Tom's Notebook

Walking in Austin #4 – Neighborhood Tour of East Austin (2021)

About the images… East Austin is full of color and personality and I am still uncovering new views around the neighborhood. As I wander slowly down each side street, I get a few strange looks, a few friendly howdy waves but mostly it’s quiet in the morning. The question I really want to ask is,…
Read more: Walking in Austin #4 – Neighborhood Tour of East Austin (2021)
Walking in Austin #3 – 5th Street (2021)

About the images… I am learning about Texas day by day and one thing that I have noticed is that there does not seem to be clear lines where industry ends and where living begins. I am not sure if this is due to a lack of zoning, but here in Austin,there seems to be…
Read more: Walking in Austin #3 – 5th Street (2021)
Walking in Austin #2 – Gonzales Street (2021)

About the images… Exploring the neighborhoods in Austin by foot is is my favorite way to get moving in the morning these days. The mix of the old and new gives every street a character of it’s own. Hopefully with each new fancy home, I hope they try to keep a few of the big…
Read more: Walking in Austin #2 – Gonzales Street (2021)
Bak Kut Teh (BKT) Pork Soup Recipe – Singapore’s Hokkien Style

I am sure you are wondering what does “bak kut teh” mean and aren’t you from Missouri, Tom?!? Yes, yes, still the same Tom here, but my wife, Priscilla is from the faraway land of Singapore where “bak kut teh” in Hokkien translates to “meat bone tea.” This soup was developed as a hearty meal…
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Meanwhile Brewing Patio Life & Food Trucks Review – September 2021

Meanwhile Brewing Patio Life in Austin Austin’s patio game is the best I’ve seen anywhere on the planet. My favorite setups are the ones where a permanent structure housing a brewery is surrounded by huge yard and collection of food trucks. We went in search of a food truck that had just moved to a…
Read more: Meanwhile Brewing Patio Life & Food Trucks Review – September 2021
Walking in Austin #1 (2021)

About the images… We recently moved to Austin, Texas and the views around the neighborhoods are a cool mix of old, new and everything in between. My favorite thing about this town, is that really anything goes. Let’s take a walk! Other walking in Austin posts…
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Singaporean Simple Chicken Soup Instant Pot Recipe – Pressure Cooker

Don’t forget about the Chicken Rice Soup… My wife Priscilla is from Singapore and we have not been able to visit her home for far too long, so we have begun traveling via the kitchen. A perfect meal for her is anything with a soup on the side, so I have been really working on…
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Tom’s Chili Recipe in a Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot

Chili has rightfully earned its place on my table. Day in and day out, this chili has it all: flavor, sustenance, and nutrition. Chili is also so versatile that it can be the center point to lead a meal or a quiet companion on the side. I recently got into making chili when I learned…
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Pineapple Tart Cookies – Singaporean Style

I always get excited about Chinese New Year, not only to read my zodiac prediction and see what kind luck I can expect, but also for all of the sweet treats! My wife Priscilla is from Singapore and she inspired me to make these pineapple tarts from scratch a few years ago when she was…
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Night Walk in South Beach Miami (2020)

About the images… Art Deco, Palm Trees & Party People I had a bit of time to wander around at night in South Beach Miami and was fascinated by the city known for it’s sun. At night, all of the white washed architecture comes alive with color and shape as it becomes illuminated from a…
Read more: Night Walk in South Beach Miami (2020)