We're so fortunate to live in a country where it's clean, safe, and has a iconic durian-shaped building dedicated to the arts. Know what I'm talking about already? 

The Esplanade! 

Usually when I'm there, I like to take a stroll along the rooftop, enjoy the view, feel the heat haha. 

I once performed there during my time in Choir. They had free concerts on Sunday afternoons, not sure if that's still in the programme though.

The concert hall is amaaaazing and has great acoustics! Perfect for any choir, hyms and harmonies to carry through the air. Those were the days!

Was invited by Street Directory to attend a food tasting at Loola's, which is opened by Awfully Chocolate! Their outlet is just one floor up from the taxi stand.

 

The reception table, with goodies for us!

Bumped into Shanice! Last saw her at the Oasia Hotel launch party so was delighted I got to see her again. We hit it off effortlessly! My date for the night was Carmelita. A picture of her later. She's dressing more and more korean haha. 

PS: I think my face is getting pretty round, from the looks of this picture =\ Bleh.

Time for the food!

 

Loola's specially prepared the menu for us, comprising of smaller portions of some of their dishes. Loola's salad was quite bitter, and I felt they could've used more dressing to mask it or provided more side ingredients to eat together with the salad and complement its taste!

Fremantle Octopus was fairly fresh but in such a small portion, it ran out before the salad did.

Now, I'm a big fan of ham, but anyone could tell that there was something hidden inside it, so I was a little cautious. The Serrano Ham had a hidden date concealed beneath its folds! I took a huge bite before realizing it was a date. Oops. The sweetness of the date didn't bring out the flavour in the ham so I felt that the ham was better on its own.

The Spiced Pumpkin Soup looked and sounded interesting, so this was actually the first item I tried when I was presented with the platter! It tasted like chinese curry, with a hint of pumpkin. Not exactly to my tastes but if you're a fan of that, go ahead and try it!

The main course was much more appealing and satisfying to me. Onward!

Main- Miso with soft poached egg 

My friend, Carmelita, ordered this, and her poached egg was adorable. It looks like a little onion here, doesn't it? 

Pan Seared Pork Belly

This was Shanice and my choice for the main dish! The pork belly was perfect! Soft, tender, and the sauce was sweet. Only wish the portion was a little bigger, and that the potato mix was more fluid. 

Presentation was great too!

This was my favourite dish for the night and definitely would recommend this!

Group table picture! Carmelita represented our table and was the best dancer, :P