They were rubbish last time I went but I was very hung over and faintly nauseous. I therefore suspected that my low opinion of them was only partly justified. Turns out my first instincts were correct.

On that occasion, the service was slow and haphazard and the food merely adequate. On this occasion, we had pancakes, which were tough and cold. The missus was in unusually bolshy form and actually sent them both back, although I don't know why - just gives the chef the chance to spit in the new ones. The replacements were also tough and cold.

The service could compete internationally in the "inattentive", "invisible" and "glacially slow" categories and bring Singapore home those coveted gold medals. It's like once they got the bohemian decor done and popped some ambient electronica on the stereo, the cooking and the service were just left to anyone who happened to turn up on the day. Or not turn up as the case may be.

The drinks, the best I can really say for them, were fine. Although my (angmoh) tea came with neither lemon nor milk and it took ten minutes before anyone was visible to ask for them. Indeed, the absence of waiting staff makes one wonder why shoplifters haven't stripped the place clean by now. Perhaps I've missed their glory days but to be the field leader in indifferent service in this country suggests a commitment to mediocrity that takes years to hone.

c&f as its called now, has always got the old bones going. In saying that, I am merely trying to suggest that it has all the potential in the world. I've lived in Singapore years ago and worked in this industry for 18 years now. Ihave seen the many changes and many faces that have made up corduroy too.

The beginning (I think 4 years back)was jam packed with people lining up at the door. However they lost it! (What Happened to the 2 hotelier Owners) There was also a time when they had that burger bar and everything went horribly wrong. Any which way, I dont want to reminess too much, therefore I'll get to the point!

I met a very pleasant young gentlemen by the name of Bjorn. He had just taken over as the Operations Manager I believe. He was passionate and knew jolly well what he was doing. He greeted every customer and set a truly wonderful ambience. When he finally made it to my table we spoke, and to my amazement he was only 23 years old. He was able to relay the components of all the meals as well as pairing a wine with the meal which was truly spot on. What a wonderful future I thought!

We then returned 5 months later, and this time I brought friends and once again we were all swept off our feet. I'll have the readers know I've dined all over the world and have operated various establishments and hotels, so I mean what I say.

So finally I returned last week exited to see this young prodigal! However I was told that he had left, and I could see it. The food took forever, the waitress whom I think was managing the shift was rude and forgot half my order. The restaurant was dirty. It was an allround awful experience and sadly one that will surely see me never return to this establishment.

I chose to blog this on a premium dining guide site to show the importance of a retaining great staff. They truly make the difference! Perhaps someone may know which restaurant he has moved to? Just checking for the next time I'm in town.

came here today with wife for a more chill out breakfast after a pretty stressedout week. Place was quite empty at 10am. Got bad vibes once i walked in and there was no one in sight. The solitary waiter was upstairs attending clients. So we walked up ourselves and sat oursevles.

Place also a little run down alreayd. All the signs of decline in place.

Service was fast with menus given but the waiter looked extremely hung over and tired out. We ordered.

1) light breakfast $18 - nicely toasted bread with fruits and coffee and juice.

2) sunny side up eggs with sausage extra.

Food was fast and tasted quite good. Problem was with service.

a) The rock melon was soured already.
b) Juice was not served. Best part when I went downstairs to ask for it, the waiter told I did not ask for it. Hello>?? it is inside the menu, so if i ordered the sunny side and did not ask for eggs, then i get no eggs???? Damn irritating.

Paid $40 for a good breakfast but crap service. Will not be going back adn I suggest you do not too until mgmt improves service.

Truth be told...I have a love hate affair with this place ! Ok...I'll start off with why I hate it....there's only one reason...and that is parking can drive you crazy !!! I've waited for 15 mins and still no empty lot....then went for a spin...and a u-turn...still no lot...aaarrgghhh...so went for a nearby carwash....thought by then sure have a lot...ha ha waited for another 10 mins before I got myself a "makeshift" lot !

However, once I'm in the restaurant...I was greeted by a very plesant gentleman by the name of Bjohn...found out he's the manager from South Africa....knows his stuffs at CF well, and asked him to recommend something nice for me...yup...lunch + breakfast....told him I would like to have a cream soup...he says no problemo despite it not on the menu for the day....next, he suggested a rosti with salmon and last but not least...the egg benedict with ham & hollandaise sauce
on top of an english muffin.

First to arrive...cream of mushroom soup...have to say I'm surprised.... this is one of the best...yup....comparable to the one at Sage The restaurant...which is already very good....not forgetting it's not on the menu and they've just whipped it up for me in a jiffy !

Next dish is the rosti with salmon....decent tasting rosti, with fresh salmons and some occietra caviar + some fresh salads....a good start....I was already quite full...and almost wanted to cancel the main dish...but then....I changed my mind and told them to "ta pao" for me instead.

I have to say...the egg benedict is quite ok..maybe I'm already pretty full with the mushroom soup and generous portion of rosti with salmon...but the ingredients are fresh...and well packed...I have to say the english muffin was really crispy and fresh....good effort....but if I'm not that full....it would have been perfect !

When I was there...even spotted a businessman with his mistress....hmm not a bad place to hide and chill out....and a couple of office crowd....I would say this place is for someone who demands good food and a nice place to relax...but BEWARE...the parking woes will drive u NUTS ! If u can live with that...this is a nice place to swing by : )

Ambience was excellent. As it says, deli, café, lounge. It fits perfectly.

A good place to laze the night with a bottle of wine.

After dinner, we came here dessert.

My other half and I ordered:
- Dessert Sampler (for two)
- Earl Grey

Dessert Sampler comes with 8 small different desserts. If you seek for a light dessert, you should order (for one) which will get you 5 sampler. For us, we are unable to finish it.


meL

‘Food itself is very personal; do not be affected by what I have written. Try it instead and tell me.’