Provence

A little hamlet somewhere in Provence



lunch in the garden terrace



home-made bread and spreads



carpaccio of the region with cavaillon melon jelly



chilled spicy tomato gaspacho



most tender veal chunks and fresh greens



kitty kats



dutch chef's wife



mandatory cup of coffee



fresh strawberries and cream



sante!

Brilliant Last Weekend

Our darling Tania got married.

I know, I can't believe it either.


A couple of us 'jie meis' woke up at an ungodly hour on a saturday to sit on her flowery bed to bid farewell to Tania's singlehood, amongst other things.




That's some of us unusually chirpy (must be the coffee) loitering at the gates while waiting for certain dudes to arrive.

That's Vicki, Vivian and Adeline.




Hang on, the circus has arrived! And in style, I'd say.




Guess which is the Groom?

They are such a sporting bunch, not to mention their sexy sweltering hot french accents.

They enter, after a session of bartering, and proceed to do the Macarena!






While the jie meis look on gleefully...





And take more photos...




Because we are girls, and we like taking photos.

Luckily that was before the Groom said the sweetest thing to the the Bride causing us jie mei's to start tearing. Very Ms World, wildly flapping our hands to dry our moist eyes.



Fast forward to dinner...



A pretty bride, a gorgeous gown!

I honestly haven't felt so happy for a couple before, weddings are such a splendid thing.





Cousin came down from KL just to attend the wedding





During the dinner




An ecstatic couple

Thanks babe for organising such a fun filled weekend and for the invitation!

Here is to a future of happiness.

Melbourne 2007

It seems a lifetime away...


that I was in Melbourne,


in a restaurant that totally encapsulates me.





The Botanical. I like!

The sort of airy, breezy, chill, quasi-pretentious place facing a tranquil patch of greenery.

Glass frontage, perfect with the sun streaming in.

It has a communal dining area amidst the books and bottles, a sitting area in front of the open concept kitchen, the now mandatory private dining room, a bar oozing appeal right at the back, a couple of benches outside and the lovely area at which I sat stuffing my face with the freshest ingredients available.

Wagyu beef carpaccio




degustation of pork - confit, black pudding, sausage, belly, croquette



amongst other things.

I simply loved it.


Go check out the damn quirky, pretty webbie of theirs.

http://www.thebotanical.com.au/

You will find them at:
169 Domain Road South Yarra
Victoria 3141 Australia
Phone +613 9820 7888
Fax +613 9820 7800

Random pictures:




Cupcake shop @ Prahran Market - one of the foodie market





Trio of us along the river, i was so cold, i look like i was going to cry.




Brunetti's beautiful desserts - passionfruit tart, tiramisu and chocolate profiterole





St. Kilda's sunset




A few places you should visit:


MoVida - the cavern of tapas galore. Try the Cecina - Air cured wagyu beef thinly sliced with a truffle foam and poached egg.

"Cecina" -
Dish of the year

15.5/20
Age Good
Food Guide 2007

Order the Caball ahumado - Smoked Spanish makerel with pine nut gazpacho sorbet and I absolutely loved the Churros - Rich drinking chocolate and Spanish doughnuts sprinkled with cinnamon.

Open daily, Noon to late. 1 Hosier Lane, Melbourne, 3000 (Melways: Map 1, B12)
Booking Essential Ph: (03) 9663 3038

http://www.movida.com.au/index.htm


Books for cooks - go absolutely crazy in this bookstore filled with thousands of cookbooks; modern, traditional, new, old, gastronomique, hearty, molecular, biblical, theoretical, everything you could possibly ask for with a knowledgable owner to boot. - 233-235 Gertrude Street Fitzroy, Victoria . Phone Number: +61 3 8415 1415

Bar Lourinha - Another tapas bar, swanky chic this time. Noisy, crowded, no reservations for dinner allowed, small seating capacity, waited one freaking hour to get a table for three. But sure as hell worth every bit of it. What totally blew me away - Kingfish pancetta on a bed of lemon thyme, a tiny black pot of Morcilla & 'Green Egg' tortilla, absolutely delicious lamb'd tongue (and i don't even eat those things!), Grilled 'piri piri' chicken winglets. This is my second favourite place, right after The Botanical.

