Comments on: The Vila’ge - Dining in a Village http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/ An online lifestyle magazine run by a young lady from Singapore Sat, 17 May 2008 09:30:49 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Veron http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-73277 Veron Wed, 25 Jul 2007 15:48:57 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-73277 Hey, you're a fellow ex-ACSian aren't ya? I sure do remember ya! I haven't realised that the Marché franchisee previously is also the same company that set up The Vi'lage! That sure explains why neither company has sued the pants off the other. The current Marché at VivoCity is a whole lot better than the old franchise and The Vi'lage. Read my review <a href="http://sparklette.net/archives/marche-restaurant-swiss-haven/" title="Read this post:<br />» <strong>Marché Restaurant - Swiss Haven</strong><br />» Date posted: <u>May 2, 2007</u>" rel="nofollow">here</a>! Thanks for the clarification! I have been waiting for this for a long time! Hey, you’re a fellow ex-ACSian aren’t ya? I sure do remember ya!

I haven’t realised that the Marché franchisee previously is also the same company that set up The Vi’lage! That sure explains why neither company has sued the pants off the other.

The current Marché at VivoCity is a whole lot better than the old franchise and The Vi’lage. Read my review here!

Thanks for the clarification! I have been waiting for this for a long time! View all comments by Veron

]]> By: Alwyn http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-73242 Alwyn Wed, 25 Jul 2007 08:49:21 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-73242 Hi, I stumbled into yr site (of which i have visited b4 yonks ago! or u can say... in days of yore!!) while searching for vilage on the net. Thought i could share some insight into some of the questions asked here. I frequent Marche at heeren & suntec a lot due to the Erdinger draft beer served. Basically the "old" marche was a franchise licensed to a local company. When the franchise was up, the local company decided to go out on their own, therefore u see both concepts identical. :) The china sq branch was the 1st test outlet. It has since closed. So only the heeren branch is alive today. The marche in vivo is run by Marche HQ. alwyn Hi, I stumbled into yr site (of which i have visited b4 yonks ago! or u can say… in days of yore!!) while searching for vilage on the net. Thought i could share some insight into some of the questions asked here. I frequent Marche at heeren & suntec a lot due to the Erdinger draft beer served.
Basically the “old” marche was a franchise licensed to a local company. When the franchise was up, the local company decided to go out on their own, therefore u see both concepts identical. :) The china sq branch was the 1st test outlet. It has since closed. So only the heeren branch is alive today. The marche in vivo is run by Marche HQ.

alwyn View all comments by Alwyn

]]> By: Alwyn http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-31849 Alwyn Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:38:32 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-31849 Hey! Just wanted to add some insight into the Marche Vs Village issue. I'm a regular at the old marche (heeren + suntec) maninly cause i like the Erdinger draft beer!! :) Basically the marche rests were a franchise under license from Marche HQ. When the lease ran out.... the local company decided to use the concept but manage it on their own. Infact China Sq village outlet opened while the heeren marhce was still operating. Marche HQ finally decided to move down the supply chain.....and setup their own rest to sell directly to customers. I've visited the vivo city marche 2 x. I would say it's more authentic in terms of the ingredients they use. No erdindger though.....but the Konig draft is pretty good. BTW they are all WiseBier (can't spell).... i.e. Wheat Beer! :) Happy drinkin & the best is yet t be. alwyn Hey!

Just wanted to add some insight into the Marche Vs Village issue. I’m a regular at the old marche (heeren + suntec) maninly cause i like the Erdinger draft beer!! :)

Basically the marche rests were a franchise under license from Marche HQ. When the lease ran out…. the local company decided to use the concept but manage it on their own. Infact China Sq village outlet opened while the heeren marhce was still operating.

Marche HQ finally decided to move down the supply chain…..and setup their own rest to sell directly to customers.

