Moulin Rouge at Montmartre, Paris

 

Moulin Rouge, I first heard of in 2001 in the movie cast by Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman. The touching story is about the love of a poet and a terminally-ill cabaret star of Moulin Rouge. Extravagant costumes displays and lovely use of popular music inter-twined into the story of the movie.

Cabaret is not one if without females dancers, high kicks, flamboyant costumes and some tasteful nudity. We are talking about culture and good behavior. If you think about getting into Moulin Rouge and look at a bunch of females with boobs, 🙂 you are in for the wrong reason. 🙂

Could  not decide on the River Seine cruise or the Moulin Rouge + Feerie show dinner, we booked the tickets only the night before the show. Jon called Moulin Rouge and was glad to secure two seats as I heard of the place being full house all the time, particularly popular with tourists. We decided to have a good dinner followed by the show.

Just ten minutes walk from our hotel, Moulin Rouge is just opposite Blanche metro station. Dinner was to start at 7pm but there was a already a queue forming when we reached at 6.30pm.

Dinner was awesome. Though a three-course dinner (appetizer, main, desserts), it lasted about two hours and was fulfilling. Why so long??? LOL, Food was served in slow pace, giving us a chance to really enjoy the food, soaked in the atmosphere and to have our casual conversations. We were given 2 set menus to choose from and we decided on Belle Epoque, with Sirloin steak as main. Jon had the Lobster thin Pie à la Parisienne, while I had the Duck foie gras with sea salt for appetizer. Waiter said all desserts were good and were Moulin Rouge’s specialties, so we just chose any on the list. In between meals, we sipped champagne while enjoying the live band music on stage before the real show started. The ambience was immaculately chic with lowly-lit red table lamps beside us. The only sad thing was that we were not allowed to take pictures the moment we set foot in the dinner cum show area. There were photographers around to take pictures for a price. 🙂

Show started at 9pm and ended at 11pm. There were two shows. The one that started at 11pm would end at 1am but if you are thinking of having dinner, you can only take the earlier show. The show, “Feerie” was exceptional good. Look at the  picture above with the long queue waiting to enter for second show after the first show ended and you will know. The show featured a troupe of eighty performers dressed in spectacular costumes, a jaw-dropping experience especially for me who likes musical. The frequent changing sets and vibrant use of lightings refreshed my senses with the colorful backdrops. Most amazed me was the gigantic aquarium which rose slowly in middle of the stage and the moving staircases which was lowered towards the end of the show.

I was so glad that I actually chose to experience Paris in such way. I would say not cheap for the dinner + show but for once in a lifetime experience. Worth it!.

Since there were no pictures, I would include a short video clip of what to expect from the show. Enjoy! 🙂

Price: €210.00 per person

which include Belle Epoque dinner + 1/2 bottle champagne and Feerie show

Moulin Rouge

82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France ‎

+33 1 53 09 82 82

Website: http://www.moulinrouge.fr/?lang=en‎

Montmartre – Bohemia, Cabaret, Modern Art?

Montmartre is an interesting area. I stayed in Pigalle (famous for its nightlife and a red-light district similar to Singapore’s Geylang) which houses rows and rows of night-clubs, bistros and sex stores. Main reason for choosing the area is the convenient of metro to airport, Moulin Rouge (cabaret) which I had wanted to visit since the movie in 2001 and Sacre-Coeur, the majestic church.

Street was pretty quiet in the morning when I strolled along on the first day. Shops were not opened and could only view items from the windows. Streets increased in gradient as I walked towards the highest point where Sacre-Coeur was. The walk reminded me of the days I was in San Francisco. I walked passed Sacre-Coeur but did not go in as I wanted to save the visit with hubby.

Montmartre to me, is an area with many artistic feel. It is a place where many artists, including Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh, had studios or worked in. There are many interesting shops selling unique handmade jewelry and quirky items. Pop colours and interesting displays in shopfront attracted my attention. I love the range of blue bracelets displayed in one of the shops. The jewelry designer presented a creative way to create stack without having to put them on one by one. Another shop display was packed with pinks and burgundy to remind me that summer is coming to an end and we should welcome fall. I was intrigued by a shop selling adorable household items which I had seen them for sale in one of the shops in Hong Kong’s Harbour City. All these items can be found along the street of Rue Tardieu.

