Author: phebebay

Recommended: Visit Restaurante Lorea in Mexico City for affordable fine dining
Restaurante Lorea in Mexico City – Chefs hard at work

If you’re travelling to Mexico, do check out Restaurante Lorea in Mexico City for affordable fine dining. At the time of writing, Lorea is listed as one of the world’s top 50 best restaurants. Setup by female chef Oswaldo Oliva who trained in Spain, Lorea focuses on highlighting the value of Mexican ingredients from all over the country.

In terms of pricing, we found it to be very reasonable, as the total bill worked out to about MXN 6,310 / USD314 for two. This was using restaurant prices as a benchmark. The price included a welcome cocktail and a glass of wine to go with the steak. We also had the tequila and mezcal experience, which is highly recommended as it was the best tequila and mezcal we had. Check out The Travelling Squid’s separate blogpost on the Tequila and Mezcal experiences, which came with a pairing of food too.

If you’re planning to visit for dinner, set aside some time as the entire meal took us about 4 hours to complete. While it could be shorter without the Tequila and Mezcal experiences, it’s highly recommended that you go for it, especially if you’re new to Mexican liquors.

Menu – Lorea in Mexico City

Snacks

Tuna Apache tostada

Tuna Apache Tostada @ Lorea

The tuna apache tostada was a really interesting setup with some sweetness and acidity from citrus and umami from the tuna and onion.

Sweet potato with tatemada sauce & Fried plantain

Sweet potato with tatemada sauce (a type of Salsa) and Fried Plantain

Just in case you’re wondering, tatemada is a type of salsa which is a little more charred in nature.

Feast

Esquites and crispy tendon

Esquites and crispy tendon

If you, like me, are wondering what esquites are, they are a Mexico corn salad, typically made with chili, cheese and garlic, according to Serious Eats. One of my learnings from the Mexico trip was that Mexican corn is one of the best – there are so many varieties and each has a different taste and texture. This esquites and crispy tendon dish was really interesting – unveiling flavors we were not quite expecting.

Watermelon and yuzu crudo

Watermelon and yuzu crudo

I did enjoy this – recall a light sweetness from the watermelon, a tiny bit of acidity from the yuzu that went very well with the crudo (in this case it was a raw white fish).

Blue Stew

Blue Stew

This stew was seafoody in nature and was paired with mushrooms and, if I recall correctly, a fish. The seafood flavor was light and subtle, which got us wondering about the ingredients used – perhaps squid ink was used.

Huitlacoche taco

Huitlacoche taco

According to online food store Woodland Foods, Huitlacoche is a fungus that grows on corn, typically used as a filling for tacos, soups and quesadillos. Lorea staff said that it is considered to be a delicacy. To me, it tasted like an interesting kind of mushroom, with an earthy and spongy texture. We were invited to view the fungus on a mushroom too – to be honest, it wasn’t the most appetizing of all sights, but still very interesting!

Huitlacoche growing on a corn – at Lorea

Butternut squash and vanilla

Butternut squash and vanilla

Enjoyed the squash display – wasn’t expecting a steak to come with this too, so this was nice. It paired nicely with the beef – a good match of sweet and savory flavors.

Butternut squash and vanilla – didn’t realize it came with a steak.

Dessert

Edam and plums

Edam and plums – mine came with cheese.

By the time it came to desserts, we were very full, but we pressed on. It was a lovely setup, the plums were sweet and when mixed with cheese, gave a strong, memorable, mouthfeel.

Pumpkin pie & Smoked milk

Pumpkin pie

I’m not sure if the ice-cream is the smoked milk in this dish – it was good! The pumpkin pie was delicious too – not too sweet, while the ice-cream went very well with it. The perfect way to end the meal.

The Travelling Squid’s Take – Restaurante Lorea in Mexico City

We thoroughly enjoyed the meal – I personally wish I had taken detailed notes as I had forgot the flavors of some dishes since it was written 2 months ago. In summary, we enjoyed the experience, the flavors, textures and approach to the dishes were genuinely intriguing for us and we encourage you to give it a try if you’re here in Mexico City.

Restaurante Lorea in Mexico City
- Address: Sinaloa 141, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
- Website & Reservations: https://www.lorea.mx/
- Opening hours: 2pm – 11pm daily
December 31, 2022
Recommended Mezcals and Tequilas from our visit to Lorea in Mexico City
This is a continuation from the post – Visit Restaurante Lorea in Mexico City for affordable fine dining. During the fine dining experience, we opted to try the mezcal and tequila experiences, which was mind blowing for us as it was the best mezcals and tequilas we had. Growing up, tequila had always been a shot that you gulp down in clubs, but here, it was smooth enough to be sipped, and enjoyed with food. Here are some recommended Mezcals and Tequilas from our visit to Lorea in Mexico City.

