Singapore's Garden by the Bay

Have you ever wanted to see what the movie Avatar looks like in real life?  Go to Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.  Seriously.  Day and night, especially at night, it's totally like you're in Avatar land.

This is a newly developed area in the city next to Marina Bay Sands.  It has greenery and water mixed in with modern art sculptures.  There are also a couple museums and outdoor education about Singapore's greenery and some of its agricultural history.

It gives you a break from the city, and give you something complete different.  Futuristic nature.  And it's a tourist destination worth checking out.

If you can't see the slide show, check out my Flickr album: Singapore Gardens

Singapore's Chinatown

Since our hotel was based by Chinatown, we started my first discovery of Singapore there.  The Chinese are a major group in Singapore, so their mark in Chinatown is distinct.

The decor, the architecture, and the culture distinguishes this district from the rest of the city.

It's festive and filled with some great little food stalls and hawker stalls that are worth stopping by when you're in the area.

If you can't see the slideshow here, check out my Flickr album: Singapore Chinatown

My first taste of Singapore

Singapore is one city I've been eagerly waiting to explore.  So when my best friend sends me a message that he's flying there for work with 2 full days in the city, of course I'm going to say "YES!" to his offer to tag along.

This city lives up to it's reputation, it's hype, and all the expectations as a food city.  Singapore itself is pretty isolated in its little bubble.  But, wow, it's a bubble bursting with great food.  And the best part, you barely break the bank when it comes to eating amazing food.  The hawker centers are the place to go for some of your most memorable meals.

There are so many iconic dishes that it's almost impossible to eat it all in one trip.  Yup, that means I'm definitely going back to eat some more!

Here's a sampling of some dishes that filled my weekend trip in Singapore.  Coming up, a look into the various tourist destinations around the city.

If you can't see the slide show here, check out my Flickr album: Singapore Food

Graham Street Market in Central Hong Kong

Amidst the bustling modern financial buildings in Hong Kong’s Central district lies the historical Graham Street Market, between Queen’s Road and Hollywood Road.  This wet market has been a Hong Kong landmark for 160 years.  It still houses vendors generations old.  Meats, seafood’s, high quality vegetables, dry goods, and all sort of local consumables can be found in this street and its side streets.

Catch this market while you can - the city plans to redevelop the area in the coming years and move the market stalls into indoor markets.

If you can't see the slide show, check out my Flickr album: Market HK

Nepali Cuisine in Hong Kong

Another best friend reunion in Hong Kong. And, it’s a birthday celebration. So there’s nothing better than a nostalgic lunch.

A couple years ago, we journeyed around Nepal and came back talking about our memories of momos and Nepali beer. After walking around SoHo in search of a fun place for to eat with a good lunch set deal, we found Nepal Restaurant. Perfect!

The momos brought back fond memories of our trip. The cuisine and Nepali staff make this place a great find if you’re looking for a Himalayan treat.

If you can't see the slide show, check out my Flickr album: Nepal HK

Spanish Tapas at Vi Cool in Hong Kong

Spanish tapas is consistently one of my favorite foods to eat - especially if it’s modernized traditional tapas.  And then paired with rioja or sangria…now that’s a perfect meal.

In a tucked away corner in Harbour City, Vi Cool is a fun tapas restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Sergi Arola.  The food is playful and the atmosphere is relaxed and hip. 

After going through most of the menu (and yet I failed on the pictures.  Fatigue from a 14+ hour flight from SFO just a couple hours prior..), I’m so eager to go back for more tapas and sangria.

If you can't see the slide show, check out my Flickr album: Vi Cool HK

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Hong Kong edition

Birthday week in Hong Kong means some specials meals are happening every day.  Some are casual special and some are splurge special. 

L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Hong Kong is a splurge special worth taking.  The open kitchen (which is in all of L'Ateliers worldwide) is perfect for food lovers.  The food is refined and fun.  And the service is a attentive, high quality, and friendly.

The A La Carte selections are pretty extensive.  If you can't decide (like I couldn't) the Degustation Menu will not disappoint.  Every course is close to perfection, if not pure perfection.  The uni risotto and the duck breasts are two courses that are still in my mind and will remain my favorite bites of food for the coming months.

It’s no wonder why Robuchon’s restaurants have been making it high on Michelin lists worldwide.

If you can't see the slide show here, check out my Flickr album: Atelier HK

Mexican Treats at Brickhouse in Hong Kong

Growing up in California gave me an appreciation for Mexican cuisine.  Specifically, college late night eats really gave me the occasional craving for Mexican food.

I found myself craving Mexican food more and more when I first moved back to Asia.  The problem, though, is that it's really hard to find good quality authentic Mexican food.  It's localized and doesn't at all fulfill my cravings.

After eating in Lupa and talking to the general manager who's native to Los Angeles, I found out about Brickhouse.  It's a hidden gem in Lan Kwai Fong that attracts expats who are also looking for some real Mexican food.

Brickhouse is the real deal and it's such a fun place to drink and eat.  It's a great restaurant to go with a small group of friends and share the plates of appetizers, tacos, and more.  Plus, there's a good drink selection of beers and cocktails that kill time while waiting for your table and that pair perfectly with the food.

If you can't see the slide show here, check out my Flickr album: Brickhouse HK

Birthday Eats in Lupa Hong Kong

A birthday celebration in Hong Kong – and it’s not just anyone’s birthday, it’s my birthday!  Eating memorably is imperative.

Mario Batali’s Lupa was the best place to celebrate another year in my life because it was a great opener to another year of amazing eats.  In fact, my birthday lunch at Lupa was so good, my family and I came back that very same day to celebrate my birthday dinner there.  Yeah, it’s seriously that fun to eat there.

It’s all in the food AND the friendly service.  The food is consistent to all of Batali’s places that I’ve tried in Las Vegas and New York.  And he has the best pizza I’ve eaten so far in Asia.

The service is imported from Batali’s other restaurants from Los Angeles and Singapore.  These guys know the ins and outs of the restaurant and they know all about the food and wine.  Plus, they were so generous to us when we came back for dinner and when they found out it was my birthday.  Thanks, guys!

Batali is one chef I’d love to dine and wine with because of how fun it is to eat in his restaurants.  Eating so well while drinking so well – that is the only way you should celebrate your birthday.

If you can't see the slide show, check out my Flickr album: Lupa HK

www.Foodicles.com

Introducing an all new Foodicles!  Now featuring a monthly Travel Guide, weekly Healthy at Home recipes, and my original blog.

This month enjoy tips for traveling around a few resort getaways in the Philippines.  And this week, try out my Healthy at Home recipe for Beet Carpaccio.

Enjoy!