Food'O'Logy

The Sate Man

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 09:59:51 -0500

Recently returned to my hometown, Batam, for Chinese New Year. It was a very special trip, mainly because it’s been four years since the last time I celebrated CNY with my family, but partly is because my job had pushed me to look into this island with a fresh pair of eyes…

It was an eye-opener.

I visited my usual favourite chow spots, only this time I am packed with questions. Like this satay stall in front of Morning Bakery next to Tua Pek Kong Temple… It’s the same old man who’s been making me satay since the early 90s.

Pak Muktar came from Padang, he has 6 children, youngest being 14 years old.

I also met his son, Ali, who is also selling satay in from Hotel Nagoya, it was totally coincidence! If I didn’t ask, I would never know.

“My dad is a very hardworking man. Everyone in the family is asking him to retire, but he refused to… Still selling satay at 64 years old,” says Ali of his father.

Pak Muktar looking a little shy in the picture, but in person, he has such a bubbly personality, you’d never thought he’s 64. Just a pushcarts, a low wooden table and stools, a humble setup on roadside…

His sate padang still tasted like how it used to be decades ago, I’d like to be specific… but it’s simply delicious.

Write.

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 05:38:00 -0500

I am not sure if people actually read this…

But I’ve been telling myself to write everyday, no matter what. It’s not that I haven’t been writing… In fact, I have been writing way too much, catching deadlines, writing under pressure, stunned, stressed out and now staring at my keyboard a little too often.

My colleague once told me not to forget the joy of writing, since it’s what brought me here in the first place.

So alright… just a note to remind myself, I need to start writing leisurely more often, write about WHATEVER I like.

Ciao.

Dessert in a jar? These are actually really good. But what I...

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:43:00 -0500

Mango

Banoffee

Lychee and Passion Fruit

Dark Chocolate

Dessert in a jar? These are actually really good.

But what I love most about it is it’s sustainable food! Everything used is recyclable and reusable.

The Grin Affair, Everton Park, Singapore.

Super affordable ‘French’ @ Saveur, Purvis St,...

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 09:30:54 -0500

Super affordable ‘French’ @ Saveur, Purvis St, Singapore.

I won’t call it French nor Italian nor American. Yes, they have pasta, foei gras, panna cotta and steak. It’s just a cool cafe with really nice put together food. Everything on their dishes is executed well, but service and atmosphere is only good enough. As a whole experience, it’s good, but not great.

"The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything..."

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:13:18 -0500

“The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything :)”

- A friend on Facebook

Coffee or beer? Alert of buzz? WHAT ABOUT BOTH? Coffee...

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 22:59:40 -0500

Coffee or beer? Alert of buzz?

WHAT ABOUT BOTH?

Coffee beer!!

Like any relationship, friendship takes some...

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 22:54:00 -0500

Like any relationship, friendship takes some effort.

Here’s to a decade strong friendship, still counting and growing!

It’s always a good time :-)

Yes, we’ve grown up! But when we are together, it’s...

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 22:51:00 -0500

8 years later....

8 seconds later...

Yes, we’ve grown up! But when we are together, it’s like we are being transferred back to the old times when we used to be stupid, silly and outrageous.

Most of us are either done or almost done with school. Some of us are working and some are still looking. Life’s changed. It’s an exciting journey, we have big dreams and we are working towards it. We have different attitudes, bigger responsibilities and perhaps breaking less rules.

Everytime we meet, we spend sometime talking about changes in life, what we’ve learned and how we have improved. We talk about our problems, we talk about how much we have missed each other. We have so much to talk about. Sometimes I can’t help but to smile watching my friend have grown so much, talking serious stuffs now. I always think, they are acting “like a boss.” I am so proud of them.

Well, the serious talk ends, there’s a huge relief in each of us. Not sure if it’s the talking or beer. For few hours, we left all our problems behind. We are once again young and carefree! It’s ok to be stupid, it’s ok to be silly, it’s ok to be annoying. For a few hours, everything it’s OK! What I love the most is our silliness often makes people around us smile. We are not that noisy bunch kind who annoy the public. There’s a lot of love and sincerity in our friendship and they spread….

