Complain Letter to Straits Times – To send or Not to send?

Complain Letter to Straits Times

My sister celebrated her 21st birthday last Saturday, on the 3rd day of Chinese New Year. Thus whilst ushering in Chinese New Year, my family had planned for a party with our close relatives. What was planned to be a monumental commemoration of her crucial turning point into adulthood; was regrettably ruined by unforeseen circumstances.

Cakes to birthdays are as traditional and imperative as Ang Baos to Chinese New Year. After hearing a fair deal from fans raving about Awfully Chocolate’s specialty chocolate cakes from Katong Mall, we decided to give it a go. Delighted to find a branch in Serangoon Gardens, I specially rung the outlet up on the 6th and placed an advance order for an 8-inch chocolate cake to accommodation roughly fifteen guests. It was to be collected on the 11th.

Unfortunately, the store called in the morning of the collection date and delivered the tragic news – they were unable to deliver. The lady on the phone, presumably the store manager, explained that no 8-inch cakes were available on that day, and apologized for the mistake her worker had committed. Instead, she pushed the option of purchasing two 6-inch cakes, which amounted to the same price, and fed a similar number of mouths. Highly upset, we rationalized our customary practice of having a singular cake. Unrepentant, she continued pushing the option of buying two cakes, which apparently kills two birds with one stone; granting us the privilege of sampling two different flavors.

Needless to say, we were appalled and affronted. Any on-hand stock in the other outlets? No. Any possibility of rushing a last-minute order for us? A simple and immediate no, with not even an offer to call and check. The earliest possible time the next batch of 8-inch cakes would arrive? After 8pm that night, with chances of delay with traffic, she made clear with no guarantees.

Finally sensing our discontent, she compromised and offered a complimentary 6-inch cake with a purchase of a 6-inch cake as a desperate last resort. We emphasized once again that we wanted only one cake; thus price was irrelevant.

By then, we weren’t sure the effort was worth the hassle. We cancelled the order and called Canele. As we did not order in advance, we were forced to settle for the only cake available on that day; but at least they had size we required. Ironically, Awfully Chocolate called back a short while later upon discovering they in fact had 8-inch cakes for sale and enquired if we were still interested.

Perhaps what incensed us most was the outlet manager’s nonchalance. Birthdays are significant, what more 21st birthdays – the ceremonial rite of passageway into womanhood? The experience with Awfully Chocolate had, indeed, been Awful. Unless I were to pass by the shop itself, it would be extremely improbable I would ever order from them again.

Joe’s Corner Cafe & Bar @ Simon Road

If a friend hadn’t recommanded this little cafe, I wouldn’t have known of the its existence, given its lack of flashy advertising and hidden-away location. But I am glad she did, for this hole-in-the-wall eatery serves up unpretentious western grub, in a casual and laid-back atmosphere.

Ran by an amiable couple in their late 30s, their brightly-lit interior and bare walls, titivated by Abstract and Pop Art paintings, is popular with both families and youngsters alike. With its late opening hours, parents can come by after dinner for a glass of Australian wine, while their young ones have New Zealand ice-cream ($3.50 per scoop), fruity smoothies ($4), or cakes and brownies ($3.80 per slice). Friends can too gather here for a Beer or two (average $6 per bottle), with the standard finger foods such as Fries and Calamari Rings.

Main courses starting from a reasonable $8.90 for a classic Fish & Chips, with a side of fries and leafy salad, and Pasta Spaghetti from $7.90, are also available to accommodate more hungry patrons.

As I had already eaten, I ordered a Latte ($3.50) and shared a Fried Prawn Paste Chicken Popcorn ($6) with friends.

Served with 2 packets of sugar, the latte was not intense enough for me. Albeit being too milky, it didn’t leave a bitter aftertaste. Wonder if they serve double espresso lattes?

The FPPCP (total of 7 syllables!) was tasty and accompanied, interestingly, by small crispy crackers colored around the edges in red and green - very much like the starters they serve in some Chinese restaurants, except without the coloring. I loved the chili, which, reminiscence of MacDonald’s garlic chili, was sweet and tangy.

Whilst leisurely sipping my latte, I come to realize the resemblance between the table setting and an outdoor picnic. Red and white checkered tablecloths, foldable wooden chairs, and a flower erected in an small empty wine bottle in the middle of the table. Indeed very picnic.

At the end of my night, the lady server indulged us by helping to take a group photograph multiple of times. Despite the somewhat average food, I leave with customer satisfaction, knowing that I would return after such a convivial experience.

