Future inventor of Chocolate flavored chewing gum

5th day of CNY.

2012-01-27T21:45:00.001+08:00

Today work is from 1pm till 9pm.
Ok.
Went for massage near City Square Mall.
Rushed for work then.
Lunch was ok, but dinner was quiet.
Today we had the cheese buffet.
Gian to eat McD. Bought a Prosperity Chicken Burger for $7.10, darn they're out of twister fries.
2morrow Matey and I are leaving for Msia to celebrate CNY.

4th day of CNY.

2012-01-26T21:03:00.001+08:00

After three days of OT, today I start work at 12.30pm till 8.30pm.
Lunch was ok and dinner was quiet.
Pastry chef used mazipan to make oranges and firecrackers.
Matey left for airport to see her Japanese sinseh off.
Later at night, my other corner neighbour is coming over CNY supper.
One year once.

3rd day me CNY.

2012-01-26T00:12:00.001+08:00

[Backdated on 25Jan2012].

Ok.
Woke up early again, was in the toilet and heard the Asian Koel again for the past few day.
Ok.
Work from 8am again to assist the local kitchen.
Today's service is not as bad as yesterday.
Finished work at 8.30pm and took the one of the chefs car to Vivo.
Had a quick dinner at Thai Express with Matey.
Watch The Viral Factor by Jay Chou and Nicholas Tse. Not a bad movie actually. Most of it is in Cantonese.
Took bus back.

3rd day me CNY.

2012-01-26T00:09:00.001+08:00

CNY Day 2.

2012-01-24T23:29:00.001+08:00

Didn't sleep well at all.
Woke up at 5am.
Started work from 8am till 8.30pm straight, and lunch & dinner is so super busy today.
Ok.
Most shops were still closed but Matey and I had dinner at Vivo Kim Gary.
Matey watched free Hbo today again.

Deal or no deal.

2012-01-24T11:00:00.001+08:00

I just downloaded this game on the Market called Deal or no deal, based on the Tv show.

And guess what?

I've started by choosing a case and I picked number 4, my favourite number.

And I stayed with it all the while... Even though there were lots of attractive offers but I stuck with number 4.

In the end, I won One Million Dollars!

But its only a game...

Chinese New Year, Water Dragon Day 1.

2012-01-23T21:10:00.001+08:00

Even though it's supposed to be a happy occasion for everyone, it's certainly not not for me.
(Was supposed to come at 6am but was asked to come at 8am instead).
Woke up early to start work at 8am today. Came early to assist the Local Kitchen in their prep.
I'll be staying the whole day till closing.
Called me dad around 9am and wished him Gong Xi Fa Chai.
After hanging up he called me back and this time most of my time is spend talking to his 'companion'.
Let's put it this way, she dared to give me a earful.
Wtf, I told this person that it's New Year and I'm in no mood to fight.
She brought up old stories and put me in bad light. Wtf.
Anyway, I'll only go back to Msia this Sat... and let's see what happens.

Ala carte order is quite busy during lunch.
Damn, it was also quite busy during dinner.

It rained today too.

The majority will not understand the sacrifices done by the minority.

I'm going to get some supper for Matey and I later after work.

Bought mixed rice from Food Republic food court and wondered why its unusually more expensive. Found out from the receipt that it's 20% extra. Come to think of it, it's quite usual for prices to go up even at Hawker Centers.
I just guess that ppl just have no choice but to pay to eat. Funny though my place has not increased price. Perhaps we should too?

(See Draft).

Chinese New Year Dinner.

2012-01-23T07:31:00.001+08:00

[Backdated on 23Jan2012].

Worked from 10a to 6p. Yes, ala carte closes earlier today to allow fellow staff to go back and have the reunion dinner.
Although lots of places closes at 3pm or did not open at all.
Anyway, it rained heavily in the evening. Headed to my cousins place for reunion dinner with Matey.
Ok.
Left two hours later feeling tippsy.
Both of us slept early, cause I had to work 7am on CNY Day 1.
Goodbye Rabbit, Welcome Water Dragon.

Tung Lok Signature at Vivo.

2012-01-22T09:24:00.001+08:00

[Backdated on 21Jan2012].

Worked from 12.30pm till 8.30pm. Ec had two Chinese set tables with him. Naturally, everything is of better quality and quantity.

It rained somewhere at night, when Matey and I had our 9pm dinner at Tung Lok Signatures Restaurant at Vivo.
Their Eight Treasures... tasted very plain. The glutinous rice was good but it would be better with more ingredients.
Rotated the bed at night and Matey changed new sheets.

Changed New Notes.

2012-01-20T19:07:00.001+08:00

Woke up early and walked around the bank to change New notes.
Little did I know that all the banks open at different times!
Maxbank at 9.15am
Dbs at 8.30am
Ocbc at 9am.
Ok, I ended up changing at Ocbc. They do not have large notes but then I told them I don't mind old ones but when they changed for me it's all new!
Sc and Cdp is going on leave from tomorrow till next Thursday for CNY holidays.
Ok.
Loh Hei at work already.
Finished work at 7pm and meeting Matey at Vivo for dinner.

Kek Lapis.

2012-01-19T22:18:00.001+08:00

+
[Backdated on 19Feb2012].

Wanted to go to Ikea for Bfast but tot otherwise and tidy up the hse a bit.
Left at 10am to start work at 11am. Bought Kfc breakfast for $4.90.
The pastry chef made Kek Lapis. Cooking layer by layer under a salamander.
I assisted the Chinese set dinner last minute, before leaving at 7pm.
I'm watching Haywire alone at Gv.
Matey is having her classes till 10am.
Sad to know now that the movie ticket now costs $7, using the Dbs Life Fresh card, up 50¢.
The movie is great!
Now at Chinatown waiting for Matey. She ain't know me here hehehe. Will be a surprise for her. I bought raw fish porridge for her.

