The 10000th mark

Gosh! I don't even know where to start!

I knew this would come but I didn't expect it to come this fast since it was only 52 days since the last milestone. Still I'm very happy to tell all you readers out there that as of the end of May 2012, this food blog has reached it's 10000th pageviews! I couldn't assess Google Analytic to show you further details but I guess the stats from blogger says everything! It's amazing I tell you! Just amazing. 

Meeting new people and forging new friendships. Discovering new places and trying out many new stuffs. It has been a joyous period for me to live through all these moments. Comparing then and now, I have seen many changes happening all at the same time. Just awesome!

I have also received many wonderful tips to improve on my photography skills and writing skills. Let's not mention all the kind feedbacks I have received from other bloggers/readers/friends that they enjoy reading the posts I have zealously written in all my spare time. Maybe I should delicate a post to showcase for the kind feedbacks I have received so do look forward yah? 

Once again, I just wanna thank all you out there, friends/dining partners/readers alike for all the countless contributions to this blog. Without whom, I wouldn't stand where I am today as The Dessert Prince! So look forward to all my future posts!

In desserts we indulge!

Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria: 1 for 1 lunch buffet

Ever since my friends come to knowledge that someone amidst their social network had started his own food blog, they all have been asking him or I should say me that very same question. "When are you free?" Often a times, showing that same exact burning enthusiasm like I always find myself indulging sweet stuffs! Every once in a while in fact quite often, I will have one of those special privilege to luxuriate the whole dining experience with someone new.

This time though, I have a new partner joining me and my two other regular makan makis to join us for the 1 for 1 lunch Brazilian feast buffet promotion offered by Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria. To be honest, this was my first time getting a feel of authentic Brazilian cuisine. I have no idea of what to expect apart from the fact that it's gonna bring the carnivore side of me to my dinner plate! (Very evident in the photos below.)

Perhaps I've underestimated the power of facebook. I couldn't make a reservation for four as they do not accept reservation a day or two early. Citing the fear of changing location as the main reason, My dining partners and I came half an hour early of their opening time and to be greeted by a moderate queue in front of the restaurant. I was just thankful we came early because by the time they were opened for business, the so call moderate queue has lengthen considerably!

We were ushered to our table, greeted by the salad bar. Brimming with veggies from your typical salad veggies to the really authentic ones! I personally loved the zangy taste of the purple zesty Beetroots. It was quite spread I have to say. Good for me to try out new stuffs like Peas and Black Beans Stew. 

I think many of us have a certain impression of how a buffet works. You know, the typical you get your first serving from all the different stations and when you're done, you walked around and grab your second helping so on and so for.

But over at Carnivore, they do it differently. Instead of you getting your food (apart from the veggies), your food comes to you! The meats are served by passadors or meat waiters walking around the restaurants. All armed with their trusty knifes. We were quite afraid of how they welded the knifes, mostly with one finger looped around the handle. I could imagine all the 1001 things that could go wrong should the knife dropped. That's Chicken Heart which all of four us didn't enjoy the gamey and livery organ. 

Did I mention to you that if you want more meat on your plate, all you need is to flip the chart to green and volia! Meat is serve! And flip to red if you wanna take a breather and enjoy the mounting food on your plate. Perhaps it's the crowd that they didn't expect from the lunch promotion. It just didn't matter if you flipped it or not because half the time, there ain't much meat left on those skewers by the time it reaches our table. Moral of the story: A good location is extremely vital in order to receive the most attention from the passadors!

Condiments are a must-have on every table since most of their meat arrived grilled but not heavily marinated  so it might be a bit bland to those with a stronger taste buds. We didn't quite like the green Parsley Sauce maybe because of the colour but the brown sauce (can't remember the name) fared the best with all those smoky meat cuts! As for the brown bread crumbs, best stay clear of it. Pretty tasteless.

Here's all the photo of how our meat cuts were served. Those aichmophobic individuals, do be warn of all the knives roving inches from you. 

 

Fear. Says it all on our faces whenever the knife appeared. It wasn't that bad lah! We just kept our distance from the all the slicing that's all and I just happened to take this shot with my friend's priceless expression in it! The meat were succulent, tender and juicy. Particular the Beef Rump which stands above all! Do be prepared for a kidney failure when you had a bite of the Grilled Fish. They are seriously super salty. I suspect they used Cod though...

The Boneless Lamb Leg came last out from the kitchen. I never love mutton for the gamey and musky taste it emits upon entering my mouth. But hey! At least I still give it a try right? 

Our lunch fare didn't came cheap to be honest although there's a 1 for 1 lunch fare. At $62 for four diner which works out to be $15.50 per person sharing the 1 for 1 lunch buffet, I say the GST, service charge and the overpriced drinks were the true killers adding our bill to a hefty $108.28. Moral of the story: Just order ice water will do. 

