Monday, September 22, 2014

Beijing - To Do (ABBA Contribution Denison Tan Forbidden City 22Sep2014)

Beijing - To Stay
Beijing - To Do
Beijing - To Eat
Beijing, To Do 
(ABBA Contribution Denison Tan 22Sep2014)

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Forbiden City

 A taxi ride to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City will cost about 30RMB (S$6).
The concierge and taxi driver will remind you that they have to drop you off some distance from the entrance due to the security.

Some notes about the visit:
1. Touts - be prepared to face an onslaught of touts wielding umbrellas asking you to buy tickets from them. The price of 10RMB was repeatedly quoted (puzzling because the ticket costs more) and that a 2hr wait was awaiting, after which entry was not guaranteed. Avoid eye contact, feign incomprehension and get into what passes for a queue.

2. After close to 45mins, one should reach the security checkpoint, with uniformed personnel hollering for people to get into lanes - one for those with bags, the other for those without. There were also individuals, decked in sweaty T-shirts at the sides, berating people to finish their water before the security checks. A definite contrast to the uniformed officers around. Official or not? Did not find out but the karang guni men nearby were grinning ear to ear harvesting the mountains of discarded bottles.

3. Tiananmen Square. Take a photo at the iconic entrance then head in to buy the ticket. There seemed to be no let up in the crowds the day we went, though it was a weekday and barely afternoon. Local crew mentioned it was a holiday, though a search did not turn up any official dates. Dread to think what it would be like on a major holiday...


4. Arriving at the ticket booth, there is some respite-the crowds start to thin out somewhat. The tickets cost 60RMB each and took about slightly more than  an hour to get to from our first alighting the taxi. The audio guide is available for 40RMB after entering yet another security check.

On hindsight, the audio guide would have been a useful accompaniment to the tour since information boards are few and far in between. For a first timer, a lot of time was spent simply marveling at the expanse and architecture of the historic site, but if one had more time (and more conducive weather) the guide would have enhanced one's appreciation for the place.

5. There are vendors inside selling drinks and various snacks. A bottle of water retails for 3RMB.


There is a costume shop within the walls - with many bedecked locals gamely posing for shots. Approach politely and they may oblige you taking a photo of them.
6. Departing will cast a bit of a damper on the trip, and despite being told about it still came as a surprise. The road in front of the exit is gated off, so you will have to walk some distance towards the East (turn right after exiting the City). There, taxi drivers will ask for 100RMB to take you back to the hotel, or tell you about the traffic issues to take you back, or just plain ignore your hails.

Local drivers get in on it too, pulling up to the kerb and asking for 150RMB to drive you in their sedan. Apparently it is a phenomenon well documented in online forums. Our remedy was to walk to the nearest (but still a fair distance away) hotel and get a taxi waiting outside. Otherwise the subway would have been another choice.
 (ABBA Contribution Denison Tan 22Sep2014)

Narita - To Stay (International Garden Hotel ABBA Contribution Denison Tan 22Sep2014)


Narita (Chiba Prefecture) 
 *updated 08Jun2012
Japan Narita - To Stay
Japan Narita - To Do
Japan Narita - To EatJapan - To Buy
International Garden Hotel 
*ABBA Contribution Denison Tan 22Sep2014*


Located further from the airport than the ANA Crowne Plaza. But, nearer to the AEON Mall. 
In a word, dated. From the outer facade, to the elevators, to the room, to the armchair with dubious stains...
Best to not listen to the stories making their rounds about this place...

There is a shuttle bus that operates to Narita Station and the AEON Mall. Get the timings here http://www.ishinhotels.com/garden-narita/en/access/pdf/g_2014_09_eki.pdf or one of the green slips they provide.
You will need to get the password from the lobby for the gym and the crew lounge.
30% discount on food and 20% on beverage. Special crew menu (1131JPY) available from 1000 to 2130.

A poster in the hotel lobby advertises a Toride Cultural Centre located just behind the Hotel, charging 3000yen per person or 2000yen for person in a group of 3 or more. (Yet to be reviewed)
*ABBA Contribution Denison Tan 22Sep2014*
 

Johannesburg - To Eat (ABBA Contribution Denison Tan 22Sep2014 The Local Grill)

Johannesburg - To Stay
Johannesburg - To Do
Johannesburg - To Eat

JNB - To Eat

*ABBA Contribution Denison Tan 22Sep2014*

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The Local Grill
Located about a 15min walk from the hotel. Walk down Tyrwhitt Ave in the opposite direction from the mall. Continue down to 7th Ave and the restaurant is located on the left. Either that or take a cab.

The Local Grill is definitely big in hospitality. For first time visitors, a tour of the facilities is in order - which also functions as teaser for the Beef Appreciation dinners they hold in their wine room. 
  
We were informed that those were all booked to the following month, but nevertheless one can check if there are last-minute cancellations.