I’ve visited the vivo city marche 2 x. I would say it’s more authentic in terms of the ingredients they use. No erdindger though…..but the Konig draft is pretty good. BTW they are all WiseBier (can’t spell)…. i.e. Wheat Beer! :)

Happy drinkin & the best is yet t be.

alwyn View all comments by Alwyn

]]> By: Veron http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24669 Veron Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:44:35 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24669 Hey, that rock analogy seems to fit Singapore pretty well! The prison part especially... Not so sure about the F&B culture being a "diamond" unless you're talking about just the hawker scene. The best food in Singapore is found at hawker centres IMO. Our restaurant dining culture and standards definitely have a lot of room for improvement. And wow, 100+ merchants in your book already! Well done! Hey, that rock analogy seems to fit Singapore pretty well! The prison part especially… Not so sure about the F&B culture being a “diamond” unless you’re talking about just the hawker scene. The best food in Singapore is found at hawker centres IMO. Our restaurant dining culture and standards definitely have a lot of room for improvement.

And wow, 100+ merchants in your book already! Well done! View all comments by Veron

]]> By: Edmund http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24623 Edmund Mon, 29 Jan 2007 04:43:23 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24623 haha.. "tiny rock" is meant to be a play on the term used for Alcatraz Prison, also known as "The Rock".. some people feel that Singaore is too controlled, restrictive and hence a 'prison'... but at the same time, this 'tiny rock' is also considered a 'diamond' for its unique F&B culture. Either way, life is what we make of it and i'm certainly enjoying life here in Sg, quite alot of interesting merchants, restaurants and things to do if one actually takes the time to explore and get away from work, office and stress.. As for your blog compared to my book.. well, your blog is interactive and has world-wide appeal and reach. My book is only applicable for those in Singapore, although they'll find it useful with all the goodies and discounts provided by the 100+ merchants already featured inside ;) haha.. “tiny rock” is meant to be a play on the term used for Alcatraz Prison, also known as “The Rock”.. some people feel that Singaore is too controlled, restrictive and hence a ‘prison’… but at the same time, this ‘tiny rock’ is also considered a ‘diamond’ for its unique F&B culture.

Either way, life is what we make of it and i’m certainly enjoying life here in Sg, quite alot of interesting merchants, restaurants and things to do if one actually takes the time to explore and get away from work, office and stress..

As for your blog compared to my book.. well, your blog is interactive and has world-wide appeal and reach. My book is only applicable for those in Singapore, although they’ll find it useful with all the goodies and discounts provided by the 100+ merchants already featured inside ;) View all comments by Edmund

]]> By: Veron http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24619 Veron Mon, 29 Jan 2007 04:02:46 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24619 I don't think The Vila'ge bought over Marche. If they did, both parties seem pretty strong about keeping it secret (for the moment). Edmund, I'm sure foodies would find your book to be far more useful than my blog! And, uh, "tiny rock of Singapore"? I've heard "tiny red dot" or "tiny island". But "tiny rock"? That's a first! I don’t think The Vila’ge bought over Marche. If they did, both parties seem pretty strong about keeping it secret (for the moment).

Edmund, I’m sure foodies would find your book to be far more useful than my blog!

And, uh, “tiny rock of Singapore”? I’ve heard “tiny red dot” or “tiny island”. But “tiny rock”? That’s a first! View all comments by Veron

]]> By: Edmund http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24614 Edmund Mon, 29 Jan 2007 03:26:18 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24614 yep, certainly concept cannot be sued in the eyes of the law (just think of all the similar men's & women's lifestyle magazines out there!), unless copyrights and trademarks are infringed. Having said that, is Marche and Vilage really under the same management, or has Vilage bought over Marche? All i know is that the marketing manager of Marche left and is now working for Vilage (spoke to her regarding putting their restaurants in my publication).. Anyway Veron, once again your blog is a treasure-trove of information, ideas, leads and feedback - especially for the F&B establishments. Might have to credit your blog in my book once its launched, muahaha.. ~saves me from having to scour through all the latest magazines and print ads to find out what's happening in the tiny rock of Singapore. yep, certainly concept cannot be sued in the eyes of the law (just think of all the similar men’s & women’s lifestyle magazines out there!), unless copyrights and trademarks are infringed.