Mezcals and Tequilas from our visit to Lorea in Mexico City

Tequila Experience

The Tequila Experience at Lorea

From left to right:
- El Caballito Cerrero – Click here for more information. Retails for about US$80.
- Cascahuin – The link here brings you to the tequila maker’s website. It retails in the US for about US$70.
- Tequila Arette – Here’s a link to their homepage. I found it listed on Total Wine, retailing at about US$25.
- Food pairing – Mushrooms, a meat stew with carrots, and jamon
The Mezcal experience at Lorea.

From left to right:
- Cuero Viejo – Here’s the link to the maker’s homepage. Unfortunately, it seems like they have yet to find a presence in the US – I don’t see online shops selling them. In Mexico, the 52% abv bottle retails for MEX 1340, about US$70.
- El Tigre – Check out their Medium page here. Unfortunately this seems to be from a niche maker, and it seems that it only retails in Mexico.
- Mezcal Lalocura – There is a short write-up here in English. Once again, it seems to be from a small producer, and doesn’t seem to retail in the US.
- Food Pairing – Cheese, chocolate and I forgot what that brown thing was 😛 – could be a fig.
The Travelling Squid’s Take

I enjoyed both the tequila and mezcal experiences tremendously. I think I enjoyed the Mezcal experience a little more, due to the smoky nature of Mezcal. It’s unfortunate that I couldn’t find any of these bottles retailing in the US. That said, it was truly an experience and if you do go to Lorea in Mexico City, please be sure to try both out!
December 31, 2022
Must try: Visit Los Tacos No 1 in downtown NYC
Visit Los Tacos No. 1 in downtown NYC

If you’re looking for a place to eat near the World Trade Center in NYC, look no further than Los Tacos No.1. This eatery was pretty packed during the last two times S and I visited, but as there is standing room only, folks just finished their food and left, so there was sufficient room for all. I very much like this place – I’m no connoisseur of Mexican food, but I’ve seen several folks ordering in Spanish and looking excited and happy when chatting with the staff, so I can only imagine that the food must be really authentic. Here’s why you should visit Los Tacos No 1 in downtown NYC.

There’s standing room only, so the turnover is pretty high.

About Los Tacos No 1

According to its website, Los Tacos No.1 was created when three friends from Tijuana (Mexico) and Brawley (California) decided to bring authentic Mexican tacos to the East Coast. The menu is simple – they sell mainly tacos and quesadillas. You get to opt for some sides such as chips and salsa and guacamole.

Tacos

We tried everything – our favorites were the carne asada (steak) and adobada (marinated pork). I really enjoyed the Nopal (grilled cactus) too. All our tacos were corn tortillas, with con todo (with everything). This means you get the full works – salsa, cilantro and onions.
- CARNE ASADA – GRILLED STEAK ($4.95) – back most pic, on the left
- POLLO ASADO – GRILLED CHICKEN ($4.75) – back most pic, on the right
- ADOBADA – MARINATED PORK ($4.85) – front most pic, on the right
- NOPAL – GRILLED CACTUS ($4.65) – front most pic, on the lift
The cactus is in the foreground, on the left.

It was my first time having cacti and it was wonderful. It had the texture of a roasted zucchini, but had a unique vegetal taste.

Horchata

Horchat – white drink over there – it was on the sweet side, but delicious!

Horchata looks like an Asian soybean milk, but according to Masterclass.com, it’s made by blending white rice and cinnamon sticks in water and letting them soak overnight.

S ordered Mexican coca-cola too – apparently it’s better than Coca-cola in the US because pure cane sugar is used. (Could be just psychological?)

The Travelling Squid’s Take

While Los Tacos No. 1 in downtown NYC may not be the cheapest taco place, the quality of its tacos really wowed me. I’ve yet to have such a great taco corn wrap, along with the meats or cacti that’s being piled into it. The salsa and toppings were also a great balance to the strong flavors of the meats. A true testament of its authenticity is the fact that it’s frequented by not just a couple but many Mexican-Americans.

Do give it a try! It’s definitely better than eating at a food court in WTC!

Visit Los Tacos No 1 in downtown NYC
- Address: 136 Church St, New York, NY 10007 – There are other locations in Chelsea Market, Times Square and Grand Central – see here (https://www.lostacos1.com/locations/)
- Nearest Subway: 3 min walk from WTC
- Website: https://www.lostacos1.com/
- Opening hours: https://www.lostacos1.com/
June 28, 2022
Visit Sylvias in New York City for great soul food
Visit Sylvias in New York City for great soul food

I visited Sylvias recently, after they were closed in Sep 2021 for renovations. As you may be aware, Sylvia’s is a well-known spot in Harlem, known for its fried chicken and barbeque ribs. Similar to Irish pub McSorley’s, I consider Sylvia’s to be a New York institution. It was founded in 1962, and has been visited by some US Presidents including Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Nelson Mandela, whose picture was on showcase in the restaurant, was a patron too. Unfortunately, I don’t think there were pictures of Conan O’Brien, who did a little comedy episode as an employee there (see video below). While Sylvias is located very much North in Manhattan’s Harlem, here’s why you should visit Sylvias in New York City for great soul food.

