Saturday, 23 February 2013
Din Tai Fung @ Paragon Review (Chinese Dim Sum/Restaurant)
Since it seems so popular, decided to check it out with bro yesterday 22 Feb Friday.
Actually, the target was the Din Tai Fung @ Chinatown Point. But the China woman who led us to the table was so impolite that I decided not to eat there. When she realized we needed an ATM since they didn't accept Nets, she stopped smiling and looked away. She didn't even bother to tell us where we could find the nearest ATM until I asked.
Although I told her we would be back, I decided not to after we went for the ATM inside the MRT (outside Chinatown Point).
At Din Tai Fung Paragon, we ordered 3 Steamed Vegetarian buns, 6 Vegetarian Dumplings, Wanton Noodle Soup, Shrimp & Egg Fried Rice. Shortly, I was informed the dumplings were not available.
At the end of our meal, we ordered 6 Chocolate Red Bean dumplings. Total cost: $38+
The tea that was served, we realized were $1 each, added to our bill without our knowledge or consent.
The prices are reasonable/low, but the food does not deserve any commendation. In fact, the items were disappointing.
The ingredients of the Vegetarian buns were little and tasted flat. The skin of the buns was thick. Very badly done. I didn't even complete eating 1.
The soup of the Wanton noodle tasted Ok but in bro's opinion, the item was not great.
The Shrimp & Egg Fried Rice was too oily that it made finishing it a little difficult/gross. The taste was Ok and the rice fluffy, but nothing great. The shrimp/prawns however were many, big, bouncy and fresh.
The Chocolate Red Bean dumplings which I hoped would save our meal, was even more of a disappointment. Although the skin of the dumplings was thin, it was ruined by the thick topknots. The chocolate lava inside that should have been heavenly was instead un-sweet and quite tasteless. I only managed to eat 2.
Of course, I won't be trying anymore of this Chinese eatery which I told bro is just a high-class Kopi Tiam. I should add, it's not high-class as well, just paying for food that's not nice.
Sunday, 17 February 2013
The Red Knight (Book Review)
Update 8 March 3.02 a.m.: Belated entry: Before I asked bro to return the book, I slipped in a little handwritten note between pages 7 and 8, or 8 and 9: Sorry for recommending this book to the library. Didn't know it contains expletives.
--------------
There is nothing worse than reading an expletive in a novel, of all things, in a novel that gets published. What sort of publishers/editors are around these days that could have allowed it to be publish, to publish it? (I can't even bring myself to type out the author's name).
*frowning mouth* I am not happy. A book that does not bring joy in the reading of its words (does not deserve to be published).
Why would a purportedly medieval book have characters spouting the "f***" word?
Once, was barely passable, but it passed. Twice was a little difficult. Third time, I put the book down. Only until page 8, and I started skimming right after the first expletive. It is impossible to read.
Somehow, I had a feeling this book, I might not finish, might not be good. Intuition was right. That was after I got it, held it in my hands.
This book and 2 others that I recommended to the National Library to buy. To readers who have in their hands these books from the library and enjoy them, you have me to thank. Without my recommendation, the library would not have bought them. You would not have them in your hands.
Saw this book and another one at Kinokuniya @ Liang Court a month ago. Thought The Red Knight was good from its synopsis at the back of the book (a smaller paperback version than the one the library got. The library had e-mailed they would get the "hardcover" version when it was released in January but didn't say why it wouldn't acquire the paperback version that I mentioned was selling @ Kino Liang Court. Turns out the "hardcover" the library got is also soft cover like the paperback but bigger.).
Submitted these two (and the 3rd from Kinokuniya @ Takashimaya) to the library to be purchased so I could read them. The inevitable result would be that others would also be able to read them. But nevermind if I could have them first.
So I watched online for when the library acquired them so they could be immediately reserved once it became possible. Then all that was left, was to wait until I got them.
I love the library.
For The Red Knight, oddly, somehow I didn't need to reserve it (even though I reserved the other 2).
After I had gotten the other 2 books that I recommended, I waited for The Red Knight until I stopped checking online for a while. When I next checked on 9 Feb, it was already available but not on loan even though it had been released on 7 Feb at my nearby library.
It meant it was still sitting on the "new arrivals" shelf, so I hurried over.
It wasn't on the "new arrivals" shelves downstairs and upstairs, so it must have been put back on the usual shelves. Sometimes, new arrivals would be taken off the "new arrivals" shelf after a time, and put to their respective shelves by alphabetical order (a.k.a. the usual shelves).
Found it on its shelf of the usual shelves, under its alphabet.
Somehow seeing a photo of the author in medieval armor in the back flap, made me doubt the writing. I doubted a role-player would be able to write well. Don't ask me to make a more detailed connection between the two because there doesn't seem to be any.
It didn't matter that beneath the photo, it said he is a full-time writer. That photo said everything more than what the author's introduction did.
Turned out, I was right. To hear an expletive spoken these days, even by women, is grimacing enough. To have to read it as well, when one expects to be made love to by the beauty of the intelligence of crafted words, is unbearable.
Only a line made me smile from the first: "...absorbed in the parallel exercises of withholding the need to vomit and committing the scene to memory.". I thought "parallel exercises" was brilliant and committed it to memory because so far, nobody has written it that way before and in such a succinct and beautiful way of describing two difficult motions/acts together.
I can only hope upon the other books I got, that I would gain more from them than here.
It has disturbed me so much (even more than having to type a Kim Robinson salon review) that I have typed this "review" instead of doing my own writing at this time. *glances at clock* 1.45 a.m.. *hovers mouse over computer clock on right side* Monday 18 Feb.
Well, at least with this book, I won't be owing the library any fines (since returning it very soon). One down and ... *thinks* 4 more to go.
--------------
There is nothing worse than reading an expletive in a novel, of all things, in a novel that gets published. What sort of publishers/editors are around these days that could have allowed it to be publish, to publish it? (I can't even bring myself to type out the author's name).
*frowning mouth* I am not happy. A book that does not bring joy in the reading of its words (does not deserve to be published).
Why would a purportedly medieval book have characters spouting the "f***" word?
Once, was barely passable, but it passed. Twice was a little difficult. Third time, I put the book down. Only until page 8, and I started skimming right after the first expletive. It is impossible to read.
Somehow, I had a feeling this book, I might not finish, might not be good. Intuition was right. That was after I got it, held it in my hands.
This book and 2 others that I recommended to the National Library to buy. To readers who have in their hands these books from the library and enjoy them, you have me to thank. Without my recommendation, the library would not have bought them. You would not have them in your hands.
Saw this book and another one at Kinokuniya @ Liang Court a month ago. Thought The Red Knight was good from its synopsis at the back of the book (a smaller paperback version than the one the library got. The library had e-mailed they would get the "hardcover" version when it was released in January but didn't say why it wouldn't acquire the paperback version that I mentioned was selling @ Kino Liang Court. Turns out the "hardcover" the library got is also soft cover like the paperback but bigger.).
Submitted these two (and the 3rd from Kinokuniya @ Takashimaya) to the library to be purchased so I could read them. The inevitable result would be that others would also be able to read them. But nevermind if I could have them first.
So I watched online for when the library acquired them so they could be immediately reserved once it became possible. Then all that was left, was to wait until I got them.
I love the library.
For The Red Knight, oddly, somehow I didn't need to reserve it (even though I reserved the other 2).
After I had gotten the other 2 books that I recommended, I waited for The Red Knight until I stopped checking online for a while. When I next checked on 9 Feb, it was already available but not on loan even though it had been released on 7 Feb at my nearby library.
It meant it was still sitting on the "new arrivals" shelf, so I hurried over.
It wasn't on the "new arrivals" shelves downstairs and upstairs, so it must have been put back on the usual shelves. Sometimes, new arrivals would be taken off the "new arrivals" shelf after a time, and put to their respective shelves by alphabetical order (a.k.a. the usual shelves).
Found it on its shelf of the usual shelves, under its alphabet.
Somehow seeing a photo of the author in medieval armor in the back flap, made me doubt the writing. I doubted a role-player would be able to write well. Don't ask me to make a more detailed connection between the two because there doesn't seem to be any.
It didn't matter that beneath the photo, it said he is a full-time writer. That photo said everything more than what the author's introduction did.
Turned out, I was right. To hear an expletive spoken these days, even by women, is grimacing enough. To have to read it as well, when one expects to be made love to by the beauty of the intelligence of crafted words, is unbearable.
Only a line made me smile from the first: "...absorbed in the parallel exercises of withholding the need to vomit and committing the scene to memory.". I thought "parallel exercises" was brilliant and committed it to memory because so far, nobody has written it that way before and in such a succinct and beautiful way of describing two difficult motions/acts together.
I can only hope upon the other books I got, that I would gain more from them than here.
It has disturbed me so much (even more than having to type a Kim Robinson salon review) that I have typed this "review" instead of doing my own writing at this time. *glances at clock* 1.45 a.m.. *hovers mouse over computer clock on right side* Monday 18 Feb.
Well, at least with this book, I won't be owing the library any fines (since returning it very soon). One down and ... *thinks* 4 more to go.
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Yomenya Goemon 313 @ Somerset Review Japanese Restaurant Orchard Road
First time there last night 5 Feb evening.
The place was completely empty. The cook was standing in his kitchen touching a part of his face (?). Waitresses absent.
Was surprised because in a review I read, photos had people dining all around the bar. The reviewer had said it's reasonably priced with rather good food. Going back to the blog to check now... it was posted in Nov 2011. How did the outlet manage to get past 2012?
Had 2nd thoughts about dining there with no waitresses standing to greet customers at the entrance. Popped my head to look at the cook a few times to see if he was digging his nose or something, until he noticed me and looked up with interest to see if I was going to be a customer.
He must have signalled to the waitresses in there because the two of them came out. One darker and one lighter complexioned.
Companies, take note: Do Not hire foreign waitresses who cannot understand English!
Without realizing she didn't understand English, I jovially asked the darker complexioned waitress, "Are we early? How come there's no one?".
"Huh?", she asked, looking smilingly clueless.
That was when I was instantly displeased realizing she was a foreigner who didn't understand what I just said.
I repeated in a disinterested voice, "Are we early?" and just left it at that. I hate having to repeat myself twice to a service staff who cannot understand it the first time. Why do these companies hire them??!!!
The other waitress didn't even say a thing and disappeared shortly.
The dark complexioned waitress tried getting us to sit inside. I indicated an outer table, but she said it's a table that allows her space to put a baby chair along the outer side.
For damnation's sake, the entire place was empty! Not as if suddenly there's going to be a family with baby who will sit at that table.
In fact, I wanted to sit close to the entrance because I felt like walking out if I change my mind about the menu later. If I did, bro might make noise about my change of mind etc... So, I had to hang on.
Ignoring the waitress and her stupid reason about not being able to sit at that table, I walked inside where I chose a table I liked and sat regardless of whatever crap she was saying.
We looked at the menu. I told bro that if he didn't see anything he liked, we could go (I hoped). No forcing.
(Disapppointingly) He chose something (as if to insist on staying). Sesame Shabu sphagetti.
I chose as well. Hokkaido Cream Soup.
The cook had just 2 of our orders displayed on his computer screen mounted in the kitchen. (Even after we finished, the place was still empty.).
At first, I thought the cook was watching TV, but the screen was blank. Then 2 white squares with information on it popped up on the left side of the screen and the cook immediately got to work. That's when I realized he had been waiting for our orders that were those 2 squares that appeared on screen.
After ordering, the food came after a reasonable amount of time.