37 Little Collins Street
http://www.barlourinha.com.au/index.asp



Three One Two - The hottest fine dining in town.

http://www.threeonetwo.com.au/ for a giddifying website.


David Jones Food Hall - I love all the cookies there!!!



Why am I living in Singapore?

Trisara, Phuket

I did one of my weekend getaways again, except that it was on company expense this time. Yay! How cool is that?

Destination was Phuket, and although I had recently just been there (Evason Resort and Spa), this time the company chose to stay at a more business catered hotel, Movenpick Resort and Spa. It wouldn't have been any of my top five choices, but it was luxurious enough and definitely at least fourpointfive stars, if not five.

Initially, I was thinking of going with the flow, it was a department retreat after all. And so I didn't plan my multiple meals a day, several hotels to check out itinery. Nonetheless, I grabbed my trusty Luxe Guides at the airport just before boarding and managed to pick out a few places that I just wouldn't mind visiting.

In the end, the two places that I short-listed, Trisara and Lotus, were absolutely must goes.

I'll have to rave about Trisara first since the pictures taken at Lotus have yet to be loaded onto my computer.



Trisara is a new-ish boutique hotel. But these days, the definition of boutique has expanded and 'boutique' now encompasses sprawling compounds with the same edginess and one-off quality about them. Trisara was luxurious to the point of disbelief and yet super private and zen. We had lunch at the restaurant's huge wooden deck facing the sea with the crashing waves and later settled ourselves on the sprawling deck cushions.

















Trisara's restaurant offers two complete sets of menus, one thai and one european. We didn't even have to think twice about going for the thai cuisine. The prices were obviously not cheap, but the portions were large and they were very generous with the ingredients.




This is the King Prawn Salad in spicy dressing with layers of thai spices.




The Tom Kha Gai, which is essentially like chicken green curry with a slighty thinner broth. It felt terribly sinful slurping the soup which was thick with coconut milk. Yet for those who love green, this is a god sent.




A very pretty rendition of Phad Thai. But nothing can beat the No.1 Phad Thai in Bangkok @ Thip Samai (313 Mahachai Road,Phranakorn).


Everybody who bothered to make the one hour car ride declared it well worth the journey. Located just 15 minutes away from the airport, it is situated at Cherng Talay, just south of Nai Thorn Beach.

Believe me when I say that this is one helluva place to hold a wedding.

Check out the website yourself...

Romanticising

This is why sometimes, I really love England...

When the skies are clear and the sun is shining, and you are driving along the countryside, good music, the breeze in your hair, someone you love by your side, bliss.

Tom Aikens

Tom Aikens needs no introduction.

Tom Aikens needs no elaboration.

Tom Aikens needs no recommendation.


(Pineapplemalibuu is just being lazy)


























The poor lighting (and bad photographer) really does not do justice to the food.

But if that was the last meal I would ever have (with the same exact dishes), I'd be one happy Pineapplemalibuu.



Finally when the restaurant emptied, I dared to bare my flash.





Details coming soon...


http://www.tomaikens.co.uk/

Arbutus Restaurant

One of the first proper restaurants I tried upon touching down in London was Arbutus Restaurant. Awarded a prestigious one Michelin star, I was pretty excited about giving it a visit. So much so that based on the generally acceptable reviews of Gills Coren, I sold it remarkably well to a friend who was also going to be in London.

The appetisers were generally average Sunday brunch food (we went there on a Sunday) with the exception of the English asparagus from Secretts Farm and fried duck egg. The greatness of this dish may in fact not be attributable to the chef, but to the freshness and wholesome nature of the ingredients. Secretts Farm is one of the better known vegetable producers (see their stall at Borough Market!) and their thick green asparagus, which was then in season, was simply natural. The duck egg white, so perfectly supple and yolk so richly sinful.

This is the brilliant thing about England, the produce is simply amazing, if you just know where to go. (Has anyone heard of Petersham Nuseries by the way?)

