It's All About The Food

An array of desserts

As we settle in to life here, it's clear that much of the "to-do" in Singapore is all about the food. Within every block it seems there is some sort of eatery, coffee or dessert shop. The number of Starbucks might rival that in Seattle though there are plenty of other coffee-shops to choose from. Desserts, especially the chocolate variety are also abundant (Julie, you might think it akin to heaven?).

Won Ton Soup and Scallion Pancakes

And for those who crave typical American fast-food, you can find it - McDonald's, Subway, KFC and Burger King (even some that serve beer!) thrive (though so far I haven't spotted a Taco Bell but maybe that's a good thing). For local variety in the Asian version of fast food you can't beat the hawker-stands I've already mentioned. Usually specializing in one food-type or ethnic cuisine, they provide a serious food resource to the community and many if not most turn out excellent fare at very low cost.

One particular shop I've grown fond of I discovered in my search for quality bread. As it turned out, just next to what has quickly become a favorite grocery market, is a small shop called Cedele's. They have a few modest shelves of bread loaves, sweet rolls and other treats like cupcakes as well as a few tables and chairs to use if you decide to stay for a sandwich, soup or coffee and dessert. They proclaim their baked goods to be made of all natural, high quality ingredients and their technique displays genuine craftmanship. I can say with conviction that their chocolate truffle cake is absolutely sinful! I'm afraid I will have to be careful not to indulge too much here before my figure is sorely compromised.

We still have a lot of ground to cover and discover on this topic but I think we're going to enjoy the ride! For now, click here to see more of the delicious delights I've captured so far!

A Flaw (or Two) in this Jewel

It's well known that Singapore keeps a pretty tight rein on certain behaviors and norms in an effort to make the face of this country an attractive jewel in the Asian realm. This is a hard thing to achieve in a multi-ethnic society and there is a lot to commend in their general achievement. In fact, a podcast I recently listened to from NPR Radio about the happiest places to live included Singapore among them. Yet, it can't be perfect - no place is. And then I came across this article highlighting the plight of maids in service (or servitude?) here. Clearly there is much work to be done on this front before that flaw threatens the sparkle on this gem.

On a different front, Asia in general has a high reputation for friendly, attentive service. I think we can say that seems to be generally but not universally true. And here in Singapore so far we've noticed at many restaurants that service is seriously lacking if not a joke! We often have to look around pleadingly for any attention at all and when it comes you may be lucky if they pay attention to your request. In fact, it sometimes feels like you are inconveniencing the staff! Though we haven't needed to use too many other services as yet, time will tell if this is a fluke but so far we rate it very poorly indeed!