Just a bit of trek up the road from the Wai Kee Congee Shop is this pushcart coffee stall – Lan Fong Yuen.

It’s claim to fame is their pork chop bread (豬扒包) and milk tea. We were so stuffed from congee the thought of more food just made me ill. BUT, that didn’t stop us from having a cup of local coffee for a potent java hit.

Dru’s dad was the one who introduced us to this stall, and told us how we were suppose to be sitting on those stools.

Below is one of my favourite photos from that trip. There was a lot going on in that picture, and it captured the moment perfectly.

Lan Fong Yuen (蘭芳園 )
Address: 2 Gage Street, Central
中環結志街2號
Tel: +852 2544 3895 / 2854 0731

With friends in Hong Kong over the weekend, I’m forced to reminisce the 4 trips I made to the island last year. It was 4 freakin amazing trips I must add.

What I love most about travelling is eating like the locals, or finding that hole-in-the-wall place which serves up authentic, tasty and affordable local cuisine. So one of such places I visit repeatedly in Hong Kong is this porridge/congee stall in Stanley Market.

It’s a bit hard to find, and will involve a bit of map skills to get you there. Best time to go is early in the morning before it gets too hot and crowded, but if you’re dying for a taste and you got out of bed late, it’s still open at lunch.

Wai Kee is most well-known for their Yiu Tiao 油條 which is also known as yiu cha kway or Fried dough fritters. Their yiu tiao are made on the spot and comes to your table hot and crispy on the outside, but the inside is as light and soft as a warm croissant.

Here’s what we had, and what I recommend you order:
- Lean pork with Century Egg porridge
- Yiu tiao (油條)
- 炸兩 which is basically Yiu tiao wrapped in Chee Cheong Fun

Note about ordering: Decide what you want before you order. And when you get hold of the lady boss, give your orders quick and loud. Because she has a habit of coming to your table, and while you begin with your orders, she will start walking off. It’s quite amusing, but don’t worry, she’s still listening.

Wai Kee Congee Shop (威记粥店)
Address: G/F, 82 Stanley St., Central
Tel:+852 2551 5564
Directions: Central MTR Station, Exit D1 & D2

First time to the Wavehouse.

Didn’t ride the waves that day, instead chilled with a couple of cold beers and had some camera fun. Kiran and Andrea also took turns to try their hands out in photography.

Oh how I’m going to miss being able to meet you for breakfast pre-ride.

Egg, Kaya Toast & Coffee set at Ghim Moh Hawker Centre

Decided to join Danli and the girls at Stereolabs for the Kerri Chandler gig. Love house music, love Kerri Chandler and love my friends…so why not.

Here are a couple of snaps taken from that night. Bumped into Stan as well whom we haven’t seen in yeaaarrsss.

Hanged with Ming and Maurice for the rest of the night too after finding out it was Momo’s last night out before he heads to London for work.

The less I write, the better. Let the pictures speak for itself.

Ok I just google translated the post title, so Spanish speakers, if it doesn’t make sense, please let me know. Am hoping to take up Spanish classes soon, hence the little experimentation on the translator.

After 4 year hiatus, Christmas is back again in the Grays. I woke up, was given orders to pick up the thawed turkey and my sister!

Here’s something you may not know: You can buy your Turkey from Cold Storage, and keep it there until you’re ready to take it home. Let them know when you want to cook it, and they will thaw it for you beforehand. For example, our Christmas turkey was about 13 pounds, so the bird has to be taken out 2 days before cooking to completely thaw it ready for cooking.

Fantastic idea!

We usually open our presents in the morning before lunch, this year was no different.

Christmas at the Grays is the same every year:
- I’m the first to stir in the morning, mum is the last to wake up
- Wait till she comes down before Daddy “distributes” the presents. He would choose which presents to give out first and read every written greeting on the wrapper

(My Christmas loot was amazing this year. Best presents being a PADI course and photography how-to book)

- Light lunch by the TV (usually a Holiday movie is on)
- Mum spends the entire day preparing for dinner, she would always let me pipe the whipped cream on the dessert

- Dinner will always consist of salad or prawn cocktail, Turkey w/ home-made stuffing, ham, brussel sprouts, carrots, Christmas pudding with brandy butter or raspberry mouse.
- Dad always pours brandy over the pudding and lights it up (cheap thrill)
- We would pull Christmas crackers, wear silly paper hats and read out bad corny jokes

- Night ends with every jolly and exhausted

This time we had some of my sister’s friends over for a change.

After dinner we all gathered round the telly and played some Ravin Rabbids. Sounds like a fairly quiet Christmas

Sad to think that was going to be our last Christmas at that house

I love Mexican food: Quissadilla, burritos, nachos, guacamole and magaritas.

Just yesterday, Victoria asked me on twitter for suggestions on Burrito places in Singapore. I remembered Tequila Blue, a quiet and casual little bar/restaurant all the way at Changi Village, and realised the post was still sitting in my drafts.

