Having a Blast in Bangkok

    After a tiring Russia trip in the middle of the year, we decided that we needed something slow paced, to relax and just chill. The wifey decided on Bangkok, Thailand. Thus we found ourselves checked into one of the best hotels around - the St. Regis, Bangkok. I'll let the pictures tell the story...

   The St. Regis lived up to its name with it's impeccable service. Although we had access to a full suite of services of a 24-hr butler, most of the time we only used it to order our coffee/ tea and biscuits. This we had several times a day. I found myself starting to drink lemongrass tea to balance the effect of too much cappuccino. The biscuits were simply irresistible.

English tea at the St. Regis Bangkok. Yummy!

The MBS-que pool of the St. Regis. We spent quite some time at the spa, herbal steam bath and hot jacuzzi.

First dinner in Bangkok. Some Thai restaurant. Food was great except for the kangkong which tasted like dried grass.

We didn't expect in-room dining to come with a table on wheels

Phad Thai the St Regis way. And it costs as much as that from Thai Express!

World's best Mango-Sticky-Rice. We actually had two portions of this. Check out the real gold flakes.

World famous London roast duck from Four Seasons Restaurant. Power!

 

The wifey trying out Ethiopian drip-coffee. 

Cheap and Good! Som Tam Nua restaurant.

Salmon and Wagyu sushi from Zen Cucina (Central World)

Matsuzaka sushi. Look how thin the layer of rice is, versus the ingredients.

    For Japanese food-lovers, Zen Cucina located in Central World is a must try. The restaurant remains pretty empty most of the time we were there, perhaps because the prices tend to "have wings". My wife's colleague told us that we probably ate one month's worth of some Thai's salary that night. In our defence, the Sing Dollar was strong.

We could see Central World from our room (the lighted billboard)

   This trip turned out to be more enjoyable than expected. I can't say I enjoy the shopping much but the food, hotel and pampering made up for it.

Phantastic Time at the Opera

   The Phantom of the Opera is in town and we caught the second-last show. I've watched the musical on television and at the movies, but this is my first time watching it "live". I commented that it was a pity that it's held in such a modern venue as MBS' theatre. Little did I know what was in store. The story opened with an auction scene, selling off trinkets from the "old theatre". Not to spoil the fun, let's just say, I got my wish when the set transformed into the opulent Parisian Opera that I expected of this musical.

Pre-musical dinner at Ma Maison

   I shan't delve into the plot as I presume most of us would have an idea about it. It was the first time I realize that the scores of "Music of the Night" and "All I Ask of You" are similar. Andrew Lloyd Webber's use of the same musical piece to contrast the obsession of the Phantom with Christine and the love of Raoul is a masterpiece; especially coupled with such heart-renting lyrics. Having been exposed to this musical numerous times, it was all I could do to keep myself from singing along.

Rare glimpse of the wifey in spectacles

Posing outside the Guggenheim-like facade of the MBS Theatre

   Sitting there, taking in the sight and music, I asked myself how a man, who has never felt love in his life, could claim that he loves another human being. Was it simply an obsession with possession? The dilemma that Christine had was excellently portrayed as well. How could the supposed promised (by her deceased father) "Angel of Music" turn out to be such a villain? Initially torn between her "Teacher" and her childhood sweetheart, it was a little disconcerting to see the quick decision Christine made to go with Raoul. Perhaps it's the short time we have in a musical.

   Nevertheless, it was indeed a "Phantastic" experience. Although I enjoyed the musical thoroughly, the icing on the cake certainly has to be watching it with the person dearest to me.

     

Night at the Festival - Singapore Night Festival 2013

   It started with light dinner at "Kith" with my closest kin. The calamari came in huge succulent pieces. We also had the beef pasta. The wifey topped off the meal with a piccolo latte to give her some "energy" for the next event.

   Now on to the main event - Singapore Night Festival 2013. The festival is a nocturnal extravaganza of world class and local acts, ranging from aerial displays to food and installation art; even the various museums are kept open and made admission free.

   Starting at the Singapore History Museum's courtyard, the crowd was treated to a performance of dancers, weaving their magic while suspended in the air. I must admit that the aerial acrobatics soon got a little tiresome. Without the accompanying music, I doubt I would've been able to last the entire performance. Thankfully the next performance was a little more exciting. Check out the pics...

 

 

 

   Then it was off, across the road towards SMU and the rest of the arts district. We made our way along Bras Basah Road and found ourselves in CHIJMES.

 

   I have no idea why I was drawn to a particular art installation found against the outer back wall of CHIJMES Hall. It is meant to represent our obsession with brands. Can you identity the various symbols?

Volkswagen, Radiation symbol, Chi Rho, Mercedes Benz.
How apt for Singapore, with our obsession with cars.

   After CHIJMES, the route took us along the MRT building and one round back along Stamford Road. The whole of Armenian Street was closed for the festival. We took the chance to catch a short visit to the Peranakan Museum. By this time, our legs were aching and it was time to call it a day.

   Singapore has changed so much since our childhood days. Judging by the crowds, the festival has been a success. As the wifey commented, "art is for everybody". It is heartening to know that we are now living in a vibrant city where the arts can be enjoyed by all strata of society at the same time. 

Gone to GoTo - Kaiseki at its best

   This post comes a little late. Have been too busy to update the blog. But being a little late beats never getting it done any time. This time our culinary adventures took us to a quaint Japanese restaurant called Goto. Located in the heart of the clubbing area of Ann Siang Hill, it's easy to overlook this gem. The occasion was the wifey's birthday. She had long wanted to try the Japanese version of the Western haute cuisine. Goto serves Kaiseki, which is essentially Japanese set meal. You place yourself at the expert discretion of the chef and simply enjoy whatever is dished out - perfect for people too lazy or tired to plow through a menu.

   Goto does not accept walk-in customers. A reservation has to be placed. You can expect the food to be authentic when all the other customers are Japanese. The decor is simple, yet elegant; keeping in line with Japanese tastes. Now on to the food...

   For starters, a selection ranging from chilled seasonal plum to uni (sea urchin), beef and octopus. The beef melts in your mouth. It's the best beef I've ever eaten. I don't mind a meal consisting entirely of it. I'll now let the pictures speak for themselves...

Clam soup

Sashimi Platter - nothing short of exquisite

Tempura

Grilled fish served on an ornate plate

Kagoshima Beef

Topping it off with rice and pickles. We were stuffed by now.

Special birthday dessert set for the Birthday girl

"Open Sesame!"

The best mochi in the world! Better than those sold at Isetan during Japanese fairs. Taste this and you'll never want to eat other mochis ever again. And the proof? The picky wifey who doesn't usually eat mochi, finished up every single morsel.

Bitter green tea to end the meal. I don't quite like it but the wifey thinks otherwise.

    Conclusion: it was worth every cent of my $600+. More importantly, the wifey was pleased. ;)