Monday, March 31, 2014

One Day Can Change Everything

I am actually debating with myself on whether or not to write this as it is a very personal thing and I always wanted the blog to be more about general sharing, besides of the food reviews. But there are many times when it just gets too heavy, and as hard as it is to explain, there's a part of me who wanted to include her in the blog.

Earlier last year, I lost one of my very best friend. It was shockingly. Even until this very day, everything still seems so surreal. Even until this very second, I still can't believe she's gone. 

I chose to not share on the how but I will always remember that morning, March 16th 2013, I woke up and as usual, grabbed my Blackberry to see any unread messages and I literally screamed when I opened the bbm from my bestie's little brother, "Ci, Ci F passed away" sent 04.23am. As I was dialing her brother's mobile, my mind was messed up, I remember a part of me was thinking that it was a stupid stupid joke my bestie did, that she somehow thinks it would be funny to prank me like this. The denial part of me kept thinking that way as I waited for her brother to pick up the phone, but as I heard Hello and the chronology shared, I fell into silence, slowly as my brain started to digest that it was not a prank, I started to cry. Hard. I was hysterical.

I remember how my phone beeping constantly, bbm, incoming calls, almost all our friends changed their bbm status to RIP, some even changed their profile pictures to her pic. I remember I chose to keep my phone away for few days. Seeing all those RIP status and her pictures every time I opened my bbm contacts was just... unbearable. For quite some time, everything just seem so fucked up. I really can't pull it off. Guilt, sad, sorry, angry, I couldn't understand why her life was that short.

We have been best friend for 17 years, since we were paired to sit together in class on junior high. We graduated high school together, enter the same college, took the same major and sat together in almost all classes. There was just too many memories. She was with me for almost two decades, hell she was my bridesmaid and a very very good friend, hilariously funny, the joker in our group and she was a loyal friend. I remember when I was hospitalized, she rushed to go see me the moment she heard and she can't even drive, so she took bus and the hospital was not even close to where she worked.

I have thought on pouring this in writing many times, to just let it out, hoping that somehow it will be lighter, but many times I simply can't. Like I said, there are times when it gets heavy, particularly this month. I just cannot believe it has been a year since she left.
Generally speaking, I am okay, I would like to believe she is in better place now. Though honestly, I think no one will ever be really okay after being left by someone they care about. There will always be that ache in your heart, which slowly with the time passes, the ache might faded, you might be no longer burst in tears every time you think of the late, but somehow you will always feel that the ache is still there. And by you, I mean me. 

It's scary to think what one day can do and how unpredictable life is.

Rest in peace, my partner in crime. You'll always be missed.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Ying Thai PIK


Who is excited that a Thai restaurant finally opens at PIK? ME! ME! I've been saying on how typical all the diners which open at the neighborhood, western mostly, and have you counted how many bubble tea and Taiwanese dessert joints they have? So, bless you, Grandma Thai and Ying Thai, to come along with your Thai cuisines. 

Sunday, March 23, 2014

[CLOSED] Le Signature PIK


The place is one of my best find. It's beautiful, classy with good service and great food. The kind of place you would bring your date to impress. The fancy restaurant established in the end of Dec 2013, but I got to know this place just couple weeks ago.The location was a bit secluded, tucked on the second alley behind the shops at front rows (check the directions below).

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Madera Kitchen


Sunday in my dictionary is family day. Unless another very important thing comes up, starts from 10am onwards, I belong to my fam. Taking my folks for a brunch or lunch has been forever my thing, since I was single until now that I've married.
A bit out of topic, I am super close with my parents, especially my mom. She's like my best friend, I told her everything and I almost never spent a single day without calling her. It's a blessing I met hubs who cares about my parents as much as he cares about his, so the ritual remains strong. *smooch*

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

TOM TOM


My love for Thai food begins around 3 years ago when I was in the period of travel back and forth to Bangkok for buying trip. Those buying trips for Lemon were tiring and super exhausted, but boy I loveeeee those times. The city is definitely one of my favorite in Asia. If you are a foodie and haven't stepped foot in Bangkok, I strongly suggest you to. The city is heaven for foodie. Everything is so delicious and cheap! 

Monday, March 17, 2014

Izakaya Issei


The recently opened Japanese diner took place at the street of Senopati, just next to the popular patisserie, Cacaote. Located on the second floor of a cute tiny cafe named Appetite and a barber shop, I loved the Japanese looks on the door entrance. It was one of those place with strong Japanese concept. Small, dark ambiance with an illustration painting of Geisha at one of the side walls. 

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Common Grounds Citiwalk Sudirman


Don't you just love the name? Common Grounds.

Couple days ago, I had to meet someone at Grand Indonesia and I remember I saw a particular picture at one of my favorite IG's account @captainruby (the person behind wanderbites). The coffee and all day breakfast called Common Grounds and it located at Citiwalk, close to my destination that day, so I decided to skip breakfast at home, go early for a solo brunch before my appointment. Boy, did I make the right choice. 

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Fitzroy Gastrobar


The street used to be pretty quiet. I remember I begin to know this particular Gunawarman street when Turkuaz opens. Then came Loobie Lobster, followed by one of my favorite French, Le Quartier. Not long ago, Holy Crab, Fitzroy Gastrobar and Le Cafe Gourmand joined the team. Fitzroy Gastrobar took place at the highest floor on a building next to Le Quartier. Rumors has it that they serve one of the best gyutan in town, oftenly compare to Menya, a certain diner in Melbourne famous for their gyutan.

Monday, March 3, 2014

FJ On 7


I always love rooftop dining. Despite on whatever kind of weather at the moment, a clear view to the blue sky always bring a relax and soothing feeling. FJ on 7 definitely has one of the most enjoyable rooftop dining in town, with its outdoor rooftop patio and the colorful comfy couches with its pink cushions, clears out sophisticated and rules in casual chic vibe.