Dummy Guide to Pitstop Cafe from Clarke Quay

hey pitstop folks, here you go! finally...

Really can't find the place, buckle your seat belts, this is goin to be a hell long of a post!



I shan't start from where you guys come from.. but whatever it is, you drop at Clarke Quay Mrt, you should be able to see this sign right at outside the control station.


look down and you should see all these markings, mind you Singapore is a caring society!


just to make sure you really know what I'm talking about, turning left at the control station should lead you to this sign.. follow it..


yes, yes, continue to follow this .. you shouldn't be blind to see the markings...


now, carry on walking til you see the sign once again, turn left up the escalator..


yea.. the usual advice for the dummies, the people on the escalator changes, so do not be shocked if you don't see them there! go up the escalator yoh!


great.. you will reach a kinda platform.. carry on.. another escalator infront of you


ya.. up some more.. i heard that Clarke Quay Mrt is build under the river.. thats why when you descend/ascend you can actually feel the pressure popping in your ears.


finally see some light, the entrance.. in a few months time there will be a bustling soho and shopping centre right on top of yer..


now, see the signs... turn left! don't turn right.. god knows where you will land to if you turn right... anyway, just turn left...


To your right, you will see this haphazard bus stop.. turn left, left is boat quay.. right is speaker's corner.. why would you wanna go there for? so many things to say? still have to apply licence at the poilice post.. yes, just turn left to boat quay..


ah..yes, for your convenience, this are the list of buses that comes here as well..


yes, this is what you will see if you turn left.. no!! not the mu, but the beautiful skyline of our colonial district..turn right for what? you will see chinatown.. eek.. remember just turn left..


ah..yes..just press the button.. and wait.. wait to cross the road..


ah..look straight ahead you will see this building call river walk apartments... car drivers do take note!


oh..yes..the green man.. time to cross the road..


not just one...


but two.. don't worry.. what i mean is that the road is divided into two sections to cross, each with its individual traffic lights..


turn left again, you will see this coffee shop..


look up and you will see this sign... ah.. we are getting nearer!


you will walk along this stretch of road.. to your left is the river walk apartments


ah.. yes, a good place for folks to park their car especiall after 5!


people love to ask about rates, now here are the parking rates..


this is the other half...after 5pm and sun, public holidays only $2 per entry


Now, to your right is a public carpark.... the rates are slightly higher.. but..


after 10 it's free.. but then again..it's always pack with lotsa ah beng cars..


now, as you walk on, to your left is a coffee shop, the bak kut teh and lor mee is not bad.. but lotsa msg.. ah.. you will also spot a group of folks always congregating there.. think its some MLM thingy..watch out for a baldy...


now, this requires some skills... you gotta jay across the road...


and right infront of you is a very distinctove stretch of shop houses, the store ahead sells cool clothes...


now, right ahead is this stretch of road called circular road... good.. you are almost there...


walk along the five foot way,


or you can walk along the road...almost there..


to your right is this very popular bar, called Shin bar.. heard from my friend, there got lotsa chios....


and to your left, is this pub call zone pub that I often call it as 'all guys pub'


ah..ha...once you see this queer looking coffee shop, look up! and you will see us...


Our address is 14B! just walk up the stairs.. and you will be surprise with what you find at the end of this otherwise, sleazy looking stairs!!!

Pitstop cafe, we bring you there!!!

Mumu on a dish

Pitstop Cafe is always coming up with new stuff. As you know folks, we have this sweet little thing in our crew known as Mumu. Yes we like to offer Mumu to you folks!

Serve with buttons off, round bottoms up with sexy dressing on side. Just pure Mumu in your view. I guarantee you hit estacy the moment you look at her juicy flesh.

Cook in pure virgin olive oil, dash of secret mojo sauce and a generous dash of herbs, this is dish is sure to satisfy any Mumu fans! Yeah give it a try!


Pitstop Cafe present Sauteed Mushroom with Herbs

Pitstop Cafe, bringing our love to you

Astroboy

Mum Special

It feel so great to be back. What's more, mum is preparing sour and spicy soup as mum's special for the day! This means i can get to have it when i go to the cafe later, yummy!

The sour and spicy soup is really great tasting..thick chicken broth and lots of vegetables like califlower, mushroom, carrot, etc plus fish maw, shredded chicken and many other delicious and fresh ingredients! Combine with vingear and mum homemade chilli, this dish is hot stuff!

So if you guys who happen to catch this entry and have not made plans for the day yet, why not drop by and have a relaxing and fun-filled day at Pitstop Cafe?!!

AstroBoy

The journey so far...

Reading through the past entries really gives a fresh view of things. 3 months has passed by. Not really a long time but somehow seem like so much things have happened. From the challenges of starting up to the current challenges of maintaining operational, it has been an interesting journey.

The milestone link on the side bar list share some of the more interesting events that happened so far in the setting up of Pitstop Cafe. Btw if you enjoy reading our blog, do help us get the word around ok! We really need all the awareness we can get!

Thanks folks for all your support!

Yeah, on the flight back home soon. Hope to see you guys at Pitstop Cafe on Saturday!

