Blog 02

There's a New Kid in Town

(Posted in http://www.teewrex.blogspot.com/ Wednesday, January 20, 2010)

Yes, I am back ! This Blog is revived, resurrected, born again. Why have I been silent for so long ? Where have I been ? Nobody's asking. These are just "fillers" to overcome writer's block which I am acutely afflicted with. Apart from the block, I was away because I was having so much fun with facebook....yes, facebook. Yup, that and I was getting lazy. Anyway, let's get back to that later. I am here right now because I am excited about a "New Kid in Town".

By now most will have heard of a new restaurant opened at Gadong. See picture of the Signboard :-

The Rooster's Crow / Restoran Kokokan Ayam is owned by an enterprising young chef, Mr. Young Ted Wee and his partner Mr. Ong Jin Huat. Kokokan is situated at No: 12, Block B, Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong which is across the road from The Centerpoint Hotel and opposite La Mee at the adjacent block C.

When I went there this morning I was greeted by Ted Wee's father, Mr. Andrew Young who obviously lent his business know-how and experience in the setting up of the place. I had already tasted Ted Wee's signature dish, Fried Kway Tiao before so I was not there as a new customer testing the waters. I was actually there because I knew I was in for a treat to one of the best Fried Kway Tiao in Brunei. This is my first blog since April 2009 so I shall not bore you with details. Go there and try the Kway Tiao for yourself. You will not regret it.

I was pleasantly awed by the decor of the place and even more so when Andrew told me that they did not engage any Professional Interior Designer to help them. The colors are exquisitely blended. Maybe it is intended to psychologically produce this feeling but I felt warmly welcome in the ambience of it all. The booth seats, which are notoriously uncomfortable ELSEWHERE, are surprisingly very ergonomically designed. My bad back did not present any problems here. I put away the Fried Kway Tiao ala Ted Wee in 10 minutes flat. Then I had to wait for a friend who was accustomed to being late ALWAYS but I was unusually calm and collected. It must have been the seat.

Whilst waiting, the gluton in me emerged. The second specialty of Ted Wee is the Chicken Rice so I ordered one to the amazement of the waitress who gave me a quizical astonished look. In body language she was saying "Wah , this Uncle must be really hungry !" As she wrote the order down she asked "Only one more Uncle ?" I said "Yes, unless it's on the house !" Another shocked look ! I shall not describe the Chicken Rice except that Thien Thien can now be said to be very "last decade". Again, go and try it for yourself.

Kokokan will definitely capture a particular niche in the eateries market. That niche is the level in between the traditional Coffeeshop and Food Court clientelle and that of the up-market 5 star establishments. A pleasant, clean, well decorated and, most importantly, Value -For- Money place to enjoy a meal. Mark my words.