tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77953037493052856622024-03-27T16:53:29.900-07:00MOMENT AND ADVENTUREAdventures and experiences to local areas around the worldkuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.comBlogger4629125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-87123105097644760442024-03-27T08:04:00.001-07:002024-03-27T08:04:05.512-07:00KOMA at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53614426390_b2fec206a1_d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Curry Meat Cigar" /><br />
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I was a bit concerned when the team mentioned that we were headed here for a business lunch today (2 Bayfront Avenue #B1-67, 6688-8690). Sure, it was upscale and known for hosting Taylor Swift earlier this month. But it also seemed very commercialized in a <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2019/05/off-strip-bistro-bar-in-las-vegas-nevada.html">Vegas</a>-like way, especially given how over the top they went with the decor.<br />
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And yes, that's basically how it turned out, with dishes like that "curry meat cigar" above made to be eye-catching, but oftentimes were more about appearances than anything that my stomach got excited about. To be fair, the ingredients were of decent quality, but you also paid a price for it. This is not high on my list of places to go back to, even if it was a memorable experience.
kuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-4760648449616561062024-03-26T22:04:00.001-07:002024-03-26T22:04:21.673-07:00Trying Out O.BBa Jjajang Express<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53612032974_1bc577a81d_d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Jjajangmyeon" /><br />
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I'm not sure if this applies to all of their outlets, but the stall at the Taste Orchard building where OG used to be has one of its screens <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2024/01/kwee-heng-at-newton-food-centre-in.html">displaying Michelin signage</a>. It turns out though that this place isn't Michelin-listed. Instead, it was featured in a video and blog post by Michelin when they interviewed the <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2020/04/meta-restaurants-circuit-breaker-korean.html">Michelin-starred chef from Meta</a> on where he likes to eat, one of which is the original restaurant that this stall spun out of. Anyway, I figured that it would make for a fast lunch, especially while I'm still on this <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2024/02/jeongs-jjajang-on-killiney-road.html">recent fascination with <i>jjajangmyeon</i></a>.<br />
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It's too bad then that this didn't get me excited, mainly because the taste of the onions was not as pronounced as at <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2024/02/paiks-noodles-from-korea-in-singapore.html">Paik Jong Won's shop</a>. Don't get me wrong, one definitely tastes the onion finish at the end of it, but I wanted it more upfront, whereas this one bored me. Well, I'm hardly an expert on this stuff, and maybe the original shop and/or whatever the Meta guy ordered was different. But I'll get something different if I come back.
kuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-81415986177441630622024-03-26T07:04:00.001-07:002024-03-26T07:04:24.155-07:00Anna's Sourdough at Oasis Terraces in Punggol<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53606385602_dfa7665846_d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Anna's Harvest Bowl" /><br />
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This place serves slightly upscale cafe fare along the Punggol Waterway (681 Punggol Drive #01-04, 6966-7503). We didn't eat much here, but that salad above was refreshing and healthy enough, and the bread was nicely textured too, even if my preference is for the denser loaves at <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2019/08/balis-starter-lab-on-havelock-road-in.html">Starter Lab</a>. I didn't realize until afterwards that it was run by the Soup Spoon folks, which admittedly I <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2021/11/trying-out-soup-spoons-handburger.html">haven't been the biggest fan of</a>. But I can come back to this place. They even provide a nice canvas bag to go with your bread loaves if you buy one.
kuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-16696637598262305452024-03-24T20:50:00.007-07:002024-03-24T20:50:27.143-07:00Looking for Skylink Photoskuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-36122822687423813212024-03-24T20:50:00.005-07:002024-03-24T20:50:25.427-07:00The Issues for the Use of Mastertonkuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-59466899675208069442024-03-24T20:50:00.003-07:002024-03-24T20:50:24.201-07:00Kerikeri Yesterdaykuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-68097920690395286392024-03-24T20:50:00.001-07:002024-03-24T20:50:22.799-07:00New Career Pathwaykuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-3897296031470884982024-03-24T06:04:00.001-07:002024-03-24T06:04:16.397-07:00Ba Wang Pan Mee in Ang Mo Kio, Singapore<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53606219452_ea8c4588ae_d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Classic Handmade Noodles With Minced Pork" /><br />
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This <i>kopitiam</i> stall has gotten some attention for being run by a local celebrity chef, and we happened to be nearby this afternoon (133 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3). The noodles - or <i><a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2022/05/greenview-cafe-at-far-east-plaza.html">mee hoon kueh</a></i> in our case today - were nice and chewy coming out of the pasta machine. And sure, the rest of the bowl was edible enough to finish quickly. But I was a bit bummed to find that the chili sauce wasn't the gritty smoky stuff that I had come to expect of <i><a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2022/11/a-late-night-snack-at-ng-kuan-chilli.html">pan mee</a></i>, but rather a smooth acidic one instead. I <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2023/07/trying-out-yong-fa-pig-organ-soup.html">like the sour ones</a> too, but just need to reset my expectations if I come here again.
kuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-17284778051117563192024-03-22T17:50:00.001-07:002024-03-22T17:50:53.717-07:00Looking for Skylink Photoskuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-33335968455089086852024-03-21T20:50:00.001-07:002024-03-21T20:50:24.452-07:00The Issues for the Use of Mastertonkuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-15862982121910266942024-03-19T11:51:00.001-07:002024-03-19T11:51:39.039-07:00Kerikeri Yesterdaykuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-70243481597920717822024-03-19T01:03:00.001-07:002024-03-19T01:03:56.794-07:00Ginza Chojuan in Tokyo, Japan<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53597269289_fedce53eb6_d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Kamo-seiro" /><br />
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We needed a quick bite and randomly decided to try this shop after walking past it on the streets (1 Chome−21−15 Ginza, 03-3561-2647). It looked like one of those <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2023/09/sobaka-sarashina-maruya-near-kudanshita.html">local soba shops</a>, but only after sitting down did we realize that this place has been around since 1935 and was the inventor of the <i><a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2006/12/kamo-seiro-from-shimbashi-soba.html">kamo seiro</a></i>. Admittedly the meat didn't blow me away, nor did the broth or noodles. But it was was fast, affordable, and friendly, and good to try the original shop.
kuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-1542734753846553972024-03-18T19:50:00.001-07:002024-03-18T19:50:17.670-07:00New Career Pathwaykuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-39870692412800527082024-03-18T17:03:00.001-07:002024-03-18T17:03:38.252-07:00Sushi Nakamura in Roppongi, Tokyo<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53596034923_4ceba7cc17_d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sushi" /><br />
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I didn't realize this until I looked it up just now, but there seem to be many <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2023/09/edomaezushi-sushi-tsu-in-nishiazabu.html">sushi places in Tokyo</a> called Nakamura, and I assume that they are all unrelated to each other. To be clear, this is the edomae shop in Roppongi (7 Chome-17-16 Roppongi, 03-3746-0856), and Nakamura-san himself was serving us tonight. Some of my favorites included a roasted blackperch and braised monkfish liver, not to mention an <i>otoro maki</i>. What also made pieces like the one above stand out was the way that the soy sauce and vinegar were blended to be borderline edgy, yet not excessive. Either way, he fed us a very generous amount of very high quality food. It wasn't cheap, but there was also such high value that I was surprised that our bill wasn't higher.
kuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-17602879827033509452024-03-18T12:03:00.001-07:002024-03-18T12:03:34.217-07:00Kusaiya Near Aoyama-Itchome in Tokyo, Japan<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53596034003_c700f45e7f_d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Tsukune" /><br />
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This was another one of those <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2023/09/kanda-marubuta-in-tokyo-japan.html">local <i>kushiyaki</i> places without any tourists</a>, which was a nice thing (Minamiaoyama 1 Chome−3−21, 03-5411-9318). They served affordable food that went well with drinks, like those giant <i><a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2020/06/takeaway-from-tsukune-ichigo-in.html">tsukune</a></i> above. None of it was so unique that I'd go out of my way to go back there, but I'd go there for a quick meal if I were nearby.
kuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-35320122375611752882024-03-17T14:04:00.001-07:002024-03-17T14:04:02.840-07:00Trying Out An Outlet of Japan's Katsuya<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593061676_a2586cf613_d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Negimiso Chikinkatsu Teishoku" /><br />
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This is a <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2023/09/japans-katsu-in-singapores-suntec-city.html">fast tonkotsu chain</a> that I sat down at today because they were one of the few shops around that had seats available. And I picked that set above because the <i>negi</i> looked nice. It's too bad then that the batter was tough, and I wasn't a huge fan of the sauce either. Also, I didn't realize it until afterwards, but somehow I picked the chicken version rather than pork. If I find myself here again, I should probably try their <i>katsudon</i> instead.
kuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-71493040603899345312024-03-17T10:03:00.001-07:002024-03-17T10:03:25.165-07:00Gyukatsu from Kachimasu in Japan<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53592172752_366689748c_d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Gyukatsu" /><br />
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I don't know if there really is a shop called Kachimasu, as it was only what I saw on the sign of an event's outdoor food truck caterers today. Nonetheless, this <i><a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2021/04/musashi-x-niku-niku-do-at-bugis-junction.html">gyukatsu</a></i> was much better than I was expecting, especially with its very tender meat and just the right amount of salt on top for seasoning. I actually liked it even better than <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2017/03/gyukatsu-motomura-in-shibuya-tokyo.html">Motomura</a>.
kuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-91651351054203733902024-03-17T07:03:00.001-07:002024-03-17T07:03:45.125-07:00Tsukiji Itadori Unitora in Tokyo, Japan<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593312109_ab9a1125ac_d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Uogash" /><br />
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I haven't been to <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2006/07/breakfast-at-sushizanmai-tsukiji.html">Tsukiji</a> after they moved the market, but it seems more touristy than ever, not unlike <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2024/03/menya-jouroku-in-osaka-japan.html">Kuromon Market in Osaka</a>. Anyway, a suggestion was made to go to this shop in the narrow alleyway this morning (4 Chome−10−5 Tsukiji, 03-6228-4693) because they do an interesting <i>hitsumabushi</i>. Or at least, they did many years ago. Today, it wasn't available, but they had plenty of bowls like this to choose from, including multiple types of <i>uni</i>. My bowl above certainly was fresh, with very tender and sweet shellfish along with everything else on there. But the prices could add up pretty quickly too.
kuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-22665469829665465672024-03-16T14:50:00.001-07:002024-03-16T14:50:57.938-07:00Saturday Plane Spottingkuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-74492130781241734762024-03-16T07:04:00.001-07:002024-03-16T07:04:00.173-07:00Bird Land in Tokyo, Japan<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53590058342_ce27498c4a_d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Chicken Teriyaki" /><br />
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I had some pretty high hopes for this <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2023/11/homura-by-kai-at-orchard-plaza-in.html">kushiyaki place</a> given everything that I'd seen on TV, not to mention its Michelin listing. So I was pretty excited to find that I could get still get seats at the last minute on a Saturday night, even if it was for their Toranomon Hills extension rather than the original out in Ginza (Toranomon 1 Chome−17−1, 03-5860-9804). The good thing is is that the ingredients were of very high quality, all while being nicely seasoned, as seen in that firm yet mild chicken teriyaki above. But our 5000 yen set (US$33) lacked so much heft that we were still hungry when we left.
kuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-22302694430323373752024-03-16T00:04:00.001-07:002024-03-16T00:04:00.350-07:00Wakokoro Amaki in Yokohama, Japan<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53590734823_6b43202628_d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Nianago Oshizushi" /><br />
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This was a random little seafood place that we went into today (5-69 Onoecho B1, 04-5900-5393). The lunch prices were impressively cheap, with that <i>anago <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2014/08/oshizushi-from-miyazakis-sushi-tora.html">oshizushi</a></i> set above going for 1150 yen, or just US$7.70. And from what I could see, the dinner menu wasn't that much more expensive, making this place quite a steal.
kuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-46015165702851367702024-03-15T22:03:00.001-07:002024-03-15T22:03:41.273-07:00Baird’s Bashamichi Taproom in Yokohama, Japan<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53589925474_a95f50ba75_d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Smoked Sausage" /><br />
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This local brewery has a bar near our hotel that made for some convenient pitstops today (5 Chome-63-1 Sumiyoshicho, 045-264-4961). Our original intention was their huge array of taps, but there was also such a pleasant smoky smell coming from the kitchen that we had to try some of their <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2023/12/armadillo-willys-bbq-in-san-francisco.html">barbecue</a>. And it was good enough that we went back for more, including not just that pleasantly spiced and textured sausage above, but also their tender brisket. Yep, I liked the beer here too. This was a fun enough place that I'd probably be here quite regularly if I lived nearby.
kuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-70945618620654144042024-03-15T17:04:00.001-07:002024-03-15T17:04:06.300-07:00Takuan in Yokohama, Japan<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53589491149_dffd39034b_d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Otoro and takuan" /><br />
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This is a cozy little family-run <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2023/09/kanda-marubuta-in-tokyo-japan.html">izakaya</a> that we randomly went into while walking down the alleyways near Bashamichi (Otamachi 2 Chome−30, 045-271-6783). Yep, we were happy with what was served, including not just those little minced tuna wraps above with those surprisingly potent sprouts, but also a salty squid tossed in butter that he subsequently threw pasta into to soak up the savory butter-squid gut mixture remaining in the bottom of the pan. The proprietor was friendly and engaging too.
kuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-54730006617824737452024-03-15T03:03:00.001-07:002024-03-15T03:03:51.632-07:00Kasu Udon from Kasuya in Osaka, Japan<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53589035270_62952b9304_d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Kasu udon" /><br />
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This chain of udon shops caught my eye because of a large sign in front talking about a local fried <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2023/10/the-wagyu-motsunabe-from-kurohanabi.html">beef intestine</a> called <i>aburakasu</i>, and they topped their bowls with the stuff. And that <i>aburakasu</i> was indeed deliciously fatty, even if the topping portion was much smaller that I was expecting. The good thing is that the noodles here were nice and chewy too. But I'd rather have a fish-based broth.
kuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795303749305285662.post-5946564263011139132024-03-15T01:03:00.001-07:002024-03-15T01:03:41.863-07:00Menya Jouroku in Osaka, Japan<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588800078_ae16051a3c_d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Chukasoba Takaida Style - Small" /><br />
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We went to this very old school place because they serve Takaida-kei ramen, a local style from <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2024/03/acchichi-honpo-dotonbori-in-osaka-japan.html">Osaka</a> (6-16 Nanbasennichimae, 06-6643-6633). And I liked it much more than I thought I would, as that soy sauce broth was deep with black pepper and bit of acidity, while the leeks on top provided a refreshing crunch. Those thin slices of meat were wonderfully tender too. Fortunately, they offered small sizes, which was great for keeping stomach space available for other food later.<br />
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<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53587723467_e45706e5b6_d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Uni" /><br />
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That other food, by the way, was NOT that very expensive <a href="https://eatbma.blogspot.com/2023/01/the-uni-pasta-from-al-solito.html">sea urchin</a> at nearby Kuromon Market, which we passed through on the way here. Check out the leftmost price: 150,000 yen, or US$101 each! I'm not sure if that was inflated for the bazillion tourists here, but that was not something I was willing to pay for.
kuatanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445908301707698873noreply@blogger.com0