Richmond, BC Eats: Prata-Man

Prata-man gets a lot of bad rap for their roti prata - having been compared to frisbees or discs, hahaha. But in fairness, while theirs may not be the soft, flaky rotis one would normally expect, it has the texture of scallion pancakes, which I like. Crunchy and generally fun to eat.

Their curry is yummy too.  The beef practically melts once it hits the mouth. Being a rice person, I can imagine this would be a dream to eat with plain, fluffy basmati rice. That'll hit the spot.

We ordered fried rice...

To go with our pork satay. While I would generally prefer chicken satay (it was out of stock when we asked for it) the pork satay was surprisingly delightful. The pork was marinated to perfection, and it was tender, no pork pulling if you know what I mean.

The place is honestly, a dive. You don't go there for the ambiance or the view, or what not. It's simply a place to get good, cheap comfort food. Service is, well suck-y, but you don't go there for the service either.

So let's stick to the topic of food. Prata-Man actually, further convinced me that food in Richmond and Vancouver is the best compared to anywhere, even the original! You know why? Prata-man's Singaporean food is better than most of the local fare I've tried right here in Singapore.

Prata-Man Singapore Cuisine
Richmond Central
9020 Capstan Way
Richmond, BC V6X
(604) 278-1348

Vancouver 2011: Little Lawn Daisy

Fallen cherry blossom petals on grass, so dreamy and romantic. I feel like I should be wearing blush sandals with a silk chiffon dress, carrying a straw basket filled with freshly cut flowers 

from a nearby meadow

You know how ads or packaging for weedkillers would have little lawn daisies (actually, the proper name is daisy fleabane) on them? Well, I always thought it was a shame to kill this type of weed because they look so cute. Like tiny little flowers on grass.

Apparently, Berry likes them too. When Angkong plucked out a daisy from the grass and gave it to her, she was so thrilled, you'd think she was 16 and her crush gave her a dozen roses, hahaha!

Gap parka from Ate Carissa Carale, Zara jeggings from Auntie Kaye Yao, 

 Trumpette boat shoes from Uncle Toni and Tita Sarj

She wouldn't let go of it, and held on to it until we got home. So precious. She also held it ever so gingerly between two fingers, like a dainty little girl and not the "Destructa" (our nickname for her because she's in that stage where everything she comes across turns to smithereens) that she can be.

I also think Berry's look suits our lovely backdrop. Pretty in pink and red. I was the jarring image in grey and black leather. This was the same photo that came out in Style Bible, my look "inspired by downtown NY and French girls".

Striped top from Saint James (French), a cardigan from J.Crew (bought in Prince St.), 
a Hoss Intropia leather jacket (Spanish, but the showroom is in downtown NY) with J Brand jeans (uhm, got this at Barneys but downtown girls shop there too), Isabel Marant scarf (French), Celine luggage (French) and clog booties from No. 6 (Centre Market Place in Little Italy)

MFO Shoe Series: Kaye Insorio, Vancouver

Kaye loves photography (as you can see by the quality of her photos) and puttering in the kitchen, dreaming up confections and all sorts of treats. She also loves shoes, maybe as much as she loves Charlie, (her Shih Tzu, who plays a supporting role in her blog posts). And that means, a whole lot!

If you've been following this blog, you'd know that Kaye and I just met recently, while we were on holiday in Vancouver. Funnily, we've exchanged shopping related emails before that, because I spotted her trying on jewel embellished Miu Mius at Holt Renfrew on her blog, and I was looking for that everywhere. (Luckily, Kate, another reader/online buddy from Canada, read my blog post and tracked down a pair of those Miu Mius in my size, and took the liberty of reserving for me, heehee! Thank you Kate!) See how shoes can bring girls together from wherever in the globe? Without further ado, here are Kaye's collection of shoes over at Vancouver, BC!

How many pairs of shoes do you own?

I own 40+. I'm planning to get rid and sell some of them.

A collection of boots for Vancouver's wet & wild winter season

Heels & wedges for Spring. I spy Alexander Wang and a lot of Aldo!

Oxfords & loafers from Kate Spade, F-Troupe, Burberry for Fall

Summer wear: She has Marni & Givenchy jelly sandals! Jelly (and I mean jealous) ako!

What's your shoe size?

I have big feet and have a hate-hate relationship with my long alien toes. My shoe ranges from size 7, 7.5,8, 8.5. It depends on the style/brand.

Which pairs are your favorites?

D&G equestrian boots – By far the best pair of boots I’ve ever had. It’s soft and it doesn’t hurt my feet. I’d say “you get what you pay for” but I got it for less than… (brace yourself) $100 and found out the late eluxury.com was selling it for $1,395! Sorry to rub it in but it was such a good deal!!!