Walking along Rue de Steinkerque, seems to teleport me back to Bugis Street. The road that leads me to Sacre-Coeur from Anvers metro station, is filled with shops selling Paris souvenir. I love this street. It is filled with tourists and trinkets that can be brought home. Personally, I love the musical box. Usually musical boxes are square but the ones sold here are round and beautifully decorated with significant Paris icons. On the same road, it is a must to visit Maison Georges Larnicol which sells chocolates. Even if you are not a chocolate lover, walk in to view the amazing chocolate artwork of Notre Dame.

Lastly, gonna leave a picture of Chicken Spot. Hubby and I had cravings for fried chicken and apparently, could not find any KFC. We were so glad we found Chicken Spot and went back two days straight for snacks. It was really good.

Hi Paris

Arriving at Paris CDG airport on a Friday morning. It was my first time travelling alone and setting foot on a country that I had never been. No cars and with no intention to take a taxi to my hotel, I scampered together with other travelers to the long waiting queue of the lifts. Holding tight to the luggage and making my way to the train station, my heart palpitated as I wondered if I would lose my way in Paris.

There were three types of trains that I would need to take. The CDGVAL shuttle train to RER station, the RER then a Metro from CDG airport to Montmartre where my stay would be.

CDGVAL is easily identified as major signboards are located along the way. Not knowing where to head to, I just followed the crowd. RER is one of the train services, from lines from A to E, travelling further out or into Paris. I took the RER B line to reach Gare du Nord (aka Paris Nord) to switch to a Metro. Comfort of escalators were gone once I reached Gare du Nord station. I had to lug my luggage up and down numerous flights of stairs starting from there to the place I stayed. A Metro, with 15 lines (complicated but coded with different colours) connected all over Paris, was the next transportation I took. I boarded Line 2 (blue) train, from La Chapelle to Pigalle. Walk from Gare du Nord was a short 10 minutes with an underground connecting. Maybe it was in the morning, I kinda of eased a little when I saw many people in the underground.

Journey to Pigalle was quite fast. Stops from station to station was pretty short but crowded. Only saddened by the rain when I reached my location, thinking how on earth was I able to carry a 17kg luggage up the flight of stairs and holding an umbrella. Stranded, I waited together with others at the end of the stairs but decided to just cover myself with my scarf as I did not feel really safe alone. On my way up, some offered help but I declined, for fear that they might be pickpockets (being warned by many about pickpockets in Paris).

I will be sharing my Paris in snippets of locations instead of days as there are quite a number of pictures. 🙂 So I will start off with food on my first day since I did not visit much places while waiting for my hubby to arrive in Paris in late afternoon. Of course, the jet lag played a part and knocked out in hotel.

Had a little snack at a café opposite the Metro after placing luggage in the hotel. An awesome raspberry tart with fruits melting in my mouth. A hot chocolate to soothe my cold body after being in the rain.

Price: about €5.00 for a set

Location: La Brioche Dorée, 16 boulevard Clichy, 75018 Paris

Tel: 01 46 06 18 16

Shopped a little at Avenue des Champs Elysees and popped by La Maison del’ Aubrac recommended by a Sales Assistant from Montblanc. Upon hearing that we were from Singapore, his eyes sparkled. He started to reminisce the days he did his internship in Singapore and how he enjoyed his stay. 🙂

Food was fantastic at Aubrac especially love the succulent Veal Skewer and Zucchini. Hub had the Roast Chicken with Herb and Fig while his colleague had the Sirloin Steak and potatoes. All receiving good comments. Bistro alike ambience where soft music is played and lightings. A good place to eat and chat comfortably. Perks, there is wifi connection in the restaurant. 🙂

Price: about €30 per person (including a glass of wine)

Location: La Maison del’ Aubrac, 37, rue Marbeuf, 75008, Paris

Tel: 0033 (0)1 43 59 05 14

Love: It’s Time for a Date

It has been a while since Jon and I have our night out. Before he flew off for another oversea work, we decided to have a ‘romantic’ dinner. Son protested the moment we told him about our dinner date while sending the children to their granny’s place. Son said he wanted to join us. To him, a romantic dinner includes beautiful candle light, good ambience and soft music. He even asked Jon if he had prepared a ring. Son said at a romantic dinner, the guy will put the ring on the girl’s finger and ask her to marry him. So hilarious when I heard his interpretation of a romantic dinner but I am sure his future girlfriend or wife will be a very fortunate gal.

