Royce’ Nama Chocolate

Again I am no biggie fan of sweet stuff and while i do like chocolate and chocolate ice cream- I don't particularly have a contact craving for it.

So perhaps I am in the Christmas mood for all things sweet and hence all these post about sweets.

Last year Siew Fong dropped by and visited me in Germany bringing brought along a box of Nama Chocolate, champagne flavoured - obviously.. oblivious me, knows nothing about it.. When I finally got around eating it... WOW.. I liked it tremendously. Simply the best chocolate I ever had.

ROYCE’ was founded in Sapporo in 1983 and seems that it has quit a cult following. The taste, the texture is just amazing and very different from the regular hard blocked chocolate... The official website explained it's unique taste which is incredibly soft and 'fresh'.

'How can such a soft chocolate be made? The secret lies in the moisture content. The moisture content of Royce’ Nama Chocolate is 17-18%. The content of fresh cream and liquor accounts for one fourth of the total ingredients. Such a high content of fresh cream can only be realized with cream made from locally-drawn Hokkaido milk. The delicate silky palate comes from here. Also, when you open a box, you will encounter the diffusion of a rich fragrance. The liquor that is added for flavor is not just alcohol, but world famous prestige brandies and champagne, which are used generously. Of course, we also have Nama chocolate without liquor that can be enjoyed together with children and people who don’t like alcohol.'

It seems that now, you can even get them in KL. Puhhh, has it been that long that I have not shopped. Again, it will make a great gift for chocolate lovers.


Maybe I should buy some for my friends... it's about time I start my Xmas shopping.

Rating: 2* (if you don't really like sweet stuff), 3* (for chocoholics)

Success

He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;
Who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children;
Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
Who has never lacked appreciation of Earth's beauty or failed to express it;
Who has left the world better than he found it,
Whether an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;
Who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had;
Whose life was an inspiration;
Whose memory a benediction.

- Bessie Anderson Stanley,  1904

Macaron Macaron Macaron

www.pierreherme.com

seriously... what's up with this thing.. suddenly it is every where!! I saw it at nearly every other cake shop in Singapore and it's popping all over KL too. Ehhh?

While I have seen it on window displays, I only tasted my first macaron this year in March when I visited Vanessa with Fred in Paris. We bought some from a store called Pierre Hermé and Fred told me that it was one of the best you can get in Paris.. okie dokie.. apart from the fact that the prices looked exorbitant and that I don't particularly like sweet things (except ice cream), I gave it a try.

It wasn't bad..hahahaha. The different coloured macarons had distinguishable different taste to it and it sort of melts in your mouth though looks pretty solid when you hold it.

Honestly, to my unrefined eyes the macarons didn't look delicious at all.. just filled with food colourings and looked like it could give me a toothache. With such low expectations, it was easy to be impressed. Ha! Some people out there will kill me for... but just personally my sweet tooth is very stunted in its growth and hence, I don't really seek out desserts and other sweet stuff.. a bit of something to try is usually good enough for me.

However after this experience I came more to notice this precious pastry called macaron and had it a few more times since then. All I can say is that indeed Pierre Hermé was good.. Some had too hard crust (losing the melt in your mouth feeling) and some had over sweeten filings (to my taste anyways) and while I am no means an expert- it seems that quality to vary drastically.

I did some internet search for this post and it seems that there a nice write up giving an introduction to macarons and one to expand your macaronic horizons. It is however a truly a nice pastry as a gift or a dessert/party flavour a Christmas party for this holiday seasons.

I still think the prices are ridiculous but hey.. just because sweet things isn't my thing doesn't it can't be yours... so if you are in France, and pass by one of those famous pâtisserie such as Ladurée, Pierre Hermé or Fauchon- give it a try.. heck give all their sweet little cakes a try.. seriously they make them really pretty in France. If you are some where else in the world, perhaps the craze has already over taken your city- so look out for it.. If you'd only like to have one, the verdict is: Fred's favourite is the pink rose flavoured ones.. I kinna like the green ones (pistachio or green tea) or the chocolate ones better- but hey don't take my word on this. ;)

Bon Appétit!

Rating: 1* (if you don't really like sweet stuff), 3* (for dessert aficionado)

in Bordeaux

Durdle Door/ Lulworth Cove

Durdle Door is one of the most photographed landmarks along the Jurassic Coast. This rock arch in the sea was formed as a result of the softer rocks being eroded away behind the hard limestones, allowing the sea to punch through them. The name Durdle is derived from an Old English word 'thirl' meaning bore or drill. Eventually the arch will collapse to leave a sea stack such as those that can be seen at Ladram Bay in East Devon.

