Outfit of the Day - white sleeveless blouse over denim pleat skirt

"Fashion is about dreaming and making other people dream" - Donatella Versace.

Always wished I had the balls to do what I wanted. If I wasn't in business development, I would probably be in fashion designing or something else arty.

This was taken while I was out shopping, decked comfortably in a sheer white blouse with gold embroidery over dark gray pleated denim skirt. This outfit is suitable for dinner dates and outings.

Blouse: Unknown
Skirt: Southaven (SGD$59.90)
Bag: Renoma

Dinner at The Lab Cafe @ Bugis

1 Jalan Pisang #01-01, Singapore 199069

Tel: 6299 5681

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

The Lab reminds me of Fresh Fruits Lab (review here), drinks and condiments are served in syringes or other clinical apparatus, and they are also experimenting with their menu / dishes.  I guess the difference would be that the latter theme their drinks and desserts largely around fresh fruits, living up to its name.

Immensely popular, and only taking reservations for groups of 6 and more, we waited for an hour before we had a table.

This is a halal cafe serving Western / American cuisine such as burgers, desserts, Ondeh Ondeh waffles and interesting beverages such as Yam Latte, etc. As the name suggests, this experimenting cafe changes its menu often, bringing refreshing delights to patrons.

Service was efficient enough, and ordering is done at the counter. There are indoor and outdoor seats available, and interior is rustic with an artistic touch.

We started with Beef Con Carne Chili Fries with Cheese (SGD$10.00), consisting of fries with cheddar cheese, minced beef and kidney beans. I prefer those with more distinctive minced beef bits and flavor.

Next,  a bucket of Mussels Marinade (SGD$10.00), made of up large fresh mussels, leek and celery in a bucket of white cream marinade. Toasted baguette was served together with this dish. While I rather enjoyed the plump and springy mussels flesh, squirting sweet cream sauce when chewed, I thought the broth was too luscious for my liking.

Moving on, the Classic Beef Burger (SGD$13.00) - juicy and smokey beef patty, caramelised onions and melted mixes cheese clasped by toasted buns, and held tightly together by a steak knife. This was tasty and undoubtedly one of the better burgers I have tasted so far.

Finally, Smoked Duck Aglio Olio Pasta (SGD$14.00), fine pasta tossed with garlic flakes, chilli padi and olive oil.  The smoked duck was surprisingly tender and delicious, adding a umami touch to the spicy pasta dish.

Ask if I would return? Probably yes, for the rainbow cheesecake and yam latte, and during non-peak period. Don't get me wrong, the food here is rather good and all, but definitely not worth and hour-long queue.

[Poem] Of Fame and Fall

Take a sip of liqueur, 

Light up the last cigar, 

Wipe the grime from your face, 

Replacing it with a smile; 

Don on your dancing shoes, 

And shine in the applause. 

No one wants to know the real you, 

They only want to see you shine. 

Blow dry the wet tresses, 

Count the blinks on your fingers, 

Layer on the red lipstick, 

Add more powder dust to the face; 

Don on your mink coat, 

And step into the waiting limousine- 

No one wants to know the real you, 

They only want to see you fall. 

Copyright © 2016 thearcticstar

Outfit of the Day - red black striped blouse with flap, over black leather skirt and boots

"Forget the rules if you like to wear it." - Unknown

Arrival in Rome, Italy, when the weather was bearable and not too cold. I chose a black-red striped thick cotton blouse with flap over black leather miniskirt. Nude tights and black thigh-high boots completed the look.

Blouse: Unknown
Miniskirt: Guess
Boots: MyGlamorous (SGD$59.90)
Bangle: Hermes
Earrings: Denni

Chilling out at Rookery Cafe & Bar @ Raffles Place

16 Raffles Quay #01- 02A Hong Leong Building, Singapore 048581

Tel: 6221 0968

Website: http://rookery.com.sg

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

A neat little cafe pub nestled right below an office building, how could it ever elude us? From mornings to evenings, Rookery is packed with patrons enjoying meals, coffee and drinks over funky pop music.

Well, such vibrancy is the vibes generated by a cafe bar started by Daniel Ong our well-known local deejay, et al.  I personally really love the brick walls and dim settings, and have been here several times for chilling out.  One may choose to sit outdoors on high bar stools or indoors, to enjoy the cool air-conditioning.

Service is professional but not overly friendly, again suitable for the corporate crowd that prefers not to be disturbed over discussions or their unwinding sessions. One could expect efficiency in clearance of plates and coffee cups here.

Whether one wishes to discuss business over Mochas and Cappuccinos, or simply unwind over Beers and Wines, there is comfort to be found.

I enjoy the aromatic coffee with simple latte art - enough to lift one's spirits, but not too fanciful to break the professional settings when we order it over business discussions. I was also told that the Hot Chocolate (SGD$5.00) here is delicious with richness as well.

