tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136351992011-11-27T16:51:20.922+08:00Thorny, prickly, inspiring passion, or great horror. That's the Durian for you. Blogging about my relationship with food, thoughts on food and other things which have sometimes nothing to do with food...just to keep it interesting! Food and Irreverence.Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.comBlogger641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-66944449580510349472011-04-03T19:17:00.002+08:002011-04-04T01:11:56.843+08:00

There are people who skip breakfast all their lives, and then there are those of us who know the secret to breakfast. One, that is it the key to keeping your weight at a decent level so that you can continue to enjoy food and secondly, that breakfast is simply a continuation of whatever food dream you had the night before (or an opportunity to realise the gluttony of the day before). I adore

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-72299789567507344572011-04-02T22:46:00.001+08:002011-04-03T19:03:14.562+08:00

Strolled past this place in Bangsar last week and finally made it in there this week after my advance scouting party had declared it was pretty good. No pictures since you can just google the place and all those food blogs that have more images than words will appear. I cater only to the literate gastro-types on my blog, thank you very much.  I have to say I liked the decor very much - decor is

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-20045800133066302202009-12-02T11:31:00.000+08:002009-12-02T11:31:48.313+08:00

At Toastbox (which actually has very good nasi lemak, at economical prices), I saw these being delivered... And then I'm at the Shell Station, and I see this... If there are OEM roti canai dough suppliers (wondering why roti canai tastes so ubiquitous now eh?), I suppose there could be OEM Nasi Lemak suppliers too.

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-87829968085589489252009-08-21T01:07:00.007+08:002009-08-23T16:18:37.668+08:00

Upon receiving an invitation to attend one of her sister's fabulous food extravaganzas from a buddy, I decided to experiment, seeing as it is durian season here in Malaysia, with a durian dessert.My last attempt at a durian dessert was my Durian Pie and that went down generally quite well with friends who were into dessert + durian. So this time I was inspired to make a Durian Tiramisu (or

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-86220308700523397742009-08-13T21:02:00.006+08:002009-08-15T19:26:18.527+08:00

What is it with Carl's Jnr and their beef supply seriously?I've been to the place TWICE in the last two weeks and have walked up to the counter only to be told that they do not have any beef and it's only chicken burgers. Seriously, who the hell eats a CHICKEN Famous Star burger? Get real.How on earth can you run a burger business and not have beef? How can a company screw up their beef supply

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-50218706741914040112009-04-27T18:29:00.007+08:002009-04-27T18:58:34.344+08:00

...will it prove too steep for the average Malaysian pocket?And is this going to be enough of a profit margin at RM2.50 per doughnut?How long will the queues last? Is there room for a premium doughnut player in town?My spies inform me that the line at the inaugural Krispy Kreme store in Berjaya Times Square was as long as a snake today, all the way out to the entrance of the mall, say my

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-54880279862061600922009-04-26T21:58:00.002+08:002009-04-26T22:06:58.065+08:00

I've got bets going with my mom on how much a doughnut will cost at Krispy Kreme (those thinking about getting in line to be the first person, erm, sorry, my spies tell me there's already someone camped out there today with a sleeping bag).Price point sensitivity is definitely an issue here in Malaysia, where disposable incomes are not high and discretionary spending amongst the middle class is

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-82323240439103140072009-04-17T00:54:00.003+08:002009-04-17T01:11:35.395+08:00

So, I'm celebrating the end of 14 days of living with the Diet Demon in the name of compensating for my indulgences over Chinese New Year...English New Year...erm, well every weekend spent at Alexis eating brunch since the start of 2009...And for my off day, I decide I really want to scarf my face on fried carbs like Chilli's Fries (still the best fries around, aside from the hand-cut ones at

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-16159153407368425852009-01-13T13:57:00.004+08:002009-04-17T01:28:05.136+08:00

A Triple O breakfast burger.Fries. Chocolate milkshake.Oh Heaven.

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-38858050453108421972009-01-08T16:02:00.002+08:002009-01-08T16:06:11.408+08:00

A great story on America's Best Doughnuts at Forbes TravellerIf the article seems too long, just skip straight to the slide show.Moments like this make...dieting bearable.

