Friday, October 15, 2010

Fantastic fou(d)

My colleagues and I decided to have a cheeky long lunch yesterday so we battled the scorching sun and walked the 500 metres to Robinson Road to a quirky little french cafe, Fou de fafa. 



Even before we managed to study the menu, we knew the food was going to be the sex! Every table was taken (good thing we made reservations beforehand) and spread with glorious fresh food!

The colourful chalkboard menu, scrawled with the cutest food names, was mesmerizing! I was inclined to read each and every item, including the wacky descriptions that followed. 

My colleagues ordered a couple of pizzas to share, one had a smoked salmon sandwich and I ordered the Kue Sa Dilla (quesadilla). The food took a while to arrive but we were prepared to wait, especially since all the food was made fresh. By the time they arrived, we had worked up quite an appetite - which was just as well because the portions are very generous!


The pizzas seem to be their speciality, as almost every table had ordered a serving, perfect for sharing. But they aren't what you expect of a typical pizza. The crust, ultrathin and airy, is full of crunch. It isn't loaded with sauce and cheeses, but is instead topped with fresh produce like rocket tossed in dressing and shredded chicken. 

Even the quesadilla (under $14) is incredibly unique. Void of any mexican flavour, my lightly toasted flat bread was filled with shredded chicken in a curry cream dressing and cubes of tomatoes. It also comes with a side bowl of salad.

If you're feeling extra naughty at lunch, you can order a glass of their house wine at only $7.50. 

More than just a themed cafe with good organic food, Fou de fafa offers warm, efficient service. According to one of the signs in the cafe, you're more than welcome to ask the staff for a hug! 

So if you work in the CBD and haven't ventured into Fou de fafa, I highly recommend that you do. Don't forget to make reservations!



168 Robinson Road 
Capital Tower #01-05
Singapore 068912

+65 63279418


Thursday, October 7, 2010

eCreative Cakes

I know guys aren't really very big on birthday cakes but since I decided on a golf theme for the other half's surprise birthday party last saturday, I thought I'd go all the way with it and order a golf cake as well!


Fancy cakes are usually quite expensive but I managed to find a lovely bakery with a full online catalogue of cakes they've done before. 


Cake does not include golf ball candles.


What's more, the ordering process is easy-peasy! They take orders over the phone. All you have to do is quote the cake code you want off their website, give them all the details they need and you can even pay by credit/debit card or atm bank transfer to their POSB account! 


As if ordering a cake doesn't get any easier, the prices quoted on their website INCLUDES delivery to any address of your choice. They're quite prompt too. My delivery was scheduled from 6pm to 8pm but it arrived just before 6pm. 


Fancy cakes can be quite expensive but eCreative prices are extremely reasonable, especially for the quality of cakes they offer. My chocolate sponge cake with blueberry filling was so moist and yummy, everybody at the party really enjoyed it!


Here are some of my favourite eCreative creations:





So the next time you're planning a special occasion and need a cool cake for your party, do give eCreative a try! All their cakes are Halal certified by MUIS. 


Ku De Ta, MBS



Last weekend I took the other half up to Ku De Ta at the Marina Bay Sands Skypark for dinner to celebrate his birthday. Seeing as he would be away in Italy playing golf on his actual birthday, I decided to mark the occasion a week early instead. 


I made reservations as soon as they were taking them, even before they opened officially on 22 September 2010. Ku De Ta Bali comes highly recommended (even though I've never been) so I was definitely excited to dine there. Not to mention, I've been told the views from the skypark are just spectacular. 

Ku De Ta Bali

Well, they were right. The views were breath taking! We were blessed with lovely weather that day, so we could see the entire city skyline on one side and the sea on the other, all the way from the 57th floor.

Views from Ku De Ta Singapore
The concept of sharing food at Ku De Ta meant that the food arrived in single dishes and in small portions. You can, of course, request for all the dishes to arrive together, which was what we did. 

My favourite dish definitely had to be the black angus ribeye, served with braised onion and coriander butter. The meat was exquisitely tender and juicy. The quality meat was complemented by the chilli braised onions, which added a sharp burst of flavour. 

For more information on the menus, visit www.kudeta.com.sg

You can't find the prices on the menus listed on their website, but the food is relatively reasonably priced. Expect to pay at least $100 per head, which includes warm service and stunning views of the city. 

The one thing I didn't really like about the experience were all the people who paid $20 to walk around the skypark. I personally felt that this took away a lot of the grandeur and exclusivity of the establishments at the skypark. Especially on a weekend evening, the place was packed - not to mention a 200 metre queue that snaked around the side of the building; curious people (mostly locals) armed with their cameras waiting for what seemed like hours just to have a feel of the view from the top of Singapore's most talked about building today. I hope that at some point they would discontinue allowing non-hotel and non-restaurant patrons up onto the skypark. 

