tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29258444947097926582024-03-19T17:38:31.955+08:00too lazy to cookEating around Hong Kongcharlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-39054222867337127762012-08-10T09:57:00.001+08:002012-08-10T09:57:07.824+08:00new york, new york!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
And a final roundup of the other stuff I ate (and loved) in New York:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXKQs4sm-3qDdQ5ET72XO6kHUUvB1AP9b0dxKLf5AJDFoSegPP0xtLO5vtx1cFodpifp41Vd7C1e40fkICyS2SGHjyLlNyRXGDglQ40demFN0dm40lU06NZNPp6k8NbJ73_KTvtgdJiA/s1600/P7211858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXKQs4sm-3qDdQ5ET72XO6kHUUvB1AP9b0dxKLf5AJDFoSegPP0xtLO5vtx1cFodpifp41Vd7C1e40fkICyS2SGHjyLlNyRXGDglQ40demFN0dm40lU06NZNPp6k8NbJ73_KTvtgdJiA/s500/P7211858.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Chairman Bao @ BaoHaus - braised pork belly w/ cilantro, haus relish and taiwan red sugar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfDMCywEgOGYyeagx-q1G1ySrjydBWJCbsrrEPckiXiSipLURGWXwFhLZgyiAxKWyO_a0p1ORHdNSAY2ub71w9HLd8IDDQQQftoDKbIi-mGLVVQqJLl65gyxzCA4dhGXwvRCWw9YEluA/s1600/P7221897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfDMCywEgOGYyeagx-q1G1ySrjydBWJCbsrrEPckiXiSipLURGWXwFhLZgyiAxKWyO_a0p1ORHdNSAY2ub71w9HLd8IDDQQQftoDKbIi-mGLVVQqJLl65gyxzCA4dhGXwvRCWw9YEluA/s500/P7221897.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">smoke salmon & lox bagel@ the Bagel Store</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTkD3WRI33UASTMkYP0vpYWydsTlQEVmhbc5X0Pp0oAOSFs4dfHMWG4mHASl1uz3mcb4agT_fBm_bbGq47k_fNrSxnupcdKlsCpdlPnee9p_HC5gfdGycdFJ1aMbY1FRyHafm7lPW3us/s1600/P7231916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTkD3WRI33UASTMkYP0vpYWydsTlQEVmhbc5X0Pp0oAOSFs4dfHMWG4mHASl1uz3mcb4agT_fBm_bbGq47k_fNrSxnupcdKlsCpdlPnee9p_HC5gfdGycdFJ1aMbY1FRyHafm7lPW3us/s500/P7231916.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">best eggs bene and home fries I've ever had @ Schiller's</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbC7FVghTGHdmBdGRMsdSjtKk6SP2Ago2fM5BegZXaw32db0r5VLjzsrcfA128FfNv90amWlT86sronIwRPZ5zQLRwXeKZipqHP8DJrqhMqCs3F5WtEV1L7ITmM44Y-jy0ZmN2cuFqsT8/s1600/P7241936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbC7FVghTGHdmBdGRMsdSjtKk6SP2Ago2fM5BegZXaw32db0r5VLjzsrcfA128FfNv90amWlT86sronIwRPZ5zQLRwXeKZipqHP8DJrqhMqCs3F5WtEV1L7ITmM44Y-jy0ZmN2cuFqsT8/s500/P7241936.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">earl grey tea & olive oil gelato @ il laboratorio del gelato</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nmrgefrV2IJynQNINZZoi2E9xWN4b4ldwIKIh5DD4SFc7XMiEhvUwpdeUCqPm04sAC-N_InWE7mlgKU2ZEAbs0-K75fuTHLs7Iy1-i2S8GEv9CsQ5yLqoEGAArpkEMevHJLpdIAgnh4/s1600/P7261957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nmrgefrV2IJynQNINZZoi2E9xWN4b4ldwIKIh5DD4SFc7XMiEhvUwpdeUCqPm04sAC-N_InWE7mlgKU2ZEAbs0-K75fuTHLs7Iy1-i2S8GEv9CsQ5yLqoEGAArpkEMevHJLpdIAgnh4/s500/P7261957.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">best meal in NYC (shack burger and vanilla milkshake) @ Shake Shack</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGy1GMC6PukGR9KGVldxOCs0BM6OFP912u3UEzxREUefY4sVO3oGL559LoKLPqxy02aDjjlsJGdLStMSqox9DKnlfkKRtCo1qHhZaBRuXjSRp_uMObZyo14mTLx7Vy0DnmnjnTGXBQ2c/s1600/P7261959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGy1GMC6PukGR9KGVldxOCs0BM6OFP912u3UEzxREUefY4sVO3oGL559LoKLPqxy02aDjjlsJGdLStMSqox9DKnlfkKRtCo1qHhZaBRuXjSRp_uMObZyo14mTLx7Vy0DnmnjnTGXBQ2c/s500/P7261959.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ShackBurger - cheeseburger, lettuce, tomato, shack sauce = heaven.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeu_HmKCQqIPltX-t6jifUJQzstWE5jYE8s_iI7E1jNWpUqwv_MSKzDY4C-Qb6aYnJkhpyWd2jUKCM1cSa7IO6Mo1fvW_zKpEE-v41AHC1eGQkzsxOg4bGMTEyuFhpzYtSJiR-st7zlY/s1600/P7262012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeu_HmKCQqIPltX-t6jifUJQzstWE5jYE8s_iI7E1jNWpUqwv_MSKzDY4C-Qb6aYnJkhpyWd2jUKCM1cSa7IO6Mo1fvW_zKpEE-v41AHC1eGQkzsxOg4bGMTEyuFhpzYtSJiR-st7zlY/s500/P7262012.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pizza w/ mushrooms, oven roasted peppers & ham @ Grimaldi's Pizzeria</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9rGgPkWHtiVZwRbsYOgnR2yHX0-7gfLvnCnDafUPrWugIzzz6yBqWPtPmJxQltYS8xCT_5o2D2K8V6C_BsJ4B6LIMYDVpNgOTnd-gmQsUPkzxox3aF14zZGrTMjEUPpbZ9PTKou99Hw/s1600/P7272142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9rGgPkWHtiVZwRbsYOgnR2yHX0-7gfLvnCnDafUPrWugIzzz6yBqWPtPmJxQltYS8xCT_5o2D2K8V6C_BsJ4B6LIMYDVpNgOTnd-gmQsUPkzxox3aF14zZGrTMjEUPpbZ9PTKou99Hw/s500/P7272142.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">huge vanilla cupcake @ Crumb's bakery</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gaB_knrfCmtuKKwk6oNEQqcOAuwj0Id1sb9bBoPFhU1VQWzoucbdtmT5kkZ8r65-gpnRXx7qeimbMmV7ZoF8MzwRQDv4OUW7dNzSjEmM9lhWqnBgizAPpxdC7xGDG0HQ_8-VtYt2cf0/s1600/P7292225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gaB_knrfCmtuKKwk6oNEQqcOAuwj0Id1sb9bBoPFhU1VQWzoucbdtmT5kkZ8r65-gpnRXx7qeimbMmV7ZoF8MzwRQDv4OUW7dNzSjEmM9lhWqnBgizAPpxdC7xGDG0HQ_8-VtYt2cf0/s500/P7292225.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ridiculously good lobster roll @Red Hook Lobster Pound, Smorgasburg</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffwBJSNk01ZsWq5R6XJvZihyLrKL73PguoDsTE7YquIR6vL6_j1E7nN1mUxZ4y26Z37tytqqPYSSnq19xVM8qdT9aXpZNOTToGQASQowpMNceRD9szjCHejpP3_hmdW5cIx84toX4qJI/s1600/P7292229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffwBJSNk01ZsWq5R6XJvZihyLrKL73PguoDsTE7YquIR6vL6_j1E7nN1mUxZ4y26Z37tytqqPYSSnq19xVM8qdT9aXpZNOTToGQASQowpMNceRD9szjCHejpP3_hmdW5cIx84toX4qJI/s500/P7292229.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ridiculously meaty brisket roll @ Mighty Quinn's, Smorgasburg</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_1XJjpwMErpF0beimSHX9UHo5PK3BeNzOuEhu4fn4B1wqpE4mucUqfeLsjB9QBYh61HuG_FYoApfhb0Ifp8U3_Ec2l5ueNIVYBcLw3mcl3dGDqvuPclD_Q-9yF4hDLn-RfgI9kXpUnw/s1600/P7272059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_1XJjpwMErpF0beimSHX9UHo5PK3BeNzOuEhu4fn4B1wqpE4mucUqfeLsjB9QBYh61HuG_FYoApfhb0Ifp8U3_Ec2l5ueNIVYBcLw3mcl3dGDqvuPclD_Q-9yF4hDLn-RfgI9kXpUnw/s500/P7272059.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">coffee gelato @ l'arte del gelato</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MEnfyCu_5QAymzyRTyb-TpwM2hoZbSc3y_F_HBqaBu4fiZMtTdqgF-wg-AJhr6wZSfOpkKYhXH6YtOOUlBpvFVA8xRb8zgixWgNoebxJ1a_EOQX_sYbZmKhHtseyrI1263U2J86Lm7c/s1600/P7302237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MEnfyCu_5QAymzyRTyb-TpwM2hoZbSc3y_F_HBqaBu4fiZMtTdqgF-wg-AJhr6wZSfOpkKYhXH6YtOOUlBpvFVA8xRb8zgixWgNoebxJ1a_EOQX_sYbZmKhHtseyrI1263U2J86Lm7c/s400/P7302237.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another great lobster roll @ the Original Soup Man</td></tr>
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Looking at all these pictures again makes me really miss New York food... If any of you are in the city, do check out these places - I highly highly recommend!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">BaoHaus </span><br />
238 E 14th St<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">The Bagel Store</span><br />
349 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Schiller's Liquor Bar</span><br />
131 Rivington St<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Il Laboratorio del Gelato</span><br />
188 Ludlow St<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Shake Shack</span><br />
Madison Square Park<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Grimaldi's</span><br />
1 Front Street, Brooklyn<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Crumb's Bakery</span><br />
1675 Broadway<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Smorgasburg</span> (every Saturday)<br />
45 Main St, Brooklyn<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">L'arte del Gelato</span><br />
75 9th Ave (15th & 16th St.)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">The Original Soup Man</span><br />
259A W 55th St.<br />
<br /></div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-89009032196389591012012-08-07T22:16:00.002+08:002012-08-07T22:16:52.752+08:00peter luger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHZBjErSfM3AZi_xr629J7xIRT1Munx6vi5VjZax-w6ThuQm7yB8T1nr1aLtWy6dUUPr3Dwj3gWq9OuETRsEquuQGz52oYbOCUCuvwleE7cR5jniVjpnWEZ4W9elQU9hCmFJmUlHuuhk/s1600/P7221915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHZBjErSfM3AZi_xr629J7xIRT1Munx6vi5VjZax-w6ThuQm7yB8T1nr1aLtWy6dUUPr3Dwj3gWq9OuETRsEquuQGz52oYbOCUCuvwleE7cR5jniVjpnWEZ4W9elQU9hCmFJmUlHuuhk/s500/P7221915.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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There's nothing better than a huge hunk of meat so I was beyond excited when my friend said she got us reservations at Peter Luger steakhouse. I've heard mixed reviews about the place with many claiming it's well past its prime but I figured any New York steak is better than the average steak in Hong Kong so none of the bad reviews dampened my enthusiasm. Luckily, the meal was everything I could have wanted from a steak house.</div>
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The room is far from upscale, with long wooden tables and a whole lot of noise, but I loved the chaotic atmosphere and the smells that hit you the minute you walk into the seating area. There were five of us so we decided to order the the USDA Prime porterhouse steak for four, along with two side dishes.</div>
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Some complimentary bread to start which I tried really hard not to eat as I wanted to save all my stomach for as much meat as possible...unfortunately our dinner reservations were for 9:00pm and I was starving by the time I got there so I dug into some very stale, cold bread :(</div>
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Luckily, our steak was right around the corner! First came the "special house sauce" which was amazing. Usually I'm a bit of a steak purist but this sauce was too good to ignore. Slightly sweet, it tasted almost like a cocktail sauce but so much better. I wished I had bought a bottle to take home to slather over all my burgers, hotdogs, meat patties, salads...</div>
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Our waiter was delightful :) Super efficient, attentive, and always with a smile on his face (probably because he was having fun hitting on one of my friends :P)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzcbGCbxKJbCpJPnEryiHO_ovb6lcvH91Zys0GDCajcvQ9TuHvTFVg6tVW-ITssZ5zrpalsexqxcnrzau_OYwekhxEd6Ta6YRZBR2wQynBUfEvjnaZHYBaFvWVx-a3sMrUplP_wb_20Y/s1600/P7221905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzcbGCbxKJbCpJPnEryiHO_ovb6lcvH91Zys0GDCajcvQ9TuHvTFVg6tVW-ITssZ5zrpalsexqxcnrzau_OYwekhxEd6Ta6YRZBR2wQynBUfEvjnaZHYBaFvWVx-a3sMrUplP_wb_20Y/s500/P7221905.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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Steak for four! I believe this was USD170. It was a huge plate that we failed to defeat despite having five very hungry diners. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4Js5wX2ZPHdwPUezskXVNeArBmCxmgX-YtHd7i5sQxEme7rAYdr96E9oVJdzfVXxiYw1IDlHPcU7Gx12JfvIz6mKhIDaTJefQt9D7z4JH7pqIEtQ0tdZkoNXeMwQvtE_8MDFVYsrw48/s1600/P7221907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4Js5wX2ZPHdwPUezskXVNeArBmCxmgX-YtHd7i5sQxEme7rAYdr96E9oVJdzfVXxiYw1IDlHPcU7Gx12JfvIz6mKhIDaTJefQt9D7z4JH7pqIEtQ0tdZkoNXeMwQvtE_8MDFVYsrw48/s500/P7221907.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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It was broiled to a perfect medium rare and just oozing with flavour. The steak was really well aged and marbelized. So tender, buttery, absolutely delicious! While it might not have been the best steak I've ever had, it definitely ranks among the top. Sure it's kinda greasy, kinda fatty, and very very big... but that's all I would want in a steak! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFigr4zb0UGR2BuSE7xTNG_a8CCuVm_TGYNMj7KBbz2rtmbMRKryeKmt6i7EQVXZ28w48lu_u9IIE0Dq4mUh_I2_3b0mn5jJL4zgMR0P7QtUTbXWpbfDg_selvQZa86tFLQsQxk6yeoY/s1600/P7221904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFigr4zb0UGR2BuSE7xTNG_a8CCuVm_TGYNMj7KBbz2rtmbMRKryeKmt6i7EQVXZ28w48lu_u9IIE0Dq4mUh_I2_3b0mn5jJL4zgMR0P7QtUTbXWpbfDg_selvQZa86tFLQsQxk6yeoY/s500/P7221904.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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Our two sides were the German fried potatoes and creamed spinach (both about USD9). The potatoes were pretty good, but I've had better home fries at NY brunches. Creamed spinach was better and you definitely need it to get through all that meat. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZuqHctq8aJPUXrwfGcNZOlETgnaMhnYxr8YFm1oeb7gYRygbOEG3wdlibHlL399_RnlrRRytCIVPHaC2r4Od8hTRlPhPv61-0rZ-5cLipmjbp5Dbf7kvJ_w9OVFZ4pTBIOZQDVMrMcA/s1600/P7221911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZuqHctq8aJPUXrwfGcNZOlETgnaMhnYxr8YFm1oeb7gYRygbOEG3wdlibHlL399_RnlrRRytCIVPHaC2r4Od8hTRlPhPv61-0rZ-5cLipmjbp5Dbf7kvJ_w9OVFZ4pTBIOZQDVMrMcA/s500/P7221911.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="375" /></a></div>
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Ended a deliciously heavy meal with something even heavier - ice cream sundaes :D The amount of whipped cream they top this with was extraordinary!! And I loved that they gave us Peter Luger chocolate coins as well :) The sundae was pretty much what it looks like in the picture - very fudgy, very thick, very yummy. </div>
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All in all, this was a fantastic meal. Sure, it might not be the best steakhouse in NY but for USD60 per person for the quality and quantity of the meal above, I thought it was well worth a trek out to Brooklyn. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">Peter Luger</span></div>
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178 Broadway,</div>
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Brooklyn, NYC</div>
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</div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-33916221477756494992012-08-06T11:31:00.004+08:002012-08-06T11:36:31.490+08:00colicchio & sons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I was lucky enough to be in NYC during restaurant week and managed to book a table at Colicchio & Sons for a delicious Friday lunch. All the lunch sets at participating restaurants cost USD24.07 while dinners set you back USD35. Definitely good value considering the caliber of restaurants and quality of food we experienced - very unlike the subpar "restaurant weeks" we get in HK... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJBE3PtrKS0WFuqLXJRGj3NKazyLdL6OErzSF_Yy0TUT8TnVLSJgDU3CiY71CHIeSGlpkr4AmT6ZoETykUqw7IVvaS3IMWhJO7s34zKAAhbTHnGO7rt04y4TGJL15J8Rt_GOJj_KwEqs/s1600/P7272092.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJBE3PtrKS0WFuqLXJRGj3NKazyLdL6OErzSF_Yy0TUT8TnVLSJgDU3CiY71CHIeSGlpkr4AmT6ZoETykUqw7IVvaS3IMWhJO7s34zKAAhbTHnGO7rt04y4TGJL15J8Rt_GOJj_KwEqs/s500/P7272092.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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We tried the salmon tartare and house-made mozzarella for starters:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHq7ndakA1-Vwa0EgPTjlW2KzkgBTO_cZuZncmvNI1z0cIb2VAUu3jv70kO7XYu3GTGRbtWkwVd9jMX7p7NuBYiY4lmRfBtksyFaxWh6A7FrWCeayzwlSL9TLYqwILTiocA1QAj_qubg/s1600/P7272093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHq7ndakA1-Vwa0EgPTjlW2KzkgBTO_cZuZncmvNI1z0cIb2VAUu3jv70kO7XYu3GTGRbtWkwVd9jMX7p7NuBYiY4lmRfBtksyFaxWh6A7FrWCeayzwlSL9TLYqwILTiocA1QAj_qubg/s500/P7272093.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">salmon tartare</td></tr>
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The salmon was delicious and I liked that it was prepared with a distinctly Asian twist. The daikon slaw was a nice accompaniment, making this dish a perfectly light appetizer for summer. I thought the miso vinaigrette had a tad too much vinegar, but that was my only complaint.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33Id2SOnXyHU9OOSxrpyXV8s2Mgm-2zdDY8OZRYleROeQR_if1PiHyQayBoicE2m4VmkDNU_mYkWTLuVyqskFFjYcFwa6KqMNMEMQFdELnyMyjtY3bxCDlfG59blW1x17uQTYrs3_p18/s1600/P7272094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33Id2SOnXyHU9OOSxrpyXV8s2Mgm-2zdDY8OZRYleROeQR_if1PiHyQayBoicE2m4VmkDNU_mYkWTLuVyqskFFjYcFwa6KqMNMEMQFdELnyMyjtY3bxCDlfG59blW1x17uQTYrs3_p18/s500/P7272094.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mozzarella</td></tr>
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This one blew me away though. It may possibly have been the best "caprese" salad I've had outside of Italy. The house-made mozzarella was so fresh and soft and creamy, and the cherry tomatoes super flavourful. It came with panzanella, basically small pieces of bread soaked in olive oil and vinegar. No complaints :)</div>
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For mains we ordered the hanger steak and duck confit:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnh4Av6Yc8gw0aiJtJ2YDrarz8jUsNtA2ZwBJeFJ5Ab-7BXnOsiBseEE8ejbZAMtCimgOLJacvU1nONf4QG4IzULKiB9gSFyWAbBLxrm_hqzYKpMH6NN1ruqdePsV-G4ICnhza6mF5LtM/s1600/P7272095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnh4Av6Yc8gw0aiJtJ2YDrarz8jUsNtA2ZwBJeFJ5Ab-7BXnOsiBseEE8ejbZAMtCimgOLJacvU1nONf4QG4IzULKiB9gSFyWAbBLxrm_hqzYKpMH6NN1ruqdePsV-G4ICnhza6mF5LtM/s500/P7272095.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hanger steak</td></tr>
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We ordered the steak medium rare and it was grilled perfectly. While hanger steak is notorious for being tough, this one was actually quite tender and not too chewy. I loved how flavourful it was, accompanied simply by a small dose of bone marrow butter. The potato puree and tuscan kale were both delicious as well. Definitely a winner :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGQAbJ45jmsnLF4IqOfo5hFOvIDWW_ryTh-bOJEFYbEUkHZd-znjKdbyAB1XEDgNqjUEeepOhJPZW_0bO3TiMmmwJQvEgrT4QZ4LOXHTWjFmqojgXpvYJV4WHKJpjtn_doO6v5F_4CIg/s1600/P7272098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGQAbJ45jmsnLF4IqOfo5hFOvIDWW_ryTh-bOJEFYbEUkHZd-znjKdbyAB1XEDgNqjUEeepOhJPZW_0bO3TiMmmwJQvEgrT4QZ4LOXHTWjFmqojgXpvYJV4WHKJpjtn_doO6v5F_4CIg/s500/P7272098.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">duck confit</td></tr>
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Duck confit used to be my favourite dish but these days I find it way too salty. Still, I continue to order it in hopes that I find one as good as I remembered them to be - probably a tall order as I'm sure it's just my changing taste buds that have made me less of a fan in recent years. Colicchio & son's version veers on the salty side and parts of the meat were a little tough but once you get down to the bone (and away from the skin) the duck meat was super tender and not too overpowering on the salt. I really liked the wheat berries and roasted mushrooms that came with it though, and ended up eating more of that than the duck itself! Oops!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRh2PSdQiyoOxTU35VH5HTRy5a1b4QXJnW61xeeAwlMaI5Gsa22MgPvP7fim3ZY25endoNde3nS3pPckBkyjsJHUMEbSoekRE6k_M23iwfKHwU3eChojuoTu4z2yRUBX5RN9a2Mu82SfI/s1600/P7272099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRh2PSdQiyoOxTU35VH5HTRy5a1b4QXJnW61xeeAwlMaI5Gsa22MgPvP7fim3ZY25endoNde3nS3pPckBkyjsJHUMEbSoekRE6k_M23iwfKHwU3eChojuoTu4z2yRUBX5RN9a2Mu82SfI/s500/P7272099.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">panna cotta</td></tr>
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Whenever panna cotta is on the menu, it's my go to dessert. This one was topped with blackberries (slightly sour) and honey graham crackers ice cream (delicious). A great end to a fantastic meal though :)</div>
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I was pretty impressed by everything we tried and especially the huge portion sizes. The ambiance is great and the waitstaff very knowledgeable and attentive. The only minor gripe I had was that the jasmine tea I ordered after the meal (thinking it was included in the prix fixe) ended up costing us USD15... For something I get free at yum cha restaurants, it was a bit much...Still, even with the tea included the whole meal was very reasonably priced and I would definitely return the next time I'm in the city! Plus, it's right next to the High Line so you can take a nice stroll after lunch to work off all that food.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">Colicchio & Sons</span></div>
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85 10th Ave</div>
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New York</div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-22284262995356048912012-07-12T20:49:00.003+08:002012-07-12T20:54:03.108+08:00the balkans & russia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I spent the past two weeks traveling around the Balkans and Russia and was not expecting much in the food department - heavy meat dishes, rye bread and pickled vegetables just aren't my thing. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of food we sampled. Here's a few snippets of my favourite dishes. </div>
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<b>Latvia:</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglG-cxCpxon5sxfCx8PsVy8lJk1Ufo_DALcqvr-EynJvfKfD81euMbIvBCMQNFjY4uNqgTdBbCSe0wpBGoMRmHzVDesXnqCU2oTqqv9tEa5mIRIHzNB1Rw4gDJl8WCm_Cb3x6uYtZLS24/s1600/P6270216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglG-cxCpxon5sxfCx8PsVy8lJk1Ufo_DALcqvr-EynJvfKfD81euMbIvBCMQNFjY4uNqgTdBbCSe0wpBGoMRmHzVDesXnqCU2oTqqv9tEa5mIRIHzNB1Rw4gDJl8WCm_Cb3x6uYtZLS24/s400/P6270216.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>fish broth</i></td></tr>
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I think this was the best thing I had on the trip! It was so flavourful and fresh, with beautiful chunks of salmon and a nice variety of vegetables (potatoes, onions, carrots, sorrel...) After trying one spoonful, my sister decided to get a bowl of her own - it was that good. The perfect meal for a chilly day. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gWkQFGkrjogMFvRZ4D3O1Rn5XgES8f2drOQmDw9To9mqMDGHv2PXcc-QpsJqhOig3N_wo_eej9a87t5QnRJAstFhDiGl_qIbCxZZqZXARtKTkcihzY6h8_aorF2Lw2tkBcpL6cJEpNE/s1600/P6270217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gWkQFGkrjogMFvRZ4D3O1Rn5XgES8f2drOQmDw9To9mqMDGHv2PXcc-QpsJqhOig3N_wo_eej9a87t5QnRJAstFhDiGl_qIbCxZZqZXARtKTkcihzY6h8_aorF2Lw2tkBcpL6cJEpNE/s400/P6270217.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>haloumi cheese melt</i></td></tr>
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I was surprised to discover that Latvian bread is among the softest, fluffiest I've ever had - the different breads I tried have all been on par with BO-LO'GNE's in terms of pillowy goodness. While the bread looks slightly burnt on top, it was actually grilled just right and was my favourite part of the melt. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLDS1iyXqlFmnPX75Jdyjl_EO42kaNPHKQWUSJWAiTlGMa-nif8xC0Ehb2VsIgQgd_gTKmbbnKZjK1grMTteld-KpJbDdtHVVxhvpxutikaZl5-z9Kf7Mzf8ICESY8i_K_HEePG7XSOQ/s1600/P6280258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLDS1iyXqlFmnPX75Jdyjl_EO42kaNPHKQWUSJWAiTlGMa-nif8xC0Ehb2VsIgQgd_gTKmbbnKZjK1grMTteld-KpJbDdtHVVxhvpxutikaZl5-z9Kf7Mzf8ICESY8i_K_HEePG7XSOQ/s400/P6280258.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>escargots</i></td></tr>
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Not particularly Latvian but they sure do it well! Too bad I'm so clumsy with my fork and tongs that I lost most of the delicious garlic butter sauce before I managed to get the snails out... </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfb7t0fmpnI3WQ_IouMgb0ShqOWwSeSQcPA4GHrb-5CAuNX5GZ_rLcSdyNJ14wt3Hqftaj2im-yg3rYk60II9iP8KLnluNaFbZKPs8BnU6DDOhZw-hXIyvUhbDx_UP06QC2WgMYIwJr8/s1600/P6280263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfb7t0fmpnI3WQ_IouMgb0ShqOWwSeSQcPA4GHrb-5CAuNX5GZ_rLcSdyNJ14wt3Hqftaj2im-yg3rYk60II9iP8KLnluNaFbZKPs8BnU6DDOhZw-hXIyvUhbDx_UP06QC2WgMYIwJr8/s400/P6280263.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>salt crusted baked sea bass </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our waitress expertly de-crusting and filleting our fish tableside. It looked soo good I couldn't wait to dig in. </div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Kwb45bDF-LSNpNpDbFp41QgwR_IUw1v8cDRLGn2Jm_vWCTMna3IN9Gs75xZavRen89qAoI7C-FPiP6PA6LB4gS0YzuhF5DSvonLCef6-W1q-pYNwYpDhuTGBoJP2cZL946LsbZ3UNAc/s1600/P6280267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Kwb45bDF-LSNpNpDbFp41QgwR_IUw1v8cDRLGn2Jm_vWCTMna3IN9Gs75xZavRen89qAoI7C-FPiP6PA6LB4gS0YzuhF5DSvonLCef6-W1q-pYNwYpDhuTGBoJP2cZL946LsbZ3UNAc/s400/P6280267.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>sea bass</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Probably the most important thing for a good salt crusted sea bass is the quality of the fish and this fish was extremely fresh. The salt crust sealed in all the yummy juices leaving us with a delightfully moist fish without being overly salty. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHQ4C3lnhRRckS7JIjh5a74or1lUjULj0FiYRWSzTEz6sfhAT_v71EBrMn49SFWEgbNFkfhsCnc8JuPtBk43LzuPuNw466TPEA0Np8CrnJhoLA_hffYmZbF5RgdP2VV-Envfkt8z88Ls/s1600/P6290336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHQ4C3lnhRRckS7JIjh5a74or1lUjULj0FiYRWSzTEz6sfhAT_v71EBrMn49SFWEgbNFkfhsCnc8JuPtBk43LzuPuNw466TPEA0Np8CrnJhoLA_hffYmZbF5RgdP2VV-Envfkt8z88Ls/s400/P6290336.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>baked cauliflower with creamed spinach</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkG7-wS9epTVzUDFWhC2nV0WyQX12FyqJxMPj1pxQWfM_5NYV2oDqNX9552ET4nEaf2XmzutwO2f3LsGkzy34cyUZCIsAfmNgH08PxhdN4oHytbB63C-VeJS1nXBq-Wpv4ZT_P9pNDPKU/s1600/P6290339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkG7-wS9epTVzUDFWhC2nV0WyQX12FyqJxMPj1pxQWfM_5NYV2oDqNX9552ET4nEaf2XmzutwO2f3LsGkzy34cyUZCIsAfmNgH08PxhdN4oHytbB63C-VeJS1nXBq-Wpv4ZT_P9pNDPKU/s400/P6290339.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>duck confit</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Estonia:</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtznCntsS0MSjDSJDhAvQZNtUGAMlxQOqBY7GBT8K-ez4QEg5cT1yANFmZfRMON3fGnnbfKA7vr80Bue2mMPgGkZwqSKx610XhH_P_AykrZVkuFwb-pTyxxW9Yu33uom71OztyOKMH4Uk/s1600/P6300447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtznCntsS0MSjDSJDhAvQZNtUGAMlxQOqBY7GBT8K-ez4QEg5cT1yANFmZfRMON3fGnnbfKA7vr80Bue2mMPgGkZwqSKx610XhH_P_AykrZVkuFwb-pTyxxW9Yu33uom71OztyOKMH4Uk/s400/P6300447.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>duck breast with caramelised pear and mash</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
One night in Tallin we decided to eat at a medieval restaurant. While our choice of restaurant was more for the gimmicky sword fight our guide book promised, the food was actually quite delicious, especially this duck breast which was really tender and came with a beautiful black current sauce.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrqi7Zhxj2agaFGRU-QpPytKHUtnYJzHzp7FruQM8pH818Vsbl1e8nSdNK2_ee0vwlRFYP4vUMRKkeQLH7920ZqIaM5XHpNG-Kcb5cyC-vNjl5vilydPvyuXqNZqnfKdfn3K715U1Ab4/s1600/P6300448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrqi7Zhxj2agaFGRU-QpPytKHUtnYJzHzp7FruQM8pH818Vsbl1e8nSdNK2_ee0vwlRFYP4vUMRKkeQLH7920ZqIaM5XHpNG-Kcb5cyC-vNjl5vilydPvyuXqNZqnfKdfn3K715U1Ab4/s400/P6300448.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>ratatouille with wild rice</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
The rice was very flavourful, tasting slightly like bismati. The ratatouille was loaded with fresh vegetables with the juicy carrots being my favourite. I've discovered that the Balkan countries actually do French pretty well! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyPmYt3Ifk1HQqZfwV_V9FVcQTd0FBCuuRNwrhqAPwTb2mKobIJRUpAC-GdGRrbrEMkMhhzTgD_gM_eEtxAIXu3bhiVD1jcZ6loKQ7TojU3lFciUDBoXxNH6cK6Pz_VdZvEyvaZGPrHM/s1600/P6300510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyPmYt3Ifk1HQqZfwV_V9FVcQTd0FBCuuRNwrhqAPwTb2mKobIJRUpAC-GdGRrbrEMkMhhzTgD_gM_eEtxAIXu3bhiVD1jcZ6loKQ7TojU3lFciUDBoXxNH6cK6Pz_VdZvEyvaZGPrHM/s400/P6300510.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>chicken souvlaki</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
The chicken was real tender but they went a bit overboard on the spices. Would've been perfect if it were a souvlaki-pita though. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>St. Petersburg / Moscow:</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
