Initially, we thought that Inside Scoop was closed because I remembered reading about it being closed every Wednesday or so.
I can't tell you how glad we were when we saw that they were open.
AND YES I'VE FINALLY COLLECTED MY DRIVING LICENSE AFTER 5 MONTHS. The school was kind enough to give me two P stickers for my car (who knows, I might get one after 5 years.. when I'm not on a probationary license anymore).
We arrived at the cafe at 11-ish in the morning. Fortunately, it's a weekday and there was only one other table that was occupied.
I could shop alone. I could watch movies alone. Heck, I could even take flights alone but I still couldn't get used to eating alone.
Eating alone means..
1) You could only order an item off the menu (at most three items for an average person).
2) The awkward "table for one"
3) Scrolling through all your social media feeds or checking emails, anything to make yourself seem busy.
After being stuck in Singapore for about 5 months, I miss some of the food places in Malaysia MOST of the food places in Malaysia not only because of the conversion rate but also because of the quality of the food. I'm not saying that there's no nice hawker food in Singapore but I prefer Malaysia's. Hence, I was terrifically happy to be able to taste Penang food once again.
See what I mean? An array of cakes but knowing that you wouldn't be able to finish a whole slice after main course (plus I was shopping that day so not much cash available).
I don't often cafe hop / eat at restaurants / shop in Penang but this trip was a little different due to a series of events.
We had this churro craving going on somehow. So, when Korean name Churro 101 opened its outlet at Bugis+ .. we just had to go.
It's quite crowded at times, especially during the evenings. Unfortunately, there are limited seats available as it is quite a small outlet.
I also have this weird habit of dipping churros (and fries!) in ice-cream so I usually order the churro + soft serve ice-cream set (S$5.90).
There are different types of churros to choose from: plain churros, stuffed churros, and chocolate-dipped churros.
I usually go for the normal cinnamon ones as they are my fav.
I also have this weird habit of dipping churros (and fries!) in ice-cream so I usually order the churro + soft serve ice-cream set (S$5.90).
If you're feeling a little bit poor but craving for ice-cream, you could always buy another plain churro and split the bill with a friend. It's definitely enough. :D
Reminder: DO NOT attempt to use cinnamon sugar churros as light sabers! -coughs-
"Better than a boyfriend".
"Better than a boyfriend".
Boyfriends, beware!
The churros are crispy on the outside and soft inside. There's a distinct taste of re-used oil, I suppose. Other than that, it was very goooooood. Went back twice and not a single regret.
Food: 8.5/10
Ambiance: 7/10
Price: 7/10
Service: 8/10
Overall: 7.6/10
(based on personal experience)
Bugis+,
#04-01, 201 Victoria St,
Guess who's back in Malaysia for the semester break?
Well, I had to drop by Penang for some family matters before I head back home and I found myself near a cafe. Couldn't resist the coffee as I didn't have much coffee in Singapore (ugh, the conversion and prices, plus pricey art supplies).
They have a bakery section where they sell freshly baked buns and cakes.
Didn't try out their cakes though. We just went there for a quick cup of coffee :(
I like the ambiance though. They allow natural light to fall in from the windows and there's this part of the cafe that made it seem like we were sitting outdoors (our fav part of the cafe!).
My sister ordered the Matcha Latte (RM11). It has a good balance of matcha and milk, neither one of them overpowering the other.
I like the ambiance though. They allow natural light to fall in from the windows and there's this part of the cafe that made it seem like we were sitting outdoors (our fav part of the cafe!).
My sister ordered the Matcha Latte (RM11). It has a good balance of matcha and milk, neither one of them overpowering the other.
However, she finished it within the first 10 minutes. Bummer.
Caffe Mocha (RM11). I don't drink mocha often but idk, I just felt like it that day.
Caffe Mocha (RM11). I don't drink mocha often but idk, I just felt like it that day.
And like the genius I am, I forgot to stir it before drinking. Therefore, the chocolate ended at the bottom of the cup.
but still.. thumbs up!
They use Dimattina beans, if you have a preference. :)
Did a quick sketch that went horribly wrong in the middle of the session.. oh well.
Did a quick sketch that went horribly wrong in the middle of the session.. oh well.
Dropped by a second time with Jean. Had a tea session with their bread basket and some Chamomile Tea (RM11 for a pot).
Will probably drop by again some other time :D
Will probably drop by again some other time :D
Food: 8.5/10 (havn't tried actual savoury food yet though)
Ambiance: 8.5/10
Price: 7.5/10
Service: 8/10
Overall: 8.1/10
(based on personal experience)
Ambiance: 8.5/10
Price: 7.5/10
Service: 8/10
Overall: 8.1/10
(based on personal experience)
105, Beach St,
10200 George Town,
Penang, Malaysia
Tel No.: +60 4-251 9270
FB Page: Black Kettle Malaysia
More posts coming up soon. Been super-duper busy with school assignments and stuff for the past few weeks and then family issues and stuff. Time to chill and write up some posts and continue on with my drawings! :3
Wow, it's been a little more than a month since I last updated my blog. It's pretty dead here. D:
It's just that I've been busy with school and life and such. And trying to set my life back on track due to school. Oops. Maybe that's just a little exaggerated.