The girls opted for Sea bass with stuffed peppers mango chutney and salad leaves. While the fish was slightly over cooked, I loved the stuffed peppers. Just look at the colours. That is sufficient. I still think that the best place that does fish just the way I like it is this tuck in the corner Blu Restaurant and Bar in Nottingham. Why is it so difficult to get it right???

The boys had a generous helping of beef potatoes and sauteed vegetables. It was the plat du jour, does that mean left overs?





A unique combination of rice pudding and alfonso mango

and the best lemon tart I have tasted, ever. Even though it may not look it. Yes jem, even better than Babkha.



I was genuinely surprised that Arbutus was awarded one Michelin star while an obviously more dedicated performance from Maze (see below) was given the same one Michelin star.

It was about 30 quid per person as we had a bottle of wine. Generally acceptable for a three course meal and in a relaxing slightly uppity cafe.

But I suppose, I really expected more from the rave reviews, various accolates and Anthony Demetre.


http://www.arbutusrestaurant.co.uk/

boohoo.

Oh this is mightily embarrassing.

Two weeks into self-declaring that Pineapplemalibuu is officially happening, her body decides to protest and she breaks into a fever with chills, with a strong dash of pounding headache to go along with it. This happens mid-week, just when Pineapplemalibuu starts to get reallieee excited about what the upcoming weekend may bring.

Pineapplemalibuu actually rarely falls sick. Cough doesn't quite count, neither does sorethroat, because they do not affect your ability to function. Pounding headaches, fever, chills, stomach cramps, giddiness, on the other hand, severely impairs proper functioning of your mind and body.



I have a few theories as to why Pineapplemalibuu actually fell sick : -

(1) Pineapplemalibuu has been working waaaaaaaay too hard;

(2) Pineapplemalibuu went to bed with wet hair on Tuesday night;

(3) Pineapplemalibuu's body is subconsciously protesting against doing due diligence;

(4) Pineapplemalibuu ate waaaaaaaaaay too much the week before (but what's new here);

(5) Pineapplemalibuu's body is protesting to listening to hard core trance;


and lastly,


(6) Pineapplemalibuu has just been clubbing waaaaaaaaaaay too much.


I personally attribute it to reason (1) but you may beg to differ?




In any case, thursday is almost over and the weekend is almost here!

Pineapplemalibuu is planning to have a relaxing one this round (she say onli, she confirm will go chiong wan).

But we'll see! ;p





p.s - one of these days, i promise that i will blog about all the restaurants i have been to in the last month... (intentionally bad drafting?)


p.p.s - ralfie (in the shocking pink picture below) is homesick. this fat little giraffe has been camping out all by himself in a Copenhagen hostel. will he be coming home soon?

Marco V

Much to the chagrin of the cutie, I have been going out to party on two consecutive weekends.

Last night was the ultimate bomb. The Family has ditched me, once again, to sunbathe in Mauritius. Wth man, this is the third holiday I am missing out because this little thing called work obligations.

But anyway, that meant that I had the whole place to myself! Perfect for QR and I to have a little drinks affair over at my humble abode. And so we blasted trance music from my speakers. Yup, you heard that right! Pineapplemalibuu is unbelievably happening now and actually listens (and dances!) to trance. That coupled with good friends and alcohol really set the mood for later.





Marco V was playing at Zouk!! And by the time I headed down around 1am, the party had just about started. It goes without saying that Marco V was absolutely awesome!!! I was one of those mad ones who stood near the DJ console and danced all the way to closing time. It was unbelievable - the fact that Pineapplemalibuu who doesn't exercise, managed to dance for 5 hours straight.

I am not too sure how long this trance phase will last for, but for the sake of my muscles and my bones, I really hope it won't be long!

happening

I miss ralfie.

And I miss the weekend.



I have miraculously re-discovered the joys of having fun. Fun in the sense of partying, drinking and dancing. I am merry! I had a merri-ful weekend and I do so want to repeat it this weekend.
I am becoming re-happening and I am also rambling.

Food @ Kasbah Tamadot

Harirra - a typical moroccan soup

made with peppers, spices, lentils

served with toasted bread drizzled in honey

dates on the sides Moroccans have a penchant for all things sweet.