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-22472662201465816802008-12-21T00:52:00.001+08:002008-12-21T00:57:56.788+08:00

Today I ventured to try out Illy Espressamente in Bangsar Village I. It's just opened and we had an opportunity to chat to the owners on opening night. They were friendly, attentive (no service with a snarl here) and did a great job selling us on trying out the food and most importantly, the cakes!If the name sounds familiar, it's because they have an outlet in Pavillion (right next to Kedai Roti

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-71029041181613615042008-12-21T00:32:00.009+08:002008-12-21T00:56:40.382+08:00

Traipsing through 1 Utama today to check out the new Cold Storage outlet there, I stumbled upon this:New York, New York Deli (LG, 1 Utama, New Wing) is unfortunately halal but the menu displayed looks interesting enough for me to put it on the 2009 Hit List of new places to try out. Take a gander at the sugary treats they will be offering:

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-89925358630472310362008-12-17T18:43:00.012+08:002008-12-21T01:14:17.497+08:00

The restaurant business in this country has always had a major failing and that's service. Many restaurateurs understand that service is important but there are also a number of them who pay lip service to the idea of service, but have absolutely no idea what it means.A recent story of Service with a Snarl. And I want to emphasise that this account was related to me by my family members and so

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-35274029130644506742008-12-15T21:41:00.005+08:002008-12-15T21:59:13.846+08:00

Once Upon a time in HK...there was a doughnutJust go back from HK. Whilst there, walked past the site of Krispy Kreme in Soho.The reason for the closure of KK in HK has been linked to the economic crisis and some of my friends in HK said it was because banks baulked at offering financing and loans. However, I have also heard the franchise owners of Krispy Kreme in HK were experienced F&B

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-70357352687230519042008-11-23T22:31:00.005+08:002008-11-23T22:53:19.024+08:00

About a month ago, someone mentioned to me that there seemed to be a shortage of peanut butter amongst the aisles of Bangsar supermarkets. I thought she was joking (or merely indicating selectiveness with her choice of acceptable peanut butter which she did say, she only bought US made peanut butter). So I trawled the supermarket that week - I am a supermarket junkie so 3 times is a minimum

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-37896574880342890632008-11-18T21:18:00.004+08:002009-01-11T00:54:00.832+08:00

I'm usually really unforgiving with most of the food writing that appears in The Star because well, they're just bad. I've lost track of the number of times I've read a food review only to discover at the end of the article, the address of the place has been left off. Today, I'm in an extra unforgiving mood after reading Faridah Begum's article in the Sunday Star entitled 'One Hot Cuppa'If we

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-58841953261978839882008-11-15T21:58:00.001+08:002008-11-15T21:59:54.788+08:00

Malaysian Food-Speak at it's best...

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-18675113531464610572008-09-26T17:07:00.001+08:002008-09-26T17:07:33.927+08:00

Last week, after a rotten experience eating at Xenri Japanese Restaurant in Old Klang Road (food good, but menu waaaayyyyy too large, and kitchen obviously way too small to accomodate the expanded area - we need Gordon Ramsay in there people), my father decided to investigate whether or not Xenri is on the list of 435 restaurants sanctioned to collect Service Tax.Well, we didn't find them on the

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-60755610734029382582008-09-05T19:35:00.002+08:002008-09-05T19:41:14.511+08:00

Walked past Oriel's spot in BSV today and saw the fit-up has been postered over. It looks like the new tenant in BSV occupying the prime Feng Shui spot that Bakerzin previously occupied is Theobroma, the chocolate lounge.I haven't tried their place in 1 Utama (once you've eaten Michael Cuizel's chocolate, really, nothing below that makes the cut). But I suppose now that it's in BSV, I might just

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-20741291451326650462008-09-02T23:59:00.003+08:002009-08-23T01:04:14.945+08:00

I am a sucker for Ramadan bazaars. Something about the kuih stalls that ensures I will have a browse and I will buy some kuih, eventhough I am not supposed to be eating kuih after far too many cakescapes this month.In particular, I am a sucker for lepat pisang. The thing about lepat pisang is it's hard to find a good standard one. Isn't that the perennial challenge with all kuih? Sometimes the