Each year more than 200.000 walkers use the footpath between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, making it the busiest stretch in the south west. (source)

When we visited Doug in Salisbury in April 2011, he brought Jayce and I to this magnificent place. Last week when we spoke about unforgettable travel experience.. it came up again.. because it ranked one of the top two 'bad' experiences that Jayce has while travelling me. Remind me to tell the story of Nam Sam in Korea some other day.

First, Lulworth Cove is absolutely gorgeous.. but the walk up to Durdle door was too much for Jayce who doesn't really enjoy a good walk.. Most South East Asian don't walk a lot.. the weather is not conducive to walking and hence are 'walking genes' and muscles are very underdeveloped. I only discovered mine when I began staying in Germany.

So upon seeing the walk leading to the the horizon.. Jayce was already in misery.. and here's here half way through the walk.. Doug with his long legs was pretty puzzled at what is so hard with the whole thing..

pathway to durdle door

Jayce in misery but half way there and half way back..

When we got to the bay, Jayce was in much better spirits as the view was super.. it would have been better if the weather was warmer but it would have meant a lot more people.. So at the end, it wasn't all too bad.. We had a picnic on the pebbly beaches on the other site.. and that was nice.. sitting and lying around the pebbles, munching on food..
 

Here's Durdle door

Walk around Lulworth Cove, the villages are nice and just grab a beer or ice cream and just stroll. The view and the atmosphere is beautiful...

What could potentially be not so good? The amount of people there. It can get too crowded.. and when there is too many tourist, it just feels fake.. it takes away all its rustic-ness. So plan your visit well. Visit http://www.lulworthonline.co.uk for more information.

And if you love taking pictures of landscape, this can be the spot.. but do go early to avoid.. uuurrgghh people... look at these results.. I wish I could take pictures like these. If you enjoy a good hike this can also be the place.

However, if you hate walking and think landscapes are boring- avoid at all cost.

If you are some where in between, go (!!) if you are nearby but don't  go out of your way unless you you fall under the first group.

When: April 2011

With: Jayce and Doug

Stayed: Salisbury with Doug
Pictures filed under: 2011 Salisbury and nearby attractions, UK

Ratings: 1*

MOS Burger

It seems that MOS Burger stands for Mountain, Ocean, Sun Burger.

I learnt this from http://www.withinjapan.com/mos-burger-sucks-355 -someone who had a very bad experience with MOS.. hehehe..

I have to say that I don't care much for the service though.. service delivery is simply too subjective.. especially in smaller franchises like MOS. I think it is just because we are too use to McDonalds. But I will get to that later.

MOS is my favourite fast food joint.. because I can't get it so often.. I was in Singapore recently with my friend Jayce and we both decided what we wanted to have for dinner the instant we saw MOS burger.. 'Ahhhhh something we don't have in Malaysia'.. Malaysia did, a long time ago when I was in college. And I loved it.. I especially love how they have a big thick piece of tomato, the chunky fries.. it didn't feel 'too' mass-produced. My favourite is the rice burger. Instead of bread, you have fillings between two pieces of pressed rice. 

 

Hmmm.. hmm... what do you think?? Sounds good eh..? Especially if you love rice.. or simply to try something different.. The regular burgers are good too but I like the rice burgers.

 

Have them with the chunky fries and ice tea.. oddly the speciality is too add milk to the ice tea .. Jayce told me this.. so I am taking her word for it. The Japanese version of iced 'teh tarik' I guess. But generally I if I am in a rush and need to grab a bite and MOS burger is available. It is usually my choice. 

I have tried it first in Malaysia (no longer here), Taiwan, Japan and Singapore and can only tell you this.. the experience may vary drastically place to place, outlet to outlet. McD does such a great job on the uniformity of its franchisee that we tend to forget smaller chains like MOS usually do not do as well (or perhaps it is better that each outlet has its own charm?)- it could also be due to the fact that they do not have the supply chain muscle that McDonald has.. so while the menu is similar (if not the same) the quality can vary.. I had rather soggy fries in Singapore for instance. And the service varies very much.. most probably due to variability in staff training. And even the decor of the outlets vary.. some are really new and modern while others look a bit worn.. some with bad taste of seasonal decorations.. 