Haute Moroccan salads

none of those healthy raw vegetables there





steaming hot monkfish tagine served with cooked through vegetables

sitting in their own juices







Kefta - lamb meat ball tagine with egg

similar to the italian version

with moroccan spices

Kasbah Tamadot

I am sure you have heard of Sir Richard Branson.

But you may not have heard of his 'kasbah' up in the mountains on the continent of Africa.


A kasbah is something like a fortress. You know, like Minas Tirith in Lord of the Rings, except that while Minas Tirith is splendidly white, a kasbah is gloriously red. Not to mention the fact that kasbah is an arabic word and therefore refers to an Islamic fortress.

So SIR Richard Branson, being SIR Richard Branson, decided to join in the hippie crowd and traveled to Marrakech, where upon he stumbled on this amazing (but not well maintained) kasbah an hour an a half away from the chaotic city. He bought it, restored it, expanded it and voila, another Marrakech attration for Pineapplemalibuu.

And it is gorgeous.






Absolutely stunning in fact. I urge you to visit the website, if traveling to Marrakech isn't quite on your weekend agenda. Richard Branson fell in love with it. I fell in love with it.

And while you can afford the S$1800 flight to Marrakech, transit London, but can't afford the minimum 300 Euros a night room, at least make a reservation for lunch (one week in advance) and taste delightful Moroccan haute cuisine, prepared by Chef Jean Mundell-Murphy previously of Les Manoir aux Quat Saison.

Dip in one of the two swimming pools, later dry off while having Moroccan mint tea and gaze at the snow top mountains in the distance. (Yes, snow top mountains in Africa. They exist.)

Nott's Mates @ Kismis

Pigging out...

I stuffed my guests.


My guests stuffed me.







And we are repeating it all over again this Sunday.

Fes

Stephen likes Fes in the mornings. That is when the city is still quiet and the locals are laid back. As you walk through the Medina, you aren't fervently accosted by carpet merchants, souvenir sellers and what nots. It is a time when you are able to appreciate the city's architecture, soak in the sights and see Fes as Fes.

It is also the time where most ladies (and some men) do their marketing, where the produce is still fresh and not yet wilting in the hot sun.


By the early afternoon, you start to feel a tingle. There are more locals about, you smell more donkeys (some of which look very adorable) and persistent food touts start shoving menus at your face.

At about three o'clock, after a satisfying lunch, a siesta is needed. Except that the Moroccans don't call it siesta, although I do not know the term they use. The locals return to their homes for lunch and a short rest and about five, everybody starts coming out again.





I like Fes in the evenings. By six, the Medina is buzzing. Buzzing with people, donkeys, sounds and smells. It is a perfect time to get lost in the souks (the maze of markets). There is a souk each for clothes, antiques, amenities, food, spices and everything else in between. It is a perfect time to experience Fes as Fes.


Fes was my introduction to Morocco. A less touristy spot (although it is becoming increasingly popular), relatively untainted by commercialism with a slightly laid back atmosphere which is lacking in Marrakech.

The locals are less pushy and more friendly. Shop owners you meet the day before greet you enthusiastically the next time they see you. They offer you Moroccan whisky (Moroccan Mint Tea) even though you have no interest in buying any of their carpets, antiques or doors.

They might have spiked the whisky though, because after drinking from one of those cute glasses (where the tea was poured from Aladdin looking tea pots), I found myself haggling for a Saharan carpet and walking out with one rolled under my arm and 40 quid poorer.

And a carpet was the last freaking thing on my shopping list.

Had I drank another cup, I would have ended up buying a wooden door. I know it.










Stephan always looks out for his guests and only introduces trust-worthy shops to visit, shops which he knows the owners would not rip us off or sell us damaged goods.

His friend, our guide for the day, also showed us where the famed honey shop is. There are vats and vats of honey in the store. And I am talking of huge vats, the height of your chest filled with honey from Moroccan bees. Each vat has a different flavour with about fifteen or so in total. I had a sugar rush by the time I was done tasting them. My favourites are the Orange Blossoms, Cedar and Asphrodile (a medicinal honey which instantly warms your throat as you take a tiny spoonful).

