Vibrant Chinatown

Last night on my way to Erich I took the long route and strolled around Chinatown to see if new shops have opened or existing ones did some refurbishing or upgrading. I have to say it’s always a pleasure to walk past shops and food stall and even after knowing this place for some years already it’s still exiting to walk Chinatown. Quite a lot has changed since. The most obvious and positive change to me is that shop owners or sellers are not as aggressive anymore in selling their products especially to foreigners as they used to be.
Sometimes their power selling was very annoying and I was rather turned off than interested in looking closer at their stuff.
Well, some of you might still experience some pressure stepping into one of the shops, they still have to make money, but its lot more relaxed than before.

Sometimes it surprises me when I hear at Erich’s that some of the “ang moh” having lived in Singapore for years just recently discovered Chinatown. Guys, where have you been hiding and some of you probably even complaining about how boring Singapore is? Get out of your houses and take a walk, explore the Lion City.
Chinatown would be a good start. Or see other vibrant places (Little India, Arab Street, Bugis Village, etc.) besides Orchard Road. Not to mention the National Parks and trails.

Chinatown, this cultural heart of Singapore with its rich history, with Food Street and Night Market, is changing its face a few times a year for different festivals with the biggest event the “Chinese New Year” of course.
But soon (in September) the moon cake and lantern festival will be on.
We will keep you updated about future events or you can check out yourself on the CHINATOWN SINGAPORE Website where you will find very useful information.

A SUSPICOUS PARCEL

The other day a very suspicious parcel was delivered to Erich. No postal code, yet it reached the addressee! Hail to the Singapore post or was it
Erich’s celebrity status?
Trying to find out about the content he cautiously shook it hearing a chuggling noise. He thought about the strict regulations nowadays (no more than 100ml liquids are allowed) and it was sent by air...................
But then after inspecting the sender and the customs declaration (1 bottle+ 1 glass) it popped into his mind. A couple of weeks ago a German historian was visiting the Wuerstelstand. This "Dr. Helge" loved the place and the Erdinger Bier so much that he announced to send an original "Koelsch" (Special Beer from Cologne) and so it was.
Dr. Helge also added a very nice note:
Hallo Erich. Schoene Gruesse und Aalaf aus Koeln. Ich erinnere mich immer wieder gerne and den schoenen Abend am 5 Mai 2007.Wie versprochen hier mal ein ganz mildes Koelsch zum probieren. Alles Gute
Judith, Harald and Erich have to make the most difficult decision who will have the honor to enjoy the beer (just a sip each) because the 3 of them met the guy that night and want to say:
Thank you Dr. Helge and hope you’ll soon be back in Singapore.

Chicken Rice Eating Contest, July 14, 2007

CHICKEN RICE EATING COMPETITION: RACE DAY

I have to be honest. I always disliked all kind of eating/drinking competitions regardless what charity they were supporting and regardless the food they were using. Chicken rice (Singapore/Hongkong), Hot Dogs (USA), Sushi (Japan), Beer gulping contests (Germany) and so forth.Apologies to the organizers of the Chicken Rice contest in Chinatown, especially to Jennifer, who did a great job, but I just have to say it's disgusting. Probably my own and humble opinion but I can't help it, it doesn't make any sense to me. Many of you don't know it but I was very close to participate, the 1st time in my life. No, I didn't throw my conviction over board, I was persuaded (for charity reasons only) by some friends and secretly enrolled to this Chicken Rice Eating Competition.Well there's always a first time, so I went there ahead of my scheduled starting time, thank god! Because I was able to watch the 1st elimination round and that was when I literally "chickened" out. My expectation was to go there finish slowly one bowl for charity and let others win the first price of SGD 2000.
But then I saw their faces, about 30 competitors on the stage at one time, every one of them eager to win big bucks. And suddenly waiting for the: "Three, Two, One, GO" most of them turned into competition beasts and started to shovel spoon after spoon into their throats without chewing, sometimes on the verge to throwing up again.That was the moment when I decided to not even eat one single bowl of rice and it was the best decision I could have made. Because next round would have been my turn and the worst happened. A guy after having gulped 6 bowls of rice threw all up again onto the table. I'm still shivering thinking of he might have been sitting opposite or next to me and his stuff would have landed on my bowl or even on me. Can anyone imagine?Anyway they had about 80 contestants obviously enjoying "eating" chicken rice. The winners proceeding to the finals next day managed to finish 8 bowls within 10 minutes. One of them was this auntie who was using her spoon like an excavator and managed to finish 8 bowls. Congratulations!Hard workingFinally doneWaiting for results

After all I beg the organizers to think about such competition, probably organize some fun events for the upcoming years and drop competitions that encourage people to disgustingly gulp extensive amounts of food. However if people really like this kind of contest then be it.
Despite the eating contest Chicken rice is one of Singapore’s yummy signature dishes which is definitely worth trying. There are a few stalls in Chinatown, around the Wuerstelstand serving it and of course hundreds all over Singapore.

