[Poem] Fall of the Kingdom

Time shows all,

But no one expected the fall

To come in the blink of an eye,

Sullied is the pure facade.

You watch a kingdom tumbling,

Rivaling the thunder's roaring;

The gold is being hunted down,

As true colors slowly dawn.

He kept harmony and unity,

A force so strong that others envy;

He left and it all becomes history,

Does he still hear the outcry?

It's cold, and warmth is derived,

Cowering beneath blankets of fears;

Fears of broken pieces of the bond,

And warmth comes now from tears

copyright ©  Winepoetess 2016

Lunch at Pompompurin Cafe @ Orchard Central

181 Orchard Road #04-08 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896

Tel: 6509 8672

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pompompurincafesg

Photosource: Bun In An Oven

Photosource: Bun In An Oven

Found myself at this utterly adorable themed Pompompurin Cafe over catching up with *Priscillia. Okay, I've long ago heard about this cheery cafe and its adorable meals, but never had the opportunity (or thought) to check it out. However, opportunity presented itself when out with mummy friends.

Photosource: Bun In An Oven

Photosource: Bun In An Oven

Photosource: Bun In An Oven

The exterior was bright, done in a cheerful state and exhibiting the tubby Pompompurin. The interior was a dreamland for children - from the cute thatched booths to the big, soft, cushy Pompompurin stuffed toys at each table. A rack of merchandise for sale is situated next to the entrance but the huge soft toys aren't part of what's for sale, sadly (*Pris' elder child loved it).

Photosource: Bun In An Oven

Service was slow and glum despite the happy settings - and we were there on a weekday afternoon where business was slower. Menu comprised rice and pasta dishes, desserts and drinks - most artfully decorated in Pompompurin's shape or utilize Pompompurin holders. A festive menu with the cutest Stew was available as well but I was not in a veggie mood.

Photosource: Bun In An Oven

The Pompompurin Omelette Rice (SGD$15.99) was composed of yellow rice shaped like Purin, with an omelette, chicken stew and vegetables. Gravy was slightly tarty, should be tomato based - but overall taste was decent despite its eye-catching presentation.

The Flower Crab and Tomato Cream Pasta (SGD$16.99) was like a creamy tomato pasta set, served along with thick ground herbs broth in a Purin holder, served with a small side of Romaine lettuce, onion rings and flower crabs. The herb broth was slightly spicy - about the only thing that made the dish stand out; the flower crab had very little flesh, too insignificant to make an impact. A little disappointing, since this dish wad centred on the crab.

Photosource: Bun In An Oven

Winter's Special Marshmallow Latte (SGD$10.99) - a sweet, foamy caramel latte with Santa Pompompurin marshmallow in centre and salty (yes, oddly) rainbow sprinkles.

Overall experience was okay - come for the decor and photos, preferably with kids.

[Poem] Surreal Departure

Glued to my chest now,

Holding the pieces of my heart

Intact, is a thick layer of pain,

Piercing through the core.

Acute agony and I are now

Inseparable, where I go it shadows;

And the mind is ruptured,

With thoughts and memories of you.

Fresh waves, washing over me,

Pain becomes my anaesthetics numbing me.

It even hurts when I laugh,

Your departure is most surreal.

copyright ©  Winepoetess 2016

Christmas Buffet at The Carvery @ Park Hotel Alexandra

323 Alexandra Road, Level 7, Park Hotel Alexandra, Singapore 159972

Tel: 6828 8880

Website: http://www.parkhotelgroup.com/alexandra/the-carvery-,dining_viewItem_392-en.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carvery.sg

I was just at The Carvery in February this year celebrating Valentine's Day with The Beau (review here), and decided to return for their Christmas Buffet, having heard raves about them. The 2 male buddies aka "Faceless Wonders" wanted a meaty meal, and we were celebrating Christmas - so somewhere with turkey, logcakes, etc, was warranted.

