To Our Wonderful Wife and Mother

Mom sure is fortunate that she gets to celebrate two special occasions within the same month. But then again, the Ng Family too is blessed to have a wonderful wife and mother whom can never be replaced. Am sure yours is as well!

Celebrating Mom's birthday first, we went straight to cake-cutting since we know we would always be too full after dinner. We made dinner reservations at a recommended Korean restaurant which sits on the 7th story of Orchard Central. I can't agree more that Sarang (사랑) Heartbeat of Seoul has one of the best views of Singapore's downtown cityscape, completing a memorable dining experience for those who dine at the restaurant's vibrant outdoor seating area while enjoying endless catchy Korean pop music and music videos that gets you singing along.

The name of the dishes are pretty interesting, i.e those we ordered; Ying Yang Pancakes (Pan-fried Kimchi and Scallion Pancakes), Chewy Surprise (Korean Rice Cakes & Fish Cake in a sweet and spicy sauce), Sarang Japchae (Stir-fried Veg Vamicelli tossed in Sesame Oil), Under The Sea (Seafood & Silky Beancurd Hotpot), Shooting Star (Marinated Chicken), World Star (Beef Bulgogi), and Piggy Jumps Over the Well (Pork Belly w Veg served in a Kimchi Hotpot).  

Service was relatively good and dishes are at affordable prices as well. However, we did not think that the food was something to scream about. Most of the dishes we had were slightly too sweet, i.e. the Tteokboki (korean spicy rice cake) turned out sweet instead of spicy. The stews which were served piping hot and pancakes were some of the nicer tasting dishes we ordered.  We also noticed that most tables ordered Chicken Bong Bong (Deep-fried Chicken drumlets in Chef's special batter) , so we presume that it must be the restaurant's Hot Favorite. So, if you happen to dine at Sarang, don't forget to order a plate of Chicken Bong Bong! Also note that, Sarang does not provide complementary side dishes like most Korean restaurants do unless ordering their mains/sets, they'll serve two sides;  kimchi redish and a handful of stewed peanuts, but their fresh Kimchi sure looks appetizing enough.

Sarang (사랑) Korean Restaurant
181 Orchard Central, #07-01
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Tel: 6773-1322
Website: http://www.sarang.com.sg/
Opening Hours:
Sunday - Thursday, 12nn - 10pm
Friday - Saturday, 12nn - 11pm

This year, Mother's Day falls on a Sunday, 13th May 2012, and knowing everywhere will be packed with people celebrating Mother's Day as well, Mom requested we cook for her.

We prepared an 8-course dinner, 3 of which she requested while the rest would be a surprise. Nothing beats cooking for Mom because of the love that has gone in to the dishes being prepared.

Appetizer: Refreshing Sweet & Sour White Radish with Zucchini, Carrot & Pear

Soup: Korean Seaweed Soup with diced beef

Deep-fried Sesame Tofu

Honey Marmite Chicken, garnished with Red Chili, Almonds and Coriander

Soyur Lodeh

Steamed Fish in XO Sauce

Noodles: Tung Hoon

Jie was in-charge of settling dessert but due to her busy work schedule, she bought Apple Strudel instead. The Apple Strudel we haven't had for years since the last time we went crazy over it for a period of time was extremely delightful! Definitely a good dessert choice after a heavy dinner of seven dishes. The night ended even better with jokes and laughter.

To our wonderful, loving wife and mother, Happy Birthday and Happy Mother's Day! We love you, Mom ♥