Disconnected...

I have always heard how people are so connected to their handphone as well as email and the Internet. I don't think i was one of those folks, afterall i have often forgetfully left my handphone at home and the day still passes as usual...

I guess i was wrong. On the first day of reaching US, i realise i have missed out the electrical converter plug while packing. My laptop power is low and my handphone is out of battery. I have my chargers but without the plug i was totally disconnected! This means no email access no handphone access for the rest of my stay! I might be able to live without it but i just feel so insecure and detached...

The next morning i was up early and out at the streets trying to get one. It is harder than imagine. The Radioshack near the hotel do not carry it and that was a bad sign. I was basically combing the streets for the next 2 hours before i manage to get it at a small electronic shop around 3km away from my hotel. I was so relieve when i manage to get my hands on it and was like holding it tight in my hands for fear of losing it. I never imagine an electrical adaptor can bring me so much relieve!

So for you reader out there, how connected are you to your handphone, email and the Internet?

By the way, today is Thursday so Pitstop Cafe will be having its ice cream buffet. If you are "connected", do jio your friends and drop by Pitstop Cafe for a ice-creamly good time!

AstroBoy

Grrrgh...its Cold here!

It supposed to be the start of spring but it is still damm cold here. I am grateful that i brought along my jacket and my thermal wear! I personally do not like cold weather. Yes I like it when it is cool and the sun provides that cosy warmth, but the thought of winter is a turn off for me. Yeah i think i still belong to the warm and humid tropics...

So given a choice between warm weather like Singapore or seasonal weather with winter and summer, what would be your choice?

If you wanna to feel that extra warmth, do drop by Pitstop Cafe for that cosy warm service! :)

AstroBoy

(Re)Branding identity

Hey folks, remember the project which I asked you to comment on? here it is!!! A Pitstop Inspiration!

This essay, talks about how designer boutiques construct a 'high class' identity.

For the full copy, email us!!!


Spatial Rhetoric

Firstly, the spatial organization of the boutiques shapes the identity of ‘Haute Couture’. According to Chua, the setting of the designer boutique is ‘intimidating in its emptiness, with the emptiness being itself a measure of exclusivity’ (2003:58) and this he argued, ensures the shopper to be the ‘centre of attention’ the moment they pass through the glass doors. The success of boutique in conveying an upscale image, where exclusivity is central to its brand image is at the same time reinforced by spatial placement of the staff. Normally, a staff will be stationed at the door to greet potential customers and ‘two sales persons serve a customer’ (Chua 2003: 59).In some boutiques, there is even a security guard opening the door and regulating the traffic flow in order to prevent overcrowding. As seen from the above examples, the strategic spatial organization of the boutique and the careful placement of the staffs ensured these designer boutiques to maintain its exclusive image. And this in turn, helps to construct the identity of a discerning, fashionable and up-scale consumer.

Self

The subscription to the hegemonic identity of the designer boutiques is internalized and perpetuated by consumers and non consumers alike. For the consumers, similar responses regarding their perception of designer boutiques are congruent to the image branding of the designer label company.

Furthermore, when asked about the perception of people who patronizes designer boutiques, majority of the respondents reflected words like ‘rich’ and ‘classy’ which parallel the perception of the built environment of the designer boutiques. For the customers of these boutiques, most; if not all maintained that purchasing and using products from designer boutiques give them confidence.

I always feel good or rather better when I’m wearing branded goods. I’m actually a fan of Prada. I think, these products just make people feel more confident. For me, I think image is very important and whenever I patronize these shops, I’ll make sure I look prim and proper.
-Steven Tse, 23, Canadian tourist


Therefore, to be seen patronizing or purchasing products from designer boutiques allows the identity of the self to be elevated and such conspicuous consumption of luxuries according to Thorstein Veblen is, ‘a consumption directed to the comfort of the consumer himself, and is therefore, a mark of the master’(pg 33).

Others

On the other hand, the non-consumers also served to reinforce the hegemonic meaning of the designer boutiques. If the identity of the consumers in the designer boutiques are perceived as ‘haute couture’ and ‘not for the ordinary people’, then the non-consumers serve to reinforce this identity by alienating and staying away from these boutiques. According to Chua, a visiting or browsing individual’s ‘body begin to shrink…will no longer touch the goods on display, afraid of being accosted and embarrassed’ (2003:51) and ‘will try to retreat from the store as quickly and as unobtrusively as possible’ (2003:61). The in-depth interview shows similar correlation where respondents claimed that they stay away from designer boutiques if they ‘have no business to be there’ or ‘no money to afford’.

All in all, this section has pointed to the fact that the hegemonic meaning of designer boutiques has constructed an identity based on up-scale consumerism. And this hegemony is constructed by the rhetoric of the company through its image branding and mutually reinforced by the consumers who subscribe to its brand image and non-consumers who exclude themselves from the boutiques because they could not afford or live up to ‘the lifestyle which it represents’ (Abramson and Stuchin 2000).

Maybe we should apply this to our cafe, so people will have a sense of identity here..

timo

Far Q I say.....

