Musings of Mrs. Schellenut

Kite-flying with kids

2012-08-22T23:23:00.000-07:00

I took a break from the monotony of Saturday mornings by doing some volunteering work. I went on a kite-flying activity with the kids and my colleagues at the Marina Barrage which ended in the afternoon with a tour of the area. The kid assigned to me, Ethann, who have never flew a kite before surprised me when he managed to fly it at the second attempt without my help and he stayed a good few hours under the sun after that. Ended the day in the cinema with the hubby to watch The Bourne Legacy. It was a Saturday well spent indeed.

Tonkatsu at Saboten

2012-08-02T21:02:00.002-07:00

Curiosity has been satisfied last night as we were able to try out Saboten's tonkatsu dishes at the Changi Airport. From their website, " the deep-fried breaded pork cutlet comes in tenderloin and loin. The darker tenderloin has less fat, marinates well and makes for a leaner tonkatsu that is soft to the bite; while the lighter colour loin is firmer and is the choice pork fillet for the perfect traditional Tonkatsu. Pork of selected breeds is used and barley is added to the pig feed to give sweeter and tenderer meat and ultimately more delicious pork. And only mature pigs (180 days of age or older) are used for their juicier pork, which comes about from the higher fat content. More mature pigs also give pork meat of softer textures."

That explains why their meat is tender, juicy and has a soft texture which makes it seem like you are not at all eating pork. Despite being deep fried, you wouldn't get feel that oily taste lingering in your mouth at every bite. We were also instructed to pound the sesame seeds given to us in a bowl and pour 3 scoops of the tonkatsu sauce over it once done.

We had the Saboten Special set ($25) which consists of deep-fried breaded prawn, creamy crab croquette, deep-fried pork loin and pork tenderloin. The hubby ordered the seasonal Ebi Katsu Tenderloin set ($26) which has ebi katsu and tenderloin.

We started off the with the shredded cabbage salad which comes with two dressings: the yuzu and goma. You can combine them both but we preferred just using the former as it has that refreshing peanut, sesame flavor. Yuzu, on the other hand, is soya with lime. The rice, shredded cabbage salad and miso soup are of unlimited serving.

The deep-fried breaded prawn taste like your usual shrimp tempura but this one is more filling and crunchier to the bite. The rest of the fried stuff were not bad. Eventhough, we took time to enjoy our meal (read: eat at a turtle-like pace), the food remained crunchy.

Overall, the food being offered in Saboten didn't disappoint. And just us we are about to leave, we were reminded that the sets that we ordered came in with a dessert - a scoop of green tea ice cream which we weren't able to finish as we are already full from all that tonkatsu goodness.

Hokkaido Fair at Tampines Mall

2012-07-05T19:56:00.003-07:00

The Hokkaido fair is back in Tampines mall. And that means, I'd get to have that steaming bowl of miso ramen goodness again. I was there for lunch on a Saturday and only a few bowls were left. They only serve 30 per day per variant. Aside from ramen, there are other items on sale such as frozen seafood items, sauces, ice cream, croquettes, cakes, cookies, chocolates, snacks etc. The fair will run until 8th of July 2012.

From wiki: Hokkaido is renowned for the high quality and freshness of its seafood, as the cold waters surrounding Japan's northernmost prefecture are ideal for fish and sea vegetation.

Tonkotsu Spicy Miso Ramen at $13

long queue at the Zundo Ramen eat-in counter

Food Post: Nando’s Peri-Peri Flame-Grilled Chicken

2012-07-01T21:32:00.001-07:00

I am not really fond of chicken dishes and more often than not, when an all-meat buffet spread gets really overwhelming, I usually make a beeline for beef and pork instead. But with Nando's, it never fails to make my mouth water. The chicken meat is tender and grilled to perfection.

So, what makes the flavor really special? It's because of the peri-peri or the African Birds Eye Chilli which according to their website was discovered in Africa by the Portuguese. The news is, peri-peri doesn't contain any preservatives, colourants or artificial flavours.

The chicken is good as it is but if you are more adventurous, you may opt for the other peri-peri sauces: hot and extra hot.

The staff in Bugis Junction mall are attentive and the service is commendable. We went there on a Sunday evening. Although we always frequent the branch in Tampines mall, the experience is always good each and everytime.

