stumbling upon the good life – savoring food, discovering wine, and exploring places
From the monthly archives:
Another week, another brunch.
After having driven past the building for months, we finally succumbed to siren song of the large converted church – The White Rabbit on Dempsey Hill. Could The White Rabbit possibly live up to the hype of the location, setting, menu, and slightly pretentious website?
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Everything about Hong Kong is to me is what an international city should be. While I have enjoyed living in Bangkok and Singapore, should Unilever ever open up an office in Hong Kong, I’d be there in a flash!
There are some very clear contrasts between the HK, SIN anf BKK… [keep reading…]
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Cayen Owner, Carol Randall
The luxury of custom made fashion clothes is accessible in Singapore [keep reading…]
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Hey all,
Coffee. You either need, love, or can’t stand it. Oddly, I worked for two years as a manager at a Starbucks and never really touched the stuff. I liked the odd French Press of select coffee beans that would come through the store, but generally drank an Iced Chai Tea Latte instead (easy to make, hard for others to screw up, and didn’t want to join the addicts who kept me gainfully employed).
Since leaving Starbucks I’ve begun to appreciate a quality cup of coffee, late, cappuccino. With the knowledge I gained at Starbucks (ignoring the corporate nonsense they tried to program into us about over roasted coffee) I was able to develop an appreciation for all types of coffee.
Unfortunately, coffee suffers as much as wine from the outside influence of over-opinionated snobs who like to push their personal agenda on a drinking public not suited to their particular tastes. The assertion that anything but black coffee for men is somehow “girly”, the condescending looks when ordering a coffee with flavored syrups, etc. It’s a personal drink and should be flavored to the drinkers palette. Not everyone enjoys a full flavored Indonesian coffee.
As with anything in life you enjoy regularly a little knowledge of what’s going on increases your awareness and heightens enjoyment. So here are some links from around the web on coffee, enjoyment, brewing, and various other coffee tips to hopefully add to your enjoyment of this simple pleasure.
The basics : Brew the Best Possible Coffee Without Breaking the Bank
Adding some flavor to your brew : Herbal Tea Adds a Flavorful Kick to Your Coffee
Some things you can do with your grounds once done enjoying : Multipurpose Coffee Grounds
Storage tips : For Better Coffee, Store Your Beans
If you want to really push the limits of enjoyment : DIY Home Roasting
Roll Your Own Frappuccinos (The store bought bottle kind.)
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Don’t miss this Italian gem in Silom
On recent visit back to Bangkok, we decided to visit a favorite of many expats, Vino di Zanotti. Located in the junction of Sathorn and Silom, Vino di Zanotti serves up a more casual bistro-style experience than its more formal sister Zanotti right across the street. Whenever you crave authentic and carefully prepared cucina Italiana “Vino”, as it is known by Bangkokians, is a great choice. [keep reading…]
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Hey all,
Saw this creative kitteh kitty litter box idea and followed the link through to discover an interesting site full of useful tips and tricks for the home – Ikea Hacker.
I thought at first the site was in it’s infant stages because browsing to the bottom I didn’t see a link for previous articles. However on the sidebar they link to many different categories such as media storage, pet furniture, audio-visual, bedroom, etc.
In general I go back and forth on my feelings about Ikea. As a growing designer I love the store and some of the furniture ideas…and I love the meatballs. As an old school wood snob I hate the particle board, knotty pine, and cookie cutter approach to furniture. Add to that my frustration at the included “instructions”.
But when you live transitionally/internationally it makes sense to go with “disposable” furniture over things that could be passed on to different generations. Particularly when it comes to household odds and ends. These hacks will fit a nice space, I think, for the more specific household needs. I don’t want a thousand dollar real wood shoe stand, particle board will do just fine 
Sorry Bangkok folks, I guess with some ingenuity you could take these ideas and do some “Index Hacks”
Paul
For our Southeast Asian Peeps:
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Hey all,
A while back we tried the lunch special at El Toro here in Singapore. If you missed that review check it out here.
Just received word they’re starting a new promotion: Happy Hour beers starting at 3 SGD a glass and pitchers of margaritas starting at 28 SGD! Of course the promo starts at 3 in the afternoon when most people are working, but maybe you could convince someone to allow a business meeting or two to take place here or something similar 5-7 P.M. is still only 5 SGD which is really good in these parts (man I miss Bangkok sometimes).
It’s not a trendy wine bar, but sometimes nothing is better than a couple of cold beers after work. El Toro is located very near to Dhoby Gaut MRT so is a pretty convenient spot for a Happy Hour meet up.
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Imagine Jim Thompson house. Now strip away the legend, crappy silk (I’ll give you that it looks good, but Thai silk is the least comfy silk I’ve ever had the displeasure of touching), over inflated prices, and throngs of farangs decked out in sandals and fanny packs. Does such a place exist in Bangkok? Well… I don’t know if it’s considered Bangkok proper, but with a short drive you’ll be away from the masses and relaxing at Amantee.
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When we last visited Thailand, I read a review of a new Bangkok brunch spot for those in the know. With it’s location close to where we were staying, undiscovered vibe, and our intense love of brunches how could we not try it out? Was it worth the hype?
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Hey all,
Living well is more than just good food. It’s also good friends, travel, and good entertainment. Sorry we’ve so often neglected the “enjoy” section of the site.
The new one from (one of my favorite bands) Wilco hits the shelves June 30th, but they’ve graciously put up a streaming version of the CD online now for us to listen to. I’m listening now and loving it.
Anyone else a Wilco fan?
Paul
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