Of matcha and patbingsoo

Besides green being my favorite colour, I am also an avid lover of matcha. To be precise, matcha is actually fine green tea powder. Being so, it is an anti-oxidant, an energy booster, a good source for detox and even burns calories.

This is why I am trying my best to inculcate the habit of drinking green tea every day. Not the bottled ones, of course. Those that comes in tea bags.

Since we are on the topic of matcha..

Patbingsoo (taken with Panasonic Lumix GF2)

This was what we had during our trip to Seoul two months ago. Green tea patbingsoo (Bingsoo means shaved ice). The green tea is barely visible thanks to the generous amount red beans given. The white cubes are actually rice cakes. It does look similar to our local ice kachang, but I assure you the taste is different.

Honestly, I've yet to find a reasonable tasting patbingsoo in Singapore, and I doubt I will ever find one. Nothing beats the original, anyway. But if anyone who is reading this and knows of a place, please do share. 

Brunch at Spruce.

Ever since I started schooling again, my weekdays definitely have gotten busier than ever, even more so as compared to when I was working. I finally met up with the girls after more than a month! In our calendar (me and Noi, especially), that is considered eons. Anyway, Mich recommended Spruce and so we headed to its new outlet at the old Bukit Timah Fire Station. It totally didn't disappoint! 

Spruce Signature Ahi Tuna Tartar (This was so splendid, I swear)

Spruce Signature Salad (Goat cheese and more avocado!!)

Cajun Hash (Roasted vegetables, potato and herb topped with scrambled egg. The perfect combo.)

Our meal isn't complete with some desserts. We had the Blueberry Crumble Tart and Double Chocolate Crunch Cake with Sea Salt Caramel. Totally sinful, yet utterly worth every calories.

All photos were taken with my GS3, even the last one, thanks to its timer. I love the functionality aspect of this phone, although it's been giving me problems in terms of battery life and charging. GAH. But that's another story. 

Spring came and went (sort of).

Had to go back to my Winter wear again. I simply cannot believe this. 

 Lunch at Farm Cafe.

 "Medjool Date Loaf"

 "Goats Cheese" with avocados and beetroot relish

Do not ask me why this boy had butterfly wings on him.

 Me, before doing the robot dance. No, kidding.

 Lo and behold, these aren't cupcakes. They are, in fact, SOAPS. The coolest shizz.

Seoul cafes.

Next up, I love how there are so many cafes around in Seoul. Though I've got to admit, it was impossible to try all of them, and somehow, most of the time we always opted for Starbucks. If only the Starbucks in Singapore were this pretty.

Starbucks, Myeongdong

Starbucks, Insadong.

Paris Baguette, Gumi Station.

Lente Coffee & Bakery, Doota (Dongdaemun)

Cafe Loft, Myeongdong

I love the bunny logo and the fonts used.

Krispy Kreme, Myeongdong

Manjoo stall, Myeongdong Station.

This is not really a cafe, but we fell in love with these Manjoo stalls that can be found in almost all the subway stations in Seoul. Definitely a delicious hot snack to be eaten, especially during winter.

Hollys Coffee, Gwanghwamun

Love the logo! Just look at how cute the cups and sleeves are.

With that, I end my 2009/2010 Seoul trip posts. Verdict: Seoul, Korea. Definitely worth a visit !

of chocs.

Now, the best thing is, not only Sydney has this! Its about time..

And I realised I'm only a big fan of chocolatey macaroons :/ Still have yet to appreciate the other flavours, though.