it's gone to pot

I'm a naturally curious person.

So when Pot Noodle flashed their new Piri-Piri Chicken flavour noodles ad over the telly for the past few weeks I wondered what it would taste like?

Now, truth be told I've actually never eaten a Pot Noodle even after living in this country for a combination of almost ten years now.

I've tried once or twice Bachelors Super Noodles and coming from an Asian background I think the Far East does much better (instant) noodles then the West. Sorry, but then again I'm bias because they are the types I'm used to.

Anyways curiosity got the better of me, so I bought one over the weekend to try. I've been lazy the past week and didn't prepare any lunch so I took this into work today.

Now I've eaten a few instant noodles in a cup variety, granted not very often. So I read up the instructions on this Pot Noodle *geek!* and then cautiously filled up the water to the level required.

Oh yes, before that I opened the foil and there was a pack of lime juice. However, very strange thing the top of the noodles were covered in flavouring powder, like loads of it.

So I followed the instructions, filled water to desired level. Waited two minutes, add lime juice sachet, stirred evenly before trying the said noodles.

I was hesitant at first as in the past the instant noodles I consumed, whether instant noodles in a cup or even the one I cooked over the hob with "soup" it was soupy. This Piri-Piri Chicken Pot Noodle was thick and gooey. Such a weird "consistency" so to say.

The flavour was spicy with a real kick, I give you that. But the consistency was just, weird.

Now that I've tried this would I give it a go again?

To be fair it wasn't too bad. But when there are better instant noodles and even the noodles in the cup variety out there, I would not understand why I would give Pot Noodle a try again.

It is just me. As they say on man's meat is another man's poison. I'll give it a skip next time, thankyouverymuch.

Might work for others but it's just not for me.

happy.duanwu.jie

 

My take on Zong Zi 粽子 or dumplings. It's been a long time since I made this. To be fair this is my second time making them on my own. The wraping and tying up can be improved with practice. You Tube provided some help too to refresh my mind.

I used the Savoury Dumpling with Black Eyed Peas recipe from my trusty Malaysian recipe website, Kuali.com. The dumplings were tasty on its own.

For more info on Duanwu Jie 端午节 click here or here for Wikipedia entry.

spicy.and.funny

As the Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival 2011 draws to an end, I was disappointed that I only managed to catch one show out of the hundreds that was available.

And I was meant to blog about this a few weeks back but just have not come to do it.

Anyways, my gf Karen and I caught the Curry Comedy a few weeks back at Slumdog Bar & Kitchen. Reflecting on our night out, we got more than we bargained for!

The tickets were slightly more expensive on a Thursday evening compared to a Sunday lunch show. But just ever so slightly. The food was yummy, and it was good that it was buffet, so I had the chance to stuff my face further (with slight guilt). The varied spread gave us a chance to try what Slumdog could offer and they did not disappoint. Slumdog's comprehensive drinks menu easily catered for anyone, especially their list of cocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Although it was a buffet meal, the food was fresh, the staff were friendly and the service was excellent.

After we had been fed and watered, the comedy commenced promptly.

This brings me to my second 'more than we bargained for'. When we booked the tickets we thought it was going to be a comedy about curry and Glasgow history. But looking back, there wasn't a joke about curry. Instead we were entertained by a compere who tried his very hardest to get the crowd, in his words "lubricated". We were a tough crowd, a "slow burner".

Unfortunately, it has been weeks and I cannot remember his name but I remembered his jokes. The same goes for our first comedian. Some of his "jokes" were a bit too much information. I have only vague memory of the second comedian. *Sorry!*

Karen and I both love our third and main act, Des Clarke with an "e". We were gob smacked, Des Clarke!

Both of us love Des - I used to listen to him when he was part of Des and Vanessa on Galaxy FM (Scotland) (which I had stopped listening to because of the lengthy advertisements); and Karen still listens to Des on Capital FM (Scotland) whom he is working with now.

We loved Des' gig and the pace of it, and thought it was a pleasant surprise.

Overall, it was a fantastic girls' night out as it was good to hang out with Karen and catch up. The pre-comedy joke of my embarrassing moment earlier in the afternoon provided a good start to the night.

Anyways, head over to the Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival website to soak up the last of the programmes. The festival ends on Sunday 10 April. I've been on the comedy pub crawl "Stand Up Drink Up" three years ago (that long ago!) and it was a great night out.