To celebrate my sister's birthday, we headed to miX by Alain Ducasse, his first restaurant in Russia. Part of the menu consists of Alain Ducasse's siganture dishes while the rest is a fusion of French / Russian cuisine. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKT7BRyU4GRLHufHInEWzqjO1T2Xyx_dVwwPRiTPl5q_oJCSPQ_le5Nr4FRDAcVXKW7ZL8JA3etb4N2YHUadjLgBsKqz8_QNbgaB5litH8aBP-PCSIBL99Z2t9b7dX5obOTAaf-TaAeSE/s1600/P7041130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKT7BRyU4GRLHufHInEWzqjO1T2Xyx_dVwwPRiTPl5q_oJCSPQ_le5Nr4FRDAcVXKW7ZL8JA3etb4N2YHUadjLgBsKqz8_QNbgaB5litH8aBP-PCSIBL99Z2t9b7dX5obOTAaf-TaAeSE/s400/P7041130.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>freshly baked bread, Scottish, French and Russian</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYpWa0-m-6VuNlRdiR7DS2VYWkgPzIcLgEfhNd9uUmzogmvN2Ygbt8WRdpoqGiP6nj7yv_8u0M2fdl3lhEKX9rr7qoaK3yOvi-accn-VJVaWHxaLd1c31KX6PYoHKQ5hpsC1WkX5iOd8/s1600/P7041131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYpWa0-m-6VuNlRdiR7DS2VYWkgPzIcLgEfhNd9uUmzogmvN2Ygbt8WRdpoqGiP6nj7yv_8u0M2fdl3lhEKX9rr7qoaK3yOvi-accn-VJVaWHxaLd1c31KX6PYoHKQ5hpsC1WkX5iOd8/s400/P7041131.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>amuse bouche</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQE8zJDyc4ld0DP5jp2Q7bzkPIhknHxlwBER2o3K_OHvdBJy2JdqCksr3jhKrGtpXpQwK5FFo_lztR64A3x1SfKJ9N_wzCnSyZBFYUYr20SAWRJK3qdyTSiKWLEPT4QbcAEfBrXcQAH8/s1600/P7041132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQE8zJDyc4ld0DP5jp2Q7bzkPIhknHxlwBER2o3K_OHvdBJy2JdqCksr3jhKrGtpXpQwK5FFo_lztR64A3x1SfKJ9N_wzCnSyZBFYUYr20SAWRJK3qdyTSiKWLEPT4QbcAEfBrXcQAH8/s400/P7041132.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>parisian style cold salmon</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHlHulLo3E9b_hG-_ZYbKyCS5etm9slcY1BPumSz6DAXzHJQroEwl9ZN3RzIbKDQTafIDh-8bOKahdvwd0zYrC-zlH9NlEQA2VMBEAARrP9Y6UBteO7NJPQgtAdPvsivDHUkAWvO6WI4/s1600/P7041134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHlHulLo3E9b_hG-_ZYbKyCS5etm9slcY1BPumSz6DAXzHJQroEwl9ZN3RzIbKDQTafIDh-8bOKahdvwd0zYrC-zlH9NlEQA2VMBEAARrP9Y6UBteO7NJPQgtAdPvsivDHUkAWvO6WI4/s400/P7041134.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>pigeon cooked in coquette</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpyYpMGlsFproTfk1jUL6OKdZzW-EI2GJwLonYww8tWpOswr8FGXN41m_CG8lUWe9wESECcmHYu8A7zhpfZ5LxePZHohLVosCPgOuvvrtgl9XEH_B4lpxrAk9XyaDBYi853QeY2Y1YaY/s1600/P7041136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpyYpMGlsFproTfk1jUL6OKdZzW-EI2GJwLonYww8tWpOswr8FGXN41m_CG8lUWe9wESECcmHYu8A7zhpfZ5LxePZHohLVosCPgOuvvrtgl9XEH_B4lpxrAk9XyaDBYi853QeY2Y1YaY/s400/P7041136.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>cookpot of seasonal vegetables and fruit</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jSq-PRuPrlESryKaWHfmgz0vVkckBG5j471cWjFbj79nZm41hs0WDwNi0NWvmu3vPE0PTinp4Wf8vWdWqsL-uJcJ9lyj6VoYhNFhfwZYed9xITqIBUbZdqb0LQed8fVnKvIKjDcSSLs/s1600/P7041141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jSq-PRuPrlESryKaWHfmgz0vVkckBG5j471cWjFbj79nZm41hs0WDwNi0NWvmu3vPE0PTinp4Wf8vWdWqsL-uJcJ9lyj6VoYhNFhfwZYed9xITqIBUbZdqb0LQed8fVnKvIKjDcSSLs/s400/P7041141.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>salmon and spinach pie with white butter sauce</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64H7gXMkrpi6yi8w_brqi9JGIEySrcPNUPQmgQXpxSvefU8tIEF-YoynWlQddBobho6BQqd2GR4unYKSvzjzbmOrUJ0m4aekkqUPO7vo2HofyqCSaKxi5IdxQ6YuXgFYSxsMQ3VOVKqE/s1600/P7041142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64H7gXMkrpi6yi8w_brqi9JGIEySrcPNUPQmgQXpxSvefU8tIEF-YoynWlQddBobho6BQqd2GR4unYKSvzjzbmOrUJ0m4aekkqUPO7vo2HofyqCSaKxi5IdxQ6YuXgFYSxsMQ3VOVKqE/s400/P7041142.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>pan-seared suckling-pig</i></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
The food was all quite decent. The salmon was slightly on the salty side (as I found true of all the salmon I had on the trip) and the cookpot was a bit monotonous after a few bites but the fish pie and suckling pig were both delicious!</div>
<br />
Finally, some local food at the GUM department store by the Kremlin:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGThVaB_sSR5j-KScIgh0_61PBy-7iqu8JWZzDl9sfCYuHLN3FKwIFJVcuqXZOiM427d_s4Vv4ZYUt_3rS1SlUYjwvS0Rqo43uysPSyQFhX9HCDr_z3fGlCk2aZe4ul4zNudrppst2RY/s1600/P7061465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGThVaB_sSR5j-KScIgh0_61PBy-7iqu8JWZzDl9sfCYuHLN3FKwIFJVcuqXZOiM427d_s4Vv4ZYUt_3rS1SlUYjwvS0Rqo43uysPSyQFhX9HCDr_z3fGlCk2aZe4ul4zNudrppst2RY/s400/P7061465.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>pelmeni</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Some Russian dumplings. Tasted pretty similar to Beijing soup dumplings but with a thinner wrap and no chives. Okay la. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkx7ajNK4ZEZ9x3IkWWFSmKboQ1oo6I3icfgejJKUsELLHgbhLn5n3-bE0HoSotGupSoFH-421NHH8oI4lRKypJyYVqmxnpjHpbpH1_IR1QI4YS9dEgBfc0LDVTQnG5_k0WU05zyjwtgk/s1600/P7061466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkx7ajNK4ZEZ9x3IkWWFSmKboQ1oo6I3icfgejJKUsELLHgbhLn5n3-bE0HoSotGupSoFH-421NHH8oI4lRKypJyYVqmxnpjHpbpH1_IR1QI4YS9dEgBfc0LDVTQnG5_k0WU05zyjwtgk/s400/P7061466.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>some fish.. very salty</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI05YoHrJtVBLfRdMTxxHn-dRzpX_joO1CoQLB54rhRKDJ7jLaGtrsDlM5EoBTvO1xnFZSrrZkGfu3adLV4ssPMDbRjE-QluupPBfj5BihVCIqQh7j6nHr5fBXsaomihQwXWO6kGJ0pEw/s1600/P7061467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI05YoHrJtVBLfRdMTxxHn-dRzpX_joO1CoQLB54rhRKDJ7jLaGtrsDlM5EoBTvO1xnFZSrrZkGfu3adLV4ssPMDbRjE-QluupPBfj5BihVCIqQh7j6nHr5fBXsaomihQwXWO6kGJ0pEw/s400/P7061467.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>pork - very tender</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Okay, so I didn't try very much "local" cuisine but I enjoyed most of my meals which is more than most can say about Russia! :) </div>
</div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-25977631367569564222012-06-20T18:33:00.000+08:002012-06-20T18:33:01.738+08:00main st. deli<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first time I visited Main St. Deli back in twenty ten, I really enjoyed my meal. I loved the diner ambiance, the deliciously thick milkshakes, and of course the American-sized portions. However, when I revisited last weekend I was sorely disappointed. Not sure if it's because my taste buds have changed or if the deli really has gone downhill, but I'm pretty sure I won't be back anytime soon. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7VLjmygmAWt-BpNlK2Ltq_sTz3akuFIqIxIxQWJFfdpw9tFwizAQ7gb-suFRpnxGRjtUS2xStF8PKZWJAuuMmaHuG_UlYOvcwBSyPSM5PUj5lcFiGXyItw5OIAovHoxQCiHAzL7z5EI/s1600/P6170135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7VLjmygmAWt-BpNlK2Ltq_sTz3akuFIqIxIxQWJFfdpw9tFwizAQ7gb-suFRpnxGRjtUS2xStF8PKZWJAuuMmaHuG_UlYOvcwBSyPSM5PUj5lcFiGXyItw5OIAovHoxQCiHAzL7z5EI/s400/P6170135.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">strawberry milkshake (back) and peanut butter shake ($75 each)</td></tr>
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The strawberry milkshake was one of the biggest disappointments, tasting more like strawberry milk. It wasn't creamy or thick at all - I would've much preferred slurping up McDonald's trusty shakes even with all its artificial flavourings and yummy chemicals :P The peanut butter shake fared better on its texture (I'm sure it's near impossible to make a peanut butter shake watery) but was just too heavy on the peanut butter flavours for me to enjoy.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgis9vUsEnGOsQvqDr_lYmXDYdnvlT3cg3al29QcAGbRi_v_ndVnvRXJnC6WihOUACF-e6xNNj8K9SRfRPSoefouuqdeOcEB2Sbd0sCrhhaSwk9LXTEczvhQWqZE0xmyr3lEFkYVs1kuVM/s1600/P6170143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgis9vUsEnGOsQvqDr_lYmXDYdnvlT3cg3al29QcAGbRi_v_ndVnvRXJnC6WihOUACF-e6xNNj8K9SRfRPSoefouuqdeOcEB2Sbd0sCrhhaSwk9LXTEczvhQWqZE0xmyr3lEFkYVs1kuVM/s400/P6170143.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">thre french quarter ($138)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Trying to be slightly healthier, I opted for the French Quarter - ham, brie and honey mustard on a baguette should be hard to mess up. However, I found the slow baked ham lacked flavour, the baguette tasted stale, and the brie was added very sparingly. The sandwich actually tasted a bit like what I've had at Le Velo except Le Velo is yummier and a fraction of the price.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEDOcjEOMqfD81IcuZFPr7aaxKGWVYWWHiiAJ2l2XaJgO4-IaBj8FSCsZLUTD9ereM64wFJiUBC07eO9u8Mp0n0Tx9AB0sF_qwSstwBUMwyBe8IZ0Gf7prjrEnGmU82JBJeYRsBQK5BY/s1600/P6170138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEDOcjEOMqfD81IcuZFPr7aaxKGWVYWWHiiAJ2l2XaJgO4-IaBj8FSCsZLUTD9ereM64wFJiUBC07eO9u8Mp0n0Tx9AB0sF_qwSstwBUMwyBe8IZ0Gf7prjrEnGmU82JBJeYRsBQK5BY/s400/P6170138.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eggs bene ($138)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The eggs bene was okay flavour-wise (I wonder why they didn't use the same honey roasted ham for my sandwich??) but the poached eggs wereabyssmal. If there's no runny yolk, it's definitely a fail. Also thought it a bit strange to receive french fries with the eggs! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0c1z9QvfCzydKQ9zEyTlxDAHO5n03Qq-02xfJzwygsDYTYtUG-XYyCSsKAJ_QjQoqEVuqUQHdnHuSSAvT1xoTFhbesWOlkYhht81WSH7kiOWJgFbC4wu_3S-gz2-oiwOkNEFU2ldQmY/s1600/P6170142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0c1z9QvfCzydKQ9zEyTlxDAHO5n03Qq-02xfJzwygsDYTYtUG-XYyCSsKAJ_QjQoqEVuqUQHdnHuSSAvT1xoTFhbesWOlkYhht81WSH7kiOWJgFbC4wu_3S-gz2-oiwOkNEFU2ldQmY/s400/P6170142.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">grilled chicken club ($138)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I didn't try any of this but I thought it was a rather measly portion considering the price. Basically just grilled chicken (looked more deep fried to me?!), BLT and avocado on a sesame roll. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppjJXBPZM7VKilvYsJUGypYbgtp1TiFooOnUp4DUVnz-nh7XYzsUKVXV2emFaX-5KLmknHvFqaKfUv7f3y5saZMmKE_FBoFkLa3CLvXjEuQNLXl6lMCBAGvMxAMLvORKU0mu5H647hic/s1600/P6170139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppjJXBPZM7VKilvYsJUGypYbgtp1TiFooOnUp4DUVnz-nh7XYzsUKVXV2emFaX-5KLmknHvFqaKfUv7f3y5saZMmKE_FBoFkLa3CLvXjEuQNLXl6lMCBAGvMxAMLvORKU0mu5H647hic/s400/P6170139.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">prawn club ($138)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This sounded pretty delicious - apple wood bacon, avocado and prawns on foccacia. Unfortunately, the bread tasted day-old here too...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihy-SLxMogdafdr_z-aW2VXnti2-8jHJiBIahrtUzQuiyczukK6SgccONGXz3WC3UpYcPRdzq3owpf14Z1ZVnAoyDGDyJ7Re2GIeWuZ3ryP7Ljv7bTlxgQqJurfkcVMIDUBtbCAHS6j8I/s1600/P6170140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihy-SLxMogdafdr_z-aW2VXnti2-8jHJiBIahrtUzQuiyczukK6SgccONGXz3WC3UpYcPRdzq3owpf14Z1ZVnAoyDGDyJ7Re2GIeWuZ3ryP7Ljv7bTlxgQqJurfkcVMIDUBtbCAHS6j8I/s400/P6170140.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">curly fries (+$8)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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You can add an additional $8 to change your regular fries/salad to curly fries! Hurrah! The first yummy thing I had! The curly fries came with delicious melted cheese and reminded me of the Hardees curly fries I used to love - why did they have to exit HK!?</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE68v4NZfSMS37QUbZWGZ10-UiJ2hKW11YQpD8YHN7QjnlPNO-Ufev7h1HkV86U3AN-sf8cRbSacIsUngIhUJ-sXwpUHJ-OETic40K8ZXbfwL8JaxknrnMhmA6R6WT7RrjDKz1noow7mc/s1600/P6170136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE68v4NZfSMS37QUbZWGZ10-UiJ2hKW11YQpD8YHN7QjnlPNO-Ufev7h1HkV86U3AN-sf8cRbSacIsUngIhUJ-sXwpUHJ-OETic40K8ZXbfwL8JaxknrnMhmA6R6WT7RrjDKz1noow7mc/s400/P6170136.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beef lasagne ($168)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This lasagne was also pretty darn good, just because of the amounts of cheese they piled on top! Anything doused in cheese will be an automatic win in my books. The plate came out looking huge but it was actually quite manageable as the dish was really shallow. Still, a super heavy course for lunch!</div>
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I suppose not everything was a miss but for the prices you pay, I really didn't think the meal was worth it. I would much rather head to Oolaa / Sashay for eggs bene, Joel Robuchon's salon de the for baguette sandwiches (which are only $48!), McDonalds for milkshakes and Grappa's for lasagne - none of which would've charged quite so steeply. </div>
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<span style="color: #f6b26b;">Main St. Deli</span></div>
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Lower Lobby Level</div>
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The Langham Hong Kong</div>
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8 Peking Road, TST</div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-23352552836418992372012-06-13T18:10:00.000+08:002012-06-13T18:16:43.118+08:00lardos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I'm always on the look out for good steak in Hong Kong and think I've finally found my match. This unassuming steakhouse in Hang Hau village dishes up beautifully tender chunks of meat at very attractive prices. Begun in 2002 by a seasoned meat supplier, Lardos is everything I want in a steakhouse - premium cuts without the additional fuss. The restaurant is crowded, service minimal, and you get kicked out after an hour and a half, but all this adds to the no-frills attitude of the restaurant which focuses solely on delivering great steaks.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenSL75MLFKbKwn719a5-vLEj8VZSzG48kjIa5NIuC8KkzFgxmV1WFzTBA47AplnLLmzRanJTJGQiJ7Bmrv98keSTtihPXXuUgOszuu6nUKAnwtF8AgqMtliKwTv766if9TPMSWRZbesM/s1600/P6100124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenSL75MLFKbKwn719a5-vLEj8VZSzG48kjIa5NIuC8KkzFgxmV1WFzTBA47AplnLLmzRanJTJGQiJ7Bmrv98keSTtihPXXuUgOszuu6nUKAnwtF8AgqMtliKwTv766if9TPMSWRZbesM/s400/P6100124.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ribs ($139)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVDcm712hB6gNZOc-0auWPqDcnEb21N9W3urXnHf7v3z9ukXc-9-5QVtuanwLE847LdkVx7h0pT_00nwiG0tj9ltKNcRdxmw79zC7sRoirx0UEHFbD0VjoYAg_2TtRY-i0JirXC9Obzw/s1600/P6100126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVDcm712hB6gNZOc-0auWPqDcnEb21N9W3urXnHf7v3z9ukXc-9-5QVtuanwLE847LdkVx7h0pT_00nwiG0tj9ltKNcRdxmw79zC7sRoirx0UEHFbD0VjoYAg_2TtRY-i0JirXC9Obzw/s400/P6100126.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new zealand lemon sole ($198)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sPh9S3CkLCDe0sgAU_grdGBSB4gvK3Oo8KayPUTY7d7n9SuVkSdEQ1mb_30jgt5hsTVg6qxZ7_9TCK4M2tsoXo6hmgrRZArXggffNzMn1uvSXfIbXikidn8C4ZN3zZ9D5EDj-8qLZg8/s1600/P6100127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sPh9S3CkLCDe0sgAU_grdGBSB4gvK3Oo8KayPUTY7d7n9SuVkSdEQ1mb_30jgt5hsTVg6qxZ7_9TCK4M2tsoXo6hmgrRZArXggffNzMn1uvSXfIbXikidn8C4ZN3zZ9D5EDj-8qLZg8/s400/P6100127.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">australian mb2 ribeye steak ($195/8oz)</td></tr>
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You can choose whether to have mashed potatos, fries or wedges with your steak, and there are also a variety of sauces including bearnaise, mushroom and black pepper. Being a meat purist, I opted for no sauce and the steak was perfect without. It was grilled to a lovely medium rare and was very tender and juicy. </div>
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I would definitely come back for their quality meats, perfect grilling techniques and very discounted prices. If only I could still pass for 12 years old, I would jump on their kids meal of mini burgers with fries and cheese too!</div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Lardos</span></div>
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4-B, G/F, Hang Hau Village</div>
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Tseung Kwan O</div>
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<br /></div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-66914507234959989812012-06-12T11:00:00.002+08:002012-06-12T11:08:21.598+08:00zuma champagne brunch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I can't think of a better way to kick off the weekend than with champagne brunch at Zuma, my new favourite brunch in Hong Kong. Given all the rave reviews I've heard of this place, my expectations were naturally high and Zuma did not disappoint. </div>
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For $550, you'll get a buffet + main course + free flowing Perrier Jouet, bellinis and sakes. Not a bad deal considering the above sans alcohol costs $428.</div>
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The buffet portion of the brunch was outstanding. There was a good selection of hot items (including chicken karaage and grilled wings), some salads, and of course, a lot of sashimi. I enjoyed the sweet prawn sashimi and hamachi the most, but the maki rolls were also perfectly constructed with just the right ratio of fish to rice (the soft shell crab roll stole the show!). The oysters were some of the freshest I've tasted, though you really had to pounce on them as they disappeared within moments of being brought out.</div>
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Some of the plates we had:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLpXasI4YLbh8E2bh1WP4nEy1XWFx64sKjhacmbocLZmkUiCDkRqg8xtaFMl6wTizm_FZSsVWiMeK7AIZ3vJZE8Vs9DxyADujc7v2903SeWuIZim6vHDNM2M-XfSu5bs1wVNjAPzyexw/s1600/P6090102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLpXasI4YLbh8E2bh1WP4nEy1XWFx64sKjhacmbocLZmkUiCDkRqg8xtaFMl6wTizm_FZSsVWiMeK7AIZ3vJZE8Vs9DxyADujc7v2903SeWuIZim6vHDNM2M-XfSu5bs1wVNjAPzyexw/s400/P6090102.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicsGPFTHdkyhdea6lVOREL0VkSsWKNIQYol_BcK6cxIFjtL9_cyJdrnq1OwQH5z0HqsfOyFcEYxj569KHKs-8XTB4PMqjxU3WevtY44YoVPdrXQAcirxZN1ldi5GTwoFU6Y1QJRiSIDs/s1600/P6090104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicsGPFTHdkyhdea6lVOREL0VkSsWKNIQYol_BcK6cxIFjtL9_cyJdrnq1OwQH5z0HqsfOyFcEYxj569KHKs-8XTB4PMqjxU3WevtY44YoVPdrXQAcirxZN1ldi5GTwoFU6Y1QJRiSIDs/s400/P6090104.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHTlvBqLqyW6qRekxYZR5CPVzJ3WL0sueTb9v-ANiam3GZ24RioCGjttXfgPyZLvVVnDEgXefk59ybl8d_rdOWyXY_JYugkmgsqRK_wlZUFmWqqjXIPFGNr9Ut4tbSFQb5JF7KQnySTk/s1600/P6090107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHTlvBqLqyW6qRekxYZR5CPVzJ3WL0sueTb9v-ANiam3GZ24RioCGjttXfgPyZLvVVnDEgXefk59ybl8d_rdOWyXY_JYugkmgsqRK_wlZUFmWqqjXIPFGNr9Ut4tbSFQb5JF7KQnySTk/s400/P6090107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbZQFn9S41o6_gyu_eOki9LUmewD1FNI80ALJ1zNE7Qhl-TtcuE44dSnjLjQ7tDyd02Lot5qi5eLRgNdWIJz4v4P6VtakXqhWwxIzxxXh5Ak_k9jBevICL2CxudMSko8GyMxNpCm0pNE/s1600/P6090108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbZQFn9S41o6_gyu_eOki9LUmewD1FNI80ALJ1zNE7Qhl-TtcuE44dSnjLjQ7tDyd02Lot5qi5eLRgNdWIJz4v4P6VtakXqhWwxIzxxXh5Ak_k9jBevICL2CxudMSko8GyMxNpCm0pNE/s400/P6090108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The mains didn't fare quite as well but we were sufficiently stuffed from the buffet that it really didn't matter. You could choose from five different dishes, including sirloin steak, miso-marinated chicken, tempura, grilled salmon, and udon. </div>
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Two of us ordered the sirloin steak, which turned out to be too chewy and overly char-grilled for my liking. The picture above is the better of the two but still was a little tough for medium rare. Only the pieces in the middle were okay. The flavour was good though, as were the mushrooms on the side.</div>
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Udon noodles were left virtually untouched - probably shouldn't have ordered carbs on top of all the buffet items! The spices were...interesting and the noodles cooked to a perfect, bouncy consistency but it was just a little too foreign for my taste buds! </div>
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Tempura apparently was decent, though I didn't try any as I'm not a big fan of the dish.<br />
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Then came dessert... a huge platter of cakes, ice cream and fruit. It even looked healthy! :) I remember being blown away the first time I ordered one of these over dinner and was really looking forward to their signature Zuma molten chocolate cake. Unfortunately, the platter we received didn't have my favourite cake but it's probably for the best as it would've been far too heavy for brunch. I did enjoy the strawberry ice cream and the raspberry cake to the right. Around the back there was also an amazing blueberry cheesecake which I happily devoured. </div>
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My sister noticed that Denise Keller, veteran MTV VJ / model / face of MasterCard / host of Discovery Travel & Living's Passage to Malaysia / H's crush, was sitting around the corner from us. After about thirty minutes of convincing H to go take a picture with her, he finally worked up the courage to get this:</div>
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Sweet ending to a perfect brunch. I highly recommend checking it out - it's great value for the amount and quality of food you get, the service is top notch, and who can say no to Perrier Jouet?</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000;">Zuma</span></div>
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5/F, The Landmark </div>
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12-16 Des Voeux Road Central</div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-25017707863958805592012-04-30T01:34:00.000+08:002012-06-06T09:42:49.163+08:00l'atelier de joel robuchon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I checked out l'atelier de joel robuchon for a nice Saturday lunch with the family. I've been to <a href="http://eating-hongkong.blogspot.com/2011/08/robuchon-galera.html">robuchon a galera</a> last year and thought the food was a little hit and miss, so was eager to try out the Hong Kong branch to see how it held up. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VaXaUzOWW8bS3GqxvkkM_073gJFjXR7UJ7tDQkEe74-OofqjAIFDLnNSlpTxInuEVovfn9Gg-TdzMRmHCtlunPzyLnwlEFqHKpALr1R2hvtDf-w8Gc4zMJUISxPLF8TA-99ZwP1liuI/s1600/P4280064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VaXaUzOWW8bS3GqxvkkM_073gJFjXR7UJ7tDQkEe74-OofqjAIFDLnNSlpTxInuEVovfn9Gg-TdzMRmHCtlunPzyLnwlEFqHKpALr1R2hvtDf-w8Gc4zMJUISxPLF8TA-99ZwP1liuI/s320/P4280064.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></a></div>
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They charge $200 per head extra if you sit at a table so it was a no-brainer that we opted for bar seating. Not to mention, this way you get full view of the open kitchen :) All of us ordered the 3-course menu at $420 - plenty of food for lunch.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlIMtksVm9vhrUFA1F2ZRx3YiIRhj01KPVzjqSYXpGGi4Twc4CP2oa5YIC5zkZoXDkRDFNvQZdpONEG5OqR8RQpWhLX4dH3yNGtfENSwP_h61YEbWy0nHA8vZhNsCUPdX0vml4fHi5mI/s1600/P4280055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlIMtksVm9vhrUFA1F2ZRx3YiIRhj01KPVzjqSYXpGGi4Twc4CP2oa5YIC5zkZoXDkRDFNvQZdpONEG5OqR8RQpWhLX4dH3yNGtfENSwP_h61YEbWy0nHA8vZhNsCUPdX0vml4fHi5mI/s400/P4280055.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bread basket</td></tr>
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The complimentary bread basket came piping hot and was absolutely irresistible. I tried their flute baguette (my favourite), a soft walnut bun, and that bread at the back full of cheese and ham. All slathered in soft, spreadable butter. Mmm. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGy0XLLu26OzVamzBQnZ1j-64LwhDoTzsfxb4HdUzqZ84FG_YpnjqqFpsfeC2KTjooWh03F4ZlHp1fJUBpOhQ2y9rl_F1D8WHClRrJ5jPc5Jbrn9ObMheNF5677ihbw6dCQslsZj5Dr0/s1600/P4280057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGy0XLLu26OzVamzBQnZ1j-64LwhDoTzsfxb4HdUzqZ84FG_YpnjqqFpsfeC2KTjooWh03F4ZlHp1fJUBpOhQ2y9rl_F1D8WHClRrJ5jPc5Jbrn9ObMheNF5677ihbw6dCQslsZj5Dr0/s400/P4280057.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">amuse bouche</td></tr>
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I really enjoyed this one, though I was quite surprised that they would offer an amuse bouche of zucchini cream and onion when zucchini was one of the choices for starters. Luckily I didn't order the zucchini so I happily lapped this one up. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOzGkWCindkTpWt15Kuw__ZyLzIensLN28uz8AMEs3TDI1tVrABi6glg5yNOLLAk9GH5IL60knYwJftol1ODdcqgAEsXdJ65pbXsJlQpXnYg2cpbM3tePMhhT7wdm7pv1bwYNURU6PWI/s1600/P4280065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOzGkWCindkTpWt15Kuw__ZyLzIensLN28uz8AMEs3TDI1tVrABi6glg5yNOLLAk9GH5IL60knYwJftol1ODdcqgAEsXdJ65pbXsJlQpXnYg2cpbM3tePMhhT7wdm7pv1bwYNURU6PWI/s320/P4280065.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">le chou-fleur</td></tr>
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This was a cauliflower veloute with parma ham and hidden croutons. I remember really enjoying the soup at Robuchon a Galera so was super excited for my appetizer. Luckily, it was just as good with a delicious creamy texture and the perfect pairing of parma ham and cauliflower. Stunningly simple :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgak0-WAe1W1G0EUnM-9w8ny52xCQTYtmzmWyMmMOA0Lt86V6ALv2JM8-Oh0T1_CkLmjPC3cJEx81ZYllBlEhIuZkrkVv_Ho6ClO2dBQ3G4M6XgOZ8-_buKplw8tKFMDmwnFX2RMFoAIs/s1600/P4280061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgak0-WAe1W1G0EUnM-9w8ny52xCQTYtmzmWyMmMOA0Lt86V6ALv2JM8-Oh0T1_CkLmjPC3cJEx81ZYllBlEhIuZkrkVv_Ho6ClO2dBQ3G4M6XgOZ8-_buKplw8tKFMDmwnFX2RMFoAIs/s320/P4280061.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">les petits farcis</td></tr>
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The zucchini appetizer came with (from left to right) tomato mozzarella, eggplant caviar, and egg in "mimosa" style (sort of like devilled eggs). I didn't try any of this but the presentation was beautiful. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">le maquereau</td></tr>
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Mackerel looked amazing and I almost wished I had ordered it myself. Taste-wise, very nice. It was lightly seared and didn't taste overly fishy or salty.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">le canard</td></tr>
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My choice of main course in a French restaurant is almost always duck because the French definitely do it the best. This classic duck a l'orange did not disappoint. The roasted Challans duck breast was perfectly tender with a strong ducky flavour and just a hint of nuttiness. It paired most beautifully with the orange reduction. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6R7KShIYfa4mFAAHdLWi-DMGUB_LhJZfJBKpS5MatC4IVev64DfxwUIFmdGWJbiFOmU5LHSDj8RB1HulvVc0EADtvXlpST08ni6auTKzlUowmDLziRhz2b1Bbr64UA35e8XoXTz5MnsU/s1600/P4280068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6R7KShIYfa4mFAAHdLWi-DMGUB_LhJZfJBKpS5MatC4IVev64DfxwUIFmdGWJbiFOmU5LHSDj8RB1HulvVc0EADtvXlpST08ni6auTKzlUowmDLziRhz2b1Bbr64UA35e8XoXTz5MnsU/s320/P4280068.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mashed potato</td></tr>
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Mashed potato was served alongside my duck and arrived looking like butter, probably because they used so much of it to make this deliciously creamy mash - you can see how it glistens! I wanted to lick the bottom of my bowl it was so artery-cloggingly good.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZNiJWjdxFcHUZZ23cBlChMR0z2pqiDX65b1V8tQkEVPi9Jqz8ByLEFTtOMSbOxJIJ7w35slS0zaZYlWs5uC7UAR9mc4h5ODmu_Da27S5iP32ryc2srpTKTkXC4CNmnUpaj-lJlvXeZQ/s1600/P4280067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZNiJWjdxFcHUZZ23cBlChMR0z2pqiDX65b1V8tQkEVPi9Jqz8ByLEFTtOMSbOxJIJ7w35slS0zaZYlWs5uC7UAR9mc4h5ODmu_Da27S5iP32ryc2srpTKTkXC4CNmnUpaj-lJlvXeZQ/s320/P4280067.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">les cuisses de grenouille</td></tr>
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These frog legs my aunt ordered might actually have been even better than my duck. Simple roasted frog legs served with fava beans, they tasted quite mild but had an excellent crunchy exterior reminiscent of the Chicken Man's amazing chicken wings. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdziqSF7ML9pIv-w_mcTzcdErxFK1lBQYKUwCMkmJMxKDlFJhVvBsq1z9yAMv0c8jcN9DFWU7xpQSf5TFcEsX1a_0UY44X3IX0uwwA1hh1VhwAOvE-rmKiUi0fZdVwaNYWjLqk_SKT44/s1600/P4280070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdziqSF7ML9pIv-w_mcTzcdErxFK1lBQYKUwCMkmJMxKDlFJhVvBsq1z9yAMv0c8jcN9DFWU7xpQSf5TFcEsX1a_0UY44X3IX0uwwA1hh1VhwAOvE-rmKiUi0fZdVwaNYWjLqk_SKT44/s320/P4280070.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">le porc iberique</td></tr>
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The iberico pork loin was my least favourite out of the mains, but only because the others were so good. The "teriyaki" sauce was just a little too strong for my liking and the pork was pretty standard.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5hlAZcVTIcrcRflmhHKBkmkK0-SgrIQl8t7o79UwhC9cI_5D9OhMEdzEaxdUlaFc515HWzPhikmRlBjExXPVO1fsYqcjr-mklv803RNgIIRdRwNSwfRo-KwXJgNjPRm4rYHFHuQkJ08/s1600/P4280072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5hlAZcVTIcrcRflmhHKBkmkK0-SgrIQl8t7o79UwhC9cI_5D9OhMEdzEaxdUlaFc515HWzPhikmRlBjExXPVO1fsYqcjr-mklv803RNgIIRdRwNSwfRo-KwXJgNjPRm4rYHFHuQkJ08/s320/P4280072.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">le banane</td></tr>
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A chocolate caramel tart served with caramelized bananas and vanilla ice cream. I didn't taste any of this dessert but judging by how quickly my dad wolfed it down, it must've been good. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg37SK7AA_WQsky0Q1qpB7rnnYhmabQ7KL_dJJjZXfnb1JYmA2LpSnOP38xV_i03oi_hzcbkn9Phi05GK3qe7n5IsScLKVsFqjOGb5ebCBRIXMB7ZNYySi90lr_NZGgwfMzAYFHo-Px7g/s1600/P4280074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg37SK7AA_WQsky0Q1qpB7rnnYhmabQ7KL_dJJjZXfnb1JYmA2LpSnOP38xV_i03oi_hzcbkn9Phi05GK3qe7n5IsScLKVsFqjOGb5ebCBRIXMB7ZNYySi90lr_NZGgwfMzAYFHo-Px7g/s320/P4280074.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">le tiramisu</td></tr>
