Singapore

Just back from China and now off to Singapore. Mix of work and pleasure, but not nearly enough time to indulge in the old time favourites of fish head curry and bak ku teh. Singapore begins to feel like a relaxing spa compared to the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. Should this be our next destination?

Kaiping, Guangzhou, China

It has been 12 years since I last visited the ancestral village, and it has not changed a bit. I find great fascination and awe at the history embodied in the buildings. It makes it more personal when you know that it relates to yourself. For the visit, it had a good showing of the family at the ancestral village that brought a solemn happiness as we conducted the ceremony. Absolutely beautiful!

Amber, Hong Kong

1 year on and my brother has kindly visited us again along with my folks. As per last year, no visit is complete without the obligatory michelin dinner. The choice this year was the 2 star Amber at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong. Overall, the food and service were superb and worthy of the 2 star rating. Each dish was well cooked and presented with the highlight for me being the signature dish of the line caught red Amadai with fennel & orange confit, 'bottarga' grated new potatoes, bouillabaisse, and olive oil emulsion. For the event, we also popped open a 2001 Pichon Baron Longueville. Rounded, complex, and matured to drink for the occasion. Delightful night and wish there could be more.

Shui Hu Ju and Riquiqui

Chilled out day with dinner and dessert bar. We had dinner at Shui Hu Ju on Peel St in Central, Hong Kong. Trudging up the steep incline you notice on your left 2 red lanterns with a old style wooden door. Creak open the door and you are greeted with decor reminiscent of old style China. For each table, there is a lamp that acts as a spot light onto the stars of the show. The whole performance was based on highlighting the ingredients without having to do anything too spectacular. This is my style, simple elegance. However the service was left wanting.

Perfectly timed end to the dinner, we strolled our way to a newly opened dessert bar Riquiqui. Indulged in a 3 course dessert which included the Aussie classic the pavlova. mmm.. The food and atmosphere was fair but would not think of visiting again.