Tip 252: Eat a work of art

As I enter Tanjung Pagar Complex, a hawker center in Singapore, even from a distance I can hear the sound of wok clanging. It is however but from one stall that echoes through the whole complex.

The cook is dedicated to ensure every single strand of noodle of his char kway teow dish is fried evenly as he tosses and turns the noodles. Even when there is a long queue of customers, it does not stop him from concentrating on his craft on each and every plate cooked to perfection. He does not believe in cooking a few dishes together in one wok, even when the wok is large enough or if certain customers order the same dish.

While I am unsure if this is the best char kway teow stall in Singapore, I certainly appreciate every ounce of dedication put into the noodles. The blend of prawns, oil, egg, Chinese sausage and chili absorbs evenly into the noodles, together with a simmer of lime makes it just right for my palate - the umami after taste. For SGD2.50 a dish, his passion is beyond monetary value.

Another place I enjoy appreciating a work of fine craftsmanship in food is at the Jalan Berseh Ice Kachang (shaved ice) stall. The owner is a humble man who does not believe in placing awards at his stall, even when he has a steady flow of customers when he starts opening the stall at noon. He has a winning ice shaver machine that shaves the finest ice I have ever tasted. If I could be his consultant, I will re-brand his SGD1.20 ice kachang to Snow Ice delights and charge double or triple the price as its a differentiator from the rest :)

But, again the best dishes do not depend on a wok or a machine. The attention to detail rest in how his hand churns the bowl to precisely capture the shaved ice and how he garnishes this dessert with the right amount of milk, syrup and other condiments such as corn, red beans, kidney beans and attap chee.

After a few visits, I was curious on the secret of the distinct aromatic taste of the syrup. It has the right level of sweetness and a natural taste to it. I enquired from the owner and he said he does not buy it from suppliers, but makes the syrup from natural ingredients. This must be the reason many customers can taste the difference and even after the lunch time crowd leaves, this is the only dessert stall that never stops churning its machine.

Only between 5-8pm, I can get this refreshing desert quick enough to relieve the stress of work. As I ponder upon such excellent workmanship, I aspire to plan for my next day’s work with hopefully the same rigor, passion and drive to excellence and craftsmanship as these two cooks.

(Top photo is the Penang Style variant while second is black sauce Seafood Char Kway Teow from second floor of Tanjung Pagar Complex on top of the market. Next is the ice kachang at Jalan Berseh Food Center. Sayaka's first swimming pool experience was during her first church camp held at Palm Resort Le Grandeur Hotel, Senai Johor).

Tip 251: Chiropractic for kids

I was joining my wife with the kids for her regular visit to the chiropractor. Then, I decided to have a chat with the chiropractor about my kids and thought of seeking his view about kid's balance and athletic nature.

Previously, I wrote about Haruka being less athletic and in my observations, I try to encourage her to be more active by running with her.

She received her pre-school report card about her physical education participation. She did not get the best score for balance, hoping on 1 leg and a few other coordinated moves.

As I reflect, it could possibly be due to a phobia she still harboured or maybe she is just born with a personality that values being safe, careful and attempting all actions methodically. In attempting a flight of staircase, she would prefer to step one by one, instead of skipping a few in a daring jump. As parents, it helps to note this to make any remedial actions.

The chiropractor did a check on her spine and nerves and mentioned that there could be a slight disproportionate weight on one side of her body. According to him, this can affect the organ that is instrumental in achieving balance for the kid.

Nothing serious, but he did a few adjustments and said it should do the trick. While, I am not too hopeful, but believes that early intervention through observation of your child and encouraging them to play in the outdoors can improve many weaknesses for the best possible outcome.

(Photos show Haruka at her kindergarten, during a joint class performance and at the church Sunday School performance).

Tip 250: Running with your child

Most of us assume that kids love to play and run around. Yes they do. But, these days, they may not push their physical boundaries more than they could, considering the comfortable home they live in and the many attractive toys available at home. If we do not keep an eye on their physical fitness or provide motivations to enjoy the outdoors, they may begin to develop the habit of being less athletic or even be a couch potato.

We certainly can't expect all kids to be athletic. Part of it is in their genes. Another in their personality preferences. Yet, in today's modern lifestyle, are kids spending more time at home than in the outdoors? Do they find it too hot out in the sun or too tiring when it involves a little bit of running?

I was practising for a run and thought I would invite Haruka along at an enclosed field that is safe. While I outran her as I was keeping time, I kept watching her. It turned out quite productive. She did try her best to run fast and for quite a long distance which she usually wouldn't. When she was walking while taking a rest, she would observe the flowers around the field. She ran twice around the field, covering at least 1km in 30 minutes. I am proud of my 3 years old daughter as she joined me in my run a few times. She isn't too athletic by nature, but these activities together with dad can boost her esteem and keep her active.

(Photos show the girls at the Henderson Waves bridge that connect 2 parks making it an enjoyable nature trail, at the Jewel Box Mount Faber and me at the Osim 2011 Triathlon at Singapore).