禾稈冚珍珠 The Cafe at Secret Place - Number Fifteen

朋友生日，一班姊妹相約吃飯，找來一間在荔枝角工廈裡的樓上餐廳"Number Fifteen"，食物美味得讓我們「清碟」！
To celebrate a friend's birthday, we girls gathered to have dinner together.  The restaurant, Number Fifteen, located in an industrial building in Lai Chi Kok.

單看沙津的造型已非常吸引，大家都急不及待開動了。  The presentation of the salad was already very attractive; all of us could not wait to start.

新鮮焗製的蕃茄水牛芝士薄餅，熱騰騰的端上枱，上面放了極喜愛的火箭菜，香氣撲鼻，蕃茄水牛芝士吃得多，但就是未試過這麼美味!  The freshly baked "Pizza Tomato Mozzarella", decorated with a pinch of my favourite rocket leaves, was served hot from oven.  We have eaten many dishes with mozzarella and tomato before but this one was really delicious and superior to those of what we have in the past.

而最精彩的是雜菌松露油意粉。各色各樣的雜菌，加上調味及松露油，把雜菌的香味帶出。我本是無肉不歡的一族，但面對這菌味十足的意粉，卻以「九秒九」速度「清碟」!!
The most fantastic one was "Mixed Mushrooms Spaghetti".  The perfect mix of mushrooms, plus the seasoning with truffles oil, had brought out the scent of mushrooms all over the spaghetti.  We were not "Vegi Fans" but had cleared this vegetarian dish instantly!!

吃過香煎帶子蜆肉意大利飯之後，還吃了甜品 - 香濃朱古力奶凍。After having the "Risotto with Pan Seared Scallop and Clams", we had the rich chocolate panna cotta.

還有「壓軸好戲」，就是為壽星女所預訂的兩個蛋糕：伯爵茶味和綠茶紅豆。由於蛋糕都是需要預訂的，餐廳便可提供當天新鮮製造的蛋糕。當兩個蛋糕上枱時，我們十分雀躍。兩款蛋糕造型都非常漂亮，蛋糕軟綿綿又沒有過甜。本來，我們有點擔心吃不下兩個蛋糕，但吃了第一口之後，這個疑慮已經盡消!!

That's not the end yet.  We had pre-ordered two cakes for our birthday girl of the day:  Earl Grey and Green Tea with Red Beans.  Cakes need to be pre-ordered so that they were freshly made on the day. Upon seeing them served on the table, we were all so excited.  Both cakes were beautifully presented, texture spongy and not very "over-sweet".  Originally, we worried that we were unable to finish two cakes after having the dishes.  The worry eased once we have the first bite of the cakes!!

日本超人出動!! Red Ranger and Kamen Rider Fourze!!

今天閒逛九龍灣時，經過百貨公司Piago的玩具部，見到很多小朋友排隊，原來是有兩位英明神武的日本超人 - 獸電戰隊紅戰士和幪面超人Fourze，與小朋友見面及映相，引得一班小朋友都乖乖排隊「等埋位」，兩位超人與他們的粉絲也相當投入，擺出各款姿勢，好讓小朋友的父母映個不亦樂乎！
When shopping around Kowloon Bay today, I saw a long queue at the toy section of the department store "Piago".  There were two Japanese characters - Red Ranger of PowerRangers and Kamen Rider Fourze, who were meeting and taking photos with them.  This attracted the little fans to line up and post for photo-taking by their parents.

星巴克的粉紅花花咖啡杯 The Pink Floral Coffee Cup at Starbucks

三月底到了大陸順德大良一倘，由於太早起床，一到埗見到間星巴克，我們一伙兒便立即衝進去喝咖啡。除了喝杯提神咖啡，還發現它們剛在那天推出，新的粉紅咖啡杯，杯內除有花花圖案外，在杯耳上亦有一朵小花點綴。本想買下擁有它，但想到還有一整天行程，便打算回到香港才買。可惜，回到香港，發覺這裡的星巴克未有出售這款粉紅咖啡杯。唉！後悔！

At end March, I have gone to ShunDe of China with the family.  As we were getting up early, we rushed into Starbucks once we discovered it upon arrival.  Besides drinking coffee to refresh, we have discovered a new pink coffee cup which was just launched that day.  There was floral pattern inside the cup as well as a flower standing on the cup handle.  Originally, I would like to buy and collect one.  But, as I still have the whole day of itinerary in ShunDe, I gave up the idea and planned to buy it after returning to Hong Kong.  However, it was regret to find out that this pink coffee cup was not being sold in Starbucks in Hong Kong.  What a pity!

