I recently caught hip hop duo Leessang’s first Asia showcase at Shanghai Dolly in Clarke Quay with oppa Darren. While both members are more recognized for their participation in Korean variety programs Infinite Challenge (Gill) and the wildly popular Running Man (Gary), Leessang has produced 8 albums with at least one #1 hit in each.
Gary & Gill!
Kang Hee-gun or more affectionately know as Gary in SBS’s Running Man. He is also the group’s rapper and writes the lyrics for their songs.
Judging from the music showcase, he’s quite the ladies’ man with his honeyed-tongue too ;)
Gil Seong-joon (Gill) the husky vocalist of the group
Even without saccharine looks nor addictive dance moves, LeeSsang does know how to work up a crowd
She must be the happiest fan that day Gary gamely played “Pepero” with this lucky fan, a game where both bite on a cookie stick to see how long before they stop (for modesty’s sake). Gill naughtily pushed Gary’s head forward, much to the fan’s delight. Even the emcee was captivated.
17 years of friendship and showmanship honed from participation in variety programs showed in their comfortable interaction with each other – and crazy antics. Towards the end of the music showcase, they gave each other a splashing good time – by downing each other with bottles of water.
I was quite sure the fans thoroughly enjoyed the entertaining, albeit short, music showcase. Cos’ they refused to leave after the showcase has ended, not even when the host repeatedly announced that there were no more encores. They only left after Gary and Gill personally came out to thank them for their support. I have never seen anything like this LOL. I’m sure they will be looking forward to Gary coming back next Feb to promote his new album.
I can never get enough of dim sum. Unfortunately, it is usually available only during breakfast or lunch. So you can imagine my glee when I discovered Yam’s Village at Downtown East – now I can have reasonably-priced dim sum anytime – even during dinner. Crispy BBQ Pork Buns $3.50
The dim sum restaurant is an offshoot of Yam’s Kitchen located at E-Hub which is popular with the nearby residents. The restaurant is helmed by Kelvin Yam, who won gold at the International Young Chef competition 2011 in China.
Egg Tarts
The steamed chicken claws with black truffle oil ($2.80) was pretty good.
I don’t touch glutinous rice. But I couldn’t resist this Lor Mai Kai ($2.80). The sausage was lean and rice flavourful, and the small portion convinced me that I wasn’t ingesting too much carbs, hurhur.
The mini Yuan Yang Dumplings ($3.80) were just what I was craving for – carb-guilt in mini portions!
In addition to dim sum, the restaurant also serves a pretty decent Klang-style bak kut teh ($8.80) chockful of pork ribs, pig intestines, beancurd sticks and golden mushrooms. It’s a great choice for a one-dish meal.
The meatball congee with century egg ($5.80) was passable. I felt it didn’t have enough texture.
Yam’s Village is a nice casual eating place for family outings or simple gatherings, and not too crowded for now. The service can be a little slow, but the pleasant service staff make up for the slight wait. It’s also nice to see the chefs making your dim sum at the open kitchen. I’ll be going back to try more dishes, and adding on photos to this post. So check back often :)
Yam’s Village Dim Sum Restaurant
1 Pasir Ris Close
#01-35 Downtown East
Singapore 519599
Tel: 6584 6678
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri – 10:00AM to 10:00PM; Sat & Sun – 10:00AM to 10:30PM
What’s capturing Darren’s undivided attention underneath a makeshift tent? Don’t let your thoughts run wild… :)
On our way to Kek Lok Si temple, we passed by the little town of Air Itam located at the foot of the hill.
We took the opportunity to search for a gastronomic legend which has been bubbling under the same tree for the past 60 years.
Air Itam’s famous Lim Sisters Curry Mee (Noodles)
The Lim sisters, Lim Kooi Heang & Lim Kooi Lai (both in their eighties), have been selling their signature Penang style curry mee for over 60 years under the same tree. The broth is simmered over a charcoal stove, and the stall is basically set out on the ground with pots of noodles and ingredients placed around them. It would be my first time eating from such an interesting makeshift stall. And I simply can’t imagine spending my life sitting on a stool cooking curry noodles. I admire the sisters for the pride in their craft, and determination to cook a bowl of curry noodles for anyone who is interested to try their 1950s version of the famous Penang dish…for as long as they can.
Eat a bowl of 1950s Penang
Basically no-frills, you order the noodles and eat it on one of the tiny stools littered around the stall, or bring it to the coffee stall opposite for a proper table (do order something from the coffee stall, and there’s only coffee & tea, no carbonated drinks).
Darren looks pretty happy with his curry noodles (RM4)
Digging the retro porcelain bowl and wooden black chopsticks… I seem to have stepped back in time A mixture of thick yellow Hokkien noodles with vermicelli topped with beansprouts, beancurd puffs and coagulated pig’s blood pudding (we opted not to add this), the star ingredient for me would be the saltish dried brown squid strips which blended so well with the light curry base. Don’t forget to mix in a spoonful of the sisters’ homemade chilli paste for that extra oomph.