I myself went to Erich and enjoyed his delicious meat loaf in a bun (Leberkaessemmel) with gherkin and Erdinger beer without having to beat the stopwatch.

Erich's Bread

Just went back from the chicken rice contest passing Erich's Backstube when a wonderfull scent got into my nose. Linda was just checking the oven if the fresh bread was ready for selling. It was such a delightful smell that I couldn't resist buying a loaf.

You should really try Erich's bread. The price is right (not a ripp off like some other German bakeries) and the bread couldn't taste better.

“Singapore drivers are among the worst in the world!”

"City jungle" is about daily stuff in our city that causes heavy reactions at Erich's.







This issue: Kiasu, stupid, selfish, reckless drivers
This people really annoy many of on a daily basis.I totally agree to the article in the Sunday Times on July 1.
As if they knew it that I already had a draft about this issue saved on my pc. Since we had quite a few discussions at the Wuerstelstand and many of the community were very upset about traffic respectively about drivers.
No one thought it was because of the many vehicles on the roads now a days, it was about all these Kiasu, stupid and selfish drivers. Many of us have been driving in quite a few really big Cities in the world such as New York, London, LA, you name it, where traffic jams are a daily order and you have to live with it or just “don’t drive!”
But here in Singapore it seems to be different. It’s not the heavy traffic that is irritating it’s actually the drivers that cause this situation.
This has already been mentioned and discussed in forum pages, on the Class 95 “Morning Show” by Glenn and FD and now once again in the Sunday Times. Unfortunately I don’t have any hope it will change in the near future. It’s just, people don’t get it! Full stop!

I’m not going to elaborate the situation which would end up in a never ending story. Let me just highlight the most irritating issues followed by examples:

Kiasu drivers: e.g.: you drive along a highway in heavy morning traffic and leave a gap of 1 car to the one in front of you (anyone ever learned of reaction time?). You can bet the guy behind you will get aggressive and try to overtake you just to settle in in front of you, then driving there at least until we reach the next traffic light! What’s the point for this action, what did he/she gain? The reason for me keeping distance is No 1. safety and No 2. it allows cars from side lanes or slip roads to get in.
Kiasu driving doesn’t get you far anyway!!

Selfish drivers:
You want exit a road soon. Driving in the middle lane you start indicating early enough to show your intention to change lanes. The result: some drivers on your left lane start immediately to speed not letting you turn and even keep next to you so there’s no chance for you to exit.
Result: you have to slow down and almost stop which upsets the drivers behind and causes a jam in that lane as well. Ridiculous, isn’t it.
I don’t even want to start with Taxi drivers blocking 2 lanes and zig-zacking for obviously only one reason to find out which lane could be a little faster.

But how can all this be changed? A first step would be a stricter enforcement of traffic rules. I don’t know where traffic police is hiding all day. Visit other cities and you can find police at junctions, patrolling roads, but hardly here. Get out of your camp and stop these drivers from being a hazard to other road users, simply: FINE them!!! Since money is ‘everything’ in Singapore this seems to be the only language they understand.

Drivers please bear in mind: You’re driving highly powered devices in a city now, no more water buffalo carriages or trishaws in a kampong. Wake up before more people get insured or die.

One last word: The worst comment in the ST report sadly comes out of the mouth of a driving instructor:” Living standards are high, time is very important, everybody is stressed out. How to change? “
Please can someone suspend his driving instructor license! As if only Singapore is facing this kind of problems. With this attitude how would he be able to teach his students road courtesy, tolerance and abiding the law? They will become like all the other errant drivers.
And to parents: I guess you know that most kids are imitating their parent’s behaviors! Start being their role model, not only in ‘how to make big bucks’!!! There is more in life: Live!

