It's not rules, it's plain manners.

Before I touch on the subject of what I want to talk about today, I must share with the world that I am so excited that Ma is here in Ottawa! I went to the GreyDog station to pick her up after my first day of front of house stage at the school's restaurant.

I was so glad to see Ma at the station. It felt like home right away when I saw her. I love you Ma, so glad you're here.

We went to Alirang to eat and walk around Byward for Piccolo ice cream. Then did some grocery shopping after. I've been snacking since Ma got here. Uh oh...



Now, onto the issue. Read these two media coverage on this Singaporean food blogger who kicked up a controversy in the blogging community:

Read the story here.

Read the defence here.

Read the coverage of the defence here.

So this is what I think:

1) Invitations to dine.
Be honest. How would you feel if you sent an invite to your friend to have you over to have dinner and says 'I'm busy, I'll come in next time and I'll tell you the date when the time comes.' I think it's just rude. In preparation of the invite, the chef has probably already somewhat made a plan of the tasting menu especially for you. It's no different from taking a piss on someone's efforts - and it stinks of arrogance.

Even if you tell them you would confirm another date in future, you don't go telling people that I'm coming and it's this weekend (mind you this is after two months). Again, it's just rude. At least ask if the offer is still available! Reading Brad's proof of emails doesn't make him look any better. In fact, it's evidence of his complacency in this new game we play between restaurants and bloggers.

2)Dinner guests.
If Brad assumed a +1 (one dinner guest apart from yourself) for the dinner, bringing +3 isn't ethical. For one, the invitation email has no mention of bringing a +1. To assume a +1 is forgiveable, you wouldn't want to be eating alone. But +3? Now that is being rude.

3)Attitude of dinner guests.
The dinner guests arrived at 30 minute intervals. Hey Brad, being the one inviting your +3, you should at least tell them that you're dining at a fine restaurant, not a Subway. This is what doesn't add up in my mind: On one hand, you have supposed to have many dining experiences and should understand what etiquette is. But on the other, what I see here reminds me of my Grandmother rushing to the temple to reserve seats for the free meals they give and pulling my Mother to sit down to eat the free food, switching her out with my aunties and uncle after they were each full. What I mean is: You're one cheap kiasu Singaporean who thinks you're lobang-king and want to show off to your friends. (Doesn't apply to my Popo because it was done out of survival during the recessions. Even a monkey will be able to tell the difference between these two cases.)

Do you have any idea how frustrating it is to orchestrate a table that is at different courses at the same time? You've lost all credibility and respect, and I'm not even done speaking about this outrage.

4)Assumption of free meals.
Freeloader. That's all I can think of. How can you assume your way into free meals? Sounds like just an excuse to me. The invitation had no outright indication that the meal will be 'on us', it read 'by us'. That doesn't necessarily mean it's free. Even if you assumed it's free, you can't assume it's free even for your 2 other guests on top of your +1. Again, you're taking experiences from past complementary meals that only work towards your favour and citing them down as a weak defence. Assumption is a proud man's rice bowl.

5)Waiving of bills.
Even if you didn't directly say that you want the bill to be waived, the act of saying 'oh, I have to pay? I thought I don't have to since I'm on invite.' Ever heard of the term: 'wanting a foot when I give you an inch.' Indirect suggestions have just as much impact as words directly spoken. You're a blogger, you should know that.

And do you expect the restaurant to really tell you and your guests at the table that your meal is free, but the rest is going to be charged? You really enjoy twisting the arm of your service staff. The restaurant is not going to make themselves look stingy by giving one free meal to a table for four. That's why they gave you the discounts on the drinks. That's more than enough good-will that you deserve.

6)Attitude.
Throwing your card on the table. This only tells me that the only food that tastes good to you are free ones. If the food is free for you, and you had to pay for your guests, showing this kind of outrageous behaviour is being insensitive to your guests, and being ungrateful to the restaurant for the free meal and the further discount. I can only imagine how lousy your guests must have felt when you threw up such a fuss when you had to pay for them.


It's true, anyone with a camera and a computer can be a food 'critic' these days. Brad, remember your place in this new game we have thanks to the internet. There are limits. You're no Michelin, you're no Miele, you're just a guy with a camera.