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-17393354133919485512008-08-30T15:33:00.003+08:002008-09-02T19:52:27.149+08:00

Sitting in Starbucks, I notice that Oriels is now no longer there.A white fit-out works plywood cover stands in it's place.Renovations perhaps? I received lots of comments, some good some bad, about the new place.I never got a chance to try the cakes and frankly, I absolutely did not really feel a compelling need to.They looked like knock-offs of Bakerzin cakes, and lacked the finesse and finish

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-53440701174374478542008-08-24T23:54:00.002+08:002008-09-03T00:04:53.766+08:00

One of my favourite places for Sunday Brunch is Marmalade Cafe. I like going to the one in Bangsar Village II.I've had my fair share of people who wonder why I have brunch there, declaring the food to be variously 'weird' and 'tasteless' and cardboard. They have some winners on the menu (the salmon carbonara is not bad, and I do like their ricebowl options). Mostly, it's a good place to eat

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-37958932963279075952008-08-12T00:30:00.002+08:002008-09-03T00:05:21.099+08:00

It's that time of the year again - yes, mooncakes galore.Cruised past the display at Midvalley today and noticed someone offering a ginseng chicken floss mooncake.I cannot be sure if it is gross, a potential winner or beyond comprehension, food flavours wise. (still rolling it around my head).Although, I did try the same company's Tiramisu and Black Forest mooncakes last year and was pleasantly

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-50922062740006181982008-07-25T22:15:00.002+08:002008-07-25T22:18:11.810+08:00

Had dinner at Villa Danielli, Imperial Hotel (formerly the Sheraton Imperial).We had a pizza that was described as Pancetta e Funghi. Which my rudimentary italian identifies as bacon and mushroom. Now, the description below informs the customer that it is beef bacon they are getting, not pork bacon.My question - can it be called pancetta, if it is not made from pork, specifically pork belly?

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-10129812299084405852008-07-25T15:25:00.001+08:002008-07-25T11:47:47.083+08:00

Somone asked me why my blog, which is about food most of the time, was so scant when it came to food pictures.Because there are already enough food blogs out there with endless pictures of food, and not enough food blogs out there with WORDS in 'em. That's why. Especially Malaysian food blogs.It makes you wonder why they are even called blogs if they are just full of pictures. A blog, lest we

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-21658262676463022022008-07-19T23:34:00.003+08:002008-07-19T23:38:25.424+08:00

Had it for lunch today. (no pictures people, learn to use your imagination)Biscuit base, and then a light fluffy chocolate 'cake' on top. Biscuit base tasted like digestive biscuits but wasn't crunchy or hard, but quite soft.Ricotta always produces a 'lighter' cheesecake compared to cream cheese, which can be claggy and dense, especially if used in the wrong proportion, used in too much quantity,

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-7194626837833246772008-07-14T10:20:00.007+08:002008-07-19T10:28:49.720+08:00

So, it has finally happened. The Titanic has hit the Iceberg.Yesterday, whilst lurking at Starbucks, I noticed that my once-favourite cafe, Bakerzin, (to find out why it has fallen from favour, see 'Thoughts on Kuchen') has changed names. It is now known as Oriels.Now, I am inclined to think that it possibly has the same owners or at least, it is not a total change of hands as the staff are the

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-42801923788083166512008-07-04T15:55:00.001+08:002008-07-19T10:30:32.736+08:00

I was quite excited when the Daily Grind opened up in Bangsar Village in December 2007. After all, the local restaurants should always be kept on their toes with a good bit of competition and really, I was getting kind of tired of the La Bodega burger (getting tired of La Bodega also).I was also a bit curious to see how well this establishment would do, since they touted themselves as a 'Gourmet

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-15359623959488308432008-07-02T23:57:00.005+08:002008-07-19T10:29:33.119+08:00

