My Darling Dumpling

I found out from Mum this morning that today will be the last day of zhong tzit, or dumpling festival. I haven't had a single one this time apart from the kan sui zhong (picture on right). Incidentally, what are they called in English? Surely not alkaline water dumpling? What a mouthful.

So Mum has been bringing back bundles of different home made zhongs every few days and I watch by the sidelines while the rest of my family devour them. And every so often, they will look at me with an expression that is a cross between disbelief and respect. Or was it pity? Hah! Little do they know, I will be receiving some lovely nyonya zhongs made by Boo's (no relation to Boolicious) mum. Boo's mum makes the most amazing layer cakes, mooncakes and zhongs. I guess I also appreciate them even more because she doesn't make that many and they are kind enough to share some with me. Boo's mum hasn't been in the mood to make mooncakes the last couple of years. Everytime I see her I ask with great hope, "Aunty are you making mooncake this year?" And each time she replies with a very non-commital chuckle that parents seem to do so well.

On a separate note, I had lunch with Rafs at Chef & Brew last week. After we sat down, we couldn't figure out why something just didn't feel right. Despite the contemporary look to the place, there was something that was bordering on tacky. I think it was the butter knife that gave it away. We soon confirmed that it was indeed owned by Victoria Station. Anyway, I was happy to see that they had a vegetarian burger on the menu. Although if I had known it was owned by a steakhouse, I would've just stuck to a grilled cheese sandwich. It arrived with two sprigs of gau choy sticking out from the top of the bun like some insects antennas. My burger patty was very well seasoned but I couldn't get past the taste of stale oil. It was not very pleasant but tasted ok with the beans and aubergine. Rafs had a chicken salad which came in a substantial portion. After that I made my way over to see Nigel at Just Heavenly to ask if he had anything without eggs in it. My god! I think I would've had a better chance at winning the lottery. Sadly, I could only soak in the many delicious cakes and pastries visually. Next time...