Kev's Wonder Words

Bread...

2011-11-08T22:40:00.012+08:00

Hello folks... what's up for today? Hmm... let's talk about BREAD? Guess all of you must be staring at me strangely. Why Bread? Ahem... According to the ever-brilliant Wikipedia, Bread is considered one of the oldest food as it has existed well before 30,000 years ago in Europe. Bread is usually made from wheat-flour dough (with salt and water) through the fermentation of natural yeast, allowed to rise and bake in the oven. Moreover, it is one of the Food Monster's favourite staples of all time. It is the bizarre texture of the breads that has built up my curiosity on this flour dough. Although I always like to eat this staple food but yet I haven't got the chance to put my hands down and work with the doughs.

German Dark Rye Bread

In the Academy, I've got the chance to make my very first breads on my own!! Chef Niklesh was our mentor for this yeast puffing session. Chef has even told us that we gotta use our bare hands to FEEL the right fold of the bread dough to determine whether it is ready to bake in the oven. He makes sure all of us are using the right technique to roll the bread doughs in order to avoid any irregular shapes.

Bread dough kneading technique

As illustrated in the figure above, for small soft/hard rolls, we can use our whole palm to roll the bread dough until it comes out with the smooth surface. Whereas, for bigger soft/hard rolls, we have to use both hands to knead the doughs with extra strength onto it.


Hard breads - Note the air holes in the breads

A closer look of the tight air holes

A varieties of Hard Breads
Cuts on the bread dough for patterns

Apart from Soft/Hard breads, we have got the chance to make our own Focaccia breads! Focaccia is actually a type of Italian bread and is widely famous throughout the high-heeled boot like nation. Focaccia dough is similar to the texture of pizza dough, using high-gluten flour, water, oil, salt and starter. A starter or poolish consists of wheat flour, water and yeast which acts as pre-ferment to prolong the fermentation in bread making process. It is able to improve the lifespan and storage of the baked bread, and it creates greater complexities of flavour.


Plain Focaccia Dough - Full of yeast activity

A wide spread of varieties of Focaccia breads can be found in Italy. They vary by regions and cities as different types of toppings, herbs and ingredients are used to create the uniqueness of their own focaccia breads.


Focaccia with Tarragon herbs - Must handle with "Care"

Look! This is gotta be Crispy, Crunchy and Tasty!

From top: Tarragon Focaccia, Italian Herbs Focaccia and Olive Focaccia with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. They are just simply gorgeous!! Chef Niklesh was there to assist all the students with the knowledge and techniques of bread making and he demanded us to make another batch of all the breads in order to master the basics of the whole bread making process. We ended up having two huge batches of flour products and part of them have been arranged for charity donation!

Viola~ Here's the whole batch of different breads that we have made... Thanks to the patience and perseverance of Chef N to guide us through the whole 2-days sessions. It was really an inspiring class for the Food Monster, or rather Flour Monster! Don't be jealous as we get to bring all the flour products to savour them ourselves... Put in the toast with fruit conserves or even just eat it plain, it is just like being in heaven! You can have it too, only by private request ;)

Before ending this post, I would like to thank both CheeHung, JZ and Ernie for your generosity to allow me to bunk in your lovely nests in Melbourne and Brissy during my recent trip to the Down Under! Thanks all of you for making this trip a special one and I am looking forward to see you guys soon... Till then, have a great life eating BREADS!


The cheeky Jenny and sweety Chermaine

The Brissy Three Musketeers@
Sirromet Winery, Mt. Cotton, Brisbane

Thanks Bee for the lovely cufflinks!

So, dear all... Do you like bread? Or is there any particular type of breads that you adore? Please do share it here ^^

Love,
Kev XOX

Academy of Pastry Arts Malaysia

2011-08-12T22:30:00.009+08:00

Have you ever thought that dessert can be an essential element in life? There is a famous quote by Ernestine Ulmer, "Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first." People would willing to do whatever they could just to savour this little masterpiece. Pastry shops and cafés are the current lifestyle trend where people would spend their beautiful weekends at.

Ficelle Boulangerie & Patisserie, KL, Malaysia

Being branded as Food Monster, my interest lies clearly on "Desserts". Recently, I have made a leap to begin my culinary adventure by enrolling a part-time certificate pastry course at The Academy of Pastry Arts Malaysia. This initiative has been fully backed by Adrian and JZ as they are always very supportive and encourage me to pursue my all time interest.

The program is comprised of 12 main topics in consecutive 12 weekends. It covers Modern Cake, Plated Desserts, Chocolate, Sugar Art and etc. For more info, please visit Certificate of Pastry & Bakery Arts. My first ever class is the challenging Wedding Cake. In my first impression, wedding cake is really a hardcore topic to start with and I'm worried if I can ever meet the expectation for the completion of the class. Nevertheless, I have bailed it all out to do whatever I could to make it happen.

The office of Academy of Pastry Arts Malaysia

The Baking & Teaching Facility of the premise

The instructor for this session is Chef Tan, who has more than 5 years of professional working experiences as pastry chef in hotels and bakeries. He has tried to make the class to be less stressful and fun to have more interaction with the students. There are four students (including me) who are very passionate to start a career in baking and pastry making. Asha is a full-time housewife with years of experience in preparing the meals for her kids and would want to make a living in baking industry when she migrates to Adelaide end of this year. Emily, who was a marketing engineer, has quit her job to enrol in this course to further enhance her baking skills in her online-business to sell puffs and pastries. Zul, a professional architect who would want to have his own bakery in the near future when he has completed this part time course. Their stories are truly inspirational to be a force for me to pursue my baking dream.

All the ingredients for the recipe are provided by the academy and Chef Tan has explained each baking steps and essential baking knowledge patiently to ensure we have a clear understanding on the specific details.


1. Two-layered Wedding Cake with marzipan & fondant 2. Love decoration - made of pastillage

Roses & Leaves - Made of gum paste

Fleur decoration with royal icing

Wonderful creations by the students and Chef Tan

Lovely couple figurines by Chef Tan - So much detail on the hair

We have the sense of satisfaction after completing the hand-crafted creation under Chef Tan's guidance. The good thing about this class is that students get to bring back their works for own consumption... hurray! But, the issue here was on how are we going to transport this two-layered fragile cake back without any "cake-accident"? I have to admit I was having a hard time to transport it back home in a winding road with road humps... Phew, it was alright and the cake arrived at home in one full piece ;p

The multipurpose carboot organiser - Transportation in progress

Hmm, I'm looking forward for the upcoming baking topic (Cookies) that will cover different kinds of cookies from different regions in the world - Biscotti, Florentine and many more. I need to practice on how to plan my schedule and utilize the time effectively, while not affecting my full-time work at the same time.

Lastly, I would like to depict another quote, "Stressed spelled backwards is desserts. Coincidence? I think not!" Let's release our stresses that have been accumulated throughout the weekdays by having a cuppa...

Cheeky Sunny Boy on a Cappuccino@ Bee Cafe, Jaya One!

Alright, it's Friday Night... TGIF~ I wish all of you have an enjoyable weekend ;)

Love,
Kev XOX

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T22:16:00.004+08:00

Good Morning! It is a great Sunday and I'm breathing fresh air in my beloved Penang~ Just finished cleaning up the water pump in the fish pond and it is working all good now! The sound of the water flowing reminds me of those days back which my dad will do all the works while brothers and I are busy playing computer games.... Bad sons huh >.<"
When dad is getting older, he will be the commander and gives us the orders to make sure the water pump is working properly. It will be our worst nightmare if we are being told to change the water in the pond!! First, we need to drain the water by half, then catch the Koi fish out and scrape off those thick layers of green algae. Before putting back the Koi fish, we will need to splash a handful of sea salt with anti-chlorine liquid into the fresh water. It will take up a whole morning and I suppose it is a good work out too, haa.

It has been almost 2 years since the day you left us, things have changed with ups and downs in life. We are here to make sure mum is doing fine, so don't worry dad! Recently, mum has fulfilled her childhood dream of going to UK together with Cecilia... We are glad to see her enjoying herself there as well. Likewise, I need to buckle up and focus on my priorities for now! Thanks to everyone beside me, I have gained and learned precious experiences in life. I have to learn to pursue happiness in hard times...

Dad, when I was browsing through the photos in your camera, I saw a lot of photos that you have taken with the people you have met and people that have helped you these recent years... Sincerely thank them from the bottom of my heart! Among the photos, I find this is really memorable... Trio shot by Dad@Macau in 2008.

I miss you, Dad!

I wish all of you Happy Father's Day!! ;)

Love,
Kev XOX

Brand New Life@Hoe Pharma and V-Day!!

2011-02-14T23:50:00.010+08:00

G'day, mate. Its a such a great day to kick start my much anticipated new career as it is also the V-Day... Thanks to everyone for their efforts to assist, support and encourage me to take up such new challenge in life. What makes me to decide to come down to the capital city and be away from my much comfort crib back in Penang? The answer is DRUG...!! This amazing yet eerie term has always been in my mind ever since I have decided to enrol Biotech course back in uni...Gotta grab this golden opportunity and give all I've got to achieve my career objectives and milestones!

Hmm, Shyang with much sincere apologies for not able to stay at your side on this special occasion. Well, need not to specifically spend an enormous amount of extra expenses to keep the other half happy only on this particular date. Have a great time with family back there ;)

All I want to say is... I love my valentine much and as always~ ♥

Orchid@Peranakan House, Church St., Penang

Love,
Kev XOX

Happy New Year 2011...

2011-01-21T20:03:00.004+08:00

Ooops...Guess it wasn't too late to wish everyone Happy New Year 2011. Was busy running errand to forge for my future career (hope this is a valid reason for being procrastination) and had a wonderful trip to Down Under recently. For all the greatest moments, please visit here.

I have yet to sort out my career but I am working hard to make a wise, reliable, correct, justifiable, happy and the best decision soon.
Wish things get better soon for all Queenslanders!! The Sunshine State rocks~ XX

Oh yea, please meet my good boy, Kevvie!!

Thanks mum for bringing me to life !!

Alright, will keep you guys updated ASAP. Till then, take good care mates~

Love,
Kev XOX

Kev's Midnight Bakery - Orange Marmalade Cake

2010-11-23T23:40:00.007+08:00

Its 9 minutes past 11pm, its raining cats and dogs outside. Always love to stay indoor when its raining. While waiting for my phone to get updated with iOS4.2, I thought its time for me to BLOG! This time its about Orange Marmalade Cake...a new creation from the Food Monster~


Sweet Sour Orange Zest~

My colleagues keep asking me to make something for their afternoon tea with some restrictions and these are what I have to bear in mind: No banana, no dry fruits (which is my favourite), no berry-based fruit conserved. Well, guess orange is an universal fruit that can stay safe within the acceptance zone. Started baking only at 9.30pm on Sunday, I'm kind of tired to get myself to move my heavy limbs. Such a lazy FM... After an hour of weary baking session, it turns out like this....

Freshly baked Orange Marmalade Cake...Anyone?

The overall texture is surprisingly great and spongy with enough moisture and sweetness. The fragrance of orange is so strong until my 2nd bro left his beloved PC and approached me to have a peep on what I am doing. Yea, nobody would able to resist the piping hot and fresh cake, especially at such late hours (time for some supper, no?). The only downside of this cake is that the butter is not enough as I have forgotten to put an extra of 50g that is supposed to be in the recipe. The base of the cake gets too dry until it has affixed at the bottom of the baking pan ;(
Lesson learned: Must gather all the ingredients beforehand if you are after for a perfect creation!!

Jingle bell, Jingle bell...X'mas is on the way~

The cake is well-supported by my hungry and glutton colleagues. Within 10 minutes, my container is empty and I could barely have one slice for myself. Being the smart FM, I have kept a few slices in advance for mum and bros at home. *Wink*
Guess I am done for the day. Sweet dreams and nitez, dear~ ♥

Love,

Kev XOX

A Day to Remember~

2010-10-05T23:03:00.006+08:00

The earth is moving, the time is flowing and my heart is pumping irregularly. Just a glimpse of eye, it has been a year! A year that I have to start my lifestyle differently, having had to adjust myself without you around, dad! Things are alright at home, everyone seems trying their best to get back on track...Live strong in life. Mum is cheering up to have herself occupied with Yoga classes but somehow will be quite emotional when she thinks of you...Dad, you never been forgotten by everyone here, instead living in our hearts ever since before! Ya, still have a lot to learn in life, wish you were here when I need you ~ Not to worry, we will take good care of ourselves here...; )

Lovely Dad & Mum@Lotte World, Korea (2004)

Right before going off for work, all my mind is just flashing back all the moments that we have spent together, from young till the day you left us~! It has been a tough day here with 2 colleagues on leave at the same time! Wish Wei recovered soon with her sprained ligament. My concentration tends to distort at some point of time but the heavy workload immediately steered myself back on track to keep things focused. Well, guess I just need more rest for myself...after working in staggered hours for almost a year too!

Trio-shot@St. Paul, Macau (2008)

Right when I'm at the darkest part in the world, there is this soft hand that is full of warmness, pull me gentle to the surface of the earth! I'm blessed to have you in my life, dear~ Although there are ups and downs during these period of time, but you never give up and keep supporting me every single moment in life!! You have left a significant mark in my history of living. Endless thanks for what you have done for me, would never hesitate to stay with you forever! Kisses for you, Bee....♥


You are my sweetest thing of all, dear...

Dad, I miss you so much...

Love,
Kev XOX

Sleep Debt

2010-09-05T15:54:00.007+08:00

Guess the phrases above is no stranger to everyone out there? People accumulate sleep debt surreptitiously without any sense of consciousness. We tend to have "sleep debt" when we are in a rush for due date reports or presentations and all sorts of reasons that you can find out for yourselves, just to make you feel better. Sleep debt, by definition, is the difference between the amount of sleep you should be getting and the amount you actually get for each day.

Sleepdex.org has said that a person who loses ONE night's sleep will generally be irritable and clumsy during the next day. After missing TWO night's sleep, a person will have problems concentrating and will begin to make mistakes on normal tasks. THREE missed nights will cause a person starting to have hallucination and lose grasp of reality "like the one we get to watch in L.Di Caprio's recent creation - The Inception." Studies have found that sleep deprivation leads to worsened vision, impaired actions in daily lives and trouble remembering. Chronic effects include obesity and heart disease.

Oh no, is it that serious? Need not worry, there is still numerous of solutions to tackle such intricate issue! The good news is that, like all debt, it can be repaid with proper work being done. Having enough of sleep will enable your brain to undergo a restorative period to maintain the balance within your endocrine system and allows your organs to be back on track to function in an ordinary way. Tacking on an extra hour or two of sleep a night is the way to catch up with the arrears of sleep. Go to bed when you are tired, and allow your body to wake you in the morning (NO alarm clock is allowed). Experts say that needing an alarm clock in order to wake up is a sign that you are sleep deprived. Yea dear, I shouldn't been complaining all my daily lives frustration and put them into excuses for my "sleep deprivation" throughout this year…Sorry for being emotional and rant over you! I will not starve myself again too. Well, I definitely need to start from here…(;

I have attached here with a free sleep calculator, please have a go to calculate the right sleep hours for yourselves --> Sleep Calculator

For more in depth research, please visit Can You Catch Up on Lost Sleep and How to Pay Back sleep debt in Smart Way

Fun facts: It is known that law enforcement pros employ forced sleep deprivation to get people to have lower resistance to truth telling. It is hard to lie when you're sleepy…!!

Blue Diamond No.17 Pineapple Tart - even have special certificate to prove it is all man-made from organic pineapple! Thanks Joshua for such lucrative souvenir from Taiwan!! For more info, please visit Dawn Cake.

Yang Can Bake - Sr. 1: Apple Crumble

Was traveling to Ipoh for a day trip with my mum yesterday. I have brought along my Master Chef mag that I've got in Australia last July to avoid those "Foreseen" boredom…Haa, not that serious yet d; Then found a recipe by Junior Master Chef, thought I can be a master chef too?! Therefore, I grabbed the opportunity to make the Apple Crumble that I've been craving for so long.

Zesty Oranges - Subtle magic juice

Crispy crumble top that resemblance crunchy butter cookies~

Warm Apple Delight out from oven freshly~ Anyone?

Will post up the recipe here in the same post, please stay tune ^^ !! Till then, need to wash up all the utensils and dig-in my Apple Crumble...Yum yum yum...One more please !!!
Just remember, Hot Crumbles are just the ticket for cold nights (;

Love,
Kev XOX

Wonderful Moments in Aussie Trip 2010

2010-07-30T12:05:00.017+08:00

Hello mates, how's it going?? Ermm....apologize for being procrastinate to update my blog. I will try my best to blog about all the exciting moments I had throughout my 1-week of magical trip in Aussie~!

This trip is actually not a relaxing one as we need to rush for 7 flights in 1 week...haa~ Well, despite having a bad sore throat and eventually lost my voice, that doesn't hinder me from enjoying my trip with all my friends (of course with my special one) and the places I have been throughout these 7 days!! I'm fortunately enough to organize a reunion dinner with all my Bot Crew (oops, our Optimus leader was missing...but your soul is always here with us!).

From left: Me, Chermaine, Jenny da cut-cut princess and Jake - J man@Hanwoori Korean Restaurant in Brissy.

After stumbling on my memories in Brissy for 2 days, we headed to the big hustle and bustle city - Melbourne to continue with our Aussie adventure! It was mum's first time to this well-known city with its sublime cross-cultural ethnics and obviously she is delighted with the short-term plan. We are lucky enough to have Chee Hung as our great host to wander around the great city.

Flinders Train Station - Great landmark of Melbourne

Mum posing infront of the renowned trams along Swanton St.

With him around, we managed to try out some unique yet distinctive cuisines during our stay in Melbbie! Among those, I present...

Poached egg with pesto on crunchy toast@St. Ali - along an alley in South Melbourne

Slow cooked octopus with aioli and dehydrated olives@Cumulus Inc. - Flinders Lane (Art & Fashion Precinct). It reminds me the WorldCup oracle - Paul the Octopus...

Ortiz Anchovies (from Spain) with char-grilled garlic toast - Best ever anchovies that I have ever tasted before

Mustard crumbed pig-tail, garlic snails, pickled shallots and watercress - Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside and totally irresistible!

