A Word, Anyone?(Requiem For An End of All Endings)

FoodieWil 等级4 2009-05-17

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(At the time of writing I did not realize this shop has already closed, but it's important that I get my opinions out, for future reference) I was at a loss of words, not just speechless, I was unable to comprehend what to write here, and how to begin.One afternoon we came here for lunch. No particular reason, just because we were curious as we passed by it every now and then. As you know it, curiosity killed the cat, and usually Satisfaction does bring it back. In our case, the satisfaction never arrived in time to revive the disappointment.At peak lunch hours we were able to find a table for two, seeing everyone eating Pho and Rice with porkchops and lemongrass. We ordered the same, with similar iced Coconut drinks to match with. For the snacks we ordered "steamed rice parcels" and "spring rolls". The only upside of this joint was its decor -- it's simple with bright lighting and beautiful pictures of its food that you know it's too good to eat, and apparently too good to bother thinking it will turn out half as good. Pho arrived in a upside-down conical vessel. I touched the bowl and raised my hand for some attention. The staff kept themselves fixated on casual chats to bother with us. I had to summon someone for some attention, and that's when I got the blank stare from one of the staff as I requested a replacement because Pho cannot have its noodles in merely tepid broth. The waitress returned with a steaming bowlful of the same content. It looked alright from the top, but one stir into the content you'll regret every saying that. The noodles were too mushy to begin with. The beef slices, or should I say 'shavings', were paper thin, but apparently the texture resembled paper too, but in this case, recycled cardboard shaved thin. The broth was very thin with no beefy flavour or the quintessential traces of spices either. The rice with porkchop and lemongrass arrived looking nice, glowing with an aura of heat and a pleasant aroma of lemongrass. The scallion topping was finely chopped and looked fresh enough. However, the joy ended here. The unmolded bowl of rice was dry and slightly crumbly that will make you question how the grains could adhere in a half-dome in the first place. The porkchop was very fried and not very thoroughly marinated. The lemongrass was all over the place but that was it, as the overcooked piece of meat was bland (and rather tough). The Steamed Rice Parcels were dainty but were the only thing that was served piping hot and not oversalted. The chunky filling of mushrooms, carrots and jicama was delightful to eat, too bad they were bite-sized and only one piece per person. I couldn't stop but wonder why the good things always come in such limited quantity while the nightmarish items stack up in abundance? The Spring Rolls could've been rolled and fried last spring, with a faint rancid aftertaste from the oil. The filling was an uncomprehensible mix of carrot and what some other vegetables which lacked the crunch and taste of proper veggies. Coconut beverages -- we had the shaved ice with mung beans and coconut. The drinks were made with good amount of coconut milk but too much syrup. The mung beans at the bottom were also not completely cooked through. Some you actually couldn't bite through, while some gave way into mush as you as you slurp them through the super-thick straw. It's not up to par, in fact up until now I still couldn't comprehend the exact word to describe the meal we had, the one mentioned just now. As many words I know, I still couldn't find the exact word for the despicable quality of food (and service) served here. Then it hit me, there are two words I can use, I still couldn't figure out which one is a better choice...BAD or POOR, anyone? 继续阅读