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

The Boyband Era

I was going through my twitter feed earlier and an old school pal posted lyrics to a Backstreet Boys song.

I'm ashamed to say, I used to love the Backstreet Boys. You could even say I was obsessed at one point - the sappy declarations of love, the cheesy music video closeups of Nick Carter seranading to me through the television, the synchronized choreography and lip syncing. But hey, I was 12. 

So 12 years later, I decided to put on a BSB  YouTube playlist at work, amused that I can still remember every lyric of every song they released in the 90s.

As I silently mouthed the words to "I'll Never Break Your Heart" and "Anywhere For You", I realized that they are the ones to blame for some of the idealistic (and highly unrealistic) expectations of love and relationships rampant in my generation. Well BSB per se, but rather the boyband boom of the 90s with their exaggerated songs of eternal and unconditional devotion. My 80s babies will know exactly what I'm talking about.

If we take a closer look at these lyrics, we'll now realize how stupid the songs really are.

1. I'll Never Break Your Heart by the Backstreet Boys
I'll never break your heart
I'll never make you cry without you
I'll give you all of me
I'd rather die than live

Yeah, right.

2. Anywhere For You by the Backstreet Boys
I'd walk halfway around the world
For just one kiss from you
The sun, the stars, the mo
Far beyond the call of love As long as your love's there to lead me
the darkest night you know
I won't lose my way, believe me

Now, I'm a true romantic but you've got to be kidding!

They're very catchy, sure. But I guess that's the intention with which all the songs were written... catchy love bug songs that give naive young women everywhere a false impression of love in the 3rd degree. It's no wonder that popular music tastes have now evolved into angsty punk songs. 

Friday, September 24, 2010

Happiest Birthday

My birthday this year revolved around some really awesome bars with some really awesome friends.

Blu Jaz Cafe
 
 

I invited some of my closest friends and then some whom I hadn't seen for a while for dinner, drinks and a puff at Blu Jaz Cafe, located at 11 Bali Lane, in the cultural heart of the city centre. This intimate little bar boasts ample al fresco seating, a cosy interior and even a private party room on the upper floors. You'd be very pleased to find that the food is very yummy, served in generous portions and yet extremely reasonably priced. I think Blu Jaz is a great hangout, for their beer towers and their flavoured hookahs. 

Fabrika
 
 
 

On Wednesday, the day of my actual birthday, some colleagues and I decided to have some drinks in the newly opened Fabrika bar that sits on the open space of the 17th floor of our office building, Tower Fifteen on Hoe Chiang Road. The snazzy bar is decked in modern zen furnishings, softly illuminated by romantic lanterns and lamps. On a good day, the cool dawn breeze just welcomes you as you sink into one of Fabrika's plush armchairs or inviting daybeds. Smokers are allocated high tables near the edge with views of Keppel, a rare comfort from tiny stuffy smoking corners in most bars in Singapore. But ambience aside, Fabrika offers 1-for-1 from 5pm to 9pm daily on all loose alcohol drinks. This includes champagne, which my colleagues and I guzzled gleefully after a full day at work, while enjoying the setting sun in the blushing distance.

Gem Bar & Lounge
 
 
 

After the loveliest dinner at Senso on Saturday evening, the better half led me to a cheeky surprise party at our favourite bar on Ann Siang Hill. I was so bowled over to see almost all our good friends there and smiling. It completely made my year, much less my week! As if having my lovely friends there with me wasn't enough, he ordered a big bouquet of foil balloons, remembered that I love strawberry swirl cheesecake and even got the cutest Disney princess paper plates for the cake. I really couldn't have asked for anything more; I went to bed totally contented that night... only to find it just keeps getting better the next morning when I woke up to my iPad! I personally thought that Gem was the perfect location to host the surprise get together. There was enough room to fit all my friends, with the serious drinkers spilling over onto the bar and the others sprawled across the luscious sofas. The staff were very attentive, did their best to make everyone feel comfortable and we really did. 

Hence concluded one of the best and happiest birthdays I've ever had. 


Wednesday, September 15, 2010

twenty-four!

It's been a pretty trying week but the day has finally arrived - I turn twenty-four.


My cat Billy took a turn for the worst last Saturday and had to be rushed to the hospital. He was discharged yesterday and is home but not fully recovered yet.

Nevertheless, I had a fantastic dinner and some drinks with my closest friends at Blu Jaz Cafe on Bali Lane on Monday evening. Today, I'm visiting the rooftop bar on our office building with my colleagues (who have all just learned that I am officially the youngest associate in the company) for more birthday drinks, and I still have a birthday surprise this Saturday (planned by the better half) to look forward to. I guess no matter how challenging the year has been, I can still count myself incredibly blessed.