Madeleine filled with zesty lemon curd - Great ending for the sumptuous dinner

It is always nice to see you here. Thanks for your great hospitality, Chee Hung bro! Just handle all the bills to Hooi bro and claim from him ;P

The trip hasn't ended yet because the limelight of the whole trip has just begun...I am fortunate enough to be able to visit my dear in Canberra in such a hustle traveling schedule!

One step closer to see you, sweetheart~

It is always good if someone can be the host for you especially when you come to a new place. The Food Monster is so blessed to have his sweetheart to be the great tour-guide in the Australian Capital City. We managed to go various places for visit, thanks to Bee's houssie - Fan for his VW Passat!! Awesome torque and comfy cruising experience.

The most significant landmark for Canberra - The Parliament House for Australian Government

Bee and mum posing in front of the spectacular view from Parliament House

Apart from touring around the city area, we went over to this place called The Poacher's Pantry that is situated in Yass - ACT/NSW border. With only 25 minutes from city, we have come to this unique rural venue that resemblance the scenery in NZ. Dear has made a booking for our lunch to indulge ourselves in the award-winning Smokehouse Café.

For good food? This way, please~

The famous Seafood Platter with different dips...Remember the Lavush?! It was delicious!!

Smoked quail wrapped with ham, tossed with watercress salads

Bee and mum standing in front of Poacher's Pantry Café.

Me and Fluffy - WaiYee's cute doggie to welcome me here in Canbbie. Its such a great pleasure to meet you here in Canbbie, thanks for taking care of my sweet dear...!! Hope you like the coffee from St.Ali. It has great coffee aroma, isn't it? I will send your regards to ShuYi...(;

Basically, we didn't really visit a lot of places during my stay in Canberra for 3 days and 2 nights. Just like what Bee has been saying, its rather who do u spend your time with! I am so lucky to have you appeared in my life. Thanks for all the efforts that you have put in to make this happen, Bee! Promise you that I will take good care of mum and myself here...^.^

Yo Aussie, I'll be right back...! This is what I have said before leaving Aussie on the last day. Australia is just like my second home!! Always love to come back here if financially feasible...haa! Alright, time for me to grab some lunch for mum. Wish all of you out there to have a nice weekend...Take care, people!

Love,
Kev XOX

Amazing Australia Expedition Year 2010

2010-07-17T16:36:00.006+08:00

Holla buddies...How's it going so far?? Its Saturday 17 July 2010...Such a long awaiting day for me to catch some fresh breathe and get myself escape away from this little lovely Penang Island~ Yeap, starting from today, I will have my mandate leave for 1 week **Ya, 1 week isn't enough at all but at least its better than nothing for sure ;P** Together with me as my travel companion will be my great Mummy...Ya, you deserved some holidays after being so tired at home, helping the boys to clean up their mess...OOPS~

My trip itinerary is listed as below:
1. Penang ---> Subang/ Kuala Lumpur:- 17 July
2. Kuala Lumpur ---> Brisbane: 18 July
3. Brisbane ---> Melbourne: 21 - 23 July
4. Melbourne ---> Canberra: 23-25 July
5. Canberra ---> Brisbane: 25 July
6. Brisbane ---> Kuala Lumpur: 25 - 26 July
7. Kuala Lumpur ---> Penang: 26 July

Yeap, sounds very rushing and tight huh...Well, I will make sure mum to have great pleasure with all the sceneries and yummy food that is available in the Down Under Land....Righty, can't wait to catch up with all my buddies and of course, the most importantly....my dear Bee ♥~ TGIC~ "Thanks God/ Goodness I'm Coming...heee!! Gotta stop for now, BE RIGHT BACK and enjoy having an awesome weekend~!!

Mum and I at cousin - Mun Theng's Wedding dinner@ JW Marriot, KL

**Shyang blogged at Penang Int. Airport and signed off at 4.35PM M'sia time**

Love,
Kev XOX

My heart has melted...JUST FOR YOU~

2010-06-26T10:28:00.006+08:00

Its about quarter to 11pm and interesting match (Brazil vs. Portugal) was showing on TV...Oh ya, its WorldCup 2010 FEVER all over the world...~ My tiredness has disappeared soon after I saw this parcel on the table!! O.o.....

Parcel from someone lovely in DownUnder Land...

I immediately put down my suite case without second thought and opened out the parcel fast but gently~ And I found these in there....

Birthday card + extraordinary gift....Thanksss DEAR!

Yang is glad to be your SPECIAL one....~

Elegance yet smart-looking checker-patterned necktie from Hugo Boss~ Love it SO MUCHHHH...
It would be useful for the upcoming occasion...^^

Dear, no words can fully describe how excited I am (as I'm jumping up for JOY) but...Thank You very much. Indeed, a pleasant surprise from you too, Bee! Managed to cover it so well and nicely~

"Have I told you lately that I love YOU
Have I told you there's no one else above YOU
Fill my heart with Gladness
Take away all my Sadness
Ease my troubles that's what YOU do..."

Lyrics depicted from Rod Steward's Have I told you lately~

Yeap, you will always stay in my heart and I am with you, sweetheart!! Have a great weekend and fill them with lots of happiness~ Together, we will walk down this path of life and face obstacles with no fear!
Miss You...♥

Love,
Kev XOX - with : D

YANG Can Cook - Sr. 1: Mexican Night~

2010-05-30T23:38:00.009+08:00

Buenas noches (Good Evening in Spanish - FYI: Mexicans speak Spanish), all the lovely people out there! Have you ever heard of Yan Can Cook by Martin Yan before? He is just my childhood hero that has influenced me to become the Food Monster today...!! Wonder why I would used YANG instead of Kev?! Because, it is given by my special one...*nod nod - Yes, you are the ONE~*

I thought it will be a great timing for me to make the kitchen alive by cooking a meal for my family. Hence, I have this in mind....Let make it a Mexican Night...

Bienvenido - Old El Paso Fajita Kits
All the cooking steps are just simple like a Finger Flick*

I have promised mum that I won't make a mess in the kitchen and I've become the Head Chef **Grin** Without any hesitation, I took out those frozen minced meat for it to defrost beforehand. Below are those ingredients that are compulsory (its more like a "regulation" for such staples?!):

From left and clockwise: 3 beaten eggs, chicken sausages, bell pepper/capsicum cubes & strips and sweet onions slices

YANG can FLIP! Pan-fry omelet - will provide another subtle texture for Fajitas~

Apart from those raw materials stated above, I thought omelet will be another great enhancement for our dinner, especially with the crispy outer skin and slightly pan-fried fragrance...The normal Fajitas don't seem to satisfy the much-demanding FM, so I gently arranged all the Fajita rolls onto a baking pan and sprinkled with Parmesan Cheese before putting into the oven for 15 minutes. Tick-tock, tick-tock...YIPPIE, time for DINNER, folks!

The Roasted Crispy-skinned Fajitas with Salsa as flavouring sauce...
Is someone knocking the door, asking for some tasting sessions?! d;

Mexican or Italian?! My brain can't even have a justified answer! It tasted exactly like the homemade Italia Pizza~ Mumbo Jumbo...I'm loving it! Everything seems so perfect except the Mexican flavouring powder which is towards the salty side, need some water to quench the thirst~

I really love cooking, baking and of course, EATING! But, when Rationality become a Liability, nobody can escape from the Chef's worst nightmare - CLEAN THE DISHES~ No exceptional even if you have produced a great dinner. Therefore, I have to wash all the cookery and plates by myself....~ Haaa! Ya, let's make dinner as a good practice as it will train up your patience, explore your knowledge on food handling to the widest and so on...at least they are healthy in the way that YOU are the one who knows what ingredients/flavourings that are being used in those dishes~!

Together we promote the Healthy Life~

POCKY Zone:

Thanks Big-Bro Hooi, you are awesome!! POCKIES all the way from HK~

Limited Edition Pocky Winter Chocolate - Melt in your HEART~

**To my dear Cookie Monster Bee**
You are always in my mind...and I will always be with you!! You are just my greatest path of light that directs me all the time! I really MISS you...Till I see you again, must take good care hor...Bee, you are my EVERYTHING~ ♥

O.o Time will never wait for people but its us who need to grab the best out of it! Its time for me to head off to bed...A simple yet meaningful weekends, I'm delighted. :D
Tomorrow will be a better day~ Don't you agree people?! Till then, Adiós!!

Love,
Kev XOX

Rhapsodie de Fruit Loaf

2010-05-01T00:17:00.003+08:00

Yea, TGIF~ Everyone is ecstatic as tomorrow will be a worldwide public holiday - Labour Day~ It is such a devastating week here and FM is furious to get more YUMMY food to compensate with the tiredness. Due to popular demand and peer pressures, I have decided to have another creation to keep everybody delighted in both visual and physical fulfillment. ;P

Let me present.........Rhapsodie de Fruit Loaf

Dedicated just for you, sweetheart~

I have decided to name this recipe as fruit loaf rather than fruit cake as this flour-product contains less moisture. Thus, it creates a great texture which sits right in between a cake and a bread. YUMMY!

Like the Cookie Monster, Food Monster is also running out of fresh ideas lately. He needs to observe the surroundings and hopefully get to churn out some incredible senses. This time, I have scooped out a portion of the ready-bake batter and added in with some premium cocoa powder from the Dutch Chocolatier - Van Houten. Then, I have combined both portions right before sending it into the oven. It turned out to be.....

A chocolate-butter swirl fruit loaf with my favourite Dried Cranberries~

Cranberries have moderate levels of vitamin C, dietary fibers and essential dietary minerals as well as a balanced profile of other essential micronutrients. Folks, let's tuck in and promote a healthy life around our communities....Alright, perhaps another closer shot for you to drool even more x-p

Comments are most welcome...Food Monster is thinking hardly to improve his current techniques by trying a few more complicated oven-creations!! Hmm, guess I need to fully utilize these much anticipating weekends. They are truly precious for all the workmates, don't you agree?!

POCKY Zone:

Well-fitted in this post - Pocky MARBLE

Without notice, it is May 1...the reunion day is getting closer, dear~ I will definitely keep pushing myself to the bright side and think positively with my best efforts!! Sincerely appreciate all your hard works to withstand these days without me around! You are just brilliant, Bee!! Deeply apologize that you have to wait for me to return home from work...Yang really misses you much!!

Alrighty, time for the FM to catch back some comfort sleeps in this cooling night. Guess I will put an end for this post, hope you guys like it. Good night, people ;)

Love,
Kev XOX

Tourist In Hometown

2010-04-06T17:01:00.013+08:00

Hey pals, have you ever come across such situation where you need to be a tourist in your hometown?! Well, it did give me some hard times when my friend planned to come over Penang, Malaysia for holidays!! A warmth welcome for the special guests, ShanMin and ShuMin from our neighbour land, Singapore.

I've to hook up to the net and google for some local tourist spots...but those attractions can't really interest me much as being a local, there isn't anything much to see?!! ShanMin keep asking me why is the place is not worth-going, why is the area not reachable and so forth. Arh...FM is having headache! She tells me that I need to think like a tourist, not from the locals' point of view! Ermm, OKIE~ **FM is discontented**!! Haa....

I sort of complaining this to Bee and she convinced me back with just a single and simple good reason --> They are my FRIENDS! Thanks dear, you've got the point...and I will always listen to you...Muacks!! Yeap, they are indeed my friends, so I need to learn to be a good tour guide and put on a good smile to all the Penang visitors!

First tourist spot that I could think of is...Fort Cornwallis. Actually, this is my second trip to this well-supported tourist spot since my first time when I was in primary...!

British Fort and Canon...

Tour guide for the S'poreans!! I'm paid with double! LOL...

ShanMin had a request for me to bring them to the film-taking spot in Church St., Penang. I was like...is there any special? But, the reminder kicked in --> we must think and see from tourist-point of view. Alrighty, be a good girl and I shall grant your wish...Here we go to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion! Somehow I feel ashamed of myself, how could I don't know the road in Penang but yet I'm a Penangite! Arh girls, please forgive me...I will train harder and learn by heart next time!

Baba-Nyonya Style Mansion over 100 years ago

Window to the heaven...

Walking Down the Alley of Time...

If only I could Turn Back Time...

The SG people is hard to be satisfied...:P Therefore, I brought them to our proud beach at Batu Ferringhi!! The weather is just suitable for outdoor activities and everyone seems so happy to be here to enjoy the smooth, cooling breeze...

Golden sunset view at dusk...Looking at the sky, longing for someone special! I really miss you!

Coming to the Food Heaven without having authentic delicious food is just can't be compromised! I'll just show some photos here because...Penang is full of local delicacies! If you want to know more, come here and you will get to savour all of these great gifts from the locals!

Nyonya-style Chicken Masak Lemak@Mama's

Oyster Pan-cake....Crispy, crunchy, tasty, yummy and dreamy!

Mouth-melting Tiramisu@Bella Italia...Simply Irresistable!

Well, I hope my performance is satisfied for the much-demanding guests!! Hee...I am more than happy to see you guys again! Next time will be my turn to invade the Lion City...!! Thanks for visiting ya!

POCKY Zone:

Pocky Dessert - Tiramisu Flavour

Remembrance of Daddy:

Dear Dad, these few days have been emotional for everyone in the house, we keep thinking about you and all the ups and downs that we had together are etched indelibly in our mind! Really thanks for everything that you have done for me...Love ya lots!!

Alright, it is time for me to help out in the kitchen!! Crispy Pork Belly, please wait for me to turn you to be a great dishieeee...Till then, I will be back to blog more in frequent...Cheers buddies!!

Love,
Kev XOX

Surprise from ACT!!!

2010-03-27T14:25:00.001+08:00

Yo mate, wanna catch up for a drink?! Oh yea, Aussie Aussie Aussie...Hoi hoi hoi~ Its a sunny Saturday...the Food Monster is trying to escape from the scorching hot sun and trap himself at home!! Well, just want to shout out my HAPPINESS here!!

Like Lil Joe's birthday post, I also can recognize this pretty handwriting from ACT, Aust. Oh ya, ACT = Australian Capital Territory, it is where the Australia Capital City - Canberra situated in.

Awww, such a sweet greeting card from you, Bee....! Shyang loves it SO MUCH!

Ya, you are always in my mind...every hours, every minutes and even every seconds! Wish you have a happy life and I know you can do it with everyone's support from all around the corners of the world! Till I see you, you must take good care of yourself oo! ;p

Miss you here...^.^

Love,
Kev XOX

Sweet Cravings - Banana All-Mighty!!

2010-03-21T15:28:00.014+08:00

Hello fellas, how's it going?? Its Sunday March 21st...I know some of you will just think about the upcoming working week! But, not for me, because I'm going to fully utilize my last day of the weekends here!! Recently, the Cookie Monster has been baking alot for her houssies!! One good reason that she gave was...Sweet Cravings!! Hmm, yea, it is such a great excuse for that huh!! So do I, I'm craving for sweet stuffs like desserts so BADLY!! I did hesitate if my current oven functions well...and shortage of baking utensils could be another worst nightmare that I've ever faced before~ Well yea, ignore it and let's do it!!

Fortunate enough to have this dear buddy to help me out with all the cutting works...

Awesome German cut-ware since 1731 -- Zwilling J.A. Henckels

After about 120mins of mixing+baking time and having a havoc in the kitchen, let me show ya...

The Mighty....errr...wait a second, take a look at this first!

Can you guess what I've baked?! **Hint: Look at the thin yellowish line...

The Mighty Banana Loaf with Cranberries~ A healthy option for all the sweet-tooth!! Thanks for the great work, Oven pal~

Mouth-watering?! Take orders? Nah...I will only bake for someone...**Giggling**

Yeap, that's my great Sunday noon...I just want to try my best to make everyone smile with my small little influential effort!! Well, Johnathan just called me up for the futsal session at 5pm! Arh...I need to get going and continue with my read up! It is just a week away till I have my Trade Finance Exam!! Wooot....\O.o/ Till then, I will catch up with you all again soon~~!! Cheers mates!!

P/S: Please stay tune for the recipe, I will update it in this same post too!

Recipe Corner:

Ingredients:

150g butter
1 tsp of salt (No salt is needed if salted butter is used)
120g of sugar (Alter to your liking as banana is sweet too)

Others:

3 eggs
270g self-raising flour
120-140mL of full-cream milk
3 well-smashed ripe banana
Dash of vanilla essence and cinnamon sugar power

Options:

Dry fruits (e.g. cranberries, raisins)
Chocolate shavings for decoration and taste

Methods:

Add the combination A and mix well in a prepared batter bowl.
Add 3 eggs, each at a time and mix well with the batter.
Sieve 270g self-raising flour into the batter.
Add in the well-smashed banana and mix 'em with the batter.
Add the prepared milk into the batter (adjust based on the softness/moisture of the desired cake/according to personal likings)
Add a dash of vanilla essence and cinnamon sugar powder if possible.
Pre-heat oven at 180 Celsius for 5 minutes.
Turn mixture into prepared baking pan and bake in oven at 180 Celsius for 40 to 50 minutes or until done when the wooden skewer comes out clean. Decorate with chocolate shavings or icing sugar on top of the cake.

Original recipe by Shyang - The Food Monster~
Dedicated to Special one - Bee!

POCKY Zone:

Latest Limited Edition Pocky - Apple Yogurt (YUMMY hor, Bee?!)

Love,
Kev XOX

Unforgettable CNY 2010~ (14th Feb - 28 Feb 10')

2010-03-01T19:04:00.014+08:00

HUAT arh~~~ (its Prosperity in English)!! That's the usual happiness word that can be heard from almost every Chinese in Malaysia, or rather around the globe!! Just like others, Shyang had a great CNY although it was with mixture of feeling and emotions...

I have a series of FORTUNATE events which I want to share with all of ya...heee!

1. My Golden Baby

Proudly present Honda City 1.5...You are awesome!!

