Guten Appetit!

Nobody Stays Virgin

2011-07-17T12:55:00.008+08:00

I do reckon that the title is rather rude but it's a funny quote I came across few years ago. It sounds like "nobody stays virgin, life fxxks everyone." There's a rationale behind this - my life is pretty screwed for the past few weeks.

Went to Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie yesterday - to seek refuge and to find sanity. Their awesome sinful macarons will give me peace of mind in a blissful afternoon. With Sarah Turnbull's "Almost French" and Joyce Jonathan's "Le Piège" and "J'ai Pas Besoin De Toi" shuffling between songs in ipod, I was soothed for a few good hours.

Sinking in the cozy couch in Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie, Robertson Walk. Short legs, in Salvatore Ferragamo's Varina (merely look-alike, haven't got the real ones from Florence :p).

Macarons, Caramel Latte and book

My all-time favourite - haven't been this loyal to flavours: Violet, Caramel Sel (Salty Caramel) and 77% Ganache (Dark Chocolate). Every bite gives you the ultimate indescribable pleasure.

Sipping latte. I think I found the way to overcome my allergic to coffee. The culprit that makes me sick is not the caffeine but sugar and instant creamer. A cup of long black / espresso is now my morning dosage of alcohol on my workdays.

Upon finishing 3/4 of my latte, I found something that made me smiled genuinely, or rather stupidly in the cafe alone: Stressed = Desserts :)

Colleague of mine told me that macarons from Hilton is good. This was the one. Had this while half-way vetting documents in my office.

Still like the one from Canelé. Die-hard fan.

I remember I once said I will melt if someone buys me a dozen of these angelic macarons. I was lying. Two years ago, he did that. Flew all the way just to get one dozen of Canelé macarons and brought back to me, hoping to surprise me when I opened the door and saw it. I was thrilled for 3 minutes, and being too realistic, I knew that even the best macarons flew from Paris will never be able to salvage the relationship that was fated to end. I left ever since then and never got back.

Life is rather maddening these days. I have to make crucial decisions in life again, just like gambling. You lose once the wrong decision is made. Nobody knows how, what and when, only yourself know best. It's dreadful when you don't get support from your loved ones. I know it's hard to support someone when you know you are losing him / her. It's all about give and take, you gain something, and you lose something else. I lost someone recently and if I were to go venturing further as I wish, the same damn thing is going to happen again and again. I guess karma comes back and round. Yes it does.

I officially declare macarons as my best comfort food. Especially the one from Canelé. Till I find something better, if that ever exists.

Liebe to all broken souls. Have a feast for a better day. Guten appetit...
xx

Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie
11 Unity Street, Robertson Walk, #01-09 Singapore
Tel: + 656738 8145 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting + 656738 8145 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Fight or Leave It.

2011-04-08T20:59:00.005+08:00

I am kinda agitated since last week. I don't know why. Something is bothering me. Past histories.

Have been repeating Cee-Lo Green's "Fxxx You" for billions of times these two days. Love this song for no reason. Maybe it's because Bruno Mars wrote this song. It was funny when I was partying a few weeks ago, the DJ played this song and everyone at the dance floor was dancing with their middle fingers up :)

Lotsa rubbish in my mind. I was telling bestie that I have learnt a hard approach as I grow older - that I will have to fight for something that I want. On the other hand, she mentioned that sometimes the more you do, the harder you try, the lesser of chance you will get it. Sigh, what an irony. I don't know, maybe it was what I have encountered that makes me a person today. Someone with very strong characteristics I guess - so bad that sometimes I intimidate people and chase them away :P

Two years ago, when I was focusing wholeheartedly on building my career, I told everyone that all I ever wanted was my career. THAT'S ALL.

Two years later, after experiencing a failed 4-year relationship, bad karma, shifting and traveling, lost someone so significant that hit me so bad and still building my career, I have somehow changed my mindset. If you were to ask me the same question of what do I want, I can be very frank in telling you that "I want to settle down. If someone I love were to ask me to marry him, I will do so!" Unfortunately, there isn't anyone, how depressing :)

Guess it was all because of peer pressure of seeing everyone around getting married and expecting babies. Another bestie actually told me that expecting a baby was "the best and most miraculous moments in her life" - WOW! She is happily married and recently welcomed her baby girl to this beautiful (and mean) world :)

To fight or not to fight. It's tiring to fight alone. I don't know but I believe how my heart feels. If it's not going to work, it ain't going to work but oh well, at least I tried :)

Will be visiting the one-month-old Xavier tomorrow. This god son is so fortunate to have a shopaholic aunt who just bought him a pair of Ralph Lauren shoes!

Liebe xx

Satisfying the German Craving

2011-04-04T23:48:00.005+08:00

By all means, I am talking about food. I know, it will be so much better to enjoy the hearty German cuisine with a hot German dude but well, didn't happen. Was having dinner with Sky and his soon-to-be girlfriend, hopefully :)

I have been pretty geeky recently. All I ever done was Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, Google, Blackberry and iPhone. Of course some movies, Half-way through a Puerto Rican movie though. Googles has been the best friend in finding whatever needed. Even food. I have decided not to be geeky and will bring Cessa, my DSLR out for dinner on a Sunday evening.

Having a soft spot for German (the culture I mean), I love everything about the country. I made a reservation at Brotzeit the moment I read about it.

Original Munchner Dunkel Paulaner - a dark lager beer from Munich. Characteristic ruby brown hue comes from caramel malts and is filled with a rich malt sweetness.

I don't like beer, except Paulaner (and Bintang beer). I know I am a weirdo but this is unexplainable. Maybe another soft spot? Personally I think that this beer is so much smoother than the normal gassy lager beer.

Iced Cappuccino

Weisswurst

Sky was like "What the heck are you talking about?"

"GERMAN! SAUSAGE!"

"You speak German?"

"A teensy bit of broken Deutsch" (Sad)

Three traditional Bavarian veal and pork sausage served with home made pretzel

Frankly I don't find this weisswurst as great as those I have had before. Maybe because it was boiled and not smoked so it tasted a tad too soft and bland. However, the pretzel was awesome, slightly crunchy and chewy.

Cordon Bleu

This is definitely one of the most fattening dishes that I love everywhere - pork, deep fried, cheese and ham. However, I must say that Cordon Bleu here is pretty disappointing as it was too dried and the melting cheese that was supposed to be in the centre was, unseen. Maybe it was "melted" while being deep fried in a pot of hot oil :(

The main - Pork knuckle

This is simply delicious. The skin is so sinfully crunchy and the only thing that stopped me from eating this was when my newly met friend, Suzanne talked about cholesterol. Please, please don't talk about serious topics over the dining table? Seriously, I should start to work out now. I can't be eating like this and not doing anything about the fats accumulated... I should go to the gym, maybe in another two weeks time :)

My plate towards the end of the dinner. A bit of Cordon Bleu, A bit of pork knuckle and a lot of Sauerkraut. I LOVE Sauerkraut but those from El Cerdo seems to taste better. Well this is very fine as well no doubt.

The bar / long dining table near to the entrance

I will come back for more pork knuckle and Paulaner beer - even though it reminds me of someone silly.
However, as said, please allow me to have some time to work out. I seriously need to. I am gaining so much weight nowadays by simply allowing myself to eat whatever and whenever...

(Hello, this is a food blog, how are you going to write without eating? - Well, make sense)

Guten appetit!

Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant
VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk,
#01-149/151
Singapore 098585

Tel: +65 6272 8815
Email: info@brotzeit1516.com

* Reservation is recommended

Mamma Mia Italiano ... Mondo Mio

2011-03-27T19:29:00.002+08:00

In order to create the ambiance to write a review for an Italian restaurant, I am tuning into Italian songs - by my all-time favourite, Il Divo.

My ex-colleague highly recommended Mondo Mio for real good Italian food, especially their risotto. After watching "The Guru of Chai" play (pretended to be artistic :P), me and my only bestie in this small island headed to this restaurant.

I love Italian food, even though they are fattening. Sigh.

Being a ravioli die-hard fan, I will order this dish whenever I find it in the menu. Mondo Mio serves Ravioli di Ricotta & Spinaci in Crema di Formaggio.

The menu says "Truly authentic Italian dumplings filled with spinach and ricotta cheese and tossed in a creamy cheese sauce". I was stunned when the dish was served, even before I tried it - as I can count how many pieces are there! You got it - 8 tiny pieces and guess what, I was starving that time so I took less than 15 minutes to finish it. Yeah right, I know I am a big eater. Frankly I don't find ravioli here extraordinary. The Lobster Ravioli I had at Centro KL (I think the restaurant is closed down now) was the best, followed by the Salmon and Pumpkin Ravioli at L'osteria Langkawi.

Bestie had the Pasta all’Amatriciana - your choice of Italian pasta served in a slightly spicy tomato sauce flavoured with thinly sliced onion and bacon.We both found that the pasta was not cooked al-dente but UNCOOKED. Too bad. Didn't like it at all.

As mentioned earlier, I was starving and 8 tiny pieces of ravioli were not filling enough for big eater. So I went for dessert. We shared the Chocolate Profiterole. It was okay but the ice-cream tasted like normal Nestle ice-cream instead of gelato that a decent Italian restaurant should serve.

We didn't enjoy the dinner though. Well I guess everyone deserves a second chance. Maybe I will pay a visit again for something else.

Guten Appetit!

Mondo Mio
30, Robertson Quay
Riverside View #01-02A
Singapore 238251

Brew Works Magic at Brewerkz

2011-03-12T19:12:00.003+08:00

Used to work somewhere near to one of the most happening spot in this small island - Clarke Quay. Friday night was when we will head to somewhere to grab a beer or two and bitch about nonsensical people around the world.

Brewerkz is one of the places for such occasion. Brewerkz - "Brew Works" - quite a quirky name huh? This place serves about 15 types of unique own-brewed beer, those that you can't never find at the supermarket.

Frankly I am not a beer person. However, I must admit that beer suits casual conversation the most. I do like Bintang beer from Bali. I still remember how i drank a whole mug of chilled Bintang beer the moment I sat down with my friends at the restaurant.

