I'm Mr. Lonely

Just returned from Singapore yesterday. The house felt so empty. Miss the kids so much. Won't get to see them till August. Will I survive this?

It's only been a day and I feel so empty. I finally understand how my parents feel with me being away.

Really wish I could be home again. Gave up everything when I moved to the US. There's nothing left for me back in Singapore. If there was...

Till we meet again...

This isn't goodbye. See you again in another life.

Hang Tough... Please

When I heard the news, I felt my insides twist inside-out. I'm still in shock. My heart bleeds for you and your family.

We're suppose to get lake houses next to each other when we retire and become fishing guides.

Hang in there buddy. Please pull through.

Heron Chardonnay 2008

Heron Chardonnay 2008 (California).

1st day: The first thing that hit me was the smell of peaches. Peach is very prominent on the palette with citrus as more of an accompaniment. The pear was very faint. Seems overpowered by the peach. Not as smooth and buttery as expected.

2nd day: Still smells peachy. The bite is sharper but the peach flavor not as strong. Lost most of its buttery texture.

5th day: Mild peach scent. More acidic, but not as acidic as I thought it would be after 5 days. No longer buttery, more like a regular chardonnay.

Whites have almost no tannins. Whatever tannins present is probably from the wood barrels. Most whites are probably good straight from the bottle. If any breathing is requied, probably 5-15 minutes is all they need.

Tannins are probably why reds taste better after a couple of days after opening but not whites.

The Heron Chardonnay 2008 @ $17.99 is a nice chardonnay that taste amazing. But it was classified as a buttery chardonnay and it was not as buttery as I expected. The Heron Chardonnay 2008 is good with seafood, kaya toast, medium cheese and lightly spiced foods.

Excelsior Chardonnay 2009

This is going to be my maiden post on wines. It's not meant to be pretentious, just a way for me to remember the wines I have tried.

Went looking for a buttery/creamy chardonnay. Found four. The first one I tried was the Excelsior Chardonnay 2009 (South Africa). Tried it over three days.

1st day: Bouquet consist of lemons and limes with a hint of oak. Immediately taste the citrus with a slight oak aftertaste. Goes down smooth with a buttery texture.

2nd day: Bouquet still has a nice citrus punch. The citrus taste has toned down a little to balance out a little better with the oak. A little more crisp and not as buttery.

3rd day: Bouquet a little flat. Seems to taste more sharp. Lost most of its smooth, buttery texture by now.

At $11.99, the Excelsior Chardonnay 2009 is a good value. IMO, it taste best on the 1st and 2nd day. Goes well with some seafood, medium cheeses and lightly spiced foods.

Cultural Differences Or Rudeness?

You can take a person out the ghetto buy you can't take the ghetto out of a person. There are so many immigrants who can't seem to shake off their bad habits even after migrating to another country.

It's one thing to bring your culture, it's another to bring your bad habits. Once you migrate, you need to learn the polite culture of your host country.

I was at the craving station at Golden Corral getting some brisket. A Chinese woman jumped in next to me and told the cook she wanted "that piece". That was the piece the cook was going to give me. It was the fatty part of the brisket that I (and most Asian people) like. Maybe the cook probably thought she was with me and gave her the piece.

How do I know that she's Chinese? Because I'm of Chinese descent. From her speech, I can tell that she's from Fuzhou, China. As with every country, there are polite and rude people. Unfortunately, there seems to be more rude people in China than most develop countries. Same applies to many Asian countries, except for Japan.

Asian countries have a long way to go before evolving into a polite and graceful society.

Before we have an outcry, there are also both rude and polite people in western societies. I am comparing 1st world countries in general and not the psychotic fringes. If China wants to be a world leader, they need to develop their people. China is still a long way from being a 1st world country.

Many westerners may be surprised by this revelation because they think Asians are all smiley and friendly. But they probably only have superficial interaction with Asians. Aside from my disenchantment with the Singapore government, one of my other reason for migrating is the appalling state of Singapore's social culture. I just didn't want my kids growing up in that environment.

But it seems like I jumped out of the pan and into the fire. We went from socially inept people that we don't know to socially inept people we know. But that another story that we won't broach... for now.

There is a difference between culture and rudeness. Don't use cultural differences as a reason for being rude.

Waves Of Change Crashing Into Singapore

An opposition party (Workers Party) finally won a GRC. A GRC a.k.a. Group Representation Constituency was meant as a way for minorities to get elected as an MP (Member of Parliament). Many Singaporeans viewed the GRC as a way for the PAP (People's Action Party) to get weak candidates elected by riding on the coattails of stronger candidates.

Instead of having one person in an election ward, a GRC groups several candidates in a larger area by combining several election wards. So voting is for the whole group, not the individual.