Speaking of the good balance between IQ and EQ, Pitstop cafe learned through yet another lesson...

A jolly good folk dressed in shirt, pants and ties climbed all the way up to close a deal with us. He claimed that it was for his group from 12-3 am.. this folk asked for many stuffs like discounts, prizes and us to facilitate the games.

Pitstop cafe always goes the extra mile and try to meet customers satisfaction. We therefore agreed to conduct a buffest for him and his group.

Lo and behold, we sprang straight into action, buying the food and preparing for the Buffet.

We waited and waited, and at 12 sharp, decided to give him a call. This jolly good folk then claimed that his friend met up with some shit and had to cancel the event. Also he claimed that he had tried calling us but the phone was engaged.

Whether its a genuine claim or an outright prank, we will not jump to any conclusion. But we'll give him the benefit of a doubt and hopes that this jolly good folk will turn up and rectify this problem.

What Pitstop cafe learn thru this incident was that, as much as we try to meet customers' satisfaction, we have to really protect ourselves from unneccessary problems. Now the fridge is packed with food for the buffet and it is really causing us lotsa shit.

We need to learn to have a set of protoccol especially in terms of holding events and not get to overwhelmed and excited over the deal....

I really would like to know what exactly happened at the other side.....

Pitstop cafe... we go the extra mile, but please don't go to wild...

Yet another milestone......

Pitstop cafe has taught me many things.... for one, i understand the saying that

'if you have a good friend, don't stay with him'

True enough, seeing each other everyday doesn't really irks me. But in fact, what is really more challenging is the fact that we have to acknowledge everyone's strengths and weaknesses. And even more challenging to tolerate and compromise.

And yet again, seeing each other also increases conflict... there are people with different working styles, there are people who likes to vent their personal frustration on others, there are people who wants to do things their own way, and what have you.

Not true when they say 'when money is involved, things get ugly'. For us, money is never the source of conflict. but more so, conflict arises most of the time when one's person style of work clashes with the other person's ideal. most of the time, we want to do things acording to our ideal and justify it by saying that it is due to some 'objective' truth. While at the same time, we deny other person's opinion by claiming that the other is being subjective..

Even more so, trying to juggle between studies, business and especially, a relationship is even more tiring. For some reason, even though we have been seeing each other everyday, but yet the party still says 'we are not spending enuff time'.
I shall not go into a discourse on this.. cuz i could go on forever and forever..

Im just just so friggin piss off with everyone, i need a break, i need to reflect on my life yet again... this is really a test of EQ and IQ.....Far Q i say..

p.s it's really interesting.. i tell you after I write this entry, there will be pple tellin' me that im not consistent with image so on and so forth... whatever...

Pitstop cafe... we tell you our woes...

stimo

Ice Cream Buffet

LO and Behold!!! Pitstop cafe turns 3 months old !!!! and in conjunction with this celebration, there will be a promotion every thursday for the month of March!!!
ICE CREAM BUFFET- $11.90 per pax

Free flow of ice cream for 2 hrs
2 hrs of games
1 friendly drink

Hurry up and bring your friends here for a screaming good time!!!!

Pitstop cafe... there will be more coming up!!!


A big tub of hazelnut ice cream


Bit by bit and before you know, not much is left...


High and bloated

Wits and Wager

The Pitstop crew was so damn bored that night that we decided to have some time out and have a time of Elysian peace....

Simple as that: Loser drinks

We went thru a series of games: poison and Jenga, Lo and behold I was the one downing the drinks most of the time. To make it even worse, the more I drank, the lousier i got at Jenga.

At the meantime, Eve got so Ya Ya that she placed a side bet.

She betted that our regular latecomer group would once again turn up at 1130pm... (hey, Norman and folks.. you guys are involved man...ya like to take the chance to thank you guys for all the support!)

Convinced that even our customers have to have a life other than Pitstopping every week (though we hope that is also possible), I and Waikee decided to bet otherwise.

Simple: Loser drink five shots.

We waited and waited... and true enough, at 1130 pm, we heard foot steps comin' up the stairway.

My face turned green, Waikee's face turned red while Evelyn's face brimmed with orangey joy! Laughing at us and displaying the 'see, I told you look'. Really ya ya...

Then, lo and behold, someone did turn up.... but it was Alvin, the ice delivery man.... immediately, me and Waikee fell on the floor and broke out in laughter... it was really hilarious as Evelyn's face turned into shades of green, red and orange...

Anyway, here's the results:



Lining up the 5 shots of juices


Downing the juices one by one...


Piece of cake at that moment of time...

Not finished yet!

Waikee complained that he couldn't sleep as Evelyn kept rattling on and on about ' you don't love me anymore' throughout the night!!!!!

Pitstop Cafe, we bet with you....

you'll love our place!!!!

No Hum reading this.....

We love eating See Hum (cockles)!!! here's my theory regarding eating em'!


See Hum and the construction of ‘self’ and ‘others’

The dualism existing in the perceived traits of men and women gives food its gendered dimension. For example, eating beef is often associated with men (Williams and Germov, 2004) while craving for sweet food (Parasecoli, 2005) are characteristics of women. Similarly, through the interviews, eating habits can be seen as either masculine or feminine.

