Day 1: Weekend Bangkok Escapadeeee [Jun'2015], featuring Route 66 Club

Now.. moving onto the night activity on Day 1!

How can we visit BKK over the weekend without paying their night scenes a visit, right? After some simple googling, Route 66 Club was picked.

It is said to be the best nightclub in Bangkok, a legendary club, and for us, one more plus factor - affordable pricing. The entry fee that you pay (as we are not locals) can be used to redeem for drinks once inside. Essentially, that kind of translates into paying for drinks, isn't it?

One of the interesting drinks we had for the night! 

How it is being prepared

The picture is little dark, but else it wouldn't showcase the 'glowing' effect of the drink. It is made up of multi straws into this glowing bucket, and your drink is inside. So everyone in the group can all drink from the same bucket, at the same time. Pretty cool!

In case you are wondering, why despite the redeeming, we did not purchase much drinks, it was because we already had some pre-drinks back in the apartment before setting off:

Cheap, self-concocted version

Once in, I was amazed at its sheer size. There are many rooms featuring different types of music each, and even their washrooms, mind you, WASHROOMS, are huge. The washroom itself features:
     1. The washroom itself (like obviously)
     2. A space for a band and sofas to sit while admiring the band
     3. A humongous dressing room with mirrors for girls to touch up
     4. Decoratives and statues for cam-whoring purpose

I was shocked. All these effort,... for a washroom?! Wow.

The music at Route 66 was good, but with so many different rooms with different types of music, it is hard to not have one that caters to your liking. Environment wise, will definitely prefer BKK's to that of Singapore, where most clubs have only one or two rooms that features different types of music. Not that I am very well versed, but having more options at the same venue increases the chances of visitors finding something they like and hence, stay on for the night.

Definitely a fun and eye opening night to what BKK has to offer =)

Day 1: Weekend Bangkok Escapadeeee [Jun'2015], featuring AfterYou Dessert Cafe

I realised that I have tons and tons of photos from all my various trips / outings, and yet those awesome photos are being hidden because I had been lazy to share. Henceforth, a mini resolution of mine for the rest of the year, is to blog and record all these trips on e-von-ne, as a diary of sorts. Most of them will be rather backdated, but I hope I will still be able to record down the major events / activities well from memory =)

Random abstract photo of a clock and its workings behind, 

to show the turning back of time in my head. 

[Taken in town of Bath, UK]

=========================================================================

And so the first trip that I'm going to blog about, is a trip to Bangkok a few months ago in Jun'15. Thought that it would be good to do it in a reverse chronological order.

A couple of colleagues and I were drained from work back during the mid-year, and decided to take an extended weekend escapade to Bangkok, BKK! It was a little nervous experience back then, as there were news about BKK having positive MERS cases, though it was contained. After deliberation here and there, we decided to go ahead with it anyway, as the cases reported stopped about 1 week before our trip.

And so, jetting off on the beautiful SIA plane! 

Flew off super early in the morning... 

Me upon arrival and before leaving the airport to meet up with my friends who flew off one day earlier and hence were already in the city! 

I wish I have some photos of the apartment that we stayed at, 6 of us stayed together in this apartment booked via AirBnB. Its located near ChitLom Station, called Tonson Residence. A very awesome and comfortable stay, no squeezing and waiting for the shower required as there were 3 bedrooms, each with their attached bathroom. It also comes with a living room, dining area, kitchen, common area, and facilities such as gym and swimming pool! To sum it up, its just like a condominium. 

Address: 

58 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Road, Lumphini, Pathumwan, 10330 Bangkok 

http://tonson-residence.bangkokthaihotels.com/en/

[I think this is their website, the accommodation was booked by my friend on AirBnB, so can't guarantee but from the pictures of the rooms, it looks the same] 

After checking in and meeting up with my friends, we headed off for the first meal of the day! Wanton mee! 

