The Four Points by Sheraton Kuching is no stranger to visitors, local and visitors alike. For the locals, it is the place to escape the busy buzz of Kuching town, and to visitors, it offers a splendid location for business trips, meetings and even a city getaway. I was so happy to be here once again to The Eatery All Day Dining Restaurant, and this time it is more special as the invitation was extended in conjunction with a special event by the Four Points to appreciate the true essence of the joyful season – the “Christmas Love Treats”. Fellow blogger Garner, Aliey and Irene were also there to add to the merry making!

With Christmas in the air, holiday cheer spread around, and merry making everywhere, the culinary team cooked up a storm of delicious Christmas comfort food and feel good treats for its visitors. I was so very excited to be there, because from past experience dining with my colleague, I left with a welcomed sensation and most importantly a belly full of good food. The Eatery’s spread of buffet left very little to be desired as it serves up a slew of Western, Asian and local Malaysian cuisine; and if you still have room for dessert, the spread boasts a festive of sweet temptation, each waiting for you to savour and taste. 

Those who knows me personally would agree that I have a sizable appetite for a small guy. I’d like to disagree, but then I’d be lying! Dining at Four Points by Sheraton this time also meant that this is my first experience in enjoying a wide assortment of Christmas cuisines! Upon arrival, we were greeted personally by Ivan, the Online & Field Marketing Manager and were introduced to the different stations along the buffet spread – the Seafood on Ice, Create Your Own Salad counter, Soup from Kettle counter, Main Course Station, Carvery Station, Asian Station and Festive Sweet Temptation. 

I began with a couple of buns and a selection of items from the Seafood on Ice. On my plate there was Tuna and Salmon fillet, salami, a few sushi and California rolls sans wasabi (I decided to not to have any condiments), Prawn Salad and my new favourite – Christmas Venison Pâté. For first timers, myself included, a pate is made from finely minced or mashed ingredients, in this case it is a venison meat. So delish!

Next, while Aliey was busy making herself a Caesar Salad from the Create Your Own Salad counter, I decided to try out something from the Soup from Kettle counter – the Lobster Bisque with Truffle Oil and Crab Meat. It was my first time trying it out – what a wonderful surprise it was! The taste, coupled with an Herb Stick Bread or probably any bread rolls or loaves was just scrumptious! The texture was smooth and delightful, the taste creamy and satisfying!  

I decided to try out the main courses after finishing my soup – the Chicken Schnitzel (a thin slice of a piece of chicken, coated with breadcrumbs and egg and then fried) with lemon and caper, helped myself to some Roasted Turkey with Raisins, Roasted Potatoes and some Calamari Rings prepared with a local flavour. I also took a couple of Half Shelled Scallop and a few slices of fruits to cleanse my palette. Owh, did I tell you about the Herb Stick Bread? They are amazing on their own, and even better with the Lobster Bisque!

Thanks to the large portion of the Venison Pâté and the sheer number of main courses, I found myself full despite still wanting to savour the rest of the dishes in the other stations. The Asian Station offers Steamed White Pomfret Fish Teochew Style, Braised Chicken Meat Ball in Superior Sauce, Vietnamese Prawns and KL Curry Noodles! Alas, I settled and made way to the dessert station instead and fret about what to have for dessert! There were cookies of various kinds, an assortment of Macaroon Sandwiches, Christmas Fruit Cakes and Stollen (it’s basically fruit cake), Christmas Hazelnut Dome, Cinnamon Crème Brulee, Lemon Lime Meringue Tartlets, Christmas Yule Log and the signature dessert that Four Points by Sheraton is well known for – the Cotton Cheese Cake. 

I wish I have the capacity (and sweetness tolerance) to handle all of the desserts, I really do! On the other hand, they all looked so divine that eating them is a crime to the eyes who have yet to see them. I have, in my plate, 3 cookies – a buttermilk, icing topped and chocolate, Christmas Mince Fruit Pie and the Lemon Lime Pie. It was most unfortunate that the Cotton Cheese Cake was gone by the time I was ready for my dessert - I am definitely coming back for it sometime soon. Anyone wants to join me? Just gimme a holler in the comments. 

All in all it was a great experience for me - sharing and mingling with new friends. We are, after all, one big family regardless of race and religion. I would like to personally thank Ivan and Myla and all of the staffs at Four Points by Sheraton for your generous hospitality, and especially to the Executive Chef Liou Chong Yaw for cooking up a storm. 

