Singapore sculptures highlight restaurant
By Crystal Lu
A nearly15-foot-tall white statue stands at the corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Perimeter Road. Water cascades from the open mouth of its lion head and falls into a fountain basin in which sits its fishtail.
The unusual sculpture has caught the attention of pedestrians and passing motorists since it first appeared in May. A symbol of Singapore, it is called a merlion and belongs to a restaurant by the same name that held a grand opening on July 7.
On Aug. 25, the restaurant will add an outdoor bar where patio diners will be entertained by bartender Kushal Poudel.
Poudel, who immigrated from Nepal four years ago, juggles bottles at the restaurant's indoor bar. But he's saved juggling flaming torches for the opening of the outdoor bar.
"We want to create some fun evening entertainment in Cupertino so people don't have to go to Santana Row for that," said Poudel.
Andy Lu, Merlion's manager, says the restaurant is the only one in California that features a merlion statue, which is often called "Singapore's Statue of Liberty." There are supplies of promotional materials provided by the Singapore Tourism Board at the restaurant. Merlion's owners, William and Tina Chang, a wanted to promote Singaporean culture and contacted the tourism board, which agreed to let them use the merlion symbol.
The restaurant showcases three merlion statues. In addition to the one facing Stevens Creek Boulevard--the largest and most eye-catching--there is a smaller one outside the door facing the parking lot and another small one near the indoor bar.
The original merlion statue, built in 1972, stands about 25 feet at the mouth of the Singapore River to welcome visitors. The choice of the merlion as a symbol for Singapore has its roots in history.The merlion's fish-like body riding the waves of the sea symbolizes Temasek, Singapore's old name. The lion head represents the country's current name.
Merlion serves mostly Asian-fusion cuisine, which is a recent dining trend that combines favorites from different Asian countries and creates new items. The restaurant also caters to the mainstream taste by serving American-style appetizers.
"The calamari is good, very crispy and a little spicy," said Priya Pattada, who was having lunch at Merlion with four colleagues. Karen Shak said the merlion statue had caught her attention and made her decide to take her colleagues to the restaurant.
Merlion Restaurant, located at 19628 Stevens Creek Blvd., is open daily for lunch and dinner. For reservations, call 408.777.8228.
http://www.svcn.com/archives/cupertinocourier/20070822/
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Click this link to see & hear : an exciting video clip of MERLION, a Gold Sponsor of SABA GALA 2007
