Tuesday 29 March 2011

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.