Also, we'll be definitely going back to Slumdog Bar & Kitchen for the delicious food, lovely atmosphere and fantastic service.

Now, I better get back to catching up on my APC Diary.

the.light.shines

Now that we got all the unhappy part out of the way, I have some exciting news.

Twelve New Bakes

The last time I baked in 2010 felt like forever ago. And with the lack of guinea pigs willing volunteers, I was apprehensive producing home bakes. No point baking for wasting.

Then one weekend I made soda bread and then I thought "why not bake 12 things I have not make before"?


And so one of my new project to the To Do List 2011 will be "twelve new bakes".

One new thing a month, should be easy peasy right? Cupcakes, cakes and muffins of all variants should not be counted (because I have made them in the past), but I suspect I might bend the rules. So watch this space!

Scout Adult Training

I have started my Scout Adult Training last week, Module 1: Essential Training and another tonight, Module 3: Tools for the Job.

I will need to have a look at the whole programme and see how am I going to complete the 37 modules in three years to get my wood badge.

I’m really looking forward to this!

RICS APC

And on the note of training, I will have to touch on the dreaded APC Training.

Well, it is unfair to call it "dreaded", even though it is "dreaded" because it feels like it is taking forever. But I have only myself to blame.

Anyways, after going for my Adult Training Module 1 and see how easy it can be to complete a module, I was thinking, to make the APC work for me (and hopefully something I can devise and be useful for future candidates), I will need to break down the APC competencies into smaller modules and goals for me to achieve.

To do that, I will have to put aside time and sort myself out. Wish me luck and I hope to continue to blog about my APC again soon.


I will keep it short for now. Hopefully in the next few posts I will talk about my Scout involvement, my other projects or things that I have been doing. Do leave a comment so that I know that there is someone out there reading my rambles.

Btw, a wee update on my One Hundred Mails Project...
2-98 Birthday Card
3-97 Birthday Card
4-96 Birthday Card
5-95 30th Birthday Card

first.attempt

My first attempt in baking and decorating a strawberry cream cake.


It was a birthday present to a good friend, who always in his best effort try to get people together for various events and generously does the cooking as well.

lazy.chatty.morning

Breakfast in bed 30.05.10

Crumbs or love?

Love or crumbs?

Love crumbs?

I’m torn between the love from breakfast in bed to the crumbs that are potentially (and highly plausibly) left in bed.

Luckily we don’t live in a country with (too many) creepy crawlies; otherwise we’ll have more than humans in bed!

For now, I’ll stick with lurve...

We’ll deal with the crumbs later.

visit.to.little.chef

Last Friday, I decided to travel up north earlier than usual after my site meeting.

On the way, I was starving from not having anything since I woke up. Halfway through the meeting, someone was making toast in the kitchen and my mind wandered elsewhere thinking of toast and fried eggs sunny side up... Yum!

Anyways, I decided to stop at Little Chef somewhere after Stirling before Greenloanings exit.

I often travel pass Little Chefs along the motorway tearing travelling between Glasgow and Aberdeen. But I actually got to know Little Chef a little better through the programme 'Big Chef Takes On Little Chef' earlier this year.

Anyways, since I was starving and requiring to stop for lunch, I grab the chance of having my meal at Little Chef.

I had the Fish Pie and a glass of Coke.



The meal felt like a long wait. Perhaps I was really hungry and it was just cooking at the normal time scale. But the meal was worth every minute!

The fish pie kept very hot for a very long time as it was cleverly cooked in the ovenware. It was a little salty for my taste but the filling was tasty and the fish was cubed evenly and neatly.

I planned to have dessert after the meal but was stuffed.

Service was really good as the waiting staff who served me was attentive and perhaps a little over 'enthusiastic'. Except for him trying to clear off the sauces while I was still having my meal, I would say service was perfect!

Overall, I think the price was reasonable, about the same price of a meal at a proper pub. Which is good, as more often than not, rest stop meals are often over priced and taste awful (according to TOH's words).

I find the place look really charming. It may still have the same red covered seats, the fading table tops, but it provides a charm. Perhaps a new lick of paint and brighter lights might help during the winter days, I donno. I was there, sitting by the window basking in lovely sunshine. But, why would anyone wants a contemporary revamp of the place?