So here it is, some photos taken at Tequila Blue, where you can find some pretty decent and very affordable Mexican food. It’s quite a trek out to the east, but if like me, you’re keen to try something new, distance is not an issue coz guacamole makes the world all good again.

Tequila Blue
Address: Blk 5 Changi Village Road, #01-2011
Tel: +65 6543 1153
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 4pm – 12am, Sat–Sun 11am – 12am
Website: http://www.tequilablue.com.sg/

BoOM! Who is your favourite colleague this MOaNDAY!

Today, I just won my office Heineken T.G.I.M. Survival Kits for writing a winning entry for this week.

Heineken are running a ‘Thank God It’s Monday’ campaign where they are handing out Monday Survival Kits every week (from 26 April to 31 May).

The kit provides you everything you need to get you through a Monday – a stress bottle, an eye-rester and a bottle of Heineken.

All I had to do was to visit their Facebook page and tell them in 25 words or less why your workplace needs cheering up. If you or your workmates get picked, they’ll send a set to your office on the next Monday afternoon. Which is what happened today.

Got a call on my mobile with a lovely girl saying Heineken has a surprise for you at the door! SWwweeeetttt!

Green Day comes third on my list of great gigs last year.

Glad they covered old tracks like ‘Welcome to Paradise’ and ‘Basketcase’.

Here’s my favourite song he sang acoustic.

• This week I aim to: Eat home for dinner, go thru biz plan, get thru 1/4 of 'a new earth', drink 2L water/day, Run, sleep at 11pm..latest. #
• I think i found my new workplace coffee haunt. Shots – a cafe on Ann Siang Hill ….so close i prob cld still be on work network over there! #
• My punny sister….asking for it,…. http://twitpic.com/1gquih #
• Stranded at clients. http://twitpic.com/1gsass #
• #nowplaying MGMT – Electric Feel http://qtwt.us/scs #
• #nowplaying Revision3 – Hi, I'm John Hodgman and I'm a Mac – Diggnation http://qtwt.us/q5nq #
• En route – outram park mrt. http://twitpic.com/1gxoqo #
• I am the mayor of Spinellis China square, but am afraid u're slowly losing me to Shots on Ann Siang Hill. http://twitpic.com/1gyf9t #
• Today it has just been go go go! #
• Still working… need.to.run.tonight. #
• 60 emails sent today… and still counting… #
• #nowplaying Revision3 – F*ck Google Analytics – Diggnation http://qtwt.us/wbnq #
• En route – holland road http://twitpic.com/1h5u87 #
• Bumped into "agentgrace" at mrt station. Looking gorgeous as usual #
• #nowplaying Justice – Phantom pt. I http://qtwt.us/dbsq #
• ….cologne/perfume triggered Migraine….. #
• There's nothing wrong with listening to Christmas music in April okayyy ! #
• My next big idea was conceived while sitting on the porcelain throne… #
• What's on YOUR table? http://twitpic.com/1h7qwg #
• http://twitpic.com/1h8bp3 #
• wow, huge fire at chinatown near OG. Oh dear… #
• Fire still going at Chinatown peoples park complex.a bit chaotic.Not advisable to step out.air smells toxic like burning plastic. #
• Based on twitter search, i was the first to tweet about Chinatown fire! First! Muahahaha #
• After watching MarthaStewarts podcasts on eggs benedict & cloud pancakes,have decided to cook up breakfast for the family this weekend. #
• Bailed on my sake girls tonight. Just not in the mood Sorry Hunnies… #
• now i can't sleep…. grreeeaaaattttt #
• Love u hunnies. Xoxo good night! http://twitpic.com/1hc04x #
• Just came across 1 of the most beautiful girls i've seen in a long time… days like this, i feel old, aged and fat. #
• Second time I'm going to hospital today, different person different hospital. #
• RT @jlfang: So relieved that Mr Grace is fine! #
• Skyping with Danli who is in Tokyo! http://tweetphoto.com/19443385 #
• En route – holland road http://twitpic.com/1hmxvl #
• Gnothi Seauton #
• #nowplaying Revision3 – Kevin's Fancy New Hippie Shoes – Diggnation http://qtwt.us/hh5q #
• Drained. Tired. Good night ! #
• Early start. Going solo on Bukit timah mountain bike trail. http://twitpic.com/1hvuwf #
• Down & Dirty. http://twitpic.com/1hw3q7 #
• SO RANDOM! I 4squared at Kith,guy beside me "Oh some1 just checked in".said it was me.turns out 2 girls he was w/ were in my year at RGPS! #
• Working on Andre's invite….. harder than i thought…hmmmmmm #
• En route to lunch #
• Happy birthday Janice http://twitpic.com/1iatcc #
• ION-bound. http://twitpic.com/1ic1wz #

Just another weekend out with the Sake girls.

Once in awhile, we would get together for dinner, sake and get jiggy with it down at the club after. Sake dinner strictly for girls only. Boyfriends and boy friends can join later

Never a dull moment with my ladies of leisure.

xoxo

I love LOVE Japanese food, but finding a decent sashimi place in Singapore will leave a huge hole in your pocket. Freshness doesn’t come cheap. Akashi’s sashimi may be a bit pricey, but everything else on the money is pretty reasonable. I would have definitely recommend this place, but I’m just unsure now that they have moved if they brought the same chefs over. And at which branch?