*Pictures are pending and subjected to friend’s procrastination

Cup Walker @ Heartland Mall (Kovan)

Ahh I remember those days when I was a mere high schooler, one of the latest food fads back then had me forking out $2.50 – $3 a pop, picking out straws big enough to stuff your middle finger, in vibrant blues, greens, or purples, jabbing through a plastic sealed “lid” with dynamic force, and sucking up little black pearls.

Considered one of the hottest food craze in the past, bubble tea shops have now reduced down to a handful of survivors consisting of mostly chain stores (e.g. Sweet Talk, each-a-cup) and a few independent operators. Prices have dropped to $1 – $2 per cup. And remember the days when there were the standard Chocolate Milk Tea or Apple Ice Blended? Now there’s a fusion of such a wide spectrum of flavors, menus run up to 5 pages. Think Custard Pudding Milk Tea, or Peppermint Oreo Blended, so forth.

Out of all the stores I’ve tried, the Cup Walker at Heartland Mall has me constantly going back and raving about it to my family and friends. I know commercial chain outlets may differ therefore I have no guarantee for the other outlets, but this outlet serves up a mean Red Milk Tea and Chocolate Milk Tea!

Red Pearl Milk Tea $1.60

Though it is more expensive as compared to other stores, the price is justified as the cup is much larger in porportion. Just right in terms of thickness, sweetness, and milkiness, this popular Hong Kong concoction packs hell of a punch! The tapioca pearls are perfectly chewy and taste like they’re coated by honey.

4 / 5 (I didn’t give a full score cause on some days it’s just not up to par)

A common problem with Chocolate Milk Tea would be undissolved powder or floating chocolate bits due to the improper mixing of chocolate syrup with cold milk tea. However, this store does not have this problem! Would highly recommend Chocolate Milk Tea if you’re craving for a yummy chocolaty taste.

Heartland Mall
205 Hougang Street 21
Singapore 530205
Level 2

Directions: Exit at Kovan MRT, take the escalator up to the 2nd floor. Directly facing the escalator, next to Pizza Hut.

Shillawon @ Suntec City

In the past, Korean cuisine wasn’t a very widespread or customary dining experience; therefore decent standards didn’t come cheap. Singaporeans seem to be more accustomed to Japanese cuisine, judging on the popularity of all the sushi chain outlets. However, since the Korean series “Jewel in the Palace” became a big hit, everything Korean was pushed up the ranks of popularity and Korean eateries started popping out. Even food courts started dishing out basic Korean fare. However, again, my prefixed mentality was that one had to pay big bucks for a meal of palatable standard.

Thus imagine my surprise at this seemingly value-for-money buffet!

The table settings consist of one pair of silver stainless steel chopsticks, and one pair of wooden chopsticks per person to separate the raw from the cooked. That was all I knew about Korean table etiquette and it was authentic enough for me!

Free-flow of orange and lime drinks which tasted artificially intense, I later learnt was to counter their piquantly seasoned meats. Tea and stale coffee were too available (bad espressos/coffees left in the open to rot ought to be banned!).

We were given menus from which you could order unlimited servings of spicy or non-spicy prawns, squid, chicken, beef, and pork. Whilst waiting for your order to arrive, there is a small spread of offerings (in metal “reheater things”) to keep you occupied. Salmon was not fresh, but I wasn’t that anal about it since it was not a Japanese restaurant.

There were also lettuce leaves to wrap your meats, and pumpkin soup which was slightly waterly, but nice and not cloyingly sweet. All the mushrooms were tasted foul, no matter which method we cooked it, but perhaps we cooked it wrong?

Not forgetting these little side dishes. I am unfamiliar with the specific names, but there was tofu, salted vegetables, not your run-of-the-mill soybean sprouts, and of course, Kimchi the fermented spicy cabbage meets radish.

Once our order arrives, the waitress places an inverted metal plate onto the fire grill, where we proceed to cook the meats and seafood.

Other than the marinate being slightly salty, it was pretty tangy and enjoyable. The spicy squid was a bit tough, but once again, this could be due to our poor culinary skills.

They also had Bibimbap, Kimchi rice, Jahbchae, pancakes, mackeral, a selection of hot soups and strews, and some others.

Jahbchae, sweet potato flour based noodles with shredded mushroom, carrots and vegetables, proved popular with the sisters and had us ordering seconds.

Bibimbap, rice topped with julienned zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, an egg and other some unidentifiable ingredients, mixed before eating, was also well-liked.

