the street sounds of Hong Kong and Taipei enters my ears as Hawkers beckons my tastebuds

Hawkers - A tiny little place in "china town" well really I should say china square. A bustling, busy place (as anyone would expect with any hawker stand right?) - not a place to take for a first date - but definite a place for a quick big cheap meal!

Good late night dinner. When all kitchens in Perth are closed, this little Asian restaurant is noisy, and filled with late-nighters, expect to wait, but the service is quick. It's fits all your food cravings in all the right places, filling and great way to catch up and get rid of the alcohol in your system or just get a late-night grub.

It's a place where the location and the atmosphere takes you all the way back to the streets of Taipei and Hong Kong - so a word of warning - DO NOT WEAR WHITE! =D

The yummiest Laksa!

The famous Hawker's Vermicelli Noodles!

Hawkers Tea! - reminds me of Hong Kong! Warm or Cold it's fantastic!

For more hawker's dishes instead of their late night alcohol absorbers.. click here!

"What I've found does the most good is just to get into a taxi and go to Tiffany's. It calms me down right away, the quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there..."- Holly Golightly, Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1958

You walk through the dark wooden door, climb the staircase, where at the top you are greeted by impeccably dressed doorman with a huge smile, black suit and white gloves. Although, the Tiffany and Co. jewellery store in Perth is quiet small compared to that of Sydney, the magic that takes place there is just as amazing.

On the second floor of the building hides the precious diamonds - rings, necklaces, bracelets - the very things that makes Tiffany's so famous, while the first floor, just above street level, jewellery of a more reserved and every-day wearable things lay - just waiting to be worn by beautiful, gorgeous women, girls, teens of all ages - the prefect present for any milestone or for just becauses.

I love just browsing through their diamond collection, fiddling with their charms, trying on the necklaces and bracelets.. but the best bit?..I love watching the Tiffany's salesperson tie up the little blue box with the white satin ribbon and neatly placing it into their blue signature bag. Divine.

My little treasures of Tiffany marks every milestone I can think of. Beautiful treasures each holding special memories - the way a Tiffany should feel - special, unique, memorable. A visit to Tiffany's should always be an adventure.

Tiffany Heart Key - from their key collection (shown above and below)

The Tiffany and Co. key marked my year as a university graduate and the start of the rest of my working life *DEEP SIGH*. Marking the fact that I am now to be responsible.

 Tiffany Charms - Cupcake and "Return to Tiffany and Co New York" Heart Charm

The two above charms represents the love that other people have for me and how it feels to be love. How sweet love is or can be.

I am yet to receive the diamond Tiffany - but like the wise Holly Golightly said, "it's tacky to wear diamonds before you're forty", well, it's not all entirely true, but you know what I mean... I hope.

oh sweet coffee~!

His voice fliters through the room of gossiping females getting updates about their weekend happenings, "Would anyone like coffee before the meeting?", little to no-one pays attention to him, except the girl with rosey red lips that sits on the edge of the table with her arms acrossed her chest grasping her black file, "Yes, I will, I'm dying for a coffee!".

The boy and girl look at each other for a moment, both unsure of what to make of it, both hoping to go together..
They head across to the silver elevator doors, walking so closely together, despite their being so much room around them. Ever slighly careful not to brush, and yet hoping they will. Her black elbony hair bouncing behind her - she thinks to herself - thank god I'm having a great hair day!.

The silence builds between them and she lets loose a large smile, a nervous giggle and exclaims "I'm dying for a coffee!". He looks across to her and he smiled, "So, I'm guessing you are a big coffee fan then?", "I'm totally addicted" she flashed her smile again, "Aren't you?"

Their body relaxes as their enter the elevator and conversation starts to flow. Both only having eyes for one another.

Just  before the lift touches the ground.. he leans over and whispers into her ear "I think I may be falling for you.." Her ivory cheeks powdered red and her ears burn with those words as a smile escapes her lips and she whispered back.. "I think I've already fallen.. will you catch me?"

Cantina 663 - little italian restaurant with BIG surprises!

Tucked away on Beaufort street, between the old astro theatre and the gelare ice-cream lies a little gem -an italian restaurant with a big mean BITE - CANTINA.

A personal hiding place for my friends and me - a place that cooks hearty italian meals with a good price tag, friendly staff and a relaxed-chilled atmosphere, where time seems to just drag out.