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Very inventive tiramisu! I didn't eat the crackle at the top but the rest was delicious with a very rich coffee taste.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCeA-IQ1WWAjN3AHYYrY9D-HTay5fGBmI9-Tb1Ia6kwHet3kqScW8cf9-gEsCkENEhrsrMDe3bVeUyGf-GXMLreEEokjXliYxxWjs3oj2gKHkgzY3vbMo__7TiBzgstjuW3uqPBGpmNM/s1600/P4280076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCeA-IQ1WWAjN3AHYYrY9D-HTay5fGBmI9-Tb1Ia6kwHet3kqScW8cf9-gEsCkENEhrsrMDe3bVeUyGf-GXMLreEEokjXliYxxWjs3oj2gKHkgzY3vbMo__7TiBzgstjuW3uqPBGpmNM/s320/P4280076.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">petits fours</td></tr>
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Madeleines, macarons, chocolate and jellies - what more does a girl need? :) The madeleines were delightful and probably the best one I've had in Hong Kong (with the only other contestant being Monsieur Chatte :P). I wonder if they sell them in the Robuchon cafe downstairs? I was too full to attempt the rest of the petits fours - the dishes came out with surprising speed so there was little time to sit and digest. I even had to pass on the coffee/tea, though I know Robuchon makes a killer cappuccino. </div>
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Despite our satisfied bellies, we continued our day with a trip to Beertopia for beer and hotdogs!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmLIOZBZFowpMGbNvm4DKnCg4ki7tgbRR9xjchK8Me1a_4QcWiSvnJiS9f4Ts1-NZFbMMy8dwz4v0h86HueU4YFroGxuNapBa9u4_2F4r08_d70SpG08dkLODNCERi5uD7vlUZF3WrX4/s1600/P4280088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmLIOZBZFowpMGbNvm4DKnCg4ki7tgbRR9xjchK8Me1a_4QcWiSvnJiS9f4Ts1-NZFbMMy8dwz4v0h86HueU4YFroGxuNapBa9u4_2F4r08_d70SpG08dkLODNCERi5uD7vlUZF3WrX4/s320/P4280088.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
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The event was hugely successful and I had a great time with my beer - I sampled fruity apple beers from Belgium, dark wheat beers from Germany, a delicious hazlenut nectar from the US and many pale ales from the UK. The best though was this wheat beer from Japan though I forget the name already :( Too bad the hot dog was far too salty! Not worth the $120 it cost!! </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">L'atelier de Joel Robuchon</span></div>
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Shop 315 & 401</div>
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The Landmark, Central </div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-79786825017075877742012-04-17T10:28:00.000+08:002012-04-17T10:34:57.502+08:00Da Dong x Man Wah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the second year that Man Wah at the Mandarin Oriental has hosted Da Dong and its famous Peking duck (their promotion period runs from 14 to 22 April). I didn't manage to get a table the first time round so happily accepted my friend's invite this year. Da Dong was one of my favourite restaurants while living in Beijing with its beautiful presentation, lovely ambiance, attentive service, and of course the very tasty duck. I couldn't wait to test it out in Hong Kong and was happy to see that the ducks (and the servers!) were brought in from Beijing.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We started with one of my favourite dishes from Da Dong:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdZioxMuTS3jzTlkKT_bgIemHGEcXL5nIOtVN6dnUV6BWs9kt5qj6Fj5ICIiyIXJlbmrJgb0TtoUnP5siGJNHY6dH-z4kuCHvDqQ_ThltxVidY4HfeTFH30mSV4oBy9YcHcMkzU2e5Pc/s1600/P4160002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdZioxMuTS3jzTlkKT_bgIemHGEcXL5nIOtVN6dnUV6BWs9kt5qj6Fj5ICIiyIXJlbmrJgb0TtoUnP5siGJNHY6dH-z4kuCHvDqQ_ThltxVidY4HfeTFH30mSV4oBy9YcHcMkzU2e5Pc/s480/P4160002.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">beancurd with chinese toon ($148)</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The mini ones were absolutely adorable and taste-wise, it was a very refreshing dish that made you feel healthier at once. It did have a slightly more fermented tofu taste than the Beijing version though, which I didn't particularly enjoy. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-p3w2G0emvUTtzOMUMenhiUVMNrntBRxjXP-GxSTSE0lcWcj0RTZm75Sdswvt3RwWOC7t0HmSSW4XEdgsDHznaEv3pf15k4x1c0OpCGUdBqPSyUEc9eQIWU6c3TcFpcYo-ZPSckCwBI/s1600/P4160004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-p3w2G0emvUTtzOMUMenhiUVMNrntBRxjXP-GxSTSE0lcWcj0RTZm75Sdswvt3RwWOC7t0HmSSW4XEdgsDHznaEv3pf15k4x1c0OpCGUdBqPSyUEc9eQIWU6c3TcFpcYo-ZPSckCwBI/s480/P4160004.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sweet pork ribs at snowy river (HK$168)</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was beautifully plated and our Da Dong server told us a very poetic story while sprinkling the icing sugar "snow" (of which I understood maybe 1/4 of it...really need to brush up on the mandarin skills...) However, it looked a lot better than it tasted. Flavour-wise, the pork ribs were perfect but the texture was just soooo tough. I felt like I was eating a stale piece of jerky. Chew chew chew.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was grateful to see the duck being rolled out as this was what I had been waiting for! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyFF_9T5zPKPgUixyYBQS0JYpUSTnANJtFjw19OwHK7B33vacRHw0wsaKJ_G5w1DTXltGZh7lQ-bBAHkwOVpvWHLKlIgJf86oAss3FN81EMeGC-RQ-Meu9zyE9gvEw82E3ksjQBPdcxs/s1600/P4160005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyFF_9T5zPKPgUixyYBQS0JYpUSTnANJtFjw19OwHK7B33vacRHw0wsaKJ_G5w1DTXltGZh7lQ-bBAHkwOVpvWHLKlIgJf86oAss3FN81EMeGC-RQ-Meu9zyE9gvEw82E3ksjQBPdcxs/s480/P4160005.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">carving away at our $658 duck... yeah, prices are way higher here than in BJ</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkmI62zceMHQI_jJ2xlQmrqMowmRgw1pH6vO7A2runxoBDpuGYEx3DeGae5AP63U1gMuCEomA6rz9nEQrBCi76MPf-CIU0XddBLJy204BZ0Dw5Aq7oDjGlojFvh1wD5y8lyekS0jMmkw/s1600/P4160007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkmI62zceMHQI_jJ2xlQmrqMowmRgw1pH6vO7A2runxoBDpuGYEx3DeGae5AP63U1gMuCEomA6rz9nEQrBCi76MPf-CIU0XddBLJy204BZ0Dw5Aq7oDjGlojFvh1wD5y8lyekS0jMmkw/s480/P4160007.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">glad to see all the condiments are the same :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM09VL2QkK7L6H2bJyT991BafTzqa2TnV3J1GKGaTWsIUQnIT79eVglO6HDmwW15-V_-G7eHnIPqk3SvPTCzFkUVKJ7NO49RI3ud_ossPXBptPD4lXgxEDdlXJCQruCucb7CkpDic8PTI/s1600/P4160010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM09VL2QkK7L6H2bJyT991BafTzqa2TnV3J1GKGaTWsIUQnIT79eVglO6HDmwW15-V_-G7eHnIPqk3SvPTCzFkUVKJ7NO49RI3ud_ossPXBptPD4lXgxEDdlXJCQruCucb7CkpDic8PTI/s480/P4160010.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">pancake wraps</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9h-IydaDExHDok67f7JYyaUY7OL8rYpLFYKwnIo3aX4DRkqZdPxP631zHX7QfIwtwFpCS6hzR1zNUIrC1QVKWzdTX0AEoIqSGQ7_3-PvdactJGnaDr8dvhXO6cWXZQm8O7QtNexhiv8/s1600/P4160008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9h-IydaDExHDok67f7JYyaUY7OL8rYpLFYKwnIo3aX4DRkqZdPxP631zHX7QfIwtwFpCS6hzR1zNUIrC1QVKWzdTX0AEoIqSGQ7_3-PvdactJGnaDr8dvhXO6cWXZQm8O7QtNexhiv8/s480/P4160008.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">toasted sesame buns</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSV8Fq1SvAg2MR4YZv4hTkHtln0b1ybyFYzb7heJQY6Xgr7W6uh2EuOMT1YqLeTma4oys8fFVY2z8DCuJz2TerAmhn04NQNBQ9bcYExCgSj5CM9Rl4Ljqz_pOK4my9kCBq5y9doN_ll4/s1600/P4160011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSV8Fq1SvAg2MR4YZv4hTkHtln0b1ybyFYzb7heJQY6Xgr7W6uh2EuOMT1YqLeTma4oys8fFVY2z8DCuJz2TerAmhn04NQNBQ9bcYExCgSj5CM9Rl4Ljqz_pOK4my9kCBq5y9doN_ll4/s480/P4160011.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">duck!!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">teaching us how to wrap (but I say just use your hands!)</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, the duck was the big disappointment of the night. While I could overlook the appetizers being slightly sub-par, there is absolutely no excuse for Da Dong not to perfect their signature Peking duck before coming over. I get that Man Wah might not have the same cooking facilities to roast the duck as back home, but they've already been here one year and should've taken that into consideration. The flavour was lacking, the skin wasn't crisp, it was far oilier than in Beijing, the meat was tough and dry (especially the bottom layers) and not lean as they always advertise... Even the sweet sauce tasted slightly different. The only saving grace were the pancakes were which lovely and light. All in all, pretty unimpressive.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't remember how much this cost or what exactly was in it but it was basically Chinese cabbage and a bunch of beans. Pretty pathetic looking if you ask me, and it was far too salty and oily. You would think they'd tone down the salt for Hong Kong palettes without us having to tell them "少油, 少盐". </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">abalone and chinese yam with rice in truffle sauce ($198)</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've never been a big fan of abalone so I can't really comment, but the rice was pretty fragrant and I enjoyed the truffle sauce, although again it would've benefited from less oil.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">noodles with soy bean paste ($98)</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These noodles were a breath of fresh air after the oiliness of the preceding dishes. Simple, old-style Beijing noodles aren't too difficult to master but I'm glad they didn't over embellish and the noodles were perfectly light and springy. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">red bean pancake with soya milk ice cream ($158)</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought this was way overpriced for the size of the dish. The pancakes were very odd in texture and you had to stuff the whole strip in your mouth as it was impossible to cut. They also came looking like bacon... The chocolate hawthorne to the left wasn't all that fun to eat either. However, the soya milk ice-cream was pretty interesting - it really tasted like soy milk without any additional sweetness, and it was a light, refreshing way to end a meal.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All in all, I was pretty disappointed with the whole meal for the quality of the food and the exorbitant prices considering the size of each dish and how much cheaper it is back in Beijing (though I know I really shouldn't compare...) I just wasn't blown away by anything I had that night. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Da Dong at Man Wah</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">25/F, Mandarin Oriental</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 Connaught Road Cental</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hong Kong</span></div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-52468424858836852522012-04-12T07:01:00.012+08:002012-04-12T08:34:30.436+08:00Shanghai<div style="text-align: justify;">I visited Shanghai over the Easter break and had some delicious food (which left me with too many ulcers though it was worth it!) I hope you enjoy the pictures - xiao long bao features a lot ;)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On our first day we decided to check out the famed xiao long bao at<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">南翔馒头店</span></span></span>. Luckily, it was within walking distance from our hotel because I would not have been impressed if I actually made a trek out for these xiao long bao's. They were alright, but not the best I've had and not really worth the wait.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ8328zl6t0hs-ZqsD7S0j4eu3ksHmSBB54LKQx1ZCuvBi8ath0O4oJ6A5CYKgUiwDAMMggMjI3PjuFzhey_A5QZJZUhYdfA_iYW4sGnp3VKyQZjEb_mF3vzGpWhisICih0moaoNwIRQ/s500/IMG_1949.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730284179582029122" border="0" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>xiao long bao @ </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 16px; font-family:arial;font-size:medium;"><i>南翔</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWJmw1b4z4h2HZnAcYKTv0cXzDw1goXlP4r17p2X50Wv6AtToGgIXde1GPSnerhXYCknRYqaXXXS_zpLwQSt4ISHJ4warpBY7jQqAUCJMxMe-Lw33bROcsHo_W_fjOBrfFyyU8JVzHSk/s500/IMG_1948.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730284175741281586" border="0" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>fried shrimp balls and glutinous rice </i><i>@ </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 16px; font-family:arial;font-size:medium;"><i>南翔</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9ghkVuqZtHY7OttQb6IDabwGKR2qmHBaUlroY_FWO3qND9-PCpLENKV6aUF4Lj7rBQfm6NIlajHYRot4gKkOKyCmW10gg2cb6ThRbWr_-T2BgXBAFPS6hs3DVVGgZ-xQI_JqBTaEed0/s500/IMG_1952.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730284185295581858" border="0" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 500px; " /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>giant xiaolongbao </i><i>@ </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 16px; font-family:arial;font-size:medium;"><i>南翔</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We walked around the old town and then headed over to the former French Concession, which was close to our dinner destination. Along the way, some potarts for a snack :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6dqC9bx11VllvkhKXR8kmTiiiG0DeDb_xRTTFP1G28uLF6q0qAnLibkahAFKLOvElLjW9J65qzL4lzdsGBBu1tWqcsmsDtO5NeDOn3J1rQj5rvuTnhx3eo8BUXUbNbYdn7BvGe5Hjo4/s500/IMG_2055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730284195617276914" border="0" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>portugese egg tart from Lillian's</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceWKqRpD_EDZHOfXGTZGWq6qmf9PU0ipkI2febpDmf7VDEkHT_MDxdL6I91-XkSsuytKtWt5rcMDCRFVbNEDr7Kc-bRjpFIXjmZPWO3JVEZ1VyokG-73absa9MUOufICI3_cQkr4ujTU/s500/IMG_2054.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730284200558806418" border="0" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 500px; " /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm sure the Macau version is even better but these were pretty damn delicious. Though I don't know if Lillian's cake shop really exists in Macau?</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For dinner, we went to Le Shang, a modern Shanghainese restaurant on the outskirts of the French Concession area. It was actually opened by David Laris, a Greek from Australia who's now living in China and owns a number of restaurants in Shanghai. Also, the restaurant seemed to have some affiliation with Dragonfly, the best (at least for Westerners) massage retreat in China. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtG2fta5AgGwroI6UEhHND2TfyEFyPaiFE0D7RlMVmzQJj9vas812ViyHQ6sUAZOg1cRxGGgbu8PHx_mswK3EUF3XQnvRYCyD_Cyc3fBhDSTp8NVD7cc_3_gZ_Mwxk5a0-p_yCzsES1o/s500/IMG_2064.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730294123498715426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>interior</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfnJPDryFSUTWlGYgzwqrXyrgpllHXKSlLohoAKKpQ6qMzL5T4t3yaOrpuG-363ghJqHqZxu4xUAa3ELeE462QB61DRbWnA4xJnZKLhQDt3sAIui-ajoK1kfTtRe4_OF-z275uzhfaGk/s500/IMG_4069.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730288161079504850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>huge bowl of complimentary white rabbits!</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOp_h8ig8Bu_JNtjepH32I-D6v0XLn3lgVOsP_pt155Ied2d2JwAs8XJ6TI99oOWKF-G5d6lvEKIG4dEAdhCu9TrDaf4gjcqzsiWbbDU9EId1tCva6odU3W-kG13ijhTlgcVVyg8vWM4/s500/IMG_2070.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730286951978684866" border="0" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>spare ribs @ Le Sheng - delicious!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6m0bR3BuzW3zy2847KMTytgWZCepSEMqGZQfIhkxCS1EvRUEV1s78zxC0G8bg_1KvUnVhtjooHzQ3cQ_HQZFDoJAVpPwLFvXZs9OouhCztCtivaqHtaP6W-OIjNyOM9uVDUGPDFSDH0/s500/IMG_2067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730286924869669362" border="0" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>drunken chicken @ Le Sheng</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3hTinl-UuxLCgNO93OTSxEhLRJwEAo2WIVHA7yIkWqnD0lnn8sOCY8IvMGt2mMZbY0aEuRkQ_geCz3uOhwtNPHbl7Qb9dqKOpGuU_x4-_k9a9woGDRs0ieXPY2vlCO-50LMpbxfJH74/s500/IMG_2068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730286934200194002" border="0" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>chilled cucumber @ Le Sheng</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-6xREdeyaOOWts7MmKE1rqZcTLAPlC9sz6rLO3oOAUn7jS6wdxqznRFaJm3fCEM9LnEBHar90Ez0D7DcLw9GFQTipLrYdVrXsNTALx9C0WvVpdWCgWRFFKW7FLXPAicMbQJ5KuVMqKE/s500/IMG_2069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730286943870205346" border="0" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>old fashioned shanghainese smoked fish @ Le Sheng</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLLKZaQzkdzyl3dHQsNDXvmqnYnC3cAbMTP9bgAc_ScqQ95FBa9nmJJTfjxsv1ZrbU4NH_M72hS7h9BTgoI7Lwigwd5WroLb8pUBUUoHxYLn5p9oeuxpvqGuudQhrSwC5pQIcuShGRcs/s500/IMG_2071.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730288131458082674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>stir fried rice cake with wild vegetables and shredded pork @ Le Sheng</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UTBkx6Oa1Z62v0fu9bzFgxcE1XdUDlr4DkdU4VEFJ9yvok00D64woGGGMrD7iUmIEEGGXAVB72lc52e1PWd95PKNsfuwgyuZ2A4tfzt2R3M1ahEKKHuWc80UWdWfCLAsihFBC7O6LRo/s500/IMG_2072.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730288135712904002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">xiao long bao @ Le Sheng</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bE0v7ajrysCA21c3V77j65_nr3iNI177ZZMJCnhxboBrb6xMpsgyG3m4Dz26WnBs4FyXjcvg4HVEzECIVO4TCBTYpTra0AVtvPvmGRKhK3ox8XXF5RzGbAkp4ZDIs31cVuGpVwkTCjY/s500/IMG_2076.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730288141175618194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 500px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>mango pancakes @ Le Sheng</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXR5vjODKWCBijlKR-s0m8el2uDUsRWjOB-TH35NFNNV3U6Nocl52zqMI5uJDSOTwrcgyvMzJgPvBmjpf13MU4ufC4Uqmg5d5YuuEnZ0CoNm0THZRkEMq5dvooFAUAm_kWQWi0XfcsnU/s1600/IMG_2078.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXR5vjODKWCBijlKR-s0m8el2uDUsRWjOB-TH35NFNNV3U6Nocl52zqMI5uJDSOTwrcgyvMzJgPvBmjpf13MU4ufC4Uqmg5d5YuuEnZ0CoNm0THZRkEMq5dvooFAUAm_kWQWi0XfcsnU/s500/IMG_2078.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730288149437275794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></a><i>more white rabbits to end the meal :)</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I enjoyed every dish we had, aside from the mango pancake dessert (the pastry was really hard). The drunken chicken had a much more subtle flavour which worked to my benefit as I usually hate the dish with its overwhelming stench of alcohol! The spare ribs were amazing in their sweet sauce, and the Shanghainese smoked fish to die for. I also found myself addicted to the stir fried rice cake. All in all, a very enjoyable meal at decent prices (each dish was under 40RMB and most hovered around the 20RMB mark!)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On the second day, we had lunch at tian zi fang<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">, </span>a bustling area with lots of small boutiques, galleries, and arts and crafts. It kinda reminded me of nanluoguxiang in Beijing. We chose a pseudo-Italian restaurant to eat in as they had a lovely rooftop terrace. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpJ85IS-QhCvPgSBOf9oZ0aP1dPIw5UiLFs4Hg67QDHfxAPG20g7eugqQhWtPHN6TCUWrCIGRYQ5sxgabK1iu5Ip9AETaXQjVe4KAn762Hzav5e9OhlYs_PzfEpOVGwDiqLpJRDXA8Vs/s500/IMG_2272.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730286918517783234" border="0" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>pesto linguini with mixed vegetables</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There was nothing special about this dish, and I remember it being really pricey - I think close to 120RMB! I guess you don't really come to this area for fine dining :P </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKn3An9oIQd2Qssw6o61TdRXniwahqbRmJsv9CKwl-IzsPvs9AT9YrfsxWPtCBwl4g9R8-ou_EljEtqqjwOgAEPfKNi61KmrrIIG6Hif7WX6_Wi-sZtSo7ECEnSd5g8Z6iygy8A93kWw/s500/DSC09725.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730289688347928514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 500px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>froyo time!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Shanghai's froyo's just don't match up to HK standards! The yoghurt tasted a bit off and the consistency was way too thick and creamy. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Second day dinner involved more xiaolongbao's of course!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZs_ES8e9mDl00t_i37W7_6OLLdzbQYWZYw08HKOpPLZVXbyUk313A6uxR7onIJdhPye-osYA0Gfp0eWSuf97PreJ7X68VgDTf4P9Mn-Z2CVS1n-BJjlXKNuEDyvCyo_sbGy4vOVl6UUs/s500/IMG_2365.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730289698025559282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>hard at work</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizkAhPxiEFiwVNGCzd9X67rEVvIaNorlL3zFCm-GLrcKPxfI6GwQeAX2LqAQhj4XNQKVN_FWC8EmbG_NY9RSeb3MQwZdPrERuqukxKkITze0B-WgxxeyY2sGKOVrzVt9dbhSPZlQo5lk/s500/IMG_2367.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730289713935627490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>making vegetarian ones</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXEsmop-zWXIqBRacCvi61We71lITDvDti90Rj-iy2vHGPvHruU3_UyeToWPpXyZ1p1UTqxmfX4ZWO-4sEgyyrTPgershQRpC6qp5wqymUntHRoTwV6RyPUMIe80kqfpD8v_MKMoglTM/s500/IMG_2368.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730289721003366082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>veggies!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEAKlNy-wLcSaUmYtZ5doGRQO31vVyK_5Q249Rv0cE41vulqIRRD4eb2W_jhDam0DC38NXwq-5Q4Is27aNNTHlli8og00a99EG4iJme0PPkxdlKy00cwpf7UI7qRk17YDoRMeRLJeVFY/s500/IMG_2369.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730289733630749442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>ready to be steamed and eaten by me :)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On our final day, we headed out to the Waterhouse at South Bund, a small boutique hotel which used to be a Japanese army headquarters during WWII. The architects kept the concrete facade and exposed brick but completely renovated the interior into nineteen beautifully modern and minimalist rooms. I loved it!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3e7RRzydNlVzM31qFAKPzx2KfNpvCFGA0Cbz6klpQza8KyNvVbkmgx_sYSED6GmB1ovrQxK0p_RvoBbGwoWuVIS_xcnvy55bt2bAnf1-G604OpsiVZVVHJJjGWWozfA_u7hpMXWMrdeo/s500/IMG_2556.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730293335240068674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>the waterhouse</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">We snagged a table at Table One for Easter brunch - three courses for 178 RMB. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga03LUWzykjnKEg38VX84NyfDt_aAKn2a4qWtuM03BWSqgsQCqnbNJOJls_uk6ZD28lOgun0mpRS-jWRsG_UjmLRip1_Pyaski0hGsHiKoNOa65nIvCZUFNOY0tIiil2YNsoGQEBVPTyk/s500/IMG_2499.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730291125203665922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>apparently they have an affiliated restaurant in Singapore!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtI1RPmWYhh5m6AfBvq1rCSCl2GqFFYTv5eRI-QGtYLwUhOEpVXkVHAGaC9PAc_FzYN5DFn6_-qxtcz0TTBYzudCWNGjoGl9Dt0Q8Im3pCLPlqvccuKfm4cgsFLiare6LXcsOJC730qq0/s500/IMG_2502.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730291138132838034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">bread basket - the spreads were delicious (pesto, tuna fish & cheese, and butter)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSQ-EbfVR_z6tmm7v1Mh49SS5sItEMfzQCZZ9XcD3Dd46KDy1mw8iS-clzzupIZ6eaRSsNyJRe6mmSywBiSyG7JWT8eK5cWYAP9ink94AX-IQczrqH7da0Kfy15zrQ7iDZ8ao1W47vVo/s500/IMG_2510.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730291147814857042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>appetizer - asparagus veloute with sea bass fritter</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dUPxfj56O0_IaeLmjhPLrTll6MgMmTsKiKNjrYErpnSAELUn0PcRXwPvy8DjT3QJFMbi9pF_i9A34Td0LOe7oNUyCxc3zw3oN5Z9Ewamy8XgCA9ED9PtzH_n5ogWszUbZnWnNJcFDMk/s500/IMG_2511.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730291159478844306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>appetizer - BBQ mackerel with toast, salted cucumber, and horseradish</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXR25ogZhNosn_M_THNa4TxSHtTdHpieVSJa2j9rxEeNosYg9TtdiWRi5qmH8dvMr7kfrfiniRkXP-ZwAE5nB_tvmDtzWMaW-w8jBPn4E-i5XmNGFmRJOSAwxB4Ijfr4c3wacBcj-ml8c/s500/IMG_2534.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730292232840950242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>main - roast young lemon chicken with carrots, golden raisins, and almond salad</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDa9pdEYhK0_Dh7GuQO967VDJiFrcBdcSI7-I265dSjI7-H-i7O9-e9Nt3aQklv23DyuKHG9vdEXwTDToBQ6tV5shsPLqaD89UIJJfUUEaCQU_9-hnB2MpHAd0hdm-zqyn-3_OHt00V4/s500/IMG_4105.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730292236946986594" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">main - roast pork tenderloin with red onion tart and roasted beetroots</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFkNb0MNmJsGSijD118GKcGHBZ-9XEKF5J_osPHIchRVgkDWSuomq6ev4VPVL9g1TYXu03MDULgNRdHZRJcqnRFEw-prxWH8yNPKxQD3gaw5hJFG9qwfDNNK3M3G_iZtdp-H3j-cTbw8/s500/IMG_2539.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730292248400454834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>main - risotto of lettuce, spring onion and poached egg</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOVL90juIjCwQ5upbZouGI33OiseRFO3OgeJcAK0R14ITucywEv7LNFvy9M6dDfMkLtdZa4RXsvIAuf2WvyQVY8rA6JH9jTTesPyThYb84wPeqCLjQelU-FMGKMPwvM63U7S0DpyQ8OU/s500/IMG_2547.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730292262525459106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>dessert - lemon and lime pavlova</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIpXZ4iV4R3rPxIN3GZBCwotOYdSGeHdVK1vJqCACg-Wkn3ZrpBRQVg-pa1V3AUJXV_dp_N1CVEN_7_xONaYZluENCcaxcn4L7DqZJripAuCTSHVP3n9B51BIFKeBNi7zQcYLrs3TpM4/s500/IMG_2544.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730292254584659442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">ice cream and sorbets (chocolate, grapefruit and vanilla)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nBqsCnSRQIhtYxbeougd-fX4teTTfnqI3W602lPOTUcgYD4c_YC6wAmlC6DVcb-9pwAjuHbQaEyUwMtWbhAZebA3cL9APVh6nSkesiZDnbYI-N-ZDfxxWM3CHFbpHaZok02HQ9Cfn1U/s500/IMG_2551.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730293326752452642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>complimentary hot cross buns for easter!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was an amazing meal from start to finish. My asparagus veloute was soo creamy and smooth, but that sea bass fritter stole the show! The pork tenderloins rivaled the ones I've raved about at Bloom in HK, and I loved the red onion tart which was just the right amount of sweetness. Ice cream was nothing special, but I liked how they gave you chocolate and strawberry sauces for dipping!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHyjM9v7wh2-EUQWM40HfDhvAxXEh3vZGAhxHLVVZtKgO9IaOnWFAnoYbQDIcuo6aleRz6xhvucxGLlg2Btvj239mpXmi1c8ENZqkgpaPjRZyK3BUu4WCfCPUmyxmtIlqeNkBhYraj88/s500/IMG_2312.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730291121750771938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>today's snack of vitamin water after a satisfying lunch - only 5RMB in Shanghai??? </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our last meal was in xin tian di. Not much to eat around there so we ducked into one of the few Chinese restaurants which didn't have a queue. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6je4yFQ9HHMaBw-92zbsZY0vTzSV_Sznpb0UWK_1FjYdA-S53kMkED_KHtXOZXnzVmKWi72j70lSXsN79fp67PylKPM5_UEefNoX6d0TmFvMp7nhlqNWu8_2mp4kvBUbO_jGJhB4DfOE/s500/IMG_2659.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730293342448249778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>can't get enough of the Shanghainese smoked fish</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNUhW8WATH2mUatWQmgYr33WFq787xmJsxCJekQ2jlTjo64f6g5AcXzg9aAWru_zfddn7iaXT5Z5X3bFn1JlQF505v8UzA7_fLt9B9OQhdiejvTpJeoNhrvTAsnIjWYcW2zyXWJF9ZAA/s500/IMG_2662.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730293355236583378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>creamy creamy prawns</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIm2gXipOKicm7QhvTCAi7xPmdPZafN13XAyemmAOmr1cae0FT9CqXU_MqRoMZLpRBPr476TkCSbSbd3MZXXTtDJxEfiZtdGN7fph2QuFtNqfPkD_c0YM5W2KSV4bbK4YNut_199EYEQ/s500/IMG_2665.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730294117621231954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>pigeon - not as good as HK</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQliTHWm8XU-uyUxToYoXoiFo6TqhRvYx91k5HyPMx6agW2yQfCKHhYWFO8vhQhN-2SqotIxAWRI7dAB1Y04r7qPboyXcNUFYkmt20f_q8x1ON1eTciifzZf1eedZwO11Lv6Jwqli-G10/s500/IMG_2664.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730293367833324898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>some much needed veggies</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All in all, I had some pretty fantastic food and can't wait to be back to try the twenty odd restaurants that we didn't manage to hit up this time! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-23153606658429879982012-03-30T10:11:00.005+08:002012-04-16T10:26:16.535+08:00Memo's<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGZyHP-4qiHJCsAitWYbWAUzzJYPqNgddE_5Ebwa8oQhUtwWy4wcIa9R2vEc0Lfb5HdPcfi__5BlLElTTa1u6Nj7posONN42V7dvThqwyEEIzrhD9NVVW1kKoFbMjRRvtFlM8BVfA0mk/s1600/IMG_3843.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725509650031745234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGZyHP-4qiHJCsAitWYbWAUzzJYPqNgddE_5Ebwa8oQhUtwWy4wcIa9R2vEc0Lfb5HdPcfi__5BlLElTTa1u6Nj7posONN42V7dvThqwyEEIzrhD9NVVW1kKoFbMjRRvtFlM8BVfA0mk/s500/IMG_3843.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mRGrm23n8bSrTQ_dXsusgPWM_lwLrZ3_nLuKcRg6h_RZCnNCVOZIiVj6KIAfrDShJQm78lG7jxpTE4hS-y_mm9BGtXPtYpezt_2r_Kg-Gx72BX4dfos7eiqWrynFgi_NutQ_vZIvEhg/s1600/IMG_3827.JPG"><br /></a></div>
