Food for thought

Food and I have an intimate connection.

I was petrified to find that food no longer tastes as I find myself chagrined and dispirited. So I decided that I needed a trip to Rome in search of stimulus. San Crispino’s green apple gelato, Il Gelatone’s pistachio and hazelnut gelato, San Eustachio’s macchiato, Santa Lucia’s pappardelle with white truffle… still I was lost.

I persevered, to Paris. Du pain et des idées’s baguette, Kayser’s mini financier, Gerald Mulot’s pineapple paired saffron macaron, Jean-Paul Hévin’s caracas… I almost give up.

Standing in the cold, autumn that arrived early, I thought of mom’s rice vermicelli in chicken broth with pork meatballs, dad’s steamed free-range chicken, grandma’s ikan kembung seasoned with garlic and turmeric… I knew it was time to head back home.

Onzen and Ramen

Got in Niseko yesterday, staying at a new boutique hotel.. met some nice people, but until you get to the natural hot spring, you are not in Hokkaido.

Ooi! and the Hokkaido crab ramen.

ACDC in Tokyo!

Been ecstatic about this concert for months, and I had to have Laryngitis now. Imagine going to ACDC concert when you can’t sing nor shout along. What a punishment it was.

I was initially going to Perth to see them, but getting the tickets was such a pain in the arxx, they were sold out within minutes world wide, so I had to go on ebay. While I was studying the auctions and deciding at which price I would offer to trade, a friend in Tokyo found a couple of tickets. Voila, I was in Tokyo.

As I was traveling across the town to get to Saitama, I was praying that I won’t be demanded to be fastened to my seat. Unlike most of the venues around the world where they’re performing, the Saitama Super Arena Stadium does not offer standing tickets. Having heard the reputation of the Japanese audience being one of the tamest in the world, I was dead worried.

As luck would have it, everyone were on their feet as soon as the concert starts. The concert only really kick off with Thunderstruck. Haven’t been that much into their Black Ice album, but I thought I should see them live anyway, this might just be their last world tour.

I thought Brian Johnson has lost bit of his voice, they have after all been on tour for more than a year. All in all, it was Super!

The set list:

Rock N’ Roll Train
Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be
Back in Black
Big Jack
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
Shot Down in Flames
Thunderstruck
Black Ice
The Jack
Hells Bells
Shoot to Thrill
War Machine
High Voltage
You Shook Me All Night Long
T.N.T.
Whole Lotta Rosie
Let There Be Rock
Encore:
Highway to Hell
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

He’s a crook!

As I was reading about the Boxer Rebellion and the destruction of the Beijing’s Old Summer Palace 圓明園, I came across the name Elgin. So I thought to myself, this can’t possibly be the same Sir Thomas Elgin who is responsible for the marbles of Parthenon Frieze being in the British Museum, couldn’t it?

It turned out that it his son, James Elgin who’s the person who gave the order to destroy 圓明園. Growing up, I never really feel the same anger for the destruction of 圓明園 as my mom does. Today, I realised that it was very much due to ignorance and lack of reading.

But, is he the real crook, or just a scapegoat?
Try to explain this to my British fiance, eh?

Food Inc.

My new read, might turn me into a bigger snob about food than what I already am.

When I fall in love… with a scarf

I have just come to discover the joy of wearing scarf.

But I haven’t got one. Despite having a clear idea on what sort of scarf is for me.
It has to be sweet but chic, and nothing less than a smooth, glide over your skin silk scarf… and I fell in love with, Hermes. But my pay cheque opposed the idea.

After weeks of contemplating and researching, I just had to convince myself that I could use one great scarf, and one is all it needs be.

The challenge to decide which one Hermes scarf to buy turn out to be a great challenge. I was initially all smitten with Ballade de Heian, simply because I felt I could relate to the Heian period in Japan, the fact that it was the Tang’s Chinese that poured the arts and literature into Japan. As I study the drawing on the scarf carefully, I find myself distressingly bothered with the drawing, where the figures featured are predominantly males. I find that unfitted to the theme.

Just as I was in dismay, I spotted La Femme aux Semelles de Vent in black. My heart pounds, my pupils dilate, there was no question that she is the one.

It tells a story of a woman of adventure, with a great thirst for philosophy, literature and linguistics, and who travelled a far to see, learn and live at the Far East before anyone of her time. Alexandra David-Néel is a legend, and I cannot be inspired more.

La Femme aux Semelles de Vent in on usa.hermes.com

Hermes Ballade de Heian

I think it’s absolutely lovely, all I need to do is just to justify to myself why I need a £228.00 scarf…

Tod’s Ballerina

Tod\’s Autumn/ Winter 09 Holiday Ballerina

In my wishlist…

Safari!