Presentation of the food was well done. However, bro said his Sesame Shabu was too salty with the pork shabu having a rather strong pork smell.
On my side, the soup was Ok. Light cream cheese taste with 2 small quarters of potatoes that tasted nice. The spaghetti was too much and a little too firm. The ingredients inside too little with just 2 small cubes of Salmon, an almost non-existent shred of Brocolli, 2 super thin strips of carrot, 2 strips of bacon that tasted nice, and a little bit of corn.
Total: $33.54.
Bro tasted a little of my spaghetti and said it was better than his order.
For my soup, I give failing grade 4/10. This restaurant loses to Ma Maison @ Bugis Junction (which I already felt wasn't that great).
At the end, I asked the dark complexioned waitress, "Is there a ladies here?". She completely didn't understand, didn't reply and just strolled away.
I predict the outlet @ 313 Somerset will close down sooner or later. Food is one thing. Service is another. With both bad, it's just waiting for the inevitable.
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Ma Maison @ Bugis Junction Restaurant
Update 24 Feb 2013: So far, been there another 2 times after the review below. The Seafood Gratin tasted nice (I only tried a little from bro's order) but they use beef stock for all their gratin (I avoid beef). Won't be going there again because the items I ordered have been disappointing. The last try was the Omu Rice Cream Chicken =>The rice was crusted by overheating and there were no asparagus as depicted in the menu.
---------------
This is the latest, newest review at the moment.
Now I know why there are so few reviews on Ma Maison. It's because it's neither too bad nor too good to make people want to write a review.
It's now past midnight. Supposed to do a book review before this post. I'm almost too lazy to type this review because the experience is nothing much to be typed about.
For a few days now, have been looking online for where to eat for Japanese food. Reviews pointed towards Central mall (besides other locations). So, dropped by Central on Friday night to satisfy craving for Yakun then looked around. Saw Waraku and Ma Maison with queues outside. Made a point to return and try Ma Maison another time (on a weekday).
Went home, checked reviews for both restaurants.
Ma Maison had better reviews than Waraku. And from the food photos and reviews, Ma Maison @ Bugis Junction seemed to be better than the outlet at Central.
So.
Bro and I went to Ma Maison @ Bugis Junction instead of our original intention of trying the one at Central.
According to the online Bugis Junction floor plan, Ma Maison is on the 2nd level, inside, behind the row of skincare shops and Watson, near the food court. An area where bro and I don't go when we are on that level, so it's new to me (but not to bro who has been with his friend to the Seoul Garden there before).
It's a small area where a few restaurants huddle together, with Ma Maison at the left corner. Easy to spot with its woody exterior and large white words on the signboard.
Arrived at about 4 p.m.. Seated immediately by a very alert and excellent-mannered, tall-ish girl at the door. As reviewers kept mentioning how excellent the service is, I was expecting it and it is as good as they say.
Same as the outlet at Central, Ma Maison @ Bugis has a too dark ambience when looking in from the outside.
Inside, as one reviewer noted, it is cluttered. My view is that, it is too cluttered with too many antique pots and pans and stuff that take up too much space, making the decor a little too heavy and stuffed up. It is still a little too dark inside.
We were showed the first table against the window inside (just across from the door). Nice, interesting spot with the sink and pots and pans hanging behind bro. :) A young woman was at the next table to our right (she was there when we got there and stayed when we left, with just a small book, iphone and tea).
The manager was in a stylish white-collared shirt with small floral print that suited him. Considering his behavior and speech, most likely Towel Club.
Towel Club is our code word for gay men (ever since I discovered Towel Club which I am denied access because I'm not a man. Dammit.).
Service: Excellent. Attentive manager, attentive staff. The only restaurant I have been to so far, that has such attentive and on-the-ball service.
Manager kept saying "thank you" (except when he directed us to the cashier to make payment. *frowns* He said "thank you" and even "Xie Xie" to people who left towards the cashier but didn't say it when it came to us. *pouts*)
He supervised the young girl staff who served me the Japanese Style Spaghetti. Guessing she is a new recruit.
After laying the plate on my side of the table, she stepped back while I wondered about the large pair of tongs on my spaghetti.
Just as I was about to reach for the basket of cutlery, the manager who was behind the girl, quickly helpfully informed that I need to mix the spaghetti with the tongs and "Enjoy!" before hurrying away.
I liked him then. Well, I liked him the moment he came to take our orders, even though he appears stern, picky and very.... high-class like in a French restaurant. I kept feeling I have to eat properly and observe proper dining etiquette with him around. (Even though, I still ate my spaghetti without fork-twirling it on the spoon first.).
I think I heard him instructing the girl regarding the explanation of the tongs to the customer as they went away behind my seat.
When taking our orders, he was quick to ask if we are Ok with beef for the Chef's pizza. The moment I asked, "Oh there's beef?", right away he noted, "So, no beef ah?" (the "ah" was to confirm, like British "eh").
I felt he was fast to read my implication in my question--that we didn't want beef. I guess through experience with other customers responding the same way.
Good thing he asked. He is impatient and tends to want to get on with the matter (he was as brisk when the tall girl informed him about something and he replied crisply).
The water in our glasses was constantly topped up (even though I sipped only a little because... the glasses were not cleaned properly by their dish washing machine/s).
A short while later, the young girl dropped by to ask if she could replenish our water. She seemed a little uncomfortable asking this.
I offered my glass even though it actually wasn't necessary. Then she asked how we felt about the food.
I guess asking to replenish our water which looked already full, was a gentle excuse to ask about our opinion. Did the manager teach her to do that? :)
She looked genuinely disappointed when I said my sphagetti was a little too salty (although the Chef's Pizza that bro ordered was nice with soft crust). "Thanks for the feedback", she smiled.
Bro shuddered to think how it would be like working for the manager. He said he would be too stressed because the manager looks like a fussy perfectionist who can be sarcastic when pissed.
Hmm.... I don't think the manager is as "perfectionist" as he appears. If he was, why didn't he ensure the water glasses didn't have stains that the dish washer didn't clean?
Extra:
Interesting that bro noticed something about the tablecloth that I didn't.
I was telling him that a reviewer was pleased with the tablecloth because it was unique compared to the mono-colored ones elsewhere. Bro said, "How did they clean the stains on the tablecloth?".
*stunned by his observation* That's when I started noticing there were no stains. O.O (Bro observed only a few stains)
The tablecloth is of a thick quality, vintage-designed floral green cloth. To me, it looks gaudy and heavy-Victorian style when matched with the cluttered decor, although the cloth does feel very smooth and has overall cozy-look.
Come to think, the material might be of the sort that would allow easy wiping off.
Food:
As I mixed the Japanese Style Sphagetti with the tongs, I said to bro, "Smells like Kway Teow.".
Bro couldn't believe it. He smiled in disbelief and said, "You better don't let the manager hear you, otherwise he'll say 'how dare you compare it to Kway Teow'. ". We chuckled over it.
When I gave him a spoonful to eat, he agreed, "No wonder you say smells like Kway Teow.".
I left a small amount of sphagetti. Bro ate all of his small pizza. We shared the triangular Mont Blanc tart which bro said was good.
When we were done eating, I asked bro, "So. Happy?".
He nodded.
Me: "Satisfied?".
He nodded and said, "Can come here again next time.".
Me: Oohh... Since you say come here again means it's good. If not good, we only come once and that's it."
For me, the sphagetti was too salty. The chef could be a young guy (I saw a young man in a cook's white uniform come out of there when we first entered).
Usually, young guys can't cook (in all big name restaurants such as Manhattan Fish Market, Fish & Co...).
Overall, the food still left us with an unsatisfied, un-full feeling right after we finished. As other reviewers have said, the food is Ok, but the service is excellent and that's why they return. Shows how important service is.
Bro says only Yayoiken restaurant gives him that satisfied, full feeling in the stomach. Unfortunately, while he loves the fat juicy pork chops there... we have since stopped going due to significant decline in the dishes, rice and service quality.
For Bro, I would return to Ma Maison @ Bugis Junction since he likes it. But other than that... I find it expensive because the food is not good enough. For three items, it cost $44.95.
Still, it is less of a disappointment than Swensens or Earle's or the other restaurants. The only time the price didn't make me regret eating at a restaurant.
Maybe we can try other Ma Maison outlets @ Mandarin Gallery and elsewhere.
On my table, I saw the promo they have for Monday. As long as you have a lady with you, dine in at 20 % discount for all ala carte items.
---------------
This is the latest, newest review at the moment.
Now I know why there are so few reviews on Ma Maison. It's because it's neither too bad nor too good to make people want to write a review.
It's now past midnight. Supposed to do a book review before this post. I'm almost too lazy to type this review because the experience is nothing much to be typed about.
For a few days now, have been looking online for where to eat for Japanese food. Reviews pointed towards Central mall (besides other locations). So, dropped by Central on Friday night to satisfy craving for Yakun then looked around. Saw Waraku and Ma Maison with queues outside. Made a point to return and try Ma Maison another time (on a weekday).
Went home, checked reviews for both restaurants.
Ma Maison had better reviews than Waraku. And from the food photos and reviews, Ma Maison @ Bugis Junction seemed to be better than the outlet at Central.
So.
Bro and I went to Ma Maison @ Bugis Junction instead of our original intention of trying the one at Central.
According to the online Bugis Junction floor plan, Ma Maison is on the 2nd level, inside, behind the row of skincare shops and Watson, near the food court. An area where bro and I don't go when we are on that level, so it's new to me (but not to bro who has been with his friend to the Seoul Garden there before).
It's a small area where a few restaurants huddle together, with Ma Maison at the left corner. Easy to spot with its woody exterior and large white words on the signboard.
Arrived at about 4 p.m.. Seated immediately by a very alert and excellent-mannered, tall-ish girl at the door. As reviewers kept mentioning how excellent the service is, I was expecting it and it is as good as they say.
Same as the outlet at Central, Ma Maison @ Bugis has a too dark ambience when looking in from the outside.
Inside, as one reviewer noted, it is cluttered. My view is that, it is too cluttered with too many antique pots and pans and stuff that take up too much space, making the decor a little too heavy and stuffed up. It is still a little too dark inside.
We were showed the first table against the window inside (just across from the door). Nice, interesting spot with the sink and pots and pans hanging behind bro. :) A young woman was at the next table to our right (she was there when we got there and stayed when we left, with just a small book, iphone and tea).
The manager was in a stylish white-collared shirt with small floral print that suited him. Considering his behavior and speech, most likely Towel Club.
Towel Club is our code word for gay men (ever since I discovered Towel Club which I am denied access because I'm not a man. Dammit.).
Service: Excellent. Attentive manager, attentive staff. The only restaurant I have been to so far, that has such attentive and on-the-ball service.
Manager kept saying "thank you" (except when he directed us to the cashier to make payment. *frowns* He said "thank you" and even "Xie Xie" to people who left towards the cashier but didn't say it when it came to us. *pouts*)
He supervised the young girl staff who served me the Japanese Style Spaghetti. Guessing she is a new recruit.
After laying the plate on my side of the table, she stepped back while I wondered about the large pair of tongs on my spaghetti.
Just as I was about to reach for the basket of cutlery, the manager who was behind the girl, quickly helpfully informed that I need to mix the spaghetti with the tongs and "Enjoy!" before hurrying away.
I liked him then. Well, I liked him the moment he came to take our orders, even though he appears stern, picky and very.... high-class like in a French restaurant. I kept feeling I have to eat properly and observe proper dining etiquette with him around. (Even though, I still ate my spaghetti without fork-twirling it on the spoon first.).