This place is always crowded with well-heeled white-collared people sitting in groups, chatting jovially and of course, drinking beer. The first time I came here it somehow reminded me of Paulaner Bräuhaus at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, Jakarta. Darn, how could I forget this place and Paulaner beer - one-litre of it made me lost so much of.... Okay, enough of whining...

I tried their honeyed beer. Pretty smooth and definitely for ladies who opt for something light and easy to go with. I prefer the Darkside Lager though. My friend somehow got us some huge onion rings for signing in FourSquare @@

Apart from beer beer beer beer beer and more beer, Brewerkz has a really extensive food menu as well, serving finger food such as fries that go best with beer to sandwiches, pizzas and hearty Pork Knuckle. We ordered some Nachos and they were sooooooooooo goooooooodd....

If you are really not a beer person, wines, spirits, liquors and cocktails are available from the menu as well. Come on guys, you want to see how their brew works, don't you :)

Let's head for beer next Friday!

Brewerkz Riverside Point
30 Merchant Road
#01-05/06 Riverside Point
Singapore 058282
Tel: +65 6438 7438

So Seoul Yummy

2011-03-12T18:27:00.002+08:00

Wandered around The Central Mall, looking for food with my ex-colleague. Grumpy and hungry. Menu displayed outside captured our attention. Went in straight and ordered a set menu for two persons in less than 10 minutes.

I am not a K-pop person. My young cousin was once trying hard to introduce me Shinee, SJ or TBXQ etc. In less than 2 minutes, I got all of them mixed up. I think I have only watched two Korean drama series in my entire life. Korean food, however, is something I fancy.

As usual - the side dishes. They serve spicy cold tofu (first on left), potato salad, braised nuts, pickled cucumber, fried anchovies and of course, Kimchi.

My all-time favourite - spicy Kimchi soup with pork, tofu, shiitake mushroom and other generous condiments all found in the thick, rich soup. Hot, spicy and absolutely delicious! (In fact the best I have ever tasted) What's Korean food without Kimchi soup?

The set meal for two comes with three main courses for you to choose. We agreed on the Spicy Beef Glass Noodles as one of them and it's definitely the right choice. Can never get enough of the bouncy glass noodles with huge slices of beef (I ordered the same during my subsequent visit as well...)

Another main course - Spicy (again) Hot Plate Chicken. I would say there isn't anything extraordinary to yell about this dish. The chicken is tender, would be better if it is spicier...

Some of the other choices include Hot Plate Salmon, Bibimbap and Saba Fish. The Saba Fish is pretty decent though.

Staying in this small island could be very depressing sometimes, as I don't seem to be able to find good food easily. Seoul Yummy is one of the few exceptions so far.

Guten Appetit, liebe...

Seoul Yummy
The Central Mall
Level 3-92/95
6 Eu Tong Sen Street, Singapore
Tel: +65 62278802

A New Place. A New Me.

2011-03-06T22:06:00.001+08:00

I am moving forward.
I am leaving the dramas behind.
I am going to be a god mother for little Xavier.

I want to eat good food.
I want to go travelling.
I want to blog more frequent.
I want to take more nice photos using my DSLR, Cessa.
I want to ensure a certain figure in my bank account by end of 2011.
I want someone who can make me committed to a relationship.

I, am starting a new life.
Off you go, nonsensical people...

Lunar. Rabbit. New Year

2011-02-01T22:39:00.001+08:00

I am going to leave the politics for a few days.
I am going to leave my fort for a few days.
I am going to leave all the stabbing and defending for a few days.
I am going to leave the mailbox runs by itself for a few days.
I am going to be myself for a few days.
I am going home for a few days.

Happy Lunar New Year peeps. May the Year of the Rabbit be a bountiful and prosperous one for all.
I hope this is going to be a great year for me.

Haven't Met You Yet

2011-01-23T23:38:00.003+08:00

Sipping Corona at Clarke Quay, 22nd January 2011, 10:00 pm.
Part and parcel of conversation between me and my bestie, Michelle aka SY.

***

Mich SY: In Red
Me: In purple

Mich SY: Can I ask you a question?

Me: Yeah?

Why did you break up with him after being together for so long? Don't you think it's sad?

Erm, yeah, it was sad that we didn't manage to be together after four damn years but I had to do it. I don't want the same terrible thing to happen again.

Don't you think it's wasted? I mean, not to say "wasted" but he is a great guy. He has done so much for you.

Yeah, he definitely is. He never yelled at me throughout these years. At all. The only time he yelled, we're done. It just needed to happen. I was about to leave the city that time and I foresaw that the same damn thing of his insecurity will happen again and again, like a never ending story. You know, the thought of me being unfaithful just because he's insecure kills everything. I was sorry for the way I let it go too but you know, that's the best way.

You know what, the worst thing was, I have been living under the wrong perception. Everyone thought that I was the cruel one who dumped him. In fact, it's just the total opposite. I was unwanted. Haha...

Yeah, that's why. It's the same between me and my boyfriend now. We are so far away from each other and I have to do things to make him feel secured. When you are apart from each other, you just need to take care of his feeling, just so the relationship grows stronger.

However, I think that long-distance might just work for me at the moment. I have been moving a bit these two years.

By the way, do you wish to get someone and how do you plan to do that?

Erm, I don't know , there's nothing much I can do, hahahaha... except to wait for the right him to fall from the sky (God, please be mercy to me :P)
Well, it's nice to have someone to talk to, someone who cares but the thought of having to contribute the same frightens me. Sometimes I seriously think that I don't have the time to care a damn thing about my partner (if I happen to have one now) because life has been crazy enough for myself. I can't imagine if I have to comfort someone while I've just had the worst day of my life. I know, this sounds unfair, relationship is a two-way thing, but it's tiring.

***

Conclusion: Maybe I should act dumb. Being too independent freaks people out. Nay, not a good idea at all...

I guess it's half timing, and the other half's luck - Haven't Met You Yet by Michael Buble

Lotsa love to those who love, and to those being loved ... Xx

Away. Again

2010-12-15T22:49:00.001+08:00

Haven't really got the time to update what's wrong with me lately here. Yes, I have moved again. From one island to another. A city island this time. Everything was mad rush.

Life has been okay, could be better. Getting used to traveling with the subways, not to forget bus.

Looking for more places for better food.

Paying rental which is almost equivalent to the money sufficient for a nice apartment / posh imported car back in my home country.

Just realized that I have a long-abandoned twitter account. My last tweet was nearly exactly one year ago - when the Christmas was just around the corner.I should start to tweet more. Not only for work anymore.
Do check out the right panel here.

This year, I am not home for Christmas.
Have a blessed Christmas, lotsa love to all lonely souls away from home and loved ones.

Everybody loves bubbly

2010-11-13T23:58:00.002+08:00

Everyone loves the bubbly champagne, don't you?
Special occasions are not special enough without champagne.

I turned from someone who dislikes the dryness of champagne / sparkling wine to a huge fan of them after being in a duty free island for one year.

Veuve Clicquot is fabulous, so does Moët et Chandon.
Once saw the VCP Rose at the airport (Jakarta if not mistaken). I totally understood what's "love at first sight" that moment.

"The Vintage Rosé 2004 offers a deep pink colour with highlights of copper and delicate, light effervescence. The nose, extremely elegant, at first reveals flavours of ripe red fruits that burst on the tongue, before gradually giving way to violets, lilacs and light "pastry" notes."

I should have bought it. It's merely less than USD 100. Darn.

Dom Pérignon can be saved for my big day :)

Oh, I love Prosecco as well. It tastes great, and not as arrogant as Champagne.

Lotsa love to all the bubby lovers...
I want to undergo the fermentation process in Champagne, France.

Eat, Pray, Love

2010-11-12T15:44:00.002+08:00

If only I could eat less, but pray more (frequently) and love more (passionately).

Elizabeth Gilbert traveled to Italy, India and Indonesia to search for everything. I wish I could do the same. Well maybe I can skip the spiritual trip to ashram; I don’t think I will have the stamina to do what she has done in India, ever.

I love food. Or rather, there’s always a love-hate relationship between me and food. You can easily win my heart with food. How can I eat without putting on any unwanted fats on my body? Oh god, this is definitely not something to preach please.

I am never a religious person but I never doubt the existence of God (or Gods / Goddesses). I just don’t spend enough time bonding with Him.

I don’t love passionately.

I love mom and dad, but I don’t spend enough time with them.

I love Whisky and Vodka (my dogs, okay), but I don’t spend enough time with them.

I love my late grandma, but I don’t think I have spent enough time with her. I wish I’d have more days to love her.

Love is a strong word. It’s never easy to love someone easily, unconditionally, deeply, but, being loved is always great…

I am so blessed to be able to read more books these days. Can’t believe I weep as if I have been dumped upon finishing A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Even worse than what happened when I have read and watched The Kite Runner.

My working desk is now officially my display desk. All the knick-knacks that I brought back – photo frames, little gifts, soft toys, McDonald’s premium items and books are all displayed nicely here.

I love the designer’s Evian bottles the most. Jean Paul Gaultier is the second edition while Paul Smith is the third. I got to know that the latest version is now Evian by Issey Miyake. Where can I get it? Please let me know.

Will be nice to have the first edition – the one by French Designer Christian Lacroix as well. I would love to have a complete collection of these gorgeous Evian(s) :)

Lotsa love to all who love, and to all being loved.

Sugar Rush

2010-11-09T20:46:00.004+08:00

Sugar, Oh, Honey Honey...

You're my candy girl, and you got my wanting you...

I know I have put on so much weight but how can I resist those angelic donuts and cheesecakes?
No, I can never say no to them...

OK, instead of buying half dozen like how I used to be, I bought only three - savory cheese, sinful coco loco (chocolate inside out) and green tea.

Well, the exact reason behind the three donuts is - I wanted to have U Hu! Hu! cheesecakes as well. Stood in front of The Loaf, Pavilion for 5 minutes, feeling disappointed as I couldn't find my favorite green tea and caramel flavor :( So I got only the chocolate (right) and raspberry.

Having these cheesecakes in paper cups brings up some of me of my childhood memories. Do you remember how you carefully scooped ice-cream from the similar cup, with a flat wooden spoon? No fancy flavors, it's always chocolate, vanilla or strawberry.

My pre-dinner desserts - U Hu! Hu! Chocolate Cheesecake and Cheese doughnut from J Co. The doughnut was simply irresistible, so heavenly fluffy.