11am to 7pm.

2012-01-18T19:23:00.000+08:00

I now start work at 11am till 7pm but today I clocked in at 8am.
My mind was on the simple lunch set menu.
Anyway.
It was another quiet day.
I'm going to buy supper back home later.

Off then suffer.

2012-01-17T20:55:00.000+08:00

It's my off day.
Bfast at Ikea and bought Pussy Willows for $7.50. Offer now. In fact its cheaper than Chinatown.
Cleaned the house.
Wash and hung laundry.
Lunch was poached eggs with Sardines, marinated herrings, Stilton cheese and crackers.
Brought out the tall porcelain vase which I only use a year.
Met up with Matey for dinner at Chinatown.
We had dinner at the corner shop just opposite The Majestic.
The noodles were freshly pulled.
Ok.
Ok.
Matey took a dump at the building where McD is but still not 'clean', we headed to Vivo where I collected my Croc shoes and bought Tiger Beer.
A carton costs $40.80. Got a free deck of cards and dices.
Gonna take cab back cause too many things to carry.

Noticed now with Android 2.3.6, I can take pictures with the camera even when the batt is low. Yahoo!

I got to stop.

2012-01-17T15:52:00.001+08:00

(+).
[Backdated on 16Jan2012].

10am to 6pm. Still no OT...
As I was about to leave, I transferred my chawanmushi from the espresso cup to coffee cups for Wed last min set lunch.
This is really a quiet month cause of the major renovations going on at the main ballroom.
Went for massage nearby, $65 for an hour. As I have some runny nose, the hot steam provided in the spa really helps to ease the spa...
Walked home!
Ate Char Kuey Teow then bussed to City Hall.
Bought Subway for Matey and I.
Walked around Chinatown before heading home.
I must really stop going for massages!

Last night upgraded this Samsung Galaxy S2 firmware from 2.3.3 to 2.3.6.
I like the scrolling blue effect when you reach the end.
I don't like the Motion icon that replaces the Silent icon.
I want back the Share As... menu as it is.

I got to stop.

2012-01-17T15:30:00.001+08:00

(+).
[Backdated on 16Jan2012].

10am to 6pm. Still no OT.
As I was about to leave, I transferred my chawanmushi from the espresso cup to coffee cups for Wed last min set lunch.
This is really a quiet month cause of the major renovations going on at the main ballroom.
Went for massage nearby, $65 for an hour. As I have some runny nose, the hot steam provided in the spa really helps to ease the spa...
Walked home!
Ate Char Kuey Teow then bussed to City Hall.
Bought Subway for Matey and I.
Walked around Chinatown before heading home.
I must really stop going for massages!

I got to stop.

2012-01-17T15:26:00.000+08:00

(+).
[Backdated on 16Jan2012].

I got to stop.

2012-01-16T23:25:00.001+08:00

(+).

Sunday.

2012-01-15T21:28:00.003+08:00

10am to 6pm, no OT.
Helped the local SC in correcting his menu.
Headed to Marina Bay Sands after work with Matey.
Matey is still recovering from phleghm, runny nose, sore throat and cough.
Bought what claims to be Ancient Kuala Lumpur Hokkien Mee, $6.80.
Trust me, it only looks good but disappointing.
Took the newly opened train station at Mbs, back home.
Had to change many times.

Sunday.

2012-01-15T21:28:00.001+08:00

Sunday.

2012-01-15T21:24:00.000+08:00

Sat it is.

2012-01-14T22:02:00.001+08:00

10am to 6pm.
SJC made freshly baked focacia soft rolls for Valentine Day.
Watched The Great Magician by Tony Leung at 7.15pm, The Chinese actress is not bad looking too.
Quite hilarious.
Couldn't understand the movie though.
Ate at Kopitiam after that.

Yet another day.

2012-01-13T21:39:00.001+08:00

Woke up with Matey getting ready for work.
Work was quiet.
Dinner with Matey at Vivo Imperial Treasures. Had via Pork ribs with marmite, mixed vegetables and Matey insisted on eating the sweet taro dipped in ice water.
I noticed a new trainee ... Lets call her Tiger ok!
Best Denki too has this clearance sale.
It's now 9.40pm.

Contraband.

2012-01-13T08:57:00.001+08:00

+(+)
[Backdated 12 Jan 2012].
Hmmm..,
Woke up at 7.30am and Matey is already surfing on her netbook.
Had bfast at Ikea.
Breakfast was good. $4.5 including oj.
Ok.
Watched Contraband at Vivo. Really really super kan-chiong movie or it could also be the coffee that's making my heart beat faster.
Took train to Little India in the hope to find the original Old Spice Aftershave for my dad. There is one perfume shop, just before Mustafa. Costs $10.8 and I bought all 3.
Yesterday I bought the spray kind from Mustafa.
Walked around and ended up for an hour massage near City Square for $45.
Headed home and tidy up a bit before headed to pick up Matey after her class.
Since it was early I walked around Clarke Quay and Funan.
Challenger will not open 24hours anymore coming this 15th.

Contraband.

2012-01-12T21:59:00.001+08:00

+(+)
Hmmm..,
Woke up at 7.30am and Matey is already surfing on her netbook.
Had bfast at Ikea.
Breakfast was good. $4.5 including oj.
Ok.
Watched Contraband at Vivo. Really really super kan-chiong movie or it could also be the coffee that's making my heart beat faster.
Took train to Little India in the hope to find the original Old Spice Aftershave for my dad. There is one perfume shop, just before Mustafa. Costs $10.8 and I bought all 3.
Yesterday I bought the spray kind from Mustafa.
Walked around and ended up for an hour massage near City Square for $45.
Headed home and tidy up a bit before headed to pick up Matey after her class.
Since it was early I walked around Clarke Quay and Funan.
Challenger will not open 24hours anymore coming this

Special Forces.

