Yet Another Year

Entering my 32nd year at Tiananmen no less...

Turning 32 was spent doing what I loved most: exploring and feasting. *star jumps*

Knowing my love for good food, Ed made reservations at Maison Boulud, located within a lifestyle F&B cluster known as Ch'ien Men 23, a restored landmark compound of the former American legation during the Qing Dynasty.

Having tried the Singapore restaurant which was decent but pricey, I was looking forward to sinking my teeth into the DB burger once again especially after hearing so much about the restaurant's value-for-money set lunches in Beijing.

The Verdict? While the DB burgers tasted (in my opinion) fairly similar, my biased taste buds liked the fact that the fois gras didn't have as strong a liver taste for the Beijing version. Maison Boulud would also rank higher in terms of overall value, lovely ambience and impeccable service. I also loved the fact that there were free thoughtfully included touches like amuse bouche and petit fours which definitely made my lunch so much more interesting. Having said this, Ed did point out that I was comparing a bistro to a full fletched restaurant. In this light, perhaps a Boloud restaurant elsewhere in the world might provide an equivalent experience. Will update again if I ever get to make a proper comparison.

In terms of meal highlights, Ed was alittle horrified that the complimentary madelines were a potential contender. While I would admit that this was a very close second, what stood out for me was the curried pumpkin soup which turned out to be a cold starter that was perfect for summers and of course the burger.

Starting the day with my brand new, very functional pink adidas sneakers thanks to the other half

enjoying the light and buttery pastries before our starters arrived

Starting with a vegetable and soup option: Caesar salad with anchovies, refreshingly tasty curried pumpkin soup and Ed's minestrone which was blah at best.

Ed's grilled tenderloin

DB Burger: sirloin burger filled with braised short ribs and fois gras served with pommes frites

A range of petite fours which I couldn't stop eating even though I was so stuffed. Desserts wise, it was nice but not mindblowing good if you know what I mean.

Happy campers at Maison Boulud

In view that we were near Tiananmen, decided to take the opportunity to walk around the Square and breathe in some history:

Good afternoon Tiananmen!

Aside from a very chill-out day, my very thoughtful division also planned a birthday surprise for me the day before with a cake for them and one for me in Beijing. Check out their very yummy looking chocolate cake (for my viewing benefit) from Regent:

The elaborate set-up

While I was privy to part of their plans as a result of a group email discussion which they had no clue that I was still part of, it's the thought that counts after all and I was very touched.

All in all, it was a very blessed 32nd year...Thanks everyone for the well wishes!