Service was fairly slow but given how they could still churn out skewers after skewers despite the full house scenario, I say it was a fair 3 hour deal.

If you're looking for somewhere to satisfy your meat cravings, how about being a carnivore just for an afternoon? 

Vivocity #01-161/162

1 Harbour Front Walk, Singapore 098585

Tel: +65 6376 9939

Website: http://www.carnivore.com.sg

Hokkaido Cakes: Love from dad

With the annual foodfair going on at Singapore Expo from 25th May to 29th May 2012, it's an event any foodie shouldn't miss but sadly, mummy and I had plans for our Saturday (26th May 2012) so daddy gathered his fellow makan kakis and head down Expo all in the name of good food and indeed he found many, though just like many of us in my family, there's always something better we tried before. That's what happen when you call yourself a foodie. You just can't help but to compare. Very evident when I had my Duck Confit at Saveur.

My dad's a man of few words. He's not quite like his dessert-fanatic son who has no trouble conjuring and expressing love in words but he sure knows that his son loves all thing sweet, particularly cakes. He looked around and under but just couldn't find something worth until he stumbled upon a vendor that sells what they proclaim: Hokkaido Cakes.

Soft and spongy cake with rich cream locked amidst the petite cake's core. Baked then lightly powdered in confectionery sugar from above.but that's not all. The best part has surely got to be the squarish pink and white poker dots cupcakes holders that houses everything! Sorry but yeah, I just love all things pink. It's very evident in the design of my blog too!

Weird for a guy ehh? But that's just me. I LOVE PINK STUFFS!

It was just pure bliss digging my dessert spoon into the cake, scooping sweet portions after portions and be awed by happiness emitted by the unison of cream, cake and sugar. Maybe I have exaggerate a bit too much but it's worth exaggerating at least that's what I feel. They do resemble like cupcakes or muffins but just more airy and moisty than your average cup desserts.

They don't come cheap though. $12 for half a dozen wasn't something my dad would spend. But there was an on-going promotion, $16 for two boxes. Then again, two boxes might be a bit too much. So my dad simply psycho a stranger to share the $16 with him so they would only pay $8 for one box. Don't ask me how he did it but he just did it. My dad's an amazing one!

Thanks for the cakes, daddy!

Happiness: That one thing we all seek

I believe...

Man's ultimate goal is to seek happiness at least that's what I observed and abide to. Happiness varies from every man, woman and child. It comes in all shapes and sizes.

Some seek it in gods and goddesses. Afterall, prayer works wonder you know?

Then there are those who seek happiness in academics and career but isn't that the way our "beloved" government conditioned us to think so? Success comes from hard work but does success equate to happiness?  

Some associate the good feeling with the materialistic world. that we dwell in. Prada, Gucci, Miu Miu, Burberry and the ever famous LV. While other slightly more enlightened beings choose to indulge in Foie Gras, Cavier and all things refined and say: "Happiness comes in the form of food."

How true how true. For even I seek happiness in all things sweet so what less of you? 

Many are lucky to find happiness in love. 

Among them are those few who are the greens in everyone's eye. Green with envy to be exact. Envious of these individual to ending their happily ever after story in pure blissfulness and then walk down the Sunset just like the movies always depicts. 

There are those who managed to find their perfect other half after all those lost years in the woods but somehow, just somehow couldn't grasp it. Either because they try too hard appreciating happiness in their own hands and they lose it over the course or fate just didn't work their way. 

But yet despite all the countless heart-wrenching stories, there are still pockets of humanity who take happiness for granted but only to lose it and regret for life. Just like a child playing with a lighter. They only learn when their puny little fingers are toast. By then, nothing could be changed. Nothing at all.

If man could control fate. What would it become of love?  Would it be taken for granted? Would it be artificial like arranged marriages? Maybe one day someone will proclaim that love can be imprinted into your genetics? I don't really know but for now I could only say: "Man propose and Heaven dispose."

We all seek happiness. To our own definitions and to our own preferences. We might never know when's our last day going to be but would you dare say you have managed to find true happiness? If you could, then good for you but if you couldn't, don't lose hope. For even in truth,  it always protects, always trust, always hope, always perseveres. Afterall, Good things come to those who waits at least that's what I believe too.

For I believe...

Happiness will always be that one thing we all seek...

How to order Kopi like a pro

Coffee and Tea played a large role in my life. Every morning I must have my Earl Grey to kickstart my taste buds and I could end off the night with a cup of coffee without the fear of insomnia. I just can't foresee a day without this two. Never.

It doesn't come as a surprise to some of my friends that my childhood circulates around the two drinks since my parents manage a coffeeshop themselves with Yours Truly helping out either in my after school time or when I am not having high tea. 

Over the years, I dare not proclaim that I've mastered the art of brewing coffee (coffeeshop style) quite as well as my parents much incomparable to my maternal grandfather. What I dare say is that my knowledge for the drinks has increased tremendously.