2012-01-11T21:09:00.001+08:00

Woke up early cause someone was dragging chairs at 5.30am.
Matey slept in the guest room cause she said I farted.
Anyway, left to Shaw and watched Special Forces in French, $8.
Not a bad movie actually.
Went to Mustafa in search for Old Spice After Shave but its now in Spray type! What ever happened to the old school one? I just bought one bottle for test, $8.5
Had my Onion Rawa Thosai fix, $5.5.
Hmmm... Headed to Chinatown OG and CK and they too don't carry it.
So headed home to rest before its dinner at Aljuined for dumplings! $5.
Then its beer $5.5 and Durians for $10 per kilo. Ours was 2kg.
Ripe, soft, golden, rich, sweet, creamy and fragrant!
Took train back but now at City Hall kai kai.

Control the fire.

2012-01-11T10:16:00.001+08:00

[Backdated on 10th Jan 2012].

At work brought my Macbook Air cause Sc had some issues with his.
Hmmm...
Listened to a 1.5 hour talk by Scdf, before a demo on how to extinguish the fire.
I too tried it and its not light. It's dry ice or chemical based.
1. Pull the safety pin.
2. Aim the nozzle at the fire.
3. Squeeze the trigger.
4. Shove it from left to right and back.

Scaled, portioned and freeze the $76, 4.36kg Salmon for via top ppl. Every few months I'll do this.
Dinner at Han's at Shenton Way while waiting for Matey's class to end.

Control the fire.

2012-01-11T10:14:00.001+08:00

Scaled, portioned and freeze the $76, 4.36kg Salmon for via top ppl. Every few months I'll do this.
Dinner at Han's at Shenton Way while waiting for Matey's class to end.

So it seams.

2012-01-09T23:10:00.001+08:00

Started at 12.30pm today.
In the morning did laundry and ate my fav Lontong Kering.
Work was quiet. Covered the island with cloth cause of the major cleaning by contractor. Legally we needed it biannually.
After work headed to Central for kai kai before ending up for a 60min massage, $60 at Funan IT mall (24 hour).
Since the massage ended at 10.30pm I couldn't meet up with Matey after her class.
Took a big dump after that. Must be the satay and rojak for dinner.
It's now 11pm and I'm passing Chinatown.
Hungry.

So it seams.

2012-01-09T22:59:00.001+08:00

Started at 12.30pm today.
In the morning did laundry and ate my fav Lontong Kering.
Work was quiet.
After work headed to Central for kai kai before ending up for a 60min massage, $60 at Funan IT mall (24 hour).
Since the massage ended at 10.30pm I couldn't meet up with Matey after her class.
Took a big dump after that. Must be the satay and rojak for dinner.
It's now 11pm and I'm passing Chinatown.
Hungry.

Sun it is.

2012-01-08T21:28:00.001+08:00

Sun, woke up early and had bfast with Matey.
Drank at YaKun after that.
Quite quiet today.
Tried playing Blood and Glory.
Left at 6.30pm and dinner with Matey at Food Republic.
Drank Dark Mocha at Starbucks, $7.8 Medium.
Windy and cold tonight.

Cold and Hot.

2012-01-07T21:15:00.001+08:00

Worked from 10.30am till 6.30pm.
Had bfast and dinner with Matey.
Dinner was individual hotpot called JPot at Vivo.
Cost was 56.8 for about 10 dishes with tea. Not a bad dinner actually except that we had to sit outside cause we didn't make any reservations.
The JSC played with cold gas and made Dragon Smoke for us test.

Oysters Prawns and Mussels.

2012-01-06T21:53:00.001+08:00

After two days of rest, I'm all pumped up for work today.
It's 250pax at the other kitchen.
The food is mainly local, but I assisted in the satay station.
Took the 9.30pm bus out.
Cdp was on mc three days ago.

Merry Christmas!

2012-01-06T09:39:00.001+08:00

[Backdated on 04Jan12].

Oh well, clearing my Christmas holiday today.
Went for massage.
Watched Margin Call at Cathay.
Visited friends house at nite for dinner.

Prolink wifi mobile router.

2012-01-05T22:04:00.001+08:00

Woke up early and did laundry again, it's the Whites turn today.
Headed to Sim Lim Square to buy a portable wifi router.
After looking thru the shelves, I settled for Prolink Mobile Wifi Router Model Wnr1011.
It costs me $98.
I bought it after watching The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo, starring Daniel Craig. Frankly its not bad compared to the original Swedish one I watched some time ago.
The good thing about this router is when I visit hotels I can then make it into a hotspot even if they just provide the ethernet cable. The battery lasts about 6 hours and I can still charge other devices.
The bad thing is I need to buy another 3G dongle that costs another $98.
I tested out the router earlier using the RJ-45 cable that was provided and it worked beautifully!
Tidy up home and left home earlier to look-see-look-see more choices at Funan IT Mall.

Now waiting for Matey to finish her class at 10pm.

Why then buy a portable wifi router? Since my Samsung Galaxy S2 can make a hotspot, well simply because the phone batt gets eaten up, I need to use the phone for something else like games.
And most importantly Matey can use her tablet to surf anywhere!

The White Tiger by Aravind.

2012-01-05T00:45:00.001+08:00

After 1Q84, I was going thru my bookshelf and saw The White Tiger that was lying there for a year.
Finished it in about a week.
Tells the story of a kid from the slum that became a driver then an entrepuneur.
Quite an entertaining book to read too!

Bring me my phone.

2012-01-03T22:29:00.001+08:00

Slept around 1am last nite and woke up at 7am this morning.
Folded cloths, washed and hung cloths.
Watched Come Dine with Me on tv. It's about four strangers having to cook and serve among themselves everynight. Lots of bitching going around.
Matey forgot her phone so I left early and passed it to her.
Hmmm... Worked in the afternoon shift.
Prep ala carte alone cause Cdp is still not back from his leave.
Sigh, hungry so bought packed salted fried rice and egg custard dessert.
I'm off for the next two days.
Happy but need to clean the house, bring down the Christmas tree.

