Sodeza

This is part of the confusion of it all.  In the dream, there is very little that is different.  I am in one place.  There is something that sounds like rain outside, and when I look out the window, I can see that it is actually raining.  There is someone at a table next to me, who has the look of someone who was just staring at me, until I looked in her direction.  It’s hard to tell if there are awkward intentions here, or something very specific and sharp.  Either way, I want to be flattered but sense that it’s more appropriate to be slightly on guard.  It will pay off later.

When I leave that place, I take what I am reading to be someone else’s umbrella, and even though I know it at the time, I am in too much of a hurry to stop.  I decide that it will work out for the best, me taking hers, and her using mine, and it might make no difference at the end of the day.  Soon, however, I am out on the streets, in the rain, on my way to an appointment for lunch at a Chinese restaurant.  I walk quickly, and I know that I need to be impressive for this, because there are some futures that could be made easier if the meal is seamless and uncomplicated.

Chinese food is always complicated, however, and this is one of the reasons I like it so very much.  There are some simple ideas and philosophies here, but the tastes have to meet with each other in unusual combinations, and this sets in motion some fortunate events, culinarily speaking.  This is a beautiful day, except for one problem.  When I meet with the client, he is staring at my umbrella, which is covered with pink flowers.  And just outside the window, the woman from the cafe earlier is standing, and starting to knock on the glass.  She wants to speak to me.  When I do wake up from the dream, I cannot distinguish it from the day, because they are exactly the same.

As with all the great cities in the world there is always some incredible opportunities to explore great locally based cuisine and traditional recipes as well as to experience some fabulous food from world cultural genres and styles. This is absolutely true for Singapore, which is known for its great cultural scene and also its dining opportunities. There is an incredibly diverse culinary spectrum in the city and there is a place for any type of food and dining experience you may crave. Enjoying the food of Singapore’s eateries and restaurants is frequently one of the favorite things for tourists to do when they visit the city.

You can find everything from a Hard Rock Café to the most traditionally based local fare, and many people are interested in enjoying as much of the diverse assortments of good as possible. This spectrum of possibility is also nice for individuals of different temperaments. Sometimes a tourist is simply worn down and hungry and is eager to fill their stomachs with what they know. Others are always interested in exploring a local culture through their food and will only eat at small independent restaurants that serve local favorites. Whatever your mood or perspective, Singapore has the establishment for you.

The Song of India is one of the premiere fine dining establishments in the city. The building itself exudes class and good taste and the menu represents some of the best culinary art found in the city. Some of the signature dishes include the Lobster Moiley, which is pan seared with lemon and a marinade. It is served a Kerala moily sauce. One of their most popular appetizers is the jumbo prawns that are served with a tandoor marinade and are stuffed with crayfish and shrimp. They are also delicately spiced with garlic and hints of other flavors.

New York is known for its restaurants and the late-night bars, but you barely hear about the great meals that can be found in hidden corners through out Manhattan. It’s not often that New Yorkers like to venture outside of their comfort zone and dine at a place they’ve never heard of before, or for that matter take a taxi to or the Metro. But, I’ve found a site that lists some of the best restaurants in the City, some well known and others off the beaten track, but is the hidden treasure. Check out this site.

I’ve managed to discover some new and interesting dining establishments that cater to the traditional feasts that most Americans like to indulge themselves with on a daily basis, as well as some non-traditional feasts, which can scare the less adventurous away. I found one restaurant on the site I listed which I thought might prove different, and yet comfortable. I found a small somewhat romantic place called the Black Duck locate on East 28th street. I almost passed it right up, the restaurant and bar is nestled in a newly restored Brownstone next to a hotel.

When I stepped inside, I was immediately taken by the simplicity of the place; very warm and inviting. This was my chance to go outside my comfort zone and try what was on the menu that night.  The menu changes nightly, so I can’t really tell you what they specialize in, but they serve the food in courses. My first course was a Butternut Squash salad with shaved Fennel. My second course was Pan Roasted Organic Chicken with Mushroom Risotto, Grilled Corn Salsa and Spiced Cabernet Vinaigrette and for the final third course (dessert), I was served Coconut Pannacotta.

I’ve never heard of these dished before in my life, but boy, was I so glad I tried them. I ate every last bite! Every this was so savory and sensational. The staff made me feel like a long lost family member and the price was very reasonable for such an exquisite meal.

So far, the website I’ve mentioned hasn’t steered my wrong yet and I hope you will come out of your comfort zone and give some of the restaurants listed a try. You won’t be sorry.