August turn out to be an absolutely extraordinary month, I am now in Africa!

Better, I am at an exclusive 76 000 hectare game reserve, one of South Africa biggest wild life sanctuaries. Imagine this, beautiful suite with Jacuzzi and moonlight bathroom, private balcony overlooking a pond frequented by the Big Fives, does it get better than that?!!!

Madikwe is located in the North West Province of South Africa, Madikwe Collections are some of the finest lodges in the game reserve.

In Bath

Nice and sailing off Antibes

An Extraordinarily Fabulous Summer… in Paris

Lucerne, Switzerland

Arriving at Thalwil a day before our friend’s wedding, we decided to see a bit of Lucerne which takes 20 minutes on the Switzerland railways, SBB. It cost CHF33.80 per person for a return ticket. The train took us along the scenic Lake Zurich.

Lucerne is known tourist destinations in the canton of Zürich with attractions like Mt. Pilatus and the city Lion Monument, which we didn’t see. We did however entertained ourselves to walking along the river Reuss, the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) which was constructed in 1333, and the Lucerne Old Town.

Still a little jetlag, we didn’t know that we’ll be so smitten with this country in the next few days.

Chez Tomo – Michelin Star

Chez Tomo, Tokyo

Chez Tomo is the creation of Mr. Tomoji Ichikawa, also known as the ‘French Superchef’ in Japan. The restaurant is tucked in a quite affluent neighbourhood of Hiro-o, on a sunny day the terrace is a natural choice, that is if you have a booking.

The Maître d’ who speaks French was notably snobbish, not a norm in Tokyo. Oh well, once you see and taste one of his specialty, Sea Urchin Bisque served in it’s shell, all your troubles (any troubles) go away. Sea urchin, known as Uni in Japanese is a tricky ingredient that one shouldn’t approach unless you have access to the freshest and knows what to do with them. You definitely don’t want to mess up this luxurious gem of the sea. This is my take, if you’re in Japan where everyone is freaking serious about quality (freshness) of seafood, and you’re in the hand of capable chef like Mr. Ichikawa. Spend the bucks, it’s worth every penny!

The Organic Vegetable palette was quite charming. With more than 30 different types of bite size raw and cooked vegetables, I could have this for lunch everyday, and not get bored. The rest including the desserts were good but not as inspiring as I wish it to be, then again I’m spoiled in Tokyo. I know that when I am in England, I’ll beg for something just half as good at the same price.

4 courses lunch is at 2890Yen, additional charges on chef’s specialties.

2-23-3 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku
渋谷区恵比寿２－２３－３　１Ｆ
Tel: ０３－３４４０５８５８

Kangol Head Wear

This is one of my favourite shop in Omotesando.

I’ll always stick my nose in this little shop whenever I’m at the neighborhood. Kangol‘s Berets were at the height of fashion after the 2nd World War, under designers Mary Quant and Pierre Cardin in the 1960’s. Beatles and the late Princess Diana were some of their rich and famous fans.

Kangol Headwear Omotesando 6-3-10 Jingumae
東京都渋谷区神宮前6-3-10

MAP to Kangol Omotesando

Nijo Castle 元離宮二条城

元離宮二条城

I have to bring mom to the cultural Kyoto when she visited me in Tokyo. During my first visit, I was dragged along the ‘Day Tour in Kyoto’ and the schedule was packed, we saw many places but briefly. Glad that I get to come back, work out our own itinerary and really see Kyoto.

On our last day, we decided to get up by 6am, have a long breakfast and hop on the bus 100 to Nijo-jo castle by 8am, only to find that it only opens at 8.45am. ( Do read my earlier posts of the travel in Kyoto)

Nijo Castle 元離宮二条城 was built in 1603 as the residence of the first Tokugawa Shogun (将軍), a feudal regime of Japan established by a man called Tokugawa Ieyasu 徳川家康 and later ruled by the shoguns of the Tokugawa family.

When the 15th Tokugawa shogun returned sovereignty to the Emperor in 1867, Nijo Castle naturally became the property of the Imperial family. In 1994, Nijo castle was listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site.

The walk in the main hall, the Ninomaru Palace 二の丸御殿 , which opens to limited visitors at specific hours is truly an educating experience for those who are interested with the Japanese culture in the early 17th century. It is built entirely with Hinoki Cypress woods, which awed mom who’s a bit of a botanical enthusiast.

Ninomaru Palace is also known for the Uguisu-Bari, a feature designed under the floor to squeaks when one walks on the corridor to detect trespasser. In those days, Ninja I reckoned.

The Ninomaru Garden is quite a jewel tucked behind the palace. Unfortunately, we have only 2 hours to wander around, and we used it up pretty quickly and have to miss the Honmaru Palace 本丸御殿.

