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Archive for the ‘Food’ Category

The metropolitan area of Singapore offers a diverse selection of entertainment and performance options. There are also a great number of activities, festivals and events in which tourists and locals take part. It is only logical that the restaurant scene in Singapore also offers a diverse assortment of options to entice the tourist population as well as keep its citizens well fed and happy. Cuisine from around the world can be found in the Singapore restaurants though many of the tourists who visit the city, as well as though who are there for business or other non vacation oriented reasons, prefer to sample some of the local favorites.

Many of the traditional favorite dishes of Singapore originate with the ancestral history of its current population demographics. Chinese, Malays and Indians are all major populations that were also part of Singapore’s early establishment and development. The cuisine of these countries is also part of Singapore’s tradition. In general, the food can be considered to be robust and flavorful. Some of the country of origin specific elements include the condiments that are typical to Chinese cuisine, Indian spices and Malaysian herbs such as lemongrass. And remaining true to its fishing village origins, many of the local dishes are fish and seafood based.

It is not difficult for tourists to find their favorite ethnic food in Singapore and it is equally easy to experience some of the local flavors. This is a common aspect of many travelers who believe that you can only truly know a culture or people through their food and dining customs. And when combined with attending a traditionally based performance or musical event, it is certainly a great way to enjoy your vacation, as well as to learn about Singapore and its history. These are gifts that never leave you and one of the best souvenirs from any trip is to return home with a new favorite food or dish.

There is something about Singapore that’s singularly exciting, and it’s certainly related to the very cosmopolitan culture that is formed here.  It’s a fascinating place, and its history as a major trading port is evident not only in the mix of cultures in Singapore, but in the wide availability of fresh ingredients.  This makes it a food lover’s paradise, as there is something for everyone, and whatever is on the menu is always fresh.  It also means that chefs can easily find many different flavors and extras that would be impossible to get in other places.  This makes it more simple to follow culinary traditions, using the exactly right ingredients, but also simple to innovate, where there is so much to choose from.  The history of the Chinese in Singapore is very complex and long, and Chinese restaurants here are some of the finest in the world.

It’s a wonderful way to begin an evening out on the town, or to begin a day.  There are plenty of restaurants offering fantastic variations of cooking, and at each one you will surely find something you love.  You will very likely leave here with several new favorite treats.  While you are on the town, you may also enjoy looking at the local art, as there are some of the world’s most accomplish artists doing their work here.  If you like brush painting, then it would be a good idea to keep an eye out for works by Ang Cheng Chye.

Born in 1954, this painter has exhibited all over the island, and has works shown in all parts of the world.  He has won multiple awards, and has a very illustrious history, having studied with some of the other greats in Chinese brush painting techniques.  One of his great passions, and contributions, is without a doubt his teaching.  He mentors new students constantly, passing along knowledge and inspirations, in order to continue to heighten culture in Singapore, and to keep this art alive.

There are many activities that are fun for the entire family in Baltimore. Taking in an Orioles or a Ravens game or heading out for a day at Harborplace.  The Baltimore Farmers Market won the Parent’s Choice for the “2009 Best Place for Families and Kids” in Nickelodeon’s magazine Parents Pick.  One activity though is a bit more subtle, a bit more laid back as far as days out with the kids are concerned.  The non-profit art school, Baltimore Clayworks has a mission, and that is to help people to develop their art, and to sustain and to keep promoting a community that is art centered while providing excellent education and collaborative artistic programs through working with ceramics.

It is this strive towards excellence in accessibility to the other artists and to the studios.  They offer a wide variety of classes and programs and the focus is on the individual student.  All of the pottery and sculpture instructors at Clayworks are working artists who are serious about their own art, which is key to the quality of instruction available.  As far as classrooms go, most classes offered at art schools are very laid back and casual, and this is so in the pottery studios.  Dialogue and discussions are encouraged between students and between the students and the artist instructing the class.  Along with the weekly classes, there are special workshops, seminars and festivals.

One such event is taking place in just about a week, and that is the Winterfest Jazz Preview, November 13 from 6pm-8pm.  This is a great time to get out and experience the holidays, to take in an early meal at one of the restaurants in Baltimore, and then head over to Clayworks.  The night will be filled with the celebration for the arts and the changing of the seasons.  All of the work produced during the year will be on sale, and this is opening night for that sale.  This is a great time to pick up unique and beautiful gifts for Christmas.  Live jazz musicians will be performing, there will be a bit of wine served and a fare amount of holiday spirit.  Clayworks is a great venue for families to come together and spend some time with each and with the arts.