Small Town

Couple of days ago, I got sideswiped which resulted in a damaged side mirror.

At the traffic lights, I had noticed a speeding car coming from the outer most lane.  The driver aimed to go past me in the third lane, only problem about that very lane was it being WAY too narrow to past.  The vehicle was moving at high speed with no desire to slow down and as I predicted, hit my mirror and sped off without so much as a flinch.

I was calm, didn't give chase, honked or anything.  I merely took down the culprits car digits and boy were they easy to remember.  Made my way home to check the damage and give a call to my insurance guy.  He came over shortly and after assessing, advises me to get it repaired myself instead of filling a police report.  Fine, I took his word for it.

However, it felt like complete injustice.  Especially seeing it was a modified vehicle and knowing it must be some young punk thinking he's the king of the road.  I took to Facebook and posted the maniac driver's car digits and within the same day, had his full name, address and phone number listed by an acquaintance.

GOTCHA!

I was thinking if I should pay a visit and ring his doorbell.  I had all the time in the world and thought about some options.  I spoke to Amy and relayed the incident and asked if she knew anyone by this name.  Hey presto! It was her ex-colleague's husband.

Penang is way TOO small....GOTCHA!!

She made contact and the culprit's wife said there was no excuse for his atrocious driving and will compensate for the damage.

Fair enough.

At the workshop, a service staff managed to refit the mirror back to its origin without any charge.  It was maniac driver's luck.  He got off easy this time, though thinking back, could have been a lot worst.
Anyways, morale of this story is, don't do anything stupid especially in Penang, its way too small AND, you never know right?

Perfect

The Lunar festivities were simply outstanding.  Probably the best I've experienced all my life.  I remember loving it as a child, visiting relatives, paying respects to elders, collecting red packets, doing the whole sit-down reunion dinners, playing with fireworks, witnessing intently with cousins the lion dance troupe coming to bless the family home.

Some time around the age of fifteen, the family relationship turned sour.  Gone were the above mentioned, vanished into thin air.  I left Penang at 17 and never really celebrated CNY till I came back a couple of years ago.

This year however, saw many friendships reconnected after a seeming void these past years.  The best part about it was like nobody left Penang.  Back then it used to just be the boys, fast forward today, the gathering consisted of girlfriends, wives and kids.  Perfect.  To keep the friendship going strong for over ten years, even with many spread over the globe, is really something.  We made it a point to do a group portrait after a lapse of eight years and did a superb one at Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion.

Then there's family.  My brother and his family came back to visit, this also meant the very anticipated niece/grand daughter would be returning.  I don't think I've ever seen Dad dote over anyone this much in my life.  Besides Olivea being the first grandchild in the family, he displays a side both my brother and I have never seen.  Dad has never been the most patient of people, but Olivea can charm and run rings round him.  I truly treasure seeing moments when just the both of them go to the park nearby and I'd spy from a far, or when he takes her to go get ice cream, or even when he spoils her with books galore at MPH.

This morning when we were preparing to send them off to the airport, Olivea was so forlorn to be leaving.  She didn't have the strength to be cheery or to have anything for breakfast.  That really broke her grandfather's heart.  He tried his best to console her by promising to visit very soon.
Then finally at 6:45am, she tried her best not to cry while giving us flying kisses, it was too much for her maternal grandma and tears were shed.  My gorgeous niece...

As I crawled back into bed to recoup some sleep, I was then awoken by Mum and Dad, who came back after me, asking me to join them for breakfast.  Then suddenly I heard Olivea calling "Uncle Jeremy!!".... This time, I got up realizing it was a dream and started tearing.  I miss her so much.

Its been the best Lunar celebration since I last remembered, and I sure hope it also has been for you.....

Dragon Chinese New Year

Enter the Dragon

Tong Tong Tong Chiang!  Its that time of year again, where everyone comes back to their hometown, pay respects to elders, visit relatives, reunion lunches and dinners, give and receive Ang Pows, eat lots of cookies in clear plastic jars with red covers, eat lots of mandarin oranges, secretly light up fireworks, lion dances, reunion gambling and the list goes on....

I love this time of year because of all the above.  Its a time where friends you grew up with would also come back, and its a dose of good catch ups.  I heart this time of year. 

I hope your celebrations will be great.  No doubt we leave with expanded waistlines but we also leave with a contented, celebratory feeling.  Here's wishing you all a very GONG XI FATT CHAI!!

Travel safe and BEST of luck at the tables! Happy holidays! HUAT AH!!!

