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Category Archives: Bacon and Eggs
‘Foodie Challenge’ Round-Up: Sydney (May/June 2015)
If one didn’t know any better and happened to scroll through my instagram, they would most likely make the inference that I spent 10 days in Sydney eating and doing nothing else. They wouldn’t be entirely correct but in no way would I say they were completely wrong either. With the days I spent waiting for ‘pending’ or ‘processing’ paperwork, I was determined to meet up with as many of my friends as possible; a corollary of this being the copious amount of coffees and brunches which came into existence. There really is no better way to catch up with someone than over a relaxing brunch. Additionally, many of my foodie friends were enthusiastically recommending all of the ‘must-try’ hot-spots and dishes which I had better add onto my list before I left. 
Without further ado, the food ‘log’ shall be revealed…. *inhale*
A Boy to Man: Basic Military Training Graduation
For the last six months I have been travelling between Sydney and Singapore, visiting my Lil’ Bro who has undergone quite a dramatic life-change; moving to Singapore (post-HSC) for National Service. Although there was initial worry for him, in terms of adapting to such change, Lil’ Bro took the challenge with a determined and positive attitude and recently graduated from his Basic Military Training.
The final challenge of this component of his service was a 24km route march from the Training Centre to the majestic location of the Floating Platform at Marina Bay, which is surrounded by the beautiful icons of the city. Following this gruelling but what Lil’ Bro describes as an emotional and breathtaking march, symbolic of their 10 week intensive training, the ‘recruits’ take part in their ‘Passing Out Parade’ (shortened to POP) where they are met by their family and friends.
This event was highly anticipated by my family, however my suspicions are that I was the most eager of all. The night before the POP, I set numerous alarms to ensure that we would be able to secure front row seats for the best photo opportunities – I was out of my bed at 4.00am. My parents and aunt were amused by my eagerness, especially when we ended up being the first to arrive at Marina Bay although I insisted that we were already arriving very late!
Winter ‘Chills’: Devon Cafe
The end of semester arrived after what felt like an endless three weeks of study and exams.
Third year has definitely provided its challenges and pressure is most definitely mounting – as my Pharmacology lecturer expresses, “You guys are on the market next year”. So, between study, more study and planning for 2015 (it seems early but as usual application deadlines and New Years will arrive with little warning!!), there has been little time for anything else!
Completing my final paper on the painfully timetabled final Saturday morning of exam period, I met one of my oldest food ‘partners-in-crime’, M for brunch on this chilly Monday. Being my third visit to the increasingly famous Devon Cafe (Mama and I have have enjoyed both their brunch and lunch), I was eager to introduce M to this brunch haven. We agreed that after a hectic semester, the feeling of being able to simply “chill” over winter break (excuse the pun) was more than welcome in a widespread embrace!
My insta-surveying had me eyeing the “Ultimate Toastie” special BUT to my the disappointment of my increasingly large winter appetite, I was told that this highly photographed dish is only served on Friday to Sunday! No matter, this momentary sadness was salvaged by the prospect of trying the “Eggs Blini”; Buckwheat blini, cured king salmon, salmon caviar, broccolini, sauce Mikado and poached eggs. Usually, ‘Benedict-type’ eggs are sometimes rather heavy, but thisdish was quite the opposite. Eggs were poached to oozing perfection, blini was fluffy and slightly sweet and was complemented perfectly by a tangy sauce and delicious cured salmon. Never having seen this on a cafe menu before, I thought it was rather unique and definitely something I would recommend for poached egg enthusiasts and those looking for a dish that is not the ‘run-of-the-mill’ brunch option.
Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail I: Flock Café, Singapore
Hello and Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful festive season and 2014 has taken off with success :).
In parallel with the start of a new year I thought it would be appropriate to share with you all a ‘fresh visit’ to a place which I have explored before…
What is a new year better for than discovery?
In the past, I have written about what has been described as the ‘achingly hip’ suburb of Tiong Bahru, Singapore. Each trip to Singapore usually includes a stroll through the neighborhood, however this year Papa was determined to follow the ‘Heritage Trail’. Thus an ordinary family outing become one which provided new experiences and discoveries.
With what seems to be a perpetually developing café scene in Singapore, we stumbled upon a spot which I had been meaning to track down last year! To my surprise I crossed a small laneway and found ‘Flock Café’ at the corner of an old apartment block.
A quaint and narrow premises holds what has become a foodie hot-spot as well as a hit with the expatriate crowd.
Features: Mumma reckons their coffee is one of the best that she has tried in Singapore and my ‘Iced (Flat) White’ made the humid and warm exterior a distant memory.
Must-try dishes: Eggs Benedict and Pancakes
Perfectly poached eggs and a perfectly balanced (not overly rich) Hollandaise
Fluffy…I mean ‘cloud-like’ fluffy pancakes and a generous amount of compote
If you have enough stomach space….: Big Breakfast
If you are looking to experience something other than the hawker scene in Singapore, which in my case I have eaten quite repetitively, this is the perfect location. Good food at modern café appointed in an area with old-time charm….yes please…
More on Tiong Bahru to come!
Ming xx
P.S. Photos taken with an iPhone 5….have been slightly poor at lugging my DSLR around hehe
Freedom Vs. Exam Hibernation: 18 Grams Espresso
At this moment, Lil’ Bro and I are at opposite ends of the freedom spectrum – I am basking in the freedom of post-exam period while Lil’ Bro is suffering the stress and hard-work of HSC Trial preparation as he hibernates in the study. Upon delivering Lil’ Bro to his morning tutoring session, Mama and I snuck off to Randwick to give 18 Grams Espresso a taste test after Papa had raved about its coffee numerous times.
“What’s with the name 18 Grams?” you may ask.
A double shot of coffee uses roughly 18 Grams of ground beans!
Latte – Ecuadorian Blend of the Day
hello it's ming. 