From JR Kyoto Train/ Bus Station, take City Buses 9, 50 or 101, alight at Nijojo-mae Bus Stop. The bus 101 is a tourist designated bus, so stops are also announced in English. Otherwise, make sure you jot down these characters, 二条城前 Nijojo, and 前 is mae which means ‘front’, i.e. in front of Nijojo.

Nijo-jo

Midtown, Tokyo

東京ミッドタウン

Completed in 2007, Midtown is one of the latest lifestyle development in Tokyo.

The USD 3billion project includes a shopping galleria, offices, the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Oakwood Service Residence, Suntory Museum of Art, Design Sight 21_21 – a design gallery by Issey Miyake and famous Japanese architect, Tadao Ando; and many more.

The 5-storey Galleria houses some of the top Restaurants and Patisserie in the world, Jean Paul-Hevin and Sadaharu Aoki Paris are two of my favorites.

These are some of the retailers l frequented:

Belberry
Galleria/B1F/7

Dean & Deluca
Galleria/B1F/2

Koots Green Tea
Plaza/B1F/P
Business Hour 7:00-23:00

Sadaharu Aoki Paris
Galleria/B1F/13

SAIKABO
Galleria/B1F/20

Precce
Galleria/B1F/1
Business Hour 0:00-24:00

Club Monaco

Like most woman, I get adrenalized when I found a perfect Little Dress.

I found a classic cut in Navy at Club Monaco in KL, and finally gets to wear it to a wedding reception on an anchored boat in Tokyo. I am loving it!

Club Monaco Stores Location in KL
Pavillion
Tel: +603- 2141 6640
The Gardens
Tel: +603- 2287 4461

Takeshita Dori

Tokyo certainly is one of the capital of fashion along with Paris, London and New York. But when It comes to street fashion, there is no comparison to Harajuku in Tokyo. Located next to the pristine shopping street of Omotesando, walking to Harajuku is like entering a whole new city except that It takes no more than 10 minutes.

Takeshita Dori is the central point of Harajuku, where terms like Cosplay (Costume play), Gothic Lolita, Visual Kei were coined, and they’re well in the way of influencing the mainstream fashion and already is a big industry on its own. Brands like T. Kunitomo, Gekko by Yuji Hasegawa, Pas de Calais, Gwen Stefani have made a buzz worldwide. A Gekko jeans is fetching USD3k!

I am not into Cosplay, but I always have the love for anything quirky.

An afternoon at Harajuku is never an afternoon wasted.

List of international highstreet brands in Harajuku and Its Neighbourhood
Forever 21
H&M The Ice Cubes
Topshop at LaForet Harajuku
Quicksilver

2008 What a year!

2008 Journal

Harujuku 原宿

Harujuku (原宿) is the area around Harujuku station in the Shibuya-ward 渋谷区.

I guess one can compare Harujuku with Haight-Asbury in SF, except Harujuku is quirkier. Young girls dressed in Gothic attires, or Visual-kei ,ビジュアル系, this is a great spot not just for photographing but also to study the complex social phsycology in Japan. It exhibits the vibrancy that no other city can rival.

Lookout for my coming posts with detailed guide on where to go and what to get in Harujuku.

The fabulous Yoshinob!

A dear friend took me to her favourite jewellery boutique, Yoshinob after treating me to lunch at the Oak Door at Grand Hyatt.
The boutique is nothing less than an art gallery!

His design is classy yet quirky. Fond of flower motives, Mr. Yoshinobu Kataoka designs unique jewellery for those who appreciates subtlety.

The jewelery provokes thoughts of affections I believe It wasn’t just me who feels like fall in love, instantly. The kind of love that are sweet and tender…

I know I’ll be returning to the shop, quite soon.

Chocolates on St. Valentines Day

You surely have no worries about choices, shopping in Tokyo. The sky or should I say your wallet is the limit!

Being a chocolate enthusiast, I was delighted to find Midtown hosting a Chocolate Fair titled ” La Joie du Chocolat”, which means the joy of Chocolate in French.

With participation of the top Chocolatiers in Tokyo, the fair attracted a big crowd of well heeled female shoppers, and me.

Some stalls were snobbish about photographing, while the staff at Jean-Paul Hévin (my favourite cake shop, anyway) and the Belgian made Del Rey welcomed my snapshots. Naturally, they received my patronage.

I enjoyed the fair, as anyone should. With my pouches of goodies, I went for my routine walk in the Midtown park.
Such are the things I love about Tokyo…

Fore more Gift Ideas at Jean-Paul Hévin
Jean-Paul Hévin\'s Stores in Japan

My (New) Spring Coat

My rule: never pay for anything you don’t need in full price. Call me cheap, I like this rule.

