Westgate, at last

One of the places in Singapore that I rarely touched is the west area.
From the area itself, it's the other side of Singapore that is very far from where I stay, and the thought of traveling there just puts me off already.
I mean, sitting through the mrt/bus is boredom and long enough, and to travel both ways, I give up.

So finally when I went to Jurong East after omg so many years, it definitely changed a lot.
And finally to say I have visited JEM and Westgate.
It was a convenience trip there since I ended school late that day, and bf's camp is nearby. Taking the chance that we are already in that area, might as well head there for dinner.

The car ride there was fun, fast & furious and enjoyable.
Maybe to be honest that I enjoyed getting driven around, and at a fast speed. Makes me wonder what kind of driver I would be when I passed my license. Lol.
Windows down, hood open, music blasting and engines roaring, that's the way to go.

Our dinner place was one suggested by my friend, called Osaka Ohsho.

Their dumplings or rather Gyoza is what draws the crowd to their restaurant. Juicy meat inside wrapped with dumplings skin, together with a bit of soy sauce.. Aww, the combination.
The terriyaki chicken set I ordered was definitely filling and I was bloated after the meal. To think 1/4 bowl of rice, chicken, Gyoza and tea was enough to fill my stomach.

Osaka Ohsho
Westgate #03-09
Daily 11:30 to 22:00

After dinner, it was an exploration of the mall, wandering around between the courtyard area and air-conditioned area. Learning that the mall is mainly a food place and with a surprising number of Japanese restaurants inside.

A mini distraction on our exploration for these mini cheesecake. Damn good, soft, and full of flavors. Definitely a must-buy if you're there or anywhere else that you see them.
Now is my challenge if I am able to bake such cheesecake.
But only if cream cheese is on offer. Hahah! A baker on budget, unfortunately.

This waffles place caught bf's eyes when we passed by it. Both savory and sweet waffles offered, mainly a waffles place that put all kinds of ingredients.
We decided to go for the strawberry cheesecake since it's on chef's recommendations and well, it's cheesecake.
It was served in a mini frying pan, definitely a creative way for decoration and pictures as well. Though we were both surprised by the taste, it contained durian mousse inside. Something out of the ordinary since the menu didn't say it would include, confused, we asked the waiter and to find out that the chef had exchanged the contain inside. Though we didn't know why, with a weird language barrier and they didn't understand or explain but asked if we would like a new one instead. *shrug* In the end, bf said it's alright for the flavor, just that it was left wondering why did they add something else for our waffles.
To be honest, it was a nice combination but for a price of $9.50 I don't think I like to return back again to try other flavors/waffles. For that price, I reckon I am able to find bigger and better waffles. Definitely the portion size wasn't worth the money,and it was even smaller than my hand. On the other hand, they were quite generous with the strawberries provided. Perhaps to make up for the price?

Griddy Waffles
Westgate #B2-K12

One thing I learned is one trip down is enough. The bus ride back home was just too long and on a Friday, eventually we got worn out and tired.

Turf City, Farmer's Market

I'm sure everyone would know about the Grandstand?
I spend much fond memories there in my secondary school days, taking the free shuttle bus from AMK to there for track training.
Then it was mainly grass, rocks and old racing tracks. Of course, the only thing we enjoyed was the big Giant supermarket for our supply of 100 plus.
That was years ago.
Today bumpy and kitty are on another adventure to Turf City!

This time, the free shuttle bus is from Toa Payoh bus stop!
Shuttle bus timing and other locations can be found here!
Our first time taking the bus and we were anxiously waiting, though the bus did come late and every private bus that came by, we were (or rather I was) damn excited. Hahah! Even met a couple at the bus stop who were waiting for the bus too.
Funny, but a private bus stopped there and I almost wanted to board it until I realized that it was a bus for senior citizens who are going to a baptist church...

The ride to Turf City is about 20 minutes (depending on road conditions). And they stopped right outside PasarBella Farmer's Market. The Grandstand is generally divided into north and south, so be sure to explore both sides!
We stared off at PasarBella and were amazed at the new improvements and the amount of stores inside the place. Best of all, it doesn't feel like you're in Singapore anymore, but in another country. The cosy feeling and the stores inside brings about a different feeling and definitely a place for good chill out and food.
The first part that greeted us is the seafood section. And omg, the oysters are HUGE. I was that close to purchasing 1/2 dozen to eat (either $8/piece or $21). Another time perhaps but boy I need oysters soon in my tummy.

Moving on inside, they have mini shops selling different kinds of food, ranging from snacks, coffee, beer, wine, meat, cold cut, cheese, desserts.
You can order from the stores, and find a table to enjoy them.

A random store that was selling roasted pork and we were so tempted or rather we gave in to the sight of delicious roasted pork and bought them to try.
A little late and the honey roasted got sold out, else you could buy a combo for $13.
Our regular one cost $8 and you have a choice of sauces (apple sauce or mustard or chili) to add on.
Definitely one of the crispest roastetd pork I have eaten, but there wasn't much strong flavor inside that makes bumpy go aww..
So it comes down that the chinatown store was better and worth for money as well.
One thing to bear in mind, some or most items at PasarBella are a little overpriced.

