Jovyn and Her Last Week in Talent Plus Playgroup

A piece of sad news for everyone who could not get enough of Jovyn in this blog; starting from next year, she would reside in her parent's place at Sengkang which means my interaction with the spoiled brat would be tremendously reduced. 

As she would also exit from her current playgroup in Yishun, my mom "arrowed" me on my precious one-day leave to accompany Jovyn to her playgroup and take some photos. Here goes:

In the lift and likely wondering if she should attempt pressing all the buttons to irritate her grandma who was already flustered that Jovyn would be once again late for classes. 

You think she cares? 

Hell no!

Going to miss her mischievous look! Honestly, since she started staying with us after the expiry of my sister's maternity leave, she has always been a bundle of joy and often brings us lots and lots of laughter. 

The negative aspect is that i often have to sacrifice my blogging time to play with her. Not to mention she loves to come to my room where she can lie on my bed and watch "doraemon" without having to compete with my parents for Channel 8 programmes.

Watching the cartoon quietly would the best scenario for me to concentrate on blogging but she has a short attention span and deems it necessary to disturb me every few minutes with "jiu jiu" (Chinese for Uncle). 

This coming week would be her last week with Talent Plus Playgroup which was located conveniently near Yishun MRT station and only about ten minutes walk from our house. 

Since there was some delay to the start of classes on that day, i decided to make full use of the time (and my leave) to take more pictures of Jovyn and my mom. 

Anyone still remember the post i did on Jovyn's resistance to attend playgroup? The situation has improved markedly and there is one person my mom is very grateful to. 

Teacher Yani who was terribly patient yet firm with Jovyn from the very beginning! As mom was the main caregiver, it was a blessing that Yani can speak Mandarin and hence, was able to advise my mom whenever the need arises. 

Anyway, the threat of HFMD (hand foot mouth disease) remained to be on high alert and all toddlers were screened (temperature, checking of spots / rashes on hands etc) thoroughly before they were allowed into the facility. 

Awwwwww.... this reminded me so much of my kindergarten days when we would compare with fellow school mates on whose school bag was nicer! Can't really quite recall what was the "in" character then but it could likely be He-man or transformers. 

Considering that the playgroup session was only two hours long, the smaller space didn't appear to pose a problem for the kids. It did seem spacious; thanks to the full length mirrors. 

I personally think it is important for kids to start socialising from young; the way adults interact can never be on the same level as compared to children of roughly the same age. 

Furthermore, peer pressure is necessary in the learning process. Back at home, she was the rogue princess who can have her way so long she cries. In a playgroup, she can see many small people like her who behave and hence, would likely follow. 

The different languages we used at home can also be confusing for the kid; English, Mandarin and even Hokkien! In the playgroup, as with other educational institutions, English is the medium of instruction. Full stop. 

Another advantage of this playgroup was that my mom's friend operates the karaoke lounge right next door (which is connected via the wooden door) and hence, would periodically check if Jovyn is behaving or not. Jovyn was fully aware of this and would knock on the door for "auntie" whenever she threw the occasional tantrum.

She came over to keep me company and must have wondered what i am doing here when even grandma was prohibited into the room during playgroup time. 

I chased her away (contrary to the misleading picture, i didn't push her)! Damn, i can play with her all i want at home and i don't cordon wasting money if all she does was to stick to me during the session! Her playgroup cost my sister S$165 a month okay! 

Great, she started playing with Lego bricks which we didn't have at home. Hm.... maybe i should buy her a Lego set for Christmas. At least Lego bricks are better than the colourful balls that Alex bought for her! 

Sadly, her attention waned within minutes and she switched to playing with her fellow playmates. 

The other kids were not accustomed to see a stranger in the class, especially an adult male, although having a big ass camera did help to pique their curiousity. 

An individual portrait for Jovyn. 

More pictures as i am running out of words to fully describe the intricacies of operating a playgroup, which was obviously beyond my capability! 

Teacher Yani and her colleague helping to assemble the kids for a class photo! A session was actually scheduled on Thursday this week but i am unable to attend. Therefore, i am extremely thankful for their help to make this happen. 

