Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!! I'm going to Fat Duck on Saturday!!!!!!! No 3-month long wait for me!
Woooohoooooo I can't wait!
I super lucked out, all thanks to my good friend here :)
August 20, 2009
August 18, 2009
Notes of a New Londoner Part II - Food!
I'm slowly catching up with the posts I've been meaning to blog about since last week. First up, I wanted to show everyone where I'm putting up at the moment - Saco Covent Garden Serviced Apartments. It's a nice one bedroom apartment with a kitchen and a large outdoor terrace that I don't make enough use of. It's right in the heart of Covent Garden on a quiet street, walkable to work, with H&M, Ted Baker, Paul Smith etc right at my doorstep on the same street.
And to make things even worse (in relation to my diet plans), I've been dining pretty well. Wan has been introducing me to all the good food and must-try places. His bunch of foodie friends meet quite often to try new places to my benefit. In the short week that I've been here, the places that I've already tried are:
- St John Bread & Wine (British food) 94-96 Commercial St, Liverpool St tube, E1 - good simple British fare with undecipherable menu names, like wth is a white faggot? stinking bishop? speckled-face sheep? ok I think the last is what it says it is.
- Rock & Sole Plaice (fish & chips, bottom left pic) 47 Endell St, Covent Garden tube, WC2 - age-old fish and chips institution that is getting pricier.
- Orrery (French chichi place) 55 Marylebone High St, Marylebone tube, W1 - tried the cheap(er) set menu, so-so not blow away but not too bad considering price. Many upmarket restaurants are offering 'recession' set menus
- GBK (gourmet burger chain) 50 Westbourne Grove, Bayswater, W2 - yummy beetroot burger!
- Hummingbird Bakery (famous cupcake place, top 2 pics), 133 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill tube, W11 - If you're wondering why the cupcakes in the below pics are so smashed up, it's because the silly carrier box they gave us was super not sturdy plus an entire day of walking around caused the cupcakes to do somersaults and backflips. We tried Red Velvet, Carrot & Black Bottom (my fave!)
- Cha Cha Moon (Alan Yau's take on noodle bar, bottom right pics), 15-21 Ganton St, Oxford Circus tube, W1 - Wan had really good crispy duck noodles (meepok!!!) and I had Jia Xiang Beef Hor Fun, which was very tasty beef hor fun with black bean sauce. Definitely gonna come back and try the other stuff.
- Dragon Castle (Chinese restaurant), 100 Walworth Rd, Elephant & Castle tube, SE1 - supposedly one of the better Chinese restaurants around, it definitely didn't disappoint, most things were quite authentic, not your usual angmoh chinese restaurant place.
- La Trompette (French Michelin 1-star), 5-7 Devonshire Rd, Turnham Green tube, W4 - I didn't know this was Michelin-starred till I went back and googled it. I had a business lunch there and I think the standard of the food was much better than Orrery. Chiswick, the atas residential area it's in, is also very nice. Probably will go back one day to walk around.
London In Pictures
Figured this would be easier since people would be lazy to go over to flickr. I'll be adding more to the Markets set since my stupid Flickr Pro expired and 1/3 of my photos didn't upload properly.
Random Sights Around London
Markets in London
August 15, 2009
Notes of A New Londoner Part I
I feel like a student again. Everything's so expensive here, I have to watch what I eat, drink and buy in case I overspend. I guess I should stop converting everything back into SGD cos that's only going to give me a heart attack soon. I probably will end up eating Pret sandwiches a lot, or take-out M&S food, gotta start rationing my Starbucks coffee as well, gone are the days of S$1 kopi. The plan is to cook for dinner and bring in the leftover for lunch and have 2 nice meals during the weekend. Let's see how I do on that. Although it's just sad that I have to watch my expenditure so closely.
Not just that, but I am really starting to miss the convenience and luxuries of having a car to zip around anywhere anytime. Here, I'm subject to the ubiquitous oft-broken down Tube, bus or walking everywhere (I've already worn out my cheapo Far East shoes) cos I can't afford to be cabbing everywhere. Hais...
Speaking of shoes, EVERYONE in London seems to be wearing flats. Not that that's a bad thing, but I had thought more people would be wearing heels, judging by the amount of heels H&M, Topshop are selling. But no, everyone's feet are clad in flats. Some even wear trainers or slippers with their work clothes (I suspect there's a pair of heels hidden in their bags) and that attests to how much of a walking culture there is here. Not just a walking culture, but a practical culture since pain-free feet take precedence over style. Either that, or I'm totally hanging out in plebian cum tourist land where the chi-chi fashion forward Londoners don't hang out. Probably the heel-cladden fashionistas are zipping everywhere in black cabs or their shiny beemers.