It lies in a little alley way which is guided by iron gates -everything about the area of the place feels very oh.. I don't know like I'm in Italy - sitting at a small tavern/saloon/well... cantina.. having dinner/lunch with great wine (which Cantina has - the wine I mean).

Their menu changes according to the season - so if you gone during the winter season - all the food is very hearty and warm. It leaves this fuzzy feeling of comfort and delight. In spring and summer - it's light and refreshing. The serves? Generous. The desserts? Delightful! Creative! The price? Perfect!

Sorry - taken with dodgey phone camera - anyway - it's asparagus with runny egg and grapefruit - it's an exploration of my taste senses - sweet sweet asparagus with slightly salty eggie taste with a pop of grapefruits sourness - DELIGHTFUL!

 (This was available the last time I was there which was 2 weeks ago)

Potato wedges (from REAL potatoes) with bacon rashes - it's cripsy as! (This was available during the Autumn months)

Housemade gnocchi with goat cheese and vegetables - yummies! (This was available two weeks ago - but a different Gnocchi dish is avaiable currently) - It was perfect.(again sorry taken with phone camera!)

This was K's dish back in March or something can't remember what it was - it was beef with some type of pasta and tomatoes

The delightful fish I had (back in March) - with the freshes tangy salad ever!

Gnocchi - drier version avaiable during the Summer months

PLEASE be aware that you may not get your gnocchi dish if you come during the winter - as i found out when i went then.. no photos of that occasion sorry - totally forgot my phone and camera! T_T you think I learn to always keep my compact with me!

My favourite? Their gnocchi..- it's fluffy, creamy and just melts in your mouth. They also do a mean rabbit, beef and pork!

But HEY, see for yourself.. give them a visit because I be there this weekend!

EDIT: see the other cantina page for more photos and winter offers!

Green and Co.

I realise the name sounds like some eco-friendly company - something for greenpeace or whatever - the whole save the planet thing.. but believe me, it isn't. Green and Co. is the name of this little (well I should really say BIG) cafe in Leederville. You can recognise it anywhere for it's deco, bright lights and lively chatter.

The place uses more electric lighting and power than the amount used to light up the city of Perth (and that's saying a lot of things!), so its' far from being "environmentally friendly". Although having said that I am NOT saying that they are not, I'm sure they are... OK lets move on.... this of course stems from the fact that they whole entire ceiling of Green and Co. has suspended lighting covered in big paper latern-like ball light dresses (commonly known as light covers), making it quite different and unique from the usual dark, mood-lighting commonly found in other cafes. To add to all that, they have LCD hang up on walls filled with concert posters dating back 10 years or more ago, lounge couches, pool table and old-style arcade games (x2) at the back and lots of card and board games to play with.

So in terms of the food and coffee?.. The few times I've been there they've burnt my coffee (the hot chocolate been good, the tea well.. average for me anyway.. I've been to better places).  They don't really have a menu but you know the drill - they have all the usuals; lattes, mocha, long shots, macchintos, chai etc. etc. and a good selection  of tea. But, the best part of the place is their LARGE selection of cakes - there are cakes for all types of tastes and preference. From the chocolate-est to the not so rich. There is one for you!

The service? There is no waiter/waitressing service so you order, you wait for your order then take a seat (i advise that someone saves a seat while you wait for your order), they are really quick at making the coffee/tea (despite burning it!).

The ambience? - LOUD, you be competing to hear! but like every good cafe it's relaxing and a good place to catch up and maybe discuss group study stuffs (as no one will tell you to shut it!)

I'll go there for the large selection of cakes, skip the coffee, perhaps have a hot chocolate and just soak up the ambience.

love like there's noone else but you..

Two friends walk across life's road... One a lively, bubbly, passionate girl whose elbony hair flows past her shoulder, and the other, whose demeanour was more reserved, conserved, serious and slightly cynical with short black floppy hair... two very different persons, but two best of friends.

They sit by the seaside.. watching the waves roll in and out.. the girl, having had her heart torn out of her from forces beyond her control, where the one she loves left her standing alone.. and yet still full of hope turns to her friend and asks:

"Think we fall in love? crazy in love?"

The other shifted his feet in the sand.. unsure of how to answer.. he was never a huge fun of this thing "love".. but she needed to hear a comforting word.. oh what to say.. He answered the best he could.. the way he would.. the way he knew how..

