Snacking in Kyoto.
As mentioned, made some travels last month and was in Japan for a couple of days. We made a pit stop in whilst on the way to . We only had time to visit the (???), which is a UNESCO heritage site. Despite it being “winter”, the autumn colours was still in full bloom and it was really a pretty sight.
On the way to the temple is a shopping street, selling all kinds of souvenirs, snacks etc. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a geisha! But there are many shops renting out kimonos etc so that one can dress up and walk around and take photos.
This stall was selling hot steamed green tea buns and beef buns, each going for ¥300. The green tea buns were filled with a generous red bean filling, with some green tea paste in the middle. It was great eating this warm, tasty bun in the cold wind.
Another shop we popped into was “Dipper Dan” which sold crepes with all kinds of sweet & savoury filling. Chose a chocolate & banana one which filled me up quite quickly. But it was definitely yummy!
It was a pity that our stop in Kyoto was so brief. From what I can see through the coach’s glass windows, this place is full of untold stories and photo opportunities. Definitely on my return list!
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Fiftythree
Once in a while, the ladies who keep me sane at work would cast their boyfriends aside and indulge in a day of eating and shopping together. We went to Fiftythree for lunch, first time for all of us.
Fancy potato chips served on a platter of charcoal was our amuse bouche of sort.
Following shortly was a little gunny sack bag containing the exact number of mini bread rolls as there were folks on the table. There were heated ball bearings at the bottom of the sack, keeping the rolls warm. Now, I am all for the novel idea and presentation effects but the bun, oh do I think it sucked. It had a too hard crust, a too dense innard and too salty in general. No amounts of good butter could save it.
The appetizer was chilled cherry tomato and watermelon, with horseradish, and mozzarella foam. This dish, I’m guessing, was trying to get this interplay going between temperature, texture, and flavour. If so, I think the idea was a great one but the execution fell short. I found the horseradish too dominating and the dish could do better without. That, plus the heavy cream sauce lining the bottom of the plate was quite redundant too.
The main course was barramundi with pear and blackcurrent jam. This was more palatable and the fish was fresh. The sweet jams surprising went well with the fish and the bits of fried shallots added delicious enthic flavours.
Dessert was apple risotto with rosemary foam and struesel of sorts. There was no rice in this dessert. The apple was chopped and diced finely to resemble risotto. Served warm, the cinnamon notes harmonized with the scent of rosemary pretty well, if not unusual. My palate could not decide if I was having a savoury or sweet course. Interesting dish that was easy to eat but I would not order it again.
Fiftythree remains an interesting place to visit once in a blue moon because I truly was not really impressed enough to come back again anytime soon.
Fiftythree
53
Tel: 6334 5535
Lunch: Tues – Sat
Dinner: Mon – Sat
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Yountville – The French Laundry
As you know, God is amazing. If you want something bad enough, he will give it to you. That was how I got to have a grand meal at The French Laundry anyway. Leading up to the dinner, I was just really excited, like a teenager going on her first date.
The food was excellent. Most of them I had read so much about, seen so many pictures on other blogs and reviews, that it actually felt so surreal when I saw them presented in front of me. The service was professional yet very warm and friendly. I loved the whole experience and it was nothing short of memorable.
airy and gone in 3 seconds
salmon conets
cute mini cones crunchy and savoury. perfect complement to the smokey salmon.
oysters and caviar
If I had to choose (reluctantly), this would be my favourite dish. generous amounts of caviar only to be eaten with a mother of pearl spoon of course, paired with the freshest little oysters and a thick, rich, custard. it was orgasmic.
Somewhat like a blend between bread and brioche. nonetheless very good and very addictive. no additional butter was required but then I needed something to spread the Vermont Butter and Local Californian butter with.
sweet navel orange wedges and fresh greens that were very flavourful despite the lack of dressing or sauces.
the scallops were raw and sweet and the cream sauce went well with them. the vegetables were again, very fresh and tasty.
beautiful dish. the lobster really was fresh and not overcooked. i loved the morels.
wolfe ranch white quail
that my friends had and claimed was the most tender.
very tender and went well with the cauliflower puree, which was suprisingly the thing that binded the dish together.
the beef looked so good doesn’t it?
the pastry crust could have been ‘puffier’. compared to the beef, this was not quite visually appetising so perhaps that was why i didn’t think much of this course.
pickled red endive, medjool dates, pistachios and black truffle
the sheep’s milk cheese was not so strong in smell and had a firmness of gelatine. you experience different tastes when you pair the cheese with the different condiments. it was good but i had enough after two pieces.
oatmeal cookie, yogurt sherbet and apricot jam
this dish had the combination that reminded me of breakfast muesli. clever and tasty too.
candied buddha’s hand, lemon snow, biscotti tuile
a very refreshing and light tasting dessert. but was not overly exciting.
shortbread cookies to bring home
became supper for me.
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Penang Food – Seafood Beehoon and Pork Porridge @Lam Kei
Fancy having a bowl of piping hot seafood beehoon or pork porridge? I had my share over at Lam Kei located in Nam Thean coffee shop along the busy Jalan Jelutong. This stall has been around for thirty-five years with the second generation taking over now. They have another stall selling this similar food inside [...]
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Afternoon Tea @Rasa Wing Lounge in Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa
We found ourselves relaxing and indulging in the Afternoon Tea at the elegant Rasa Wing Lounge in Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, situated in the tourist belt of Batu Feringhi. Our previous visit to this beautiful resort was for the buffer dinner at the Spice Market Cafe, but this time we opted for a relaxing [...]
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Theobroma Chocolate Lounge at 1-Utama
Theobroma is the place where all things are chocolate. They have a numerous varieties of chocolate based beverages and food, together with an impressive spread of designs chocolate. The chocolates are bought in from Belgium and the tagline of the place is, “you can taste the difference”. It is located in one of the [...]
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Truly Hong Kong at Canton-i, Queensbay Mall
After much delay and location change, Canton-i finally opened their doors at the ground floor of Queensbay Mall, Penang. This brand; which is associated with the Dragon-i line of restaurants, offers varieties of authentic Hong Kong cuisines. Upon stepping into this restaurant, the ambiance and atmosphere radiating from its surrounding was completely different of Dragon-i. [...]
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