Romantic Christmas

I was just browsing through some advertisements sent via snail mail and came across this interesting article. I shall share with my readers what I read inside the interesting article:

Have you ever been to Japan during Christmas? Have you ever wondered the significance of Christmas to Japanese?

In Japan, Christmas Eve has long been hyped by the media as a season for romantic "miracles". The Christmas season in Japan is somewhat closer to the Western concept of "Valentine's Day". It is regarded as the time to spend with your other half in the most romantic settings. In addition, girls also take the opportunity to reveal their affections to boys and vice versa.

Now, that is an interesting idea altogether! In my perspective, I often thought of Christmas as the time to party with friends and loved ones. The best way to celebrate it is either to countdown with a huge crowd at some countdown party OR to find a quiet place to enjoy life (eg sip some good wine and reminisce on the year that has passed).

The Japanese celebrate Christmas Eve by eating a "Christmas cake". The prices of the cakes are pushed down on 25 Dec every year in order to sell all cakes by 26 Dec. Hence, there is a sarcastic comparison to young ladies (http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/culture/christmas.html). In olden days, young ladies are referred to as "Christmas cakes": marriageable until their 25th birthday and requiring heavy discounts to get married after their 25th birthdays. Well, I cannot agree with that statement! Afterall, marriage is not a transaction measured by monetary terms. It's still worth the wait for a special someone.

In Western cultures, it is often a tradition to have a turkey on the dining table. However, in Japan, you can't find a turkey. Well, that is if you book one online to be couriered over. Therefore, Japanese often eat fried chicken during Christmas celebrations. Should you do a google, Christmas dinner in Japan = fried chicken = Kentucky Fried Chicken! (Click this) *wow*

Christmas in Japan is definitely one experience different from that of Singapore. It seems KFC has the monopoly in Japan in terms of fried chicken...... perhaps other fast food joints selling fried chicken can consider Japan as a potential market?!

Fried Chicken at its Best

I am not obsessed with fried chicken. However, I must say the crispy chicken itself is irresistible. Guys like to eat meat while girls like to eat seafood, that's what I also come to realise. Well, with a lao gong who likes fried chicken, I thought that I could share with my readers the different places that are good.

1. Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits

This is my favourite place so far. There are a few outlets in Singapore, but the recommended one is at The Flyer.

There are a few reasons why I enjoy eating at Popeye. Firstly, the atmosphere gives me a family oriented feel. The outlet at The Flyer has television sets playing Tom and Jerry. I also often see families eating out at Popeye. Secondly, I think the serving of the crispy chicken is generous. In addition, the chicken is not that oily.

Although my lao gong is not as impressed as I am with the chicken, he recommends 1 side dish that is a must have at Popeye. That is the mashed potato. The gravy is the highlight of the mashed potato, with small chicken bits in it. It is unique and well blended with the smooth mashed potatoes.

Must try! Mashed potato!

2. Arnold's Fried Chicken

One thing worth mentioning is that this is Singapore's own brand! Many highly recommend the chicken at Arnold's. In my opinion, there isn't anything spectacular about it. However, one thing that I really enjoy having at Arnold's Fried Chicken is the potato platter!

I must emphasize I'm not a fan of potato. But, the potato platter gets me hooked. Those people who are watching their waistlines should abandon the idea for the time being. The pot of cheese is the highlight of the potato platter! Just thinking about it makes me salivate...

Not forgetting.. here's the address of the place:
810, Geylang Road, #02-99/101, City Plaza

Must try! Potato Platter!

3. Texas Chicken

There are only 3 outlets in Singapore.1 at Expo, 1 at United Square and 1 at the airport. One thing worth mentioning is that the chicken at Texas chicken is very soft and tender. The spicy chicken at Texas Chicken is different from the rest of the fast food joints. It sort of reminds me of some hot samba chilli below the crispy skin. Its definitely very hot. I wasn't too impressed with the chicken.

However, there are varied opinions on Texas Chicken. My lao gong liked the spicy chicken, mainly due to the tenderness of the chicken as well as the comparatively larger servings.

Must try! Spicy chicken for its tenderness!

4. KFC

The most common place that Singaporeans think of when they think of fried chicken is KFC. I remember going to KFC each time after yoga during my NTU days. In terms of tastiness of chicken, I would rank KFC's chicken after Popeye's chicken (yes, Popeye's chicken is #1 in my opinion). However, overtime, the chicken served at KFC has become scrawny and in my opinion, pathetic. The servings of each fast food joint above is definitely larger than those at KFC.

One thing that I must give KFC credit is its cheese fries, which are not available at the other fast food joints above. Mmmm...

Must try! Cheese fries!

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So.. have you tried the above? If not, then take the above as food for thought!