Located at 39C Harding Road, The White Rabbit is the latest addition to Singapore’s dining scene. Opened by the guys who also own Loof, this is certainly one of the more interesting dining experiences that I’ve had in recent memory.

What’s good: Its location and ambience. What used to be the old Ebenezer Chapel, has now been wonderfully restored. While, the wide hall and spacious seating areas gives diners a sense of space, the little dining alcoves on the side provide intimacy for groups or even couples.

What’s great: Oh, definitely the food. From presentation to taste, everything was prepared with much flourish and love. And it shows, especially after the first bite. What comes highly recommended is the foie gras as a starter as well as the prawn bisque which is reminiscent of the hearty soups that you’d have after a long day at work. The lamb chops that I had were very nicely cooked and tender. For those who are not too fond of the gamey smell of lamb, this version comes with breadcrumbs of mint with a hint of wasabi. Very tasty. But the winner of the night was definitely the Mac & Cheese. It reminded one of a sense of home and a very old-school Americana feeling. Simply de-lish. The desserts were another thing entirely, from the Dark Chocolate Mousse to the Mars Bar Soufflé and the Baked Alaskan was a delight to the senses. Very well presented and not too sweet to the palate, it is safe to say that everything was polished off the plates regardless of how full we were to start of with.

What could be improved: At the risk of being overly picky, I’d say, the lighting. While striving for intimacy in such a big space, it would be great if you guys could add a wee bit more light at the table so that we can see our food better. Note: I sincerely apologize at my supremely horrendous photography skill, which had nothing to do with the lighting.

Overall, we had a fantastic experience which was supplemented by The White Rabbit’s very experienced and friendly service staff. Kudos, guys!

The vacation in Darwin was fantastic :o) While I honestly wouldn’t recommend Darwin as a choice holiday destination for any keen travelers, I had a wonderful time with my friends.

Who knew traveling with new friends could be such fun? Add that to the serious lack of attractions, shopping and even nightlife and I’d say that we actually managed quite well despite the challenges. The one hilarious thing was that the fly boys were in town and it was a real treat to stumble on the rather impromptu air show and of course, lots of men in uniform. J, my lost friend, I wish you were there with me at that moment…cos you would’ve gone nuts.

The one terribly sad thing about the holiday was the passing of my maternal grandma. She was 89 and certainly lived very full life. The good thing is that she passed peacefully. My maternal grandparents were the ones who raised my sister and I as well as two of my younger cousins and we were all very close.

It was quite a shock to receive a call in Darwin informing me that grandma was ailing and later, when the doctor came, she seemed to be responding to the medicine. I certainly wasn’t expecting to receive a call saying that she passed on later in the night. The family understood enough to know that another cousin and I were away so they didn’t ask us to return. I was lucky…I made it back in time for the funeral.

Funerals in the family are sad, if slightly weird affairs because laughter is mixed within the sadness. It’s a coping measure that helps us all pull through, so there were almost as much tears as there was laughter when the entire family came to pay respects.

While writing the eulogy, we debated on whether we could swear at the service. Yes, oddly enough, one of grandma’s pet phrases while we were growing up was this particular one. And everyone knew it ;o) At the end of the day, I managed to deliver the eulogy without swearing and with a mix of Peranakan and English.

The entire experience; holiday and funeral was pretty overwhelming for me. On one hand, I had such a great time and on the other, someone very dear to me has passed on. The feelings just upped and overwhelmed me at the worst time and it was a terrible time to cope. Right up until I met my cousin. The tears stopped, the smile came on and I just snapped back into business.

There was just too much to do, family to attend to, my brother had to be deferring from doing his national service for two days because of the funeral and people to frown at and scold for being a pain in the ass, etc…

Five days past the funeral and everything is almost back to normal. We’re all on the mend. I guess we all have to slowly pick ourselves up and move on. The great thing is that we have each other. It’s always heartening to have family for support and love.

Was listening to the radio this weekend when the above Dixie Chicks song came on.

The lyrics reflect the situation I'm in at the moment and the chorus, in particular encapsulates it nicely.

“I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should”

At the risk of being overly cryptic, there is a reason for everything. However, I do not wish to address this issue at the moment because the situation pisses me off big time, and, the more I hear about this person or from them, the more pissed off I am.

I do not wish to entertain any phone calls or listen to any excuses or read any emails. Not today, not tomorrow - I will only do so when I am ready.

So, to assuage that massive ego of yours; yes, you actually did do something wrong. Do I hear a 'Yea, finally!'? Do you feel vindicated now? Do you even realize that the world in general, does not revolve around you?

For goodness sake, go sit down, and think long and hard about everything. But please, whatever you do, don’t throw religion into the mix, don’t get notions of grandeur and don’t try to buy sympathy by getting other parties involved because it is none of their business.

Oh wait - actually, if you are on a suicide mission, or don’t understand what I am saying, you are welcome to go ahead and disregard everything, and just challenge me.

For now, I’m going on holiday.

I have a love-hate relationship with Facebook. It seems that every single person who’s found me on Facebook recently is engaged, pregnant, married or pregnant and married…well, the list goes on. You people know who you are…antagonists all.

The good thing is catching up with friends that I’ve not seen in over 20 years. And everyone is scattered from all around the world too. The amazing thing is that you people actually remembered me after so long! I hope it’s good memories, and apologize upfront it’s appalling ones. Yes, I was a terror as a kid too.

The scary thing is that you people are unveiling all sorts of bloody scary photos of us when we were kids! YIKES! Like my overly glamorous specs, yes, I’ve been blind for years but to see those glasses again. Good grief was like I raided Elton John’s glasses collection or something. Hallo…some things, we can keep and laugh to ourselves in private, some things, we should just like…burn man.

Privacy is a scary thing on Facebook. If you don’t disable that particular function, your entire network will be privy to whatever silly game or chat or group that you joined. Ok, so I have issues with the privacy thing and I hate that people can track you online, but still, it is a useful tool to have, especially when everyone’s so scattered

It’s great to see how everyone has grown though. The smart, shy girl who was one of my closest friends in primary school is now a retired school teacher living with her family in Melbourne, the pretty girl who was a bit of a tomboy now has a family and children and living in this city and most amazing of all, the girl who got into the most trouble with me is now married and living with her husband in Dubai. All the memories and all the stories…hahahaha, it is amazing how we’re all connected yet again. And gosh, how everyone has changed and yet the humor and the silliness remains the same.

Honestly, I cannot imagine writing snail mail and waiting by the mailbox for a letter or even a post card now when you can reach out to someone at the click of a mouse.

Which reminds me…Mr Mogel, where are those pictures you promised! I know you read this blog and at the risk of being a naggy female, send pictures of your kids, please! I’d still love to see the pictures though, geez, it’s amazing how long we’ve know each other. Thanks for brightening my otherwise work-filled existence, though. I always love it when I get emails from you.

Now send those pictures, man.