RaRa and Reddy Goes To Potato Head Bali!

I should learn to not procrastinate. In a blink of an eye, it's been 12 months since our vacay to the gorgeously awe-inspiring Bali. Well this has to be the longest trip for us.. 9 days was it? Armed with a list of to-go-places (which unfortunately was not even close to half the list checked off) and enthusiasm to the max, we embarked on our long delayed vacay. And what visit to Bali is complete without a trip down to the mother of all Bali beach clubs - Potato Head Beach Club! So here we go.. Or rather, read about how it went down that day, 12 months ago. Haha. Better late than never I would say :)

Here's the gang chillin' by the pool. And oh, the awesome backdrop is da bomb.

Reddy Goes To Biku @ Bali

There's something truly magical about this place. Island Of The Gods they call it. To most people, it is simply known as Bali. I've been here a few times, and yet I feel that I've barely scraped the surface of what this place has to offer. Bali is a land of enchantment and mystical magic. I feel myself so drawn into the beauty of the place that I find it challenging to leave every time. This visit, I've vowed to at pay homage to some of THE institutions that I've lusted over on Instagram. And being such a fan of all things pretty and cakes/pastries/food/all things yum, I've found myself lured into the enigmatic draw of Biku.

For those who love being under the warmth of the sun, there are also outdoor seating options. 

So Instaworthy!

RaRa and Reddy Goes To Coastes @ Sentosa

There are times when I crave for that quintessential "beach holiday" feel, I find myself back at this little island away from THE main island. Well, not so away lah, it's just a cable car ride/monorail ride/short car ride across the water/bridge. Sentosa, despite it being overridden by selfie-stick-armed-tourists, still have a few hidden gems for those of us eager to escape from our hectic, perpetual rush-hour life. Step in Coastes (on Siloso Beach), and you will find yourself transported to a make-believe faraway land (for me it's probably Bali lah, but that's good enough).

Best seats in the house - try to get on the daybeds, they have the perfect spot for sunset watching

Reddy Goes A-Wandering - Eng Kee Famous Roasted Duck

A good 80% of places I've written about here, were accidental finds. Wandering feet during lunch hour can often lead me to pretty good joints. Just like this place in some random coffeeshop in a small slip road next to the busier Anson Road. I've often come across a snaking queue right in front of the coffeeshop (whilst on my way to another favourite Indian makan joint, which I will talk about some time soon) and wondered what could be tantalising enough to warrant such a queue! Yes, like any true blue Singaporean, who adores food, I found myself drawn towards the enigmatic draw of the line-up. Haha. So here you go, Eng kee Famous Roasted Duck, for your reading pleasure. Promise not to drool too much ok? 

Aiyo... just look at the crackling............

Old School Fave - Ali Nachia Briyani Dam

Briyani, as defined by Wikipedia, is a Southeast Asian rice dish, originating from the Muslim and Indian subcontinent community. It is essentially made of meat (can be chicken, mutton, beef, and the not very common fish), spices and long grained Basmati rice. There are many variations of briyani, in India itself, almost every region has it's own special version of this hearty meal. In our Little Red Dot, we are more accustomed to 3 versions (me thinks) - Dum Briyani, Tandoori Briyani and Curry Briyani. My personal favorite would have to be the Dum Briyani, which brings us to the old school favorite - Ali Nachia Briyani Dam (more famously known as the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station briyani joint).

Chicken Dam Briyani @ $7.00

A Slice Of History Over Lunch - Chong Wen Ge Cafe

I love everything old. There is just something "more" about old stuff - more character, history, charm. Many a time, I would stand and literally stare, at the intricacies of old buildings. How things were put together, how every piece of tile was painstakingly handpainted, how every piece of carving tells a story, how the walls are adorned with meticulous artwork made possible only by the hands of a skilled artisan. Which brings me to one of my favorite lunch joints in the CBD - Chong Wen Ge Cafe.

Intricately decorated pavilion now play host to an outdoor seating area

Reddy's Solo Lunch Adventure @ Chalong, Tanjong Pagar Centre

Yay, Tanjong Pagar-ians now have "mini mall" with a spanking new array of food options! Recently opened Tanjong Pagar Centre (oh it is also coincidentally the tallest building in Singapore), located just right next to Tanjong Pagar MRT, will house an exciting mix of eateries, spotted so far are Llao Llao, Royce, Henri Charpentier (opening soon), Crave Nasi Lemak (the famous original Adam Road nasi lemak), IndoChilli, The Daily Cut, Han's, Swee Heng, and of course there so many more to mention. Walking around B2 of the building during a "fam trip" my eyes were drawn to this shop with mouthwatering pictures of grilled meat. Say hello to "Chalong", the newest kid on our block.

18 hour Sous Vide Pork Jowl @ $12.00

When life gets you down, have some keropok :)

I love my crisps. Slice anything up thinly, bake it or fry it, make it crispy and crunchy and I will love it. Oh, especially local crisps - those keropoks! Fellow CBD-ians should be quite acquainted with this little corner of keropok heaven, located across Amoy Hawker Centre and right next to Gayatri (the popular Indian makan place). The stall has no name, but you can't miss it. Displayed invitingly are baskets full of local crisps of all kinds - sweet, savoury, spicy, non-spicy. Just be sure to not buy EVERYTHING you see, just as how I have to put some brakes on myself everytime I visit.

The keropoks are normally quite fresh, some are delivered just as they are done. 

Red Hot Chilli Ban Mee @ Amoy

I have a new addiction - and it comes in a form of noodles. Yes, 'em humble noodles. Something so simple can come in so many variations, and they can be so darn delicious at that. Was recently introduced to this mouth-watering bowl of chilli goodness, churned out by Grandma Ban Mee in Amoy Food Centre (apparently they been in operation since Dec 2015 and I've only been flagged of their existence like a week ago. Tsk tsk tsk, must keep eyes open wide enough), and I've been hooked ever since.

Like OMG really.............. Take my money already, please.