Plus, the toilet was clean and tidy. They even provide you a selection of toiletries!



, it's not a big selection but tell me how many restaurant / cafe provides this kind of selection. LOL...

Not forgetting, a nice lolly for the journey too!



Overall, food was fresh and tasty; decor was clean and service was excellent! I would definitely be back there again, with TOH in tow of course!

zonked

I’m so shattered.

The accumulated lack of sleep and endless thoughts playing in me heid is taking its toll.

What a week it has been and a good consolation is having people around to talk to about. Amazing how helpful it can be.

Interestingly, I don’t really know how to put in on paper or on blog but I need to get it out of the system, else, I know it will drain me. Have to find a way to express it.

Last night, was out with the guys again. Didn’t blog about our previous outing but we went to the Italian Café at the Merchant City again last month. I do like the Italian Café and then we headed off to Scotia for live music.

Yesterday, we went to Ad Lib, located in the Merchant City as well.

I had a quick browse of the website yesterday and the food sounds great. Was very happy that there is an American food restaurant which is not your usual chain, thought I had a glimmer of hope for alternatives.

Alas! The food was only OK. ONLY, because the menu featured really appetising food but the taste was so so. The gang wasn’t impressed and it was a pity, poor Iain who arranged it had a bit bad feedback.

We then headed off to Scotia again to listen to the live band and shared banters.

This outing was kinda a leaving do for Rob and Tibault. They will both be missed.

This week I had missed quite a lot of Big Brother action.

But Daryl, Mo and Bex are up for eviction. I think Daryl will go tonight.

Anyways, I liked this week's 'Test of Time' task. Roomful of so many different clocks! How interesting!!!

As I said, I’m so tired. Am looking forward to getting on the bus and zonk out.

delight

Which delight would you choose?

family.business

I didn't know the family started a business on sandwiches.


I wonder what to do next, just to make sure I'm not missing out on the profits. (>.<)

2.restaurants.1.hairdresser

Yesterday was treat-myself day. Sort of. Kinda unplanned. In a way.

Treat One: Lunch at Killermont Polo Club, Maryhill Road

Last minute lunch decision was more than likely to celebrate one of the Commercial Lead’s last working day as a bachelor.

The choice - Killermont Polo Club.

Located just off Maryhill Road within a lush compound was the club house.

Since I’ve never been to this place, I didn’t expect the Polo Club to serve Indian cuisine. The aroma of curry when you first step into the premise throws me off whatever I was expecting.

Nonetheless, I was awed and taken away by the polo related décor, tastefully done thus making this place full of character.

The gang was a bit disappointed that the Polo Club did not serve buffet lunch on a Tuesday, instead in place, a three course set lunch.

I had the Chicken Tikka Orange for starters, followed by the South Indian Garlic Chilli Prawns served with boiled rice and finished off with Ice Cream and Gulab Jamun. We also ordered a few naan breads to share.

I was actually torn between the Chicken Tikka Orange and choice of Prawn or Mushroom Poori. Typically, you will want what you didn’t get. The starter portion was larger than expected and tastes really good.

My favourite was the main meal. There was a choice between prawns and king prawns, but I went for the prawns instead. I actually prepared myself to a dish with lots of small prawns but was pleasantly surprised with the generous good sized prawns. The curry was just to my liking, full of flavour and spicy enough but not too overpowering.

Dessert was simple, good portion and equally tasty Ice Cream with Gulab Jamun. I also had a refreshing mango lassi which you can taste and know that it was homemade.

For three courses inclusive of drinks and tips at £12, it was definitely value for money - so much so their ‘customer satisfaction’ bell deserved a ring.

Treat Two: Haircut at Barry Pollock’s Hairdressing (unisex), West George Street.

Since I’m going away on holiday and my hair was in need of a hair cut, I decided to head to Barry’s.

I must admit that the sign outside of the premise informing that customers do not always necessary require an appointment lures me there. Plus, I hardly know Glasgow or any other hairdresser for that matter.

The basement outlet was bigger than expected when seen outside. My arrival there was greeted warmly by the owner Barry.

We discussed what I wanted and he gave his professional suggestion, and off I go to get my hair shampooed and then back on the styling chair.