"500 years ago, they believed the world was flat, 200 years ago, they believed that disease was caused by miasma and not bacteria, 100 years ago a trip to the moon was a flight of fancy, 50 years ago a cardiac transplant was impossible, and just three months ago, I believed that I'd fail my job miserably Thus, while i won't say never, i will say that based on the current information it is unlikely. But that doesn't blind me to the fact that I do not know what will happen tomorrow."

She chuckled quietly and continued to watch the waves. "That's so poetic.. thanks" and she lets her heart be washed away with the next wave.

the butterfly feeling..

When I see his sparkling eyes, the friendly smile, the quiet self-amused chuckle, the curious eyes..
it makes my heart skip a beat..

the pit of my stomach releasing hundred thousand colourful butterflies..


For a moment there was only you and me...

and it was then i realise I have stopped breathing..



if only you would notice what you do to me. if only you knew.

if only you could tell me if you feel the same way too..

My first REAL GUCCI experience

They tell me that once you've got the luxe bug you can't go back, oh woe is me, how right are they? I've been to many a Gucci store in my short 21 years on this blue blue planet of ours. Having scouted shops in Melbourne, Sydney, Hong Kong, Taiwan and admired the gorgeous bags and lights in Tokyo (where I dared not enter in my "back-packing" look).

I've always been admanent that showing off those ugly canvas logos as a young-gen Y looked nothing more than cheap - why? because it's overdone and never classy and because there are too many fakes! So after much delibriation, debates and countless hours of browsing through shops and many of the luxury brand ookbooks, from Fendi, Chloe to Chanel -  I decided that I loved Chanel best - but I am not old enough or glamourous or elegant or RICH enough to have a Chanel and I just don't like LV - Their constant showy monograms are too much and too blah; although having said that I did give Mummy a RED non-monogrammed leather wallet (because it was Red and its leather so it has no ungly LV monogram = ozzing with sexiness) and Chloe and Fendi are too plain and something I can see myself grow out off, so I decided Gucci fits me just fine. They have the monogram canvas range - which like I said, I have no desire for, but their leather range is beautiful. The monogram being subtle but obvious and the designs are ever so elegant, classy and something that will grow as I grow - not just a passing trend.

So may I present to you, the most expensive bag I have:

The Gucci, Icon Bar Continental in Black; costing me at least half my week's wage. But it was worth it. The assistant manager was fantastic. Totally patient with me as I went through 5 different wallets, narrowing down to 3, calling a friend, then coming back in the next day to purchase it after showing said friend.

I am officially one of those kids with that designer lust - Having three tiff&co. necklaces in different design, reading vogue and madison and shoptilyoudrop, lusting over the burberry coat and chanel classic bag - *SIGH*

Mental NOTE: Must curb spending.

Without further notice - may I present to you my gucci wallet - totally classic - with 6 card holders, zipped compartment and 3 money holding spaces.

*HEARTS*

Amuse me!

Want a whole level of dining experience? One which defines what fine dining is? then you must try degustation at Amuse Restaurant in East Perth provides a unique dining experience that would leave you wanting more and wishing you never started this epic culinary journey  - an overload on your sensory - trying dishes with different combinations that you've never tried before - but it just works.. it's perfectly delicious... - and you won't want to go back!

Amuse Restaurant in East Perth is in an area you wouldn't expect - a home-like building - with questionable tastes in their deco. Front view of the restaurant reminds you of nothing more than a cafe, while the brown walls of the interior left us feeling a little discouraged. But, like they say, "don't judge a book by its cover", after all this restaurant has just won Best Restaurant of the Year, Best Fine dining and Best chef in 2009!

Amuse Restaurant offers diners a choice from their five course menu or they can opt for the ever changing nine course meal. Guess which one we went for? - Yes the nine course meal (and we don't regret it one little bit!) - minus the accompaining wine with each dish as some of us didn't drink. Instead we opted to chose a wine from their own wine cellar and cocktail range (some of us opting for scotch).

We had this dining experience in July, so the menu have been updated - check Amuse  for the latest menu.

This was our menu list:

The Pre-appretizer - The entree to the entree! - A delightful mixture of creamy mushrooms! - it was absolutely delightful!

The entree - Crab, Kingfish and Horseradish with Salmon Roe 

Chestnut, balsamic and truffle in this delightful sauce

Marron, Egg and Nigella - with lobster and octupus ink (which they removed on mine since I'm allergic to it!)

Rabbit Foie Gras and parmesan - this was rather interesting - the sauce has this salty taste to it..

I love the presentation of it - it's just unique - Its the Red Mullet, Prawn and date with pistacho nuts!

