Almost, but not quite

And we're back in the city.

Our quick escape to Bintan was almost perfect. Rudel and i agreed that in all of our past trips to Indonesia this has been (so far) the best yet.  We loved the hotel we stayed in and i really liked the body massage service at Nirwana's Recreation Centre.

We spent most of our morning in this hut bonding. I loved that we were able to talk about a lot of things without being distracted by  the TV or computer.  To be honest though, we were tempted to use our phones. It's the hardest part to stay away from specially Instagram, Flipboard and FaceBook (yes, in that order!).

I was really surprised how beautiful the beach in Bintan is. It was almost perfect if not for the tar (black oil) that tainted the place.

Our almost perfect dinner. It was good but i think the price was just too much, way too expensive! We had these on our last night. If you ever come to this resort, please please do not order any Korean or Italian food. I don't know why they even have those in their menu. They obviously have no idea how properly to make them  (to be edible at least!). Their Kimchi soup and Spaghetti bolognese was really yuck and grose! Sorry but those are the only adjectives i can think of. I mean if you really want to please your guests and really want them to be back, invest in your chef! Send them in a Korean or Italian cooking school. I'm sure it will be worth the investment. People will come back again and again because one you have a great place and service and second but most important of all you serve the best food. REMEMBER, good food makes people happy. And if they are happy, they won't mind spending a lot of money.

 

Happy Tummy

I think I have fallen in L O V E……..with Korean food!

Korean food was first introduced to me by my dear friend Lenie.  One day, she brought me and our girlfriends in a Korean restaurant that serves food buffet style. We ordered barbecue and kimchi soup and tofu as sides. The red-colored soup intimidated me at first. I mean when you see red it could be very spicy right? I was afraid that my tongue would burn. But Lenie took the first sip then assured me that it was not that spicy. ‘You can take this, it’s really good’ she said. I didn’t hear her scream or didn’t see any change in her facial expression when she said that so I took it as a sign. I collected all my courage and took the first sip. And as they say…the rest is history.

Kimchi soup with beef and beef bulgogi from Seoul Garden Hotpot. I’ve been to 3 of their branches but I think  I’ll keep on coming back to their Cathay Cineleisure Orchard branch because their service was great, the waiters were ‘neat and courteous’ and the food tastes better.

                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The aftermath!

Jap Chae (Korean Glass Noodles) and Bulgogi from Arirang Korean restaurant in Planet Holiday, Batam Indonesia. I know right!? We were in Indonesia and we had Korean! Anyway, their food was great. It was a bit expensive but I think it was all worth it because it felt like they went all out with the ingredients. The Bulgogi and Jap Chae was so good and flavorful. 

The whole shebang! Take note, there were only 3 of us ladies and we finished all of these!

For more info about the restaurants featured in this post, please visit these links:

http://www.seoulgarden.com.sg/sghotpot 
http://www.planetholidayhotel.com/arirang_korean.html

Khansama Tandoori Village

The first time we went here was our very first North Indian restaurant experience. We didn’t know what to order and don’t know which meal goes with what. At that time I was only familiar with Chicken Briyani, Naan, Chicken Tikka Masala and Chicken Tandoori. So we ordered ALL four and regretted it at the end. Chicken Briyani is a full meal in itself. Chicken Tikka Masala with Naan is also considered a full meal. And Chicken Tandoori, I don’t know. The waiters (bless them) didn’t bother telling us that we were already  ordering for 10 people! We ended up finishing everything. Don’t ask me how but the words ‘SAYANG PERA’ was in our mind the whole time we were devouring all that food. In the end, we were so FULL to the point that I almost vomited. Lesson learned.

Last week, we went here again for lunch. It’s an hour away from our place by commute but near Rudel’s workplace where we had to pick up his mouse (don’t ask why!).  Keeping in mind that dreadful experience, we only ordered Naan, Buttered Chicken and Teh Tarik . That was it!