The cheesecake, on the other hand, was slightly disappointing. The upper layer of chocolate remains sinful as how I remember it used to be, but the cake, tasted so bland that I thought I was eating soaked sponge cake.

Anyway, they made my day. This is my real sweet escape...

Lotsa love to all the beautiful ladies who love sweet stuffs. Eat them without any sense of guilt!
Life is too short for bad wines, bad food and of course, bad desserts!

Delicious

2010-11-08T00:41:00.002+08:00

I love the combination of white and cyan-blue (or maybe turquoise).

The name of the restaurant says it all. Everyone loves delicious food.

My first acquaintance with Delicious was some years back, that was at Bangsar Village, when I was still young. Paid a visit again three months ago, to one of their branches which is located at the upscale Dua Residency. (Man, I would love to have one of the units here...)

The signature bird cages were the first thing I saw the moment I set foot in the restaurant. The interior designer has definitely done a fabulous job for such concept. Everything blends harmoniously.

Well-heeled & white-collared executives / professionals were most of the patrons here during lunch hour. Did I not mention that all the posh cars were parked in front of the restaurant as well?

* * *

Yesterday, I met Mei for lunch in Delicious again, but at Bangsar Village this time.
While I was studying their menu and Facebooking at the same time, she appeared and this first thing this woman said right after the courteous hello was - "I think we are wearing the same blouse."

Half stunned, I looked at her blouse, laughed so hard and asked "From Topshop?" She nodded. More laughs. Mine purple while hers blue.

"Hey, we are like 16 years old now, erm no, maybe 14, you know, like those teenage girls who like to dress the same as their friends."

What a coincident. We should buy some lottery tickets together as well :)

Raspberry cooler. I think this is done with some mashed raspberries and topped with soda water. Well, was not too bad anyway.

Mei had the French Onion Soup. It looked very tempting for me though, with the generous cheese... Should try it during the next visit.

Classic Reuben sandwich. Frankly I was not so pleased with the slightly burnt toast but it tasted real good. The melted cheese saved everything though. I always love this sandwich as it comes with sauerkraut but I find that their sauerkraut this time was a bit bland? Oh, I am missing those from El Cerdo now :)

Traditional Beef Meatballs Spaghettini. (Photo taken during my previous visit to Delicious at Dua Residency). The pasta tasted great and I love meatballs. I think in order for me to gorge the whole plate effortlessly without any sense of guilt, I should have starved myself for hours first...

This lovely restaurant serves international cuisine- decent salads / appetizers, pastas, sandwiches, pies / quiches to main course like lamb shank or the local everlasting rendang can all be found in their menus. I should go back - for more food and desserts, and their Death by Iced Chocolate. (It's so good and so tempting that I sipped a large portion of it, only realizing I have not taken any photo of it, sorry)

Delicious, Dua Residency

Travel back in time ... to Bali

2010-11-05T13:52:00.001+08:00

I am reminiscing those enjoyable pleasure moments I'd had in Bali.

I feel like traveling again. Where to? Istanbul. I like exotic places.

However, there is always a but following - I don't think I can splurge on any vacation at the moment. I have started to feel guilty on all my over-indulging vacations. I should have some plans for my future. Maybe I can travel in my memories, in histories, in photos this time. That cures :)

It took me 2 hours to reach Ubud from Nusa Dua - for the very famous "Babi Panggang" - grilled pork. It looks very 80's for me, this little packed wooden hut :)

All pork ribs are made to order. Aren't these huge, tender-looking pork ribs sinfully tempting?

The menu. All written on different boards and hung on the wall...

Awards & certificates are all lined and displayed on the wall too. Frankly I was amazed by all the accolades given to this really humble place. I was already sweating like the pork ribs being grilled while merely sitting in the restaurant for less than 10 minutes.

(You don't wait to be seated. This place is always packed with tourists / locals from all over the places. You either grab a place with the fastest speed, or you share the long table with other guests, which is sort of fun as you get to make new friends)

I had rice with the gigantic grilled pork ribs. The special chili sauce (drizzled on top of the rice) was so good that I thought of buying a whole jar of it for my mom, she will love it for sure. My tour guide (who is also the girlfriend of my ex-colleague) gave me a "WHAT?" look when I told her that I wanted to buy the sauce.

Well, I didn't buy it at the end.

The ribs, the rice and the sauce were perfect match. So tender, so flavorsome. I kept quiet the moment I sank my teeth in the tenderness of the ribs. I hadn't got much time to talk apart from telling her that it was really good. I spent most of my time lingering in the ultimate pleasure of having the ribs.

I didn't regret for not eating other signature dishes such as Babi Guling or Bebek Pengil. It's okay, I can always go back, but with a travel partner this time :)

By the way, I was quite shocked when I got the bill as it was relatively pricey for a place like this. Oh, millions of Ruppiah :)

Headed to Tagallalang after this lunch, smelling exactly like I have been marinated and put on the pit, grill to perfection. Well, that doesn't sound really sexy for me, I like myself smelling like Versace.

Naughty Nuri's Warung and Grill
Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
(Across the road from Neka Musuem)
http://www.naughty-nuris.com/

The Ubiquitous Depression

2010-11-03T21:17:00.002+08:00

I am not quite used to living my life aimlessly at the moment. That somehow depresses me. I can feel the depression everywhere, sinisterly teasing me.

Came back to the city 5 days ago. Realized the biggest advantage of me being in the city is - I can finally wear perfume again!

(I was once allergic to perfume in the island where I suffered from rashes on all the spots I wore perfume, how strange that such thing only happened in the island. God knows why was it).

Apart from clearing some knick-knacks in one of my luggage, I have not unpacked my 25-kg suitcase. My clothes are still folded nicely in there. I am expecting something, I know too well but I don't want to put so much of hope in it anymore.

Went back to my late grandma's place today. It was hard to believe that she has gone. In the car, I was asking myself what do I expect to see when I have reached the house she used to stay. I got the answer the moment I set foot in the house - I sensed loneliness, and silence that I never like. How she smiled when she saw me, the way she asked me about work and how she teased me for working too hard and should spend some time looking for a partner rang vividly in my mind again. I don't like this, I really don't. I want her back.

Sunset in the island. Is that what they are talking about? The curse thing? People who once worked here will come back eventually? I don't know but well, I don't mind going back as tourist though. I seriously missed the dining sessions. I want Chardonnay and Merlot by the beach.

Merlot at Laundry Bar, The Curve, Mutiara Damansara

Being born and raised in the city, I know too well that my heart is way too connected to this fast-paced bustling place. However, sipping Merlot in a mall was just somehow not as satisfying as what I used to do in the island - where I was accompanied by the evening breeze, sound of waves and sometimes, the famed sunset.

Maybe I should really be more aggressive and get my time occupied with works. Work chases depressions away. I want to be a workaholic again :)

Off you go, loneliness and depression, don't pretend to be my friends.

Lotsa love and bless me...

Auf Wiedersehen

2010-10-29T11:26:00.001+08:00

Posting this 6 hours before I head to the airport and go back to my city hometown. Looking at this photo (where I worked in the island), I feel obligated to write a summary on what I have done while being here for 372 days.

Slightly depressed when I first started.
Moved three times and stayed in three different quarter / apartment.
Packed and unpacked in one day (which makes me an expert in packing now).
Slightly tanned.
Gained weight (please don't ask my current figure if you see me now or I get very depressed).
Traveled alone twice.
Got real drunk twice.
Met great media partners from everywhere.
Don't have many friends but a few real interesting people who I love to spend time with and to cherish the friendship.
Met someone and done something I never thought I will be doing.
Met someone who cooked for me (As mentioned in my blog, I always have a soft spot for someone who can / is willing to cook for me).
Lost someone special (my grandma, I mean).
Drank so frequently that during my last week here I drank almost every alternate day?
Truly enjoyed Veuve Clicquot, Moet & Chandon and Prosecco here (Don't think I can splurge on them back in the city so often anymore).
Loving red wine now, thanks to Mei.
Ate too much Italian food (but still loving it).
Rode a motorbike for more than 30 minutes (I have never been on bike for so many years and definitely not anything more than 10 minutes).
Walked on the beach at night.
Sang Katy Perry's "Hot & Cold" for so many times during New Year's Eve party last year, which was insanely fun.
Most importantly, being here has someohow turned me into a calmer person. I am not as temperamental as I used to be now. Much better, in fact.

Lotsa love to everyone who has contributed a precious chapter in my life...
I should stop writing else I will start to feel melancholic again :)

Four for Four Seasons

2010-10-25T00:10:00.004+08:00

I am supposed to start packing now. In fact, I should have started yesterday. Anyway, don't give a damn at the moment because I feel like writing this, while everything is still vividly clear. Had my farewell dinner at Four Seasons Langkawi on Oct 23rd with Anniek and Eelco (both Dutch), and Mei, who is somehow "Dutch-ish" due to being in the Netherlands for five years (she speaks Dutch, not to forget a Dutch boyfriend as well).

Walking around the resort compound which looks pretty much like maze, but everything is so fabulously amusing. This place somehow makes me feel like getting married (again).

Ahem, single woman, stop dreaming and come back to your blog.

But hey, this place is gorgeous and I would love to take my wedding photographs here.

Well okay, I am just trying to express how amazing this resort is. Saw heaps of pretty wedding photos taken here though...

I seriously love this beach. This is so much nicer than the other parts of the island. Seriously. I could stay here the whole day, reading book, sunbathing, have cocktails or Moet & Chandon... what a life...

Enjoying the famed sunset at Rhu Bar...

Was on the phone for about 15 minutes. Walking aimlessly by the beach while talking. Like this artsy photo taken by the geek.

Photo courtesy of Anniek as I was too busy on the phone @@. Look at the sunset. Unbelievably romantic...

Al-fresco dining area of Serai - the Italian / Mediterranean restaurant at Four Seasons. Our table was the first one from left.

Here started the dinner after one round of drink at Rhu Bar. Look at the girls' expressions. Guess they were concentrating on speech.

