Maldives (23-27Sep11)

This is the ultimate back-dated post ever! Went Maldives for the first time last year and took too many photos that I developed a huge resistance to do up a post, because sifting through hundreds of photos is really a pain. It is only today that I amassed the courage to finally do it.

What can I say.. I love Maldives. I'm in love with Maldives. Maldives loves me. Ha ha...

This is the land of paradise. Do, think, worry nothing. Just let yourself go and free your mind.

We took the all-inclusive package at Constance Moofushi Resort : 3 buffet meals a day, unlimited wine (they have >90 types and I think we managed about 15 only), free poolside bar, cocktails, and in-room minibar. They even threw in unlimited cigarettes! I'm sure they were many other benefits. Paid about US$700 a night including the seaplane transfer. We got a really good promotion that time and thought the price was super worth it. Normally it should be >US$1000 a night I think. For maximum experience, try to stay at the water villa..at least for a couple of nights.

We snorkeled a bit as well. Had our own snorkeling gear which was very convenient. Oh yes we had a kiddish dive too. Not worth it! Went for the free excursion on a dhoni boat to chase dolphins and stingrays. They are very evasive. We caught a few glimpses but the boat was too rocky for comfort.

Enjoy the photos...

Bangkok (28-31Aug11)

The previous time I was in bkk my friend recommended a tailor who's supposedly really good. There are many tailors in bkk but the choices are so endless that it's hard to differentiate one over the other. How many times would you go there to custom make your clothes anyway? Surely you don't want to end up paying for a job poorly-done. Hence this recommendation was very much appreciated. You can opt for 2 fittings for precision and the final product can be delivered to your hotel. I was very satisfied with the workmanship and snug fit of my first made-to-measure suit and shirt!

Naturally I returned to them during this trip to have more shirts and pants done. The outcome wasn't as good as expected as the 3 pants varied from one another (fits quite differently) even though they were supposed to be the exactly the same, just with different fabric. Oh well, the lack of consistency put me off a lil but based on overall quality I'd probably still return. Prices from 1000THB (~S$40) for pants and 1500THB (~S$60) for shirts.

Name: Pinky Tailor (website)

Location: 888/40 Ploenchit Road Pathumwan, Bangkok

(Near skytrain station E2 Ploenchit. Once you see Mahatun Plaza Arcade, turn and walk all the way in)

For cheap shopping, head to Platinum fashion mall. Several small store units selling casual wear & accessories. Almost like a cleaner/organized version of the well-known Chatuchak market which is hot, humid, dirty, messy & crowded. If it's your first time here, manage your time properly! For meals, the foodcourt (top floor) offers a cheap option with decent variety & quality. For breaks, grab a original coffee at Black Canyon Coffee. Not cheap cheap but surprisingly fragrant.

Save some time to go to another nearby shopping center - Central World. What I always do is buy Triumph/Wacoal lingerie in the Isetan there. Half the price you get in Singapore! Never been interested to explore this place much but apparently it is huge. Lots of high street fashion brands + 3 department stores. It's your preference. Read more about bkk's shopping malls here.

Oh I forgot to mention, situated in front of the mall are 2 shrines: Phra Trimurti (The God of Love) on the left and Ganesh Shrine on the right. I pray, offer some incense, and make a small donation.

Evening came and how better to end the day than a nice soothing massage? The Asia Herb Association (website) is one parlour that I frequent because it's big, has 4 branches along Sukhumvit road (I've only been to Soi 24), uses individual "huts" for massage rooms, looks clean (if you know what I mean) & professional. More importantly, the masseuses are consistently highly-skilled. That's what I like. To know for sure that you won't get a crappy massage. Prices at 650-1200THB (S$26-48) for a 2hr full body massage. Do book in advance to avoid being turned away.

Oh, massage session didn't end the day; seafood did. =D At a convenient location just 5mins' walk further into Soi 24. Found the restaurant on the internet. Was pretty fun "shopping" around for our seafood & vegetables as you can see from the shopping cart. If unsure, you can ask for help from one of the many staff. **Please take note that the prices shown (by weight) DO NOT include cooking services. You have to pay additionally according to size of dish & style of cooking.

Found the restaurant too touristy and as a result, expensive by bangkok standards. Ingredients were fresh but the cooked dishes tasted bland. I'm sure there are many other seafood places in bangkok that can top this. Also, their tagline "If it swims we have it" is total bullshit!

Name: Seafood Market

Location: 89 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey, Bangkok

Expenditure: 5000THB for 4 (S$50 pp)

You know what? I'm so guilty of being a glutton (or gourmand if I may). Despite being stuffed with seafood, I insisted on packing dessert back to the hotel. Not just any dessert mind you. It had to be mango sticky rice, and only from this particular roadside stall at Sukhumvit Soi 38. The best I've ever tasted and I'll never stop going back. There's a really good pad thai stall opposite as well. But nah, I'm greedy but I'm not a monster.