So, here you are a frugal find, wool and cashmere blend for 6000yen.
Pairing with a Serengeti’s Aviator, it’s not bad. What’s bad is this post..

Les Enfants Gâtés – Michelin Star

Les Enfants Gâtés

Les Enfants Gâtés is a jewel of a find if you’re into creative French cuisine, and especially Terrine. Chef Haraguchi combined traditional recipe and techniques with a great flair in layering tastes.

For my Hors d’oeuvre, I treated myself to the chef’s specialty, Organic Vegetable Pottage. Served with generous amount of Black Truffles shaved immaculately thin, the Pottage is just an extravagance! The taste is simply natural, unpretentiously luxurious, obtained only with natural ingredients and mastery skills.

While my Terrine de Campagne had me speechless, my partner tried to finish his Terrine de Foie Gras de Canard Naturel without sharing with me! Fortunately, I managed to fight my fork onto his plate and tasted the velvety texture of the foie gras with the cured duck poached in duck fat and roasted Pistachio – Yummy! But, my choice was in its own league.

Terrine de Campagne is always a treat in France. What Chef Haraguchi did well was making it lavish but light. Truly a culinary achievement. I shall say no more and let you and your own palette decide when you are there, yourself.

The Terrine de Campagne is priced at ¥6,000 on a la carte, while the Terrine de Foie Gras de Canard Naturel is ¥3,400. That makes the 4 courses set lunch (Déjeuner ランチ) at ¥3,000 (or 5 courses at ¥5,500) a pretty good deal.

Les Enfants Gâtés
2-3 Sarurakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03- 3476 2929
Take-out and Gifts are available as well

Breizh Cafe Crêperie at Akasaka Sacas

Spring in Tokyo is marvelous. Quit often on a sunny day, we go to the eatery near us. While we never get bored with the 1 star Michelin Abe or Saikabo at Midtown, looking out for a new restaurant in Roppongi and Akasaka is always a rewarding task.

And so it is proven right again today. Creperie Breizh Cafe offers not only the best creperie one can find in Japan but also rivals the skilled grannies in France. One is simply pampered with dozens of types of savoury Buckwheat made Gallete as main meal and the sweet crêpes for dessert.

My choice of Provencale style Gallete, a house specialty was a luxurious bed of specialties from south of France. while James went for a simple Gallete with ham (Jambon). The consistency and texture of the Gallete revealed the artistry of the chefs. It is better than many Galletes I’ve eaten in France!

I then approach the Chocolate crêpes with caution. Indeed, the chocolate sauce wasn’t as ‘dark’ as I wish it to be. Nevertheless, it was nice.

My verdict? Excellent. Have I mention that it is also a great spot for people watching?

Michelin Star, Abe – Revisited

My third visit to Abe, and It is as lovely as before. I do have my reservation for the bacon stuffed in the pan-fried Salmon, all the other items are as good as they were.

I am in fact inspired to come up with say 20 Best Affordable Restaurants in Tokyo.

Please read the previous post on Abe for more details.

Michelin Star – Sankame

Set Lunch

Like a lot of eatery in Japan, this restaurant is a small warm place that can take about 30 people at a time, usually Japanese businessmen.

There are two choices of set lunches. Today, it was either Teriyaki fish or Sweet Potato. The choice is no-brainer for me. Having said that, given how Jap chefs exhaustively source and prepare even the most seemingly uninteresting ingredient can surprise our palate in Japan.

According to Sankame’s website, these are what they offer during lunch:

一、刺し身、煮物、ご飯、味噌汁、お漬物、季節の果物
二、焼き物、煮物、ご飯、味噌汁、お漬物、季節の果物

1. Sashimi, Cooked Item, Rice, Miso Soup, Pickles, Seasonal Fruit

2. Grilled Item, Cooked Item, Rice, Miso Soup, Pickles, Seasonal Fruit

The choice of Grilled Teriyaki fish set lunch spoiled me with:

5 slabs of Tuna Sashimi, 1 cut of Mackerel grilled in Teriyaki sauce, 2 sides of Marinated Seaweed and Pickled Vegetable, 1abowl of Miso Soup and a bowl of rice. Verdict? Delicious. Simple traditional Japanese lunch.

Set lunch cost 1950 yen, while dinner asks 13, 650 yen.

Sankame is located at 6-4-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Tel: 03-3571 0573 (The restaurant does not take reservation for lunch)

Website: www18.ocn.ne.jp

Winter Coat at Tommy Hilfiger!

I went to the quaint streets between Shibuya and Omotesando scouting for a new winter coat with just one line in my check-list – Down.

