I've never had anything on the menu I didn't like, which also includes a mushroom soup (and I don't eat mushrooms). Everything is divine. The quality of ingredients, and blend of richly layered flavours is a near spiritual experience. Okay, maybe I have pushed that last one a bit, but it is good. Expensive, but good. So good that I drive over 27 KL, at least 4-6 times a year to get my fix. It's a pilgrimage of sorts, where the entire drive is filled with anticipation, not unlike a child who is promised a trip to their favorite candy/toy store.

By the time the car is parked and I am opening the front door, my mouth is watering and I am ready for the feast. However, UNFORTUNATELY, although the decor at Savary Island Pie has an inviting earthy charm to it, the ambiance inside certainly doesn't. It is hectic, loud, and crammed. It feels like I've entered the 'cattle call' at a busy airport cafeteria. The energy is chaotic. The line ups are long and there length feels even longer because you know that at the end of it, there are no tables/seats available, except for the odd uncomfortable stool at the back counter/space area (there have been more than a few times that I end up getting it to go by default). Once at the cashier, you both scream at one another, because it's loud in there, and your competing with the music (it's like a busy down town club on a Friday night). Once you've ordered and paid there's more waiting. But the part that's the worst is that everyone waiting stands around staring and peering at the poor patrons that are trying to eat in peace. I know, I do it too. You look and pray silently that they will hurry up and eat and leave, so that you can sit and settle.

The tables are rarely cleared up after the last patrons, and so you have to fight to get the servers attention, and when she/he does come, it's a quick mindless swish, and there's blueberries left behind. But by that time, I am too worn out to say anymore and so I discreetly rub it away with my own Kleenex and wait for my meal. It arrives. It doesn't disappoint. And when I leave and ask myself the same questions: Why they don't expand? Why they don't turn the music down? Why they don't have a more organized system? And, why do I keep coming back? Then I remember ... the food. It's addicting!