Ms Skinnyfat

Tuesdays are for tea because we all need one to get through the longest day of the week and i would head over to ReStore Living, a shop-cum-café nestled in the historic district of Tanjong Pagar to get some. What's awesome is that ReStore has all my loves in 1 quaint venue: Shophouses, quirky reupholstered chairs, vintage furniture and tea. I wasn't disappointed. Colourful chairs of all shapes and sizes were hung on the walls for all to admire. Relaxing vibe with french music playing softly in the background. This feel is what i want to come home to every night after a long day at work.

The store was conceived by Meg Wettstein and Liew Hwee Min, who share a passion for all things upholstered. The concept is simple really, pick out some vintage furniture that people are ready to discard (yes silly us) and add a little modern twist to it to make it all the rave. Then people are oh so willing to pay for them. Why not take a closer look at the things around you? Appreciate them a little more. Your trash could be someone else's treasure. Why not make them your own?

Sadly, all i can do is just appreciate it at the store till i get my own place. Oh wells. I had a great me afternoon off still with the delicious homemade wafles and cool iced tea.

I had the Chocolate, Almond and Banana half waffles (S$9.80) which was quite delightful. The batter was a little salty and went perfectly with the sweet toppings. Just the way i like it. The whipped cream is a lot denser than the usual airy sort and had an ice cream like texture which was lovely. Would love some ice cream on this one though.

The original plan was to get a Bagel (S$5.50) but unfortunately they were all sold out! The Cinnamon Raisin and Honey Wholewheat bagels are apparently hot sellers here. I heard that it's practically the best bagel in Singapore. Definitely gotta head back to try them. The cream cheese served with it is also a depart from the usual. Other than the plain cheese, there's also the Caramel Cream and Maple syrup Walnut Cream Cheese. No prize for guessing what i'd choose. :)

Head over to ReStore Living for a très European lazy afternoon. If not, at least make yourself an iced tea this afternoon. :)

ReStore Living

124 Tanjong Pagar Rd 088533

Tel: +65 6222 3510 

Tue-Thu: 11am -7pm

Fri: 11am -8pm
Sat: 12pm -8pm

Sun: 12pm -5pm

I grew up eating Ang Ku Kueh (AKK)- those crayon red, tortoise shell looking glutinous rice cakes stuffed with sweet and sometimes savory fillings. My personal favorite when i was a kid is the red peanut AKK. But as i grew older, i stopped eating it. It's suddenly too sweet, too oily, too old fashioned, too something. It's not just me alone, I speak for my peers as well. How many can say that they eat these kuehs on a regular basis or would hunt it down like we do for other cuisines?

That's kinda sad actually. The loss of a way of life and along with it, culture. What we should really do is to bring the sexy back in culture and cultural food.

I was invited by Gavan, third generation boss of Lek Lim Nyonya Cake Confectionery to try the kuehs at this traditional shop in Bedok. To my surprise, it's just a block away from my favorite Bedok 85 Bak Chor Mee place! This hidden shop has more than 48 years kueh history and they prepare all the kuehs on site.

Check out the huge selection of Nyonya Kuehs prepared freshly everyday. Gavan's mother comes to the shop every morning to oversee the preparation of the kueh skin and fillings. The family fiercely guards their secret recipe so that it stays within the family. All the kuehs are hand made. Can you believe it? In this day and age, it's hard to find handmade goods anymore. I even made my own AKK ($0.50 each; $2.30 for 5). It's really cheap for a kueh don't you think?

Needless to say, mine was quite a failed product. The sides are not supposed to crack. The aunty was too nice to not say anything about it really! She kept encouraging me along the way. I'm obviously not cut out for a domestic life.

I loved the tapioca kuehs (S$1.20/box)! I'm bad at identifying them. All the kuehs in the picture are made from tapioca! There are the steamed sort and the baked sort. The tapioca is steamed and then mashed using a little mixer. There are still chunks of tapioca in the kueh to give you something to munch on. I love the one topped with coconut and the gula melaka one. They are not very sweet surprisingly. I finished them 2 boxes on my own. :)

My other favorite is the Soon Kueh (S$0.70 ea). The chewy skin is made from glutinous flour and some other secret ingredients. Lek Lim believes in hand making the kuehs because it maintains the crunch and moisture of the vegetables filling. I believe i can eat these soon kuehs for breakfast everyday. Heh.

