California Then...California Now...

Seven years ago, I boarded my first flight out of Singapore and landed in the state of California, United States. On 5 June 2008, I found myself, beary-eyed after 17 hours of non-stop flight, standing in the LAX airport once again.

Back then, I was fresh out of school, wided-eye and curious at what the world has to show me. Now, having acummulated more travelling experience, I was curious at how I'll feel to visit the same places again.

As I'm on a business trip this time round, I could only find time to revisit Hollywood Universal Studio over the weekends. A few of the attractions are preserved such as the Backdraft Tour, Studio Tour and the Coca Cola cooling area. So in a way, there's a sense of familiarity when I was there. However, the sense of excitement or high emotions which I could still distinctively recall back then was somewhat missing. Maybe it's the age, the companion or simply the "been-there-done-that" phenomenon. So to sum it all up, there's no two trips that are the same! Looking on the bright side, it could also mean that if you had a bad experience during one particular trip, it could turn up otherwise if you were to visit it again some time later. :)

I stayed in Irvine, a city within the Orange County in the state of California. In case you are wondering what the popular American teen drama television series O.C. stands for - Orange County.

And for the more exciting part of the trip....FOOD. With the exception of Chinese food, I would have to admit that the rest of the food there was pretty fantastic! If one was not careful, it is really easy to put on some extra pounds within a few days time.

Korean BBQ

Caramel Almond Popcorn - for the sweet toothies

Subway alternatives...

Chicken Terriyaki Rice Bowl

lots of chunky chicken but missing the Japanese presentation and flavour...

Crab Omelette set

Frozen banana dipped in almond chocolate coating

An Apple A Day Keeps the Dentist Away?

Bloody Mary

Dinner @ Downtown Disney

Soda Pop

a popular japanese theme soda drink for the children

Cocktails @ Crab Shack

Seafood Brunch @ Crab Shack

Bucketful load of Victories!

Combo Treat - Mother's Day and Dad's Birthday

May is a busy month for my family. With Public Holidays such as Labour Day and Vesak Day, there's also Mother's Day and 3 birthdays in the family to busy ourselves with.

In short, it is a month where my family loosens their wallet and belt at the same time.

This year, we chose to dine at the once famous Lai Wah Restaurant. It is one restaurant which has managed to withstand the test of time - through the constant upgrading activities by the Housing Development Board (HDB) as well as the numerous restaurants mushhrooming throughout the island.

For 40+ years, the restaurant remained in it's current location below a block of 3-room flats. The decorations inside the restaurant reminds one of a scene from those old Hong Kong movies. Nonetheless, during the Chinese New Year period, Lai Wah would be fully booked for stretches of weeks. Without advance booking, it is close to impoossible to secure a table there.

With the recent visit, I can only vouch that it surely lives up to its reputation of serving great food at affordable neighbourhood prices. It only costs $134 (10% discount with UOB credit card payment) for 6 dishes and 6 tummy-filled, satisfied customers.

Two thumbs and two toes up from me!

Cold Starter Dish - Jellyfish with Chicken Shreds, Fried Egg, Prawn Salad, Springroll

Pork Ribs - Fatty yet irresistible!

Crispy Roast Chicken - Better than KFC!

Steam Fish Teochew Style - Dad's favourite

Stir-Fried Ee-Fu Noodles

Almond Jelly with Longans

The food was so delicious that I simply forgot to snap a shoot of it almost everytime the food was served - hence the half consumed dishes for some photos! :)

Coming of Age Where The Bones Start to Creak

Birthdays are always nice.

Family and friends gather for a mass pigging session. But as one progresses with age, some reduces the festivity to a private affair.

I was lucky to be treated to an exclusive dinner on my birthday and to be quite honest, if it weren't a treat, I would never have set foot into the restaurant.

view of the marina area from Jaan

Fancy names aside, this was what I had for dinner that night.

Cinderella mocktail

Breadstick starter with Goat Cheese and Eggplant Dip

Cream and Mocha Soup - complimentary of Jaan

Foie Grass

Lobster Tempura

Ox-Tail Soup

Fish with Potato Springroll

Sirloin Cube Steak

Dessert Part 1 - Chocolate

Dessert Part 2 - Vanilla Ice Cream & Caramel Peanut Bar

The food was great and all but given a choice, I would still prefer to pig out with friends and family over cheap roadside food fares.