We were shown the supposedly millions of years old pink-coloured Himlayan salt used on the premises.

Larger blocks of salt are used to barbeque steak on, with the salt giving the meat a subtle salt flavour.


A brief explanation of the types of beef was given as well - Chalmar Beef being grain-fed beef would be more consistent in quality compared to Greenfield, a grass-fed beef.

We were ushered into the freezer used for aging the beef - wet aging being meat aged while stored in plastic, dry aging being meat aged in the open.
  
The sausage and biltong made on site was offered for sampling.

When ready to order, have a look at the chalk board in the dining room listing down the choices for today and the number of days that particular cut has been aged for.

Would not rave about the meat here. As others have pointed out, the regional style does seem to be with less salt which can seem discordant from what one is used to. Even the steak with their spice rub did not seem quite as well-seasoned as expected. But the aged beef definitely was melt-in-your mouth. 
May not trump nearer steak offerings for convenience, but for a different experience, and if one feels like venturing out, it is worth giving this place a try.

Both nights, including the starters, wine and steak came to roughly R300-350 per person.

A cab back to the hotel costs around R60 depending on how much one negotiates.*ABBA Contribution Denison Tan 22Sep2014*

Manila - To Do (20Sep2014 LA Cafe)

Manila - To Stay
Milan - To Do
Manila - To Eat

Manila - To Buy
Manila - To Do
20Sep2014
LA Cafe
100Peso entry charge
LA Cafe is a sports bar bistro that's open 24hrs. Dining and drinking options. A relatively large establishment with San Miguel beers going at 80Peso a bottle, and a plate of a fried chicken, served with fries and chilli sauce going for about 370Pesos. 
An excellent live band we had on that night, with sick guitar skills displayed. The female performance there after was so-so only.
Overall, drinks are a great deal, but be prepared for a little of touting by way of buying more drinks, chocolates and massages pushed onto you. Only thing that I personally didn't favor was when ordering the bucket of beer, where all bottles were per-opened with paper napkins wrapped around the top.

A short 5min taxi ride at about 50-70pesos to get to.Click here for ABBA location of L.A.Cafe located 2.3km from Traders Hotel. La Cafe, 1429 Del Pilar St, Manila City, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Amsterdam - To Eat 09Sep2014 Singel 404, Satellite Sports Cafe, Pannenkoekenhuis Pancake Place, Vlaams Friteshuis, Velminckx, Cafe Loetje)

Amsterdam - To Stay
Amsterdam - To Do
Amsterdam - To Eat 

Amsterdam - To Eat
09Sep2014
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Singel 404
(Lunch Cafe)



 

Open 7 Days. A week 1030hrs-1900hrs
Weekend open till 1800hrs


Ordered On:
09Sep2014


Brie with smoked chicken, aged cheese,
tomatoes, oregano and red onion. €6.75 (Pictured Left)

 
*Loved this hot Sandwich. Melted Brie atop smoked chicken. To be honest I was expecting smoked chicken chunks, but I guess, ones got to settle with chicken slices. The quality cheese melts, were top notch and the combination of flavors worked in harmony. A good sandwich but could have been served, toaster if there ever was such a thing. It could be the autumn cold that pulled this dish back a little.*

Tuna melt (Pictured Right)
(Marinated tuna with old cheese, mayonnaise, jalapeños, red onion, oregano
and garden cress) €6.75
 

*A healthy serving of tuna, with a great addition to accent it with the jalapeños, delivering a
pleasant warm heat. The flavor profiles, pretty much mirror a subway tuna melt order, though the tuna is a little drier.*
Total €20 With two orders of awesome Hot Chocolate
Fed2

*Hot chocolate was solid stuff. Frothy and sweet helps complement the savory dishes
and even better on a chilly day.*


Satellite Sports Cafe
(located 290m from Marriott Hotel Amsterdam)


Open Daily from 09:00 until 03:00
Friday and Saturday till 04:00
Tips are not included.
Ordered On:
09Sep2014 

Spare-Ribs Unlimited at €10,95
 Fed1 Total:€14 with tips and  an order of bottled water. 
Apart from the compulsory order of drink with any meal, this really is a convenient and descent place, serving up pretty good ribs (free flow might I add, which honestly is quite redundant. There's really so much on that one serve or it could be because she saw my size before processing the order. 

Ribs served were, four slabs off double Samsung S4 phone lengths (This would date the technology of this time). The meat was tender, and moist, peeling right of the bone in delectable morsels. Although more bone than meat but who cares? Its free flow and a definite value for money order. Online reviews have criticized their service and other dishes, but the ribs still do standout. Service was fine and prompt that day, but could be attributed to the early dinner timing. Furthermore there's free wifi. The garlic sauce option that I went with, really is just mayonnaise. The garlic-ness wasn't there.

