FREE EVENT: Fuku No Ne Ensemble, 29 March 2009

Another free event organised by the The Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation. I've been to a couple of previous events organised by them, and they certainly brought in top-notch musicians. Judging by that, this one should be worth going -- if you enjoy traditional music.

Concert: "Fuku No Ne Ensemble - Japanese Music Tradition and Innovation"
Date: 29 March, 2009 (Sun)
Time: 7:00pm
Admission: Free (Registration is required)
Venue: Victoria Concert Hall

Listen to a music sample and register for event at:
http://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/events_FUKUNONE1_29-3-09.html

Eating Out: Wonton Mee Recommendation

Foong Kee Coffee Shop
6 Keong Saik Road

Foong Kee is one of those places that I would unequivocally recommend for wonton noodles.

When I visited the stall, what I particularly liked about their noodles was that it was not sweet. For those who don’t know, they tend to put in sweet sauce into dry-tossed noodles here in Singapore. (Hmmm… come to think of it, maybe that’s why I’ve avoided wanton mee cooked outside for many years. I still have northern Malaysian food sensibilities which dictates that dry-tossed noodles must be salty).

And, even though I’m not the greatest fan of roasted pork or char siew, the stall’s specialities, I enjoyed eating the meats they served there. The skin of the roasted pork was really crispy. And the char siew was quite juicy (my friend bought some for me to take back for my mum to try, and she gave it the seal of approval - so it MUST be good). I have to say though that the meat I enjoyed the most was the roast duck, but only because I LOVE roast duck in the first place.

The friend who brought me there said that one of the secrets to their great-tasting roasted meat is that they are always fresh from the oven. And tasting the meats, I can believe that.

Check out this food review blog, which has all the details, and pictures as well: http://ieatishootipost.sg/2007/03/foong-kee-wanton-mee-wanton-mee.html


This post is adapted from an earlier post of mine here.

Indian Borage (Plectranthus ambroinicus) - Amazing Cough Remedy

This plant was first brought to our attention by a friend, as being great for persistent cough. Almost instant relief if you're suffering from cough and throat irritation. Just pluck a few leaves and chew them. The best part is that it's so easy to grow from a cutting.

Check out this excellent article if you want to know more: Indian Borage - a must-have in a herb garden. I learnt quite a bit from the article, like what the Indian Borage is used for, (other than for coughs). More importantly, I found out why the leaves of my plant are starting to curl and yellow (seems it's getting too much sun!). The article also gives useful tips on how to propagate the plant.

I've also collated information I found from sites and books in this article: Indian Borage


Useful references:

• Wee Yeow Chin, A Guide to Herbs and Spices (available in Singapore libraries).
• Wendy Hutton and Alberto Cassio, Handy Pocket Guide to Asian Herbs & Spices (Handy Pocket Guides)

Daiso, $2 Shop that's a Fun Browse

First, a disclaimer. I don't work for Daiso. It's just that it's one of my favourite places to wander around here in Singapore.

Billed as "Japan's No 1 ranking livingware supplier", it's a fantastic place for picking up gifts and gift packaging, craft supplies, materials for d-i-y projects, gardening stuff, stationery, and all kinds of household items - crockery, cleaning materials, containers, etc.

All at $2 per item, which in most cases represent really good value, since the quality is acceptable to great. (The items certainly do not look cheap; they look like they should be worth much more than $2)

What I really like about Daiso also: they sell intriguing Japanese items. When I go there, I often pick up something, and wonder... what on earth is this for? (Can't help it, I'm a nerd at heart). The descriptions are often in Japanese, so it's another challenge trying to figure it out from the pictures. One time I was there, I learnt that, apparently, the Japanese make use of little picks for labelling their lunch. Cute.

Branches:
My favourite Daiso branch is the one at IMM Jurong - it' the largest one. But nearer to the centre of Singapore, you'll also find Daiso at VivoCity (good selection, but narrow aisles make shopping not as comfortable as the one at IMM) and Plaza Singapura (the smallest one).

FREE EVENT: Walking Heritage Trails at National Library, 21 February 2009, From 10 am

International Tourist Guide Day Celebrates with Free Walking Heritage Trails
February 21, 2009 (Sat)
10 am - 5 pm
at The Plaza in National Library Building


As part of this year’s, International Tourist Guide Day, the Society of Tourist Guides will conduct three heritage walk tours free:

1. Roman Catholicism in Singapore
2. Fame, Faith and Fortune in Waterloo Street
3. Hainan Kopi Tales

The trails will start at 10.30am and will last for about 45 minutes.
Each trail will be conducted at every 15 minutes interval.

Registration open on 21 February 2009 from 10.00 am to 3.30 pm at the level 1, Plaza, National Library.

FREE EVENT: Harmonica Orchestra at Esplanade Concert Hall, 15 Feb 2009, 3 pm

If you've never been to a Beautiful Sunday event at the Esplanade, I encourage you to give it a try. I love the venue (Esplanade Concert Hall) which is just the right size, with very comfortable seating. And I find it relaxing to spend a Sunday afternoon listening to and appreciate the talent of local musicians.

Beautiful Sunday at the Esplanade:
"Classical & Light"

Hainan Hwee Kuan Harmonica Orchestra, Singapore
Free Concert

15 FEB 2009, SUN
Esplanade Concert Hall

3pm (60mins, no intermission)

Hainan Hwee Kuan Harmonica Orchestra will deliver a jaunty repertoire of favourites such as In A Persian Market, The Comedians’ Gallop and Fiddler on the Roof.

More details here

FREE EVENT: Frances Yip at Chinatown Point, Friday 13 Feb 2009, 1 pm

I'm probably showing my age here when I say this sounds interesting. The flyer says "be mesmerised by her nostalgic hits and witty on-stage banter", so I believe she's going to do a mini-concert. Hope so anyway. I haven't seen her sing/perform since I was a kid, and I'm really curious:

A Date with Diva Frances Yip
13 Feb, 2009 (Fri)
Chinatown Point
1-2 pm

Study shows Jurong turning into suburban property hotspot

Just got to mention this article because I would never have imagined Jurong being a "hotspot" when I first moved here some twelve or thirteen years ago. Back then, we decided to stay here because it was one of the cheapest areas in terms of rental. Now, of course, the situation's way different.

Study shows Jurong turning into suburban property hotspot
ChannelNewsAsia
5 February 2009

SINGAPORE: A study by real estate agency ERA has shown that the resale prices of Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats in Jurong appreciated faster than other suburban towns in Singapore.

The study covered three— to five—room, and executive flats in Jurong West, Tampines and Woodlands.

For rest of article, go here: Source