I love the idea of spending the day out with friends while spending next to nothing - a walk along Waterfront, a jog at Pustaka, an afternoon at the beach or a picnic, just take your pick I'm almost certain to be there. It may not be ideal to be outside in the scorching sunny weather that is Kuching especially when fasting (mild dehydration and stuffs) but still doable. And just this afternoon, I along with a group of friends joined in on a community program aptly named "Sungkei Lua" - a local dialect formally known in Malay as "Berbuka (puasa) di Luar" or English "Breaking of fast outside". 

The local Sarawak dialect is a whole different book altogether, but the phrase sungkei lua - sungkei meaning breaking of fast and lua (of luar) meaning outside carries the understanding that one or the group agrees to not break the fast at home and usually at foodcourts, diners or restaurants. This time though, lua is not in the traditional sense where the venue was set at Padang Merdeka - a massive, iconic field smack dabbed in the heart of the city. 

The informal event was put together by Fazli and his fellow mates from The Collective (read about them here) and OrgKampong.com (read about them here). I was not able to really interview him in details, but I am under the impression that the inspiration to call up the whole of Kuching to come to Padang Merdeka for the breaking of fast was probably sparked from our neighbour in the peninsular where event of similar fashion has been held before. In any case, kudos to Fazli and his team for taking the initiative. The format was potluck - everyone would bring their own food and sharing is very much welcomed, the dress code was traditional Baju Melayu for boys and Baju Kurung for the ladies. 

On a personal note, it was awesome to see Kuchinglites flocking to Padang Merdeka in support of the event. What's even more heart-warming was how friendly we are (yes we, I include myself and my friends too) to each other - Muslims and non-Muslims gathering together and at one point were exchanging food among the different groups! How awesome it is to be living in a city that is Kuching. 

But there was that one bit of mentality that pretty much had me and my friends worried and fear for the organisers - some of the less responsible groups brought fireworks - the one that is obnoxiously goes BOOM!! and freaking the life out of everyone - to the event in the hope of "firing things up" and "in the spirit of celebration". Now I'm all game for the spirit of celebration but seriously, annoying fireworks that does nothing but scare you half-dead isn't the way. Plus, it could land the organisers in a heap of trouble too, and may ultimately cause further event of this manner to be dis-allowed or banned altogether! A simple bit of fun for a handful of immature teens, but the rest of us responsible adults are the one paying the price! 

But, in any case, the mood was good, the venue was perfect, the weather was fine and all was well. I for one, managed a picture under the gynormous cotton tree that has been part of Padang Merdeka longer that I can even remember! I hope events like this gets put together more often and not just limited to breaking of fast but also other festivities as well! 

As usual, the gallery for you to enjoy! 

Photo Gallery by QuickGallery.com

Photo Gallery by QuickGallery.com

Don't they look delish? These are just some of the dishes that you can try at Han's Dim Sum. At affordable prices and guaranteed freshness (the dim sums are steamed upon ordering, not pre-steamed and kept heated) you'll be pleasantly surprised by how full-filling these dishes are. Looking for a quick lunch that is light on the tummy and pocket, but heavy on flavours and satisfaction, add Han's Dim Sum to your existing list. If you don't have a list yet, why not start with this?

Located at the Third Mile area, Han's Dim Sum occupies the corner lot of shophouses across Timberland Medical Center just next to Jolibee. Other landmarks to hep you spot the right location is Siang Siang Corner and Maxis. Here's the foursquare location. No pork, no lard, no alcohol served here. According to my host, Han's Dim Sum is trying to attract the younger generations to enjoy dim sums as a meal in general, and I have to agree, this place has all the perks that we all could enjoy (personally tho, if it comes to food, I'm game >.<)/

Let's start with the house specials - Chicken Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf. Choose your preferences be it roasted or steamed. As the name suggests, the chicken rice topped with chicken of your choice is wrapped with lotus leaf before being steamed, giving the pleasant aroma as you enjoy it. The portion is also good for a full lunch meal.

Next is another house specials - the Sifu Pau. This is another lunch-appropriate meal, and suitably made to enjoy dine-in or to go. It is a essentially a bundle of joy - a hot, steamed bun with glutinous rice, herbs, chicken and salted egg yolk (a Chinese friend told me it is essentially lo mai kai in a bun >.<)/  OMG I cannot get over the taste of it. I only had a quarter, but I kid you not, the bun was soft and supple (erk, that's a weird adjective to use on buns.. pun intended) the sticky rice and chicken was savoury, and the salted egg yolk was the surprise center. yummeeeehhh!!!! 

