Saturday, January 31, 2015

Istanbul - To Do (31Jan2015 Frankie Tan ABBA contribution Bosporouse Cruise )

Istanbul - To Stay
Istanbul - To Do
Istanbul - To Eat
Istanbul - To Do
31Jan2015 (Frankie Tan ABBA contribution)
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Bosporous Cruise

Find your way to the Eminonu Metro Station and the pier for cruise is there.
Click here for ABBA location of Eminonu. Approximately 1.6km walk from the Blue Mosque or 900m from the spice markets.
Buy tickets only from the shops as many touts will be there. 12TL (SGD 8) will get you a cruise up the Bosphorus River and back.
Takes approx 2 hours.

I recommend you grab a fish sandwich (6TL) from the Galata Bridge and enjoy aboard.
 
Perfect with a hot cuppa Cay which they sell for 1TL. There are toast and Crackers Orange Juice and milk etc sold aboard regularly too. Some announcement on important site through the loudspeakers.

You can rent the audio guide for 10TL at ticket booth. I did not do it. Relied on my guide book and simply read when we passed the different historical points along the river and snapping away.
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Monday, January 26, 2015

Melbourne - To Eat (Hopetoun Tea Rooms)

Melbourne - To Stay
Melbourne - To Do
Melbourne - To Eat
Melbourne - To Eat
23Jan2015
 
Click here for ABBA location of Hopetoun Tea Rooms, Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
 
Care for a spot of tea? I've always walked by but never gone in before really. A long queue just to get in as off 3pm in the afternoon. They are pretty much known for their light bites and their pastries as well. Yet to be reviewed, but by the long lines and internet reviews, a place to go for a meal or lunch. The place closes at approximately 5pm along with the main mall.
Click here for ABBA location of Hopetoun Tea Rooms, Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Sunday, January 25, 2015

Australia - Melbourne, To Do (Queen Victoria Markets, Pen City, Little Italy, Main Shopping District, China Town)

Melbourne - To Stay
Melbourne - To Do
Melbourne - To Eat
Melbourne - To Do
11Aug2012
23Jan2015
14Jan2016
Queen Victoria Markets

The Queen Victoria Markets is the largest open market in the Southern Hemisphere, selling organic foods and various dining opportunities. An array of mini-shops/stalls, most of which offer uniquely different items for sale, provides variety and diversity to all whom visit. Watch out for street performers, providing laughter, musical tunes and cheers to appreciative visitors. Nearing closing times are the most exciting and lively, as vendors let go of foods and eats cheap, to clear the days stock.
Getting There
From Flinders station, take either 59/57 or even 19 to Queen Victoria Market.




The Victoria Market as the name inherently suggests is a market. It sells quality meats at good value. Be inspired by their beautiful produce and cuts of meats and array of seafoods.
*Hannah and Jarrod*
*Taken on 29April22*
*Prices on 19Nov22*
*Prices on 19Nov22*
*Prices on 19Nov22*
 
 Light eats are avaiable in the antipesto side of the market.


Two special mentions at the Victoria Parks are the
Donut Van
The first goes to a seemingly, hugely popular Donut van, selling freshly fried, and strawberry stuffed donuts at 6 for AUD6. The queue stretches a good 20-30meters at times. See if you can buy off 1 donut from happy patrons at the front. However after 3 years of returning here, I finally got to trying one of these 'gems'. Not too impressed. A little doughy and definitely light on the filling. However one can't deny that freshly friend donuts are still good.
The second is "Aquarium and Reptile Centre/Upmarket Aquariums". If you like reptiles, terrarium and sea life, this is the place for you to see baby snakes, and reptiles native to Australia for sale as pets. Its like a mini-zoo of sorts. Have a gander.
Click here for ABBA location of "Aquarium and Reptile Centre" at the Victoria Markets 442 Queen St Melbourne 3000

The Markets opens early 0600hrs/0900hrs but closing times vary from as early as 1400hrs and a little later at1600hrs. So take note of when you maybe visiting as well as the closing times.Market Trading Hours
Tuesday: 6am - 2pm
Thursday: 6am - 2pm
Friday: 6am - 6pm ( General merchandise closes at 4pm)
Saturday: 6am - 3pm
Sunday: 9am - 4pm
Click here for ABBA details on latest closing times of Victoria Markets
Click here for ABBA location of Victoria Markets
 
Specialty Shop "Pen City" 

Never will I look at Pens the same again! Here Pens go from timeless designs, to the really exotic. Prices may go up to four figures and beyond. Here are some of the unique ones that I came across.
Pictured Left are the Porsche series.
Pen 7 made from the Brake Line of the Porsche and Pen 6 from some other parts of the engine. Its not just an esthetic beauty but its incorporated in function in the deployment of the pen. Pen 6 twists the spokes to be aligned and Pen 7 contracts like a snake, both of which  to deploy the pen. Aprox AUD300++ each.