Burberry patent loafers – I wear it a lot. That reminds me I need to get it topy’d. I’m so glad loafers are in style again. I remember wearing them in grade school.

MM6 cutout stretch sandals – It’s very minimalist but I find it sexy at the same time.

MICHAEL Michael Kors harness sandals – Another pair of simple sandals. I fell in love with the beautiful gold detail on the heels.

Givenchy lace booties – I chose this one as one of my favourites only because it is nice to look at :P

If you could only wear one pair of shoes, which one would it be?

A pair of plain Lanvin flats. I know! So boring. I care about my back and my ugly feet. Flats will be a safe bet if it’s the only pair of shoes I could ever have.

What are your favorite shoe brands?

I’m really digging Rachel Comey shoes right now. I drool on every single shoe she designs. I want them all! I like Dieppa Restrepo too, although I don't own one.

What's in your shoe lust list?

Dries Van Noten♥ , Stella McCartney, Lanvin, Chloé, Marni and Céline.

Where do you buy shoes?

Most of the good quality shoes I have were from US. I love Nordstrom Rack! I wish I live across the street from them. I would have stalked the store and be the first person there whenever they receive their delivery. I'm not kidding.

Tobi, Urban Outfitters and Gravity Pope – only when I find a good deal and I’m really sure of the sizing (I hate having to return the item via mail).

I rarely buy shoes that I really want here in Vancouver because they cost twice as much. It makes me mad just thinking about it. Aldo Outlet in Vancouver is not bad. They always have something nice similar to the ones I want. If its your lucky day you’d find Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors or Toms marked down for a really low price! And if it's your luckiest day ever, you'd get additional discount off the sale price.

Oh, and how could I forget Vivi Couture aka Value Village! I used to think thrift/vintage shopping was gross. It takes a matter of getting used to. Patience and hard work is a must in order to find something good there. A nice pair of barely worn woven leather brouges, made in Italy, once owned by a grumpy old Grandpa? Yes, please!

What's that one shoe you can't bear to give away or throw out?

My lace peep-toe Givenchy heels. I can’t wear it for more than 2 hours otherwise it will be the cause of my death. Maybe I’ll get it framed or something and just admire it from afar. LOL. Would you not do the same thing? Okay, don't answer that.

For more of Kaye, Charlie, cookies, food & shoes, visit Such Fun Things.

Vancouver 2011: Meeting New Friends

I have been reading Kaye's blog for a few years now. 

I stumbled upon her blog, Such Fun Things, when she left a comment on one of my posts (I think she was telling me about F-Troupe oxfords, yes, that's it!), and I just found myself hooked on her pretty photos and accounts of life in beautiful BC. Her food posts - both on dining out and her kitchen escapades make me yearn for Vancouver. I am convinced Richmond & Vancouver have the best dishes, and yes, dimsum in the world hands down (Ok, toe to toe, no shoulder to shoulder with Hongkong perhaps). The taste of food there is just so pure, clean and fresh, unparallelled elsewhere.

Her shopping escapades are always a fun read - one time I found myself on a relentless hunt for a Virginia Johnson shawl, after she posted hers on her blog. But I gave up the hunt when I couldn't find one on sale, heeheehee (yes, I try not to pay retail if I can help it. Virginia, I am still waiting to pounce on one of your shawls, when I find one at a discount).

When Kaye found out our little family was going on holiday in Vancouver, she sent me an email saying, "Let's meet up!" Of course, I happily said,  "Yes! Let's!". So one fine day, Kaye brought along Florence, who has also been reading MFO for a while now, and our happy foursome finally met. They also finally admitted it was really Berry they wanted to meet! LOL!

We had dimsum at Shanghai River in Richmond, and while feasting on duck sandwiches and dumplings, they brought out a huge bag of Joe Fresh goodies! It was like a whole new wardrobe for Berry filled with pants, skirts, tops, even a coat! Berry was so excited she took off her sweater and wore some of the pieces right there and then at the restaurant!

She bonded immediately with Kaye & Florence, same shopping wavelength I think! Hahaha!

After lunch, we passed through The Bay. Kaye & Florence pointed out Rachel Rachel Roy to me. I haven't really seen this collection any where else since I didn't really go inside Macy's when we were in the US. I was blown away! Rachel Roy makes such pretty dresses at good prices! The prints were so adorable too! Very pleasant and wearable. I learn new things each day!

Berry & I surrounded by pieces from Rachel Rachel Roy at The Bay...

We then went on to Richmond Centre's Food Court for Starbucks Coffee and kwentuhan. We could have chatted on and on for hours, if only we didn't have stuff to do after. It really felt like we've known each other for years now. Which is true in a virtual sense. The bond has always been there, it really was just sealed by us meeting =)

Before we headed off, Kaye wanted a photo with Berry (she's wearing the Virginia Johnson shawl I was telling you about!)

