The one whom I feel is nice to me usually hurts me the most……
H reminded me of this point once again when he said things that stung my ears and heart.
I made it a point to meet up with him when he came back to Singapore for business. We have been corresponding by emails and updating each other on our lives. He had been a faithful listener and never fails to write back to me, so I see him as a great friend to have. For him, I made the effort to travel from my place in the Northeast to the city centre where his hotel is located to see him. I was happy to see him again and I think he felt the same too. We were all smiles. And being French, he kissed me on my cheeks which I have not learnt how to do to guys. I asked, “Where are we going for dinner?” He said “You will know later, it is a surprise.” Only then did I knew he had already booked a venue as he wanted to make up for the previous time we ended up at a crappy restaurant in River Valley, eating weird German cheese.
We got into a cab and he said “Marina Bay Sands” to the taxi-driver. It was the start of a nice evening, he proposed drinks before the dinner as the reservation was for 8:30pm and it was still early. So we went to locate Ku De Ta, at the Skypark of the Casino. It was pretty exciting for me as I have never been to Ku De Ta, I have the impression it is a nice bar with magnificent views of the Marina Bay Skyline.
The place did not disappoint us, it was like a banker’s hangout as H described. It was very classy, with polite service and well-dressed crowd. Some were tourists and many seem to be executives in smart business suits. We stood at a table and enjoyed the scenery before us. Club music played in the background but it was not intrusive. We had privacy and began to talk.
After we had our fill of drinks and beautiful sight, we proceeded to locate the restaurant Waku Ghin. I never heard of this place, but H said it was highly recommended by a friend who is knowledgeable about the best restaurants in very country. I thought H was sweet as he remembered the previous date when I wanted to eat Japanese food but most restaurants were closed then, so this time he made it a point to bring me to the best Japanese restaurant in Singapore. I was a bit flattered, you know, such little attention to details touched women the most.
So I was expecting a fancy place, but it really exceeded my imagination when we finally found it. The restaurant turned out to be quite a distance from Ku De Ta and we walked through a bit of a maze before we found it. Even the entrance was mysterious. The receptionist were eyeing us warily when she thought we did not make a reservation. And it was only then did I realize this place serves only 25 diners at a time, I was pretty stunned when I heard it. I guess the bill later would cost a bomb. I am definitely not going to pay.
After H clarified that we had made a reservation, and she checked that it was true indeed, she began to lead us into the restaurant. I was greeted by a line of waiters, spiral walls and mysterious atmosphere. After a short walk, we were settled down in a private chamber with a teppanyaki desk for cooking. Wow, extremely private, I meekly asked H, “We are eating here? There are only the two of us.” He just smiled. So you see, my virgin experience of fine dining is just about to begin.
A young chef in his twenties or probably thirties appeared. I do not really like him, he does not look friendly or a great cook. He showed up with a basket of seafood. The things inside look foreign to me, but I think I recognize a red lobster, abalones that are still alive with heartbeat and fish that look pink and fresh. He began to introduce what we will be eating later. But I was not paying attention. He spoke softly and I am a bit hard of hearing.
After he is done with his speech, one waitress, or maybe the Manager, appeared asking if I need a box for my feet. I was puzzled, what would that be for? Soon I learnt it was for me to rest my feet as the stool may be a little too high for me. Sodesne (So I see) They must think I am a country bumpkin, so I dare not ask them anything, I only whispered my doubts to H. Such as the first dish. The portion is tiny, the eatable part is in a shell, I asked “What is this?” it is maybe some prawns with caviar. I tasted it, tried to finish it, but could not. It’s a bit fishy for my liking, and I thought I tasted sand.
Next on the item was foie gras. Wow, I have never eaten it, I think. Or maybe I did, I had foie gras sushi before, it tasted all right, but not unforgettable. Same for this dish.
After that came other forgettable dishes. And fast forward to dessert time. I had a sweet tooth, so I like the light cheesecake they serve, it was very light, very airy, like it will not make you fat after eating it. Then there were some macarons and finally coffee. H had double expresso and I had latte. Overall, if I were to give my most honest opinion, I like the latte best of all, and the cheesecake second. The rest is not my cup of tea.
So that night, thanks to H, he gave me my first experience in fine dining. The food was not as fabulous as I thought. The service was not as sincere as I wish it could be. But overall, I had the luxury of dining privately and slowly, and with good company, and a compIete meal with coffee. We had a little stroll along the promenade, taking in the lovely view. H invited me back to his hotel for coffee but I was feeling tired and a bit drunk from the sake and wine we drank. So I said, “Next time.” Privately, I thought we just had coffee, why drink again in his room? I left in a cab, he showed a funny expression, I do not know if he wanted me to go up for coffee or sex. It was a perfect date, but his request left me wondering the whole night what he wanted.
