December 2, 2011 - Home, Calarasi, Singapore - Nearly two months after I relocated, the condo where I live, Calarasi, is turning more into a home away from home for me. There is warmth, respite, people who care for and about you. And though the aroma of Filipino cooking no longer pervades my surroundings, I am relieved to say there is no shortage of home-cooked meals from my housemates. People say “home is where the heart is” but for foodies, I guess it’s also where your stomach is.

Simon’s back from Australia with roasted peanuts from his dad. They were crunchy, lightly salted and perfect by itself or as garnish.

He doesn’t cook very often, but I’m often surprised how well Simon’s concoctions turn out. Unconventional east-meets-west cooking finished with a twist that sets his dishes apart from what Heidi and I create. Tonight’s Asian-inspired Pasta Primavera is served with stir-fried vegetables and chicken with dark soy-sauce, and topped with his dad’s home-roasted peanuts.

“I’m really not sure what I’m doing, but it makes sense when I think about it. I do know that I’d like to finish it with something crunchy to remind me of home,” he says. I smile as I twirl my fork around a few strands. Yum.