Sunset reflections on the Melaka River

First, the hectic work week and the scramble to find a hotel considering every place was booked out... After that, a nice drive with friends down to Melaka city. Arrive at 1pm, park, walk down Jonker's street to Museum Cafe (or Jonker Dessert 88) and have our delicious Baba & Nyonya Laksa. That was washed down with cold Aik Cheong coffee and durian cendol! That done, we head to our hotel to check in and have a shower and short rest. It was really hot. Finally, we emerge at 4:30pm and drive to the Stadhuys. We climb St. Paul's hill for the first E-Session shoot with Kelly & Chye before wrapping up at about 6:30pm. We then head over to Capitol Satay for the famous Satay Celup! Finding a super long queue, we switch plans and have delicous Oi-chen (fried oyster omelet) and Melaka-style wan-tan mee.

Filling very satisfied and full, we head off to Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker's street) and walk around a bit. After a walk up and down the street, we head back to Capitol Satay and join the much shorter queue. It still took about 45 minutes though and lots of ugly Singaporeans queuing up. Anyways, we have our fill of Satay Celup and it was time to head back to bed!

The next morning, we started early, having a quick breakfast at the hotel cafeteria and reaching Christ's Church at about 8am and started the second E-Session shoot. We finished the shoot around Jonker's street area and it was time for ice-cream. We went to a home-made ice-cream place only to find out that they've gone commercial and no longer made their own ice-cream. That was a pity but feeling all hot and sweaty, cold ice-cream feels really good. Soon, it was time to check-out of the hotel and go back to KL. What trip to Melaka is complete without chicken rice ball? So, on the way out to the highway, we stop by at a small coffee shop serving delicious chicken rice ball. This ain't the tourist thing, this is where the locals frequent. Soon with all that food stuffed into our full belly, we head back home...

This Oi-chen was really top-grade!

How long do we need to wait?

Secret herbs and spices into our Satay Sauce!

The past month or so, I've been treating myself to more expensive black liquid... no, no, not the petroleum variety but the caffeine packed stuff. Since I usually have time to make and enjoy my coffee on weekends, I figured no point getting some el cheapo coffee. Anyways, late April I got the Colombia Nariño El Tambo Black Apron exclusive but just last week, I was recommended by my regular Barista to try the Rwanda Blue Bourbon. So of course I did. Anyways, the Colombian, well, tastes like most latin American coffee I've tasted, kinda chocolately with a hint of citrus. Somehow I did not taste any floral notes that were claimed. The Rwanda Blue Bourbon on the other hand was quite good. I like my coffee bold but the Rwanda has complexity and body that I savor in a coffee. I also make them extra thick...

Both are quite good but somehow the Rwanda Blue Bourbon suits my taste better. Goes well with many simple breakfasts or heavier Malaysian fare too which is another advantage!

Have been busy lately, which explains the lack of entries recently. I'll be off to Penang on Friday so there'll be even less entries (or more) depending on time and Maxis 3G accessibility!

'Affogato' literally means 'drowned' in italian and that's exactly what you do - submerge the ice cream with hot espresso. A perfect treat on a hot afternoon! Also, it's a combination of some of my favorite ingredients - Coffee and Ice-cream!

Yes, I know the photo needs a better nicer looking cup, like the one here but I got this from I Need Coffee.

Ingredients
- Large coffee mug
- 1oz Vanilla Syrup
- 2-2oz Shots of espresso or 4oz of strong coffee
- 4oz-6oz of Chocolate Milk (Milk may vary depending on size of coffee mug)
- Chocolate Redi Whip
- Sprinkles-any color
- Chocolate pieces

Directions
First pour the vanilla syrup into a large coffee mug. Next add your fresh brewed coffee to the vanilla syrup and blend the two ingredients together. Then steam your chocolate milk to 160 degrees F. You can use a beverage or candy thermometer to test the temperature of the milk. Once milk has been steamed add it to you coffee. Finally, top your cappuccino with the whipped cream to your desired amount. Add sprinkles and chocolate for decoration.

Donuts. Yes, "doh-nuts", made and spelled the American way. Soft fluffy and loaded with sugars and calories. The easiest way to pile on the pounds but let's not get into that yet. Way better than Dunkin Donuts, we bought a dozen and ate them all. I'd rank the Oreo coated donut the highest partially cos I like Oreos. Beware the spiky durian donut. As the donuts are freshly made onsite, the aroma is welcoming and freshness is guaranteed.

They don't keep well overnight however even though there are instructions for a microwave and their best eaten within under twenty-four hours of buying them. More photos over here.

Big Apple Donuts
They have branches in Curve, 1 Utama, Sunway Pyramid and more opening soon.

Now this is what a giant cone of ice-cream should look like!

Ais Batu Campur -- or Mixed Ice is a rather Malaysian invention which consists of shaved ice, nuts, kidney beans, sugar syrups, corn, and assorted jelly toppings. Sometimes, ice-cream is also used! A most yummy dessert and on Christmas Eve, Alice is serving them up fast and furious! Don't get her mad though cos you'll have an ice ball thrown at you!