I think I heard him instructing the girl regarding the explanation of the tongs to the customer as they went away behind my seat.
When taking our orders, he was quick to ask if we are Ok with beef for the Chef's pizza. The moment I asked, "Oh there's beef?", right away he noted, "So, no beef ah?" (the "ah" was to confirm, like British "eh").
I felt he was fast to read my implication in my question--that we didn't want beef. I guess through experience with other customers responding the same way.
Good thing he asked. He is impatient and tends to want to get on with the matter (he was as brisk when the tall girl informed him about something and he replied crisply).
The water in our glasses was constantly topped up (even though I sipped only a little because... the glasses were not cleaned properly by their dish washing machine/s).
A short while later, the young girl dropped by to ask if she could replenish our water. She seemed a little uncomfortable asking this.
I offered my glass even though it actually wasn't necessary. Then she asked how we felt about the food.
I guess asking to replenish our water which looked already full, was a gentle excuse to ask about our opinion. Did the manager teach her to do that? :)
She looked genuinely disappointed when I said my sphagetti was a little too salty (although the Chef's Pizza that bro ordered was nice with soft crust). "Thanks for the feedback", she smiled.
Bro shuddered to think how it would be like working for the manager. He said he would be too stressed because the manager looks like a fussy perfectionist who can be sarcastic when pissed.
Hmm.... I don't think the manager is as "perfectionist" as he appears. If he was, why didn't he ensure the water glasses didn't have stains that the dish washer didn't clean?
Extra:
Interesting that bro noticed something about the tablecloth that I didn't.
I was telling him that a reviewer was pleased with the tablecloth because it was unique compared to the mono-colored ones elsewhere. Bro said, "How did they clean the stains on the tablecloth?".
*stunned by his observation* That's when I started noticing there were no stains. O.O (Bro observed only a few stains)
The tablecloth is of a thick quality, vintage-designed floral green cloth. To me, it looks gaudy and heavy-Victorian style when matched with the cluttered decor, although the cloth does feel very smooth and has overall cozy-look.
Come to think, the material might be of the sort that would allow easy wiping off.
Food:
As I mixed the Japanese Style Sphagetti with the tongs, I said to bro, "Smells like Kway Teow.".
Bro couldn't believe it. He smiled in disbelief and said, "You better don't let the manager hear you, otherwise he'll say 'how dare you compare it to Kway Teow'. ". We chuckled over it.
When I gave him a spoonful to eat, he agreed, "No wonder you say smells like Kway Teow.".
I left a small amount of sphagetti. Bro ate all of his small pizza. We shared the triangular Mont Blanc tart which bro said was good.
When we were done eating, I asked bro, "So. Happy?".
He nodded.
Me: "Satisfied?".
He nodded and said, "Can come here again next time.".
Me: Oohh... Since you say come here again means it's good. If not good, we only come once and that's it."
For me, the sphagetti was too salty. The chef could be a young guy (I saw a young man in a cook's white uniform come out of there when we first entered).
Usually, young guys can't cook (in all big name restaurants such as Manhattan Fish Market, Fish & Co...).
Overall, the food still left us with an unsatisfied, un-full feeling right after we finished. As other reviewers have said, the food is Ok, but the service is excellent and that's why they return. Shows how important service is.
Bro says only Yayoiken restaurant gives him that satisfied, full feeling in the stomach. Unfortunately, while he loves the fat juicy pork chops there... we have since stopped going due to significant decline in the dishes, rice and service quality.
For Bro, I would return to Ma Maison @ Bugis Junction since he likes it. But other than that... I find it expensive because the food is not good enough. For three items, it cost $44.95.
Still, it is less of a disappointment than Swensens or Earle's or the other restaurants. The only time the price didn't make me regret eating at a restaurant.
Maybe we can try other Ma Maison outlets @ Mandarin Gallery and elsewhere.
On my table, I saw the promo they have for Monday. As long as you have a lady with you, dine in at 20 % discount for all ala carte items.
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Meidi-ya @ Liang Court Hokkaido Food Fair till 2 Dec
Update 29 Mar Sun 2015: Meidi-ya sells expired food & Meidi-ya spoiled Chicken & Salmon & Bad service.
-----------
Been wanting to post this before the fair ends. From 22 Nov ~ 2 Dec.
Every year, Meidi-ya supermarket has this lovely little fair selling Hokkaido's foodstuff that they don't sell at other times of the year.
So while it's here, grab stuff before it ends!
All kinds of Ramen, delicious jar puddings, green tea jam, cakes, frozen stuff, sweets/candy, potato chips, chocolates, on-the-spot cooked foodstuff, etc...
Of course, most of these stuff are expensive, but it's once a year. If you can, just try them out.
I don't know if the supermarket @ Isetan Shaw House has such a fair as well since I don't go there.
Previous years, Meidi-ya actually had a huge, long-legged Hokkaido crab for sale in the frozen section. Just 1. Cost $100+ or more. Can't recall the exact price. It was in a box with a plastic sheet over the front. And what horrible people did was poke holes or press into the plastic until the package looked unpleasant.
The plastic sheet would look perfect at the start of the fair, but be more and more abused as the fair progressed.
I don't know if anyone bought the crab at that price, but since then, the supermarket hasn't brought in another one for their fair. Most likely, it didn't sell well and was treated more like an exhibit than something to buy and eat. (Incidentally, people do actually buy the $79 watermelons that are available anytime, according to the cashier I spoke to).
Anyway, I think the meat would be very nice from those long, plump legs (imagine sucking the white meat off from a nicely cooked one). The crab itself looked quite scary, rather spiny and red. Imagine it walking at the bottom of the cold ocean floor. Pretty amazing to see in documentaries when I used to watch.
I actually haven't eaten a crab in years, although I like the meat in a chilli crab dish.
The first time I saw the Hokkaido fair at Meidi-ya, I was so excited, I bought plenty.
Turned out, everything I bought was expensive, but not everything was nice.
Since then, I've been much more careful about what to pick. It helps that most of the stuff were in the previous fairs, so I won't pick them again.
What not to pick: Cakes and sweets/candy.
My camera is down, so I have to take videos instead (it can't take pics but can still video). The camera's been in and out of Casio office many times ever since I took it to Taiwan & Japan in 2009. Bro wants to get a new one, but I'm not keen.
This packet is only available during the Hokkaido fair. Consomme flavor (the flavor that Light/Kira in Deathnote likes).
It's better than the other yellow packet that you see at the fair. The first time I tried it, I thought it was great. But not anymore (although I've purchased it again this time).
The taste is bland and it just doesn't give much bite. US/Canada and Taiwan chips are better. Bro says that the Japs don't know how to make potato chips and chocolates (I would add, candies/sweets + desserts).
Green Tea (Matcha Flavor) Milk Jam. Nice. Sweet. Taste of green tea. Unfortunately, $15+ for such a small jar.
I actually didn't buy it the first time I saw it in this fair. Wanted it though. Finally bought it when I went there again.
It flows a little at first when it's opened. But it firms up when put in the fridge. Eat it like dessert. ^_^ (although I had initially thought to spread it on Ritz plain biscuits.).
Tip: Grab the $9+ Caramel pudding in a jar (beside the green tea milk jam set up on a table after the vegetables section). Absolutely delicious. There are other flavors as well on that table.
Maple Syrup chocolate bar in a green wrapper. I didn't know it was white chocolate until I opened it. I already finished it 1~2 days ago. ^_^;
Very nice. Sweet. Taste of maple syrup. $3+. I want to go back and buy the dark chocolate wrapper (assuming it's dark chocolate).
Here, I was trying to show the inside of the bar with 1 hand. ^_^;; You can see it's already opened. I have already eaten it before filming... hehehe...
Find this on a shelf across the tofu section (or somewhere along that row).
The words "HOKKAIDO" are inscribed on each block. Very nice. Too bad video quality not clear.
Sidenote: I'm expecting bro to be back today. Wonder how was his trench digging. Didn't save any of that yummy chocolate for him. But we can go back to buy again... *licks lips* Not this same one, but the other one. Bro is not really nuts about this type of chocolate anyway.
-----------
Been wanting to post this before the fair ends. From 22 Nov ~ 2 Dec.
Every year, Meidi-ya supermarket has this lovely little fair selling Hokkaido's foodstuff that they don't sell at other times of the year.
So while it's here, grab stuff before it ends!
All kinds of Ramen, delicious jar puddings, green tea jam, cakes, frozen stuff, sweets/candy, potato chips, chocolates, on-the-spot cooked foodstuff, etc...
Of course, most of these stuff are expensive, but it's once a year. If you can, just try them out.
I don't know if the supermarket @ Isetan Shaw House has such a fair as well since I don't go there.
Previous years, Meidi-ya actually had a huge, long-legged Hokkaido crab for sale in the frozen section. Just 1. Cost $100+ or more. Can't recall the exact price. It was in a box with a plastic sheet over the front. And what horrible people did was poke holes or press into the plastic until the package looked unpleasant.
The plastic sheet would look perfect at the start of the fair, but be more and more abused as the fair progressed.
I don't know if anyone bought the crab at that price, but since then, the supermarket hasn't brought in another one for their fair. Most likely, it didn't sell well and was treated more like an exhibit than something to buy and eat. (Incidentally, people do actually buy the $79 watermelons that are available anytime, according to the cashier I spoke to).
Anyway, I think the meat would be very nice from those long, plump legs (imagine sucking the white meat off from a nicely cooked one). The crab itself looked quite scary, rather spiny and red. Imagine it walking at the bottom of the cold ocean floor. Pretty amazing to see in documentaries when I used to watch.
I actually haven't eaten a crab in years, although I like the meat in a chilli crab dish.
The first time I saw the Hokkaido fair at Meidi-ya, I was so excited, I bought plenty.
Turned out, everything I bought was expensive, but not everything was nice.
Since then, I've been much more careful about what to pick. It helps that most of the stuff were in the previous fairs, so I won't pick them again.
What not to pick: Cakes and sweets/candy.
My camera is down, so I have to take videos instead (it can't take pics but can still video). The camera's been in and out of Casio office many times ever since I took it to Taiwan & Japan in 2009. Bro wants to get a new one, but I'm not keen.
This packet is only available during the Hokkaido fair. Consomme flavor (the flavor that Light/Kira in Deathnote likes).It's better than the other yellow packet that you see at the fair. The first time I tried it, I thought it was great. But not anymore (although I've purchased it again this time).
The taste is bland and it just doesn't give much bite. US/Canada and Taiwan chips are better. Bro says that the Japs don't know how to make potato chips and chocolates (I would add, candies/sweets + desserts).
Green Tea (Matcha Flavor) Milk Jam. Nice. Sweet. Taste of green tea. Unfortunately, $15+ for such a small jar. I actually didn't buy it the first time I saw it in this fair. Wanted it though. Finally bought it when I went there again.
It flows a little at first when it's opened. But it firms up when put in the fridge. Eat it like dessert. ^_^ (although I had initially thought to spread it on Ritz plain biscuits.).
Tip: Grab the $9+ Caramel pudding in a jar (beside the green tea milk jam set up on a table after the vegetables section). Absolutely delicious. There are other flavors as well on that table.
Maple Syrup chocolate bar in a green wrapper. I didn't know it was white chocolate until I opened it. I already finished it 1~2 days ago. ^_^;Very nice. Sweet. Taste of maple syrup. $3+. I want to go back and buy the dark chocolate wrapper (assuming it's dark chocolate).
Here, I was trying to show the inside of the bar with 1 hand. ^_^;; You can see it's already opened. I have already eaten it before filming... hehehe...
