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29/07/2024

28/07/2024

#暇咖啡
#瑞芳
#台湾

28/07/2024

#鼻頭角步道
#瑞芳區
#新北市
#台北

28/07/2024

Have mostly walked the underground around the Taipei Main Station area. Taipei Main Station looks quite ‘modern’.

27/07/2024

Wasn’t expecting this but wow, 4 levels of figurines and showcase at Popmart flagship store in Ximending🥰

Another good luck with Molly Classical Retro series, Molly on a rocking house - Molly & Unicorn, original version.

Decided to get spy family Anya as I like her look and pink hair.

Also liking Hacipupu but I had no luck with ‘In My Dream’ series.
I got a sleepwalking boy.
I want to see his innocent looking eyes, not closed!😆

https://youtu.be/o7QLIl2z2Fw?si=YEaM5J7RVQZBDJs7

#泡泡瑪特西門町旗艦店
#台北

27/07/2024

满满的奶霜
好吃

#台灣人ㄟ甜甜圈
#华阴街
#台北

26/07/2024

My favourites.

Abalone with green bamboo shoot
- love the use of Chinese ingredients made into soup using French consommé method
- the sweet aftertaste of the bamboo shoot
- chewy abalone

Raw bonito with Perilla Plum
- artistic use of the chili and other oils to make it like a work of paint art

Milk ice cream with meringue and peach
- good flavours and textures of milk, peach and jasmine

Croissant mocktail
- clever use of brown butter, sea salt, pineapple and rum substitute that it really tastes like croissant.

https://youtube.com/shorts/cqqapm5axwA?si=r-5T5NPyfEGhumzF

26/07/2024

#金山南路

26/07/2024

葱香嫩油鸡👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

#度小月
#迪化街
#台北

26/07/2024

#根元咖啡
#迪化街
#大稻埕
#台北

26/07/2024

#迪化街

26/07/2024

#迪化街
#大稻埕

25/07/2024

#青葱牛扎饼

25/07/2024

#玖仰茶食文化
#永康街
#台北

24/07/2024

21/07/2024

Shall try its 2024 trinity cushion collections in shops

https://youtube.com/shorts/FMXbaC3gJXg?si=a9Esv0idS0FwQmEj

07/07/2024

Swarovski Crystals
Bling always attracts.
My impression of Swarovski has always been the crystal centerpiece on a pendant, on a ring, presented in a dark blue box with its signature swan logo.
Since 2023, the store boutiques have been decked in pastel colours like pink, yellow, light blue, light green. Items are also out of the usual glass shelves. Customers can directly touch and feel them as they browse along the compartmentalized shelves.
Honestly it took some getting used to, from the more serious dark blue colour to all these pastel yet lively colours.
If my memory didn’t fail me, now all stores are decked in the multi 4 colours instead of just 1 of the new pastel colours. I think it is a better move, as when I first passed by its stores in different malls, I was like is it trying to revamp into pink or green etc?
As I made my purchase and saw the packaging, I understood better. Basically each size is a different colour. So if you purchase necklaces or rings, the box and paper bag will always be white. If you purchase bracelets, the box and paper bag will be green. For figurines, it will be yellow. I didn’t get the blue nor green bag but they are for larger size items. So likely for home decor items, small handbags etc 🤭

https://youtube.com/shorts/ZOeTDyvWqFo?si=TYF-inPFFDC11yOE

29/05/2024

Tasting Spring

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6jSTfdv1RJ/?igsh=d3k2OHF4cWtiYW0w

12/05/2024

12/04/2024

Matrimandir, Auroville

A dream where “no nation could claim as its own, where all human beings of goodwill who have a sincere aspiration could live freely as citizens of the world and obey one single authority, that of the supreme truth; a place of peace, concord and harmony where all the fighting instincts of man would be used exclusively to conquer the causes of his sufferings and miseries, to surmount his weaknesses and ignorance, to triumph over his limitations and incapacities; a place where the needs of the spirit and the concern for progress would take precedence over the satisfaction of desires and passions, the search for pleasure and material enjoyment.”

Auroville is a utopia in south India which started in 1968, with a current population of 3,300. Matrimandir is the soul of Auroville, where the amphitheatre with the Urn of Human Unity which contains the soil of 121 nations and 23 Indian states. All of these are surrounded by a lake in the making, creating an atmosphere of calm and serenity and serving water to the city in the future.

11/04/2024

Reed Roofs

Dubbed as Holland’s Venice, Giethoorn is a canal village with traditional reed thatch roofs.

