To My Mothers

Dear Grams, 

Despite us having had a language barrier, I never once felt that our conversations were boring. I miss hearing your soft and gentle giggles whenever we say something funny and seeing your warm pretty smiles just makes everything at ease. You've also introduced me to your favorite drink - Yakult which I've too come to have it as a staple and is a remembrance for me of you sitting on your favorite wooden chair watching television. You've taught me that raising five children can be tough especially during hardships when money was hard to come by. Yet, you did a marvelous job at it. Thank you grams for being you. <3

Dear Mama,
Though not biological related, I've always regard you as my own; a loving mother and grandmother to your 2 children and 7 grandchildren. You've taught me to be down-to-earth and loving just like you. You've also taught me the importance of having a close family and adoring children just the way you adore them. Thank you for having looked after me when I was a baby and being the best nanny in the world. Thank you for continuing to shower me with your love and spoiling me with all the wonderful dishes you cook specially for me when I go over. I love you mama for everything <3

Dear Mom,

Over the years, you've taught me to be humble and to respect others. You've reminded me to be patient with one another and never to take others for granted. You've also supported me and cheered me on at countless swimming competitions and dragonboat races, sacrificed your time to drive me around to drama classes every Saturday and trainings everyday (am sure you're glad that's over), taught me cooking & baking tips which grandpa passed on to you. Thank you for cooking for the family almost every Sundays and boiling tonic soups to boost my immune system. Thank you for inspiring me in my faith and for teaching me to thank the Lord in both good times and bad. Thank you for not giving up on me and continuing to love me despite my shortcomings. I love you more than the many cups of extra hot, dry cappuccino you drink each day and our same love for cheese.

Happy Mother's Day.

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 ♥