Lemon and Herb variant

Medium Hot variant

Side dishes: Mediterranean rice and Peri-peri chips

Sauces

The Weekend That Was

2012-06-26T02:24:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was a productive one in my book with the hubby being dragged into the activities lined up for two days. It started with an acupuncture session on a Saturday morning to a business talk then off to a dimsum buffet dinner with friends which led to a late night movie/drinking session in our flat. Having only a few hours of sleep, I was up early the next day, hours prior to my alarm clock going off. Fixed myself breakfast and managed to squeeze in skype sessions with my family and in-laws at the last minute before we headed to the Kerygma church service in Expo but not before grabbing a quick bite along the way as the hubby hasn't eaten anything decent after waking up late. The service started with a mass at 2:30pm followed by praise and worship. It was a good thing we made finally made it as our friend, Dennis has long been inviting us to attend. We left the "feast" with a light feeling after listening to the talk and being welcomed by new acquaintances and even by the pastor who took the time to talk to us. We had a bit of shopping at a nearby mall and tried some snacks while scouring about.

We ended the night with a hearty dinner with super friends at 5 Drunken Rabbits which is located near Car park D, Pasir Ris Park. As it was already dark, we had difficulty finding the new place. We find ourselves stuck in the middle of nowhere (mangrove area where you can barely see a thing). After scaring ourselves silly and finally being able to come out of that maze alive, we hailed a cab to get to the meeting place. We were the last ones to arrive but our orders came right on time as our friends had a good mind to order in our behalf.

We started with a platter of all things fried as a starter - calamares, fries, ebi tempura. I'm not sure about the rest as there were only a few left when we got in.

Pasta Carbonara

The Pasta Carbonara is better than Pasta Mania's. Generous serving. The strips of bacon and mushrooms were cooked well and not overdone. The cream was a bit on the heavy side and a bit salty for my taste buds.

Chicken Pesto Pizza

The thin crust was burnt and tasted like burnt crackers. The chicken toppings, generous. This tasted a bit bland though.

Ribeye Steak

The steak is good - moist and tasty with asparagus, dried tomato and fried potato chunks on the side. The sauce which came with it complemented the flavor.

And here we are with our friends halfway through our meal. The dinner is a pre-birthday celebration of Mitch who will be spending her birthday with the family in the Phils.

Overall, our dining experience was good. We just have one minor problem with the staff who doesn't seem to be happy being of service. But that is not a reason enough to spoil the mood. After all, it is the company not the food which makes up the dining experience. Our bill came up to $200 something with GST.

Asked if we will be coming back again, perhaps if we happen to be in Pasir Ris Park anytime soon.

The R&R Home: our biggest project to date

2012-06-18T00:04:00.000-07:00

We're officially adults!

Sometime in April this year, my family went to Laguna to see how far along our Nuvali home is to completion. My sister gave a detailed account on her blog during their ocular visit. Aimee's post here

It started out like this

http://www.avidaland.com/Avida-estates-nuvali.php
http://www.avidaland.com/Ridgeview-estates-nuvali.php?press-release&id=3161

Happy Father's Day to my two fathers!

2012-06-17T03:54:00.001-07:00

To Papa whose happy demeanor I probably took after, may you continue to be the voice of reason; the mediator or just simply the one who tells the corniest jokes even when the situation doesn't call for it. Creating this post brought up a Pandora-box worthy of memories like the time when I figured in an accident in high school and knowing that you've rushed to my aid had made that ugly experience less traumatic. You have been with me when I took 2 college entrance tests at that time when I have to get used to commuting which I really hate as I am prone to motion sickness even when still a child. Those plastics bags you kept with you became really handy. You were also with me come enrollment time in the university. It wouldn't really bother me if the rest of the kids don't have anyone with them and I was the odd one out. When I was in college, you bought me a blouse and slacks which fit perfectly and have proudly showed it off to my classmates. You hated it when I come home late but I don't get a scolding (as you've already let off some steam having Aimee as the poor victim haha). And while you are out tonight with the family celebrating, may you always feel how well you are loved even when I'm not always there by your side.

To my other Dad who is miles away from us, I have been in awe as to how you command everyone's respect with your gentle-mannered ways. Whenever we talk on the phone, you always dispense sensible advices which I took to heart. Thank you for treating me as part of the family even way back.

Papa and Dad. Photo taken May 2011

To Anya and the wonderful 9 dog years well lived

2012-06-16T07:15:00.001-07:00

As a kid, I cried when Patrasche died in the cartoon series, "Nello and Patrasche," which was our local adaptation of "A Dog of Flanders." Looking back, I think the tears that I shed was more for Nello, the milk boy who lived such a hard life at a young age. And that was that. That series and the other cartoon series which have dogs on it have served as my earliest orientation on how human-canine relationships work.

As they say, you'll never fully grasp it until you become involved in one. Well, our very first brush with it was with Prince (given to us by our neighbor) which can be described as shortlived. The sooner he became hyperactive, he was sent to a family relative whose backyard is spacious enough for Prince to move around. We didn't grow fond of him as he more often that not scares us. He tends to attack those who come near him. This is the reason why he's always on a leash. We haven't heard from him since then. The last we heard he ended up as a sisig or kilawin. (Sorry PETA, I might be wrong though).

