Yet Another Year Older

Was lamenting to anyone who would hear that after a while, birthdays become just another number and it's beginning to reach a point where I'm happy with a singular candle on the cake. *peers around nonchalantly*

While there wasn't an unexpected holiday this year, the other half still managed to spring a surprise as he casually informed me to pack the night before for a staycation at MBS. *happy hops*

Knowing that I'm a sucker for new experiences like Mozza has been on my to-eat list, Ed managed to squeeze us in and it was an excellent repeat worthy visit. Unfortunately, MBS was less than stellar and aside from a nice infinity pool, Fullerton Bay hotel is definitely more value for money (in my opinion). We also re-discovered Paradise Pavillion at MBFC which has definitely blossomed since our first visit to try their Applewood Roasted Peking Duck. A great way to end our staycation and this hearty dim sum lunch tasted even better with our $25 dollar voucher. *gleeful grins*

This was a birthday where I also felt really loved as friends cum colleagues organized various surprises while I had many excellent meals with dear friends. This will go down as another memorable year where turning 31 was unexpectedly palatable.

Forlinos: Aside from the attentive service, it was an enjoyable meal as we worked our way through Cauliflower mousse with excellent focaccia and Parma Ham with Cantaloupe Melon [top-left], followed by our mains of Veal Ossobuco Ravioli with Saffron Sauce and Mushroom risotto [main pics] rounding off with Molten Lava Chocolate Cake with Banana Gelato and Rum Sauce as well as Petit Fours

Mozza: As we nibbled through the teeny packet of bread crisps, we also enjoyed excellent starters of meatballs al forno, chicken wings alla diavolo and a house special, some cheese filled cannolli. As Ed remarked, he has never tasted such good atas meatballs. 

 Scrumptious pizza topped with bacon, salami, fennel sausage, pancetta, tomato and mozzarella

In addition to the cute envelope containing our cutlery, each diner also gets a postcard with Italian Good Luck traditions. 

Chilling out at the pool with refreshing lychee mojito....

Dim Sum at Paradise Pavilion@MBFC [top left, clockwise]: Black truffle chicken pie, fried crab dumpling, mango and prawn fritter, char siew sou, sharks fin dumpling soup, steamed custard bun, chee cheong fun stuffed with youtiao

Finishing off with an innovative dessert: very very good deep fried durian ice cream with mango puree although a tad jialat in view of our very full bellies

Presents: Ed wisely got me a very practical Macbook and I now have my very own Glee CD to sing along to in addition to many cakes and balloons to boot (check out my birthday cake winnie the pooh).

As can be seen, this was a great week of feasting and catching up with friends. After all, this is what birthdays are meant to be....=)

P.S Just realised I still haven't changed my IC photo within the one year grace period. *gah* So not looking forward to explaining myself to ICA.