So much so that at times or I should say most of the time when my friends join me for meals at the local coffeeshop, they'll be amazed by all the hokkien slangs that I could possibly conjure up when I go for my drinks. Then they will give me that baffled and puzzled look as though I was speaking in a foreign language. 

So I managed to chanced upon this poster which I think is and will be helpful to you if you always mixed up your drink! Confusion no more! By the way, my favorite drink is Teh O siu dai which means Tea without milk less sugar :)

Here's my other guide to drinking coffee but you'll only find that in cafes and coffeehouses not your typical coffeeshops and hawker centres.

Have you had your coffee fix for the day already?

Lao Ban Soy Beancurd: The things we do for the best beancurd

I still remember my first Lao Ban Tau Hauy almost a year ago when a food adventurer (not me) brought me and a bunch of like-minded foodie to Old Airport Hawker Centre.

The place's well known for almost everything. Lao Fu Zi Char Kway Teow, Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee, Western Barbeque, Whitley Road Big Prawn Mee and the list just go on and on. Walk down the stalls and you will see the number of newspaper cuttings, IeatIshootIpost's reviews and Makansutra certificates that are tape to the glass panels of each stall showcasing that they aren't your typical hawker but legendary hawker with years of experience to boost! I really envy all those LUCKY people who stays within walking distance of the food haven!

Sorry I digress maybe a little too much but my point is Old Airport Road is the best place for really good and affordable hawker food and there's no need to argue. If you still have doubts, find a day and head down for lunch or dinner and be amazed with the crowd you will find in that small enclave.

Now where was I... Ohh! As I was saying, This fellow food adventurer or friend as I prefer calling introduced us to a series of unpretentious, really affordable, freaking long queue but super worth the wait hawker foodfare. Each uniquely good but not one dish could be compared with what came after our heavy lunch. By now you should have got the cue right? 

I recall the food adventurer's friend which so happen to be my friend or as I like to refer him now as Mr Diablo III took the courtesy to bear the extremely long queue and bought each of us a bowl of heaven. 

Heaven came white and silky. Delectable but not sugary artificially sweeten. It's one of those moment I wished it would last just a bit longer. I mean come on lahh, how many times of the day do you have that kind of heavenly happiness feeling and at $1.50 for the plain and $2.00 for the almond, I can be assured of having bowls and bowls Beancurd without feeling that stringent pain in my wallet.

But ever since that first encounter, I can't deny my love for Lao Ban's Tau Huay so much so that I make it a point to get at least one bowl either for morning breakfast or late night dessert whenever I pay homage to the hawker centre. Even my family got addicted like all those who buy Lao Ban Beancurd by the plastic bags with each containing five bowls of heaven! I just can't help to wonder why. Either they have a big family who loves Tau Huay like mine or they stock their fridge with bowls of curded soybean milk just for pure enjoyment sake like I do? 

Do not be surprised if you see people queuing in front of the store even before they draw up the metal gates and start business. What about you? Would you bear the heat and time all in the name of good Tau Huay?

Such is the things we do for the best Beancurd...

Old Airport Hawker Centre #01-107/127

19 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390019

Tel: +65 8181 2201

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Laobansoya

Tues-Sat: 11.30am & 6.30pm (2 batches)

Sun: 1pm & 7pm (2 batches)

Closed on Mondays

Steakout II: Possibly the best Chocolate Lava Cakes in town

Facebook has served me well even way before I started this food blog. 

I'll be honest with you, I'm a stalker on facebook.

I'll spend my free time stalking all the different cafes/bistros/patisseries/restaurants for any updates and/or any on-going promotions. It's pretty convenient. A like on any facebook page and updates just stream through. Occasionally, a few updates here and there from fellow bloggers is more than enough to inspire me to gather my makan makis for makan sessions! 

A side note: if you're often looking for cheap deals, try FoodieFC for something new. The blog's often has the next on-going offer happening in town. Now that's worth checking right? If you're lazy to check the blog try the facebook page instead. 

Back sometime ago, I received an notification on facebook and to my surprise, this was what I found: 

Apparently, the folks at Steakout uploaded my previous visit onto their facebook wall and they have brought answers to my questions raised from my previous visit. In case you couldn't see the fine prints in the screenshot above, here's what I was informed. 

1. They are still the same folks that ran the former ROS but taken on a new name (Steakout).

2. Their famed Lava Cakes is more sinful than ever and that's a good news for me!

3. In my previous post, I talked about their excessive use of butter in their baked potato? Well, they told me

    they will look into the matter. Perhaps less cholesterol? I'm hoping so... 

4. Now I know how a well-made Vanilla Ice Cream tasted like. Come to think of it, the Vanilla Ice Cream I   

    had with over at Max Brenner tasted almost the same too...

I didn't really understand why they refer me as a Poetic Gentleman until quite recently one of my friend read a few of my posts aloud in a rather poetic manner. Let's not even get started with the countless poem I composed too!