Tile roofs have replaced most of reed roofs as it is more expensive to use reeds now. But there are still some houses using reed roofs to maintain the look of Giethoorn.

09/04/2024

Codes of Quatre

One reason why I enjoy browsing in luxury brand stores is understand product design.

My first impression when I saw Boucheron’s ring is, ok, it’s a stacked ring look with 4 colour combination - rose gold, black, silver, yellow gold, each with a different texture look.

Upon reading the article, I realised each code has its symbolism.

The first code starting from the base, is the Double Godron, where the melding of two rings symbolises an eternal love that binds two beings. Very good selling point!

Its third code stays true to rings - diamonds which symbolises eternity. Talk about romanticism!

The second motif resembling cobblestones of Paris, pays homage to the Maison’s original address at 26 Place Vendoome, which still stands today. The numerous facets draw light to the ring to accentuate its radiance. Talk about heritage!

Representing eternity is the third code – a row of precious diamonds. Talk about romanticism!

The last code is the Grosgrain motif, a ribbed silk fabric often used to make ribbons. This is also paying homage to the founder’s father, a draper. Plus, the brand is renowned for creating pieces that is as delicate as the finest fabrics. Talk about remembrance!

With all these background, it makes me more appreciative of how a piece of jewellery comes about and I now definitely see it in a different light!

https://cnaluxury.channelnewsasia.com/obsessions/boucheron-quatre-collection-20-anniversary-244151

03/04/2024

Sponge bob in Chinese Temple

I haven’t been to 鹿港in彰化.
My impression of 鹿港would be from 罗大佑《鹿港小镇》，a 1982 song, that would be a small town, fishing village.

I was watching 《我们回家吧2》when I came across 玉渠宫, a temple which worships 田都元帅，god of drama, and by extension traditional opera, theatre, music, and other forms of performance art.

The interesting part was other than colorfully decorated with musician art, there are pictures of western / Japanese cartoon like sponge bob, doraemon and Mickey Mouse!

https://spectralcodex.com/lukang-yuqu-temple/

#玉渠宫
#田都元帅
#戏曲之神
#鹿港
#彰化
#台湾

16/03/2024

https://youtu.be/RaJBdsj-QwQ?si=EGa2tCupJNUreIxt

Back in Phuket after 8 years.

My 3rd visit to this Thai tourist island, so naturally would endeavour to check out new or yet to visit locations.

First stop was in Phuket Old Town. For those who have only visited the beaches in Phuket, the old town is an eye opener, with a substantial Peranakan influences. 8 years on, there are definitely a whole lot more cafes in this area as I walked along Dibuk, Thalang, Krabi, Yaowarad, Thep Krassatri roads.

If you crave for Singapore style Kaya toast with half boiled eggs, check out Mainam Shophouse (16 Krabi Road). Opened by a Singaporean who’s now based in Phuket, serving self roast bean coffee, eggs, sandwiches, waffles, iced tea concoctions, smoothies. And Juitee’s tiramisu, for those in the know.
For plant lovers, this is a good cafe to chill in.
I especially love the corner by the aquarium, with a speaker next to the red sofa.

We had lunch at the classy colonial style building, just off the edge of old town - House of Tin Baron (18 Satun Rd). Serving Thai and western cuisine, It has 2 dining areas and private rooms. Helmed by the Greyhound cafe group, the quality should be guaranteed. And it didn’t disappoint. I love its tamarind prawns and this unique pandan balls with salted yolk in warm coconut cream dessert.

We had loads of seafood since Phuket is an island, ranging from inexpensive Tunk-ka Cafe (hilltop, Phuket City Viewpoint, my favourite is the crab fried rice and soft taro balls in warm coconut cream), far flung Phang Nga old school eatery (ร้านบ้านเรือนไม้, my favourite is the stir fried crab with glass vermicilli), to expensive, multi seard winning, long time fine dining Thai restaurant by the cliff with spectacular sunset view Baan Rim Pa (Kalim beach, my favourite is the fried tiger prawns wrapped with Phuket yellow noodles and mango sticky rice).

Notable cafes would be Coconuts Cafe (32/19 Chalong) if looking for kampong green coconut tree views, Slumberland Brunch n Beans (21 soi 3, Bangkok Rd) if looking for good bakery breads and cookies. Another nice decorated cafe would be Delico Cafe and Restaurant (107/48 Bypass Rd).

For a good view of Phang Nga Bay, Sametnangshe Boutique Bayview Cafe is a good choice.

