grazing spot

it's my bf's bday this sat - and i'm still clueless on what to do for him.

what to do? what to do?

at the recent IT show last week, i've bought a laptop for him while he's away in germany. it's really value for money, given the specs i got - 3G RAM and GEForce 8400 - great for playing any games he want, while he's travelling. it is also fortunate that i got a rather plump bonus this month so it has hardly bruised my pocket.

however i have passed him the laptop the day before so there is no more gift or surprises on his bday. i think i should do something nice for him though.... but what?

how about a 3 hr spa for him? full body massage for his aching back will be good. hmm, mabbe we go aramsa @ bishan gardens.

and where off for food?
i wanted to try Picotin (Horse Feed in french)- a joint venture by Sebestien ( Sebestien Bistrot, Les Amis Grp) & Emmanuel Stroobant (Saint Pierre). I was rather devastated when i heard Sebestien left Sebestien Bistrot - as it's my fave french place to go - it's pretty decent french food at good value. And i like its cosy laid back atmosphere. Sadly, Picotin doesn't seem to live up to the Bistrot's reputation. I wonder why they serve Pizzas at a french establishment. Maybe it's for an informal feel. But the reviews didn't get me hyped up at all. So i guess i'll give this new setup a miss, will wait till it's more settled.

Chef Chan? I was rather disappointed with the chef's famed 3 Signature dishes - shark's fin, black pepper beef, and roast chicken. And i know the reason why. It's exactly the same reason why Chef Chan closed down his restaurant and set up this new private dining one - he is unable to control and maintain the quality of the food if he is serving the masses. This time round he is the one doing most of the cooking - and hence i bet the quality must be much better. That said, the 'dish' that impressed me most is not one of the 3 Signature dishes, but their mango pudding.
It's so light when i tasted it at first, then suddenly there is a burst of mango, and best of it all, it leaves a desirable mango aftertaste. It's the most amazing mango pudding i have tried - having tried mango puddings in almost every chinese restaurant i visited. But will i pay $88 / person to try his mango pudding? I doubt so.

Should i then go Saint Pierre or Saint Julien? I think i can still manage, all thanks to my bonus and increment :) Or should we go somewhere more affordable but yet very fulfilling? Hmmm. OH, i'm beginning to miss Sebestian's Bistrot! :P