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2014-05-17
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Mettā (Pali: मेत्ता in Devanagari) or maitrī (Sanskrit: मैत्री) is loving-kindness, friendliness, benevolence, amity, friendship, good will, kindness, close mental union (on same mental wavelength) and active interest in others. It is one of the ten pāramīs of the Theravāda school of Buddhism and the first of the four sublime states (Brahmavihāras). This is love without clinging (upādāna).- from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia* * * * * * *Mission:To train and create employment opportunities for the y
- from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
* * * * * * *
Mission:
To train and create employment opportunities for the youths with special needs.
- from http://www.metta.org.sg/main/?p=4438
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We knew this place years ago when it was "Happy Arts" & they only served vegetarian dishes. Hmm...we came here so often that we didn't hesitate to become their VIP members. There were plenty of occasions when we came in as late as 9pm (straight after work) for our very late zhu-chao 煮炒 dinners. This vegetarian affair lasted for a few years. Then, we stopped patronizing altogether ever since "Hanis" took over (which was about the same time when East Point Mall started their major renovation).
Recently, someone in our community FB page mentioned that this place had reopened & was aptly named, "Metta Cafe".
So I decided to rekindle my good old vegetarian affair...
As simple as a small cafe that you could find in our local swimming pool, community club or any study institute...this place is brightly lit, air-conditioned & very spacious...Hmm...if only someone would start a "Wheelchair Friendly Restaurant" award...
The greenery of the little "Butterfly Garden" outside was refreshingly pleasing. Round marble-top tables with cushioned wooden chairs were neatly arranged in the restaurant. An exclusive dining area (for big groups, staff, teachers, monks & nuns alike) was set aside & could be easily partitioned into private dining areas.
As the other entrance is located next to a bus stop, it was convenient access to occasional groups of sassy mothers or agile grandparents with the adorable children.To me, this was no doubt a comfortable sanctuary from the hot, sticky weather outside & a great place for study groups.
The staff (consisting of volunteers & youths with special needs) were friendly & efficient. Though a trainee would occasionally sat at an empty table & stared far-away...ignoring the untidy tables of used cups & plates. However, this would be the time where you would see that teachers, mentors &/or volunteers would walk over with caring & encouraging words. So nice...
That said, I decided that today's visit would be a recce mission (with the help of having missed lunch totally la)...
I ordered Lemonade, Chicken Pie, Tapioca Kueh, Curry Puff & Ham Bun.
Would you believe this whole lot only cost me $4.60!
I was quite surprised when told that the savory pastries were non-vegetarian but were Halal (pending issue of the Halal certificate).
The Chicken Pie was a cupcake-sized pie. The pastry was delightfully buttery, it crumbled & melted in my mouth...I liked it.The creamy stewed filling was mildly herbed & did not overpower the whole buttery crust.
Hmm...noticed the pie was not entirely filled with the yummy chunks of stewed chicken & potato. Perhaps, it would raked heaven if it was filled to the brim & the pie crust could hardly contain it!
Although there's nothing fantastic to shout about, but the decent-sized Chicken Curry Puff & the slice of Steamed Tapioca Kueh cost only $1. You could taste the flavorful spices in the curry chicken filling though the thin pastry was chewy, air-conditionly chewy...but the combination still tasted ok wor...?!Again, I would loved to have the fillings covering the lobang (empty hole) in the puff.
The kueh was firm, mildly sweet & packed with chunks of tapioca (more flour mixture found in other stores). This was suitably enhanced with the freshness of the grated coconut - a complex love that only the kueh lovers could understand...
Initially, the Ham Bun was supposed to be a take-away as supper. But, I just couldn't resist the temptation to tear bits off the fluffy bread & bite into the vegetarian mock ham... 
The soft & fluffy bun had a mild sweetness that was completed with the interesting flavour & texture of the mock ham. Mmm...tasty!Verdict:
I humbly declared this recce mission...a success!
This cafe is officially a desirable place for me to venture frequently with my library books, laptop, sewing projects...etc...
Oya...kindly bring exact cash for your bill as they've started using the donation box instead of the cash register. The staff has no access to the box & might need time to get you the change.Well, I can't described it...it's a really different feeling when you pay as per the traditional businesslike way & when you slowly shuffle your payment into the donation box (witnessed by the staff). There's a tad of happiness...even a little blissfulness (that you're so blessed to be able to give). Can't say for you, but I liked that feeling...
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