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The Pun really is getting quite exciting with more and more international restaurants cropping up. I've had my eye on Memo's for the past month now ever since I noticed the new restaurant front close to the Chicken Man on High Street. Their opening kept getting delayed but finally they're up and running and I had the chance to try out their dinner one Saturday evening. Unfortunately, I put off blogging about Memo's for a while now so my memory is kinda hazy on this meal. What I do remember though is that the food was pretty darn good and Elvis serenading in the background made the meal all the more enjoyable - though I'm sure some may be bothered by the cheesiness of it all :P </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725508291359296098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mRGrm23n8bSrTQ_dXsusgPWM_lwLrZ3_nLuKcRg6h_RZCnNCVOZIiVj6KIAfrDShJQm78lG7jxpTE4hS-y_mm9BGtXPtYpezt_2r_Kg-Gx72BX4dfos7eiqWrynFgi_NutQ_vZIvEhg/s500/IMG_3827.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><i>interior was very homey</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725508281689049986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioF5F7Q2gI2lb2NZNIz6eXe8QvdVAsi1F3blve9R8qhvyqiLKEsQu4QVm9_xqnO87h42talRwNSonE1uF2NVSayw3QQeiPzmFRQdkSMfTPpfK4hWCV3Akg2hcnfN1SY2Vt3l8eLqizWiE/s500/IMG_3826.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></span></div>
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<i>free complimentary bread with delicious olive paste</i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee; font-style: normal;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725508298458503410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRHICr2JgSBdrHuOiHTf-8ZsAkD0AZqjqDb5DVy8-XbRD73y1FUTT8-VkwtTBN61DfpWx5Bh-GA9JdRDEBvawnDKkxZhxILL8ofaK1ltNHRcHrg7T69Es38ik89kmvpc9bFccjWPHmbI/s500/IMG_3830.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></span></i></div>
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<i>jamon & calamari salad </i>($115)</div>
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This salad tasted super fresh with perfectly grilled calamari, crisp lettuce, and ripe, juicy tomatoes. The Spanish jamon was just a tad too salty for me, but would probably be perfect for cured meat lovers. I thought the portion was pretty decent for the price.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725508301571502338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKt56wl0xq_Vo399eFqkoZaETJKJhxdmE0mzXzeK3hL1RG1zJBWPA6iTXRgmnjIF_iqV1aDCeV7D9NKioyxR05I-R_A-Vc2D4knwfxRVHU-SQ64yXD6HQ_O5h8Z6Xyp5R_GTtVG_tlp5E/s500/IMG_3832.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><i>prosciutto pizza </i>($138)</span></div>
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This looked absolutely gorgeous when it came out and I couldn't wait to dig in to my favourite classic pairing of parma ham, rocket and mozzarella. They were very generous with the ingredients and the rocket perfectly balanced out the strong flavours of the ham. The only thing I thought could be improved was the pizza base which I felt was just a tad too crispy.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725509638371372962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4YFzZZzMJTy5mK8kR-WNK8GtPSMJzUYese-WHMj1vATODR6ToB9hT3BlD8TFtxlm0DVmtFNgchoduBY1POvA2xURXYw-X820uDz9yA6VQtnZzcliiw6TJFRZN7msYPbJ-pF8xAomlrM/s500/IMG_3836.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><i>lasagne </i>($108)</span></div>
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This was one of their Chefs Specials and rightly so. It was cheesy, meaty, saucy - everything a good lasagne should be! I wolfed down my first portion in heaped spoonfuls and couldn't help getting more despite how stuffed I was already. It's pretty comparable to the lasagne at Grappa's which I also really enjoy, though this one was slightly more meaty with less pasta. </div>
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We didn't have room for dessert but I'd definitely like to try their tiramisu and their Croatian pancakes (the chef's mother's recipe - it's interesting that this Italian restaurant has a Croatian chef). They do lunch sets as well which change daily and are priced at $88 for a soup/salad, main and dessert of the day. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #996633;">Memo's </span></div>
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#62 High Street,</div>
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Sai Ying Pun</div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-73366528248906268962012-03-18T22:21:00.002+08:002012-03-18T23:25:48.717+08:00one-thirtyone revisited<div style="text-align: justify;">When I visited one-thirtyone for dinner last year, I was pretty certain that it was the best meal I've had in Hong Kong. ..While I've literally been counting down the days until I had a chance to revisit (Countdown Timer Pro makes it very easy on iPhones), when my lunch date finally arrived I have to say I was a little nervous. I guess it's like a second date after the first one goes seamlessly. Little idiosyncrasies might pop up that you never noticed before. Or you take a closer look and realise you're just not attracted in that way. The bottom line is, all your raised expectations from the perfect first date come crashing back down and you feel worse off and more cheated than before.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That's how apprehensive I felt about my second visit to one-thirtyone. I was realllyyy hoping that the second date would not be a dealbreaker. Luckily, all my expectations were met and I'm happy to say that one-thirtyone remains solidly at the top of my favorite restaurants list :) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We were fortunate enough to book a table on the same day as a dog party! There must've been at least 15 dogs running around the yard causing havoc while their owners sipped champagne and took pictures. I managed to snap a few too (though I definitely didn't have the same calibre of camera as everyone else at the party :P) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87YdndEK4TSuskUu3c6D681uRR0LJAN2Ez5EMvnoc5Y0ta7qUuTA0KTWjqISvNaE2Xs0YMN7E23B6Skz6EGz1Z2JSY-YrN52gYBsI6El8D-5GfT2a_PHflV4Sv0RhDOXoRzIfpYyPWC4/s1600/IMG_3325.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87YdndEK4TSuskUu3c6D681uRR0LJAN2Ez5EMvnoc5Y0ta7qUuTA0KTWjqISvNaE2Xs0YMN7E23B6Skz6EGz1Z2JSY-YrN52gYBsI6El8D-5GfT2a_PHflV4Sv0RhDOXoRzIfpYyPWC4/s500/IMG_3325.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718893103056628002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is the owner's doberman Broccoli. He was actually adopted (I can't imagine why anyone would abandon a doberman) but he was surprisingly well behaved! Gorgeous.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7AOf2Mq9btWcqgyZ6U9MQCHMUbVgEsCPjEdvdusa9HYzvsr3bnNBodty9TOOaFvABItSAKhyphenhyphenmC754Tj1s3jeZGSw4B_UZAr0nBburARaU3zZUeiFPkdLiZ0reQYRvlp36TTSvi28NJ8/s500/IMG_3331.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718893112846146850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the owner's other adopted dogs. I think this is a French bulldog? He looks like he's serious about guarding his territory.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTgY4HKuvnTyL8Kdg_CwVNcBmPwm3pWz4n18xGHXjw8Yr0FPoDpyCbMljXB34iZbRtOTacBDa6RSLuVZj5wzZEfIr0jk_3-dOPlIIX0NMVC6FuDOC0A2nbRB9CLWkEmdXpnYkA7xv7X4/s500/IMG_3336.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721247627233072274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">There were 3 greyhounds (all quite young) who were adorable in their doggy sweaters and looked perpetually terrified. But my favourite was the husky in the background. He was gorgeous with his thick double coat, and looked so elegant and athletic running around the yard. It was funny how he took no notice of the other dogs and ran around doing his own thing. I guess he's above all that ;) </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHVbuI4j9WMp0Zqrd9-qx44YazrR86XL1L7a7Z27pLeOL7gUCkOnKgR-W9AI7HozPyNMlMLW4zhnFzahWQM8dXBfgemHH1pasxmb-AK2uP2ekjOqpJ5cwi8LE_4HXaT3-2mXHe88ywbo/s500/IMG_3340.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718893860145498770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 500px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>This dog came with two retrievers and they all had cute bandana's around their necks :) I liked him the most though 'cause of his auburn hair. Not too sure what breed he is.</div><div><br /></div><div>After working up an appetite outside, we were brought to our table in the house where we hungrily devoured the bread basket:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyW8YBKtLCxY5DAooPkBawjbEC0t__T5GPcItxrjCnypI32shHqd6I_wgnEBXzfHT0_IkrrWrohKc3FQHS4SfYhboIXukFcet_9oAbi5G2YGYWYbxZbQJTI-J-7QeFsAnACQkS2li76w/s500/IMG_3347.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718893864098604146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The bread is delicious here - I especially enjoyed the rye - and I like that it comes with hot stones underneath to keep it warm throughout our meal. Unfortunately, they didn't give us the cranberry sauce that we had on our last visit which was so deliciously sweet. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQmJxb3B0r_uBs9t2iBAepcqQLTTRpfQOauaiK4jYR20_2SPtrCBVrq_0HRsApT9h3jZpTXOYGVhhoV2a94tFWcmSCDtJBU3Zr7UxbiWNi8ZzfRf2LH6jAySONhy9tj7lzLiWuIoEdmE/s1600/IMG_3349.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQmJxb3B0r_uBs9t2iBAepcqQLTTRpfQOauaiK4jYR20_2SPtrCBVrq_0HRsApT9h3jZpTXOYGVhhoV2a94tFWcmSCDtJBU3Zr7UxbiWNi8ZzfRf2LH6jAySONhy9tj7lzLiWuIoEdmE/s500/IMG_3349.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718893868212625234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>salmon - scottish.charcoal.ikura</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1ua5FTtgHwHNVHJ9ZkwRbS-EyWrjf2nL0DnFyZMohMJ5vH4TctQCft4gyWi-bVAQ4AmvGUPKix6n0UkEKVk5a8sJZvpMDyddHo67Vdc9IUocpOMWyvYQqP1DrMQsb6ZmvNMkV_PaexQ/s500/IMG_3351.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718893872698456194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our first course was also my favourite of the meal. It reminded me of Amber at the Landmark Mandarin - their tasmanian confit salmon also comes encased in smoke and was coincidentally also my favourite course out of their tasting menu! Once the cover is removed, you get this lovely smokiness that smells sooo good. The salmon had a remarkably creamy texture and really just melted in your mouth. I loved the ikura on top and the bits of lobster underneath in the salad. It was just a perfect party in my mouth ;)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFTks3AcoxpUQ55q1e6dCRobcynbOZnC_lQ47SFljJLpRud4ia1iMOI2i6GfPs88SA5iDlFcMr-65bKLSLo9si96gq7NOQqEsM_dZUo94LNCWADFgdV9S-_2zStdbG6CCCJpJjhs4wXw/s500/IMG_3353.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718893876155881266" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>scallop and lobster bisque</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">The scallop came beautifully sculpted in the shape of a rose. I was really impressed by how intricate it was. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BNMzP9NaCwq1YFS53SrQppKkj2P8OTkEp1pPiQllzQLFBf34CqMw81fCVvRAvysohEPBO9LZ0gG9TVXuQbNrmG8KSAzVEas7tp1O6lZpYeS0uzHsLkNhXYWJi_Jds8hjduvPI9D7R3M/s500/IMG_3354.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721247737981995538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 370px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>chef caith pouring the lobster bisque</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0Ef71VqzzXFRm_mKtqJh6oHckzmtbZ8RV7nhJqPAxUKMvHMN6bZV6gOewI_WTbEAbQL1rGq-5P6CG0-S5i6qmYlQqrYiHFUDnW4Cc2j_-prhs_2_Ao6H8VOMctL3h2f41pMI4MKYj4M/s500/IMG_3356.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718894676858897026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>rich creamy bisque!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The flavours and texture of this were spot on. The bisque was really thick and creamy, and seasoned to perfection. At first I thought the scallop itself was a slightly strange texture (perhaps too raw for me) but it grew on me (or just slowly cooked in the hot soup :P) and by my last piece I was wishing I had more!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAv_iTLYKMoZ1975KLrIe77O6rpiWSeCA8NxgTazXZMqD1cHG7Q_Oy9WP4kOflXesUt-NplvrVRx8195suvt6i05m88QuIAEX2l1wbpkrVsKQdJ4_7BQde03X-lptegUe8txXYRBXsuFk/s500/IMG_3362.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718894682464104498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>"forest" </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Chef Caith described this as his Alice-in-Wonderland. It did look really whimsical and I liked the asymmetry. I thought it was quite amusing that he said those black dots were swamps to get stuck in! :) The US prime beef was really tender and juicy (though the cut on the right was definitely more succulent). I loved the sauce it came with and the truffle that was sprinkled on top. I do have to make a special mention of the potato in the middle of the plate. It seems strange to wax lyrical about a potato but that potato was unbelievable. I don't know how it was that delicious but it had this luscious buttery smooth taste that was enhanced by whatever goodness goes into an organic, locally grown potato. Out of this world :) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiyY2SkXYUb_QhRuih4T2FF9wqrA1iHkt3bofJlM_6_BfKv-QzJ4_vzW9QRW3jJO81Q6kR0l3MZSfZNTmPSVIMGQxumAV-MJzUcO49iAfXRwXGr3X44wJjIVMMBFMKc8s1dwyIDH0dQY/s500/IMG_3364.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718894686333874402" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>pineapple sorbet </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I actually found this palette cleanser as yummy as the actual dessert! :P It was really refreshing after all that meat and I enjoyed the crumbs at the bottom. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3L_qYz2khMtDRYJzM4ipULhepojB2Cef8Q26cWr_avem1Mrf5d9gQB1AuZR6oE61yQ7m0OAh1iVMfLESw1f9tayiZLBj6_oqQUNNQzi8kvPKt5DlnQIl_UfNyH8jfMGBMakRaRZCxZ4/s500/IMG_3368.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718894690933285186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"breakfast"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our dessert came as breakfast because naturally everyone loves breakfast! I think this might have been the most creative dish I've ever eaten and the presentation blew me away. The egg was made out of mango (for the yolk) and a coconut pancake (for the egg white). The minute you pierced the "yolk" with your fork, it burst out lovely gooey liquid just like a real egg! I really liked it with the pancake - both of which were quite light. On the right hand side is a mini brioche, lightly cameralised on the top. It's meant to be eaten with the "butter" which was actually sauternes ice cream! This was my favourite part of the dessert plate. I love sauternes wine (a French dessert wine) and it is even yummier in ice cream form! Finally, there's a few "coco pops" and crackles in the pot at the back, accompanied by some homemade yoghurt, and the "sausage" was chestnut puree. The yoghurt and cocopops were fun to eat but I wasn't a fan of the sausage. The chestnut puree was a little too strong and thick for my liking.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All in all, this was a delicious lunch in a beautiful setting and I had just as much fun and excitement the second time round. While signing his guestbook again, I found my previous entry on 5 November 2011. Brought back such good memories :) It's only taken me four months to come back and I'm already thinking of my next visit! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'd highly recommend everyone to try this restaurant at least once, though bookings are hard to come by. Lunches are $600 per person (4-courses) and probably more worth it than the dinners which are now $1200. (6-courses).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">---</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">One-thirty one</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">131 Tseng Tau Village </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Shap Sze Heung</div><div style="text-align: justify;">New Territories</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">(I'd advise taking a $30 cab from Ma On Shan)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-52892254939464980882012-03-14T13:13:00.005+08:002012-04-16T10:26:25.133+08:00Yardbird<div style="text-align: justify;">
While I'm not a big fan of yakitori, I've been pretty curious about Yardbird given the hype surrounding the restaurant and its ex-Zuma chef (not to mention everything I've heard about the well-groomed waiters). I'm generally pretty skeptical when it comes to celebrity restaurants and usually go in with the mindset that things are gonna be disappointingly overrated. While I was seated straightaway, having arrived just before 7 to miss the crowds, I immediately felt a headache coming on with the obnoxiously loud music pumping away on their poor acoustics - one of my biggest pet peeves in terms of restaurant trends. It was impossible to have a conversation and it felt like they were just trying too hard to be hip and trendy... I immediately thought how right I was to be skeptical, though I suppose I shouldn't expect any less given the last few times I've eaten at Zuma the music was equally as loud...</div>
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Luckily for Yardbird, their food is pretty damn good.</div>
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<i>breast with wasabi and soysauce </i>($38 per skewer)</div>
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This was quite tender and juicy, and you could tell they used top quality chicken. I really enjoyed the wasabi kick in the sauce as well. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><i>maitake mushroom </i>($120)</span></div>
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This dish was under their "Smaller" section but we weren't quite expecting THAT small for the price. While it was pretty tasty - I enjoyed the use of sudachi which gave it a nice citrusy flavour - it wasn't all that surprising. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><i>chicken meatballs </i>($42 per skewer)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">This was the highlight of my meal! It was sooo delicious and full of flavour. It comes with this sauce of egg yolk and Japanese tare sauce (kind of similar to teriyaki sauce) which you mix together to get a nice thick dip for your meat. I took a photo of the egg too but unfortunately, my iPhone has been acting up recently so I lost three photos from this meal...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YTcN4XX26NdFyUCKZJo59O7HcY2Qex06gl4GM_oNEb617_qrO2oZFlORDcEgKHfQoeODMPuBaO0NYdz8bPSqzNcW4niX95R3MwfxFPVwPmHfTfV4W1Q-Q7cWJWUCqVfqE3o8ohNAPHk/s1600/IMG_3780.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719617527861958978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YTcN4XX26NdFyUCKZJo59O7HcY2Qex06gl4GM_oNEb617_qrO2oZFlORDcEgKHfQoeODMPuBaO0NYdz8bPSqzNcW4niX95R3MwfxFPVwPmHfTfV4W1Q-Q7cWJWUCqVfqE3o8ohNAPHk/s500/IMG_3780.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><i>pork belly ponzu </i>($42)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">This was one of their specials and while it was pretty interesting with the ponzu sauce (almost tasted like marmalade!), the pork belly was a little tougher than I would've liked. </span></div>
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<i>rib sancho </i>($38)</div>
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Again this was a little tough and not one of my favourites.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsToZ_ap-GFw9kXend6lwwxxf2EQO8WW2WuaD5BvExLSTLGUt2CXGFwcjNnSmc6lnDkH5g6zFEqCqLi0F-pJp33ZEL16epsW-h6Zj5tSK3PJczRy6IHgqaepF3Cy4NKDbXRVMNZXJfyEM/s1600/IMG_3782.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719620909014065842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsToZ_ap-GFw9kXend6lwwxxf2EQO8WW2WuaD5BvExLSTLGUt2CXGFwcjNnSmc6lnDkH5g6zFEqCqLi0F-pJp33ZEL16epsW-h6Zj5tSK3PJczRy6IHgqaepF3Cy4NKDbXRVMNZXJfyEM/s500/IMG_3782.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><br />
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<i>chicken oysters </i>($42 per skewer)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJBsOogqNsednd644VEsREkQtHCOfUmOXpK280IfpYGqTZlmabQdG27rTMFY-hId6NJgxGa2cWC3TFRzdru7XzABvnTZIQCQIBplZtRM85t3SWMfoBSzpKlbH3AS0N3V_7T5qsGmCzds/s1600/IMG_3781.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YTcN4XX26NdFyUCKZJo59O7HcY2Qex06gl4GM_oNEb617_qrO2oZFlORDcEgKHfQoeODMPuBaO0NYdz8bPSqzNcW4niX95R3MwfxFPVwPmHfTfV4W1Q-Q7cWJWUCqVfqE3o8ohNAPHk/s1600/IMG_3780.JPG"></a><br />
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This was probably my second favourite thing we sampled. Chicken oysters are often considered the most tender and flavourful part of the chicken, and these ones didn't disappoint. They were perfectly juicy with just a hint of salt and a squeeze of lemon. The skin that was left on them also made for perfect chicken oil flavour hehe. I already want more!</div>
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We also ordered chicken wings and a skewer of fillet with yuzu miso, both of which somehow weren't saved on my phone camera. The total bill came up to just under $600 for two (no service charge included) and we both left feeling pretty satiated. </div>
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I would suggest giving it a try - for the most part, I was quite impressed by the quality of the skewers we got. However, I won't be rushing back anytime soon. It's pretty pricey as far as grilled meats go (plus $68 for a bottle of water!), and the food just wasn't as innovative as I was expecting.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #996633;">Yardbird</span></div>
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33-35 Bridges Street</div>
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SoHo</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqBR215-o5PWs_GThFG2-T6HuIEH42bGH9RPEU6sMjOx8Cqb-OH-91ZJvTOnUCTwuL8ctfQ1FxcVgopgdDCnkxG18YD2QCWE0-ZfCiwgStXBbR7jdQP0sjA43oumlTqY-65aJe0SzEW8/s1600/IMG_3776.JPG"></a>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-21721244690828907292012-03-13T09:42:00.002+08:002012-04-16T10:26:35.570+08:00Cafe Causette Mini Burgers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFg4TGeGbv17Q3xVHjoPns00Dmg1Mju7W1jzv8iz7lxE-1h52kMh3gJP9VudlYa9GMPGlLuWqLKlNpIXSan-bRRktpAdUa6TAUHAijZDXc9eq1JN_TpTUAIqNHFEGApeslyyLS17wWo0/s1600/IMG_3771.JPG"></a><br />
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From now until 25th March, Cafe Causette at the Mandarin Oriental is dishing up five mini burgers for the irresistible price of $88 from 7-9pm. After sampling the five, you're invited to pick your favourite and the two burgers with the most votes will be placed on their regular menu (in big sizes of course!)</div>
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I arrived a bit early so was wandering around Prince's building and found myself in Oliver's. I was so excited to find my favourite juice from the States:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWwL-vIK1dNF_J7FqUvzdyDIM3behaFBBWYO4UaOBb4AZxdh4mGbRK0r49-Gk_G44O8DqxiHXox9UVQaaemL_FzQfxub_MgH11pdpwuWP7Sp4ia4NCVowusT3jwF9X6af8fFyzOoDQXE/s1600/IMG_3763.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719191425325999618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWwL-vIK1dNF_J7FqUvzdyDIM3behaFBBWYO4UaOBb4AZxdh4mGbRK0r49-Gk_G44O8DqxiHXox9UVQaaemL_FzQfxub_MgH11pdpwuWP7Sp4ia4NCVowusT3jwF9X6af8fFyzOoDQXE/s400/IMG_3763.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></div>
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<i>odwalla juice </i>($29)</div>
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This was my go-to drink whenever I got sick in Boston. I swear, you get better within the hour! It's packed with 1500% of the vitamin C you'd need for a day and it's oh so yummy :) Check out all the goodness in each bottle:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719191427787650306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37fbkwR8cREtIyv0hfGUBaT96FcOGOy-es5PPoru0ww0OarZ2pcl6xCbr9kPzzZa5P1dkUMLvYbEXttlWwQuYiE_GHX8R4QXI99-so_zyKrfr_Vwg2yytwxL_XyhInMHbdD7Lcbqvb3E/s400/IMG_3765.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></span></div>
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So if any of you are missing Odwalla, head on over to Oliver's and satisfy that craving :) Too bad they only stock two flavours - Strawberry C-monster and Odwalla OJ. It'd be great if they carried the smoothies and Odwalla bars but maybe that's just me being greedy. </div>
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We got to Mandarin and ordered two servings of the mini burgers. Lucky they brought out complimentary bread because the burgers were tiny!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719191438100828274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDb5z7CyujFaJU47OJldN1sidEIQM3QRtUmCT3wEynhmF_eLSNbaETu1oZI_5Y9FLiZzWl_JaxLlbjTCarsHdI9nCH8zxoSzMKqgTH9JEJ2DaY_ECXgo-KJE0rY2IqIJJtA0GD9kzQ2Ak/s500/IMG_3768.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><i>cheese bread!</i></span></div>
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This was delicious! It came piping hot out the oven and had a lovely cheesy crust and super soft innards. Doused in the sour cream and chives dressing, I was in heaven. I don't know how anyone could do the Atkins diet!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFg4TGeGbv17Q3xVHjoPns00Dmg1Mju7W1jzv8iz7lxE-1h52kMh3gJP9VudlYa9GMPGlLuWqLKlNpIXSan-bRRktpAdUa6TAUHAijZDXc9eq1JN_TpTUAIqNHFEGApeslyyLS17wWo0/s1600/IMG_3771.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719191445081689426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFg4TGeGbv17Q3xVHjoPns00Dmg1Mju7W1jzv8iz7lxE-1h52kMh3gJP9VudlYa9GMPGlLuWqLKlNpIXSan-bRRktpAdUa6TAUHAijZDXc9eq1JN_TpTUAIqNHFEGApeslyyLS17wWo0/s500/IMG_3771.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><br />
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<i>mini burgers </i>($88)</div>
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These mini burgers are part of MO's "pulled meat" series. From top to bottom:</div>
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<ol>
<li>braised pulled pork culottes - kentucky bbq sauce, XO mayo</li>
<li>slow-cooked short rib pulled beef - kansas city rib sauce, bone marrow mayo</li>
<li>stewed pulled lamb shoulder - east texas bbq sauce, mustard mayo</li>
<li>confit corn-fed pulled chicken leg - north carolina bbq sauce, hot pepper mayo</li>
<li>pork belly - kimchi, freshly shucked oysters</li>
</ol>
<div>
To be honest, the burgers pretty much tasted the same to me. Perhaps it's because there was so much sauce and bun, and very little meat. And really, who can tell the difference between kentucky, kansas city, and east texas bbq sauce?! I wasn't a fan of the bun either - it wasn't grilled and tasted just like a normal sandwich bun. If I had to pick, I'd say the braised pulled pork and the short rib pulled beef were probably my top choices but I really wasn't too impressed with any of them, especially the pork belly with oysters. But hopefully these glitches are just to do with the mini-size of the burgers? </div>
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We also ordered a side of fries (for $58) which were alright but I'd prefer McDonald's fries dipped in strawberry milkshake :P </div>
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Considering it's only $88, do check it out for yourselves. Who knows, maybe it's just my taste buds that are off!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #996633;">Cafe Causette</span></div>
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M/F, Mandarin Oriental</div>
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5 Connaught Road Central</div>