Prosecco and sparkling water. Love them in an unexplainable way. I am sorry, I wasn't the one ordering the wine so I seriously can't remember the name of it. And, I am not a Sommelier even though I am dying to be one nor I am brilliant enough to tell which vineyard produced this wine just after one sip (The water, of course, was S. Pallegrino)

Anniek, me and Mei. Gosh, they commented that I have this "Joe's face" that appears in all photos so I had to do something different...

Eelco and me...

Amuse bouche courtesy of the restaurant.

My appetizer - deep fried calamari and prawn with spicy tomato sauce (which wasn't spicy at all). It wasn't fantastic even though the seafood was definitely fresh as I found them a lil' too salty

I can't comment on this salad as I didn't try but it looked pretty decent.

Anniek and Mei had the same "Chef's Special" three-course that night. Their starter - Sliced Rare Yellow Fin Tuna, Orange Segments, Green Beans, Fennel Salad and Olive Tapenade. Very nice presentation.

Pinot Noir for the main course. Again, wasn't order by me. He did mention the name though. Cloudy Bay Marlborough if I am not wrong? I have somehow changed I guess. I feel more comfortable with red wine these days after two years of my usual Chardonnay / Riesling.

Note: Two years ago, I puked immediately upon finishing a bottle of Chardonnay followed by a bottle of Merlot. I seriously thought it was Merlot's fault for making me looked ugly. That's why...

My main course - Roasted Sea Bass with Cauliflower Broccoli Guazzetto and Spring Onion Smashed Potatoes. Was great. Seriously I was half-stuffed after the appetizer so I didn't finish the whole main course.

Roasted Lamb Rack. Can't comment much on this as I didn't try as well. Heard from Mei that it wasn't quite "rare" even though she asked for it...

Three-cheese Lagsane

My dessert - Mixed Berries Sorbet. I've had better I must say... This was too sweet for my liking...

Exquisite dessert platter, courtesy of the restaurant as well. I only had the biscotti even though I am a big fan of chocolate as I was way too stuffed for more food.

A "full-moon" farewell party. Headed to Rhu Bar again for more drinks after dinner. Lying on the day bed, chatting, constantly yelling that I felt offended for being the only one who does not have any clue on Dutch apart from "Schatje" and "Dankjewel".

We strolled along the beach. Trying to enjoy the sand and the breeze as much as I can.

I will definitely miss all the laughter we had. It was such a lovely and perfect evening. In fact, one of the best I have ever had here...

I have started to feel melancholic now. I think I am going to cry so bad on Wednesday.

I am going to miss you guys so bad, even though Mei, I am not in the Top 50 list for your wedding, haha...

"What time do you start on Wednesday? 9 am? Okay, I am going to make you cry starting from 9 am"

(Please be kind to me Anniek dear)

Oh, another discovery. I was perfectly fine last night even after Pina Colada, Prosecco, Pinot Noir and Bombay Sapphire. Not even a slight dizziness. Guess my biggest enemy will be beer, always.

Entrance to the resort. A hot spot for photography :)

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi.

Jalan Tanjung Rhu, 07000 Langkawi,

Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia

Tel: + 604 950 8888

Sunset. Sea. Sanity. Sentiment. Songs

2010-10-13T22:53:00.002+08:00

I will be here for another two weeks. Two pathetic weeks? I don't know. I have been sort of "dying" to leave but I reckon that I will miss some stuffs that I get so easily here.

I am pretty sure I will miss drinking, reading, lying, sunbathing, daydreaming at the beach.

"When I think back on these time and the dreams we left behind..."

(Listening to Faith Hill's There You'll Be)

I will definitely miss restaurants where you can take off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes.

"I am all out of faith, this is how I feel.

I am cold and I'm ashamed lying naked on the floor.

Illusion never changed into something real.

I'm wide awake and I can see the perfect sky is torn.

You're a little late, I'm already torn"

(Listening to Natalia Imbruglia's Torn)

How can I resist the dine-and-wine sessions by the beach, accompanied by sound of waves, stunning sea view (and sometimes good looking guys passing by)

Caramelized Banana Crepe with Coconut Ice-cream that made me felt heaven on earth

"Y Como libro el corazon
Nos ensena que hay temor
Que hay fracasos y maldad
Que hay batallas que ganar"

(Listening to Il Divo's Heroe)

Yes you are right, I am trying to be as dramatic as the sky here...

My mind was wandering and wondering...

People tend to take things for granted.

You don't realize how much something / someone meant for you,

until the day you live without it / him / her.

Out of sudden, I was feeling melancholic...

Was it because I missed someone?

Or was it because I lost too much?

"The first cut is the deepest and I'll try to love again"

(Listening to Sheryl Crow's The First Cut is the deepest)

Nobody knows what is in the future.

Live as if you are gonna die tomorrow...

This somehow pushes me to see what kind of person I become as time goes...

The Brasserie, a new French restaurant at Pantai Cenang, Langkawi.

I love this place. I love the couches and everything white here.

Should I have my last best memory here?

Look What We Have Done

2010-10-10T00:06:00.005+08:00

One fine Sunday, myself and my two besties in Langkawi, Mag and Yun got all-dressed and went for a "romantic trio" dinner at The Datai Langkawi. I guess no further flowery description needed for this classy resort?

We have sort of planned a series of "farewell-dinners-in-nice-posh-restaurants" and The Datai was one of them. (And unfortunately, the only place we managed to make it)

Get my make-up done in the car (just came back from KL the same evening) and tried to take some shots in the car, with Mag speeding like Lewis Hamilton's girlfriend...

The iconic horses of The Datai Langkawi. They somehow remind me of Palace of the Golden Horses. Okay, both are horse...

After an exhilarating (and somehow scary) 1-hour drive to this secluded resort, we reached there 25 minutes later than expected. The resort looks stunning. Oh, didn't I mention that we were having dinner at the Pavilion, their Thai cuisine restaurant?

I will feel so sorry for myself if I never had anything from their wine list. The wine menu is huge (literally) and good to be used to bury yourself in if you have a cold war / fight with your dinner partner. Just kidding, you wouldn't want to fight in such a nice place...

I have made a big mistake for ordering S.Pallegrino sparkling water that I love to death. I was not instinctive enough to know that both Mag and Yun DO NOT like sparkling mineral water.

A. Kuentz, Riesling, Alsace, France 2008 - my first glass of wine. Was good. Later I had a glass of Rolf Binder South Australia Chardonnay followed by a glass of Brown Brothers, Late Harvested Orange Muscat, Australia 2009 dessert wine.

Khaw Phad - Thai Fried Rice. The adventurous trio actually asked for "Very spicy" when being asked by the attentive waitress on our preferred level of spiciness. I can only say that we are well-trained, as everything was not spicy at all. We had a Tom Yam Goong as well but I have reserved my effort of taking a photo of that as it was not very impressive (I'm sorry). Well, we were "impressed" by the correlation between the price charged and the portion served. Anyway, the fried rice was pretty good.

Gai Phad Kreung Thed Thai - Stir-fried Chicken with Spring Onion and Thai Herbs. Very savoury and I love the dish served in fine clay dinnerware. I must stress that I like one of their little touches - plates were all heated before served, this definitely keeps the food warm (so that we can spend more time talking but not eating cold food later)

Yam Woon Sen Jae - Spicy Glass Noodle with Beancurd and Mushrooms. Appetizing but not too surprising.

It was a great dinner in a nice restaurant anyway. Of course I will always remember what we have done in The Datai. Hundreds of photos taken, endless laughter and of course, Yun, the broken macaroon. Guess it will take quite some time for us to be together again to have such an enjoyable night? I will definitely miss you girls.

Lots of love...Xx

The Datai, Langkawi
Jalan Teluk Datai
07000 Pulau Langkawi
Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia

Tel: (604) 959-2500
Fax: (604) 959-2600

Cry Over Spilt Milk

2010-09-25T23:55:00.006+08:00

Am I cursed? I wonder. I have been experiencing the worst for all my travelling. From my broken brand new DSLR in Bali, delayed flight nightmare during my last trip to Jakarta to what I am going to say here. It all happened within four months.

I can never ever forget 16th September 2010, our so-called Malaysia Day. Went back to KL for a business trip and had to fly back to the island on this particular date. Without wanting to bother anyone, I have decided to that the airport coach from KL Sentral, for the very first time.

Straight to the point - when I have reached the airport, I got out from the coach and intended to claim my luggage from the designated luggage compartment underneath. Didn't see any sign of my black cabin-size luggage. Nervous. Tried to search further. None. I was left with one luggage which does not belong to me. I panicked. I told the staff that someone has taken my luggage. He didn't seem to be bothered so much, just asked me to leave the luggage there and wait for the passenger who had mistakenly took my luggage to come back.

Fine, I couldn't wait any longer. I needed to check-in and get my boarding pass. I prayed. I rushed back to the coach station with my fastest speed whilst browsing at everyone who has a black luggage. To my greatest disappointment, no one came back with my luggage. Havoc. In my very bad temper, I pulled the luggage left (the one which does not belong to me) and went to the police station. I told the officers on duty on what I have encountered. We went to the crime scene again and the police officers talked to the staffs to further investigate. However, nothing much can be done.

I texted my mama:" My luggage is stolen." She called. I tried to explain briefly on what has happened and told her that I will call her back later. Everyone nearby has started to gather around me to see what was going on. One of the officers asked me what do I want now. I burst to tears, I couldn't hold any longer, I told them that I needed my luggage back and I needed to catch my flight at 4.10 pm. That time was about 3.40 pm.

I had no choice, I lodged a police report. The police then opened this particular luggage and found some normal stuffs like old t-shirts, a sarong and guess what, a bolster. The owner is most probably a guy, looking at all the items in this luggage. I went to the departure hall after that. Still sobbing. I didn't care anymore, I didn't care how people looked at me that time. Everything was just so unbearable, and, I was alone (again).

I spoked to my ex-colleague cum bestie, Mag while waiting to go on-board. I told her everything with tears. She was so kind to comfort me and picked me up at the airport when I have reached.

Mama called again when I have touched down.
"Are you okay?"
"No, I am not. I have lost most of the important daily stuffs. I am damn sad." (I have started to cry again)
"He was just too blind and careless."
"How can he be so blind! My luggage is a cabin-size while his is a check-in size! Now I have lost my chargers, how am I going to get them in an island!?!" (Still crying)
"It's okay, don't worry, I will get you back everything. I'll take care of everything, okay?"
"Okay... I guess I will be fine later. Talk to you again."
"All right, you take care and call me if you need anything else."