I really should find out where the real Londoners hang out. So WHO are the real Londoners? The old money and aristocratic? The surburban working middle-class? The stylish fashion set? White-collared I-bankers? (who have most probably been retrenched and disappeared these days) Or is it the cosmopolitan melting pot of immigrants and transient working people (like me) that I come across everyday in Central London? Seriously, when I take the Tube, not one person is speaking English (American doesn't count). A smattering of various tongues can be heard and I thought I came here to be surrounded by the Queen's English.
I guess this is the real London - a city where paths are crossed and different people of the world come together to call this place home. Just like me. Now I just need to find out where Hugh Grant hangs out.
Not just that, but I am really starting to miss the convenience and luxuries of having a car to zip around anywhere anytime. Here, I'm subject to the ubiquitous oft-broken down Tube, bus or walking everywhere (I've already worn out my cheapo Far East shoes) cos I can't afford to be cabbing everywhere. Hais...
Speaking of shoes, EVERYONE in London seems to be wearing flats. Not that that's a bad thing, but I had thought more people would be wearing heels, judging by the amount of heels H&M, Topshop are selling. But no, everyone's feet are clad in flats. Some even wear trainers or slippers with their work clothes (I suspect there's a pair of heels hidden in their bags) and that attests to how much of a walking culture there is here. Not just a walking culture, but a practical culture since pain-free feet take precedence over style. Either that, or I'm totally hanging out in plebian cum tourist land where the chi-chi fashion forward Londoners don't hang out. Probably the heel-cladden fashionistas are zipping everywhere in black cabs or their shiny beemers.
I really should find out where the real Londoners hang out. So WHO are the real Londoners? The old money and aristocratic? The surburban working middle-class? The stylish fashion set? White-collared I-bankers? (who have most probably been retrenched and disappeared these days) Or is it the cosmopolitan melting pot of immigrants and transient working people (like me) that I come across everyday in Central London? Seriously, when I take the Tube, not one person is speaking English (American doesn't count). A smattering of various tongues can be heard and I thought I came here to be surrounded by the Queen's English.
I guess this is the real London - a city where paths are crossed and different people of the world come together to call this place home. Just like me. Now I just need to find out where Hugh Grant hangs out.
August 14, 2009
My Sweet Pad (Almost!)
So, after 5 days of relentless viewings and tons of walking, I finally found the place I am going to call home for the next 3 years. Well, almost as I've got to wait for the paperwork to clear before I get the keys. Crossing my fingers that nothing goes wrong and the approval goes through.
I'm really quite excited about it! It's situated in Belgravia, near Sloane Square tube and also Victoria tube. It took a while for me to get used to the idea of this neighbourhood as I was earlier quite set on something in Marylebone (the Rosetti House property). This area is slightly quieter and less err poseur I feel (although many would beg to differ since this is the poshnosh area). It's a short walk to Sloane Street where all the designer boutiques are situated leading to Knightsbridge. Around the neighbourhood is King's Road, Pimlico Road and Elizabeth Street, which are full of cafes and cute small shops. The apartment's in not in a period house (which I originally wanted), but in a non-descript block but at least I'll have a porter (caretaker in Brit).
Ok ok, here are the pics I took from the apartment viewing that day.
What really got me was the decor of the place, everything's pretty new, and the kitchen. Yes, I've been obsessing about the kitchens. This has all the appliances, all new AND a gas stove plus plenty of storage. I also have a tiny tiny balcony to either put plants or maybe even BBQ (not in winter tho). The landlord's also a big corporate landlord with their own tenant support system which would be so important if anything breaks down.
Yeah, I'm very thankful that I managed to settle this before I start work next week, which promises to be crazy and full of back to back meetings. Really hope there aren't any problems with the lease and everything will go smoothly.
I kinda feel purposeless now that I've found a place. Was walking around today and feeling very lost, the shopping didn't really call out to me, and without any place or neighbourhood to view, I really didn't know where to go! Quite a bit of observations and thoughts to pen down over the next few blog entries so I guess stay tuned!
I'm really quite excited about it! It's situated in Belgravia, near Sloane Square tube and also Victoria tube. It took a while for me to get used to the idea of this neighbourhood as I was earlier quite set on something in Marylebone (the Rosetti House property). This area is slightly quieter and less err poseur I feel (although many would beg to differ since this is the poshnosh area). It's a short walk to Sloane Street where all the designer boutiques are situated leading to Knightsbridge. Around the neighbourhood is King's Road, Pimlico Road and Elizabeth Street, which are full of cafes and cute small shops. The apartment's in not in a period house (which I originally wanted), but in a non-descript block but at least I'll have a porter (caretaker in Brit).
