The Oven

Singapore has always been on a relentless mode for change. If you do not drive past a place, a building you will be surprised to find it gone, changed and revamped. If you do go to a place for sometime, never assume that it is still there even if it were to be for three months. I have recommended people to a place for good good only to realised they were gone so it is better to update.

It started with the disappearance of mom and pop stores. Modern ones are taking over. Sometimes, I wonder if it is necessary to make everything modern looking and very much looking the same without much character. I guess it reflects the times where people's focus are on how good they look on the outside and spending time, money on it, taking selfies and posting on social media instead of developing the inside - the quality of the mind, heart and soul. We are knowingly or unknowingly creating artificial people by the bucket loads. What is happening to my beloved Singapore and the world at large? With ageing even though staying very active and the potential of memory fading, how are we to recognise faces, places, etc.? Ah, you can forget all the fads. Fads come and go, only class stays.

I read about the Tai Seng/Irving Road area being transformed some time ago and for one reason or another, I found myself there in Tai Seng since God knows when. It is a place where it is so near yet so far. The place has been truly transformed.

I found a parking lot and was waiting for someone while I observed the surrounding. I saw this very busy man in black walking in and out and around this restaurant called ''The Oven''. 


The Menu has Baled Salmon and Boneless Chicken. Different types of spaghetti - Bratwurst, Seafood, Chicken, Salmon, Mushroom and Pizzas.

The decor inside is neat, clean and classic black and white. And oh yes, this man knows his music playing audiophile type of songs and vocals. Well, that to me is class.

While I was waiting for some one, I had enough time to read all the compliments posted by customers.

And more. 

Also a famous Steve Jobs quote was boldly displayed - ''...your time is limited. Don't be trapped in dogma. Follow your heart and intuition...''

We had the chicken spaghetti and it was good.

We also had a pizza and mushroom soup. 


What we could taste and later confirmed was that everything was made fresh by the boss/chef. 


You should stop over at the oven some time for good and freshly made food and they have beer too.

It is a convenient and comfortable place.

It is about doing what you love and loving what you do.

Meet James Loh, the owner and Chef. You can't go wrong with owner//chef restaurants but James is more than that. He runs the whole shop by himself. He listens and takes care of your requirements and when you speak to him, he has overflowing passion.

I could only wish James lots of success and I think this is the kind of place that more people should come to. 

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