Visit Sylvias in New York City for great soul food – What I love about Sylvia’s – cornbread, collard greens and grits

Sylvia’s cornbread is the best!

Check out the texture of the cornbread – it’s super crumbly!

Apart from the super delicious fried chicken, what I love about Sylvia’s are the sides – the cornbread is delicious – it’s moist, each crumb literally falls apart as I bite into it. The collard greens are also one of the best – a perfect balance of savory, sweetness and acidity. Collard greens are pretty fibrous and can get tough if not cooked well – Sylvia’s did it perfectly. I tried grits for the very first time and wow – it was a rich, creamy porridge – reminded me of congee in Asian cooking. The collard greens were of the right texture and flavour – soft but not mushy, with the right balance of savoriness and acidity.

The best collard greens I’ve had.

First time having grits! It had a comforting taste, similar to that of congee.

Visiting in May 2021

When I last visited in May, my experience was different as I dined at the patio. Back then, indoor dining was closed due to COVID restrictions. Therefore, I ordered takeout and had it at one of the tables on the patio. Due to renovation, Sylvia’s has been closed since Sep 2021 and recently reopened in Nov 2021. I was super happy to be able to get a reservation on Resy, albeit it was at 3.30pm in the afternoon.

On that very day, I arrived at Sylvia’s 30 minutes later than my original reservation! (The subway is not to be blamed, it was really poor time management on my end ://) I was worried that they would decline to take me, as they had declined a group just before me. In fact, the staff recommended them to Red Rooster (which I was tempted to visit during my visit as the environment was a comfortable one). But why do Red Rooster if you can eat at Sylvia’s! Kudos to S’s recommendation and I’m glad I went out of my comfort zone to order from Sylvia’s on my first visit : ) The staff member said they do offer a grace period, but 30 minutes was a tad long. Thankfully he reappears 15 mins later saying that they have a vacancy.

Sylvia’s menu – they have cocktails on the other side of the menu too.

I had a look at their menu and was spoiled for choice. I really wanted to try their seafood options but decided to prioritize the chicken. I went with the combination which included chicken and barbeque ribs. Apparently the latter is pretty famous too. When I struggled between deciding whether to have fried or smothered chicken, my server was super helpful and said that smothered chicken is actually fried chicken with an onion-based cream sauce, and he could bring me a little bowl of gravy so I get to try both. That was really nice of him – really appreciated not having to order two chicken mains in order to try both options.

Sylvia’s hot sauce – goes very well with the fried chicken.

Sylvia’s hot sauce

This was very addictive. I had about 1/8 of the bottle when I was there. It was a little spicy but super rich in flavour with just the right amount of acidity. Makes a great pairing with the fried chicken and interestingly, cornbread.

Bar-b-que Ribs and Fried Chicken combination

The fried chicken BBQ ribs combo – $26

I ordered the ribs and fried chicken combination as I wanted to get the best of both worlds. It was great that my server offered a serving of smothered gravy so I could try what it was like to have smothered chicken too. I love chicken thighs and drumsticks so I got dark meat. Sylvia’s white meat (breast and wings) seems to be pretty popular and was sold out when I was there.

Sylvia’s fried chicken does live up to its name. Great with the hot sauce too.

At $26, I would say it’s a great price as this meal could have fed two. The serving of sides were hearty and absolutely delicious. I love how the fried chicken was crispy and yet not greasy. It was also well-seasoned – though I would say a little on the salty side. You could tell something more that salt and pepper went into the batter. It went absolutely perfect with the bottle of Sylvia’s hot sauce on the table.

The smothered gravy on the side is great, though my personal preference is to have the fried chicken on its own.

I enjoyed the smothered gravy which was a complimentary add-on by my server. I’d say it was an onion based, thick cream sauce. It was an interesting addition but my personal preference was to have the fried chicken on it’s own.

Fall off the bone BBQ ribs

I think the ribs were very well done. The meat literally ‘fell-off-the-bone’ and was well marinated. The BBQ sauce was interesting – less smoky that the ribs I had in Atlanta but still rich and slightly more acidic. It could be of a different barbeque style.

The Travelling Squid’s Take

I absolutely enjoyed my trip to Sylvia’s. I relished the full dining experience and was so glad I could get a reservation. The quality of food is still top notch since the first time I visited in May, but having it in a cosy environment really adds to the quality of the experience.

It was worth the 45 minutes getting there, and 1hr + getting back. On the way there, I took the 2 express train but on the way back, the express service was cancelled and it was local service all the way, hence the extended travel time. But I’ll definitely be back – looking forward to trying their seafood dishes next. Yum!