Below are what I have lost from my luggage:

One iPhone charger
One Sony laptop charger
A box of name cards (with my name, contact details and company address stated clearly)
A few documents and letter
Two coffer table books from FIABCI Malaysia
Two MIGF Epicure newsletters
One pair of my favourite super low-waist Levi’s jeans
One MNG t-shirt
One short pants
One purple dress, which I loved so much...
One black Miphosis waist clench - which I have tried so hard to get, don't think I will be able to get the same again...
One Hugo Boss makeup brush kit - premium item received, can never get it back...
One hairspray
One makeup kit which consists of:

- 1 Christian Dior Addict 2 perfume,
which I have just bought it last month

- 1 Estee Lauder Two-way foundation

- 1 Revlon Photo Ready liquid foundation

- 1 Revlon loose powder

- 1 Maybeline concealer

- 2 bottles of Ettusais skin care products

- 1 L’oreal sunblock

- 1 Estee Lauder blusher

- 1 Estee Lauder eyeshadow palette

- 1 Ettusais Eyebrow pencil

- 1 travel-size Christian Dior mascara

- 1 L’oreal mascara

- 1 eyelash curler

- 1 travel-size Chanel Precision facial cleanser

- 1 Ettusais eyebrow pencil sharpener

- 1 pair of purple crystal earrings

- A few manicure and makeup tools etc...

Spending a huge sum of money to get all my stuffs back is one matter but I am extremely sad on what I have lost, which I value more from the emotional perspective as some of the items can never be bought again.

This incident happened last week and until today, no one called and apologize on him being so blind and took my luggage mistakenly. Maybe he did that on purpose. There are so many ways to identify and contact me. Well, that only happens when he is someone honest.

Some SkyBus staffs called twice to tell me that no one has returned my luggage. I expected so. I just hope that they will work and try harder. And yes, no compensation has been made. Well done.

This was me in my purple dress + the black Miphosis waist clench.

Both have accompanied me to various events and I loved them so much...

The Estee Lauder eyeshadow palette and tri-colour blusher shown in the photo are what I have lost.

Photo taken when I have just purchased the entire set.

I am still crying over split milk regardless how many people have told me that everything happened for a reason.

To you who have stolen my luggage, Fahr zur hoelle...
I assure you that you will get your bad karma...

Stranded and Alone

2010-08-22T23:31:00.005+08:00

Listening to "Clumsy" by Fergie while writing this blog.
"I like serious relationships and A girl like me dont stay single for long" - yeah right, I have been single for more than a year now, even though I very much treasure serious relationships.

When I booked myself the connecting flight of Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur-Langkawi, I was wondering whether the worst would happen to me - that my flight bound for KL will be delayed and I am gonna miss my connecting flight back to Langkawi. Oh come on, that won't happen right? (Have faith and confidence in Malaysia Airlines!) Thus happily I arranged everything for myself and made my way to KL first, then to Jakarta.

I checked out on 8th Aug, a gloomy Sunday. The Front Desk lady even told me that it's gonna be heavy rain later. I looked at my watched. 12 pm. Slightly anxious but unexplainable. "It's okay, your flight is 3:45 pm, everything's gonna be alright!" I reassured myself. Hopped to the taxi, I was glad that the driver drove as if he was Jensen Button and I reached the airport 5 minutes after 1 pm :)

Oh.My.God was the first thing I uttered when I reached the airport. So overwhelming. Too busy but not organized. My level of anxiety increased. I hushed myself to the check in counter the fastest I can, without wanting to ... to... see the worst thing happens.

Another shock! Passengers have already started to queue in front of the counters but ALL SIX counters were closed. Okay, again, I reassured myself, it's only 1.15 pm, check in time is 2 hours in advance. This is Jakarta, so bear with it.

I plugged in my earphone, blast the music at max volume and started to camwhore (with DSLR @@). I know this was absurd, but I was in a state of great uncertainty. I needed to do something to ease myself.

Finally, the counters were opened at 1:30 pm. Below was the conversation between the staff and me.

"Window seat or island seat?"
"Window seat, please, thank you."
"Sure. Are you flying anywhere after KL?"
"Erm, no..." I felt strange but I told him no, even though I was flying back to Langkawi after that. However, I didn't bother to tell him because, my connecting flight, was, via Air Asia. No point.

I thanked God when I have got my boarding pass and again, hushed myself to the departure hall.

Why did I have to pay tax? Why? Why? Why?

While making my way to the departure hall, of course, I did stop and browsed some of the nice duty free shops :)

Okay, the lounge of departure hall. Nothing can be bad now. I found myself a nice spot, and read my book.

2.45 pm. Something was wrong. The plane was not here whilst boarding time was 3.15 pm. My level of anxiety increased tremendously again. I started to take photos again. My book, my passport in my passport holder and my boarding pass.

Let me tell you what was the ending. My flight, MH 720 bound for KL from Jakarta, was DELAYED. I found out when I realized the plane was not there even though it was already 3 pm. No announcement has been made. The officer apologetically told me that the next flight was 6.20 pm! I almost fainted when I heard that because that indicated that, I can never make my way back to Langkawi because the last flight was 9.15 pm, which was what I booked. This whole drama explained why did I feel anxious since the moment I checked out.

I was stranded at Soekarno-Hatta airport for almost 6 hours. I took off at 7 pm. Touched down at KL, went through the immigration and claimed my luggage and it was almost 11 pm. I went to MAS customer service office in KLIA, hoping they will be able to assist me in some way. To my greatest disappointment, they didn't seem to be bothered, just because I was taking Air Asia for my connecting flight. Well done, Malaysia Airlines. (Oh yes, I am being sarcastic!)

I went to LCCT, hoping to get last minute ticket from Air Asia after being so disappointed with MAS. Wasn't able to make online booking anymore as the departure time was less than 24 hours. The ticket counter was, CLOSED when I reached LCCT at about 12 am and will only open again 5 am later. It's okay, I told myself to be strong.Went to the ladies, freshened myself and made my way to Starbucks. It's only 5 hours, no point traveling back-and-forth to home, which takes at least 1.5 hour one-way. I was exhausted. I didn't want to walk anymore, I just wanted to sit, and talk to my notebook.

Being surrounded by travelers from all around the world in Starbucks that night, I do think that I am adventurous now. Despite how many people commented the same when they got to know I travel alone very frequently, I always deny that but after overcoming this connecting flight shit all by myself, I have started to agree with them.. That night, I text Mag, who happened to be in Jakarta too. I said "Now I see the importance of a boyfriend. I need one now". Indeed. That particular night, that horrible 12 hours, I really wanted someone to comfort me, someone to pull my head to his chest, gently strokes my hair and says "It's okay, don't worry, you are back now. As long as you are back in one piece...", and let me weep like a baby.

For once, I did feel like crying. That intention flashed when I reached LCCT. After 3 seconds, my little heart told me:"For what? There ain't anybody here to listen to you crying. Stop acting like a little girl, pull yourself and solve this shit!" Oh, that gave me courage anyway. I didn't cry because I know, there is no one that I will feel like putting off my shield and cry (yet) :)

It was a disastrous nightmare when one spent 12 hours in two airports. I took off at 7.30 am on Monday, 9th August, first flight to Langkawi. I slept the moment I sat in the plane, till the moment I landed. I was exhausted. Guess what, I had an appointment scheduled at 12 pm that day. I made my way back to my apartment, took a great shower, and went to work after this long nightmare...

3 lessons learnt:
1. Do not take connecting flight
2. If I am ever forced to take connecting flight again, I will make sure I book the same airlines
3. Find someone who has a private jet :)

Lotsa love to all the individual travelers in the world Xx

Scandalous Stay

2010-08-19T00:46:00.001+08:00

My trip to Jakarta has been perceived like a "she-is-there-for-someone" trip. Everyone, well okay, maybe I have been exaggerating, but a great deal of people thought that I went there for my so-called scandal. Entschuldigen Sie! I have not, and even am not attached to anyone okay...

The story sounds like this: When I came back, uncountable people asked "Did you stay with him?" (Sorry, name will not be revealed due to privacy and I am sure he wants his name to be protected for his future target(s) / happiness, we are merely good friends :p) No, I stayed at the hotel. "So you got a free room / special rate?" No, I paid myself. What's wrong people? Why can't I be perceived as being someone independent for all these? Give me a break...

As mentioned, I stayed at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski for this short trip due to the superb location within the city. The hotel was known for it's legacy being a President-owned hotel. Checked some reviews online, found that the room rate was pretty reasonable and there I booked one room for myself (again, only for myself).

Got the hotel to arrange me airport transfer. Pheww, thank God that everything was smooth and I didn't get stucked at the airport, just like what happened in Bali. It took about an hour to reach the city center from Soekarno-Hatta airport, just like KLIA.

Woke up early in the morning to take the first flight has caused me to doze off in the very comfy Mercz. Phone rang. Darn. International call. Who would it be? Sigh. "Hello, Joe speaking.... Hi, I am doing good, but it's not really convenient for me to talk, I am now in Jakarta, can I call you back when I am back to my office on Monday? ... Thankssss, bye!"

That time I saw Le Meridien, and guess what? Da Vinci Tower! The building is spectacular and I knew I was already in city center (my knowledge on Jakarta is only limited to Jalan Sudirman, Plaza Senayan and Grand Indonesia). So I used my broken Bahasa slang to ask the driver "Ini Jalan Sudirman ya, Pak?" "Iya, ini Jalan Jendela Sudirman." SILENT again. Okay, I spent my time watching the traffic until I reached the hotel.

The lobby of Kempinski. It was awesomely stunning. I love the chair (the gray one behind this centerpiece). It was so chic and so comfy. Too bad, due to security concern, I was not allowed to take photos.

The very helpful concierge associate led me to my room. He was just so friendly, explained everything in my room, and suggested some local food and places of interest.

My room. Look at the generous-sized, fluffy bed babe! The interior is absolutely beautiful. After taking some photos and organized my luggage, I can't resist the temptation of this bed and went to sleep. Second darn. Phone rang again. Again! International call! Sigh. "Hi, Joe speaking... hi, oh I see. I am currently away, yes, you can get him to call me next week when he is there. Thanks, bye" One call from Australia and one call from Thailand, no more please.