I would recommend Cafe Del Mar Phuket (118/19 Kamala) as a good to go Beach Club. The decoration and vibes are very in tune to beach area and it is located on the more exclusive Kamala beach. Try its Pata Negra pizza which I really enjoyed.

Another quieter area would be Porto de Phuket in Choeng Thale, which is an open air, upmarket eating and lifestyle area.

For instagram shots, can consider Samutr Bar at Amari Phuket, although the pool views tree pod, Breeze Spa are good for photos too.
Oh also the bee hives at Keemala Phuket (10 88 Nakasud Rd).

For shopping, can consider Central Phuket Floresta/Festival (199 หมู่ที่ 4 Vichitsongkram Rd), Robinson Lifestyle Chalong (10 53 Soi Ta-iad) and Jungceylon Mall Patong.

#ร้านบ้านเรือนไม้

Back in Phuket after 8 years.My 3rd visit to this Thai tourist island, so naturally would endeavour to check out new or yet to visit locations.First stop was...

14/03/2024

Cafe Del Mar Phuket

A slice of Ibiza in this part of the world.

One of the nicest beach clubs I have seen, with various sections to chill, laze, swim, dance, eat, ocean gaze, babe watch🤭

While pricey, the food is generally yummy, such as its gourmet Pata Negra pizza, crispy chicken burger and fried chicken wings with Thai chilli sauce.

Other than an extensive western and Italian dishes, there is also a good selection of Japanese and Thai cuisine.

14/03/2024

Baan Rim Pa
One of the earlier fine dining I had about 2 decades ago.
We walked through the restaurant n dim light to reach our table.
As it was dinner, the ocean view from a cliff was kinda wasted.
This time, I made sure that we booked for early dinner so at least we get a daylight/sunset view.
It has since relocated close to where it used to to occupy. So now the entrance is wood structure amidst the greens. The interior is more rustic with pink wood carvings. Just reminds me of some I’ve seen in New Orleans French Quarter. It’s nice pink sunset shining into the pink restaurant.
Started off with raw fresh prawns, one of which was with sea grapes. Had 2 wet dishes - yellow curry beef and prawn Tom yum goong. Had a couple of deep fried items - tiger prawns rolled with Phuket yellow noodles (my favourite), fried spring rolls and curried fish patties. Main highlights would be the assorted grilled seafood platter (the crab is not bad) and grilled Andaman lobster. Had a very good mango sticky rice at the end of the meal.

14/03/2024

La Gritta, Amari Phuket

Beach resort holiday

12/03/2024

Phang Nga Bay

Lovely bay view

11/03/2024

Sunday Walking Street

Soaking in Sunday Walking Street along Thalang, with street food stalls.
Feel so back in time😘
Found some nice Kueh-like triangle shaped ‘candy’ - my favourite is pandan.

11/03/2024

Robinson Lifestyle Mall, Chalong

This shade of blue actually makes it stand out.
Very carnival and beach island vibes.

The mall interior is an open concept, where the anchor department store sections are ‘boundary-less”. Of course with a variety of service concept stores, fast food and food court eateries contained in respective zones.

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Make Pleat Bag When I thought I only needed to decide on the colour of the fabric and the orientation of the bag, I realised I had to decide on pleat pattern, strap colour and wrap colour as well lol. #makepleatbag #cots #pack #gradientdune #wave #camel #yellow #red #ginlee #fabricbag #MadeinSingapore #supportlocal #fashionista #traveliscallin

First 2 are my favourite. The first is by a Korean designer and so befitting as a wedding bag. The second is by a Chinese designer. #ladydiorhouse #christiandior #popup #jiakkimstreet #fashionista #traveliscallin

Michelin One Star Chinese Dinner Pretty Italian dining ware Good oolong lychee tea and the dishes are on mark Loveliest surprise is the chilled yam paste with ice cream #夏苑 #theritzcarltonsingapore #chinesefinedining #michelinonestar #whattoeat #sgfoodie #traveliscallin

Decent beef, chicken and seafood teppanyaki. The tamago and chawanmushi are good. Tried a new veg - Japanese doumiao which I like. #kiteppanandrogama #japanesecuisine #palaisrenaissance #whattoeat #sgfoodie #traveliscallin

Wasn’t expecting this but wow, 4 levels of figurines and showcase at Popmart flagship store in Ximending🥰 Another good luck with Molly Classical Retro series, Molly on a rocking house - Molly & Unicorn, original version. Decided to get spy family Anya as I like her look and pink hair. Also liking Hacipupu but I had no luck with ‘In My Dream’ series. I got a sleepwalking boy. I want to see his innocent looking eyes, not closed!😆 #POPMART #泡泡瑪特西門町旗艦店 #台北 #traveliscallin