I kept seeing updated blogs and I felt the urge to write up some stuff that is not related to my academic studies.
So, here's what I learnt from my Diploma Year 1 school life at Lasalle (dem art schools):
#1 EVERYONE WOWS AT THE ARCHITECTURE
Most people are impressed by the architecture of the McNally campus where most classes are held (mine included). Well, it sure beats looking at white walls all day long and maybe it motivates the students a little, having an aesthetically pleasing campus.
#2 THERE'S NO DRESS CODE
Meaning, you could practically wear anything that you fancy, be it a fancy dress, tees and shorts, slippers, or tube tops (have not seen anyone in birthday suits so far).
And yeah, you could also get any hairstyle if you could pull it off.
The saddest part is, I already gave up dolling up for school after the second week, not that I did much anyway.
#3 THEY AIN'T KIDDING ABOUT THE WORKLOAD
I'm drafting this post at 1.30am on a Monday night. I spend my weekends as well as most nights on homework. The worst thing? I still couldn't finish my work. Same applies to 90% of my coursemates.
Aside from 3 different 3-hour studio classes, there are also workshops and contextual studies. Work will definitely pile up when you stopped giving a damn.
All in all, Diploma Level One at Lasalle has more work than my high school and that is saying a lot since my high school was well-known for stressing out lots of students.
#4 SLEEPING AT 12AM IS CONSIDERED EARLY
It is not unusual for students to sleep at 4am due to work and wake up at 7-8am to attend classes. No sleep for some people when submission deadline is the next day. (Un)fortunately, I couldn't not sleep. 3 hours is better than nothing, right? RIGHT?
#5 WHERE DID ALL MY MONEY GO
And... there's this matter of money. Most food places near Lasalle is not cheap. Period. The cheapest meal nearby are the hawker centre and a chicken rice store somewhere below a HDB flat (~ S$3). When your friends want to have food above S$5, you might need to reconsider if you don't really have a fixed income and when most of your money is converted from MYR (currently around 1:3). AND THERE'S ALSO LLAOLLAO
Also, I never knew that art supplies could be SO DAMN EXPENSIVE. Who knew that a Bristol board around an A2 size costs about S$2.90? Or that 90ml acrylic paints cost about S$6 (and we needed about 11 colours)? Or even 300gsm A3 watercolour pads that are S$16 for 10 sheets?
#6 THERE'S ALWAYS SOMEONE BETTER THAN YOU
Well, to be honest, not everyone is good at every single aspect of life. However, there are some people who excel at almost every subject at art school. Sure, different people have different art styles but there are always times when you doubt yourself and your works.
#7 YOU'RE USED TO PEOPLE GIVING YOU WEIRD LOOKS
As in people looking at you and wondering, 'what is she doing, carrying this huge drawing board on the bus and MRT. Show off issit? Is this the new hipster trend?' Nope. I don't even want to lug an A2 drawing board to school at the first place.
Or during Gray Matters classes where we are all supposed to do stuff in public that will make people turn heads, e.g. walking barefooted on roads, walking blindfolded, "dressing up".
BTW, ever tried spending 45mins in a cargo lift for class?
#8 THERE'S EVEN MAKEUP CLASSES FOR PH
Basically, syllabus not finished = no holidays at all. EVEN THE 1-WEEK TERM BREAK WAS USED FOR MAKEUP CLASSES. And the classes that we missed were for public holidays. Do you not get the word public? :(
Almost 3 months in and I'm super tired most of the days. It is near impossible to perfectly balance schoolwork, social life, relationships, and sanity. Oh, and money.
Not sure if Year 2 will be as bad, or worse. Meh.
It's just that I've been busy with school and life and such. And trying to set my life back on track due to school. Oops. Maybe that's just a little exaggerated.
I kept seeing updated blogs and I felt the urge to write up some stuff that is not related to my academic studies.
So, here's what I learnt from my Diploma Year 1 school life at Lasalle (dem art schools):
#1 EVERYONE WOWS AT THE ARCHITECTURE
Most people are impressed by the architecture of the McNally campus where most classes are held (mine included). Well, it sure beats looking at white walls all day long and maybe it motivates the students a little, having an aesthetically pleasing campus.
#2 THERE'S NO DRESS CODE
Meaning, you could practically wear anything that you fancy, be it a fancy dress, tees and shorts, slippers, or tube tops (have not seen anyone in birthday suits so far).
And yeah, you could also get any hairstyle if you could pull it off.
The saddest part is, I already gave up dolling up for school after the second week, not that I did much anyway.