I’m a little envious of those who interact greatly with their hairstylist and every staff for that matter, but at Barry’s although the conversation wasn’t as fast paced or continuous, it was good enough to leave me with a very positive impression. After all, I don’t normally interact much with my stylist either.

Before I knew it, Barry was sweeping away a big pile of my hair, some easy styling and I was done.

Overall, the staff at Barry’s are very friendly and you feel very welcomed even though it was my first time there. I liked how Barry does not hold back on advices and shared his opinion from what style to cut to how to style your hair.

I think the price for cut and wash was reasonable as well at £35 for a smack in the city centre location. I will definitely go back there again.

I like my shorter hair now, just have to get use to having a fringe in my face.

However, the ultimate challage, I must say, is the hairwash after the cut. We shall wait and see.

I was given a ‘recommend a friend card’ where the friend and person who recommends the friend will both get a 25% discount for colour, cut, and wash.

Anyone interested? Drop me a line so I can pass it to you.

This nine month old business also has a nail bar, so you can have a beauty day out if you want.

Treat Three: Dinner at Nanakusa, Sauchiehall Street.

Sabrina and I finally made it to Nanakusa after initially planning to go there in February.

Nanakusa serves, as you can guess it, Japanese food. However, I must admit that going there after an unexpected heavy-ish lunch wasn’t really helpful.

Now, typically Japanese food is often associated with raw fish. However, that preconception is wrong. After all, native Japanese don’t eat sushi every day!

It took me a long time to decide what I wanted as I was lost for choice. Given the chance, I wanted to order everything on the menu!!

Nanakusa serves a good variety of reasonably priced starters, a big selection of noodles, soup and teppan - soba, ramen and udon, rice dishes, bento boxes and sushi.

Nonetheless, I had the Una Don - Unagi (eel) and fried egg with rice in a huge bowl, whilst Sabrina had the Ten Don - Assorted Tempura and fried egg with rice. We shared a portion of California Maki and Soft Shell Crab Maki.

The food was very tasty and filling, not sure if the huge rice bowl played a psychological role or not.

The décor of Nanakusa was an eclectic one. You get the original Victorian decorated ceiling with skylights, club like multi-coloured panels and simple contemporary Japanese styled tables and benches.

Since we haven’t seen each other for months, the catch up and gossip was the highlight of course. We stayed until the green tea stop coming, a sign that they prolly had enough of us there.

Dinner at £28 inclusive of tips and good banter was indeed a good treat.

Both of us long to pile up the colourful plates at Sushi King when we return to Malaysia. Luckily for Sabrina, she will be doing that before I do.

rough

I'm feeling awfully rough today.

And it is just morning.

Last night was our monthly guys get together.

We started with a drink at O'Neills before moving on to dinner at The Italian Caffe.

Italian Caffe serves dishes of Italian tapas. Small dinky plates of tapas to share. Had to delete dinky as it isn't as small and dinky that one would think.

Since there were nine of us, we ordered a few dishes of a kind and one or two dishes that anyone of us like to try.

BigGuyJim did the ordering since he has been there before. Some of the food we had were seafood casserole, some italian bread and olives, braised venison, and I think there must be a couple more dishes but I can't remember now.

I ordered the finely sliced raw beef with lemon dressing and rocket.

It was really really good. It was gone in seconds while the plate was being passed around the table.

The Italian Caffe is the perfect place to go if there is a group of you as you can ordered all kinds and share.

The price of the food is quite good actually. However we spent about £30 each inclusive of tips because we ordered quite a lot to drink.

You can check out some amazing pics of TIC here.

Then we moved on the a modernised traditional pub just round the corner from the Italian Caffe. Can't remember the name. But I can bring you there...

Next we headed off to a simple student-ny looking pub situated at one of the corners. Didn't really take note of the name of the place. The music was really good. Apparently over the weekend, there are live music in the basement.

The highlight of the night was foosball!

We had so much fun at foosball. There was none of those spin-like-mad-and-hope-to-score playing. All proper playing. Serious stuff maaan!

After a few more drinks here, we then headed off to another pub, which was the main reason for the gathering: to listen to a live band. Unfortunately when we arrived the band was just about to have their break.

A few of the guys decided to go elsewhere, and I went off with them. We started off at Kushion which unfortunately were closed to us because we were not students! -_-"

Honestly!

