TUS, The Uniform Shop

While doing reviews, I got reminded of the worst shop I had the misfortune of visiting in Colombo. The Uniform Shop or TUS as they like to call themselves. Situated on Galle Road, just opposite Barefoot, this shop has a monopoly over uniform supply in a lot of the schools in Colombo. In fact they are the sole supplier of uniforms in the school my daughter attends.

On the day I visited recently, I took along some current samples of Daughter's uniforms as I can never remember the size when I would go to buy it from the school (the school stocks limited uniform supplies). In fact, it was only because the school did not have any stock at the beginning of the academic year that I had to visit the shop. I was accosted at the door way by the guard and told that I had to leave the plastic bag with the uniforms at the door in his care. Ofcourse, I was a possible thief, but not this dude. There was no possibility that he'd help himself to some of my things when I left it with him. I explained that I had brought samples to compare sizes. That is when dragon lady, who seemed to be one of the managers told me coolly that in this shop this was the rule, and I had to abide by it. Bags had to be left at the door. If I wanted to I could bring the samples in. Dumbfounded I said, "you want me to leave this empty plastic bag at the door!?" To which she again rattled off her silly rule.

I complied only because I needed the uniforms. Needless to say, the rest of the experience was just as acrid. I wanted one skirt to be tailor made as the ready made sizes did not fit Daughter properly. The tailor refused to make most of the adjustments I wanted. What's the point of having something custom made! They also didn't have most sizes available so I couldn't buy the t-shirts I wanted.

I hope they continue to behave incredibly ridiculously and rudely with their customers so that eventually there are enough complaints to put them out of business.

Restaurant Review: Regina Margarita

Regina Margarita, from outer appearances doesn't scream out Come Eat Here! It's only because I had read rather good reviews about it that we decided to venture all the way to Park Road to try out the place.

Well, the tables were all covered in checkered tablecloths in typical Italian style. The size of the tables turned out to be a bit of a problem later though as the waiters struggled to fit the dishes we ordered on the table. The menu took us by surprise. We were a bit taken aback by the prices. Practically nothing below Rs 900.

The complimentary bread at the beginning was just ordinary. So was the chilli oil on the table. We were expecting plain olive oil and butter.

Among the things we ordered was a pizza marinara without any cheese. The pizza was good, made right in front of our eyes, which was interesting to watch. We also ordered a fettucine with chicken mince and a spaghetti with tomato sauce and basil. Both were rather mediocre, the pasta seemed a bit overdone and didn't blow anyone away.

There was a lady walking around talking to the customers who we assumed was the proprietor. The personal touch was nice, though I was glad we had ordered before she came, as I don't like anyone giving me opinions on my order unless I ask for it.

We could hear someone on another table whispering about the cook having changed. Maybe this was the reason we failed to be impressed despite the wonderful review we had read. Though we may go back to grab some take away pizza.

Tandoor

Restaurant Review: Tandoor

We tried out a North Indian restaurant called Tandoor, situated in the Ceylon Continental Hotel. While the decor is nothing impressive, the food was good.To start with there was complimentary Papad with chutneys. My favourite was the tamarind chutney. We tried the alu gobi, the butter nan, paratha and methi chicken, all of which were good. None of the dishes were too spicy, which is great if you have a small child. The food is served in copper ware which I always like. And the prices were very reasonable. I can totally see myself visiting again!

Crown

I recently had the privilege of trying out the reflexology at Crown Hair and Beauty. Simply stated, best 1500Rs I had spent in a long time. Their ambience is great. Understated and classy. Their people are really well behaved and skilled.

I also tried the shampoo and blow dry/ironing which is also really well done, though the first time I had it done was better than the second time. They will even throw in an extra back rub after the shampoo. Mmmmm!

Their prices are comparable to all other salons and they still offer superior service in my opinion. Just make sure you go with an appointment as they can be quite busy!

Restaurants in Colombo 2: The Dining Room

The Dining Room

Located in the lobby of Cinnamon Lakeside, The Dining Room offers the best lunch buffet in town in my opinion and also the best value for money. The ambience is extremely family friendly and kids under 5 dine for free. The sea food is to die for, there's sea food ceviche, sushi, and shrimps galore! Lots of cold meats, Indian, Thai and continental food on offer. The choice of desserts will have your head spinning, and you will have a hard time lifting yourself up from your chair when it's time to leave! During Ramadan, they also had iftar buffets which were amazing.

Babysitting Parents

So the Rents are here! They've been here 2 weeks already. It's kind of sad that they're so worn out and need a lot of help with everything. Today I sent them to a shop I took them to earlier for the first time by themselves and yes, I'm a little worried.

Ofcourse my Mom is being fabulous with Daughter who adores her. Luckily I told Mom that I wanted her to teach her our mother tongue so she's been busy trying to teach her to read, and they've been making great progress.

Dad needs the most babysitting of all. He went for a walk by himself along Galle Road, and despite all his claims of being able to manage lost his way and phoned H.

We went to Victoria Golf and Country Resort last week which was just fabulous though there were a few bugs here and there. Throughout the trip, however they kept comparing everything to other places which I could not understand. Plus they are not really that into nature. Luckily H and I did thouroughly enjoy the place.

Kandy and Nuwara Eliya

We travelled recently to these two places. Daughter had a cough and H was dithering about whether to go, but I insisted. Anyway, we had a relaxed visit, well as much as possible with a coughing child and husband who worries at every cough. Nuwara Eliya was gorgeous. Made me think of Switzerland. And Kandy was interesting too with nice views of the misty hills. Made me think of Budapest.