Look at the working desk. Where? There! The transparent working desk. Isn't this ultra cool?

Watched some TV before falling asleep. Gosh, I have not been watching TV for so long. It's always precious to be able to catch the latest show, even watching Cartoon Network makes me happy these day :)

Saturday, 7th August. Just felt "human" again after suffering from a wine + beer + gin tonic hang over. Too lazy to step out for dinner. What I wanted to do that time was to wrap myself in the bathrobe and yes, watch TV and thus I got myself In-Room Dining. By the way, Kempinski's bathrobe is so thick and comfy, I even slept in it. I would have bought it if I have extra space in my luggage...

This was what made me did not feel like getting out of the room. The bathtub is huge. I filled it with slightly hot water, made a bubble bath, and soaked myself in it for a good 30 minutes.

Yun said I looked as if I have just woke up. Erm, no, I think I took this photo before I went to bed at 11 am and guess what, I woke up at 3 pm later. Oh, I have never done this before. I never slept the moment I checked-in to my room. Some good sleep and TV programs in a fab room can be nice treats for me, as simple as that now :)

Bear with Beer

2010-08-15T12:23:00.003+08:00

Oh, I am back to my long-abandoned blog. Still alive. Still some stories on Bali but I am gonna' say something else now. Have just spoiled myself with a short but great shopping trip to Jakarta. Stayed at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski (from 6th to 8th August) due the the superb location - the hotel is connected and situated right next to Grand Indonesia, the gigantic shopping town, heaven for a shopaholic like me...

The hotel is simply stunning, elegant but not too overwhelming, quite of my preference. Anyway, before I go further into the hotel and room, I want to start off with my beer story.

I don't know since when I don't really like beer, ever since I got addicted to hard liquor? Excuse me, don't give me that look, I am not AA nor Alcoholic nor I practice Alcoholism. I just prefer my gin and vodka. Kempinski has got a really cool microbrewery - Paulaner Brauhaus which serves fresh-brewed Bavarian beer. The first night, which was Friday, I went there with my friend to this happening place with live band, lotsa pretty girls, well-dressed top to toe and of course, beers are ubiquitous.

Tanks and tanks of beer are served every night I guess...

Did some catch up with him and was introduced to the really jovial and friendly brew master from Germany. Had two glasses of beer, one dark and one light, 500 ml each. Prior to that I had a glass of white wine for my dinner. Later, we hopped to a club nearby for more drinks. Great, no more beer, I had two gin tonic(s) there.

Got the brew master, Andreas (as shown in pic, haha, just kidding) to sign on the coaster for me to bring back as a small memento :)

This is the dark beer...

The consequence? We walked out from the club, and I was just, sigh... drunk and I had a hang over till 3 pm the next day. Don't ask me why. I don't know but I think I am going to blame the beer :p

The next day, we went to Paulaner again and I had the smallest beer (again). This time, the 300 ml-beer lasted me for more than 2 hours. I gave up. My beer was warm then. I had my gin tonic instead.

He commented:" You can never be a good Austrian or German or Swiss!" (Because of my low acceptance towards beer?) "It's okay laaa, I am a Malaysian (Chinese)!"

Oh, being surrounded by a bunch of Germans and German-speaking people that two nights made me feel regretted on why didn't I be more determined to learn German last time? It's not too late now I hope...

My luxurious experience at The St. Regis Bali Resort

2010-06-15T21:40:00.002+08:00

Love the black (Definitely one of my favourite colours), the exclusivity and the elegance, subtle but ubiquitous in the entire resort compound, even from the box of handmade chocolate received. Was thinking to splurge one night to pamper myself in The St. Regis Bali Resort, but it's just a lil' pricey for a solo trip. (It will be so different to go with loved one :p)

Thanks to Alfred, who is a close friend of Executive Chef from The St. Regis Bali, Oscar as well as a few other "key players" like Carlos and Yvonne in arranging a box of exclusive handmade chocolate for me prior to my arrival. I checked in to my room at The Westin Nusa Dua Bali and *daaah-raaah* I found a dark blue box nicely-wrapped with St. Regis ribbon, lying on my coffee table.

Curiosity urged me to unwrap that box immediately. I was THRILLED when I saw what's inside.

35 pieces of handmade chocolate. Oh, I LOVE chocolate. Look at these angels. Yvonne told me each piece costs 7, 000! (Rupiah, but still relatively expensive for ONE piece, even in our Ringgit). Echoing, Carlos told me that this box of chocolate was being transferred from St. Regis to the Westin via a Mercedes Benz, and uncountable phone calls were made in order to ensure this thing was being placed in my room prior to my arrival. OOohhh, I feel so VIP :)

In order to give my solo Bali trip a perfect ending, I went to the resort for my last supper (in Bali, of course). Once stepped in, I was surrounded by, elegance. The smell, the fixtures, the ambiance, everything...

Featuring the minimalist concept matches with earth-tone hues, black and soft lighting, the lobby is just so elegant, spacious and one-of-a-kind.

Apologize for the bad quality of photos taken despite using my brand new DSLR. It was all because of my cracked filter :(

*My sad story again, my camera was fallen to the ground when I was in the washroom in Kuta, and the consequences were the cracked filter and bad photos.*

I especially like this arrangement. I was "WOWed" (literally) when I saw this. The geometry patterns, all filled with petals in matching palette, decorates the entire staircase. Absolutely gorgeous and I think it takes enormous pain to do this everyday?

Boneka Restaurant. "Boneka serves breakfast and dinner in a colorful setting adorned with traditional Indonesian puppets.". (Boneka means puppets in Bahasa)

The restaurant is spacious, with touches of red in some of the furniture used.

I had buffet dinner on the night itself. Appetizer and desserts are on buffet basis while main course are on a la carte basis. Guests can choose 5 various courses from the menu, another brilliant move in penetrating the sense of exclusivity even though in buffet.

The appetizers are being placed in classy chinaware or cocktail glasses as such. I had the green tea soba, crab meat with melons and some sashimi.

One of my main course. Roasted duck with plum. Small portion, so that I can have more space for desserts :p

Sinigang ... Soup with pork and succulent prawn. The hint of sourness makes the entire soup really appetizing.

My FAVOURITE - Chocolate Macaroon...

Bear with my weak memory, I really can't recall what is this called. Exquisite little fruit tarts I think?

Chocolate fondue with various sweets to be dipped with. So luxuriously romantic...

Whisky sticks. Curious with how does this taste, I took one. The center was filled with sugar and liquor. The liquor was dripping once I took the first bite. Ooopppsss :p

This was how it looked :)

Whisky stick, green tea tiramisu and coconut ice-cream, denoted the perfect ending for my last dinner in Bali.

Arrrggg, how I wish I have the next vacation marked in my calender now :)

Lotsa love from my apartment in Langkawi...

A glimpse at The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali

2010-05-19T21:23:00.006+08:00

These photos brought great memories, as well as my sadness for not being able to stay in this stunning sister property. Sigh... How everyone highly-valued and positively commented The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali rang in my mind again...

The Laguna Resort & Spa in Bali is one of the properties under The Luxury Collection, situated just right next to The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua. An approximately 5-minute walk leads me to the gorgeous lobby. Why was I there? A dinner at the celebrated Ocean Terrace restaurant, with my generous ex-boss and her colleague.

*Okay, that compensated for not being able to stay there, they were fully-booked :( Well, a dinner was better than nothing*

The lobby can be described with ONE word - STUNNING. (I meant it, real stunning).Love the centrepiece, with all the little petals hanging down from the ceiling. The biggest drawback? Open-air. I was sweating like a pig when I reached the lobby.

The pool area. Sorry, the picture didn't portray the essence of Luxury Collection as I went there around 9 pm, for dinner :)

Ocean Terrace, one of the most renowned restaurants in Nusa Dua area. Woody but elegant. We were being seated in a small private area. The wind that night was strong, blowing my hair and I felt so sexy, haha...

It will be even better if we could have our dinner at the beach area. I love the lanterns. Okay, I am grateful, I couldn't ask for more :)

My appetizer - white diver scallops (according to my memory). The presentation was lovely and I am a scallop freak. I could have thousands of it (I am serious). This is great, despite a lil' salty.

Soooorrryyyy, I really can't remember the type of fish in my main course. But you will be recommended with the freshest selection if you were there so not to worry. You can choose from a variety of ways in cooking your selected fish too. I had it grilled with green grapes and hazelnuts accompanied.

Succulent wagyu beef with mashed potato and mushroom. So tempting and juicy... Mmmmmm....

If I were to visit Bali again, I will stay here for sure (provided my loyalty as a Starwood fan remains :p).

Love, xXx

What is time?

2010-05-19T19:27:00.004+08:00

Time? That's a strange concept for me whilst I was enjoying my sun, sea, food and so much more in Bali. No phone, no watch. ALL I have is my own sweet time.I woke up at my own preferred time, wandered a few rounds in my room, take a deep breath of fresh air at my balcony and only started to think what am I gonna do next for the rest of the day. What did I do? Nothing, oh, just laze around the stunning Nusa Dua beach. WHAT? Look at the below...

The Nusa Dua Beach is simply stunning. Plentiful of deck chairs to enjoy the sun. The sea is clear but was just so-the-opposite during low tide @@. I brought along "Sheer Abandon" by Penny Vincenzi and finished a few good chapters by the beach. Oh, am I in heaven? *Only better with the sight of good looking surfers...*

A looooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnggggggggg stretch of beach, connecting a few elegant beachfront Resorts, such as the Westin and Laguna. Too bad, wasn't able to catch sunset as it was gloomy during that few precious days. And I was not willing to drag myself out of my Heavenly Bed (it's really the iconic bed that can be found only at The Westin) to catch sunrise. I need my beauty sleep hallo...

This hut gives me a strong Balinese feel. Taken this in the evening, with breeze blowing, I was just calmed and relaxed while walking here...

What else to do in the morning? Enjoy a nice brekkie. I had my breakfast at Ikan Restaurant. Al-fresco dining, overlooking the sea. A bowl of healthy cereal is a must, with extra raisins and raw nuts!