Happy New Year!

What a year 2011 was!  It is the ninth day of the Dragon year and I'm still trying to get priorities straight.  I would be happy if this year could be a mirroring effect of the previous.  So far, lots of discussions and ideas.  Lots of planning and strategising before the implementation.  I hope for it to be a good one and I hope for it to be a good one for all of you.

Refresh

So far, I've been on a long break, three months to be exact, after a busy but great year. 

We were approached with a good offer to part with the B&B business and after some thought, agreed to the sale of the nearly-year-old project.  In fact it seemed longer.  It has been crazy.

I've enjoyed each passing day so much but felt so guilty when Amy said I'm a much happier person now I'm no longer attached to the business.  Admittedly, it took a lot out of me.  It was a hands on business, seven days a week and started as early as 7am.  Sometimes our guests do request for an earlier breakfast due to an early check out i.e. 5am.  I can imagine at times not being the best person....

The experience was priceless, shall write more in the next few posts.

A brand new chapter

So the restaurant venture I had high hopes for didn't work out.  In the end Jeffrey, almost-chef/partner, had an offer he simply couldn't refuse.  The opportunity was too good to miss and while disappointed, I wished him well on his new journey in Singapore.

I'm a firm believer of things happening for a reason.  

A week after still being gutted, I met Amy's best friend's brother, Kelvyn.  Though we knew each other in a short period of time, we clicked.  We were discussing various ideas and what could be done.  A common thing we both loved were heritage buildings but were not sure what was the most ideal business. 

A few were mentioned but didn't spark, then suddenly Kelvyn asked me what do I think about a small boutique hotel or a bed & breakfast?  I responded immediately saying that's an idea I had in mind!  Actually for the past couple of years...

This was August of '10.  Fast forward today, a quaint two bedroom B&B located on Bangkok Lane is born.  Our doors have opened since November of the same year and we've had guests trickled in from all over the globe.  Its been quite surreal.  Unimaginable that sometimes when a door closes, in patience, perseverance and luck, another will open

My belief of things happening for a reason, stands strongly as ever if not stronger.  Its a whole new venture, wish us luck!

Back !

Merry Christmas everyone ! Its been a while, much to update.  Let's just say its a 180 degree change.  While I'm at it, I'd like to wish you a very Happy New Year 2011 ! May the new year bring the changes, achievements and successes.  Be safe and happy holidays !!

Excited

I recently got to know a talented chef a year younger than I am, whom was previously plying his trade at the Four Seasons Singapore. I was recommended by a friend of his creations and was immediately impressed. He's a huge Thai food fan too, so we spoke about developing something together.

Now, I really don't fancy fusion food because personally it lacks identity. However, while keeping the sauces or ingredients original and adding a twist, can very well be an alluring conception. The challenge would be convincing and educating diners of this new trend.

So an example would be, say, stir-fried beef with basil leaves, on a side of fragrant Thai rice accompanied with a poached egg. There, that's fusing a very original Thai staple meal. Usually this dish comes with a sunny side up egg, but a little tweaking can change the outlook of a simple yet savory meal.

There's more to come while we both sit down and bounce ideas off one another. Unka, if you're reading this, I'd like to hear your ideas (;

Looking forward to the end of CNY to kick start this project. GLEE~

Jeramy

Flogger

These days, there are floggers everywhere. I think anyone can do it because everyone has a point and shoot, broadband, and of course, filling their stomachs. My gripe however, is being impartial or a suitable judge.

This post isn't about anyone writing anything bad about my restaurant, but its about restaurants and eateries I tried out myself after reading favorable reviews. Though the saying 'One man's meat is another man's poison' rings true in relation to said topic but truthfully how can there be such a drastic difference of taste amongst us, Malaysians?

I visited each of these establishments with the minutest of expectations because we all know high expectations yield great disappointments. So recently I visited this ghetto-like Thai eatery (I'm not comparing in any way to my own but in a way proper Thai food should be) located along a jetty. I'm sure most of you know which I'm talking about.

I ordered what a famous flogger wrote as "the mouthwatering taste is just fabulous" for the clear soup Tom Yum Seafood. I had the exact same soup and after one sip I was asking myself how does one define Thailand's most famous soup as fabulous when lime isn't one of the main ingredient included? Now said person can make or break an establishment with their review, but how does one write so favorably of a dish when instead of lime, was vinegar? How could vinegar be a substitute for lime in Tom Yum?

