Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Veloicaza | SINGAPORE - Allied military and civilians working in Singapore fall in line on opening...... read more read more
SINGAPORE – Navy Region Center Singapore (NRCS) opened the doors to its newest community establishment Nov. 9, during a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Café Lah, Community Center.
Along with the recent reopening of NRCS’ Terror Club and Sports Complex in October, Café Lah is a long-awaited and refreshing new face to the allied military and civilian community stationed in Singapore whose amenities and services offer local patrons additional breakfast and lunch options. According to Capt. Scott Murdock, commanding officer, NRCS, planning for Café Lah was derived from the intent to create a new and refreshing place that allows the community to have a place to gather and meet.
“When we started the plans for this, I told our folks to start with a blank canvas and create an establishment that fosters community – and they did,” Murdock said.
With that blank canvas, and after approval from the Singapore Land Authority, coordination between NRCS’s Morale Welfare and Recreation team and the New Zealand Defence Support Unit, South East Asia began. Together, they sketched plans to remodel and reconstruct an empty section of building 7-4 that was previously occupied by Din’s Diner, an eatery and dining establishment that closed last year after more than 25 years of serving the five-nation allied military community comprised of New Zealand, Australian, British, Singaporean and American militaries.
According to Charles Mecke, food and beverage director for NRCS, the essence of the Café Lah menu is quality and variety.
“There are not many options for a quick lunch while on base and our goal is to offer quality sandwiches and salads that you might not be able to get in the area,” Mecke said. “We offer a nice range from pesto turkey to Korean chicken with cucumber kimchee. We wanted to make sure there was something for everyone.”
Meanwhile, the entire reconstruction effort was coordinated by the New Zealand Defence Support Unit, South East Asia and took only three weeks to complete including the installation of new air conditioning, a new ceiling, a reconfigured floor plan, new window emplacements to incorporate natural lighting and the demolition of old kitchen equipment. For the Kiwis, this collaborative effort reinforces the same sense of community emphasized by the American forces.
“I think what is really important to highlight is that Café Lah acts as a heart to the installation, which is why we recognize it as a community center,” said Cmdr. Brendon Oakley, commanding officer, New Zealand Defence Support Unit, South East Asia.
The name Café Lah promotes a local community feel by incorporating Singaporean language. The word “Lah” is a slang word used during Singaporean speech to spice up general conversation and is referenced from Singlish, a mix of the Singaporean and English language that is prominently heard all throughout Singapore and Malaysia.
For some of the patrons who enjoyed the new establishment, Café Lah’s first impression made a positive impact.
“I really enjoyed the breakfast burrito. It was amazing,” said Nina Delucchi, Child and Youth Program leader, Navy Region Center Singapore. “I am really looking forward to trying the lunch menu because it looks fresh and appetizing.”
With the community-focused theme of Café Lah and future feedback from its patrons along with continued support from allied military leadership, the new café and community center will play an intrinsic role fostering a community-oriented spirit that is felt throughout Navy Region Center Singapore.
| Date Taken: | 11.09.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.12.2015 00:52 |
| Story ID: | 181725 |
| Location: | SG |
| Web Views: | 312 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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