Through the wonders of social networking technology, my phone has been beeping nonstop with facebook notifications of friends taking the time to leave some love on my wall. I think it's amazing that people I haven't seen in years and acquaintances I've only just met spared a moment today to think of me.

Presents, cake and celebrations aside, this is what birthdays should be about - knowing you exist.

Thank you one and all for the kind thoughts and warmest wishes. Have a lovely Wednesday!

Monday, September 6, 2010

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

My Birthday Wishlist 2010

It's September!

That means that it's exactly TWO WEEKS until I turn 24 21 (again)!

I've been giving this list a lot of thought for about a month now. In fact, some of these items have been on here for years so I am more determined than ever to cross off every item before my next (21st) birthday. 

To be honest, I feel as though I don't have much to celebrate this year. It's been a rough year and I just really want to get it over and done with. There will be no big get together, or not one that I have planned anyway. 2010 is just depressing so I'll save it for an even bigger one in 2011. 

But just because I'm not throwing a big fancy party doesn't mean that I don't get big fancy presents, right? (Even if I do buy them myself... hehe)

So here goes...

 
Mary Poppins & The King and I DVDs
I've loved these classic movies ever since I was a kid! How could one forget Supercalifragilisticexpialigocious and Getting To Know You?

 

Big Beautiful Eyes by Benefit & Urban Decay Brow Box
After my girlfriend started selling Benefit, Too Faced and Urban Decay makeup, I've since become obsessed with these two items in particular. 

 
Marc Jacobs Daisy EDP & Versace Bright Crystal EDT
My two essential scents.

 
Apple iPad 64GB Wifi + 3G & Apple iPhone 4 32GB
Once you go Mac, you never go back... It's so true!

 
Baking / Thai Cookbooks
I love to cook (when I can find the time, or when I can be bothered to clean up the mess) so these would be lovely! Since getting a new oven, I've grown some cahones to try baking but I've only gotten as far as brownies out of a box. 

Gourmet Picnic Basket Set
I've always wanted one of these! Who doesn't like picnics?!


SGD200 credit on www.asos.com

SGD1000 credit on Comfort Driving Centre
You'd be amused to know that I took my Basic Theory test when I turned 18... failed, and then never bothered again. Yes, I - top student at O levels - failed my Basic Theory driving test. 

Korg SP170 88-key Digital Piano in White & Piano Lessons
This is something I've been wanting to do since forever but just never got around to it. With the YouTube covers boom, I'm inspired again. 

Long lasting AA batteries
This is actually an inside joke, but seriously would come in handy.

Kate Spade Cornelia Street Noel Stevie


  
Return to Tiffany Charm Bracelet & Solitaire Diamond Necklace
I actually got a solitaire diamond pendant from a friend a couple years back but am very ashamed to say (like most of the other jewelry that people have bought for me) that I lost it. ):

Fitness First Passport
There's a Fitness First right by my office that offers great classes and I would ideally like to pop in at least twice a week. (Emphasis on IDEALLY)

Scrapbooking Kit
I've been wanting to do this for ages! I collected so many photographs and momentos from everywhere but always got overwhelmed while I attempted to shop for scrapbooking supplies. From wanting to buy everything, I decided to buy none at all. Hence, it still remains a far off idea.

    Friday, August 27, 2010

    Mariah Carey to perform at Singapore Grand Prix 2010!

    For more information, click on the image above.

    When I was a kid, my friends wanted to be scientists, pilots, architects... me? I wanted to be Mariah Carey. 

    I don't care what people have to say about her now. To me... she will always be that amazing singer I grew up listening to everyday. The first songs I sang were hers - with a hairbrush, remote control or my mum's can of hair spray as a microphone. 

    I can't wait to watch her at the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix next month!

    Thursday, August 26, 2010

    AWOL

    For those of you who have been waiting for the post on that day trip to Sweden, I apologise but you may have to wait a little longer. 


    My cat Billy is experiencing urinary obstruction and I'm spending all my spare time cuddling him back to health. 

    In the meantime, this is a shout out to all the readers from out of Singapore. My analytics have shown increase in readership from across the globe so to you, my unsuspecting friend from far away, hello! (: 

    On the other hand, I can't forget about my local readers as well so hello there! In fact, I've just stumbled upon an interesting read for my fellow Singaporeans, and the new addition to my recommended blogroll: Diary of A Singaporean Mind by Lucky Tan.

    Also, for scoop on upcoming interesting events and activities, check back with my Calendar on the right-hand navigation bar for details like free movie screenings, 53A's album launch and Chunkfest; updated weekly.