Hmmm… nope. There is no ring. To Jon and I, a romantic dinner need not include all the above. It is just a time to throw back our worries and truly enjoy each other’s company, with just a simple dinner and holding our hands strolling down the busy Orchard Road. 

We pin-pointed at a location which is Takashimaya and then decided what we wanted to have for dinner. We chose Pique Nique which is situated beside KFC. The burgers and spaghetti  in their menu attracted us (Jon is a spaghetti person). As it was a weekday, the place was not at all crowded. We were led to a sofa seat. Comfortably seated, we had our food and at the same time, chat about our recent lives.  Jon and I have been so tied up with our work that we have not had a real conversation lately. So glad that we actually made time for each other that day.

I like the place. It kinda of gives me that edgy feel with the brick wall paper, wooden table and modern lightings.

The food tasted good, not really fantastic but the good company made up for it. Price was reasonable to us. 🙂

Jon had the Big Breakfast Burger. The share was pretty big. The restaurant was quite accommodating to Jon’s request. He was afraid of the mess that the sunny side could give and the waitress immediately suggested cooked egg. Quite meticulous.

I ordered the White Wine Prawn Aglio Olio as spaghetti is Jon’s favorite with the intention to share with him. I like the taste of the spaghetti though thought of trying the Bacon Carbonara. Maybe the next time I visit the restaurant again. 🙂

Happy Jon and Happy Me with full enjoyment of each other’s company and food.

Was overjoyed when my favorite waffle came. The waitress chose to place the ice cream aside as she said the hot waffle will melt the ice-cream very fast. Love her meticulous. The waffle was drizzled with salted caramel. Been a bit hype over salted caramel lately.

We then decided to finished up the waffle pretty quickly so that we have more time to do some window shopping. Walked quite a bit… from Taka to H&M and back to Wisma then to Ion…. Enjoyed the stroll along Orchard Road on a weekday. 🙂

The day ended with some Royal Pudding from Paris Baguette for the children. Hoping to make up for the romantic dinner that son did not get to go.

Thank you dear for such an enjoyable night. 🙂 I can’t wait for another night out.

Food: Brunch @ Food for Thought

Sunday brunch with family was so wonderful. As Kaitlyn did not have piano that week, we decided to have the whole Sunday to be filled with family fun and good food.

The restaurant was not crowded even though it was a Sunday. I love the gigantic table in the restaurant that was able to house a family of eleven.

Children were really happy when they met each other. Kaiden had his favorite eggs and Kaitlyn, her pancakes. Jon and I shared the Full Works which left no space in our tummies.

There is a playground to entertain the children. So glad that it was not hazy, the children had some time to run around and play with the slides.

Children had a chance to learn things from Granny too. They were staring hard at something…. 🙂

Food For Thought is definitely a place where I would visit again. Love the ambience and space. We had a leisure brunch not worrying about long queues outside the cafe.

For the morning, children and adults both had chance to be with the greenery, away from the high-tech gadgets and bustling city, breathing in fresh air and embracing the wonders of nature at the Botanical Gardens after that.

I love family time… How about you?

Food For Thought

1 Cluny Road,
Tanglin Gate, #B1-00, S259569
F: +65 6479 1080

Opening Hours

Mon  –  Sun
8am to 9pm
(Last orders at 8.30pm)

POLW – Aye! Aye! Captain!

Been to Port of Lost Wonder many times. Love the sun, the smiles of the children, the running, the shouting….. Just love everything that is part of the nature. Situated at Sentosa Palawan Beach, the location is walking distance from the  Beach carpark. The moment, I entered the area, soft breeze from the sea caressed my face while I screamed at my children not to run. They went crazy the moment they saw the pirate ship. So glad that the weather stayed that way throughout the day we were there.  Lazing under the coconut trees looking at the fluffy clouds on azure sky , sitting on the white washed benches to watch children sliding from the colourful slides or joining them in the water play, getting myself wet, were just part of my plans.

We reached there early, hoping to grab a good spot. There was already a queue at the entrance. As it was a weekend, crowd was expected. Love the way payment is taken. Adults go in free with a hug from their kids. 🙂 Melts my heart.

