The xmas tree at home. It is filled with so many presents for the children!!!Sunday, December 26, 2010
Capricci
Had Xmas Eve lunch at Capricci with a party of people. Capricci is located along tanjong pager road. It is rather a small place that can sit maybe 30-50 diners. The decor looks pretty cosy with a sophisticated feel though the little blemish at our visit was the the service that certainly could be better.
For starter, I have Minestrone soup ($10). Was surprised when the soup was presented as I have initially thought all minestrone soups are tomato-based. Here, the minestrone is a clear soup. Tasted rather good with all the vegetable goodness! Is rather refreshing change from the other kinds of minestrone soup that I am used with.
For main course I had Vegetali grigliati e gratinati al Parmigiano (Mixed grilled vegetable with Parmesan cheese au gratin, $22). My friends who ordered three course set lunch priced at $28 have Italian Crespella stuffed with bechael and beef ragout. I guess you get according to the price. Looking at their main course (left hand side), they were taken aback by the small portion. We were all laughing, a group of hungry guys eating that small portion whereas I, the small size fellow had such a big portion. Before I even finish half, they had finished theirs. It was rather stressful having many pairs of eyes looking at me and I quickly finished mine. The main course was a bit on the oily side for me.
Dessert was lava cake with vanilla ice-cream ($16). This is my favorite part of the meal. Unlike other lava cakes that have the chocolate oozing out once cut, this one was not that messy. The chocolate was rather thick and thus stayed in place. Though I felt sinful eating it haha...
For starter, I have Minestrone soup ($10). Was surprised when the soup was presented as I have initially thought all minestrone soups are tomato-based. Here, the minestrone is a clear soup. Tasted rather good with all the vegetable goodness! Is rather refreshing change from the other kinds of minestrone soup that I am used with.For main course I had Vegetali grigliati e gratinati al Parmigiano (Mixed grilled vegetable with Parmesan cheese au gratin, $22). My friends who ordered three course set lunch priced at $28 have Italian Crespella stuffed with bechael and beef ragout. I guess you get according to the price. Looking at their main course (left hand side), they were taken aback by the small portion. We were all laughing, a group of hungry guys eating that small portion whereas I, the small size fellow had such a big portion. Before I even finish half, they had finished theirs. It was rather stressful having many pairs of eyes looking at me and I quickly finished mine. The main course was a bit on the oily side for me.
Dessert was lava cake with vanilla ice-cream ($16). This is my favorite part of the meal. Unlike other lava cakes that have the chocolate oozing out once cut, this one was not that messy. The chocolate was rather thick and thus stayed in place. Though I felt sinful eating it haha...
Monday, December 20, 2010
Dream Potter
In today's show, the main character is a bubbly adorable gal who is partially blind and is said to be losing all her sight due to health issues in a matter of time. Her dreams are to bake a cake for her brother's birthday and to visit Disneyland together with her family.
Many people came forward to help her to fulfill her dreams. A lady that taught her to bake the cake, an airline that sponsored the air tickets to Hong Kong and a couple that sponsored the lodging and expense of the family trip. I am glad to see her innocent smiles and laughters. But ached knowing what will befall such a lovely gal.
However, her positive spirit is laudable and inspiring! It feel great knowing that there are so many kind people around too! 这些人真赞！
Many people came forward to help her to fulfill her dreams. A lady that taught her to bake the cake, an airline that sponsored the air tickets to Hong Kong and a couple that sponsored the lodging and expense of the family trip. I am glad to see her innocent smiles and laughters. But ached knowing what will befall such a lovely gal.
However, her positive spirit is laudable and inspiring! It feel great knowing that there are so many kind people around too! 这些人真赞！
Monday, December 13, 2010
Book Review: Strength in What Remains
Just finished Reunion in Barsaloni by Corinne Hofmann and Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder over the weekend. Will like to share the latter story as it left a bigger impression.