Garlic Naan. yep! Those are garlic bits.
The ones in Mumtaz Mahal was better though

 

Their Buttered Chicken was so good! The chicken was so tender
and the thick creamy sauce was yummy spicy just the way I like it!

 
copper plate stainless steel tableware. very authentic

Will definitely check out their other branches the next time my cravings kicks in again…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.khansama.net/default.aspx

Dinner: Grilled Salmon with Fettuccine in Agli Olio

Last week, I finally bought my dream cooking tool—a grill pan! I’ve always wanted to buy one but kept on stopping myself because I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to use it that often. But finally I gave in.  I my want food to have grill marks on em for a change. I know, silly hehehe.

Before going to the cashier and paying for it, I quickly googled ‘grill pan worth it?’ just to really really make sure that the thing is worth my money. This site came first in the search results. According to the users, although the pan doesn’t give that smoky flavor it still gives the food a grilled texture. So there, JUSTIFIED :)

Excited with my new toy, I made ‘grilled salmon topped with mango salsa and fettuccine with Agli Olio (garlic and oil)’ for dinner .

Here’s how I did it:

First make the Mango Salsa. In a bowl, mix diced mango, tomato and red onion. Add 1 tbsps. each of lemon juice and lime juice. Season it with  salt then refrigerate, covered for an hour.

To make Agli Olio, fry minced garlic and red pepper flakes in extra virgin olive oil  (don’t burn the garlic please).  When the garlic starts to turn brown, quickly remove the pan from heat. Set aside. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions.

  
Rudel loves garlic so much and I love the heat, that's why....

Meanwhile, brush the salmon with olive oil then season it with salt and pepper. Set the grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the salmon, skin-side up on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes each side.

And finally, pour Agli Olio over pasta. Mix well until the pasta is well coated with the oil. Season with pepper and top it with lots of freshly (it must be fresh!) grated parmesan cheese. Serve it with the grilled salmon and mango salsa.

Trust me, these threesome go so well together.

Last Night’s Dinner: Linguine with Alfredo Sauce

My first experience of making a white sauce to go with my pasta didn’t quite turn out well ( a lot of bitterness in there hehehe). After that kitchen disaster, I somewhat vowed never to make a pasta dish with white sauce EVER AGAIN. But last night, I realized that I shouldn’t given up that easily. I should have tried and tried and tried again until I make it right—which I finally did last night!

I sautéed about 1 tbsps. of chopped garlic in butter until it starts to brown. Quickly turned off the heat to avoid burning the garlic. I then added a bottle of cream (better than canned cream I tell you), stirred it then turn the heat on again and set to low fire. I then added freshly grated (avoid ready-grated cheese at all costs!) parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste.

and…voila!

it’s the garlic that brings that oomph! to the sauce

Taste of North Indian Food

All I know is that this is a kind of appetizer. I don’t know what its called though. We didn’t like the greenish and redish dip but the salsa was good.

Chicken Kebab. The chicken was so juicy and tender and it really went well with the salsa salad.

Chicken Tikka Masala served with Garlic Naan. We usually eat Naan with Buttered Chicken but tried Chicken Tikka for a change. The verdict? We should have been more loyal.

 

Mumtaz Mahal (Pasir Ris)
1 Pasir Ris Close, #01-39 Downtown East, Singapore

bacon and egg makes me happy

time for a non-wedding related post!

I’m glad I woke up early today despite being on a grave yard shift this week. I had the chance to jog in the park and ate a sumptuous breakfast :)

the secret to a perfect crispy bacon:  place bacon in a non-heated, oil-free pan. fry it over medium low heat while letting the fat melt-away! it should be done when both sides turns golden brown

drain the excess fat then use remaining oil to fry your eggs.

Nurture Spa Village, Tagaytay

We actually went here (2 months before the big day) not to do an ocular visit but just to rest, relax and relieve all the stress that accumulated over the course of the wedding preparations. We wanted to enjoy our stay in Tagaytay for a change, instead of just meeting with suppliers.

We got their couple package called ‘Ulayaw’. I find it expensive but since we were too tired already we didn’t have the energy anymore to look for a cheaper place to stay or a cheaper place to eat—our primary goal really, was to have a massage.

The package includes overnight accommodation in an authentic Ifugao hut with set breakfast and one set meal lunch or dinner, plus full body massage and dilag facial or foot massage; all for two.

( We didn’t bring our camera with us during our stay, so all pictures here were taken using our phone. Hence, the quality of the pictures).

