All sea critters welcome!

I wanna go to the Naked Fish Shoppe!!!!

With the 'healthier choice' stamp of approval from HPB, the more reasons to go... Pass me the salt honey!

The 'Putu Piring' stall

You know how some putu piring are either too dry or have way too little gula melaka filling? All that and the vendor’s all too penny-pinching on the coconut shavings? It’s as good as eating steamed flour sometimes.

So there was really nothing special about putu piring, for me at least - until one day I bit into what soon became a staple on sunday mornings . And I thought, this is the one. I tell you, there’s no other that comes close to these babies (my mom and I decided to put it to the test and went on a putu piring tasting survey… What?? We just appreciate good food ok).

There were just so soft and fluffly, and won’t harden if you kept them for later. And don’t be surprised if it gets messy, the thick gooey gula melaka gets all over the place!

i'm totally feelin' the whole lotta fillin'..

Even seeps to the underside!

Not taking my word for it? Action speaks louder than words, and the long queues would say it all. What better publicity that a beeline of loyal customers… and those who just find it thrilling to queue up at the longest line (coz that would mean that there’s something good in store down the line - or free goodie bags and hello kitties).

A stream of customers demands efficient and fast service, and that they certainly have. Instead of the usual lonesome 1 tending to a stall, 4 now engages in their own ‘stations’ - one scoops the filling, the other steams it, take it out when its freakin hot and steamy and lastly packing 3 in a bundle… all that for good one dollar. Better yet, 10 cents off with a banquet card, y’all! heheh…

4 pairs of diligent hands at your service

Stuff in some more please, Uncle

Located just beside Darul Arqam (Muslim Convert Association) or across the road from Malay Village, the stall simply known as what it sells – Putu Piring makes up one of the stalls in Banquet at Haig Road. It’ll be the best one buck you’ll spend on food (I pay only 90cents :p)

Banquet Blk 12 Haig Road,
#01-323

Wedding Bells...

Yes I know this is a food blog and all, so technically speaking I should keep it neutral...

But words really can’t describe the emotions that surged through the heart, when I witnessed what they have been fighting for all this time, struggling against the odds, all this while staying true to each other to make it work – come alive at that very instance.

I had to control my tears as they, with the blessings of the Almighty, were granted that long-awaited walk down the aisle amongst families and friends, finally together hand in hand.

To Ahmed and Haslindah:

My most sincere congrats to the newly wedded couple. Haslindah, you blew me away… you were beautiful beyond words. Ahmed, consider yourself one lucky chap!

Love knows no boundaries, truly. You and Ahmed are truly one fairy tale with a very well-deserved happy ending! You cannot believe how happy I am for both of you. To a new phase of your lives blissfully together, Insyallah.

And oh, just for the record, the food didn’t disappoint ;)

Carousel at Scotts

This is the sight that awaits you as you enter Royal Plaza at Scotts:

The most enthralling and dreamy wedding reception venue every bride could ask for. (Imagine all candles lit up. A page out of --insert your preferred Disney princess’ name-- is it just not….)

And of course, of decadent cakes and yummy macaroons!

But alas, these eye candies (in both senses) or rather works of art (isn’t the practice of good food?) weren’t part of the buffet, but surprisingly reasonably priced at around 5 buckaroos ++ a piece.

Much to our delight, the spread awaiting inside was no less… delightful? (for the lack of a better word :p)

Ambience was definitely one of the highlights in Carousel, the place partitioned into several dining areas with its own name and décor; The State room for functions and gatherings, the serene setting of the Verandah, the bright-burst of sunshine in the Terrace and the Living room for casual dining.

The Verandah

Pretty neat decor

The Japanese station offered the usual fare. The sushi was too my liking but the sashimi, I gave a miss. Blame it on all the horrifying sashimi-related stories and images in my head.

Cold soba, cali maki, and salads that'll rock your socks off

Popiah cups, spring rolls and more sushi & cold salad

Sandwiches were comparable to many I’ve tasted (pita dough being an exception. That’s hot.) but it’s the salads that really hit the chord (or tastebuds rather?) for me. Poached salmon salads and many other weird-sounding salad concoction (enlighten me please on what’s a vert) that nonetheless tasted great.

For the sweeter palate, expect scones, muffins, array of all cakes familiar and of house creations. And not forgetting the chocolate fountain, with accompanying sticks of fruits to coat (or multi-coat for me hehe). Western desserts were balanced with a fair share of local kuehs and puddings.

Sweets for my sweet

Chocolate & rasberry mousse, brownies, fruit tart and french pattisierie

It's nice to eat when it's nice to look at

Glowing hot scones!

Spot FD... (The Chocolat fountain)

...and Mardi! (The Asian Influence)

Bread pudding with vanilla sauce

All in all, I would describe this dining experience as pleasant – in both ways. Pleasant in that the place was cosy & welcoming, and customer service was tops. Pleasant also to the extent of blandness. The food averaged out decent and palatable but didn’t really make me come for thirdths. But seconds I did hehe.