But it didn't stop there... We headed on to Sauchiehall Street to a few more places and were continuously turned away due to most of those places were having Student's Nights!

Maan, they do take their student business seriously!

In the end we ended up in The Garage. Call me gripy but it's been a long time since I paid to go into a club. Was a bit painful parting with money at the entrance.

Anyways, Garage was really big. We stayed here until about midnight. By that time, I was too tired, my feet was killing me and I had quite a bit to drink.

Somehow the clumsy me had to appear while we were leaving Garage. After going down the many flights of stairs I was fine until I trip on a small step just at the entrance of Garage. Now my left knee is aching like mad!

Went home and had another glass of red wine with Iain before calling it a night.

Guys night out are good as always.

Kevin at work always wonder how I get into work the next day after a night out like that!

Drinks log: Pint of Guiness Extra cold, glass of Pinot Grigio, glass of Red, eight G&T, one apple sourz.

comedy.crawl

Last night was a good night out.

We gathered at Oran Mor’s bar for a drink before dinner at The Brasserie.

Dinner was amazing! I had:
- Shetland Salmon and Smoked Trout Rillette with a Lemon Caper Dressing
- Fillets of Sea Bass served with Rosti Potato, Tiger Prawns and a Herb Salad with a Cointreau Dressing
- Raspberry Crème Brulee with Scottish Shortbread

The food was really yummy. So so good... Almost heavenly, and all for only £15!!!

The Stand Up! Drink Up! West End Comedy Crawl was good as well.



The comedies were held at five different venues with five different comedians.
The Viper
Coopers
The Lansdowne Bar
Uisge Beatha Bar
Bar Bola (Should’ve been decorated with lots of balls [bola = ball])

My favourite was the compere Alan Anderson.

You've got to be really open minded going for a comedy. I think some of the older folks were not too impress with the excessive swearing and cussing.

Call it Scottish culture or Weegie culture. As entertaining and bearable (to a point) it was, after awhile, it got stale. Stale because every comedian did it.

*sigh...*

Someone said that if comedies or comedian(s) resort to foul language all the way, does speak quite a bit about them.

Culture?

Some cussing is ok. Excessive?

Well, each for their own I supposed.

Nonetheless it was a really good experience.

Would like to do it again. Will bring a bigger open mind.

On another note...

Alcohol will definitely give people courage to speak or do what they want.

Honestly, what gives?!

Drinks log: One Kronenberg blanc, a glass of white wine, a cup of cappuccino, and six glasses of G&T.

inspiring

For someone who love food, I always find it interesting to share and learn cooking methods from others.

I always believe that whatever you can have outside, you can cook it at home as well. Just as long as you have a well equipped kitchen, ingredients readily available, and a passion to try. Of course, I don't deny there are some dishes are better left to the experts.

I was craving for Thai food and I called Suemae and said to her that we should have Thai food tonight - at home.

Having Suemae around for the past week, I had been eating more greens than usual, it is not a bad thing actually.

I find it very 'satisfying' to know that I have eaten healthily and fascinating that green are so beauoootifoool and yummy too!!!

Anyways, Suemae made Vietnamese spring roll and I made seafood Tom Yum soup.

Creating food requires imagination. I'm impressed by Suemae's thought of combining various complementing ingredients to create delicious Vietnamese spring rolls with a simple sauce of sweet chilli sauce and nampla (fish sauce).

It's been a while since I cooked Tom Yum soup. To make it without using Knorr's Tom Yum cube was a little daunting at first but the results was so good. Of course I got a bit of sarky comment: 'self praise is no praise'. Still, I love it and I think I will continue to make Tom Yum without the cube from now on.

Our little spread

We had so much fun making dinner together. So simple, yet satisfying. So inspiring. I can't help to think of organising a dinner party soon!

big smoke

Was away to London for the past four days, long weekend.

Thank goodness TOH called on Thursday morning.

ennazus: Hello.
TOH: Morning, just checking that you are awake.
ennazus: *Laughing sheepishly* I was still in bed.
TOH: You must be joking.
ennazus: No. What time is it?
TOH: Twenty to Five.
ennazus: You must be joking. *Squints at big clock. Can’t see clearly what time it is without eyes* Seriously, what time is it?
TOH: Twenty to Five.
ennazus: Really?! I gotta go. Catch up later!

The taxi was coming at 5am! Dammit!

