Simply Retro by Tin Box

A few weeks ago, Auntie S sent a photo to the chat group. She had dinner with her colleagues at one of these restaurants with a live band. A DJ was playing in between sets. It was like Blackbird but different kind of genre. Daddy Lim’s favorite band in Blackbird often left me deaf. Lol. Where Auntie S went looks exciting and I got excited. Mambo has lost its shine with the young people invasion. 

She said that the band played Chinese songs but the restaurant chain has several branches and the one at Chjimes has an English live band. I wasted no time and went online to book an indoor table for 4, without knowing who would be available. It is ok, book 1st and can cancel later. Some online reviews said that the Simply Retro crowd is that of the older generation happily reminiscing their younger party days. That’s us! Let’s go! 

I was looking forward, even though I have no idea what to expect. The plan was to have dinner. The reservation was for 7.30pm. The restaurant wasn’t as crowded as I had imagined but most of the indoor tables were occupied at most times.

I got a Long Island Tea! That is so nostalgic. The last I drank one must be during my 20s party days. It was very strong, stronger than the one that Auntie S later ordered and lasted me the whole night bcos I waited for the ice to melt, then added more ice. Hoho.

The Shaggies was playing and started their 1st set at 8.15pm. Daddy Lim said that they are a good band. They sounded very decent and played mostly pop or retro songs. They had a total of 4 sets, each lasting about 30 mins. Then a DJ was playing retro songs in between sets. 

The crowd was fun! I felt very young. It was really a group of “my age” folks who just wanted to groove the night away. I saw several looking in their 50s and 60s but was dancing the entire night. We all had fun and a great workout. 

This was us earlier in the night and still looking very fresh and sober. 

It was afterall a restaurant, so it was closing shortly after midnight. Most of the crowd left after the last set. As the DJ came on after the last bit, the restaurant staff started to stack up the chairs, then putting the door panels up. Lol. It was like they were dying to close and can’t wait for us bunch of old folks to leave. 

We agreed to come back again, though the songs kept repeating. I think Dancing Queen was played like 3x, and so was Uptown Girl. Hahahaha. Auntie S lamented that it ended so early but we started early too! With Mambo, we had to meet at 11pm and that is already after my usual bedtime. Lol, old people problem. We get more dancing here, there are seats to rest and most importantly, there is free flow of water! I thought it was great overall. It is a question of whether I can get a next reservation and also who would be free to join me. Hoho. 

Till the next time! 

Mummy Lim