SabX2 Pratunam Wanton Noodles
4/32-33 Soi Petchburi 19, Pratunam, Bangkok, Thailand

Apparently its a very famous stall amongst Singaporeans who head to BKK, located strategically opposite the crowded Platinum Mall. Noodles are springy and Singaporeans will find the taste very familiar, no wonder its such a hit! Also recommended by DanielFoodDiary . 

It was then a day of shopping at Platinum! 

Credits to: Tripadvisor.com

Was rather looking forward to shopping at the mall after my awesome shopping experience there 4 years ago, but was disappointed. Due to inflation, prices had went up, and so its no longer as cheap as it used to be =( Furthermore, the fun lies in the bargaining and haggling for lower prices - which is also gone now. All the retail shops have been enlightened and came together to agree on a minimum price, which means NO undercutting of each other for business. This benefits them and tourists / customers like us became at a disadvantage. Even buying 4-5 pieces at the same one store, does not entitle you to lower price. Its all at a FIXED price. Darn. 

Needless to say, we were quite sian by it and left shortly after, with only a bit of a loot. As the weather was hot, we popped by one of the new cafes in BKK that took the city by storm - AfterYou Dessert Cafe, at Siam Paragon. 

Decorated just like a quaint little cafe, very Instagram-worthy. The cafe culture has spread to BKK and there are tons of cafes that appears online, not only locally, but also from Singaporeans who head there frequently. Not surprising, we were told that the waiting time is 30 minutes. 

Check out the crowd - mainly youngsters 

The cafe is known for their Japanese shibuya toast and sweet things in general - desserts. So we got 2 different types to try it out, and at the same time, see for ourselves if it is indeed worth the hype. 

Ferrero toast 

Ordered this out of my desire for something chocolatey, and decided on the Ferrero Toast instead of the Nutella Toast. Since both are chocolate and highly similar, might as well get something of higher value, isn't it? One jar of Nutella has sooo much Nutella in it, just dripping a few spoonfuls on the toast and charging those prices does not seem justified. So the value-for-money me did a quick comparison on the economics in my head and chose the Ferrero. 

Got to say, the matching of the flavours are done very well! Rich, smooth, and not too overwhelming. The texture and softness of the toast is also well done, easily on the mouth, soft to chew, and does not overtake the rest of the flavours. I am not a food blogger, so won't be commenting much on the details, but absolutely worth eating! Do note that is is very sinful though. 

Kakigori Strawberry Cheesecake, 

featured on one of their posters above the counter as a special for the day 

This would be a milder version of the rich and luxurious sweetness from the Ferrero Toast - gentle sweetness and easy on the tongue. The snow ice (is that what it is called?) is an absolute enjoyment on a hot day, and the surprise comes at the bottom of the bowl - the cheesecake! From its looks, we actually thought that it is just a bowl of shaved ice with strawberry, but upon digging further (and deeper), we found the cheesecake! 

My group has never been one to chase after cafes with the trend, and we do not think highly of all the hype surrounding it. My personal opinion - AfterYou indeed offers high quality desserts that are worth a trip to try, but I still feel that for what it is providing, it IS a little too overhyped. Probably due to the cafe culture these days and all the attention given on social media. I admit it does seem like the place to be seen. If you are in the vicinity of its branches, dropping by is advisable, but if not, making a special trip down for it is a no no. 

And a cute little picture of a Harrods bear I took in Siam Paragon to end off this post =) 

SG50 National Day Parade

2015 is a significant milestone for Singapore, because it marks the nation's jubilee birthday. This year's NDP was said to have one of the highest budget, because of its significance. 

As usual, I balloted for the tickets, but failed to get them (as usual). Never been known to have such luck, so I was not expecting much though a teeny weeny bit of hope was still there. But if there's one thing about life, its that luck comes in various ways. A friend of mine had balloted successfully and had a ticket to spare! 

And so, indirectly, I get to go for the preview! 

It was not at the Padang area though, the tickets were for the Floating Platform. But who cares, right? The Floating Platform was good enough for me, it had a good view of the awesome fireworks (the best spot to catch them, I would say), and all the aerial flypasts can also be seen clearly. 

