San's Cuisine

It's not very often that I get to eat home-cooked food and that's largely due to the fact that both my wife and I are working and eating out or buying back makes more sense and is less troublesome. But absence makes the heart fonder and I sometimes crave for yummy home-cooked food that taste great, not so salty and definitely no MSG.

Maybe that's why I eat at San's Cuisine at least once every week, sometimes twice a week. I often call it home-cooked food in the heart of CBD. The friendly couple greets the long queue of customers as early as 11:15am with simple dishes cooked with Auntie's love, tender and care.

This fish is one of their best sellers. I do not usually order the fish as I'm the lazy kind of eater who loves to eat fast with large mouthful but my wife and her colleagues, together with many of their customers, love this fish. Pan-fried with a slit across the top of the fish filled with chilli.

The other hot seller is the prawn paste fried chicken cubes which is only available every Tuesday and Friday. It so hot that its sometimes gone before the main lunch crowd comes at 12noon. Their version of the prawn paste chicken is not red in colour, looking more brownish (on the left in the photo above). Its fried to perfection, crispy, slightly fluffy and not too salty.

Their other dishes are also good that it's hard to find things I don't like about. My colleague and I love the taste of their french beans, their curry chicken give a homely taste, the sliced pork is a must order for me, the braised chicken wing reminds me of my mum's cooking, and the thick chai poh omelette is the crowd favourite.

If you are in the CBD area and have cravings for home-cooked food, be sure to visit San's Cuisine.

50 Market Street #02-28 Golden Shoe Carpark
Singapore 048940

Fitness Milestone Weekend

Front runners of the run aka those who can run fast enough for prize.

This weekend has been very fruitful as I accomplished two fitness goals I set for myself in July. The first was to pass IPPT. Did that on Saturday by passing the Chip-Up Station. Might do again before my window close for money but will see how my knee recovers.

The second was to complete a run event of at least 10km. Did that this morning at the Nike City 10K SG 2010 run this morning with Johnson and Jiamiao.

Runner facing a sea of florescent green as we form up for the start of the run.

Happy faces before the run.

Happy faces + Victory signs after the run.

Running shoes tri-force!

I finished the run below 60mins (according to my Nike+ app timing) and can't be happier since I set the target at 75mins. Johnson and Jiamiao will be preparing for their Stanchart 21km Run. As for me, I'm probably gonna go back to eating yummy sinful food...

NOT!

Update on 27Oct10:

Ok my chip timing is out: 58mins 44 sec. *Pat myself on the back*

Dads for Life and The Joy of Being There Contest

I only have a handful of followers on my blog so when a new follower joins, it's quite hard not to notice. Recently I had a new follower with a colourful icon. After clicking it, I found this interesting non-profit site call Dads for Life. Its basically a Singapore based website where daddies get tips, advices and share their experiences through stories and forum. As their website puts it, "DadsforLife.sg serves as a focal point for all activities of the national DadsforLife movement to inspire and involve all Dads to play a more active role in their children’s lives for life."

I strongly encourage all daddies to join the community. Daddies nowadays play a more proactive role in parenting and more often than not parenting methods that works is often discovered through trial and error. What works for one kid might not work for the other, even if they are twins. Being in a community, you get other daddies sharing their success stories, views and ideas with you. So you have more ideas and methods on hand to see which works for your kid.

I believe in their bid to raise awareness, they have organised a contest call The Joy of Being There. Daddies are encourage to write an entry on it. I submitted mine and I would need your support and votes for my entry.

How to Vote:
1) Click http://contest.dadsforlife.sg/Entries/67 to go to my entry.
2) You need to log into your facebook account and click on the "Like" button (to "Like" DadsforLife) on the bottom left corner of my entry.
3) After you have "Like" the site then will the vote button appear.

My entry titled "I'll be there for him, for better or worst" was one of the two entries selected for the Pick-of-The-Week. I do hope with your votes, I can win the grand prize. If you like my entry, please vote and spread the word for me. Thank you.

Lastly, if you are a daddy, please take the opportunity to join the contest and write your story. I would vote for you too. :)

Xavier Bitten, Again

Xavier got bitten in school today. The bite mark is pretty big and you can almost count the teeth from the marks; four on top and four below. From his communication book, it happened when he and another kid were fighting over a book.