A full class strength was sixteen kids but quite a number didn't turn up. This should be quite common since it was a Monday and kids, like adults, have the tendencies to indulge over the weekend. I think.

Last picture of Jovyn smiling in a most cheeky manner before i left the class. 

I was back an hour later to pick her up with a heavy heart. Think about it, once she moves over to Sengkang, it would be less likely for me to pick her up from school (i think i would be too lazy to drive all the way there). 

Oh well, i guess i would have more time for blogging then. 

Mad for Garlic Italian Wine Bistro @ Suntec City Mall [Singapore]

The great dislike for garlic by many friends makes me wonder how this Korean originated restaurant would be able to gain a strong stronghold in Singapore's competitive food industry. 

Let's admit it; you have the haters who would pick minute bits of garlic out from a plate of vegetables and those who would not hesitate to pop a raw clover or two after a wedding dinner. I take a neutral stand on garlic but i am a strong believer of its health benefits. 

With over forty garlic-based dishes, i guess this would also be the perfect sanctuary to be at in a vampire attack. Anyway, this was once again another great recommendation by the Kon-Tan couple although you may wish to visit during the weekdays when you pay only a fraction of the cost for a reduced portion. 

To quote an example, the seven of us still managed to incur over S$320 for our meal even though we made full use of card promotions (like one above for DBS card holders)! Exorbitant? Here's a sample of what we have (note that this doesn't include all the dishes).

Garlic Bread Tower

For a simple loaf of bread, i cannot fathom why was there so much effort put in to present this dish! The impressive knife strokes by the waiter took our breath away and i was half expecting the man to throw the bread tower in the air before swiping a few more additional strokes.

Presentation aside, this was not fantastic. I love garlic bread and found the garlic puree in this bread tower to have too bland a flavour. To its benefit, the bread came warm and tasted as if it came straight out from the oven. 

Sauteed Fresh Mussels

Not too bad with the garlic cream sauce contributing the main bulk of the flavour. Comparatively speaking though, i would have enjoyed sambal mussels better. 

Garlic Snowing Pizza

Honestly, i doubt i would have ordered this garlic snowing pizza on my own, knowing very well that garlic has a spicy pungency that i assumed would not sit well in a pizza.

I was so bloody wrong! Decked in pieces of shrimps, dices of juicy pineapples, slices of deep fried garlic on a layer of deliciously sweet garlic paste, it was the tastiest pizza i had in the longest time!

Teriyaki Chicken and Pasta Combo

Pasta was too dry for my liking. The teriyaki chicken did better but do take note that the taste had steered away from the traditional Japanese version and might be less enjoyable for diners seeking the authentic taste.

Iberico Pork and Rice Combo

With an appearance that didn't excite me, i was caught off guard by the delightful traces of natural meat juice that seeped in between my teeth as i slowly chewed through the pork! Yummy! Don't overlook the rice too which was like a serving of super moist fried rice generously peppered with tiny bits of fragrant garlic! 

Tiramisu Cake

As always, this wasn't my cup of tea and i am reserving my personal comment on it. Maybe i should defer the review to the rest of my companions and the verdict was; they loved it! 

Garlic Berry and Ice Cream

Initially, i thought the ice cream tasted really smooth, creamy and complemented perfectly with the berry sauce surrounding it, with the exception of one factor; where was the god damn garlic?! It was later that i realised garlic jelly was actually hidden within! Thankfully, they were sweet and didn't have that spiciness which would have otherwise destroyed this dessert.

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Location

No 3, Temasek Boulevard,

#02-300 / 301, Suntec City Mall

Normal Pricing

Garlic Bread Tower - S$12.50

Sauteed Fresh Mussels - S$32.50

Garlic Snowing Pizza - S$22.50

Teriyaki Chicken and Pasta Combo - S$21.40

Iberico Pork and Rice Combo - S$26.40

Tiramisu Cake - S$8.90

Garlic Berry and Ice Cream - $8.90

[Subject to GST and Service Charge]

Food Menu

As above.

Additional Information

As part of the DBS card promotion, we got a few glasses of signature ade. My personal favourite was the yujaade with its strong hint of yuzu flavouring and gassy fizziness!