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</div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-46154823432091500052012-03-12T08:50:00.006+08:002012-03-12T10:17:29.159+08:00Le Velo and Hatching Dinosaurs :)<div style="text-align: justify;">Craving a light and healthy Saturday lunch, I found myself at Le Velo. I've walked past this cafe a number of times but never went in considering my go-to sandwich place (Pret) is so close by. Luckily, the sandwiches at Le Velo are pretty decent and left me feeling happily satiated :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I went for the turkey and pesto sandwich with chunks of avocado (yum!)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0s5cBTxkXMSqrGN0Wg7EvTy2Eq6kfSh6nFC13JETqMluY8_UgflwaptRwBhqbfQl45iQScdq8AUiXPM8zytbb6ujC0B1r2HBhJe-Js2E9cmvN2IHYQw_-F4OAK6ziLeHyhirhGD0AObw/s500/IMG_3722.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718811191141293954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I initially wanted to get a panini but as they were already out by the time we arrived at 1:30, I opted for a baguette sandwich. The bread at Le Velo is freshly baked on site and I've heard good things about it. However, my baguette itself was not what I expected. A good baguette is slightly moist and chewy on the inside, but with a nice crusty exterior. This baguette had none of the above. It was really soft, almost like a bread roll, and you can see from the picture that it was hardly crusty. Luckily, the ingredients tasted fresh and they gave ample amounts of avocado which makes any sandwich better :) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPshpDrnT1tzgxIy0DOxGSXmUv3UPCyAsknejpDeDctCeWevRYIhvQfohiDq-9fjno3CuJkBkq3LNczxwY3cXMsfdvq3dz9tvx9Mm2uwWKA_r3IZqe-70cEUL2zVMJi9Ev-TbhLy7FKA/s500/IMG_3723.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718811198724342658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The chicken and pineapple sandwich fared much better. The foccacia bread was delicious, especially with all the herbs at the top. Some of the chicken pieces were a bit tough but the majority were nice and juicy and paired perfectly with the pineapple chunks. Far better than the quality of sandwiches at Subway! We also got a packet of ranch-flavoured Kettle chips mmm :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFAkqxTvsJghyphenhyphenIN9HKZGkODb4VtRBFgS4-71rHIFGbW-BA_VMeMNwYmwi8kWlVx3LNuB_Qj1uVuu6Iz3gYTeClDCr25-6XAcLPtWJ8sB0x7nC14DrrxKOxp_AVIfHRAyoKWseGGslmJU/s500/IMG_3719.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718811182463955538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I washed everything down with a steaming mug of Horlicks! Why does it always taste soo much better in restaurants than at home?!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The service was pretty minimal though I wasn't expecting too much from a small cafe like this. At first the chicken sandwich came in a baguette although we had ordered it on the foccacia and they looked decidedly reluctant to change it for us... However, I did appreciate that they give you free water and lots of magazines to browse. I'll be back for their $40 burgers! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">---</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some other random stuff that's been filling my belly:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsGzlB5jZYWddP_oXgfFh1c00fD3Mdzcqa3weHQn5aZxkMswUO7ebnQXFzLweGMI80awbU-YbLiGuJd8L72cSZTWIbikjAlJ-vBvs2vqJGxC7Mkx_7HtAWMwHRGbtpoeAY4uXPekieOE/s400/1001029_030000262917_A_400.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718819573854301490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I absolutely love Quaker instant oatmeal so imagine my excitement when I found Quaker Oatmeal Dinosaur Eggs!! In brown sugar no less (my favourite!) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSft7gYb5vmWNVwZ03ece8SqZMIGHSNJseqYNm2N5SJIpAPY7LjHPWauiUIuhjxVd6R_wKKGKsNmGqe0pvjTtBhzFo3ZTZQT-l5bOcEO3vq1b6WQT9HhPUzbXGs7j-oir-QpwfE-6XzY/s500/IMG_3744.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718812164592784066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">So this is the oatmeal before hot water is added. You can see all the little dinosaur eggs all ready to be hatched :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhl7zGrZZCzbO37VCdG_GQp5hiLYYmiWVarUh9XMfjGEnZ_a39fnIa5-U79HSZFNbjTv6n7bZgFE_wF14YdxaEVUquejLkK5gfPIKVbKriF_3vwWJZSB-dUSkbEXQyvVjs2vjJEYza5ts/s500/IMG_3747.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718811172009359298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">And once you add the hot water and start stirring, the dinosaurs hatch!! Soo cute! The dinosaurs are edible (basically just sugar) and lots of fun to eat (though I was slightly disappointed that they didn't become 4-foot T-rexes!). I guess Quaker's had to do something to get the kids interested with the likes of Lucky Charms and Alpha-Bits cereal on the market. They even have fun dinosaur jokes on each packet :) Oh how easily I succumb to child marketing.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwXdhxmXuB9LdepIAx384auDDMzpTwes7ww8DkHSdT2aBtunFAdXFeB42tRuXQu-RqMuzEaXeYrr9ilx_64CucPgrlJ6Ff2qLR8fkvz4PmOV0hTn6l4SYlj7sKbqGDpTpsVGHwz8z4Og/s500/IMG_3731.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718811698365057906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></span></div><div>This was a random dessert plate I got from Roll (they've now opened a shop on Stanley Street in Central). I sampled their brownie, a chestnut roll, mango roll, and a chicky macaron. The brownie was really hard. The rolls were alright but tasted like something out of Maxim's. The macaron was not good. All in all, quite passable. Apparently this new Roll also serves dinner sets which is a bit strange - pizzas and pastas and the like.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8O-LK_rfV_yVk3cmbeM3InHECp_33snnmEf54_24ClTLbKnC_xxC_G_G5JOkExnnaJLVtaQUvD1zfV740SnuXAPw0FtCxZOF7op3X3BOfuLmTaVbXhr-fVBPtHzTtRCD9X5MtSozJTY/s500/IMG_3736.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718811703803840994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div>And finally, strange US gum I found in 7-11 the other day. Key lime pie and mint chocolate chip!??!?!</div><div><br /></div><div>---</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Le Velo</span></div><div>G/F Beautiful Group Tower</div><div>74-77 Connaught Road, Central</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Roll</span></div><div>G/F Granville Mansion</div><div>41 C-D Granville Road</div><div>Tsim Sha Tsui</div></div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-19378696347718982972012-02-21T08:35:00.016+08:002012-02-23T10:15:10.801+08:00screw it, let's go to phuket!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HPWRehZ34MCbQRzhVVQ2PlAFT0iFTH2PuentjJHGRkHtdcIObokR1gUbgazmaNWZ6tWLJu4zH1CvjMRgCsd4V8PPVptD4DibCX_nAVXZd1kdhNB94zR4BenYT8HcYGAzRjRe8LShhvg/s500/IMG_2266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711393147248976226" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 220px;" border="0" /></span><br />Every once in a while I need a short getaway and where better than Phuket to escape the cold Hong Kong weather! We only had two full days there, though that's plenty when you're burnt...This time round we stayed down by Karon beach. I've never actually been that far south so it was almost like visiting a new place - though truth be told all the beaches look pretty much the same to me.</div><br />I started my mornings with big buffet breakfasts, one of the things I look most forward to on holidays! The spread was pretty extensive with both local and international favourites:<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAxlBJRL29eTX8t51kUhKsfmQ4keo18k0YG6XYaEWUeVbtfYuIUpWr1OPUXwLFT2hjLGOcIsLnpmRI_hUmR83ogCXktnZ9MeVy-WFrW3mg4xo7PHdWYxfOQgC-4utQ-uuS453Ba_q8N4/s1600/IMG_3686.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAxlBJRL29eTX8t51kUhKsfmQ4keo18k0YG6XYaEWUeVbtfYuIUpWr1OPUXwLFT2hjLGOcIsLnpmRI_hUmR83ogCXktnZ9MeVy-WFrW3mg4xo7PHdWYxfOQgC-4utQ-uuS453Ba_q8N4/s500/IMG_3686.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711389133731264514" border="0" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>pancakes, bacon and maple syrup for the win! </i></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn12cT2N5n0pe8rVqVlAnnNjKLDqdJoKNtOhmqLH4frFFUi1stTBi9RZeV9-MN8ZX5Ic3Fl9x-7tBJiEcCNsqlWy-Y7i56Dhki2f2gXksszxSpTlo_Ea-fFOhZyjCAF1AvrxfS0QGq9HI/s1600/IMG_3684.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn12cT2N5n0pe8rVqVlAnnNjKLDqdJoKNtOhmqLH4frFFUi1stTBi9RZeV9-MN8ZX5Ic3Fl9x-7tBJiEcCNsqlWy-Y7i56Dhki2f2gXksszxSpTlo_Ea-fFOhZyjCAF1AvrxfS0QGq9HI/s500/IMG_3684.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711389130702727250" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>potatoes were addicting.</i></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Our daily lunch was pad thai:</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ayJUDeOWoua1pqqr1-UYvbY2W32Uh5tKxopQH7Tmxm7c1ZEursrmTf1kzwAvOITLUH0WdqYS0oRCHZJC5vnpL0WE6cHY6EFftjHArn9X5gz7G22yWzqkl8NdQpjOQhssLKQQJbgynAc/s1600/Twin+Bros+Pad+Thai.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ayJUDeOWoua1pqqr1-UYvbY2W32Uh5tKxopQH7Tmxm7c1ZEursrmTf1kzwAvOITLUH0WdqYS0oRCHZJC5vnpL0WE6cHY6EFftjHArn9X5gz7G22yWzqkl8NdQpjOQhssLKQQJbgynAc/s500/Twin+Bros+Pad+Thai.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712142713969179426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">pad thai </span>at the Two Brothers, Surin<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I discovered Two Brothers on my last Phuket visit. I was staying at Kamala Beach and made a few trips up to Surin beach which was much nicer than Kamala. We randomly popped into a restaurant by the beachfront and ordered a pad thai and two watermelon shakes. It was soooo good we rushed back on our last day to eat it again! While the pad thai might not look amazing, it really is delicious with the right amount of tamarind paste and fish sauce alongside juicy pieces of chicken and particularly bouncy noodles. Mmm. No wonder pad thai was ranked 5 in CNN Go's <a href="http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/eat/readers-choice-worlds-50-most-delicious-foods-012321?page=0,2">50 most delicious foods</a> ;)<br /><br />This Phuket trip would not be complete without another visit to Two Brothers. It took us close to 40 mins to get there from Karon but it was well worth it (despite the flies we had to keep swatting away :P) Besides the pad thai and watermelon shakes, we also ordered a shrimp dish:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOD7LNOJSeHhvH94IjFoEB_k2FDvNgSs_de8BDu2veWW8qAcmyBbGx1EPLAQv89a0jeDdqeta9NmL82qZcrTfHFffyIUUFlSeHmlO45H564QsLBlEvNVDXZdluKPxaNAwo9EWrADTRS0/s1600/Twin+Bros+S%2526S+shrimp.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOD7LNOJSeHhvH94IjFoEB_k2FDvNgSs_de8BDu2veWW8qAcmyBbGx1EPLAQv89a0jeDdqeta9NmL82qZcrTfHFffyIUUFlSeHmlO45H564QsLBlEvNVDXZdluKPxaNAwo9EWrADTRS0/s500/Twin+Bros+S%2526S+shrimp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712142720260530738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">sweet & sour shrimp<br /></span></div><br />This was almost as good as the pad thai! The sweet and sour sauce was addicting and I wished I had more rice to lap it all up! There was a nice tangy taste, not overtly sweet, and you could tell they used a variety of herbs and spices to give the dish more depth. The shrimp / prawns were also very juicy and I particularly enjoyed the pineapples all soaked in saucy goodness :)<br /><br />We also checked out the pad thai on a street right outside our resort:<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAdURRATJO7Q78NeMF1lQJ3TsQm4ASzv-eGEOmQrrEICRuEtcylyl7Ghobp7a2Pre1asgvVQo1eRtsk9zFEQ-F1WW0aIV8_AL1y33Fe43ALz52vSJe0knEIYqVZLljGsTu15mOXao6I4/s400/IMG_3311.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711409223718799890" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i>bai joey at Karon beach</i></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0s-AMkpu4APkA7l4ky5cxqRA-Tldzt8yD_TjKGAC0oGL9mCEfaUlAv4LiZQfHMOfgKisaCDTz3tGRFdlXdgKtJn_MB-6YXnXs_jE9yDiD00YTas97yg-niuw3WbroEhnRgHAWoI9sQMs/s1600/IMG_3313.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0s-AMkpu4APkA7l4ky5cxqRA-Tldzt8yD_TjKGAC0oGL9mCEfaUlAv4LiZQfHMOfgKisaCDTz3tGRFdlXdgKtJn_MB-6YXnXs_jE9yDiD00YTas97yg-niuw3WbroEhnRgHAWoI9sQMs/s500/IMG_3313.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711385448782634114" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>pad thai </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">(150 THB)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">This one was alright but nowhere near as good as Two Brothers. As you can tell, it was overly saucy and tasted a bit like they just used ketchup :P I didn't like the beancurd bits either, and portions were small...Saving grace - there were no flies here.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I do have to say though that my friends Thai helper makes an amaaazing pad thai that's probably comparable to the ones I had in Thailand, if not even better :P It's funny how the same dish can look so different:<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJpvp8tOGv8JliTTnWuyrKeaqgyBQecXTItf6aiddpUkdTBalo0K21CIr0jDyxswquEhYp2SvK9O4mjovY9-3VTXAZfCbevqzREn4rra_eos0cGZ44P7Z9JVKJ765cf7JgcCisIQOGgs/s500/IMG_2268.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711397150217739266" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Snack time involved a lot of chips and oreos, super sweet pomelo and pineapples, and my favourite snack: mango sticky rice! We were fortunate enough to find a mango sticky rice lady right outside our resort on the first day:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9U49qGjdcdLPy4J4RMRNeKcXn6pRPGFKruRC5ru6sZWQDWy_RqsVM4N4knhDymBQc2r7yIgTtlmAOQJM0j6Ii1Ce5sVrlGh7XFV6AhE8IRWCmK5Xmv0Erg2I1QPsZMcT6JUqtmHmrsc/s500/IMG_3227.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711383635100149202" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div>I think it cost 100 THB which I thought sounded pretty pricey until I saw the amount she gave us!! One whole mango and a whole lot of sticky rice.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRu_CxYVMAzMXkX_BmNR7ZzfiIlfU4J2uyGtyZ5hOS-xbR4jCywMeS9Dy2tRPVxAyOmo-a-l-fAiAO5rQj_Fif6B5LWxT4VXPyUCGJ6P1cLPYjk8LjjgfKw0jUXlnTXoe7L9RMs45ggfA/s500/IMG_3226.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711383635990918786" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i>mango sticky rice </i>(100 THB)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">It was absolute heaven. The mango was super sweet and I liked how she even gave us the seed to gnaw on, but the highlight for me was the sticky rice. It was warm, the perfect consistency, and sweet but slightly salty with just the right amount of coconut sauce on top! She also sprinkled some sesame seeds over the rice which you never really get in Hong Kong. It added a nice crunchy texture to the dessert. Delicious. I eagerly looked out for her the next two mornings but she was nowhere to be found :(</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had made two restaurant reservations for the two nights we were in town. One was at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">Mom Tri's Kitchen</span>, recommended by one of my friends. It was quite close to our hotel (about 15 minutes on bike) and had a stunning view of Kata Noi beach. We weren't feeling particularly hungry that night so only ordered two mains, though they do also give you a lovely pumpkin soup and forest berry sorbet on the house.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhaFE5aNQDT4E5cxHH_HPfUP8SOeepMJkFCHZcOgK-7PxJidWnqJ5oJw1Ng-brftO5HcXI1aQoTQrk1Nfj27MqlHVJE31zvCqG6Xln3z6KL-HtOHYg_K-Nzft8pYIoaHciQO5J0t3kwQ/s500/IMG_3242.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711384390574762946" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 250px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i>phuket tuna nicoise </i>(670 THB)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">We had asked for the tuna to be cooked medium rare and although it does look quite pink in the picture above, it was actually pretty tough. More like medium to well done! I did like how they gave you a poached egg though :) Overall, probably not worth the price - it was about HK$170 which seems pretty hefty in Thailand.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWrtXWolukTvlaKAQ9QYbUWbXPhBevQGJSAybvkMGNM7efLbpSRHgeOLKUuhmSsVoTz13z2xW7xYtvEY_HcGlsT58D7uxfTvekWEY287fVtZ-3KxAwXUrIwXIkjorxjg8igXjegNppdA/s500/IMG_3244.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711384395613270690" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 250px;" border="0" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>pork belly & sea scallops </i>(890 THB)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I enjoyed this a lot more! It doesn't look fantastic in the picture but the pork belly was melt-in-your-mouth tender and the scallops were perfectly seared. I enjoyed the (pumpkin?) puree as well, though the bok choy was slightly hard to eat - I should've just asked for chopsticks!<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I can see how beautiful this place would be at sunset - unfortunately, we arrived close to 9pm so everything was pitch black and it didn't help that it had been raining. We weren't overly impressed by the food but given the setting, ambiance, and great service, I guess the prices are understandable (though I was surprised that there was 10% service charge and a hefty tax on top of that!) If only we had room for their decadent sounding desserts which I've heard great things about.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our other meal was at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">Suay Restaurant</span> which according to our very friendly waitress recently became the top rated restaurant in Phuket on Tripadvisor! (I did check this out when I got back home and you should take it with a grain of salt considering they only have 20 odd reviews).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This restaurant's a bit trickier to find. It's located in the heart of Old Phuket Town, about 45 mins ride from Patong. The street was devoid of tourists and the restaurant looked completely out of place in its surroundings, sandwiched between old shopfronts and dilapidated bike garages. I was surprised to find such a beautifully tranquil restaurant on one of the shabbier streets of Phuket. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDuHOsnwLpTOjcAX-SlmOVlyVFc3PqpTGJ4CdLmG5odk8ZvD_4UcdOu7G1XfXD27Tz-d72VF2pXZFddgDA4GbW0wIJtcyaDI1e2JLXHWjMLv8Y1fr3TPjdQ8SsS6cEWXEfB2nM_BpumE/s500/IMG_3274.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711384913006820530" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>beautiful setting </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-style: normal;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpY031nJn-uD6boqyhoqLWE6Lu-nUF3NcEF5uCKpTK0J5I329h0hvCKN7VdigSaXunF74x4ldO1nqDNoZfwkwlxlsM42I31pxwpNGnxWLW9aZGLVcTWe4dra-zc4U24RUT1nedEf06SEQ/s500/IMG_3254.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711409230489259298" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 300px;" border="0" /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">walkway up to the restaurant</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8VieZSMWWTuEAGn72kcVpelViu8Q_MjqqsVGudq6vFnaOgs00Cvx6mShux5XnL5NI_zlKCuSoGo56ISNtckLK-Tas90rRb_LcfoYKYscIT7arZQ1SgdEwA6EeTGyp2cQG7FYo1Myy0U/s500/IMG_3278.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711384922840451314" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i>little duckies in the garden</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I loved the openness of the restaurant and it was really nice sitting outside on the 'veranda' with a perfect view of the garden. Super relaxing, despite the constant beeps of the mopeds putt-putting outside. It almost reminded me of one-thirty one in Hong Kong with the large law, small house restaurant, and sheer simplicity of the decor. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The restaurant is considered Thai fusion but I think it's more innovative Thai as I couldn't really tell what it was trying to fuse with :P Much of the menu sounded fun and playful, and it was lucky that the portions were small so we could order a lot more, tapas style!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Started off with two delicious drinks:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVx78NVXIEiD171s4U0kS8r31WwgB35KJ5KIJY6_FGSXeNp_gwrBZhODfiHI-t98JBYdBCVUMfReOoeLu2TSFX3vnIP_5nOxG8OmuYJ47CPspguJqJLK0GhbZiIyZu1PehKtXH5xmpo4/s500/IMG_3258.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711384396721780754" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i>butterfly pea juice (front) & jasmine lilac </i>(29 THB each)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">I loved the butterfly pea juice (do overlook the crazy blue colour!) I can't really tell you what it is besides sweet and delicious. It came highly recommended by our waitress, as did the jasmine lilac which was a fizzy drink with hints of jasmine tea.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlD6XUjrXRagzbTa_XfxTPDxygr-Hmz2dBNLajFMIjlnxEQnMUasD4EQ5dLihE8UiTsDWWdYlH_sqAobNuchXdj_szIR03gqo2_X8z2nqlO8ppeM7REvXFv_l8-si7j-R3WxY2eLJZGg/s500/IMG_3264.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711383656716632594" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 300px;" border="0" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i>cappuccino tom kha sea scallops </i>(~110 THB)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I enjoyed this. It was a coconut based soup that had a bit of a kick to it. There were some mushrooms and chilli's hiding underneath the foam and the scallop on top was divine. Too bad they didn't give more than one! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEndhrwjXzb6p1zVlrlPPevR3LPbeSTEWbrwgy_orP4pPxOBO2uavu3hnQoZqWxWYt1CickuvZDjczbcG75PU0YV-cbLAyt-5F33dyDOmqaQcI83ddxlSYoMJdLJpwZpj0R1SDcGDN1Fs/s500/IMG_3261.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711383647072998962" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i>green salad, pomelo, and soft shell crab </i>(~220 THB)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was pretty disappointed with the soft shell crab. Basically, you order your salad base of assorted greens and pomelo, and then you can choose what ingredient to add on like grilled salmon, scallops, or as we chose, crispy friend soft-shell crab. I think the soft shell crab was the most expensive add-on but it definitely wasn't what we expected. All we could taste was the fried bread crumbs. It almost felt like we were eating fish fingers! I could hardly taste or see any crab meat. :\ I will say though that the chef was nice enough to cancel the salad portion off our bill because when it first came, there were no pomelo bits in our salad. That's pretty good service. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fortunately, the rest of our food fared a lot better.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VCnk-KQXLK5Kz5mUoOyk9ksoeL5vtNqoWB_98coh5i1Ri5TcO18Fo6_4wMQmpFikiqMmuTwWGaR6YmHDHzehs74TRSpjLMsOlZ0vqd5z3DuSOmziZtVp4bdebpU5iZ3FECzbPCgvHlI/s500/IMG_3285.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711384939490142274" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i>chicken & pork skewers </i>(20THB/ skewer)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">The chicken skewer was soo juicy and tender but I actually liked the flavour of the pork more which was marinated really nicely. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggW-7bORLRqOgkqnDrp94FmhOwEDAnCzEdpeTZrPuTrx2swn5zKgykhAJvfG7RZEBPr30sVM4jzfBT9naSg3TqqoPkvKhufWmxzVkmZHfGAMLLIMLpy1AgWSzKJR2c0_H4N3TGw0yiyyE/s500/IMG_3287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711385431154421698" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" border="0" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i>crispy fried chicken wings </i>(59 THB)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">These were pretty good. They give you the middle part and it comes with a really nice honey glaze sauce. Super crispy, if a little bit overly fried. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1UPfHwZUPf_d3Zi8EmJTQz5xTtXHIwMU25W5VVJwOwXHxtcIqbqS8UNouhXLV-DAmk1sLxLLjRsjdnKeiv8YTW3thbKiDAXZI7ATLliqKQfuRPcVMR1lC1WsEx2oR8eiqNRjOUTkDrg/s500/IMG_3284.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711384933427902690" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i>fresh prawn spring rolls </i>(~89 THB)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You don't usually see fresh prawn spring rolls in Thai cuisine - I find it much more a staple in Vietnamese food - so I was really happy to see the non-fried variety on the menu. This definitely tasted very fresh and they give a decent amount of prawn. I didn't think it needed the accompanying peanut sauce as the flavours were just right.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHPAtVyFfNskqfjO4hyphenhyphen279rgliQr5UliRVutLVLdrYDQuszmsm_QHbnRzSleCtAFn_xLw2msB8B_EopPwRpNvlbjfaZvJHrCgs3JriSIpb-orND_FotF24kHDISDNvtjS1kuI6tj71Pk/s1600/IMG_3266.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHPAtVyFfNskqfjO4hyphenhyphen279rgliQr5UliRVutLVLdrYDQuszmsm_QHbnRzSleCtAFn_xLw2msB8B_EopPwRpNvlbjfaZvJHrCgs3JriSIpb-orND_FotF24kHDISDNvtjS1kuI6tj71Pk/s500/IMG_3266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711383662261391954" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>braised beef in Thai green curry </i>(~80 THB)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was surprised how spicy this was! On the menu it was described as sweet green curry, and all the green curry I've had in HK have been just that. However, this tasted almost like a red curry to me. I powered through with lots of white rice and butterfly pea juice! The beef was hit and miss - some pieces were pretty tough whilst others were much more tender. Flavour-wise it was pretty good though. Something I found interesting on their menu was that they offered watermelon rice. Apparently they steam the rice inside a watermelon so you get a bit of the watermelon flavour and the rice comes out tinted pink! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTy9ii0LqyXi35L6O_E-pklxAaLgMTN1LCk7HQG7XU_vvNaFmYdcLBBVTOixmZT4YpVNYrpCyfXpK6_dDzX8kd7ncCAyH12gLcPcUFxCfh3J-3xQo7uMCBZrEE0dFO0MfWbIjTshOK94/s500/IMG_3268.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711384403122722050" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i>sea bass wrapped in banana leaf </i>(~149 THB)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of my favourite dishes of the night, we almost ordered a second! The sea bass was perfectly grilled and I liked that it was a filleted so I didn't have to worry about bones. Bursting with flavour from the tumeric, banana leaf, and peanuts.</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVOh8UUGQV2IIlnpLWYqKD8GY6cwZ7bUnbIdZ-WSC_cNNinAz47m-RRYraAUsWe59KgIUXda5KNqMLkwqb4hfoAOWaW5AY8u2W-Wd4TrDWOdqr_cBPbdYNdJ5gyEecvQ1ke4D6HU1CZQ/s1600/IMG_3290.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVOh8UUGQV2IIlnpLWYqKD8GY6cwZ7bUnbIdZ-WSC_cNNinAz47m-RRYraAUsWe59KgIUXda5KNqMLkwqb4hfoAOWaW5AY8u2W-Wd4TrDWOdqr_cBPbdYNdJ5gyEecvQ1ke4D6HU1CZQ/s500/IMG_3290.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711385434750437474" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>mango sticky rice spring rolls</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was the perfect end to our meal. I've never had fried sticky rice and this just proves that if you fry anything, it'll taste even better ;) The sticky rice didn't lose it's consistency and I liked that there were mango bits inside it. It also came with flamed mangos on the side and black sesame ice cream which seemed like a strange combination until I tried it all together - for some reason, it just works. Super delicious, I'm going on the hunt to find some in Hong Kong!<br /><br />---<br /><a href="http://momtriphuket.com/">Mom Tri's Kitchen</a><br />12 Kata Noi Road<br />Kata, Phuket<br />p: 076-333-569<br />e: info@momtriphuket.com<br /><br /><a href="http://www.suayrestaurant.com/">Suay Restaurant</a><br />50/2 Takuapa Road, Talat Nuea<br />Mueang, Phuket<br />p: 087-888-6990<br />e: info@suayrestaurant.com / cheftammasak@gmail.com<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9U49qGjdcdLPy4J4RMRNeKcXn6pRPGFKruRC5ru6sZWQDWy_RqsVM4N4knhDymBQc2r7yIgTtlmAOQJM0j6Ii1Ce5sVrlGh7XFV6AhE8IRWCmK5Xmv0Erg2I1QPsZMcT6JUqtmHmrsc/s1600/IMG_3227.JPG"></a></div></div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-57341130289330235962012-02-09T10:29:00.006+08:002012-04-16T10:26:50.762+08:00more eats in the Pun ;)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">I know I don't venture very far from my apartment for meals (too lazy to cook </span></span><em style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; text-align: left;">and </em><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">too lazy to travel) but here are a couple more restaurants around the Pun. I promise I'll do my best to check out places past the Western region :P</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #996633; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #996633;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Ba Yi Restaurant</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 100%;">I've only ever tried Xinjiang food at the BLCU Muslim restaurant where I chowed down on skewers of meat, baked flatbread, and yoghurt drinks. Unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of lamb or oily food so Xinjiang cuisine never really makes my top eats. However, this Xinjiang restaurant is always bustling every night and has earned quite the reputation for authentic Xinjiang cuisine so I had to give it a try.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Our choice of food was slightly unconventional:</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5ZOPtRxsd13OCgzQqUBiYiV1Cz5V2DX1WBVhSn4PXRkzcfv0g9U0V4f9mEryN0_RZ0r4tVAsefM-p6jR4YDOMhQc8Wt0SN95_A55YVYM4Zm1-PMm3vXuedxMg0louEkD-kBZIkgtM8M/s1600/IMG_3597.JPG" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707107217361828258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5ZOPtRxsd13OCgzQqUBiYiV1Cz5V2DX1WBVhSn4PXRkzcfv0g9U0V4f9mEryN0_RZ0r4tVAsefM-p6jR4YDOMhQc8Wt0SN95_A55YVYM4Zm1-PMm3vXuedxMg0louEkD-kBZIkgtM8M/s500/IMG_3597.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMZpF6f6kruDvUT0f2X5cr24ss76TcSf5-4xlyoc4GL1rNVwCbb86Vl_gxm3wqlMn39ZIah3gCJIRk3fRkPlbtkgmr_pUGxfmb8ev6CNRLC4xLEo0lamSLZmTbCZMzEsRU06oJ8IPYW0/s1600/IMG_3597.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMZpF6f6kruDvUT0f2X5cr24ss76TcSf5-4xlyoc4GL1rNVwCbb86Vl_gxm3wqlMn39ZIah3gCJIRk3fRkPlbtkgmr_pUGxfmb8ev6CNRLC4xLEo0lamSLZmTbCZMzEsRU06oJ8IPYW0/s1600/IMG_3597.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMZpF6f6kruDvUT0f2X5cr24ss76TcSf5-4xlyoc4GL1rNVwCbb86Vl_gxm3wqlMn39ZIah3gCJIRk3fRkPlbtkgmr_pUGxfmb8ev6CNRLC4xLEo0lamSLZmTbCZMzEsRU06oJ8IPYW0/s1600/IMG_3597.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMZpF6f6kruDvUT0f2X5cr24ss76TcSf5-4xlyoc4GL1rNVwCbb86Vl_gxm3wqlMn39ZIah3gCJIRk3fRkPlbtkgmr_pUGxfmb8ev6CNRLC4xLEo0lamSLZmTbCZMzEsRU06oJ8IPYW0/s1600/IMG_3597.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMZpF6f6kruDvUT0f2X5cr24ss76TcSf5-4xlyoc4GL1rNVwCbb86Vl_gxm3wqlMn39ZIah3gCJIRk3fRkPlbtkgmr_pUGxfmb8ev6CNRLC4xLEo0lamSLZmTbCZMzEsRU06oJ8IPYW0/s1600/IMG_3597.JPG"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>凉拌豆腐 </i>($30)</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">Tofu with preserved egg and an interesting sauce. Nice and cooling but I prefer the one my dad makes at home :) Huge portion though!</span></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706958834836005714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TBkWAuUOUrdaErbCeCMuvbmGwca_09JVifQ1Mmd5V8c4kwyw9RSBzEVSxHGSGEbuaCzLvH6fKdWL-A683tl6J6i_wTL-Yvb825f1wU5NG0GvPg0eYwLDMBJRaP6Ao0-_AfuZzMUUEqE/s500/IMG_3600.JPG" style="color: #0000ee; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-size: 16px; height: 375px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; width: 500px;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: justify;"><i>beef pancakes </i>($68)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">This was surprisingly yummy, especially the sweet sauce in the background. It was almost like eating a soft shell taco :P </span></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706958840388116370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AtEaim2UwJrkJ5Pd9a4WYYJolnO_d_aWpcQMjGzC-_GuBlCL37ppkgEtgv-HuOBwVffIpstIkwq0Ty7cBsfc_KLIxpwtH6pjfDbZr6BjFnKPZwA5CfozJwVJvmTVHE0TkBr1rCSSX3k/s500/IMG_3601.JPG" style="color: #0000ee; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-size: 16px; height: 375px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; width: 500px;" /></div>