My two other friends and I made a fairly quiet entry on one of our freer afternoons for lunch. There was hardly a crowd which I anticipate. But that's alright. More space for us :)

They underwent a revamp and was closed a almost a week if I'm not wrong. There were slight changes, some quite visible but I didn't came for the repainted wall although it did gave the whole place a more brighter and informal feel but that's my least concern. I came hungry for food and lava cakes!

The Creamy Mushroom Soup that came with the set lunches ($2.50 to add on). Nothing out of this world but hey, expectations are always the root of all problem. I don't know about you but I think it's worth that $2.50.

My partner went for the Grilled Chicken ($7.90) which was beautifully plated but I feel that the gaps in between could be managed better. 

I on the other hand, went for the Sirloin Steak ($14.90), medium rare as usual and I won't have it any other way! The beef cut was a fair deal. It's not your tender type of meat but it's also not that laborious to chew either. Definitely, filling unless you're a SUPER SUPER BIG EATER!

Somehow, looking at the Mash Potato and the Coleslaw reminds me of KFC. Don't you?

I will go as far as to say this: "Steakout might possibly have the best Chocolate Lava Cakes in town." 

I know my friends who frequent Max Brenner, Laurent Chocolate Bar and Three Inch Sin would disagree with me and a few of them might even stone me for making such an outrageous comment! But I'm speaking the truth! Best in terms of price. You're not going elsewhere and get a Lava Cake that's flowing really good molten chocolate and served with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream that I thought to be laced with alcohol at but then informed that that's due to the use of really good quality Vanilla Pods at $6.90. 

Besides, how many of us can afford to have our chocolate cravings curbed at the three following chocolatier shop mentioned earlier? That's why I say Steakout's Lava Cakes might just be the best in town. 

If you happen to be at Bugis and you can't decide where to have your meals, why not give Steakout a try? 

Victoria Hotel #01-01

89 Victoria Street, Singapore 188017

Tel: +65 6720 8103

Website: https://www.facebook.com/steakout.sg/info

Victor's Kitchen: The impression of a boss

Impression has always been one of those guiding principles in life. For most of the time, impression may just play that decisive factor in the decisions you might made to maneuver your way. For instant, you would gauge a stranger based on the first impression you had of that newcomer before you could say "hey so and so, shall we be friends?" 

Of course first impression is not something permanent. It can change if there's a second hopefully favorable impression. Like for me, I never had apples when I was young because of a bad impression. Once my mum have to pry my mouth literally just to force the white fleshy slice down my throat.(That was the second bad impression I had for apples.)

It took me 11 years and a trip to a fruit market at Japan before I realized how much am I missing out whenever my two brothers stuffed their cheeks with apples...

So what about the impression of a boss when he have his Dim Sum fare? It's not about having a table full of baskets each containing different food at a fanciful hotel setting. Although that could always be appreciated. Anyone could dress like a boss but not everyone could behave like one that's for sure. 

At Victor's Kitchen however, you will be considered a boss if you could converse with the ladyboss helming the counter in her native language, Cantonese. Yeah, as thick-skin as I have always been, I'm actually referring to myself!

You see, I have Cantonese blood running within my cake-cloted arteries. The language was and still is my first language. I still conversed with the older generation in Cantonese and many seemed amazed that I could even keep the conversation on-going. Amazed because somehow my generation have given up their true mother tongue and many don't even try picking up the language. Such a pity if you have to ask me...

Well enough of the pitiful part. Let me show you how bosses have their dim sum luncheon alright?

Our utensils were brought to our tables and the we decided to arrange them neatly while waiting for their baskets of food to come.

I had a good laugh when I saw their menu which came in slips of order form. We ordered two bowls of porridge. One was called Phoenix Porridge ($3.50) while the other, Nemo's Porridge ($3.50). In the Dim Sum world, phoenix is just a nice way of saying chicken but nemo? I have never heard of anyone naming their dish after a clown fish! 

Victor's rendition does resemble the Teochew Porridge more compared to Congee and I am just happy to share both bowls of awesomeness with my makan makis.  

Victor's King Prawn Dumplings ($4.50) are anything but ordinary. They might not look set to impress the crowd but it speaks clearly in the taste. The prawns were exceptionally huge compared to most restaurants and siding more all the juicy and crunchy side too! A must-have if you ever drop by the kitchen. 

Another must have for Dim Sum at Victor, Tasty Queen Size Siew Mai ($4.00). Again looks can be deceiving. Just because it's not well plated means it won't taste as good. I am just happy to pay $1 for each yellow cuboid meat dumplings.

Here's the boss (me), attempting to showcase my photography skills. Not bad right? I could clearly see the crab roe and that fleshy prawn on the surface of my Siew Mai. 