啟德郵輪碼頭的芒果芝士撻 Mango Cheese Tart at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal

與朋友到啟德郵輪碼頭嘆個下午茶，找到不少驚喜。Last week, I went to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal for afternoon tea with a friend and discovered a nice cafe there.



餐廳"Plaza Cafe"的環境舒適，透過落地玻璃可望到平台花園，顧客亦可選擇在室內或室外用餐。The atmosphere of the cafe, called Plaza Cafe, was comfortable and relaxing.  The garden outside could be seen via the large glass windows.  In fact, customers could choose to take the seats indoor or the alfresco seats.

當來到Plaza Cafe時，見到玻璃櫃來那些精緻西餅時，便後悔吃了午餐，還未來得及消化，不可把各款西餅通通試一遍。When arriving the glass cabinet of the cafe, seeing all the types of cakes on shelves, I was so regret to have lunch earlier that day.  Otherwise, I could order all types of the cakes to eat.

我和朋友點了榛子鮮奶咖啡和美式咖啡及芒果芝士撻和榛子巧克力慕絲。咖啡香濃，慕絲除了濃厚的巧克力味道，還有粒粒榛子果仁在內；最喜愛的是芒果芝士撻，餅底鬆軟，芒果醬酸甜適中，很有芒果的果香，好像在吃一個軟綿綿的芒果。We have ordered Hazelnut Latte, Americano, Mango Cheese Tart and the Chocolate Mousse with Hazelnut.  All were delicious with rich coffee, the mousse with tasty chocolate flavour and small hazelnuts inside.  The most delighted one was the Mango Cheese Tart as the cake was very spongy while the sweetness of mango paste was just fit with an aroma of mango.  It was like eating a soft and spongy mango.

其實，餐廳還有提供兩人享用的下午茶套餐，用三層的英式美食架盛載，只是港幣268。計劃下次再來嘗試。  In fact, the cafe also offered tea set for two at HK$268.  Snacks were served on the usual 3-stack food rack -- target for our next patronage!!

在現代的東京領略古都的風情「川越」 A Journey to the Ancient Times in the Contemporary Tokyo - Kawagoe, 03.2015

穿越古今的「川越」 A Journey to the Historic Kawagoe

Video: 川越祭典會館 Kawagoe Festival Museum

東京給人的印象都是現代化的、潮流先驅、充滿創新的事物；但原來只要坐半小時火車便可到達古色古香、有小江戶之稱的「川越」。川越位於東京市的西北方，位近新河岸川，曾因船運而繁榮，與江戶之間展開頻繁的文化及商業交流。至今川越依然保存了許多藏造建築(倉庫式建築)，如商店及寺廟神社，滲透出江戶時代的風情。Tokyo is perceived as modernized, trend setter and full of innovations.  However, in just 30 mins by train, we could reach the historical Kawagoe which resembled the "Edo" atmosphere. Kawagoe located at the northwest of Tokyo city.  As a thriving port on Shingashigawa River, it developed deep cultural and business ties with Edo.  Even now, old-fashioned warehouse-style merchant houses and shrines line the streets, echoing the Edo atmosphere 

我們在池袋駅的東上線售票處購買1天優惠劵(1000日元)，用此劵可乘坐來回池袋和川越的火車、1天內不限次數搭乘在川越的東武巴士、會館和殿社的入場費折扣及部份商店的折扣或優惠等等。We bought the one-day pass from the Tojo line ticket office at Ikebukuro station.  The one day pass was valid for the round-trip train between Ikebukuro and Kawagoe station, unlimited free ride on Tobu bus in Kawagoe, discounts for admission to museums and shrines, discounts or special offers from many shops there. 


