UFM 100.3 DJ duo talk upcoming drive home show
Among the radio jocks at SPH Radio's Mandarin station UFM 100.3, we are sure Vincent Lim is the one who is intensely envied.
The reason? The 28-year-old bespectacled DJ helms the weekday afternoon show - Life's Matters - between 2pm and 5pm. And that is the time slot which, his colleague Carine Ang says, most resembles a normal working day.
Ang, 40, who is also UFM's programme director, has more than 15 years of on-air experience.
"I've pulled every shift possible and I must say that Vincent's current one is the healthiest. It affects your lifestyle the least.
"If you're doing the breakfast show or late-night show, your sleeping pattern is inevitably affected."
The pair share a natural chemistry, which is probably why they have been chosen to host a new evening drive-home showstarting Aug 18, 4pm to 8pm weekdays.
So it is goodbye to normal hours for Lim.
M met the DJs for lunch last Friday at Japanese-Italian restaurant Arossa Wine & Grill at Scotts Square, where they feasted on salmon, handmade spinach ravioli, calamari, salad and rib-eye steak.
Is Ang the type of boss who eats regularly with her co-workers?
"Of course! Well, unless they start ostracising me," she said with a laugh.
"We won't lah," said Lim. "We're all foodies."
Radio DJs seem to talk constantly about food. Is it a must for DJs to enjoy the art of eating?
Ang: I think it's important for DJs to be open-minded about hunting down new haunts, so that we can introduce them to our listeners. I'm game for trying out different places.
Lim: When it comes to food, I'm super easy-going. My girlfriend is the one who is always on the lookout for new eats.
Any favourite local hawker dishes and stalls?
Lim: I like char kway teow, Hokkien mee and laksa. The Old Airport Road Food Centre will always be a favourite of mine as my grandmother used to live in that area. I've been eating the Hokkien mee there since I was a kid.
Ang: I have an immense love for laksa. I can have laksa for all three meals, but it has to be from Kovan Food Centre at Hougang Street 21.
Another favourite is the hawker centre at Toa Payoh Lorong 5, which has great prawn noodles.
Where would you go for a romantic dinner date with your significant other?
Lim: Spanish restaurant Catalunya, at Collyer Quay, has a lovely ambience.
Ang: Fine dining is not really for my husband and me. We prefer authentic Japanese eateries, such as Hakumai Sushi & Omakase at International Plaza. It serves exquisite, delicious Japanese food at affordable prices.
If we're not up for a full meal, we'd go to Goodwood Park Hotel and have durian crepes.
Any restaurants that are perfect for family gatherings?
Lim: My family likes to go to Seng Kee Eating House in Kembangan. It's not really a restaurant though, more a zi char eatery.
Ang: For special occasions like birthdays, we go for buffet at Mandarin Orchard Hotel. If not, steamboat at Crystal Jade or Imperial Treasure. I'm a huge fan of steamboat.
Do you cook or bake? Any signature dishes?
Ang: Simple homely dishes are not a problem for me. Recently, I learnt how to cook curry. The preparation process is extremely tedious.
As for baking, I don't think I've baked after home economics class in secondary school.
Lim: My friends organised a bake-together once. Most of the baking was done by the girls.
I did attempt making meatball pasta once and ended up calling in help halfway.
My girlfriend is a much better cook than I am. But I'd gladly help her wash the dishes.
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