around that corner
I have walked past this place a couple of times, most often in a rush. From the corner of my eye, my glimpse of this place was always scatter with men who sit idly by, reading newspapers, or watching people like me rushing by. One weekend, after having brunch around the corner, this place came to my mind. I told C we were going to a nice place for coffee. In my context, nice, meaning the food is good, not necessarily the ambience. And I actually like tacky looking eateries, provided that the food served is good enough to eat.
It started to drizzle when we got there. I took a seat at one of the few marble top tables. We were too stuffed to have any more bites. C ordered an ice black coffee (thumbs up!), and me, a good old cup of kopi (coffee with milk). Before I warmed my butt on the seat, the old fellow next table was starting a conversation with me. They were watching a local singing programme on the television perch on the shelf. He was making some comments about that equally old singer. It was funny how people warm up to each other.
I sat there soaking in that old nostalgic feeling. It reminded me of childhood. As I looked around, I saw an Indian man behind me talking on his mobile phone. In front of him was a plate of toast and a cup of coffee. As he was busy yakking away, I gestured to him that I wanted to take photos of his toast. He gave me the go ahead, so I went next to him and happily snapped away. After that, I went back to my table and continued reminiscing about my childhood memories. C was totally amused by my actions, and I don’t see anything wrong with that. (?!??)
The beauty of places like these, is there is no pretentious factor. What you see is what you get. People don’t try to be chi-chi, they are just there for that good old cup of coffee. You can turn up in your most spartan attire and no one will judge you by what you wear. If you are friendly and nice, conversation with next table is really as easy as ABC.
Somewhere in that corner...
This old guy is brewing up a nice flavour...
... all in a good ole cup of caffeine
...and toast with nicely burnt corners (from the next table)
Then sit back and enjoy, with that old guy standing in that corner.
What a lovely post. Made me feel so nostalgic. This is what I love about Singapore and find so charming – I hope I coffeeshops don’t disappear with our increasing modernization.
It was nice of the man to let you take the close-ups…love the shot of the coffee and toast!
Thanks!
Try their ice black coffee when you are there.
I remember a time when I was younger and I used to hate it when my parents brought me to such run down looking places. Now, I just want to know WHERE THIS PLACE IS so that I can try it out too!
lol
It is situated at the end of Clive Street, next to Upper Weld Road. If you are coming from Serangoon Road and turn into Upper Dickson Road, turn left to Upper Weld Road, you should be able to see the shed on your left.