Turning 35 and Dinner at Brinj

I know age is just a number and I don't turn melancholic about turning a year older. But milestone birthdays like turning 21, 25, 30, 35 and (gasp) 40 are inevitably reminders that time is a passing us by and we need to seize the day. Birthdays are a good time to take stock of where you've been, where you are and, more importantly, where you want to be in life. Honestly, 35 is not that different from 34, but it feels different, it feels like turning the corner into adulthood for good. 

I love myself at 35. I have regrets, but I've also done a lot of things I'm proud of before turning 35. One of these things, is having met some really great friends and KEPT them in my life. I AM TRULY BLESSED. With my (actual) family, Shanghai family and Bear family. I probably don't say it often enough but:

I love you guys. Each and everyone of you beautiful people continue to inspire me everyday with your energy and infectious enthusiasm.   

Some pics here (missing some peeps but not forgotten - you know who you are)

I had a blast at Mad Men - the live band was awesome! Thanks to all who turned up and made the night truly special for me. One of the most original birthday greetings I received was from L, who told me - "Here's wishing you lots of good food ahead.."

Indeed. Birthday dinner at Brinj was AMAZING. 

There were 12 of us and I had pre-ordered dishes which were signature to this small nondescript restaurant at Cheong Chin Nam Road. Parking was a bitch but the food was definitely worth the pain. 

First up - the highlight of the dinner - Lechon, or roasted suckling pig. Wow. This little piggy made us all very happy - love love love the crisy fat and crackling, and the meat was so tender and juicy!

Close your eyes if you are squeamish - this is me butchering the pig's head muhahaha. 

The grilled corn salad which followed was refreshing. They added some spices me thinks, I liked the aftertaste. Next, we were served the lamb ribs. According to Patrick the chef, this was milk-fed lamb (available from Tekka Market wor) which is prized for its flavor and texture. Grilling is the best way to enjoy it and true enough - we loved it. B especially.

Next up was a roast duck served with carrots in an orange sauce. I was a bit disappointed because the duck was a bit dry. The carrots were nice and soft though. 

The grilled salmon and calamari was what cemented my respect for Patrick. It takes skill to perfect grilled salmon but when done well, I love how the natural oils in the salmon keep it moist but also create a slight crispiness on the outside of the fish. The grilled squid was impressive too - we were all stuffed but how to resist the perfectly charred yet melt-in-the-mouth tender piece of heaven? The pilaf rice which it was served with added even more texture to this dish. Excellent.

We then ended the meal with some carbo - Baba noodles. Basically hokkien mee in duck fat. It was ok. By then we were all stuffed!

Yes, dessert was sweeter than usual.

Verdict:I think I speak for all 12 at dinner that this might well be one of the best meals in 2013. Quote Joyce:

"The spread we had for our private dinner of 12 was sumptous - despite the cosy western set-up of the restaurant, I really enjoyed the Asian touches to every dish e.g. the hei bi hiam which accompanied the bread, the samabal balachan for the lamb.'"

Agree. I highly recommend Brinj so do go check it out - Patrick was talking about moving to NZ (noooo...) so hurry! Gather a group, bring a few bottles of wine (offer Patrick a glass to sweeten the no-corkage policy) or buy some from his very reasonably priced selection, and prepare to have a blast. I gave him a budget of $80 per pax to work with and the above was what we got - one fantastic night out with delicious food and good conversation.

Love you all my makan kakis. Muakz!