Chapter 40- The Plain @ Duxton, Singapore
I'm finally back in Singapore and I have collated a list of cafes/ new hipster brunch joints that I have to try before the summer ends, starting with The Plain. I don't know if it's just me, but there seems to have been an explosion of cafes and brunch places in Singapore in the past year or so. Ann Siang Hill, Duxton, Haji Lane, Orchard Road, EVERYWHERE. My list hasn't stopped growing since the year began, and I've been tracking down places in Singapore over the internet and now that I am finally back in the motherland, the list continues to grow.
The Plain is a relatively new brunch and coffee joint on the very hip and cool Duxton Hill. I heard it was inspired by aussie's many brunch restaurants, and after checking out the very mysteriously indie cool website, I was itching to check it out. So first weekday lunch back in Singapore was at The Plain, along with Ball, Eve and Shannon.
I loved the set-up and decor of the place. It was just as it's name suggested; simple. White walls, white counter tops, white chairs, bleached wooden table tops. One of my favorite fixtures was the large communal table at the back of the cafe with a giant flower vase in the middle. I've always liked the look of large communal tables, although it sometimes might not be practical because I really enjoy having the privacy having lunch with the company I'm with. But anyhow, it looked absolutely beautiful and if we were in a party of 10, that table would have been perfect.
The lunch menu is short and simple. Meal variations of eggs and toast, coffees and teas. Definitely not for someone looking for a hearty meal.
Eve ordered the spicy salami on ciabatta ( I think it was $9.50)
Shannon's humpty dumpty and vegemite toast
Ball's darling's eggs--poached eggs with ham, cheese & roma tomatoes on sourdough toast ($7.50, I think!)
My grilled vege sandwich ($7.50 I think!)
I think, to sum it up, this place really disappoints.
The place was so well done-up, located amongst many restaurants and amazing cafes in Duxton/ Craig Road, and for the prices we saw on the menu, we were expecting so much MORE. Portions were small for the prices we paid, and I'm not being a fat-ass-greedy-biatch here. For almost $10, I do expect something more substantial than a two slices of crusty ciabatta, 2 slices of salami and a few pathetic leaves of lettuce and 3 slices of tomatoes. For $10, I do expect more than just two tiny pieces of sourdough toasts buttered with vegemite (which is not even that expensive, unless they are house-making their vegemite or something) and topped off with a poached egg. Apparently, someone told me that the reason their items are so expensive is because they use organic ingredients and yada yada. But honestly, have some integrity and pride as an owner/chef, FEED YOUR CUSTOMERS.
I know the thumbrule, 30% of your revenue should be food costs. But I don't think ONE ORGANIC EGG costs more than $1. I get so annoyed when cafes charge ridiculous prices for food that is just sub par. It is proven that people do perceive more more value with higher prices, and I had such high expectations paying $9.50 for a sandwich. TAKE SOME PRIDE and make your customers feel like they have spent that money well. I wouldn't have mind if the portions were tiny, I would definitely pay for good food, or food that was prepared in some special way that I cannot recreate at home.
I've had many brunches in Australia (having visited my sister who is living there), and they are definitely not anything close to the food served at The Plain :(. They serve fries on the side, or a simple salad or arugula and spinach leaves drizzled with olive oil, sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper, they have muffins with humungous muffin tops and cookies, brownies..
While it is a very very nice place to hang out at, and the staff were extremely friendly, the food is not worth paying for. And that is something I cannot overlook; I visit restaurants or cafes to EAT, not just to soak up the atmosphere. Food ranks top on my list of priorities, and The Plain disappoints in every aspect of that. I really wanted it to be good, I had such high hopes for that place!
Maybe one day if they decide to revamp their menu, then I might decide to give it a second chance.