The GRC made it hard for opposition parties to get elected to the PAP controlled parliament. This is due to a lack of capable candidates willing to join the opposition and fear of the ruling party. Most older Singaporeans have some level of fear for the PAP. Some of this fear has transferred to the younger generation.

Unfortunately for the PAP, this fear has mutated into resentment. Many of my peers feel that the PAP have lost touch with the people. There's a strong sense of disconnect.

The PAP has had uncontested power for so long that they think they are gods, or at least that's how many Singaporeans sees it. The PAP just does whatever it wants without regard for Singaporeans' opinions.

Well, the PAP finally lost a GRC. The Workers Party fielded strong candidates to contest the Aljunied GRC and won. Congratulations and please make a difference in parliament.

Change and the Little Red Dot

It's been a long time since I blogged. I've been so busy with my restaurant. But there's so much energy in the air it's hard to ignore. It's the energy of change.

Change is sweeping the world. The future is exciting. What excites me the most is a little red dot 85 miles north of the equator. Singapore. My homeland.

Singapore will have their General Elections on May 7. The PAP will retain control of parliament but it'll be interesting to see if the opposition makes any gains.

I'm one of the "losers" so labeled by the PAP because I chose to seek greener pastures elsewhere. I guess being a "lesser mortal[s]", it's only natural I'm a "loser". But how does that make me a "bacteria"?

Yes. The PAP has called Singaporeans "losers", "lesser mortals, and "bacteria". Great way to win votes.

I love Singapore and think the PAP did a great job, but maybe it's time for a little change and a huge dose of humility.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not easy. Especially if it's betrayal by someone you trust[ed].

Somehow, it wasn't difficult this time. I must be getting more mellow as I grow older. Maybe it's maturity. Who knows?

Groupon Or Not To Groupon? NOT!

Groupon has been trying to get me to advertise with them for a while. They make it sound good by telling you it's free advertising and you will drive up business volume. What they don't tell you is that it eats into your margin and you'll probably make a loss.

Here's how the math breaks down, and this is just a simplified example. They expect the business to make an offer of at least 50% discount. They take 50% of the sales. Industry average for food cost is 30%. So for every dollar sales, 50 cents is discounted, 25 cents is Groupon's share and 30 cents is food cost.

You're losing 5 cents on every dollar before including rent, wages, utilities and insurance.

The Groupon people tell you that it'll bring in lots of new customers. They don't tell you that most of these customers won't come back unless they get another coupon.

I still believe that the best way to build a customer base is to offer a good product and a great value.

Win Some, Lose Some

Working with young people is very interesting. Despite the generation gap, the good ones still stand out. In fact, one of my favorite was fired by me once while the other was almost fired.

JV couldn't get along with one of the previous cooks. He got drunk at work and left one of the kitchen equipment running all night. I fired him.

I felt bad when I fired JV because I said I would take care of him. But drinking while working is a serious no-no. JV begged me to rehire him. I did. Now JV is one of my best kitchen staff.

HJ had some attitude issues. She often cussed loudly within earshot of customers. HJ was also very calculative. I cut her schedule and was going to let her go. I had a talk with HJ and gave her a chance before making my decision. Now, HJ is one of my best front line staff.

HJ has potential to be successful. HJ does't let criticism affect her emotionally. She is able to accept criticism and move forward.

CK was let go by me recently. CK was a sweet girl but she was very forgetful and couldn't focus. She was slow at packing and had an error rate of about 20%. That means that 1 out of every 5 bags had a mistake (I caught half but the other half went through). This was a logistical nightmare as the drivers had to make extra trips to fix her mistakes. Also, CK was slow at taking orders.

Being slow at packing and taking orders means the drivers aren't able to take as many orders per trip. This also increased the chances of an order being late.

I tried talking to CK but she was very defensive. CK takes criticism very personally and exudes a bad attitude.

Once, there was a box of brown rice left over after packing. I asked CK to check if any of the bags was missing a brown rice. She was so adamant that all the bags were packed right and didn't check. I checked the bags and found one that was missing a brown rice. CK got defensive about her mistake.

I can deal with slow learners (to a limit) but I won't tolerate bad attitudes.

Can't win them all, but I'm really glad I gave JV and HJ a chance.

Sigh... Damn Kids...

My parents are visiting from Singapore. Took a few hours off so I could have dinner with them. Left T in-charged.

When I got back to the restaurant, a customer complained about my staffs' lack of decorum. Her exact word were, "I won't be back if you don't control your kids."

It is not T's fault as he had to go on a delivery. Really disappointed in those kids.

These teenagers don't understand how much effort, time and money went into this restaurant. Only Jen knows all the sacrifices made.

If the restaurant fails, all they lose is a job. Jen, Emily and Chloe lose a home and a secure future.

