Birthday

Had my birthday last Sunday.

It's the first time in a long time I get to celebrate with my family, so I decided that birthday dinner has to be spent with my family.

We went to xian de lai, which is an individual hotpot place. I really like it. The meats are fresh and so is the seafood. And they are not expensive. My only complaint is that my tummy wasn't feeling that well, so it felt worse afterwards. Oh well.

I think that was the highlight of my birthday! Maybe I'm too used to having my birthday in Singapore, but just doesn't feel like there's much to do without planning for it. I find ourselves wandering around the mall in the afternoon, desperate to get away from the heat but not finding anything interesting to do.

Ended up watching this movie "Chronicle" which is shit. I mean, I really don't understand the infatuation with the "home-movie style" of shooting. Please, no shaking and jerking of the camera. I didn't sign up for a sea-sick experience.

The Friday and Saturday leading up to my birthday was better, in my opinion.

Went to my favorite Italian restaurant Cugini's at Ann Siang Hill for dinner with the girls. They were so sweet to pay for my dinner! And we proceeded to get shitfaced at this unknown bar with a band that was too loud, and then subsequently to Royal Room.

 Obviously the waitress wasn't hired for her awesome photography skill.

 Lifang clad in winter wear (which she regretted later when we were dancing in the crowded bar. Ha!)

 The best pasta Singapore has to offer. Al dente spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic and chili flakes with mullet roe. It doesn't sound that good, but it taste like heaven. My stomach is leaping in joy just looking at this dish. Man, was it good. I gobbled it up in like 3 min.

 At the bar with the deafening drums that we can't seem to get away from. Heh.

 Me drinking the Greygoose water that just tastes like water. I was harrassing the waiters all night for stronger drinks, but the increment was gradual. Oh well. We got there in the end. Ha.

The final crew who (together with Wuisiew, who joined us late) proceeded to Royal room for a fun night of dancing. Thanks girls!

 Sat lunch, Greg took me to Akashi for yummy sushi! I really think Akashi is my to go to place for decent sashimi. Way better than Sushi tei and more price friendly than Tatsuya.

 Super smooth and buttery salmon belly.

 I would put stars on this but I suck at photoshop. It's seared foie gras with uni on top. The perfect marriage of my two favorite things! Greg and I ate in silence for a minute when we had this. It was so good, we didn't want to waste it by opening our mouths and talking. Yum!

Went to Capri with Deron for my birthday dinner. It was kinda disappointing. I'll tell you why.

 The swordfish carpaccio was drenched in olive oil, too salty and slightly fishy. :(

 The crab meat linguine was quite good, but the pasta was overcooked, and the crab taste was too strong.

 Deron trying to look happy with our meal, but observe the forced smile and crossed hands. Ha.

I couldn't finish my pasta! :(

Everyone ard us went for the lobster pasta, but I feel that they are just getting it cuz it's relatively cheap for lobster. Oh well. Never going back but I was glad I tried it. :)