The elder Lim sister (in red) taking a break. Years of sitting huddled over their stall has resulted in a hunchback. Despite the physical conditions, I am touched by the 2 sisters’ cheerful demeanour, never loosing their cool despite the flurry of customers and sitting for hours in front of a burning curry cauldron. They are chatty and patient with curious tourists armed with cameras – like me. I am humbled by their attitude in life, and I promised myself never to complain about not having air-con ever again, nor recklessly lose my temper. I never knew a bowl of curry noodles could bring out so much emotion in me.
Do have a bowl of curry noodles and say hello to the affable Lim sisters the next time you are in Penang. They are just located under the big tree along a row of wooden shacks lining the small side road. The elder Lim complains the big tree has recently being trimmed, hence having to put up numerous blankets and towels in front of the stall to block out the scorching sunlight. I hope the tree would have sprouted new leaves to shelter the jolly sisters when I next visit.
Opposite the road from the Lim Sisters curry noodles is the Air Itam market housing more street eats waiting to be discovered
We took the opportunity to try the famous Pasar Air Itam Laksa
This was one of the better Penang eats (RM4) we had You can order your laksa and have it delivered to the soya bean shop opposite the road for a comfortable eat. Talk about a win-win partnership – offer your shop’s seating to the town’s most popular stall, and customers will order your drinks in return. Clever indeed.
I liked the spongy texture of the thick rice noodles – which was melt-in-your-mouth, and the thick mackerel (ikan kembung) broth was well complemented with the sourness of the assam (tamarind) and Penang’s prawn paste.
You can take Rapid Penang Bus 201, 202, 203, 204 and 206 to go to Ayer Itam Market. Which I will the next time I visit Penang :)
Lim Sisters Curry Mee
Address: Jalan Air Hitam, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Pulau Pinang
Right after the Ayer Itam Bridge (side road leading up to Chinese Methodist Church)
GPS Coordinates: N5 24.020 E100 16.695
Business Hours: Mon – Sun 8:00AM to 1:00PM (except during Chinese festive holidays)
Facebook (yes they are on social media!): https://www.facebook.com/currymeesister
Pasar Air Itam Laksa
Address: Air Itam Market (Jalan Pasar), Air Itam, Penang 11500
Opening Hours: Mon- Sun 11:15AM – 7:30PM
My Facebook page has been flooded with photos of George Town’s street art for this entire year. Curiosity stoked, Darren and I decided it was time for us to do our own interpretations of George Town’s famous street art. You can be sure they will be quite atypical ;)
Best way to go on a street art trail – rent a bicycle. We got ours for only RM8 for an entire day!
It was only recently that Penang’s street art stared to generate quite a buzz on social networks from Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic’s series of murals painted during Mirrors George Town for George Town Festival 2012. What is not widely-known is that the seed to plant art in George Town started back in 2009 when Kuala Lumpur-based art company Sculpture at Work won the Penang state government’s commissioned art challenge ‘Marking George Town: An Idea Competition for UNESCO World Heritage Site.’
Sculpture at Work proposed to tell stories of Penang inspired by their residents and culture through 52 steel rod caricatures place all over George Town. Together with the wall murals, they caught the world’s attention and tourists started flocking to Penang for another reason – other than its food.
Every Penangnite wants a piece of the tourism business. Shops such as this clothing store rent out bicycles to tourists, and have their own ‘street art’ outside their shops to attract business.
Here we go on our street art exploration!
First, to find the famous murals painted by Ernest Zacharevic…
The Trishaw Jalan Penang When Darren stopped in front, I kept asking “Where? Where?” Until I raised up my head. Silly me.
Kungfu Girl (no, not the one in sunglasses) Lebuh Muntri
Boy on Chair Lebuh Cannon
When visiting during weekends, be prepared to queue for your turn to take a photo
Little Children on a Bicycle (yes, all 3 children) Lebuh Armenian This would easily be the most popular mural of his series
Cycling – a great way to see the city. Do it together on a double bike!
While Ernest Zacharevic started the street art faze, other Malaysian artists have also started to leave their mark around the heritage town, such as 101 Lost Kittens.
Skippy to Penang for animal awareness (by 101 Lost Kittens) Gat Lebuh Armenian
It looks like the cat and the rat have been painted by two different artists. The one who drew the rat obviously has a wry sense of humour!
Love me like your fortune cat Gat Lebuh Armenian
While we usually back away if we see people gathering in back lanes, in Penang we go towards it. Because there’s likely to be a street mural.
The real Bruce Lee would never do this Lebuh Ah Quee
I can help catch rats Lebuh Armenian
Scent-sational Not much is known about this unnamed artist. I sure had a good time with this mural!
Rob me Rob me – no money, got honey!
Art defaced This used to be half the face of a Chinese opera singer, and half skeleton. It has since been destroyed. Many people ask the question – what if street art gets vandalized? I think it’s is just part of its natural evolution; created from inspiration, added on to over time, faded with memories and then something new will sprout up signifying the rebirth of yet another cultural expression.