Find this on a shelf across the tofu section (or somewhere along that row).
The words "HOKKAIDO" are inscribed on each block. Very nice. Too bad video quality not clear.
Sidenote: I'm expecting bro to be back today. Wonder how was his trench digging. Didn't save any of that yummy chocolate for him. But we can go back to buy again... *licks lips* Not this same one, but the other one. Bro is not really nuts about this type of chocolate anyway.
Sunday, 25 November 2012
Goods of Desire G.O.D. @ Central Clarke Quay
No money to fly to Hong Kong... (or Taiwan)
If anybody is going there, please buy for me 2 things from G.O.D. store and I'll pay you. Name your price first.
The 2 things I saw @ Central Clarke Quay should be cheaper in Hong Kong. Yes, I know haven't add airfare. But if I can afford to fly there, I would already be buying from the store itself, isn't it?
Searched online for sellers selling for cheaper, but seems the G.O.D. people have controlled the market very tightly. Seems the only way to get the items I want is by buying from the store. Or buy wholesale (which brings back: If I can afford to buy in bulk, I can buy the 2 items from the store itself).
What I need is someone who can buy for me the 2 items and charge me a cheaper price than what the store is selling in SG.
To begin at the beginning...
I never heard of G.O.D. until a few days ago when dropping by to spy on Izumi salon upstairs of Central (see Monso review in the post before this).
After getting off at the bus-stop outside Central, I took the escalator at the side, thinking that it would be a more direct route to the 2nd floor than going into the mall. From there, I would go looking for Izumi.
After the escalator, the only way into the mall, is through a store which I know is new but didn't know anything about.
Upon entering, right away came upon an interesting X'mas tree with mahjong tiles-patterned rectangles hanging along lines across it. At first, I thought they were actual mahjong pieces, but seemed to be paper-made.
Very interesting, captivating ambience that made pause and look around. Very... woody and... Vintage is not quite the word. Old-fashion is also not the word. How to describe it? "Like another time" is close to that feeling, although also not quite right. Something like Food Republic's ambience @ Vivocity.
At first, I was thinking it was just another vintage-style store selling nothing much except useless decorative things. But walking across to its other section, I was grabbed by the fashion there. Very nice. Very unique stuff.
Not many items, but very nice designs. Very interesting Tees that made me think they were from Japan. On the other hand, there were Chinese words, making me think they are of our "Singapore things of the past" theme. Their material feels soft and they look well-made/printed well.
Wanted to buy for my bro or myself (if he didn't like pink), the pink bowling T-shirt with the word "Fluke". But didn't see a price.
Moving to the side, I saw these cool-looking jeans! I've never seen such designs before. Very unique. Although they look like men's designs/sizes, I was interested and looked for the price tag on one of them. Hmm...
Well, the price is Ok for such a pair of designer-style jeans. That's when I started wondering who designed all these.
I went to a stand hanging with what looked to be men's jackets, and picked out a dark blue hoodie with old-fashioned Chinese knot buttons! Unique combination of vintage and modern cool. Loved it immediately.
Excellent material, excellent workmanship. I wondered if I could get it cheaper from Taiwan online. Checked the label to see the brand and where it was made in. The logo was hard to see. I only managed to get a multi-colored word "G" and the rest was indeciperable. No "made in".
Put on the S size over what I was wearing.
Looked for a mirror.
Mmm... ^_^ Excellent fit (although too long sleeves meant for men). I simply pushed up the sleeves and it was perfect. It reached my thighs, although it should reach a man's belt if a man were wearing it. Price tag $139. T.T Noooo.... I love it so much.
A young salesgirl came over to ask if she could be of service. About 18 or 19, small-sized, in a man's outfit of loose black pants and loose black shirt with Chinese knot buttons, and if I remember... a black Chinese cap. Let me think if she had pigtails... I think not. Ahh... her outfit was so at odds with her youth and makeup. Such a young girl wearing such an ancient man's thing. (Somehow, it made me think she was wearing Master Q, Lau Foo Zi fashion).
I loved her service. Very nice girl.
I asked her who designed these and she said, "It's all from Hong Kong.".
She offered to check for XS, but I said no need (since I had no intention of buying and was going to walk away). Then again... I asked whether the sleeve length would be different between XS and S...
So, she went to a drawer to dig for the stock. While she searched, I was thinking of perhaps asking her to set it aside first if there was XS (I'll come back another time to buy it. T.T, although don't know when. T.T).
On the other side, a rack by the wall hung women's clothes, but those were old-fashioned, Chinese-style older women look.
Turns out no XS. Well, expected, since, come to think, it's a man's design.
I asked how much was the pink bowling T. She said "$55". T.T
I said, "Thanks" (for her digging for the XS) and proceeded to leave. T.T
Googling yesterday, found out the brand is called "Goods of Desire G.O.D.", Hong Kong. Found out today, that the brand is actually not new, started some years ago. And only now in Singapore @ Central Clarke Quay since early July. And quite a few people in SG have known about this brand and are happy it's now in SG. Seems I've come late on the scene. :( In Chinese it's "住好啲" or "住好 D".
I was in Hong Kong in 2008 and never saw the shop at Tsim Sha Tsui. How could I have missed it? Damn. What a mess, the place.
The website that started this post = http://vimeo.com/44945563
Incidentally, I have always liked Samuel Hui's song "半斤八両" from the old movie "The Private Eyes" (although I don't recall seeing the movie, although maybe I watched before).
The brand has an online shop that will ship stuff to "30 countries". Unfortunately, it has only very, very few items compared to the actual store. Many of the Tees are not there, same for the hoodie that I want. Gimmick to make people buy from the stores.
Also, realized that... the designs are actually... Triad-inspired. ^_^;; No wonder they had that familiar "vintage" feeling when I was in the store. ^_^ Just couldn't put my finger on it. Wasn't vintage, wasn't old-fashioned... Triad. http://www.butterboom.com/2007/12/31/god-arrested-in-hong-kong/
A song about damn broke people: 半斤八両 (Bun Gan Baht Leung - The Private Eyes) Opening Theme - Samuel Hui ( 許冠傑)
Thursday, 22 November 2012
Monso Hair Design Tokyo Salon @ Gallery Hotel SG (Review)
Latest Update 28 Nov: A few days later, I am even more unhappy with the haircut. After 4 months of saving the hair length, Mr Soga @ Monso has ruined it with a bad cut. The back end is really ragged and not nice. The sides are not even. Really unhappy. Bro said it looks like "anyhow snip". Suggest: Avoid Monso (or Mr Soga).
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Thursday 22 Nov, evening
Just back from Monso. The most recent review you'll find online (for now) for this salon.
The last haircut I had (by QB) was on 20 July. That's... 4 months ago. Since then, my hair has grown hot in this weather. Bro called it a "mane".
After all the disappointments from hairstylists, I was considering cutting it myself. But after watching how Jan Di tried to do it in Boys Over Flowers, decided not to.
Jan Di was lucky. She had the handsome and capable Ji Hoo (Kim Hyun Joong) do it for her (before she hurt herself).
Also, after watching Boys Over Flowers, I decided I want Ji Hoo's hairstyle. (Actually, I imagined telling the hairstylist "I want to look like Min Ho" ^_^).
I know this hairstyle suits Ji Hoo (Kim Hyun Joong) because he has a long and narrow face. And my face is different. But I want this style. Korean boyband look.
I know I complained previously, about Celia @Reds Taka always creating a boyband look on me, but now, I want it. She has a knack for creating volume and body for my hair. I don't know if the style turns heads the moment I walk out of the salon because it's nice, or because it's not. But right now, I want that boyband style!!
Ergo. I started searching for Korean hair salons online. Turns out Singapore does have a few... Beautyundercover reviewed the best 10 (Very helpful as it collates reviews from blogs and forums and makes it easy to read in 1 website).
3 salons to consider based on budget and reviews: La Coco, Izumi, Monso.
La Coco was tempting because I saw a poster of Korean stars that the salon presumably did hair for. Among the stars, was a smiling Lee Min Ho (Gu Jun Pyo from Boys Over Flowers). However, the negative reviews from Beautyundercover were plenty and it was off-putting to read that it was going to be hit-and-miss if I chose to go there.
Izumi... @ Clarke Quay Central was nearer for me. Korean stylist said to have spent time in the US, now in SG. No strongly negative reviews.
Monso... I didn't know where Gallery hotel was, but I could take a cab. Japanese stylists. Sincere English introduction by the director Mr Soga as a stylist in their Japanese website. Positive reviews for haircut (although quite a few negative for perms, including what are called "dead" perms).
To be honest, I don't expect Japanese/Korean hairstylists to be very creative or impressive. Their fashion styles... are not very modern, hip or cool. But who knows if there might be exceptions, although doubtful.
As I was going to Meidi-ya supermarket @ Liang Court, I dropped by Izumi to have a look. I had no intention of spending $90 for a short haircut.
There was only 1 hairstylist (presumably Izumi herself) tending to 1 customer who looked Korean/Japanese. Small shop, no hair-washing ladies. I stood outside for a while, watching from a spot that they couldn't see. Then I left.
It seemed the stylist was adding the finishing touches to the customer's hair. But the hairstyle looked like nothing had been done to it. Japanese housewife style. Yeah, maybe the customer likes it that way, but I can't imagine the stylist being able to do anything special for me.
After coming home from Meidi-ya, I felt I was really in the mood for a haircut. Bro got hauled off on government service, leaving me needing some loving.
So, called Monso to ask if Mr Soga was available in 1 hr's time.
Was quite excited, smiled to myself at home at the thought of Japanese director cutting my hair.
It was going to be $85, regardless of hair length. (I had wanted to ask about GST on the phone but didn't because I didn't want to sound broke.).
What was the review going to be when I came home? Hmmm.... I hoped to be able to say good things about it, but doubtful, considering the disappointments of other salons before this.
Cabbed to Gallery Hotel. Salon is at the back of the hotel.
I loved the look at the entrance. Welcoming.
Glass doors at a corner slant, through which I saw 2 men attending to a seated lady customer. One tall guy, presumably the director, and a thinner, shorter man who was deferring to him regarding some instruction.
I was 20 mins early and wondered if the director would have time for me. Popped my head in until they looked up at me with curious, polite smiles. I saw their seated lady customer had pretty, long hair. She was the only customer sitting there.
I said I was early but I think they didn't get that, so I said it again, before both of them started walking to me.
I stepped in and thinking that maybe they didn't get what I meant by "I'm early", I mentioned my name, so Mr Soga would know I was the one who called earlier.
Although the Japanese man who answered didn't say he was Mr Soga even when he asked what time I would be there, right away I had thought I was speaking to the man himself (on the phone). His voice and the way he spoke, matched his look in the photo in their website. Very nice and professional.
Right away, I loved the ambience. Homey/cozy/snug feeling. Like a little corner tucked away in a quiet part of town. Nice place. Good decor.
Since I was early, I thought I would be put in a waiting chair. But to my surprise, Mr Soga attended to me right away with a firm and friendly voice, asking what I would like him to do for my hair as he led me to the first seat in front of a huge golden-framed mirror leaning from the floor against the wall.
On my left, was a side table with 2 magazines and a box of tissues.
"Something different, " I said, to which he smiled. "Fresh, young..." (I just feel very tired and sleepy with long and floppish hair).
We discussed a little about what might be done.
Different from other stylists, he didn't touch my hair at all, until it was washed. Other stylists would feel my hair first while discussing the style to cut.