However, this time I'm not even half as mad as I was when he was bitten for the first time almost one year ago (see my post on it). Sure I'm irritated that it happened to Xavier but I have learned over the months that its normal for kids their age to bite. They usually do it out of frustration (from not being able to express what they want or be understood) or due to irritation and soreness from teething.

And I know how is it like to be the parent of a kid who bites others and it does feel embarrassing. Xavier has his fair share of biting incidents especially when he just transitioned from infant to playgroup. But do remember  that because your kid bite others doesn't mean he/she is a bad kid or you are a bad parent. Its perfectly normal and most kids grow out of it once they find other better means of expressing themselves.

Both images of the book covers are from www.amazon.com. 

I have two books which I would like to introduce. They are part of the Best Behavior Series and it's Xavier's current favourite bedtime books.

The first one is call Teeth Are Not for Biting by Elizabeth Verdick and the second is Hands Are Not for Hitting by Martine Agassi Ph.D. They are both available in board book format so they suitable for young toddlers. They use colourful illustrations to show why kids should not be using their teeth to biting other and what they fun things they use hands to do instead of hitting. Although Xavier stopped biting other just before I bought the book, the illustration brings across the message to him that biting hurts others and he should not do it.

I got the Hands book from Amazon together with other books for Xavier. The Teeth book was piggyback purchase from Alan when they were ordering other book from Amazon for their baby girl Thea. And with the low SGD/USD hovering around 1.3000, you might get quite a bargain when you shop at US sites. If you need information on how to shop on US sites, see my post on it. Alternatively, you can try to look for it at the bigger local book stores (like Kinokuniya, Borders or Page One) or get them to order in for you. Or just borrow them from our National Library Board.

Nike City 10K Race Pack

Just went to collect the race pack today for the Nike City 10K run on 24th Oct. No the pack doesn't include the shoe, that's my running shoe. Have not been training since I hurt my knee but this week seems good. Probably try to do two more runs this week before the event. And also buy 4D for my number.

GAMBATEH!

Zoo Excursion with Learning Vision

Learning Vision @Cecil organised a zoo excursion and parents were invited to go along. As it was Xavier's first excursion with his school, we decided to tag along. We were there early and while waiting, we saw a number of schools also visiting the zoo today.

There was a Japanaese school, a church kindergarten, Little Campus, Agape Little Uni, and a couple more...

Xavier has a buddy in school call Kai Kai (Zhen Kai) and they were running all over the place together. And throughout the whole tram ride he was introducing animals to Kai Kai. "Kai Kai, raff (giraffe)." "Kai Kai, lion. *roar*". Evy was also from his previous infant class. 

The kids were having fun playing with the crocodile status and posing with Mr. Tree. There's Xavier with the pah pah (scare) action on the right.

It's easier to explore the zoo via the tram if you are bringing young kids. I didn't really get much animal shots though. 

The zoo has this Animal Friends Show which is very ideal for young kids. Its at the top part of the zoo map. Its mainly dogs performing jump tricks.

The kids had KFC Chicky meal for lunch. We parted ways with the rest as they made their way back to school. Xavier knocked out in the car almost as soon as we exit the carpark.

You can checkout the post on our Zoo trip earlier in April.

10.10.10 - William and Alexis Wedding

Today prove to be a very popular date for weddings as its 10.10.10 on the calender. There are no excuses not to remember dates like these (we tie our knot on 20.05.2005). News have reported that there are 700 over couples tying their knots today. William and Alexis are one of the couples.

I have always love attending weddings of Salsa friends. It always feels very lively and festive-like, with unique walk-in arrangements and dance performances. As we bought Xavier along, I didn't bring my camera as there it's almost impossible to shoot with while taking care of Xavier. I could only make do with iPhone camera.

The wedding is held at Marina Bay Sands (MBS). The carpark is quite a walk to the convention center halls and the wedding hall is also quite a walk from the convention center lift. Menu is pretty special as they offer a buffet of dessert but I think the older seniors might not like the idea of walking to the reception to queue for desserts. My complain however is the ridiculously heavy doors of the ballroom.

The first march in is pretty SOP though the Doraemon Theme piano version as first dish entrance song is so refreshing. The party begins at the second march-in. William and his gang of brothers storm into the ballroom to the music of 上海灘 in outfits that looked like 斧头帮 of 功夫. Then Alexis danced in with her sisters to the tune of 夜來香 in hot red dress and hand fans. It was a visually fun performance and I hope someone got it on video and upload to youtube so I can post it.