乘火車到達川越後，我們乘坐東武巴士，只需約10分鐘便可到達主街，開始遊覽。After arriving Kawagoe train station, we took the Tobu bus to arrive the main street in about 10 mins and explored the city.   

鐘樓是川越的象徵性地標，至今鐘樓仍然運作，每天敲鐘4次。Toki No Kane was a symbolic landmark at Kawagoe.  It still functioned and rang four times each day to tell the time.

每年10月，川越都會舉行盛大的冰川祭禮，川越祭典會館內介紹這個在川越已有三百多年歷史的節慶，館內還放置了祭典中所用、約兩層樓高的山車(花車)。憑1天優惠劵可享入場費折扣優惠。Every October, the city would organized the annual Kawagoe Festival.  Kawagoe Festival Museum introduced all the different details about this festival which was having a history of more than 300 years.  In the museum, the dazzling parade floats called "Dashi" (Mountain-car) which were as high as two-storey were displayed.  Discount on admission fee was available when presenting the one-day pass.



本丸御殿建於1848年，是川越城唯一保留下來的御殿，館內有展示文物及文化遺產圖片。由於是歷史建築且八成以上的室內面積是榻榻米，參觀者需於入口先脫鞋入內。憑1天優惠劵可享入場費折扣優惠。The Goten was built in 1848 and was the only remaining building of the Kawagoe Castle.  In the Goten, archaeological artifacts and pictures of cultural properties were displayed.  As over 80% of the area was covered with Tatami mats, visitors needed to take off their shoes at the entrance before going in.  Discount on admission fee was available when presenting the one-day pass.

川越有很多不同特色的店舖，售賣傳統日式小吃、烹調材料、手工藝品、衣飾鞋履等，更有不同食品的料理。There are a lot of specialty shops in Kawagoe, selling traditional Japanese snacks, cooking sauces, handicrafts, clothes and shoes, etc. as well as  restaurants serving different cuisines.

日本輕井澤 短遊兩天 A Two-day Trip to Karuizawa 03.2015

很多遊客到東京都可能會找一天往輕井沢，今次我們選擇短遊輕井沢兩天，今次住在離JR輕井沢駅只幾分鐘路程的APA Hotel. 酒店位置方便，JR車站、巴士站、租車公司及Outlet Mall都是近在咫尺。酒店房間不大但整潔，設備齊全，每層近販賣機都設有放置枕頭的架，如覺房內的枕頭不夠或不適，可自行再挑選。Many people like to go to Karuizawa for a day trip when visiting Tokyo. This time, we chose to go for a short two-day stay at Karuizawa. We had booked to stay at the APA Hotel which was located conveniently to access the JR station, bus stop, car rental companies and outlet mall in just a few minutes walk. The hotel room was not big but neat and tidy with necessities in place. On each floor, there was a rack of pillows. If the pillows in room were not enough or not suitable, more could be obtained from these racks.

到輕井沢，大家都去Outlet Mall血拼一番，到第二天，我們租了車，在輕井沢遊覽一天。早上到過果園Karuizawa Garden Farm採草莓，每人2000日元便可在半小時任摘任食，之後還可在接待處購買新鮮採摘的草莓或有機果製食品如果醬等。At Karuizawa, hunting for good bargain at the outlet mall was the first item on itinerary. On the second day, we rented a car to tour around. We have gone to the Karuizawa Garden Farm for picking strawberries. For 2000yen per person, we could pick and eat strawberries continuously for 30mins. There were also freshly picked strawberries or organic fruit products, eg. jam for sale at the reception counter.

輕井沢有很多大大小小的教堂，我們也到訪其中的幾間，而設計最特別的莫過於1988年興建的石之教堂。There were many different churches and chapels in Karuizawa.  We have visited some of them and among them, the most specially designed one was the Stone Church.  

除了教堂，還有四季景色都不同的雲場池，看看湖上那些自在的鴛鴦。Apart from churches, we have visited Kumoba Pond which was having different scenery in the four seasons, seeing pairs of mandarina ducks cuddling.

可惜當我們準備去白絲瀑布時，雨下得很大，唯有留待下次再到輕井沢時才去了。A pity that the rain was getting large when we would like to go to Shiraito Falls and hence, we needed to leave it for next visit.