Unfortunately, he didn't quite know what I meant by Korean boyband sides or style. "Big Bang?", he asked, to which I smiled a little uncertainly while the thinner, shorter guy (who was the hairwasher-apprentice) smiled behind us.
Since I had read a little about the SM Town Korean pop groups coming to SG and was looking up on K-pop bands yesterday, I knew Big Bang was one of them. But I don't know the guys of the group, although an image of a bleach-blonde guy's head of hair came to mind. Neither did I print out a pic of Ji Hoo.
Too bad I assumed a Japanese stylist might know what a Korean boyband style would look like.
But, he said he would try (to create the sides like what I described).
The hairwash was Ok. A vertical piece of white/beige cloth was placed over my eyes till my mouth. I folded it up above my nose, so it wouldn't block my breathing.
It was nice that the guy asked if the pressure of his fingers was Ok.
In one review, someone said there was a Chinese washer who scraped scalp like peeling oranges. I was concerned I would get him (A reason why I was considering going to Izumi more). But this guy was very gentle.
Too gentle, in fact, but Ok. Would be better if he put in a little more strength in a more sensuous massage.
Reds @Taka washing ladies are still the best.
At the end of the wash, I told him it was nice and thanked him. I did wish it would go on for a little longer as it was quite nice.
When I got back to my seat and the white sheet was placed around my neck (with 2 openings for arms), the hair-washing guy presented a list of drinks. I chose hot green tea.
The haircut took about 25 mins. Throughout, I was slowly perusing a magazine, while being aware of Mr Soga's movements. He is tall and rather handsome (too bad about his own long frizzy hair).
Dog tags hanging from his necklace clinked together as he moved while cutting. (I have a small fondness for cool-looking men with clinking things.).
At one point, while he was sitting, he turned my chair closer towards him to the left until he could properly cut my fringe. I was reading the magazine, and it wasn't too near. But I tend to get a little shy when male stylists come closer.
But I realized he seemed a rather shy person as well, quickly glancing away whenever I looked up from the magazine to the mirror at him (to see how he was cutting).
I like that he handled everything himself, except for the hair wash. He spent all the time on me.
There were 2 more stylists there. A young woman and a young man, presumably Chika-san and Ito-san. And 1 or 2 more customers came in soon after me.
Towards the end, the lid for the tea dripped a little onto the table and magazine when I handled it, and I wanted to leave it but couldn't stand the sight of the drips. So, pulled a piece of tissue from the box and dabbed it, but the nice Mr Soga said it's Ok and "thank you" (so that I would hurry up and sit back for his finishing touches, I think.).
The result: I like the service and ambience. Perfect. The green tea was also very solid, loved it, good stuff.
But overall, the haircut is not proportionate and is lop-sided.
The back end is short, the sides are wispy and long, the front is long and floppish.
The front fringe is supposed to look like Choi Young's (Lee Min Ho - below pic) slanted down cut, but that's not what I got.
The top was not cut because according to Mr Soga, not cutting adds volume. But other stylists always cut it shorter to add volume since shorter hair has more bounce and body (though unfortunately, they always cut it too short).
The back end, I felt was too short and ragged when he showed me with a mirror behind. Seeing my hesitation in giving approval, he looked worried. I had to try to see it as interestingly as possible and grant approval since I didn't know how else I could tell him to improve on it. Almost wanted to say "Omoshiroi" in Japanese for "interesting" but didn't because it wasn't really true. (At the moment, it's not too bad if it's swept towards the middle).
For the back end, I had actually granted him creative freedom, although I had expressed a suggestion to perhaps keep it at the original length. He had insisted it was too long, so I said he could do whatever he felt would be good.
The back upper portion, does have some body in the way it is cut. So, that is Ok.
At the end, he had asked if I wanted to add color. I said no, and he gave an audible smile.
The hairsprays smelled nice (assuming they are from Japan), but have no holding power at all. Makes me consider that perhaps this also applies to their perming products which make weak/dead perms. Wonder why.
Overall, I don't hate this haircut since there isn't much drastic damage (the saving grace, since it would grow quite soon so I can seek out another salon).
But... $85 is a lot for the result (that looks more like $35). And there wasn't any first-timers discount for me.
He gave me a membership card which he stamped and didn't require my name or signature at all. Also, a "Customer introduce card" to be given to a friend or anyone to receive a first-timer 15% discount.
So, if I understand it correctly... As a first-timer who came on my own, I don't get a discount. But a friend introduced by me, would get the discount?? Or do I get a discount on my next visit?
He asked how I got to know of the salon. I said through website reviews. It was only later that I realized he must actually be asking if I was introduced by someone.
Anyway... I most likely won't be going back, partly because of the location.
After the haircut and looking for a bus-stop (coming out from a longer distance in the process), I discovered it's actually not far and near to Meidi-ya @ Liang Court. It's along Robertson Quay which is just beside Clarke Quay. If coming by bus and walking from the bus-stop outside UE Square, it would be nearer than walking from Clarke Quay Central.
From that bus-stop outside UE Square, it's just maybe 10~15 minutes walking to the hotel. Turn right when you see a big colorful bridge.
But I'm just not keen. The hotel's entrance faces inside a small, looped cul-de-sac drive-in that isn't good for getting cabs or for tour buses to drive in. Poor location for a hotel.
I read that Midori @ Novena is good. But Novena is too far for me. To think of the distance and then being disappointed once more... Maybe I'll just let it grow long again.... and cut it myself. I have been quite tempted to buy a pair of haircutting scissors from Medi-ya.
Or if I'm still interested in getting Ji Hoo's look... I might make the effort of trying out another salon next time. I've already saved screenshots of his style to print and show.
Although it feels less hot and heavy now, $85... is still.... a pity, especially when I'm broke. I had to dig out $85 from somewhere. And while the number is just a number, when you take out 1 piece $50, and have to take out another $50 to make it enough, you start realizing how much it really costs.
I don't know how those girls can spend more than $400 just on a perm and coloring in those salon reviews.
The right way, is actually to spend little, so that if it's awful, at least it won't be so painful. Unfortunately, hair salons in SG are ridiculously expensive, just like SG hotels.
Hey... looking at the receipt now... Turns out Mr Soga can spell my name!! O.O I'm impressed and surprised. I thought he didn't know the name since I didn't expect the Japanese to be familiar with English names.
Update @ 10.49 a.m. 23 Nov: Still not happy with the haircut when I looked in the mirror this morning. Looks like didn't cut.
Some time back, I had actually tried Shunji Matsuo @ Heeren once (now @Taka). Was cut by a non-Japanese stylist who was very careful and precise. But the end result was too short and not nice. So, I haven't been to any Shunji outlets again since then.
So far, if I try 1 hairstylist and it's bad, I don't go back to the same salon or outlets of that salon.
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Thursday 22 Nov, evening
Just back from Monso. The most recent review you'll find online (for now) for this salon.
The last haircut I had (by QB) was on 20 July. That's... 4 months ago. Since then, my hair has grown hot in this weather. Bro called it a "mane".
After all the disappointments from hairstylists, I was considering cutting it myself. But after watching how Jan Di tried to do it in Boys Over Flowers, decided not to.
Jan Di was lucky. She had the handsome and capable Ji Hoo (Kim Hyun Joong) do it for her (before she hurt herself).
Also, after watching Boys Over Flowers, I decided I want Ji Hoo's hairstyle. (Actually, I imagined telling the hairstylist "I want to look like Min Ho" ^_^).
I know this hairstyle suits Ji Hoo (Kim Hyun Joong) because he has a long and narrow face. And my face is different. But I want this style. Korean boyband look.
I know I complained previously, about Celia @Reds Taka always creating a boyband look on me, but now, I want it. She has a knack for creating volume and body for my hair. I don't know if the style turns heads the moment I walk out of the salon because it's nice, or because it's not. But right now, I want that boyband style!!
Ergo. I started searching for Korean hair salons online. Turns out Singapore does have a few... Beautyundercover reviewed the best 10 (Very helpful as it collates reviews from blogs and forums and makes it easy to read in 1 website).
3 salons to consider based on budget and reviews: La Coco, Izumi, Monso.
La Coco was tempting because I saw a poster of Korean stars that the salon presumably did hair for. Among the stars, was a smiling Lee Min Ho (Gu Jun Pyo from Boys Over Flowers). However, the negative reviews from Beautyundercover were plenty and it was off-putting to read that it was going to be hit-and-miss if I chose to go there.
Izumi... @ Clarke Quay Central was nearer for me. Korean stylist said to have spent time in the US, now in SG. No strongly negative reviews.
Monso... I didn't know where Gallery hotel was, but I could take a cab. Japanese stylists. Sincere English introduction by the director Mr Soga as a stylist in their Japanese website. Positive reviews for haircut (although quite a few negative for perms, including what are called "dead" perms).
To be honest, I don't expect Japanese/Korean hairstylists to be very creative or impressive. Their fashion styles... are not very modern, hip or cool. But who knows if there might be exceptions, although doubtful.
As I was going to Meidi-ya supermarket @ Liang Court, I dropped by Izumi to have a look. I had no intention of spending $90 for a short haircut.
There was only 1 hairstylist (presumably Izumi herself) tending to 1 customer who looked Korean/Japanese. Small shop, no hair-washing ladies. I stood outside for a while, watching from a spot that they couldn't see. Then I left.
It seemed the stylist was adding the finishing touches to the customer's hair. But the hairstyle looked like nothing had been done to it. Japanese housewife style. Yeah, maybe the customer likes it that way, but I can't imagine the stylist being able to do anything special for me.
After coming home from Meidi-ya, I felt I was really in the mood for a haircut. Bro got hauled off on government service, leaving me needing some loving.
So, called Monso to ask if Mr Soga was available in 1 hr's time.
Was quite excited, smiled to myself at home at the thought of Japanese director cutting my hair.
It was going to be $85, regardless of hair length. (I had wanted to ask about GST on the phone but didn't because I didn't want to sound broke.).
What was the review going to be when I came home? Hmmm.... I hoped to be able to say good things about it, but doubtful, considering the disappointments of other salons before this.
Cabbed to Gallery Hotel. Salon is at the back of the hotel.
I loved the look at the entrance. Welcoming.
Glass doors at a corner slant, through which I saw 2 men attending to a seated lady customer. One tall guy, presumably the director, and a thinner, shorter man who was deferring to him regarding some instruction.
I was 20 mins early and wondered if the director would have time for me. Popped my head in until they looked up at me with curious, polite smiles. I saw their seated lady customer had pretty, long hair. She was the only customer sitting there.
I said I was early but I think they didn't get that, so I said it again, before both of them started walking to me.
I stepped in and thinking that maybe they didn't get what I meant by "I'm early", I mentioned my name, so Mr Soga would know I was the one who called earlier.
Although the Japanese man who answered didn't say he was Mr Soga even when he asked what time I would be there, right away I had thought I was speaking to the man himself (on the phone). His voice and the way he spoke, matched his look in the photo in their website. Very nice and professional.
Right away, I loved the ambience. Homey/cozy/snug feeling. Like a little corner tucked away in a quiet part of town. Nice place. Good decor.
Since I was early, I thought I would be put in a waiting chair. But to my surprise, Mr Soga attended to me right away with a firm and friendly voice, asking what I would like him to do for my hair as he led me to the first seat in front of a huge golden-framed mirror leaning from the floor against the wall.
On my left, was a side table with 2 magazines and a box of tissues.
"Something different, " I said, to which he smiled. "Fresh, young..." (I just feel very tired and sleepy with long and floppish hair).
We discussed a little about what might be done.
