It was CL's birthday yesterday. Originally didn't plan to meet her as I knew she had a day packed with gatherings with people. Arranged at the last minute to have lunch together after my morning work. Just as well that I drove, I suggested for us to go (all the way) to Kranji / Lim Chu Kang area for lunch. I had wanted to go recee the place myself for future trips. I thought that rural part of Singapore is a very interesting place with farms, nurseries and a wetland reserve. Where else in Singapore would you be able to get closer to nature, away from the hustle and bustle of city life?
Known as the Kranji Countryside, it was an unforgettable trip for the city dwellers like me. I think many schools have started to make it as an excursion trip for students. In my time as a student, we don't get such trips... There is the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, where I usually know the place as one for the bird-watchers. There is also a goat milk farm, which is a common feature in Australia and New Zealand (just to name a few) but it is a rare sight over here!
I gave CL a choice of 2 venues for lunch - Bollywood Veggies or Petals & Leaves Bistro. CL chose the Poison Ivy Bistro at Bollywood Veggies where one can have organic (healthy) food. Unfortunately when we arrive there, we learnt that it was closed for the entire Chinese New Year period! (Today's the 15th and the last day) Nevertheless, we were not disappointed with Petals & Leaves Bistro. I was keen to find out more about P&L florist because my colleague told me that they were the supplier for the flowers decor at my hospital. Apparently, the group behind P&L has a nursery at Kranji area - known as Gardenasia. P&L Bistro is located in Gardenasia.
The drive to the Kranji area wasn't too difficult one. Via expressway, SLE or KJE will bring you close but another about 10 mins drive after the expressway exit is required to bring you to your destination. Driving along Neo Tiew Road itself, you will find greenery surrounding you and there are NO TALL buildings (or almost no buildings)! It feels like driving in JB or somewhere else outside Singapore as we drove along on the one-lane, two-directional road. The air seemed to smell totally different... hmm..... :):)
Arriving at P&L Bistro, we found 3-4 other families dining by the pond. One part of the Bistro overlooks a pond (not sure if there're fishes in there). Everyone looks so relaxed, having lunch on a Saturday afternoon... CL and I could not get a seat by the pond but we were just contented to be seated in a cool place under the shelter. I suppose one would go there not so much for the food but for the ambience. The food choices were however, limited. Their specialties were fish and chips, fish and prawn combo and their local delight of the day (happens to be nasi lemak then). The rest were mostly finger food and drinks. CL had fried chicken wings (5 whole chicken wings for $8) while I had fish and chips ($12). Soft drinks were at $2 per can. The prices seemed a little steep. The quality of the food were not too bad as they were served piping hot. BUT be prepared to wait 30 minutes for the food to be served after your order. I think they kinda cook it on demand only. There is no further service charge and GST though... After we got there, we noticed more people coming by (that was between 1-2pm). It seemed like a popular place for a weekend chill out. Do note that the Bistro is only opened on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. On Saturdays, it is opened till 10pm. Apparently I heard it would be nice to chill out there with wine and a company of friends after dinner :)
Pity I didn't have my camera with me and hence no photos were taken. If I do happen to visit again, I promise photos :) There was nothing else I could say about Gardenasia and the vicinity as I had to send CL back to the city for her movie. I am glad CL enjoyed the time as much as I did - something and somewhere different for our lunch gathering. It feels good to escape the city even though it was only for 2 hours. I am sure I will leave the city to pop by Kranji to chill out again one of these days... ;)
Known as the Kranji Countryside, it was an unforgettable trip for the city dwellers like me. I think many schools have started to make it as an excursion trip for students. In my time as a student, we don't get such trips... There is the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, where I usually know the place as one for the bird-watchers. There is also a goat milk farm, which is a common feature in Australia and New Zealand (just to name a few) but it is a rare sight over here!
I gave CL a choice of 2 venues for lunch - Bollywood Veggies or Petals & Leaves Bistro. CL chose the Poison Ivy Bistro at Bollywood Veggies where one can have organic (healthy) food. Unfortunately when we arrive there, we learnt that it was closed for the entire Chinese New Year period! (Today's the 15th and the last day) Nevertheless, we were not disappointed with Petals & Leaves Bistro. I was keen to find out more about P&L florist because my colleague told me that they were the supplier for the flowers decor at my hospital. Apparently, the group behind P&L has a nursery at Kranji area - known as Gardenasia. P&L Bistro is located in Gardenasia.
The drive to the Kranji area wasn't too difficult one. Via expressway, SLE or KJE will bring you close but another about 10 mins drive after the expressway exit is required to bring you to your destination. Driving along Neo Tiew Road itself, you will find greenery surrounding you and there are NO TALL buildings (or almost no buildings)! It feels like driving in JB or somewhere else outside Singapore as we drove along on the one-lane, two-directional road. The air seemed to smell totally different... hmm..... :):)
Arriving at P&L Bistro, we found 3-4 other families dining by the pond. One part of the Bistro overlooks a pond (not sure if there're fishes in there). Everyone looks so relaxed, having lunch on a Saturday afternoon... CL and I could not get a seat by the pond but we were just contented to be seated in a cool place under the shelter. I suppose one would go there not so much for the food but for the ambience. The food choices were however, limited. Their specialties were fish and chips, fish and prawn combo and their local delight of the day (happens to be nasi lemak then). The rest were mostly finger food and drinks. CL had fried chicken wings (5 whole chicken wings for $8) while I had fish and chips ($12). Soft drinks were at $2 per can. The prices seemed a little steep. The quality of the food were not too bad as they were served piping hot. BUT be prepared to wait 30 minutes for the food to be served after your order. I think they kinda cook it on demand only. There is no further service charge and GST though... After we got there, we noticed more people coming by (that was between 1-2pm). It seemed like a popular place for a weekend chill out. Do note that the Bistro is only opened on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. On Saturdays, it is opened till 10pm. Apparently I heard it would be nice to chill out there with wine and a company of friends after dinner :)
Pity I didn't have my camera with me and hence no photos were taken. If I do happen to visit again, I promise photos :) There was nothing else I could say about Gardenasia and the vicinity as I had to send CL back to the city for her movie. I am glad CL enjoyed the time as much as I did - something and somewhere different for our lunch gathering. It feels good to escape the city even though it was only for 2 hours. I am sure I will leave the city to pop by Kranji to chill out again one of these days... ;)
1 other thoughts:
It almost felt like a short retreat from the bustle of the city; like an afternoon getaway to Margeret River for great wine. An extremely nice touch to a great birthday weekend! Meaningful conversation, a renewed friendship, enlightened perspectives and a breathe of freshness in a new age with new beginnings. Thanks island. Thank you God.
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