It was so fun that even Xavier wants to be a part of 斧头帮.

Then there is also a Kungfu Salsa performance by the Shanghai Tang Brothers. Combining Salsa and Kungfu, it was another entertaining performance to watch.


Xavier also made new friends (Natasha mei mei whom he keeps wanting to be friendly with) and have fun doing the yum seng.

Marina Barrage Gathering with NPCB friends

We had a gathering with decade-old friends from NPCB (Ngee Ann Polytechnic Concert Band) at Marina Barrage last month. I didn't bring my camera but glad that Johnson did. You can view more on his Flickr.

Below are the photos I got from him to edit.

Waiting eagerly for more food

 Still waiting

 The ice box provided him heaps of amusement

Fat to Not So Fat

I was reading this article on Men's Health Singapore October 2010 issue call Running After Heels by Neil Humphreys when Lilian turned to me and ask what I was grinning about. I felt somewhat connected to Neil. We were in similar circumstances: in our thirties, have a young kid, use to have super metabolism but have put on extra tyres, etc.

He wrote about the reasons that got him exercising and I couldn't stop laughing about the fourth point: "I could no longer see my private parts". Its so funny yet, so frank and real.

Not so long ago, July 2010 to be exact, I couldn't see mine as well. I was at my "prime" then, happily (and casually) blogging about good food I love or have come across. My weight was just decimals below 80kg and I had to make new pants and subsequently enlarge those new pants, all within the first seven months of year 2010. Conversation at friends' gatherings soon focus on my growing tummy and I even came up with the perfect excuse that the tummy is needed to support Xavier's weight when I'm carrying him (as he "sits" on my tummy).

But inside me I had this voice that keeps telling me I need to get back in shape again (not sure whether was I incepted?). Partly was because I need to pass the coming IPPT and partly because its becoming ridiculous to buy more new pants, again. All these years I have always passed my IPPT within my window period. I just needed to shape up 3 months before the deadline and I usually scape through it. However, this year is different, very different. I felt I need help badly to pass this year's IPPT.

Hence when my company had a team building event at FTI (Functional Training Institute), I took up the offer for a training session after that and subsequently sign up for personal training with one of the specialist. For the first time in my life I have join a gym and it wasn't cheap. I could have bought myself a new iMac for the money. But I needed someone to jump-start my system and motivate (read yell and scream) me toward a healthier lifestyle. This also involved a total change in mindset on my part. In fact, Lilian was quite shock at my mindset change. For friends who have known me well, I'm a meat lover and braised pig trotter is one of my favourite. However, I began to dramatically change my diet from full meat and no vegetable to full vegetable and no meat.

Three months have passed and I have shred almost 7kg (now about 73kg) and my body fat has gone from 20% to 17%. I have learnt and experience quite a number of things which I would share in my later posts. While I failed my IPPT last Saturday (by 1 chip-up), I'm feeling good overall. I have gone from fat to not so fat. Becoming fit is still some distance away and a goal I'm working towards. Next milestone, completing the coming Nike 10k run is under 1hr 15 mins. Hopefully my troubled left knee recovers before the run.

Blog for pocket money?

After reading on Andy's blog about his first cheque from Nuffnang, I thought why not give Nuffnang a try too and see if I can get some pocket money for Xavier's milk powder and diaper. So please help me out by clicking on the Nuffnang ads.

Basically Nuffnang is a blog advertising community. You zone out certain space on your blog for them and they find advertisers to advertise at your space. I have put up two space for the ads, top header and on my sidebar. Still getting use to the header one and contemplating if I should take that one out and just leave the sidebar one. What do you think?

Cafe Le Chateau

Hidden in the corner of Valley Park lies a place where great food is married with excellent ambience. Having heard so much about it from my colleagues, I gather a few good men and a wonderful lady for dîner.

However, taking photos of these wonderful food prove to be the toughest (for me) to date thanks to the excellent ambience. With only a tea candle to light up the table, I had to hold my breathe to minimise my shaky hand. By the time I finished shooting, I was almost out of breathe and yet, many of the shoots were still blurry. Enough of my photography excuses and on with dinner.

First up, the Appetisers: Oyster Florentine & Escargot Ragout.