(That is blasphemy in Thai culinary cooking!)

Other dishes didn't measure up to the hype it received, and I felt it was a real miss of said flogger with the glowing review. I will continue trying out places said flogger has patronized and compare taste buds. Makes me feel we need more Simon Cowell-type floggers and less of the Paula Abdul ones.

Was it any wonder why she got the chop?

Idiota

While last night was slow, the icing on a rather disappointing night was summed up with a rant from a very bald and gay Italian.

I have no qualms of one's sexuality, in fact many of my regulars are of the pink currency, but this was quite a different scenario completely.

So three of them came, Bald Italian, British and a local. They ordered their starters and wanted them out before the mains were served. No problem. So out came their starters and I proceeded to push out their mains. Their order was two mains(Pineapple Fried Rice & Pad Thai Prawns) to be shared. Fine, no problem.

So the first, Pad Thai came flying out. And while the chef was preparing their second main, the first was sent back to be reheated. It was still hot! About plus minus seven minutes, their second was done and both brought out to be served. Bald Italian was fuming. British said 'too late, take it back'. Bald Italian stood up and confronted me, saying 'I asked you to bring both mains out at the same time.'

'This is unacceptable, you should have the facilities to keep the food warm. I used to be a chef' Bald Italian retorted.

And he wouldn't allow me to explain. Every time I tried he kept cutting me off. Then he went on about how the food at my parent's restaurant next door is great but doesn't come out in the order he wanted it to. I held myself back. 'This isn't fine western dining, its Thai'. 'A chef? Where? At KFC? Were a few things I had at the back of my tongue.

Amy said I handled it well. She told me she would have manhandled Bald Italian and threw him out on his culo. I mean I was pissed. The night was already slow, coupled with an unreasonable person's demand without at least understanding the cultures of one's cuisine. And if you really were a chef, you'd know how to differentiate.

Still I kept my cool even with his last statement, 'Thank you for ruining my evening' before storming out. I would have lost the plot if he wasn't gonna stop. His partner, the petite local chap who paid the bill, told us this is how Bald Italian is, felt bad and was apologetic.

Well ladies and gentlemen, this is the service industry for you. Sometimes, ya just have to take it with a pinch of salt.....*inhales deeply*

I almost ran out to say 'There's a McDonald's down the road'

Twenty10

First up, I'd like to wish everyone a belated happy 2010. May each and everyone of you be blessed with great health, ascending career paths and a blissful love life.

I have earmarked a few things to achieve this year, though one of them already kicked off in December - to be healthier(which we will get to a little later). One of my resolutions is to be more active on my blog. I'm grateful for readers who've dropped mails expressing their pleasure in reading what I have to say on this off and on again blog. Thank you. I will try my utmost to write MORE often. So bear with me.

Looking back, I can say with justice that 2009 had been kind to me. Toward the end of '08, it was said the Goat would be having a difficult year in '09, but I begged to differ.

Here's why....

• Left my company to pursue a life of a restaurateur, while its been a 180 degree change, its been exciting and there are no regrets.
• I met Amy. The past ten months have been nothing but a blissful journey with her. My pillar of strength, who's supported me in my quest to be a success in my new found trade, and of course, to be a better person in life.
• The retail project, my last assignment I oversaw before leaving my company, was a success and took the company out of our slump.
• Being closer to family after being away a total of a decade. Took getting used to, but there has been more pros than cons.

Back in June of last year, I bought a book, 'Skinny Bastard'. Its basically a book about being a Vegan and talks about how unhygienic the slaughter houses are, how the human body isn't functioned to digest meat, that the animals we consume are fed with countless amounts of antibiotics and are sprayed with pesticides and insecticides.

How when alarmed, the animal releases stress related chemicals into their bloodstream before slaughter which compromises the quality etc.

Reading up on all that has made me aware how cancer is so common. How the food you and I are ingesting, are the causes of various types of cancer and heart diseases. So around late last year, I went on a 5 day vegetarian diet till today.

I allowed myself eggs, with fragrant brown rice and raw or sometimes lightly cooked vegetables. I get to eat what I want on my off day plus one day on the weekends with Amy. I feel better especially in terms of energy levels and have dropped 4kgs.

I'm working on some changes with regards to the restaurant. Stay tuned for what's in store. Meantime, wishing you the very best for twenty-ten. May this be a better year for you!

Over & out!

Crack

My nearly two month old Polo...