Yes, it was indeed an ‘authentic’ Ifugao hut. Downstairs is the toilet.

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We were welcomed with ginger tea served with raw sugar.



Inside the hut. It’s a fan room. Good thing it was cold in Tagaytay at the time we went, so no need for air conditioner. It was just too tight inside. We should have checked the hut before paying the down payment.

Toilet was ‘OK’ but it has glass frosted window so your naked butt’s reflection can be seen outside hehehe. I know weird. Good thing the hut was surrounded by a fence so there’s still privacy.

After having a massage, which by the way was the best massage I’ve ever had, we had dinner at their restaurant called Dulang. It has a relaxing Asian theme and it felt so cozy inside.



Starters, Ka Cesar Salad and Mushroom soup


 
I had Chicken Kare-Kare Roulade. The chicken was a bit dry. Would have preferred the ‘original’ kare-kare recipe. The peanut sauce was missing something, couldn’t figure what it was.



While (my now) hubby had Tuna Inasal. Couldn’t remember how this tasted so I can probably say that there was nothing special on this dish.



The garden area. I think this is where their outdoor wedding receptions are held.



Around the pool area

And now… the second best part our stay(at least for me anyway hahaha) was the breakfast we had.



I had Daing na Bangus sided with pineapple salsa, served with egg and garlic rice. This was soooo good! The salsa and deep fried milk fish went so well together.



While (my now) hubby had Longganisa  with fried rice and egg. It was the usual longganisa (read: nothing special)



Hot Tsokolate. THE BEST HOT CHOCOLATE I HAVE EVER HAD! You can really tell that it was made freshly from cocoa beans. The sweetness was just right for my liking. When I go back to this SPA (hopefully soon) I will order three servings of this, promise!

Nurture Spa Village is located at Barangay Maitim II West Tagaytay City, Philippines

Blueberry Cheesecake

…using low fat cream cheese. yum!

I Cook When I’m Stressed Out

Yesterday, half of my day was spent with roasting and baking. It actually started out last Saturday morning when I remember that it’s been a long time since I baked. I’ve been contemplating making Sassy Lawyer’s Chocolate Marble Cheesecake since last month but haven’t got the time to make it. And also there’s this fear of not making it right the first time. But alas my stress level has reached its limit and I knew that I had to do something to level it down. So I resorted to my first love-cooking.

Here you go ladies and gentlemen, my Juicy Roasted Garlic Chicken and Chocolate (not so) Marble Cheesecake straight right out from my oven.

The chicken was marinated for almost 24 hours in roasted garlic, water, lemon, pepper and salt. Before roasting, I placed chopped celery and cubes of margarine inside the chicken cavity and tied the legs together. It was slowly roasted for 1 hour and 15 minutes in an oven with 350° F temperature. It was also basted with margarine every now and then to keep the chicken moist and juicy.

This cheesecake was a little challenging to make. First because it’s my first time with using cream cheese as an ingredient. I was afraid it would turn out sloppy. Second was finding the cream cheese which is the main ingredient of this recipe. Two BIG grocery stores here in Singapore has no stock of cream cheese. Would you believe that? Why would they not have this? I panicked because I already have the rest of the ingredients like the chocolate bar, crushed chocolate cookies and eggs but not the cheese. Anyway, my search ended in the small grocery store near our place (bleh).

 Rudel described this as the most perfect cake I’ve ever made for him. He’s really not into desserts especially sweet ones like Chocolate Cake and Leche Flan. But this recipe wasn’t to sweet and it melts in your mouth with a bit of a crunch from the cookies. I think that’s why it was a HIT for him.

Salmon with Spaghetti and Crushed Tomatoes

I got bored with our normal rice and ulam dinner so I thought of  cooking pasta for a change.

Here goes the recipe!

2 cans of crushed tomatoes (i used hunts)
salmon fillets
bell pepper sliced thinly
olive oil
onions, chopped
salt and pepper
dash of garlic powder
1 tsp of sugar
Italian seasoning (marjoram, thyme, rosemary, savory, sage, oregano and basil)
Pepper flakes (optional)
Grated cheese ( i used cheddar)
Uncooked spaghetti

Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.

Cook the pasta according to package directions.