I think it's great to experience those carefree childhood days where food is more basic and fun to eat. I never like eating these rainbow lapis when i was younger (they aren't tasty) but i ate them anyway because it's fun to peel off the layers. That's not to say these kuehs are not delicious. Why not try some dishes that are more traditional and Singaporean this week? You may find some surprises in our own backyard.

Author's note: All the kuehs are vegetarian and halal!

Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery
Blk 84 Bedok North St 4 #01-21
Tel: +65 64490815
Mon - Sat: 4am - 6pm
Sun: 4am - 2pm

Singaporeans often complain there is nothing to do on weekends other than eat, shop and watch movies. The malls are always packed to the brim but there are so many other places that would allow you to roam around freely and provide experiences more satisfying than picking out a discounted pair of heels at Zara or going into HnM for the umpteenth time.

Photo: PPBNKLS

Why not spend an enriching afternoon at the museums? Immerse yourself in the rich knowledge and cultural experiences in a tranquil and serene environment that allows for pensive thoughts and intellectual conversations. I guarantee you will walk out feeling rested and balanced.

There are generic museums that could be replicated all over the world and then there are museums that reflect the culture and identify of the people. The Peranakan Museum is the latter. I'm not a Nyonya but the Baba-Nyonya culture has been very vibrant and we do see influence of it in our daily lives, from the kuehs that we have for breakfast to certain way of life.

I still have these bowls and plates at home. They have insects painted on them; butterflies and bees symbolizes a good harvest and that there will always be food on the table. Interesting nuggets of information.

The permanent exhibits touches on all aspects of the Peranakan life, from customs, traditions, life to death and the food as well. I'm so getting one of these intricate table and chair set. The carvings are set with mother of pearl. Throw in the telephone as well. Nice.

From June 2012 till 17 Feb 2013, there is a special "Emily of Emerald Hill: Singaporean Identity on Stage" exhibition. It's one of my favorite local plays. This exhibition examines the creation and impact of Stella Kon's writing as well as its relevance in contemporary Singaporean culture. Comes highly recommended. S and i had fun looking at all the exhibits and collecting embossed stamps on our visit card. The kids would absolutely dig this.

If the above is not enough to entice you (seriously?), admission is free for all Singaporeans and PRs to ALL the exhibitions for August 2012. Don't wait any longer!

To top off the Peranakan experience, you can hop over to True Blue Cuisine for a decadent Baba meal or simply be more appreciative of the typical Ang Ku Kuehs or Soon Kuehs that are available everywhere. Will be introducing a Nyonya Kueh shop to you in a bit. Stay tune!

Author's note: I'm sure some of you guys were making a mental comparison between our very own National Museum to famous ones like the Met, the Louvre and the British Museum. Ok. Apple and Orange. Bottom line is, sometimes we need to be more appreciative of what we have and stop comparing all the time.

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

It's Day7 of my Zespri 14-day Challenge! I can't believe i've lasted this long but it has been quite an interesting 1 week with all my lovely kiwifruits. This lazy girl has obviously been lazy at creating kiwi dishes. The best i've managed is the Kiwifruit Salsa. And a granola kiwifruit yogurt for breakfast. ZZZ. Fret not! Even if you are lazy like me, it's not that hard to incorporate the Vit C packed fruit in your diet. You can actually do different things with the same ingredients such as... making your own facial mask!

I'm not a facial person and i've only recently started on my skincare regime (things you do when you get older). I'm really simple when it comes to facial products and i don't see the need in spending so much money on chemicals when you can get them from natural products such as fruits and vegetables!