Different from other stylists, he didn't touch my hair at all, until it was washed. Other stylists would feel my hair first while discussing the style to cut.
Unfortunately, he didn't quite know what I meant by Korean boyband sides or style. "Big Bang?", he asked, to which I smiled a little uncertainly while the thinner, shorter guy (who was the hairwasher-apprentice) smiled behind us.
Since I had read a little about the SM Town Korean pop groups coming to SG and was looking up on K-pop bands yesterday, I knew Big Bang was one of them. But I don't know the guys of the group, although an image of a bleach-blonde guy's head of hair came to mind. Neither did I print out a pic of Ji Hoo.
Too bad I assumed a Japanese stylist might know what a Korean boyband style would look like.
But, he said he would try (to create the sides like what I described).
The hairwash was Ok. A vertical piece of white/beige cloth was placed over my eyes till my mouth. I folded it up above my nose, so it wouldn't block my breathing.
It was nice that the guy asked if the pressure of his fingers was Ok.
In one review, someone said there was a Chinese washer who scraped scalp like peeling oranges. I was concerned I would get him (A reason why I was considering going to Izumi more). But this guy was very gentle.
Too gentle, in fact, but Ok. Would be better if he put in a little more strength in a more sensuous massage.
Reds @Taka washing ladies are still the best.
At the end of the wash, I told him it was nice and thanked him. I did wish it would go on for a little longer as it was quite nice.
When I got back to my seat and the white sheet was placed around my neck (with 2 openings for arms), the hair-washing guy presented a list of drinks. I chose hot green tea.
The haircut took about 25 mins. Throughout, I was slowly perusing a magazine, while being aware of Mr Soga's movements. He is tall and rather handsome (too bad about his own long frizzy hair).
Dog tags hanging from his necklace clinked together as he moved while cutting. (I have a small fondness for cool-looking men with clinking things.).
At one point, while he was sitting, he turned my chair closer towards him to the left until he could properly cut my fringe. I was reading the magazine, and it wasn't too near. But I tend to get a little shy when male stylists come closer.
But I realized he seemed a rather shy person as well, quickly glancing away whenever I looked up from the magazine to the mirror at him (to see how he was cutting).
I like that he handled everything himself, except for the hair wash. He spent all the time on me.
There were 2 more stylists there. A young woman and a young man, presumably Chika-san and Ito-san. And 1 or 2 more customers came in soon after me.
Towards the end, the lid for the tea dripped a little onto the table and magazine when I handled it, and I wanted to leave it but couldn't stand the sight of the drips. So, pulled a piece of tissue from the box and dabbed it, but the nice Mr Soga said it's Ok and "thank you" (so that I would hurry up and sit back for his finishing touches, I think.).
The result: I like the service and ambience. Perfect. The green tea was also very solid, loved it, good stuff.
But overall, the haircut is not proportionate and is lop-sided.
The back end is short, the sides are wispy and long, the front is long and floppish.
The front fringe is supposed to look like Choi Young's (Lee Min Ho - below pic) slanted down cut, but that's not what I got.
The top was not cut because according to Mr Soga, not cutting adds volume. But other stylists always cut it shorter to add volume since shorter hair has more bounce and body (though unfortunately, they always cut it too short).
The back end, I felt was too short and ragged when he showed me with a mirror behind. Seeing my hesitation in giving approval, he looked worried. I had to try to see it as interestingly as possible and grant approval since I didn't know how else I could tell him to improve on it. Almost wanted to say "Omoshiroi" in Japanese for "interesting" but didn't because it wasn't really true. (At the moment, it's not too bad if it's swept towards the middle).
For the back end, I had actually granted him creative freedom, although I had expressed a suggestion to perhaps keep it at the original length. He had insisted it was too long, so I said he could do whatever he felt would be good.
The back upper portion, does have some body in the way it is cut. So, that is Ok.
At the end, he had asked if I wanted to add color. I said no, and he gave an audible smile.
The hairsprays smelled nice (assuming they are from Japan), but have no holding power at all. Makes me consider that perhaps this also applies to their perming products which make weak/dead perms. Wonder why.
Overall, I don't hate this haircut since there isn't much drastic damage (the saving grace, since it would grow quite soon so I can seek out another salon).
But... $85 is a lot for the result (that looks more like $35). And there wasn't any first-timers discount for me.
He gave me a membership card which he stamped and didn't require my name or signature at all. Also, a "Customer introduce card" to be given to a friend or anyone to receive a first-timer 15% discount.
So, if I understand it correctly... As a first-timer who came on my own, I don't get a discount. But a friend introduced by me, would get the discount?? Or do I get a discount on my next visit?
He asked how I got to know of the salon. I said through website reviews. It was only later that I realized he must actually be asking if I was introduced by someone.
Anyway... I most likely won't be going back, partly because of the location.
After the haircut and looking for a bus-stop (coming out from a longer distance in the process), I discovered it's actually not far and near to Meidi-ya @ Liang Court. It's along Robertson Quay which is just beside Clarke Quay. If coming by bus and walking from the bus-stop outside UE Square, it would be nearer than walking from Clarke Quay Central.
From that bus-stop outside UE Square, it's just maybe 10~15 minutes walking to the hotel. Turn right when you see a big colorful bridge.
But I'm just not keen. The hotel's entrance faces inside a small, looped cul-de-sac drive-in that isn't good for getting cabs or for tour buses to drive in. Poor location for a hotel.
I read that Midori @ Novena is good. But Novena is too far for me. To think of the distance and then being disappointed once more... Maybe I'll just let it grow long again.... and cut it myself. I have been quite tempted to buy a pair of haircutting scissors from Medi-ya.
Or if I'm still interested in getting Ji Hoo's look... I might make the effort of trying out another salon next time. I've already saved screenshots of his style to print and show.
Although it feels less hot and heavy now, $85... is still.... a pity, especially when I'm broke. I had to dig out $85 from somewhere. And while the number is just a number, when you take out 1 piece $50, and have to take out another $50 to make it enough, you start realizing how much it really costs.
I don't know how those girls can spend more than $400 just on a perm and coloring in those salon reviews.
The right way, is actually to spend little, so that if it's awful, at least it won't be so painful. Unfortunately, hair salons in SG are ridiculously expensive, just like SG hotels.
Hey... looking at the receipt now... Turns out Mr Soga can spell my name!! O.O I'm impressed and surprised. I thought he didn't know the name since I didn't expect the Japanese to be familiar with English names.
Update @ 10.49 a.m. 23 Nov: Still not happy with the haircut when I looked in the mirror this morning. Looks like didn't cut.
Some time back, I had actually tried Shunji Matsuo @ Heeren once (now @Taka). Was cut by a non-Japanese stylist who was very careful and precise. But the end result was too short and not nice. So, I haven't been to any Shunji outlets again since then.
So far, if I try 1 hairstylist and it's bad, I don't go back to the same salon or outlets of that salon.
Thursday, 8 November 2012
[신의] 실수 Faith Bloopers/Mistakes/Questionables Korean Drama Min Ho
A rough glance around Google search. I'm the only one doing this.
While others talk about the time travel aspect of Faith, I've been wanting to post about the film's bloopers/mistakes since the beginnning.
For the storyline, I don't think there's anything that requires any deciphering. It's simple and by its simplicity, wraps itself up without causing any confusion or needing any explanation.
For bloopers/mistakes, there are quite many competing for the Number 1 spot. But right off, there seems only 1 that takes first place.
In Asianwiki, it says production started on May 24,2012. And in this latest post on Min Ho's thoughts after filming his final scene on Oct 30th, twice he says that filming has been 6 months.
If Asianwiki is correct and counting the time period from May 24, it's actually been... 5 months and 6 days.
All along I thought they finished filming before the air date. If so, then from May 24 ~ Aug13, they would only have 2 months to complete filming it. Impossible but do-able, I thought.
Turns out, filming continued even after date of airing, all the way till Oct 30th (as in the above link to Min Ho's thoughts on last day of filming). That last day of filming video is available online, by the way. On the official SBS channel and Youtube.
It must have been a really heavy, crashing schedule where nobody got enough sleep at all, as can be seen from the super-tired look of a woman crew on the last day in the video. As the camera turned to interview her, she looked absolutely collapsing asleep behind her glasses while standing. That's the most tired person I've ever seen.
Made me wonder how Min Ho and Hee-Sun still looked so good in comparison. Perhaps, the cast got more sleep than the crew? Possible, because they can sleep during make-up and while waiting around.
As the drama was being aired, they were filming it. Meaning, a very tight race to complete 2 episodes on time every week.
Notice that at the start of the drama, Hee-Sun and Min Ho looked very fresh. But as it progressed, they looked more and more worn out.
Because of the rush, tiredness and the director being more intent on the creative aspects of filming, mistakes will inevitably be made. Obviously, the actors and actresses can't also be watching out for mistakes since they are more intent on watching how they perform.
Still, regardless of whether it was 2 months or 6, shouldn't there have been the equivalent of a "proofreader" on the set while filming? Someone who monitors the consistency of different takes and frames?
In a Taiwanese TV drama called Engagement of Love, the female lead is a young girl with the job called "场记" Chang (3) Ji (4). Log Keeper/Script Clerk/Continuity girl. Her role is to ensure that everything is consistent and she watches for mistakes on the set.
It would seem that Korean TV drama filming does not have such script clerk/s?
In City Hunter, there is a scene where Min Ho carries Kim Nana on one side of his shoulder. But the position changes to the other side in the next frame. With this, I began to watch if Faith would show up this mistake as well.
Sure enough, it did.
Overall, while Faith was well-produced/well-directed, it was also quite sloppily done.
Besides a lot of armpit-killing (swords slid under armpits to kill with CGI blood droplets flying in the air), quite a lot of obvious details have also been omitted/sacrificed in favor of just telling the story or just to look good.
Click on images for larger display.
#1 In Episode 2, Philip Lee carries the princess out of the smoked out hideout.
Princess's head is on his left side.
As he carries her out of the room, her body changes position to his right side. At first, when watching this scene, something seemed wrong, until I realized it was the change in the princess's position. Caught it.
#2 In Episode 21, Eun Soo mentally counts to three when she predicts Choi Young will turn to look at her. Listen with earphones. You will hear a background man's voice saying "two". That should be the cue from the director or someone in the crew so that Min Ho knows when to turn. But they missed out removing the voice.
#3 Episode 21. Choi Young drops his sword from his left hand after talking to the king. Vice-captain also saw it. But it was his right hand that was frozen by KC's power. It was also the right hand that shivered while holding his sword in the next episode 22.
If the director intended that both hands are affected by KC's power, there was no indication of this before or after this scene in the king's chamber.
#4 Episode 22, the Yuan Tansaguan envoy takes out a pocket watch.
Yuan dynasty was until the 14th century. Such a pocket watch like his was made in the 16th century, 200 years later. Moreover, his watch has 2 hands.
#5 Episode 14. Eun Soo waits for Choi Young to escape together. Just before she runs to him on the bridge, her pink cloth pack is tied round her back (the first image shows the cloth tied in front).
But in the next frame when she goes to hug him, her pink pack is gone.
While others talk about the time travel aspect of Faith, I've been wanting to post about the film's bloopers/mistakes since the beginnning.
For the storyline, I don't think there's anything that requires any deciphering. It's simple and by its simplicity, wraps itself up without causing any confusion or needing any explanation.
For bloopers/mistakes, there are quite many competing for the Number 1 spot. But right off, there seems only 1 that takes first place.
In Asianwiki, it says production started on May 24,2012. And in this latest post on Min Ho's thoughts after filming his final scene on Oct 30th, twice he says that filming has been 6 months.