My favourites. Abalone with green bamboo shoot - love the use of Chinese ingredients made into soup using French consommé method - the sweet aftertaste of the bamboo shoot - chewy abalone Raw bonito with Perilla Plum - artistic use of the chili and other oils to make it like a work of paint art Milk ice cream with meringue and peach - good flavours and textures of milk, peach and jasmine Croissant mocktail - clever use of brown butter, sea salt, pineapple and rum substitute that it really tastes lukewarm croissant. #mume #moderncuisine #taipei #traveliscallin

Sagye Pot Rice & BBQ Had the beef short rib pot rice. Was expecting wet mix of rice, beef, condiments and runny eggs but it was too dry. The grilled pork and sides were more decent. #sagyekoreanpotriceandbbq #tanjongpagar #koreancuisine #whattoeat #sgfoodie #traveliscallin

#andotherstoriessummer #highsummercollection #stylingevent #andotherstories #fashionista #singapore #traveliscallin

Ilmiri Korean Fusion Heard about the popularity of this at Circular Road, decided to sample at its new Joo Chiat location. Served on a shallow pot, the soup with choice of beef or pork meat is prepared together with the spicy soup, together with tofu and cucumbers. As it was a lunch set, it also came with ramyeon. The grilled beef rolls which are placed at the circumference of the pot. It goes well with the dipping sauce. This is something different from the usual Korean cuisine, and nice. Other than stews, they serve jjimdak as well. #ilmiri #koreanfusion #joochiat #whattoeatsg #sgfoodie #traveliscallin

Swarovski Crystals Bling always attracts. My impression of Swarovski has always been the crystal centerpiece on a pendant, on a ring, presented in a dark blue box with its signature swan logo. Since 2023, the store boutiques have been decked in pastel colours like pink, yellow, light blue, light green. Items are also out of the usual glass shelves. Customers can directly touch and feel them as they browse along the compartmentalized shelves. Honestly it took some getting used to, from the more serious dark blue colour to all these pastel yet lively colours. If my memory didn’t fail me, now all stores are decked in the multi 4 colours instead of just 1 of the new pastel colours. I think it is a better move, as when I first passed by its stores in different malls, I was like is it trying to revamp into pink or green etc? As I made my purchase and saw the packaging, I understood better. Basically each size is a different colour. So if you purchase necklaces or rings, the box and paper bag will always be white. If you purchase bracelets, the box and paper bag will be green. For figurines, it will be yellow. I didn’t get the blue nor green bag but they are for larger size items. So likely for home decor items, small handbags etc 🤭 #swarovski #crystals #costumejewellery #matrixtennisbracelet #idylliaheartcrystpearlspendant #krisbearalwaystogetherfigurine #austria #fashionista #traveliscallin

Night Hawk I like how this cocktail bar evokes a modern retro woody vibes, especially the 2 seater booth seats. Interesting and decent drinks. Instead of my usual gin, I tried the Solar Flare Solstice, made with Yellow Chartreuse, Bianco, Fino, strawberry, beetroot, rosemary. This is nice as I can’t taste any alcohol and tastes more like fruit juices:) My friend had 3 other drinks, all not my type, except the last one - Kick Artiste Fix. Supposedly stronger alcohol content than usual cocktail, it’s made with Rye, rum, maple, fortified wine, butter. Maybe it had a warm sponge with maple butter. How interesting to have this that caters to a sweet tooth me🤭 Just realised this is where Five Oars Coffee reopened in 2022 along Tanjong Pagar Road. And this is its bar counterpart. I like places which tells a story. I was looking through its IG and got a better sense of its cocktail naming methodology. Go read ‘em. #nighthawk #tanjongpagar #cocktailbar #whattoeat #sgfoodie #traveliscallin

New Bahru Latest lifestyle hub by The Lo & Behold Group at Kim Yan Road. With eateries and CS Fresh occupying Level 1. The other levels are mainly fashion stores, with some eatery and activity concept. #newbahru #kimyanroad #wheretogo #wheretoeat #sgfoodie #traveliscallin

Spacious and no crowd with a variety of eateries. This is another area of Guoco Midtown, away from Porsche Cafe, Louisa Coffee. Today’s 2 down - Umai Udon and Dal.Komm Playground. I like the deco of Dal.Komm more than its bingsu🤭 Umai’s so so only, will try the other more authentic looking Japanese restaurant the next time. #umaiartisanaludonbar #dalkommplayground #Guoccomidtown #beachroad #whattoeatsg #sgfoodie #traveliscallin