At a mere SGD$60.00 per pax for dinner, there was quite a good selection of food, rather attentive service, spacious interior as well as stunning poolview overlooking where Aqua Luna Bar is, bathed in neon blue lights. Rather festive decor and cheery Christmas tunes filled the restaurant with Yuletide vibes.

The first station that caught my attention was the Seafood Counter - where fresh Oysters, Prawns, Mussels and Smoked Fish awaited. Following that, the Roasts Station where a large, moistened Roast Turkey lay in wait with juicy Roast Beef and crackling Roast Pork.

I was also keen on the Desserts section, boosting of Logcake, Blackforest Trifle, Eggnog, Fruitcake, Stollen Loaf and Christmas Cookies etc. Fresh Fruits were available next to the pastries.

Other stations included Italian Station where a blazing oven baked thin-crust pizzas, as well as stations with other cooked food. Oh, the Cheese counter was worth a mention too,  filled with a good assortment of cheese, crackers, and dried fruits.

We launched our gourmand attack.  I really enjoyed the saccharine, fresh Oysters with a dash of Tobasco and Lemon juice, as well as the smoked salmon and smoked swordfish. Other repeats were the surprisingly tender turkey, smokey roast beef, crackling roast pork, vine tomatoes, and desserts.

It was, overall, a very enjoyable Christmas dinner over catching up with valued friends and merry chatter. We appreciated that the staff here cleared plates at an efficient but not hurried pace, as well as the quick refill of buffet trays.

Merry Christmas my dears!

[Poem] Toeing the Lines

I am alone with my thoughts,

The skies are trying to paint my mood;

I am defenseless,

As the tide of sad news wash over.

I want to hide away,

Run back to the days

When you were healthy and tall,

When we looked up to see you smile.

I want to run away,

Hide amongst the safe memories,

Where no one bade goodbye,

And pain did not have a place.

We are toeing the lines now,

Between this world and the other,

Holding onto your form,

But will your soul stay rooted?

copyright ©  Winepoetess 2016

[Poem] Tribute to a Relation

Dust to dust, ashes to ashes,

Memories appear like flashes;

As life merges with nature,

And continue in the Afterlife.

We had prayed and prayed,

Raged and teared and tried

To keep you close to us,

See your smiles and hear your tales.

You fought hard in the beginning,

Before your flesh stopping trying;

Your missions are completed

So you return to be reassigned.

Dust to dust, ashes to ashes,

May the seas bring you to places;

In life, you were a godsend,

In death now a legacy is created.

copyright ©  Winepoetess 2016

Christmas Dinner at Brotzeit German Restaurant @ Somerset

313 Orchard Road #01-27, Singapore 238895

Tel: 6834 4038

Website: http://brotzeit.co

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brotzeit.co

No stranger to Brotzeit's delicious German food and beers over the years (review here), my interest was inevitably piqued when I spotted them serving Hot Mulled Red Wine for Christmas. So I rounded up 3 favorite persons there for our monthly catching up.

Some Fries (SGD$8.00) to munch on, while waiting for 2 of them to show up. The saltish fried were piping hot and crispy, went really well with our beers.

The Christmas Duo Platter (SGD$58.00) comprised tender, soft  off-the-rack-easily slow-braised Veal Shank bathed in dark jus.

The Pork Belly Roulade came in 3 big discs, and skin was crackling the way we liked it. This was infused with Winter time herbs and slow roasted. Beneath all that were truffle mashed potato, zucchini and brussels sprouts. They serve this dish with a Beer Sauce.

Hot Mulled Red Wine (SGD$12.00) was served steamy hot rimmed with sugar crystals; a sweet and decadent indulgence - we ended up having 2-3 glasses each.

I also indulged in my favorite beer here, Schwarzer.   It is currently off the menu, but ask any staff and they will happily concoct it for you. The combination of fizzy sweet Coke and light, cool, smooth beer was pure palate pampering.