FIKA

                 

          

As I pushed open the door to the quaint little bistro Driftwood Ahoy along the wharves on Clarke Quay, a warm smile spread across my face. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and delicious food enveloped me, making my stomach growl with anticipation. I spotted my friends already seated at a cozy table on the terrace overlooking the water. One of them was laughing heartily at a joke while throwing her head back. 

After all, we were celebrating our success– the much awaited promotions richly earned and a steady rise to the top of our game after hours and days of negotiations with an overseas supplier team for our company and snagging a sought-after coveted project majorly on our terms. Whewww! This truly called for a wind down and a splash of celebration.

Taking my place at the table, I couldn't help but notice Willow, our host who had organized this magnificent lunch and suggested this exotic place. She looked radiant in a crimson sweater, paired with comfortable dark jeans and sleek black boots. Her bright smile and sparkling eyes added the perfect finishing touches to her outfit.

I was in a cozy moss green cable-knit sweater, paired with soft gray coloured leggings and comfortable sneakers. Adding a simple silver necklace gifted by Willow on my last birthday, complemented my outfit.

Dana was in a bright yellow sundress with white flowers, paired with sandals and a wide-brimmed hat, while Jem looked dashing in a navy blue blazer, paired with a crisp white shirt and dark trousers.

The bistro's large veranda treated us to a breathtaking view of the turquoise ocean. The sunlight danced across the waves, creating a dazzling display of blues and greens. Boats bobbed gently on the water as their white sails rippled in the breeze.

As we chatted and laughed, the indoors bustled with activity. At the table next to us, a group of lively tourists poured over maps and guidebooks, planning their island adventures.

At the counter, a few locals sat sipping coffee and chatted with the friendly barista, exchanging stories and gossip about the island's latest news. A solo traveler sat at a small table by the window, typing away on her laptop as she enjoyed a quiet meal.

Despite the gentle hum of activity, the café felt peaceful and relaxed, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made us feel right at home.

As we put our heads down together to study the menu, we were spoilt for choice. Jem suggested that we start with appetizers while deciding on the rest of courses. Our server  brought out a basket of steaming freshly baked garlic bread, accompanied by a side of rich, creamy hummus garnished with sprigs of thyme. The crispy crust and soft interior of the bread with the tangy hummus was an instant winner with all of us! 

As we ravenously dug into our meal, the sounds of the sizzling aroma of food filled the air. The clinking of cutlery against plates created a soothing melody.

Meanwhile as we waited for our food to arrive, the chill of the outside air still lingered on our skin. The first spoonful of the creamy, piping hot Bisque soup dunked with juicy chunks of Haddock was like a hug in a bowl, dispelling the damp cold that had stiffened my bones. 

But as soon everyone's much craved for, the speciality of this eatery--smoking Black Pepper Crabs were placed in front of us, the spicy warmth truly began to seep in. There was a satisfying crack of shells too as we devoured the crabs. The aroma of the spices and the richness of the soup enveloped us, and I felt my senses come alive again.

The black pepper crabs, with their perfectly balanced seasoning, added a delightful burst of flavor to each bite.We indulged in the succulent meat that left us wanting more.

Alongside the crabs, we shared a basket of battered calamari and a plate of scallops pan-seared to perfection which was drizzled with a zesty lemon butter sauce. The combination of textures and flavors were to  an absolute perfection.

Even before we savored and polished clean our main course of Linguine Alle Vongole while leisurely slurping away from the shells, the succulent bites of mussels and clams, Jem ordered a large sharing casserole of Paella and sides of Grilled Salmon on a base of Pesto and Cajun sauce. He would hear none of it even though we were bursting at our seams! It was on him and we were not allowed to refuse.

The conversation flowed easily, and by then at late afternoon, Driftwood Ahoy was washed in a soft amber lighting. Live jazz had started playing and the world outside, with its chill and grey skies had receded. 

Of course, no meal is complete without dessert! We ordered the chef's signature recommendation– Hot Fudge Rocky Road Pudding, topped with a dollop of creamy butterscotch ice cream. The gooey hot fudge, crunchy pecan nuts, and fluffy marshmallows all came together in a decadent explosion!

And then, the butterscotch kicked in – a sweet, creamy, and indulgent note that elevated the entire experience to new heights.

As we finished our dessert, the coffee shots arrived, courtesy Willow who raised a toast to our performance review and the excellent teamwork which had brought us on this rung of success.

Clinking the steaming hot crystal glasses, we capped off the meal with those rich, bold coffee shots, feeling grateful for this indulgent feast and the wonderful company to share it with. We lingered over the conversation that flowed easily and took a lazy walk along the wharf clicking pictures with a sparkling dusk on the seaside backdrop.

We spent the next few hours indulging in the warmth of the picturesque landscape and returned to our table.

Looking around at each one of them, I was grateful for these colleagues who had become like family to me. They were the kind of people who made you laugh, listened with empathy, and supported you unconditionally. 

Surrounded by the lush greenery of the tropical island, the gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of frangipani and jessamine in the fading daylight.

The sound of the waves crashing against the shore created a soothing melody. It was the perfect setting to embrace the concept of Fika.

I took a deep breath, inhaling the salty air, and felt invigorated. The sun began its slow dive casting the island in a surreal pastel pink glow.

Fika in such a breathtaking setting with the stunning ocean view that seemed to stretch on forever was a little slice of heaven that had settled over us like a warm blanket.

It was the perfect accompaniment to our celebration, a reminder of the beauty of our island paradise.

PIC COURTESY: PINTEREST