But for me, the base line for it to be a 'nice quick bite' is still there... and because there are not so many of them around- it gives it a sense of novelty.. plus it is still the only place I know with rice burgers.. hehehe.. so think of it as a small adventure when trying new outlets and perhaps you will get lucky on your first try and be hooked forever. Thank you MOS burger KLCC. 

Check here for outlets: http://www.mos.co.jp/english

Ratings: 1 * - don't go out of your way, but if you see it why not give it a try :)

Jamón ibérico ~ pata negra

ahhhh ham from black Iberian pig ...  Jamón ibérico is for me the best ham ever... although some people do complain that there is too much fat .... but i guess that is what gives you a melt in your mouth taste..

More information can be found on the net, Wikipedia provides a good summary.

As it is at the end a Spanish delicacy, the best range and value of money is when you buy it in Spain. Outside of Spain it can be pricey, depending on the grade.

One point of note.. it does not keep well.. because of the fat.. best eat it as soon as you can  after it is sliced.. slicing it well and in thin pieces is also an art.. best if you can buy the whole leg and slice it yourself..

Pop it in your mouth and let it melt in your mouth.. personally a good accompaniment is melons.. yummy yummy.

I first tried this in a Spanish restaurant in Kuala Lumpur but it was nothing compared to the real thing bought in Spain. Even the ones you find in German supermarkets are mediocre when you compare what you can get for the same price in Spain.  So far, I have very happy with what I found in San Sebastian and Barcelona.

Walk into one of the speciality shops that sells an assortment of meat and ham and give it a try.. aHhhhhh yummy.. but taste first before you buy to make sure you know what you are in for.

Ratings: 3*

Fêtes de Bayonne

Background

What most people know is the running of the bulls in Pamplona.. A lesser known cousin of the festival is Fêtes de Bayonne. http://www.fetes.bayonne.fr

Held on the French side of Basque Country in the town of Bayonne, the festivals last 5 days and starts on the Wednesday before the first Sunday of August. Participants dress in white and red celebrate on the streets with lots of drinks and activities that goes on the whole day.

The Good

The atmosphere is great and there is a great deal of fun and activities all day long. It also it also not 'touristic'- it has an extremely local and rustic feel to it.. my measurement of this? You don't see many Americans talking loudly and Asians with cameras everywhere (I was one of the very few). Hahahaha. This means not many people know about it and has yet to flock there in droves.

So if you like street parties and a good fiesta- this is the place to be.. 

Don't miss

Everything! Just soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the party. The city is beautiful and nice to walk around.  But try the flavoured beer- it's basically normal beer with some flavoured beverage syrups like monin.. actually taste very good :) If you are a beer lover though.. be reminded that France is not famous for its beer.. and there is a good reason why.

The Bad & The Ugly

What to beware of? The shops mostly close its toilets and that means the streets become a giant urinal with people easing themselves everywhere!! I was there the first 2 days of the festival and it has already started to smell.. I could not imagine how the city will smell on day 5!! I was told there by some friends who was there on day 4 and 5 that it was.. 'strong'..

While at the 'opening ceremony' of the festival, I also experienced a scare. One thing to note is the Basque nationalism movement- advocating for either further political autonomy or, chiefly, full independence of the Basque Country. So while in a packed square filled with people, some activist stared some fireworks and rolled down a banner that says 'freedom for Basque Country' For the first time, I was scared.. and this is coming from the person who went to Jakarta and Bali right after their respective bombing and Phuket after Tsunami.. but at that point of time.. even if it was not a bomb- anyone in the crowd could be trampled to death if there was a panic stampede.

Certain streets are also strongholds of activist and tourist best beware of the local etiquettes to observe when you are there. Nationalist vibes are incredibly strong among the activists and as a responsible tourist it is best to be aware.

Another note, not many people speak English and hence some preparation to allow you ask some basic questions and information to get around is necessary prior to the trip.. or just go with some French speaking people.. also don't forget to book where you want to stay early!!

I did not take a lot of pictures of the partying at night.. because it will be dangerous for my camera.. but here are some pictures. As a whole, I would definitely rate this as something you should see and experience!!

notes: check out of course the original Sanfermines/Sanferminak and smaller celebration in quaint smaller towns such as fetes de tyross. 

Here are some pictures of a house party in tyross. lots of food, drinks and singing..

When: July 2011

With: Fred

Stayed: With Fred's friends 
Pictures filed under: 2011 South Western France

Ratings: 3*