Every customer is important. Losing customers because of boorish, childish behavior is unacceptable.

I encourage a fun work environment but there has to be professionalism. They're probably too self-centered to even know they did wrong.

Dog Days

Got back from work pass midnight. The only time I can make the sauces is before and after work. Have to get in early to make the rest of the sauces in the morning.

I am following the advice of Anthony Bourdain - keep high standards from the beginning and never let up. Keeping high standards is difficult when there are so many units working in tandem. Really need to develop a capable assistant.

Haven't had much time with the wife and kids recently. I know Emily misses me a lot and Chloe isn't close to me anymore. Feel sad.

I have been putting in 7-day weeks for more than 2 months already. During the final phase of building, I was sleeping 4-6 hours a day. At least now, I get 8 hours occasionally. Plus I get to see the wife and kids in the morning.

Tony has been a great help. He is loyal and hard working but needs to develop better social and decision making skills. Restaurant is a tough business. Not everyone can take the rigorous demands.

Need to stop here. Just fell asleep typing.

Check out our first review :)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/taste-of-asia-lewisville

Taste Of Asia (Lewisville)

Taste Of Asia (Lewisville) finally opened last Tuesday. Business has progressively improve day-by-day. Taste Of Asia (Lewisville) has an overall good staff and the support of experience restaurateurs.

Setting up Taste Of Asia (Lewisville) and remodeling the house at the same time took a lot out of me. I was nearing collaspe. Glad that's over. These days, the only time I'm tired is just before I go to bed and when I wake up. Adrenaline keeps me going the rest of the time.

The Criners and Drew (plus girlfriend, Brenda) visited today. It was a nice to be able to hang with friends... even if it's just for a while.

Tomorrow's another day :)

Join the Taste Of Asia Facebook fan club.

Boot Camp (BMT) Was Easier

Just finished remodeling the restaurant. Just closed on a house. I am now setting up the restaurant, remodeling my house, and shopping for furniture and appliances.

I do not wish this on anyone. In the last three weeks, I've been surviving on very little sleep. I have to furnish both restaurant and house. I have to shuttle between job site, house, and furniture and appliance stores several times each day. Boot camp (BMT) was definitely easier.

Here's a sampling of my week to date.

Monday: Arrived at the restaurant at 8am and waited till 6pm for furniture that never arrived. Extremely pissed off as I am very busy. Went to Home Depot to buy door handles for the house. Went to the house to install the door handles.

Tuesday: Morning, the truckload of restaurant furniture finally arrives. Then I drove back to the house because Terminix came to take care of a fire ants problem. Terminix also found termites in the wood mulch. Noon, drive back to apartment to check on termite warranty. Afternoon, met with Amica's home inspector. Drove back to restaurant to check on the security system and walk-in cooler installation. Check on home remodeling progress.

Wednesday: Morning, had the fire inspection for the restaurant. Met with the Terminix termite inspector. Requested the termites to be terminated with extreme prejudice. Buy storage equipment for the garage. Check on home remodeling progress. Went home and finally got to spent some time with the kids. Later, look through over a thousand photos for restaurant art.

Thursday: Morning, a truckload (literally) of restaurant equipment arrives. Set up equipment pass 10pm. Check on home remodeling progress

Friday: Morning, I had a meeting with a service provider. Then there was the electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and A/C inspection for the restaurant. Called in roofer to fix a leak. I also had the air ducts for the house cleaned. Set up shelves for the restaurants pass 9pm. Check on home remodeling progress.

Tomorrow, I have a staff interview in the morning and have to set up more equipment.

Tired. Need sleep. G'nite.

Just when you think you've hit bottom...

So how low can Ris Low go? Seems like nobody knows. Just when we think it's over, Ris Low plunges even lower.

Now, Ris Low has to retake her exams. Ris Low was caught with notes in her pencil case during an exam.

Ris Low is using clinical "memory loss" as an excuse? Wait! Didn't Ris Low use the "bipolar disorder" excuse for credit card fraud? They should just lock Ris Low away is a loony bin.

Can't believe this nut case almost represented Singapore in the Miss Singapore World?

This is getting old. Ris Low is gonna have to earn another post from me.

Gab, you need to rein in your girl ;P

Goodbye Ris Low!

Ris Low finally resigned her Miss Singapore World title.

Ris Low is an unrepentant convicted criminal. Convicted of credit card fraud and placed on probation couple months ago, Ris Low still took part in the Miss Singapore World pageant knowing that contest rules forbids criminal history. This is blatant, incorrigible dishonesty.

Even after being exposed, Ris Low was defiant and refused to step down. Miss Low, this would have been the best time to show some class which you obviously lack.

ERM World Marketing (organizers) had to make Ris Low resign.

Ris Low can't even resign with class. To save face, Ris Low had ERM say in an official statement that her parents allowed her to resign.