#3 THEY AIN'T KIDDING ABOUT THE WORKLOAD
I'm drafting this post at 1.30am on a Monday night. I spend my weekends as well as most nights on homework. The worst thing? I still couldn't finish my work. Same applies to 90% of my coursemates.
Aside from 3 different 3-hour studio classes, there are also workshops and contextual studies. Work will definitely pile up when you stopped giving a damn.
All in all, Diploma Level One at Lasalle has more work than my high school and that is saying a lot since my high school was well-known for stressing out lots of students.
#4 SLEEPING AT 12AM IS CONSIDERED EARLY
It is not unusual for students to sleep at 4am due to work and wake up at 7-8am to attend classes. No sleep for some people when submission deadline is the next day. (Un)fortunately, I couldn't not sleep. 3 hours is better than nothing, right? RIGHT?
#5 WHERE DID ALL MY MONEY GO
And... there's this matter of money. Most food places near Lasalle is not cheap. Period. The cheapest meal nearby are the hawker centre and a chicken rice store somewhere below a HDB flat (~ S$3). When your friends want to have food above S$5, you might need to reconsider if you don't really have a fixed income and when most of your money is converted from MYR (currently around 1:3). AND THERE'S ALSO LLAOLLAO
Also, I never knew that art supplies could be SO DAMN EXPENSIVE. Who knew that a Bristol board around an A2 size costs about S$2.90? Or that 90ml acrylic paints cost about S$6 (and we needed about 11 colours)? Or even 300gsm A3 watercolour pads that are S$16 for 10 sheets?
#6 THERE'S ALWAYS SOMEONE BETTER THAN YOU
Well, to be honest, not everyone is good at every single aspect of life. However, there are some people who excel at almost every subject at art school. Sure, different people have different art styles but there are always times when you doubt yourself and your works.
#7 YOU'RE USED TO PEOPLE GIVING YOU WEIRD LOOKS
As in people looking at you and wondering, 'what is she doing, carrying this huge drawing board on the bus and MRT. Show off issit? Is this the new hipster trend?' Nope. I don't even want to lug an A2 drawing board to school at the first place.
Or during Gray Matters classes where we are all supposed to do stuff in public that will make people turn heads, e.g. walking barefooted on roads, walking blindfolded, "dressing up".
BTW, ever tried spending 45mins in a cargo lift for class?
#8 THERE'S EVEN MAKEUP CLASSES FOR PH
Basically, syllabus not finished = no holidays at all. EVEN THE 1-WEEK TERM BREAK WAS USED FOR MAKEUP CLASSES. And the classes that we missed were for public holidays. Do you not get the word public? :(
Almost 3 months in and I'm super tired most of the days. It is near impossible to perfectly balance schoolwork, social life, relationships, and sanity. Oh, and money.
Not sure if Year 2 will be as bad, or worse. Meh.
Super overdue post (the last time I edited this was 10 Aug 2015, oops) cause art school ain't kidding. Will write up on my back-to-school life soon. This will be more of a photo-blog post.
My cousins asked me to go to a cat cafe in the Bugis area. I was like, why not give it a try? Ever since I went to the Cat Museum the previous week, I realised that not all cats are assh*les.
It's a little hard to find at first. The stairs to the cafe is located in an alley near Burger King at Bugis St.
However, an entrance fee of S$15 is charged per person (inclusive of a soft drink). You could top up to another beverage if you want to.
The good ol' A&W days..
The interior of the cafe is quite cozy. I like the seats very much as they are comfortable to sit in. They also have chairs if you prefer the more traditional table and chairs.
They even have a ledge for the cats to walk on. You can say that it's a skybridge of some sort.
Now, some photos for all the cat lovers.
Both of the pictures above are of the same cat. It was asleep and suddenly woke up and looked at the camera skeptically for some reason.
"Hooman what are you doing?"
Apparently, it was near the cats' napping time (around 7pm) so most cats are asleep. We were warned to not play with the sleeping cats. OR IS IT BECAUSE THAT GROWN CATS ARE LETHARGIC AF.
This cat looks as though it wants to murder someone and/or something.
This must be grouchy cat, cousin of grumpy cat.
And I have no idea as to why this cat kept dragging a blanket around.
Plotting for world dominance.
*acts as though nothing happened when humans pass by*
One last photo.
They do sell food but we weren't in the mood then.
Ended up with Burger King. Heh.
Would like to try other pet cafes too (IF I EVER HAVE THE TIME)
The Cat Cafe
241B Victoria Street,
Singapore 188030
Nearest MRT: Bugis (East West Line/Green Line)
Nearest MRT: Bugis (East West Line/Green Line)
Tel No.: +65 6338 6815
Operating Hours
Mon: 3pm-10pm
Tues to Sun: 10am-10pm
Website: The Cat Cafe Singapore FB page: The Cat Cafe
