NYC-Boston 12-28Dec12 (Day 1)

Took the 18-hour direct flight from Sin to Newark and arrived at 6pm. The airport was nothing like what we'd expected (think JFK). Not sure if it was the timing but the place was really empty and we got through immigration swiftly. We regretted pre-booking a cab as it sure was quicker to just hop on one.

Well-rested on the flight so after settling into the hotel, we set out for our first big meal of the trip. Not the easiest to find but therein lies the fun! Went for a drink next door as we were early for our 950pm reservation. Tiny place that sits about 5 couples. No-menu philosophy. Take your seat and get fed. And so began the 2-hour long 10-course dinner. We were totally wow-ed by the food. What an excellent start to the trip! Read on a blog that they do not allow photo-taking but I managed to do so secretly. Such great foodie experience needs to be remembered. This gets our vote for sure.

Name: Momofuku Ko ** (website)
Location: 163 1st Ave  New York, NY 10003, United States
Expenditure: 425usd for 2, incl. a bot of sake

LP+Tetsu (30Nov12)

From their website: "LP+Tetsu is a collaboration between one-Michelin-starred chef, Laurent Peugeot and home grown F&B lifestyle company Food Junction Holdings Limited. It is a contemporary French-Japanese fine dining restaurant helmed by one-Michelin-star Chef Laurent Peugeot."

Came here on C's account. Thanks! All 4 of us took the chef's 6-course surprise menu (small version) at $120 pp. Food's not bad, some misses but overall ok. I've a couple of friends who dined there that day too and they didn't like it. So it's pretty hard to judge. Perhaps for the price it could be better?

The place is too dark so pardon the photos...

Name: LP+Tetsu
Location: Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247933
Expenditure: $140 pp excl. alcohol

RGS 10 Yr Reunion (24Nov12)

Started off with lots of catching up with the old classmates of 404. Then a short opening, fundraising for Joan's Fund, An Chyi's slideshow, dedication song, rgs cheer (zomg we still had it), batch phototaking at the amphitheatre, booth phototaking with the netballers, some catered snacks and finally class videos on loop. T'was all great fun!

Catalunya (23Nov12)

It's our 2nd visit to this highend Spanish tapas place. They have a separate bar and restaurant area with different menus. The bar offers tapas only while the restaurant offers both tapas and other mains (like the famous whole suckling pig). Been to both and like both.

Note though that the tapas come in very small portions and are more fanciful than the traditional ones so it might not be suited to everyone's tastes. Mixed reviews for the suckling pig as well but I personally like it for its softness. Keep in mind that you can and should NEVER compare the chinese roast pig (烧猪) to the spanish type.

This time at the bar we ordered lots of tapas and 3 bottles of wine. Set us back quite abit but it's up to the individual to determine if it's worth it. Managed to get comfy couch seats. What's good: bread with tomato, anchovies, iberian ham 5J, tomato tartar confit (love it), calamari, fried potatoes, suckling pig. What's not: mussels, chicken wings, omelette deconstructed.

Reservations for the restaurant should be made at least 2 weeks in advance. The bar does not take reservations so it's perfect if you're able to end work early.

It being a round standalone structure on the water is special and the night view is pretty. But it will in no way be a quiet romantic dinner because Spanish tapas bars are supposed to be noisy and boy was it.

Name: Catalunya
Location: The Fullerton Pavilion, 82 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049327
Expenditure: S$700+ for 6 persons incl. 3 bots of wine

National Day Parade 2012 (backdated)

Quite a memorable day. Played golf at Marina Bay Golf Course (MBGC) with A&S. Then packed some food from the canopy restaurant. Together with E & W who later joined us (and who brought other goodies), we had picnic at the park next door! Think it's considered Gardens by the Bay East. A rather gem location which fortunately not so many people knew about.

A handful of us sprawled along the park and we had unobstructed view of the fighter planes performance and the fireworks. No doubt we were further from the action than desired but ah wells, we had good fun ourselves. We even had the radio on.

With some wind, this place is really ideal for picnics. Bring a torch if you plan to stay late. And oh yea..I'm sorry I spoiled the picture. What country did I think I belong to? Greece? Scotland? Bah...