At the end of the day, we are tired of laughing and fooling around. We like to joke about how we are ‘old’ now, we used to do so much better. We are too ‘old’ for the extreme. And we look at each other with a smile, “When are we gonna do this again?”

“Soon.”

It’s like yesterday we’ve just met.

Back to the hustle and bustle, I’ll see you ‘tomorrow’.

'Grateness'

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:51:40 -0400

Took a short trip back to my hometown, Batam. Now that I look back, it was quite a humbling trip.

I am extremely grateful.

Being at my starting point made me realized how far I’ve come. But sometimes we forget to be thankful. People somehow take luck for granted.

12 years ago, I left this small island to another island in Malaysia. When I was 17, I moved to San Francisco by myself. There was certainly some sort of improvement in every move… I had nicer room, cleaner streets to walk around, fresher air to breath and I started earning USD. It was very gratifying, being able to buy myself a nice dinner and fully paid my own vacation. Those are great experiences, I like to talk about all the food I’ve tasted and places I’ve visited.

But here’s what I realized….

I learned the most not during the best times in my life. It was during the worst, the lows, that I learned and grew up even more. It’s just that sometimes I forgot and thought being far from the where I came from means there’s no way I am going back!

There was a time when I felt better carrying branded bags, wearing nice clothes, nice shoes… speaking American English, reading books (reading is a luxury!)…. However, you could be wearing the most expensive clothes and still not satisfied.

And there I was…. in a small room where my mum and grandma have been living for the past 2 years… a small room cramped with luggages, no television, no internet, no fridge, no microwave…. no thing. My mum has been sitting there for years praying for her daughter to be safe, healthy and successful in everything she does. I asked myself if I’ve done enough?

Then I met my friends whom I’ve known for more than 10 years. It was like the old times. I am, again, the kid from that little island. No differences.

I like that feeling. I felt bare. It was me who’s sitting in front of them. No make up, branded stuffs needed, ‘cause it’s not what I wear that they will remember. It’s what I do and say.

I am just very humbled. I am starting to define greatness differently and I want to have a different purpose in life. I want to be a blessing to as many people as possible. I want to define happiness differently. I want to be grateful, everyday.

Living life with a dream is like going through a journey with a destination in mind. I believe...

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:41:08 -0400

Living life with a dream is like going through a journey with a destination in mind.

I believe that everyone will get to where they want to be, it’s just sooner or later.

The first thing you need to do is to KNOW where you want to go, destination needs to be decided.

Perhaps some are more privileged, they are given bicycles, cars and helicopters. But it doesn’t really matter, because you will at least have your feet on the ground. Even if you don’t, get a wheelchair! Or if you are crumpled, get some crunches. If you have to, crawl! There is no reason for us to stay stationary and not moving on to where we want to go.

Always have faith in your heart, and keep on believing that you will make it someday.

Start walking, take bigger steps, and no matter what’s in your way, keep on walking. Run, if you can. If you are tired, take a break…. you may walk slower, but don’t stop! Ok, you may have your coffee break… but always have your destination in mind. The truth is, the sooner we figured it out, the harder we work towards it, the sooner we will get there. Sometimes we might fall and hurt ourselves… it takes sometimes to heal. It takes some patience for us to wait…. the process might be painful. But always remember, WE WILL GET THERE. If shit happens, it will just delay our journey. It’s not a big deal. We will still get there, but that just means that we need to walk faster after the break to catch up.

If you felt like you are left behind… It’s ok, you will catch up! Just sooner or later :-)

For me, I have a destination in mind and it’s a very beautiful place. I wanted to run as fast as I could to get there, but that will just exhaust myself. So now, I am taking smaller steps… finding more information, taking maps, and talking to people who have been there. I know that taking the airplane could be much faster, but tickets are expensive and I can’t operate the aircraft. So I am going to take a little time to learn. At least now I have my feet on the ground, I can walk, I can run. I believe that the more I learn, the more access I can get myself. Right now I might be walking on a rocky road, but soon I am sure I will have more choices… and this journey will be pleasant.