Indeed one of our friend would consider this yummy. Phoenix Claws ($3.00). Personally, I didn't really liked how the talons were prepared. Everything about this dish was good apart from the sauce that it was left simmering in. Just not flavorful for me. 

Sometimes I wonder how could a Chinese survive without pork in their lives. I mean I have pork for almost every meal I had and Dim Sum is no exception. The Steam Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce ($3.00) again is a must-have dish although, those chopped red chili just spiced everything up. I shall remind the staffs not to add them the next time I'm coming here for Dim Sum.

The King Prawn with Vegatables Cheong Fun ($4.00) employed the same humongous prawns featured in their Har Gau was wrapped with a few greens in rice noodle kueh and then nicely placed in a sea of soy sauce. Apart from what I described, there isn't anything to boost off...

Victor's signature Dim Sum. The highly revered Golden Egg Yolk Lava Bun ($4.00) or in my own dialect, Lau Sha Pau. The white bun was light and fluffy but that's the main point. The yellow liquid that flowed out was nothing short of Oomph factor. Extremely savory with a strong hinge of Salted Egg Yolk amidst the buttery creamy custard. We love their little buns so much that we didn't just order one basket. We couldn't settle for two and we ended up getting a third! That's nine lava buns in total! Just like a boss!

Liu Sha Pau is the Chinese equivalent of the molten Chocolate Lava Cake. 

And I totally agree with you!

It was such a waste that I couldn't stomach in dessert... I love mango desserts alot! I guess there's always a next yah? Did I also mention that if you ever order their iced beverages, chances are you will see your drink served in a container packed in ice. That keeps your drink chilly but never diluted. What an ingenious method!

We spend $40.30 for a table full of food for four people. (They don't charge GST or Service Charge.) I thought it was quite a fair deal considering we ordered a lot. There were a few that I didn't managed to take a shot so I omitted them out.

The food may fall short of glamorous compared to other popular Dim Sum restaurants.But for the quality that the Chef invest in is the reason why the kitchen is often found packed with people craving for their light hearted snacks which we call Dim Sum.

Instead of conversing in Chinese, how about placing your orders in Cantonese? Afterall, you're dealing with a lady boss from Hong Kong. That's how I ended up with the impression of a boss...

Sunshine Plaza #01-21
91 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189652
Tel: +65 9838 2851
Opening Hours: 10.30am to 8pm daily
Closed on Mondays

MOF の My Izakaya II: The lunch meeting

I never enjoyed conducting meetings in school. I just don't like the idea of sitting along a long table with laptops and notes in front of each of us and trying our best to sap every bit of brain juice all in the name of projects. Over the two years of study in NYP, I realized the golden equation of project meetings:

Serious and Lengthy Meetings ≠ Serious and Productive Endings.

I for one prefer to keep my meetings light and concise. Meetings over lunches sure does the trick. You see, my inspiration often deviates from food, clearly evident a few of my posts right? Even if our brains died along the work done? route, there's always something sweet to rejuvenate those brain juices!


You might disagree with me but that's alright. All I could see is we all have our own working style and that's fine and I feel extremely bliss to be able to work with classmates who could relate to my point of view and on one of our more productive meetings brought us to MOF @ Bugis Junction. 

I was captivated by the two vases sitting on those octagon tables and those cyan banners hanging from the ceiling... Gave me a Japany feel to the otherwise, plain woodey setting.

Just like how we started meeting, Our Sashimi Moriawase ($18.00) came delectable and light. Swordfish, Salmon and Red Snapper. Sashimi can always be appreciated at any Japanese food fare. We enjoyed our fish critters so much that I almost forgot to take a snapshot until I realized there's only one of each kind left... 

I didn't tried the Katsu Curry Rice ($12.80) but the dish sure came with a big piece of deep fried pork fillet partially soaking up the essence from the Japanese Curry. How's that for a Ommph factor ehh? I really love how the large plate was beautfully filled. Definitely worth the money!

One of our project member who was at Funan the previous day queuing up for his Diablo III game went for the Salmon Set ($19.00) as it was named in my receipt. Looks good but once again, I didn't try the dish myself but everything was polished off by our Diablo die-hard fan. 

I could never seemed to get enough of Sashimi that afternoon and all those illustrations of MOF's bento menu simply caught my attention. I decided to go for the cheapest bento box instead. I have desserts on my mind too.

My Sashimi Bento ($9.80) was housed nicely in a glossy plastic box. Somehow as I was taking a snapshot of my bento box, I was reminded by a friend of mine whom I met up recently for dinner. My friend couldn't stop laughing at me taking photos after photos of my food. Well, I guess that obsession of mine has taken to a whole new level? 

Be surprised to see your Salmon slices, succulently fresh and moist and then accompanied by the really petite Tobiko roe. I still prefer Salmon roe compared to the rather petite flying fish ones. They're just too mini of a fish roe to make any impact.  

