Bro's Birthday @ Xenri Japanese Restaurant, Wisma Elken

I almost forgot what I did when I bid my teenage years goodbye and said hello to the 20-ish phase. Everything just happened so fast. Too fast before I could even sit down and commit to my memory and learn all those past events by heart.

Now, it's already my dear brother Kent's turn. He just turned 20!

Off we went to welcome him to our 20s group at Xenri in Wisma Elken (another branch in Menara Hap Seng). This was really a pay off for him as Japanese cuisine is still his darling choice for years.

Special Sashimi - RM328

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Happy Birthday

March 11 and 15 marks the jovial occasion for my parents
Just wanna wish mom and dad....

A very Happy Birthday! Love you both!

May this year fill you both with good health and eternal happiness!

and also to WeiZhi, Happy Belated birthday. You've been a dear friend and good makan companion. Hope you had a blast on your big day!

I have a little something for you guys...
Remember to claim these next year :)







Would like to share this simple and easy, but yet well-liked recipe!

Butter CupCake
First attempt in baking a butter cake in Glasgow :P





Ingredients:

• 250g butter
• 100g margarine (I used Stork, they don't sell margarine here)
  
• 250g sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 5 eggs
• 1/2 vanilla essence
• 250g plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 170 degree Celcius.
2. Line in cupcakes paper on cupcake tray.
3. Beat butter, margarine, sugar and salt until light and fluffy.
4. Add in eggs, one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition
5. Stir in essence. Fold in sifted flour and baking powder and mix well.
6. Spread batter into the cupcakes paper on tray.
7. Bake in oven for 20 minutes at 170 degree Celcius.
8. Decorate your cupcake with icing or even fruits.

Strawberries here are extra sweet and huge...

Fast, easy and worth a try! Will do icing decorations on them in my next attempt!


Once again, Happy Birthday Mom & Dad! and WeiZhi too!
Muax

23

Does it really matter to reveal your age?
This question doesn’t seem to bother me at all until recently.
Birthdays are supposed to be celebrated with elation and joy, without agonizing over the increasing number. True.
However, the feeling of turning old-er can’t be wiped out.

Plus, the excitement of graduating in approximately half a year time was almost petered out when my thoughts was drawn on exams and servicing the government.

Work. Work as what I’ve been mashing up my brain for.

I’m not old YET.

I’m just old-ER.

So happy to tell……

I’m 23!

already....

Mom sent me these to remind me I’m born in the year of Moo. ;P

Birthday wishes?

I’ve plenty!!

But I do hope that my 23^rd birthday would bring my dad good health all the way. Although his condition is getting better, let’s pray there won’t be any complications.

What else?

I want to GRADUATE! ;P

And….. I want…..

This much food!

Thanks for all the pretty gifts and lovely cards sent from far across the sea from family and dearest friends! Luv all of ya!

Spending birthday far from home makes me miss 'em so much!

Happy Birthday Bro!

A non-food post





17th November
marks the birth date of my mischievous and cool bro.
Just wanna dedicate something to you, Kent (if u r reading this), since I'm far away from home ;P
Sorry, no presents this year. Oops! Promise I'll double up your prezzies next year ;P and make you REAL cupcakes ^^




I hate to say this.... but I really miss you la! haha..

Happy 19th Birthday Kent!
Love ya!

This is a video of him participating in the Gatsby Styling Dance Contest
Feel free to VOTE for him HERE
Pls do! :)

LOVE is priceless

this is a non-food post

It seems like yesterday, when i first set my foot in a foreign place so far from home.
Adapting to a totally new environment is kinda tough for me. What's more when I received a shocking news from mom 2 weeks later.
A news of misery. As my dad's liver's cancer marker is not resolved even after several times of treatment and a transplant is what best for him.
Liver transplant!

Mental breakdown and have emo-ing for a few weeks. Finding the right donor is difficult enough but luckily, my eldest cousin is willing to offer help. Tests were done for matches and he passed. However, disappointment once again happened when the Singapore Ethics Committee rejected him after an interview. We were all pissed and sad at the same time, especially my mom. What's wrong with them anyway!! Acting in the best interest of patient? Yeah rite!! ;(

I looked upon my mom. She have been so strong all the way. Taking care of my dad and family. And the worst part is: I'm not around to share their pressure.
In the end, my mom offered to go for the test. And she is fit to donate. Good news and bad news at one go. My dad found the suitable liver, but mom is the one who is donating. Worried sick!