Heat the olive oil. Add onion and bell pepper strips. Cook until until slightly soft.. Add the salmon fillets. Cook about 5 minutes, turning pieces often. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for about 5 minutes.

Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, sugar and pepper flakes. Simmer for another 3 minutes.

Serve over pasta, grated cheese and enjoy!

Makes 4 servings.

Afternoon delight

Currently baking Ms. Connie’s Strawberry Streusel cake…
 

It’s still in the oven and I'm already looking forward to a delicious merienda.

Mood: excited!

Pizza Flavor Baked Mussels (kind of)

I was supposed to cook the green mussels tinola style but Leng wanted clams instead. So we bought half kilo of both (para walang away hehe). I decided to bake the mussels but  instead of using garlic-butter mixture I experimented with tomato sauce-garlic mixture. Here’s the result.

Ingredients:

green mussels
grated garlic
tomato sauce
Italian seasoning
grated cheese
1 tsp. sugar (optional)

Before cooking, soak the mussels in water for 20 minutes. Clean the mussels by removing the beard, additional sand and other organic attachments. Rinse the mussels under cool water then towel dry.

Combine tomato sauce, garlic, sugar and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2 minutes. Set aside.

Bake mussels in a pre-heated oven for 10-12 minutes until partially open. Remove half shell. Top mussel meat with tomato sauce mixture and grated cheese. Bake for 3 minutes until cheese melts. Serve immediately then devour!

In my kitchen…

Burger Steak and Odor in our cabinet

I love Jollibee's burger steak. Back home in the Philippines it's my second best favorite fastfood lunch next to chowking's beef Braised Beef. So last night I decided to make Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Sauce. It didn't taste like Jollibee's but it was close enough. And it had lots of mushroom which is Laleng's favorite. I got the Mushroom Sauce recipe from Bigoven. Before whenever i make Burger Steak i used the instant Mushroom gravy from the grocery. I wasn't satisfied with the taste. I find it too "instant".

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Lately i'm obsessed with getting rid of the strong musty odor in our cabinet. Who wouldn't be? It made our freshly washed clothes smell "kulob". So the other day, I started looking for solutions to this irritating household issue.

I read on Daphne Paez's blog that she uses silica gel to fight moisture in her bag and shoe storage. I thought It was a great solution my cabinet problem and to my other issue-mildew on my rarely used handbags. However, I didn't thought that silica gel would be hard to find here in Singabore. According to the SG forums that i've read it should be available in Mustafa and Carrefour. I went to both stores last Monday and unfortunately found none. So for the meantime, i bought some of these as a remedy.

moth proofer, hang it fresh from glade and
naptaline balls which i did not use (I hate the smell).

If anyone out there knows where I can buy silica gel, please please let me know.

tonight's dinner

i love pizza hut's sweet and spicy drumlets.

yum!!!

food republic in wisma

Yesterday before going to the Botanical Garden, boyps and I decided to have our Sunday lunch at Food Republic in WISMA Atria instead of Lucky Plaza because it was so crowded.

Whenever we eat at Food Republic, we always order for two of our favorite Singapore food- Hokkien Mee and Chicken Rice. As expected, Seargent Hainanese Chicken did not fail to satisfy me. It's still the best cheap chicken rice in Singapore. As for the Hokkien Mee, it was a disappointment. Why oh why did it taste that bad?

So if you guys want to try Hokkien Mee, i wouldn't recommend Food Republic in Wisma Atria. Go to the other branches like Suntec City or Vivo City instead.

weirdness, roasted chicken, milkmaid

Tonight we're having Honey Glazed Lemon Roast Chicken for dinner. It's still in the oven and cooking; smells so good in here. If only i can post the smell here I would. Cooking time is about 2 hours according to the recipe. I'm starving already so while waiting I'm having strawberries with salt as a dip. According to boyps, it's a weird combination. He has never tried it, how would he know? If you love green mangoes with salt and it's not available in your area, then strawberries with salt is a good substitute (Filipinos, specifically Pangasinenses can relate to this).



Boyps eats "Milkmaid sandwich" for breakfast. Who's weird now?



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We went to Singapore's Botanical Garden today to test my new toy. I'll post some pictures later. Now, back to kitchen.