Kiwifruits contain the highest level of Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. It is also rich in Vitamins A and E, which are beneficial for our skin and hair, giving us that radiant complexion. Other than eating them, it also works wonders when you use it on your face. I'm going to share with you a simple kiwi yogurt mask to give you that additional glow. :)

Ingredients:
1 Zespri Kiwifruit (3-4 teaspoon of juice)
2 Tablespoons of Yogurt
1 Tablespoon of Orange Juice
1 Tablespoon of Almond Oil

Instructions:Puree the kiwifruit in the food processor or blender or simply chop and mash it up.
Add the other ingredients in
Mix till you get a smooth thick and creamy paste (mine is a little watery)
Apply to face and leave till dry (about 30mins)
Wash off with cold water.

After washing off my mask, my skin feels moisturized and supple. Eating kiwifruits helps with the detox and i was actually getting a breakout because the pores are trying to unclog themselves :(( So it's a great thing that they soothe my skin when i apply the fruits on instead. 1 fruit, multiple wholesome uses. Now go try it for yourself! :))

Spanish tapas is one of my food loves; I absolutely adore the simple, unpretentious and hearty food served at many tapas bars in Spain and i've been on a lookout for a good one in Singapore. You can imagine my excitement when FoodBar DaDa opened. This haute tapas bar sounds just up my alley and is situated at one of my favorite dining enclaves, Robertson Quay.

It's easy to miss this bar; you can hardly spot the small black sign on top. The green tinted glass and black metal grille facade camouflages it well. The industrious looking gate, without a sign or knob, shields dinners from prying eyes outside. Once in, you'll be seated along a grunge yet chic alley, perched on tall stools around the kitchen bar.

Start with a bespoke cocktail by local bartenders Eugene and Din. Simply tell them what you feel like having and you'll get what you want. I asked for sweet and refreshing and i got a Blackforest Mojito (S$19) served in a tin can. Z had the Out of This World which had a light floral elderflower liquor base. The drinks tasted special but i could hardly taste any alcohol in them.

Our amuse bouche was Toast with roasted red peppers, onion and vinegar. It tasted kind of like pizza but with a burst of summer in it.

The presentation of the Watermelon Gazpacho and Charcoal Olive Oil Ice Cream (S$12) was unique, being served in a martini glass. This is reminiscent of the best cold tomato soup i had in Madrid but with a hint of Asia in it (fried shallots really?). The olive oil cream helped neutralize the acidity of the tomato to give it a smoother texture.

Most dishes are cooked in the acclaimed Josper grill, a pressurized charcoal grill that retains the natural flavors of the ingredients while giving them a nice smokiness. The Baby Squid and Eggs (S$18) was fresh and smoky but the heavy use of garlic once again is very typically Asian cuisine. The dish is salty on its own but the sodium kinda evens out when eaten with the fluffy brioche-like toast.

On first taste, the Shishito Peppers with Shitake Mushrooms (S$11) was sweet then citrusy. I love the pistachio and nut crunch that accompanies the earthy ingredients. However, i can't shake off that nagging feeling/taste of Chinese cuisine.

I was absolutely confounded after tasted the Black Mediterranean Rice (S$8 for a portion). There is no doubt that the paella was executed nicely (al dente and moist), but if i close my eyes and taste this, i would say it's rice cooked in Sukiyaki soup. The dish was missing the smokiness of the squid ink as well as that savory seafood taste. Up to this point, i started wondering if i was having Japanese food instead.

The chef was quite amused by my description of the dishes (he thought i am Japanese). Apparently that's how paella is done in Catalunya. I've only tried Paella Valencia in Madrid and Barcelona so there's no standard to compare to. The open concept kitchen indeed allowed for interaction between the chefs and patrons though we were the only ones chatting with the cute Brazilian chef. Do you know that paella was originally cooked with only vegetables? The Spaniards simply threw in whatever ingredients they could find during the war and that's how the dish came about. Little bit of history from our chef. :) We ended up reminiscing the fresh food and produce at La Boqueria in Barcelona. A trip back is definitely needed.