The best thing is, I know that once I get there… I can start strolling and enjoying myself with my loved ones.

Ah, I don’t know what kind of journey you are looking for. But I like the exciting and adventurous ones. Ain’t no mountain high enough for me.

God Bless our journeys!

Captured Life

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 04:32:54 -0400

Life is a LIVE show! You have only one take to make it perfect. There’s no take 2. Maybe once in a while, you may take black… but always remember, the camera is rolling! And you have a live audience waiting for you to shine.

You are probably watching one of the worst episodes of Tris’ Life. I am planning on my next episode. It will be exciting and you will like it as much as I do. I hope. NO, I AM SURE.

So, let’s end this episode now. Take a new slate. Take black, and life’s rollin’.

Ahh. This picture portrays my feeling at this moment… I...

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 05:30:11 -0400

Ahh. This picture portrays my feeling at this moment… I miss tu very muchhoooo, San Francisco!

I remember the last time I went cycling over the bridge. It was close to sunset, and the scenery was breathtaking, as always. I looked over Golden Gate Bridge and the reflection over the water slowly turned into lights. I knew I am going to miss this city so much when I leave.

Singapore has been good to me, I can live with this. But there are too many things that I miss in San Francisco. I was told to relax, but I’ve been finding it hard to relax when it’s always too hot and humid outside, and too much air con indoor.

I wish I could go strolling at Dolores Park with some ice cream from Bi Rite. Maybe Dinner at Tapas bar nearby, then stroll to Humphry Slocombe for more ice cream, or just chilling over an ice cold beer at nearest bar.

I miss the fog in the morning, in the afternoon, and late night.

A graduation card for my lovely Ye Qi in Adelaide. Happy...

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 05:18:05 -0400

A graduation card for my lovely Ye Qi in Adelaide. Happy Graduation girl!

Been making cards with En Ning since 2006? This guy loves to make things himself. I am one of the lucky owners of his paintings. Mine is an oil-painting of sunset in Pantai Kerachut.

I have a feeling that he will continue make me cards on my 30th, 40th, 50th,……. birthdays.

Will I prefer diamond? Yes. But this one is priceless. I might frame it in with precious stones.

City Like a Man

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 05:06:00 -0400

I want to compare Las Vegas and San Francisco like they are two human beings.

Ok, Vegas, maybe I haven’t known you for too long, but I think I know you enough.

Las Vegas is like a person with great appearance but no personality. That’s why it’s nice being in Las Vegas for a while, but definitely not for long. This place is so dry, and without the lights, it will be dead. And to actually have fun here, you will need a lot of money. You will get addicted to some sort of sin. Can you imagine having a friend like this? The only good thing about Las Vegas is that you can always have a drink in your hand, anywhere, anytime. With a friend like this around, you know it’s going to be a good time. You probably need to spend a lot of money, and by the end of the night you guys will go separate way. No attachment. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. You see?

San Francisco is full of personalities. And being in that city, even though you don’t know anyone standing around you, you will feel somehow connected. San Francisco is like someone who you would like immediately, so friendly, so nice. Soon, you will become best friend with it, and you can never afford to lose it. This place is hard to leave. Party in San Francisco is like having parties with your best friends, it doesn’t need the cha ching or the ba bling, just pure good times. The kind of party where you will end up sleeping at Embarcadero and then wake up watching sunrise and grab breakfast together. I left my heart in San Francisco. You see again??

I love, love, love, San Francisco.

Friendship Test Drive

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 04:19:32 -0400

Have you ever had a friendship test drive? How can you find out the strength of bond you have with your friend?

I have a very dear friend. We have known each other for about eight years now. We thought our friendship was going strong, until today. Long story short, I finally found out my place in his heart. At the very last, you can barely see. Today, it’s proven that our bond is so weak, that he could simple unfriend me on Facebook, and only left a message saying “not cool.” Just like a 10-year old kid, he easily said it’s done.