And even if Florence was too shy to be in front of the camera, we convinced her to join us for a photo for posterity!

We have already plotted our next itinerary when we go back for another visit - it involves fruit picking, trying out restaurants, tea at Granville Public Market, and shopping expeditions! So happy to find kindred souls in BC. It was our pleasure meeting you, Kaye & Florence! Thanks for these fun photos too!

P.S. 

Our latest trip to Vancouver also allowed me to reconnect with old friends from high school: Hi Gracci (of The Stylish Tot) & B-Anne! 

Berry & I also met Cherie, who sent me an email years ago asking about Hunter boots! She approached us at Muy Garden, because she said she recognized Berry! How fun is that! 

It used to be that Vancouver was mostly a family thing, but with more friends in town, I foresee the following visits will open up to new adventures! Can't wait for our next trip!

Vancouver 2011: Granville Island Public Market

Granville Island purports itself as Vancouver's Town Square. Fair enough. It's that place in the city where there's everything for everyone in the whole family, in-laws included. You've got art, music, beer, food, sailing, shopping and lots of activities for the little ones to keep them busy.

For us, a trip to Vancouver isn't complete without a visit to Granville Public Market. From organic fruits and vegetables, freshly caught seafood and salmon smoked to perfection, to gourmet coffee, bread and chocolate, there's plenty of gastronomic delights in store.

Yes, excuse me, hello, I would like to know what those are?

An octopus. $7.99 a lb.

Salmon, with the head cut off. What is it about fish heads that freak people out?

Yes, I see I got good shots for Mommy's blog.

Smoked salmon, if you'd rather have them in a bagel with cream cheese... 

A variety of berries in all shapes, colors and sizes...

Mushrooms, peppers, beans, eggplants, cucumbers and herbs...

More leafy green vegetables...although what I am really in the mood for is bread...

A fine selection of pastries at Terra Bread

While I enjoyed browsing the food stalls, Berry had a blast trying to befriend pigeons, and then running after them. Angkong was so amused!

Meanwhile, I managed to coerce Dada to take an outfit shot, which is really just a wardrobe remix of what I've worn previously. Told you I traveled light.

striped shirt from Saint James, Gap jacket, Topshop pleather shorts, 

H&M scarf (the lighter version of the blue one I've worn previously), J.Crew belt, 

Wolford tights, Repetto Jacksons, Celine luggage tote

Vancouver 2011

Ok, I've become so acclimated to Singapore's tropical weather, I am back to getting cold faster than I can say, Brrrr! Not that I am complaining. The cool 10°C weather was a welcome respite from the heat. Plus, that meant I could wear my cold weather gear, after investing on some nice ones back when we were living in the US. Ahihihi!

Hoss Intropia leather jacket, H&M scarf, Sunday shirt from Blackmarket No. 2,

$10 skirt from H&M, tiangge tights, clog booties from No.6, Celine luggage tote

It's hard to justify my old purchases you know, so cold weather destinations are always a good excuse to say, "See, so glad I have these!" But this was a travel light kind of trip, had no choice because traveling with a toddler and her things is no joke.

So guess what I packed:

1 pair of booties

1 pair of wedge sandals

2 pairs of flats

5 shirts

2 pairs of jeans

2 pairs of tights

1 pair of pleather shorts

2 jackets

plus unmentionables.

Oh! And one tote bag. That's it. I have never traveled so light in my life. Another reason was, we were traveling from LA to YVR, and US Airlines charge by the suitcase, so pffft. Such a shopping downer.

Not that I could shop much in Vancouver too. The tax is a killer! Where do Canadians shop? (Well, I know the answer - across the border! I have one post on that - Seattle Premium Outlets! Watch out for it! Was planning a trip to tax free Portland, but too long of a drive, hehehe!) So, my next couple of posts on Canada will be more of where we ate, what I observed, and the new friends Berry & I made (Hi Kaye & Florence! Hello Cherie! Wonderful seeing you after so many years Gracci!)

Oh, and I managed to check out a beauty fair at the Vancouver Convention Center in downtown Vancouver, where they mostly featured salon supplies and products. This place is amazing! Such a green, modern, cavernous venue for trade shows and events: 

Of course, had to stop by Holt Renfrew, the Canadian version of Barneys:

Holt Renfrew is home to contemporary labels like 3.1 Phillip Lim, A.P.C., Alexander Wang,  Opening Ceremony and Rag & Bone, plus luxury labels of course - you know, the usual: Balenciaga, Celine, Marni, Prada, YSL...

I love their window display. Their play with prints (check out that Banana Print skirt from Prada on the left) is just so inspiring. I am not a print person, but this makes me want to wear prints all the more.

Holt Renfrew
737 Dunsmuir Street
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1E4, Canada
(604) 681-3121