The kiddos each received a bag of curios and a Port Pass. Every day, there are series of games and activities throughout the day which the kiddos can use the curios to pay for. From the moment it opens at 10am to it closes at 6.30pm, activities vary from treasure hunting, planting and bubble party. Weekends’ activities are far more interesting than weekdays. 🙂

The main attraction is the Pirate Ship and the only place where my two children would spend most of their time at. They can run up the stairs and down the slides umpteen times, not feeling the slighest bit of weary. Well, I enjoyed myself too but definitely had to take turns with Jonathan to entertain kids.

Though the planting area and bubble party were very enticing, the children were not keen. They still prefered to stay at the water area. Kids love water and especially when they get splashed with!!!

There is a picnic area where we can prepare our own food. Since, we did not have picnic in mind, we did not prepare any food. There is one and only cafe, Port Belly, that serves savoury food. Kids meals are a must. We ordered children’s favourite, hot dogs set meal, and they waited patiently with their rumbling tummies. Our tag number is 10! Big and promninent! Very soon, the waiter dressed in pirates costumes served the food to us. Children gobbled the food so that no time was wasted to continue their play.

This is definitely a place where kids can play to their hearts content. I must admit that the management is very thoughtful. The toilets cubicles are equipped with hot and cold showers. The day ended with a warm shower with another blast from the rain showers after being in the cold the whole day. Definitely will set foot on this place again. 🙂

Kaitlyn’s 8th Birthday

Time really flies. A blink of an eye, Kaitlyn is already eight years old. Very soon, she will be completing her primary two and move on to primary three.

This year, Kaitlyn decided on her own celebration. She was given a choice to invite friends to Kidz Amaze at Safra or to just have a family time at the Festive Hotel. She chose the hotel stay with family. She told grandma that if we were to have it at Kidz Amaze, daddy would need to spend a lot of  money. Such a nice girl to think of saving money for us.

The children spent the day at Hard Rock pool frolicking and building sandcastles. Quite a pity that I could not accompany them due to my lessons on Saturday. Immediately after class, I joined them for dinner at the Singapore Seafood Republic.

Sumptuous dinner indeed with mouth-watering Alaska crabs of three different ways of cooking, chillie, butter and steam (for the kiddos). Kaiden loves seafood and especially crabs. After Kaitlyn is tested that she is not allergy to seafood, she finally got to try them. No pictures for I was too hungry after a whole day of lessons. 🙂

How can a birthday without a birthday cake? The family got a cake from Awfully Chocolate, simple but delish. Kaiden even got  a second helping. 🙂

We sang the birthday song. Remembered the days whenever we sang the birthday song, Kaitlyn would cry out loud. We used to wonder if it was because of the fire or the attention that we were giving her that made her uncomfortable. Nevertheless, she does not cry anymore now. 🙂 Xuanxuan even learnt to sing the birthday song before the celebration is due. Such a cutie pie.

Daddy’s little girl has turned into a beautiful big girl but yet always remained little in our hearts.

Though without the usual big celebrations, without the blessing of many friends, without the bustlings preparation, the family enjoyed every bit of the warm moments like this with just the few of us. I think that is good enough.

Poor Kaiden, was addictively playing with the phone and was fuming mad when asked to put the phone down to take a family picture.

A very overdue post but still managed to get it out to remember the special occasion. Kaitlyn, Happy 8th Birthday to you. Mummy loves you always. 🙂

 

Mummy, are we taking the plane?

A few weeks ago, I did a post on my early bird excursion with family to Singapore Flyer. The ticket package actually includes a ride on the Singapore Flyer and some food vouchers at the Singapore Food Trail. We did not go for these as FIL was working and we wanted him to join in for the ride on the capsule.

We met at about 5.30pm for dinner at the Singapore Food Trail then a stroll by the coast of the river before boarding the flyer for the night scenic view.

Taking the kiddos for toilet breaks after a full dinner is a must. The ride plus waiting time may take up to an hour or more. The children were anxious while the adults were excited.

Suddenly, it dawned on me that Singapore is actually verybeautiful. Too bad my camera can’t capture really nice night scenes due to the reflection of the glasses. One day, I must try the sky dinning. It must be a whole lot of experience. 🙂

Needless to say, we enjoyed ourselves. Family fun is always enjoyable.

This time round, I decided to let the pictures and captions do the talking. :0)  Time consuming but totally loves the effect of the pictures. Totally worth the effort, isn’t it?

