Foodies Alert: Frosted Cupcakery

A cake in a cup?

If you haven't noticed, there has been a cupcake craze.  Now, it has turned to macarons.  Anyway, I was in Los Angeles a month ago and managed to drop by Frosted Cupcakery.  It isn't as popular as Sprinkles but didn't have time to make it all the way to Beverly Hills.

First impression when I walked in.... I wanted to try every flavor they had.  Luckily, I was super full from breakfast that I opted for only 1.

The flavor I got was red velvet cheesecake.  Actually wanted to try something different but decided better to stick it to the safe choice.

Sadly, I didn't eat it right away which could have changed my option of them.  My friend and I were driving back to San Francisco so I wanted to keep it for the journey back.

Although the reviews all say that its one of the best cupcakes, I feel that the cake was not moist enough.  Unless, I'm just used to the fresh cream cupcakes.  Totally had high expectations and was disappointed.  It is an "alright" cupcake... not the OMG I need to try again. 

There was an abundance of cream cheese and I realized later that the cupcake would have been better if I ate it with a spoon, instead of biting it through. Reason: 1st, at least I wouldn't have to take a huge bite and 2nd, I would get the perfect amount of cream cheese and cake in every bite.  Needless to say, my first few bites were full of cream cheese and then at the end, I was left with a lot of cake.

Amateur at eating cupcake right?  I still prefer to eat it with a spoon. :)

My friend ordered this one  From the pic, the crushed caramel and chocolate pieces looks a bit dry.

Website: http://www.frostedcupcakery.com

Foodies Alert: Grandpa & Grandma Steak (ตากะยาย)

Grandpa & Grandma Steak (ตากะยาย) is a small stall in a big shopping mall.  It is part of the Food Bazaar section in Paradise Park shopping mall.  There are many small stalls here which sell a variety of food from snacks, fruits, dessert, to noodles, korean food, and of course steak.  There is a separate food court located nearby but they are managed by different owners.

My family has eaten at ตากะยาย for several years now.  They started their business before Paradise Park was renovated when it still went by the name of Seri Center.  There was a fresh market (Seri Market) on the left wing of the ground floor and a supermarket (@ease) on the right wing.  @ease also had a food court so this was where the first ตากะยาย was located.

Their current location is probably their 4th location.  Only one downside about it is that there is no proper kitchen space so they aren't able to have as much variety as their previous locations.

Grandpa is making my steak!

I love this picture because they managed to find grandparent dolls. So cute!

Their food is made of very good quality and everything is homemade.  From the salad dressing to the pepper sauce on the steaks.  I managed to find out that the now retired Grandpa used to be a chef at the world renowned Mandarin Oriental Hotel.  No wonder everything tastes so good.

I ordered the pepper pork steak.  Basically, this is what I always order.  It comes with 2 sides which are salad and pasta.  My brother always goes with a double serving of the steak.

Since I'm not so good at describing tastes, all I can say is that this is a must try dish if you are ever in the area.  It isn't very often that I actually come straight out saying that something is really delicious.  Usually the ... it's alright or it's good. :)

The price is not expensive at all.  This pepper pork steak was only 75baht (2.5USD).  Honestly, I would rather eat this than go to Sizzlers.  Their steaks aren't always the best quality and it has a lot of fat.

Location: Ground floor of Paradise Park, near Lock N Lock store.

Review: Sugarmoustache.com

Where to go for all your moustache needs?  

Answer: Sugarmoustache.com

I happened to find this store via Instagram when they just started up and haven't even completed their online site or Facebook page.  It didn't take very long for them to become big as the moustache craze began.  Plus, they ship worldwide (not that I need it since its based in Bangkok).

Not sure whether they have already improved but at the time I ordered their stuff, it was probably at their peak where things weren't organized and set up yet.  Hence, super slow delivery.  Hope that they have already hired more people and stepped up their game.

The website has a pink and white theme.  It is separated between local (Thailand) and everywhere else (worldwide) orders.

The payment confirmation part is a little bit complicated.  Inputting the details on the website is fine but no one came back to confirm payment (at least for my case) until I wrote an email.

All of their stuff is super cute.  I'm actually eyeing one of their Iphone cases now.