Alexis @ Telawi has re-opened and gosh, is the place gorgeous. A certain blogger was spotted there the night I was there. And shamefully I must confess I couldn't help myself and snapped some photos with the BB, which is proving to be a damn good de-facto camera.Some visitors to my blog have noted that there is a distinct lack of photographs. This subject to be discussed, tackled and dissected

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-47413250998269602922008-06-21T10:57:00.007+08:002008-07-19T10:31:56.743+08:00

Have declared the next two weeks to be cake-free weeks - not because I am off cake...I am NEVER off-cake. The waistline demands I be off-cake although honestly, it has simply driven me potentially into the arms of Goreng Pisang.Anyway, as a result I have been thinking a lot about cake. And how hard it is to get good cake. When I used to make an annual pilgrimage to H.K to visit sibling and

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-87152707110900462752008-03-08T01:49:00.005+08:002008-07-19T10:32:29.341+08:00

On the final lap, after deciding not to go for the DAP rally in SS2 (which apparently caused a major traffic jam), I rushed to Bangsar to catch Nurul Izzah Anwar speaking in Bangsar, in front of CIMB Bank near TMC.Pictures uploaded first. Account to follow tomorrow AM soonest, after voting.Highlight of the evening: met Raja Petra Kamaruddin! Unfortunately, felt too shy to ask to have my picture

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-5056170962040639112008-03-07T15:06:00.000+08:002008-03-07T15:08:04.663+08:00

As they say, one has to know how the other half lives, or rather, campaigns. Pictures taken from last night's BN Rally 'Malam Mesra' in Bangsar. I'm putting this on the web because it will be easier for everyone rather than send massive files of the pictures (and also it will collate the images from all the various sources)The turnout was abysmal with most of the observers preferring to camp out

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-31659969626226256002008-03-05T12:58:00.000+08:002008-03-07T15:09:12.190+08:00

PrologueThis lengthy diatribe on doughnuts is finally ready to be published...some people argue taste is subjective (you say potato, I say po-tato and all that), but really taste is not. It is objective. At least, I'm trying to suggest it here.This has been lying in the edit folder for at least a month and keeps getting longer each time. Although I haven't had a chance to revisit JCo doughnuts (

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-23291083115042103542008-02-26T23:06:00.002+08:002008-07-19T10:35:26.133+08:00

Taking low-carb options off the menu at Coffee Bean!What gives?Are the people in Coffee Bean determined to make their customers fat? And I even tried to get them to make the sandwich for me WITHOUT the bread, just so temptation wouldn't be in my way.And they refused. You can pay more to add smoked salmon, you can pay more to have more chicken, but you can't pay less to not have bread, and you

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-25401300665213921092008-02-01T22:37:00.002+08:002008-07-19T10:34:37.457+08:00

Been to many new places this last month since the last post and despite my best efforts to actually write up my thoughts on these new places, I really just haven't been able to find the time. Even my long-gestating Doughnut Dissertation post hasn't been published because I've just not been able to find the time to edit it.Lest we we take the subject of writing about doughnuts likely, it is after

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-79341800220130100882008-01-08T12:00:00.002+08:002008-07-19T10:37:57.128+08:00

Aussie seems to be the theme dominating the tone of F&B outlets. I recently went to The Daily Grind in Bangsar Shopping Village and was told that the outlet was inspired by a place the owners frequented and really liked in Australia. Delicious is inspired by Aussie eateries and delis that the owner liked to frequent. It apparently is also the reason for the 'rustic' style of the food in the

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-43719708909558529532007-12-26T16:41:00.002+08:002008-07-19T10:30:06.350+08:00

I must confess to being quite partial to Tun's Bread, even if the prices are in my view, somewhat undemocratic.My last venture there racked up a bill of RM21 for 1 Escargot, (Cranberry Roll) 1 Magazine (Pain au Chocolat), 1 Pepite Coconut (Coconut Cream Pastry) and 1 Moon (Brioche). Owch.The problem we have in this country when it comes to deciding if something is expensive and worth paying for,

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-78485721191270903042007-10-25T20:45:00.001+08:002008-07-19T10:31:06.368+08:00

Move over warm puppy...Happiness is a hand-dipped made on the spot chocolate milkshake from Triple O. Another one of those things I'm soooo going to miss...

