minority report

So much rain, but at least I'm not losing half my body weight in sweat walking to and from work.

Straight chillin in this ghost town, counting down the days until extended human interaction can happen, I've never been so desperate for casual conversation.  Seven PM feels like eleven PM, and productivity is still at an all time low contrary to what I thought no outside activity would do for me.

I bet I stand out, as I have yet to meet another Asian person besides my roommate.  Haven't felt this way since maybe elementary school.  Not that I mind or care or whatever - it's the fact that I'll be out of real Asian food options as long as I'm here.  And I can't make it at the temporary home because that would mean spending moneys to stock up the spice cabinet.  Sadface.

So just as I returned from Aussieland (which may as well have been yesterday), I found a new Singaporean restaurant in Southern Village: Merlion.

Naturally, I had to go.  Obviously, I didn't expect Merlion to be on par with the wonderfully cheap street food markets, but it'll do until I make my way back to the Pacific (wishful thinking?).

Started with the Stuffed You Tiao at the waitress's suggestion [pictured first].  I would've enjoyed it more if it wasn't drowning in dressing, but the concept of stuffing you tiao (totally new to me) made me happy.  You had to dig for the cut up pieces underneath the veggies.  But the fams loved it, and we ordered another plate.

Skinny little cousin Kathy worked her way through the Chicken Satay whilst Alfred picked at the Hainanese Chicken Rice because apparently he didn't realize that ordering boiled meant they'd served the chicken boiled (read: tasteless).  [How do you eat chicken without the crispy roasted skin?  It can't be done.  It just can't.  My uncle laughed at the sight.  No worries, they do have the roasted option; they were just out that day.]  Best part = sauces.  Always the sauces.

I got the Nasi Lemak, only because I never got around to trying it in Singapore.  Flavorful enough and the eggplant was cooked pretty well.  Wish it looked more like this but I shouldn't complain.  Also makes great drunk food in case you were wondering.

If you're into soup options... Laksa with tofu (or chicken or shrimp).  The one sip I had of this soup was delicious.  This may or may not have been of my favorites.  It may or may not be because I'm growing more fond of coconut.

Our freezer isn't freezing - currently, on a strict diet of chicken.  Food never lasts as long as I plan.
Most worked up I've been this past week was during a game of Monopoly... problem?
I always forget vinegar when filling my spice cabinet, boo.
I miss Durham... what?