If Asianwiki is correct and counting the time period from May 24, it's actually been... 5 months and 6 days.
All along I thought they finished filming before the air date. If so, then from May 24 ~ Aug13, they would only have 2 months to complete filming it. Impossible but do-able, I thought.
Turns out, filming continued even after date of airing, all the way till Oct 30th (as in the above link to Min Ho's thoughts on last day of filming). That last day of filming video is available online, by the way. On the official SBS channel and Youtube.
It must have been a really heavy, crashing schedule where nobody got enough sleep at all, as can be seen from the super-tired look of a woman crew on the last day in the video. As the camera turned to interview her, she looked absolutely collapsing asleep behind her glasses while standing. That's the most tired person I've ever seen.
Made me wonder how Min Ho and Hee-Sun still looked so good in comparison. Perhaps, the cast got more sleep than the crew? Possible, because they can sleep during make-up and while waiting around.
As the drama was being aired, they were filming it. Meaning, a very tight race to complete 2 episodes on time every week.
Notice that at the start of the drama, Hee-Sun and Min Ho looked very fresh. But as it progressed, they looked more and more worn out.
Because of the rush, tiredness and the director being more intent on the creative aspects of filming, mistakes will inevitably be made. Obviously, the actors and actresses can't also be watching out for mistakes since they are more intent on watching how they perform.
Still, regardless of whether it was 2 months or 6, shouldn't there have been the equivalent of a "proofreader" on the set while filming? Someone who monitors the consistency of different takes and frames?
In a Taiwanese TV drama called Engagement of Love, the female lead is a young girl with the job called "场记" Chang (3) Ji (4). Log Keeper/Script Clerk/Continuity girl. Her role is to ensure that everything is consistent and she watches for mistakes on the set.
It would seem that Korean TV drama filming does not have such script clerk/s?
In City Hunter, there is a scene where Min Ho carries Kim Nana on one side of his shoulder. But the position changes to the other side in the next frame. With this, I began to watch if Faith would show up this mistake as well.
Sure enough, it did.
Overall, while Faith was well-produced/well-directed, it was also quite sloppily done.
Besides a lot of armpit-killing (swords slid under armpits to kill with CGI blood droplets flying in the air), quite a lot of obvious details have also been omitted/sacrificed in favor of just telling the story or just to look good.
Click on images for larger display.
#1 In Episode 2, Philip Lee carries the princess out of the smoked out hideout.
Princess's head is on his left side.
As he carries her out of the room, her body changes position to his right side. At first, when watching this scene, something seemed wrong, until I realized it was the change in the princess's position. Caught it.
#2 In Episode 21, Eun Soo mentally counts to three when she predicts Choi Young will turn to look at her. Listen with earphones. You will hear a background man's voice saying "two". That should be the cue from the director or someone in the crew so that Min Ho knows when to turn. But they missed out removing the voice.
#3 Episode 21. Choi Young drops his sword from his left hand after talking to the king. Vice-captain also saw it. But it was his right hand that was frozen by KC's power. It was also the right hand that shivered while holding his sword in the next episode 22.
If the director intended that both hands are affected by KC's power, there was no indication of this before or after this scene in the king's chamber.
#4 Episode 22, the Yuan Tansaguan envoy takes out a pocket watch.
Yuan dynasty was until the 14th century. Such a pocket watch like his was made in the 16th century, 200 years later. Moreover, his watch has 2 hands.
Click: Early watches only had an hour hand, the minute hand appearing in the late 17th century.I thought the director would be explaining this, maybe the Tansaguan got it from the future, for instance. But it was left as it was.
#5 Episode 14. Eun Soo waits for Choi Young to escape together. Just before she runs to him on the bridge, her pink cloth pack is tied round her back (the first image shows the cloth tied in front).
But in the next frame when she goes to hug him, her pink pack is gone.
It was likely removed because it got in the way of him hugging her.
#6 In all the Chinese writing, Faith used modern simplified Chinese words. In the past, ancient Chinese writing was an older form that modern Chinese people would find it hard to read (and is no longer in use).
Based on this website, there had been no more changes to the Chinese writing since the Tang dynasty. In the example shown in that website, that "dragon" word (in the 5th box) is still an old form with more strokes than the modern form at the end.
Meaning, in the Yuan dynasty (that comes later than the Tang), the old form of writing would still be in use.
The modern form that Faith used, only started in China in the 1950s.
So, it is impossible for Goryeo-Yuan time period to have such modern simplified writing in the imperial edicts/Doctor Jang's diary/messages (that even I can easily read).
#7 Whose fault is it that Faith's previews didn't match the actual drama?
Scenes that viewers were looking forward to watching or expecting, were missing. Was it out of the director's control? If those scenes were not going to appear in the episodes, why show them in the previews?
Preview for Ep 9 (the start of Choi Young's new hairstyle with headband).
Ep 9 preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw7K4b0jG5Y
In this preview, Choi Young's hairstyle is changed. But this change was missing from the actual episode 9.
Instead, Choi Young is shown with a different hairstyle than in the preview.
Preview hairstyle: Looks older and aunty-ish compared to the episode hairstyle below.
Episode hairstyle: Looks younger and better than the preview hairstyle.
The heart-to-heart talk with Lady Choi (location and dialogue) was also changed.
Preview scene: She asks Choi Young why he was being so loyal to the king all of a sudden.
Episode scene: She discourages him from falling in love with Eun Soo.
In the preview for Ep 9, it is this scene with the new hairstyle: Choi Young asks Deok Man to protect Eun Soo. Deok Man is happy thinking he gets a chance to touch Eun Soo. Choi Young smacks his head.
But in the actual scene that is actually in Ep 10: Choi Young is in a different uniform, different location with different hairstyle from the preview. When Deok Man is happy that he gets to touch Eun Soo, Choi Young kicks him (instead of smacking). However, the dialogue is the same as in the preview scene.
#8 I remember in one of the episodes, at the end, there was a long preview. Included in it, were the scenes of Eun Soo playing the harp and Doc Jang with the needles growing from his hands. But I can't find it in any of the episode previews. Strange.
Maybe it was this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fgPb56hJL8
I kept looking forward to seeing those scenes but even until the last episode, they were not shown.
Also, I kept looking forward to Min Ho looking like this (below pic) in a teaser/trailer photo, but it never happened (which I am not happy about). I wondered (and hoped) if he was playing evil here.
But ultimately, I think this scene of him should fit into the part where he was very ill from his stab wound.
It would seem that initially, the creators wanted to give him a soft boyish look. But later, changed it. In the teaser photos/videos of him, he had long, soft hair and a very young look. There is even a photo of him with blue hair. I don't know how that came about.
Viewing all the teaser/trailer videos, Hee-Sun and Min Ho went through quite a lot in getting their parts settled for the final version.
One trailer shows Hee-Sun with a really elaborate and heavy hairdo. And also shows her wearing a hat with a black veil. These scenes never made it into the actual episodes. For the hat, it was changed to just a normal bamboo hat without veil. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzzE0e599w8
Incidentally, the drama was initially called "Great Doctor" or "Divine Doctor". But because the focus was actually on Min Ho and not on Eun Soo/Hee-Sun, the title was changed to "Faith".
#9 In Choi Young's time in the drama, there are sliding doors, doors that swing out by holding onto each side, and doors with a sliding bar across. The Coex door has 2 long vertical bars down each side. Why would he pull open one side without even a moment's hesitation as to how it might be opened? It felt a little strange watching him pull open it so naturally.
On the other hand, Eun Soo keeps saying she's been watching TV dramas/movies. So, she should have no problem sliding aside that bar across the door when she tried escaping. By the time she figured out how to slide that bar, Choi Young had come to push it back. Perhaps, she only watched modern TV dramas/movies.
Although it was a very good touch to have her struggle with opening the door... I was thinking she should know how to slide that bar. On the other hand, if she easily slid that bar, it might seem less believable, and viewers would have to take it that she had watched it on TV-- less impact compared to her struggling with that door and Choi Young stopping it.
#10 Armor. While I understand the weight of the costumes and production budget... it is rather hard to ignore plastic, foam and rubber armor. Eun Soo shouldn't have been able to have pierced through it so easily.
Also, Choi Young's armor folds and buckles up quite often when he sits down or kneels. In the making of the part where he enters court with his men for the first time in their new uniforms to kneel before the king, the front part of his armor actually got in the way when he tried to kneel. He had to stand and straighten it.
In this scene, he sat to talk with Eun Soo, and when he got up, the back part of the "armor" buckled up with creases.
#11 Language. King Gongmin ruled Goryeo in 1351. We are now in 2012. This is 661 years difference. Even comparing the English language now to the 19th century (200 years' difference), there is a difference in speech. Yet everyone speaks normally with Eun Soo as though they are in modern-day Korea.
#12 Bowls. Are empty. Empty drinks break the spell of the make-believe. At least, the characters must have wet lips when "drinking" for a real effect.
Scene where Eun Soo is in bed and the Suribang woman is squeezing herbal soup. Choi Young is supposed to bring the bowl to Eun Soo and feed her.
In the making of it, the bowl actually has dark liquid, which Min Ho brings to Eun Soo/Hee-Sun. But along the way, he spills it. Also, instead of feeding it to her slowly, he forces it down her too fast. The repeat takes must have delayed them quite some, so that the director must have decided to keep the bowl empty.
Scene where Eun Soo needs to drink a big white bowl of poison. It's obvious there's nothing in it as she drinks and then her lips are completely pale-dry.
#13 Shoes. Same as armor, I can't help noticing that the shoes look modern with rubber soles. Choi Young's shoes: flat soles with no grooves for grip (worn away?).
#14 Heart CPR. Ep 5 where Eun Soo pumps her body weight into Choi Young to resuscitate him.
Notice his chest is larger/higher than normal for his lying down position. They must have put something inside his shirt to allow Eun Soo to pump him with her body weight and hands. Without an airbag (I assume), Min Ho would have hurt from all that pumping.
Compare this to the last episode, where she pumps his chest while he lays on the grass. It's obvious she isn't really pushing down on his chest. Just making the action of it. Assume they didn't put an airbag inside this time. His chest looks normal/flat considering at least 2 layers of clothing that he's wearing.
#15 Last episode 24. Ki Cheol's injury.
Choi Young throws his sword through Ki Cheol's back. And it has penetrated quite inwards towards the middle of Ki Cheol's body. So, it is not just a side graze. (Which also means he fell back on the sword which should push in further through).
However. There is no wound at the back of Ki Cheol.
#16 Peeling sticker. Why did the director have to film this part of the pillar? Obviously pasted, not painted. I would think a real ancient palace would have hand-painted designs, real gold layering etc... Even if faded or damaged, they would repair it.
Perhaps, the director thought the peeling "paint" would give it an authentic feel. But it's an opposite effect. It's in fact, embarrassing to show a palace neglected like this.
This is the scene where Eum Ja is eavesdropping on Choi Young for the last time because Choi Young realizes and starts chasing. Choi Young has dragged out Eun Soo and asks her to shut up. But she has just realized that the boy she saved would kill Choi Young in the future. Ep 10.
#17 Eun Soo's wrist watch. None of the Goryeo characters even once mentions her watch. This is a time-piece that is so small that it can be worn on the wrist, and nobody mentions it? This is too much of an oversight.
Plus, the fact that her watch is so shiny and eye-catching on her wrist. Not even Choi Young who is so observant ever expresses any curiosity about it. Not even Doctor Jang. Or Ki Cheol.