I first visited Akashi at Tanglin Shopping Centre with Dru last year but since then, they have relocated next door to Orchard Parade Hotel. So perhaps that’s the best outlet? Don’t take my word for it.

Otoro – Slice of heaven on a bed of cold cucumber sided with fresh wasabi and sprouts

Cha Soba top with sliced Nori (Seaweed) and Sesame Seed

My favourite: Dragon Roll – soft shell crab and avocado maki

Japanese salad with Horenso dressing (sesame)

Best dish: Teriyaki cod – cooked to perfection

Agedashi Tofu

Akashi (Orchard Parade Hotel)
Address: #01-01A Orchard Parade Hotel, 1 Tanglin Road
Tel: +65 6732 4438
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun noon-3pm, 6.30-10.30pm.

I heard other branches have popped up, not sure if there is a price difference?

Akashi (Paragon Shopping Mall)
Address: #B1-01, 290 Orchard Road S(238859), Paragon, Orchard
Tel: +65 6735 8887
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 11.30 – 10.30 pm

Akashi (Vivocity)
Address: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #B2-07/08/09 VivoCity
Tel: +65 6376 9972
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 11.30am – 10pm

Priya is such a doll. She organised Christmas brunch at The Fullerton for around 15 of us and even bought Santa hats and sprinkled glitter all over the table just to make it look more festive!

Buffet spread was amazing, but I just kept to shellfish, eggs Benedict, dessert and Mimosas.

Lunch was preceded with many rounds of the 5/10 thumb game, and the table getting increasingly jolly. Made friends with the family on the next table and Daddy decided to join the boys for a few rounds too!

(From left to right): Sam, Priya, Kim and Princess (Joel)

(From left to right): Daisy, Adam, H.o.T (House of Trousers), Tony.

And what better way to end the day than drunken bowling at Marina Square after!

Still loads of past blog posts which are now starting to resurface. Realise I have lots from Hong Kong still sitting in drafts! And after clicking through a few pages, I found this one back from early 2009 at the Eneloop Mountain Bike Carnival.

The Bike Carnival was held on 28 February 2009 at the Tampines Mountain Bike trail organised by DirTraction. The highlight of the carnival was the inaugural 100km night race. Besides the main event, there were additional categories such as Super Downhill and Dirty Duathlon.

I put down my name for the Super Downhill only to find out that I was the only girl who signed up?! So no category for girls

After looking at the Super Downhill track conditions, I’m kinda glad I wasn’t taking part. Right at the bottom of the route was a massive pool of mud which was almost impossible to avoid. Look at the photo above to see what I mean!

The main race was the 100km inaugural night race, aimed at pushing body to its limits, cycling 10 laps of the 10km loop of the Tampines trail…at NIGHT!

You can either go solo or as a team of 4, and with my fitness at a all time low then, I opted to join Ming, Josh and Ben as a 3 person team.

Overall the race was Okay. Transition areas were chaotic with lanes being narrow and many mud clogged bikes taking up space at team tents. In the end, no one finished the 100km because we got rained out really bad at around 10pm. Race officials made the call because the lightning posed too much of a danger for the riders.

We were absolutely drenched.

Was good to see familiar faces, including my cousin Eureka who came down from KL Malaysia for this race.

Here are two videos with footage from the actual race I found on YouTube (done by someone else) to give you an idea of what went down.

I’ve been eyeing this bike online, and when I saw it at Nik & PLing’s house a few months back, I had to take it for a spin.

2 things that I love about cruisers: Coolness and Comfort factor.

A new bike shop opened down the road from work called Fabscycle. And I’ve gone back twice just to look see. Itching to get myself one!! ArGH!

Now on to fixies, there’s just something about the simplicity which I love.

The wonderful people at Urban outfitters are now allowing users to customise their fixies online for just US$399! That’s a bargain! Have a go at their website HERE. Sweeeeet!

Cruiser or Fixie? Let’s take a poll

Thought it would be a good idea to build a Gingerbread house for a Christmas Party I was invited to, instead of baking my usual Gingerbread men.

Heard about these DIY Gingerbread Houses you can buy from IKEA, and so I took a bus down one day after work and got me self two boxes. One for me, and one for Andre (thinking it would be a great afternoon activity for the kid).

I went to Cold Storage and bought all kinds of candy to decorate the house in: licorice sticks, M&Ms, chocolate covered sunflower seeds, mini-candy canes, coloured icing.

First thing you have to do is “build” the house, using icing at joints to hold everything in place. FAIL FAIL FAIL! Icing in our climate takes forever to harden, and the gingerbread starts to soften in this humidity.

Next Christmas I’ll just stick to making my Gingerbread men. pft!

Pre-Christmas dinner and Wii Rock Band at Duncan’s.

Just some pictures from last year’s ZoukOut, lots of leis, lip glosses and shakey faces!