I should really thanks to my family for being so supportive and helping me to have the dream comes true! Always want to travel with my goldie to anywhere and anytime I want~ The driving pleasure is surely a great satisfaction for every driver that has tried out with HIM! Yeap, I will definitely take good care of you**

2. CLP&Inderawasih Reunion Dinner

Yummy Kitty Cake in da HOT POT~

All the usual gang with the cards in hands...Wish this could be held consecutively in years~
Take good care pals~!!
From back left: LCS, Wei, Huay, Momo&ChengYi (Noble Doctor husb&wife), YangLoong, HooiTing (dear sis, also a 623 baby) and Goo!!
From front left: JiaYuan, LinChoong, JingYuan, ChoongMin and I

It was such a warmth atmosphere with everyone's presence in da event~ The laughters are never-ending and happiness can be seen on everyone's face!! Great job...thanks to the organizer (LinChoong) and food preparer (Huay and his mum) for all the great works that have contributed in this choptick-licking good food~ **Can't use finger coz it is HOT POT!!**

3. CNY Home-Return Trip to KL~
Just like every year, our whole family will be traveling down to KL to visit my grandma and relatives!! But this year is a special trip as dad wasn't able to join the fun...But you are living in everyone's heart!! (:

Grandma, mum and I...Wish grandma has a wonderful year with full of happiness and in great health!

Managed to capture a photo with Jojo da active Dalmatian...Be a good girl to guard da house for my cousin oo!!

Apart from catching up with relatives, I managed to attend the reunion dinner@Damansara Jaya - The MagicWok with the Biotech Gang~

The atmosphere in the restaurant was full of bliss and the catering service was satisfying...the owner is such a hilarious and friendly lady in which she suggested all the food that would suit our taste~ Great food without photos is totally unacceptable...Let the Food Monster presents...

1. Prosperity Salmon YeeSang

2. Award-winning Herbal Roasted Duck (crispy on the outside, succulent yet juicy inside)
3. Honey Pork Ribs
4. Magic Wok Special Braised Pork Trotter
5. Stir-fry Lotus Roots with Olive Leaves

4. The ONE and the only BEE~

Well, this year is a surprise and special year for sure...because I have found someone that is willing to be here with me whenever I need, from sun rises till night falls...!! A simple "Thank You" is just not enough to extol how thankful I am for all you have done to me! Though we didn't have much time together but all the great memories are engraved and remained in my mind...guess I just can't stop thinking of you, Nic~

Naughty Cookie Monster and Mighty Food Monster!!

Remember the crazy crowds when we had the icy cool cendol@Pg Road...haaa!!

I sincerely wish you the very best in applying for PR and getting a permanent job very SOON!! Hope this CNY is a memorable one for you as well...Will always want to try my best, just to see you SMILE and HAPPY! Please take good care of yourself and I'm sure you can do it~
~Dear, I miss you so much!!~
P/S: I really hope THINGS between us can be worked out....^.^

Its the 1st day of March 2010, CNY has officially ended in simple yet elegance!! I wish everyone the best in their undertakings and feel blessed of what you have now and in the future! Righty, time for me to put on my cooking apron, gotta help mum to cook for the dinner...Always LOVES COOKING~!! XD

**To my dearest dad...Although Shyang is very naughty at his young age, but that doesn't mean he will be in the same shape until now!! Because of you, Shyang has learned different kind of experiences that others don't have! Because of you, Shyang has grown up to be a MAN with responsibilities to take care of mum and my family~! Because of you, I am the Shyang today! Endless thanks for you in my entire life, I miss you very much, dad! No doubt, you are my GREATEST dad** ;-)

Love,
Kev XOX

What RM400 can offer...The start of SG TRIP!!

2009-11-20T19:07:00.003+08:00

Yo buddy, its been a while since my last shout-out ya...! Many things have happened in these 2 months, I have gone through ups and downs and finally I have reached a turning point in my life...! Well, I will be moving back to Penang and work starting mid of Dec! It is time for me to spend my time with my precious family, after going away from home (studied in Brissy, Aust) for 3 years and working in KL for 8 months~ I miss my daddy...**shyang and whole family will always remember you, my greatest dad**

Alright, let me get back to this post...why am I putting "RM400" as the title of this post? It is all about my absurdity in taking things for granted :( I thought I manage to catch my rushing flight to S'pore (supposed to be 2.35pm) in time, but I was late to check-in for 10mins...(last check-in time will be 45mins before departure time)!! How silly I am...In the end, I have to burn my RM70 ticket and get the new one (for RM300) T_T....Not only the ticket, I have wasted LCS's FAST&FURIOUS driving trail all the way to LCCT from Damansara for just 50mins...He even revved his lil dear car up to 160km/hr, just to reach the terminal before the closing time...ARH, I should have left my office earlier! That's my own personal fault and all has to be blamed on myself....SAD!!!

The speedometer has reached the limit - 160km/hr

That's the ever-famous LCS...posing with the fire-sparks!!

That superb costly ticket is able to offer me a day-trip around Nilai city, with yummy Ipoh style Beansprout Chicken rice as compliment meal~ All I have to say is...Thanks buddy, for helping me running errand for the whole day!! I'm now blogging in Low Cost Carrier Terminal, KL (LCCT) while waiting to get on board...

This lesson has taught me or maybe everyone: Do not take things for granted, must always plan things ahead with some allowances in between and of course, Everything happens for a reason!! **Wink**
Till then, I will blog more about my Adventurous yet Rushing trip to S'pore!

Consolation reward...The Aston Martin DB9 along the way to LCCT.

Love,
Kev XOX

Kev's Wonder Recipe - Homemade White Sauce Pasta

2009-08-23T22:22:00.020+08:00

Hey mates, here I back again...Why so late? Can I use back the same reason - I am just simply BUSY? Haa...I was chatting with my greatest buddies back in Aussie (JZ and PW). It's so hard to have such golden chance to sit down and chat virtually over the internet. Oh ya, I am really delighted to be able to meet my boss - JZ and his dear (LM) @The Curve, Damansara last week. Really miss the life back in Brissy, boss...I want to go back!!!!!!

Sweetish Red Velvet Cake@The Laundry, The Curve

JZ with his dear, LM...Lovely birds!

The reunion of the food monster and his "boss"...

When we were talking about our life back in Brissy, JZ suddenly popped up with a question whether I can teach his dear to cook my signature dish - Homemade white sauce pasta. Without any hesitation, I just verbally described those ingredients and the steps for that recipe. But, I have promised them to publish this luscious recipe for people to savour this wonderful dish whenever they want...Come, make a wish and I will grant you one!!!

When people mention about pasta, what would you think at first? A staple food from Italy? Red sauce is the only sauce available for pasta? Pasta is actually a generic term for variants of noodles, food made from a dough of flour, water and with/without eggs. Pasta can be served in red sauce (often calls as Bolognese or Napolitan style), white sauce (Carbonara style) or even used in making soup.

Varieties of pasta...

Kev's Wonder Recipe - Homemade White Sauce Pasta (Carbonara Style)

Angel Hair White Sauce Pasta with Grilled Butter Fish (Thin like hair pasta)

Ingredients:

General Pasta & Others

A packet of pasta of your choice (Spaghetti, Fettuccine, Angel Hair, Spirals and etc.)
Olive oil or cooking oil
1 medium size of onion (chopped)
1 clove of garlic
200g of Bacon cubes
2 capsicums (green, red or yellow)
2 chopped tomatoes

For white sauce

4 tablespoons of melted butter
2 tablespoons of flour
2 cups of fresh full-cream milk
1/4 teaspoon of salt, pepper (alter for individual liking)
Italian herbs or other dry herbs
Optional: White wine for extra luxurious fragrance

Procedures:

1. Firstly, boil a pot of water for cooking the pasta. **Remember: Don't put oil into the pot of water but only 10g (2 tsp) of salt per 1 litre or (2 pints) can be used as a rule of thumb for seasoning** When the water comes back to a rolling boil, add in the pasta and give it a good stir to keep the pasta pieces from sticking to each other. Cook about 12-15 minutes, for al dente or chewy texture, taste, or break open a piece of pasta to test for doneness. Drain the pasta and retain a cup of pasta water for later use.
2. Secondly, Put some oil on the heating pan and add in all the bacon cubes. Fry until slight golden brown colour. Add in both chopped onions and garlic cloves, then fry together with the bacon cubes.
3. Put in the chopped capsicum and tomatoes to stir-fry together until it is slightly soft. Remove all the ingredients from the pan and put aside for later use.
4. For making the sauce, start by adding the melted butter on the hot pan, follow with the flour - a little at a time - the mixture will thicken up to the consistency of wall paper paste (roux). When the roux has turned from yellow to white, then you can start adding milk - a little at a time - until it is enough for the whole cooked pasta. Put in salt and pepper for taste. Then, add in herbs or white wine on personal preference.
5. When the sauce is slightly boiling, add in the cooked pasta and the pre-cooked ingredients. Mix well until all the noodles are coated with the thick white sauce. **That's why I don't add oil into cooking pasta noodle**
6. Magical Step: Add in the cup of pasta water and stir the pasta for 1 minute. Switch off the stove and the pasta is ready to be served. Topped with shredded Parmesan cheese if you are dairy-product person...

References:
1. Learn Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipes For Everyday Cooking
2. Pasta from Wikipedia
3. Pasta Recipes Collection
4. How To Cook Proper Pasta - Al Dente

P/S: By following this recipe, you can easily have a homemade pasta meal in under an hour - any day, any time of the week...You can always expand your imagination by substituting the ingredients or pasta type to make your fully own pasta...

Angel Hair pasta (from Cold-Storage sales) and present from Adelaide - Garlic&Herb Fettuccine pasta (Thanks to my houssie - Ernest)

Arh, its 15 minutes to 12 midnight and my stomach is growling! Gotta go to bed to resist having any thought of grabbing a biscuit to munch...Alright buddies, thanks for reading such recipe and please try it out for yourselves. Do throw some questions if you have, I will try my best to answer 'em all~ Till then, ciao and a presto~

Love,
Kev XOX

Everything happens for a Reason~

2009-07-19T14:06:00.032+08:00

Holaa...mates, how's it going? I know I know, I have been MIA for almost 2 months hay! Ermm, can I use "BUSY" to summarize things up? I guess all of you out there must be %@#%^*...Alright, calm down please...I will elaborate more in this post!

"Everything happens for a reason", it was chosen as the title for this post because the phrase is so bizarre but yet too good to be true. I am gonna thanks to the Empress Bee for inspiring me to have such thoughts. We will always think that why things have to turn out in this way, can't it be better outcome or at least some satisfying and persuasive results. I will let those photos to demonstrate all my experiences that I have gone through in these recent years!

Incident 1: Why did I leave my friends behind and studied in Aussie Land in year 2005?
Reason: Because its my childhood dream if I have the chance to further my study and broaden my exposures in Australia, especially Brisbane...this reminds me of my 1st ever family trip to a western country back in year 1997.

My childhood friends...get to know them since primary school...We have had lots of wonderful memories...KL trip (2005)

Cute guys with smillies...Grab one, girl? (Main's birthday - 2005)

UCSI Biotech Gang (2005)

Incident 2: Why am I being called as Food Monster? **Thanks to Optimus Team in Brissy**
Reason: Because I was being raised up in an environment that is full of food choices, both eastern and western cuisines. The people there have high expectation on anything that is going into their mouth and the kids out there are spoilt for choices.

In addition, the lifestyle of my family that is always opting for better and more delicious food to please our high-demanding tummies. I always try my best to learn and pick up the proper cooking skills to prepare great meals for all my friends during my living in Aussie, really miss it much...I am sure those happiness and enjoyable expressions are the best gifts for every chefs...!!
Yes, kitchen is always my great place to try out some food creations~

**Beware of all the mouth-watering food photos...please keep out of reach of those starving people out there**

Traditional chinese cuisine - DimSum (2007)

Penang delicacies in Swatow Lane@Penang (2007)

Creamy, dreamy and yummy chocolate experience@Max Brenner, Melbourne (2006)

Premium sashimi platter@Sono, Brisbane, Australia (2007)

Super meaty meal@Handorf, Adelaide, Australia (2008)

Gigantic yet finger-licking good Fergburger@Queenstown, New Zealand (2009)

There are still millions of food pics which I decided not to upload as they will bring up some serious problems... :P
Just to sum this up, I Love Food...its just that simple~

Incident 3: Why am I so proud of being a Penangite ?
**For your info, a resident of Penang is colloquially known as a Penangite**
Reason: Penang island is a paradise for food lovers who come from all over the world to sample the island's unique cuisine, earning Penang the nickname of the food capital of Malaysia.

Moreover, I have all my childhood memories in Penang, from the day I was born, going through different stages of life and even until now... It is true that Penangites are the hardest people on Earth to get satisfied with their daily staples.
We, as Penangites, are always having high expectations on the food, in terms of taste, flavour, fragrance, outlook and pricings...Agree with me?! **Giggling**

The signature transport in Penang --> Penang Ferry has been serving people since 1920 and even until now!! Salute...

The Proud of the Pearl of the Orient - Penang Bridge (completed in 1985)

A must-eat for every Penangite --> Hokkien Noodle (a.k.a. Noodle with rich prawn broth)

Golden Laksa@Balik Pulau, Penang --> Fat Vermicelli with shredded Kampung Fish Broth~

Besides that, we have numerous shopping centres that are able to compete with KL, the capital city of M'sia...Namely Gurney Plaza, Queensbay Mall, Aeon Seberang Prai, Time Square Penang and Komtar...We should be proud of ourselves, right?

Incident 4: Why did I make up my mind to leave Australia, waving goodbye to all my best mates in Brissy in year 2009?
Reason: Because all my family members are here in Malaysia and I need to admit the reality that I have to move on in my life...My last trip back in Brissy was really mesmerizing~ I will never forget all the wonderful moments that have gone through in these 3.5 miracle years with my best buddies in Aussie, you guys ROCKS~!!

Below are those unforgettable photos taken in Down Under...

A tropical boy's 1st time stepping on a snowy ground - Skiing@Mt. Buller, Melbourne, Australia (2006)

My 1st time action in the sky...SkyDiving@Queenstown, New Zealand (2009)

Summer trip@Dreamworld, Gold Coast, Australia (2007)

Nice shot, HW@Albany, Perth, Australia (2007)

Jump up high, buddies!!@Rainbow Beach, Sunshine Coast, Australia (2008)

Singing High@Sunnybank, Brisbane, Australia (2007)

Farewell dinner@Pane e Vino@Brisbane City, Australia (2009)

Posing with the pharmacy people@UQ, Brisbane, Australia (2009)

Farewell outing with the Optimus Team@Brisbane Square, Australia (2009)
From left: Darren, Me, Jenny, Millie and Chermaine

Of course my best mates ever...Ernest, me and JZ@Mondo, Brisbane, Australia (2008)

Once I have return to home country, it means I need to catch up with all my friends back as much as possible...Gotta find back all the laughters and have more great time with all of ya~

Awesome group of friends known since primary school@Tao (2008)

Gathering with CLP buddies@Winter Warmers (2009)
From left: AhGoo, HooiTing, SzeHuay, Lipin, me and LCS

In short, everything happens really for a reason, if not, few reasons...We need to think wisely, make decision precisely and plan things ahead to avoid any possibilities that lead to failure. That is my thoughts about it...How about you guys out there?

Yeap, I have promised to all my friends that I will try all my best to keep contact with them...please count on me, folks...Wish you good luck in your undertakings, people...
Arh, its time for lil Kev to keep moving on, have to work tomorrow *Yawn*!! Till then...

Love,
Kev XOX

The FOOD Matter...

2009-05-21T17:22:00.019+08:00

Harlo mates, I'm back here again to make my bloggie to be more lively~ Ever since I have started my life being a hardcore worker a.k.a. workaholic, there's always one thing that I won't forget even though how BUSY and TIRED I am...Guess the magic word........................
YESH, it is FOOD~

According to the great Wikipedia, Food is any substance, usually composed of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fibers and water, that can be eaten or drunk by an animal or human for nutrition or pleasure. Haa...Below are some of the examples that suit in both nutrition and pleasure purposes. Enjoy and get drooled with these awesome creations that benefit the mankind.

My life isn't complete if without TIMTAM~ I surrender to ya!

Weekends are the best moment for all the stressful workers~ For me, I've got the chance to go One-Utama Shopping Centre@PJ to enlighten my much demanding tummy! The lucky person that has joined me with the food expedition was LCS...My best buddy since primary school. He is also another glutton that is quite finicky when come to food...Such a great companion for food trails ~

Eye-catching and spoilt-for-choice food menu@Nippon Yataimura in 1-U

Nippon Y's Signature ChaShu Ramen

Dreamy Soft-Shell Crab in Tempura Batter...Crunchy, crispy and tasty

Pan-fry Mayo Chicken Don...

Grilled Teriyaki Salmon Steak...a taste of the sea~

Do you think having a main meal without desserts can satisfy our tummy easily? Then you are wrong...Mains without nice desserts is analogous to a hot cappuccino without creamy milk froth on top...that is totally unacceptable! **Oops...I'm over reacted hay, please forgive me huh**

A sinful yet seducing place for great cocoa - Theobroma Chocolate Lounge

Theobroma Chocolate Lounge is originally from Melbourne, Australia. They have just recently ventured into oversea markets like New Zealand and now in Malaysia. Apart from this luxurious chocolate display outlet at 1-U, they have another identical counterpart at The Pavillion, KL. The menu list is extensive and the pricing is trully correlate to the quality offerings. It is just like the favourite phrase from Dr. Lance Newey, my great lecturer in UQ - "A Big Bang for the Buck"~

Hot Belgian Dark Chocolate in Mug n' Warmer - Rich and tongue-excitement~

Hot Belgian Chocolate with Caramel - Sweetness in your heart~

Let's Theobroma...anyone?

The concept of Theobroma Chocolate Lounge makes me recall back all the wonderful experiences I had in my favourite chocolate stores in Aussie ---> Max Brenner and Koko Black in Melbourne and Sydney; Cocolat in Adelaide. I will never ever forget those "CHOCOLATY" experiences....YUMM! The purely 'chocoholics' menu are making me totally indulge in the lovable 'staple' and have my smudgy mouth left behind! Napkins are just a display on the table~ Haa...

That's what we call - A Complete Dining Experience with desserts being the second protagonist...If I have the chance to have such food on every weekend, I would more than happy to work hard on the weekdays~ Tummy oh tummy...You'll be treated well...:P. But, not to forget to do EXERCISES after such high calories meals...! Well...I just simply love food...Do you?