Unfortunately, not the same could be said about Pajeon, a savory seafood pancake with green onions squashed inside… except there was nothing savory about it. Mother accredited its repulsive mushiness and wetness to its overly thick sides and incorrect cooking time. But even re-cooking it on the hot plate didn’t savage it. We also agreed that the Kimchi rice was blend and flavorless.

Sadly, there were no classic Korean style desserts, just your standard fruits, and something rather out of the blue – chocolate éclairs. Éclairs originated from France, so what was it doing masquerading in a Korean buffet? Nevertheless, I popped one into my mouth nonchalantly, anticipating a bad éclair. But the shock kicks in, it was pretty tasty! I helped myself to another plateful. The chocolate on top wasn’t a thin layer of milk solids, hollow in the center, that cracked into pieces without melting; it was thick and smooth. The custard inside was generous and a fantastic sweet treat after all the heavily salted foods we had just consumed.

Overall rating: 2.9 / 5 (Value-for-money)

Staff were attentive to our water refills and changed our hot plate in the middle of the meal cause it got burnt. We did not attempt their spicy soups which is supposedly a Korean speciality. Moever, this sets the brenchmark for me in Korean fare so you’ll have to make a trip down to judge for yourself.

BBQ Buffet Dinner $19.90 ++ on Mon – Thu
$29.90 ++ on Fri-Sun, Eve/Public Holidays
Child $9.90 ++
>5 years FOC

Nightly:
5.30pm – 9.30pm

3 Temasek Boulevard
#03-010/012 Suntec City Mall
Singapore 038983

Directions: 3rd level. Facing away from Toys’r'us, it is on the right.

The Cheesecake Cafe @ East Coast Road

Having gathered rave reviews for their speciality cheesecakes, yours truly, together with her minion companion, sought out this relatively exclusive cafe located in the east side of Singapore with high expectations and still, tight wallets.

The cafe was easy to spot, with a bright cheery yellow sign stationed on the pathway in front of the cafe premises. Yellow was their theme color, with obvious imagery connotations to Swiss cheese. We sat outside, but when we ventured in to cleanse our bodies of toxins, JY could not stop singing praises about the admittedly impressive Zen deco – think stone statues, portraits of random VIPs from the Victorian times, and a mini-fountain of Gothic structure (I think?) under dim lighting. The unique menu that resembled a DVD cover proved to further enthrall JY.

Besides the traditional American cheesecake and Oreo cheesecake, they had an selection of more unusual flavors such as Rum and Raisin, Peanut Butter, Peach, so forth. Served on cold plates to keep the temperature of the cake cool.

We went old skool with Oreo Cheesecake $6.50

A thin layer of finely minced Oreo on the top of a else perfectly normal cheesecake. Not that normal wasn’t good; texture was smooth, it was pleasantly creamy and heavy, all round nice. But lacked that oomph. Thought it might have been better with a thicker layer of crushed oreos for an extra crunch.
3 / 5

Peanut Butter Cheesecake $6.50

JY liked this one better. A thin layer of peanut butter on the top, with similar density and texture as above, but this one leaves a lovely slight sour aftertaste, and the peanut butter only kicks in after a few cycles in the mouth.
3 / 5

They served complimentary water. A slice of cake ranges from $6.50 – $6.90, which was on the pricey side for an average-sized piece, as compared to other popular coffee joints such as NYDC and Coffee Bean. There was nothing particularly special or memorable about it; it left not a very strong impression.

However, the friendly staff were attentive, and they open doors for you with a smile – a plus point for customer service!

Conclusion: Good customer service, with a bar-like ambiance, and late opening hours, this cafe is ideal for a little dessert after dinner if you’re around Siglap area.

685 East Coast Road
Singapore 459054

Sun: 3.30pm – 12am
Wed-Thu: 4.30pm – 12am
Fri: 4.30pm – 12.30am
Sat: 3.30pm – 12.30am
Eve P.H.: 4.30pm – 12.30am
Mon-Tue: Closed

http://thecheesecakecafe.sg/

Directions: Near Siglap Centre. Bus 14

Paisley & Cream @ The Central

Upon entering this cafe, girly girls will probably be ogling at the selection of cute cupcakes on display, as well as the modish and chic decorations. With an elegant white counter, similar white walls and furniture, a touch of fun with Pop Art portraits hanging in a purple corner, and whimsical motifs stenciled onto the glass walls; the ambiance is lovely for chilling out with friends over dessert.