More shopping the next day at Mah Boon Krong (MBK) shopping center. The 3 aunties seem to prefer this to Platinum shopping mall. It's more spacious and carry a wider variety of goods. Pad thai at the foodcourt was pretty good too. Spent a significant amount of time there, then off to Pinky's 2nd fitting, then to Siam Paragon shopping center.

On the last day I brought them to Chinatown (Yaowarat road) to buy some fruits, veggies & local foods. If you wish, visit the Wat Traimit (Temple of Golden Buddha) at the start of the road and from there walk all the way down. Try spotting a stall that sells superbly tasty roasted water chestnut. Go for the mini chestnuts instead of the normal-sized ones. Will end off with a photo of the 3 aunties I've been talking about - my mum & her two sisters :)

(backdated) Food quest during our last months in Paris

As the title suggests, I'm on a mission to chronicle all the food places we managed to "conquer" over the course of 3 months before we left Paris for good. What's going to follow may seem extravagant and sometimes even over-indulgent but you have to understand.. For such foodies like us, saying goodbye to this country was hard enough. What better to do than leave with as few regrets as possible? Not that we won't be coming back ever again, but..it's just different..

Heh anyway, 2nd visit to this highly-acclaimed bistro headed by Chef Gregory Marchand, who "spent most of his career working at Jamie Oliver's 15 in London". Those familiar with Paris' food scene would have heard of his (nick)name. Opens every week night only and the menu (choice of starter main and/or dessert) changes irregularly (I think?) Which explains why whether it suits your taste or not really depends on your luck that day. Space is extremely limited. Probably sits around 20 people or so - which means reservations way in advance! About a month prior to your visit, give them a call (specifically weekday 3-5pm only) and hope for the best. No doubt it takes effort to grab a slot but still doable. Persistence, you know?

In my opinion, the main selling point is his well-thought-out and beautifully-presented food at a very reasonable price. Almost like a casual fine-dining option. Food served is more traditional than inventive, which could appeal to many. However with all the hype and what not, I was a tad disappointed by the heaviness of the dishes and how some of them weren't SO different from other decent french bistros. Sure, certain courses deserve a certain amount of credit, but overall I feel that food here lacks creativity which in turn lacks uniqueness. Looking back at photos of the food now, I find there isn't one that makes me go, "God I'd give anything to have a taste of it again". So yes, you get my point.

Then again, we always have to look at the price-value proposition right? Hence don't get me wrong. By all means go for it if you're looking for a good hearty french meal! What I'm saying is don't expect to be blown away but expect to leave your dinner table happy :)

Below, Chef Greg & his assitant with Joanne & JD.

Name: Frenchie (website)

Location:5 rue du Nil, 75002 Paris

Expenditure:~50€ pp w/ wine

Talking about limited menu choices, nothing beats the next restaurant I'm about to offer my two cents' worth on. Another extremely small place, only that this has 2 Michelin stars to its name. I first came across it in the Luxe city guide. Again, as you should have guessed by now, reservations at these sort of places ain't no easy feat. However you only need to obey the golden rule of finding out the exact day & time their phone line opens for reservations. Once done, get your phone ready and call in immediately when it opens. You can almost always get a confirmed reservation. Note that bookings are meant for any day in the following month. Any other dates can be deemed nearly impossible.

Only one fixed 85€ menu available for dinner. Zero choices except that you can state your allergies & some dislikes and whether to go with tea-pairing for an additional 20€. I wasn't prepared to pay so much for tea! Wine's still the safe choice. There's a 50€ lunch option on weekdays I think. Was quite excited as this is one rare Michelin-starred restaurant that features asian/fusion-oriented food.

I love the fusion element (french+asian) but we left unimpressed because we felt there wasn't anything special. Could be due to the fact that we are so exposed to asian food that each course tasted ordinary, as though any Asian (more like Chinese) chef can whip up the same thing. Brief description of the food featured below: langoustine w/ spicy dried shrimps (hei bi hiam) & egg, foie gras w/ chinese mushrooms, fish w/ wild asparagus. The fusion attempt is very obvious but didn't go too well together. They tasted not bad (albeit ordinary) on their own but foie gras & mushroom in one mouthful just doesn't work for me.

That said, I can understand how it can mean a totally different experience for non-Asians so do not cross this out just yet =) One last thing, Chef Adeline prepares the food according to mood & availability hence don't be surprised to see your neighbours being fed something totally different.

Name: Yam'Tcha**

Location: 4 rue Sauval, 75001 Paris

Expenditure: 110€ pp incl. wine