Main ONE: Duck, Goat's cheese and black olive! - THIS WAS absolutely delightful, The duck was juicy, fatty and just delish! (yes i had this one!)

MAIN TWO (choice TWO): Beef, Cafe de Paris and Ladons - and springroll? - Apprantly it was really really nice even the springroll was oddly different!

The refreshing palate cleanser - Celary Sobert - with a hint of celary and really refreshing, interesting (in a good way) and what a great idea!

Parsnip, Yogurt and Museli - I would love this for breakfast everyday! HAH - it is soooo nice!

Chocolate, Beetroot and honeycomb - I know weird combination but it works sooo well! Especially the pieces that looks like turd and that cube thing.. - that's a hobeycomb beetroot thing..

The selection of chocolate truffles with almond and almond slices to go with our tea/coffee

So apart from the impecable food - what else can I say? The service was brilliant and on the ball - filling up your glasses without you noticing, introducing the food as it comes, catering for any allergies - even if you find out in detail what you are allergic to when the course is introduced - they take it back immediately, profusely appologise and make a brand new dish within 15mins.

The price - it's not for everyday - it's for special occasions and it's worth it. They also have optional cheese platter - which we didn't get but it looks really really awesome - so many different cheeses! I'm a big cheese fan.

Overall - all I can really say is... don't judge it by its appearance at the entrance because it's full of surprises - Even the toilets have a long mirror (well the female does) allowing you to fully freshen up! =D

the burgers are the BEST at JUS BURGERS!

On some days and nights when you feel as though a pasta dish is too rich or a pizza just doesn't have the bite or a steak is a little too much, a homemade burger sounds just right! So on one of my randomly strange cravings and desire to explore the little ole' Perth, I dragged few friends after pilates and we headed to Jus Burgers (whom, may I add has earned the name of having the BEST BURGERS in town - so why wouldn't you want to visit?)

For all those unfortunate souls who do not know where it is, it is situated on Newcastle St. in Leederville in this tiny little shop with a "blink" or you'll miss it sign. The cafe is small, but extrememly busy - and like all good small eateries it has a no-booking - first come first served basis - thus if you come at rush hour or a large group be prepared to wait for at least 30 minutes and the waitressing staff are friendly and outright about this - giving you a number and telling you exactly how long it will be. The wait is worth it!

The deco of the place is very trendy, relaxed and chilled. It uses little stools and bar stools as chairs - which adds to the BBQ-like-cosy-atmostphere, the perfect place to catch up with friends on any night of the week (except Monday - when they are closed). The kitchen area is open - so those who like to know what's going on can see how the burger is made. In addition - they have a little kids corner where drawing accessories and other playthings are kept - however due to the size of the place - there is only so many kids you can fit!

They offer an varied and interesting list of burgers, ranging from all things beef, Pommy burger - with 100% beef, cheddar, back bacon and salad, Wagyu Beef - wagyu beef with wasabi mayo sauce, all things lamb and those that are willing to try something different, there is the Roo Burger - 100% West Australian Kangaroo meat & char grilled and the Guvnor - 100% Harvey beef (270g burger) with foie gras/duck liver. Jus Burgers also provide vegeo burgers too and are graunteed 100% vegetarian. ALL burgers can have extra Jus toppings too - with huge field mushrooms, bacon, avocado, balsamic onions - so why wouldn't you pay a few extra dollars?

Jus Burgers - photo curtosy of S. Please excuse the quality it's taken by a phone camera!

A burger of course will not be complete without the sides - they have the french fries, onion rings (made from real onion and not those funny fake stuff) and of course salads! all can be accompanied by a wide range of sauces - tomato, aioli, sweet chilli, horseradish.. i can go on!

What did I have? I settled for the Wagyu beef - very nice and juicy - not dry at all. The wasabi mayo sauce provided the perfect punch of wasabi goodness which is quickly relieved by the sweetness of the mayo. Definite buzz for your tastebuds! And of course the french fries and onion rings - fantastic - cripsy on the outside and oh-so-good on the inside.

The relaxed atomsphere, the cafe-style dining and the shear size and taste of the burgers makes up for the time it takes to wait! For those who doesn't want to wait - you can always get take-away - who would want maccas or hungry jacks when you can have jus burgers?

After you done chowing down the burger - if you have any room in your tummies - head over to Green and Co. and enjoy a coffee and a cake whilst playing connect four!

