Well... my perks on his birthday (instead of him) were taking a day off from work and having him driving me to places that I wanna go (instead of me driving). 😁 But then it was a all expenses paid day by yours truly. Fair enough. So we headed all the way from North to East because I wanna go Starbucks Katong Square to chill out with him. And we did it after our lunch. Matcha Latte, Hot Chocolate, Sea Salt Caramel Cheesecake and Tiramisu.
Crowded and have to wait for awhile before we get a seat by the window. Yes, Phase 3 has kicked in and more people can meet up (up to 8 pax).
Starbucks at Level 1 of this 2-storey building. This area has a mixed of old and new buildings. The i12 Mall under renovation. Too bad for me because I really seldom travel to the East. And Mister pointed out to the spa he usually go with his friends. Oh... super old building Roxy Square with Katong Plaza just beside it. 💁 Just Katong Plaza itself could tell. The carpark not automated gantry, have to insert cashcard in and out. 😑
Had our lunch at 328 Katong Laksa which was just across the road at the stretch of shophouses from Starbucks. Mister said that this laksa eatery always long queue on pre-Covid days. Then lucky us. Not sure how authentic it was but based of the photo wall inside their shop, probably good. But he said that is another one too down the road. Whatever it is, just eat since already at Katong. They sell laksa, otah, nasi lemak and so others (including drinks like lime juice and luohan).
Two words: Spicy yet flavourful.
This bowl of laksa didn't need any chilli because already spicy from its laksa base and wasn't that overwhelming. The thickness of the laksa base was just right with the taste of coconut milk flavour.
Across the road, spotted this nice heritage shophouse. Really enjoyed walking down the streets of Katong and Joo Chiat because you get to see lots of such shophouses. Previously went on a walking tour at Joo Chiat with my folks and aunt and had tea at a very old traditional coffeeshop. Super chillax.
After our Starbucks date, we headed to Giant Tampines to buy grocery. Surprisingly didn't have the urge to go IKEA. Because I know sure crowded even on weekdays (because is school holidays now and people are clearing their leaves too).
Headed back to Yishun, straight to Hometeam Khatib Clubhouse because his birthday dinner at Orchid Live Seafood. Walked around the clubhouse before our booking time at 6pm. Big but nothing must that will draw me back here again after this time. I don't bowl or enjoy KTV. For F&B, I can go Northpoint which there are more options to choose from.
Don't need to travel far for seafood now that they have Orchid Live Seafood near us. Ordered their Lobster Porridge and Chilli Crab. Didn't get their 2 pax Menu because we were still a little full from Starbucks earlier.
Was looking forward to their porridge but then when it was served, it didn't spark joy. $11/100g and for 2 pax, 600g. Do your math. The rice grains cooked with fresh and flavourful broth along with 2 fresh and small lobsters cut half.
Then came our Chilli Crab. Worthy because the crabs were big. But just didn't like that sauce that wasn't red enough (photo did some justice to it). And didn't get their mantou because 12 for $8 was a little too much for the two of us. So good bye to the sauce. Such a waste but too bad, we were full.
Let me end this post with a view of Khatib along with a full moon (is lunar calendar 15th of the month). Happy Birthday my dear. Cheers.
