The Italian Job

Dear Diary,

Had a really sumptuous Italian dinner at the renowned “Pontini” restaurant in the historical Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel yesterday evening. It was an amazing dining experience in that New York-styled trattoria. Can imagine that it would cost a bomb but since it was a treat, I did not really know the exact price. Guess what…. Prices were not reviewed on the menu. Geezzz…. Ordered some really awesome stuff like:

1. Squid Ink Homemade Tagliolini with blue swimmer crab, sun-dried tomato and saffron emulsion ($32.50 per plate, according to the website)
2. Barolo wine slow-braised veal cheek served with potato puree (first time I really notice a rosemary herb)
3. Scallop slices…. Ok, I forgot the full name, haha…. With some bitter leaves on them.

The service was excellent with Italians as waitresses, restaurant manager and chef. However, I guess I took quite a while to settle in because I don’t really get used to such kind of exquisite dining experience. Waitresses and waiters pampering you with attention… and oh yes, promoting their champagne and wines…. Didn’t get any of those though, just made them get for us the complimentary bread sticks and loaves occasionally, haha... Pontini was supposed to be the best Italian trattoria in Singapore, according to some food connoisseurs. I do feel more comfortable eating at Pete’s Place at Grand Hyatt Hotel though…. More of my kind of lifestyle: self service at the loaves counter, huge portions of pasta and other servings…. At Pontini, the food came decorated beyond your wildest imagination. Nice to see, nice to eat, but not “satisfying” in terms of amount or portion, haha…

My friend showed me all the various photos she took on her extensive touring experiences in Switzerland, Myanmar, Vietnam and Korea. That was how many countries she toured last year. She was also encouraging me to give a shot for entry to Medicine next year again. After all, the rejection letter from the institution came with an encouragement to reapply if I can improve on my credentials. I declined because I have really made my mind to move on. I am particularly encouraged by an email from a pharmacy professor who told me that she was sad that I did not get in medical school but happy because she knew I will be able to contribute much to our profession. Really touched to hear such things but I doubt I can contribute much though… I have made up my mind to focus a little more on my social life too.

I was asking this friend why girls would ask a guy to decide a place and then when he decides, she suggests an alternative…. Hmmm… She replied me that generally girls like guys who make decisions but if they make lousy ones… then they will insist on their alternatives. Oh…. Ok lor…. Looks like I was previously deemed “boring” then, haha…. I also realise that as a girl matures… it is harder to meet her expectations. A girl from the university will be satisfied with movies, dinner in Orchard Road, shopping, cycling at ECP…. A working girl may not.

It only gets more difficult with time. So don’t wait, haha…

God Bless,

Andrew