22

On a brighter note, let’s discuss the birthday.

I’ll show the pictures, at least.

I’ve passed the 22nd mark hereafter.

Met the Hospi family for the familiar Kembangan mian sian.
I shall spare those overseas who can’t join us the pain of watching us gobble up all the good food made nicer by the company (haha. not helping, aye?).

Just 1 picture, for documentation sake.

Starbucks

My butch partner and I

Thanks for the very pink strawberry cake, Jess..

Kisses to the person who put it all together – Alvin!

 … … … …

Met the St John gang for dinner as well. Pity we forgot to take photos; we were laughing too hard.

When shall we meet again?

… … … …

Comes the special Sunday afternoon that the boyfriend has very thoughtfully arranged for. Going back there for meals always releases this little girl in me – the anticipation, the nostalgia..

Brunch at Au Jardin

Table 20

Egg Benedict
Alain Cailbourdin, Pouilly Fumé, Les Cris, 2005

 

My Main – Roasted, slightly smoked Challans Duck Breast, Duck Rillette,
Morel Mushrooms and Mango
Réserve de la Comtesse, 2000

His Main – Veal Piccata (totally different from the chicken piccata we
used to cook back in Saffron, by the way), Spinach á la Florentine
Réserve de la Comtesse, 2000

Grapefruits, Muscat Jelly, Tangerine Foam, Mint Ice-cream
Château d’Arche, 2001

 

Courtesy of the very sweet team

Desmond – Best Sommelier
Uncle Royston – The manager whom I love

Chef Galvin and Ben Tan

 

One parting glance

Good food makes us happy souls

Then, we stopped by USA.
No, it’s actually at Dempsey Hill, but my goodness!
Doesn’t it look like some place in the ang-mor countries?
Very pretty place, definitely the up-and-coming hot hangout venue

1st bouquet

Loved. 1995 – 2007

He’s a mongrel. He doesn’t know commands like “sit”, but he sits as proud as any pedigree; he’s skinny, but he fought his pain like a warrior.

Pipi passed away, somewhat peacefully, last night.
Ripe old age of 12 years old.

His eyes have always been distinct expressions of his sincere soul, even till the very last day; when he’s so weak that he could barely stand, he stood up shakily when I bent down to comfort and talk to him, and looked as though he understood.

Very dearly missed.

Look what landed in my mailbox today

It’s the Windsurf Exco photograph!!
Love it.

… … …

On another note, as I was looking at old photos, I realised that I really really really miss working at Les Amis and Au Jardin.

With Rachel at Au Jardin

Taken at Les Amis. Reflection of the outside world.

Our beautiful table setting

Two very adorable young guests from Hong Kong for Sunday Brunch.

That’s how they celebrated my 20th birthday at Au Jardin - with eggs, flour, used coffee powder, water jet from a fire hydrant. The works.

Randoms on a Saturday

 Da Tou came back home one day with a deep, round wound on this cheek.

Applying medication. Look at the resigned look on his face.

Poor old baby.

… … … …

You know me, I dont usually get smitten by celebrities; or ex-celebrities, but this lady is a bombshell, and she’s held my admiration for as long as I could remember. Sharon and I attended her talk on personal branding - Diana Ser is what she talks about.

… … …

Project Molten Chocolate Cake – Success!!

Baked for the entire family, because 6 molten chocolate cakes are just too sinful to finish by myself. Taste a little like kueh, but I reckon, for a first try, it’s still quite a tasty mouthful.

bake therapy

Jess and I have decided that

baking = stress management therapy

Maybe it’s the vigour that we use to beat the egg whites into foamy peaks;
maybe it’s the delicious smell wafting from the oven;
maybe it’s the satisfaction of seeing people eating what we’ve baked.

Whatever the reason is, baking is becoming quite addictive.

Bake list:
Orange and Almond Biscotti – Success!
Almond Cookie – Half Success.
Chocolate Chip Cookie – Excellent!!
Chocolate Macaroon – Failed horribly.
Sticky Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie – Still pending; doesn’t look good.

Next up: Molten Chocolate Cake!