A fine evening

The place was Grill-Out at Sunset Way; the atmosphere was laid-back and casual. Most of the restaurants seemed quite fully packed, but the scene was neither messy nor overcrowded. It was a fresh change for a dining venue.

Despite having decided on our food, we still asked the staff for recommendations. It seemed only a natural thing to do after all: asking about chef's recommendations, seeking explanation on dishes with obscure names - as if these are part of a customary procedure expected of serious diners. And, ahem, we are serious about our food all right.

A man of stocky built walked us through the day's specials. Judging from his demeanour and speech - he had an authoritative voice, spoke crisp English, demonstrated good knowledge of the menu - he could very well be the owner of the restaurant. But we didn't probe further beyond what he listed (which could be read from the display board, to be frank).

I felt sorry for wasting his time to tell us about the day's specials only to have us placed our orders immediately without any appreciative comments. And while he was speaking, I saw JW's face and nearly broke into a guffaw: he had that unmistakable oh-i-see-hmm look. As if he was deep in thought pondering hard about the recommendations.

Before heading for ice-cream nearby after dinner - well, we ended up at good 'ol walas though - JW fished out from beneath the table a birthday cake for Tam. But instead of just celebrating Tam's birthday, three candles were lit, one for Caleb and Tam each, and the short one for JW. It was quite funny. We sang a birthday song - nice and warm - and the three birthday folks each blew out their candle. Oh, and the cake was yummy!

Over at Walas later, plans for a year-end party were thrown up and the date and venue promptly decided. Now all that's left is for JW to utilize every resource he has to invite the others. Even if that fails, well, there's still the small group of us. And that's cool.