Shirako Madness 白子中毒

I was introduced to this milky milt stuff about 2 plus years ago, and have fallen crazy in love with it. It is basically a japanese delicacy that is available during the winter season. According to Wikipedia and online sources, shirako is basically.... fish sperm.

And... they are so delicious.
I first tasted it at Nobuya, and have returned almost every winter season to the place, to eat it. So this trip, I thought I must have it before I returned to AD again.

We ordered 8 portions (for 3 people)... and this was my second trip back.
In my first visit, we had 4 (for 2 people), and would have ordered more but sadly, they ran out of it.


The milky slightly-powderish and super flavourful shirako melts, and dissolves in the mouth. The explosion of the taste, together with that sublime ponzu sauce, creates that wonderful feeling of heaven. Once you bite into it, it kinda just overwhelms the whole tongue, and you can't really decide if you are going to chew it, or swallow it. Hahaaaa, it is such a nice food - I can't and dunno how to describe it further. You have to try it for yourself. Basically, it is just .... awesomeness. 

So we ate away - at this tucked-away, inconspicuous, but very popular joint at Fortune Centre. The owner of this place has an attitude - he packs a punch if you visit his joint and does not drink - he basically sends you away and might even tell you off. We've had, in the past, endured such treatment unto ourselves, but... seriously, all is forgiven, in the name of culture appreciation and.... Shirako.


So we even took a picture with him last night. He was... funny and looked a bit shy.
But oh my, I love how his head was held high in the picture. To be honest, my assessment is that the food is good, the prices are reasonable, and if you must go, go! And go during the winter season to try shirako, and please do call for reservations first. They are always pretty fully-booked.


幸せなああああああああ。

It's been a while

This morning, I woke up to such a loud clap of thunder that I felt startled; I could hear the winds as well as the windows and door rattle. 3+ weeks have passed by already, and again, this cycle of counting my blessings and preparing for AD will start very soon.

It's funny... just this one month alone, I could just thank God for so many things.

#Myneighbourismypilot - we celebrated Herman's birthday the day before we left for Singapore, and then realised that he was going to be captaining the same flight back to Singapore (or rather, he would be conducting assessment validation checks on the 2 younger pilots flying the plane back). So Herman and Lily have moved out of Rihan and I would miss my tai tai friend jioing me for soups and wine. :)


We got a chance to get into the cockpit. I looked at all the controls, all the sticks, press-buttons... really felt that this is an engineering marvel. I had thought the cockpit would have been slightly bigger, but it was actually pretty cramped. 3 big men inside the cockpit - I suppose perhaps the air there would get a little musty?


Work was superb as usual - it's always so so wonderful to catch up with colleagues, to have actual f2f discussions. There were just so many areas to be thankful for - the random catch ups, the makan (ahem, and drinks), the fintech event, the scribbling and making sense of work and things, the LinkedIn partnership event, the Accenture project, the team discussions. All these - make up work. But it is also the getting up in the morning, albeit tired because I am a sleepyhead, but the feeling of - I am going to start my day again! - that perks me up. I can never be more thankful that I've got a superb team - a wonderful boss and an awesome colleague.


Jeff Weiner, CEO of LinkedIn, in town - and we work with LinkedIn towards SG's Labour Market Intelligence dashboard.


At the FinTech event, Min OYK talked about why fintechs should consider starting up and innovating in Singapore - just 3 key points. Obviously, the last point is about how we treasure talent and skills.


We also had an experience with 2 other colleagues who were tagged to FO for about 6 weeks (basically to join in some of our discussions and meetings - all to understand what different divisions are doing). Thought this is a pretty cool initiative, as it allows for colleagues to get a flavour of what other divisions and teams are doing.

AND BKK
Amidst all, we managed a BKK trip. This must be one of the best trips this year (but hor, every trip seems like the best trip. :-D)
But it was really really good for me. I basically - did nothing. We were so so familiar with BKK that the trip was one with such ease. We slept till we felt like waking up, ate when we felt like eating, walked when we felt like... etc.

On the evening of the second day, Steve was tired, so we headed back to the hotel and rested. He slept, but I wasn't that tired... so I decided I would go to the poolside lounge. It was so nice! Did some reflections, watched the sun set, had some nice champagne... and watched Yanxi. (Luckily, 我还没有中毒）。But it was just the "nothing" 2 hours plus that made that day so special. :)) Really nice to just sit by the pool and have time slow down a bit.



Also, we met his ex-manager, who is now a seconded staff to ICAO - the International Civil Aviation Organisation, a specialized agency of the UN. I am really intrigued by his work - alot about airspace, security, routes, and ultimately, protecting Singapore's rights, airspace and safety. Cos to me, the world is just too big - there are just too many different parts and facets to this big big world. Superb superb "learning" on BKK holiday trip. :-D


And of course, my mummy. Spent a really full good day with her - really good one! Including bringing her over to Lips and Daph's place for a nap - and she was so happy. I am happy she is happy. This trip, I could see her feeling so much better; her countenance is so much brighter. :-D and she laughs so much more. I am very happy. :)

Sunshine mum this trip - it's funny how she always likes my things. She would say - oh, your blouse very nice, your shoes very nice, your cap very nice. Even the orangey cushion that ZH gave to me - she said - oh it's very nice and may I have it? :-D haha, the things she says are very nice - are really normal things and simple things.

Then, of course there are the weekly runs that keep my week in check - basically, I try to hit MacRitchie as much as I can, even if just for a short 5km run. The monkey business, the young students canoeing, the same spot I like to cool down, the running thru' the board walk and trails - very very very therapeutic to my soul.

Singapore and its many beautiful trails. 💗


:-0 what kinda monkey business?

I did a run with Daphne - she said if she can run 3 times this week, we would do shirako. Regardless, we must shirako. :-D

I have rattled on enough for now. I've titled this - It's been a while - as the last entry was a month back. These small small little things penned down - would help me recount and remember God's goodness in my life. One day, I would reminisce and see His footprints in my life's journey.