Our lunch meeting came to an end, we needed to sum up our whole afternoon into... What else but desserts?

Mr Diablo III die-hard fan got himself the Matcha Shake ($6.80). Basically, you have an vanilla gelato that's covered in Matcha milkshake. Nice nice and nice!

This was the reason I went for the cheapest bento set, the Creme Brulee ($6.80). It's just fun breaking the sugary glace with the dessert spoon and then worked my way into the soft custard. Although MOF's rendition couldn't came close to Goodwoodpark's version of the egg dessert but I was just contented with a scoop of Matcha gelato and a few pieces of sweet Mochi.  

And with the last scoop of my dessert, we concluded the end of our meeting. Mind you, it wasn't all eat and no work ok? In fact, we came up with a series of new concepts and ideas to work upon. Let's look forward to our next meeting hopefully light and always enjoyable.

Feel free to read my previous visit of MOF @ Marina Square.

Bugis Junction #02-45

200 Victoria Street, Singapore 188021

Tel: +65 6338 6466

Website: http://www.ministryoffood.com.sg/index.aspx

Our Kueh Bolu story

As I packed your clothes into the same suitcase that I unpacked almost two month ago. I realized that you had more clothes now than you had two months ago. Your favorite hello kitty blouse, that angelic and princessy dress and that big sunflower design shirt which you say reminds you of your classroom, Sunflower 1. There were many more and strangely though, I remembered each and every single piece as I neatly folded them into the suitcase. 

How were they bought? Who bought them for you? When was the last time you wore it? Did you enjoy wearing them? 

Surely I had a good laugh filtering through my memory bank and answering all those questions... that was until I finished packing them and the laughter inadvertently stopped too. They just stopped...

I knew the day would come. The day you would leave this island with your parents for newer pastures.

I knew the day would come but I just didn't expect the day to come too soon. Time really flies when you're enjoying every moment especially with you, time really pass extremely fast! Maybe I just didn't know how to embrace the day or simply I just didn't wanna faced that dreadful truth but the truth is as bright as that lamp post on any streets. One day you will leave me for good.

That very day your parents admitted you to my house because they had already made up their mind to venture into the economy of Hong Kong and decided to sell their four-room flat HDB apartment. I knew it was a painful decision for your parents to leave you into my family's care. Even though the distance between my house and your house is just a few bus stops away but to be honest, which tender loving parent could bear to see themselves being separated from their precious little angel?

Rather than puting you at risk of all the hustle and bustle that was happening in your own house, your tender loving mum and dad decided to go ahead with that painful decision instead... How great love really is...

On the brighter note though, you're unlike most children, you were hardly shy and why should you be? After all those interaction we had since the day you were born? It was comforting to your parents when you proofed the you could just walked into my kitchen and grabbed that bar of chocolate after seeking my dad's permission. You knew the floorplan around my house all too well. It's almost as if it's your second house. 

My mum and dad couldn't have been happier for your stay. You see they love children. Very evident since they have three boys themselves. My two brothers though... They are anti-children I guess. A stark contrast to their oldest brother which all the younger generations loved playing with, especially you. Well, with me around, who would dare to bully you? So you need not be afraid of the two of them.

Before your arrival, my house was already vibrant enough but with the addition of you, you could say it's sanctifying grace upon a house of mad and silly people. Everyday was just pure joy and pure bliss. Laughter was always lurking within the household. Just awaiting for that perfect moment to strike...

There were so many occasions and I could seriously pen all of them down but well... I'm a lazy person so I shall list just a few just for memory sake alright?

One particular night I recalled, I came home fairly late with a fresh blood wound on my right foot though till now I still don't know how did I injured myself. It was trickling blood but nothing unbearable. I walked past you and the moment your eyes caught sight of my wound on my foot, you seemed to freaked out. "Kor Kor! Your leg is bleeding!" You jumped off the leather couch despite telling you time and time again not to and rush to the first aid kit in the kitchen, demanding one of my brother who was at the kitchen at that time to bring that tube of antiseptic cream for you or I should say for me... 

My brother cared less for he was focused only on his late night dinner. I walked into the kitchen and assured you that it's nothing serious. Besides, I couldn't apply any cream without washing the wound with water first right?

Once I'm done cleaning that petite wound, I walked back to the living room only to be confronted by your seemingly worried expression and that tube of antiseptic cream in your hands which I suspected of you climbing up the chair and grabbed it yourself?

I sat down on the leather couch with you sitting beside me. You volunteered to apply cream on my wound. Throughout the whole time time, I have to keep assuring you that the pain is long gone after that gracious heap of cream being spreaded on that petite wound.

I always knew you were a kind girl and a rather sweet one as well. But I didn't you could be this concerned. It's just an heartfelt act... 

Do you recall that very day I was supposed to fetch you home from school but I was 45 minutes late?