Yet here I am listening to Canon in D, still thinking about him, that guy I first met 8 years ago. I think about things we have gone through…. wait, no…. things he made me go through. Often times, I find random notes around my room. These notes were from those times when I was down and hurt… and I questioned why we are still friends. You, have done so much, and yet I forgive you every time.

Funny how you can give someone 101 chances, but can never expect that person to do the same. For me, I had none.

Oh San Francisco

Sun, 06 May 2012 04:56:32 -0400

It’s getting so close. TIME’S UP!

As much as I hate to say this, but everything has to come to and end, including my stay in this beautiful city. I am not sure what’s right at this moment, I don’t know what should I fight for. I don’t know what I want. I don’t have a goal. All I know is one day I am going to have my own biography, and to do that I need to have a life interesting enough for people to read and be inspired.

Anyways, going home is both exciting and nerve-racking. I don’t know what to expect. When I think about the uncertainty, I am afraid. But to ease that fear, I think about the people whom I am going to meet. Family and friends. I am sure that with them around, everything is going to look better.

I don’t know why I should worry about this from the first place? First of all, Tris, you were born and grew up there!

San Francisco is such a great place. Once you are here, it’s so hard to leave. No wonder, now I finally understand the phrase “I left my heart in San Francisco.”

I think it’s appropriate now to document my final days in this amazing city.

Let the countdown begins.

We. Food.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 05:16:51 -0400

Imagine if God’s a Chef, and this world is just a giant round table…. And us, are these different dishes being served on that table.

All of us are of different cuisine, built around different ingredients, and cooked differently. We all taste different.

Imagine how much we have to go through… right from the moment each ingredient is being produced. Harvested, butchered, and processed. To make a good dish, you have to make sure you season it well. Some are fresh like salad, and some are cooked thoroughly like a stew. I find both delicious.

I would describe myself as a well executed dish. I taste complex, yet comforting and satisfying. It’s like a Chef just travel the world and bought different ingredients from different places to create me. There was a lot of cutting, and pounding. I am not truffle oil nor caviar, that is so hard and expensive to get. I am just a simple and fresh vegetable that is being handled with much TLC.

I wasn’t born in Disneyland, and I didn’t grow up calling myself a Princess. Yet there are a lot of people in my life who have made me they way I am today.

Just want to post a random picture. Golden Gate Bridge at...

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 03:52:10 -0400

Just want to post a random picture.

Golden Gate Bridge at night.

HAPPY :)

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:43:36 -0500

What makes you happy?

I remember as a kid I dreamed the American dream. I was so glad I got a chance to come here for college, and from the moment I stepped onto this land… I thought, I wanna stay here forever, I wanna make a living here, and live the American dream.

So here you go, four years felt like a blink of an eye. I am DONE with school! I wouldn’t say FINALLY, because I am not too excited for college to end anyway.

The question now, what’s next?

All I want to is to be happy. So I asked myself, what exactly makes me happy? A good career with promising salary will make me happy. Eating and shopping always make me happy. But it’s different. For a long time, I almost have forgotten the feeling of… happiness that I used to feel. The simplest form of happiness that I’ve been missing… I’ve been longing… I’ve been wanting.

Yesterday I finally had a chance to spend some quality time with my sister from another mother, literally. Finally, I met my brother in law for the first time and finally got to know my niece and nephew a little more. Even though, it’s just one short day…. I realized that it’s the day that I’ve been waiting for my whole life. The sense of belonging…. having a family.

I owe my mother so much. And lately… every time she calls I want to hang up so much. I realized how terrible I’ve become. I’ve been away for too long. My mom has been alone for too long. It’s time for me to go home and finally spend some quality time with her. I’ve had my own fun. America, this is it. I love you, but you are a home too far away from home :-(

WOW Chef. Elizabeth Falkner!!! Chef. Falkner competed with...

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 03:04:53 -0500

WOW Chef. Elizabeth Falkner!!!

Chef. Falkner competed with Chef. Zakarian on The Next Iron Chef finale. It actually surprised me that she managed to make this far. I guess other chefs overshadowed her in the beginning. I was hoping that she’ll win, we need a representative from the WEST!

But No… No… New York won, again :(