Also, at some point, her watch disappears, just like her green handbag. ^_^ Of course, we know what happened to her handphone. Dumped on the straw some place where she was held hostage in Ep 2.
#18 Philip Lee. At the start, I thought he was going to be a rival love interest for Eun Soo. Turned out to be not. Not only that, his scenes became fewer and fewer until his part was totally extinguished suddenly and unconvincingly in Ep 21. We didn't even get to see his face after so long of his absence. Eun Soo is just told that he died.
The reason? He died while protecting her antidote.
Although we have never seen him fight against Eum Ja and Soo Inn, he is after all, an accomplished fighter with his fan and a smart man. It is highly unlikely he would have just died like that, even if he was protecting the antidote.
Ah ha. I see. http://www.dramabeans.com/2012/10/philip-lee-injured-drops-out-of-faith/
Dropped out because he had to go for scheduled eye surgery. But why was it scheduled to be at such a time? And how did he get injured if it wasn't on the set of Faith?
While reading the article, I kept agreeing "Yeah, yeah, yeah!". Exactly what I said above.
How could this be Goryeo's greatest doctor when his character was so bland, he had nothing to say and just sat back while things were happening around Eun Soo?
I thought he had few lines because it was hard for him learning the pronunciation etc..? Or was that in the past that he learnt Korean and is now fine? (I read another article some time back, that said he is American but insisted on returning to Korea and learning the language from scratch).
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There you have it. 18 bloopers/mistakes/questionables that I didn't even have to sweat picking them out. I'm sure there are more that I missed. If so, let me know.
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
Faith Min Ho Korean Drama Supplemental 2: Background
While searching for Faith production date, coincidentally came upon this.
http://www.facebook.com/notes/city-hunter/lee-min-ho-saves-faith-with-casting-decision/327317913999128
While reading, I said, "I see... I see..." , because it provides the answers to my earlier Faith Supplemental post.
1) Why are 2 scenes in the "First Generation" Youtube video in the Faith preview but not in the Faith drama?
2) Why is the male lead not Lee Min Ho in the "First Generation" video? But Kim Hee-Sun (Eun Soo) is in it.
3) Why is it called "3D" in the "First Generation" video?
As I already guessed, Faith would not have flown without Lee Min Ho. I wouldn't have watched it. And the drama would have become just another Korean production that few people outside of Korea (or even the Koreans) would watch.
As it happened, even before the drama aired on August 13th, I was already waiting for it for 3~4 months since the announcement that it was Min Ho's next new drama after City Hunter.
I waited so long that I wondered if I could wait till August because at the beginning of this year, I was quite badly ill.
In fact, I've been thinking that Korean TV should thank Lee Min Ho for making people around the world take interest in Korea and Korean dramas.According to a newspaper article I read, Korean dramas and their idols are actually not popular outside of Korea, not even in Japan.
So, Min Ho is really amazing to have generated such interest around the world. Mongolia, Kuwait, Iraq, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and other countries (like Azerbaijan ) that you wouldn't think would know or be interested in a Korean drama and its actor (or even have internet access).
I think it's because he looks Caucasian. So, he has international appeal.
When I first saw him in the starting episode of City Hunter where he appears as a street youth in Thailand, wearing a green tattered T-shirt, I thought they got an Asian-Caucasian to play in the drama. Didn't think he was Korean at all. Fair face, longish hair, tall. His Caucasian-looking nose and that face.
Turns out, he is Korean. And only recently started learning English. How did eating Kimchi make him look so handsome? I have no idea. As far as I know, he has perfectly Asian-looking parents with none of that Caucasian look of his. So... where did it come from? Ancestor somewhere?
Lee Min Ho's star is currently very bright. So indeed, he "has the power to save any drama from floundering".
Poor Faith was actually something that nobody wanted to produce until Min Ho agreed to do it. And then suddenly, SBS agreed to give it a chance. After 3 years of it floating around (it says 3 years, but it also says since 2010, the director had been sending out offers to actors to play the main lead. That's 2 years, not 3.).
And that's also because the original script was changed, which drew Min Ho in. Everything falling into place thus: Script changed, Min Ho in, SBS gives time-slot.
From the "First Generation" video, I think the director probably worked on it alone and only later collaborated with the female writer who made it into a more interesting love story. The director's version is a man's idea and as I mentioned, it was pretty messy and confusing. Which is probably why nobody wanted to produce it.
Meanwhile, while nobody believed in the drama, Kim Hee-Sun (Eun Soo) stuck by it since the beginning. (How about Philip Lee who appears at the end of "First Generation" video?).
The above 2 quotes partly answer the points at the top of this post:
The "First Generation" video was the original idea that the director wanted to make. But it was rejected by the TV people. Eun Soo was in it because she had stuck by it since the start. The male lead was Kang Ji Hwan in that video because he was one of the guys the director sought out to play the role. The video says "in 3D" because that was what the director wanted to do at the start. And there were 2 magical doctors in the video because, it was supposed to be a "3D medical drama" (meaning... there wouldn't be any/much romance in it. Basically, a man's storyline).
It still doesn't explain why the 2 scenes from the "First Generation" were in the actual Faith preview. Was the director thinking of somehow working those scenes into the actual Faith drama?
And it doesn't explain what happened to casting Kang Ji Hwan as the male lead.
---------------
Update 8 Nov:
http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=13515
Why Min Ho chose Faith after turning it down.
Based on the quote below, I would say the first "draft" didn't fit him because it was not romantic and couldn't display his characteristic cool image. The new piece fits around him, revolves around him and makes him look cool and a ladies' man. Does it imply then, he would only be doing roles that make him look good?
Yeah, I agree that now, he is very much a man, even compared to City Hunter, as I mentioned in an earlier post at the start of Faith.
http://www.facebook.com/notes/city-hunter/lee-min-ho-saves-faith-with-casting-decision/327317913999128
While reading, I said, "I see... I see..." , because it provides the answers to my earlier Faith Supplemental post.
1) Why are 2 scenes in the "First Generation" Youtube video in the Faith preview but not in the Faith drama?
2) Why is the male lead not Lee Min Ho in the "First Generation" video? But Kim Hee-Sun (Eun Soo) is in it.
3) Why is it called "3D" in the "First Generation" video?
As I already guessed, Faith would not have flown without Lee Min Ho. I wouldn't have watched it. And the drama would have become just another Korean production that few people outside of Korea (or even the Koreans) would watch.
As it happened, even before the drama aired on August 13th, I was already waiting for it for 3~4 months since the announcement that it was Min Ho's next new drama after City Hunter.
I waited so long that I wondered if I could wait till August because at the beginning of this year, I was quite badly ill.
In fact, I've been thinking that Korean TV should thank Lee Min Ho for making people around the world take interest in Korea and Korean dramas.According to a newspaper article I read, Korean dramas and their idols are actually not popular outside of Korea, not even in Japan.
So, Min Ho is really amazing to have generated such interest around the world. Mongolia, Kuwait, Iraq, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and other countries (like Azerbaijan ) that you wouldn't think would know or be interested in a Korean drama and its actor (or even have internet access).
I think it's because he looks Caucasian. So, he has international appeal.
When I first saw him in the starting episode of City Hunter where he appears as a street youth in Thailand, wearing a green tattered T-shirt, I thought they got an Asian-Caucasian to play in the drama. Didn't think he was Korean at all. Fair face, longish hair, tall. His Caucasian-looking nose and that face.
Turns out, he is Korean. And only recently started learning English. How did eating Kimchi make him look so handsome? I have no idea. As far as I know, he has perfectly Asian-looking parents with none of that Caucasian look of his. So... where did it come from? Ancestor somewhere?
Lee Min Ho's star is currently very bright. So indeed, he "has the power to save any drama from floundering".
Poor Faith was actually something that nobody wanted to produce until Min Ho agreed to do it. And then suddenly, SBS agreed to give it a chance. After 3 years of it floating around (it says 3 years, but it also says since 2010, the director had been sending out offers to actors to play the main lead. That's 2 years, not 3.).
....at news that Lee Min Ho had finally taken up the offer, SBS confirmed it would give Faith a time slot.Wahh... like so proud and grand. Give Faith a time-slot.
And that's also because the original script was changed, which drew Min Ho in. Everything falling into place thus: Script changed, Min Ho in, SBS gives time-slot.
A rep from Lee Min Ho’s agency Starhaus said, “The new synopsis with scriptwriter Song Ji Na was better than the original Faith synopsis. It also gained trust in that it was a collaborative piece between Song Ji Na and director Kim Jong Hak...Curious why the words "gained trust" were used. Was there something about the writer that added trust? Famous writer (in Korea)? Did it mean then that the director alone was somehow untrustworthy?
From the "First Generation" video, I think the director probably worked on it alone and only later collaborated with the female writer who made it into a more interesting love story. The director's version is a man's idea and as I mentioned, it was pretty messy and confusing. Which is probably why nobody wanted to produce it.
Meanwhile, while nobody believed in the drama, Kim Hee-Sun (Eun Soo) stuck by it since the beginning. (How about Philip Lee who appears at the end of "First Generation" video?).
Ever since 2010, director Kim Jong Hak’s Faith had sent out offers to Lee Joon Gi, Song Seung Hun and Kang Ji Hwan for the lead role, but because the 3D medical drama seemed too extravagant, production continued to be delayed.
Kim Hee Sun had waited for Faith since its beginnings, but the drama was unable to settle down due to the lack of a proper male lead, making it wander between MBC and SBS.
The above 2 quotes partly answer the points at the top of this post:
The "First Generation" video was the original idea that the director wanted to make. But it was rejected by the TV people. Eun Soo was in it because she had stuck by it since the start. The male lead was Kang Ji Hwan in that video because he was one of the guys the director sought out to play the role. The video says "in 3D" because that was what the director wanted to do at the start. And there were 2 magical doctors in the video because, it was supposed to be a "3D medical drama" (meaning... there wouldn't be any/much romance in it. Basically, a man's storyline).
It still doesn't explain why the 2 scenes from the "First Generation" were in the actual Faith preview. Was the director thinking of somehow working those scenes into the actual Faith drama?
And it doesn't explain what happened to casting Kang Ji Hwan as the male lead.
The piece (Faith) will feature Song Ji Na’s brand of realistic settings with fast-paced thrill, detective work and humor, as Choi Young’s cold charms and Eun Soo’s (Kim Hee Sun) unpredictable ways are expected to come together in a comical combination.While I don't agree that the settings are realistic or that there was any detective work (except maybe a little at the start regarding Ki Cheol), I think "cold charms" is the perfect description for Choi Young. Cold charms, indeed.
---------------
Update 8 Nov:
http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=13515
Why Min Ho chose Faith after turning it down.
Based on the quote below, I would say the first "draft" didn't fit him because it was not romantic and couldn't display his characteristic cool image. The new piece fits around him, revolves around him and makes him look cool and a ladies' man. Does it imply then, he would only be doing roles that make him look good?
Three years ago when he first received the offer to appear in Faith, however, Lee Min Ho turned it down, saying the character didn’t fit him. Why, then, did he decide to take up the offer in the end?
A rep from Lee Min Ho’s agency Starhaus Enertainment told enews on August 28, “The synopsis and content had changed from when we first met with Faith three years ago. More than anything, Lee Min Ho fell for the piece after reading its script. We turned it down at first, but in the end we decided to take it up.”
Yeah, I agree that now, he is very much a man, even compared to City Hunter, as I mentioned in an earlier post at the start of Faith.
He was just a boy in Boys over Flowers, but he returned to his viewers as a man.
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