Keep Calm and Happy New Year

2013 is soon to pass, while 2014 takes on the baton, it's high time to do some reflection on what I have been up to for this year.

2013 hold great meaning for myself, for one.. Okay, it doesn't seemed like big deal now. But I finally made it through 2 years of national service! For those who are still in service, I encourage you guys to cherish the time: treat it as a good time to learn something, instead of treating it "as a waste of time". Basic military training (BMT) taught me how to cope with life transitions, hardships, and trusting people I've never met before. My time in Officer Cadet School (OCS) has imbued leadership and several other important life lessons (I don't think I can fit all in here). While keeping it short, army has definitely gave opportunities for me to forge new bonds amongst hardships.

School started soon after.. being a man who feared solitude, I began to forge new friendships with the people I met throughout my first semester of psychology course. Well, psychology is not easy, but school life is so much fun with like-minded people who are (nonetheless) psychos (well, as we named our clique). 

Besides church, I found a new place for my spiritual growth in the school's Christian fellowship as well. Thank God for that. We even got praised for our short "apathy" skit in World Student Day!

Overseas are difficult to come by since the start of school. It's good that we can forked out time (out from our holidays) to chill out in the Land of Smiles.. yeah, that's right. Bangkok. Crazy trip. Crazier people.

Well, I even had my first cricket in Bangkok. Having eaten more than several kinds of insects, perhaps, I should do up a post, say.. "Guide to Eating Insects".

I'm fortunate enough to enjoy a short holiday to visit my relatives in Malacca..

And a break off urban life in Redang island.

And a trip up to Cameron Highlands with girlfriend and her mum..

I haven't been drawing much, apparently this is the only drawing I've done in 2013. Yeah, that's my favourite singer, Katy Perry!

Needless to say, I am blessed enough to savour so many delicious food.

As for my dear readers, who gave unwavering support despite my lack of updates, do look forward to this upcoming year, as I will be bringing more, and better eats around in Singapore (and anywhere else). And no, I am not planning to stick strictly to FOOD, but will be incorporating more travel and lifestyle reads (slowly, but steadily) to you all. I have recently set up an instagram account at: http://instagram.com/thomaschancw, so check it out and follow me for more gastronomical updates!

Well, I can't thank God enough for the things that I am grateful for, and for the bad things that happened, I just treated them as a lesson to be learnt. As I am penning down my thoughts right now (31/12 2340hr), 2013 is coming to an end. 2014 is going to be a greater year, a more blessed one for every one of us.

CHEERS!

Best Regards,

Thomas

Boon Kee Wanton Noodles @ Clementi Market & Food Centre, Singapore

As part of the Healthy Food Hunt, jointly organised by South-West Community Development Council (SWCDC) and premier dining guide, Openrice, food-lovers united at Clementi Market and Food Centre on a beautiful Sunday afternoon for a casual food tasting. (This is part one of a two-parts blog post, which features Boon Kee Wanton Noodles and Tanglin Halt Western Food, respectively.)

Listed under the Healthier Hawker Food Program, Boon Kee Wanton Noodles has existed in the same food centre since it's opening in 1980s. With the ongoing plans to pass on the family business to the third generation, Boon Kee has definitely etched its name on the foundations of its birthplace. No fancy presentations, no fancy prices, but no less the authentic flavours encapsulate in their signature Wanton Noodles (S$2.50).

What stood out from the rest is none other than the fundamental of this dish - the noodles. It has a good combination between eggy and springy, and has a good texture to it. What's better was that even after all the photo-snapping and waiting, the noodles doesn't turn soggy. Portions of char siew were a tad lean, but their crispy wanton were a good twist to a classic dish.

Maison Ikkoku @ Kandahar Street, Singapore

Nothing goes better than a cup of caffeine and your favourite dessert after a filling meal. Here at Maison Ikkoku, expect exquisite cuppas crafted by skilled baristas, who are well-versed in the latte arts. With selections of weekend brunch menus, salads and gourmet sandwiches, this place has become a fast-rising favourite among youngsters. The interior holds a strong rustic, cosy feeling, completed by odd-looking furniture (the table top sure looks like a door), comfortable ambient lights and a coffee bar, with a glass display of all the lovely selections of cakes.

[GIVEAWAY] OpenRice Calendar 2014

Time flies, and as we know it, 2014 is around the corner.

With 2013 coming to an end, what better ways are there to celebrate the new year other than to get.. a new calendar? Asia premier's dining guide, Openrice has kindly bestowed me 30 calendars for give-away. Now, you can feast your eyes upon a legion of mouth-watering photos while waiting for lunch time.

Here's how you can win an exclusive OpenRice table calendar:

1. LIKE Thenomsaurus and Openrice Singapore

2. SHARE this photo on your wall

3. COMMENT on this post

The Calendar Giveaway will end at 24 December 2013 (2359hrs, GMT+8).

Winners are selected by random and will be notified via Thenomsaurus Facebook page by 26 December 2013. Prizes will be sent to the winner's residential address (in Singapore only).

Cheers!

W39 Bistro & Bakery @ West Coast, Singapore

There aren't many noteworthy cafes in the west, hence the recent addition of W39 was more than welcomed to the people residing in the near vicinity. Jointly opened by two sisters, this cosy, brightly-painted bistro and bakery sits quietly within the residential area of West Coast, bringing little hints of nostalgia - a cheery invitation for people from all walks of life. Despite being a newly opened cafe, seats during weekends are already hard to come by without prior reservations. Find out what's drawing the crowds to W39 here:

 

Marche Movenpick @ Jem, Singapore

Unlike the typical "credit-card system" that most Marches utilise currently, the brand new Movenpick outlet at JEM serves their dishes in a la carte style, bringing about a whole new dining experience. Yet, the ambience and concept was pretty much similar, coupled with rustic furniture, miniature pots of greeneries and soothing light, that resembles the interior of a cosy country-side restaurant. Al fresco dining is also available for diners to enjoy their meals amidst the occasional night breeze.

Their rendition of fried Ravioli was surprisingly good. The exterior was nice and crisp, but unfortunately, filled with barely sufficient fillings. This dish is served with their home-made sauce, which is difficult to distinguish between cheesy and sour creamy, kinda flavour. Makes a good side to go along with their beer.

COUNTDOWN: 3 Weeks to Christmas

Thanksgiving is never quite a big thing in Singapore, but Christmas sure is. With 3 weeks left on the countdown clock, why not set a little Christmas mood for yourself beforehand? Here's an awesome rendition from the PianoGuys, which consists of four brilliant, talented musicians: Paul Anderson, Jon Schmidt, Al van der Beek and Steven Sharp Nelson. And they aren't call PianoGuys for nothing, they did this Christmas cover of "Angels We Have Heard on High" on one single piano.

I know, I know, I have not been posting anything for as long as for two weeks. With examinations and assignment due dates piled up all over my calendar this month, free time is hard to come by. But fret not, look forward to more food reviews, including my recent food tasting sessions, as well as recipes for the Christmas.

Stay tuned and nom on!

God bless. :]

Sign off

Thenomsaurus