/ Reviews / American
Cute and Cozy Kitchenette
by Monica liau
on Friday, November 06, 2009 12:00 AM
When gallivanting down the well-traveled stretch of Changle Road, you may have noticed a little lemon drop of a diner called Kitchenette when crossing Urumqi Road. Opened nearly four months ago, this tiny eatery is easy to miss during the daily rush.
Stepping inside, a bright golden light envelops the diner, accompanied by the gentle sound of clinking mugs. The place is so small that every one of the six booths can be reached within two steps and no conversation is safe from would-be eavesdroppers. Strangely enough, this only adds to the charm of these cramped quarters.
Even more charming are the prices. Kitchenette's one-page menu has nothing over RMB40 and none of the dishes are overly fussy. The bagel breakfast set (RMB30, including coffee from 7-11am) with smoked salmon and cream cheese was tasty, though the bagel itself was on the dry side. Kitchenette salad (RMB35) came full of quail egg, avocado, roasted chicken and bacon still sizzling from the grill. While the creamy herb dressing lacked any memorable spice, stars definitely go to the kitchen for being frugal with the mayonnaise and fresh with the ingredients.
Highlights lean towards comfort food. The huge meatloaf sandwich (RMB39) was near perfection, with every bite unleashing a meaty and flavorful savour, the fresh sub roll proving hearty enough to hold its fillings without overwhelming them. The Kitchenette also dishes out a homemade macaroni and cheese (RMB20) which not only rivals the one Grandma used to make but is rich enough to share.
Perhaps the biggest selling point for caffeine junkies is the bottomless cups of coffee that come with set meals (RMB15 by itself). The fact that the coffee is several steps above the usual battery acid offered at diners, coupled with free Wi-Fi and solid food, makes Kitchenette an ideal place for everyone - laptop maniacs, coffee fiends and the hungry masses alike.
The Bottom Line: Kitchenette will add sunshine to any day.