Love,
Kev XOX

A special meal for special one~

2009-05-18T22:54:00.030+08:00

Haloo...how's ya doing, everyone? I just can't imagine that I have infected with Working Group Syndrome (WGS) - the infamous 'Monday Blues'. Arh...the time just pass by like a glimpse of light! I don't want to work blindly from morning until night, 5 days a week...Therefore, I am here to write up a post due to popular demand from my loyal readers **:p**.

Can you imagine how nice if someone (except your great mummy or daddy) can be your personal chef, specially cook up a great meal for you? For me, it is such a romantic occasion that I will never ever forget...Today is a special day for me because it is someone's special day too! I'll just take this opportunity to publish the full dinner menu that has stored in my mind for long...please savour those dishes:

~-------------------------Kev's Prestige Dinner-----------------------------~

Starters

Caesar Salads and Bread Croutons with Italian Herbs Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar Dressing
Homemade Creamy Mushroom Soup

Mains

Handmade Gnocchi Pasta with Bacon Cubes in White Sauce, decorates with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach
Grilled Unagi with Teriyaki Sauce and Sesame

Desserts

Blueberry Cheese Cake with Shredded Dark Chocolates
Hot & Fluffy Bread Pudding with Raisins

Wines (couple with mains and desserts)

2005 Grant Burge - Cameron Vale Cabernet Sauvignon from Barossa Valley, Adelaide - Slightly dry with oak fragrance
and cherry flavour
2008 Grant Burge - Lily Farm Frontignan from Barossa Valley, Adelaide - Smooth and fruity wine

~---------------------------End of Dinner Menu-----------------------------~

Yeap, I've been wanting to prepare these meals but somehow I haven't got the chance to do so...aiks~ Who is going to be my honorary guest? Heee...that must be only for the mysterious person~ **Giggling :P**

Ahem, those wines are my favourite collection wines from Adelaide...Still remember the Adelaide Trip in Winter 2008? Had so much great memories with JJ sis, ZZ bro, Lena sis and Adeline sis...!! It was an awesome winter breakaway!! Ok, I have to admit that I MISS AUSSIE!!

Can be the front page for "Time" magazine...Handorf German Town, Adelaide

The Beauties and the Rainbow~ (From left) Lena sis, Ade sis and JJ sis
Beerenberg Strawberry Farm@Handorf, Adelaide

ZZ bro and I, posing with our wonder stuff@Barossa Valley, Adelaide

I am so thankful to all my friends that I have met throughout these awesome 3 .5 years in Aust. I won't be able to make it without all of you, helping me, giving me advices and accompanying me through the hard times.

Roller Coaster Ride@DreamWorld - Summer (21st Nov 07')

House Warming@Campus Grove (29th Feb 08')

Soccer match (Aust VS Iraq)@Suncorp Stadium (1st June 09')
From left: Jocelyn, Ernie, me and my best buddy in Aussie (JZ boss)

Happiest moment in Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne (22nd Dec 08')
From left: KC, me, Ernie, SH and Lil KC

I have been sending off all my buddies all these years, with all my sincere wishes for them~ Now, its my turn to receive those blessings...I left Brisbane, Queensland - The Sunshine State, officially on 8th March 09'...T_T

Thanks for the efforts, gals... (7th March 09')
From left: Charmaine, Millie and Cut-cut princess - Jenny~

The muscular Optimus leader - Darren bro...

Congrat Darren bro and SiokHwee sis upon your wedding@JB~ (2nd May 09')

The image of my last day in Brissy is still deeply hoarded in my heart, I will never ever forget all of you, my friends...

Thanks for sending me off, Lena & ZZ bro...

My supernatural houssie - Ernest (Thanks mate~)

Arh, there are PLENTY more of the photos that I have yet posted up...those great moments will always store in my memory and shall never fade...Let us keep this precious friendships and maintain forever. I am sure that we will be meeting up again no matter where we are in the near furure...I wish all of you best of luck in all your undertakings...Cheers, buddy~

I miss you much... and I'll be BACK!!

**Happy Birthday to Ernie...he is officially 22 years old now on 23rd May 2009 (just a month before mine)**

Love,
Kev XOX

Its all about NEW...

2009-03-16T22:42:00.004+08:00

Harlo everyone, how's ya doing? Apologize for being vanished for a period of time. I have made a few crucial decisions and gone through a huge transition in my life. Yeap, I have decided to return to my home country to proceed to another stage of my lifetime journey. Today is 16th March 2009, it also marked as a "Brand New Day" to pursuit my dream life and temporarily putting a full-stop in student life. However, I still have two-sided feelings about this life-changing decision and I have to admit it will take some time for me to adapt such changes. I will definitely try my best for that, get my fingers crossed and open my eyes widely to see things clearer (DD boss, am I right?)

For sure I am sad to leave all my great mates and food in Brissy, you guys have been so awesome~ "Food monster", that's the nick that is been given by the Optimus Team, I will always remember that!! Thanks for your companion all these while and I will never forget all the great times we had together for the past few years! I wouldn't have been a person I am today without all of your supports and cares. I sincerely wish all of you having a bright and prospective future, please do keep contact. Take good care...Till then, I have faith that we will meet each other in some part of the earth in the future...^^

Below are the "great catch" early this year...enjoy~

Dusk@Inderawasih football field, Penang, Malaysia.

Glamorous lightings@Kek Lok Si temple, Penang, Malaysia.

My MTIM Graduation@UQ (15th Dec 08')

2008-12-25T07:48:00.028+08:00

Harlo mates, how's it going? Hohoho, Merry Christmas, everyone!! I've just got back from my superb wonderful trip in Melbourne, don't really want to come back from that fantastic & fun city!! Great city, friendly people with nice weather!! I will blog much about the trip soon...so stay tune for that~

Yeap, finally, I have graduated with my postgraduate course (Master of Technology and Innovation Management) on this very special day, 15th Dec 08', at University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. After a year and a half of hardships, its time for me to step up and face the reality to get into working career!! There were 2 important things that made this a very special day. First, my ever beloved dad and mum managed to attend my convocation, my two brothers (Hooi & Jiow) with their warmest regards and the luxurious Tissot!! Second, KC & her family attended my convocation too...really thanks to them for spending their precious time here.

The gigantic UQ signboard...

Thanks Dad & Mum...Happy to see you here!

Thanks dad, for nurturing me, teaching me, protecting me all these while!!

Million thanks mum, for tolerating my stubbornness...

All the master class transformers with PhD Optimus-leader (Darren)
From left: Jake, Jenny, Millie, Darren, Charmaine, me

Thanks Ernest, my great housemate...for being my private cameraman!!

Thanks fellow friends, you guys have been so AWESOME~

Big sis (Lena & JJ)...thanks for "looking after" me huh...
From left: Lena, JJ, KC, me, Penny

My great coursemates...Caramel (formerly Jasmine) and Charmaine

Good luck, guys...keep contact ya~

This marks the temporary end of my formal academic career, at the age of 23. But I will keep learning for sure, from people around me, things or even news around the globe. It is always intriguing to meet people from different cultural backgrounds, demographics and geographical locations~ I'm really glad that all my fellow senior friends (the usual gang) have done with their study career too, some will go back for good and be good government servants (Kidding ya)...some will apply for PhD studies (Good on 'em)! No matter what it turns out to be, I will be here to wish them best of luck for their future in all sincerity!! Please keep in touch, people...miss all of you~

Love,
Kev XOX

Friendships that never fade...

2008-12-03T11:58:00.015+08:00

Hot summer, hot hot summer!! The heat wave is hitting the Sunshine state (Queensland). I can't wait to head south for cooling weather...The scorching sun has burnt my skin and I'm like a big PeachyBoy now...;-( Someone please help me to treat my sunburnt cheeks...

The graduation week has started from this week onwards, the dates of the convocation differ according to the faculties in the university. Oh yea, I have successfully finished my postgraduate course and the convocation will be held on 15th Dec (Monday), Weee~! All my fellow gang of friends (biotech geeks) have graduated on 1st Dec as well...JZ has booked me in to be his personal photographer, hmm...its time to sharpen my skill before YOU come over next week...heee!

I have known all of them ever since my arrival in Down Under...These 85' born people have been my greatest mates, chilling, eating, growling, fooling and so on...Time passes in a glimpse and our study life has put up with a great fullstop. However, our friendship will definitely continue to grow for sure...These are all the wonderful moments:

ZW's 21st Birthday - 2006 (KF, PW, Ena, HW, Sailo, Me, Shirley, ZW)

The Fantastic 4 - Jacey's Convocation - 2006

My 22nd Birthday - 2007

The usual gang - My BSc convocation - 2007

JZ's 22nd Birthday 2007 - Everyone is HIGH~

Trip to Rainbow Beach (2008) - Let's JUMP!!!

All-time soccer hardcore fans (My Barcelona vs JZ's Real Madrid)

Its your turn, folks...!!! Congrats...

For those Pharmacy graduates (ZW, KF, Shirley, Amy, Ena), I have to apologize for not able to attend your convocation on the 12th Dec as I will be in Sydney with my family. Hereby to congratulate all of you, take care and stay well...

I wish you all the best, may all of you have a prospective future and shine like Twinkle Little Stars...Without all these cares and companies, I wouldn't been able to keep going until this point...Thank you, my beloved friends...

Love,
Kev XOX

Safe Trip Home...

2008-11-16T19:19:00.008+08:00

**That it comes and it goes, and I can't seem to hold
**and there's nothing i own, and it breaks me when it goes

Hee, I'm singing Dido's song (It comes and it goes) in her latest 3rd album - Safe Trip Home!! The Red music review even termed Dido as British soul-folk siren kills softly with songs and said that if you only listen to one thing this month..I'm so ecstatic to get her album this afternoon when i got to know that JBHifi already has the album stocked in. I'm been anticipating this album for so long after her previous records 5 years ago.

Dido's 3rd creation - Safe Trip Home

Deluxe Edition set - with enhanced cd (including 3 bonus tracks)

Dido's soft-pitch yet subtly seductive power voice really tying me closely to her songs, listen over and over again!! Being a die-hard fan for Dido, I've been followed her songs ever since her debut song with Eminem named "Stan", which is a theme song for 8 Mile movie starring Eminem. This album is aimed to continue in creating micracles after the successful results from its predecessors - 1st album (No Angel) and 2nd album (Life for Rent).

Inspiring songs...Nice!!

Head to iLike.com to hear all the tracks...ENJOY!!

Alright, now come back to my story here...Yeap, finally I've done with my final exam for MTIM course, will have to move on in my life...Work and earn some pennies? Stay or Go? PR application? I totally lost my direction...But one thing that I stand firm is that, I will never forget to EAT, because I'm da Food Monster...Muahaaa! Just like this...

Throat-burning curries@Curry Connection with (from left) YiXin, Darren, JJ!! YUMMY~

I will continue to get some guidance, advices, ideas from the people around me, including you! Yesh, its you! Hmm...will get back to you guys soon with some updates about our much long-waiting farewell steamboat dinner at my place tomorrow...Ok, till then, catch up with you guys soon...For the one who is still stressing with exams, GOOD LUCK! For those who is free-of-bound, just CHILL!! Take care, cheers...Summer is here~

Love,
Kev XOX

Kev's Wonder Recipe - Wonder Bread Pudding

2008-10-19T07:42:00.011+08:00

Heyo folks, how's it going? Hope all of ya are doing well...don't be too stress with works or studies...!! I've been rushing my heavy-loaded assignments, aiming to finish them before the Swotvac break (Study break for uni students)~ Aikkss, don't have much time to do revision...ooh ooo :-O!! I'm really flattered that someone did try out my recipe...feel so honoured here!! Let me introduce the FUN-Sized girl -->Nicole!! Thanks for that oo~

Why not we take this opportunity and put away all your tasks (just temporary), and savour something YUMMY! This post features one of my all-time favourite desserts --> Bread Pudding. The hot and fluffy soft texture with sign of crispiness, I'm gonna die for this...

Kev's Wonder Recipe - Wonder Bread Pudding

Ingredients:
A: White Bread - 1 Loaf (approx. 750g)

B: Peanut Butter/Fruit conserved (any choice of your liking)

C: Fine White Sugar - 100g
Butter - 300g
Milk - 200mL

D: Egg yolk - 3 (discard the egg white)
Vanilla Essence - 2 teaspoons (optional)

E: Dry/Fresh fruits or nuts

Procedures:
1. Firstly, spread a slice of bread with the peanut butter, with another plain bread stacking on it, and spread with the peanut butter, again stack with a plain bread. It is then formed a 3 bread block.
2. Remove all 4 sides of the bread edges (as it will affect the pudding texture), and then cut them into tiny cute square blocks.
3. Arrange those tiny bread blocks onto a baking dish, scatter with some raisin on top of the breads.
4. Mix together fine white sugar, butter and milk and cook with low heat. At the same time, add in the egg yolks (one at a time) and vanilla essence for more fragrance. Constant stirring is needed.
5. Pour the above mixture to cover all the bread cubes, make sure each of them is well-soaked with the delicious mixture.
6. Place the baking dish on top of a roasting pan filling with water to reach halfway ip to the sides of the baking dish. Bake for 40-50 minutes with 170 Celsius until it turns golden brown.
7. Let it cold down on a baking rack and serve immediately when it is still HOT...

P/S: The sugar content can be adjusted according to personal preference...feel free to 'mix n match'!! I'll bet you'll get addicted for such delicacy...hehe! It is always fun to do some baking yourselves at home...hope you guys can try this out when you need something to MUNCH!!

Alright, have to continue working on my LAST assignment as I will be heading for the BBQ session with all my usual gang later@ SouthBank...Its gonna be hot out there...Applying Sunblock is definitely a MUST...Till then, take care mates!

Love,
Kev XOX

MidSem2 08' Getaway - Toowoomba (27th Sept 08')

2008-10-03T06:22:00.035+08:00

Aikkss...I was being poked by JJ to update my procrastinating bloggie~ Yeap, I'm back here again to inform all of you about my status quo!! This post is specially written for the roadtrip we (WJ, PW, Alice, Michelle, JJ, little KC, Ernest and I) had to this well-known garden city - TOOWOOMBA!! The city has the flower festival every year in Spring season, only IF there isn't water restriction at the area~ For now, let's yumbayamba....haaa!

All the crew-members...ehh? No, WJ was the photographer, credits for him ;-P

Once we've got our private transport - Toyota Tarago, we began our long-haul journey straigh-away with me being the lone-driver...haa! Ernest was my man-made GPS despite having Jane (MK's favourite GPS device) to further help us in locating the exact landmarks and destination. It took us around 2 hours to reach the high-lanscape city...

See? Serious driver hay...must make sure the safety of all my passengers

Toowoomba i-centre - A must-stop place to get full information

Our first stop will be the biggest open-garden in the city - Queens Park Garden. I'll let those pictures speak on its own...

Queens Park Gardens - Time to fully utilise my dear Issie (IXUS-75)

Hot spring with delightful Brissy kids...

Flower carpets...

Below will be the vivid flower shots...Photos captured manually with Macro function and ISO-400 settings

Purple Blush...

Surrounding with TULIPS...Little KC and I

Love this photo particularly...From left: Me, JJ, WJ, Ernest, Lil KC, Alice and Michelle...aiks, PW was the photographer this time, applause for her, folks...!!

Yeap, following will be the photos captured in the 2nd garden with asian theme - Japanese Garden. The garden is situated beside the University of Southern Queensland.

Nice and serenity environment...

The crew-members for Toowoomba's FlowerFest 08' (srry WJ, you have to be the photographer for us, thanks!)

Finally, the ultimate complete crew members shot...

Nobody is happier than I am now...Woohoo~

But, nobody wants to be like him...

Little cute 'Puppy' statue, visited you 3 years ago and here I'm again...take care there...stay cute until my next visit oo...

Fragrant Lavender...sweetest thing in my heart~

Alright folks, this is my most "flowery" post I've ever had before, hope you guys enjoy this short and quick walkthrough to the garden city...
For more detailed experience, please visit JJ's bloggie...

Till then, I need to rush for my assignments...Not to forget to say welcome to those honourable guests from Newcastle (Joelene and others), happy to see all of you enjoying your Brissy trip so far...Take care, buddies!

Love,
Kev XOX

Kev's Wonder Recipe - Versatile Cupcake Base

2008-09-07T09:24:00.010+08:00

Hellooo...how's it going? Had about 6 hours of sleep but yet still feeling a bit lethargic, maybe I've had alcohol overdose? "Thanks" to my dear big sis - JJ for pouring nice wines into my "Magical Belly" yesterday! Of course, not to forget to thank Machi for her magnificent imported sake from Japan, YUMMY!! Having constant pressures from my fans (as if), I've decided to update my bloggie after a month's time...Yeap, welcome to my first ever Kev's Wonder Recipe post, have to thank JiaJi for suggesting this awesome bloggie idea!

As you can see from the title of this post, it is about my secret recipe that I really proud of...Haaa! I've even got the praise from the ever-experienced baker - Aunty Cindy when her trip to Brissy last month...I will churn out more brilliant and yummy recipe in the near future!! I have altered the baking ingredients needed by referencing to various basic butter cake recipes together with humble baking experiences, let's try it out:

Versatile Cupcake - Basic Recipe

Servings: 12 equal size cupcakes with standard baking tray

Ingredients:
Combo A:
150g butter
140g sugar
1 tsp of salt
270g self-raising flour

Combo B:
3 eggs
160mL milk
1 tsp of vanilla essence

Procedures:

Preheat the oven to 170 Celsius.
Melt the butter and put i n both sugar and salt, beat it until light and fluffy (where the butter mixture is sort of well-mixed).
Sift the flour with a sifter into the butter mixture and stir it well.
Add in the eggs one at a time and beat well (add the first egg then mix them well before adding the next one).
Add the milk simultaneously while folding the mixture at the same time.
Don't forget to scrape the bottom of the mixing bowl to make sure the batter is well-mixed.
Scoop the batter into muffin cups/tray until 70% of the column. Then bake at 170 Celsius for 45 minutes in the centre of oven until in turns golden colour. It is then ready if the skewer comes out clean from the middle of the cupcake.
Open the oven lid to half and leave the cupcakes sitting inside for 15 minutes before taking out to be served.
You can add any icing sugar or any of your favourite fruits as the topping. As for the locals here, they prefer to place a thick layer of sweet butter icing sugar with attractive decorations and colour...