Mon is still a holiday.

2012-01-03T10:50:00.001+08:00

Woke up early and had bfast at Ikea with Matey and brother and sister in-laws.
The queue was bad.
They left for Woodlands Train Station before lunch and I started work at 12.30pm.
Everybody left early.
I left at 8.30pm and headed to 313 Orchard to meet up with Matey's cousin whom is working in Thailand.
I ate with Matey, the Vietnamese dry noodles was great!
Sad to hear cousin sister leaving at 7am tomorrow!

Mon is still a holiday.

2012-01-02T23:48:00.001+08:00

Working on New Year Day.

2012-01-02T08:27:00.001+08:00

It's a Sunday and lots of ppl are happy cause it's New Year.
Last nite took cab and ate at the opposite Taman.
Slept after 2am and woke up at 6.30am cause needed to start work at 8am.
Non stop orders!
Today also the old part timer joined full time.
There was a set lunch of 15pax handled by the JSC and me.
Finished workday 4pm and took a nap before leaving to Vivo for dinner with in-laws.

Working on New Year Day.

2012-01-01T22:32:00.001+08:00

Happy New Year 2012.

2012-01-01T18:30:00.001+08:00

Started work at 10.30pm. Had breakfast with Matey but the papaya juice with milk was bad. I think it's 10% juice and 90% milk.
My carrot juice didn't fair any better. Both costs $5.
The entire day was just me and another part timer. Cdp took another leave and ala carte was super non stop!
Was running up and down, up and down, up and down!
So tired but as soon as I finished work at 8.30pm I headed to Vivo and met up with my sister and brother in-laws.
Ok.
Watched Jet Li, Flying Swords of Dragon Gate. Funny and serious action but lots of cgi effects.
Close to midnight we watched the fireworks on Vivo roof.
Now in first bus to get home, hopefully can get the second bus to home.
Happy New Year everyone!
Working at 8am tomorrow.

Happy New Year 2012.

2012-01-01T18:21:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year 2012.

2012-01-01T18:20:00.001+08:00

Boxing Day.

2011-12-31T08:07:00.001+08:00

[Backdated 26Dec 2011].

It's Monday and I'm off today. It's a carry on public holiday because of Christmas which fell on a Sunday yesterday.
Woke up around 7am and slept late last nite cause watched Moulin Rouge on the telly.
We had bought some bread at Breadtalk at Rws and then proceeded to wait for the 10am bus that departs every hour to Jb.
Mana tau the stupid tyre punchat and had to wait for the van to replace the flat tyre.
So we all left late and traffic was smooth, so was the customs, but its super duper long queue for Singaporeans entering Jb.
We watched White Vengeance at 12.15pm at City Square for RM23 per couple.
Matey loved the storyline while I played Front Line Commander on my phone.
Ate at the Indian shop which served lousy Nasi Lemak (without ikan bilis) and Maggi Mi Goreng, total is RM12.50 including teh tarik and teh ais.
Hmmm...
Ok, got my hair and face shaved to silky smoothness for RM12 at my favourite barber shop.
The rate is 2.402.
Matey bought a shoe from Vincci and I bought a pair of Bermudas, belts and three boxers from Reject Shop for RM183.
Had to wait 30mins for the 6pm TS8 bus to take us to Rws for RM5. Not many ppl on board, just a handful.
Later I'll cook Lamb Casserole for supper.
My sis in-law is coming down next week for New Year.

Its Cheesy Friday again.

2011-12-30T21:42:00.001+08:00

Cdp is coming back to work tomorrow after four days of leaves.
Is the sentence above even correct?

Anyway, headed to Kfc for a quick bfast.
I hear lots of ppl have not even reported back to work, most ppl are still on holiday.
Ec is cutting down the ot from most of lower ranking staff.
Oh well, looks like now it's good time to move on?
After the cheesy event, we all punched out late and waited RM long for the bus.
As I still have $20 voucher with sushi Tei, I decided to pack out cause I doubt I can use it tomorrow when my sis in-law is here.

Missed the stop.

2011-12-29T21:59:00.001+08:00

I'm now walking back to the bus stop where the bus driver missed even though I rang the bell earlier.
What were you thinking Bus Driver 145?
Work was preping for 16pax dinner.
Sigh, I'm quite tired already.
I just need a break from all this.

Last minute set.

2011-12-28T22:49:00.001+08:00

I started work at 12.30pm.
The moment I step into the kitchen its non stop preping for tonight 20pax.
Ec don't want to pay Cdp and asked him to go back early, so Sc and I stayed till 10pm to scoop ice cream.

The day after Boxing Day.

2011-12-27T19:12:00.001+08:00

Cdp is on leave till Sat. Sc went back at 6pm cause Ec is still not back from leave. Most probably he'll be back 2morrow.
Ok.
I had to top up all the prep for ala carte station.
Quite quiet today.
Everyone is on holiday and I'm spending my time here.

Dinner at Rws.

2011-12-26T21:10:00.001+08:00

We reached almost an hour later to the bus bay of Rws.
In the bus was a Malaysian girl that enquired about the bus schedule on the 3rd day of CNY. She wanted to know about the traffic conditions.
Since it was windy and Matey was in good mood, she suggested we eat at the resort.
I was suppose to cook Lamb Casserole but looks like that hv to pass.
We ate at a Chinese restaurant called Putien which is next to The Coffee Bean.
The place was packed so we had to wait.
We ordered the signature seafood mee sua dish which is a large bowl, braised Tofu with minced meat and sweet sour meat with lychee.
Walked around and took some photos around the Christmas tree.
Took bus RW8 bus out cause the monorail queue is forever long.
Stomach ache now... Still waiting for bus to go back.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T22:08:00.001+08:00

Woke up at 6.45am again to start work at 8am.
The moment I punched card I had the urge to purge so that's what I did on the 2nd floor which is usually reserved for management.
Since they were not around so I could take my time.
Roasted more turkeys and glazed ham.
It was quiet, as it was yesterday.
I asked my Cdp if I could leave at 4pm and he said ok.
So I took the bus out and lined up at the cinema which had the queue snaked all the way to Canon.
Watched Sherlock Holmes, The Game of Shadows with Matey.
She's feeling much better.
Ok.
The movie is actually quite good in fact with the strong storyline and visual effects.
Ok.
I remembered that I still hv $60 Sushi Tei voucher, so we had our supper there after the movie.
Now on the way home.
Going to Jb tomorrow to have my hair shaved.