***

Visit Sylvias in New York City for great soul food
- Address: 328 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027
- Tel: +1 (212) 996-0660
- Reservation: https://resy.com/cities/ny/sylvias-restaurant?date=2021-12-10&seats=2
- Website: https://sylviasrestaurant.com/menus/
December 12, 2021
Getting from Manhattan to Flushing Queens in New York
Flushing Queens, NY

Recently, I took a trip to Flushing, Queens. Widely known as an enclave for the Chinese community in New York, I was excited to see the sights and try out the food. I also heard about well-known Malaysian restaurants in the area, and was planning to visit one. Here’s my take on getting from Manhattan to Flushing Queens in New York, and whether it’s worth a trip.

Check out this Wikipedia link for a brief history of Flushing – how it got its name and became a Chinese enclave.

“In the 1970s, immigrants from Taiwan established a foothold in Flushing, whose demographic constituency had been predominantly non-Hispanic white, interspersed with a small Japanese community. Additionally, a large South Korean population also called Flushing home. The Taiwanese immigrants were the first wave of Chinese-speaking immigrants who spoke Mandarin (Taiwanese also spoken) rather than Cantonese to arrive in New York City. Many Taiwanese immigrants were additionally Hokkien and had relatives or connections to Fujian province in China, which led to large influxes of Fuzhounese Americans.”(From Wikipedia)

Lining up for buses in Flushing.

Best way to get from Manhattan to Flushing Queens in New York

Getting from Manhattan to Flushing Queens in New York via the LIRR.

I discovered the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) gets you there from Penn Station, in just 3 stops. The fare is US$4.50, almost double that of the MTA on the 7 train, which will get you there for US$2.75, but with ~15 stops in between. Therefore I would definitely recommend taking the LIRR. The downside of the LIRR is frequency – the train arrives in ~35 minute intervals. Fortunately, my wait time was 10-15 minutes heading there and back.

Spacious seating too.

The pros of the LIRR can simply be summed up in a) actual duration of the ride is 20 minutes (which is about half that of the 7 train) and b) there are plenty of empty seats on board, so you will definitely get a seat, and the chances of having a quiet train cabin to yourself is higher. There’s also plenty of room per seat – it’s similar to seats found on the Amtrak.

An empty train.

My activities in Flushing can be summarized as follows:
- Visited ‘Malay Restaurant’ – yes that’s the name – check out this blogpost for more info. Had two dishes – Hainanese Chicken Rice and Curry Kway Teow (which is like Singapore Yong tau foo in curry gravy.)
New World Mall, Flushing
- Walked around fairly aimlessly until it got cold and I sought refuge in the New World Shopping Mall
Jmart in New World Mall
- Entered 3 supermarkets, Kmart, Jmark and US No 1 Supermarket. For the latter, I could see that some effort was made to be No 1, given the size of the supermarket and the variety of goods on sale.
I thought the name was just.. bold. : )

The US 1 Supermarket is actually really big and might live up to it’s name : )

New World Mall’s Food Court

Food Court at New World Mall

The food court is a must-visit. It reminded me fondly of food courts in Singapore, only that the stall signs were mostly in Chinese and the only drink stalls were bubble tea stalls (Kung Fu tea and Gong Cha). I will take the opportunity here to recommend you not to order from Kung Fu tea. There’s just too much syrup in the tea and it felt like diabetes in a cup. The dumpling stores and Xi’an food stall seem to be very popular. If I were to return, will definitely give these a try.

Flushing Main Street

The LIRR station

The Travelling Squid’s Take

Flushing is a fun day or half-day trip, depending on how much food you’d like to try, and how much groceries you’d like to shop for. It can be nostalgic if you’ve lived in China before, and have grown accustomed to the charms and quirks of a second or third tier Chinese city. Would I be back again? I’d say – perhaps, but for now I’d prioritize exploring Manhattan’s Chinatown. It’s slightly more convenient and I’m drawn to its unique charm of developing into an immigrant enclave in a modern, thriving city.
December 4, 2021
Eating at Malay Restaurant in Flushing Queens NY
Eating at Malay Restaurant in Flushing Queens NY

Over the weekend, I visited Flushing, known for its delectable range of Chinese food. Flushing is about an hour’s journey from where I live, so I was determined to get the full experience. This is why I ordered two dishes while eating at Malay Restaurant in Flushing Queens NY. I had read great reviews about the eatery and was keen to find out if it lived up to its name of selling delectable Malaysian/ Singaporean food. I realized that Malaysian and Singaporean food are typically lumped together especially in New York, perhaps because it’s not so easy to tell the difference.

Eating at Malay Restaurant in Flushing Queens NY

Location

Bubble tea and dessert shops are right next to Malay Restaurant.

Malay Restaurant is a convenient 2 minute walk from the Flushing Main Street Long Island Rail road (LIRR) station. When I arrived on a Saturday, it was nearly full, but I got a seat. The food is affordable, priced under $10 for a main. Next to it are several bubble tea and dessert shops, perfect if you’d like dessert thereafter.