The 2 products I bought from them were a moustache t-shirt and a moustache bracelet.  Both have been featured here before.

>> I haven't been able to take a picture of the bracelet in good lighting yet so I'll update it later. (If I don't forget all together, oops!)

If anyone is in Bangkok for vacation, they finally opened up a store in Siam Square (an outdoor shopping area in the heart of the city).

Instagram: SUGARMOUSTACHE
Website: SUGARMOUSTACHE.COM

Review: Dialogue in the Dark

An hour as a blind person

We live out our days working, watching movies, driving, and hanging out with friends.  We tend to forget that there are a group of people who aren't has privileged as us.  

Dialogue in the Dark is a great example of how 'normal' people can experience what is it like to be blind.  We use our eyes everyday but forgot how really important they are.  I wish I had 20/20 vision, on the other hand, just being able to see with the innovation of prescription eyeglasses is already more than I can ask for.  Just imagine what it would be like 200 years ago. 

Before you enter the exhibition, the personnel will ask you to take off all objects reflecting light along with any valuables.  (There is a locker provided).  After that, you will be given walking sticks.  

I would actually recommend doing this with a few friends.  At least you can share the experience.  Plus, it can be quite scary at first when you enter the rooms.

Then someone will walk you through a pitch dark hallway and you will be greeted by your guide.  The entire experience takes about an hour.  The guide will take you through various rooms where you can experience things that we usually experience in daily life as a blind person.

Dialogue in the Dark does various exhibitions around the world so check out the one closest to you!

Go to their website for more information:

Website: http://www.dialogue-in-the-dark.com/

Foodies Alert: Baan Ying Cafe & Meal

This is another place which I love to go for a simple and delicious meal.

Baan Ying (บ้านหญิง) takes your normal home-cooked Thai meal to another level.  It's amazing.  Some people may say that its a bit of fusion Thai food rather than traditional.  All I know is that I love their food.

There are two branches that I know of:
1. Siam Square (moved from Lido to Siamkit building)
2. Terminal 21
(I heard there is also one at MegaBangna but I haven't been or seen it yet)

This is a bit of the atmosphere of the restaurant at Siamkit building.  It is located on the basement level near the escalator.  It is a wide open space.  However, it can get very loud and crowded especially during lunch time.

I started off with a Hazelnut Latte.  It's not too sweet or bitter for me which is good.  I usually take my coffee quite sweet to have the perfect balance with the bitterness of the coffee.

One of the most basic things to order is their omelette.  It is one of their most well-known dishes.  There are actually different toppings that you can pick from.  This one is 1. Meat Sauce, 2. Mushroom, and 3. Cheese.

Also listed under the Recommended list is another dish that I always order: shrimp stir-fry with garlic and chilli.  If you can't eat very spicy food, I would suggest asking them to put in less chilli.  Trust me, a little bit of chilli changes the taste and is a lot more delicious.

Honestly, I only managed to take 2 photos of the dishes I ate.  Everything else was gone in a blink of an eye.  From all the dishes I've had their so far, no one of them have disappointed me.  You just can't go wrong.

Anyways, what meal wouldn't be complete without dessert!  There is always room for dessert.

This is their green tea cake.  I would have to say that it isn't a 100% green tea cake because it has some brownie or blueberry type filling inside.  I can't remember exactly now but its not proper green tea cake.  One of my friends said that they don't make their own desserts so I would recommend just sticking to the food.

Overall, I love this restaurant and would recommend it to anyone.  The price is not bad too.  It usually comes up to about 300THB (USD10) per person, depending on how much you eat.  Each dish is about 100-200THB.  You can order to share or have your own individual dish.

Foodies Alert: Dakasi - Milk Tea with Pearl

Calling all bubble milk tea lovers...milk tea with pearls...milk tea with tapioca

Whatever it is called..... I love it!!

There are a ton of different chains out there but this is my #1 choice --> DAKASI 

 It is differentiated with its yellow star logo.  The brand is originally from Taiwan (as with a lot of other brands).