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The writer would like to stress that it is now 12.30 on a Saturday morning, and he hasn't had lunch and skipped breakfast and is now droooling at his own post >.<

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When it comes to choices of dim sum, there are many to choose from the menu. If you're a little lost at what to get, came with a couple of friends or simply have a big appetite, try Han's Yamcha Starter Set. This is the house favourite, serving the following dim sums:

Chicken Ham Roll

Seaweed Roll

Braised Chicken Wing

Century Egg Siew Mai

Chicken and Mushroom Siew Mai

and the chef's pick of the day.

Of course, you still have a choice to mix and match the individually priced dim sums from the menu.  Various condiments and dips are also available to dip the dim sums - I'm inclined to think that some dips complements a certain dim sum and do not work as well with others, but the only rule I follow is that if it taste good, it taste good. If not, try a different one. >.<  

Common kopitiam drinks are also available to wash down all those good food, or just order a pot of Chinese tea and shoot the breeze with your friends. 

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The writer would like to point out that he just realised Han's Dim Sum is less than 5 minutes drive from where he is currently at. There can be no doubt that he is going there for lunch >.<

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I had a chance to try the Durian Cheese Cake at Secret Recipe earlier, and it was delish. At the same time tho, I remembered the memory attached to that particular Secret Recipe, and was the main reason why I avoid it until only recently - having made peace with that memory..

Well, in the same context, I was reminded of a dear friend who hated durian so much that if the fridge is used to store durian, even in separate containers in separate compartments, he would not eat anything that came out of that fridge. He would even cringe at the smell from miles away! Imagine him walking into Secret Recipe that has Durian Cheese Cake.. hahaha! (owh and on a side note, this particular friend also do not eat bananas! >.<)

Analogically speaking, durian is still durian no matter how you serve it. As is, freshly peeled, or made into tempoyak, and fried tempoyak, dodol, crepe, cake, however you serve it, is still durian. No matter where you serve it, either on the roadside, at the market, nicely wrapped in a supermarket, at home, at a small stall made and wrapped to go, in a restaurant, at a five star hotel, it is still, in fact, durian! Some people love it, some people tolerate it, and some just hate it.

I wonder if you get the hint of what I'm trying to say. Let's say that I am the durian. I can wear the best clothes from a famous brand, or the worst match from the cheapest store.. I can keep my hair long or trim it short. I can keep my beard or shave it clean. I can put on whatever persona I see fit, whenever I feel like it, wherever I am required to, but I will always be me. Some people love me, some people tolerate me, and some just hate me. 

I like to think of myself as a simple guy - others usually beg to differ. I enjoy a quiet walk by the riverside or a shopping spree whenever I can afford it. I like my solitary moments, yet at times I crave attention and to be around the people I love it suffocates them (sorry guys >.<) I like food, but I almost always feel guilty after eating - I've been steadily gaining weight lately. What is, is is to me - what was, was was - but what is to be is up to me to change. I guess in the lease amount of words I can describe myself is I'm a bundle of contradiction. 

In any case, of late I find myself collecting memories, reflecting on them, and re-living them one after another. I longed to be the person I used to be - I don't know who I am anymore. Thus to help me remember, I fashioned myself a simple Wall of Very Important Things. Mostly I hung key-chains on it, some were given by an important friend, some was given from a family member, some from my ex-girlfriends (dudes, chill. I've moved on since). A birthday card - something I haven't received since god knows when. Tickets of parks and rides with a dear friend - I hope to see you in Sabah next year. 

Still I feel a huge chunk of my heart is missing. Perhaps I've been looking in the wrong places. 

So my blog recently got featured in Sarawak bloggers for the month of September. In a mood for celebration I headed to the Sarawak Regatta Fair. I’ll have another entry for that later, but right now I am fully content with my own company having a bite of Steak Beef Pie at John’s Pie. I’ve heard of John’s Pie from someone, I don’t recall whom though. Also came across the name while covering for the Rainforest World Music Festival 2013.

The entrance

I gotta there was a small misunderstanding about John’s Pie. Though the name was familiar, I was never able to find it. Instead, I came across John’s Place. Boy they are worlds apart. Where John’s Pie serves pie and pastries (as the name implies), John’s Place is a kopitiam which also offers a bed & breakfast on the first floor. I have a feeling that they are related - perhaps of the same business owners. If you know dow put it into the comments below! Thanks!