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-35342288036984659042007-10-23T10:36:00.001+08:002008-07-19T10:35:53.492+08:00

Last Sunday, I found myself making my way to Pacific Coffee in Hollywood Road, HK for a nice morning cuppa. For some strange reason, here in HK, sleeping on a fold out bed in a tiny room the size of my bathroom at home, I wake up at 830am every morning. Must be vakay.Anyway, I will update on my food adventures soonest I find the time from all the shopping and eating distractions, and the modest

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-22554977271309202712007-10-03T01:58:00.001+08:002008-07-19T10:31:31.665+08:00

After much experimenting and a trip to Pavillion, KL, I've finally managed to gather enough 'data' to conduct my great doughnut experiment. Now all that remains is to finish writing-up the dissertation on the subject ('DOH').Naturally, all that carb has been rotten for the diet, which means I have to double up my efforts to get back onto the wagon. Which has been hard....Temptation is everywhere

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-55600657416624177302007-08-27T15:29:00.001+08:002007-08-27T15:38:45.106+08:00

42 days have gone by since I embarked on the crazy healthful ways of fitness guru David Kirsch (aka, The Guru). I've since converted a few people to the diet although I am sure, news that I am going back to eating bread and the odd carb will no doubt make them think I have gone back to joining the rest of the non-Kitsching Plebs. (you know who you are - sugar, white flour, bread and rice and corn

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-81336648604612549432007-08-21T10:58:00.000+08:002007-08-21T11:07:34.088+08:00

According to my trusty Microsoft Excel sheet, I have done 38 days on Mr Kirsch's NaZi diet AKA Phase 1. Okay, there were 5 days that conveniently disappeared down the Diet Wormhole (they were doughnut and other bad carb days that are best...not discussed at this point). Today, will be Day 9, of Round 3. 5 more days to go. And a bit like my experience in Round 1 (which seems like eons ago), I'm

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-72128731870826342542007-08-20T11:26:00.000+08:002007-08-22T11:36:22.695+08:00

This whole exercise of getting to my target weight has been a semi-misogynistic exercise methinks.On the one hand, it is nice to be complimented - relatives have noticed that I look less plump...and it is nice to be able to wear those uni jeans all over again. But most of the time, I have rather mixed feelings. (yeah yeah, is starting to sound like the 'Good Diet Cop, Bad Diet Cop' conversation).

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-33218644445830055542007-08-07T16:14:00.000+08:002007-08-20T12:18:55.610+08:00

Tomorrow, my Krispy Kreme order, flown in from HK, will be delivered. Which has gotten me into thinking: this means, that really, I can't be 'off' the diet per-se. Got to sort of stick to it and be good.They say the 2nd time around is a charm. Doing round two of Phase 1 has definitely not been as hard as doing it the first time (no crazy 2 hour exercise every other day for starters). I am a bit

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-73227995808230076332007-08-02T21:25:00.000+08:002007-08-22T17:26:22.426+08:00

Day 24 means...Day 24. I've been on a modified version of the original insane 14 day diet by David Kirsch, fitness guru to the Stars (the man makes Victoria Secret's models look good - they wear nothing...he must be...good). No killer 2 hours of exercise every other day and 1 hour of exercise daily for me. But I'm trying to keep it up with the gym.Some interesting observations since completing

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-11467519509469817762007-07-26T23:18:00.000+08:002007-08-22T11:37:08.905+08:00

Tuesday the 24th of July 2007 was Freedom Day...Pig Out Day...Pork Out Day...It was the day when Carbs were finally allowed to be a part of my life again, albeit for all of 24 hours only.I faithfully took photographs of all the items I ate up until lunchtime, where it then started to get boring (and to my horror, I actually stopped thinking about food). And the carbs obviously made me blank out

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-91119267962895425432007-07-22T23:33:00.000+08:002007-08-22T11:37:08.905+08:00

I have been dreaming of...BAGEL........CURRY MEE...Chicken Crispers at Chillis...24 hours to go - one 2 hour workout, 5 more boring meals...and then FREEDOM.The bad news is, Freedom is only going to last all of 24 hours and I'm feeling torn between stuffing my gills stupid and wondering if my stomach is actually able to take all that food...(especially since I've got so much I want to eat).But I