Great Finds: Lawry’s, The Prime Rib

Oh my! Oh my! Definitely gonna share this great find with my friends. All thanks to my lovely buddy buddy Angie. I have had a wonderful dinner with her at Lawry’s, The Prime Rib on Monday (which was why I missed the Working Monday posts) 😦

I downloaded the Lawry’s Sg iphone application. The application is user friendly and I did my reservation via the application. Within 24 hours, I received my confirmation. I could even look through the menu via my app to see what I want to have.

Source: itunes, Lawry’s Sg app

I ordered the Prime Rib dinner in English cut beef. The dinner comes with the Spinning Bowl Salad, Yorkshire Pudding (my love), Idaho Mashed Potatoes and Whipped Cream Horseradish. Angie ordered the same as mine just that her beef is single cut while mine is thinly sliced into three pieces.

The Spinning Salad. It’s good with the recommended pepper.

The salivating medium rare beef in three thinly sliced pieces. All soaked with the yummy gravy. I am not really a beef person but I must say this is really good!!!! Not to mention, the Yorshire Pudding. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Thumbs up!!!

It’s actually my first time in Lawry’s and I really had a good experience, in terms of ambience, food and service.

What’s more!!! I only paid for one set of Prime Rib dinner instead of two!! 🙂 {LOL, I sounded so excited.}

Just download the Lawry’s SG Application (FREE) then there is a 1-for-1 promotion for lunch and dinner right now under the ‘PROMOS’ tab. Just show it to the reception and they will record the special 15 digit code from your app.

*** NOTE: only click on the claim coupon only when you are with the recep. It’s a one time code.

Lawry’s, The Prime Rib

333A Orchard Road

#04-01/31 Mandarin Gallery

Singapore 238897

Working Monday – Jumping Pearls and Randomness

How was everyone’s weekend? It’s working Monday again. I have not done much on weekend except to relief a half day class for a friend. Managed to get a pack of Garett Popcorn. I must say it was pop-licious. Totally love the caramel which melts in my mouth. I had a wonderful evening with Jonathan all thanks to lovely mother who helped to babysit the children. I took the opportunity to visit Old Airport Road’s raving for “老伴” beancurd. The beancurd is sweet-licious. Dad said, the beancurd is suited more to youngsters. He still prefers the traditional kind. The beancurd is really soft, just like jelly. No wonder Dad does not really like it. Just one weekend, I managed to taste two heavenly food. Feels so blessed. 🙂

Mum and Dad have left for Bangkok for their lovey-dovey trip. I too wanted a getaway with Hub so much. 😦

Monday was not really blue for me. I managed to create three earrings using mother of pearl for listing.

Breaking Dawn

I love the use of 14k gold plated findings and charm on this pair of earrings while gold filled wire to attach the pearl to the charm. The whole creation reminds me of the break of dawn where the glistening sun arises from the blue horizon. Each day is full of hope. 🙂

Another two pairs were of the same design except that they are in different colours. They are simple yet dainty, elegant yet versatile for everyday use.

Quiescent – Opal and Rose Bronze in 925 silver findings

Quiescent – Nude Pink in 925 silver

As compared to my previous creations, I have used better quality materials like 14k gold plated and 925 silver. These materials have better tarnish resistance as compared to rhodium thus a hefty price tag too. 🙂 In another words, these can be kept for a longer period of time and thus really nice to give as keep sake.

These items are available at ChippyChipDovey {shop}.

Did a customisation for mustache ring and necklace. They are still available for sale. 🙂

Still stuggling with a bridal customisation for her bridesmaids. My neck is getting nowhere waiting for my materials to arrive from US. (So eager to complete it that I may even start replacing other materials if it’s still not arriving anytime.) 😦

Mother-in-law is sick and I dropped by her place in the afternoon. When I reached home, it was already about 4pm as the children wanted to visit NTUC. I managed to whip up a meal in half and hour and is really proud of myself. I got to really thank my Philip Air Fryer and conventional microwave oven. Cheeros to them 🙂

A dish which I have always wanted to try. All thanks to Kaiden who is learning stem vegetable in school now. To show him how an asparagus looks like, I bought a bunch of it.

It’s the season of Korean grapes again. Kaitlyn loves the grapes.

So much for randomness!!!