Ok ok, here are the pics I took from the apartment viewing that day.
What really got me was the decor of the place, everything's pretty new, and the kitchen. Yes, I've been obsessing about the kitchens. This has all the appliances, all new AND a gas stove plus plenty of storage. I also have a tiny tiny balcony to either put plants or maybe even BBQ (not in winter tho). The landlord's also a big corporate landlord with their own tenant support system which would be so important if anything breaks down.Yeah, I'm very thankful that I managed to settle this before I start work next week, which promises to be crazy and full of back to back meetings. Really hope there aren't any problems with the lease and everything will go smoothly.
I kinda feel purposeless now that I've found a place. Was walking around today and feeling very lost, the shopping didn't really call out to me, and without any place or neighbourhood to view, I really didn't know where to go! Quite a bit of observations and thoughts to pen down over the next few blog entries so I guess stay tuned!
August 13, 2009
Starting In London
I've been meaning to blog about everything here since I came but haven't been able to because it hasn't been convenient to do so thus far, and there was just so much thoughts and observations to pen down that I didn't know where to begin.
I wanted to start another blog just to talk about London, but then again it might be troublesome for those who would read both. So I'm sticking to this for now, unless I feel compelled to move later.
Oh where to begin? It's been 5 days already since I left. I was very touched by my friends who turned up at the airport to see me off. Really fortunate to have them around, cos I was having trouble with my luggage. It was TOTALLY overweight (and that's after I already took out some at home). Luckily for me, Jean was a miracle worker and managed to redistribute my stuff around my multiple bags and I managed to get through onto the plane without having to leave anything behind. As I was entering the gate, it really felt like going off to Cornell all over again. Needless to say, I was quite upset to leave and was crying quite a bit. Even on the plane, I'd go to the toilet and cry.
Then I got to London. To be honest, I don't think it has hit me yet. The past 5 days felt kinda like a vacation, except that I wasn't really doing touristy things like shopping and sightseeing. I was busy walking around the various neighbourhoods and viewing apartments. That's all I've done really. I've seen about 30+ apartments thus far, and walked around South Kensington, Belgravia, Marylebone, Mayfair, Covent Garden, and also near Angel. The first 2 days of viewing were crazy as I saw about 30 in 2 days. There weren't any that jumped out at me though a couple left an impression. I've shortlisted about 3 thus far and the pics are here.
Apartment 2
Apartment 3
The first one is located near Great Portland St and Regent's Park, on the edge of Marylebone and Fitzrovia. Very large and spacious apartment with neutral colours. When I saw it I felt it was really well decorated, until I saw the rest. The kitchen is a fairly good size with a dining room of sorts as well. Kitchen has new appliances but the stove is electric. Yes, the kitchen is very important to me, and is kinda disproportionately weighing on my decision. The location's pretty good since it's quite near to Marylebone High St, Oxford St and Regent St where all the big shops are.
The second one is nicely furnished, cosy and on top of this bridal shop along a cute street called Elizabeth St in Belgravia. The kitchen looked a bit old though but the owner has done it up really nicely in a homely cottagey sort of way.
The third place is in Chesham St, which is kinda off Eaton Sq (atas place) was the most well-furnished (now Apt 1 kinda pales in comparison) and has the British India sort of feel about it. Only one bedroom though, but it does have a powder room (!) though it does seem like wasted space since I can't really make it into a walk-in wardrobe with no storage there. The kitchen is nice and new, but again, induction stove.
Apt 2 and 3 are kinda in between the Sloane Sq tube and Victoria tube. Pretty prestigious neighbourhoods. While it is well decorated, it doesn't really feel homely or my style, whereas Apt 1 has the benefits of having the main furniture in, but I can do it up, like a blank canvas. So currently Apt 1 is tops.
I'm going to look at something else tomorrow that really really looks like it has potential. 2 bedrooms, with wonderful furnishings (more of my style) and in the same areas as Apt 2 and 3. I think the downside is that the apt is in a building (as opposed to a period house) and there aren't that many supermarkets or big shops nearby though plenty of small cute shops and cafes.
Think this might be the winner :)
I wanted to start another blog just to talk about London, but then again it might be troublesome for those who would read both. So I'm sticking to this for now, unless I feel compelled to move later.