Strength in What Remains gives the account of Deo, a medical student from Burundi who survived 2 genocides and escaped to New York with just 200 dollars, not knowing anyone there nor speak any English. He slept in open parks and abandoned places, working as a delivery boy in the initial years. Through his sheer hard work and the help of strangers, he eventually went on to graduate from Columbia as well as Harvard University. His journey is a testament of the human spirit. Not only of himself but also of the people who helped him. He went on to set up a clinic (http://villagehealthworks.org/) in his country. The clinic not only improves the health of the people but its presence is also a big step forward in rebuilding peace and hope in the troubled region.
Like to share some of the quotes from the book that left an impression on me.
"To be a poor man is hard, but to be a poor race in a land of dollars is the very bottom of hardships."
Sadly this is true. When one is poor in a poor place, things are not as expensive and one does not feel much worse off as everyone is just as poor. In addition, poor people are known to be generous folks who share whatever little they have. However when one is poor in a rich place, it is very tough mentally as well as financially.
"You will not pay a penny for this road. We become so much sick because we are poor, but we are not poor because we are lazy."
The above is said by a Burundi woman who helped in building a road to his clinic. There is another woman volunteer whose three children have already died. She carried another sick child of hers as she works. She said :
“Instead of staying at home watching my baby die, I would rather come and join others because at least then my contribution can save someone else’s child.”
Its amazing the tenacity in human spirit. One can only imagine the sufferings they have gone through. Yet these brave people never give up and strives to be a beacon of hope to others!!
Strength in What Remains gives the account of Deo, a medical student from Burundi who survived 2 genocides and escaped to New York with just 200 dollars, not knowing anyone there nor speak any English. He slept in open parks and abandoned places, working as a delivery boy in the initial years. Through his sheer hard work and the help of strangers, he eventually went on to graduate from Columbia as well as Harvard University. His journey is a testament of the human spirit. Not only of himself but also of the people who helped him. He went on to set up a clinic (http://villagehealthworks.org/) in his country. The clinic not only improves the health of the people but its presence is also a big step forward in rebuilding peace and hope in the troubled region.
Like to share some of the quotes from the book that left an impression on me.
"To be a poor man is hard, but to be a poor race in a land of dollars is the very bottom of hardships."
Sadly this is true. When one is poor in a poor place, things are not as expensive and one does not feel much worse off as everyone is just as poor. In addition, poor people are known to be generous folks who share whatever little they have. However when one is poor in a rich place, it is very tough mentally as well as financially.
"You will not pay a penny for this road. We become so much sick because we are poor, but we are not poor because we are lazy."
The above is said by a Burundi woman who helped in building a road to his clinic. There is another woman volunteer whose three children have already died. She carried another sick child of hers as she works. She said :
“Instead of staying at home watching my baby die, I would rather come and join others because at least then my contribution can save someone else’s child.”
Its amazing the tenacity in human spirit. One can only imagine the sufferings they have gone through. Yet these brave people never give up and strives to be a beacon of hope to others!!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Hosted on the Patio
Hosted on the Patio is a 2.5 month old newbie restaurant at Alexandra Road. It is located at the ground floor of a low rise buildings with trees in certainly a tranquil environment that I instantly like.
We ordered Augus Beef Tartaki and Tomato & Capsicum focacia for appetizers. The seats outside are surprisingly not warm and quite cooling though it is too dark to take any photos outside.
The entrance has a wooden tree swing with white bird cages hanging from tree. There is a nice cosy bar area. Even though it's new, it seems very popular, thus even though I have made an reservation, my friends and I needed to sit outside. 
We ordered Augus Beef Tartaki and Tomato & Capsicum focacia for appetizers. The seats outside are surprisingly not warm and quite cooling though it is too dark to take any photos outside.
For the main course, the waiter allowed us to move back inside once the prior group of customers left. He warned us before that the inside can be noisy with the blender sounds etc which indeed turns out to be true. However it is still tolerable though we need to speak a little louder at times to be heard.
I ordered penne primavera ($14) while my friends ordered spaghetti prawn aglio olio ($20) and grilled sirloin ($24). The penne has big mushrooms and my friend's spaghetti has quite a few big prawns. We finished off with raspberry parfait ($10).
The food is delicious but forgetable (at least for me because I am not really a foodie). I think the selling point of the place is definitely the ambience. I love it! :) Will definitely go again for the tranquility. I heard they have a live band playing every friday. Hmmm....planning my next time already :)
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