After checking out the sales at DKNY and Max Mara, I found a lovely 100% goose feathers Down Parka in Brown at Tommy Hilfiger.

Being my usual self, I tried the coat over and over to convince myself it is what I’m looking for. While Tommy Hilfiger is not a brand that pops up when one looks for a practical Down coat. My long loyalty to Max Mara was severely challenged, this piece turned out to be the warmest, best constructed coat I have ever bought.

Have I mentioned the 4 inner pockets and the pretty zipper in Gold?

L’osier, Tokyo – Three-Star Michelin

Michelin 3 Star L'osier

L’osier has received the highest rating from Michelin Guide since the authority in gourmet recognizes excellency in Asia in year 2008 and 2009, making them one of the 6 restaurants in Japan that receives 3 Stars rating from Michelin Guide 2 years in a row.

I was treated to L’osier for their le menu du déjeuner with another 3 friends. It took us 6 weeks to get the booking, naturally we went with high expectation.

I find this particular review the hardest to write. In my effort to be diplomatic, I find myself lost of words.

In general, I was more than disappointed. Pretty? Very. Haute Cuisine? No.
The desserts are a bit of a joke for a Michelin 3 star.

I’ll just say.. you’re better off with those 1-star like Chez Tomo, Miravile, L’enfant – creative, top quality ingredients, minus the Mumbo Jumbo of overly-sugared candies, rice crispy, and utterly uninviting Macarons. Enough said.

Michelin 3 Star L’osier

Address:  7-5-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Tel: 03-3571-6050

L\'osier at Shiseido

www.shiseido.co.jp/e/losier

L’osier Restaurant Review

L’Ardoise in Paris

Plat Principal, L'Ardoise in Paris

Restaurant l’ Ardoise – Pierre Jay
28 rue du Mont-Thabor 75001 PARIS
E-Mail : jaypierre@hotmail.fr
RESERVATION :+ 33 1 42 96 28 18

Galeries Lafayette, Paris

Iberico Ham at Galeries Lafayette, Paris

Bellota at Bellota Bellota

Amorino Chocolate truffles rivals their Gelato?

Arrays of variosu Fleur de Sel

Fleur de Sel

Iberico Ham at Galeries Lafayette, Paris

Bellota at Bellota Bellota

Visiting Paris on the last week of December (between Xmas & New Year) isn’t the smartest idea, most good restaurants are shut. I missed Du Pain et des Idées, the legendary bakery at the 10th district, it was shut for a week!  And Le Lenôtre, was closed on Monday…

Fortunately, there is Galeries Lafayette, and there is Bellota Bellota.

LE KIOSQUE

48 boulevard Haussmann
75009 PARIS
Tél : 01 49 95 05 36

Fleur de Sel

Organic Banana and Fig Christmas Pudding

Quinoa Flour Recipe

Ingredients:

1/2 cup or 50g of Figs, (30 g diced ,and 20 g quartered, slice from top to bottom)

8 Bananas ( 4 hashed, and the other 4 mashed)

1 cup or 60g of chopped Pecans (alternative: walnuts)

2/3 cup or 200gm of butter (alternative: coconut oil)

1 cup of Quinoa Flour

1/4 cup of Raw Honey or Raw Sugar

4 eggs

1/4 cup of Molasses

1/4 cup of Buttermilk

1 tsp of Cinnamon powder

1/2 tsp of grounded ginger

1/2 tsp of Vanilla powder

1 pinch of salt

Use round Pan, preferably.

Preheat the oven to 150°C. Butter or oil the pan

In a bowl, combine the Quinoa flour, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.

In another bowl, beat the butter and raw honey (or raw sugar) until creamy, with an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat in the molasses, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.

Gradually beat in the flour mixture, until it is smooth. Stir in the bananas, figs and nuts.

Pour into the prepared pan and bake for an hour, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Serve it warm with yogurt or Vanilla Ice cream.

Tips:

Quinoa flour: come from the Quinoa seed that provides excellent source of Acid Amino, once called the ‘Gold of the Incas’. It is gluten-free and offers high content of protein, Manganese, Magnesium, Iron and more.

Use Organic or Cultured Butter if it is available at your neighborhood, not just for the health bit but also for the taste

Cultured Buttermilk is a fermented cow milk, its a naturally choice for me as it is more digestible than milk. Note that it should be a traditionally made Buttermilk where Lactic Acid Bacteria is used.

You can bake the last 10min (of the 60min baking time) with heat between 200C to 250C, to get a crunchy top layer.

Serve the cake while it is hot with a small scoop of Vanilla Ice cream. I managed to get Dean & Deluca’s Modena Balsamic Vinegar with Figs, delicious!

Michelin Guide 2009 is out!

And, I’m all giddy.