Just like this...Birthday cupcakes for KhaiChin from Samantha's sis...SUPERB!!!

Hope all of ya try it out and feel free to give me some feedback, thanks...!! Aikss, its 15mins to 12noon, I need to catch up with my studies and presentation slides. Alright, that's all for today, will probably post up my latest creation - Fried Radish Cake's recipe as soon as I could, till then, take good care yoo!! Yea, anticipating John bro and Joelene to come over to Brissy, get yourselves some sunlight in this brilliant sunshine state!!

Love,
Kev XOX

Totally Carnivorous @ Handorf Inn Hotel - Adelaide (5th July 08')

2008-08-03T12:47:00.018+08:00

Harloo everyone, how's it going? After a long long "rest", I'm back here again to lighten up your day! Thanks to Nicole for asking me to be hardworking, won't procrastinating again, gal~ This post is about the yummy German cuisine I had during my winter trip to Addie (Adelaide)!! Really thanks to all my friends in Adelaide for your sweet hospitality for bringing me around, hunting for good food and sight seeing~ **Sorry for those vegetarians, this is for the Meat-Lovers**

Handorf is a prestigious tourist spot that most people would love to be there for a taste of Mediterranean exhilaration. The German descendant village is full of history, heritage and hospitality nestled in the picturesque Adelaide Hills.

The German town in Winter season

The members of the epicure team were: Ivan, Khai Jue, Chi Hou and I (all Penangites). Both Ivan and Khai Jue are my high-schoolmates in JSHS and we haven't met each others for so long since we left high school. Our mission objective was to "conquer" the Handorf Inn Hotel and fully transforming to be the REAL Carnivore....muahaha!! Here we go...

Let's have a sip of hot mocha in such cold weather - simply the BEST

The famous Handorf Inn Hotel@Handorf, Adelaide

Hassle-bassle in the shop...

Once we have settled in for our dining table, the waiter handed us a well-pictured menu with superb choices of food to be ordered. Of course, we have ordered all the signature dishes that the restaurant has to offer...Since we are dining in a German restaurant, we definitely won't miss the throat-soothing beers that are complement to the delicious dishes!!

Hofbrauhaus Munchen beers on tap for you to experience - "The Original Brew of Bavarian Kings!"

The 1st dish - A Taste of Germany Platter

The meats were so succulent and tender, accompanied with the crispy skin...Oh man, that's HEAVEN!! German sausages had its own uniqueness as various types of herbs were added into the minced meats...thumbs up!

The 2nd dish - Giant juicy pickled pork hock (knuckle)

The pork knuckles is another limelight of the day as the meat was so juicy. This dish is different from what we used to have in Chinese or Thai restaurants which is deep-fried version to have the crunchy and crispy texture. The pork knuckle was lightly seasoned and scalded in hot simmer water to preserve its original juiciness of the meat. The complemented sauerkraut (sour cabbage) and Rhine potatoes with mustard seeds sauce were the best side dishes to add another different taste and flavour to the meats...YUMM!

The 3rd dish - Handorf Inn's Char-Grilled Pork Ribs (1kg)

Hoho...we won't be a great carnivore without having these gigantic pork ribs to satisfy our hungry stomach. The pork ribs were served with the home-made garlic sauce, the crunchiness of the meat was another flavour-adding point to make the dish to be so tasty! Big mouthful of meats then "flowing" down a with big mouthful of beers, nothing can beat this...!!

Khai Jue, me, Ivan and Chi Hou (delighted to meet up the Penangites in Addie)

Its such a great experience to have fun with all of ya, bro!! Really looking forward in seeing all of ya again...take care, come over to Brissy anytime!! **Kev is craving for food and saliva keep dripping, :-P**

The wonderful rainbow cutting across the sky was a great endpoint for this dreamy meal...

For more information about the restaurant, please visit http://www.hahndorfinn.com.au/

Golden shiny sky at dusk - scenery from my window

Alright folks, it is all for today's post. Finally I've successfully to write up this post after such long slack!! Will have lotsa readings and assignments to catch up, till then, all the best to all of ya...CHEERS!!

Love,
Kev XOX

Gundam 00 - Gundam Throne Zwei

2008-07-11T13:45:00.012+08:00

Harlo everyone, I'm back from the ever-wonderful Adelaide city 2 days ago!! After being nagged for long by my friends to update my blog, so I'm here to write up new post reluctantly...Its probably have to blame on my tiredness! Guess what, I accompanied my tech-geek friend, JJ, to queue up for the long-waiting iPhone which had launched today!! Moreover, Australia and New Zealand are the first nations among other countries to enjoy the technological gadget, due to the differences in time zone! After a long, boring, full-of-shyness wait for around 4 hours, JJ has finally managed to sign up a 24-months iPhone 3G contract with only AUD$56 monthly charges and given an exclusive AUD$300 worth of credits!! She was jumping up high for joy...so excited huh, gal !! Well, for me, I am still appreciating my current Nokia 6270 and hope it can help me up for longer periods, thanks buddy! I guess everyone outthere is screaming out **softly** for the Adelaide photos? Err, I will post them up shortly, please be patience ya!!

Alright, from the topic of this post, you guys should know I'm writing up a special report for my newly arrival Gundam HG model - Gundam Throne Zwei!! The parcel has arrived at my place when I was still in Adelaide and gonna thanks to my neighbour, Dr. Fong, for keeping the parcel on my behalf ^^

The gundam model box - all the way from Japan!!

The pilot of the powerful machine - Micheal Trinity from the Trinity Family

The word Zwei means number 2 in German and there are total of three Gundam Throne (Eins, Zwei, Drei - 1, 2, 3). Hee...it just needed 1 and a half day to finish off the assembly process, I supposed it was less complicated than the Kyrios, let's have a look at the finished product...

The tough, versatile and close-combat ultimate machine

Gundam Throne Zwei with its purple GN-drive - Close view

Ready to rumble on the action base...

For more info about this masterpiece, please click on --->
Gundam Throne Zwei
I have two gundam model on my desk now: Zwei is on my left hand side while Kyrios is on my right side...YEA, there are such a great decor to light up my day...haaa!!

Yeap, that's all for today, I'm so tired now, woke up at 7am early morning. *YAWN* Will be right back as soon as possible for the Adelaide posts, no worries pals...take care!!

Love,
Kev XOX

Food Expedition in Adelaide...

2008-07-04T06:21:00.012+08:00

Hallo folks, how's it going? Deeply apologize for my laziness and procrastination in writing posts, have been busy eating :-P!! The Sem 1, 2008 has finally came to an end, lots of my friends are graduating in this semester, huh, gonna miss all of them. Just realise I'm no longer that young, childish, nor stubborn like before as I need to be the person that is 23 years old. Well, I will continue to improve as a responsible student, as a good mummy's boy, as a friendly buddy for all my mates **Sniggering**

Yeap, I'm gladly that I'm proceeding to my last sem of my current study, hmm, its been a long long time ago ever since I stepped on this Aussie land!! It will be my 3rd year here to enjoy the 4 seasonal country with lots of Kangoroo hooping around...haa!

Oh yea, please have a look at all my birthday pictures that are taken during my 3-days long birthday feast...haa!! Err, Jess, I'm kinda lazy to describe the sumptuous dinner we had together but it is no doubt one of the greatest dining experience I ever had before...heee!! Really thanks and bow to all of ya for making my birthday to be so SPECIAL...let's chill~

Have a sneak peak on my birthday cakes:

Thanks JY, Penny, SL for the decoration efforts...cute little Butter-shortbread man!!

Thanks JJ, Clara, ZZ and Lena for the seducing Baci cheesecake from Shingle Inn...YUMM!

Catch all my other photos here in "My 23rd birthday celebration":
Part 1 ; Part 2

Dusk sky at Southbank...it is so vividly colourful, just simply the best!

Yeap, another half an hour to begin my food expedition being a truly epicurean in Adelaide...Just can't wait to savor the succulent meats, sweet & fluffy pastries, indulge myself in the world of FOOD...;oP !! Alright, I really need to get going as I haven't done packing my luggage, gonna catch a bus to city...take good care, pal ! I promise I will be back soon after I'm back from the wonderful food heaven...Till then, good luck and cheers!! ;-)

Love,
Kev XOX

Go, Socceroos!! Aust VS. Iraq match @ SunCorp Stadium (1st June 08')

2008-06-06T09:05:00.019+08:00

Harlooo...finally my ADSL2+ internet has got back to its full speed, yippie, enjoy the storming fast browsing speed. With less than a week of time, I need to boost up my revision works to be fully prepared for the exam. Aiks, must FOCUS on books, lecture notes, practice exams, can't slack anymore ya!! **Sry KC, will be kind of neglecting you but its just temporary, i will try my best to get back to you ASAP, just enjoy trip back home and help me to EAT please!!**

Yeap, as I have mentioned above, this post is about the fabulous worldcup qualifying match for Asia region countries, where Aussie were battling with Iraq (the former Asian Cup champion) for 3 important points in their group stage qualifying round. It is sort of chance of lifetime to have the match held in Brissy because most of the big games are always carried out in bigger cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Thanks to Queensland's Premier and Sports Minister for their efforts to bring such blockbuster match for brissy lads to enjoy!!

We (JZ, Ernest, Jocelyn and I) caught an exclusive train from Toowong train station for the match at SunCorp Stadium (beside Milton train station) with free public service if the football match ticket is shown to the officers. Cool huh...free rides, mates!!

Crazy huge crowds heading to the match of fame...

Largest stadium in Queesland...with capacity to fit 52,000 people

From left: Jocelyn, Ernest, me and JZ - An aussie at the back trying to squeece into our pic...haa~

As it was my 1st time in my life to watch a live soccer match in a stadium, I was so amazed with the atmosphere and the ampleness of the smooth and silky turf...

3 match referees and players from 2 nations were warming up...

The Aussie supporter bay...

Posing infront of the football field...

With concession ticket worth of AUD$35, we managed to get a place at such high altitude view...

The battling teams were lining up to sing their national anthemes...Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh and FIFA President, Sepp Blatter were there to witness the honourable match!!

I was wondering if I couldn't have clear view of the whole ground but it was surprisingly apparent enough to see the player dribbling...All the star players except Mark Viduka, Tim Cahill, Lucas Neil, John Aloisi, Archie Thompson were there to compete for their kangaroo country!! Of coz, my favourite Harry Kewell (former Liverpool FC midfielder) with his valuable oversea experiences has no doubt deserved the captaincy for Socceroos!! The conspicuous player with his outstanding dribbling, handling and passing skills was the limelight of the night!!

Soon after the match get started, Iraq has threatening the Socceroos' goal post but luckily the iron-willed Mark Schwarzer was there to deny all the scoring chances...!! Both sides missed a string of scoring opportunites in the first half. Just 2 minutes after the second half of the match started, the former Liverpool star has headed the free-header ball delivered by Brett Emerton and crossed past Iraqi goalkeeper Noor Sabri. The whole stadium has immediately turned out to be a pandemonium, everyone was so delighted of that goal!!

Socceroos members celebrating Harry's goal...

Australia has dominated possession but had to withstand a storming finish from Iraq, who had three clear chances in the closing minutes. At about 7.30pm, the match referee has blown the fulltime whistle and Socceroos have grabbed the vital 3 points with the final score of 1-0. The Aussie team coach Pim Verbeek was satisfied with Socceroos performance but with a promise to bring out the best of the team eventually along the qualifying matches.

Harry was approached by match commentators for post-match analysis...

I thought it was a really great experience to have watched the live soccer match even though the exam is just around the corner...aiks...will strive hard to prepare and get through of the upcoming 4 TOUGH papers!! Alright, its 12.10pm noon, its time for me to get my stomach satisfied before it grumbles...wahaaa...take good care and all the best to all of ya out there. I'll be back shortly!! Cheersss, mates!!!

Love,
Kev XOX

Ernest's 21st Birthday (23rd May 08')

2008-05-24T13:30:00.011+08:00

Harlo everyone...such an embarrassment for me to greet u guys here...haven't been blogging for quite some time :p As you know, busy with assignments **sniggering** I've been so restless these days as keep giving myself pressures to finish all the assignments up...finally handed in my last assignment of the sem on Thursday!! Becoming a big panda boy...need some facial sessions, sounds so lame...haha!

Arh, talking about Thursday, I've been awaken ever since 4am the day before to watch the UEFA Champ League battle between MU and Chelsea. As I'm not supporting both teams, so remained neutral to enjoy pure soccer!! In the end, I have no choice but to congratulate MU for crowning in the Europe!! Hope my fav Barca will be back on its winning track again...I've faith in you, buddy!! On that same day, I had my late class, as usual, its until 10pm...aiksss!! After reached home, I straight away headed to have my comfortable late shower. **Opps, sorry KC, promised not to have late shower d, such a restive boy arh**.

Emilyn, Jess, JZ and I had planned out something evilish for Ernest's birthday surprise. About 10mins to 12am, all the members had gathered at my place without telling Ernest in the first place .

3 'wicked' fellas with the birthday cake...

Just sharp at 12am, I started the whole event by going into Ernest's room and told him that I was starving...any food to fill up my stomach?! Ernest apologised to me as he didn't prepare any food for me since I've classes till 10pm...Then, the rest of the members just appeared at Ernest's room and started singing birthday song. Ernest was so astonished to see everyone here...

Big reaction from that birthday boy...

He never expected that we would celebrated his birthday because it was so late and everyone was so exhausted after a long uni day...By giving the same reason that I'm so hungry, he quickly urged everyone to go down to kitchen and cut the cakes for everyone...

Yummy rum&coffee flavoured sponge cake from French Patisserie (Thanks Emilyn and Jess)

The birthday boy...formally an adult huh....

Happy moment...(Ernest, Emilyn, Jess, me and JZ in his MU jersey)

Hoho, being a food monster and dessert lover, its so fast that i've slurped in 2 slices of 'sinful' cake...normally I try to control myself not to eat anything after 11pm, haaa!! Ernest then thanked everyone for putting such efforts to celebrate his birthday!! Just about an hour, we had done with all the cleaning works. Emilyn, Jess and JZ then left our house by greeting goodnite to each others...Yesh, finally I managed to go to bed after such a long day!!

The hard works were worthwhile afterall, Ernest was so delighful!! Thanks again for everyone to have this evilish plan successfully executed. Alright, gotta get myself prepared for the birthday dinner later at Valley...catch up with you guys later...take good care, people...;-)

Love,
Kev XOX

Rainbow Beach@Sunshine Coast - Part 2

2008-04-04T13:50:00.019+08:00

Harlo harlo, its a sunny yet windy day! Everyone out there is so actively doing outdoor sports, which makes me feel envious! Aikks, you have to sacrifice in order to get something you dream of, right? Hope my leg recovers ASAP and I will get to go outside and have fun like others do!!

Like a piece of ART, don't you think so?

Yeap, let me continue our roadtrip to the ever-beautiful rainbow beach at sunshine coast! Just after our lunch at KinKin hotel, Issac has decided to pull himself off from the trip for safety reason and PW's bro - Wei Jian has volunteered himself to accompany Issac all the way back to Brissy...Wah, such a great housemate huh (Issac, WeiJian, PW and Belle are staying under the same roof).

KinKin Country Life Hotel...Get some beer, mates?

The Aussie Choppers!!

So, here we go, 2 rented cars left to continue our adventure! There were 4 pessengers (KF, KF's dad, Ernest and PW) in my car along the way to rainbow beach. The three huge piggies were dozing off at the back and 'keep asking' me to join them into their 'amazing' dreams~ Luckily KF's dad was beside me to discuss all the funny stories in car learning center, now I know lotsa secrets!! **JPJ, you ain't that good...whaahah!!** XD

After a straight 2 hours of drive, we finally made it to the well-known beach!!

That's the Pacific Ocean, but where's the bikinis?! :P

No bikinis but monkeys JUMPING!!!

We got to know another main tourist spot from the locals there, its called the SandBlow~~

Just like a dessert~

Nice dusk view from the SandBlow...

All of us just fooling around, playing the multicoloured sands...yeah, this is the best appreciation ever...listening to the wind blowing sound and watching the sky getting dark gradually!!

Can't get to go there? Just 'CLICK' it....hehe!!

Cute cloud doggy, see that?!

Yea, that's our 1day trip to Sunshine coast...KF's dad is also a great food eater as he knows lots of places with yummy food...Its so nice to have such yummilicious and mouth-watering conversations with him along the way back to Brissy!!

Alright, time for Ernest and I to cook a feast for friends as they are coming over to our place to have dinner later...have to get myself prepared !! Cya folks, have a great weekend!

Love,
Kev XOX

Rainbow Beach@Sunshine Coast - Part 1

2008-04-02T08:32:00.018+08:00

Aloha all, its 2nd of Apr today!! Arh, it signifies that my assign's due date is approaching...can someone please help me out with that? Hee...being a lazy and procrastinating young lad (I'm still young, right?), gotta keep myself more organized this sem...

Oh ya, the Easter break has just passed, some of you would wonder what have I done during the holidays...The answer is ---> Assignment Week!! But, I did manage to escape from the boredom and went over for a road trip up north to Sunshine Coast with gang of friends on 22nd March 08'...woohooo!! I want to see sunshine and bikinis....:-P !!

3 Awesome cars to 'send' us to the paradise... Issac's Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Tiida & Hyundai Elantra (both rented from Europcar)

Our trip route was going up north via M1 highway then connected to Bruce Highway straight to Rainbow Beach. For your info, M1 highway is Australia's coastal highway joining Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria states. It needs to drive for 1000km from Brisbane to Sydney by using this stretch of highway. The 1st stop was the Glasshouse Mountains Point Lookout. The Glasshouse Mountains consist of 5 major peaks.

Glasshouse Mountains Point Lookout...

Ernest and I with the highest peak among Glasshouse Mountains

But, things turned bad when Issac's car had a gearbox failure and we were trapped in the middle of jungle. KF's dad, who is an experienced instructor for car learning center, has tried his best to get the car driving to the nearest town to seek for mechanic.

The anxious Issac...What is he going to do?