A few years later, another dog came into our lives. We didn't ask for it. It just came unannounced inside a zesto tetra pack box. And I was the one carrying it. It was given to me by my now hubby after we lost touch over the years and through the wonderful world of emailing, we've picked up from where we've left off. Anyway, back to the dog. We named our new furry friend, Anya. There's no reason behind the name, really. As my sister, Aimee, put it, it just sounded right and fit her perfectly.

We didn't train Anya but even just a few months old, she is already displaying OC tendencies. Growing up, she didn't have a dog house as she stayed mostly indoors. At one time, she was confined in a very little space and there isn't much room for her to move in. Her soft, muffled cries woke me up one night and it's all because she was trapped in one corner and not budging as her poop of liquid consistency has already invaded most of her space. I've left with no choice but to clean up after her. What was even more puzzling is how she tends to hold her bladder for hours while inside the premises and relieving herself as soon as someone lets her outside of the gate. She is a picky eater; hates bath, hides in nooks where papa will have a hard time to reach her; hates cats; hates mice, she managed to kill a big one at that; hates the labandera no matter how many times they've seen each other; loves chicken and beef; loves playing with any kind of ball; loves being inside the house; loves being talked to; loves being slathered with attention, well, doesn't anyone?

She was an anti-social as she never gets along with other dogs, no matter what size and form they are. She doesn't seem threatened by the sheer size of another dog she's provoking to get into a fight with. We've never seen her so down or lonely until a few weeks ago when she succumbed to her illness.

I may have been away half her lifetime only seeing her when I went back home but losing her did hit me. We will miss how she always animatedly greets us at the door as if we've been away for too long; how she clings and dangles to our legs never letting go; the tiring process of getting her back inside after letting herself out and into the neighborhood; how she can be so oh so brave one minute but be a scaredy cat (pun not intended) whenever she hears fireworks getting off - she almost broke down the door one New Year's eve in her haste to get inside. Make no mistake of leaving any tissue rolls in sight or it will get reduced to an unsightly mess of scraps, yes with dog saliva included.

All this and more, we will just one day laugh about it. And our hearts will be glad knowing that this adorable, easy-to-love doggie has touched and filled our lives with joy.

Anya, a few days before she passed away from liver failure

Bellaroca: Almost Santorini

2012-05-27T00:20:00.001-07:00

September 29 to October 1, 2011. It was still raining in Manila when the plane bound for Marinduque left the airport. But we didn't let the bad weather dampen our spirits, no siree. Even if there were some flights which have already been cancelled at the last minute. The universe might have conspired as Marinduque was anything but wet. Contrary to the negative reviews, Bellaroca was not a disappointment. It definitely lived up to its 6-star rating (haha I'm not being paid by Bellaroca to say this).

This trip was for hubby's birthday getaway. Certain plans have been kept under wraps before the big day. He said I pulled out all the stops. He had no idea the surprises were planned months in advance. Add to that, the Bellaroca staff were all efficient. We will definitely be coming back!

Click here for Bellaroca's Website

This aerial shot was lifted from the official website of Bellaroca.

Flight from Manila to Marinduque got a bit delayed

Welcome drinks

Kayaking with manong as our guide and yes, the one who took the photos

Windsurfing lessons for 2 days

the most photographed spot in the resort

Stocks are being replenished everyday. Bliss!

I love waking up to this - breakfast in bed.

Disclaimer: might be too cheesy for your liking

Our bellies are already bursting into seams by the time this birthday cake arrived. Thanks Bellaroca for the surprise birthday number and the complimentary cake.

The Metrophoto Bride

2012-05-18T01:54:00.000-07:00

Metrophoto posted this on their blog yesterday. We're so honoured to be a part of this campaign.

Despite the thousands of brides getting married every year, a lot of people can clearly see the distinction of a Metrophoto Bride. Be it their passion to be unique, their desire for the finer and better things in life, their understanding of what really is beautiful and creative, their will-power to do what seemingly was impossible, or oppositely their lack of effort in being beautiful and stylish. These and a lot of other wonderful things set the Metrophoto Bride apart from everyone else and these are what we are bringing forth in our The Metrophoto Bride campaign.

This campaign is starting out as a series of posters that each and every Metrophoto Bride will have, highlighting what makes them amazingly different from any other bride. In the future, the campaign will aim to develop a community that not only prides itself of being distinctively accustomed to a higher-standard but also of being an asset to the environment and the people around it.