Inside - rather cozy albeit small

John’s Pie is a small quaint little cafe on the street of Song Thian Cheok. Common landmark is the 360’s Hotel, Liwah Hotel and Wisma Pheonix across Secret Recipe Padungan. I have to say after spending a whole day at the Regatta Festival with a bunch of awesome friends (a couple of which I just met) this quiet little place with its mellow jazz music in the background is all I needed while my other half is doing her own thing, if I may be to bold to point out.

Well anyways I I tried the Steak Beef Pie and boy was I pleasantly surprised. It was delish. The crust was thin but not too thin –it simply crumbles away revealing the scrumptious fillings inside. I have to point out that this is not a good place if you have large numbers in your party. Solo coffee time, couple’s date, that’s just the right number. Three, four or more would be a crowd. As it stands, I will definitely bring my better half here.

The receipt - not expensive at all!

John’s Pie also serve Shepherd’s Pie among other things ~ for those who fancy juices with their pies, there is bottled orange juice, but I like my pie with a cup of plain old coffee. They also serve a few types of quiches - a type of baked flan or tart with savory filling thickened with eggs (or to me it's a much larger version of egg tart - except instead of just egg, you get chicken or meat on it as well >.<) 

There is also a new pie on their menu - a locally inspired Laksa Pie! I might head over there to try it out soon! Who's coming with me?   \(^_^)/

Laksa Pie

Driving around Kuching is an experience by itself, and I find it (mostly) calming (minus traffic jam, accidents and pot holes on certain roads). On more than a few occations driving along Jalan Sherip Masahor heading towards the Third Mile roundabout, a banner would catch my eye : Chef at Home. I never did got the chance to try dining there, mainly because I don't have any company to try it out. 

They used to operate in a (what looked from the main road) big house with big compound, much like Swanky Sarah (this, however is located off Greenroad and is non-halal) but have since moved to a new location in the cluster of shophouses across Saberkas (nearby landmark would be the Astro office, Unimas Holdings / Klinik Sebayor, and SK St. Paul). Featuring Western Menus and local (as well as imported) coffee and tea (quite rare will you find eating pasta accompanied with nescafe or Milo) as well as signature desserts (which I forgot to try because I was too full!)

Going with a friend always adds more fun to trying out new things and places to eat. I went with a good friend sporting Baju Melayu in the spirit of Hari Raya Aidilfitri - albeit having Western dishes for dinner! 

Although the new Chef at Home is located on the ground floor of a shoplot, they managed to create a somewhat homey ambiance : well spaced tables, seats for four (and less), seats for 6 and two family size tables with probably 8 or 10 seats. Me and my friend sat on one end of this table while a family of three sat on the other end with plenty of spaces between us. There is also an indoor section if you prefer it. One of the drawback was that since it is a shoplot, parking space literally meets the outdoor seatings, so when the drivers park into or exit out of the parking, you get the gas smell from their exhaust for those few moments as the car engine runs. 

That aside, me and my friend agreed on a main course each and share a bowl of soup. Because it was my first time, I let my friend select the soup (plus I wasn't really that interested in soup - until it arrived, that is!). I didn't pay attention when he placed the order : Mushroom Soup served in a Bread Bowl. I figured since we're sharing then together with the soup was a bowl of bread - again not putting any more thought into how wrong that actually was! When it arrived, the 5-year-old in me popped out in awe, because the soup was literally served in a bowl made out of bread!

Mushroom Soup served in a Bread Bowl

Next to come was my main course : Cheesy Linguine in Carbonara Sauce. I love pasta, and between the common Bolognaise and Carbonara, I prefer the later because of the creamy taste that fills me up with delight! >.<!  A few minutes later came my friend's main dish : Beef Steak cooked medium. On the side was some carrots, broccoli and potato stewed in aluminium foil. 

Cheesy Linguine in Carbonara Sauce -->

<-- Beef Steak cooked to medium

I have to say I rather enjoyed myself dining at Chef at Home. On a yummy scale of 0 to 5 where 0 is blueeekkkk! yucksss!! and 5 is THAT WAS SCRUMPTIOUSLY DELIGHTFUL CAN I HAVE SECONDS AND THIRDS PLEASE??!!! I would say the soup was a 4.5, linguine carbonara a 4 and the steak a 4.5 (because I wish there was a proper salad instead of just a couple of cut carrots and broccoli). I also wished they'd be a little more creative with putting up the sign for the new location (because it is at a shoplot) to add something like Away from home! or something since they no longer operate literally from a house. Then again, my two cents on this matter does not in any way hamper quality of food and services at Chef at Home. Definitely coming back here!