Luckily I was ready in time for the taxi but had to put on face at the ladies after going past security check.

Thank God TOH called!

It was great seeing my sister Suemae. It will almost be two years since I last saw her, come summer 2008.

Nonetheless, I got a bit of telling off snide remarks on my English and public display of affection. Oh well. . .

After breakfast, we left our luggage at Charing Cross train station (TOH’s great idea: saved us a good bit of unnecessary travelling time).


Did the tourist thing by getting some pics at Trafalgar Square before heading off to the National Gallery. Went in there, only to realise this is not really where I wanted to go. So went next door to the National Portrait Gallery.

TS was right. I loved thee National Portrait Gallery!!! Especially the contemporary range! I want to go there again and spend a long time slowly browsing each piece of art.

And when I get my DSLR (which is a digital single lens camera), I would love to go back to London and photograph each building including details that excites and fascinates me!


We had lunch at Wahaca (Covent Garden), first time, trying proper Mexican food. Was very intrigued by the wash basin and I liked the décor. Nice food too!


We visited St. Paul’s Cathedral - our first visit! Interestingly, we didn’t realised we were short of time but we still managed to see a lot except for the upper galleries and the dome. We even stayed for the Evensong and ringing of the bells to mark the beginning of East Festival.


It was indeed a good experience attending an Anglican service and sitting in the choir stalls. Only thing is that by this time most of us were really tired.


We had dinner at O’Neil’s before heading off home.


We spent the most of next day at the British Museum. I’m proud to say that we’ve managed to see all the exhibits that were opened. Sadly, we didn’t managed to get tickets to the highly acclaimed The First Emperor: China’s Terracotta Army exhibition. @_@


Oh well...


We met up with TOH’s friend Robyn for a nice Chinese dinner near Chinatown and shopping/browsing/sightseeing around Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.

Saturday it was shopping at Portobello Market. Was a bit disappointed with the weather and we didn’t anticipate the crowd there. O-M-G!


Would like to go there again, this time with a more prepared mind. Yes, shopping is very psychological! I would also like to see Portobello Market during the week and weekends.


We had lunch at Gourmet Burger Kitchen on Portobello Road. The food was good but it wasn’t really worth the wait. Could have gone to another GBK outlet. Next time we know.


Then it was more shopping in town.

Before the trip, I knew that there was engineering works on a stretch of the tube line. So there was much planning and deliberation on it.

However, I later found out for that weekend only, if we have a valid travel card we can take the Heathrow Express from Paddington to Heathrow!

Only, we jumped on the Heathrow Connect. So it wasn’t really a big deal.

London was good.

It was nice to see my cousin and her family.

It was great to spend time with Suemae and TOH.

Too bad it was short.

But long enough to burn a hole in my pocket.

I dare not think how big the hole is...

guys

Last night I went out with the troops from the delivery partner (contractor).

Although different roles, we all worked in the same office. Since I don’t do much on my own, I took up the invitation of joining the guys for dinner and drinks.

Dinner was at Partick’s Roastit Bubbly Jocks. Apparently, ‘Roastit Bubbly Jocks’ means ‘roasted turkey’. Interesting...

The meal was great. We had the pre-theatre menu, two courses for less than £13! I started with the seafood chowder and for mains, I had the roast lamb. Bread was provided (which by now, I think it is a very western thing) before the meal and we had more bread to go with our soup. A large platter of veges to go with our main course was provided as well.

Roastit Bubbly Jocks, I was told, serves Scottish food. From what I had, it was fresh produce prepared and presented like fine dinning. The restaurant was very warm and cosy. Perhaps it was the candle lights flickering. Perhaps it was how close the tables are. Possibly the company was good as well.

The guys didn’t want any puddings so I gave it a miss. By that time I was quite stuffed anyways, to have pudding is almost, yes almost, being glutton.

Dinner was kinda awkward at first as out of the nine of us, I only knew two. Luckily, at the end of the night we all became friends.

Hanging out with the guys is rather interesting. Honestly, I do think that guys gossip a lot!!!

We then headed off on a pub crawl of sorts.

I prefer pub crawl compared to clubbing. At least you get to chat and get to know one another. All in all we went to three pubs: Fiddler’s Bar, The Lismore, Jinty McGuinty’s and ended up in Oran Mor’s The Venue for dancing.