Having said that, is Marche and Vilage really under the same management, or has Vilage bought over Marche? All i know is that the marketing manager of Marche left and is now working for Vilage (spoke to her regarding putting their restaurants in my publication)..

Anyway Veron, once again your blog is a treasure-trove of information, ideas, leads and feedback - especially for the F&B establishments. Might have to credit your blog in my book once its launched, muahaha..
~saves me from having to scour through all the latest magazines and print ads to find out what’s happening in the tiny rock of Singapore. View all comments by Edmund

]]> By: tigerfish http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24603 tigerfish Mon, 29 Jan 2007 00:38:00 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24603 I did not know Marche closed its flagship in Heeren. Thx for keeping me updated...so many miles away. I did not know Marche closed its flagship in Heeren. Thx for keeping me updated…so many miles away. View all comments by tigerfish

]]> By: Veron http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24529 Veron Sun, 28 Jan 2007 07:18:11 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24529 Hey xxoos, Oh! Looks like I missed out on those hot dogs (I had never noticed their presence. Shame!). Well the good news is, Marche is opening a restaurant at VivoCity in February or March. We can all look forward to that! Hey xxoos,

Oh! Looks like I missed out on those hot dogs (I had never noticed their presence. Shame!). Well the good news is, Marche is opening a restaurant at VivoCity in February or March. We can all look forward to that! View all comments by Veron

]]> By: Veron http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24528 Veron Sun, 28 Jan 2007 07:16:18 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24528 Hey think2ink, I think those are just rumors! Both bosses of Marche and Vila'ge have vehemently denied that they are connected. Background checks have also shown that these two restaurants are in fact two separate entities run by different management and bosses. Hey think2ink,

I think those are just rumors! Both bosses of Marche and Vila’ge have vehemently denied that they are connected. Background checks have also shown that these two restaurants are in fact two separate entities run by different management and bosses. View all comments by Veron

]]> By: Veron http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24527 Veron Sun, 28 Jan 2007 07:13:13 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24527 Hey mervkwok, It went too far though, to the extent that some people (like our scatter-brained friend above) thought that it's still Marche! Hey mervkwok,

It went too far though, to the extent that some people (like our scatter-brained friend above) thought that it’s still Marche! View all comments by Veron

]]> By: xxoos http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24496 xxoos Sat, 27 Jan 2007 19:52:30 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24496 there is one very very big difference (at least, to me)between vilage and marche at heeren. vilage discontinued the marche hot dog stand just outside the entrance. and the hot dogs there were good~ there is one very very big difference (at least, to me)between vilage and marche at heeren. vilage discontinued the marche hot dog stand just outside the entrance. and the hot dogs there were good~ View all comments by xxoos

]]> By: think2ink http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24488 think2ink Sat, 27 Jan 2007 16:43:33 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24488 Well, just for the record, I heard both Marche and Vila'age share the same bosses, which makes sense because otherwise, the latter would have had their pants sued off by Marche years ago when the Far East Square outlet first opened! Still, I've not been to either for a while. Now that you've posted those pictures, perhaps it's time I go try out the sambal stingray too! Well, just for the record, I heard both Marche and Vila’age share the same bosses, which makes sense because otherwise, the latter would have had their pants sued off by Marche years ago when the Far East Square outlet first opened!
Still, I’ve not been to either for a while. Now that you’ve posted those pictures, perhaps it’s time I go try out the sambal stingray too! View all comments by think2ink

]]> By: mervkwok http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24481 mervkwok Sat, 27 Jan 2007 15:35:50 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24481 Brilliant. They change management and name that fools people into believing that a new makan place is in town but maintain the same look, feel, and style. Hahaha Brilliant. They change management and name that fools people into believing that a new makan place is in town but maintain the same look, feel, and style. Hahaha View all comments by mervkwok

