You get what you put in

Let's say you have $1,000 to publicize your cake shop. You could either:

1. Print a bazillion pamphlets that nobody will read

2. Bribe K F Seetoh to rave about your cake shop

3. Give away $1,000 worth of cake in premium packaging to let your would-be customers know that you are a premium product

Awfully Chocolate chose publicity stunt number 3, and left me somewhat blown away by the sheer indulgence of the gimmick (there was all of one finger of chocolate-banana cake in the whole takeaway box) - and experiencing a moment of guilt when I threw the pretty packaging away 30 seconds later.

Still.

A whole takeaway box just for me!!

So you think you can play Tetris?

Updates and food, glorious food!

So things have been kinda mad lately, what with FYP and all. Here's a little collage of the amazing time with the team+volunteers at Orchard a couple of weekends ago.


Who says Singaporeans are reserved! Okay, so the deal was to go up to random young people and ask them what they thought was "sexy" to them. Some of the more interesting answers:

- My Biceps

- All of you girls

- My husband of 50 years is my sexy puppy

and the winner...

- Tony Leung's naked ass

And may I present to you: Teamwork

Sorry your face kena chop Jae, but don't you think you look cool like that??

Amidst all that action, I think I must've shed 2-3kg just dealing with the stress. "That won't do!" thought I, and I went about trying to feed mingxiong...

(clockwise from top left: Dory on a bed of potatoes, Caesar Salad, Mando w Pomelo, Ah Balling)

The top two dishes can be found at The Coffee Club. I've said this before and I'll say it again: Coffee Club is supremely underrated. The artistry in the cafe's decor is evident - walking into any coffee club immediately soothes you and you wait in heightened anticipation of the imminent feast.

The food rarely disappoints. Thus far, I've had a few sandwiches, the garlic prawn pasta (absolutely delish), Mudpies and Fondues which cost way less than they deserve, and of course, assorted cups of coffee.

Which is why I'm upset to inform you that their so-called award-winning dory Gremolata is disappointingly blah. I was torn between ordering this and the all-time fave: the garlic prawn pasta, and I went for the one with the "star" that said "Excellent Food Award".

Dammit.

Overly flaky and bland, only the moist texture of the breadcrumbed dory saved it from total failure, while the bed of mashed potatoes below the two chunks of dory were... satisfactory. I assure you, there's nothing award-winning about that dish.

On the other hand, the Caesar salad was interesting - mostly because of the deep fried cheese basket it came it, though at $10.80 is rather steep considering the general value-for-money appeal of the menu.

I recall the time when the Chicken Pot Pie from Country manna was the "IT" dish for many Singaporeans. It seems like we really like to be able to eat the things we hold our food with; but I digress.

I'd also like to add, in case any Coffee Club people are reading this, how your Ngee Ann City outlet is severely under-staffed. Of course, it's the pre-Christmas weekend, and there are more people crammed into your cafe than on a public bus in India, but still.

The mango with pomelo dessert was chanced upon at Anchorpoint, which thoroughly revamped itself. While we were still in SAJC a good 7 years ago (my, how time flies) the only reason we travelled past Queensway was to get to Ikea. Now, I think many more people will be visiting Anchorpoint for its own sake.

It's now got a whole buncha "outlet" stores, which, as every Singaporean knows, is the happy euphemism for "discount", "bargain", or plain old "cheapskate". No worries, enjoying a good deal is part of the Singaporean identity.

So if you like G2000, Giordano, Charles and Keith, etc. Those are just some of the outlets that have mega-discounts. E.g. A jacket from G2000 (those kind you wear to weddings one) costs $29 and a pair of trousers cost $13. Of course, you have to be kinda small to fit into it.

Lastly, the Ah Balling at Beach Rd still gives me shivers whenever I have it. Silky smooth and oh-so-sweet, damn I hope they keep selling this! Oh, there was also this Belgian waffles stall at the Golden Mile Food Centre where the Ah Balling is. Wonder if they can make money.

In any case, enjoy the festive season folks, have a pint or two - but remember to stay sexy!

Winding down

It's been slightly over a day since the campaign was launched and I can finally stop thinking about goodie bags, Nokia phones and how to fill out a club. Along the way, so many people have lent their hands, attached to their hearts, and helped to support the weight on my team's shoulders, and for you I am grateful.

Volunteers - Thanks for being so giving of your time and tireless effort. I don't know many people who would voluntarily run around Orchard road scaring complete strangers, pack 400 goodie bags without complaint, and still ask for more in January when the school roves start. Heck, I don't know anyone else other than Jasmine, Joanne, Natasha, Peiru, Valerie, Hoon Kiat, Crystal, Rachel, and Reina who would do that.

Photographers - Thanks for lugging your equipment down to town and back, and for giving us many many GBs worth of beautiful memories of our campaign. I know that many of you were busy with your own FYPs, which is why your contribution to the campaign was doubly sweet - and will be remembered.

Ambassadors - Thanks for making time to come down for the photoshoot and the event. From the photos of the night, it seemed that you guys gelled really well and it looked like you had fun. Even so, I just want to say that I am grateful for your help. Some of you were at home on the runway; many others were not - even though you guys really worked it on the night!

Friends - This group has been expanded to include the above three groups of people who have worked tirelessly on getyoursexyback. In the process, I've learnt much from all of you. Also, a big thank you to all you guys who showed up at the launch. You made the event a night to remember. Thank you for your help and encouragement throughout the campaign; it was heartening to hear that you enjoyed it.

In all, I just want to say that I am thankful for all of you who helped in one way or another. This is, after all, a youth-for-youth campaign. Hoo-ray for youths!

This is why we do a campaign

Yes, it's tiring as hell. But every time I look at the list, I am always left with a growing sense that this will work. And despite all our eccentricities and quirks, I still think we work well together.

This is crunch time folks, let's do this.

It's finally here

Pardon my rant

RARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!!!