Christmas eve.

2011-12-25T07:29:00.001+08:00

[Backdated 24Dec2011, Sat].

Woke up at 6.45am to start my 8am shift.
Helped Sc to roast turkey.
Went with Matey to 8pm mass.
Had our supper near our flat for $14.

Winter Solstice.

2011-12-24T23:25:00.001+08:00

[Backdated 22Dec2011 Thursday].

Had bfast with Matey near our hse. It has certainly been a long time since I savoured the dark carrot cake from the cocked-eyed lady.
Work was preping for 2morrow and found out last minute that the monthly cheese event has been postponed to next Fri instead.

Had a burger at Freshness Burger at Central before doing some shopping at Raffles City Hall.
Bought glutinous rice flour, $1.55 and ginger, $1.50 for the Tong Yuen festival tonight.
Not much time left but Matey is very determined to eat it but it's a surprised cause I'll do it later.
Bought a new slim umbrella for $15 that I think will fit perfectly into Matey's handbag.

I'll post up the pictures of the sweet dumplings next time as its on Mateys phone.

Winter Solstice.

2011-12-24T22:33:00.001+08:00

[Backdated 22Dec2011 Thursday].

I'll post up the pictures of the sweet dumplings next time as its on Mateys phone.

Start roasting.

2011-12-23T20:01:00.001+08:00

Here I am roasting turkey, glazed ham and 2kg ribeye Angus beef.
Hmmm.
At night at the other kitchen is 170 pax Chinese dinner.
I'm coming to work at 8am tomorrow assist Sc in roasting turkey.

Bought Samsung S2 and Galaxy Tab 10.1

2011-12-22T09:04:00.000+08:00

[Backdated on 20Dec2011]

Ok. Today work is from 11am till 7pm.
Lots of prep today, washed the saba fish, made burger pattie, washed, cooked and diced gizzards.
Since I'm off early, I've decided to buy Samsung Galaxy S2, $725 and Galaxy Tab 10.1, $714 from Mobile Square for my colleague.
Matey met me at Orchard cause she needed some fresh air even though still on mc.
Met up with my colleague in front of Plaza Singapura after that.
Took the bus back.
I'm off 2morrow.

Bought Samsung S2 and Galaxy Tab 10.1

2011-12-22T09:01:00.001+08:00

Off today.

2011-12-21T18:48:00.001+08:00

Matey's insurance agent sent her a hamper cause she couldn't claim insurance.
Woke up late and had bfast at Seah Im.
Took train to Serangoon Nex. Watched Twillight Breaking Dawn which was ok. Boring at first.
Headed to Farrer Park mrt and ate vegetarian rice opposite Mustafa.
Then to Vivo and watched Puss and Boots. Slept halfway cause was too tired. Maybe ate too full.
Will need to clean the hse tonight cause my brother in-law is coming this Christmas.

Sunday, Time to rest.

2011-12-20T21:46:00.002+08:00

[Backdated at 18Dec2011].

Woke up at 4am and found Matey sleeping in the guest room. Later she told me she left cause I farted.
We both woke up around 10am.
Had bfast at Vivo and got our shoes repaired.
Took bus to Marina Square and Matey did some shopping for her brother.
Watched Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol.
Great movie.
Rained so we walked to City Hall and Matey wanted to eat Bak Kut Teh.
So we're at Ah Hoon's.
It's my off after nearly two weeks of working.
So happy to spend time with Matey!
At night Matey is worried cause something is swollen.
I told her to see doctor 2morrow.

Bought Samsung S2 and Galaxy Tab 10.1

2011-12-20T21:46:00.001+08:00

This too shall pass.

2011-12-19T21:55:00.001+08:00

"This too shall pass" was what I read tattooed behind a young girls back who was quite attractive in her white dress... while waiting for Matey to finish her class.
Had my dinner at the food court next to Grand Park Hotel. It's Burmese Kuey Teow.
I accompanied Matey to work and we had bfast at McD.
Matey saw the Doctor opposite the restaurant and its something that needed operating!
It was raining heavily and as we're about to leave, Matey saw an old colleague when she first started work.
I later confirmed its him when I sent him an sms. He is just on transit coming back from Australia.
U know, I committed a sin by taking someone else umbrella as I was about to leave the restaurant. As I was sitting there for more than 30mins yet still no one claimed it so I took it as I desperately needed it cause it was raining heavily.
Sc came back after a week of holiday.
He said Ec called him and said that I did a good job.
Hahaha.
It was still raining when I left work, in fact it never stopped raining.
It's now coming close to 10pm and I'm still waiting for Matey.
She said she's ok even after the minor operation.
She's on mc.

Sunday, Time to rest.

2011-12-19T00:38:00.001+08:00

[Backdated at 18Dec2011].

Sunday, Time to rest.

2011-12-19T00:37:00.001+08:00

[Backdated at 18Dec2011].

The D Day.