“Men eat faster, while women eat slower”
- Margaret Lin, 22
“Men open their mouth wider when eating, while women open their mouth smaller”
-Evelyn Hu, 24

Seen in this way, the meanings inscribed to eating See Hum become one which also reinforces such binary thinking. For example, when the respondents were asked if eating See Hum is seen as a masculine thing, both men and women exhibits such dichotomous thinking.

“Eating See Hum is quite a men thing, I don’t know how to explain. But it’s like women don’t like to eat things that get their hands dirty, they think it’s very uncouth”
-Jia Jie, 24
“Though I also eat See Hum, I think eating See Hum is more of a men thing because they don’t care about their image when eating, we women are more particular about our image.”
- Evelyn Hu, 25
“I like women who eat See Hum, because it shows that they are not self conscious, they do what men do”
-Chia Weekee, 29

This dichotomy is clearly seen especially in the latter statement; by establishing the traits which are perceived of as masculine ‘not self conscious’, women becomes the opposite as they ‘care about their image’. Furthermore, not only is the dish perceived as a masculine dish, the eating practices involved in the eating of See Hum reinforced this masculine identity.

“Men don’t mind their hands getting all bloody and smelly, for us women, there’re always our nails to be aware of”
-Lee Shuping, 23
“It’s like when we eat See Hum, everything becomes less formal, instead of a plate for everyone, we all share one plate, there’s like a brotherhood, everybody getting our hands dirty and all….”
-Jia Jie, 24

Noticeably, the second respondent by relating eating practices such as ‘less formal’, ‘getting our hands dirty’ and ‘sharing one plate’ to the experience of ‘a brotherhood’, is attributing the eating of See Hum as an inherent masculine activity. What can be derived from all these experiences further reinforces the initial argument that See Hum is inscribed by social meaning and these social meanings are fraught with gendered ideals based on the perceived dichotomous traits between men and women.

We love ice cream!

The sweet desire package has been popular among the Pitstopper. To thank you guys for the support, we brought in more flavors of ice cream so that you can choose and match your triple scoop sundae. We have currently 7 nice and delicious flavours available. We will try to bring in new flavours every now and then if possible.


I think we sucks at drawing! Wonder how others do those nice chalk drawing?

Anyway a quick introduction to the flavours available:
1. Vanilla: A classic, you can't go wrong with it...
2. Chocolate Ecstasy: A must try for chocolate lovers
3. Hazelnut: Another favourite among the Pitstoppers
4. Boysen Berry: Abit like strawberry, but has a more natural taste and feel to it
5. Chocolate Mint: Nice cool mint with generous amount of chocolate chunks
6. Tiramisu: Taste just like a good Tiramisu dessert!
7. Almond Mocha: I personally don't like the taste of almond, but it seem like the other 3 folks are crazy over it

So do drop by and try out our cool triple scoop sundae!

Astroboy

Buffet-Singapore's Favourite past time

As a postlude to the aftermath of our first buffet, this entry will be a postlude to the aftermath of our fist buffet...

All thanks to NTU Hall 4 and folks, who have given us a go at being their official venue for their alumni gathering, we have then experience what it is to prepare for such a full scale party.

The whole afternoon was exclusively to those bunch of folks who seemed to have a roaring good time meeting old friends as well as a making a helluva noise and joy to Pitstop cafe.


Preparing the tables and skirting, its more difficult than it seems!

As seen from the previous entry, I guess the person who contributed most to the success of this event is once again, the legendary mama who have muscled out every inch of her culinary talents on this event.


Setting up the trays

In fact, the hit of the day was the chicken wings.. in one fell swoop, it was cleared the moment it was served on the table. I pestered her for the whole day to teach me the secret recipe.....


This looks good

she almost showed me her middle finger....


Mum's yummy curry

As if the food was not hot enough, the awning did its part in shielding away most of the heat from the sun... our greatest apologies to those who were 'steamed' in the balcony. don't worry! our next upgrade will be the ventilation of the balcony!!


Mum and Aunite Lilian, Sisters Unite!

It was really wonderful with what you can do with teamwork. Really all thanks to our friends and family folks who go all out to solve some of the problems that we could not have done it on our own..


Taking a peep...fried vegetables and spicy prawns!

nevertheless, the program for the afternoon was memorable! Especially for Pitstop cafe.. the folks at NTU did some performance by singing and strumming on their guitars... my my... those vocal chords were really good... the audience gave their support by waving hands in the air... maciam like 'wo hui yong yuan zhi chi ni' (I will forever support you)


and they can sing and play guitar too!


Fried mee hoon and curry

Other than that, the folks just kept eating and eating.. as some of the Alumni folks couldnt make it.. the rest of the folks were more than happy to take their share of food...


Yummy fragrant fried rice

not to mention, asking for boxes so that they can 'ta pau'(take away) back to their hall to eat.. (oops, i forgot that i should not mention 'ta pau' as NTU students are particularly sensitive about this word as it is their colloquail slang for retaking a previously failed module)


The chicken wings and sotong balls

Other than the food and performance, I guess most of the crowd were just too engross in the world of their own as they battle out each other in RISK 2010, played Taboo, Blokus, Jenga, Monopoly....monopoly? yah..monopoly...