Pictured Right
Pens 1 and 3,4 are made from Volcanic rock, from Italy. The selling point were that it could withstand extremely high temperatures, but more interestingly, people suffering from sweaty palms, would have no trouble gripping onto these pens. A really good sell at the shop as proclaimed by the staff. Aprox AUD350++ each.

Pen 2 design, was designed, way back in the 18 something and  even put on display in the museum, because of its timeless design. Made from Titanium, this pen goes at about the AUD300 range. Pens 5 and 8 are sleeker, women's pen, with carbon fiber and some deployment by shaking the Pen itself. Amazing!

Much more varieties and collector editions, such as wooden pens, gold tip fountain pens which glide effortlessly as you write, sting-ray skin, limited editions. A unique gift for sure.
Click here for ABBA details of Pen City 215 Elizabeth Street


"Little Italy"
Need your Italian fix and Gelato delights? Lygon street is laden with a large range of Italian and various dining bistros. To top it all, a Ferrari shop, Forza Italia. Visit this place especially during the F1 racing period. You'll get to see Super Cars line the streets in support of the racers.
Click here for ABBA location of Forza Italia and Lygon street which it is situated.
Click here for details on Forza Italia
Various Gems found in "Little Italy" on Lygon Street.
San Churro - In my opinion the best hot/cold chocolate drink and shakes.

Click here for ABBA Location 175 Lygon Street, Carlton Victoria 3053, Australia
Gelatissimo - A good, rich range of Gelato
Click here for ABBA Location 197 Lygon Street, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia

Main Shopping District 
You have all the big shop name like Myers, David Jones and many more. Take a stroll and you will find many more big brand shops, specializing in shoes, clothing, cameras and electronic equipments. There are also, comic/collectables shop lots, as well as army surplus stores, with great outdoor camping gears, which line Bourke Street. Further down this street is China Town.
Click here for ABBA location of general shopping area

China Town
Almost everywhere  in the world, you will find a China Town. This relatively small district has all your Asian food delights, with some Ice-cream stores like "Tom Turtle 169 Bourke St"offering very local flavors well known in SE-Asia  , such as Teh Tarik, Longan, Durian, Coconut Pandan and more. Above pictured are Passion Fruit and Panda-Coconut flavor.

Located near the Grand Hyatt, these places offer late night bites when every thing else is closed.
Click here for ABBA location of China Town  along Petaling Street
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Sunday, January 18, 2015

London - To Do 15Jan2015 Thriller Play Review

London - To Stay
London - To Eat
London - To Do
London - To Do
Thriller Play
15Jan2015
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To be honest, I was rather disappointed by the show and in fact, felt it was somewhat a case of  false advertising. Here's why. Based on poster designs and images used for media, it gave the impression that it would be largely, be a Michael Jackson impersonator who's going to be the main lead. Not only that and assuming likely to be perform his biggest hits. Perhaps goes through the musical journey or even cover the life history of Michael Jackson.

That was however rather much not the case and was severely underwhelming. It turned out to be mostly singers doing covers of some of his songs through the ages and with Michael Jackson impersonator appearing at most 2-3times and sometimes even as a backup dancer!

The performance lacked stage presence, and too many slow ballads with lesser known songs did not help at all. Mega hit songs like Bad, Black or White were only performed briefly and at the seemingly ending credits of the show. A real disappointment with, in my opinion a poor, choice of music selection.

If fatigue was a real indicator of how captivating a play was, especially having an early morning arrival, this had myself and friend taking micro naps and struggling to get through. Some backup dancers could be seen just going through the motions rather than giving their all.

I suspect that apart from the female leads singing performance, the rest of the singers could either have Pre-recorded or have their voices auto tuned during their performance. Even the Michael Jackson impersonator was merely mouthing the words, whilst performing, concentrating fully on the dance moves.

From here on end, am going to review plays before attending them. I'm probably going to be sticking to story plays, which are so much more engaging than this more concert/homage than life story of Michael Jackson. (Wicked, amazing! click here for review.)

Billy Elliot, a little slow but still better than this, Click here for Billy Elliot review.) 