All the eight restaurants awarded 3-star last year retained their title, while Ishikawa, a Japanese restaurant in Shinjuku enter the league.

My return to Tokyo in December will starts with a visit to L’osier, I have my reservation made in Sept.

List of Restaurants awared 3-star in Michelin 2009 Tokyo Guide:

Kanda, of Hiroyuki Kanda Address: Kamu Motoazabo, Minato-Ku; Tel: 0081 3 5786 0150

Kojyu, Address: 8-5-25, Ginza, Chuo-ku; Website: www.kojyu.jp

Hamadaya, Address: B1,Royal Park Hotel,2-1-1kakigara-cho, nihonbashi, chuo-ku; Website: www.hamadaya.info/sushi

Sukiyabashi Jiro, Address: 2-15, Ginza 4-chome, Chuo-ku; Tel: 03-3535-3600

Sushi Mizutani, Address: Ginza Seiwa Silver Bldg.,B1F, 8-2-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku; Tel: 03-3573-5258

Quintessence, Address: 5-4-7 Shiroｇaneｄai, Minato-Ku; Website: www.quitenssence.jp

Joel Robuchon, Address: Roppongi Hills Hillside 2F, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku; Website: www.robuchon.com

L’osier, Address: 7-5-5 Ginza Chuo-ku, Website: www.shiseido.co.jp/losier

Chemins, a disappointment

I was rather eager to try out another French restaurant in Tokyo that received the Michelin’s star in the authority’s recent guide. Located at Akasaka, Chemins was a natural choice being near to us. Gold embroidered picture frames, starched white table cloth, a fine French decor.

The Amuse-gueule was flat. A bite size Cheese Profiterole, with the least character to amuse the least demanding palate.

For Hors-d’oeuvre, I chose Hokkaido’s Cow Kidney with Duck thigh. Another flat creation. The potato with beetroot on the side was faintly more exciting. James had the Carpaccio with a slap of onions too raw and sauce too bland. So uncharacteristic that I can’t be bothered to taste what the sauce are made of. What happened to tasting the Carpaccio?

The fish was decently fresh and simple, the Obasan at a Bento shop can managed that cooking skill as well as of this one-star Michelin establishment. The dessert comprised of Chocolate cake with good balance of cacao and moist, and… I forgot the rest.

All in all, uninspiring.

Address: Akasaka Tameike Tower ANNEX Bldg. 1F, 2-17-7Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Tel: 03-3568-3344

Jean Paul Hévin, the Chocolatier who bakes

The Jean-Paul Hévin label is the mastermind of Jean-Paul Hévin who started as a chocolatier, and behind the label is the head of his chocolate laboratory, Jean-Michel Bougrain

Quoting from their website, “Jean-Paul Hévin has developed a number of methods that enable him to “taste” each chocolate to detect the different levels of flavors hidden deep within”, I can absolutely attest to this otherwise boastful claim. It is easy to make a rich chocolate torte, but to make one that has different layers of flavours and body, that’s artisanal.

It wasn’t until a few visits to the Midtown which houses a few heavy weighs like Sadaharu Aoki and Toshi Yoroizuka that I decided to try out Jean Paul-Hévin with my sister who is visiting Japan.

We selected the Chocolat Framboise (Chocolate Rasbery) made with almonds, raspberries, and chocolate mousse, and Safi, a chocolate cake with almonds and a bitter orange/chocolate mousse. Safi receives higher scores from both of us, the zesty bitter orange compliments the velvety chocolate mouse, oh yes.

On my second visit to Midtown to pick up honey from Dean & Deluca, I made a mistake to peep in the store. Naturally, I can’t leave empty handed. I, left with a slice of Marquise and a Dark chocolate Macaron. Marquise is a marvelous marriage between chocolate, coffee, mocha, cognac, and rum.

And that was Thursday, on Friday I pick up the Guayaquil, a cocoa cake with almonds and very bitter chocolate mousse after deciding that having a chocolate at the boutique for a hefty Yen1300 is a little too expensive. One has to try the Macaron again..

Galleria D-B-120
9-7-4 Akasaka Minato-ku Tokyo
Phone : 03-5413-3676

Abe rightfully deserves the 1 star from Michelin

While コース料理 7 courses dinner set starts at 8,925円 at 阿部 Abe, their simple set lunch cost a reasonably 1365円.

For a restaurant awarded with 1 star from the latest Michelin Guide, one can say that’s ‘dirt cheap’.