Ris Low isn't mature enough to make her own decisions? Just how incompetent is Ris Low?

This person was going to represent Singapore?

Ris Low needs to grow up. Be a responsible adult, take full responsibility and stop hiding behind her parents. How hard is it to say that it is your decision to resign?

ERM World Marketing could face litigation. ERM needs to be stripped of their Miss World franchise. How hard can it be to do a background check?

PS: Sorry to have to trash your "girlfriend", Gab ;)

Having A Personal Banker Rocks!

I got a late fee on my Chase card couple of weeks back. Never received the statement. Called Chase to have it waived. They won't waive it.

Never been late for almost 10 years. Always pay off my balance each month. Guess Chase is just pissed because they never get to make money from me.

Chase's customer service rep was rude, the supervisor was nicer. Same results.

The irony is that Chase wants my business. Met up with Chase's business reps last week. Listened to their pitch. When they got to the part about how Chase values customer relationships, I struck.

Apparently, a Chase business account gives me a personal banker with more authority than those reps you get on the phone. Chase waived the fees.

Chase only waived the fees because they were going to make more money from my business. If Chase really valued relationships, they should have waived the fees initially.

Still, having a personal banker is pretty cool. I could get used to this.

How Low Can You Go Ris Low?

Ris Low isn't just stupid, she also a thieving criminal. Seems like Ris Low was convicted of credit card fraud and put on probation. An awesome role model for young Singaporeans!

Lie, cheat, steal, have a speech impediment and the IQ of a pea. All great qualities of a Miss Singapore World. Way to go pageant organizers. Great job of vetting the contestants ;)


Guilty of credit card fraud

By Dawn Tay

RECENTLY crowned Miss Singapore World Ris Low, 19, had earlier been found guilty of credit-card fraud.

The beauty queen was convicted of five charges of misappropriation, cheating using illegally obtained credit cards, and impersonating their users' identities.

The first-time offender was sentenced in May this year to 24 months of supervised probation, said a Subordinate Courts spokesman in response to a query from my paper.

Another 60 charges were taken into consideration for the purposes of sentencing, he said.

Court documents show that Miss Low spent a total of more than $2,400 on at least four separate occasions, using at least three different credit cards in April and May last year.

She bought two gold anklets worth almost $1,000, a $698 mobile phone, and food and drinks at a swanky restaurant.

It is not known how she obtained the credit cards.

my paper understands that her previous employer, a healthcare company, made a police report about her in April last year.

It suspected that Miss Low, who worked there for five months as a patient-service assistant, had used credit cards belonging to its patients. It asked her to leave the following month.

Before leaving, she was said to have returned a part - an unspecified sum - of the total amount she had spent using the cards.

When contacted, Miss Low, now a student, said that she was "not in a position to comment".

The organiser of the Miss Singapore World pageant, ERM World, did not respond to queries as to whether it was aware of her criminal record during the pageant.

The international Miss World pageant will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in December.

It is unclear whether Miss Low will be allowed to leave the country to take part in it.

Fri, Sep 25, 2009
myp

Harold's Pit Bar-B-Q

Harold's Pit-Bar-B-Q
1305 Walnut Street
Abilene, TX 79601
(325) 672-4451


Harold's Pit-Bar-Q had the highest points out side of the top 5 in Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ. This spelled R-O-A-D-T-R-I-P. A three hour drive from Arlington, we made Abilene a day trip.

When we arrived, I was thinking "What the...".

You could drive pass Harold's everyday and never know that they have one of the best briskets in Texas. Harold's Pit-Bar-B-Q is in a nondescript building on a nondescript street in a nondescript town.


So we walked in and I chatted with Harold's wife (never got her name). Apparently, they moved from Lockhart, TX many decades ago with Harold's dad. Lockhart is the BBQ capital of Texas.

I got the trinity - ribs, brisket, & sausages. The sides were mash potato, coleslaw, & jalapeno cornbread.


The ribs and sausages are great but the brisket is the main event.

Harold's brisket is comparable to Snow's. I think Harold's is more tender. Why? Harold's cut their meat thick while Snow's cut theirs thin.

Even with a thick cut, Harold's brisket melted in my mouth.

Harold's is famous for two other things - cornbread & BBQ sauce. Strange for a highly rated Texas BBQ to have BBQ sauce as a showcase. Harold's sauce really compliments the meat and cornbread.

Harold's sauce would go well with many things. Harold could make tons of money if he markets the sauce online.


The cornbread comes in two varieties. Regular and jalapeno. There isn't any pics because I ate them so fast and forgot to take pictures. The cornbreads are superb and is a must-try.

Found a pic online. Like to thank westxguy for the pic.


Definitely will be back. In fact, I'm planning another BBQ run before my restaurant opens.