Erich's Bread (is) Talk of the town

Erich's getting everything in order again. His construction is almost completed. A few make up details are left only to be finished. The Wuerstelstand takes a new shape.
Erich now got time to add new items to his menu at the Backstube just round the corner. Besides the already famous (and often sold out) Muffins and Onion Buns different types of bread are ready for tasting:
Since Erich and his baker are processing the best raw materials and natural ingredients this bread is probably not only the most delicious bread but also the most inexpensive in town:
Multi Grain Bread (ca. 750g) 4.90
Dark Rye Bread (ca. 910g) 6.40
Country Bread (ca. 450g) 3.90

You gotta stop by and try out yourself. These new items are just a start. More in the oven to come.
If you want to be sure its not sold out, just make a phone order: 6224 4420
Open from 10am - 8pm daily

Another feature article about Erich's ventures

Combing Singapore For You: CAN.COM.SG - is a location-based interactive lifestyle portal that empowers you with quick and easy access to research-based information about Singapore.
"Contrary to popular belief, there is always something to explore or do right here in our Lion City. Be it shopping, eating, living or simply getting around, Singapore can be most interesting? especially if you know how." Check it out on this website.
Featuring:

> SHOP YOUR WAY AROUND
> UNWIND YOUR SENSES
> CAN BOOK OF RECORDS
> TOWN TOUR
> EAT TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT : and here you can find another article about Erich's ventures.

FORMULA CHICKEN RICE (FCR)

The Annual Chicken Rice Eating Competition 2007

14th – 15th July 2007

The contest pits participants on a gastronomic challenge to see who can consume the most number of Chicken Rice Bowls in Ten Minutes.

1st Prize : S$2,000
2nd Prize : S$1,000
3rd Prize : S$ 500

Participation: Open to the public between 16 years to 55 years

Nominal fee: S$5.00. All registration fees will be donated to the Kreta Ayer Seniors
Activity Centre.

Registration:

1. Download registration Forms at Chinatown.org.sg
2. Walk in Registration
Register at Registration Counter at Chinatown Food Street (Smith Street)
from 6pm to 9pm on these dates:

29 June 07 (Fri) 30 June 07 (Sat) 1 July 07 (Sun)
06 July 07 (Fri) 07 July 07 (Sat) 8 July 07 (Sun)
13 July 06 (Fri)

Registration will only be confirmed when registration fee of S$5.00 is submitted
with the registration form.

QUALIFYING: 8 rounds at Kreta Ayer Square 14th of July 07, Saturday, from 12:00pm to 7:00pm

Top 5 contestants of each round will qualify for the final.

RACE DAY: 15th of July 07, Sunday, 6:00pm at Kreta Ayer Square.


CHECKERED FLAG: Erich's Wuerstelstand (no time limit). Flush everything with a glass of Erdinger or Tiger from Sawasdee Thai drink stall our favourite coffee shop and have some of his famous sausages for a change!

Chicken Rice Contest in Chinatown: 14 – 15 July 2007

One of the "Singapore Food Festival" highlights is the Chicken Rice Contest in Chinatown, on Kreta Ayer Square (next to Erich's Imbiss & Backstube) where people they try to finish as many bowls as possible within ten minutes on the weekend of 14 – 15 July 2007.

It’s a contest of tactical gourmandism with over S$5,000 worth of cash and prizes to be won!
You can find detailed information soon on the blog. Or log on to: Singapore Food Festival

MAN AT WORK: CONSTRUCTION SITE

Seems a lot of ongoing changes in Chinatown lately. First the new temple, then Stanley's fruit bar and now Erich's is also under construction.
Yes, Erich is getting BIG (not he of course: the Wuerstelstand!!). After his opening of the Imbiss & Backstube he's expanding from a one stall to an adjacent two stall unit.
Erich caught the Singapore bug (=boom) of renovating and constructing of new properties (en bloc anyone?)
Dear customers: no worries! It's a bit of a mess but
BUSINESS AS USUAL
Sorry for the inconvenience regretted. Just a few more days and everything will be completed. Then you can enjoy the "New Wuerstelstand"

Erichs Wuerstelstand

Erich erklaert die Welt:
Stunde eins: Warum die Katzen in Singapore alle nur einen halben Schwanz haben.

The secret is out! The blinds are up again

Stanley Chiew has moved
his "Natural & Healthy Juice Bar" to the other side of Erich and occupies 2 joint stalls now.








The healthy drink boss has opened a window towards the Wuerstelstand to better serve Erich’s customers.


























If you haven't done so it's a 'must' to try some of the refreshing juices. Made from organically-grown species, the drinks do make a refreshing difference.
These fruity drinks are loaded with vitamins and nutrients. Rich in vitamin C and E they raise resistance and fight infection. They are excellent energy boosters after walking around Chinatown Night market!

