TheWongDogs

“Yes, I Café Hop With Them” – Sin Lee

I couldn’t help not putting such a headline. Especially when I was told that pet owners who love to visit such establishments are of lesser stock. Yes, you heard me right.

The word “hipster” has been diluted recently with hoards of similar establishments sprouting like mushrooms all over Singapore. So you realise what the word really means when no official Facebook page or website turns up on your Google search. It is either they have a heck care attitude towards online presence (with such attention to detail in their interior design, I highly doubt it) or they truly believe in the power of “word of mouth”, right?

Located away from the Tiong Bahru hipster crowd next to the wet market, Sin Lee’s address has it the only café in the vicinity below a block of flats that are more than 50 years old! Imagine how my excitement grew when they told me they are fine with me dining at their alfresco area with Cory and Cole.

So, what can pet owners look forward to when they make their virgin visit?

THE WONG DOGS REVIEW

Like my review for Percolate, Sin Lee is not a pet café. However, the management did allow me to dine alfresco while Cory and Cole relax beside me and watch the world go by.

I absolutely love how everything has been designed – besides the many Instagram-worthy pictures you can take here, the environment feels like it has been whitewashed with a filter on its own. Service-wise, the staff are not the most boisterous but I do appreciate their quiet demeanours and earnest personalities.

If you are driving down, do park at the carpark behind the café (free and open to public on Sunday) though it is mostly for season holders on weekdays. Should it be full, your best bet would be Block 8C across the road.

Of course, what is a café without nosh? With Sin Lee not being a pet café, there is no menu for furkids here. In fact, it hardly matters to Cory and Cole because they seem to be content with just hanging with me. Humans on the other hand, are treated to quite an interesting and may I say, utterly SIN-ful (such pun!) list.

1. Fried Chicken & Waffles ($21.90)

“It better be good…” I mentally noted when I saw the price tag. Though I had my expectations pegged higher, it was quite enjoyable. The sizeable waffle was baked to a comfortable-looking golden hue and the texture was soft to the bite. The chicken leg was deep fried, yet moist and sending yummy signals to my taste buds. If you ask me, can be shared between two.

2. Salted Egg Sweet Potato Fries ($12)

“Wait, these are sweet potatoes??” and continued munching on a couple more of fries! Used to crunchy and salty versions, I relished chewing on these moist creations. Personally , I dislike salted egg but hey, these went really well. Served with crunchy curry leaves on top, need I say more?

3. Beef and Grains ($23)

It took some getting used to the saltiness. Even my mum felt it was too much for her. However, I can think of many people who will fall in love with this uber local-tasting dish. The beef was deliciously tender and the risotto rice (grains…) added a nice chewy texture. It might not look like much, but this definitely filled a considerable portion of my tummy.

4. Pie Crust Milkshake ($9)

If you ask me, this THICCCCKKKK milkshake ought to be a meal on its own. Topped with digestive biscuits, it really felt like someone blended an entire pie into the concoction it lasted me through the entire meal.

My mum gave her own review – Nice décor to sit in on a relaxing afternoon. However the food had very strong flavours and very generous portions. Light eaters can consider the starters to be quite sufficient.

So, will you be making a trip down with Fido?

Operating Hours
Tuesday to Friday: 130pm to 9pm
Saturday: 12pm to 9pm
Sunday: 12pm to7pm
Closed on Mondays.

To make a reservation, drop them a line at 63773-170

Labels: bukit ho swee, cafe, dogs, dogsofinstasg, miniature schnauzer, mixed breed, pet-friendly, review, sin lee, singapore special, tiong bahru

❤ "“Yes, I Café Hop With Them” – Sin Lee" was Posted On: Saturday, 28 February 2015 @00:31 | 0 Wong comments ✿

Chinese New Year 2015 - Let's Celebrate!

Family gatherings are only made right when all members are present. Yes, Cory and Cole joins me every time! Here are some pictures from Day One!

With four days of celebrations, The Wong Dogs wishes all fellow pet owners a Happy Chinese New Year!

Labels: chinese new year, dogs, dogsofinstasg, gathering, miniature schnauzer, mixed breed, mongrel, pets, the wong dogs

❤ "Chinese New Year 2015 - Let's Celebrate!" was Posted On: Thursday, 19 February 2015 @03:16 | 0 Wong comments ✿

Toys… Accessories…With A Difference – Tiny Krew

Setting up blog shops is nothing new in Singapore. But when Tiny Krew popped up late last year, it got The Wong Dogs excited. Me and the founders, Charmaine and April go way back in 2010 and it is exciting to see them take this route today.

Currently, they stock toys and accessories from Jax & Bones, Growler Goods and Ohpopdog! “There are other brands we plan to introduce to the local market, but all in good time,” says Charmaine.

With that, The Wong Dogs were more than glad to rummage through their store – I have a feeling Cory and Cole already have their mental wish list all drawn up. Well, here are some items which caught their eyes:

1. CANVAS GROLWR GOODS SAGUARO TIPI

It is hard to miss the Tipi and can you blame me? Hand-crafted in California, USA, it is easy to set up and forms into a little den for your canines to hide from the sun when out for long periods of time.

Even when posing to get the right shots with Cory and Cole, the boys and I did not feel stuffy – an important aspect in hot and humid Singapore. Even Jäger wanted his time under the Tipi.

A little research showed that Growler Goods replaced the use of plastics and used traditional metals, cotton and wood in their products. Something pet owners who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint to consider.

2. JAX & BONES TOYS

There are two types of toys under the Jax & Bones umbrella – Rope and Woolie. Cory’s picks, the Frog Woolie Squeaky and Platypus Woolie Dog Squeak appeal to him more due to their soft textures.

Cole on the other hand went immediately for Louie the Lobster which has been classified as suitable for heavy chewers. Hand-tied, its frays acts as dental floss and can be dipped in cold water to soothe teething pups. Louie the Lobster is also a bestseller at Tiny Krew and with that many ways to utilise this attractive chew toy, I can see why.

Conscious furparents will appreciate that these toys have been made of boiled wool, these toys have been dyed using non-toxic vegetable dyes.

3. JAX & BONES BUSINESS BUDDY

Made of recycled fabric, the Business Buddy is such a nice change to the typical plastic poop bag holder. Each item also comes with one roll of bags which are fragranced to ensure that Buddy’s stink bombs are masked for a couple of hours before you throw them away.

Before leaving, Tiny Krew insisted I take back a Navy-coloured Jax & Bones Business Buddy! Yay! Now, not only can their poo bag holder look stylish, I won’t need to worry about the smell!

Other than just being introduced to their wares, the precious time was spent catching up with Charmaine and April while Cory and Cory hung out with Jäger who they have not seen in ages. Before we knew it, two hours went past like that!

From just an online presene a couple of months back, Tiny Krew is now stocked in 11 select Pet Lovers Centre outlets around Singapore. “We are looking at stocking at other lifestyle shops, pet cafes and other pet stores,” reveals Charmaine. For more information, do visit their website at www.tinykrew.com.sg

The Wong Dogs cannot wait to see how Tiny Krew grows! Good luck, ladies!

Labels: alaskan malamute, blog shop, buddy business, dog toys, growler goods, jax and bones, miniature schnauzer, mixed breed, pets, singapore special, toys