But hey, it was high tea. Don’t expect a glorious spread of dense food aimed to burst your belly. Food at this hour is meant to be light, doi. But we were famished. Oh well.

But judging from Dimas’ rave reviews on lunch – roast lamb, whip-on-the-spot pasta, cheescakes, belgium waffles… shots of desserts?! You definitely got me there. Expect more ‘station kitchens’ offering a bigger food spread of international sorts.

For those keen to give it a try, be sure to make reservations. Turn-outs are usually high owing to it being Halal and a hot-spot for teachers, especially on half-days (I kid not!). And be sure to make it for lunch or dinner to not miss on the good stuff, which I’m sure I will soon.

* * *

CAROUSEL

Royal Plaza On Scotts

25 Scotts Road S228220

Tel: 6589-7799

Buffet hours: Lunch is 12.00 to 2pm; high tea is 3.30 to 5.30pm; dinner is 6.30 to 10.30pm; supper is 11pm to 4am.

Ayam Penyet Surabaya

Next stop on my list of makan places tried and tested is an Indonesian restaurant located somewhere in the glitzy wondershopping fashion street that is Orchard Road. Just that it’s neither one of them upmarket dining places nor the most chic of restaurants.

Located in the humble but popular shopping mall to foreigners and bargain-hunters, Resto Surabaya at Lucky Plaza has my thumbs up for authentic Indonesian fare.

It’s about time really, to get a taste of the much talked about Javanese dish that has made headlines and lured many celebrities (Sheila on 7, Peterpan, tinkerbelle?). Yes, all the hype surrounding their signature dish - Ayam Penyet Kremes.

And surely enough, the Ayam Penyet did not fail to deliver. Translated loosely as “smashed” chicken, this suggests actions of hammering, only to loosen the meat from the bones. The result? One tasty Ayam Penyet. Tender and moist meat, crispy skin with no hints of sogginess – Sure chases away the guilt of eating fried chicken! The dish also includes a generous serving of rice with fried tempe (fermented soybeans), tahu and great-tasting sambal thrown in for good measure.

So what really sets apart Resto Surabaya’s Ayam Penyet from the rest? I would think that the secret lies in the chili paste aka sambal. Variations to the sambal (in the attempt to cater to the local tastebuds) usually render them sweeter than the original. This restaurant however values the authenticity of Javanese cuisine and has fortunately conserved its distinctive flavour. The sambal maintains the tart taste with a good dose of spicy; definitely one that may scorch the unseasoned tongue and leave others wanting more.

Other appetizing dishes include Pecel Sayur - vegetables with “assam” and peanuts and Cah Kangkung or stir-fried kangkung, with the freshness of the vegetable preserved to the crisp. You’d need to try the rest to know how they'd fare now, wouldn’t you :)

All good things shouldn’t have to carry hefty price tag and this eatery very much understands this. Dishes are reasonably priced at hawker rates, probably owing to the rather confined and crammed space allocated for the restaurant.

You may have your own favourite Ayam Penyet eatery serving Indonesian food alike. In Lucky Plaza itself, outlets such as Ayam Penyet Ria and Ayam Bakar Ojoli have their own fair share of loyal customers. Not forgetting the most raved (as mentioned in a newspaper review) Changi Village Ayam Penyet Bistari, known to have modified their sambal to the likes of many.

Who knows, I might just change my mind on the best-tasting Ayam Penyet meal as I survey from store to store (speaking of which, there is this one restaurant around the corner – Waerong Penyet at Marine Parade opened and run by the famous Indon brothers. Hmm sounds like a hearty lunch to me :p). So far though, Resto Surabaya proves to be my personal fave. At the end of the day, you just gotta appreciate the food you're blessed with.

It may not be a Kintamani or Kartini in ambiance or location, but really, who gives a hoot when you’re dining on good food?

Resto Surabaya
Lucky Plaza #02-63/64
304 Orchard road Singapore 238863
Operating Hours: 1100 -2100hr
Tel: 6732 1803

Stop and smell the muffins...

So it’s been ages/eons/foreva since my last entry and it’s about time I put the kick back into this joint! (Pity it took me that long :p)

TA has been keeping be occupied to the brim lately and symptoms of stress are starting to show. It’s times like this when I tell myself to take a step backward, to pause for a second, take it easy and slow… to catch a breather from all the frenzy.

And it’s times like this were I find solace in retreating to my place of comfort (second to mummy dearest, but of course) – Of fine slices of decadent cake or invitingly warm bakes, totally absorb in that one moment, as I bask in total relaxation, savouring each mouthful with much pleasure and delight.


So to my friends who are caught up in all hectic-ness & bustles of life:


Take some time off for yourself, in whatever channel or avenue that fits your fancy – be it slogging it out at the gym (for yours truly, the foxy ladey), writing in your journal, blogging for the up-to-date or reposing in facial and massage sessions at the spa (to the queen of spa-indulging, yes you).

Seize opportunities to realign your priorities, to get things in perspective.

