Food For Thought

Like clockwork, I am at my favorite “writers corner” at Dolcetto at Regent Hotel, having my post-Pilates coffee with a bottle of sparkling water. More than a routine, I consider it a ritual. There’s something deeply therapeutic about consistency and predictability. I do not know what psychological term best describes this behavior, but I call it creature comfort, which is important for the (or rather, my) soul!

- Wendy Long

Not only do I frequent the same place, I often order the same thing every time. The moment I step into Dolcetto, the staff immediately asks, “Double double?”, a reference that only we know, built on familiarity and consistency — with the occasional small piece of dark chocolate hazelnut slab or a seasonal Easter carrot cake (they always have thematic seasonal desserts, which explains why some of you often receive Dolcetto treats from me). Did I mention that I even have a favorite seat there? It’s my version of the neighborhood corner coffeeshop; a not so secret, secret hideaway, mainly known to regulars who drop in for morning coffee.

Another thing I love most about this place is that it opens at 7AM, perfect for early birds! I mean, how can it be a “breakfast place” if it opens at 9AM? That’s too late! I’m sure fellow early birds out there will agree with me! And as they say, birds of a feather flock together, so I often bump into familiar faces (if you are reading this, you know who you are), as well as familiar dogs waiting patiently outside the hotel lobby. This is what I appreciate: Familiarity and predictability.