The Great Below
Excalibur | Lavender Beds Ward 8 Plot 19
To Waffle or Not to Waffle?
We were about to pull the boss for a third time when one of the healers decided that they had seen enough and left the group promptly. The group disbanded and not only did I leave the raid empty-handed but I also had quite an empty stomach as well. Upon my first scan through Party Finder, I saw an advertisement for a waffle house. Flashbacks of waffle irons flying across the room and a brawl (unplanned mind you) in the middle of the dining room floor arrived at the forefront of my mind. I let out a long drawn-out sigh and was interrupted by the sound of my own stomach growling. I guess I’m going to a waffle house again.
Autumn was here and its winds graced the exterior of The Great Below. Pumpkins and ghosts were carefully placed outside which told me that Halloween was certainly on this venue owner’s mind and I was absolutely here for it. To my pleasant surprise, I didn’t hear the sound of shattering dishware or shouting from within. So far so good.
The main entrance welcomes you to a cozy bar and lounge area that serves as additional seating. If you’d like to visit with a large group, you should be able to be accommodated here! I followed my nose through the doorway that led downstairs.
Made with Love
What a warm and inviting space. Brown and orange tones were accented well with the flowers and vines that backed the bard stage and covered the windows. The stone tavern floor and fireplace added a layer of warmth to the ambiance. Not only did this waffle house have character, but there were quite a few characters here also entertaining the space. I took a seat upstairs and was greeted by Siyra Phemduk, the owner, chef, and waitress of The Great Below.
Siyra was just as charming as the environment she created and a great conversationalist too. I was offered the menu and advised to check out the seasonal offerings. Despite there being a number of guests scattered throughout the waffle house, Siyra managed to not only take orders but did so while entertaining much of the pleasant silliness that filled the air.
The Menu
Several items on the Carrd seemed quite delicious. The seasonal items were well thought out and had some great descriptions.
SIYRA: When I was drafting the menu, I wanted my venue to be unique in some way. I figured I might as well have revolving menus. So depending on what time it is where I am (Pacific time), that's what menu is being served.
I had my eyes set on the spiced Almost Dawn beverage since it was already 4AM on the East Coast.
Siyra had returned after taking a few orders and made some recommendations that paired well with my beverage of choice. I thought it was a great touch that made our interaction feel genuine!
A Home For All
Banter and hilarity ensued as the night went on. You could tell this place served as a home where friends could gather and have a good time. I noticed the empty bard stage and wondered if it was more of an open format or scheduled performances. Later that night I learned of Pasta Straza.
SIYRA: Pasta Straza is my resident bard and my daughter (in-game, canonically). She's a cute little cat girl I found in a box on the streets of Limsa. She plays whenever she's home and in exchange gets fed and a portion of that day's sales.
Siyra went on to explain that Tom Nomnom (leader of the Foestrikers), will pop in occasionally for a surprise concert. The stage itself is actually open to anyone as long as their resident bard isn’t on stage and you ask beforehand. Don’t be surprised if Siyra sends you off with a dessert or drink for playing a few songs!
The Great Below
The Great Below was established on May 24, 2022. It’s name is a direct reference to the Nine Inch Nails song off the album The Fragile. Both Siyra and her husband are huge fans of the group, so much that even the placard at one point read, "Welcome to the House of Phemduk! Please come in and enjoy one of the 6,587 copies of The Fragile on vinyl!"
Leading up to this date the property actually served as Siyra’s home since 2016. Today, you can see she’s moved her living quarters to the back of the kitchen where she can get some rest before another day of hardwork begins.
LEGAIA: What inspired you to make the change and open The Great Below?
SIYRA: I actually didn't do any venue-going or RPing until literally the last day of April. I was by myself (all my friends were out of town and whatnot) and someone was shouting in Ishgard about a pub open on Behemoth, and I thought, "why not? I have nothing better to do."
Her introduction to the scene began at The Klapper Barrel and if you’re like me or anyone else who enjoys a good venue, why stop at one?
SIYRA: I had spent that whole first week of May venue hopping. Going to a lot of clubs, any cafe that was open, you name it. It's also how I stumbled upon the Senpan Tea House (which is also an affiliate). I've always been passionate about home design and I wanted to share my space with other people.
It was done. The fire was lit and nothing was going to stop this train from creating one of the most wholesome waffle houses I had ever been to. The great thing about this community is that some venues are not shy when it comes to helping each other out.
Cadyna Salan, a friend of Siyra’s and bartender for the UA Lounge, provided her with better culinarian gear and Yaoi Overlord (Owner of Senpan Teahouse) provided feedback and tips for the venue’s Carrd site.
LEGAIA: Since you recently opened in May and we now see the wonderful work you've done for Halloween, do you have plans for other seasonal themes or events?
SIYRA: Yes I do! I love decorating for the holidays. I change my personal and FC house for Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and springtime. I am also working on brainstorming a pajama party-themed event!
A reason to wear pajamas? I’m in! The Foestrikers will be performing the night of the event and I highly recommend joining The Great Below’s Discord server to stay up to date on openings and events.
BONUS QUESTION
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BONUS QUESTION 🧇
LEGAIA: Thoughts on Chicken and Waffles?
SIYRA: I absolutely love chicken and waffles! Honestly, there are a lot of food items I wish this game had (like fried chicken). My favorite bar in San Francisco has a kitchen attached (it's literally just called Box), and they have chicken in waffles. Waffle strips with fried chicken mixed in the batter served with a sriracha-maple dipping sauce. So good.
I remembered I had some leftover Korean Fried Chicken in the fridge. It was gone shortly after we concluded our interview! >:]
Also…
Siyra Phemduk, Legaia As A Tin Can, Colorized, 2022
