A Sombre Sign-out dedicated to Mick.

Given my horribly static and arbitrary contributions to the food and drink stratosphere in terms of blogging, I find this a perfect Saturday in the tropics to sign out, once and for all, as the FlavourCowboy.

Fortunately for you dear reader, this blog isn't going to be about me (definitely my least favourite topic of conversation!), but is instead dedicated to the fallen solder: Mr Mick Edmonds.

Mick's existence was spent every bit in the same way as so many of us the bar & hospitality industry. Giving a tricky craft a solid punt whilst trying to make his way in the world around us. What haunted Mick I'll leave out of this post for respect for the wee man, but I know one thing for certain, and his tragic passing has only solidified my resolve.

The theme has gnawed at me for some time, but now it's clear to me and it seems Mick has left one last message scratched into the bartops of our lives; we as a community aren't getting to know each other enough, and because of that - definitely aren't looking after each other enough! We spend so much time talking shit, and shop, on Sunday drink fests and at industry events that we too often miss the opportunity to build a closer bond with each other.

A closer bond means fuller knowledge of our peers, and sure it's hard work, uncomfortable and taxing on our trust - but then, and only then, are we in a position to properly and truly help each other when times get tough! You never know what's really going on with the person you're sharing a bevvie with until you sincerely ask.

Mick, I didn't know you well enough, and I'm sorry like so many of us that I didn't see it mate - all I can leave, if this is an epitaph, is the shell promise that I'll try harder from now on, as I hope we all do.

Sail well mate.

Deo Optimo Maximo.

Cowboy out...

Is It Just Me?

Asia's full of weird and wonderful stuff - and much of it is well worth investigating. Ok you can keep the Phoenix Claws (chicken's feet) and fried frogs legs etc, but fresh gin botanicals in the supermarket? Hell yes!

Following is a little collection of some of the left-field discoveries that I've made in my first month in Singapore.

It's an amazing world and as each culture imitates another, there's bound to be bits falling through the gaps of understanding:

It's gotta be said however, Western concepts do tend to get steered in a funky direction when they get exposed to interpretation!

Take this fella for example. Sure the title's a little bit...questionable, but what are they trying to say in that first tasting note!?

Are we all going to be awkwardly trying to get to the bathroom pitching tents afterwards? What about the ladies?? Aye-oh!

I spotted this whizzing by on a sushi train and had to grab the shot. WTF does that mean!? I mean, I'm not sure if it sounds awesome, or entirely scary!

I'm taking ideas and comments on that one - please put me out of my fear of ravenous Egyptian microchips tasting my sushi intermittently from the inside out. Yikes.

Sorry, I'm not dropping bank on Coffee Sauce Chicken until someone I trust recommends it. No dice.

He he he he he....now this might just be me, but I think this is hilarious and amazing! Why hasn't anyone offered me waffles with my menu earlier!!? Come on World - catch up!

Considering this was my meal - yeah, not so funny. I now appreciate their menu's bold claims that "you'll never forget our famous jumbo dog". No shizzle.

What is this abomination? Probable the greatest snack food on Earth has been seriously molested by an Asian flavour renegade - perhaps a member of a sleeper cell bent on the destruction of all things sacred.

Who knows, but considering I didn't man up for

the ridiculous 15 clams (they'd best be amazing for that!) maybe I'm missing out on something..

Asian Food Tech Goodness!

Look a little closer at the labeling on this pack.

What an awesome advancement on technology! This's a small blog in a tepid attempt to get my pen flowing again, and what a great place to start with our ol' mate bacon.

How it comes that we've been subjected to bacon from only one source for all these centuries almost defies belief! I'm so grateful to the cheeky Asian food tech who's offered us such an amazing conciliatory boon, but I'm equally confused that they chose to limit their thinking to beef.

What I want to see proudly adorning our shelves is the whole animal gamut. Lamb bacon, duck bacon, rabbit bacon. You know what? Fuck it. Fish bacon! Rock the lot out; it'd be rad!!

Hmmmm...it's certainly interesting living in Singapore, and I'm sure that there's going to be plenty more random posts just like this one which'll continue to flow while my curiosity lasts. Truly nothing is sacred, but it's good to see the pig getting knocked off the dais once in a while, life's enlivened by a bit of healthy competition after-all!

Take it easy cats,

Adi