PLEESECAKES...

I always struggle to know what to send friends on their birthdays in the UK. Not anymore. I've discovered Pleesecakes! The best cheesecakes in town. Just look at this...

My lovely friend Sarah celebrated her birthday last week and I got this delivered to her office as a surprise. I had stumbled over Pleesecakes on Joe Wicks, The Body Coach Instagram, and contacted them to see if they could help me with a cake that was made from her favourite chocolate bars, Twirls, as well as any additional Cadbury goodies that they could add! Their creation was amazing. 

A little bit about the Pleesecake team:

"We're two painter and decorators with a love for food and cheesecake. Joe the founder of Pleesecakes has been making incredible cheesecakes for friends and family for the past few years and he's finally decided to spread the love and bring his awesome creations to the people. Mainly because he loves food and is good at washing up, Joe has bought in his business partner and good friend, Brendon to help take Pleesecakes to the next level."

I just love that they are normal guys who clearly have a creative streak and are putting their passion into action. The service was outstanding and I'm told the cake was pretty much the same! At the moment their delivery radius is 50-60 miles from their base in Epsom, Surrey. Hopefully in the future they will expand... maybe even as far as Singapore so I can get to try one! I wish these guys all the luck in the world with their venture. 

For more information visit their website at https://www.pleesecakes.com

DINNER IN WONDERLAND...

I was recently stumbled across ANDSOFORTH on the internet. Totally intrigued by the idea of "secret dining" I booked Steph and I a table at their Dinner in Wonderland event. Ironically the only date the Steph and I could both do was 14th February. So, it was an extremely romantic evening for both of us amongst many many couples!

A little bit more about the ANDSOFORTH team:

"ANDSOFORTH creates series of theatrical feasts immersed around stories, drama and…secrets. After prior online booking, diners are informed of a meeting location on the day of the feast and strategic clues along the way to guide them to the final venue. A pop up restaurant specialising in fusing art & dining in non-linear experiences. Influenced by the underground dining sub-culture in London, founders Stuart Wee and Emily Png boldly draw inspiration from art forms and culture and collaboration. The ANDSOFORTH creative team includes actors, set designers, chefs, costume designers, illustrators, copywriters, scriptwriters/producers, lighting designers, sound scape artists who conspire to create immersive dining experiences in Singapore."

This is such a great idea. And I'm sure that this will do very well here in Singapore. It is extremely well done. From the costumes, to the venue, to the acting. The Dinner in Wonderland has been extended into April. It is the longest running event that ANDSOFORTH have done so far. I can see why! I won't give too much away, as it really is a very cool experience. Like nothing I have experienced before. I was completely memorised.  I even woke up the next day and questioned if I had dreamt some of what had happened. You should definitely check it out! 

There was even an artist on hand to draw caricatures of people. Here is Steph and I with our romantic couples caricature. It was drawn by @cloudhedd who you can follow on Instagram. She does all of the illustration and art work for the ANDSOFORTH events. 

To read more and book your tickets visit the website here https://www.andsoforth.com.sg

DON'T STOP BELIEVIN'...

Last night I got to experience Journey Live in Singapore. I've always been a big fan of the American Rock Band. It might have something to do with dad always playing their music when I was a youngster. Of course, they are best known for their 1980s anthem "Don't Stop Believin'" ... however, two of my all time favourites from the group are "Open Arms" and "Faithfully". 

The last time Journey were in Singapore was in March 2013. I'm not quite sure why I missed that one! As with most concerts here in Singapore, they aren't very well publicised which is a shame. This time round, they hit The Star Performing Arts Centre. A great venue for a great band! 

The bands lineup has quite famously changed several times since they originally formed back in 1973...ten years before I was even born! The current lineup includes Arnel Pineda on lead vocals, Neal Schon on guitars and backing vocals, Ross Valory on bass an backing vocals, Jonathan Cain on keyboards and backing vocals and Steve Smith on drums. 

They stunned me song after song with all of their greatest hits:

1. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
2. Be Good To Yourself
3. Only The Young
4. Guitar Solo
5. Stone In Love
6. Anyway You Want It
7. Lights
8. Piano Solo
9. Open Arms
10. Who's Crying Now
11. After The Fall
12. Chain Reaction
13. La Do Da
14. Drum Solo
15. Wheel In The Sky
16. Faithfully
17. Don't Stop Believing'
18. La Raza Del Sol
19. Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'

Arnel Pineda has so much energy! It's hard to believe he is 49 as he jumped around the stage with the energy of a 25 year old. His voice is incredible. As close to Steve Perry as you could possibly get. The hour and a half set also heroed the skills of Neal Schon, who dedicated quite a bit of time to some incredible guitar solos. At 62, he has been with Journey since the very beginning and has featured on every single one of Journey's 14 albums. What an achievement!

Another highlight for me was the drum solos from Steve Smith. These are some seriously talented musicians. So much so, that both Smith and Schon are to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later on this year. 

These guys are legends! I don't think there were many people still sat in their seats when they started to blast out "Don't Stop Believin". This will always be one of my favourite tunes and I'm so pleased I go to experience it live! Come back soon Journey!