The operation took place on the first day I was having my exam. Fixing my mind on the paper is really challenging. Anxious and worried. After about 10 hours of the operation, my bro, aunt and uncle broke the good news of 2 successful operation! Dad's body accepted half of my mom's liver and is still happily staying there now :)

Overwhelming definitely!
I can't wait to be back by their side to help boost their mood!

Mom and dad, Get well soon! I love U dearly :)

and not to forget to thank my friends and Chris who encouraged and motivated me to stay strong and consoling me when tears of mine roll down helplessly.


I am greedy. I wish for more good news.
I want to pass my PP3 final exam next week!
the scariest paper that gave me ups and downs... I shall not fear you!

LOVE is really priceless,
As no one could evaluate it.
Motivation is what one need to move on,
There's nothing in the world that could not be done,
I trust that I could get over the troubles,
and I will...
as LOVE supports me to.


p/s: will be away for 2 weeks as holidays will officially start :)

Happy Birthday to you both!

My parent's birthday was just a few days in between one another, so each year we would celebrate my dear mom and dad's big day together. Special thanks to BBO for the marvelous Mont Blanc cake that augmented the special day further with cheesy & delectable mood before I ought to filter my thoughts on my exam papers beginning next Monday ;P

Mont Blanc: Light cheesecake topped with homemade vanilla custard and soba chestnut cream :)

Happy Birthday to Mom & Dad!
Stay loving, healthy & happy always!
I Love U!

The Very Berry by BBO did cheer me up & loosen up the tense building in me. Thanks guys! LOVE it! Check out their recipe HERE. This strawberry moussecake is a sweetheart! :)


p/s: sorry people, have to temporarily stop updating for a week. Final exam's calling out for me ;)
One more week to go...
To regain my freedom from the drugs, MOA & calculations ;P
By then I can 'seriously' put all my heart to the 'where-to eat-next' list.. again!
Happy eating everyone! :)

CNY: 1st and 2nd day

The first day of CNY was spent visiting Chris's parents and relatives. Sorry that I didn't manage to capture any pictures on the spread of vegetarian foods (chai chois) prepared by Chris's mom. Was eating in front of his aunties and uncles ;P Restrained myself from taking out the camera...
Moreover, we chipped in while they were already having their meal.. :)
Some of the authentic dishes prepared include; vegetarian curry mutton, braised mushroom with black moss puff, sweet & sour vegetables and sweetened yam.



During these few days, all of us woke up early with great anticipation to celebrate the new year. We spent the second day of the new year at home, expecting aunts and uncles to return home again for another meal. The 'Hoi Nin' meal. Once again, mom did all preparations early in the morning. Managed the prayers, offerings and the brunch with my dad.



Roasted pork arranged tidily.





The fish: Nin Nin Yao Yu represents abundance and prosperity - plentifulness.




Steamed whole Chicken represents utter completeness.




Marmite Prawns: Ha Ha Dai Siu symbolize a feeling of contentment or happiness represented with lotsa loud laughters.





The Abalone :)





Oyster with Black Moss: Ho See Fatt Choy marks good things accompanied by prosperity, good fortune. My favourite dish among all ;)




Dad made this specially for us, the Fishball with oyster & blackmoss fillings. Guess this was the combination of Nin Nin Yao Yu & Ho See Fatt Choy!!




Braised Pork trotters and Sea Cucumber: Tak Sam Ying Sao represents, getting whatever you wished for. Know how is the canto name derived? (Sea Cucumber = Hoi Sam, Pork Trotters = Ju Sao). The elderlies sure know how to come out with names ;)
The sea cucumber was chewy and not too soft at all while the pork trotters was another marvelously braised dish.




After the wonderful meal, there came the lion dance troupe. Hoping that the lions will help usher all the good happenings in, all of us watched their performances without blinking! ;P They were good, and especially my cousin bro. He is one of the member of the troupe and his stunts on top of the high pole was really worth all the praise he should get. Not even a little blemish of the leaps and jumps... Clean routine :)





The spring... flowers blossomed beautifully and Chris just can't get his camera off the flowers ;P

The Reunion

I have always looked forward to this special occasion.
The Reunion.


Family members will gather around the round table in favour of a nice meal, hoping and looking towards another prosperous and joyful year ahead.
Woke up early in the morning, gave parents a hand while they were busying doing the prayers and prepared offerings.

Steamed chicken and roasted pork will not be missed out as offerings when doing prayers.



I could see mom hurrying in and out of the kitchen in order to make sure that the dinner will be put to order. She is really a role model and I have always look upon her devotion in setting up a dinner to accommodate 3 tables of relatives! Though the foods looked normal, but we always loved her customary preparations!

