Restaurant Week

Thank God I learnt about Restaurant Week only in the middle of the week. Otherwise, I could either be very fat by the end of the week or very broke.

Anyway, as a foodie, how could I miss out on all the great deals?! Restaurants that are renowned, and prices usually expensive offered special Restaurant Week menu at only S$25++ to S$55++, depending on lunch or dinner menu. And naturally, most restaurants were booked up early.

So, here were the ones I tried (I managed to book) and my verdicts.

Stellar @ 1-Altitude
(Level 62, OUB Centre)

Was quite a huge disappointment, despite the more expensive and promising menu, impressive photos and high price tags (on HGW). Everything went wrong for us at this restaurant.

The restaurant's decoration and ambience reminded me more of a cafe than a S$200 per person restaurant. Service was also very poor - asked us at least five times about our warm or iced water. On top of that, we had some food and billing issues - and everyone seemed to be pulling a fast one on us (bluff us), except the Assistant Restaurant Manager, David.

Food was nothing to rave about. Sushi platter was acceptably normal. J's salad was too salty. Our Duck Confit should just be called Deep Fried Crispy Duck Leg. The only nice thing was the cake, by 1-Caramel. Not sure about its association with the restaurant.

The alfresco (upstairs) was a bar, which I imagined would be nice in the evening. I guess having a drink here will not be as disappointing as the food. How wrong could imported drinks be, right?

Overall, it was a terrible experience. I would not return. And I would not recommend.

Note: I was wearing Moda Shoppe's Sashy Mini (Champagne) and Fashion Friday Stirup Leggings (Grey) and Cel was in Ala Mode Dress.

Michelangelo's
(Chip Bee Gardens, 60 Jalan Merah Saga)

Cleared my floating leave and shared this meal with Jan. The interior was cosy and comfortable. Especially loved the booth seat but was unavailable for us. The only thing was the air-conditioning was too cold for me. Service staff were very patient with me. I asked for many things and changes, but they accommodated.

We decided to sit alfresco since it was a nice, sunny afternoon. Sitting outside was not very hot because they had fans/coolers. It was quaint and we spent a whole afternoon here, even after the kitchen was close. They did not chase us away at all, and even serve us water. How nice.

Note: I was wearing Moda Shoppe's latest Comfort Zone dress. 

Food was delicious. I like that they were very generous with their ingredients. There were five big prawns in the pasta. We were so full at the end of our meal and fully satisfied.

LaBrezza

(St Regis, Level 2)

With our busy schedules, it is rare for us to be able to dine together as a family. The place of choice was LaBrezza for its relaxing ambience. LaBrezza has a Mediterranean decoration, located right next to the swimming pool. I prayed for a sunny afternoon and I got it. So, the atmosphere was awesome and mood-lifting. Aside from reservation and parking coupon mix up, service was acceptable.

The food was good. I enjoyed my Grilled Zucchini with Beef Ragut completely! I am inspired to replicate this dish. The Gnocchi was al dente and went very well with the bacon. Otherwise, could be a little bland. The sardine smell was a little too strong but overall, pretty delicious. Veal was tender and almost melted in my mouth.

Desserts were enjoyable. Tiramisu came with a shot of bitter, strong, coffee ice shavings. The Pineapple Panacotta was creative and good too.

While waiting for everyone to arrive, I had a hot chocolate at The Drawing Room (ground level). They served really yummy cookies. Unfortunately, they are not for sale. So, the girl serving me packed me a box to take away! How sweet! I rarely tip in Singapore. But, I did for her thoughtfulness throughout the time I was there. This is what I called customer service.

That's me by the pool, outside LaBrezza. I was wearing Moda Shoppe's latest Panache Breezy Tunic and my Pazzion wedges.

Zouk Again

After almost four years of quitting Zouk, we (aunties and uncles) reminisced our youth last Saturday, with B. We had a whale of our time and drank drinks we used to drink when we were young and adventurous. After Zouk, we headed to Butter Factory. We are not that old, afterall.

We just started and B said his head was fuzzy.

His head became even more fuzzy.

FL and shots...

The dancing began...

More FLs...

Top left: I think R was trying to be in the photo. Haha.

Borbudur/Amanjiwo - Moments of Soul Tranquility

I was really blessed when Clara called me up and offered me a trip to Borobudur and stay at the top-notched, luxurious Amanjiwo - ALL PAID FOR. Of course, on the condition that I would write an experiential trip on Amanjiwo for Wedding & Travel magazine. I was elated and took up the offer.

How often do you get called up by an editor (who is also a friend) to go to an all-paid trip? Especially to stay in an ultra luxurious resort/hotel? I would say, I was well-blessed and highly favoured.

So, I set off to Borobudur with Clara and the photoshoot crew, including makeup artist and a really warm, friendly model. She has no attitude of a proud model at all. She appears, just like any other girl and definitely very professional and accommodating throughout the whole shoot.

While they worked, of course, I experienced. I went to the 8th century Borobudur temple, trekked up an over 700m above sea level Menorah Hills (of course, I took a 4-wheel drive and trekked the last 10mins up, and the final 30mins all the way down), visited two other temples and took a horse cart ride through the villages. I also visited a villager's home, drank home made tea and ate home made cane sugar. A goat even released its waste right next to my feet that almost freaked me out.

With such a good resort to stay in, how could I just get all busy and not enjoy my villa at all? So, I spent moments whiling away, reading, lounging on the outdoor pavilion overlooking a lush tobacco field and sometimes, dipping my legs into the private plunge pool. I took my own sweet time showering and enjoying all the possible places to lounge around. This, was paradise (aside from Maldives).

All the hotels differentiate themselves with designs and decoration. They also differentiate themselves with their service level. I have to say, I give Amanjiwo 100% for their impeccable services. If I were to give examples, I could go on and provide a long list. But, bearing in mind that this is a blog, not a feature, I can only give a few memorable ones. For instance, they sewed my shoe that was spoiled. They remembered I only wanted unchilled water and ensured there were a couple of bottles on our excursions. They remembered I love their chocolate rolls and packed in quite a lot. And MORE...

There was no sun, sand and sea - unlike my usual trips. But I had a lot of fun with a guide and sometimes, helping out at the fashion shoot. I was filled with a sense of calmness and contentment after a quiet and easy four days at Borobudur, infiltrated with the spirits of simplicity and serenity. It was, a trip that gave me moments of soulful tranquility.

Exploring Amanjiwo

Borobudur

As usual, I had to be in the photo

Borobudur temple again

Visiting the villages

Horse cart ride - very traditional

The opulent Amanjiwo (my villa) - isn't it nice? 

Up on Menorah Hills - Children playing near the pavilion that Aman owns.

Guide made them pluck coconut for me and I had coconut juice without a straw.

Such tranquility

Colbar @ Portsdown

Headed to Colbar with Alvin and Lynn on Sunday evening for dinner. Haven't been there before and when we reached there, we were pleasantly surprised to find that it was a charming little place, that looked really laid back, like a coffeeshop, but full of expatriates.

We later found out that Colbar was retained by the government as a heritage place. It used to be an army camp canteen. So, they turned it into a casual dining place, selling local and western delights. The food was also quite "old school". You probably won't find steaks with green peas served on plastic plates these days. Maybe, at home. :) Food wise, it was nothing to rave about.

Pardon the quality of the image. I tried my best with my iphone 3GS.