Having buffet and playing Monopoly!

Oh yah, forgot to mention.. we decide to try out one of the requested item, the Soya bean drink! It was such a hit, hello.. I early in the morning go to my Auntie's bean factory to take one hor? really fresh until cannot fresh...


A really cool and great crowd!

Yea... at Pitstop cafe, we believe in doing our utmost to cater to your every need, as far as we are concern, the games, the coffee, the ice cream, the food, the service are all construed to giving you a one of a kind experience.. even if it means doing things out of the norm, we, the Pitstop crew will give you a one time jialat Jialat experience...


Thanks guys! You are great!

Thanks folks for making Pitstop cafe your choice, we still have many inadequacies.. but do keep the faith, beacuse what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger..

cheers to that!!!

First Buffet!

Yes! We will be organising our first buffet event. For this Saturday (4th March), from 1pm to 5pm Pitstop Cafe will be reserve for the event. Special thanks to Chou Woon for trusting us and giving us this opportunity to organise this event!

We are really excited and stressed as well as there are lots of logistic work involved. We also want to ensure that everything goes well and smooth. This event was also the main reason for pushing ahead with the awning works. I hope this will be a nice surprise for him.

We have also been going around getting catering stuff like food containers, the burners, utensils, etc. Those stuff are sure expensive! Mum is stressed up with the stuff to cook. She has been up early going to market to make sure she got the freshest ingredients to cook with. She will be cooking curry, sambal prawns, and couple more dishes (mum makes good curry and spicy stuff!).

Auntie Lilian and Uncle Lawrence have been really great and supportive. Auntie Lilian will be cooking hand in hand with mum. Sisters unite! Uncle Lawrence has manage to get us extra nice tables and cloth to ensure everything look good and welcoming.

We have spend quite abit on this event considering we do not have lots of $$$. However at Pitstop we believe that if we were to deliver something, we will give our best shot at it! I hope this will be a great event and people will enjoy themselves and have a good time at Pitstop Cafe. Perhaps we can organise more buffets in the future. We will update you guys with more pictures on the actual day!

Can't wait to see the awning this friday! Hope we make a good choice in the color...

The first step

As promised, Pitstop cafe is constantly refining an attuning to your needs and I'm proud to reveal our first upgrade!

The Awning AKA Canopy

Many things need consensus, especially in an equal partnership where everyone has their own aspirations, rationale, worries and sub agenda.

Even when it comes to the installation of an awning, conflicts arise also.

The Awning is something like those canvas shade found in most kopitiam and pubs.

Proponent of the Awning-Thesis

The awning maximises the use of space at the balcony which is otherwise, underutilised. Having an awning also allow us to open up the balcony door to reduce noise level and the glare of the direct sunrays. The awning also allows customers to see and 'feel' what's happening outside, thus removing the claustrophobic feeling.

Opponent of the Awning-Anti-thesis

The awning is unneccessary at this point in time as it incur costs and does not directly generate more revenue. It is also unneccessary as most of the time we are not opened in the afternoons. Lastly, not that we need the space to house the excess in demand, having an awning is cost inefficient.

Conclusion of the dialectics-Synthesis

Having much discussion, and after much struggles, we decide to install the awning. This does not mean that the opponents of the awning were out voted, or rather after much negotiations, we have decided to marry the best of both opinions and implement this idea to fulfil larger imperatives.

Epilogue

Having the awning is just one step. What goes in our development plans? Folks, do keep the faith, we will in time, reveal em' one by one. As for the moment, we need you to keep our dreams alive.

We ain't no have investors, no private limited, no bank loan proposal. What we have is our pocket money and our passion. We ensure you that your experience with Pitstop cafe will be truly postmodern.....

timo

Back To Basics

Pitstop Cafe has been up and running for 2 months plus. We are still trying to generate more publicity and awareness and its really tough. We have also learn alot from operating the cafe for the past 2 months. Feedbacks from you guys has allow us to improve and know our weak areas. So really thank you guys for all the comments and suggestions.

We know we have pretty decent food, but then again the waiting time can be a pain at times. Many have feedback they like our personalise service and we are glad we make your experience at Pitstop Cafe enjoyable.

I guess our sincere service do make a difference but i guess it is also that you guys have been great and patient with us!

Again we know having good service is not enough, we gotta meet your needs! We this in mind, we are going back to the drawing board. We gonna start from basic and redo whatever is needed to better satisfy you! To start off with, we gonna change the drinks menu. Instead of offering just the usual soft drinks, we will try to carry a bigger selection of drinks. Drinks that you love of course if you like stuff like goat milk or tiger piss it might be tough.

Anyway to make this happen, we need your help! Email us and let us know what drinks you like and we will try to see if we can make it as an item in our new menu. We will continue to strive to meet your needs cos afterall it is you and your laugher that make Pitstop Cafe the place we want it to be.

