jump, jump, jump around

Jumpsuits - the mandatory wardrobe staple.

There's something about jumpsuits; perhaps it has the ability to elongate my Asian legs. Whatever it is, I'm glad it's sticking around.

Fashion is constantly changing and evolving and in the words of Heidi Klum herself - "one minute you're in, and the next, you're out". Thus, in order to "keep up" with all the trends, the basic one-piece garment also evolves through prints, cuts, patterns etc

I wore this outfit to my (one of many) birthday lunch with the girls. It is, in fact, a matching two-piece worn as a jumpsuit ;)

Wearing; Sheike fashion singlet + matching trousers, patent brogues, my favourite blazer from local Vietnamese designer purchased in Vietnam, thrifted vintage belt, Marc by Marc Jacobs clutch and rings by Marc by Marc Jacobs and Asos.

home is where the heart is.

On my recent visit to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam - amongst my many crazy and exciting culinary adventures, there's a restaurant which I think deserves a notable mention.

This restaurant is Cuc Gac Quan, translated in English simply means "The Brick Restaurant". The title is very fitting with the overall décor of the restaurant - a very provincial look and feel, it was built on the basis of an "architect's house". There's a pond with real fish, the staircases are made of wood and twigs, all the crockery are made from ceramic and even the drinking straw is made from a morning glory stem! Creative right?

The food takes you back to that special place when you were young, enjoying a simple family dinner. 

It’s nothing fancy in terms of garnishing and whatnot, however, the taste will leave you wanting more - or at least, fight with your fellow guests over the remaining pieces!

Overall, quality dishes, reasonable price and prompt service - the perfect formula for a great meal!

The entrance

Tables situated in the front courtyard

Interior  - very traditional

OUR AMAZING TABLE (used to be a bed, can you tell)

Menu - in Vietnamese and English for your convenience

burnt garlic popcorn

One of my favourite dishes in the entire world. Although my father's creation of this dish is still my ultimate favourite (just like his Pho) but Cuc Gac Quan does a pretty good job with this. It's called "mam" and basically it consists of pork, prawn paste, chilli, lemongrass, garlic etc

Grilled fish with shredded mango drowned in fish sauce...ummm...YUM!!!

Notice how the concept of the restaurant is consistent from the very minor detail such as the chopsticks holder? Amazing!!!

More traditional crockery - the teapot!

Beef, watercrest and tomato in vinegar sauce

Another ultimate favourite - water spinach crab roe soup!!!

Asian eggplant marinated in fish sauce - you can eat this together with the soup above.

Name an exotic fruit and you can have any shake you want! This is Coc aka Toad Mango, a very popular fruit in Vietnam. If you've tasted toad mangoes before, you'd know that the taste is rather sour and hence the drink is accompanied with honey!

dessert - jelly and lotus seed

So, if you're planning on visiting HCMC anytime soon, I highly recommend you drop by and have a bite here or at least try one of their amazing fruit shakes!

Address:

Cuc Gac Quan

10 Dang Tat, Ward Tan Dinh, Ho Chi Minh City District 1, Vietnam

Oh and did I mention Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie recently came here for lunch as well? ;) 

Westfield Sydney

For most of us shopaholics, going overseas and shopping online is our only way of "keeping up with the trend". Australia is labelled "down under" for a reason - we are so separated from the rest of the world that it is reflected in our inability to keep up with the trends and thus always seem to be a few seasons behind. 

But then, a miracle happened. This miracle is Westfield Sydney. Located on the bustling shopping strip of Pitt St Mall (Sydney), the opening of Westfield Sydney saw Australia's first Zara, Sydney's first Miu Miu, Mulberry and Louboutin. It was ah-may-zing!!! We are finally in the zone.

But wait, there's more!

Forget the typical fast food that is generally found on the food court level of your local Westfield. Located on level 5 of Westfield Sydney are some of the most amazing gourmet food I've ever tasted. Foodcourt price, fine dining quality - why not?

It appears that all food outlets (or mini chain of restaurants) located on this level own a restaurant in Sydney. Take the likes of Justin North's brainchild, Becasse followed by the popular dumpling house, Din Tai Fung - this food court is like heaven on Earth!

Also, not to be bias, but I am so proud and extremely ecstatic to find the popular Vietnamese food chain, "Wrap and Roll" on this level as well! I saw this restaurant everywhere in Ho Chi Minh City and now it's finally here, a taste of authentic Vietnamese rice paper rolls! Woot Woot!

Becasse Patisserie

Malaysian restaurant Sassy's

Ragu Pasta and Wine Bar - Italian

Din Tai Fung

Wrap and Roll

yummy wrap and roll, rolls *drool*

Din Tai Fung's open kitchen!

Charlie and Co. Burgers

Some of the hot dogs you can get at Snag Stand