It is a perfect gift, and if you have enough luggage space, buy a couple of varieties, repack them into tiny jars and distribute different flavours to friends.



You will be surprised at how alive the city is even at 9 pm. Little children are running about, old grannies are out and everybody is talking to somebody.

I was intimidated initially, the arabic language which the locals speak sounds very harsh and gutteral. It is not spoken in a friendly and soothing tone. Couple this with their stares and the seemingly disorganised alleys, you get one pretty cautious tourist.

But once you come to terms with the fact that this is the way they are and that they do not mean any harm, you find yourself truly enjoying this yet untainted charming city.




For moroccan accomodation of grandeur infused with modernism, visit Riad Fes.


For moroccan carpets, doors and other antiques, go to Coin Berbère is at 67 Talaa Kebira in the Haddadine quarter of the Fez medina (212) 35-63-69-46.

http://query.nytimes.com


For moroccan honey, go to Nafis Hicham at Tala Kebira, Fondouk Kaat Smen 81; (212) 35634-269.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/02/04/travel/04foraging.html?ref=travel


For a proper fes write up, go to http://travel.nytimes.com//2007/04/08/travel/08Fez.html.


To visit Riad Numero 9, go to this website.

Riad Numero 9

I couldn't sleep. And so I made my way to the rooftop terrace with a book and pen in hand.

It was only 7 am but the sun was bright and a peaceful quiet across the Medina. Some pigeons were coo-ing and the house dog sat nicely on the sofa beside me. We were both waiting for the city to awaken and then hopefully Ithaca, the house help, would whip up some of those lovely crepe/pratha breakfast thingies of hers.

The riad I was staying at had a fortunate location. Strategicially situated, and built on a higher plane, I was afforded a sweeping view of the Imperial City that is called Fes. It is a UNESCO Heritage site composed of a labyrinth of cobbled alleys and walkways with sandy coloured stone walls that form the structure of century-old houses. And I was in one of those century-old houses.

The Moroccans define a 'riad' as a house with a patio or courtyard. The courtyard is the centre of the house and the rooms are built around it. Stephen, an endearing guy of dubious nationality (depending on the situation), had sighted, bought and painstakingly restored the then dilapidated premises into the architechurely beautiful and minutely detailed piece of art that is it now. His penchant for placing unique items together has resulted in one of the most charming homes I have been to. And I was lucky to be staying in it.






Ithaca was a little startled to see me perched on the sofa so early in the morning but immediately started getting breakfast ready. She had some coffee brewed, made some moroccan breakfast pastries, scrambled lovely yellow eggs and brought out Bruno's home made jam (pumpkin, orange, strawberry) and honey.

Stephen and Bruno live in this gorgeous get away everytime they feel that they deserve a break from the hectic lives they lead. Sometimes Stephen would work from here, a tranquil little place in which he draws inspiration from. I would too and in fact, I managed to script a little background on Fes.








Stephen and Bruno are incredibly hospitable and easy to get along with. It was simply wonderful to have breakfast and tea with them. On the first night, Bruno even whipped up a three course french dinner for four! We sat in the middle of the courtyard at their japanese table and talked into the night. It was culturally enriching process for both parties as well as educational at times.

Our host introduced us to his firm friends and they brought us to reliable antique shops and showed us around the Medina. Bruno also called up their favourite restaurant and ordered the best moroccan cuisine for us to sample.

For tea, Stephen got us moroccan sweet pastries from this one particular shop in the new town which they buy from and left them in our room for us to try.

I would go as far to say that my time in Fes was so enjoyable because of them and their lovely home.








There are only 3 rooms in this riad and when Stephen & Bruno are around, they occupy the master suite on the top floor. I stayed in the double en suite room, but in my honest opinion, these rooms are too homey to be labelled as such. I would much prefer to say that I stayed in the saharan-looking room on the third floor, but I cannot be too sure about the floor, it's just up and up and half ups.





If you are lucky, you are able to rent the entire riad with a group of friends or as a romantic get away for you and yours only.




You may even choose to bring a little giraffe.