As I browse through the quirky menus filled with food titles that pay tribute to famous actors, singers, and writers, I had difficulty conjuring up the mental image of a group of solely macho NS men walking into the place. Judging on the store appearance, this dessert parlor seems to cater more to the female species whom are enticed by basically anything pretty.

Double Chocolate $3
Served with whipped cream on the side

The hardened icing cream on the top rolled out on my tongue very nicely, and I liked that it wasn’t overly chocolaty. However, the cupcake itself was hard, dry, and crumbly. Whipped cream was a good call as it was the only source of moisture.
2.8 / 5

Good customer service; the staff were helpful and patient with our vacillation when it came to choosing flavors. The ‘$5 per cupcake, $2.50 after 5pm’ promotion is no longer valid, now all cupcakes cost $3 regardless what time of the day. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, but next time I’d opt for muffins over cupcakes.

The Central
6 Eu Tong Sen Street
#01-09/10
Singapore 059817
Weekdays: Til 9pm
Weekends: Til 1130pm
http://www.paisleyandcream.com/ 

Directions: Exit at Clarke Quay MRT. Ground level, walk away from Burger King. Facing Clarke Quay river.

Mr Teh Tarik Cartel @ Far East Square

After hearing much hype about “Mr Teh Tarik” - the push cart that opened up into “Mr Teh Tarik Cartel” the store - we decided to head down for a taste that would hopefully satisfy Teh Tarik anal Mustard Sally.

Teh Tarik 80 cents

To my disappointment, the Teh Tarik did not arrive with a thick layer of foam or the aroma I was anticipating. This is perhaps because they did not execute a full-arm tarik. Though there was no kick, it was smooth on the tongue and easy to chug down. Decent tea taste that could have been sweeter and creamier.
3 / 5

Ice Teh Cino $1.40

Dull. It tasted as though they piled on the sugar but laid off the condense milk, therefore wasn’t creamy enough for me. Didn’t finish.
2.5 / 5

Milo Dino $1.90

As we pondered what could possibly go wrong in a cup of fool-proof Milo, we found the answer in our next drink.

Ghastly taste that both my friend and I refused to waste our calories on. A mountain of ice, for obvious reasons, made our drink very diluted, which was not unexpected since taller cups are harder to gage. They should have stirred in the ice properly before putting the Milo powder on top.

I make better Milo Dinos.

Though the plastic cups were Starbucks-cool and good for take-aways, it KILLED the old skool feel. And it was mighty hard to stir sunken condense milk or Milo powder to a smooth consistency in our traditionally “smooth textured” drinks.

Conclusion: Sorry guys we’ve had better. Expansions are sometimes a downfall, and in this case the theory proves right. It was two relatively young men making our drinks so possibly it wasn’t Mr Teh Tarik himself.

Mr Teh Tarik Cartel
Far East Square
7am – 10pm

Directions: Chinatown MRT exit E, right turn to Delifrance and walk straight down falling the road.

ARTSpace Germany Review

An exciting affair that has attracted art critics, interested students and those with an eye for art; ARTSpaARTSpace Germany first opened its doors to public on 13th September, and is expected to remain open till 27th October. 

Exhibited in NAFA, occupying a total of 2 galleries, the display of contemporary paintings, sculptures, photographs, and art installations were produced by 14 prominent non-German artists from US, Australia, Switzerland, and Italy. Brace yourself as you step into the world of critically-acclaimed artists such as Tony Cragg, Christine Hill, Per Kirkeby, Joseph Kosuth and Nam June Paik – whose previous works were deemed as significant influences in Germany, leading to the flourish of Berlin as a cultural arts hub. Many German artists subsequently derived their inspirations from their aforementioned works.

Over 30 years ago, before Berlin became a cultural arts hub, Germany was unreceptive to foreign talent. Thus the exhibit revolves around the theme the living and working experiences of many generations of emigrants in Germany.

The most memorable art installation that roused my curiosity was Volksboutique Official Template, an installation by Christine Hill. Playing heavily with the interactive and fun element, Christine Hill invites the viewers to take a snapshot of themselves with the Polaroid camera, fill up an application form consisting of a short segment to describe themselves with the writing material provided, attach the instant photograph onto the application form, then stick the form onto a wall filled with dozens of other applications. This questionnaire will be circulated on the internet and be seen by millions of citizens in Germany.