My personal thought is to save your money for something else. Will definitely be researching genuine reviews from here on end prior plays. Thriller play at the Lyric Theater for your consideration.
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London - To Eat 15Jan2015 Madison Bertaux, Duck and Waffle

London - To Stay
London - To Eat
London - To Do
London - To Eat
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Madison Bertaux
Pastries created Daily on the Premises Est.1871
(Yet to be reviewed)
15Jan2015
 
Jim Recommended (pictured in blue above).
 
A very rustic and quaint two story pastry house, which churns out fresh pastures everyday. They do serve some savories but primarily, the message is clear when peering through their front window. Beautiful pastries line the shelves awaiting your order.
Opens at 9am and till 10pm. Check out its list of accolades.
 ABBAtip:
- Located close to Lancaster square and various plays and Chinatown.
Click here for ABBA location of Madison Bertaux. Maison Bertaux, 28 Greek Street, London W1D 5DQ, United Kingdom

Duck and Waffle
15Jan2015


An absolutely phenomenal, picturesque, panoramic view of the city. Located on the 40th story of the Heron Towers, located right next to Liverpool Street station, this British modern restaurant delivers a view like no other. Their food served definitely matches the
fantastic view.

A completely different look and feel to the place at night.
Their menu changes monthly, moving with the seasons. Its best to make prior reservations to avoid disappointment. Others have related that their last minute turn up and attempted wait of expected 2hrs, resulted in only having to ditch the meal entirely due to per-purchased plays, which generally start about 1930hrs.

 
We had made reservation on the day of arrival at 1030hrs for a table reservation at1530hrs. (That was the latest they could reserve as we had targeted a timing just before sunset. As seen from the pictures above, that worked out perfectly.)
Ordered on:15Jan2015
Bacon Wrapped Dates £3.5/each
 A balance of sweet and savory to a T. Served with fresh pea tendrils and I believe and a mayo mustard sauce and the bottom. The flavors and textures just work. A definite re-order the next time.
 N'duja & Gruyere £6

Freshly baked bread is the best. A warm heat with the balance of cheese is a great start to the meal. Be warned that the red spices colors do run and stains everything. Maybe no big smile pictures after this dish.
 Roasted Octopus £13
Chorizo, potato, lemon, caper with squid ink Mayonnaise topping.

Phenomenal. It's incredibly difficult to get octopus done perfectly. They nailed that cook right on the spot. Cooking the octopus for 45mins before tenderizing it, and finishing it with the broil. Fried brine capers adds a unique salt element, as well as an interesting textural feel to the dish.

Duck and Waffle £17Crispy leg confit, fried duck egg, mustard maple syrup.

Another sweet and savory pairing. Classically a southern dish of fried chicken with
waffles, this signature variant was just as enjoyable and
Torrejas £11
Maple caramel apples, cinnamon ice cream
A deconstructed, re-imagination of a classic apple pie. That's how I see it. Soft, lightly
toasted brioche bread drizzled with Caramelized apple slices and accompanied
perfectly with cinnamon ice cream. Of course one cannot forget the healthy dose of
syrup poured over. Devine and not overly heavy. Perfect for sharing.
Compliments from Chef Tim:
Tuna tartar served atop a pesto oil and avocado purée, with radish medallions, balsamic jam and a generous shaving of frozen Foir Gua.

 
Having foie gras in shavings, allows for a less dense and overpowering flavors. In so doing, it adds a light creaminess and delivers a suttle richness to the dish. A phenomenal dish which falls under the appetizer category.

A picture with head Chef Tim.
Total Fed 2: 60pounds total with tip
A great meal with an unparallelled view. Atmosphere, fantastic and undeniable and as previously mentioned, food meets the mark as well!

A definite revisit and when asked how it compares to Dinner in London (click here for Dinner review), I'd put it way up there as well. Though Dinner has an undisputed standing as a 2 Michelin-stared  and,  then ranked world no.5 restaurant, the experience here is a completely different. Its like having a simple sandwich on a mountain top. It really doesn't matter what you are having, but here the food is good and worth a visit!
The vibe in the night.
Two stories below is a Sushi restaurant that is often booked out to play host to London's
elites and celebrities, often closed for big party events.
A view of their open air area.
ABBAtip:
- As seats are limited, try to make a reservation and try plan it near the sun down. Get the view of both worlds.
- It's open 24hrs but they have strict dress codes and minimum orders. Most stays (depending on pax) are often limited to 2hrs.
- Free Wifi is available at location
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