I was getting so comfortable in riad numero 9, it was very hard to go. On the last day there, we cooked a simple lunch for Stephen and Bruno, in an attempt to express our thanks for the exquisite time we spent with them and in Fes. Bruno brought us to the local market stalls in the morning and we pointed at the local produce to indicate what we wanted. It was an experience for us and a sight for the locals. Imagine, chinois tourists doing grocery shopping in Morocco!

So charmed I was that I tried to cancel my next hotel's reservation, but was unfortunately told that it was not possible.

And so we packed our bags and headed to the train station after lunch and embarked on our seven hour journey to Marrakesh.

It does seem that I would have to plan another trip to Fes.




(Pictures of Fes coming up.)

Eden

Guess where my Eden is?

I did it!!!

I am now the owner of a gorgeous bag, amongst other things.

Gordon Ramsay

The trip to England was initially a lonely one. I was traveling alone and had no fat tummy to lay my head on while I slept. When I could not sleep anymore, I finally decided to do some DIY and fix the airplane's headset together.

Under the 'learning' section of SIA's inflight entertainment, I spotted two episodes of Hell's Kitchen USA. I never really fancied Gordon Ramsay even though I may have had a cookbook or two of his. But I was bored and since Brad Pitt was not sitting anywhere near me, I selected Hell's Kitchen.

Thereon, life on the plane was not so lonely anymore...

I finally understood why Gordon Ramsay is so popular. He is not the best looking chap, neither does he have the nicest personality, but he has some sort of ruffian charm and before I knew it, I was hooked. If SIA sold the entire Hell's Kitchen series, I would have bought it there and then.

Hell's Kitchen is about 12 or more hand picked chefs from all over USA uniting together to face the challenges of Gordon Ramsay while he chooses the best of the lot to be the anybody he wants in Gordon Ramsay's restaurant in New York. This could mean that the winner may choose to be the head chef, or run the restaurant as the maitre'd or even be the kitchen donkey.

This of course isn't easy, winning that is. I had only watched two episodes but I pitied the poor chaps whole heartedly. It is not nice being picked on by Gordon (yup, first name basis now), but boy, if you are on the other side, his comments are so damn funny. I love british humour!

Fast forward to England.

Gordon Ramsay has 9 restaurants and 2 pubs in England.

After some deliberation, I decided to spend my moolah on Maze.

Maze is not quite like your typical western/european dining concept. Gordon has taken a leaf out of asian dining and serves his food in tiny portions which encourages patrons to order plentifully and share.

I went with 2 other persons and ordered 7 starters, 7 mains and 3 desserts.



Starters:



1. Terrine of ham hock and foie with piccalilli (british indian relish) served with toasted brioche;
2. Carpaccio of tuna and swordfish adorned with cucumber, cress and violet flowers;
3. Deconstructed prawn sandwich





Foreground: BLT- trio of textures of lettuce veloute, bacon cream and tomato jelly. rings of deep fried onions on top.
Background: roasted scallops with tomato, ginger and other asian spices





Carpaccio of beetroot marinated, cab sauvignon dressing, sairass (a light goats cheese) with toasted pinenuts



Mains:





Spiced Berkshire pork belly, apple cardamom purée and jasmine reduction.

To be honest, after the picture perfect starters with every mouthful bursting with the combustion of flavours, the mains were a slight disappointment. The meats such as the above were generally alright, but the 4 different types of fish we tried were down right badly cooked. Some were tasteless, while others were over-cooked. Also, the mains were a lot more gimmicky with our server pouring consommes or scooping lentils at the table.




Desserts:




Peanut butter ice-cream and cherry jam sandwich with salted nuts and cherry sorbet

I am not a huge fan of desserts, but this is one dish that makes Maze worth going to. The deliciously light peanut butter ice-cream (totally not comparable to Daily Scoop's version) sandwiched between sweet crusted biscuits, served with a quenelle of cherry sorbet and cherry jam.




Pineapple and star anise ice-cream coated with a swirl of meringue, blow torched.




Maze is a one michelin starred restaurant. It costs us about 60 pounds per head (without wine) but is really worth going to if you stick to the starters, meats and desserts. You have been warned - do NOT order the fish! Unless you like eating bland things of course.

