2015 - Page 4 of 26 - Gazing and Grazing

Singapore – Jubilee Celebration

August 12th, 2015

Faced with a dilemma on whether I should face the crowds to take some photos of a once in a lifetime celebration or watch the whole thing on TV, I actually trooped down to Marina Bay to catch the SG50 celebration. While on hindsight I'm glad that I made the effort, I definitely will not do this again. I sat there from 1pm until 8:30pm (in the hot sun!) along with mostly other foreigners. My treat to myself after this was a good gin cocktail, U.S. ribeye steak and lamb chops at The Cut....

Singapore’s Golden Jubilee Fireworks Rehearsal

August 2nd, 2015

Not many countries rehearse their national day celebrations down to the fireworks, but Singapore does…which makes for great viewing prior to the actual event. This year is even grander because it’s the Golden Jubilee. Thousands of people thronged the waterfront, of which I was one, to view the fireworks. I didn’t have the best location for photos but this is an idea of what the real event may look like on August 9.

At dusk, the weekend prior, Singapore rehearses its Golden Jubilee fireworks

Lots of people thronged the waterfront to view the rehearsal

Singapore Golden Jubilee fireworks rehearsal

Red fireworks in tune with the Singapore flag colors

Singapore rehearses its Golden Jubilee fireworks — Note the Singapore flag projected on Marina Bay Sands

Melbourne – Estelle by Scott Pickett Worth a Try, Good Food Offsets Opening Day Quirks

August 2nd, 2015

Estelle by Scott Pickett ("ESP") is a fine dining, omakase-only new eatery by the guy behind the popular St. Crispin and Estelle Bistro. While the fine modern-Australian cuisine was good, we came on opening night on July 17 when the service was less than stellar and they had a quirky exhaust system. I believe they should be able to resolve these teething problems but if not, be in for a slightly longer evening than expected and wear clothes you don't mind smelling of food. Overall, I think...

Tokyo’s Butagumi – For Pork Cutlet Lovers, This Place Takes the Bacon

July 26th, 2015

A friend just asked me for some restaurant recommendations in Tokyo and although there are numerous great places to eat, I always make a point of going to tonkatsu (pork cutlet) specialist Butagumi. This is seriously gourmet tonkatsu where you get to choose the type of pork you want. Butagumi describes the taste of the various kinds of pork in their menu (light, rich, flavourful, etc.), with cuts that come from all over Japan as well as overseas, including Berkshire, Iberico and Bigorre....

Melbourne’s The Kettle Black – Good Design and Brunch

July 24th, 2015

A good reason to go back to The Kettle Black

Melbourne seems to be awash with a number of good breakfast/brunch cafes currently and one-year old The Kettle Black has great decor, service, and food. I came here after an overnight flight from Singapore so it was just nice to be out walking and with a good cup of coffee. But what instantly struck me about The Kettle Black is its welcoming interior design - fresh white walls and muted citrus tones and lots of natural light - and helpful staff.

Located not far from the CBD near the...