Abe offers two options for lunch. Fish or pork, with the same 4 side dishes for both options. My verdict is, simple food with a very matured cooking skills and approach. The cabbage in broth looks as boring as it should sound, It however, amused my palate much more than most of the fancier restaurants I’ve visited recently. The Pork dish is notably more exciting than the steamed Fish with Lotus, the melt-in-your-mouth experience are simply too delightful to have anyone having to talk about cholesterol. The Mizuna salad dressed in light vinegar brings the whole dish to almost perfection.

My apology for the low quality of the pictures of the two complete set lunches, hopefully this one will do Abe  justice

For those who read Japanese, below is their lunch menu.

小鉢 本日の小鉢
前菜 生豆腐　藻塩にて
魚料理 秋鮭のホイル焼き
又は
肉料理 三元豚の幸福揚げ
食事 山形産はえぬき炊きたてご飯
味噌汁　香の物
１,３６５円

Address:

2-22-11 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Tel: 03-3568-2350

www.kameya-net.com

Roy’s, Ko’ Olina

Roy Yamaguchi's Sushi Platter

Classic Apple Crumble with Vanila Ice Cream

Roy’s – Ko’ Olina
(808) 676-7697
92-1220 Aliinui Drive
Kapolei HI 96707

Dinner for the Brincks

The fantastic choices of organic vegetables and free-range poultry products in Waitrose compensates the less than satisfying dining experience in the UK. Well, at least for me.

Here’re what I prepared for my friends for dinner. Fresh garden peas with Kale quick stir-fry with pure butter, free-range chicken pre-marinated in rosemary, pepper and turmeric served with sautéed, mushroom, 100% Durum wheat pasta made simple with just Olives oil and Olives, and finally for dessert is fresh berries served with Mascarpone cheese and 100% Cacao powder.

One could easily have all this done in 60-80 minutes. This is my first time trying out Kale, a super vege with very high content of Iron. Love it!

Maison Blanc

Maison Blanc is probably the only cafe in Farnham that serves decent coffee. Their Macaron is not to shout about, cakes are decent. All in all, the best one could get get in a little English town like Farnham

Telephone: 0125 282 1606

4 the Borough,
Farnham
GU9 7NA

Albertina Do & Co Restaurant

The Albertina Art Gallery is a must-visit in Vienna. Not, only they houses some of the most remarkable paintings of Klimt, Kokoschka, Monet, Picasso, et cetera, the gallery are well designed and managed.

Now, next to the gallery is a marvelous surprise. The Do & Co Restaurant. The price is a little steep, there is a table charge of which I’m not accustomed to. But well, at least one is not expected to tip as much as in US.

We had the Fried Anchovies served with freshly made Aoli and marinated Artichokes from the tapas menu, and a choice of seafood and beef for our mains. Not bad of a treat after an exhilarating experience in the galery.

Have I mentioned, Picasso’s Women in Green Hat and Monet’s water Lilies were among the pieces exhibited during my visit?

Albertinaplatz 1
1010 Wien
Tel.: +43 (1) 532 96 69
Email: albertina@doco.com

Contact for the galery:

Albertinaplatz 1	T +43 (0)1 534 83-0
1010 Vienna, Austria	F +43 (0)1 534 83-430

Review: Lafite @ Shangri-la, Kuala Lumpur

I was the first guest to arrive for lunch, the restaurant had the AC too strong. I was, however offered a shawl as soon as I pointed that out to the restaurant’s assistant manager. Now, that’s a 3 star.

The signature lunch comprises of arrays of appetizers in buffet; a main course with choices of Chicken, Fish or Duck; and a platter of dessert. The assorted appetizers are quite palatable, but nothing to shout about. The only star of the ‘masses’ is the ‘Parmesan stick’, with at least 70% of Parmesan Cheese I reckoned and the rest being flour and perhaps egg yolk.

My main, Salmon Boullabaisse was quite a delight if its not the oven-baked Parmesan Croutons. Soaked in the Bouillabaisse, it tasted like a lump of flour with old olive oil, naturally I shared my experience with the The maître d’( admirably taking pride on their food) served me a few of the fresh oven-baked Parmesan Croutons, they tasted great. My verdict was, those served earlier were probably old.

My date, Angie had the Grilled Cod fish with Pumpkin sauce. She wasn’t particularly excited with the sauce, apparently the previous menu serves Cod fish with Miso sauce, which she prefers. I had a taste, I thought It was rather delicious.

As for the dessert, I find it hard to express my comments in any possible diplomatic manners.

‘Basic Wall’ rock climbing course at Camp5

Finally, I managed to secure a spot for the ‘Basic Wall’ course. Just in case it sounds exclusive, it’s not. I haven’t been able to go for the course because they were not able to gather at least 4 pax on the dates I chose, which is the the minimum no. of heads for the class to take place.