Perth Fashion Festival: Outskirts On William - The Fashion Exploration

The Perth Fashion Festival - showcases the talent, energy and creativity of Western Australian designers (and design students).

I spent the good part of the afternoon exploring most of the outskirts and hidden treasures that lie in Northbridge. I must say what I saw and the pop-up stores and exhibitions are pretty awesome. I especially loved Igor and Katja, the exhibition of curious artefacts from Curtin's third year Fashion and Textile students at Cabinet of Curiosities

Cabinet of Curiosities

and Prelude 09 - an exhibition of work by Fashion Alumni from Curtin University of Technology which combined photographic and installation piecies - they were just fantastic, inspiring and talented and

Prelude 09

the pop-up store Generics - which offered males and female accessories; I loved what they offered that I actually got this zipped-style clutch. Her products are also available at Planet Videos in Mt. Lawley and Merge in Subiaco.

JACK be Nimble also offered a wide section of quirky, cute jewellery; designed by four very talented designers - and they used this weekend as an opportunity to launch their latest collection. I on the other hand went to Tu to get their last season's design.

JACK be Nimble necklace

Overall; I'm pleasantly surprised by the wide range of talent that resides in Perth. We may be backward and conservative in a lot of things and ways but we do know how to dress, design and live in style.

Must Winebar - a MUST hit on truffles

Truffles are one of the most expensive item possible on a menu at any restaurant and when the
Manjimup Black Truffle Week came around at the MUST winebar in Mt. Lawley in Perth, it was the perfect opportunity to suss out the fungi that creates such a frenzy.

I've always wanted to explore MUST winebar having walked across the place more times than I can count on my to Soto or Exomod and of course the car. The place was packed to the brim, even on a Sunday night. The place was split into two, a space just big enough for about 30 diners and a bar area where the loud 30-something-year-old sip their wines, champagnes, beers and a whole concoction of cocktails, while a cello and trumpet and keyboard player do their thing in the corner. When you first enter, your eyes need to adjust even if it is dark outside. The lighting in the place is next to none - adding to the enchanting, mysterious ambiance of the place.

My friends and I were situated in the front corner near the entrance of the dining area - I was afraid there was going to be a lot of traffic - with diners going in and out - but it wasn't too noticeable - even though it was such a small place. Nothing really interfered. I don't know if it was because we were busy gawking over how decadent the food was, or appreciating the good wines that were on offer or it was because the layout of the place really did allow you to have a quiet dining experience despite the loud, bar-like atmosphere.

The truffle week meant that the menu on offer was a special one.. and unfortunately, because it was at the end of the week.. not everything was available in all its glory. Nevertheless.. I settled for the entree (as I had a HUGE meal at Grand Palace for my dad's 50th the night before.. which in itself was a meal fit to feed a nation..); I had the Seared Esperance Scallops on the ½ shell,
Caramelised Duck Sausage, Petite Herb Salad, Black Truffle Vinaigrette - it was absolutely divine (especially the sauce.. and the duck was exquisite.. cooked to perfection). To go with the entree I had a Red; the Rex Hill Pinot Noir 2006 Willamette Valley Oregon.

Seared Esperance Scallops on the ½ shell, Caramelised Duck Sausage, Petite Herb Salad, Black Truffle Vinaigrette

After the delightful entree, the dessert just hit the spot - an exploration for my tastebuds! The Manjimup Black Truffle Panna Cotta, Apple Crumble, Black Truffle Infused Ice Cream. The Panna Cotta had the truffle taste right through it and who would have thought black truffles would taste so nice as an ice cream? Manuela had the creme brulee with tequila sorbet- it was absolutely delicious and the presentation was interesting. The creme brulee was warm while the tequila sorbet was nonetheless interesting. Sandy on the other hand had the chocolate pudding with warm chocolate oozing out of the pudding. It was every choco-holics dream dessert!

Manjimup Black Truffle Panna Cotta, Apple Crumble, Black Truffle Infused Ice Cream

Creme brulee with Tequila sorbet

Chocolate Pudding with Ice-Cream and Raspberry Sauce

A few of us; myself included went a couple of stores down to Soto to have a chat, catch up some more and debate about the meaning of life, fashion, food and experiment on tea - definitely try the Cocoa Tea - and if you like fruity taste - try the creme brulee - it's nothing like the coffee version!

Overall a good night. Everyone went home happy and satisfied. I will definitely be coming back to Must - but maybe just to try the wine list and chillax at the bar. The ambiance can't be beaten.