Ambience

There’s a map of Malaysia on the wall. Singapore is the little brown spot at the bottom.

I love the ambience as it reminded me of dining at one of the Chinese coffee shops in Malaysia. The batik-looking red table cloths were also a nice touch. The food took some time to come, and I had the chance to check out the map of Malaysia on the wall of the restaurant.

The interior reminds me of a Malaysian Chinese restaurant in Johor or KL.

The Food

Hainanese Chicken Rice

I ordered two dishes, the Hainanese Chicken rice ($7.50) and Curry Kway Teow (~$8) (which is Curry Yong Tau Foo in Singapore terms).

Hainanese Chicken Rice – $7.50. The chicken was really good – I’m not too sure about the chili – it was a little too acidic for my liking.

I thought the chicken was very good. The breast meat was moist, the skin was supple and the sauce was just right. I loved the cucumbers soaked in the sauce. I would say the chili was different from what I expected. In Singapore, the chili is made with grounded chilis mixed with ginger and chicken broth, so it’s savory. The chili that accompanied the dish was pretty acidic – I’m not sure if it’s a Malaysian-style chili. The rice was a tad yellow from what I’m used to, but it was pretty good. It’s been the best chicken rice I’ve had in the US (though I haven’t had that many, apart from the one at Kopitiam in Manhattan.)

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Curry Yong Tau Foo or Kway Teow (it’s spicy!)

Curry yong tau foo (Singapore term) or kway teow – ~$8.

I liked the curry yong tau foo. It reminded me of hawker food in Singapore. The curry was comforting – a nice balance of spices, flavor and the richness of coconut milk. I’m a big kway teow fan so that went very well together. I thought the stuffing for the yong tau foo could be seasoned a little more, but it’s still good. The spiciness comes not from the curry, but from the green pepper yong tau foo (seeds were not removed). I was happy to be challenged from a spice perspective.

The Travelling Squid’s Take – Try and let me know what you think

Overall, I’ll give both dishes a 3.8/5. I think the Hainanese Chicken Rice could easily get a 4+ if the chili was richer and less acidic. As for the curry yong tau foo, perhaps my reference point is just different, as the taste profile and style is more inclined towards Malaysian than Singapore hawker food. In fact, I actually struggle to find words to describe the differences between Malaysian and Singaporean hawker food. When eating in Malaysia, I always thought the food was better. Perhaps in mind, Malaysian Chinese food was more rustic and traditional in taste.

I hope I’m not judging Malay Restaurant too harshly – it was good, authentic Malaysian food and I love the homey environment. It reminded me of my past trips to Malaysia. It’s also very different from Laut at Union Square in NYC, which is a Malaysian restaurant too. Laut is fancier but still authentic. Serving portions are larger and the price point is naturally higher.

Have you been eating at Malay Restaurant in Flushing Queens NY? If so, drop a comment in the post below – would love to hear your thoughts on the food.

Malay Restaurant in Flushing Queens NY
- Opening hours: All day, 11am – 10pm
- Address: 135-17 40th Rd, Flushing, NY 11354
- Phone: (718) 353-2901
- Website: https://www.yelp.com/biz/malay-restaurant-flushing
November 29, 2021
Is it worth visiting McSorleys Old Ale House in New York City?
McSorleys Old Ale House in New York City

Is it worth visiting McSorleys Old Ale House in New York City? I would say yes for these three reasons. 1) Historical significance: The bar’s roots date back to the mid 19th century. Back then, it had an impressive clientele – including the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Teddy Roosevelt. It was known for being a bar for Men only, and only admitted women in 1970 when it was required to do so by law. 2) Simplicity: There are only two types of drinks on the menu. The light or dark ale. That’s it. The New York Times puts it quite aptly, that the lack of choice is at times something to yearn for, in the face of extensive menus by modern bars. 3) Inexpensive: When the bill came, I was surprised that it set me back by only $6 for a serving of light ale.

Why I visited McSorleys Old Ale House in New York City

Janet Ternoff’s ‘One and One’?

I visited McSorleys primarily because I was taken in by an art piece featuring a bar scene in New York City. The painting, titled ‘One and One’ by Janet Ternoff, was brimming with old world charm. It felt like I was taken back to New York City in the 60s or 70s. I thought it was the artist’s memory of a bar she had visited in the past, and I was glad to learn that McSorley’s is still up and running.

Scene of Janet Ternoff’s painting + two customers who noticed me taking the photo.

When I arrived, the seats indoors were mostly taken. So I decided to sit outside, after all, the weather was a cool 17C/ 62F. There isn’t a menu. In the exact words of the server ‘We only have two things on our menu. The light ale and the dark ale but we have run out of dark ale.’

The Ale

A serving of ale comes in two mugs.