Some of the folks nowadays opted to dine in a restaurant during the reunion, but we are still keen in having it at home, savouring the home-cooked gourmet!

The Steamed pomfret was fresh and its meat was smooth and gentle.




Braised Ginger Duck's recipe was descended from my grandma and the taste still preserved well... still has the kick!




Steamed Chicken with its matching coriander + onion sauce is always flawlessly coupled. And proud that I managed to prepare the sauce, a.k.a the 'it' factor well enough! *grin*





This has always been my favourite, and I can finish it with just a bowl of rice; the Braised Mushroom. A distinctive flavour generated from the aromatic gravy that I just can't seem to find elsewhere.




Besides frying 'ngaku' chips during this festivity, mom also prepared the Arrowhead with pork belly that got our appetite uplifted further more!




Pickled cucumber with sliced pork is another must have during any special occasion. The sourish cucumber was another appetite booster and was cooked with sliced pork, added with minced taucu sauce :)




Sweet and Sour Prawns was cooked to perfection. The giant prawns were unquestionably fresh! and of course... finger licking good sauce ;P




Roasted Duck was bought by uncle on his way to our place.



The Roasted Pork with leeks resulted satisfaction for our tummy as well. Salty roast pork fried rapidly with leeks over a high heat while stirring them briskly was another wonder :)





A tradition after the dinner, grandpa will distribute the ang paos! *the first red packet that we'll all get during CNY*!
Looking back at these depictions made me miss that night's get together.
Family reunion is one of the best thing I wish for every year.
Hope all of you had a unforgettable one.

and... today's the 'V' Day!!

To all couples, enjoy your sweetest moment & wishing you guys eternal happiness!
To the others *the still available ones* spending time with your family and friends is also as affectionate! :)

Wishing all of you Happy Valentine's Day!

What's your plan tonight? :)

Best of Both Worlds!

It's always good to start your day with a nice set of breakfast. Here was what the Rez 252 Restaurant by Courtyard, Marriot Hotel had offered.
Breakfast buffet is what you'll get :)
I'm smiling to these.....

Pan fried omelette makes our day :)

Miso soup to warm my tummy

Day 2 and 3 were just filled with high spirits! Just these 2 different worlds can get us bushed :P Well.. not us, maybe our parents! Spent almost the whole day at the Movie World and Sea World watching shows, hanging out, and boarding thrill rides!!!

Need not elaborate much... here was the FUN!
We feel like a kid again.

Movie World

Warner Bros characters were astonishing, thrill rides got us scared stiff but at the same time euphoria was achieved ;P, foodwise... we loved it *although we're just satisfied with fast foods*

this was scary ;P

my new baby

His brand new car ;P


His new gal? *lol*

oh.. scooby!

looking out for Willy Wonka's chocs!

spotted these...side by side :) notice??

Lunch time won't be missed. Stomach calling out loud and a piping hot Chicken Mushroom Pie will just do enough good.
Crispy outer layer wrapping up the aromatic fillings of chicken, mushrooms, corns, carrots and peas with thick, mushy gravy!




The Ham and Cheese sandwich was something ordinary... but it was filling!



Accompanied by a cooling weather although it's summer, we topped it up by treating ourselves with some rewarding desserts; Ice Cream!
Went for the Raspberry and Vanilla Ice Cream and it was a lovable, sugary indulgence. The pretty blonde staff was friendly and insisted that she take a picture of us both after we took a pic of hers ;P
Streets Ice Cream = Wall's Ice Cream in Malaysia *no wonder the logo looked familiar*






Sea World



Time to fascinate with the ocean's gems! Of seals and dolphins to the mighty but cute polar bears!

was greeted by Pig, the Dugong. Cute?

The dolphin show at their coves was the best!

from real...

to fakes! ;) Should have bought one of these fluffy stuff!

Muax!

We're the Penguins!

look alike?

Guess what we had for lunch?
Ta-Da! Seafood Platter from Sea World!
Fast food I know, but i think it's the best stuff you can get in this ocean theme park ;P Most restaurants here served this kind of deep fried platters.
Surprisingly, the fish fillet and the deep fried scallops were good! Thumbs up for them.




This weird little preparation wasn't that good to me but bro just loved it.
Apple Wedges it is known as; coating on the outer layer were just mere sugary substances. Sourish i thought, on the inside and sweet on the outside.

my fav pic :)

Gonna blog more on the food in Gold Coast in my next post!
I'm missing the place now ;P