Ever since it opened, I've always planted an intention to sit and try the food at Boardriders Cafe @ Sunset Avenue Plaza Merdeka, Kuching. I have to say, I was not disappointed. The other day for Iftar me and a couple of friends was able to try out one of the promotion, which as a main course, a soup and bottomless iced tea for RM 19.90 ++ (I'm sure the ++ was for any extra drinks or desserts and what not).

The list of main courses was not too overwhelming, among them was :

• Pineapple Chicken Curry with Butter Rice
• Clack Pepper Chicken Chop with Butter Rice
• Tuna Spaghetti Carbonara
• Turkey Ham and Cheese Sandwich
• Beef Pepperoni

My two good friends decided to try the Black Pepper Chicken Chop with Butter Rice. I had a bite, and boy the black pepper sauce was delicious. Not too strong, just nice. The colour and plating was nicely done, with plenty of fresh salad and tomatoes. Fortunately for me, my dear friends has a low liking towards vege so I had extra salad (which I was unable to finish in the end being too full after my own meal). 

I ordered the Tuna Spaghetti Carbonara because I am a fan of carbonara sauce. Mixed feeling here, because as much as I do enjoy it, the sauce was too thick and the tuna was too chunky to my liking. An extra spoon or two might help the dish too, I suppose. But the overall taste and presentation was delightful enough I cleaned my plate anyways (then again, a lot of people would say I clean my plate in spite of whatever). 

The three of us stayed and talked for a couple of hours over iced tea. The waiters were attentive enough to offer to refill our cups, our seat was cozy right by the window overlooking Padang Merdeka. I like how the cafe was setup to reflect the ambiance of an indoor surf joint, complete with surfboards! And for those who wants a quiet time to themselves, they even have a bar along with headphones so you can still retreat into your own world even if you forgot your earphones.

I managed to snap (and enhance here and there) a few photos. If you've never tried Boardriders Cafe before, do give it a go. I'm sure you'll fall in love instantly!

"Make new friends but keep the old, 

for these are silver and those are gold."

I'm not sure who came up with that quote, but it is one that I stood by. 10 years passed since I left secondary school. Some of my friends I haven't met since. Some kept in touch, and some are still best friends even.. no, especially after all these years. We're grown up men and women now, and lots of us are married and having kids. Blink after blink, lo and behold we're all uncles and aunties now. 

Along with the Ramadhan comes the annual gathering of friends. This year was no exception. It's as if a preliminary gathering in the breaking of fast, when come Aidilfitri a much bigger gathering is bound to happen. Even those who could not make it was mentioned and kept close to heart in best wishes. I find myself reminiscing on my bullies whom have grown into gentlemens with their wife and kids. Hatchets are buried, water under the bridge. Now we laugh at our silliness, not only in primary and secondary school, but also in the recent years when gatherings would occur and stories were exchanged. Truly, friendship, like gold, grows in value over time. 

Well - I'm gonna go on a limb here and post in my native language. 

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Malam tadik dapat jwak melepas rindu melepak ngan geng-geng skolah dolok. Ngembak sungkei, bukak posa.. lepak kejap, kak ya kt pulang, kata dirik nya tek... cek cek kol 10 jwak baruk angkat. Nak molah cerita kali nak? hahaha! 

Tok lah tempat bersejarah tahun tok. Makanan nang superb. Location cun (kat Greenroad, sebelah Cotton Button, Lock Ann.. sik jauh dari Celcom Center lamak). Urang pun sik rami - ka nang khas direserve k kita bekuku-kakah? hahaha! Aku sik ingat bila last ku tetak serenggak nyawa kedak malam tadik. 

Banyak di-order kmk org k makan. Badan yang datang 7 orang (plus a little girl and a baby yang sangat-sangat comel) tapi order bagei makan 10 orang. Ney gik dengan jagung susu ngan ABD gik. Tapi, nyaman senyaman-nyamannya. Aku yang alergik ngan seafood, boleh makan sampei 7 8 ekor udang (undang bak kata member sorang. Hahaha!) Besar-besar gik ya! Dalam banyak-banyak ya tek, center dishes adalah :

Daging Celebrity	Butter Prawn
Tom Yam

Geng-geng seperti biasa sangat kuku-kakah. Oleh kerana aku pun lamak dah sik melepak ngan geng-geng tok, banyak cerita yang miss. Tp sidak seperti biasa sangat sporting beguro-bersenda macam dolok marek. nang rioh la. Best jwak bila ada nembiak k ngalih cerita. Dapat tauk ada yang nak kawen dah ujong tahun tok. So next year, ada harapan la bilangan berganda-ganda.. Aku doa semoga dipermudahkan urusan ktk orang semua, amin.. 