So be part of Pitstop Cafe, Be a Pitstopper!

So if you were drinking a cold drink now, what would it be?

AstroBoy


Be a Pitstopper,

Are we an item?

Many people ask, 'are we an item?'

what is an item may I ask?

Have I become an object or have we become things?

how do you define an item? or rather, how do you make poeple an item?

then again, some say, 'you all must be a couple!'

Now, have we become two people who are only defined by one catgory? such that we have loss all sense of identity, that we should be identified as a couple...

and what is exactly a couple?

some say, 'i've got a couple of dollars'

while some chinese even call it couplet...

now, what is a couple?

you all have got me so confused? just exactly do you wanna know?

is she my girlfriend or am I her boyfriend?

ahh... that's the crux of the question.

is a girlfriend but a friend in female form?

Or is a boyfriend a.....

Pitstop University

Being immersed in the library for the entire day, i was so rejuvenated academically. Never had i felt so accomplished in my work since the cafe started. It felt good tpo browse the books one by one in the library, felt good to photo cophy stuffs and sort out notes.

Nevertheless, just something for all of us to post your comments.

I'll be doing a Geography project on consumer's identity in designer boutiques (AKA branded shop). Do feel free to bitch about this topic, so that it will make Pitstop cafe feel like a very smart place.

The question is:

Do you all feel super high class when you all enter designer's boutiques (Prada, Chanel, LV)? Why?

I mean face it, if you can't afford the stuffs there would you still go in?> why?

Ha ha.... wonder what a blog can do... can do business, can do homework and write diary can even put you in jail....

oi...comment leh!!!!

Crispy Chicken?

The weather is really chilly over here at Phoenix! Kinda of miss the heat back in Singapore. The fireplaces around the resort helps!


Nice and cosy!

Anyway was having dinner one of the evening and my colleagues order some finger food to go with the drinks. Look kinda of like the crispy chicken we have at Pitstop Cafe right! Anyway looking at the bones there, don't look like chicken bone right? Like to make a guess?


Crispy chicken???

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Actually it is rattlesnake meat! Supposely to be common in the area since most of Arizona is desert. The taste of the meat is quite like chicken. Some parts abit chewy so I am not sure if that is the skin?


Rattlesnake, they have it as can food too!

It was a pretty interesting experience. If snakes are not for you, then drop by at Pitstop Cafe for crispy chicken (really similar) instead! If you are here check out the seaweed chicken too! :)

Ok see you guys soon!

Astroboy

Adjustments to Operations

Hey Fellow folks!!!! Important announcements!!!!

Due to our piling schoolwork, projects, office work and other commitments, Pitstop cafe's operation time will be temporarily adjusted. Below are the new operations time:

Monday-Thursday: 5pm-11pm
Friday, Saturday,eve of PH and PH: 12pm-1am
Sunday: 12pm-9pm

Thanks for the support so far, this change in timing is also aimed at channeling our energy to something more exciting in a May. So do continue to support us, our hotline will still be active!!

So call us anytime to enquire (yes, our hotline 65355383 is available even during non operating hours!)alternatively, you can call 94306979 to make reservations or organise any party or events!!!

In short, just call to ask!!!

Timothy

Resting is so,that a longer road we can go

eh..relac lah!!! we are not closing hor!

Mai Tu Liao

Yeah this week is our sweet desire promotion!



You will get a triple scoop ice cream with a generous amout of topping. The sweet desire is a combination of vanilla and boysen berry. For those who like chocolate, this promotion is valid with other inhouse flavors like Triple Craze, Sweet Surrender, 2 Sir with Love, etc. There will also be free flow of soft drinks as well as 2 hours of gaming. All for just $10 per pax.

This week we have a new flavour as well. Peppermint Chocolate! So gather your friends and drop by Pitstop Cafe for a fun time and a great ice cream treat!

AstroBoy

UNO Collectors' Edition

Have you guys seen the care bear edition of UNO? One of the Pitstoppers like it and actually request us to help him get a set. I manage to get a set on the previous visit. I realise that there are other editions too...


The care bear edition, we have a set as well!


They have batman as well...


Hello Kitty, remember those crazy times when everyone is queuing outside Mcdonalds for them?

Anyway i am out of town again. If anyone like to get anyone of it, let me know. It is going at S$35 for each. So drop me an email at pitstopcafe@gmail.com and if I come across it I can get it for you guys. Will be back town on 23rd so drop me an email soon!

Astroboy

First Time on TV

We have just been featured on last sunday's channel U News!!! Though the feature was about places to hang out during valentine's day, it was nevertheless an experience to be featured on TV.

But what was more interesting about this feature was that SDU actually organised a speed dating event in our cafe. As their participants were too shy to be caught on camera, Me and MUMU have to actually stand in for this event!

It was really such a joke to be 'acting' as if we just met each other. It was so hilarious when I saw my own actions on TV. Ha, such is the illusion of the media.

Such a hallmark event and we did not even take a single picture. Well, there's always a reason man.