Oyster baked with cheese and spinach is a winner. Its rich, its creamy, its yummy.

The Escargot Ragout is a surprise to me. Half expecting the usual escargot on hotplate with holes cooked with butter and garlie, this soft and creamy Escargot Ragout is a nice change.

Next up was soup. Their French Onion soup is superb. It's full of flavour, it's the real thing. Not those watered down version you find at some places. No photos as it didn't turn out well.

Time for mains and we have a variety here.

I had the Tenderloin Steak and it was great. In fact, I had craving for steak on two other occasions after that and were twice disappointed by steaks that couldn't make it. This was juicy and tender, yet melts in your mouth. I gonna go back there again soon for my next steak fix.

The other mains my friends had were Salmon, French Roasted Duck Breast and Prime French Cut Lamb Rack. My friend who had the lamb didn't really liked it, saying he could smell the lamb and he had better.

Lastly, and something I was eagerly waiting for, dessert. Heard so much about the legendary Chef Special Apple Pie that it was a must order for me. Pairing the warm oven baked apple pie with vanilla ice cream is just heaven. Fluffy and not overly sweet, it's a must order and it surely didn't disappoint.

Their set dinners are value for money and do check for promotions. We had a 3 for 4 promotion where we ordered 4 set dinner for the price of 3. They have set lunch as well. Do check out their facebook page for more information.

Cafe Le Chateau
491 River Valley Road
#01-16, Valley Park
Singapore 248371
Tel: 6737 7897

Xavier's favourite song: The Wheels On The Bus

This is Xavier's favourite song now, The Wheels On The Bus.

Chatimals

Many of you using iPhone and iPad might have come across this free app call Talking  Tom Cat. The fun thing about it is it repeats what you say in a funny "cartoonish" manner. Well, we came across the real toy that does that. Its call Chatimals.

We were at Metro Compass Point toy section when we saw a toy hamster that repeats whatever you say, in a higher pitch fast forward manner. On top is a clip of me singing "how much is that doggy in the window, woof woof" to it and recording the video when it repeats.

Its kinda fun and would make a nice Christmas present except its not cheap. Each cost about SGD35.00. Anyway below is a clip of Xavier having some fun with the toy.

Happee Day - A Meaningful Event for Children with Cancer

I saw Andy's post today on this meaningful event that is organised by Daphne from Mother, Inc and I decide to help spread the word as well.

It's true that as parents, all we really want for our kids is for them to be healthy and happy. When Lilian was expecting our baby, it didn't matter whether is it a boy or a girl. All we wish was the baby arrived healthy and normal. A recent incident also made me not take the healthy state of kids for granted.

However, not everyone is as fortunate and there are children who are diagnosed with cancer. It does make it hard to swallow given that people usually associate cancer with much older seniors.

Mother, Inc have decided to organise this meaningful event at Hort Park for 30 children fighting cancer on 31st October 2010. You can help in the following ways:

- Volunteer your time and help for at event. If you are a logistic expert, can do street magic like make a tree disappear, can twist balloons into mickey mouse or can do face painting, you are needed.
- Donate to Children's Cancer Foundation if you are not able to attend the event but still want to help.

For more information, check out Mother, Inc's blog post on this event or email to daphne [at] motherinc [dot] org. Please help to spread the word on your blog or tweet. Or you can whisper to your neighbour. Tell as many people as you can.

Gino, Mummy's Great Helper

Gino MAMAMOANSHIN Multi Food Cutter, known more commonly as Gino food cutter, never fails to get people's attention when we use it. Friends at gatherings are always gasps when Lilian whips Gino out and they are equally amazed at what it could do.

This little tool is a godsend for parents who needs to cut food into baby bite size. When I first saw it, it looked like one of those mini construction vehicle toys, with the signature yellow colour and sharp merciless claws/teeth.

But it does its job really well, cutting up noodles, meat, vegetables and almost anything you throw at it into baby bite sizes without much effort. I said almost anything because Lilian broke one before, trying to cut the stem of one of the vegetable. Made of plastic, it does have its limits.

We tried to look for a stronger substitute but nothing comes close at all. In the end, Lilian bought a second Gino. This wonderful tool also doubles as a masher so if you need to mash potato or pumpkin, it will come in handy.

Comes with a compact carrying case, you can find in sites like Japan's Kenko.com, Singapore Motherhood Forum or Tiny Shop Blog.