One serving of ale comes in two glasses. I like how the beer was expertly pulled to give just the right amount of head. It was a great tasting beer, one I could have at any time and moment of the day.

The bar counter at McSorleys Old Ale House in New York City

Before I left, I went indoors to use the bathroom. The bar counter seems quirky and interesting. The bathroom was a little grimy but I think I can live with that. Atlas, the spot where the painting was formulated was taken up by two ladies (see earlier picture).

Scene inside the bar – there’s plenty of memorabilia.

The Travelling Squid’s Take

My hope is to return to try the dark ale, and hopefully get a seat indoors, at the scene of Janet Ternoff’s painting. To do so, I will attempt to visit on a weekday – as the server shared that fewer people visit then. He also said that the refill of dark ale will come on Tuesday, so it might be worth giving it a shot.

Is it worth visiting McSorleys Old Ale House in New York City? Hell yes!
- Address: 15 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003
- Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 11am – 1pm, Sun: 12pm – 1am.
- No reservations // CASH ONLY
- Motto: “We were here before you were born”.
- Website: https://mcsorleysoldalehouse.nyc/
*On a side note, if you’re looking for authentic Singapore/ Malaysian food in NYC, do check out Laut on 15 E 17th St!
November 1, 2021
Visit Laut in NYC for authentic Singaporean food
Visit Laut in NYC for authentic Singaporean food – I was too focused on eating and forgot to take photos of the restaurant! So here’s a satay pic.

If you’re looking for good Singaporean food in NYC, look no further than Laut! Located at 15 E 17th St, this Laut, also known as the ‘cheaper Laut’ to my colleague G, is in my opinion, of good value. (Please note this is not to be mistaken with Laut Singapura nearby, which he considers to be more expensive and not as good. I can’t comment as I have not visited.) The pricing of the food cannot be compared to Singapore, but the food is of good value as a) the flavours are authentic and b) portions are large.

When I visited Laut with Friend S a couple of weeks back, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of non-Southeast Asians enjoying the Malaysian/Singaporean dishes they had to offer. In all honesty, Laut brands itself as a Malaysian restaurant, but the food is very much similar to Singaporean dishes that I love, such as laksa, murtabak and nasi lemak.

Ok, so with any food post going forward, I plan to split it into 4 key areas: Food, Service, Ambience and Location.

Visit Laut in NYC for authentic Singaporean food

Food

I was very excited when I saw the menu and must thank Friend S for allowing me to order so many dishes). We ordered 2 mains (Beef rendang (with coconut rice) and Laksa) as well as a side dish of Satay. For drinks we had teh tarik, which was very good and strong, in fact stronger than what I’m used to in Singapore.

The Famous Rendang or Beef Rendang

Beef rendang

I love the plating – comprising a triangular-shaped rice and beef rendang in a patterned bowl. The beef rendang hit all the right notes – it was the right amount of sweetness, had the right spice balance and went very well with the coconut rice. $24 (for beef), 9/10

Ultimate Famous Laksa

Laksa!

This was probably my favourite. Once again this was pretty rich tasting, slightly richer than what I’m used to in Singapore. But it was nice having that familiar taste, slurping noodles through a flavourful, rich (broth?). To be honest, my tongue could detect little and no spice, so I requested for sambal from our server who gladly handed it over. The sambal wasn’t spicy either (I believe it was dulled down for people of all chilli tolerance(s?) to enjoy). I would have preferred the gravy to be less rich and a little spicier, but it was still very good. I was a little disappointed when I did not detect a presence of hum, or cockles, but acknowledge that ask is a bit of a stretch. $23 (for seafood), 8/10

Satay Chicken (4 sticks)

Satay – Visit Laut in NYC for authentic Singaporean food!

The satay was not a familiar shape to me. In Singapore, I’m used to skinny sticks going at less than US$1 each. Here, the satay was very plump?. That said, the meat was well seasoned and the peanut sauce that went with it was spot on. I love how they included the must-haves like fresh onions and cucumber by the side. The flavours were once again a little sweeter and richer, but authentic in my opinion. $11, 8/10.

Iced Teh Tarik (pulled tea)

Teh tarik, made by our server from Malaysia

The tea was on point. It’s much milkier and the tea flavour is much stronger but in all, excellent. I think our server Steven (from Malaysia) said he made it. $5, 9/10.

Service

Service was slightly delayed when we were there, but Steven made it up by providing us a generous portion of sambal. 😀

Ambience/ Location

We sat outside – the casual setting is nice for an evening with friends or a work lunch. Great if your office is located near the Union Square area.

The Travelling Squid’s Take

I’m definitely coming back again! There are a number of rotis (bread) and curries I would like to try. It’s a great place for both lunch and dinner especially if you work in the Union Square area. I like the casual setting but also the effort put into presentation and plating. In all, I’ll definitely encourage everyone to visit Laut in NYC for authentic Singaporean food. You cannot expect the food to be identical to dishes you get in Singapore, but the flavours are quite right.