A rejuvenated you makes a more spirited, healthy and vivacious you.

And for myself, reviewing and writing about food, which I will get down to once I’m done lesson plans and what have you!!

All the best for the remaining weeks ahead guys. Looking forward to a new academic year, a new slate in goals and objectives :)

* * *

An entry wouldn’t be complete without a peek on something delectable, now would it? Here’s a glimpse of my first sweet buy since a long time -- Coffee Bean’s Expresso brownie.

A caffeine jolt for that quick fix.

Tuesday's Waffle Treat

Nothing spells Tuesdays better than half-priced waffles, wouldn’t you think so?

Yup, Tuesday marks a very special day for the sweet adventurer. At Gelare, signs scream of waffles going at half the original price… which of course means, being able to enjoy good food without having to worry about ripping a hole in your pocket.

Really, who could resist freshly-baked waffles with a friendly price tag? By George, have yourself 2 shares while you’re at it, 2-for-1 special okay! Yes, you can tell I was born and bred here.

Why stop there? Top your purchase with a selection of ice-cream of your whim & fancy, and you’re set to have a utensil-licking good time.

But be warned, only attempt to tackle giganormous waffle on empty stomach because chances are, you won’t have much space for the whole thing and end up stuffing in half, which is really, no difference from buying it on any other day.

Bite into my chocolate volcano… an eruption of chocolatey goodness!

Or keep it plain and simple… with coffee and syrup of maple.

I don’t know about you, but waffles to me are the kind of comfort food you’d retreat to for a quick pick-me-up or just that boost of cheer you needed. The aroma of freshly-baked lot sets you in wistful daydream as you cozy up in its warmth and comfort, only to find yourself reminiscing on yesteryears.

When the closest you can get to A&W waffles here is by mere daydream, Gelare might just be the next best place to put an end to that pining for waffles… on Tuesdays at least.

Of Cakes, Cream & Cheese

Milk & dark chocolate are undeniable favourites to many, evidence being the myriad of such cakes available in whole sorts of varieties. But white chocolate lovers, lest not. Although this cake came off rather sweet for my liking, I'm sure true fans would savour each bite with sweet, sweet satisfaction :)



White chocolate macadamia: This one’s a looker! Vanilla cream filling with enjoyable surprises of macadamia nuts, modishly finished with a chic coat of white chocolate. Sweet, white, and everything nice.





While busily entering yet another post, my lil' cousin happily slipped onto my lap for a looksie. When asked on which cake she liked the most, her answer had me giggling over amusement, because I immediately knew what she was referring too.

Me: So which one do you like?
Her: Teeth cake.


And by that, I knew it was this:

Kids say the darnest things, don't they?

Secret Crush (part I)

Secret’s out… Secret Recipe is one place you oughta try. Known for its wide array of delectable cakes from the signature chocolate banana to the award-winning marble cheesecake, it’s a wonder then why most people have yet to get acquainted with the café/restaurant located in several major malls.

Apparently, recommendation is through word of mouth. First introduced by a relative, I was soon frequenting the place to appease yet another sweet craving. A secret this pleasurable should be shared, no?

Just a list of cakes I’ve happily indulged on...

Chocolate marshmallow: The name says it all. You’re in for a sweet treat.

Royal chocolate cake: Premium chocolate cream decked over a cookie base.

Chocolate mud cake: Nicely proportioned compared to other giganormous cream cakes. Thick in taste but can come off a tad dry.

Chocolate chip walnut: Loads of walnut & chocolate chips chunks in heaps of cream.

Chocolate indulgence: Elegant mix of milk & white chocolate within a blanket of semi-sweet fudge.

Chocolate banana: Pretty much similar to chocolate indulgence, of chunky bananas instead.

Apple Crumble: Another lovely harmony of taste & texture.





Marble Cheese: Base of oats and graham crackers. Award-winning.







Oreo Cheese: Maybe it’s just me, but I prefer mine dunked in milk.








Cappuccino Cheese: Only if you’re a coffee junkie who likes cheese just as much.







Lemon cheese: Lovely combination of tangy and thick. Cream cheese swimming with lemon peel, over a ginger-lemon biscuit base & lady finger biscuit in the middle. You gotta love it.






Cheeze choc: Smooth chocolate layer over cheese cake. Trust me, this is one smooth operator.

Classic cheese: Especially like the substantial chunks of biscuits. Very reminiscent of Tiramisu.

Expresso cheese: Triple-whammy shots with cheese. Sorry, I just can't handle that much caffeine in one cake.

And the winner is...

Chocolate Moist Cake: The cake for the true chocolate lover. Moist cake enveloped with semi-sweet chocolate fudge, with a layer of mocha in the middle. Because it’s served warm, the chocolate melts oh-so lusciously, making each bite just so heavenly…

Other picks: Lemon cheese, Marble cheese, Classic cheese,

Apple Crumble cheese, Chocolate marshmallow, Royal Chocolate


Pictures taken from Secret Recipe homepage