Nostalgia

Had another lazy Saturday checking out the Mint Museum of Toys and BayBeats 2009 at the Esplanade.

The Mint Museum of Toys is five levels of pure nostalgia of toys from long ago. As a child, I was mostly left on my own, so television played a big part in my development. In fact, it might be the sole reason why I can speak fluent English with a slang (totally unaware to myself) while my entire family is totally Mandarin-Cantonese speaking.


Loving the old tin toys, teddy bears and figurines...

But what was closer to my heart which kept me cooing on the spot with sheer delight was the range of Tin-Tin toys. I remembered having a conversation with one of my Korean classmates, disbelieving that anyone could have not heard of Tin-Tin. It always ended with.. "But it's TIN TIN !"


Popeye, and for you, my dearest uncle who will be clearing out his Gundam collection, I attach photos of robots for you. :)






Also, creepy toys like the old Mickey Mouse dolls... eeeeeeeeeeee

The Beatles

You tell me, Chucky???


Proceeded by a lovely dinner with my latest Jeffrey Archer novel at the Mint Museum cafe which serves a really good beer battered fish & chips, I proceeded to meet up with my friend for the BayBeats event at the Esplanade.

As a teenager, I was one of those that grew up angry and listening to rock / alternative music. I was never one of those going gaga over the cute boy bands, instead I was bemoaning why Kurt Cobain had to go. With BayBeats, I revisit that part of myself which I had abandoned eons ago.

Where were you hiding, you excellent Singapore band !!!


Former Lead Singer for Fountains of Wayne


At the outdoor, Powerhouse venue. W00tz!


Cool, cam-whoring, popsy Philippine band


And can I say, our Malaysian neighbors really know how to work the stage ! In my next trip to KL, I am so going to check out a livehouse. :)

BayBeats 2009 Singapore
http://www.baybeats.com.sg/2009/

Mint Museum of Toys
http://www.emint.com/
26 Seah St
(Just Opposite Raffles Hotel)

Project Proposal

In a hotel room somewhere in Singapore,

Laid a room with 938 roses.. to represent each day they met...


In the toilet where the room laid, laid 938 stalks which formerly held the roses.

In the room next door, laid a girl who was celebrating her birthday with her friends. :)

She said yes of course,


Here's wishing them happiness forever !

Journey to the East

To satisfy R's craving for some black pepper crabs, and 3 weeks in planning for this foodie trip, we embarked onto a rather worn out looking coffee shop near Still Road for what was rumored to be Singapore's best black pepper crab !



We arrived early at 6pm on Saturday to ensure that we will definitely get our black pepper crabs. Even though, we thought we were early. We were not EARLY enough for this popular joint, and had to wait for close to an hour for a table. By 730pm, the aquarium of crabs behind was close to depletion. Yes, they are indeed popular.




(It was either taking photos of the cat on the tree or staring hungrily at other people. You pick... )


Good things are normally worth the wait. Or the queue might be just a scam to keep you so hungry that whatever you eat will feel like it is the best thing on earth.

The black pepper was finely grinded and incorporated into the addictive sauce. It was sad that there was no bun / bread / anything starchy to soak up the black peppery goodness. My only gripe was that it wasn't spicy or flaming hot, the sauce was just so addictive that it kept me going for more. Till now, I cannot put a finger on why it just tasted so good. Do keep away from the other dishes on offer by the coffeeshop, the black pepper crab is king ! The rest are just appetizers.

Eng Seng Restaurant
247 Joo Chiat Place
(Jn Joo Chiat Place and Still Rd)
4.30pm to around 8pm

A Beautifully Kept Secret in Singapore

Private Kitchen from Forrest Leong, an esteemed chief and writer of her own right, also spouse to the famous head chief of Tung Lok kitchen, Sam Leong. Thanks to my good fortune and my cousin's great connections, our entire family had the opportunity to dine at her private residence for a few occasions.




The food was always Thai inspired, homely and delicious. The ambiance is comforting in their Lakeview penthouse apartment.

I hear now that she is so busy with bookings that it will take up to two months ahead. I wish that you too may you be blessed one day by a friend with connections to dine at her place. :)

For a touch of History & Culture ..

Headed down to the Peranakan Museum after work on Friday for a touch of history and to check out Baba Bling, a special exhibition showcasing peranakan jewelery. A charming little museum of only about three floors, but each exhibition was carefully displayed and explained with detail, making it a pleasure to go around examining the exhibitions.




Peranakan Museum
39 Armenian Street,
Singapore 179941
Monday: 1pm to 7pm
Tuesday to Sunday: 9.30am – 7pm
(to 9 pm on Fridays)

Then the gang headed to 3Monkeys for a night of culture ala Kumar style. Kumar is one of the bitchiest, cross dressing diva to ever hit Singapore. Be it politics, sex, race or current events, his no holds barred style is refreshing and his politically un-correctness appealing.

"Wonderbra? Wonder where the boobs went to after you take off the bra"
"A cross dressing terrorist? You expect me to sing and dance before blowing up the building?"

3 Monkeys Café (every Friday & Saturday, 11pm)
#01-20 Orchard Towers
400 Orchard Road
Telephone 6735 3707

We Are Going to the Zoo Zoo Zoo, How About You You You

Took a trip to the zoo today with the gang, took us a slow 7 hours to cover the entire zoo. Except for my only gripe with the rainforest show where there were more humans than animals. Still lovin' the Singapore zoo experience ~ Especially cat country !