Know more about the Metrophoto Bride thruough the first set of posters below and a lot more through our facebook and twitter pages. http://www.mymetrophoto.com/archives/www.facebook.com/themetrophotobride

http://www.mymetrophoto.com/archives/www.twitter.com/metrophotobride

Of spur-of-the-moment moments

2012-05-18T00:57:00.001-07:00

I usually have those kind of days when I feel like going out into the world with neither a place nor agenda in mind -- just going where my feet will take me. Having someone to do this (read: willing victim) doubles the excitement especially if the one you're with, is game to just about anything (think eating slimy stuff).

This was exactly what was on our minds when Charo and I embarked on a spontaneous trip at a time when we were both not required to work on a holiday. The probability of this happening is quite slim. The sun is up and it will be a waste not to proceed with our plans (the plan which is not to have any). We hopped on a random bus like giddy kids with our invisible paper hats on (that was how it felt like at that time). An hour into our journey, we spotted the Newton hawker centre which is known for seafood fare. We felt the need to eat there as we haven't eaten anything decent yet. But it was still too early and most of the stalls will still be closed based from a previous experience which warrants another post. It was then that Charo suggested that we go to Wee Nam Kee, famous for its chicken rice. After getting off to next bust stop, we traipsed off to the chicken place but not before stopping by at the Novena Church which is at the other side of the road. We've heard a lot of good reviews about Wee Nam Kee mostly through word of mouth (Charo's mouth more often than not). They even opened a branch in Manila already. Probably what was holding me back all this time from going there is that, it is too far from where I live. It has only been hours since we left home and yet things are unfolding nicely into place. This reinforces my belief that unplanned rendezvous or trysts turn out to be the best.

As it was already past lunch hour, we thought that securing ourselves seats will be a breeze. We thought wrong as the place is still brimming with late lunch-goers. When finally, we found ourselves a table we didn't dilly-dallied and ordered their specialty right away.

Ta-da and below are the photos:

Funny that I thought that the guy on the next table is a doppelgänger of Trillanes.

Me: Kamukha niya si Trillanes

Charo: (looks intently tapos pinalo ako ng malakas) Ano ka ba siya talaga si Trillanes!

And then their group started to leave. Sayang, sana nakapagpa-picture kami. Syempre joke lang yun noh. And then I remembered I've been taking photos of the place for a food review and voila! Laughtrip na naman. Here it is, Trillanes caught on camera.

The scorching heat made us retreat to the nearby mall.

Then off to MBS to check out the shops. We had some dimsum from the foodcourt.

Our feet got tired from all that walking so we stopped by to admire the cultural show in Esplanade. Mel joined us straight from work and so did Mitch, Drew and Junjun. We ended the day by having dinner at Makansutra.

Celebrating our first year wedding anniversary

2012-05-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

In my mind, the days, weeks, months which pass by meant we are moving further and further away from the vivid recollections that made up our wedding day. As with the other brides who fell in love with everything that is wedding-related, this bride-has-been finds it hard to let go. It doesn't help that there are still friends and relatives out there about to tie the knot and this bride-has-been preys on hapless bride-to-be's armed with what she knows from constant research aka merrily scouting the net and letting out oohhs and ahhhs whenever stumbling upon pretty affairs.

Anyway, back to subject of this post. What a wonderful first year it had been for us albeit major adjustments. Although a huge chunk of it was spent being away from each other, we've both moved notches higher in the maturity scale.

The hubby and I celebrated our first year anniversary in Outback Steakhouse (the hubby being fond of steaks) and their only branch in SG being in Millenia Walk but we've been told that they are putting up another one in Orchard. The icing on the cake (no pun intented) was the free dessert from the house upon learning that we are there to celebrate our anniversary. Now, who could say no to that?

We started off with medium-hot chix wings. The celery sticks with blue cheese dip on the side is so Aussie.

Kookaburra Wings®

Chicken wings tossed in a savory blend of secret spices and paired with our cool creamy Blue Cheese

dressing and celery. (Description from Outback Steakhouse Singapore website - http://outback-sea.com/sg/index.html)

We ordered a full slab of baby back ribs which we weren't able to finish off. The steak is heavy enough as it is. The ribs are indeed fall-off-the-bone and bbq flavor is not overwhelming.

The steak was a sure hit with the hubby. This slow-roasted prime rib, as per the menu is meticulously aged, then slow-roasted to seal in the savory beef flavor and to ensure tenderness, handcarved to order and served with mouth-watering au jus.

The staff asked us to blow the candle as per the request of the manager and blow we did.

Chocolate Thunder from Down Under®
Freshly-baked pecan brownie crowned with rich vanilla ice cream, drizzled with our classic warm

chocolate sauce and finished with chocolate shavings and whipped cream (Description from Outback Steakhouse Singapore website)

We left the place with happy tummies and good memories. What a good way to celebrate the first of many anniversaries to come!

first post

2012-04-17T02:41:00.001-07:00