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<i style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">lamb rack ($200+)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">Unfortunately, they were out of the lamb dumplings and the lamb shank requires pre-order so we ordered the lamb rack instead. Like I said, I don't really eat lamb but I had a tiny bite of this and it tasted really gamey for those of you who like lamb. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">Pretty okay meal but I won't be rushing back - my favourite part of the meal was actually the tea they serve which is particularly soothing and I can't quite place what kind it was.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #996633; font-family: georgia;">Sentosa Restaurant</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">This is a newly opened restaurant on Water Street and we ducked in for a quick meal of Hainan chicken rice.</span></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706958867281607282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aiblOgkjSYil00avA4mq_UMFndH-FMTjiM_lsYjkBR42kgGfZVRySBR4ZWSvemcDzpoTC_Zb2F9H-W_en-eHcOw__HYeFSnuGwyKre9YRe2WDkfE6AiXhc2BhksPmJaZGpqSYxWeGXU/s500/IMG_3618.JPG" style="color: #0000ee; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-size: 16px; height: 375px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; width: 500px;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: justify;"><i>hainan chicken</i>($50)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: justify;">Quite a hefty portion to split between two, there was a lot of meat on the chicken pieces and I liked how it came with peanuts! Unfortunately, the meat wasn't deboned and the slices were a tad too chunky - but overall really decent for the price and the sweet sauce which accompanied the dish was spot on. </span></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706959106556870434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdAVjJyboPEzKWJ52QtDYeCU22GSMxKQJMZ8dS5RA32sjqGDgy4H_epSH9wukRnD0UmeX-n8b43TuuZ9yDRJ75qvM-QCUY-IERiKMG1jRpNMlp8nC8tSUsRtfEZzjN0ljWPTkCkyO9z8/s500/IMG_3621.jpg" style="color: #0000ee; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-size: 16px; height: 370px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; width: 500px;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>with rice, soup & condiments</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">We had decided to split the serve of chicken and ordered rice and soup on the side ($12 and $5 respectively). You can also just order the hainan chicken rice set for $50 which is much more hassle-free! The rice is pretty okay, but the soup tasted different from the usual variety. Nevertheless, still comforting on a cold night! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #996633; font-family: georgia;">Sweet Classroom</span></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706958850931775522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUuxR6cGpnlB5_z-47-y6OOgFrPaBpjTgKagUqzNn1VA2GPBqfPkG0p60JANZ4ant5ucAKfkq-HXb5wM-dL5QNNSRF5SuiQJ6BrYfxnVtc2yWJd4EkXwCYCdIy-WbmRj0n93UZp1g8m0/s500/IMG_3604.JPG" style="color: #0000ee; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-size: 16px; height: 375px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; width: 500px;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: justify;">Can't forget dessert!! </span></div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-41520010442101097142012-01-29T23:16:00.022+08:002012-01-30T11:23:28.794+08:00Chinese New Year in Singapore!<div style="text-align: justify;">I always go back to Singapore for CNY which means a lot of eating and a mouth full of ulcers. This year we ended up staying for a week so I got to try out a variety of cuisines besides the requisite hawker stands...hence the very big blog post below! Wasn't too sure how to lay this out since I can't remember when I ate what so I'm just going to do it by meals:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;">Breakfast</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYKvU7y4DBYzws0O2LcGXH8IDqsvvDYv6rUVukw30dRoWsr65whiaWMCibfUlgd0T15mIQGtuDGc2BznM0HQBpGwOklN4oqlpM9VlgABXeiYV2lU4TnoCzKHGBBxLLLoP01SOOgPmcZ0/s500/IMG_3331.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703074144840774258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>chwee kueh</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Chwee kueh is a steamed rice cake that comes topped with savoury radish. I love this and unfortunately did not get to eat the famous ones at Tiong Bahru hawker centre this year. However, the ones we picked up at the hawker centre around our house did the job.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZf6lkqcKifMgej-k4sJjv8U2stTvK8BhNFtpOjy_qvZkx7_kNAqhGxcy1GlW-2Lb_D4kv6cqOc-p1Wj4vMawmEHxAvSds5t9ivoRbUBOyoUsmFp8GxlzH2BO7GCU5NmPE80_Qj6C0Uw/s500/IMG_3332.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703074145240458978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>hokkien mee</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I love the combination of egg noodles and rice noodles in this dish and happily slurped up the sauce. Bit heavy and greasy for breakfast though...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yaeJ48HK60jbKvF03UfHZc50CNTrmXYg4tUu2G9D3QoBTJ86CF3km7uGFAhNmuic2_Q2JGm1YEb1D0D7Kmm33joeaH2qJtdTA8Ms79_dNumt8AXPr_fUXDMlo53zISb8fylvSO7_mw0/s500/IMG_3333.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703074527761084482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>roti prata</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">My ultimate favourite Singaporean breakfast is roti prata. I can never quite decide whether I like it better plain or with egg, Luckily my sister is the same so we always share half and half:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdf7fTDh0Xr65zTfj1_nnxICx8SUeHTpcnb-4x2APvrWfoaiy2DL_bVmvmCVAaS4TuYIQqE3kmwDDYDWSajAef7eMNpEH531d1UVh5yTfjyTR2ONxtLJyn-9rYSnoMCa-yIVQ7aeQFnHw/s500/IMG_3335.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703074532502945730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Soooo delicious I'm missing this already. I don't know why I can't find any comparable ones in Hong Kong (along with the curry) so if anyone knows, feel free to recommend a place! Sometimes I get so desperate I don't even mind eating the frozen variety...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsjwRAGE1NFRK4nOAIhKL6R2TDt21_t7TIh-l9pl0eYLmc8C6I0AOGGdwj-NvzTTJGW6DCf_m0RBPyzz9_W3WpYsc69wFuPsx6BzFEzXz3h-nNOPurOVxfo_HApOUpm-LOVbux1ZKXjE/s500/IMG_3503.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703075482006567746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>chai tow kway</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">VERY decadent for breakfast. This used to be one of my hawker favourites but I actually felt a bit sick after eating this - perhaps it isn't so great first thing in the morning... Chai tow kway (called carrot cake despite the lack of carrots) is basically a dish of little cubes of radish stir fried with egg and doused in sweet soy sauce. I used to love the "dark" variety but realised that my stomach just can't handle it anymore.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXxaQ8hzYP1fhwASPIevBVGBdixf5M1kmAu8_Ahq82excK8w0cg2JhmYJwjtfGpJZdgLaVInsozJwXUFArdgLpiuc7C_u7fnUENc8rBzD_8j5YNZzPrXo5RZ6bdNOSsWQBVnAH6O-nBA/s500/IMG_3504.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703084516630616434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>white version</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Okay, it doesn't look that much healthier especially with all the chilli sauce added to it, but somehow it sat better in my stomach. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;">Lunch</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolh73wVJXYPRhABpxFuKg9mg75A3RtUeeEBWe-TgVbEOx_-mHB-t_2KaVUzeeCuSgyiYspFP4YA8H9Gb_YEWM-0nPTR-rI-RmJrqotgCoOjcBcORRJTL2Mlvh8-Fdaqb2igwO-O-R6D8/s1600/IMG_3378.JPG" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolh73wVJXYPRhABpxFuKg9mg75A3RtUeeEBWe-TgVbEOx_-mHB-t_2KaVUzeeCuSgyiYspFP4YA8H9Gb_YEWM-0nPTR-rI-RmJrqotgCoOjcBcORRJTL2Mlvh8-Fdaqb2igwO-O-R6D8/s500/IMG_3378.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703074542324554658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>silken tofu with pork floss and century egg</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is the perfect dish for me because I love each of the ingredients separately and together they just blow me away :) It's really refreshing and perfect for the Singapore heat. Though I suppose it's also the easiest thing to make at home which is why most of my Sunday night dinners feature it :P</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic48pwgmOJ1LNgLQR-HhNKHzaC95xxs8lX70zFn8HQBrUGvxyarnmdmnYzlMGiRvE96IOEmkjAph0polKwtp-5vuDx3UxH4cEAOHH51Zn5TblcIf0LSYp3GLte0T2x4h1yfFzNFvSHkTE/s500/IMG_3379.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703074554046883122" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>roast chicken</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0a1l4LiqhKP4pnJ9dGrfRbGlUqYN_3Vi2Kr6jqQXGMrTRqEToDxxQfoiBgJC3YAhUL_QOL_RH-jpnd6eRKQCI8Dha7BywTQUhy9yg19VNarKOpP_fchRkSxrqvewg6I1msCGnge_xqNQ/s500/IMG_3381.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703074561995766482" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify; "><i>white chicken</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mmm. I can't come to Singapore without eating chicken rice!! We ordered half a roast chicken and half a white chicken and happily demolished both. The white chicken was amazing - super tender, full of flavour, and just the tiniest bit oily which is how I like it! I quickly picked out all the boneless chicken at the bottom of the plate to hoard in my bowl hehe - I know, bad etiquette. I'm not a huge fan of the roast chicken, which is roasted on a slow fire, but it was still delicious. The soup was also really fragrant but unfortunately, the rice was just passable.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_twfZFvygMm2T9Qjjrj30l6YUI2xtu34eGB-_0uuqzf1P7NHvhuCUCDqyhtpg438klwnUpTPHxLq1f8CNCNGlQROVBgd5bGD6Cm2nOZ9iIUQituxanJhuvH9DzORikXybl3NVg7FL8o/s500/IMG_3390.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703075059532442994" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>aftermath of chicken meal :)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We always eat popiah on the second day of Chinese New Year (my dad's side is Fujian) so we trekked out to buy our freshly handmade popiah skin out at Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat where we've been going since I can remember. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW91x_wVKsK1Cy7g_-t3Ndp1yveTOUaGkYFzspVedIao8q5hVn_XEkguVDz4Z_YBUtAiQ1Tkj7ojTWmn1AUC1wcQl2QwNq_haEFOGdK3yr5jtTkcBRNa2K8DmLTuHelaBnH05naJmkHi8/s500/IMG_3453.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703075451513285746" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>making the skin</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We ended up buying a whopping 1.5kg of the stuff which was definitely way more than we could finish haha. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DqwOVZfM-tsP7yiXU5_bI0S0-fb1Voey8ipqKmJz7ojfu6j8LkLKwCbr2nDgb5qLcyW6dM2sR8-j2cqMDjl04MdZXvLIwInTzbmexm8zWfUpxygSafKJsMF4gGDqPoKpf5zkuhsimBg/s500/IMG_3463.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703075457944437170" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>popiah ingredients</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It looks like little mimi is having a huge feast for herself! The filling consists of pork, shredded carrot, lettuce, turnip, and beans and the accompanying ingredients I love are the egg, seaweed, peanuts and garlic :) Not to mention a heavy dosage of the sweet sauce! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEFUvfMe-JvySbiVLR8IDEAzAAeQmAlz-j6gcsl2mC1BTOlBLjy078JLoc9p0aCEO_snAd8hdVZeweBWE6JwPd_O4xFsqyWtOlXlMtqNApOk3oeid5wsiq_B_uKQvg-4JNEdH0nM2G3U/s500/IMG_3467.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703075464924958418" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>towering popiah ready to be wrapped</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwASBs0HwWOeEjdvstewjwQG0NUcs4HmqYEfNl7H3qH0NGeq6_-dwPxbjYfCWtuBsExmlLYQrc3jBMJojJ9YBXX6a72qzbF49DeSr4jLMvATXWfQgUhSdOA8uyFTuwwETchJ6Qd-pI3Ek/s500/IMG_0973.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703076744340286018" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So yummy! I think I blogged about my grandma's popiah before but seriously, they are one of the things I most look forward to in Singapore! Also very good for the digestive system ;)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcpzs8NyG0mp1cCrKzeNqcdkThp8zDFgwtYeR27brMKm5CUiKqhjwffcG7tX8YIejrN3w4qaoqBbSWe-zP7zkD5aB8-_pbUtZOKr9wo9LvGw4fsuw4myN1osMgLwYfuhfpaMZ8If9ZoE/s500/IMG_3469.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703075473968732210" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>Can't have popiah without my beloved childhood drink of Kickapoo Joy Juice. To be honest, taste wise is just meh but I always drink it for the nostalgia factor and the awesome name! Makes me happy just looking at the can. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGolIINBBAn1uP5MB-H8u2w-JojEQ64W8Lba1Q6OIBzl0NwooAnpZQL_14mWzBEpZme1YXCXQD541Y6K5BMBxCJFDutvF2DYSLs124Q1pGiLNSyMnPS2e_kYx-9mmICYAUpyhEmCRBHQ/s500/IMG_3534.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703075980137429314" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>food for thought</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Had a lovely lunch at Food For Thought - a slightly healthier less oily start to the day after all the CNY binging. Food For Thought is a small and cozy cafe that donates part of their profits to various charities. It's located at Singapore Art Museum in this charming little housefront that apparently used to be a school. I loved the big, airy feel to the restaurant with the high ceilings and natural lighting. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZViBI68bF35JJv5ZDsf6VR9GhhCgc1iuCHypoGV_dC9XDIX-feQqfnh_QJtbGo78Tz5lYeA5CptNyp8omUfCxopw5K55RRW-HP00d7iow9wXhZ99ONmzzc4TOLQgfqsJP5cYEjJo6qQ/s500/IMG_3537.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703075972020747042" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>basil almond pesto chicken</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I always wish more places in Hong Kong did a simple sandwich with pesto chicken but I hardly find pesto anywhere on the menus here! This was fresh and delicious - just what I needed to get my body feeling slightly less lethargic from all the grease. The sandwich also had grilled eggplant!! I love how eggplant just soaks up all the yummy sauces.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1i2CYUlDBj7mRBulJr6QWkE_K1Bfcs5d8coJEsT6aqi-HD1BZRdKqUJOx1g0QOEYR4Wv1Qi2elL2Cbv2nkzfdQeKQyXpwMnG3uwu3bq7aumqAAy_DoJ7u-XF8P7dplNudWzhPDWywAfg/s500/IMG_3535.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703075968611787682" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>a&w root beer float at food for thought</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Root beer floats made properly with A&W! I'm usually not a huge fan of root beer floats but this one was really yummy with loads of ice cream. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJasyRk4osu_mNtoH7nERuUVF6F0YdVaJ21Wu5Bf_cYY4wLGFhW2e0FJTGN527z8JBTyPJnPYdqDunlfsZ1Ju3_Y0kgysPcb6cEgTPVRY147K7M9qjUPmVYYICH7bGvNbrGxdmTWbfkE/s500/IMG_3585.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703076011443887138" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>abc juice</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I went to ABC brickworks hawker centre and got this delicious juice comprised of apple, beetroot and carrot. I couldn't really taste the beetroot but there was definitely a lot of carrot which I love. Washes down the hawker food pretty well, and it made me feel super healthy! Should make it at home.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uicbJc1ZhtUdY86XZnFwTbShOPOa3EWkxz1FxEkjTEFrtyZFqFJ1XSc77wKUt-Joyg-x6oPj0mORn_7IznYxYEivVQKXTnBtNgLpYCZ71OuHQNBz7navKjgnRYSY9c7mxC_sI92euv0/s500/IMG_3587.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703076718256361586" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>duck rice</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So much sauce hehehe. Tender juicy meat with heavenly gravy makes for a delicious meal. Not to mention the soup in the background - had quite a spicy kick to it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7O0QBEFiwp9qoUT9WZzCF2b8MP8hZLhmdgMgQIl8V4Q0hv8_MCfb63-9RbzFyRAwbLRZdW2EeO-yVAybBH29oJ0vMNNodf43E6K49FVOBgk1Kd6tFmdOIan7LopTeTijTmtYYmQWNPdw/s1600/IMG_3589.JPG" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7O0QBEFiwp9qoUT9WZzCF2b8MP8hZLhmdgMgQIl8V4Q0hv8_MCfb63-9RbzFyRAwbLRZdW2EeO-yVAybBH29oJ0vMNNodf43E6K49FVOBgk1Kd6tFmdOIan7LopTeTijTmtYYmQWNPdw/s500/IMG_3589.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703076726459553778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>wonton mee</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I love Singapore's dried wonton cha siu mee. I don't know why but it always tastes so much better to me than any you get in Hong Kong which is a bit odd considering it's a Cantonese dish :P The wontons are also bite-size which I prefer to the whopping big ones you sometimes get in cha chaan tengs here. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;">Snacks!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEihPR_a2I4ihuyLWwr1oVtbnp-w-4FcGobiBSSr-XKgutwZp1fRP5vCJ_F1dnnmWygMtgOYsJrWdpUj1QXWEHVG1DE0xhmMne28WXNIskKl0Y8-snIdO6MuuuVMXCaj5fOQdZdXx2yw/s500/IMG_3432.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703075079065232962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>cny cookies</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4E2zmS27l4QPpXwPDjGNNX8sExmpGJax3pzmPt-LEeFgdzmcUzDlrKcE8KToNOlo_R-aSW22GozRIMaX08P_Gl4FRVpF1dAT0oTOpP08QByY7PJ2uA2-TtMIBttSaD24aesJoSSAsoE/s500/IMG_3434.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703075088981799618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>more cny cookies</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBKc73jXzkPVDaa94ZY6Aonsc-8pY-J1dsUQWWjwHtEvfU2IUODl5_8b1lu-4J2lwMcv6NObvpAwFiViPQbIXeez8V1A9T5N9z21Co6d1HutJByceNGeEB9BRP0Ft_PA-5ndig-wgYzE/s500/IMG_3592.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703076734826719234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><i>tau suan you tiao </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; ">豆爽</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; ">油条</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;">This dessert is made out of mung beans and served with you tiao on top. This one was a little too sticky and mucus-like for my tastes - I prefer a greater concentration of beans. I did happily pick at the you tiao though :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Olhf47yMYfsaCn2KI2xVYXF2dBqKNeGmvHFZ3CEthfGYsLLGm3W6KfprMoHDbZdlOodyLknNLmkCzFPOQWhIVlpIPtl4w5iadtR_mclXTGw74F6zmnr3EvS03VPSSQBMSjs1YNxilx4/s500/IMG_1011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703076751492172754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><i>ice kachang heaven</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;">Dinners</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">I tried out a Korean restaurant with some friends which came highly recommended by a number of Singaporean food bloggers (I think the restaurant was called Your Woul?) Unfortunately, the meat was really subpar - they prepared it for us and ended up overcooking all the meat. I could hardly chew through the beef. It was also a really small portion given the price. Luckily, the cooked food we ordered fared better and they served pretty decent banchan.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKQTQC8AHbBpgd_62Fw7QBv-sfGi9DDP7EytwmO_BKTIbmGHdiNPKNNWzGYWFxK48_SwOXM5RxqSD03_wPbKo-TdTQt7RDDAtMudBBFJ2yE_Ph5SybdTZl3zPIobnwo5EvU80bcV8n5Q/s500/IMG_3327.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703074128094980658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:16px;"><i>pork bibimbap</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:16px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ciiu1-wW7Ot5w4Oc6QyUorT7I2zIL-vxHBjOvwF6J09IqYKBiJoOvWmxTSoQYsT3srrl96LW8az_y58Cud9mdNQ_T_I_s-lesmE_fmeEkj8MafR849dj7BmMqTThjwZ4fSrdz2WV40I/s1600/IMG_3325.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ciiu1-wW7Ot5w4Oc6QyUorT7I2zIL-vxHBjOvwF6J09IqYKBiJoOvWmxTSoQYsT3srrl96LW8az_y58Cud9mdNQ_T_I_s-lesmE_fmeEkj8MafR849dj7BmMqTThjwZ4fSrdz2WV40I/s500/IMG_3325.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703074117143257426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>kimchi paejun</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9yw3SaFhs8qctvD4frC2ynedv4Qscj28Czml0JWCUZyUOt5rWQzaUIehMHWqmEIZ9T-n7ZKX1Q01Gif73mCybjM-YIzPCLzLIkxdWHorFDcA41uV-Z3_77UNgrDclWNGYOTi52swqPY/s500/IMG_3326.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703074119366796210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">dukboki... yeah everything was the same colour</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">On Chinese New Year Eve we always have yu sheng (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; ">鱼生). The main ingredients are white radish, carrots, pickled ginger and orange, chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, crackers, and raw salmon - topped with sweet plum sauce. Considering there's meant to be close to 30 ingredients in the yu sheng, I'm missing quite a few :\ </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HNw8aZR8DCzsBNklOAZWodvw4F71z9rZ0CpH9n0pNR7hJ_Jv8E1HnbA2elRKqfN7ZT_NOFY0wG7UTvOks_0UZ6ksECa214qEhp4PtzQKE2ikomSoRyvvKvAYcrQ6Yt2osvg6-Ek6ic4/s500/IMG_3396.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703075066006954114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>yu sheng</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Unfortunately, this year we went the healthy route and bought a yu sheng that did not come with fried crackers and had much less oil and plum sauce... hence the very bland taste :( Ended up just picking at the raw salmon. Nevertheless, still fun to toss to prosperity :) Even baby had fun looking so determined!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLahACZUyytEOY_OjdvdK_IqkzHsWnRvhXVCb_La83DQ4JGyu8kBmxu6hWBjMv1pqomtO-5YwB7mfBtrRNxXFKpm5D7srGvbz8MsOve7a0BiDzPAVauSf2CZZcYj0bSndg2Rs527jCSc/s500/397893_10150523516243124_607063123_8975164_2082921883_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703075069274709218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>So that just about sums up my CNY eating and I'm so looking forward to a detox! But I'll leave you guys with one last picture of something I love and only ever get once a year:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OUSOiGnApbrbF4iOjYgCiSxjgETtWv2Ie-zTiUwj7Vv1lR0ESpvdcPTKGZQQkH1S9oPzl91RJUrpls-UKN8aC5J6s8BCTO6uL4D0Hk4P4bSroq_LOM1gSnG-yQ-tFLIY-Ueyj8kyAFA/s500/IMG_3553.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703076000595731106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>kong ba bao</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Usually when we're back in Singapore we'll try to get in a hokkien meal with the grandparents and whenever we manage to book a seat, the only thing I wait for is the kong ba bao!! I love this stewed pork belly which is sooo tender and melts in your mouth as the oil dribbles down your soft fluffy bun hehe. Delicious! Too bad I only managed to get one bun as they were gone within seconds. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Happy Chinese New Year! </div></div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-4758087873845126322012-01-16T09:26:00.007+08:002012-01-16T11:03:08.289+08:00Taco Chaca<div style="text-align: justify;">Sorry for the lack of blogging recently. I've been tied down with exams upon exams that for the past month, my diet has pretty much consisted of junk food:</div><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYT3vZ6sKAw7bCiqGjbBHUPvrPoBdkzKaTd7vhy6qJ1vZWqbr93O6Z-9Fvv3TcI-fpC96WHVwhLvaXK7Edr1-2KdqlahY1z71JiNcbZORosgwrS_VxSfM_HemcstIBWHLuMw6YcYTP2F0/s500/IMG_3154.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698041487236816322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>my favourite colonel's secret original recipe chicken mmm skin!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWF1dVnfxzN9uX8pbiPYU8f3BFSE6NOtk9acNpggtCzJfSQojYJSOhh4YCpYT0r-S7znLos2uBLtaLjIsnT3Tod0fjGDFNTRncP0pVPv684yxFKixvs_oQGv11AjCau5QZ7Jw3bM9mrEI/s500/IMG_2646.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698041492926395106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>tim ho wan's cha siu bao's</i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-KOusjdFHxnPhE7rYcRyixK7Bt-0USOyJtMIqcZ8QamfiCHfDZkszzXHHQdEAwwLv6mQy0wMix8VC3MvnqG7Zvha858OE65BJLJJmj7re8IGHs0Xqqetnb7ob2kDprPD3ndSV3bwusk/s500/IMG_0351.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698042608729916690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>tsui wah's club sandwich</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiA1TdGQHKgjORTexZHtLxTAFRH2jcK1XFfEU6e9MnLlE_Ok38y_3OWbxyM_GHX9R-IWIfuKdxYBwz7H5gs6mq1Y9ND4sO0MwYg4j4YHVF25AbQucdtVGv4nH_SzN164fhHMhKGiwZ9jM/s500/IMG_1754.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698042249842758546" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">curry bee's curry...</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And the occassional decadent dessert to keep those blood sugars high :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4PANk_Xw-YZRdoOftAvY-ZkgpLYJ2y5nEkY6GcpZj8DQWfy09hju0W7b6HfRH5MdFW63jhoSIOCzq_JVNEuR9f0nVYOdNb6UaK3gJlWioe78o4l49Mw_bp7Kcwg-YHNTMZldf0ioXTU/s500/IMG_3177.