The agony of every roadtrip

We reached a small town named Kin Kin and managed to get the local mechanic to get the car fixed. It was 2pm and everyone has yet to have some food to keep the stomach silent, so we decided to stop by and had our lunch. Kin Kin is little town where we can sample the farmlife pictures...Mooo...lots of separated farms with sheep and cow herds...

Ernest, KF, HW, Belle and I with herds of cow...

As a gluttony and always hunger for more, awesome food will always on the eating list...

Special pork chop berger with chips...

Beer-battered Fish & Chips with garden salad and homemade Tar-Tar dipping sauce

All the hungry munchies...

The comparison between 'BIG' & 'SMALL'....Delicious!!

Arh, looking at the yummy and attractive food photos, my stomach starts growling for food! Time for lunch here, then have to continue to work on my assignments!! I will be back for part 2 as soon as possible, so please stay tune...Catch ya later~~ Have a wonderful day!

Love,
Kev XOX

Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Gundam Kyrios

2008-03-15T21:54:00.013+08:00

Harloo...

Its a wonderful night especially get to catch up with friends, moreover at someone's 21st birthday party!! I was kinda exhausted as I've gone to city to meet up my ex-coursemates for lunch...Yummilicious Japanese sushi at Hanaichi, wow...that's absolutely the BLAST for the day! Once I've reached home, I gotta rushed to prepare for tonight's Lisuan birthday party...That's her 21st birthday party, wish her all the best throughout the year!! I've cooked the requested 'Creamy mushroom angel hair pasta'! Hee, luckily it managed to satisfy everyone's stomach...

Yeap, its been a quiet day as my housemate, Ernest has joined up the field trip to Lamington National Park (near GoldCoast)!! As you can see at the title of this post, I'm gonna write about one of my favourite anime series --> Mobile Suit Gundam 00. This anime is really famous and hot all around the world with several subtitles...cool huh?!

Celestial Being Gundam Pilots - Setsuna, Allelujah, Lockon, Tieria

I'm gonna picked Allelujah for this current post as I've bought the Gundam Kyrios's 1/144 HG figure, brought it all the way from Penang and assembled here in Brissy as my housewarming decoration!!

Allelujah with his gundam machine

The box cover from Bandai...

Let's rock, Kyrios in Action position...

Near shot with Macro function...fine and detailed structure

Kyrios in Flight position...Transform!!

Hee, can't wait to get another one in the near future but its kinda hard to get gundam figures here in Brissy...will have to do some research about it then....

Oh yea, just a sneak peak of my housewarming party held few weeks ago...too lazy to put them up...hehee, so just enjoy abit at the time being...hee!!

All the happy people warming out my house...heee

From left: Me, KF, ZW, HW, Sailo and PW --> where is JZ?

Here he is...The all-time MU supporter...cheers mate~

Will definitely be a good boy to upload these pictures as soon as possible...haaa...been too busy lately **trying to get a good reason**!! Yeap, can't wait to meet KC up and 1 year is counting down from now...haaa~ Hey folks, have a great weekends out there, take good care there...Nitez **Kev with even smaller eyes**

Love,
Kev XOX

Happy Chinese New Year 2008 - Part 2

2008-02-18T13:27:00.018+08:00

Hohoo...Its really a hot day in Penang! Its Monday, 18 Feb 2008, I will have 3 days remaining till the day going back to Brissy!! Honestly, I would love the living style and culture back in M'sia but not working life though...Really hope the upcoming nation election can improve local living quality which is beneficial througout all the generations, provide more job vacancies for new & freshie graduates and prolong the unity of all the Malaysians plus indigenous races!! Time isn't there to wait for people, in contradictory, people should learn how to manage time and appreciate them by heart!! Like myself, I have at least used it to meet up all my best buddies, mates...**AS IF**

Firstly, my trip down to KL for chinese new year has given me the opportunity to meet up Joey for lunch @ The Curve!! The Curve shopping mall is attached with the gigantic cinema mall named CineLeisure and the bazaar stalls are another main attraction for the famous hang-out place! We decided to dine our lunch at a Swiss restaurant called Marche. The restaurant has used a fresh-market concept to present the customers with fresh & tasty feeling, having their meals hassle-free.

Interior of Marche Swiss restaurant...

Seafood Fettuccine with creamy white sauce...YUMM!!

Of coz, the super dessert has completed the whole course of meals...

Devilish Tiramisu with shredded dark chocolates...

Secondly, my trip back Penang this time is also a special one as I've managed to meet up KC during the CNY days...We are both studied in the same secondary school but we never know each others until my winter trip to Melbourne in year 2006. It is such a coincidence where we were in the same local trip to The Great Ocean Road. We were like...."AHHH, you're from JSHS, don't you?" Its such a laughter when we both talked about it again...

KC's favourite - The Ginger Bread Man

Wahaa...The monstrous Ginger Bread Man...

We spent the day at KC's house, chatting & learning photo-taking lessons (with Macro & Colour Accent feature). She was so amazed with the feature and find it so interesting, haa! Yeap, I like the feature as well, especially when u want to take some near object with blur vision at its background...that's what we called 'ART'!!!

Macro mode - Caltex glass as the main focus object

Colour Accent Mode - Only sensitive to Gold, Yellow and Green colour elements...

Another sample with Colour Accent Mode - My favourite " The ruins of St. Paul, Macau"

Alright, today is 21st Feb (Thursday), also Chap Goh Meh - The 15th day of CNY! Feel so fortunate to have the chance to come back for 2 months vacation...Arh, don't feel like to go back Brissy but still have to accept the truth and cherish the time we have with family members, friends, of course not forgetting all the yummilicious Penang authentic cuisines!! Okay, will keep in touch with you guys, its 10.55am now, gotta recheck my luggages...See you back in Brissy, mates...Have a great day!!!

Love,
Kev XOX

Happy Chinese New Year 2008 - Part 1

2008-02-17T13:46:00.010+08:00

Harlooo....

Its really been a WHILE since my last post hay...if memory serves me right, that's will be ever since LAST YEAR!! Wah, time flies...I've back to Penang for 2 months + 1 day!! Gosh, what have I done so far?! Just purely EAT without doing anything that is beneficial?? ><"" Nono, U're WRONG! At least I did travel down to KL, working in dad's office for a month, accompany family for N times (:D), met all my best buddies in CLP and IG and etc. Here's some attached pictures to keep ourselves delighted even during stressed and busy days...

Let's start off with the ever pinkish skyline at dawn....Just love it~

All my best ever buddies known since primary school time, cheers matess!! Too bad AhPin wasn't there...

'New' Kids on da block...haaa~ Yoyoyo...

Gotta say sorry to them as I didn't make it for the annual gathering trip in last July...That's my bad, but at least I did please u guys with super duper big bottle of redwine...wahahaha~ All crazy alcoholics...

Why CNY has been so important among chinese throughout all age levels? Haaa... For small, young and big children (like I do) would definitely answer with the ecstatic red packet or Ang Pao in Mandarin!! These red packets were believed to protect the elderly from having sickness!! For elders or married person, it will be a headache festival season as they need to distribute these packets for people like us...wahaha!

Another reason is that CNY is somehow the only time for every relatives or families to gather and share some stories and gossips....haaa~ I personally love reunion dinner lots...get to eat all those yummmy food~ Food monster reincarnation!

My whole family and relatives (mum's side) in KL

Shu Yi, Cheng Yi and I...Look at that cute boy in the middle~ All the cousins went over to Bangsar for a chilling drinks while simply chatting about ourselves...working stories, some sense of humour stories, had fun for that night!!

Hope I will be coming back soon to catch up with all my cousins again, till then, please do take care of yourselves, wish all of you best of luck and happy as always do...!! Yeap, that's my short and simple CNY post part 1, just stay tune for 2nd post...Weeee~~

Love,
Kev XOX

Last bloggie in Brissy of Year 2007

2007-12-15T10:25:00.000+08:00

Arlooo...You'll be weird why would I say "I'm feeling happy right now"?! Heee, it's because I am GOING HOME tomorrow!! Yippie yayay!! Gonna thanks to all my fellow buddies, mates, buddies and coursemates, really appreciate all the things that have done so far in this year, will try my best to keep improving to become "Kev-al-mighty"~!!! Haaa...

This year has featured lots of nice and wonderful moments, for example:
1. My awesome trip to Perth in Winter 07:

Click "Perth Winter Trip 1" & "Perth Winter Trip 2" for more photos and details!

2. My Graduation Convo at UQ

Click "Graduation Convo" for more photos and details!

3. My 1st time to public auto exhibition at Brisbane

Click "AutoSalon Car Exhibition" for more photos and details!
Heee, I guess some of those 'colourwolves' out there must be drooling now...!

4. My 1st "World" in Gold Coast - Dream World

Click "DreamWorld" for more photos and details!
There are 4 famous 'Worlds' in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Australia at the moment, namely Movie World, Sea World, Dream World and White Water World. I also went to White Water World in the beginning of Dec, but I haven't uploaded those pics yet :-P

Yeap, I've just shifted to new place for next semester and helped out with friends on their house-moving missions as well~ Later will have to help Pei Weon out to move her stuffs into her new place, hahaa, see ---> I'm so helpful and FRIENDLY **Yakkksss!**

Ooh ya, finally we made it to have a gathering lunch together with all TIMS7317 coursemates, err not all but our "Optimus Prime" Darren, "Cut-cut Princess" Jenny and all time "Food Monster" Kev were there to have a BLAST~

Darren, me and Jenny @ Pane e Vino Italian Restaurant

Recently, few of my friends have graduated at UQ too, wish them all the best in their future career life, be happy as always, gotta miss you guys here!!

Sam's Graduation (Kuan, Sam's mummy, Sam and I)

Alright, time to go now, will be flying off to my great and wonderful hometown --> Penang tomorrow morning!! Can't wait to be back at home, miss all of ya lots...Till then, wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! Cheers~

Lofty X'mas Tree@ Brisbane City

Love,
Kev XOX

Its all about FAITH...

2007-11-28T19:56:00.000+08:00

Harloo, today is being officially called up as the end of Sem 2, 2007 for UQ students. Life being a 1st year of postgrad student (haha), its nonetheless feeling quite anxious and exciting like all the freshies do...LOL. Yeap, just got my result for 1st sem as business student, hmm, still need to put in more effort...haaa!! Still feeling kinda tired after my short yet exhilarating trip to Sydney...had a serious sunburnt, i don't think most of ya can immediately recognize me already...!! **Kev is feeling sad**

Alright, back to our main topic today, its about :"FAITH" !! This is kinda abstract thing to be believed in and yet it is so bizarre till we have to really admit its presence. This has to begin with a short story...During my last sem for BSc course few months ago, I had chosen an elective psychology course. I've managed to know Samantha (or Jou) as we had the same tutorial class. Just after the exam period, I've lost contact with her, without any hints on finding her back. Haa...

After few months later, I've got to know that Sam is actually SiewWei's cousin when we chat about her. Then, finally we had the chance to have a dinner together before Sam's departure back to M'sia. Somehow, Sam is also Ernest and Jess's best friend~~Haaa...the world is so small, all my friends are being linked to each other until we discover it slowly with time passes by...Therefore, we must always appreciate all our friends and everyone has to have commitment in keeping contact with each others and no taking for granted attitude is allowed!! Heee....

Italian Style @ Vino - Chicken pasta, Marinara Fettuccine and Fungi Risotto

The all-time food monster (Kev, its me)

From left: Sam, ChoongYi, SiewWei

All da munchiesssss....

Somehow, I managed to meet up another highschool classmate (ZiMing) who is now studying in NZ, came over to Brissy to visit JZ few days before. It was so coincidently to meet up with her when I went over to JZ place to have some chit-chat....haaaa...I really cherish those 'faith' that we have now and hope our friendships can last forever....Heee~ Take care pals, till then, will update more frequent from now onwards.

Love,
Kev XOX

My Sweetieee...

2007-11-10T12:51:00.000+08:00

Yooo, its been a month and 15 days since I last blogged!! No choice but have to concentrate on uni stuffs....sounds like a good student hayyy...!! Haa! Just had a paper this morning, now anticipating for the last 1 to come...of course, gotta work hard as well.

My brain is just simply not working mostly because 'lack of good food', so decided to post up something here...haa!! This post will be writing about my recent life updates. It is mostly about my newly added sweetie that will accompany me for some time, let's welcome my Canon IXUS 75....heee!!

My babie with 'monstrous' SD memory card...

'She' will give me a BIG hand in recording some wonderful memories

Heaps of thanks, buddy!! FujiFilm A310....!!

Yeap, a 2GB memory card will allows me to shoot and store up to 3500 pics if setting to normal picture quality!! Below is the sample pic taken by Ixus 75...very fine with true colour....obviously, its about my newly found snack, Pocky Mousse (fully imported from Japan)

Pocky Mousse - Tiramisu & Maccha (Green Tea Flavour)

Oh Yea, gotta thanks to my TIMS7317 groupmates for the awesome group works throughout the semester!!

From left: Darren, Me, Jenny, Eva, Kim

Fooling around in da class....!! "Pinch, Pinch!"

ALright, its 3.20pm here, big sun has again appeared....arhh, its so hot here~~ Still 1 more paper to go, must put some effort as well....heee, after that will be my ULTIMATE EATING trip....wohooo....good luck for all the people who's having exam out there, good luck in all the undertakings as well...Take care!

Love,
Kev XOX

Cha Cha Char@ Riverside (30th Aug 07')

2007-09-24T21:47:00.000+08:00

Harloooo...finally i get to have a short yet satisfied break after all the restless days and nights!! It will be a week off for all the uni students...but basically its just an assignment week for me to catch up with the remaining assignments...arhhh~ Headacheeee...!! Due to ah Joe's alarming reminder to update my bloggie, I decided to post up something that happened ages ago...haaa

Why are we working hard for these days? In order to 'survive', 'live' in these 'materialistic' world, blah blah...lots more reasons which could be important than that!! For me, I seriously think that its 'Live to EAT' reason....haaa~ Such a glutton me...yummy

Interior of ChaChaChar restaurant, award-winning fine-dining steakhouse

As you can see, that's the interior setting of the restaurant at Riverside, Brisbane city...It is situated at Eagle St. Pier where all those high-class and quality restaurants, pubs...hohoooo...It was also part of welcoming lunch for JJ's great friend, Adeline who is working as a pharmacist in Adelaide at the moment...Once she reached our place after a 4-hour flight, we just headed straight to the 'dream dining' place to satisfy our stomachs...

In-house deco...modernized art

Wagyu Rump - Grain fed cow

T-Bone - Grass fed calf

Scotch Fillet - Grain fed calf (Award-winning steak in Brisbane)

All 3 main courses were ordered to prepare in medium-rare, that's really ecstatic when you had your first bite! You can immediately feel the tenderness and natural flavour of the greatly char-grilled piece of creation...The beef wasn't hard and dry at all, it still retain the moist, matched superbly with the sauces and freshly-ground pepper...

Heee...its the most anticipating time for dessert-lovers like 3 of us...

Finger-licking good...Above: Chocolate Fondant; Down: Fresh Lemon Tart

Choc Fondant with Raspberries sorbet and choc puddings

The dessert were the lime-light of the day that put a well 'full-stop' for our 'taste-budding session'!! I really like the deco of those dessert, immediately spared a special space in our stomach to welcome these yummilicious 'after-meal delights'...

Happy mates (Adeline and JJ)

You're always welcome to come over to visit us more oftenly, Adeline...hehee!! Looking forward to go Adelaide next time to continue hunting my 'divine' food life...YEAH!!

For more info about the restaurant, please visit http://www.chachachar.com.au/home.html

Time to bed for now, so tired after working, hee! Somehow i feel hungry after seeing all these pics... **Kev is drooling~ Bye for now, folks, take care~!

Love,
Kev XOX

BookWorming Day~

2007-09-06T09:09:00.000+08:00

Aloooo....its so cold down here, such a cold-spring time! I've an off today as I don't need to go for classes, works! The piggy JJ is still sleeping, somehow she is already late to go lab~ Hehe. Hey folks, please welcome my all-new moussie---> VX Revo

Travel from one end to another with ease, together with feature packed buttons, HAPPY**

It is time for me to catch up with some info research...Just realized that I haven't really done enough info searching after the group meeting 2 days ago...ARHHH >_<"" Therefore, I've decided to get myself 'immersed' in the world of knowledges ---> UQ & Brisbane State Library!! Haa...here's what I need to 'digest' before next meeting...

The mighty Aussie Government's Science & Innovation Policies

Super-duper thick 'collection of papers'

Heee...not all those boring stuffs for me this 'Food Monster'....definitely accompanied with some entertaining yet intriguing COOKBOOKS....wahahaha....

From Top: JamieO, AntonioCarluccio's Pasta and EatArt

Jamie's way of cooking...FUN and YUMMY!!

Antonio's pasta recipes...simple yet delicious way to make good pasta~!

The Art of Eating...EatART

Sometimes, friends often ask me why you need to use up some time in food decorating? It will be the same mixed when you get them down into your tummy? I always reply them with "Food decoration is an important point add-up step, diners will be delighted to see their even 'humble' food could be 'king-like' delicacies in which further enhance their dining experiences!!" Haaa, speak like a chef huh?! But i really love to EAT!

Alright, its time for me to cook for lunch before starting my read-up later...We need energy, thus we need FOOD! XD Take care there....till then.

Love,
Kev XOX

Special Guest to Brissy~! (9th Aug 07')

2007-08-16T13:46:00.000+08:00

Yo...lazy bum-bum Kev is back here! Been too tiring for lectures, seminars, tutorials, group discussions, works....you name it, I'll have it here~ Just back from work and decided to blog for a while...

Its about the 'GRAND' visit by YueHan from S'pore. He and I used to hang out together with other mates during our college life in Inti Int. College Penang (IICP). That's so called the '4 Musketeers' - YueHan, Jason, AhPao and I. Jason is in Melbourne while AhPao is in Perth to pursue their studies. YueHan has done with his undergrad degree in Biotechnology in Monash KL. Guess what? He is now a super duper SIA air steward...Woohoo...!

Its me and YueHan (still that muscular since ever before)

YH used to study his 1st year in Brissy at QUT (Queensland Uni. of Technology) about 2 years ago...Being study alone here, he can't resist the homesickness despite having LOTS of friends esp. girl friends...SMIRK**~ Thus, he decided to shift everything back home during the time i came over here to continue my undergrad studies...What a 'coincidence'....!! This time, he was a visitor to brissy and also his 1st official airflight service for SIA~! Definitely a sanguining experience for him!