My brekkie main course. Omelette, baked bean and pork bacon. Pardon me? Okay, I will repeat, PORK BACON. Oh, pork is omnipresent in Bali, even in the resort itself. Such a bless...

Miso soup with lotsa seaweed and tamago. The brekkie was great overall, but I still like the one with free-flow sparkling wine (uuurrr-hmmmm, like the one in Westin Langkawi :p)

Xx liebe...

The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua, Bali

2010-05-16T23:09:00.004+08:00

Being a Starwood die-hard fan (in certain circumstances), I have decided to stay in one of the sister properties for my solo Bali trip. First choice was not exactly (urrr-hmm) The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua in Bali but the other sister properties were all fully-booked. So, okay, here I came :)

Was first greeted by a traditional dancer upon arrival, (later the security check and scan @@). It was really personalized and "Balinese".

The facade is not really "Balinese" but interior is totally lovely. Wooden touches with a lot of candles and lively botanical arrangements.

I am sorta "soothed" when stepped into the lobby. It's HUGE, modern but with Balinese touches.Very elegant as well. Most importantly, it is air-conditioned...

I love the floating flowers at the entrance of the resort. Simple but gorgeous, and very zen too...

There are candles all around the resort at night, which I love so much. So romantic...

The lobby is a smoke free area and this is being placed on all the tables. I didn't know how I did this from my DSLR but I really really like the dark surrounding effect that compliments...

The welcome fruit platter and chocolate pralines, courtesy of the resort. Was really nice to see something on my coffee table when I checked-in to my room.

My room. Was not as nice as I thought but overall was quite cozy. The iconic King-size Heavenly Bed is simply heaven and too large for myself alone. I slept only on one side throughout the four nights. The housekeeper should be loving me for it :P

Camwhore the first thing after putting everyone in place :P

The main pool. Frankly I didn't swim in this pool even once. Most of the time I lazed around the beach area. They have a very cool water slide for kids. Would really love to try that but I am afraid they might not allow someone with big ass to spoil it :P

View from my room. The nice pathway leads me to the beach area....

Me, camwhore again in my room with the fuschia sarong that I bought for myself in Bali (it's unbelievably cheap and compliments my fuschia bikini :P)

More on Bali next (oh, don't give me that face, I have so much to tell...)

Love, Xx

Heading to Bali

2010-05-15T21:03:00.002+08:00

Yeah, I have finally made my way to the Islands of God, Bali, by myself. If you were to ask me for the thousandth time on why did I go to Bali alone, I am just gonna answer the same - I do not have a good travel partner, so I have decided to go there alone, after all, my colleagues are there anyway :)

It's been a loooooonnnnnggg time since I last flew with Malaysia Airlines. The ticket to Bali this time was just slightly more expensive than AirAsia, so I have decided to see how have they changed, looking at I have been warned on the quality of service.

Got my ticket finally. Oh, I have been missing this kind of "decent" air ticket than those which look like receipts. OK, that's what differentiate them with the low-cost airlines.

My lunch in the outbound flight to Bali. It was not nice, but better than nothing or having to purchase @@ The Ferrero Rocher compensated everything anyway.

Sipping white wine offered while watching "Tooth Fairy"... Dwayne Johnson is just simply gorgeous...

Was shocked when I touched down at Ngurah Rai Bali Airport. It doesn't look like an "airport", does it?

Another shock - the interior was worse. The immigration officers were *comment censored*. It took me nearly one hour to get rid of the immigration. Sigh...

Another nightmare at the immigration (again) upon departure. Please make sure you give yourself sufficient of time to catch your flight or the consequences? Stuck at the immigration with yelling toddlers, annoyed tourists and missed flight @@

I was blessed as they have allocated me a window seat at the FIRST row. Aaaaaahhh, extravagant space for my short legs...

My late lunch in my inbound flight coming home. It was, sigh, served very late and horrible. (And no Ferrero Rocher!)

Don't ask me which archipelago is this. Java? I have no idea...

The super clear blue sky denotes a perfect ending of my solo Bali trip...

More stories on Bali up next xXx

Back to Home. Back to City

2010-05-09T14:35:00.002+08:00

Home is where your heart lies. My heart undeniably lies in my city home. I have finally got myself a slightly-more-than-two-weeks leave and now posting this blog in the comfort of my very own home :)

Look at my table calender (which is being placed in my aquarium-like office). Those marked with a love sign doesn't mean I will be meeting my lover okay, it simply indicates how happy I am to be able to go home and meet everyone... (Look what I have scribbled on 24th as well...)

Leaving the isolated island on a Saturday morning. Sipping Chamomile Jing Tea whilst flipping newspaper, and chatting with the friendly and extremely helpful Airport Rep in the elegant and cozy Westin Airport Lounge. Waiting to go on-board isn't that bad now. This Lounge is simply fabulous, how I wish there will be more similar "Westin" cocoons in airports, and I will never think that time wasted in waiting to go on-board is another great torture, especially while traveling alone.

Oh not to forget, Bali here I come (tomorrow)!!!

Sweet things in life

2010-03-28T16:22:00.000+08:00

Oh, my hard-to-please mood is on again and I do need to be treated like princess now :( I have just told my friend that life is bitter enough, that's why desserts and sweets are invented. I am not really into ultra sweet dessert, but good ones, especially chocolate and ice-cream are definitely irresistible. I love colourful macaroons, they are stunning but I don't really like eating them, merely watching them makes me feel good. I know, I am a weirdo, as always.

Lavender-Bailey cupcake from Cupcake Chic. This is absolutely adorable, very princess like with the little white bow on top - but I prefer their chocolate cupcake - brutto ma buono (ugly but good - well the chocolate one is not really ugly, but just not as adorable as the purple one :P)

Eclairs and swiss roll from a Japanese restaurant in Subang., can't remember the name of the shop. It's recommended by my friend who loves desserts crazily. The eclairs in three flavours - caramel, green tea and chocolate were okay but the green tea swiss roll was way too sweet for me.

Regardless what others tell me how good are Big Apple and Krispy Kreme, I remain as a HUGE Fan of JCo. This Indonesian chain makes the best donuts. They now have the mini version, 24 in a box if not mistaken. K bought this for me when I was very mad with him one time. I ended up finishing half portion of these - which was 12 of it. Love the chocolate, green tea and cheese flavours.

I can never resist green tea ice cream. This one is from Times Square, can't remember the name of the shop as well, and not quite sure whether the shop exists still...

Baskin Robbins ice-cream with chocolate waffle topped with specially requested biscotti. These are hokey-pokey with tea & scones. Flavours which are not available in where I am :(

Oh, sugar rush... The island offers nothing like this... Am I being too skeptical? Guess so...

Where will I be next?

2010-03-28T15:32:00.000+08:00

My heart is urging me to go for a break, so as my mind and my body. I seriously need a break from all these. I found that my EQ is getting better when I am here, at least, I can't remember when was the last time I lost my temper and banged / crashed thing. Oh, of course, I pulled my face in certain circumstances, after all, I'm a human being.

When can I get a nice break to wherever I want to? I have plenty, hundreds of places in my mind that I would love to go, it's just, too little time, and call me a nut or even sissy, I don't go certain places without companionship. Well, I am not a coward, at least, some places are to go with loved one.

I missed nice airports. I missed packing my stuffs and looking forward to where will I be next. Will I be in the Island of Gods next, finding myself enjoying the extravagant life? I hope so.

After all, I missed enjoying the beautiful skies while I am flying 30, 000 feet in the air...

Lotsa love from me, sitting in my favourite spot at Starbucks on a usually boring Sunday...

Breakfast by the Bed

2010-01-11T01:25:00.006+08:00

Writing this blog in not a very good mood, but still feel like blogging it, before the inspiration faded, and before I am back to the isolated island again. When I am back there, I think it's gonna take me ages to blog... well yeah, its becaue I procrastinate sometimes, but Internet access is still huge problem...

Was talking to a guy friend of mine two days ago and he mentioned something about "sex in the morning", okay people, DO NOT ever think that I am a slut or a prosmiscuous woman who tries to solicitate something immoral here, I am about to write my personal experience of ... well, not the one I mentioned earlier, but a fabulous experience of having breakfast by the bed (guys, it's the real EDIBLE breakfast, not what you have in mind okay...)

Travelled to Singapore very frequent few months ago. M was generous enough to provide the guestroom in his house to accommodate me during my days there. The entire family has been great and warm. The morning before I departed from the house, when everyone was left to work, I was packing my stuffs in my room and someone knocked my room. I opened, it was his maid, carrying a tray with her. Guess what? It was breakfast!

Just a glass or warm water, a glass of hot drink, toasts with peanut butter and fruits - all in a tray. I thankfully took the tray from her and placed it on my bed. Having ample of time before catching my flight, I took my own sweet time to enjoy the breakfast. With sunlight beaming gently through the window, I was sitting on the bed, reading Cecelia Ahern's "Where Rainbows End" and enjoy my breakfast, what a lovely morning...

My breakfast by the bed before my holiday ends, maybe Cecelia's Ahern should write something like "Where Holidays End" after this "Where Rainbows End"...

Well, breakfast by the bed will be even greater when it is shared with someone you love. How I wish, there will be someone gently waking me up from my sleep, wishing me a great morning with a kiss on my forehead and lay the breakfast before me. What to serve? Toast with honey, or even better, pancake with maple syrup or omelette (with cheese, mushroom and capsicum - guess I am asking too much huh??) and fresh fruits will be totally lovely! To make it an even romantic one, a glass of Veuve Clicquot will be superbly perfect.

Well, whether or not to have additional plus thing between both of you before or after the breakfast is yet another story - which I will not further elaborate here, this is a food blog hello....

Lotsa love from home in KL, before I go to bed.

T, thanks for the inspiration, and M, thanks for the fabulous breakfast (served by your maid in fact)...

First Thai dinner in the Island

2009-12-18T18:07:00.018+08:00

I told Shirley that I am bored and didn't know where to have dinner. The socialite of Langkawi (almost like a Nicole Richie) was kind enough to bring me out for dinner (how sweet). We went to the much celebrated "Wan Thai" for some nice Thai food.

I have been starving for hours, have no extra energy to think of anything so I told Ms. S (initial for both Socialite and Shirley) to recommend the food. We then settled with pandan chicken, otak-otak and steamed sea bass.

