Billy Bombers @ Jurong Point

I definitely frequent the (Singapore) library more than the gym. A bookworm I’m not and I don’t really read much, except for the compulsory annual few from my favourite authors. What makes me go gaga over this place is its much updated collection of travel guides. Definitely a place to satisfy one’s wanderlust.

Back at the gym, you’ll see me on the treadmill for 20 minutes and burning about 200 calories each time. Yes, a wholesome 200 calories followed by some iron pumping. Do no expect a beefy piece of meat here as the writer frequents the gym perhaps 8 times a year, at most. And that’s only when he’s really, really bored.

For me, a good game of badminton is always a better option. And on that note, congratulations to the Malaysian badminton team for grabbing three titles at the World Super Series Championship at Likas last weekend. Despite the missing Chinese players, our guys and girls did show a class above the rest in this tournament. Well done!

But badminton does not burn as much fat as on the treadmill, definitely. And that calls for a rather insignificant reason to binge after the workout.

So, the convenient truth reason to indulge after a workout at the gym is always, I BURNT BLARDY 200 CALORIES TODAY.

On one such 200-calories-lesser day, I checked out Billy Bombers, attracted by the credit card promotion and the big portions displayed.

Almost on every table are their infamous Buffalo Wings (S$13.90) where the deep-fried wings were apparently marinated with cayenne pepper and vinegar. Served with either the hot or the tangy sauce (we chose the former), the redness did look rather appetizing, complete with bits of chopped garlic. The wings were rather ordinary if you ask me, but pair it with the hot sauce, and you’ll get yourself an ang moh (mat salleh) version of sweet and sour pork or chicken, in this case. A cross between Madagascar and The Love Guru (hated Justin Timberlake’s acting though), it was pretty cutely yummy.

Billy's famous ribs (S$19.90 for 1/2 slab) with fries sounds like a more macho deal. The meat was flaky and tender while the sauce was dense and slightly sweet. Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones it was not but will pass as Jim Carrey’s more defining characters like in The Truman Show or Liar Liar, for example. No joke, the ribs were entertaining and quite impressive.

I would not have ordered the Sirloin Steak (S$20.90) had I been offered a discount on the wings with just ONE order of the mains. Well, turned out that the pepper sauce dressed sirloin was rather delicious at medium. But it was the creamed spinach that made my day. Slightly rich, the cream blended well with the soft (not soggy), chopped spinach. Afterall, one still needs some fibre after a heavy meal.

Did I say heavy? Ah, who cares. I BURNT BLARDY 200 CALORIES TODAY.


Billy Bombers
1 Jurong West Central 2
#02-24 Jurong Point
Tel: 67957690
Website: http://www.billybombers.com/

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After much contemplation, I feel that it’s best for me to visit the gym more often from now onwards. Not because I lost my traveling mojo but because the Johor-Singapore Causeway is already rather impossible to walk across. For the last 5 years, come rain or shine, I would walk across the causeway to catch my bus back to KL from Johor. Not unlike for the hundreds of thousands of other Malaysians, this is the fastest way to get home from Singapore, without having to wait endlessly for the bus to transport us to the Johor Bahru Immigration Office. The one kilometer walk has been a good workout and ensures a good sleep on the way back home, I’ve always consoled myself.

With the new Southern Integrated Gateway, or more specifically the Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex at Johor Bahru to replace the existing checkpoint, the distance between the two countries’ immigration complexes has doubled and quite impossible to reach on foot. Going through the facts on the building of this new gateway, I can’t help but wonder if this is for the best. On the positive side, it is definitely bigger (like all things Malaysian) and has integrated a few government administrations. It has also expanded the checkpoints which hopefully clears the usual traffic congestion.

On the other hand, walking across the causeway to avoid the long queues at the bus stops is now rather impossible and everyone will have to rely on the numbered public buses to transport them to the other side of the causeway. Detailing is very much needed to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy the benefits of this new gateway, not just car or motorcycle users. Queuing up for an hour and being pushed around at the complexes, especially during peak hours are no fun, I can assure you. Perhaps more allocation of shuttle buses? And there are already complaints of loss of businesses due to the closure of the old immigration office.

It is still quite early to say if this project is a success or not. But in the meantime, people like me will have to adjust to the new situation. All we ask for is a more efficient system for all, especially the public transport users. Some comfort will be nice too.

Did I just burn another 200 calories simply by writing this post? Hehehe...