2011-12-18T13:19:00.001+08:00

[Backdated on 17Dec2011].
Called cab to pick me up at 5.45am for work.
When I arrived the part timer chef had already prepared most of the mornings prep.
I measured 60 litres of water separated into 2 pots for tonights 251pax mushroom soup.
It's a good thing I came early cause there was on disturbance to send things over to the other kitchen where the wedding dinner will be held.
Crash Boom Bang! Luckily almost what needed to be sent over is already done cause after lunch the lift broke down, it rained heavily and the other buggy broke down.
I was so happy and felt better after all the delivery was done.
Now all we have to wait is to cook, and that was handled exclusively by the newly joined Junior Sous Chef.
Actually the event went on smoothly, of course there were some hiccups but overall it was ok.
Now no more worries!
Left at 11.10pm

The day before D Day.

2011-12-16T21:27:00.001+08:00

Today is the day before D day for me.
Came to work at 8am and got work. Send some stuff to the other kitchen where the wedding dinner is suppose to held tomorrow for 250 pax. Today one of our regular part timer could not make it.
Seabass came today at 48 kilos. Fillet it just now, made jus, saute mushroom soup and send more items to the other kitchen.
So freaking tired. Managed to feel the responsibility more than a week ago when Sc already went on leave.
Tomorrow is show time.
Leaving at 7.30pm to vivo and hv dinner with Matey.
Thinking of coming to work at 6am 2morrow to continue preping and packing.

We're now eating at Thai Express Vivo. Matey got the curry soft shell crab with rice and mine Seafood Phad Thai.
We requested the seafood noodles with the chillies on the side. Oh man, it is Hot!

Celebrating all things.

2011-12-15T21:59:00.001+08:00

Matey and I went out of the house together.
Came to work earlier to sort things out.
Part timers won't die with you.
There's also another new part timer that assisted us today but he'll join full time come Jan 2012.
Busy with my paper work and so many events today.
One was the staff Christmas party that was held upstairs.
Barely 3mins into sitting down and eating, we had to go down and cook cause of some stupid order.
The newbie today gave several suggestions on how to improve the set on Sat, but I told him it's always never on a straight line.
Tonight was the 3rd food tasting done and it's the seabass course.
Ec told the maintenance ppl to remove all the locks in the freezer cause he heard ppl got stuck inside and died.
So after time, ice started to buildup everywhere.
Sooner or later the fan is gonna stop functioning.
Now even after a long day, gonna surprise Matey at City Hall after her 10pm class.
She forgotten to take her phone today.

Since I was early, I ate Thosai Masala (but really wanted Rawa Thosai) at Peninsular Plaza, at the food court but I wasn't satisfied so I went next door to Komalas and had my Rawa Onion Thosai.
I'm pretty sure their standard has dropped. Mine was salty and thick instead of the netting type.
Still waiting for Matey.

Signature Dishes.

2011-12-14T21:25:00.001+08:00

When I was doing my apprenticeship, my Head Chef in the Thai Restaurant told me that he hated when ppl ask him what is your Signature dishes, because to him every dish is born out of love and hard work.
That was many years ago.
Today, Sc is still on holiday and Ec took over as the Head Chef.
He told me that we have two signature dishes.
These two dishes are must haves when ppl dine with us.
They're Foie Gras Chawanmushi and Live Boston Lobster in Laksa Sauce.
I'm so ecstatic cause these two dishes are my domain, meaning I'm the only one who prepare and cook them exclusively when they appear on the menu.
Oh boy! Am I happy to hear that!
Ec is pushing the Bone Marrow with Snails as the next signature dish.
There was a initially 8pax then 7pax for dinner. So I prep all 7 pax but at the very very last minute its 8pax!
I had to run around to cut the frozen Chu Toro. Really stupid. Next time just do more to save my butt.
Hungry now.
Matey is attending the resident committee meeting.
I ate a plate of char kuey teow $3 and bought Chicken wings $1.2 with soy bean milk $1.2.
Happy ppl eat more.

High cost.

2011-12-13T21:53:00.001+08:00

As the lowest cook in the kitchen, no one offered me any help in ordering for Saturday's event.
One of my trusted part timer is leaving at the end of this week.
Hmmm... Quite quiet today but then I was busy with paperwork.
I feel so stressed but would be better if someone offered me a helping hand.
Ok.
After work met up with Matey at Gelare in Vivo. Had the Trutty Fruity for $4.5 with canned peaches and fresh strawberries. Drizzle with strawberry syrup with soaked everything up.
Then had an ice blended Ultimate at Coffee Bean for $8.
Now in the bus on the way back home.

Maniac Monday.

2011-12-12T21:42:00.001+08:00

Running around Monday. Came to work at 9am cause Ec told me that there's a new combi oven that comes in. Costing $18k, it's a real pretty sight.
Most of my time were spent ordering for this Sat 220pax dinner. The worst part is the elderly couple wants to have tasting menu this Thursday!
It's going to be a long weekend!
Got scolded from Ec cause I ordered too much Seabass fillet.
Got off at 7pm and ate alone at Eagle Swensen. Tried their buffet salad, Christmas meal and finished with a beautiful Chocolate Sundae.
Spent that time reading too.
Taking bus 166 to meet up with Matey after her class ends at 10pm.
She doesn't know I'm coming... yet.
Hmmm... we fought last nite cause I made her irritateed and she couldn't sleep.
I told her how stressed I was.
We both then talked and she gave me strength.
Before you know it, it's already 1.30am.

One satisfying meal.