Jiak Kim House Where Zouk used to occupy, the space has now become a row of warehouse like shophouses occupying Fraser Residences River Promenade and Jiak Kim House. Serving Moden Asian cuisine, I enjoyed its chili crab butter Mantou, sour plum calamansi salad, 7 herbed crab cake, lotus leave rice and winter melon grass jelly. The Szechuan seafood bouillabaisse and grilled wagyu ribeye were decent too. #jiakimhouse #modernasiancuisine #whattoeatsg #sgfoodie #traveliscallin

Kaleidoscope of Memories #insideout2 #supertreegrove #gardensbythebay #wheretogosg #traveliscallin

Ingen Kyoto A Japanese tea house dessert concept. One can choose from 8 course omakase comprising of savoury pastries and sweet desserts and 3 tea pairings All day tea time set (choice of madeleine and financier; north twist; Japanese eclair and a tea pairing) Alacarte desserts (zenzai; gokou, ichigo; sakura brûlée; setoja; Nama) Tea options include a variety of white, green, oolong, black, post-fermented, tisane brewed tea; matcha varieties; tea lattes. I opted for hojicha karigane which comprises of only roasted stems, as I don’t like bitter tea. I had setoka which comprises of mandarin terrine, jasmine tea milk sorbet, orange coulus, mandarin sponge, mandarin opaline. The first taste was it reminds me of crepe Suzette sauce🤭 Not too bad. For the price, it is more worthwhile to try the omakase which has lunch and dinner seatings and require a day’s reservation. #IngenKyoto #ionorchard #japaneseteahouse #japanesedesserts #whattoeatsg #sgfoodie #traveliscallin

Floral Parfait #lycheeoolongparfait #syip #bendemeer #whattoeatsg #sgfoodie #traveliscallin

Ida’s x Guerilla Coffee Love its indoor ambience and food. The beef ragu fettucine is one of the nicest I’ve had. The fettucine is handmade, tomato base is not too sour or sweet, minced beef is mixed with small peas and carrots. I love the burnt crispy crust banana bread with vanilla ice cream too. The full breakfast is pricey but you can see the hashbrown is handmade too. Though i find the sausage sbd harissa beans to be salty. Highly recommended! #guerillacoffee #idas #brunchcafe #gillmanbarracks #whattoeatsg #sgfoodie #traveliscallin

Sunday brunch at the newly opened French restaurant, Maison Boulud.Love its chic decor, freshly bakes croissants with butter and jam.Ordered 2 brunch sets and a nice seafood on ice.While I like my medium Filet Mignon served with fat, crispy, soft patatas bravas, I found my starter of white asparagus, which was the most beautifully plated dish, to be soft for my liking. The other dishes my party orderd included lobster bisque, pork loin porchetta, eggs benedict. Dessert wise, we had the baked alaska and lemon meringue tart which i preferred the latter.#maisonboulud#frenchcuisine#marinabaysands#whattoeatsg#sgfoodie#traveliscallin #xinyutugged#fypfood

FLNT This is the Japanese-Peruvian arm of 1-Attico, which shares the space with the group’s Argentinian arm, FIRE. We patronised FIRE when the restaurant first opened. Years later, checking FLNT out. We ordered from both the Restaurant Week and Ala carte menus. I love its presentation and most of the dishes are good. I wanted a good looking mocktail and the servers recommended Zara and Peacha-chu punch which has peach milk, black tea, cranberry and passion fruit. I went for the latter and I like the taste. The Sakura onigiri looks so pretty, and tasted sweet with Sakura Denbu, edamame and salmon. The Hokkaido pumpkin soup tastes good and it’s rare for pumpkin soup not to be sweet. The yellowtail ceviche is slightly cold and I like that it has hazelnuts. The grilled squid has a good combination of pesto, spice and seaweed. Both the chicken dishes are cooked just right that the meat was tender and juicy. The Peruvian Antichucho chicken is slightly spicy, probably from jalapeño capsicum seasoning. The koii chicken came with a cheese topped zucchini and satsumaimo which adds different flavours to the chicken. My meal ended off with tres leches, which is made different with the use of black sesame sponge and dark chocolate crunch and Shiso ice cream. #japaneseperuviancuisne #flnt #restaurantweekspring2024 #ionorchard #whattoeatsg #sgfoodie #traveliscallin