We were first introduced to the types of climbing (as a sport) around; the basic climbing equipment, correct methods of use, care and maintenance; how to tie the double figure 8 knot, how to belay for top rope climbing and communication & safety. According to the certificate i received for completing the course, we should received a basic technique on top rope climb, like body positioning, weight loading, foot place, and et cetera.. I believe my memory serves me well, it did not take place. Matter of a fact, I only noticed this as im updating this weblog!!!

Rock Climbing at Camp5 II

I was slightly mad that I was not able to secure a place in today’s technique class despite having had put my name in the list during my 1st visit to the gym two weeks ago. The gym’s policy is such that a newbie is not allowed to attempt the sport without a ‘senior’ partner being your belay. I couldn’t get KC to join me; but, my body shouts for the sport, I decided to go anyway.

Thankfully, there is a program for ‘first-timer’, where you’ll be guided by the gym’s instructor for a 1-hour course. There were 6 kids, me, and another bloke, Nathan; who was assigned to be my partner as he was the only other adult present for the program. The program demands an all-inclusive fees of RM45.

We started at the Top-rope wall. Nathan and I took turns to climb as our instructor, Wan belayed us. I didn’t manage to the top, but felt good at my achievement. We then tried a different sets of holds with the auto-belay. With Nathan climbing side by side with me, I developed a sense of competitiveness that overtook my fear of height and lack of confidence on my capabilities; I made it to the top! Have I mention that Nathan is really hot?

We finished off at the Bouldering Wall where we do both vertical and horizontal climbs. The latter was incredibly challenging. I can’t wait to learn the techniques!

Let me warn you, 2 1/2 hours of constant doses of adrenalin and endorphins, could be addictive. I’m already looking forward for my next visit to the gym in two weeks time! Hopefully, I’ll get to attend the Technique Class.

And by the way, what I called ‘Motorized-top-rope wall’ in my previous post, http://gochisousama.wordpress.com/2008/03/31/rock-climbing-at-camp5/ should be called auto-belay top-rope.

Bring your own lock and towel for those who wants to get freshen up after the climb.

Review – New Formosa, Taiwanese Restaurant in SS2, PJ

A cousin from Shanghai was visiting, we decided to gather the other cousins. Aeryn, whom had read a rave review of New Formosa recommended the restaurant for dinner

Reservation requires considerable proficiency in Mandarin or Cantonese.

Aeryn, whom had did her ‘research’ on several blog reviews was in charged of ordering. The first dish was a House Mixed Platter which consists of 4 different dishes: Grilled Prawns in Garlic, Enoki and Chinese Shitake mushrooms, Eels Fried in Butter and Curry Leaves and Battered Pork Intestines.

Mom was being suspicious of the prawns, ‘accusing’ them to be farmed prawns. I had to agree, they were huge but tasteless. You gotta trust the coastal girls. The eels were quite palatable if it weren’t for the generous serving of MSG. The other two were not worth a mention.

Next was Sezhuan Crispy Duck and Pipa Duck cooked with Longan. The Sezhuan Crispy Duck was indeed crispy, but provides zero in taste. The meat was way too dry that I felt like I was chewing on carcasses of duck meat. It raised a question if this is how the people of Sezhuan cook their ducks, or it is just a bad interpretation of the dish. Take Cantonese cooking for example, there is a strong emphasis on cooking with high heat and in the quickest possible manner to get a crispy skin but juicy meat (be it any meats or veges). The Pipa duck was however, appetizing. For those who doesn’t know, Pipa is a sweet fruit called Loquat in English, and it is indigeneous to Southern China. It is a popular ingredient used in the making of Cantonese sweets and dessert. The sauce was what makes the dish appetizing, but the meat was as ‘undesirably’ dry.

Then came the two sets of ‘Hot Pot’, one in a steel pot, the other in a hot stone pot. Pork cutlets with Garlic were sauté on the table, and the pre-prepared chicken stock was later poured into the pot. We were advised to put in the ingredients for the hot pot gradually after the soup was brought to boil. Ingredients for the Hot Pot includes Pork meatballs, Fish meatballs, cabbages, Shitake and Button mushrooms and some green veges.

For dessert, we ordered the Mashed Yam served with Pumpkin Purée and Ginko. This is probably the most decent dish prepared by this restaurant. It attained a balance of texture and taste, where the sugar added to the Yam was just enough to bring out the inhibited taste of Yam. In fact, I am guessing that it was probably salt (just a dash) instead of sugar that actually bring-out the sweetness of Yam. We were treated to a complimentary serving of another dessert, Fried Yam with caramel, (courtesy of the restaurant).

The fried Yam cubes were dipped in a pool of caramel and sesames, then into a icy cold water to quick-freeze the caramel giving the Yam a hard crust on the outside. Verdict? Comme ci, comme ça.