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-77401090732476297242007-07-20T00:10:00.000+08:002007-08-22T11:37:08.906+08:00

THE LIGHT...IS COMING...Okay, so my mother made bread and butter pudding today. Not tempted. (she's got some in the freezer for me come TUESDAY!)So there's tons of leftover fish curry and curried brinjals from last night's little function at the house. Not quite tempted.I see the light. And I am not budging till I get there.At least, that's what I keep telling myself.The exercise hill is another

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-31994774986099552552007-07-19T10:33:00.000+08:002007-08-22T11:37:08.906+08:00

I see it....THE LIGHT....THE LIGHT...Okay, so Day 9 went by pretty uneventfully except for the niggling feeling that perhaps the exercise was becoming too much in the morning.My usual 8am tennis session was exhausting and felt like I was trying out for the Marines. It was a really good workout but I was puzzled by why I was feeling quite so winded easily (the rallies were getting longer but...)

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-22919015922090601892007-07-19T10:21:00.000+08:002007-08-22T11:37:08.906+08:00

By far, this was the most rock bottom day I had. I was THIS CLOSE to giving up. In desperate need of a motivational pick-up, I visited my fellow sufferer in crime to have lunch.Eating out is supposedly not encouraged on Mr Kirsch's regime but honestly, I think it makes getting through this whole thing a lot easier. It makes you feel...normal. Like a person.We had lunch at Manhattan Fish Market -

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-11591490373897630442007-07-16T22:47:00.000+08:002007-08-22T11:37:08.907+08:00

I thought the hill was over and behind me. Evidently not. Woke up this morning with the intention of breaking the gym boredom syndrome by whacking some balls at the tennis backboard. Yes, I sure picked a lousy day astrologically to do so. 5 minutes into it, I knew it was one of those days, but about 50 times worse. After 20 minutes of confused tennis, wherein my legs moved like jello and my

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-60278063782795844902007-07-15T21:58:00.000+08:002007-08-22T17:00:58.075+08:00

It is Day 6 of my crazy diet (those of you didn't get the email, it's the David Kirsch Ultimate New York Body Plan - notice the lack of the word 'diet' - Mr Kirsch thinks it's a dirty word). Anyway, for those interested...this be it...And he looks so...nice in the picture. How can such a nice looking person, design such a diabolical diet/exercise fitness regime? On 2nd thoughts, I guess you'd

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-1165572630155830212006-12-08T18:03:00.000+08:002007-08-22T11:39:32.283+08:00

One of the highlights of my trip to HK this time was a visit to that renown American brand institution, Krispy Kreme. Today was Visit #3 and I think I have just about topped out on sugared doughnuts (although quite how they are managing to absolutely make a foul mockery of their Lattes, using Illy coffee is quite beyond me, hence I just order the straight regular coffee)At HKD10 a pop (or DOH),

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-1165572103063472892006-12-08T17:54:00.000+08:002007-08-22T11:38:35.094+08:00

Found a new supermarket in HK to trawl although I must admit, 360 is not as fun as Olivers. They apparently belong to the same owner but I think my taste runs more in the direction of Olivers and CitySuper - 360 is the brand new as organic as it gets supermarket at Landmark in Central, HK.Okay, I admit, it would be nice to be able to go totally organik but I'm not sure how many wallets would be

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-1165390926358473822006-12-06T15:30:00.000+08:002007-08-22T11:38:35.095+08:00

In 36 hours since landing in HK, I've been to my favourite supermarket, City Super in the IFC no less than 4 times. Never buying much but simply gawking at the aisles and contemplating HKD72 dollar puddings and HKD36 dollar Mueller's Yoghurt Corners (outrageous really but...)Admittedly it is very sad for someone to be spending at least 45 minutes of their time in a supermarket not buying anything

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-1165390245673759672006-12-06T15:26:00.000+08:002007-08-22T11:35:27.585+08:00