Our dearly beloved socialite ... looking so pretty while concentrating taking food shots...

The pandan chicken ... taste better if the chicken is more tender...

I was very surprised when I see this otak-otak, the one that I usually have is flat, wrapped in banana leaves and tossed over fire. But this one is good too, very appetizing...

The steamed sea bass - or Pek Sak in Thai. This dish is fabulous, fresh and tangy with the spicy clear broth. Just so damn good!!

Fruit shake - pineapple (left) and mango. Perfectly blended with fresh fruit. A must order beverage (recommended by socialite too :p)

The food is pretty good overall, at a very reasonable price. For a sumptuous dinner like this, it costs merely RM 30 ++ per head. It's so far, one of the best dinner I had during my life in this small island :)

Wan Thai Restaurant

80-82, Langkawi Mall,
Dundung, Kuah,
07000 Langkawi.

Tel: 604.966.1214

My first sunset dinner

2009-11-27T17:49:00.008+08:00

I am blessed to be where I am now, at least I feel better when I tell myself that. I can find good food easily (not really actually, but there are good food around in the island), even though I get to do the same in KL as well. Well the difference is, sometimes I get to eat by the beach, overlooking the stunning sunset and that's a big plus I can't find in KL isn't it?

Went to Pantai Cenang on the November 15 and had dinner with my colleague at Beach Garden Resort, which is famously known for their German food. Hurrr, I was like a kid (literally) as I was thrilled when I set my feet on the sandy beach, oh dear, the sands are so smooth. I CAN'T wait any longer as I ran to the sea, get my feet wet once I have ordered my food.

To bad, it was a lil' cloudy that day but I was still happy to see the sunset... which was absolutely gorgeous...

I love this photo, without any reason, just find it nice but the photos shows some signs of sadness though, maybe it was cloudy and kinda dark.

I settled with a parmesan-crusted seabass served with garlic bread and tomato xxx (can't really remember the name, salsa something...arghhh) as well as a glass of pina colada (sorry, forgot about the photo, was too thirsty and thrilled being in the beach!!!). Both were good. I am not a big fan or tomatoes but they tasted well and edible for me, guess the chef did some magic and made them sweet, instead of the normal sour tomatoes.

Despite I can't go shopping whenever I like in KL, can't catch the latest releases in the cinema and hang-out with besties, my life in this small little island is still pretty good so far. At least, again, I am surrounded by fabulous beaches and I can go there, wherever I like, whether to eat, to sun-bath, or merely to be alone...

Did I or did I not have a sunset dinner when I came for vacation here last year? Can't remember but I don't think so. It's okay, I can have it, whenever I want now.

Lotsa love from this small paradise and will update whenever possible...

Beach Garden Resort

Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi

Al fresco dining by the beach

Specialty: German cuisines, fresh seafood, steaks, pastas and wide ranges of imported beers.

604-955 1363

http://www.beachgardenresort.com/

Macaroon Part 2

2009-08-23T12:19:00.009+08:00

Received a box of CANELÉ macaroons from Singapore few days ago. Was thrilled and surprised. Thank you so much.

This orange round box houses twelve litte colourful angels...

Colourful angels lying in the round box...

Purple, yellow, white, pink, green... these beautiful colours brightened up my day...

7 left :) They look like big palette of eyeshadows,,,

Close-up. Rasberry, violet and the "special edition" macaroon in yellow...

Two of my favourite colours and flavours. They taste so well with being mixed together...

Xian DIng Wei (鲜定味), Sunway Pyramid

2009-08-16T14:02:00.013+08:00

It was so long since the General Manager of Michelangelo's, Hans told me that the company he was then working for opened a new Taiwanese restaurant in Sunway Pyramid. Works and personal stuffs have kinda procrastinated my trip to try the food there. Being a big fan of Michelangelo's (though they don't offer an impressive wine list), I am interested with this newly opened Taiwanese restaurant which is under the same wing of Michelangelo's.

Paid a visit on August 15, Saturday. What really impressed me on the first thing is the interior. Cosy but kinda elegant with walls, lamps and lounges in rich purple. It's so nice. Being starved for hours, I was being attempted with all the food shown in the menu. Finally, I settled with a chicken set, a mini hot pot, spicy dumplings and drinks.

Drinks: Dragon fruit juice (in purple, RM 5.90) and the famous Taiwanese specialty - Pearl Milk Tea in honey dew flavour (in green, RM 4.90). Hmm, nothing so special. Recommend to try a wide selection of fruit teas being offered there.

The special peanut sauce for the mini hot pot. Get ready for the heat!

Chicken set for the mini hot pot (RM 23.90). Pork and beef set are also available. Comes with side dishes like fishballs, clams, prawns, crabmeat, glass noodles, corn and variety of mushrooms. You can also order additional dishes like cabbage, mushrooms and meat from the menu. We added enoki mushroom and glass noodles... YUMM...

Ingredients all in into this pot of SUPER HOT mini HOT pot. We ordered mini hot pot with Taiwanese hot & spicy broth - 麻辣汤. HOT & SPICY broth with red chili oil floating on top of it = numbness in your tongue. You may opt for the normal clear soup or herbal soup if you can't take spicy food. Or my advice? Request few glasses of water if you have the intention of ordering this.

A closer shot at the mini HOT pot (super HOT actually, just mini in size). Notice the red hot chili oil lingering between all the ingredients? But it is indeed excitingly delicious...

Another main course - The three-cup chicken set - 三杯鸡

(RM 18.90). Comes with rice, soup of the day and side dishes like marinated squid, brinjal and fried crab meat (which turned out to be a disaster, it's awful, guess they've fried it and left it there for a long time).

The chicken is considered flavorful and good, cook with 1 cup of soya sauce, 1 cup of sesame oil and 1 cup of liquor (Shao Xing I guess) and some spices - thus being called three-cup chicken.

I love dumplings and will order them whenever possible. This is the spicy dumplings with chili oil and vineger (RM 7.90 for 6 pieces). Not too bad, quite fresh with minced pork and bouncy prawns but I still prefer those in Dragon-I.

The interior. Rich and velvety purple is beig tastefully used here.

Xian Ding Wei Taiwanese Tea Room - 鲜定味 (Casual Dining - Non Halal).

Address: OB 3, LG1.7 and 1.8, Oasis Boulevard, Lower Ground Floor, Sunway Pyramid Mall.(Right next to Jusco)

Tel: 603 - 5631 3322

Well, this is not a bad choice if you want some nice Taiwanese food. Though not being 100% authentic I'd say, but overall food can be considered quite nice and is indeed a warm palce to hang out with besties :)

Love, xoxo

Hong Kong Dessert

2009-08-13T00:24:00.012+08:00

I love sweet stuffs and I am blessed that I don't have diabetes till now (fingers crossed)...
A Hong Kong dessert shop in Taman Usahawan Kepong, near to Metro Prima has been gaining extensive publicity lately. Paid a visit and tried a few “unconventional” desserts.

Direct translation "Hong Kong Dessert Brother", weird name isn't it? But it is said that all the desserts here are authentic Hong Kong style desserts.

How should I describe this? Shaved-ice with vanila ice-cream. mango, banana, dried longan and some sesame-like seed. An innovative combination I would say. Tastes like, nothing special, like putting different ingredients together and make sure it's a bowl of edible dessert :)

The mango (yellow) and durian (green) pancake. So-so as well...

A really nice presentataion, with various fruits like banana (again),peaches, watermelon and kiwi. Underneath the fruits are nata de coco and grass jelly. Light sweetener is served together. You may opt to pour the sweetener to give it a little taste. This dessert wins in terms of presentation, tastes normal but it's not something I can find outside.

The famous Hong Kong dessert - Mango puree with sago and pomelo. How good is it? Hmmm, I am not a big fan of this dessert, but it's good in terms of the thick and pure mango puree.

I think I will be back. For some nice fruits with nata de coco. The main reason is, the shop is so near to my house and it's a good place to hang out with besties if not wanting to wander far to the town area for some comfort food. A good place to go with your loved ones? Oh, it depends, how sweet would you wanna be?

Hong Kong Dessert

Address: D-G-6, Jalan Metro Perdana 3, Taman Usahawan Kepong (behing Carrefour Kepong)

Tel: 603 - 6251 0209

Prices range from RM 4 to RM 10 ++

Lotsa Love, XOXO

The oh-so-sweet Macaroons

2009-08-12T23:33:00.014+08:00

Guess the French will always be proud of their cuisine, well, shouldn't they? At least I think they should be superbly proud with their MARACOONS! This little colourful sweet thing is just innocently beautiful and even a cold-hearted people like me will have an unexplainable soft spot for it.

Found the most beautiful Macaroons in CANELÉ Singapore last month, they were like, Angels, yeah, angels without wings but they are no doubt adorable. Each in a petite size of merely 5 cm in diameter, and comes in 12 different colours and flavours. I grabbed a dozen of different flavours, in purple, pink, white, beige, brown, orange, green... all being neatly arranged in the box. Trust me, it's the prettiest thing I have ever seen.

CANELÉ Pâtisserie Chocolaterie in Paragon, Singapore.

These little angels, aren't they wonderful?

Macaroons like these speak thousand words.

A huge array of desserts available at CANELÉ.

The much celebrated GODIVA under the Valiram Group in KL Pavilion does offer macaroons as well - gigantic pistachio macaroons with heavenly chocolate in the center. Well, it tastes good but doesn't look as great as the petite macaroons from CANELÉ.

The pistachio macaroon from GODIVA cafe, KL Pavilion. It is huge, almost the size of a doughnut...

The chocolate in the centre is sinful, a perfect balance between dark and milk chocolate...

When I saw the photo I snapped in CANELÉ, I told myself, I will melt for someone who will buy me macaroons like that but sad thing happened thereafter though. So if anyone of you happened to know any place in KL that sells beautiful macaroons like those from CANELÉ, do let me know :)

CANELÉ Macaroons (Paragon, Singapore): SGD 2.30 / piece, SGD 28.50 for 1 dozen in gift box
GODIVA Pistachio Macaroons (Pavilion, KL): RM 14.90 / piece

Till then, lotsa love, XOXO and more food expeditions coming up next!