The only food we have tried so far is Prawn Gambas (SGD$16.00) - crispy prawn heads that were made tasty because of the garlic chili and sundried tomatoes, the perfect springy tapas to go with drinks.

I will be back again, since the office is nearby and there's still lots of items I haven't tried.  The only thing I can complain about for now is that the music can be a little too loud, making conversations tricky.

Outfit of the Day - gray gingham dress with rose

 "A woman's dress should be a like a barbed-wire fence: serving its purpose without obstructing the view." —Sophia Loren

[Tips on Dress] did you know that dresses with thickness and weigh conceal unsightly bodyfats better than thin / flimsy ones?

And that a loose-fitting dress actually flatters better than a snug dress - with a belt of course - especially after that 11 courses meal or buffet dinner.

 I love this sleeveless, gray gingham dress on sight, because it is heavy, slightly loose on me when unbelted, and so pretty with the rose. One of those dresses I always feel good wearing, even if the makeup is not perfectly applied or I've gained some kilos.  Perfect for work, functions, dinner dates and outings.

Dress: bought in Hong Kong (SGD$89.90)
Bangle: Hermes
Bag: Chanel
Shoes: Pazzion

[Poem] Pleasure in your Eyes

Hands on knees, eyes closed, 

Tracing the lines to secret nirvana; 

Fingers on thigh, seeking out the 

Least breathless way to crest. 

I'm trying to push away thoughts, 

But its your face I see somehow; 

Your warmth I felt somewhere, 

My saltish tears I tasted somewhat. 

My fingers on my mauve lips, 

Somehow it's your soft lips I felt; 

My cries in the darkened tunnel, 

Its your laughter I heard. 

We keep playing games of 

Distance and nearness; push and pull; 

I close my eyes in agony, 

Only to see the pleasure in your eyes.

Copyright © Winepoetess 2017

Lunch at Itacho Sushi Japanese Restaurant @ Plaza Singapura

68 Orchard Road #02-35 Plaza Singapura (old wing), Singapore 238839

Tel: 6337 8922

Website: http://www.itacho.com.hk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itacho-Sushi-158303486802

Quality sushi at a sub-premium price, Itacho Sushi Japanese Restaurant started its flagship outlet at Bugis Junction, about 7 years back; that was the first time I tried their sushi.

In the mood for Jap food once again, so I happily popped into Itacho Sushi, seeing there was no queue. Yes, its a weekend lunchtime - no queue!

  

Started with a cup of Hot Green Tea and Chawanmushi with Salmon Roe (SGD$5.20) - taste was on the lighter and I found the steamed egg a litle watery, but ingredients were quality, consisting of crabmeat, salmon roe, shrimp and mushroom.

Next, Lobster Salad Warship (SGD$2.90) - a seaweed clad sushi with springy lobster and light coat of mayonnaise.

Roasted Squid Leg (SGD$2.40) was literally that - chewy, smokey and deliciously propped atop Japanese rice.

Cod liver and Scallop sushi (SGD$2.80) was a combination of my favorite items - both were fortunately light and sweet in flavour so they complemented each other without clashing.

Roasted Salmon with Cod Fish sushi (SGD$1.60) was beautiful, torched (aburi) salmon with a creamy, melty texture and smokey charm to the saccharine fish.

I also enjoyed the Salmon Salad Lobster Roll (SGD$3.20), crunchy and saccharine lobster mixed with smooth salmon salad, tantalising the palate with their flavours.

Next, Cod Liver (SGD$7.50)  - buttery in texture, light in flavour, devoid of fishy taste .... even lighter in flavour than the cod liver oil we are used to - very easily on the palate.

Soft Shell Crab Hand Roll (SGD$4.90) was average - the soft shell crab was not as crispy or light as the others I usually like, but this one had a more solid texture. Nonetheless, the combination was good.

I enjoyed the food and excellent at Itacho Sushi Restaurant very much, and will be glad to revisit again soon.

Outfit of the Day - mint green dress with silver shoulder piece

"Style is a reflection of your attitude and your personality." - Shawn Ashmore

I am seldom seen in bright / light colors, but somehow this dress managed to command my attention. I loved the cool mint tone of it, the loose material that shifts according to our body, and the elegant silver strap across one shoulder.

Dress: Fraiche (SGD$149.00)
Bracelet: Tiffany and Co

[Poem] To Whisper Your Name

Would you like me to say your name, 

To roll it to my tongue's tip, 

So when it touches the teeth, 

I would be able to taste you,

And learn of your flavor? 

Would you like me to tell you, 

What your story is - should I tell 

It the way I believe it happened, 

Or would you prefer that 

My imagination runs so wild?

I never know what to expect of you; 

Oh there are trickles for you, 

But not from the corners of my eyes. 

I dearly wish to watch the red sun, 

Rising over the top of your head. 

Your people know my people, 

But which parts of me truly 

Know which parts of you when? 

Yes I shall whisper your name, 

With my lips on your lobe one day.

Copyright © Winepoetess 2017