By the time we were at Lismore, I was bequeath as ‘one of the guys’.

I think it was prolly a sight to see one girl with eight men, some of them is as old as my dad but don’t look as old as they said they were! Need to find out their secret to looking young.

We shared banters, or more like, I listened intently to all the gossips! Most importantly a good night was had. I was even invited to the next night out, or as the guys put it ‘team building’.

Looking forward to it already!

Drinks log: One glass of Sauvignon Blanc, eight glasses of G&T

hanging out

Last night was a really different night from the norm.

I was supposed to meet up with Sabrina for Japanese food. We were going to give Nanakusa on Sauchiehall Street a try.

However, mid day, Sabrina emailed me to tell me change of plans.

We were going to her friend’s place for dinner. Being one who is easily pleased, I just tagged along. After all, it would be good to meet new people and see new faces, at the same time catch up with Sabrina.

I don’t really know many people in Glasgow (or at least I thought), even more so hang out with anyone.

Besides my workmates colleagues, I hardly speak to anyone else. Such is of life.

Anyways, I was introduced to three other Malaysians. It was interesting that it was a case of ‘six degrees of separation’ - the person knows someone who knows you or knows someone who knows someone who knows you. You get the idea.

For years while abroad, I don’t really hang out much with Malaysians, those I hang out with a the really selected few. There are just too many reasons, excuses, experience and past that probably contributed to it.

Anyhow, I was glad to have been invited to hang out with them.

We both girls were ‘pampered’ by the three guys. One, who lived in this really nice flat in Merchant City, who was hosting the dinner, did all the cooking. And another was busy jaaam cha tai sui (literally pouring tea and bringing water), making sure we were comfy.

Sabrina and I can’t help feeling a wee bit guilty but since the boys have it under control we just catch up.

Dinner was amazing! We had wonton noodles served with pak choy, char siew (honey roast pork) and wonton (dumplings) in soup. All homemade! Okay, just the char siew and wonton...

Nonetheless it was yummy!!!

After that, we had red bean soup (dessert) with stuffed glutinous rice balls!

What a wonderful cook!

It was interesting learning about others. I know it is called networking. But I think it was probably the common thing we share that made the night a really good one, us all being Malaysians.

rushed.bored.

What a boring day!

What a rushing day!

Had progress meeting on site this morning. I honestly think that having five projects meeting at one go is really hard going.

Why can’t people just keep it short and simple?

*sigh*

Anyways, at least it was a beautiful day.

Greenock, taken from the site.

Had McDonalds for lunch - I was starving and my PM needed his coffee fix and lunch of course.

It seemed like ages ago since I had McDonalds. I normally have a Fillet-O-Fish and Chicken Nuggets. I know it seemed a lot but have you seen the portion size?

It must have shrunk through the years or my stomach have grown. Let’s stick with the ‘it must have shrunk...’.

I had the Wednesday Deli special - pork melt sandwich. I was very impressed that you can choose white or brown bread, with or without salad and with or without cheese.

I’m not denying that it defeats the whole healthier option if you go for the meal: with fries and Coke, doesn’t matter whether it was a medium or large. The burger was relatively nice. Relatively.

Anywaaays... McDonalds around the country, or rather in Scotland has been going through a revamp-refurbishment.

It has a very contemporary look now. I supposed it is a much needed update.

As much as I love McDonalds, I hardly patronise the place because, one, thank goodness it is not anywhere near me. Two, I try my best to eat at home. Three, pub food is heartier for about the same price, just about. Four, McDonalds has seemed to become a hang out place for neds or rather (as well as) youngsters.

I think it is terrible that many are afraid of, what I was told ‘these little sh*ts’. But sadly that is life.

Anyways, I’m glad for the uplift. Now, please bring back decent sized burgers!!!

Because the meeting was dragged on for waaay too long, when I reached back to the office, I had only half an hour to check my mails, show face and then off to the company’s office in town for my monthly APC meeting.

Funnily (or rather not really that funnily), I was the only person who turned up for the meeting. Was a bit cheesed off that the person in charge did not cancel the meeting. So I made my time worth, after being made waiting for 20 minutes, by speaking all I can, just to make the whole trip worth it.

Was a bit fuming. Just a very very itsy bitsy fuming. Actually was more tired than fuming. Maybe a bit annoyed.

