25 Minutes (too late) at Thai Express, Vivocity

Good service is imperative in today's wine and dine dictionary, regardless of whether it is a top notch 5-star restaurant, fast food outlets or even a snack bar along Orchard Road.

I was with my buddy at Vivocity on Sunday and being a self-proclaimed foodie (not yet a gourmet), I was spoilt for choice by the variety of eateries at the mega mall. Finally, we set our decision on Thai Express, as I have missed their beloved Pad Thai dearly.

I was surprised that we didn't have to wait for a table, considering it was dinner time on a busy weekend. Upon entering the restaurant, the hostess signalled our table at the far right corner on the side and we made our way without being ushered.

Just as we sat down on our seats, the server cleaning the table beside ours dropped his tray and spilled a whole glass of ice water on the floor, table and onto my pal's denim jeans. The poor guy looked flustered and immediately went to fetch a cloth to clear up the mess. The manager on duty came running with a stack of tissues and I thought she was offering them to my friend.

Oh boy, was I wrong.

She took the tissues and began wiping the table ONLY. We were totally ignored. Oh Lordy!

Nevermind about that, we ordered my Pad Thai and his Tom Yum Chicken broth glass noodles. While placing the orders, two girls sat down on the table next to ours (yes, that same table).

My bud and I were chatting happily and unknowingly, 25 minutes had passed. The slurping sounds of the girls eating joyfully caught my attention.

They were having Pad Thai and Tom Yum Chicken broth glass noodles. The very same order as ours, only made 10 minutes later than us.

I turned and stared at my friend. I swear the same thoughts were going through our heads - the waiteress who took our orders had given the female patrons our food.

A hungry man is an angry man. But being all poised and collected always, I kept my cool and asked for the waiteress. She strolled to our table and after hearing my enquiry, replied,"You have to wait."

In less than a minute, our dishes were chucked onto the table. Neither an apology nor eye contact were made from the waitress.

Regardless of how big the portion was or how great my Pad Thai tasted, my gastronomic experience was ruined, BIG TIME.

I swear I will never return to the same Thai Express outlet again.

Stanley's verdict (out of 5 bleats) -
(The Pad Thai has saved the restaurant from total shame)