Magic Lebuh Armenian Super vainpot :D
Grandma & Grandson Entrance of Chew Jetty
Lebuh Armenian
Lion dance mural found outside a shop
Peek-a-boo!
Minion Invasion. They are everywhere in the streets.
Minions Lorong Soo Hong
Fatt Choy Minion?
Stylo-mylo
Did you know the streets of George Town were named after its trades, people and events? Learn about how each street got its name through the 52 steel rod sculptures placed all over the city which were inspired by Penangites going about their daily chores.
Procession Lebuh Armenian The Tua Pek Kong Hneoh Grand Float Procession is held in the Year of the Tiger to wash away bad luck and bring great wealth and health.
Cannon Hole Lebuh Cannon A cannon shot fired during the 1867 Penang Riots made a large hole in this area, hence the name.
Quiet Please Lebuh Gereja To the dismay of parishioners of the Portugese church there, Church Street also housed the headquarters of the notorious Ghee Hin secret society.
Ah Quee? Lebuh Ah Quee The street is named after Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee who generously donated this house to the Municipality for vehicular access, ensuring that his name lives on for posterity.
Budget Hotels Lebuh Chulia At the turn of the last century, many shophouses were turned into cheap hotels, making this internationally-known tourist strip very popular with backpackers.
My favourites happen to be drawn by a young non-commissioned Malaysian artist Louis Gan:
Two children playing basketball Lebuh Gat Chulia Very cute shot, and an extremely happy family.
Brother and sister on a swing Lebuh Gat Chulia Louis depicts childhood in Penang through a mural of a brother and sister balancing on a swing
Unleasing the Inner Child in me
I think it’s a wonderful idea and meaningful art/heritage trail for every visitor to Penang to embark on. I enjoyed my ride on wheels around the city, venturing along small laneways and hidden alleys in search of art. And Darren’s company was icing on the cake – he was great with the map and way -finding!
I attended the Hermès Games event during Thanksgiving at the former International American School, and it was easily one of the most fun events I went to this year. And – I got a mini work-out in the process :) Trivia: Evidence of Hermès’ attention to detail – the entire ceiling was done up just for this event – because the original ceiling looked too worn-down.
Welcome to the Hermès Games! All the sporting games which you are about to experience are familiar activities, done with an interesting twist.
Hula Hoops wrapped in the patterns of Hermès famed scarves
Glam Snakes & Ladders
Everyone got a bit of the action
Fancy a hopscotch on Hermès scarves? Your mother would probably kill you if you did this at home with her scarves.
Another use for your scarves – as an exercise equipment! Ingenious.
Luxe tag team action How I wish I could cart so many boxes from the boutique…that would be a happy Christmas :)
Claiming the champion pedestal
A Threesome Game…of badminton This must be the most high-class game of badminton I have ever seen – with a glass of champagne in hand lol
Fancy a double Dutch? The girls were really cute and good, and I felt like Humpty Dumpty skipping with them
Tug of War
Julian (he’s my elementary schoolmate!) & I did some horse-racing – with horses made up of broomsticks
After all the body work-out, it was time to work-out our mouths – food!
Very interesting stalls offering a varied menu
This was Julian’s favourite – char siew bao (BBQ pork bun) with a twist
Flattened char siew bao toast with a layer of cheese added I like the crispy texture
Even the beverages were so interesting…gotta try making them at home
Very artistic-looking dessert, couldn’t bear to put them in my mouth
Cheers!
Moving on to the indoor games area…
Victory! Can you sense the girls’ elation? :)
Throw the Hermes ball into the wastepaper basket Not as easy as it looks. I kept throwing at the cute guy standing behind instead. Poor thing.
Throw the rings into the sticks I totally sucked at this. I only managed to get 1 ring in out of TEN.
A luxe version of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey
Topple the Hermès boxes! In other instances, I would say you are crrrazzzy
You have played ping pong, now be introduced to zing zong – played in stye with Hermès bats!
Fancy some Hermès boxing gloves? I think I would be too scared of spoiling the gloves to hit.
Everyone got to try out a scarf and take a photo with it
I’m a medallion winner at the Hermès Games!
It was a awesome end to the fab night, I enjoyed every bit of the event!
I recently caught hip hop duo Leessang’s first Asia showcase at Shanghai Dolly in Clarke Quay with oppa Darren. While both members are more recognized for their participation in Korean variety programs Infinite Challenge (Gill) and the wildly popular Running Man (Gary), Leessang has produced 8 albums with at least one #1 hit in each.
In addition to dim sum, the restaurant also serves a pretty decent Klang-style bak kut teh ($8.80) chockful of pork ribs, pig intestines, beancurd sticks and golden mushrooms. It’s a great choice for a one-dish meal.
The meatball congee with century egg ($5.80) was passable. I felt it didn’t have enough texture.
spunktitud3 