2011-12-11T23:48:00.001+08:00

Work starts at 10am today. Sc started his off.
Ok. Bfast was $3 chicken rice.
Work was ok. Part timer made mushroom soup.
Met up with Matey for dinner at Vivo.
It's my 2nd eating at the Imperial Herbal restaurant. Located just opposite Daiso.
We had plain rice with Braised Tofu with vegetables, Stir Fried venison with leeks. Both were very good! Not too much seasoning which I heart.
Our tea was floral kind which gets slightly bitter as it progresses. I like it but Matey like it too bitter.
The best was the dessert!
It's melted sugar coated in taro and sweet potatoes.
At first, two ice bowls were brought to us, not knowing what's it's for Matey asked and the beautiful waitress explained that later they will bring the dessert out which needs to be dunked into the icy cold water to create the sweet crust.
Then, I've remembered this dessert from Lisa See's Shanghai Girls novel where the girls will wait for the Uncle to dip the taro balls into iced water before giving to the girls.
Just like the little girls, We ate with delight. It's crunchy on the outside and tender inside. However the sugar quickly sticks to our teeth.
I'm a happy man!
Oh well, I have to because tomorrow I know my faith for this coming weekend where I need to be in-charge of a huge set and best of all... it's not in our kitchen.

One satisfying meal.

2011-12-11T23:13:00.001+08:00

The moon is blocked by our planet.

2011-12-10T23:55:00.001+08:00

Started work at 8am.
Ec was very determined to cook almost every course via sous vide.
Let me say it didn't turn out well.
Hmmm...
The use of the shipon too is totally wrong, there must be at least some fat or gelatin for body.
It's Zouk Out tonight and its super jam close to midnight, that when I'm leaving for work.
Ok.
It's also the eliscpe of the moon.
Sc is off for a week.

Start at 8am.

2011-12-09T21:58:00.001+08:00

Today started work at 8am and Sc actually came in before 7am cause he drove.
He recently just bought a new Macbook Air 11" and he's been asking me how to use it.
From what I've gathered, he loved it.
At nite was a set dinner for 80pax and buffet dinner for 100pax.
Rushed and managed to take the 9.30pm bus.
Lots of things are actually sous vide today, like the lobster tail in butter, white wine, fresh sliced ginger, coriander, lemon skin confit and butter.
Beef was smoked first, sous vide with sliced garlic and thyme.

I'll start work at 8am again tomorrow.

PS. The Local Kitchen Cdp and Sc actually fought today... Sc accused Cdp for not checking his stock and have to order last minute... they exchanged words and as I was nearby plucking the pin bone of the trout.
After more heated argument, the cdp threw a knife, that's where I step in and pull the local Sc away... cause he asked the cdp to punch him... showing his cheek, I pulled him to the other kitchen but he came back again and nearly fought!
I had to get back to my job... plucking the trout pin bones.
Matey is enjoying herself with a brand new Dinner and Dance.

Why you need to shout here and there?

2011-12-08T22:48:00.001+08:00

We have 3 set dinner tonight and all hell broke lose.
1. This always happens when the menu doesn't state the proper ingredients.
2. While firing the dishes service ppl comes in with all kinds of request like mustard and special deviations from the menu.
3. Guest wants what the other person is having and this is bad cause we have to again assemble and cook with what we have left behind which frankly ain't much at all.
4. Things start to get out of hand with the attitude of different characters in the kitchen.

Left at 9pm and met up with Matey at Vivo. I had my favourite Taiwanese pork stew rice with a braised egg and some pickled vegetable. Dessert was this Soursop which Matey doesn't eat, but I did buy an egg tart for her.

Back to work you lazy bum!

2011-12-07T22:15:00.001+08:00

Today, I start work at noon.
In the morning had vegetarian meehoon and drank a cup of ice cold coffee at Yakun.
Actually, I spent the morning writing Christmas and Chinese New Year cards.
Most of the time I'll the the cards drawn by the Society of the Disable where mainly their hands or foot are used to design the beautifully made cards.
As always Singpost have reduced the price of postage stamps for the festive greeting cards.
To Msia is about 45cents and 55cents for elsewhere.
It's great because then I can afford to send to more ppl.
No mood to work cause been on leave for so long.
A part timer with us is coming to work with us at the beginning of next year. He'll be in charge of the Molecular cooking.
Finish work at 8.30pm.
Matey have community neighbourhood meeting.
I bought dinner too at the adjacent neighbourhood.

Midin, Paku and Terung Asam.

2011-12-06T21:44:00.000+08:00

Brought Midin RM2 per bundle, Paku RM1 and Terung Asam which is about RM1.20 per number.

Cooked 3 dishes...

#1. Midin with Garlic, Oyster Sauce and Thai Chili Sauce. Garnished with fried shallots. This is my favourite dish for the day.

#2. Paku with Garlic, dried prawns, belachan and garnished with fried shallots. This was Matey's favourite dish.

#3. Terung Asam cooked with Glangal, fresh tumeric, shallots and lemongrass... all blended together and saute with oil. In goes the wedges terung asam for about 20 mins to soften and lastly the Kembung fish for another 5 mins. I've also seasoned with assam jawa, salt and sugar.
There is no need to peel the skin as it'll come off as you dig into the soft flesh.

As it's been a long time since I last cooked in the flat, you can just imagine the cleaning after that!

Snacks brought back from Kuching.

2011-12-06T21:40:00.001+08:00

Still off today. Headed to the bank in the morning before bfast at Ikea.
Saw an accident between a white car driven by a pretty girl.
While the man tried picking up his bike he actually fell down again.
Went to Fairprice to buy ingredients for tonights dinner.
Watched 50/50 at Cathay Leisure. It's about a young guy who contracted cancer.
The later part of the afternoon I prep the shallots and plucked the ferns.
After dinner, I introduced to Matey the snacks my friend brought/made for us.
There's a Malay snack with five petals which looks like a flower. Biting into it, there's gula melaka batter.
Hmmm, there's also Dabai or local black olives.
The prices vary from RM17 to RM25 per kilo.
Soak them in hot water until soft, strain and marinated with light soy and sugar. Some add chillies too.
Yummy!