It's been a long time since I posted an entry if you realised. Work is piling up, and I'm feeling the fatigue. Sometimes, i just wonder if all this is worth it? It really pleases me when I see more and more new faces asking about our cafe, yet it just brings down my morale when I see those empty seats waiting to be filled.

People have been telling us to do something about the stairs, our board and what not. Really, we are looking into it and in fact, work is goin' on. Folks, give us time, it's not that we don't want to, but there's only this much we can do given our limited time and money.

Folks, do keep the faith for Pitstop cafe. Dark and difficult time lies ahead for us, but I hope YOU and the Pitstop crew will overcome this phase. Thank you for your continued support.

a very stressed timo

Toto Ang Bao Draw!

I really couldn't believe it. As you guys know, a few days back there was a whooping 10 million ang bao draw right. We were talking about how good it will be to win it. So we decided to take 50 bucks from our cash box to buy some Toto tickets to try our luck. As we do not have any numbers in mind, we just go for the quick pick.

Who could have guess it? We turn out to be one of the ten lucky winners! That is a bloody whopping 1 million dollars. As the tickets was bought under the company money, we decided not to keep any of it ourselves but raher spend it on business development.

With this amount of money, there is really alot of things we could do. For once, we can sponsor bigger events, unlike now when we wanted to sponsor certain event, other similar sponsor specifically do not want us to be involved. Things definitely will change. We are looking into opening another Pitstop Cafe branch right at the prime location of orchard road. We are considering Paragon or Takashimaya. Other business developement like Pitstop Pool & Bar are in consideration. Base on an interesting feedback from one of the readers, we are considering Pitstop Child Care Center as well.

We were really excitied as we talk about the possible things we could do, in fact we went a bake a nice big lobster to celebrate the occassion. Timo even bought back some nice good wine. Just then the alarm from the microwave went off...

"Eh what time liao? You still sleeping? Don't have to open shop meh?!" Hmmm whats mum voice doing here? I thought she is could not make it for the celebration....

The sun shone in as i open my sleepy eyes with mum face staring straight into me...

What a NICE dream!

Dreams are made at night, but accomplished in the day, of course some people daydream and accomplished them in the night. Doesn't matter which timezone you are in, chase your dreams!

AstroBoy
-boyboy has decided to change to AstroBoy instead for a more manly feel...

Presenting Sweet Desire

Eh how come you guys never do promotion for Valentine day? That is a question posed by some of the nice folks that came to our cafe. Like a newborn in the world of business, our reply was "ya hor, eh but don't know what to do leh"

So we think, wonder and day dream, trying to figure out somehing that will be attractive and value for money for the folks that come over Pitstop Cafe. I am proud to present our first virgin attempt, Sweet Desire! Let me share abit of how we got started on our newbie attempt at promotion...

Step 1:
Stare at each other till someone cannot tahan and blurt out some ideas. Having big eyeballs help.

Step 2:
Expand the idea as if nothing will stop you, throw in as much freebies as you can. special thanks to Timo who is willing to offer himself...

Step 3:
Be realistic cos we do not have peanuts to run a big scale promotion. I believe offering Timo for the night might not be that attractive to all and hence we added a new triple scoop ice cream creation, free flow of soft drinks as well as 2 hours of fun games as our promotion...

Step 4:
Dress up our model for showcasing, they got to look chio so that hopefully it will be love at first sight...


Timo doing a final inspection, he looks happy, perhaps siao is a better word...

Step 5:
Take lots of pictures, top view, side view, backside view, whatever. If you have unsteady hands like mine and have no tripod, take triple the amount of pictures. Definitely you will snap something that is usable.

Step 6:
Conceptualize the design and a nice name for the promotion. We rambled lots of possibilities like The Ideal One, Cupid Arrow, Lovely Dovey, blah blah...Finally we decided on Sweet Desire. Reason? The words looks nice with the font! :)

Step 7:
Squeeze my brain juices, experiment with composition, colors and typography. This is what we get after all the photoshopping work...


Click on picture for a clearer view!

Step 8:
Sweeten things up by trying to create more value for the Pitstop folks. Having just a promotion is not enough, Mumu and Evelyn are looking at how they can doll up the place. We try to find nice folks who will offer you additional goodies. Gift conceptz will be giving an additional 5% discount off the roses they are selling. All you have to do is to mention that you are a Pitstopper! There will be little surprises as well, such as free cookies, etc..oops

Step 9:
With all these in place, we have to publicize it. We email friends and hope they will spread the word for us. We are also emailing the folks that have came by the cafe and given us their contacts. If you readers like what our promotion, help us spread the word as well!

Step 10:
The last most important ingredient is YOU! Without your support, nothing else matter. So hope you guys like the promotion and drop by at Pitstop Cafe for a fun time!

Have Fun, be a Pitstopper!

boyboy, with tons of spelling mistakes corrected by eve

Return to innocence

It has indeed been tough time for the crew at Pitstop Cafe. We are really cranking our brain juices to see how we can improve the experience of all those folks who been dropping by our cafe and giving us their support. We also have to reach out to more folks as our cafe is very new and not alot of people know about us.