Tok baruk preliminary round kata orang.. Tunggu raya kelak, in sya Allah, kita berkumpol rami-rami gik. ok?

It has been a while since I came here. Probably a couple of months. I've read some mixed reviews about this place, and I dare say I've been lucky enough to get good food and good service on every visit. Then again, I always go with the same friend and perhaps we enjoyed the quiet ambiance and the conversation that we never really paid too much attention to the food that we ordered or service delivered to us. 

This time round we had a third person. Again, the service leaves little to be desired. Although I did notice the patron a couple of tables away getting restless waiting for their food to arrive. 

First off, the drinks : 

              

Leftmost is Mango Smoothie. Rich, sweet and sour, smooth and delish! I only had a couple of sips tho. Out of character I ordered Cold Ceylon Blend tea, and it was just refreshing. I had a feeling I would be eating for two and I was right, and the tea is light enough to elevate my fullness. 

I did not catch the greenish drink - has to be a mocktail as my friend loves the mocktail here. and next to it is the strawberry smoothie. Did not taste, but I bet it is just as rich as the mango smoothie. 

Hodgepodge Pizza - Normal Crust

Something for the table : the Hodgepodge Pizza. Always a favourite when I come here. Slices of pepperoni and hotdog, bits of hams and chicken, lots of cheese, a pure vegan would probably die at this glorious sight! >.<  Joking of course. 

Spaghetti Aglio Olio with Grilled Chicken

This is what my friend ordered. A little too oily for our taste, that we all agree, but while I say it's nicely seasoned with herbs, spices, dried chilli and pepper (nope, not the least bit hot. Just spicy.. hrmm.. in local term, rasa berempah tapi sik pedah langsung so don't worry if you cannot tolerate hot/spicy food. This is very mild), my friend said it lacks flavor. Be warned tho, you might end up comparing it with mee goreng, because it does taste like it. 

And the main star of of the show (my dish, our course) Kansas Grilled Chicken with BBQ Sauce. Served with fresh lettuce and tomato salad and potato wedges. My friend complained they put too much potato wedges, and yeap, he's right, it was a little more than usually expected. I'd put is to twice the service size of KFC's large cheesy wedges.

The salad is nice, I think it was lightly dressed with olive oil, black pepper and salt. Plain and simple. The chicken, OMG!! The meat fell off the bone fairly easy, and I the falvor seeps right into the bones (yeah, I chew them. Malaysian what!) Personally I think the BBQ sauce on the side should not be eaten with the chicken as it already has awesome flavor on it's own, but you eat how you like it. I used it to dip the wedges instead.

All in all, my experience at Flinder's Station Jalan Song has always been good. I hope you guys can be as lucky as me!

So y'all have been to Starbucks right? and McDonalds? Y'all have ordered hot drinks there yeah? Then they give you the flat straw thingy right? well me and my friend had a good row over this - 3 times - once at Starbucks and twice at McDonalds, laughing our heads off about a plastic stick!

What am I talking about? This  ==========================>

I always went for Fraps when I go to Starbucks, but lately I find the Hot Chocolate quite addictive. My friend would order a Caramel Machiatto. I ritually reached for the flat straw and inserted it into the small inlet where one would opt to sip the cup. 

And then the row began. I started with a question, why don't you use the hot straw to sip your machiatto? He gave me the look that I can only describe in 5 words, "Are you retarded or something?" and did not provide any further reply. We moved on from it, until McDonalds one fateful night (Yeah, dramatic much!!)

Being used to the hot straw, I again inserted it into the lid opening and sip through slowly. Again I asked, and again I got that look (which made me laugh my head off, btw) This time, he said "It is not a straw, it's a stirrer or stirring stick that you use to stir your drinks after putting sugar, cream or milk in."

Perplexed, my only reply and I still stood by it is : It's basically a straw flattened in the middle so that you can have better control over your sipping strength and avoid your mouth from getting burned. Then I continue laughing! If it performs the same function as a straw, then doesn't it deserve the name straw? He, on the other hand, simply nods yeah and I think somewhere in his mind wishes that he wore a shirt that says 'I'm with stupid". ROFLOL!!!

Well, I can safely say that I'll never look at this hot straw as I call it, or stirring stick as he calls it, the same way again. There were so many inuendos used that the argument itself became invalid and instead of a row, we would laugh ourself silly.