Alfresco dining is available, however one needs to contend with the smells from the 'coffee house' next door.
Pannenkoekenhuis Pancake Place
Last checked, ranked 75/2093 on trip advisor.
10Sep2011
Bacon, Cheese and Tomato €9.50
This really hit the spot. Sweet and savory working in totally harmony. Loaded with cheese as well as 'healthy' serving of bacon and tomatoes. Thumbs up must try if you haven't tried a savory pan cake before. Nathan,"The cheese is good, but I'd prefer more bacon as am more of a bacon man."
Banana and Apple €8.50
 
Lucky,"I prefer the fluffy variety"
Banana and Honey €8.25

Rhubarb, summer fruit and homemade cream €11.50
*A seasonal, sweet vegetable. It was my first time having rhubarb and I can only best describe it as a sweet, slightly tart, chutney like texture and taste. A pleasant dish that went with the thin pancake. It's more of a Crepe, than a pancake really.*


Total €39.75 Fed4
 The general consensus was that it was good and had variety. The pancakes were good and housed in a unique environment. With the 'kitchen' within the premises, fresh pancake smells filled the space, whetting one's appetite.
This place is incredibly quaint and cozy, with all of its decorations and displays lining even the ceilings. The place had a steep stair way which lead to the upper story,containing about 5 small table settings. The place was full midway through our meal at 12.20pm.Go there early to get a taste of these light version pancakes. The savory dish was the one that was a hit with me and a must have.

Vlaams Friteshuis, Velminckx

Ranked 15/2093 on trip advisor. Really!?

Ordered On:
10Sep2014
Much controversy from online reviews by way of its 'super high ranking'. Here's the low down on it, since I haven't tried other fries. The medium sized serving was more than enough for 3, for a mid-meal snack. Potato wedges were incredibly crispy and definitely freshly fried. 
It was shared in comparison to other fries shops, their cuts were thinner, with the fries crispier and stayed that way for longer. We went for their most popular sauces namely Mayonnaise and Peanut sauce (a different take on a classic Satay Peanut Sauce, with it being smoother and creamier)
Medium sized fries order at €2.70 with sauces
Mayonnaise and Peanut at €0.70 a sauce each.

The best fries some say, but you be the judge. It is good, hole-in-wall place which is absolute worth it. Anything that requires a longer wait time, then maybe give this place a miss. Some travelers had waited up to 20mins to get their hands on these fries. Perhaps am not a connoisseur to taste the type of chips/oil they use to deliver their mastery piece in a paper cone.
Click here for ABBA location of Pannenkoenhuis Pancake Place Grimburgwal 2 Amsterdam 020-6265603

Cafe Loetje
(1.1km walk from Marriott Hotel)
 Open form 1100hrs - 2200hrs
ABBATip:
- Stick to original cut.
- Free Wifi available.
Ordered on
10Sep2014
Beef Tenderloin Steak (regular cut) €16.75 x7
* Am going to describe, to the best of my ability this humble medallion of meat, bringing it as much  justice as possible.
Sure when served, it looks a little underwhelming and small portioned, almost like an odd shaped chocolate cake actually. But don't be the least bit fooled. This dish is an absolutely, A-class, amazing qualifying piece of beef! A small medallion of fine quality. With its perfect caramelization which my guess can only be done with constant basting of butter and done over a hot iron skillet or finished with a broil. The only way to have it are medium rare to rare.

The sauce its served on is not some cheap-charlie brown sauce. Its likely the drippings of the cooked meat which along with it, its amazing rubs, and mixed in with some butter. Concentrated, unadulterated flavor, which keeps the meat moist, juicy, enhancing and elevating the flavor of the meat. The boy's plates were totally cleaned off using whatever sides, to soak up every single bit of sauce. Fries, salads, anything! A spoon should have really been given. AMAZING stuff and highly recommended!  My money's over here over Castell's.
Beef Tenderloin Steak 'Bali' (regular cut) €17.75 x1
Exactly the same steak just with a spicy sauce. 
The sauce is a little too salty and the spice overwhelms the true flavor of the meat. The most apt description would be like having Chinese shichuan chilli and its oil that is often found served along side roast duck.
Fries €3.23 x4Good chunky fries. Really we just needed it as a conduit to lap up that amazing sauce.
Mixed Salad €4.50 x4Simple salad, with more vessels to lap up that sauce!
Total
€194.25 Fed 8 very, very happy people.Lucky ,"Wished I could order another steak."
 

Approx €25 per head with tips already included with the bill.

Ordered on 

11Sep2014
2nd Review by other set of XL cut the next day @
24.95 for larger cut
So good that other set Lee Boon Sim, Dexter, Liew and Andrew went back the next day for another round but for an XL cut.
 Liew "Tried the up-size but meat is thicker so the tenderness
of the meat is not even. Better to stick to original."

Unanimous review,"The regular hit the spot better than the XL but still a damn good steak.