I would say that the dining experience at Foodbar Dada is chic but comfortable. It's not for everyone though, especially if you have a huge appetite. Remember, this is a haute tapas bar and they do small plates. Flavors wise, i wish they would have more typically Spanish food like croquetas, chorizo, Spanish omelette, jamon, meatballs... the more hearty sort of dishes. Good news is that the menu changes every now and then. New dishes would be coming out 2 weeks later. Hopefully it's more Spanish then.

Foodbar Dada
60 Robertson Quay, #01-12
Tel: +65 6735 7738

Tue - Sat: 6pm - 12am

Was invited by Nuffnang to join the Genting Highlands Foodie Tour with LadyIronChef some time back. In Part 1 of my post, i highlighted some interesting things to do in Genting Highlands, Malaysia (read about it here). So here is Part 2 on the food.

We ate at several of the hotel restaurants during our stay- Resorts Hotel's Resort Cafe, Highands Hotel's Coffee Terrace and also Genting Palace Restaurant. Didn't like Resort Cafe's food. Nothing special. Mostly Malay food and kuehs. Oh really bad coffee btw. That was what everyone was talking about after. Coffee Terrace has more of an international spread. I enjoyed the Japanese and Roast section the most. Not a bad for an international buffet. My favorite however is Genting Palace Restaurant. It is definitely a place to go back to again.

We had dinner and dimsum breakfast here on 2 occasions and i was really impressed with the food. Do you know that all the restaurants in Genting Highlands do not use MSG? Natural seasoning are used to bring out the flavors of the ingredients and they were really delicious. Some of my favorite dishes from the dinner are as follows.

Huge fresh prawns cooked in a sweet and sour sauce; succulent flesh that is easily separated from the shell, easily one of the best dishes. Mama doesn't take pork so everyone let her have more of this (so sweet).

The friendly head chef Jacky was explaining to us how to cook vegetables. You got to cook them in boiling water, add some salt and ginger juice/slices to it, then fry them with the other ingredients after. Do this to maintain that crunchiness and the nice greens. Throw in some braised baby abalones and you get a decadent dish.

I'm not a fish fan but i couldn't stop eating this dish! Cantonese steamed fish topped with enoki mushrooms, shredded pork and maybe some preserved vegetables. It's sweet and savory all at once, definitely umami.

Yam rice was also a delight. Each grain was fluffy and full and they did not stick to each other too much. Love those chunks of yam and preserved Chinese sausage in this one. Very fragrant.

Everyone loved this Mango and cream mochi because it was wonderfully light. I felt like i was floating on a piece of cloud. Chef Jacky said he could fill them with durians too. I'll definitely be back for this next time.

Me with Chef Jacky, LadyIronChef and the Genting Marketing Team who hosted us for the trip.

Chef Jacky is really the sweet and charming chef. He entertained us all night with his tales and nuggets of cooking tips. He also happened to like my Mama quite a bit! Pulled her into his arms when she wanted a picture. So cute. :) Glad my little old lady enjoyed herself.

Our dimsum breakfast was prepared by the youngest executive chef in Genting and it was one of the better dimsum that i've tried in my life. I would say it's comparable to the 1 Michelin Stars that I had in Hong Kong.

Fried Yam Balls stuffed with char siew. Crispy latticed batter with juicy honey barbecued pork inside. The yam paste is dense with some little chunks of yam. Yums.

Steamed tender pork ribs with black beans and chili. When pork is this fresh, it's sweet. The meat simply fell off the bone.

No pretty pictures of the flowy golden liquor from the Salted Egg Custard Bun because i gobbled them up immediately. Simply one of the best steamed custard buns i've tried. It's also the first time Mama tried this hot, and she loved it. :)

Mama also loved the Glutinous Rice with Chicken and Chinese Mushrooms. Juicy stewed mushrooms with delicate chicken meat. I love that it's moist and nicely flavored with the dark soy sauce and natural jus from the fungi.

Best puff pastry egg tarts that I've had. The glossy egg was semi solid that disintegrates once you send it into your mouth. The puff was crisp and crumbly as well. I believe i was doing a little dance after popping the first one. Then the second.. and the third..