* Big shoutout to Friend S for the company and Colleague G for the recommendation!

Visit Laut in NYC for authentic Singaporean food
- Website: https://onefork.nyc/menu/laut-malaysian
- Address: 15 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003
- Reservations: https://resy.com/cities/ny/laut?
- Opening hours: Weekdays: 11:30AM–3:15PM, 5–9:45PM | Weekends: 1pm – 10pm
- Menu: https://onefork.nyc/menu/laut-malaysian/roti
October 7, 2021
5 places to visit in Marthas Vineyard and how to get there

View of the ferry that goes to Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard was one of the last trips I took with friends while living in Massachusetts, and it was great. Just putting it out there, if you, like me, think that there’s going to be a stroll through the grounds of a winery with plenty of wine appreciation sessions going on, you will be disappointed. Martha’s Vineyard is the name of an island located on the south of Cape Cod and is known to be a popular summer vacation destination. It makes for a really relaxing trip once you get there, but the commute there involves taking note of the ferry schedule. Here are 5 places to visit in Marthas Vineyard and how to get there.

Getting to Martha’s Vineyard

From Cambridge Massachusetts, it takes about 2 hours to get to Woods Hole, where the ferry terminal is. From there, you’d need to take a ferry to get you to the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Visit The Steamship Authority’s website for the latest ferry schedule. The ferry departs every 1hr 15 mins, so it’s good if you plan in advance when you’d like to arrive at Woods Hole, and give some allowance for traffic. It’s also best to make a ferry ticket reservation in advance especially if you’re driving. We did not make a reservation and were asked to wait at Lane 9. It’s for cars without reservation and we did make it on the second ferry which arrived after we got to the terminal. I believe Lane 9 is for cars to embark on the ferry when there’s excess capacity.

Once you’ve parked your car, you’ll be able to head to the upper decks. It’s pretty windy so be prepared to be literally blown away, especially if you’re at the front of the ferry.

5 places to visit in Marthas Vineyard

Island Alpaca Company

I’ve got to say the Alpaca’s are super cute. The farm is definitely one of the places to visit in Marthas Vineyard.

I’d recommend that you visit the Island Alpaca Company, to see the alpacas! They’re really cute and make great photos. Entry to the farm is free and you can linger to take as many photos as you would like. That aside, there’s also plenty of alpaca merchandise on sale. Did you know that most alpacas in the US are born and bred in the same country? Apparently LATAM no longer exports alpacas to the US, so most of the alpacas you see in farms today are native to the US. Alpacas can thrive in warm climates too – according to the staff, there are a number of Alpaca farms in Florida too.

This girl is literally smiling! The female Alpacas are separated from the males.

Souvenir shop full of Alpaca items

The alpaca coats felt warm! A coat cost about US$200, depending on thickness.

Lighthouse Beach at Edgartown

Lighthouse Beach at Marthas Vineyard. There was a serene, tranquil quality about this place.

The Lighthouse Beach at Edgartown is probably my favourite place in Martha’s Vineyard. The lighthouse was pretty cool, but apart from that there was a serene, calm and tranquil quality about this place. I think it has a slight resemblance to Lake Toba in Sumatra, a place I visited many years ago. Both destinations had clear water, a blue sky and were very quiet, almost devoid of tourists. I would say that it’s quite a special feeling when a place reminds you of another, especially when both places are located at different ends of the world.

I love the gentle shallow water of this beach.

Little boats just lazing around.

Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook

Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook – I can only remember that it was c o l d

My only memory of the Aquinnah Cliffs is that it was freezing cold. It was in May (late spring) but it was chilly and the winds were going at about 20-30km/h. If not for the overcast sky, the cliffs would have looked great with waters of the Atlantic Ocean hitting its shore. Do visit when the weather is better. There is also an aged lighthouse nearby, if you’re into taking pictures of that.

Martha’s Vineyard Gingerbread Houses at Oak Bluffs

Martha’s Vineyard Gingerbread Houses at Oak Bluffs

I’ve got to say that when we first drove into the neighbourhood, it was like we had entered a different neighbourhood. In Star Trek terms, we might have landed on a different planet. The Gingerbread Houses came in a variety of colours and had very interesting details. They were also much smaller than the New England country homes that I’ve come across.

At one point, we had to drive in circles as unlike a grid-like structure that most neighbourhoods typically have, the heart of this neighbourhood was in the center of a circle. There are about 300 gingerbread houses in this commune. Origins of these houses started in the 1800s when a group of Methodists frequented this part of the island for religious activities and needed somewhere to stay. Today, religious gatherings still take place at the center of the commune. If you’re keen to learn more about gingerbread style architecture, The Silver Voyager has more information on that.

If you’re curious about property prices of these houses, prices start at $400K. One of the famous houses called Pink Cottage (2-bedder, 2-baths) was sold for $635,000 recently in Apr 2021. It was 787 in sq feet. Sizes of these cottages range from between 700 -1,000 sqft.

