BUFFET BREAKFAST WITH A TWIST

FOR $20, you can now work out with Ah Meng before having breakfast with her at the Zoo.

The 30-minute session comprises a low-impact aerobics workout followed by an eat-all-you-want buffet breakfast.

"The idea for the workout came about because Ah Meng was putting on too much weight from all the breakfasts she was having," said Mr Bernard Harrison, the zoo's chief executive.

Breakfast with Ah Meng started in 1982 and became so popular, she played hostess to hundreds of visitors nearly every day.

Over the years, the 34-year-old mother of five who has five grandchildren, has become quite a celebrity. She has met such VIPs as Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew and American pop star Michael Jackson.

Mr Harrison said: "Though it took some getting used to, she seemed to enjoy the exercise regime we recently put her on, so we thought, why not make this part of the attraction?

"It really is value for money because of the free towel we throw in too, for guests to clean up afterwards.

"But we knew we had to make it extra attractive for the public, so we introduced a new menu for the buffet."

Buffet with a twist, one might add. The spread comprises health-conscious offerings such as goat's milk, alfalfa salad, mock ham and eggs, all produced by the Zoo's private farm.

The Zoo's public relations manager, Ms Amanda Chew, said: "People have just gone ape over Aerobics with Ah Meng since its soft launch a month ago. The word-of-mouth has been tremendous, so we brought forward the official launch from May 1 to April 1."

If demand keeps up, she said, the Zoo might consider selling Aerobics with Ah Meng as a video.

Ms Chew said there is already a three-week waiting list because each session can only take up to eight people.

Pakistani businessman Tarik K. Aki, 35, who has tried one of the workouts, said: "I heard about this from my travel agent but I thought she was just pulling my leg. You know, taking the monkey out of me? Now I have tasted the pudding, I know better."

Those interested in booking Aerobics with Ah Meng sessions can call the Zoo on 269-3411 or ST's Newsline 1800-737-8700.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Apr 1, 1998.