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698041511054398258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 380px; " /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Luckily, exams are over and I can finally resume eating meals worth blogging about - and Taco Chaca is definitely worthy! I was delighted when I stumbled across this taco shop on a recent walk home from Soho. I've always thought that Hong Kong needed a proper no-frills taqueria. Sure we have our Coyotes and iCaramba's but there's something so much more personal about getting to watch your food prepared in front of you with all the fresh ingredients laid out and the grills to the back. Not to mention the delicious smells of grilled meat and juices that permeate the joint :) Makes it almost feel like you're at a street vendors in Mexico or at the very least, in Cali.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I made a mental note of the place and came back the following day for lunch. I was a bit worried that the meat might not be the best quality or that the flavours just wouldn't be there - I've had pretty bad experiences eating Mexican in Asia and I seriously pine for Anna's Taqueria back in Boston. Luckily, nothing to be worried about as the food was all spot on.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We started with their pulled pork tacos and beef steak burrito:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbGZyVFARVTBMsI8G7uk5K3wPqX4HuoT2o9CLN8OKUc1fjffsSZ9JmpbdTYyb5J-Qq9msSlVAsVf8gwxXSX28x1vfJsSpsNNqm0QX3ecUOBfO4MocRa_q9dDyUna9OZP30YKyOQnR4K8/s500/IMG_3248.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698045756160985442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 360px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>pulled pork taco ($40)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">The tacos came with salsa on the side though you really didn't need it given how juicy the tacos were alone! I loved the garnishes of cilantro, diced onions and tomatoes which were super fresh. I'm so glad the tacos were made out of soft corn tortillas too - not those hard-shell varieties found in US fast food joints. While I definitely enjoyed these tacos, I did find the pulled pork a little tough (perhaps it could do with more braising?) which is why I preferred this burrito:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmp2jMsdwCbUMnziLd7GbmLjEuYbIQQ1s2iSdEkpXIFwsnZXhxEEh5I-W5HFbWY_yyDROFRKQ4iOhvbegg9fzqPbATGGW2CItREaUL7BtdPQxdykc568n9cBrNly108PSUChzg0phgQd4/s500/IMG_3247.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698045742469427186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 390px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>beef steak burrito ($58)</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Wow this really hit the spot. It didn't feel overly greasy and oily, but was still comfort food at its best! The flour tortilla was so nice and soft and the fillings really flavourful, particularly the beef steak which was perfectly juicy. There were also refried beans and delicious Mexican rice, mixed with a generous helping of sour cream. Who could resist? I really enjoyed this and powered through every bite. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We weren't too full afterwards, or maybe everything we tried just blew us away, so we decided to try another one of their tacos. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTd5JmyPUR_hgIZwC5KBQtGxdeyB44UDvtliJP4jLxuQjHqVAhz9YSa2qFVz2kYxB_IURmIql_VN2U4evG3FeEj-RHPGZKfqf74G2Qswf3bmAEKPL5GyFpaeSoo515svYBHnZizWELlBk/s500/IMG_3253.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698045761955082898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>chicken taco ($40)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This one was better than the first taco and gave the burrito a run for its money! Aside from the meat, the ingredients were pretty much the same as the pulled pork taco. However, the grilled chicken was suprisingly tender and really stole the show. Just looking at the pictures, I can't wait to be back to grab a quick snack or a late night dinner. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm so glad there's finally a taqueria in Hong Kong serving up good quality Mexican food at affordable prices. Not to mention the hospitality we received from chef and owner Karen who has apparently lived in Cali for a while so has credibility ;) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Do make your way over if you're in the neighbourhood and show her some support! Her full menu isn't available yet as she just opened over the weekend but the tacos, burritos and quesadilla's are sure to be plenty to keep you satiated :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAtZm4NqrHO0g7-SrufwETwIpkewTGa9aOD6dA9eW7zRkz2EXJHc5YYpEmRiUcNb3RTajTK0UEbFBL7r-B8GTYdzTdcHQuP39tf7NFyefEF96CaP_Dw45z6Fju-AggMggb4vXEGmaNA0/s500/IMG_3254.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698045770178097938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>two thumbs up!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">---</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Taco Chaca</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">G/F, 1 Second Street</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Sai Ying Pun</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh, on the way to the restaurant I saw this cute thing waddling around in his dinosaur costume! Rawr! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYUVS_mAjhLue_ASkrMg5kUwlyorKne3kpaN2klp2MYdn0lqw62LWqJSDEkcIBguft-IYw0SELRci67RR5mokObt1rmhG8WyfE9jqBSMNAQWW6SSXHSH2H-jL5DHs55inaeQEtUSRCSs/s500/IMG_3242.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698045736766911650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></span></i></div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-38674927453481299652011-12-12T11:15:00.007+08:002011-12-12T20:32:53.325+08:00Cafe Graham<div style="text-align: justify;">This post is dedicated to my lovely friend Herbs who has been raving about the place since I met him :P He finally brought me and two girlfriends here for lunch (and noticeably tamed down the hard sell on the day we decided to visit, perhaps to temper our expectations haha) It's located on Graham Street (the name is a bit of a giveaway) but I was surprised I had never noticed it before since I love eating at delicieux bistro, berry good, and sift, not to mention puttering around the graham street market. However, when we arrived I could see how easy it is to overlook this tiny, non-descript cafe with its tattered signboard and minimal decor - exactly my kinda place!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We arrived at 11:50 and were greeted by the very friendly owner who ushered us in despite still having 10 minutes to go before lunch hours. The interior is very cozy (some might say cramped...) with posters adorning the walls - it reminded me a bit of O Green Cafe (my favourite healthy eating joint). Lunch menu was quite extensive with a number of pastas, omelets and the stray salad. For the pastas you can choose between linguini, angel hair, spaghetti and penne. I was quite impressed by the variety of their menu given the tiny cafe. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sA_dDe2PorNSQBteABpkzDyyXrj8LilBegGMBrz_7KoVigCNroCXx8E-6lU6EEZwBcC4DR9_f_AY3vSzrqgJ4jdfeL8fXNaaLf-wNTLMSrp8QqYzjtMv1KM4uAp7wtdtCuPd8oKAoVQ/s500/IMG_3075.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685216018243638130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>angel hair with duck breast</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I opted for the angel hair with duck breast. I really enjoy angel hair and this one hit the spot with its perfect al dente'ness. The duck was also very tender, and I loved the big bottle of Kraft's Parmesan Cheese left on each table - reminded me of my childhood days eating spaghetti on Saturday's with Kraft's cheese mmmm. However, I wished that the dish was slightly less saucy, or that the sauce was more tomatoey, because it was too sweet for my liking (very typical Asian-style Western food :P) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I can't really comment on any of the other dishes my friends ordered but here are the photos: </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovcnpBZeKAxKHH0q_7luzunUq7_0yPb56WKWz9iwpimrNgkXvLBZWiH53AkJnwbRE7ogpE_4M8JMmU6T-dYLqycvvaQv44Ldg-3CP9zpLlCpl_tbOWKnhOucgZtMNAREMi-yYZeDwGaA/s500/IMG_3076.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685216020919261010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>angel hair with pork?</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Grf5r-Qp1HSFNcDLHZNfHM_oktao4GvIUiQpDqvoACgfQZnPjoeT-pLaWay5e6gGvDbNtEYes2agbJbzMk3FbyP4GPfqW0Vh7L9LPdqsJh5294yh-PTh_dOJsSHJYBv22EdIXmN8WkM/s500/IMG_3078.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685216030203118370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>cheese omelet... i'm sure there were other things in this</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2qy1UNrJyWZB9mdnOE1XHUcreozaX4OUjXZx8ONVjPU-xKUApX6J63y2PO3kQgjp5ciT1GGgb7x6G6KWXhyphenhyphenz5QChCVs74Zwud9rDt7AeA5RC_UvGIJNvQSlxEuPoY84Odo9AgHn0Xx0/s500/IMG_3079.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685216040282090562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>sea bass with angel hair</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While the mains were decent and well-priced, they didn't really blow us away. However, we'll all be back because Cafe Graham has the best tiramisu in Hong Kong!! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDPfdXFefMXWB4p0Lwc_binW4-lgFNHTvF9LmVLaROnDaL5cTX5Iu042h6UoEnESWiAcC4Wa2xd8b23opx4PboH2q76za7VSpi3s9zKp4C3TmzOMr9-FkerkSjPWysYFO2YiXxt7TGiQ/s500/IMG_3082.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685216051534681378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>tiramisu <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;"><3</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was a huge bowl that we split between four but after taking a few bites, I really thought I'd be able to eat it all by myself! Soooo delicious, creamy and smooth. Just looking at this picture makes me want to go back. December desserts are always the best :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">---</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Cafe Graham</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">51D, Graham Street</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(opposite Sift)</div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-29668631982119877972011-12-07T00:09:00.000+08:002011-12-07T10:57:26.821+08:00Mandarin Grill<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa35ylh3SfehvkDqAk-X9lYRrV6yaEMdB5rfl1t0UreqfF1dDceSiUNz5VjeoqNR1IOOTeRcc3K97V0PDMLvS4IM9MlEINQUaNXypSZaaVSVtG7-Wdt7S2-c44eUGMdm-8PDyP5Khl7g/s1600/IMG_3036.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa35ylh3SfehvkDqAk-X9lYRrV6yaEMdB5rfl1t0UreqfF1dDceSiUNz5VjeoqNR1IOOTeRcc3K97V0PDMLvS4IM9MlEINQUaNXypSZaaVSVtG7-Wdt7S2-c44eUGMdm-8PDyP5Khl7g/s500/IMG_3036.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682678064900824178" style="text-align: left; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've been to Mandarin Grill a few times now and have always been blown away by the service, presentation, and most importantly the food. While this latest visit was enjoyable as always, I do feel that the food has gotten a tad salty and I had to drink copious amounts of warm water to finish the meal. At least the servers were quick to refill my cup, and finally decided to leave the whole pot on our table :) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I love the ambiance here with the plush carpets, chairs that you just sink in, and flowers everywhere, not to mention the open kitchen where you can see Executive Chef Uwe running around doing his thing. We visited on a Monday night and all the tables were full of business execs, making me feel slightly out of place! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yDq9EFqinnWEZyQJ-Dx-InWqX3tN3hpnEfJnHypXJhVYx5WmODV2t6lG3JZG_2iEcUNFAGaF0sHTXRzOPaxudPMdCS_5lSh8AsyPE6_kbkUiy7cA_q9cLxNM3lq0CbIzfjzr1m_e2ls/s500/IMG_3040.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682678068665032962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>bread basket - que oui!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We demolished this basket as it came piping hot and was completely irresistible. I tried a German pretzel, a small roll stuffed with olive paste, something sweet and flaky, rye bread... Everything was delicious, especially with their olive oil! A server rolled out a trolley with five different olive oils to choose from - a French (with hints of hazelnut), two Italian (one stronger one milder), one Moroccan and one other I can't remember that contained walnuts. I chose the extra virgin Moroccan and it was divine, very smooth and tasted almost buttery? They brought over another bread basket after we powered through the first one and I had to exercise utmost self-restraint to not reach over and grab some more...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5bOvfZH0vGCdZMabK8r8uXxGe5PUaVIi4TWc2wFT3o_b3R3dj7Ieq0UXITa1XTyQorHGbHuaGAv-C20O0Kt_EeeA64KlNRsaJX2HKoMkNAoOLyrkOVpsq7TPMD2nGYikbaU5tA-ZtSQ/s500/IMG_3042.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682678080160251058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>amuse bouche</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There was a trio of three amuses bouches for us to try this evening, presented very creatively with a big plant which we were warned we could not eat :P We were told to start with the cheese puffs (in the silver trey), then move onto the cheese biscuits (kind of hidden behind the big plant), and finally the spoon of olive something or other as a palate cleanser. The cheese puff was really yummy and burst in my mouth. The cheese biscuit was pretty good too, very buttery and crumbly. They reminded me of these cheese biscuits I used to love from Muji that sadly I can never find anymore. The olive "thing" (sorry not very technical I know) was interesting but not really to my tastes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLhR_Us2G6QlHIKxUULFFCRAEZlaKT-dCOwcO8P2UtZOw0eycunkViyGuJOouMNGj3FRd1QD_b2uZ2i6zLfDKb2_Ytdy8Q9nZxhQ-xNY3kpZOEDCN8iqwA33lLonjF9NAUE9DDsu1vg4/s500/IMG_3045.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682678085830377458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>lobster bisque</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not much a fan of lobster but apparently this was very salty and we weren't too sure what to do with the foam in the center. We eventually tried to mix it with the soup but it ended up looking like a big clump of mess that wasn't all too appetizing :\</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMJmKSfVbVrWmYt09UkhkYoY6xMhOBO_qsbZRXi8lr-2oeX_xY5cDGB899DxbncDkLmNz6beW07nGp9vh00ZHFan0gj5LK1C6pJXOiaAp6huZbD8EFMV7y6vkeiHyZru9YjH4Zxu13HA/s500/IMG_3046.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682680156948909282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>cauliflower and cheese</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A classic pairing. This was one of their new dishes so I definitely wanted to try it. The dish consisted of cauliflower (I believe they were sourced from California and came in all colours! So exciting!), melted cheese at the bottom, and a warm bechamel sauce drizzled over the top. I was quite surprised by how much I enjoyed this, although it was a tad salty - I can't imagine finishing the entire dish by myself. However, in small doses it was great. The cauliflowers had a beautiful crunch and I was surprised that the different coloured ones had slightly different tastes. Doused in cheese + bechamel = perfection! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7KkazIAGU6WS5mane1cX0kwD_LkGagThb3mFioCULXQILr2aO1wVIg_Rw57oNW96RUwLORuKygCsrmTt54rpHNdI0UiPz6dSv5Nt3OrG2676P09WsMfRHcWB-5gEReSBxRONgcxBJv0/s1600/IMG_3048.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7KkazIAGU6WS5mane1cX0kwD_LkGagThb3mFioCULXQILr2aO1wVIg_Rw57oNW96RUwLORuKygCsrmTt54rpHNdI0UiPz6dSv5Nt3OrG2676P09WsMfRHcWB-5gEReSBxRONgcxBJv0/s500/IMG_3048.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682679346341135714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>chicken...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My main was placed in front of me looking like this... The waiter told me, with a very serious face, that unfortunately this was all the chicken they had left. I think my grandma was noticeably shocked and commented that I would be eating dog food tonight :P Figured it'd be a good diet though haha.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sQ7T7zrw_wH45h4se_1on0YedzKTyMwxBLBOZUE-u4nXpV1kz4-tASyKCRyWdDkM-Zkyu4lnblTArHR-o20QAQlbLbey2UQ0-00DQAeixtrh_nK_lAjz-qFIgskJH1EpEcJ48MeFxrI/s500/IMG_3052.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682679358793309842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>real chicken :)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was very relieved when my server subsequently came back with a big pot of chicken! It smelt sooo good, all this smoky aroma of chicken fat and broth! Only the breast was served and I was very pleased that it tasted as tender as chicken thighs. The carrots and mixed vegetables which were soaked in the broth were delicious too. Unfortunately, I got so carried up in the rest of my meal that I didn't end up eating the three bones on my plate :p</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjz5-gv-hXyUOJRIHGb6oK_IIJM4mVIL10ncUE0QHY9-847tVaXZkUi9TAohbVBM2Ooa17T-y6IN44umKfis4DIdw3zgfVGa5xib5L2euuhAxib0Sw844-8LI4HNcqxt4Yk1KI5SPvco/s500/IMG_3050.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682679346993751874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>sirloin steak</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Last time I was at Mandarin Grill I ordered the ribeye which to this day is still the best ribeye I've had in Hong Kong. My dad decided to try the sirloin instead which as the photo shows, came a perfect medium rare. Unfortunately, it was nowhere near as tender as my ribeye... for $50 extra I would definitely upgrade :P The pot of butter corn on the side was most sinful though and I wished I had ordered another pot on the side!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqzpq_WQIY6H5NAkNzTZW3uzYic6yTjNrZOkfNNOI9IgB1tQhM-lb_8t1B0IR7wKpmJU4Cb4G23WJXUUqFDzeVEe2Nmop_ExHT0B2jT8wflSOg_fRgFGHo_K7JByfX51WN7cZVgcHHrM/s1600/IMG_3053.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqzpq_WQIY6H5NAkNzTZW3uzYic6yTjNrZOkfNNOI9IgB1tQhM-lb_8t1B0IR7wKpmJU4Cb4G23WJXUUqFDzeVEe2Nmop_ExHT0B2jT8wflSOg_fRgFGHo_K7JByfX51WN7cZVgcHHrM/s500/IMG_3053.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682679365999047666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>mallard duck</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For some reason, when I saw "mallard duck" I was slightly put off because it always reminds me of the children's book "Make Way for Ducklings" which is about a pair of extremely cute mallard ducks and their little ducklings who make their home in Boston Commons. I can't imagine eating them! However, I did try a small bite of this and it was a little too gamey for my liking. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WuPM7gVIpCtL_HUbR4CWs6qTrEjl732fraCnVZS8B5nt5OJBmTa0B5x2u89OdUA1wAxPZy5FeTEzVRkPI_w-DTKKbFpWrWA7fM0pXDTpwr6-FffNhTENNQlBHd1uYGwo_3FMHi9tFiU/s500/IMG_3058.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682679373665200386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>strawberry fields forever <3</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was beautiful and I can definitely see where Chef Caith Chow (of one-thirtyone) draws his inspiration from. Very earthy! I'm sure you can tell from the picture that there's only one real strawberry here. The others were made out of fresh strawberry ice cream with a dollop of strawberry jam in the center...All sitting atop a bed of "soil" (chocolate crunchy yumminess) and served with cream cheese flavoured ice cream. The ice cream was pretty interesting - it really tasted like cream cheese but for some reason, I was quite addicted to it! There were also mint leaves that provided the perfect complement to the chocolate. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVzeo9UkQC-VpZ3_r8hP-W9oOoj2vljdtIntzKGOPsGwxT683uuBDYazc9WXaxHDIL81GArkGSuW3Yr-c1nmfTsi1LZmmQR_dHzEBsETzUCsnLNqnfqTsleIowThj9wd_UKFbvdLZ8Wk/s500/IMG_3066.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682680168125274658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>strawberry innards</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sorry for the dirty plate, but here are my strawberry innards! It really tasted like ice cream cake (which I love). Great dessert and so beautiful too!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbobbTVEEHEnlk5sgRG6HWJUuaZ_kVbqfEPkTRC0q6srfzjGCWQJJVern9WUmu8RvwgBBvlookE1FKq0tFJqZDdkCZkXe4QkrQvDmlGsg2YZAvhx8Gs14oqhl634mkYvxs85g-t139-M/s500/IMG_3060.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682680159522798530" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>bread and butter pudding</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not your typical bread and butter pudding, the bread was a raisin brioche with apricot jam. It was light and fluffy, and the ice cream (in the background looking like butter) was actually butter flavoured ice cream! Quite strange but definitely top marks for innovation! Did miss traditional bread and butter pudding though...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkaDr2YkjaHWwvNTOauguFRhWAl6ndr2oQF77T6m-H1F2xYYlcLhrJGhJUXihFPmrjprAdhc3I8qkdfFIzrdKAkWLBXB_gKsP9L9VaYIj8pDzZ53DSgWh_1XAZv6OIL6C0sapfAc6tIQ/s500/IMG_3067.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682680179383079794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>"petits fours"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hardly petits fours, I was blown away by the presentation! They made the chocolate truffles look like actual truffles (yay truffle season) and even the truffle shaver was all chocolate and edible. These were delicious and I really wanted to eat them all but they were so so rich. Wished I had milk to wash it down :) Or a tupperware to slowly savour them at home! Such a perfect ending to the meal. It was pretty interesting that the chocolate truffles also had a hint of truffle taste to them too!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A further point on the excellent service here - our waiter was very attentive, taking time to explain to us all the components of each dish, but wasn't overly intrusive. Really makes the dining experience soo much better.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">---</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Mandarin Grill + Bar</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mandarin Oriental</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5 Connaught Road, Central</div></div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-74893320958491303572011-12-05T22:34:00.006+08:002011-12-05T23:53:35.378+08:00Nadaman<div style="text-align: justify;">As I've already visited Petrus and Summer Palace to make use of the 2-for-1 Shangri-la birthday deal, I thought it only fitting to go to Nadaman for my own birthday. I've gone from never eating at Island Shang to eating at three of their restaurants within the span of three months!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was surprised by how large the restaurant was, with a number of separate rooms including the main dining room. I really liked the interior which was done up tastefully and much more low-key than the other Island Shang restaurants. It felt so peaceful in there, especially with the very soothing green tea. Too bad we weren't seated by the windows which offered a pretty good view of PP amidst the trees.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I opted for the Winter Kaiseki menu which was priced at roughly $750 and included 7 dishes plus a complimentary starter:</div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAgx2WX2amlUgY6Zvr5En7SUbrWmEQknc4kZy3n7zpDSXQH-Ag0XABcT-mhxryn_xnLo8nWn2wKpIhKaVrESMUakACPhP29SDMvUkj6E2qCNLUoIg_f7K2wFAnSsYAMxatGphr4W-tUs/s500/IMG_2975.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682656421492801026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I think this was just snowpea shoots that was a great start to the meal - very light and refreshing, I particularly enjoyed the leaves soaked in the sweet sauce at the bottom :)</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubx0C0VshIoNPCVgqlFUSez5uly99-bAn7TXVviyjjhyphenhyphenkRZjQkoW34Vr3AOMNRedLyTzLlCEaZ-FVL3Tv_RWSen4dQDKQX8JZuepNLseiiN_oBsUEvd_UnXWDXR2F8keisEQlPDPmPw0/s500/IMG_2976.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682656427053446002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>appetizer</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">From top clockwise, homemade anglerfish beancurd with salmon roe (in the bowl at the back), mini abalone and gingko nuts, salmon with cheese, mackerel sushi, and deep fried prawn. </span>I enjoyed the mackerel sushi and really really liked the fried prawn which was light and crispy and melted in my mouth! The beancurd was also silky smooth and paired surprisingly well with the salmon roe. Unfortunately, I don't eat abalone and the salmon with the cheese was a bit of a turn-off for me - I can never understand why people like to pair sushi with cheese, especially when the cheese tastes like Kraft singles.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWw6FB2sALfiNEaeGUOIwgAnX1VpMGDrBGQUshKaHskyXadzzw9mhRqYINS-GNr9HLPWCg1o1O0HYOP-DPY0M5z2I4Mm2UT_QdKxHBoVB3JNJ3tj-AH9a6KmoHzsJVhys8nq4FbUzxoHI/s500/IMG_2979.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682658053303068882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>sashimi</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sashimi of ark shell, chu-toro, and red snapper. I didn't try the ark shell but the red snapper was a little bit tough for my liking. Luckily, the chu-toro was the saving grace and I was quite impressed that they gave three decently thick slices of it! Chu-toro is my favourite grade of tuna, coming from the back part of the belly and thus slightly less fatty than otoro but still far more melt-in-your mouth than regular tuna. And this one really melted in my mouth, super tender and fresh. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsVT9gu_Guv2adGO5W8tb9guW93o-4qQB1kV7D_SRfKn6EcuqB4qWxEf0syumyA4ynmYQ3B3ESt5TfldtK9Mvof4q_DhOWFDzoT0QfWMqahtH9in5iI2mJC5SLCLEgBUuFQ1Pp8QpFrE/s500/IMG_2982.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682658057761680610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>simmered dish</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">This was described as simmered milt of cod (shirako in Japanese). I didn't know what "milt" was and taking a look at what was in the dish, it really looked like scrambled brains or intestines. I asked the waitress, who couldn't explain it to me, so I dug out my iPhone to search myself, discovering that it's actually cod sperm. (The waitress later came back with her own iPhone and a webpage that had the words "testacles" on it haha). We asked her if she liked to eat it and she shook her head vigorously with a resounding no. I tried a small piece and found out cod sperm is very <b>very</b> creamy and custard-like. Hm. Not too appealing. Apparently it's a huge delicacy in Japan and quite pricey. I saw a table of Japanese all happily chowing down on their sperm but I couldn't do it... Felt a bit guilty leaving essentially the whole bowl untouched but if my waitress won't even eat it, it's quite a telling sign :P</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtfIw81sK8jQhDHp0S93PhIXHtv_l18LEC_ZubKZlaxn7b36Srz0i5Arb66dFCHo4YTJRXPgCEjmEVv5d97TorLUqa-ukCJuWBn42ZIwDXOEg6Td2nm7uOqTx6KqRnDf6wfBPZkm0BTw/s500/IMG_2991.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682659976269162050" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>vinegared dish</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Scallop with citrus fruit, cucumbers, and some fried bean curd on top, all soaked in vinegar. The scallops were lovely and plump and really quite delicious but I found them to be completely overpowered by the citrus fruits (in particular the pomelo). I could hardly taste the scallops with all the ingredients going on.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4XzYZxQCTxlqLi-skKxJoSi2dEvVrMy-ccH8QDTMlepCN5g-hRqYdkFtrziBUDB3JwiyXTnxi0HjCcnhST6_48CUqE9FY-EAjZg4U3Vag6-YaowQxw-XeX8wV1XpjlrDi4Dg2FiaGN0/s500/IMG_2994.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682659977784242866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>grilled dish</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was beautiful. It was grilled belly of yellowtail and adorned quite simply with some grated radish. I don't think I've ever actually had yellowtail grilled before - I love hamachi sushi though so was pretty excited to try this. The fish was so flavourful though and it was great that it was seasoned lightly as the flavours didn't overwhelm the freshness of the fish. Probably the highlight of the meal :) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuF0oOT1qY1w5TUN3okqqdteo-mixqCb1Y5DwiuBaABs_yV13B9FoEM3D4TPBSiU2JYR0ROcNbnAuIH7ZThAz7ghtKHqjlMPFvkVVEy_yd6QHYupPMZ3T4oGTnoPPZTu0m6VODpP4tA-I/s500/IMG_2999.