]]> By: Veron http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24432 Veron Sat, 27 Jan 2007 05:39:47 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24432 Right on! Everything looks the same! And yet they try to stop people from copying their copied concept by banning photography. I was quite peeved at that. Right on! Everything looks the same! And yet they try to stop people from copying their copied concept by banning photography. I was quite peeved at that. View all comments by Veron

]]> By: Brennan http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24431 Brennan Sat, 27 Jan 2007 05:35:35 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24431 I smell non-originality. If The Village wants to stand out from the shadows of Marche, it should create a unique theme of their own. The ambience still looks the same! I smell non-originality. If The Village wants to stand out from the shadows of Marche, it should create a unique theme of their own. The ambience still looks the same! View all comments by Brennan

]]> By: Veron http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24357 Veron Fri, 26 Jan 2007 17:27:30 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24357 Hey scatter-brained, LOL you are scatter-brained indeed! Oops, can I say that? About Crystal Jade, their brand name is so ingrained in people's minds, I don't think any other restaurant can easily "take over" its market share. There are a number of similar Chinese restaurants, such as Din Tai Fung. But at least the concept isn't copied as blatantly as The Vila'ge is from Marche. Hey scatter-brained,

LOL you are scatter-brained indeed! Oops, can I say that?

About Crystal Jade, their brand name is so ingrained in people’s minds, I don’t think any other restaurant can easily “take over” its market share. There are a number of similar Chinese restaurants, such as Din Tai Fung. But at least the concept isn’t copied as blatantly as The Vila’ge is from Marche. View all comments by Veron

]]> By: Veron http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24356 Veron Fri, 26 Jan 2007 17:24:41 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24356 Hey lucas, Not all is lost. Apparently Marche is making a return, and if so it would be in VivoCity! We can all look forward to that! Hey lucas,

Not all is lost. Apparently Marche is making a return, and if so it would be in VivoCity! We can all look forward to that! View all comments by Veron

]]> By: scatter-brained http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24351 scatter-brained Fri, 26 Jan 2007 16:24:29 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24351 its such a strange situation for 2 rival companies to be in... i was at villa'ge a while back, and was under the impression i was at marche all along! how dense am i?? i didnt even realise, till it came up in conversation with my friend who was with me that night. isnt crystal jade in the same kinda situation with a rival too? i just dont get it... why? its such a strange situation for 2 rival companies to be in… i was at villa’ge a while back, and was under the impression i was at marche all along! how dense am i?? i didnt even realise, till it came up in conversation with my friend who was with me that night.
isnt crystal jade in the same kinda situation with a rival too?
i just dont get it…
why? View all comments by scatter-brained

]]> By: lucas http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24349 lucas Fri, 26 Jan 2007 15:52:27 +0000 http://sparklette.net/archives/the-vilage-dining-in-a-village/#comment-24349 this place existed for almost 2 years if not wrong. out of curiosity I visited it's far east square branch when it had just opened for business. in my mind I was subconsciously comparing it to marche and well... I wasn't too impressed during that time. the food was tasteless, the decor was dull, the furniture was poorly arrnaged, the walkways were narrow and the service was not the best, the chefs behind the dishes were speaking in dialect, behaving unprofessionally and never even smile! that visit just reassured me that I still love my marche and any copier was just trying their luck too far. since then i have been a supporter of marche, given its good environment, friendly staffs, good food and reasonable price. village lost in innovative, and did not try even hard enough to replicate the same standard of food and service. this place existed for almost 2 years if not wrong. out of curiosity I visited it’s far east square branch when it had just opened for business. in my mind I was subconsciously comparing it to marche and well… I wasn’t too impressed during that time. the food was tasteless, the decor was dull, the furniture was poorly arrnaged, the walkways were narrow and the service was not the best, the chefs behind the dishes were speaking in dialect, behaving unprofessionally and never even smile!

that visit just reassured me that I still love my marche and any copier was just trying their luck too far. since then i have been a supporter of marche, given its good environment, friendly staffs, good food and reasonable price.

village lost in innovative, and did not try even hard enough to replicate the same standard of food and service. View all comments by lucas

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