The funpack design that I got 

This came absolutely timely, as I was actually looking out for a tote bag somewhat like that, which can fit A4 comfortably. And I was playing with the idea of buying this, which will then cost me way more: 

Ted Baker bags from their pop-up store

One advantage? These bags are waterproof =) 

I was so excited to get the aesthetically pleasing NDP funpack, gushing so loudy and animatedly, that I think people who can hear will be laughing at me. But it doesn't stop there. I was excitedly going through the funpack and all its goodies, with this topping my favourites: 

Me posing with the SINGAPORE scarf

Remember most football clubs have their own scarf with the name of the club embedded? This made me excited because I can see some creativity (finally), though in the practical sense, there is no need for such a scarf in Singapore. For obvious reasons. 

One of the aerial flypast 

The A380 flypast during the Vintage Parade 

This is another reason for me to be excited - the Singapore Airlines A380 flypast. The flypast was rare - once for the last preview before the actual NDP, and once for the NDP itself. I was lucky that the preview I went had the SQ flypast, but alas, from where I was at, the SG50 livery on the fuselage could not be seen. Flying at too high an altitude maybe? Could only faintly spot the SQ logo and the SG50 from its belly. The magnificent plane looked like this: 

Credits: www.todayonline.com 

And then there were more aerial displays. SG50 NDP had one of the MOST displays in history. 

The 50 formation 

Helicopters

And more

One of my favourite captures that evening - to have the aerial display, SG flag, and Singapore Flyer all together

View from the Floating Platform as the sun starts to set. 

The CBD looks amazing against the glowing sky, and I believe this view will make Singaporeans well up in pride. 

No pictures on the parade and the evening performances, as it was at Padang and audience seated at the Floating Platform viewed it from the big screen. But it was not a boring period though, the performances were peppered with small bursts of fireworks here and there, a crowd pleaser. 

And why did I say that the Floating Platform has the BEST view in the house? The place where fireworks are set is right in front of us, and we also have a clear view of most of the CBD buildings that are also launching fireworks from their rooftops. It was surround view fireworks. 

I love fireworks <3 p="">

MAJULAH SINGAPURA! 

To many many more birthdays to come =) 

Dinner at J's Restaurant

Work has been busy lately, and dinners after work were mostly grabbed somewhere nearby, very simple and fuss-free in order to save time and conserve energy. It was a first friday for awhile that I felt relaxed, and wanted to head somewhere in town for a good meal. And so, we popped by J's Restaurant! 

The restaurant was picked as it was one of the places where the Entertainer App could be used. By using the App, you are entitled to a 1-for-1 Main course, which essentially means that there is a 50% discount off your main course =D The App also comes highly recommended by renowned bloggers such as: 

- Ladyironchef: http://www.ladyironchef.com/2015/04/the-entertainer-app-singapore/

- SethLui: http://sethlui.com/entertainer-singapore-app-1-for-1-offers/

- DanielFoodDiary: http://danielfooddiary.com/2014/01/08/theentertainerapp/

and these are just some examples. It really comes in handy when you want to hunt for some good deals nearby (when you are out) but have no idea which F&B nearby offers it. The app has this 'search nearby' function that will tell you where you can go =) 

The restaurant was rather decent, albeit a little small sized, but reminds me of those cosy, quaint little restaurants with dim lighting in Melbourne, Australia. Love the atmosphere! 

Ordered my usual - Soup 

One of their best dishes and always raved about online - Paella 

UP: $28

Got to say, it is rather worth the price =) 

Sirloin of Beef (180gm) 

UP $32

Ordered for it to be Medium cooked. 

Wasn't expecting much of the beef but it really did impress me; previously we had some Premium cut steak at Culina, which costs us a lil bomb, but was rather okay only. This beef at J's surpassed it easily. The meat was smooth and tender, easy to chew, and goes well with the salad and the sides. Which then renders the steak at Culina to be not-so-worthy, because even with some premium cut meat, the dish still couldn't taste as well. Guess the difference must lie with the chef then...?? 