Long-life Penangites (Me, YH, Dylan and Sam)

Lily with all the Penangites - I, YH, Dylan, Ailene and Sam

Of course, he made good use of his 1 day stay in Brissy by meeting up his dear 'girl friends'!! Haa...those were his great friends that he has known during his study life here back 2 years ago~ How happy he was...keke~

Steamboat dinner...yumm!

At the same time, we got to know Lily during lunchtime meet-up! She is originally from Taiwan, also a SIA air stewardess that on-service in the same flight as YH. Yippie, will have another local guide when my visit to Taiwan next time...I felt so honoured to have the chance to take photograph together with 2 nice and friendly SIA air-steward and stewardess. **Kev is happy**

Me, Lily and YH (Welcome to on board and thanks for flying with Singapore Airlines)

Best buddy ever!! Cheers~

Even though the direction of our dream and future is different, but I'm sure our ironed friendship will remain immutable...I sincerely wish you all the best throughout your career and hope to meet you up as soon as possible in the future, take care, YueHan!!

Invigoration~ Keep going...

2007-08-09T21:08:00.000+08:00

Halo...its 9 minutes past 11pm here, haha...Just started my new casual work as food preparer at Fancy's Fillings...not bad, suits me as I'm a gluttony as always! Haa...

Here's a nice song that reflects my current feeling and situations...Sometimes we are not the same internally in relation to our external look...hee~ Must keep on motivating ourselves to get things going on till they reach their goals...cheers man!! **Kev is sleepy -_- ~

The song title: Garbage - You Look So Fine

WATT Modern Dining @ NewFarm, Brisbane - 29th July 07'

2007-08-01T20:53:00.000+08:00

Hiyo! Been busy for the past few days...had a consecutive 6 hours of lectures yesterday plus an hour of tutorial today! Back to uni life, O.o ! Thought this kind of life could put on a temporary full-stop, but it seems that I still need to work harder again and no more procrastination especially in dealing with those headache yet 'lovely' assignments...

Okie, let's talk about FOOD matters to ease our heavy-stressed life, regardless working and studying life...hee~ It was 29th July, Sunday, JJ, Clara and I have decided to have a great lunch together as to celebrate my recent graduation! Haa...I get to know about this restaurant from travel websites and official Queensland Tourism website. The ever famous restaurant was the winner of the 'Restaurant and Caterers' inaugural Best Al Fresco Restaurant category for both 2004 and 2006.

Its a restaurant that provide fine dining, so already expect the food will cost a blast...Let's explore what's so special-->

Za'atar spiced lamb rump on gorgonzola polenta with wilted spinach & thyme jus (Medium cooked) - AUD$32.50 (~ RM97.50)

Starting with the 1st dish, the word 'gorgonzola polenta' (yellow triangle crispy block) immediately caught my attention. After having a bite of it, the texture is like fried cream croquette. According to JJ, gorgonzola is a kind of cheese while polenta is made of boiled cornmeal. The lamb is mediumly cooked thus still contains the original and freshness of meat juice...Absolutely thumbs up with it when you have a bite, together with the sauce provided...

Crispy skinned atlantic salmon with saffron kipfler potatoes, coriander & spicy chorizo - AUD$33.50 (~ RM100.50)

The atlantic salmon has been cooked in an interesting way...The chefs have done a great job by frying the skin of the salmon block until crisp...and accompanied with some herbs plus the ever fragrance Chorizo which is pork sausage that used dried, smoked red peppers for colouring purposes!

Pan seared pork loin with 'budgi werri' prunes, celeriac puree & apple & raisin chutney - AUD$34.50 (~ RM103.50)

The 3rd dish seems kinda normal on its outlook yet extrusive when you have tasted the tenderness of the pork. It is just so soft until you can't imagine it is actually pork loin...The use of dried fruits like prunes, apple and raisin for making the Chutney has been an innovative step involved in food preparing...

The Three Epicureans (JJ, Clara and I) - Delightful

WATT has successfully acquired modern ideas and incorporate into their dishes...Stuffs that originally use in other purposes have amalgamated with our daily food products and turn into 'God's creations'! Simply thumbs up for that...I've included into my 'Food Monster' list and will definitely visit again in the future...

Before the main dishes, we have also ordered an Entree: Freshly shucked pacific oysters with 'WATT' patrick & crispy pancetta which is cost AUD$18.50 (~ RM 55.50) and a side dish: Chips with garlic aioli - AUD$6.50 (~ RM 19.50). Therefore, the total bill for the fine lunch was AUD$125.50 (~ RM 376.50) with standard exchange rate in which AUD$1 to RM3. Hee...

For more information, please visit WATT's website --> http://www.watt.net.au

In exchange with the elating dining experiences, my wallet, had suffered 'worst drought' ever~ OMG, someone please help me~!! Just after the lunch, I immediately headed back home and baked a cake to satisfy my 'glutton and bloated' stomach...

Strawberry Butter cake...

Yumm, but I think the cake's texture is kinda hard as I've overbaked for another 5 mins...haaa...will definitely make it better next time...

That's all for my big day?! NOT YET....

Baked Cheesy Cupcake - Rich in cheese...woot O.o

'Thanks' to both Clara and JJ, for giving me this sinful rich cheesy cupcake to satisfy my tummy...I guess I need to work out for extra few hours to compensate with all the calories and fats intake....hahaaa

Haa...Its almost time for me to do some revision before going to bed...Till then, have a good one, guys and gals...!

Frosties - The adorable doggie...

2007-07-31T20:29:00.001+08:00

Hoho, I'm back in less than 2 hours since the last post! Record huh, Joe? Keke...My new postgraduate course has been started since last Monday (23rd July), just 3 days after my undergraduate convocation !! I also feel its little bit too fast without enough of break...Hmm, that's my decision, gotta sacrifice for that to achieve my dreams...hahaa~

Yeap, Mabel (great friend from S'pore) had flied back to S'pore for good just a day after her convocation too...She left her 'gal gal' - Frosties behind as she is still applying for the permit to transport her dear doggie to S'pore from Australia. Mabel's cousin, Joycelyn, who is stilll studying her final semester here, has been Frosties's temporary guardian here till the permit get approved. The latest news from Mabel, saying that her gal gal's permit application has being granted and Frosties will be leaving Aust in 2 weeks time! Congrat Frosties, able to reunion with your mum soon...hehe.

Joycelyn had brought Frosties to my house few days ago. Both JJ and I had the chance to see Frosties and played with her for a while before she heading back to S'pore. Here's some pics taken when Frosties visited our house...

Ever cute Frosties...she is 1 and half years old...

Say hi to the camera...

JJ just loves Frosties so much

Wish ya have a brand new life back in S'pore, hope I can visit you again when I go singapore for trips next time, till then, Frosties~

YEAH, Finally...yet another Beginning ?!

2007-07-31T19:18:00.000+08:00

Harloo, suddenly thought of blogging after a 'long rest' on the weekends, basically been busy doing my hobby --> EAT~!! Yeap, I have fully recharged after indulging with those fabulous yummilicious creations. I had 'yamcha' at FongLing (枫林）restaurant in Sunnybank with friends on Saturday and had luxurious lunch at WATT restaurant in NewFarm!! As the consequences, my wallet has suffered a 'trauma'...gotta spend wisely from now on...:-P

This post is mainly about my completion of undergraduate studies of BSc (Drug Design & Development) course at University of Queensland on 20th July 2007. After a long battle of 2 years here in Aust. plus a year in UCSI, finally my dreams came true...haaa! When I first arrived here in July 2005, I was so nervous and excited as I have made a big breakthrough in my life to pursue my dreams in Australia. Of all this, I just want to THANK my parents by giving me both physical and mental supports!! Haa...of course both my dear elder brothers for the care and supports all the time!!

Standing under the arc of Great Court @ UQ

YuMin, I, Tim and JieYi, congrat to the graduates...

Achieve to the highest point...

My great sis (ShanMin and Peppermint - that's her real name)

Usual gang members...KF,HW,Sailo,me, JZ, ZW and PW...yeah~

End of the ceremony, of coz --> Satisfy our sweet tooth @ Shingle Inn cake house....

Oh ya, for more info and pics, please click here --> My Graduation

The story hasn't end like this...again, I need to make another HARDEST decision in my life...with all the different aspects of ideas and suggestions, I have decided to STAY on to further my studies here in the same uni...~ Gotta stuck here for another 1.5 years...Awww...sacrifice for my future, think twice and its worth doing that way...this is how I console myself...hahaha @!@

Due to this decision, I've again missed out the most anticipating gathering with my great primary friends for the 2nd time in a row...ARHHH....somebody please stop the water hose in my eyes from flowing out...hahaaha! I miss all of ya, bros....take good care and apologized for 'flying airplanes' during the last minutes...Definitely will catch up with u guys as soon as possible!!

All my great buddies, trip to KL in 2005...

Alright, I sincerely wish all of you good luck in all the undertakings...for sure, will definitely try my best to keep contact with all of ya~ You all have been lighten up my life all the time...CHEERS!!!

Catch-up post, 'INTENSIVE' !!

2007-07-25T07:10:00.000+08:00

Harlo all, its been ages since my last post, I guess it was 24th June or so~ I've even been requested by

Joelene

to update my bloggie...sorry for keep ya all waiting! Its almost a month ago and I have undergone lots of things...hmm, need to rearrange my mindset where to begin...haaa

Before getting started, I'm gonna show ya some nice pics here....

Dusk pic @ Guyatt Park

French Twist - Choco Ricotta Cheese Tart

Alright, let's start talking about my winter holidays, I suppose? My 'birthday present' from lovely parents were the return tickets to Perth, for my 22nd birthday and end-of-undergraduate studies celebration~ Thanks dad and mum~!! Hoho...Perth, here we come! CheeLyn must be very delighted since 3 of the brissy kids (HueyWen, PeiWeon and I) came all the way from Brissy purposely to visit her...lol~

UWA - Winthrop Hall...like Egypt!

CheeLyn - so called 'Chee Saw' or toilet in Cantonese, lol... Happy to see us here?

PW, CL and HW in front of the Perth tram...

Corica - Ever famous Apple Strudel in Perth...YUMM!

Hoho, let's cheers~

3 of us taking picture at Little Creature Brewery...

There are plenty of photos yet to be posted as I have already uploaded them in Multiply site! Please click on those links for more info about the whole Perth trip (from 26th June until 3rd of July 2007):

Perth Winter Trip 1

Perth Winter Trip 2

Before ending this current post, I would like to put on some mouth-watering pics, again to make yourselves HUNGER FOR MORE~ Wahahaha...

Little Caesar's Award Winning Pizzas...

Grilled CrayFish...Yummy again~

Jean-Claude Patisserie - Combi Fruits Tart....Indulgences XD

Alright, gotta prepare to go out soon, I have to stop here and definitely update again as I only have classes on Tues, Sat and Sun...OMG, my weekends are gone...ISHH!! I just went back into uni life again yesterday, will tell you guys about it in details later...see you all, take care!

Chocolate Banana Cake (Low-sugar version)

2007-06-26T06:18:00.001+08:00

Haa...been so active blogging these days, maybe it's because I have stopped blogging for a month before that :-P ~~ The post today is under 'Pastry & Confectionery' section. I have baked a cake for my buddies as a thanksgiving treat. I was inspired by cutie Joey's brilliant idea and it is also her all-time-favourite dessert --> Chocolate Banana Cake (with low sugar content). It was my very 1st time in baking a complete chocolate flavoured cake, luckily it turned out well. However, three huge banana were being mashed and combined together with the choco cake batter before baking. Therefore, you can hardly see any trace of banana...hee~

The original look of choco banana cake (crisp crust, yumm)

Ta-dah...thx JJ for her fabulous deco idea

Piece of fluffy cakie, that's small cube of banana inside, do u see that?

Alright, its 10.04am here, its still drizzling outside...its kinda cold...wish I have a cup of hot coffee to warm me up...! Till then, will be back after a week as I will be heading to Perth for winter holiday tonite! Stay tune, ok? Cheers !

Tough Decision ?!

2007-06-25T07:50:00.000+08:00

Hoho, good morning everybody, I'm back for another new post. Saturday was a great night for me, I'd hope it's the same for all of ya, mates! It's 25th June 2007 - Monday, I'm still thinking which way I should lead to after the current study! I'm trying to get more opinions from those 'EXPERIENCED" and compare myself for the best decision of all. Hope I get to sort it out as soon as possible with no regret, that's what Kit bro was telling me yesterday night!

Its 24th June 2007 - Sunday, as usual, I woke up around 9am to get my laundry done. When I opened the laundry door (which is situated at the ground floor of the house and all the rooms are at the 1st floor!), I saw Mr.Possie (native animal - Possum) hiding behind my laundry powder...he looked like suffering in cold or hunger...poor ya,possie~

Halo, Mr Possie...

Its almost 11am, its time for JJ to get out from her comfy and warmness bed~ We have planned to have a lunch together @ Newfarm as my birthday celebration. She kept emphasized that I've reached 22nd years old...lol!! Being a great person where I used to be (**Cheh...:-P), I just smiled and laughed back at her....keke!

After 30 mins of citycat trip plus 10 mins walk from the ferry station, we reached the popular and busy Italian restaurant - Vue @ Newfarm that serves the local authentic and unique fusion of Italian & Aussie cuisines. The menu is so simple and doesn't allowed for modification of the pre-fixed menu ingredients...Cool huh!

The Italian 'Job' - Vue @ Newfarm

Starter - Potato wedges with sweet chilly sauce & sour cream

Main dish - Oregano Pizza with Rocket topping

Main dish - Penne with grilled pumpkins & sun-dried tomatoes (Yummilicious)

One word to summarize these wonder dishes - "Bravo!" The food tasted awesome with adequate spices and sauces...moreover the prices are quite reasonable...Will definitely pen down this place in my 'Food Monster - Complete Guide of Savoury Places" !! Haa...

After the lunch, we went to city for shopping while compensate with the extra weight that we put on just now :-P . Thanks again, JJ sis...Appreciate it very much...

My 22nd Birthdeii ~!!

2007-06-24T20:08:00.000+08:00

Harlo, here's the much anticipated birthday report!! Just back from JZ's place for dinner and I have contributed a homecook dish --> Capsicumio Chicken~ Actually its just sliced chicken thighs stir fried with capsicum + carrots...haa~

Yesterday was my special day of the year - 23rd June 2007! Its my turn to be 22nd years old this time and I feel kinda different from now on...LOL! I will start this bloggie by reporting what had happened on the day before. I was waiting for 12am in M'sia time so that I would be able to give a surprise call for HuiTing and EeChau who is having the same birthday as I am. Guess what, they are even a sweet couple for few years...really cherish them from the bottom of my heart. It was 1am (Aussie time which is 2 hours ahead) here and I have started to yawn continuously! Finally its 2am, I picked up the phone and called HuiTing to convey my birthday wishes. As expected, EeChau was also beside at the same time. HuiTing switched on her speakerphone and we congratulated with each others...its such a sweet moment!!

After hanging up the phone, its my mobile to start its own working hours....haa! Gotta thanks all my dear, sweet, cute, handsome, macho and best buddies in Aussie, M'sia and even UK, for sending their wishes through messages. I'm really delighted with all these meaningful phrases, cheers to all of ya!! Miss all of ya man!! I will definitely be a good boy as what I've promised...haaa!!

On 23rd June morning, I was struggling to get myself out from the comfy bed! Arh, its winter and everyone is still hibernating~ In the afternoon, I went to city and decided to get some desserts (Rum Ruffle & Baked cheesecake) for Chian Ee and Eddy to give them some support as they still have their last final paper on the coming Monday. Surprisingly, they came out with a sweet pressie for my birthday...Yippie~

The CKIN2U - him Fragrance set (Thanks to ShunYing, Tommy, Chian Ee and Eddy)

Refreshing eau de toilette spray!!

At night, several mates and I went to Roselie for a simple birthday dinner to celebrate with me! The whole crew members for this occasion: KinFei, ZhiWei, HuiLeng, Sailo, HW,PW, JZ and I. The tasty fish & chip has been the limelight of the day to ease our glutton stomachs...Gotta thanks especially KinFei and ZhiWei for showing up as they just had their last paper 6 hours before.

Halo to the camera~

HW, PW, me and KinFei (tired right, cool man)

Sailo, HuiLeng, ZhiWei (tough gal, thx for being here) and me

Me, JZ and PW

Crumbed Flake with salads and chips...

Hoho, its everyone's favourite time - Dessert session! At first, we were thinking of going for ice-cream @ Freestyle but it was so crowded and needed to queue up for seats. Since that, we decided to change our plan to this newly established and catchy gelato shop - Gelateria Cremona instead. The shop is operated by a happy young couple who is originally from Italy and China respectively. Their wonder shop has even shown on various local newspapers and magazines...Thumbs up for this!

Gelateria Cremona, that's the owner of the shop (man wearing cap)

Tiramisu and Pear-flavoured gelato...YUMM!!

Yea, the complete pic of all the crew members!!

Yeap, that's a simple summary of my special day of Year 2007!! Last but not least, again, gotta thanks to all of you (Yesh, its YOU) for the wishes and things have done for me...I will definitely remember all of ya for sure...Just keep contact, and CHILL~~ See ya!!

Junction of LIFE~~

2007-06-23T08:06:00.000+08:00

Yo mates, how's it going for everyone? Been 'disappeared' for almost a month, whoosh, kinda stressed up for the past few weeks...guess most of the people will have a tough last sem as me? Haa....Alright, here's another big cross road in part of my life, gotta make lots of considerations to make up my mind~~ Ah Shyang, grown up d, time to think for your own future...O.o ??!!

Just a day after my last paper on Thurs, I've decided to splash my cash in order to compensate my deep and huge eye bags by joining my gang over to Gold Coast and shopping! Here we go!!

**Those little gals are really crazy shopper, never underestimate on their potential especially 'SHOPPING"** LOL~

JZ and I decided to split ourselves from others and get a place to sit while waiting for those crazy shoppers to done with their shoppaholic addict!

The Coffee Club Menu...