BMBMBM

Guess where I saw these lovely naturally bright red tomatoes and peppers (+ one lone aubergine) are from?











The famed Borough Market in London!!!

http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/index.php

Can you believe that despite living in UK for three whole years, I had not been to THE Borough Market located south of London?!?! I can't belive it myself.

Borough Market is one of the largest wholesale and retail food market in England (and reputedly in the world). I arrived in London on Saturday morning and rushed straight to the already bustling with activity food playground.

Check out a sampling of what greeted me.

I love pastries and I love bread!




Sweet sweet honey




a huge bottled black summer truffle (to preserve the smell)!




a picture perfect piece of wing rib of beef





Bottles and bottles of spanish olive oils




check out that huge ostrich egg!!!




Fresh sticks of asparagus




More bread! Did I mention that I adore bread???



In between taking pictures of all the wholesale foods, I ran among the stalls and soon had a tummy full of delicious wholesome food.



My first pit stop (pun! pun!) was the wild boar sandwich. a sort of meat we hardly get here in singapore.

Somewhere just further on, you will find some equally lovely veal burgers.





Potato raclette - the most sinfully delicious melted cheese snack (only for those who can afford it)

Brindisa - a corner shop with a variety of spanish products.

Just outside the Brindisa shop is a lip-smacking double chorizo sandwich with flavoursome red peppers, like you have never had them before.




Borough Market is only open on Thursdays to Saturdays and is located at 8 Southwark Street London SE1 1LT. Do go at about 10 ish in the morning before the hoards of crowd arrive. That way, you may just need to queue for 15 minutes to get those amazingly fresh sandwiches of all sorts.

14 days

14 days, 2 countries and 4 cities later, I am officially penniless.

It is a trip that brought me across London and Surrey (England) and Fes, Asni, Essaouira and Marrackech (Morocco). It is pretty much the most expensive trip I have been on. I forget how expensive England is, with everything thrice the price of Singapore, and on the other hand, I underestimate the cost of living in Morocco, which is surprisingly comparable to Singapore.



Initially, I was horrified to pay 30 sgd for a short cab ride in London and spend 15 sgd on two small bottles of juice. My measely pay of the last 5 months simply was not enough to cover my basic needs in England (yes juice and cabs are considered basic). But instead of being more thrifty, I decided to throw caution to the wind, told myself to stop converting currency and took more cabs. Yup, that's me.

My itinery consisted briefly of the following -

I ate, I walked and I ate some more. I saw, I snapped and I saw some more. And then I ate again.



Two weeks before the trip, I sussed out all the possible/interesting restaurants, cafes and shops to go to and even made reservations for those which accepted them. I read the Guardian, Times Online and the Independent. On a side note, Giles Coren thoroughly tickled me during my lunch breaks in the office. Finally, a table setting out each day's affair with the address, telephone number and directions was constructed.

God knows how closely we followed it, but we really tried.



14 days is a really long time, that makes 42 meals if you want to be specific. I am surprise I am not a rolling ball now.

14 days is overwhelming, I shall do it in parts.

5 More Days!

I have been so tardy with anything food related of late, and that includes poor Pineapplemalibuu, it must have been at least 4 months since I last whipped up something remotely commendable.

Slathering my current favourite Wilkin & Sons Strawberry Jam on Cedele's Walnut and Raisin bread does not quite cut it.



I am so taken by this jam that I may even consider visiting the Tip Tree Farm, all the way in Essex, United Kingdom!



Check out their quaint little tea room.



Alternatively, I may check out this gorgeous little nursery - Petersham Nuseries.

It is a lovely hideaway in Surrey, which apart from its nursery, houses a restaurant and a tea room.

Nordjus has crafted a handful of beautiful and skillful pictures, do check it out. Be patient and the photos will eventually load.



This little notion of mine would sound absolutely ridiculous if I didn't tell you that I might just be heading back to the UK for a little holiday.

And if I do embark on my 12 hour journey, you can count on it to be a gastronomical delight!

I am excited to bits about it and I am having my fingers all crossed that everything goes according to plan.



Anyways -

A $600 casserole pot was what it took to get me back into the kitchen.