Oct 27 2009
I’m back …
It’s been a while. I know. But somewhere between my desperate search for the perfect Hokkaido ramen and the second best sauvignon blanc I’d tasted from Cloudy Bay, life, as they say, has been one big messy buffet (and you know how I feel about all-you-can-eat menus).
I’ll try to keep this sad excuse for an apology letter short. Let’s just say that when served well chilled and then allowed to warm up to perfection in the palms of my hands, the Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc 2009 was all of the young, spirited and sprightly fairy of young white wines many had promised it would be. But don’t take my word for it. Keep a lookout for insights from winemaker Nick Lane (who graced us with his presence last week to launch the 2009 vintage) himself, in an upcoming issue of Weekend TODAY’s Living, of course.
As for my search for the surprisingly elusive “perfect ramen”, I’m glad to report that the Japanese themselves aren’t too bothered with the fact that my brief search was, alas, in vain. The locals I was told (by a local) don’t take ramen that seriously, anyway – in a good way, that is.
Having said that, I am glad to say that it has not left me too disheartened. I was actually rather pleased that the incident had at least reminded me of one of my favourite albeit clichéd idiom. No need to hold your breath. And no, it’s not the one about how too much sex makes the heart pump stronger.
The old turn of phrase I’m referring to has less to do with acts of instant gratification and more to do with being grateful for every step I take, whatever the culinary odyssey. Like great food and the never ceasing surprises they seem to always deliver, life, as they say, is about the journey and never really just about the destination.
Besides, in about a month or so (I’m guessing), Singaporeans will get to sample one of the most famous bowls of Hokkaido ramen – and ramen chef – to date. And we won’t need to travel more than 30 minutes on the MRT to get there. Keep checking back to find out what and who I’m talking about.
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