Affogato (Shot of concentrated espresso and scope of vanilla ice-cream, YUM!)

Hee...the Aussie Nando's, kinda delicious and the portion are massive!

After 2 hours of sleepy and tiring train ride, finally got back to JZ's place...haa. They have asked me to stay on for a while and I have expected to have some surprise for my special birthday on the following day, haha!!

Happy Birthday to lil Kevin...22nd birthday....heee!!

Even got 2 reddish eggs...haaa

Thanks Penny and Jiet Yien for this lovely choc moist cake, lovely!

Altogether five people (JZ, Penny, Jiet Yien, Ken and me) celebrating my 22nd birthday at JZ's place...most of us got so tired and decided to celebrate earlier for me, appreciate it much, buddies ;-) !! Just after finishing the cake, each of us went back to their own place to 'trap' ourselves inside the nice warm quilt...so cold! (Its 12 degree celsius!! )

Finally gaining back some freedom, I have decided to borrow some cook books from Brisbane State Library to ease my cravings! I'm reading two great books at the moment, hehe.

Curtis Stone: Cooking with Curtis (a well-known Aussie chef, currently having his own cooking show called Take Home Chef, which is shown on Discovery channel, Astro every Friday nite!)

Tom O'Toole: Secrets of the Beechworth Bakery (An award-winner bakery in Victoria, Australia, yummy baking tips and pics!)

Alright, more to be updated as I will have my birthday dinner together with my great gangs tonight, stay tune folks...

CRITICAL Period~~

2007-05-20T17:43:00.000+08:00

Harloo...I'm kinda slow in bloggin...especially during this so called "Critical Period"~ I gotta finish up my 2 remaining assignments for this sem plus the final exam's schedule had just announced...ARH, I feel the pressure...hopefully this pressure can be turned to my motivation...keke. My bakery has been shut down for long time, I will definitely start my baking hobby once everything's done...hehe...stay tune!

Took at Brisb CBD, on the way to KF's bday dinner. PeiWen, Me and JZ

After a busy week, I've decided to slack for today, I promised, only today - 19th May...:-P ! I went to Indooroopilly shopping centre together with my housemate, JJ and watched a move called Shooter, starring Mark Wahlberg (That cool guy in Italian Job). Overall, double thumbs up for this awesome action movie...the explosion scenes were just too impressing...After movie, we decided to drop by at French Twist for tea...Thanks to her for treating me an aromatic Mocha plus these awesome cakes....forgot those unique name

Choco Moist Cake with smooth choc creame

Jam tart with creamy cheese

These two delicacies already recharged myself for the next few busy weeks...haa~ Just discovered a new product from Glico.... nice dark choc with strong original coco powder~

Only for MEN? Haaa...

Alright, will be stopping overhere, gotta keep things going!! Congrat to those who has now having freedom after exams/industry placements...Good luck to those who's rushing for thesis and myself as well! Fighting spirits~~ hee...Take care all, cheers~

Baking in the 'DARK'...

2007-05-07T06:58:00.000+08:00

Halo...its so busy till I can't really have a deep breath...But i'm able to distress through the ever nobel action ---> EAT~ It's a long weekend and monday will be Labour Day for Queensland state in Aust... I've decided to give my stomach a treat, baked a special cake for my fren, Penny's birthday on the labour day!! Just after back from praying the exalted buddha(s) and watching wonderful fireworks celebration for Buddha Fest @ Southbank, I rushed to my fren's place and began all the baking procedures...

The tri-buddha statues...day for all the chinese around Brissy to gather along...

It was 9.30pm...arh, my brain wasn't working as well as day time!! I started to obsess to get the cake done so that we could celebrate Penny's bday in time. After arranging all the stuffs on the table [see pic below] and here we go...

Baking ingredients and the 'multi-purpose' kitchen

After finished preparing both the banana mashed and batter, I just poured all the mixtures into the baking ware and popped into the pre-heated oven...It's my first time to bake banana cake, i was wondering how long it would take to be ready as you need to consider the moistures from the banana mashed that may prolong the baking time and different temperature to be used...I just sticked to my preference temp (170 degree celsius) and let it be...

The banana mashed and the batter....ready, steady, go?

After an hour or so (gosh, so long), I inserted the single chopstick into the centre of the cake and it came out clean...yeah...its time to be ready and it was 11.30pm...I opened half of the oven lid for the cake to cool down slowly to prevent the cake from 'sunkening'...haaa! Another 15 mins for me to get the cake decorated, can't really think of a great deco...so just simply topped up with what i've brought here...Tht's it...Crispy Banana Cake...

Crispy Banana cake...'yummilious'

Slice of banana cake....anyone? Hey J, will try to make choc banana cake next time~

Yea, the cake's texture was exactly the same as what i was seeking all the time (firm, soft and fragrant), the smell of banana had been surrounding the whole house, even's my fren's housemate, who's been asleep for a while, also came out and have alook wht's going on...I have promised her to pack some for her breakkie, haaa~ Yeap, that's all about it...this will be my last baking session till final exams over...Will publish the recipe in a short while...

It was 1am when i reached my home, arh, so freaking tired, time to catch up some sleep! Alright, all the best to everyone and myself...good luck for those Uk-liers that gonna have finals...Take care~ Good nitez...

One STEP closer...

2007-04-21T16:26:00.000+08:00

Alo...it's been a real busy week for me here, got 9 assignments (including 1 midterm and 3 presentation + debate) in hand which gotta get them completed in 1 month time...do u believe it? O.o Gosh~~ I've felt the pressure nowadays...must keep myself on track to be consistent in time arrangement....hee~

I've just made my 1st ever egg tart today, a special bday present for Chian Ee's 21st birthday today~ Despite that, I've also bought a wool scarf and bday card for her present too, keke!

Top: The ingredients needed ; Bottom: Filo pastry on the baking tray (Filo pastry sheets are so thin like piece of papers)

Yea, that's the external look of Portuguese tart a.k.a. 'Pasteis de Nata'

The texture of the tart custard was exactly the same as what we used to get outside...Yippie~ But, by following exactly the recipe I got, the tart ended up to be too sweet!! Luckily I have tasted the hot custard and stopped from adding the entire sugar, aware of diabetes arh, folks...;-) Another thing is, I've made a mistake by using filo pastry instead of puff pastry...hehe...so it can be improved in the future...not a bad try~~

New product from Pocky...Its called 'Pocky Kinako', topping made with 5 different cereals...a healthy snacks...lol

Alright, its time for me to move on...final sem = busiest sem...LOL! I'm gonna turn my blog into a food bloggie...will update it with some other issues about FOOD in the future...ok, all the best pals...Tchau, ate depois (Goodbye, see you later in portuguese)!!

Here's the recipe, just try to alter the amount of ingredients urself according to personal's taste!! ;-)

Original Recipe Submitted by: John J. Pacheco on Allrecipes.com
*amount of sugar used has been decreased*
Ingredients:
1 cup of milk (~250ml)
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 tablespoon of vanilla essence
100g white sugar
6 egg yolks
1 pack of frozen puff pastry

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 190 degrees C. Lightly grease 12 muffin cups and line bottom and sides with puff pastry.
2. In a saucepan, combine milk, cornstarch, sugar and vanilla essence. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. Place egg yolks in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk 1/2 cup of hot milk mixture into egg yolks. Gradually add egg yolk mixture back to the remaining milk mixture, while whisking constantly. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from the heat, let it cool down for few minutes.
3. Fill pastry-lined muffin cups with mixture and bake in preheated oven with same temperature for 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is lightly browned on top.

Flour Monster has its own story...

2007-04-09T12:32:00.000+08:00

Hehe, flour monster, that's what my friends here call me...Ever since I was young, I already addicted to stuffs made of flour, including noodles, bread, cakes, tarts, brownies and many more...Kenneth has brought a huge box of doughnuts for us as a fairly generous 'souvenir'...it's freshly baked from a well-known doughnut shop called 'Krispy Kreme'. It is based in Sydney and has its own branch down in Melbourne. From what I heard, they are going to open second branch bakery in Brissy...woohooo~ Cheers to all doughnut's manias...

The external design of Krispy Kreme box and mouth-watering doughnuts (coated with icings)

Actually, the best of all the doughnuts offered in that bakery is the original-taste doughnut (doughnut with cinnamon powder) but it was out of stock when Kenneth purchased them. But, its already million of thanks to him for bringing a such heavenly dessert to fill our hungry stomach up...These doughnuts are famous with its soft texture which came with extra fragrance...The most important part is that the doughnuts are just enough in sweetness...wow...extraordinary stuff~

In a sudden, I decided to 'reopen' my home based bakery yesterday, in conjunction with the 'celebration'of the yummy desserts that Kenneth has brought for us...Haa, funny right? I've baked kiwi muffins this time...This self-created idea was inspired by the previous muffin recipe...!

Baking in process & centred-cut view of the Kiwi Muffin topped with cinnamon icing(Let's enjoy~)

From what I've learned from the previous post about cake baking, I have readjusted the baking temperature used to 20 degrees lower - 160 degrees! It turned out to be in good shape and yummy too...You'll feel the satisfaction when your friends praised for the great dessert...Hard works are worth, keep you motivated to move on~hee...Gonna set my target higher for next baking session ---> TIRAMISU!!

**Please contact me for the muffin recipe...hee~

Its all PASTA matters...

2007-04-09T10:44:00.000+08:00

Today is the 'Easter Monday', another public holiday for Aussie here. I've been slacking for the past few days as Kenneth came all the way from Sydney on Sat to take his stuffs back and visitting all of us. He just started his new chapter of life, working in Deloitte firm in Sydney for 1 and half month. Its been 5 months since my last meet up with him~

He has been asking me to suggest a place for us to dine for good lunch before his trip to brissy in phone few days ago~ I just recalled that I have read an article about food from Sinchew newspapaer. It was written about an Aussie based italian franchise restaurant called 'Fasta Pasta', which is newly established at Ikano Power Centre in PJ area. Malaysia has been chosen to be its first oversea branched restaurant. Yoo, M'sians, gotta be proud oo! Then, I told him about this yummy idea and without hesitation, he agreed with that. The nearest Fasta Pasta restaurant is situated at Stones Corner, which is about 20 mins from Brisbane CBD.

Alright, let me briefly introduce this Adelaide based italian restaurant...It was established in 1980, by three local Italian chefs living in Aust for years. They decided to introduce original italian style cuisines by offering the most significant food in Italy --> Pasta for the local people here. This great idea has been working so well until they have more than 40 franchise restaurants all over the Australia land at the moment.

Yeap, arrived at the restaurant around 20 mins or so, here we rolled... They provide various choice of pasta which is made using fresh homemade ingredients. They are proudly claiming that "At Fasta Pasta, we only use 100% durum wheat pasta because it is superior quality pasta and it has lower Glycaemic Index (G.I.). A lower G.I. means ‘slow release’ of carbohydrate in to the body to give you longer-lasting energy."

The interior design of the restaurant and the pic of local brewed Ginger beer & Italian Latte.

Fettuccine Cabonara (wide noodle) & Gnocchi Teresina (potato dumplings which is so special, the texture is like pan mee dough)

Kenneth and me (with messy hair look, yuks). Regular munchies like us, always opt for good food !

To be honest, the food here were simply 'Squisito' (italian word of delicious) !! The pasta dough were exactly as fresh as what they have promised to their customers. You can definitely taste the difference from those 'instant' dry pasta. The sauce base were well-cooked with adequate amount of spices and saltiness. The ingredients used including sun-dried tomatoes, ham, cauliflower and others, had been the additional limelight for those two amazing italian creations. Gotta thanks to Kenneth for treating me this meal, appreciated it much!!

Kenneth had made a move back to Sydney today, gonna prepare for tomorrow's working day! All the best in your working life, mate~ You're always welcome to visit us again!! Oh ya, just let me know if one of ya outthere has tried the M'sia's Fasta Pasta...thx ya, hee~

For more details, please visit http://www.fastapasta.com.au or http://www.fastapasta.com.my

The myth of cake baking...

2007-04-07T13:39:00.000+08:00

Heyo...its been a long time since my last post on bloggie! I've been using multiply most of the time for now, so please refer to my multiply page for recent updates, hee! In this brand new year, I would like to start my new post about cake baking idea, secrets and troubleshooting kind of questions. Gonna 'reopen' my personal home bakery in this 1 week of easter break, yum yum!

Its really frustrating sometimes when you have encountered some even minor problems. They will eventually ruin your whole day, mood, worst will be loss of eating appetite...You would say, "is that so serious?". Yes, it is...haaa. Here's some failure mysteries:

First - The 'X' fault -- this is when the cake splits down the middle and quite frequently looks like, well, an X. The outside of the cake is cooked and possibly burning, but the inside of the cake is still not completely cooked. These cakes generally have a peaked top also. This is caused by having the oven temperature too high. A very hot oven will form a crust on the cake too soon and this will in turn cause the cake to rise in the center only, giving the characteristic peak. The uncooked part of the cake is being pushed to the top by the already cooked portions of the cake, which are solidifying.

(Pic depicted from www.petrossian.com)
Second - The 'M' Fault -- the sinking cake. You know the drill -- you take the beautiful cake out of the oven and it looks wonderfully risen. Then 5 minutes later, it sinks in the middle. Your oven is too cool. This happens because the air (that you so carefully beat into the cake to make it light and fluffy) is trying to escape, but the crust is already solid. While it is in the oven it doesn’t have a chance to escape. As soon as you take it out, the crust starts leaking moisture and developing pores, which the air immediately escapes out of, and viola! Sunken cake.

The solution for both these dreaded instances is to get an oven thermometer. Just because you set your oven to 350F, it doesn’t mean that’s the actual temperature the oven is. Everyone’s ovens vary, some by 1 or 2 degrees, some by 15, some by way more than that. So get a thermometer and put it in your oven. Next time you will know exactly what kind of heat you’re dealing with.

The dah....here's the wonderful mouth-watering Tiramisu after getting through all these vexations...hope I can make it one day too, haa!

(Pic depicted from http://www.ferraracafe.com/nyc/specialty-descriptions.php )

All the above Q & A part were quoted from the article "Faults & Leaveners: The Intrigues of Cake Making, by Jennifer Dunklee". Thanks for that to make this post an interesting cake issues related article...alright...say 'HOLA' to wonderful cake life...mum mum... ;-P

Journey to the west....of Queensland

2005-12-17T16:08:00.000+08:00

Grey colour - Going to St.George from Brissy
Navy blue colour - Back to Brissy from St George

Yea…journey…trip…that’s what people desires most, especially those tired workers and students out there….Like me, yea, very tired after a tough and pressure exam. One day, one of my housemates, Pinto, came up with a good idea of going for a trip headed to the west side of Queensland. He suggested a place called St.George, which is a small town that is 510km away from Brissy (Brisbane). At 1^st place, in my mind, wah, 510km..crazy! After he showed me the whole queensland map (map above is just a portion of the state), the place is like 3cm from Brissy …haha…what I can say is àAust is really freaking huge!
His plan was: 1. Rent a car and go for 2 days 1 night

2. Travel to the destination while visit those tourist spots along the way

3. Able to stop whenever we want as it is more flexible if having own transport

Johan(Swedish) and I thought that it was a great plan actually since we can always get public transport easily if we want to go along the coastal areas…but its really hard to get to outback (local aussie refer to west side of Queensland) as its hard to catch a transport there. We tried to persuade our Korean housemate (Julian) to join us up coz its more fun if 4 of us enjoy together…but Julian insisted that he has no interest in going into west but BEACH…haha. So we have no choice and kept sticking to our own plan. After discussing the itinerary, we soon went back to our own rooms and rest earlier as we had to wake up early in the morning at 6am!! Once I have finished packing up my luggage, I quickly changed to pyjamas and had a sweet dream too.

Hmm…resting time is always that short, it was 6am in the morning! Arh…I forced myself to get up and had all “morning tidying sessions”! After a while, I rushed out to prepare my own breakky…soon Johan and Pinto walked out from their rooms and joined me up to have some food too. After that, we went to pick up our rental car which is about 20mins from house….!! Soon after finished with all the procedures, Pinto asked me to drive the rental car back to our house while he drove his own car back…..!! That was my 1^st time driving in foreign country…hehe! Toyota Corrolla with 1.8CC…wow…powerful enough…vroonnngg! After putting all our luggages onto the rental car, Pinto became our main driver as he is very familiar with the road conditions here. Here we come….St. George!
Pictures during the trip !!

Buddy, finally u're back!!!

2005-12-14T21:16:00.000+08:00

Harloo....finally i got back my dearest buddy (comp) 2 days ago...its like a totally new pc for me as the whole motherboard has been changed. Of coz, i have ald paid a big amount of $$ to get him fixed....:(

In this 1 month ++, i already experienced life without computer....i still admire and praised myself that i managed to 'survive' during this hardest time...haha...But i have learned and got other things during this period, like spending time with friends, tv programme, relax in doing some exercises....all of these were precious memories to me....

I will keep myself update here in this website...so juz stay tune...!!!

Freedom....but yet :-( !!

2005-11-23T11:01:00.000+08:00

Yoo all....finally i already finished my final exams, which means i have completed my 1st sem in UQ this year!!Although it was very tough but i'm delighted to make this happened! I will be looking forward to the future and keep things going on!

Why i feel sad? Hmm...the main problem is.....my laptop totally break-down, have to spend $500(RM1500) in total to get my laptop repaired. I haven't made up my mind to repair yet as i need to discuss with my parents about this!! Gosh....really sad...i don't want to spend parent's money for this but....laptop is very important for me as it plays almost 60% roles in my whole life!! Haha...what can i say about this...totally speechless!!

Since i'm having 2 months summer holidays before coming back, i need to look for jobs to cover my this 'superb expensive' living cost here....arhhh....will definitely try every jobs that offered to me!! The next thing to worry about is....need to look for a better house with lower room rental fees....luckily i got some friends who are also interested in moving out together, that makes me 50% less worry, i should say? hahaa....i'm just self-consulating.....

Like what my parents told me, "Just keep things looking forward, solve them one-by-one, that leads to a worthwhile experienced life & will grows you up!!" I totally agreed with them!! Hopefully everything will be fine.....Wish all my frens out there in M'sia, UK, US, SG, Aust, India.....all the best!!! Cheers...>!!!