Poor signage never ceases to amaze me and is quite frankly inexcusable in an upmarket establishment like oh say, 2Utama.No doubt the use of the double M is to make sure that customers REALLY KNOW it's REALLY COMING.This next one was spotted on the MidLevels Escalator in Hong Kong where I'm presently encsconced, doing nothing much, save walking around with my virtual red pen to correct grammatical

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-1161622965361842742006-10-24T00:51:00.000+08:002007-08-22T11:38:56.730+08:00

Recently I mentioned to a friend that the George Bush's secret service nickname is POTUS. He said why. Errr....it's just some piece of trivia stuck in my head.THEN it came to me in the midst of an LA Times article about TV shows that critics loved but died a natural death.POTUS = President Of The United States. Hiya.I've been watching this short-lived cancelled series 'Commander in Chief' with

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-1158813358547044632006-09-21T11:59:00.000+08:002007-08-22T11:38:56.730+08:00

2am nights are now over...despite my valiant attempts to restrict myself to 2 episodes a night (yeah right), I zipped through Season 2 of House MD in gasp, less than a week. (last all time crazy insane DVD watching record broken by in succession, Grey's Anatomy Season 2 and Nip/Tuck.Canes, being crusty and bad stubble have never been this sexy. There's something delightfully evil about watching

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-1124472216148051052005-08-20T01:19:00.000+08:002007-08-22T16:57:38.106+08:00

Okay, i didn't say it, Shakespeare did...Besides the mention of Paddington House of Pancakes (who on recent visit, seem to have managed to not have a waffle maker for a while, despite it being one of the best selling item! - what gives), I haven't really talked enough about food but I guess I have to be in the mood.Lately, I've done more music sampling than food sampling (but I will get to that

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-1120821718455461382005-07-08T19:06:00.000+08:002005-07-08T19:21:58.463+08:00

I've always been conscious of the need for blogs, IMHO, to be a spontaneous (read, unedited) experience. So it feels a bit surreal to be in a wi-fi Starbucks, on a beautiful sunny day, in Edinburgh, Scotland, looking aout the gorgeous bay windows at Edinburgh Castle in front of me, and reflecting on the events of the day before.7/7.The consummate writer and journalist in me feels an overwhelming

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-1120390841883379892005-07-03T19:35:00.000+08:002005-07-03T19:40:41.890+08:00

After 2 years since my last trip back, I'm bleery eyed in Starbucks, Leicester Square, the din (murmur would be too gentle a word) of thousands of conversations mingling with that easy listening music you get in Starbucks) in my ears. (and an overdose of ICON, the Steve Jobs biography on the brain).Trawled Gerrard Street, where Chinatown is but sadly, where apparently only the dreck Chinese

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-1119374120058489182005-06-22T01:08:00.000+08:002007-08-22T16:57:38.107+08:00

I remember many moons ago, when I was on a fitness trainer imposed diet, late nights working thinking about food invariably led to reading recipe books. It works for some of us...A little irreverence appetiser I think to start off the late night ramblings (yes, my stomach is rumbling too)Sunday on Father's Day went to Paddington House of Pancakes in the Curve. I must admit, I was apprehensive

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-1118750078299681242005-06-14T19:48:00.000+08:002007-08-22T11:45:37.991+08:00

I spotted this when I cruised into Yahoo.com and glanced at the news headlines, as you do! As Yahoo news links sometimes expire, I have excerpted a bit of the article from USA Today.Cream Puffs Rise to Meet New DemandA nation of allegedly nutrition-conscious consumers has some serious explaining to do: The cream puff is making a comeback.Two competing Japanese chains - both new to the U.S. market

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13635199.post-1118733155639468022005-06-14T15:08:00.000+08:002007-08-22T16:58:22.824+08:00

There's serious work to be done but somehow, I'm having a bad case of work avoidance. After being addicted to this brilliant Korean drama, Jewel in the Palace (DaeJangGeum), I have joined the ranks of Korean soap opera fans everywhere. Actually, probably have not really become a Korean soap opera fan. Just a DaeJangGeum fan. Probably the numerous cooking sequences in the show are what hooked me

Doughnut Queennoreply@blogger.com0