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682659995121120786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>rice dish</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">I believe the menu called this a rice casserole, which included mushrooms and vegetables. It was really comforting and hearty, perfect for a cold winter's night. I was surprised how healthy it made me feel too! I could picture myself out in a cabin in Hokkaido watching the snow fall, eating my bowl of rice, and reading a Murakami novel :) (FYI - for any Murakami fans, 1Q84 surpassed my expectations!) The rice had a great texture too - slightly moist and soft, yet not as sticky as a risotto...Just very plump, if that makes sense? It also came with a nice bowl of soya bean soup on the side though I would've preferred miso. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5joCP_U3ue857Ql508yW2AdaoEo4MzwRoTMza9p5MNkxgpqBVdaXVzgKmVCAhK2Lt_g_5-RbMrsIBxaOF1oKAItxyPqeGMWRi8eCZQGifvWwTJnw5rjX4wtWoTvIdX-4jcxkboCH0hk/s500/IMG_3001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682660003037210418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>dessert</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The dessert was meant to be a coconut purple taro soup with red beans but I'm not a big fan of red beans or coconut and so asked if they could change my dessert to ice cream. They were happy to comply :) They had a selection of normal ice cream flavours (green tea, sesame, vanilla) but I decided to opt for their korean citrus sorbet and it was the perfect way to end the meal. It really tasted like those Korean citron teas with clumps of citrus peel inside. Delicious! Apparently this was flown in from Japan. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My partner ordered one of the dinner sets that was priced slightly cheaper in the range of $600? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeEx7JLnf4g0jBsw3JvDWKrPS0v1Of5EULBkTtmMDB_J7xMMY8IiAS7nVxpMpXuvJhyr0afMRwAidoYgKWXlpSDv4HFwJXnIPoDKZIBeZldG1S3wqQ2GNJdtvd6q-90UTXAxv4naq7Gg/s500/IMG_2972.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682656403654201794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>complimentary starter</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was just spinach and maitake mushrooms but was again a delicious and light way to start the meal. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtK-ikzmW7k75nWHJidc-EpWU8TOTrpJxgE1RzL-D-AZsIqUZj5zwU8EiCb5akKDWkPbzqZFiFh-dQpaJ0Q_gPwTOkuBpthJA4HmSB5CpEgumMtZooLP-Ine9uPBODB9HeeTSZBgxeFg/s500/IMG_2973.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682656410590232594" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>appetizer</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was the crab roe salad which as you can see was served with a very generous amount of crab roe. I usually don't like Japanese salads too much because of the crazy amounts of mayo used but this one was actually quite alright and I had wished I had taken more before it was polished off!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebiV9FSzHXCd5CL7YvIARlRuadUekkFxcNzbIWtj-9NbjyTq5FUdmBOVibZMT9hCa1n2l65clFyGEXR0f57GHR2SAx31rzLtz3v_TZJCMcB4UJOUIvJwHcAUSyWiC4l-X1yloRYX8urY/s500/IMG_2978.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682656434303429730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>sushi</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tuna, snapper, and scallop. Didn't try any of these but I'm sure my chu-toro was far yummier hehe. My friend did say that the scallops tasted really fresh though. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2240Lt50AuvwlquuxQJpD-J7E9wjfKhA7PM_CIh74ZZBE9bqlCWrIpOeiUxruM3Pt5tYGAqsC8N7rRymV4Oxbhk0UaaRzNciNwMhT0MCRkoiiESYJR8MHIrd-4ezNIhfWf12hGDcCeA/s500/IMG_2984.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682658070463490482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>pretty bowl housing my ultimate favourite Japanese appetizer:</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLKdXnTlOTa2N26sQ4I1jfFHxe0NcHhudeYjMX58Wkxy8rX6CGc5H_ARowMHsNIFpobi22IoBEz2NowMzFgoYDBZ1FzXAkSExTgOXLgACAfm0YlG2YzlJ-_LY7Jm6gH9YewS0vuFR178/s500/IMG_2985.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682658081046532722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">chawanmushi!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I really want to learn how to make this, I assume it can't be too hard! This was one of the best I've had. The eggs were super tender, sweet and silky smooth, and I had a lot of fun digging through the custard to find what treasures were inside! Too bad no chicken, but there were matsutake mushrooms and shrimp :) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHNiQRVYOR_JlLzENSnxd1_VKcRYATyCpFw9joPXojCB7kMe7ENGBdvLTzQ1aAJU7eJ3HmaMw2OyZiuySqMWaC_ahB2Twzxft0IfMzVwUq2dNCG2UbVDPlGcHMVJTWGxvfq2ri-0sBps/s500/IMG_2986.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682658087044489394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>grilled beef</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was funny that they asked us how we would like our beef cooked when the slices were so thin! Felt like beef for sukiyaki but I'm not complaining because I love that stuff! The beef was pretty succulent and despite how it looks, wasn't all that oily. Really enjoyed the sides as well - in particular the broccoli when doused in the sweet sauce.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEP1pxGTKmSJEhMS8rYcuyM5gpoZIpLpqwWAKYAA8VRPJTgUjSZ5GF4oL7F2VGjBajLMF2FBmZA2cn9srQRqmllve-mE3xo_dkmH1hfjojSeOaLLa4-6qqTkzT3vntBO96kIKHjApchg8/s500/IMG_2996.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682659988555582834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>udon</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Inaniwa udon is my favourite type. It's thinner and generally remains al dente after cooking. This one was very very nice, with a soothing broth and deliciously sweet mushrooms. Too bad it was so yummy that when I got back from the washroom it was all but gone :( </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All in all, this was a pretty satisfying meal that left me pleasantly full. The service was great, ambiance relaxing, and the food was definitely above par. It was such good value too with the 50% discount - I think our whole meal came up to a total of $770 plus service charge! Will definitely be back for their Ladies Sushi Set lunches! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">---</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Nadaman</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">7/F, Island Shangri-La</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pacific Place</div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-13948378670357254542011-11-16T00:40:00.008+08:002011-11-21T20:50:52.841+08:00The Chicken Man<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9ydM4dwmy5IHogzDU4dAUNJ7tnMcyWcQsJRt-plG-kzuAMxHkc0YPP2kvbQSx8KebElZLbGt4hPPF_zH2HyO5PsUM8WUn5WwwoCGc2oDTutCdZypShFnVkN6czVhXLUpKw4QM12bXTE/s500/IMG_2835.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675264322219749138" border="0" /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love chicken and was so so excited when I saw <a href="http://www.thechickenman.com.hk/">the Chicken Man </a>appear on High Street, about a two-minute walk from my apartment :) It serves rotisserie chickens reminiscent of the type I saw all over Paris with the chicken fat soaked potatoes mmm!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On our first visit there, we were highly disappointed to discover that they did not serve chicken wings. After we put up a big fuss, the owner finally took our advice and put them on the menu which was the best business decision he could have made because they are absolutely fantastic - I went back twice within three days just to order them!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpacRtucN-I73Uz04_P9rUJsIdBgP7tOnONG8v2MD2KFaPzArWDDz2dBFmfJRyhbRyLRlpUkELyGtnpcygcdYIpJhom7CQW5MkF1dhkK7JGSFyZzQfgzdmypCq9zqF0DndwyKScS16N0/s500/IMG_2824.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677087089436148050" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>chicken noodle soup </i>($25)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was so so comforting. I probably should've taken a picture of the yummy contents of the soup but it included a substantial amount of shredded chicken and fusilli pasta, one of my favourites! The broth was really soothing and I could definitely have this everyday - especially with the weather starting to get slightly chillier. I advise you bring a bread roll to go with it!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxtBMCgxHPfeH5juvWxKdrcIPLudSw6cFPRHKnwi3Rk-w4QqOpg8CANf7odW8X3h9dJvMKqO1WOe1ZffZNdJ2W-tfXMVU-ioTqR30eBvfnLRs8QcVd32UUDg4yB1s-535n0eAerJNJ7Y/s500/IMG_2825.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675264313328034978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>chicken roll ($25)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pretty self explanatory, this was just chicken mayo on a small bread roll. It was quite okay but I thought there was a tad too much mayo. However, the bread was gently toasted and I loved the light crispiness of it :) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHHGYC8Vi-TQ5RfcXF-OhEBWZ9kGp2LPVqFqGGMKTmUg4EDdiK_VgruG0CWCSIglbBnIgv5Cli2p0D-4naMDagwjefnATp_V3kqn-AaexWQDOhBn9Fzd0dOQcfnSmSs49UHa1iv792oE/s1600/IMG_2832.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHHGYC8Vi-TQ5RfcXF-OhEBWZ9kGp2LPVqFqGGMKTmUg4EDdiK_VgruG0CWCSIglbBnIgv5Cli2p0D-4naMDagwjefnATp_V3kqn-AaexWQDOhBn9Fzd0dOQcfnSmSs49UHa1iv792oE/s500/IMG_2832.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675264316638778626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>chicken baguette </i>($45)</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was HUGE! It was basically slices of chicken stuffed into a baguette that turned very soggy and messy as a result of the heaps of gravy poured on top. While I enjoyed this, I felt that it was far too big and got a bit tedious to eat after a while. I also would have preferred chicken, gravy and mashed potatoes rather than in baguette form.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9M_DFvOIaN2hE2nNA86E17BuRueZSfpCoZFt6yUMYC-SuJaKG2H6f_3qHT2r7GnTHq4CwWBBqruMkhCQLNWcsntaeVFkWLAN-se9s3yPVzvFguMABVr4XH321M9Nygc8oBMRNlPsALVM/s500/IMG_2830.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675264340779387762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>chicken wings </i>($60)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And now...the star of the show. I will keep coming back to eat these chicken wings which had me attacking them like a carnivore! According to my friend, a self-acclaimed chicken connoisseur who has a penchant for eating a ridiculous amount of chicken wings that could probably feed a family of four (think KFC family meal combo buckets), these are without a doubt the best chicken wings in Hong Kong. They were super juicy, super flavourful, super tender and just finger-licking good! I liked how they were roasted as well, making them feel slightly healthier despite me polishing off all the skin. They were perfect without needing any sauce, though they are served with two sauces (I like the peri peri and the Chinese BBQ). Considering the portion size (the wings were extra large), it's great value too!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You really should get to the Chicken Man, if only to try these chicken wings. They also have good lunch sets, which range from $40 - $50. My favourite is one that includes a chicken leg, rice and vegetables, and chicken noodle soup / daily soup (their pumpkin isn't bad either!)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br />UPDATE - I went back today for a delicious lunch:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IzBmWjeB8siEs0FCQZnDEJ3Y4VnwNfb9vOZM-43WxbMBpt1_GtZhcd6MbaVzQILCZ4x-bWfhYW8x7mt7adDZ1TzbzSS8d76wLkmSRxw9hoEWaMFb_t5OfsvQcPSzGWKpTvdwoFgx_jw/s1600/IMG_2857.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IzBmWjeB8siEs0FCQZnDEJ3Y4VnwNfb9vOZM-43WxbMBpt1_GtZhcd6MbaVzQILCZ4x-bWfhYW8x7mt7adDZ1TzbzSS8d76wLkmSRxw9hoEWaMFb_t5OfsvQcPSzGWKpTvdwoFgx_jw/s500/IMG_2857.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677428688159136578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">lunch set C </span>($45)<br /></div><br />Chicken was nice and juicy (yay thighs!) and I really like the accompanying vegetables which I happily scoffed down with my rice. The lunch set also comes with a bowl of soup so it's really good value, and if you're a student you get a free box drink too! I haven't had Hi-C lemon tea in sooo long :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFegPIS9Iw83d4251MA3KDucaZGI9gPnWrB0k0_JxP7E6JfyZNagUE3xVB5n6_MHaCm_AtgKfJDnYsS1U3qL9aC4KwXlIG5MX6rOGCBmYI1gjY70xhSmNLIMqJQFaSzCy6Kld778Dan-c/s1600/IMG_2856.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFegPIS9Iw83d4251MA3KDucaZGI9gPnWrB0k0_JxP7E6JfyZNagUE3xVB5n6_MHaCm_AtgKfJDnYsS1U3qL9aC4KwXlIG5MX6rOGCBmYI1gjY70xhSmNLIMqJQFaSzCy6Kld778Dan-c/s500/IMG_2856.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677428682516089266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">kiddies lunch </span>($40)<br /><br /></div>This is only available to students and doesn't come with a soup so I actually think the regular lunch is better value. The french fries here are yummy though - not quite sure what they sprinkle on top but it's like my beloved shake shake fries!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZVXcCYtNhprshM-qTjCzbgIbp2a8ZI_B5mUsKsy7qO5MfMduOEJqovqDT3gLNP1uBCEf1WO98K0gEdR27mOhnnEk81jjSZ9DXn5qJ6dyXsyFHOn_13GIT6VhbTrOY3kQ8DVK56rg0oY/s1600/IMG_2858.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZVXcCYtNhprshM-qTjCzbgIbp2a8ZI_B5mUsKsy7qO5MfMduOEJqovqDT3gLNP1uBCEf1WO98K0gEdR27mOhnnEk81jjSZ9DXn5qJ6dyXsyFHOn_13GIT6VhbTrOY3kQ8DVK56rg0oY/s500/IMG_2858.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677428696778025618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">68% chocolate brownie </span>($29)<br /></div><br />Due to the generosity of the owner, we received free chocolate brownies each! Haha he definitely knows what girls like ;) I only wished I had added a scoop of their vanilla movenpick ice cream and this would have been perfect.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">---</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">The Chicken Man</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">72 High Street,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sai Ying Pun</div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-6834400588666678512011-11-14T15:56:00.006+08:002011-11-14T16:21:43.718+08:00Opus Grill<div style="text-align: justify;">I have always heard good things about Opus Grill and I love popping up there for a quiet drink - there's always booths available and they make killer cocktails tailored to suit your preferences! I visited for dinner last Saturday and found the restaurant pretty much empty...Felt a bit bad for them considering everywhere else in Central is usually fully booked on the weekend.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVHb2cBQ2wJirt6gLuo3NV3y31P1O7LphyphenhyphenzG2HDoXLBlN1XbX_0qLDbMfh7mfOLsJE7zsi-RWnfWV1IvBwzqWLZnUQKaloOMgzxdK1PL6IYE2w1HvRhljHkWdCrDaA0jCMaxDObJp0Wc/s1600/IMG_2799.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVHb2cBQ2wJirt6gLuo3NV3y31P1O7LphyphenhyphenzG2HDoXLBlN1XbX_0qLDbMfh7mfOLsJE7zsi-RWnfWV1IvBwzqWLZnUQKaloOMgzxdK1PL6IYE2w1HvRhljHkWdCrDaA0jCMaxDObJp0Wc/s500/IMG_2799.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674757657790918770" border="0" /></a><br />I liked their pretty plates though they were taken away from us after we sat down :( We were also harassed by the sommelier to try their sparkling wine which apparently is very rare and a gem we could not miss out on because it was sourced from Portugal... as neither of us were interested in ordering any wine, the hard sell was a bit annoying. Probably pushed me even farther away from ordering anything to drink! On the other hand, there was a super sweet waiter who ran down to 7-11 to pick up Panadol for us to cure our pounding headaches from a day out in the sun surrounded by pushy Chinese kids and their equally rude parents...That's pretty good service :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweqFkn3GEmo1CTWEuXRW5ADE63l5K0cz2o87SN3s6qmH1B3jMX4h7vrUyY_ZDRp6qa4-VhjyKTxPBk04SrsQb90HQFPnhAC1gl-hdchwRZhC92YbNy08SzQIUEhXYinMwgEA6b7WUD3A/s1600/IMG_2801.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweqFkn3GEmo1CTWEuXRW5ADE63l5K0cz2o87SN3s6qmH1B3jMX4h7vrUyY_ZDRp6qa4-VhjyKTxPBk04SrsQb90HQFPnhAC1gl-hdchwRZhC92YbNy08SzQIUEhXYinMwgEA6b7WUD3A/s500/IMG_2801.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674757662852312866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">blue stilton cheese salad<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Appetizer was a very light and fresh salad with a beautiful honey & wholegrain dressing. Loved the salad mix, especially the julienned carrots, and the blue cheese paired well with the mixed leaves and red onions. Delicious and simple - my kind of salad :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pIVAhT0hOZi0HlLtAnZXl90QXIaM5xubsN3DOmBA0p62vW9b6mJMze1wuC9ejoJmAs7R9qpWqYMePSxalwIOteWgshSABw67g-ICn8VFU7_an7r9Y-ZVYufh0VxFVPvkOv4-bnYRW3E/s1600/IMG_2804.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pIVAhT0hOZi0HlLtAnZXl90QXIaM5xubsN3DOmBA0p62vW9b6mJMze1wuC9ejoJmAs7R9qpWqYMePSxalwIOteWgshSABw67g-ICn8VFU7_an7r9Y-ZVYufh0VxFVPvkOv4-bnYRW3E/s500/IMG_2804.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674757673347631122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">french onion soup<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>I'm not a big fan of french onion soup which is usually far too strong and pungent for my liking. However, this one wasn't too clawing (probably because the melted cheese wasn't actually melted on top of the soup) so it went down okay. I liked the little cheese croquette to the side which I happily soggified in the soup :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXTwRq1y-uJQjqbrO2eo6c94-lpMkkYP4dL-Eo6nCgInj_f-fyKZiyi1x0B9Tkg-NsQsAbEcijezmDnYS5z95IRBK81Xb87GDoDlVD_8CAifv-wLb-UoezD9e6lPFkTLb5tp4GWBXg5A/s1600/IMG_2805.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXTwRq1y-uJQjqbrO2eo6c94-lpMkkYP4dL-Eo6nCgInj_f-fyKZiyi1x0B9Tkg-NsQsAbEcijezmDnYS5z95IRBK81Xb87GDoDlVD_8CAifv-wLb-UoezD9e6lPFkTLb5tp4GWBXg5A/s500/IMG_2805.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674757949323509058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">lime sorbet<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Nice and refreshing palate cleanser after the heavy soup. Mmm, I wanted to lick up the sugar around the rim!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4wrY7Bk0_4yt4eVt6fLLQ5RlKTslbT4zo3leZnuETxhB4WqTTI9WZjffKERVvBkttQPI88vOJkF7P0nVHKtag3IGNz6CMCYpV0ABHYMNP14rvEJE5QjH1R8RqghqYuak4kPuKdP_syc/s1600/IMG_2808.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4wrY7Bk0_4yt4eVt6fLLQ5RlKTslbT4zo3leZnuETxhB4WqTTI9WZjffKERVvBkttQPI88vOJkF7P0nVHKtag3IGNz6CMCYpV0ABHYMNP14rvEJE5QjH1R8RqghqYuak4kPuKdP_syc/s500/IMG_2808.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674757685081794946" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">david blackmore wagyu flat iron steak<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>This was what I was looking forward to!! I had heard great things about their steaks so was excited to see how it held up to the steak I had last weekend at One-thirtyone. Unfortunately, this one wasn't quite as good but definitely still one of the better ones I've had in HK. The middle chunk was beautifully cooked to medium rare, but the sides were slightly tough. I did enjoy the little pot of corn stew (full of butter mmm) and the roasted sweet garlic cloves spread on bread (the first time I've tried something like that!) Altogether, pretty decent dish though I wished there were some fries or mashed potatoes on the side. Perhaps too decadent.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ULo-NNcKghsShwhAPQ1bZwdJYQez-yWG_4oiWqS3rk9ny7qn80nzOkxVzgUsVayYis8QnNQeWWqjTphZ-qm7NAOOd7PqkM4p-2dnJKQ3hrwuF8NW2HLXRHwGYSbLdygVNOx2HAANfh0/s1600/IMG_2810.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ULo-NNcKghsShwhAPQ1bZwdJYQez-yWG_4oiWqS3rk9ny7qn80nzOkxVzgUsVayYis8QnNQeWWqjTphZ-qm7NAOOd7PqkM4p-2dnJKQ3hrwuF8NW2HLXRHwGYSbLdygVNOx2HAANfh0/s500/IMG_2810.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674757802313970386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">mixed berry cheesecake<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Not usually a fan of cheesecake either, but this one was so fluffy it went down pretty easily and was a nice light end to the meal. The raspberries and blueberries were very plump and sweet, and I enjoyed the mango coulis at the bottom - wished they had given more!<br /><br />The above meal cost $428, really good value for the amount of food we got and the quality. Not exactly an outstanding meal, but far better than Chez Patrick and I left full and satiated :) Perhaps I've been spoilt by one-thirtyone... :P<br /><br /><br />---<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">Opus Grill</span><br />7/F LKF Tower<br />33 Wyndham Street<br />Lan Kwai Fong, Central<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div></div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925844494709792658.post-18465287166338256652011-11-09T10:09:00.005+08:002011-11-09T10:48:12.620+08:00Chez Patrick<div style="text-align: justify;">This week is <a href="http://festivalofrestaurants.hk/index.php">Festival of Restaurants</a> (sort of like Springalicious all over again) and I managed to reserve a table for two at Chez Patrick, a restaurant that usually gets booked out first in events like this. The set menu is $428 for 2 and you have a choice of any four items off their special menu, consisting of 4 appetisers, 2 mains, and 2 desserts.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The restaurant itself is quite charming and intimate, and we were greeted very warmly by the maitre'd and Chef Patrick Goubier himself (though he seemed to spend as much time playing on his macbook than in the kitchen!) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We started off with delicious warm bread and an amuse-bouche:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3L7lS-21dje2ytx1TuBCW48eyFN6q2bei9wrpl2rnA3PhvoDvnBlipeTB9AUC8-pxvLUNpTz2uSO1R27pfcA9owLWUOD9V2koz2db_3hET_1OPESRSyN_maHrt_6AS_OMF0NdyI5XAmY/s500/IMG_2654.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672816294301330962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 360px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">I wasn't quite sure whether I was meant to eat the amuse-bouche alone or with the bread - I ended up leaving most of it out of sheer confusion. In terms of taste, it was quite interesting and I thought I detected a hint of seaweed and fish in the spread. However, no one came to explain it so I can't provide much more information that that...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKm-7vikFSq4h0aF_8tf8qzbG28OTjgzVwQRrGi9oGSq044-lDdnhVaCXHz050FrUe7LeLQ5zcI6LM9UHO5O2c6fVUe8Jguo0l5rYt-M9cfhT8iXFJbDwak67rv31SRLb7YKms4cSDhyE/s500/IMG_2657.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672816300013109810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>potato cake with home smoked salmon</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I enjoyed the gratinated potato and the salmon tasted fresh as well. The cream cheese contained a hint of lemon and dill, which made it yummier than normal. However, a pretty forgettable dish and portions were so small!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTS4_Iegz7cuO2XZ1mSjpXpSwqhL2ZduPq3TVRZN5eHzBZ28ViILOVK1qpaSYpRD9KTaxgjI5MF_0jaJc3j13poTcHdu3Q-MKGB9OjwLyUzy7lA_RkbFdV0Zaa0mEkM3I9kVadt9hREsQ/s500/IMG_2658.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672816307510530818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>confit duck gizzard</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was alright. I quite liked the duck when eaten with the salad as I found the taste a bit too rich on its own. Was also happy to eat brussel sprouts which I rarely find in restaurants! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYE2RuRObEPx1_ABJH5RMDkxAd4nR7ZotbsMQPnqJkf58MeqkzeHJrRwj6FIOH9r-kT-Odlasgwc__h98boVzQ7I9mdwqvVoVV3ucotEhlehq9EuKJS9VdHUS0AkxOqBlRdjaD1ZmHyII/s1600/IMG_2660.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYE2RuRObEPx1_ABJH5RMDkxAd4nR7ZotbsMQPnqJkf58MeqkzeHJrRwj6FIOH9r-kT-Odlasgwc__h98boVzQ7I9mdwqvVoVV3ucotEhlehq9EuKJS9VdHUS0AkxOqBlRdjaD1ZmHyII/s500/IMG_2660.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672816319814396194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>king prawns tartar</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6wHuP54QUq1y0qHqugPJmZ8w3RS_80B5lNAAWnurlA2dQTR5rlp2RMrLKp_RRf_It8UdbNxIyLvglX2H45nGIgZ9bLr93KDlHMaKdXFOgSYHa54TwuKYsdstGsAbRlI4wcZlN7GAoLQ/s500/IMG_2661.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672816328631944098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">This was light and fresh, and quite a delight to eat :) I really enjoyed the tartare sauce used which was creamy but not overwhelmingly thick or mayonnaise'y. They served the same side salad as they had with the previous starters though, which I was a bit disappointed about.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">For our mains:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2CEqs1i0CINH51A6q7uePZoVHXDcjw7iXgQdBbLiMiv7WO11RCoLOxPEY_oyiOoC6lexhWtZt6HaFrpaPzOHIq6Kyh7J9PVa5V-BdUWENpObCEPL1H2TPUdGQCMcSxdO4nWY2Wq_snQ/s500/IMG_2666.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672819404403665234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>braised beef cheek</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Hm. It came out looking pretty unappealing and I found the taste far too overpowering for my liking. Given this is traditional French cooking, I know I shouldn't be complaining, but I just thought a little subtlety and more flavours (all I could taste was the merlot) would add volumes to this dish. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3Jib6tYPHLuVFJFezdsVXsxtdAoFQyyJGkr6s0tTODHNbnSBpraiShQrqTaLEl0X5N_MkJmNHecEWDLCNt7EbEo_fdH5Le_DkLVHEx7VYTtYGDnG-n6fTtzQEl9AonFSFpEdKlgyiuY/s1600/IMG_2662.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3Jib6tYPHLuVFJFezdsVXsxtdAoFQyyJGkr6s0tTODHNbnSBpraiShQrqTaLEl0X5N_MkJmNHecEWDLCNt7EbEo_fdH5Le_DkLVHEx7VYTtYGDnG-n6fTtzQEl9AonFSFpEdKlgyiuY/s500/IMG_2662.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672819394244017394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>mini sea bass fillet</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This dish fared much better than the meat. I enjoyed the thin crisp potatoes on top of the fish, and the sea bass was cooked very well with lovely flaky meat. I quite liked the creamy watercress sauce it came with until my friend said it tasted like elastic bands which subsequently ruined it for me. Luckily, the pumpkin puree in the small pot at the back was delicious (especially with the melted cheese on top). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIquJ-CqHX6172_ngIv6YNs8SPhjN_0ecph7bzxeIk_GHHVQHQkVn6eNKiPHKYmnfBmrlvoPhCvHmLUCk4tqfMv2OqJVN7kX_t61u7EtjFmX61fN5NJPNu5wABBKQ3ZuNYNrg_TgJGGg/s500/IMG_2665.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672819398405853842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>baked chestnut candy</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The dessert was decent. I expected more from a French restaurant but I did enjoy the flaky pastry with the chestnut paste inside, though the chocolate block below was far too strong. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I didn't have a particularly memorable meal here and left confused about why so many people rave about this restaurant. The service wasn't particularly good - our water was never refilled, waiters didn't introduce the dishes and didn't know who had ordered what, and it seemed a bit disorganised as they brought out the same dish right after we had just finished it...The food did not excite me and felt pretty average, definitely not worth it for the prices you're paying given the tiny size of the dishes... And I wished that Chef Patrick would spend more time in his kitchen than out in the dining room socializing with guests. Perhaps then the food would be up to par. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Probably not worth visiting if you ask me, which is a shame because I really wanted to like the place.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">---</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Chez Patrick</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">26 Peel Street</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Central</div></div>charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02580979842387461545noreply@blogger.com