by Paul on March 10, 2010
Hey all,
I think my favorite days of the year go – Christmas, my birthday, and Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry’s. Seriously. It’s free ice cream, what’s not to love? In Singapore, to be honest, I’ve grown to prefer the smaller boutique places over the big multi-national ice cream chains (save the random late night Magnum or Cornetto), but a lot of that comes down to how expensive Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is in Singapore… I’ve had whole meals for the price of a couple scoops.
But cost isn’t a factor on this day. I’m thinking this year I’ll rent a van, get a small group together and travel to all the different Singapore locations. Been wanting to try all the new, to me, flavors – like Chocolate Macadamia Nut & Dublin Mudslide (hope that tastes better than it sounds 
).
Mark you calendars and be sure to make a visit to a Ben & Jerry’s outlet in your area on March 23rd, 2010! Hit me up if you want in on the van tour 
Ben & Jerry’s
Paul
When traveling I will eat out more frequently and choose larger meals than I might normally. I don’t know if it’s because of the website or some silly notion I have that because I’m traveling I have to pack in all I can on every trip instead of slowing down and relaxing. Sometimes pushing myself in this way leads me to hidden gems and experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise… and sometimes it further rounds the gut. Take my last trip to Shanghai. I was stuffed after a solid couple weeks of dining out. I had a quiet Monday night lined up and everything inside of me was saying, “just stay in at the hotel, order room service and veg out.” But another part of me was saying, “get out there, you might not be back in Shanghai for a few months and this is your last night out to try something new.” On this particular night I was so glad I listened to the guilt and ventured out to Stiller’s instead of staying in. [keep reading…]
It’s safe to say I’m not the biggest fan of Dempsey Hill. On my better meals at the former army barracks location I’ve simply been underwhelmed… on others I’ve felt outright ripped off. What was once an unique escape in Singapore has become a “destination”… meaning the now crazy high rent prices result in overpriced meals compounded with an expensive cab ride. This has taken away any potential value for most locations for me. So I set off for a Saturday night meet-up with some friends at Contemporary Melting Pot and Bar (CMPB here on out) with some reluctance. Thankfully I was pleasantly surprised.
[keep reading…]
by Paul on February 25, 2010
If you ever find yourself shopping for bootlegs computer accessories at Pantip Plaza in Bangkok, do yourself a favor and skip out on the foreigner friendly fast food chains and S&P (I’m not knocking S&P) found on the ground level. Instead walk across the street to Soi Som Prason 4. A short walk up the street is Mama’s. Mama’s is cheap, lacking any kind of ambiance (save for the orange chairs) but has surprisingly good food at an ever better value. [keep reading…]
by Paul on February 23, 2010
I’d walked past Brussels Sprouts many times on my way to Epicurious or other places on the Quay in Singapore. I thought it was possibly a vegetarian restaurant. It always seemed busy, a good sign in Singapore, but for some reason I never visited. Thankfully some friends of ours invited us to join them for an after-work dinner. It’s a simple concept executed well.
[keep reading…]
by joanna on February 17, 2010
I first heard this term sometime last year when visiting New York. Come to find out the term had been in use for quite some time in the Western world, but had not yet migrated to Asia. But the idea of locavore fascinated me – basically it is someone who eats locally within a certain radius, e.g. 50 miles, 200 miles. Adapted from the word carnivore (one who eats meats) and herbivore (one who eats vegetables), a locavore is committed to consuming only what is naturally within reach and by extension, this also means eating only what is in season. It’s as if the idea of sustainability, seasonal eating and local farming were all rolled up into one. Brilliant! [keep reading…]
by Paul on February 16, 2010
It would be an understatement to say that I was excited to try Relish. I’ve been on an epic odyssey a search for my favorite burger in Singapore since arriving. Here was a whole restaurant devoted solely to the glorious hamburger in all its incarnations… not only that, but the burgers are individually paired with Belgian beers. It seemed like an instant recipe for success…. [keep reading…]
by joanna on February 15, 2010
How does Da Paolo Pizza measure up to this NYers discerning palate for pizza?
As it turns out pizza is all over Asia. Asians and Westerners alike love the food and so no matter where you go, it is not hard to find. In Singapore there are many options, one of the more popular being Da Paolo Pizza in Chip Bee Gardens. This former NYer has a discerning palette for pizza. Would Da Paolo measure up? [keep reading…]
by Paul on February 10, 2010
“Fa cosi caldo qui o e la tua presenza?”
For those of you who don’t know, I’ll be entering a full-time culinary diploma program starting in April. I’m using my remaining months to continue to eat at great restaurants, travel, and take all the short-term cooking courses I can find. One of the more exciting courses I found while searching for classes in Singapore was offered out of Basilico’s at the Regent Hotel, Singapore. Each month they are focusing on a different Italian food region and teaching signature plates from said region. Having previously gorged ourselves enjoyed the sprawling Italian brunch, I knew that the chefs knew their regional foods and had the fresh ingredients required to pull something like this off. For February they went with a theme instead of a region… teaching a 3-course romantic meal that was every bit as indulgent as it was sensual. And as you prepare for your Valentine’s Day, you might consider cooking this rich, romance inspiring meal at home, rather than going out. [keep reading…]