I was too tired that day and I felt asleep and by the time I woke up from my slumber, I hurried across streets and roads to your classroom but you were no where to be seen. Just then, I peered through the windows of the doors and saw you sitting alone by the table, crying. Your form teacher, Miss Seah which so happen to be my friend was kneeling beside you, trying to bring much comfort to you but it didn't work. You just cry even harder. 

I walked into the room and made my presence known. Almost immediately, you ran towards me and gave me a hug, still crying at the top of your voice. My friend or I should address your form teacher as Miss Seah too, gave me a lashing for my imprudent act and explained to me the potential psychological traumas I might have caused to you, conjuring psychological jargons as if I have never came across them in my course of studying social work.

I couldn't be bothered arguing with my friend at that time. I simply apologized as if I have committed some hideous sin against her and walked off, holding your hand. When we were out of that room, I asked you why were you crying? The reason you gave, in your own words was that you were afraid that I didn't want you already. Hearing such a statement just made me felt even more guilty and I made a oath to myself and to you as well. I can always early but never be late.

Indeed, there was never an second incident.. Even if I'm unable to fetch you personally, I make sure that there's always someone familiar whom you could be assured off. I couldn't really fault you for thinking in such a way because I too, experienced the same feelings when I was younger too. Once again, I assured you that I could never bear to abandon you and wiped off the remaining tears shedded by those pair of still rather puffy eyes. 

I knew just the thing or I should say food to calm your nerves. Your favorite Kueh Bolu or as we often coinned it, Kueh Kueh. I lifted you off the ground and brought you to the nearest bakery shop. I paid for a heap of Kueh Kueh and we went munching all of them till we reached home. 

Of course, I got another lashing from my mother because we couldn't help ourselves to dinner afterwards but for that smile on your face, it was totally worth it!

Now, how did Kueh Bolu came to the story? 

Well, You always love to munch on snacks and being a fussy eater you always have been, I always had a hard time convincing you to try new and healthier snacks. (I consider cakes more healthier than candies.) Then came a particular day when there wasn't any chocolates or candies left in my kitchen and you came to me with a hungry tummy. Being the usual me, I was too lazy to whip out a your favorite food, Omelette Eggs with sliced Ham and diced Tomatoes fillings. I dreaded doing the dishes and how could I bear to ask you wash them even though I know you can. You're my little princess you know?

Instead, I brought you to the nearby coffeeshop to appease your growling stomach. Just then, we passed by a bakery shop which so happen to be baking the petite sponge cake. The buttery smell caught your attention and you asked me if I could buy them for you. I bought a pack of them for you, still pretty fresh but cool enough for instant gratification. 

You were baffled about the odd shape. It looked like an peeled orange but since you were hungry, you just took a bite and much to my amazement, you stuffed the remaining spongy puff into your mouth and demanded more. Since Kueh Bolu was too much of a mouth for you to pronounce and so to make things easier, we call your new found food, Kueh Kueh. 

We have Kueh Kueh for breakfast and we have Kueh Kueh for tea. We have Kueh Kueh when we were happy or even when we were sad. I guess you could say Kueh Kueh plays an important role in your childhood.

But the thought of you leaving... Simply disheartening. I always wanted a little sister but somehow I ended up with two brothers. I'm not saying brothers are bad but having a sister is just different. When you came into my life, everything just changed. For instant, I actually went up to the library to read up on parenting books and asking for tips whenever I could just to better care of you. The things I would do at times, even amazes me at times and you are one of them.

Just like my love for someone, it could be a good thing that you came into my life and taught me so much but it might also be a sad thing that one day you might have to leave. I'm still hoping that one day I could be together with that special one although reality might speak otherwise... 

And likewise, I know that your departure is inevitable. I could only hope that one day I will get to see you.  Maybe the end of the year or maybe a 19 years old version of you. I could only guess. 

I was just telling a confidante that one day when you get married, I must warn your other half about your legendary kicks and punches that you always lash out at me when you slept beside me. They were already deadly when you're young. Can't really imagine your "skills" when you're much older. Come to think of it, by the time you're of an marriageable age, I might have strands of grey hair amidst the black or worst. Balding.

Would you still recognize me? I hope you do...

Maybe one day, you might stumble upon this post, realizing that this is you when you were at four. A cute little girl that never fails to bring a smile to everyone around you and I still hope you do. Maybe you might have forgotten that you have a cousin whom you followed whenever he goes and then this post might just brings you back to those good old memories. 

I don't really know what the future will hold. All I could hope is that you will be well-taken care of by the other kor kor and jie jie just like the way I did. Maybe they might intro you a new type of Kueh Kueh? 

There's still some time before you really have to go so I shall spend the remaining just me and you...

If...

If the answer has always been a no,
then please don't ever let me know.
Because I know my heart will never take that kind of blow.

If the answer has always been a no,
then let me continue to see the world with a tinted note.
A world where there's still hope.
Even if it's just false hope.