They even have a dessert store beside that sells a slice of cake for $10. As much as it's expensive, the slice is huge as well, so they do make up for the price.
But even as a dessert lover, too much can also be bad. It would be better for sharing with a group than struggling to finish it and feel bloated after that.

Here we are, late lunch/early dinner but the main purpose of coming to Turf City is to try Singapore best burger in Singapore. I read reviews about it but it took me long enough to finally take a trip down.
And even bumpy agreed that it's better than fatboys!
To compare in terms of flavors, omakase burgers win hand-down. The patty was so juicy and rich in flavor, together with their special sauce, it hit the right taste buds. And the melted cheese and slight crispy bun, it brings together an awesome combination. Just one flaw is the size. It's not a big burger so for a price of $14.90 for an omakase burger and $18.50 for an ultimate cheeseburger, you do question if it's worth the size. The cheese fries (R $6.30) was addictive with a generous amount of melted cheese on top, it was a good end to our fatdie burger.
To think we enjoyed each other burger instead of the ones we ordered. Hahah!

Omakase Burger
Turf City #01-05
Mon - Thur 11:30 to 15:30 & 17:00 to 21:30
Fri - Sun 11:00 to 22:00

That pretty much round up our adventure at Turf City and finding a place out of Singapre in Singapore. Recommended for chill out, dates and family outings. I wish it was nearer that I can eat at the burger place more often.

Canopy Garden Dining & Bar

The first weekend of the year and I spend it well with my love.
A good Friday night watching finishing Smurf and starting on the Hobbit.
The bf who answered all my questions about the movie 'cause I didn't pay attention (oops!)
Saturday out with our first musical, The Light Seeker.
Though to admit, we were both awestruck by a particular performer's well-defined abs.
Here to starting our new year resolution....soon

Yet on Sunday was happiness spending the morning in bed finishing the Hobbit.
Spoiler but it ends at the epic moment.
Lazy brunch at Bishan park, a new cafe that I saw on a link and one that friend recommended.
It's a dog friendly cafe that gives both indoor and outdoor experience.

We ordered pineapple juice. Mainly 'cause we thought we had to pay $5 for the plain water, which in the end turns out to be free.
Double oops.
Ordered the grilled breakfast ($18) and tried their waffles with chicken & mushrooms ($13).

While I was busy taking picture for instagram, asked bf to help me take pictures of the food with my camera.
End result is one picture.
Reason is that one picture is enough.
NO! Not enough for me. Hahah.

The waffles was something different from the others that we ate before.
Chicken and mushrooms were actually cold, and with the waffles being at room temperature, it was a weird-different combination of taste.
I expected it to be a savory dish but it greatly surprised me.
Won't really say I like or dislike the dish but not one that I might like to order again in near future.

After the two dishes, we decided to go for a third, pancakes with maple syrup ($6).
After all, the main purpose of coming here is to satisfy bf's craving for pancakes.
By far the biggest pancake I have ever seen, but no picture of it. Bf says pancake is pancake, still must take picture of it meh? Fineee.

Canopy Garden Dining & Bar
1382 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1
(Inside Bishan Park)
Mon - Fri 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10.30pm
Sat, Sun, PH 12pm to 10.30pm

HappyNewYear

HAPPY 2014!

Who knew 2013 would pass so fast. Then again that's what we always say at the beginning of a new year. Hahah. Before I know it, it would be 2015.
One thing for sure, there would be much to look forward to this year, a few (or a lot) stress periods here and there and uncertainty and perhaps doubt in the first half of the year,  but I do hope I can pull it through and make it there. Never going to give up and perhaps find some changes here and there for new studying methods and being more determined in other area (yes I need to start running again).

As always, the question pop in my mind of what have I achieved last year. I must say I have achieved much more than the other years. It's the year of excitement and forgiveness, a year of moving on and learning new things, a year of positiveness and happiness, a year of meeting new friends and remembering old ones, and a year of falling in love all over.

And I end off the year with a freaking new haircut. HAHAH.
I never thought I would be cropping it that short again especially when I was so determined to grow my hair out. OH well. A year of hair growing gone to waste just 'cause I had to bleach and dye so many colours that my poor hair is almost dead. Least now I can pass off as a 16 years old girl (literally) and let my hair grow well again. My love was so happy with my new haircut and even happier when my family approved of it. Though I did bother him the rest of the day be saying on repeat that 'I LOOK WEIRD' and each time he reassures me that I'm not.

And new year resolution? Wrote some in the last blog post, but here another recap for me (or us)
Going to be starting regular gymming/exercising/sports activities with my boy and aiming for a tone body.
Us joining sports events together this year (excited!!)
Less spending of money on cafes, but looking at hawker places for our makan instead but still finding good good places
For me, less hair dyeing and more pampering of my overall well-being
More experimental baking
Better time management
Be more patience and less short-tempered (still an old resolution for the past two years)

Tomorrow it's back to school again as much as I'm reluctant to, but that also means a day closer to Friday and meeting my Bumpy.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!