Some drinks from the menu

A variety of juices for every palette

Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera a semi-tropical plant which looks more like a cactus and a member of the lily family which usually grows in the African continent. The aloe plant contains various substances which are beneficial to your health and includes amino acids, minerals, vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E) and enzymes. It has been used for medicinal purposes around the world for more than 3500 years.
Some benefits: Aloe Vera drink provides relief to the people suffering from some impair digestion and stomach problems occurred due to smoking cigarettes, drinking coffee, poor eating habits and due to stress.

Bitter gourd: Juice of bitter - gourd is a remedy par excellence for Diabetes. A glassful juice of fresh bitter - gourd will bring down sugar content enhances digestion, it also removes constipation, helps purify blood tissue and stimulates the liver.
It contains vitamin A, B1, B2, C and also minerals like calcium, phosphorous, iron, copper and potassium.
Caution: Do not drink or eat bitter gourd if you are pregnant or nursing!

Wheat Grass:
THE Nectar of the Gods!The ultimate blood purifier, Wheat Grass Juice is the closest thing there is to blood itself!
Nutritional info:Vitamins A, B, C, E and KCalcium, Chlorophyll, Iron, Lecithin, Magnesium, Pantothenic Acid, Phosphorus, PotassiumAmino AcidsTrace ElementsProtein: up to 30%

My favorite: Ice blended Thai coconut (contains juice, flesh and honey) a very delicious thirst-quenching drink. Honestly after so many healthy drinks: I wouldn't mind a dash of Bacardi with it!

Or ..............you can order a different kind of very nutritious drinks from the coffee-shop nearby Erich’s, to go with the delicious sausages: Erdinger or Tiger Beer!
But this will be a different story soon to come......

Gift Voucher: Father's Day is coming soon

Ladies ! Kids!
No more headache what to surprise your loved one with. Erich is offering gift certificates for all his outlets. How much easier can giving get. And please bear in mind: It's not just like any other ordinary gift cert. This is much more you get. Additionally to the exceptional tasty food you also get great entertainment (by Erich) in an relaxing atmosphere.
Don't hesitate: Just get it!
But it's not only for the daddies. You can use it for all kind of occasions even for your 'mothers in law'.

! ! 300 BLOG VISITORS !!

Thank you very much for visiting our Wuerstelstand Blog. We are very proud that yesterday evening (a visitor from Singapore) has checked out our blog and brought it up to 300 visits within one month only !
Well, I know some would say "only 300" because other blogs are getting a much higher frequency in visits, however:

- Wuerstelstand is still a young and rather small community

- Our visitors are a distinguished group of hard working people which doesn't find the time for frequent visits and are not really the 'die hard blogger kids'

- We are a so called niche market

- We are not a sex blog (.....ok, besides one tiny photo probably- which has been censored anyway- apologies for that)


Therefore 300 bloggers have exceeded our expectations.

We promise to continue, to improve and make it attractive to "outsiders" as well.
Everyone is invited and welcome to contribute to this blog by sending in ideas, photos or complete posts.

Last but not least please keep patronizing and enjoying Erich's Wuerstelstand and Imbiss-& Backstube.

Picture of the day

Remains of a bicycle still locked to the lamp post. I saw this while inline skating at East Coast Park. I hope no-one dares to steal it.

3. Int. Frühschoppen (morning pint)

On Vesak day we held our 3rd Int. Frühschoppen at Erich's. Whenever Helmut comes to Singapore for a project he brings Austrian "Speck"(Ham) for a Frühschoppen brunch.

Very messy and noisy around Erich's now due to the construction site behind him. Sometimes it's so loud that we can't even hear Reinhard Fendrichs" We are from Austria" or other oldies from Erich's Jukebox.

King Harald ("Steirermens are very good") cutting the ham

Even Erich took some time to taste the delicoius Speck

Also supposed to be on the photo but misssing in action are Herbert and Judith. Rumors have it that Judith was 'nursing' him with camomile tea after last nights company dinner. But they said it was actually because he get's kind of sea sick at high elevations (he dined at the Equinox- level 70!!) and not of some bad drinks. ...whatever!


The huge crowd in Chinatown on Vesak Day reached the same volume as during Chinese New Year. Erich's bread was sold out before sunset and girls (5 that day) in the Backstube were busy baking new stuff to satisfy hungry devotees after praying in the temple.

HAPPY VESAK DAY

Wishing that peace and tranquility be by your side...
Today and always!

May 30th: the 14th day of the 4th Lunar Month in the Buddhist year 2551 thousands of people came to Chinatown to celebrate Vesak day and the opening of the new Buddha Tooth Relic Temple with a colorful parade. Floats, dance, music and fireworks were the highlights of this evening with Singapore's President S.R. Nathan as guest of honor.