That is if your answer has always been a no...

Happy Sheep Honey

Back some time ago, I chanced upon Daniel Food Diary's post and got to learn that Happy Sheep Honey was giving out two jars of honey. All I needed to do was simply to like both Daniel and Happy Sheep facebook pages. Initially, I thought to myself "Hey! What are the chances of me winning right?" 

At times, I am just amazed how wrong I could be...

The following day, I received a message informing to collect two jars of honey at a PR agency somewhere in between Clark Quay and Raffles Place and boy! I ended up exploring the streets and roads of Raffles Place like some tourist with his trusty camera! The truth was I ended up lost amidst the high rise buildings but that's another story all by itself right? 

There's no need for me to reiterate my love for all things sweet but I could hardly pin down words to describe my lust for all things naturally sweet and honey is on top of the list! I could spread honey on my toast, pour honey on my pancakes or I could just brew a huge pot of iced honey water all in the name for tea! Did I mention you about my Favorite Royal Jelly? Honey meant only for Queen Bees? Now that's honey meant for a royalty!

Since I have two jars, I decided to keep the Lemon one for my mum as a early mother's day gift while I gave the Strawberry one to a confidante but who knows? She uses the same brand and flavor herself too! Ohh well, two heads are better than one and two bottles are definitely better than one too! 

A piece of neighbour-baked Panda Butter Pound Cake to go with my refreshing Iced Honey Lemon. Life is just great when there's honey and cakes for tea! Ehh... Don't ask me why is my cup a measuring cup. I guess that's what happen when your mum put a total ban on your baking spree. You just find all sorts of ways to communicate to your mum that subliminal message. "I WANNA BAKE!" 

Once again, a big thank you to Daniel and Happy Sheep for the two pots of honey. I might get a pot or two someday when I need to replenish my stock. Of course how could I forget my beloved neighbour for that cake? I daresay it's pretty darn good for a first timer! For more info about Happy Sheep Honey, kindly visit their website.

Mother's Day: Just for my mum

My mum's like no ordinary one.
She's a bartender when she was young.
Singapore Sling or Cocktail. Rest assured there's always a drink for that special time.

My mum is a classy one.
Having tea was her favorite pastime...
And she still does it at any point in time and however she wants.
Though the Scones from Tea Lounge are always her favourite ones.
A hint to my dad to get one whenever she starts to sing praises to her dessert-fanatic son.

My mum's a special one.
She's a Chinese sinseh although not a certified one.
But everyone and anyone could always be sure to enjoy a good bowl of her double-boiled broth.

My mum's like no other one.
I love her just as she love her three now older sons.
And yes my beloved mum... Enjoy your special day just you and your mum :)

**
Mother's Day is coming and besides buying her a gift I thought a poem ought to be done.
This post was presented to my mum and she loves her poetic son :)

Bonheur Patisserie IV: The creature comfort in me

Being a dessert foodie means my friends would often hear/see/know me using up my own free time exploring different places to have my sweet tooth temporarily curbed. (I can never full satisfy my love for all things sweet!) I must confess though... I'm a creature comfort. I prefer spending my day at familiar cafe enjoying my usual food than to enter a whole new cafe, not knowing what should I have for tea but I don't have a choice to begin with or I would bore all of you with the same old food like I always do at Bonhuer Patisserie.

If you realize from this post's title, you would have know that this shall be my fourth time blogging about this little patisserie that churns out happiness in the form of cakes. It's not that Duxton and Ann Siang are lacking of patisseries. I guess the whiter than white interior never fails to captivate both my heart and mind just like it did on my first visit somehow makes me return here time and time after.

I don't always blog about the same places I go. Partly because there will also be a high chance that I would get the same thing time and time over again. Just like I would always end up finding my way to her, the awesome and delectable Strawberry Balsamic Mousse... Maybe it's her colorful personality that has never fail to attract my attention. All I know is I could always count on her to bring a smile on my face...

This time though, I have a partner and that means I get to try something new to blog about right? My fellow dessert fans, I present to you... The Caramel Opera! It's chocolaty, coffeeish and caramely all combine into one. The chocolate gauche glazed above the three combinations just made me grateful I managed to try this cake. This is one chocolate cake worth soughing for. 

Who wouldn't loves these overtly sweet little french creations? At least I do! Provided they're well-baked of course! Clean White Champagne and rosy red Rose Macarons. They were pleasently sweet but nothing special worth yearning for. I guess with other well-established patisserie like Canele and Antoinette churning some of the island's finest Macarons, Bonheur's renditions aren't just on par. I must say that they didn't taste as fresh as the previous visit and I wonder why...

If nothing brings out the creature comfort in me, I can always be assured there's always Tiramisu that I can always rely on for that special love for all things sweet...

Feel free to read my first visit, second visit and third visit alright?

70 Duxton Road, Singapore 089529

Tel: +65 6221 1148