Mall will be my definition of a good brunch.

Park Mall #01-01E
9 Penang Road, Singapore 838459
Tel: +65 6338 8611
Website: http://kith.com.sg/

Friday 10 August 2012

What happens when you're friend zoned

Ever wonder what happens when your secret but not so secret crush friend zone you? Well, it happened to me quite recently and I suppose that's one of life greatest challenge: How to cope with it and how to do you wanna hustle and tussle with a hole in your heart? Well there's three things you could do:

1. Binge on all things sweet, glupping down copious amount of hard liquor, numbing yourself with "pain" that you wish would disappear like dragging files to the recycle bin and empty those sorrows away.

2. Exclude yourself from the world and lead a life of celibacy. 

3. Compressing yourself to the point you're depressed?

Don't you think these coping methods sound horrific? I think they do. Firstly, I never believe in gorging myself in all things sweet when I'm upset. In fact, it's the opposite; the happier I am, the more I will eat! So when you see me overeating, chances are I'm either happy or happier if not happiest. I love to drink, especially if we're talking about my favorite Lychee martini but drinking almost always develops a huge hole in your pocket and being me, I rather invest my savings in sweet desserts and savory pastries which are far more cheaper to binge on!

Secondly, I did consider being single for life but after dining by myself a few times, I realized how much I love to talk if not gossip and being single ain't the path I really want. It also means I will never exclude myself from the world which I see many of people around me does in order to get attention. I mean come on! If you want attention, why don't you ask for it? If you're polite, I think you will get all the attention you want from those who care right? 

Lastly, I always wonder why my friends love to ask me why am I always so happy? I really have no answer to that question but I always believe in seeking happiness as our NUMBER 1 PRIORITY IN LIFE. You can disagree with my previous statement for all I care and seek a life of poverty if you want. I rather waste my time seeking happiness than spending time lamenting about sadness. 

Being friend zoned isn't the end of the world. It doesn't mean you cease all communication with that person. I think that is being childish. I like to think I'm 30, married with two kids even though I'm still 19 as of the date of this post. We can still be friends, going out once in a while to enjoy life like a boss/lady boss, sharing gossips and bitching about life to one another. 

I have many wonderful memories with this person and many post written just for her. I can remove all of them from this blog but how can we erase memories just like that? Aren't we cheating ourselves? So I shall leave it as it is and find another source of happiness which I think I just found it. After all, even the most beautiful woman is nothing but a mere indifference to my eyes but tall cakes and savory pastries, they are my weakness...

Having said all these "words of enlightenment", I still pray that one day she will find her own happiness, leading a life nothing short of it. As for me?

Delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desire of your heart. -Psalm 37:4

Wednesday 8 August 2012

#CookForFamily: 三菜一汤

Disclaimer: This post was one two days late due to a series of unforeseen busyness and an over dosage of laziness but as the saying goes: "Better late than never." For more info about the blogger's initiative, #CookForFamily, click here

I spent most of my childhood days in the kitchen, watching a slightly younger version of her holding a metal spatula on one hand and sautéing a black metal wok as heavy as my Lenovo ideapad Y470. She's also the reason why I could speak in my native where most individual in my generation can't apprehend the language. She's my maternal grandmother, one of the few more important person in my life.

When I received an email from Daniel, the first thing that occur to my mind was to cook for the older version of my grandmother as my appreciation of her presence and all those wonderful dinners which I always enjoyed.

On the 7th August 2012, I decided to wake up 6am in the morning, gro sweet talked my way to the best stalls for ingredients at the local wet market and above all hassle, picked up that very same spatula and wok she has been using for the past few decades of her life and decided to replica some of her classic dishes.

We always talked about 三菜一汤 (Means three dishes and one soup in English.) but I never seem to understand the true meaning until a series of life issues came striking me like a hammer to the anvil before I start to appreciate the meaning behind the Chinese quote and reminisce those days when I still steamed my own rice and do my own dishes.
We Cantonese take pride in our 老火湯. Left simmered with a huge slab of pork and almost a quarter pound of chicken not forgetting the main ingredient, old cucumber for an afternoon and you will be assured nothing but Omphness with every spoonful!

Fish is a main staple in my diet and nothing beats a good fried fish left sitting in a pool of reduced soy sauce, especially when the fishmonger you frequent the most assured you this was catch of the day! I'm not particular sure why they call this 豆腐魚 or beancurd fish but I do know nothing was left on the bones of this fish. Not boosting about my cooking skills but it's just awesome!
Home cooked food has the tendency to be balanced and healthy. Chopped me a little garlic, douse in a dash of soy sauce and chicken stock then stir in a bundle of Chinese cabbage/小白菜 (xiao bai cai) was all I need to present my second dish :)
We love all things sweet and nothing beats strips of sweeten char siew and then downing the meat cut with a mouthful of rice. We both agreed this was definitely the main focus of the meal even though this was bought!

It was a night well spent with each other, even doing the dishes seemed pleasurable especially when you know the person you dined with enjoyed your cooking...
In my house, dinners are often associated with watching your favourite drama series :)  

兩人吃的三菜, 喝的一汤. 好溫心而且很好吃! 哈哈哈!  

Saturday 4 August 2012

Thai Express: My definition of good Chendol

Photo by ZX.

As westernised as I am, there's always a side of me looking for old school desserts. Pulut hitam, ondeh ondeh, ching teng just to name a few but the most revered of all has got to be chendol. It's really a simple dessert if you wanna talk about the ingredients that goes into the dessert. Ice shavings, jackfruit, red ruby, red beans, sweet corns, coconut milk, gula meleka and let's not forget those green strips rice flour which is what define chendol as chendol. 

I tired many local chendols but sadly none were even comparable to those across the bridge and much less beyond. Simply because almost everything that goes into our local ones often comes out from a metal can and all these processed ingredients aren't making your dessert better especially if it's made by inexperienced individual. Chendol ain't your healthy choice of dessert either so if I wanna have one, it's has to be worth clotting those arteries or else it's a firm NO.

I gave up on local ones, seeking only what I thought were the best on the other side of the bridge (Malaysia, especially Malacca.) but good things are hard to come by especially when it requires your passport to be scanned and stamped. 

Although Thai Express's rendition is still no where near the standards of those street side ones you find in Malacca, it is still one of the better ones I slurped/stirred/digged in Singapore but it's definitely my definition of good chendol. It's even more tempting to grab one after reading the description of the menu:

"Fragrant jackfruit slices, colorful strains of chendol and chewy flour bits in a sea of rich coconut milk and traditional Thai palm sugar."

I might not be a fan of Thai food but for the a good bowl cup of chendol, I wouldn't mind having tom yum or green curry for dinner or better yet. Just order my dessert and enjoy the time spent which I always do, either alone or in this case, with ZX.

PS: It was her first time and she fell in love with it instantly.

Northpoint #02-55/56/57
930 Yishun Avenue 2, Singapore 769098
Tel: +65 6555 9112
Website: http://www.thaiexpress.com.sg
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