Oh where to begin? It's been 5 days already since I left. I was very touched by my friends who turned up at the airport to see me off. Really fortunate to have them around, cos I was having trouble with my luggage. It was TOTALLY overweight (and that's after I already took out some at home). Luckily for me, Jean was a miracle worker and managed to redistribute my stuff around my multiple bags and I managed to get through onto the plane without having to leave anything behind. As I was entering the gate, it really felt like going off to Cornell all over again. Needless to say, I was quite upset to leave and was crying quite a bit. Even on the plane, I'd go to the toilet and cry.
Then I got to London. To be honest, I don't think it has hit me yet. The past 5 days felt kinda like a vacation, except that I wasn't really doing touristy things like shopping and sightseeing. I was busy walking around the various neighbourhoods and viewing apartments. That's all I've done really. I've seen about 30+ apartments thus far, and walked around South Kensington, Belgravia, Marylebone, Mayfair, Covent Garden, and also near Angel. The first 2 days of viewing were crazy as I saw about 30 in 2 days. There weren't any that jumped out at me though a couple left an impression. I've shortlisted about 3 thus far and the pics are here.
Apartment 1
Apartment 2Apartment 3The first one is located near Great Portland St and Regent's Park, on the edge of Marylebone and Fitzrovia. Very large and spacious apartment with neutral colours. When I saw it I felt it was really well decorated, until I saw the rest. The kitchen is a fairly good size with a dining room of sorts as well. Kitchen has new appliances but the stove is electric. Yes, the kitchen is very important to me, and is kinda disproportionately weighing on my decision. The location's pretty good since it's quite near to Marylebone High St, Oxford St and Regent St where all the big shops are.
The second one is nicely furnished, cosy and on top of this bridal shop along a cute street called Elizabeth St in Belgravia. The kitchen looked a bit old though but the owner has done it up really nicely in a homely cottagey sort of way.
The third place is in Chesham St, which is kinda off Eaton Sq (atas place) was the most well-furnished (now Apt 1 kinda pales in comparison) and has the British India sort of feel about it. Only one bedroom though, but it does have a powder room (!) though it does seem like wasted space since I can't really make it into a walk-in wardrobe with no storage there. The kitchen is nice and new, but again, induction stove.
Apt 2 and 3 are kinda in between the Sloane Sq tube and Victoria tube. Pretty prestigious neighbourhoods. While it is well decorated, it doesn't really feel homely or my style, whereas Apt 1 has the benefits of having the main furniture in, but I can do it up, like a blank canvas. So currently Apt 1 is tops.
I'm going to look at something else tomorrow that really really looks like it has potential. 2 bedrooms, with wonderful furnishings (more of my style) and in the same areas as Apt 2 and 3. I think the downside is that the apt is in a building (as opposed to a period house) and there aren't that many supermarkets or big shops nearby though plenty of small cute shops and cafes.
Think this might be the winner :)
August 5, 2009
Leaving On A Jet Plane
Sorry for the radio silence. The past couple of weeks have been hectic to say the least. Busy packing, buying, preparing, selling car, meeting friends on top of work stuff and finishing up my flower class. Yup I've finally finished my Professional Cert in Floral Design, I barely passed and it was quite sad seeing how raw and unskilled I am still after all this time. Guess I just have to practice a lot more.
I feel like I've just been rushing from place to place, event to event, without really taking in the significance and pleasure of the experience. These past few days when I had to bid final farewells to close friends have been difficult to say the least. I resent the fact that I still have to do work stuff and fulfill other commitments (like flower class), rather than just have all the time devoted to spending time with people I care about.
I'm toying with the idea of starting a new blog to document my adventures in the new land and maybe lock this blog and keep it purely personal and private for a select few. Will also have to figure out how to use Twitter and FB more to keep people updated about what's going on over there. Not too sure what social media route I'll take, any suggestions?
I'm going to miss all of you and my life here. I suppose this marks another end of a chapter, just like how it was when I finished Cornell. I'm sure London will have its share of excitement and new experiences but for now, I really do wish I wasn't going and leaving all this behind.
I feel like I've just been rushing from place to place, event to event, without really taking in the significance and pleasure of the experience. These past few days when I had to bid final farewells to close friends have been difficult to say the least. I resent the fact that I still have to do work stuff and fulfill other commitments (like flower class), rather than just have all the time devoted to spending time with people I care about.
I'm toying with the idea of starting a new blog to document my adventures in the new land and maybe lock this blog and keep it purely personal and private for a select few. Will also have to figure out how to use Twitter and FB more to keep people updated about what's going on over there. Not too sure what social media route I'll take, any suggestions?
I'm going to miss all of you and my life here. I suppose this marks another end of a chapter, just like how it was when I finished Cornell. I'm sure London will have its share of excitement and new experiences but for now, I really do wish I wasn't going and leaving all this behind.
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