Food, lah

I am rather fond of outside Chinese restaurants, this was taken way back in 2001, in Nilai at one of my favourites. I put it up for historical interest and the fact that one person here was later rather too free with a knife and her lover. A dark tale not for here. But just around the corner from our condo we have had the Zi Yean to give us equally good food. About two weeks ago we decided to pop round and enjoy a feed. To our horror there was only a sign saying "We have moved". A quick search on the map showed that the move was not too far and we drove round. The place was heaving with people, the airconned area completely full and people queuing, the open area almost as bad, although we were recognised and allocated a small table; the staff were rushed off their feet, with corresponding lowered standards. And the food was OK, but only OK, not the usual level of pleasure. The next day I found out that it had just been recommended by the Sunday supplement and consequently had most of the Chinese population of Singapore trying it out.

But rather than just cross it off the list as having declined in standards we tried it again recently, gaining access even to the aircon. I am not a great fan of the aircon sections in most places since they tend not to be much different to the outside, i.e. basic tables and plastic chairs, but rather more expensive. The Zi Yean is not like that at all as it was very pleasant and gave a feeling of a restaurant, not just a place to eat.

And, I am glad to say, the food was great, bearing little resemblance to the food the first time we tried after their move. I guess they were not prepared for that many customers. In fact, even in the aircon as it began to fill later a waiter, who remembered us, confided that unless the customer numbers declined he would be seeking a place elsewhere. But you can see from the picture above that Alice enjoyed it, her great smile flashing as she gave the ultimate Philippine accolade "I'm so full". And she informed me that I had too, since she both had photographic proof and I apparently brought it up in conversation a few times in the ensuing days. I suspect she will not be surprised when I ask can we go there again this weekend.

I heartily recommend it, but don't go too early, so we can feed and leave before it gets crowded!