Thursday, February 28, 2013

Stock Taking


So. Apparently we have quite a bit of pasta at home, more than a dozen varieties altogether. We placed them in a few parts of the kitchen and it was a surprise to see how much we have when we put them together.  I know now, that I should stop buying for a while. Credit to Miss P for the idea!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

First DInner In Tokyo


Backat the beginning of the month when we flew to Tokyo, we actually landed in Narita at a nice time, around 5PM. Of course, by the time we processed our documentation through the immigration, picked up our bags, went to the restroom and exchanged some money, it was already 6 PM. We purchased the bus tickets to go to our hotel, but the nice lady at the counter suggested that we took an earlier bus that stopped at Hilton hotel, just across the street from our hotel. We did and after a short wait, we began our long ride to the hotel. The traffic was congested, it was after office hours and we only arrived around 8:30Pm, feeling hungry and tired. 

After putting away our bags, we went straight to Caffe, the hotel's Italian restaurant. I had the grilled fish, of course (It was Friday anyway, no meat!) and DH had the most predictable dish, Spaghetti Carbonara. When you are hungry, everything tastes good. Yup. 


Lilies!


Lilies are big, bold, beautiful and smell so good. I love having them inside the house!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Down, In The Morning!


That's 7:01 in the morning in my neighborhood, one cloudy morning....

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Snake Year, Lion Dance


Another year, another dance in our complex. The loud noise, the children and adults watching, it's all growing on me. 







Meet The Snow!


Our first unexpected encounter with the snow on this trip took place at Fuji Visitor Centre, around two hours away from Tokyo. Many, if not all tour buses make a stop here on the way to Mt. Fuji. Travelers can get information about their beloved mountain, buy souvenirs and use their restrooms. Of course, take pictures as many as they want.

Serene


We were driven up to Mt. Fuji's fourth station and took this scenic picture. Mt. Fuji was visible behind us.

Monday, February 18, 2013

La Lunna Rossa, Classic Lunch

One day before we took off to Tokyo we had many errands to run. We stopped by for lunch at Japanese-Italian Osteria, La Luna Rossa. They had an interesting set of lunch menu and I always enjoy what they present. We chose from their Classic Lunch, which was priced at $38 (the price has not included GST & service charge)




My pick for the starter was Marinated prawns and zucchini topped with prosciutto.


The Main Entree was NZ rib-eye steak with rucola, tomato and parmigiano salad while desserts were whatever we wanted from a selection they presented.



.... and a cup of coffee.


DH seemed to always pick this Tuna and avocado tartar with wasabi, herb salad for his starter.


His Main Entree was Pan-seared fish of the day with asari and basil sauce.


Below was his selections for desserts.


Sunday, February 17, 2013

Mount Fuji


This picture was taken from a moving tour bus.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Breakfast Before Flying


When we have to leave early in the morning for our flight, it is just best to have breakfast in the airport. It saves the trouble. No worries over cleaning the dishes and all the cleaning up works related to preparing the breakfast.

We left home around 7Am that day for our flight to Tokyo and while DH opted for reflexology treatment in the lounge, I had a simple breakfast of fried noodles with shrimps. The best past of it actually was the sambal. Very delicious! I also ordered a glass of fruit juice, a mix of carrot, orange and red apple. Perfect!


Thursday, February 14, 2013

Flying To Tokyo


We had another break recently, it was for Chinese New Year. For the first time in our marriage life, actually in my life, we went away during Chinese New Year. We could always use a little getaway now and then..... To wintery Tokyo we went!

Thursday, February 07, 2013

Scotts Square, Chinese New Year Decor


La Nonna, Unhappy Place

 (Rock Melon with Prosciutto)


La Nonna in Namly is one of the places that we go back to from time to time. I have practically no complain about their food but their service has been fluctuating. The last time we were there, which is quite recent, the only staff out there is likely to be the manager of the restaurant. He looked like an unhappy man, there's no waiters in sight. He took orders, her served drink and the food, he presented the bill and he was the cashier. The place was not packed but there was no good service, no smile and it was a challenge to get his attention. (Sigh..... we still had to pay the same amount of money for the food and service charge plus the GST!) We left and felt satisfied with the food but disappointed with such a poor service. We understand the situation, but you can't be unhappy with providing service for the paying customers.

 (Pasta with Crab Sauce)


(Ravioli with Truffle Sauce)


(Calzone with Mushroom, cheese & ham)

China Town: Year Of The Snake Greeting


Just a few days away and we say good bye to the Year of Dragon and welcome to the Year of Snake. We went to China town to see .....whatever we can see. All snake-y Chinese (new year) related products and everything that is there. We went on Monday, so the crowd was not as large.






Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Azalea In The House!


I bought a pot of Azalea when we went to Ikea, I thought I could use some cheerful colors to brighten the house for the forthcoming Lunar New Year. The flowers are now blossoming and they look pretty!


Tuesday, February 05, 2013

At Bugis Market, Pre-Chinese New Year


We went to Bugis to check out what they have in store for the forthcoming Chinese New Year. The Year of Snake is just days away.......