Anyway there are couple of kids that came over with their parents and after looking at them playing, I realise that even though it can be very stressful and tiring runing the business, there is also a child in everyone of us that is trying to have fun, to dream and believe that those dreams can be a reality. Looking at those cheerful faces, I can't help but smile too...it reminds me of a quote from James M. Barrie,

"Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves."

so if any of you guys reading this entry now feels stress up,unhappy or kinda of down, I hope the pics below bring sunshine to you and you can spread the sunshine to those around you!


I love monopoly


ok here i go...


Yeah, show me the money


ok see where this land...


oh no, landmine! lucky he is not looking...


hmmm, where else to build my nice hotels???


ok game over, lets see who got more $$$...


hmmm, ok not that bad...

Sweet pics right! If the pics has cheered you up, leave us a comment ok! Anyway we are having a special deal soon...so keep a look out!

boy boy

Bike Quest 2006

Clap Clap Clap!!! It was a wonderful night! Pitstop Cafe is proud to be part of the sponsors for the NUS Bike Hunt 2006.



Pitstop cafe became a 'Pitstop' to the 100 bikers who had to make a compulsory 'detour'. With our new gadgets, the participants partook in a series of challenge and were thus rewarded with nice premium ice cream fron New Zealand Natural.



It was really an eventful night especially when we saw different kinda folks. There were participants who were competitive, participants who can't be bothered, participants who were uptight and some who were chio. (tim was very happy for once)


trying to listen to the command of bopit

Since Eve and Mumu were not around, we decided to have a little male bonding. Sipping ice cold beer and eating cockles in our romantic moulin rouge blacony. Feels good once in a while without those pair o' eyes watchin' over us...


conquering simon trickster

After yesterday's episode, I realise that Pitstop cafe isn't that hard to find actually. Judging by the prompt arrival of most of the groups, it tells me that so as long as you stay focus on your goal, arriving at the destination on time isn't a big problem actually. I think the station ICs really did a great job in organising the event, getting game challenges for the participants and helping us publicize our place. It was a pity that we did not get a group picture of these hardworking folks at the end of the event...(camera run out of battery)

Only got 1 impromptu snapshot of one of the station ic


so sweet....awww.... Aiyah...

As Pitstop cafe continues to introduce you to more fun and games, we hope that we can stay focus in deliverin' to all our customers a friggin' good time. Also, I hope that all of you will continue to keep the faith and believe in us.


the late comers are back in full force! Ba Xian Guo Hai xian shen tong

Lotsa developmental plans are in the pipeline, we have treasured your comments and are working towards bringing you a better place for fun. Do follow us closely on this difficult and yet rewarding path.

Well, hope that you folks have a good time here with us! Do come back again if Pitstop cafe has left an impression on you!

timo

Choo Choo Choo!!! (AKA Chu 3)

For a moment, Pitstop cafe was opened on the 2nd day of CNY. And why?

Due to some Chinese tradition, if we intend to open the shop on the 3rd day of CNY(Chu 3), we must then open on the 2nd day of CNY (Chu 2). Siao man... Well, to make the old fellow jolly, we decide to succumb to her constant rambling and 'open' on Chu 2.

Now, before those folks start yelling at us to be more clear on our operating hours, I meant that I literally OPENED the shop by driving all the way down to Pitstop cafe and raising the shutter before closing it again. Of course I brought now the fun cool games as well.

Darn, is tradition impeding modernisation or is modernisation eroding traditional values? Maybe we can have an academic discussion on this one..

Anyway, following the 'Psuedo Opening' of the cafe, the Pitstop crew sprang back into action on Chu 3.


yea man, I spotted a girl that looks like the girl who played 'Kuang Tian ya' in 'my date with a vampire 3', argh.. her back's facing us!

We were warmly greeted by a bunch of folks who spent their afternoon indulging in the 'never will get sian' taboo. The interesting thing was that this time they created a 'stage' for the 'describer'. Upon making a mistake,they then 'Tau Pok' (AKA whack or Hum tum, sabo in some cultures) that person.


hmm.. see if you can spot her... so cute..

Yet another way of playing taboo I guess. Well, after all Pitstop Cafe is about fun not just Boardgames. The boardgames are there to fuel your fun, however personal creativity is still the essential ingredient in making every boardgame unique and exciting. For example, I used to play Monopoly at home with a bunch of folks, and we made it a point to negotiate and purchase everything in terms of drinking alcohol. A hell of a night that was... Yea man, so just be free and have fun!


I think i saw one of this folks in school, hey if it was you who I saw on the bus A1, leave a comment!

Well, I guess the ultimate aim we folks at Pitstop hopes to achieve is that one day everyone can cast down all forms of social barriers or conventions and just have fun with everybody else. Like what most people used to say, "Strangers are friends who have not met"

Pitstop Cafe, "its Really Right up here!" boohoohoo (and you should know why waikee)

timo

A big chunk of chocolate!

I am totally clueless when it comes to shopping. I always go for a something simpler like books and chocolates. Hence this time round i got my ger a nice hershey's chocolate!



But i suspect she would like something smaller...such as a piece of "shiny" rock in a nice blue box...

boy boy