1 Kuching Dec 3rd 2011.

2011-12-06T12:31:00.001+08:00

Phew what a day!
Here I am now at Kuching but lets start off at Singapore.
Woke up at 6am and after some further packing, took cab at 7.20am to Budget Terminal. Fare was $16.40.
Tiger Airways had a long queue but it moved fast.
Fight was delayed about 30mins. Everyone just waited in the plane.
Ride was comfortable as I had my Kindle with me.
After touching down at 11am some idiot (gay guy) opened the baggage compartment and dropped my bag with my Macbook Air inside without any protection!
When I picked up my baggage I found out the small lock that locks my bag is missing.
Tune travel agent (Golden Tours?) now charges RM9.99 for a trip to the hotel but needs min two ppl.
Bought a prepaid Digi card for RM8.5 but added additional RM5 after going online for just a minute!
Called my friend and she said will pick me up at noon :-)

Went to McD (got myself a fish fillet set) and checked my laptop, luckily all is ok :-)

2 Kuching Dec 3rd 2011.

2011-12-06T12:22:00.001+08:00

After got picked up by my friend, we started to eat!
It's a food court where I ate Kuay Chap.
My good old friend also brought me Mydin. Its so good!
Also the pics of the good old kids!
After dropping the kids, my friend took me to Satok Market where I got my fix for Sago worms, 40 cents each.
We also specially asked for a yellow bitter durian, RM5.
I ate all the five worms. Tasted chewy and custardy.
A group of Singaporeans saw me and we talked.

3 Kuching Dec 3rd 2011.

2011-12-06T12:20:00.001+08:00

I checked into Tune Hotel again. Double bed room, RM180 for 2 nites including 24 hour air con which should have only took 12. Late check out too till 2pm.
Took a RM5 towel too at the counter.
This time my window looks not at the river like last year but at shop lots, which is bad.
Clean though, not smelly like last time.
Picking me at 6pm we went to 101? Open food court, there was a charitable organisation which my friend support.
I ate an Iban fish called something-manok. It's chicken with vegetable cooked in bamboo.
I still prefer Peninsular or-cheen than this crispy one.

The gue tie was bad, smelly, RM6.
Walked around the supermarket nearby which sold organic stuff which my friend is really into.

There's lion dance too.

4 Kuching Dec 3rd 2011.

2011-12-06T12:19:00.001+08:00

Just before heading home, we went to Hui Sin for dessert. Me got Matterhorn.
Around 10pm, I walked around the pubs near the hotel and ended up in a massage palour for two hours!
Back to the hotel after midnight and couldn't sleep.
Read my Kindle and slept after 2am.

5 Kuching Dec 4th 2011.

2011-12-06T12:18:00.001+08:00

It's Sunday.
Woke up at 6.30am cause my friend is picking me up at 7am.
Look at my messy bed, had to line up my dirty cloths along the curtain cause the morning light tends to seep from underneath.
Had bfast at some shops which sells this long Nonya bachang. Really good, RM1.20.
Long time didn't drink tea from glass.
I had Red Kolo Mee, peanut and butter You Char Kueh, RM1.20 and Sarawak Laksa, RM4. Pretty good! Not spicy.

6 Kuching Dec 4th 2011.

2011-12-06T12:16:00.001+08:00

After bfast I followed my friend to De Zhi Gui classes.
I cannot join the kids class but the adults which is upstairs for experience sharing.
My sifu spoke for an hour without script and then another hour of video without script too!
Ok, after that, we headed to my friends place.
There's the guava branch where it's used to make Thunder Tea Rice.
Met for the first time my friends husband.
He brought back pizza.
He looks like a loving husband.

7 Kuching Dec 4th 2011.

2011-12-06T12:12:00.001+08:00

Next was out to eat Thunder Tea Rice which was located opposite a graveyard.
I paid RM4 for it and another RM2.80 for White Lady.
Before sending the kids back we headed to Sunny Hills where we had cone vanilla and chocolate ice cream. Small RM1.70
There were many varieties too of toppings.
Funny this place, no air con and long queue all the time!

8 Kuching Dec 4th 2011.

2011-12-06T12:11:00.003+08:00

Asked my friend to drop me near Tua Pek Kong and I walked around town.

9 Kuching Dec 4th 2011.

2011-12-06T12:11:00.001+08:00

I ended up massage near Tune Hotel.
Last night was RM100 for 2 hours and it's RM90 today.
Walked to Pullman Hotel and this is where I am now blogging for the past two hours at Kim Bay with free wifi.
Using it I managed to sms and talked to Matey. So happy!
No need to pay RM12 for 24hour wifi at the hotel or 3G data plan card which I'm still considering.
The Pineapple Fried Rice is good here with lots of floss, cashew nuts, raisins and prawns.
The char siew pau also not bad, same goes to the Jasmine Plum Tea. All for RM17.45.
It's now 8.26pm.
I'll walk around before going back.

10 Kuching Dec 5th 2011.

2011-12-06T12:09:00.001+08:00

My last day in Kuching. Woke up at 6.30am and luckily already packed my bag last night.
Showered and walked the streets of North Kuching.
Had breakfast at Choon Chong coffee shop which is just next to the AirAsia shop.
Got me a kaya butter toast and tea for RM4.40.
Walked behind to Jalan Pandungan where I took photo of the white cat, entrance of Chinatown.
Bought a huge Char Siu Pau for RM1.70 and then almost immediately my friend appeared!
Hopped on and off we go...

11 Kuching Dec 5th 2011.

2011-12-06T12:08:00.003+08:00

We headed to a wet local market which is three stories high.
The ground level was the carpark, the second level the wet market itself where my friend bought some firm tofu and the highest floor is the food court.
The parking here is managed by the local town council as such the parking fee is only 20cents for the first 30mins!
It's breakfast time again!
We headed to a nearby coffee shop. I had the pumpkin, yam and pulut rice cakes with sio bi (siu mai) at 60cents each.
This one is very firm, starchy and a bit sweet but delightful.
Ok.
Very full now!
Then its about 30mins drive to Kota Semarahan to run some errand. Its near the University Malaysia Sarawak or Unimas.