Bangkok, BRB

Happy friday, folks!

The first weekend of December

Yes, it is true. I know it is hard to believe but we have officially entered the last month of the year. 

This incidentally also means we can expect much festive feasting soon and I am just counting down the days to our annual Christmas party.

Trying to take it easy after a busy week also means I had been absolutely rubbish at taking photos over the weekend. But believe when I say it was an amazing one. 

Family, friends and fooding... This formula never grows old. 

More of the munchkin - dream vs. reality

 The dream 

The reality

The White Rabbit, Harding Road

Single, engaged or even married, I'm sure some of us dreamt of holding our wedding ceremony at The White Rabbit at some point in time. It is a beautiful space - a restored old chapel outfitted with modern furnishings that melds seamlessly into the original structure. Yet stories of style over substance meant the restaurant wasn't among the top of my list of restaurants to try anytime soon (yes, I do - sadly - keep a list under 'Notes' on my list).

When my MIL suggested meeting up for a meal there, I did a quick Google search and realised there had been a change in chefs. We liked what we read - new chefs have a lot to prove and some do successfully outdo their predecessors. *cough* Jaan *cough* 

Although the restaurant claims to serve "impeccable food without the stuffiness of typical fine-dining establishments," prices veer close to what you would find at fine-dining restaurants. In space-deprived Singapore, the seating was surprisingly sparse and the restaurant was half-filled for Saturday brunch, which only shows how competitive the brunch scene is in Singapore.

The Salad Printemps with asparagus, mango, avocado, mesclun and house dressing was fresh and clean-tasting but not worth the price tag, considering how many pieces of the first three items we received.

My appreciation for the Charcuterie Platter has grown with age. I just love the idea and more importantly, the act of nibbling over salty bits of cold cuts, preserved meats and schmears.

Here at The White Rabbit, the platter consisted of saucission, smoked duck breast, andouliette,

mushroom terrine, duck rilette, pickled vegetables and crunchy toasts. Funny enough, when we said "yes" to more toasts, they gave us some grilled pillowy breads that were even more schmear-friendly than the original offering. 

When it comes to the main courses, The White Rabbit kicks it up a notch with fine-dining-establishment offerings such as lobster omelette and grilled wagyu côte de boeuf.

I thought about having the Dover Sole Meunière when my MIL said she might go for the Fettuccine Carbonara and my FIL, the Braised Oxtail. Common sense told me, you should not choose a dish that costs twice as much as your in-laws, especially if you aren't the one getting the bill.

Then almost by a stroke of the divine intervention, I spotted the Cape Grim Steak & Eggs and immediately went for it. Three of us around the table had it, and the Fettuccine and Oxtail was forgotten history. 

My inability to resist shoestring fries went hand-in-hand with a well-oiled dip-and-chug arm reflex. I absolutely wiped out the accompanying fries and fell into the rabbit hole of drowsiness after lunch.

A perfectly pink striploin steak and two sunny side ups? Sign me up, honey. 

Despite what I have said about wagyu patties, the Wagyu Quarter Pounder walked the talk and silenced my inner critic. An unbelievably juicy wagyu patty, onion relish, sautéed mushrooms and cheddar cheese sandwiched between toasted brioche slices, more is definitely more in this instance. 

If chocolate is your game, the rich and luscious Chocolate Moelleux will make you pull out your victory dance. Though the ice cream tasted like plain ok' vanilla, instead of the promised passionfruit, I would pick the pairing of vanilla and chocolate over passionfruit and chocolate any day.

Just when I thought I had seen enough stodgy bread and butter puddings, The White Rabbit's Raisin Bread & Butter Pudding charmed me with its crisp edges and tear-able insides. A drizzle of vanilla sauce and smattering of rum-soaked raisins might just convince you that this is the best bread and butter pudding out there in the market. 

Swan Lake by Bolshoi Ballet

Being a younger sister definitely has its perks - especially if your older sibling has exceptional taste in clothes and entertainment.

My younger sister and I scored tickets for Swan Lake by Bolshoi Ballet after my elder sister had to travel last minute-ish.

Long story short (because I am dog tired), the dancers, costumes and orchestra were utterly memorizing!

While I groaned at the thought of donning heels for the evening, most of these dancers were dancing on their toes for more than two and a half hours.

Normally I don't take caffeine after 2pm but I made myself a third cup just after 4pm in anticipation of the performance. Geezus, I'm a dinosaur alright.

Annnnnnd a highlight of the evening was definitely bumping into Zhu =)

Turning nine

Holy crap, it's my blog's 9th birthday today. N-I-N-E, Nine!

And today, I received incredible news about my future too (eyes off my paunch). I am genuinely psyched as I feel like this has been two years in the making.

Though I don't want to reveal too much for now, I want to say a hugeass and upsized "thank you" to my family and friends - for putting up with me, not questioning my decisions and supporting me in whatever I do.  

I leave you with this picture of the munckin and I having breakfast at McDs as it is one of my favouritest moments in recent months.

Two more days to the weekend!