So I talk and talk and talk and talk and talk (yes, yes, I know you get the point), until I felt that there is no point in talking, which in reality wasn’t as long as I wished it would’ve been.

Wanted to go to this new Japanese restaurant on Sauchiehall Street, Nanakusa for a treat but was early, the staff were having their dinner, and I didn’t felt like eating so early. So I gave it a miss, this time.

Went window shopping around town.

And can you believe it? - I was so so so so damnblardie bored.

Hang about in Borders for a while but couldn’t stand it so I went home and rot there instead.

I.Honestly.Need.A.Life.

last night

TS was in town last night.

So we went to our usual haunt.

The last time when TS was down we went to Sarti on Wellington Street for dinner.

The Wellington Street outlet has a deli counter on your right and the left wall is filled with various Italian produce and wine. Since it was just before Christmas, fairy lights adorned the shelves.

The food was good - real Italian food. I had the Capricciosa (pizza with egg, anchovies, olives and capers). One word: YUMMMY!!!!

I loved the place.

Last night we went to Sarti on Bath Street instead, literally just around the corner.

The Bath Street outlet is located in the basement. As you step down the steps, there are a few tables just outside the door, very Italian courtyard, nice place to sit during the warmer months, or if you need to smoke. When you enter the restaurant, you can see the open kitchen directly in front of you, it has a large bar on the left and a nice and cosy ‘cave’ - the cantina or wine room, on the right.

We were seated at the cantina. I had the Frutti Di Mare, seafood pizza. After dinner and dessert, I had a good nosey around the products and wine selection. I was very impressed!!!




Everyone should give Sarti a try: tasty authentic cucina Toscana, excellent atmosphere and reasonably priced. It has now made it to my favourite place to eat in Glasgow list!

TS asked me if I had brought TOH to Sarti and I said to him, that as embarrassing as it sounds, especially for one who has a good sense of direction, I haven’t brought TOH to Sarti because I cannot remember the place for the love of god!

Anyways, now I know where all three branches are and I have no excuses!

After dinner at Sarti, we headed off to Beer Café on Candleriggs. Sadly, it was pissing down rain.

Anyways, Beer Café has a live jazz band on every Thursday, and that is the reason we go there. Unfortunately, I find that the band is not very consistent. The worst performance, IMHO, was one that I been to with TOH at the beginning of the year. I’ve also recently noticed that the lead guy has a bad habit of ‘highlighting’ (if that is the right word to use) a player - after their solo performance, one too many times.

Otherwise, this is a good place to go and enjoy the various beers from around the world. My favourite is the cherry beer.

As much as we keep going back to the same places every now and then, there are still many more places in Glasgow we need to explore. One of theses days... I hope.

productivity

Someone said at lunch today, ‘Productivity the week before Christmas just plummets’.

And I couldn’t agree more to that!

I haven’t done much ‘productive’ work this whole week. Not surprising that this makes filling up my diary quite difficult.

Not that I don’t have any work. Just plain lazy, I must admit.

There are so many things to do or finish at home as well.

I’ve finally finish wrapping the last of the presents. The ‘wrapping room’ which once was the dining room can now be tidy up to its original state-ish. –Ish, because there are other things to clear as well.

Having a dining table full of things is just bad habit. Very very bad habit from home. Must rid of it…

The living room has become a ‘cards room’. I should clear them away tonight and keep the spares around for any last minute cards. I hope I don’t have anymore cards to send as it will be rather late I think. I sent my last card out in the mail today.

So far, I would like to think I have been rather organised.

I’ve baked two types of cookies and packed them in jars for gift. Of course I have enough for munching and sharing too! My Christmas cake has matured and I have iced them last night. It was my first time icing a cake, now I’m just waiting for the icing to harden. I think it looked not too bad.

I’m aching all over from not been sleeping very well for the past few nights. Had a really nice bath last night and fell asleep in the tub. Thank God didn’t drown. Hahaha…

Tonight… tonight…

Tonight I have another list of things to do: eyebrows need some attention, washing the bathroom, clean up the kitchen, clear away the Christmas items, finish my most important card, put another load of laundry, try to do some ironing, lay out my stuff for tomorrow night’s dinner, and pack my clothes. Military precision. I hope.

Goodness… I’m feeling the effect from lack of sleep now…