Met up with my 4A clique ytd for a super belated bdae celebration.
If you're reading this: THANKS GIRLS..

We went for tea-break at Sakae.. It was hard to imagine we were LIKE THEM 4 years back.. Chawanmushi with chilli oil, sweet sauce and mayo is still the best combi to date..

Headed to the restaurant serving fusion cuisine that Ching recommended. With a seating capacity of about 25 (super cosy) and a rather reasonable pricing, i wonder how they can make a profit.. Superb ambiance, friendly attentive service staff, great decor.. oh.. and the food! portion just right (might be a little small for guys though), tealight candle holder damn cute (shaped like a saucepan!).. and the most special thing i find about the restaurant is not the fusion cuisine, not the jap staff, not the ulu location, BUT THE BILL. the bill comes shaped like a hotel room key with tag. like OMG can.. (refer to picture)

I like that concept. and i dont think they can pull off that 'insane' idea without the cosy setting and decor to match.. unlike some bright restaurants with colors that are practically hinting for you to get ur butts moving once u finish ur food. and the fact that they have limited capacity makes you feel that they value each and every customer that comes thru their door.. and i realised their wait staff are well-trained. Their body language says it all. Even the smallest thing like clearing plates. From my seat, i noticed: extend left hand, reach out to clear plate of the innermost diner. extend right hand to support/guide the left hand. It's the small little things that matters.. they make an insignificant thing like clearing plates (for goodness sake) looks professional. Like you're actually dining in some posh place and the station staff is in black and white with coat. I guess their service won me over just by the body language.. laughs..

Guess it's a habit.. of most service staff to observe and compare.. and i've seen excellent staff in quick service restaurants as well.. so it's not that all good ones are in places where that 10% is mandatory.