J's is also famous for their desserts, and despite being quite full from the above, we got 1 too: 

Churros with Banana and Mango 

(UP $12) 

The Churros was good! Am not much of a fan for creamy stuff, so can't really comment much on the other. But it had slices of bananas inside (that's about all that I explored). 

So, based on the pricing, it looks like a little expensive. But hey, remember the Entertainer app mentioned? The 1-for-1 got us 2 mains for $32, which makes it about one for $16 each. Decent, affordable, and totally value for money =) 

I forgot to edit the photos before posting, so the photos are a little yellowish due to the dim lighting of the restaurant. Mental note to do so in future! 

J's Restaurant

7 Purvis Street,
#01-01
Singapore 188586

And now, to enjoy the weekend ~~ 

Re-birth of e-von-ne!

Recently, I had some fair amount of time to sit back, look back, and wonder about life. And so popped out this idea, I should resume blogging (not that I had ever been super active), just so that I can have some form of documentation about my life, together with pictures. Technology is so advanced now, going online is the way forward. Not to say that the traditional print and write should be ruled out, but just that online seems much more convenient since we have all photos etc on our individual gadgets. 

And so, I googled to find my old blog from eonsssss ago. And was pleasantly surprised to find that, ALL my posts and archives still exist! Though I cringed super lots from reading my old posts, can't believe that all those were written by yours truly. Well, teenagers are entitled to be childish. I just hope that no one goes back-tracking so many years to read them. 

Started to post on Dayre too, at dayre.me/evonne89. 

Here's a photo to signal the re-birth of e-von-ne! 

Cheers to interesting and fun filled posts ahead! =D 

Take Valentines Day with A Pinch of Salt

Haven't been blogging for quite a while now, despite my resolve to each time.
Feel that i should blog an entry about my Valentines Day this year, since it is such a huge event in the calendar.
Even though it has been over for almost 2 weeks!
How did everyone else spend their Valentines? :)

This year, with Valentines Day falling on a weekday, we decided to celebrate it early on the weekend prior to it.
Some photos!

Went to A Pinch of Salt, a small cosy cafe located in Tanjong Katong.

It is quite famous i think, appeared in a couple of media food variety shows!

 Prior to visiting I took a look at their website and was impressed with the design, and had the same expectations for the restaurant itself, but was a little disappointed, even though generally the layout was not bad. Perhaps because we were there for lunch instead of dinner, the atmosphere was not really there.

 liked their table deco! simple but pretty.

 and their wall of frames, damn cute!

Used an Outlet coupon to redeem their lunch set, which consisted of 4 dishes - appetiser, soup, main course, and of course, dessert! 

his appetiser!

my appetiser

mushroom soup for both of us. rather enjoyed the garlic bread.

his main course.  steak! the sauce is pretty good, richness just nice,

but..........

the steak wasn't very good i feel. the outside was quite cooked, and the inside was very very uncooked. 

kind of unbalanced... 

 chocolate dessert!

banana crumble. tasted awesome! first time i liked something outside chocolate :D 

 

went for a short karaoke session before heading for the programme at night! 

WICKED Musical! 

 

YAY! 

 

 look at the crowd watching WICKED

 the before-show reception 

during break 

i was amazed at how BIG the place is 

cheapo us decided to get the cheaper priced tix, which gave us a rather far view of the stage. 

was quite sian initially but after the musical started, i enjoyed myself fully. 

thank god the distance is not that far until i cant see anything. 

 

 sale of the musical's merchandise! i have to say its good business tactic, even i was tempted to get a copy of the soundtrack on the spot. lucky my brain was still logical enough to remind myself i probably wont listen to the soundtrack after i leave the compound. 

look at the crowd in the store! 

managed to get a photo with the Prince in WICKED. heh. 

hope everyone else had a happy Valentines Day too!