To be honest, I wasn’t super impressed by the gingerbread houses as I had grown up in land-scarce Singapore and if I had an option to live in a small cute house or a spacious modern house, I would choose the latter. Seems almost impractical to live in a small house when you could have plenty of space to walk and lounge around. That said, to each his own. The Pink Cottage had a certain cosiness and would have been a good vacation home.

Martha’s Vineyard Gingerbread Houses at Oak Bluffs

Ocean Park near Oak Bluffs

Ocean Park near Oak Bluffs

Ocean Park, like its name suggests, faces the Atlantic Ocean. You could walk down the stretch along the beach and it’s actually a really great feeling, to watch the waves crash against the shore.

Ocean Park near Oak Bluffs. There’s plenty of geese poop on the grass –> watch your step!

The Travelling Squid’s Take – 5 places to visit in Marthas Vineyard

Gazing at the Atlantic Ocean, while wondering when is it time for oysters/ dinner

I would say that renting a car and driving to the ferry terminal is possibly the best way to get there. In fact, I can’t think of an alternative as Uber would have been fairly expensive, given the multiple rides at each leg.

As for Martha’s Vineyard, I think it made for a fun summer holiday destination. I really enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere of Lighthouse Beach, while watching the waves of the Atlantic hit the shoreline of Oak Bluffs. Apart from that, I truly enjoy the company of the folks on the trip. It was a memorable time, especially after one too many glasses of whiskey.

*Author’s note: A big shout out to the girls on the trip: Friend D for planning this trip, and for Friend S for getting us there. Friend S was a super cool driver and I was glad to be in an all-female car along with Friend K, who was great company. Girls are just great, I guess. s( ^ ‿ ^)-b

July 25, 2021
10 things to do on your first trip to London

10 things to do on your first trip to London

London is a beautiful and exciting city with so many things to see. But where should you
start? Knowing which sight to choose can seem a bit overwhelming at first. But don’t
worry. We have put together a list of the 10 best places to visit on your first trip to the
capital.

How should you travel?

Traveling to or around London is easy and there are many ways to reach your
destination. On a warm day you can even take a boat down the river or hop on a bike.
The Tube is very convenient but it can be a bit expensive. Spending some time online
before your trip and searching for discounts and the best ways to travel is usually a good
idea.

1. Explore the Tower of London

The historic fortress Tower of London is an important landmark and is a great
place to explore the city’s history. See the Crown Jewels and visit the towers.
Here you can learn about the battles that took place, see exhibitions, listen to
stories and even meet some ravens.

2. Walk through St James Park

Walking through St James Park on a sunny day allows you to see some wildlife,
such as pelicans, you may be able to see the Horse Guards Parade, enjoy the
colourful Buckingham Palace flower beds and visit the Duke of York statue or the
Queen Victoria Memorial.

3. Take a ride on the London Eye

The tall observation wheel London Eye is another landmark of the city that will
allow you to enjoy a breath-taking and beautiful view. It is 135 metres (443 ft)
high and a ride takes about 30 minutes. Tickets must be booked in advance
online.

4. Visit the British Museum

According to the museum itself, exhibitions in the British Museum cover about
“two million years of human history and culture” which makes it a fascinating
place to visit.

5. Have a stroll through Covent Garden

If you are looking for great dining, boutique fashion stores and a selection of bars,
Covent Garden is the place to visit.

6. Enjoy Camden Market

Camden Market is famous for selling vintage clothing, jewellery, food and
anything else that you can think of. It’s an exciting part of London to explore.

7. Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace

Usually, the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace takes place at least a few
times a week or even daily. However, current COVID-19 restrictions have made it
difficult to safely carry out the famous hand over to the New Guards. Before
visiting, it is a good idea to do some research on where and when the
ceremonies are currently taking place.

8. Take a picture at Piccadilly Circus.

The famous road junction Piccadilly Circus in Westminster and London’s West
End provides a perfect opportunity to snap a few pictures and share them with
your friends. Due to its location, you can also explore the surrounding areas,
such as Regent Street and enjoy some shopping.

9. Cross the famous Abbey Road zebra crossing/visit the Beatles store

Beatles fans will love the fact that the original zebra crossing, pictured on the
Abbey Road album, is right in northwest London. Here, you can also find historic
recording studios. London even has a Beatles souvenir store.

10. See famous modern art pieces at Tate Modern.

If you love modern art and enjoy seeing paintings by Picasso, Dalí, Warhol and
Rothko, don’t miss the Tate Modern – most exhibitions are free and it’s right on
the banks of the river Thames.

After these 10 sites there are probably 10 more that you could explore since London has
so many things to offer. So, take your time and enjoy your trip, no matter if you only get
to see one or all of them.

*This is a contributed post.

July 25, 2021