Goooday

Today was a good day. Introduced the set menu for lunch and was well received. Dinner was a little busy with two large tables. I'm so knackered right now but simultaneously feeling positive. Today's the first day, will see how it goes from here. Just included a few dishes to the line up.

Time to dock at the power supply bay. Tomorrow's another day, and I'm looking forward to it.

Goodbye

For the past week, I've been saddled with sadness and disbelief a family friend had passed away in a diving incident off Pulau Aur, Johor.

For reasons yet unknown, he encountered some difficulty with his rebreather underwater and passed out. The crew administered CPR while speeding him to the nearest hospital which was quite some distance. Sadly, he never regained consciousness.

My heart goes out to his family, especially Tristan, who is yet to be born and will never know how good a man his father was. Take care Marcus. Godspeed and may you rest in peace...

http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2009/10/diving-tragedy-diver-was-honing-his.html

Back

Ahhh! Finally some time in cyberspace. Have been so busy the past month with the opening of my new restaurant, 'Chiim'.

I'm excited its happened after what seems like forever. Its still a work in progress as I plan to add things here and there as the business grows. Still can't really believe I'm a restaurateur now. One thing I can really believe are the hours involved. By the time I get done, I'm so knackered my social life is spiraling downwards.

I love the challenge. I've always wanted to own a restaurant(well, a chain of them!)and now this is the beginning of my passion. I'm hoping it will drive me and keep me motivated for as long as I'm still breathing.

'Food is the only thing that truly nourishes'

So why not let it be a passionate occupation at the same time?

Behold

Coming soon....Tickling your palates in August.

Culinary or Hospitality? Thai or European?

During my hiatus from the professional world, I've been contemplating going back to school. Best time to go back is during a recession. Yes, that's what we're knee deep in now.

Back to the topic. Its a toss up between culinary and hospitality. Though cooking has the edge, they're both definitely the core in the F & B business. Exploring options at the moment, may go back to Bangkok for it since there's a number of great schools catering to both.

Though mum and dad prefer their youngest to go for Thai, I'm leaning more towards European. Have never cooked anything Thai. Well other than emptying the ready made green curry ingredients into a cooking pan, stir and wait to simmer. Still some time left, though before you know it, its already the end of March.

Ok, time to weigh options!

CNY '09

* GONG XI FA CHAI *

Trip

So I was in Shenzhen recently for an unscheduled business trip.
For some time now, I've been persuaded by my brother and father to come aboard their company, in which their efforts have been fruitless.

About a week before new years, where plans were already made to meet up and celebrate with friends, dad calls to have a father-son talk. He started with the usual banter - my life and work in general. Then after a long pause and out of the blue he asked if I remembered how messy the family business became because of the internal conflicts. Bewildered, I nodded and answered at the same time.

"Well I want both you and Koko to be a successful team together." o.0 Uh?
"You can learn from his experience and complement him at the same time. I know you've built up something over there, but its my wish to see the both of you work closely, hand in hand. So do daddy a favor and go to China with him, at least have a break and consider."

I then knew where he was going with this.

Dad has always instilled in the both of us to support each other no matter what. The 'blood is thicker than water' has been an embedded phrase in our lives. I love my brother unconditionally and he likewise, but our working styles are very different and funny as it may sound, I don't want to end up jeopardising what we have, like dad and his brothers. Dad always regretted the family dispute, even if he was the victim. However, he was gentleman enough to let bygones be bygones and paid visits to them during the lunar new year as a show of respect.

Initially, I never understood his unforgiving gesture because he was forced out during the conflicts, and yet we received the best of education and quality of life as a whole. As a maturing adult I began to see he was the bigger man and I was proud of my father. The least I could do was give it a chance while taking it as a holiday.

Sorted out travel details and off to Shenzhen I went. In truth I was excited and happy. Part of me always wanted to visit the motherland and seeing dad so happy I'm giving this a chance. Its not often I see him happy and when there's the stolen laugh, smile or even a grin, its quite a Kodak moment.

While in Shenzhen, because my Mandarin's so rusty, I had to rojak-ed it up with Taiwanese Mandarin, local Mandarin(Pu Tong Hua) and some Cantonese as a means of communication. Hey its been almost twenty years, give me a break!

Though I didn't get to experience the sights and sounds as much, I'm glad to have made the trip. I learned about the Chinese culture, whereby at a business lunch, guests are required to 'feast'. The food though greasy, were delectable, great Szechuan cooking. Not surprising in just a space of nearly a week I piled on almost 3kg's... -_-"

And what's with all the honking???