    I'm planning a whole slew of exciting articles and columns for the blog but I can't get the ball rolling until my Billy gets better soon! Have a great weekend, everyone! xx

    Tuesday, August 24, 2010

    Danish Wedding

    The main reason for the trip to Copenhagen was really to attend the wedding of a lovely couple named Christa and Miguel. 

    The ceremony was held in the most ornate church I've ever seen, the Trinitatis Kirke (Trinity Church) which is at the annex of the famous Rundetaarn (Round Tower), originally built as an observatory by King Christian IV between 1637 and 1642. 


    Unfortunately, we didn't manage to tour the observatory, which is famous for the magnificent views of the city as well its unique interior architecture but the church alone was already very beautiful. 

    The walls were draped in renaissance gold ornaments and armies of angel statues. 


    The ceremony was lead by a female priest (I'm unsure if this is the right term to use?) and was held in Danish. The bride wore a beautiful bustier gown and was radiating as her father walked her down the aisle. All the guests who had flown in from various parts of the world - Singapore, Italy, England - tried our best to follow the hymns throughout the ceremony but were somehow sparked into infectious giggles halfway through the ceremony! We really didn't mean to (sorry Christa!) but for some strange reason a wave of giggles spread across the vibrating pews and we were in red knots trying to stifle our laughter. 

    It was unfortunate that the rains were pouring down on us as we walked from the church to the reception at Vartov but once we were all dry and warm indoors, the champagne begun flowing and mingling was in order. 

    We sat down to an intimate dinner of no more than 40 guests. (In Singapore, wedding receptions usually serve anywhere from 200 to 2000 people!) The food was delicious and thoughtfully matched with appropriate wines. 

    My favourite part about celebrating Christa and Miguel's union was participating in the Danish wedding traditions!

    Apparently, whenever the groom left the room, the male guests would gather in a line and take turns to kiss the bride! The same was true whenever the bride left the room! It was so fun that I think I want to incorporate this in my wedding, just for the sheer fun of it. 




    Another tradition we witnessed was the bride and groom having to dance a waltz before midnight. All the guests gathered around the couple as the danced and slowly inched closer, crowding the couple so they could not move. At that point, the men took hostage of Miguel, removed his shoes and cut the ends of his socks! Apparently, the girls were meant to cut the bride's veil into pieces but smart Christa didn't wear one to the reception. 

    Various wedding traditions can be similar - like fathers walking brides down the aisle - or completely unique and being at Christa and Miguel's wedding prompted me to google for other interesting wedding traditions! My favourite local custom is still the Chinese Tea Ceremony, especially the part when the groom and his mates will have to do all sorts of crazy things in a bid to see and collect his bride. The next portion where the couple serves tea to their parents is one I highly regard as well. I remember crying bucketloads the day my best friend had to serve tea to her parents, as well as her grand parents who proudly flew all the way from Philippines to see their granddaughter get married. 

    Choosing a date for the wedding is one of the utmost important things to do when planning. Here are a couple of traditional rhymes to help you decide:

    Monday for wealth
    Tuesday for health
    Wednesday the best day of all
    Thursday for losses
    Friday for crosses
    Saturday for no luck at all

    Married when the year is new, he'll be loving, kind and true.
    When February birds do mate, You wed nor dread your fate.
    If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you'll know.
    Marry in April when you can, Joy for Maiden and for Man.
    Marry in the month of May, and you'll surely rue the day.
    Marry when June roses grow, over land and sea you'll go.
    Those who in July do wed, must labour for their daily bred.
    Whoever wed in August be, many a change is sure to see
    Marry in September's shrine, your living will be rich and fine.
    If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry.
    If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come, remember.
    When December snows fall fast, marry and true love will last.

    Men planning to propose to their brides on a budget can take a page from the Welsh book of marriage proposals and present their brides to be with a spoon carved out from wood, which the woman has to wear around her neck with a ribbon, as a sign of their engagement! How's that for dodging having to pay thousands of dollars for a diamond ring?



    You can also save yourself a massive hangover by doing what the Germans do; instead of holding hen and stag nights, they celebrate by bringing old crockery to throw outside the couple's house. It is believed that broken crockery bring good luck and the more pieces shattered, the more luck the bride and groom will have. Cleaning up would be a feat though!

    In Australia, the bride tries for good luck by carrying a horseshoe over their arms.




    And instead of throwing a bridal bouquet, single ladies in Peru participate in an activity where a charm is hidden in between the layers of the wedding cake. Strings of ribbon stick out of the cake but only one is tied onto the charm. The woman who pulls on the ribbon with the charm is the one to marry next. 

    Tomorrow, more on our day trip to Sweden!