I found “Atlantic Wall”, an arrangement of 10 large digitally enhanced black and white photographs with a site plan of the Atlantic wall structures by Magdalena Jetelova, particularly inspirational. Mounted in wooden black frames arranged horizontally in a straight row, the photographs were mainly of sea coasts, boulders, and concrete bunkers that were involved in the second world war in Germany, and were captured in dull, monotonous tones. Single sentences, projected by white lasers in every picture, stand out against the dreary background, and are quotations from French philosopher Paul Virilio’s book, Bunker Archaeology, which comments on the violence and unrest, as well as the relationship between war and technology.

Tony Cragg’s space has been divided into three parts, a sculpture named “Flotsam” in one, six pencil drawings hung in a straight row in another, and a wall installation “More & More & More” in the last. Flotsam, a pale greenish-blue plastic of asymmetrical rounded shapes resembling the profiles of the artist’s face, is hollow on the inside, yet sturdy, and seems like the result of whimsical imagination of the artist. The wall installation, “More & More & More”, consists of many small painted wooden elements which are placed in wooden frames and secured to the wall.

Ben & Jerry’s @ Suntec City

The first thing that caught my eye was the conspicuous landscape portrait of Ben & Jerry’s signature cows feeding on a field of vibrant green, and perfectly-shaped clouds floating above.

The walls were brightly coloured with cheerful shades of yellow, purples, and reds. Cows ornaments - figurines, bells, and toys, flooded the place. The outlet even set aside a small area at the corner to sell their other mechanise. But honestly, who in their right state of mind goes to Ben & Jerry’s to purchase tie-dye t-shirts - which I swore could be the official outfit for the annual gay pride march, or some other mambo jumble on display?

Along the walls was a mini hall of frame, which showcased testimonies by past satisfied customers. Yes, the place had definitely accomplished their goal if they had aimed to look like a pre-school playground, albeit in a positive way.

We ordered ice-cream, 3 scoops on a crispy waffle base plus a topping of your choice ($8.50). The scoops and the toppings were rather measly, so I’d say it’s a little on the pricey side. Ice-cream was lip-smacking; we expected nothing less of B&J. And the commplimentary water was absolutely necessary given the high possibility of chocolate overdose.

However, on the down side, though the server did suggest their best selling flavor the Mudslice, she almost looked almost reluctant to be serving us. And no harm in letting us sample a few flavors before deciding? The staff seemed generally hostile and unapproachable.

Liquid Kitchen @ Serangoon Gardens

Liquid Kitchen’s fourth and newest addition to its chain of cafes cum bars cum desert place is located at Serangoon Gardens. Occupying a whole corner, its distinct orange glow encased by glass that screamed “come here to unwind and chill!” stood out from many rows of seedy pubs and sordid KTV lounges in the same area.

It was around 11pm when we arrived. It was fairly crowded, albeit no where near as packed as “Grapevine”, located at Upper Serangoon, on a typical night.

Upon further exploration, you find the cafe actually occupies another space on the 2nd level, which looked pretty clean-cut and bright, with comfy cushion seats, a pool table, and an ashtray for smokers. Finally another place besides grapevine which lets smokers have the luxury of smoking without having the constant need to swat pesky bloodthirsty mosquitoes off their hairy arms every ten seconds or so.

The padded menu was a nice touch although the menu itself was almost falling off the cover, and no harm getting bigger tables as well. The tables were small and round, which was fine for couples, but would prove difficult to squash three or more people. A choice of different table sizes and seats would be ideal.

Food wise, the variety is commendable, with choices of cocktails, mocktails, ice-cream cocktails, boozes, shooters, as well as simple finger foods and deserts. The prices were reasonable. The devastatingly appaling thing was, everything was sold out! Both the Soft Shell Crab and Tiramisu was not available. They could have saved printing half their menus and actually invest in providing substantial grub.

In the end, we settled for just our drinks. Sex on the Beach was dully fruity; ideal start for a drinking session. Lychee Martini would appeal to those with a sweet tooth. Alas we had to rush for the last bus so concluded our so-called drinking session.

Besides the literal lack of food, another complain would be the disappointing customer service. Most of the servers looked rather stuck-up and often clustered among themselves engaging in loud chatter or eating. We also had to wave our hands frantically in the air for a long time before anyone paid any heed to us. A smile doesn’t cost anything… well except for their jobs if they got fired.

At the end of my virgin trip to Liquid Kitchen, I highly doubt I’ll ever step into their premises again. Not even for a quickie.

*This review was done before the SMOKING BAN thus smoking indoors may be barred now.