They have a lot of drinks on their menu but the most popular has to be (of course)... milk tea with pearl "Classic".  One of the reasons why I like Dakasi is that you can also pick the sweetness level.  I usually ask for 50% sweetness and with no ice.  Some brands don't have the selection of the sweetness level because of the drinks are premade.  Simply put, this is just way better :)

Lots of tapioca pearls.  Yummy!
I've just noticed recently that they have increase the amount of pearls they put in.  Otherwise, it could be that I took a long break from drinking this and now I feel like I chew a lot more than before.  Just a note:  I love the pearls so much that I usually try to drink the more milk tea and less pearls.  Now, the milk tea is all gone and I'm left with a lot of pearls.

Has anyone tried the cotton foam one?  I'm still too scared to try it.

Location: Chamchuri Square, Bangkok
Company website:  http://www.dakasi.com
It is in Mandarin and I can't read Chinese T_T

Fashionista: Uniqlo Haul

This is actually the 3rd weekend that I've gone to Uniqlo and came home with a bag full of clothes.

For those of you who don't know, Uniqlo is a  Japanese retail chain.  It is a place to go for simple and basic attire.  The quality is great and price is afforable.  I love their premium cotton t-shirts.  Uniqlo has many branches worldwide such as  China, France, Korea, Singapore, USA, UK,etc. (I hear they are opening up a branch in San Francisco soon!)  The brand also loves to collaborate with many designers such as Banner Barrett and Lulu Guinness.  

The sale signs are calling my name...... 

Each week they will have a sale of specific items in-store.  So, be sure to always update on what's the next sale items. 

The final results and damage for this week are: 

I bought all sale items this week with the exception of the red shorts.
1. Red shorts - 390baht
2. Jean shorts - 490baht 
3. Tanks - 100baht each (200baht for 2)

Just a note, the tanks sold out really fast.  I actually tried going back again to buy more but only L and XL were left :(  It's ok.  Need to stay positive.  If it went on sale once, it can be back on sale again.

Website: www.uniqlo.com

Foodies Alert: Coffee Gallery @Mega Bangna

First thing I saw was the gigantic teddy bear. Isn't he a cutie? 

Considering that I've been walking around all day, why take a break :P

 The atmosphere of the cafe is really cozy.  Plus, there aren't a lot of people in there (unlike Starbucks which is always packed).  They have lots a magazines for you to browse through too.  Perfect time to catch up on some light reading aka fashion update.

The drink choice of today is green tea latte. Not much to say.  Some green tea lovers don't like the milk part.  I can do either.  The important part is whether its real green tea or diluted version.

Location: Mega Bangna

 

Review: Ballerina @ Terminal21

If you love wearing flats, then this is the place to go. 

Although, I bought 1 pair of flats and 1 pair of heels here... oops :P

I've actually gotten 2 shoes there and they haven't disappointed me.  I hate those hard plastic type shoes. Eewww! And they give your feet blisters :(

The shoes here are made from really soft leather.  Ok, gotta admit I got blisters the first day I wore my flats but after I broke them in, it was perfect.  The owner told me that I should have come back to them immediately when I started getting blisters.  She explained that it had to do with the shape of each individual's feet.  All she had to do was just to mold and mesh the shoe a bit at the corners and there you have it.

These are the flats I bought.  It follows the Chanel style of quilt cream leather with black tips down to the bow details.  Its Chanel "inspired".... NOT a copy.

I had no issues OR blisters for my lovely white heels.  They only had to punch extra holes to the straps because I have small ankles.  I've worn them for the entire day and still comfy.

Love them??

Price Range: abt 2,000 baht
Location: Terminal 21
How to get there? Using public transport will be your best friend.  Get off at MRT Sukhumvit or BTS Asoke station.  Driving there is torture.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ballet-Shoes-Original/191805614229923

Review: Maybelline Baby Lips

On a recent trip to India, I decided to leave my Kiehl's lip balm at home and took my new Maybelline Baby Lips instead. I've heard lots of rave reviews and it definitely lived up to it. Total pass in my books :) Personally I don't like having to reapply lip balm throughout the day. Just a bit of laziness on my part :P It kept my lips moist for the most part of the day. Another thing to note is that I also use it right before I go to bed and it didn't leave any white residue in the morning. Luv <3 luv!!
Btw, the smell is light and isn't overpowering in case that was a concern.