In Memoriam, 9th August 2005


ON THIS day, scattered with soft and mournful drizzles, I bid goodbye to thee, Phoenix Economy Rice & Bee Hoon, formerly of Bishan Blk 152.

For seven long, epicurean years, Phoenix Rice was the mainstay of many a morning repast, doling out Economy-priced nasi lemak at Business-sized portions. For seven long, resplendent years, this was the mainstay of my every Sunday morning, my lovely steaming piece of gourmet sunshine. For the pleasure of these days, I and my own owe thee a debt we can never truly repay, a gratitude that we may only manifest now by mourning thy passing.

For nevermore shall the fragance of thy nasi caress my lips. Nevermore shall the aroma of thy curry waft across the road yonder, mingling with the spicy scent of a torrential noontime downpour. And never again will thy grilled eggs pass muster as, when speared by a fork they ooze a lovely golden sunshine, a yolky ballet in largo time.

It is fitting, thus, that forty years ago today, we mourned as our land was ejected to seek our own fate alone as a sovereign state; and that similarly today we, the recipients of thy food and largesse find ourselves adrift in an existence suddenly bereft of all the joy thou hath brought into our lives. For we mourn a breakfast, a tradition, and a way of life that has left us far, far too soon.

Phoenix Economy Rice and Bee Hoon (1996-2005)