If that scenario sounds familiar to you, then it is time to start pampering yourself because you definitely deserve better. Start by indulging in a spa treatment at Raffles The Plaza, designed to soothe away your physical aches. Not forgetting, food is also an integral part of rejuvenation. Relax, revitalize and rejoice as you saunter down to Alligator Pear located at the 8 th storey after your spa to enjoy a generous spread of healthy and delectable spa cuisines!

• The Vibe 
  Alligator Pear is located in a unique, breezy tropical setting. You may take a dip in the warm waters of the swimming pool or just enjoy the soothing water views from your table. Bask in the sun as the shady palm trees sway gracefully in the lush landscape. The serene surroundings provide the perfect atmosphere to luxuriate in while you enjoy a tantalising variety of tasty and healthy dishes.

• The Food 
  If the idea of Spa cuisine evokes images of a solitary lettuce leaf, bland food and bad pangs of hunger, then get ready for a lip-smacking surprise at Alligator Pear!

  Take time to unwind as you tuck into your appetizer, the Tomato Puree Soup ($6). The main emphasis of spa cuisines is on avoiding highly processed foods, artificial additives and added salt, and reducing intake of foods that are high in saturated fat or cholesterol. Generally, tomato puree takes away the additives that are commonly found in complete tomato sauce. Its smooth consistency is light on the taste buds but you may find yourself getting bored of its taste after a few mouthfuls as it lacked the zest and was not as flavorful as you would like it to be. However, if you like garden- fresh salads, opt for the Baby Spinach & Avocado Salad with Sun-dried Blueberries and Citrus Fruit, tossed with Coriander Mint Vinaigrette ($15). Each mouthful of the salad is kept refreshing as your teeth sink into the delicate flesh of the fruits – its juice spurts all over the insides of your mouth, leaving you in sheer bliss.

  A notable dish is the Baked Chickpea Parcel with Mint Green Pea Sauce ($11.50). Wrapped delicately like a charming little gift, it is a pity if you think that it is a shame to ruin the adorable arrangement. Served warm, the parcel contains large chunky pieces of peas cooked in a sweet tomato paste while its crust is grilled to a crisp.

  The Steamed Sea Bass Fillet & Sautéed Spinach Leaves ($24) is also a commendable dish. The tender flesh of the fillet slipped effortlessly down the back of my throat. In addition, the potatoes placed deftly next to the fillet was of the right consistency – soft but not too mashy. An alternative would be the Stir-fried Chicken with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinegar and Basil ($22). Unlike the other main courses, this dish does not leave a lasting impression because it looks and tastes like just another home- cooked meal, and simply does not justify its price.

  Two thumbs up for the Grilled King Prawn with Thai Chilli Sauce ($28). The flesh of the prawn can be easily removed from the shell and is exceptionally succulent. The fried rice which contains egg and prawns is also amazingly fragrant. This is a dish where its flavour, colour, aroma, texture and nutrition blend to perfection!

  Who says you would have to forgo the desserts if you want a healthy diet? Go for the Orange Cream Caramel with Ginger Citrus Fruit Salad ($8). The orange cream is soft, velvety but not too sweet – precisely what we need, just to satisfy that nagging craving!

• The Service 
  Dressed in casual polo tees, bermudas and sandals, the service staff are approachable and helpful. At times, it is difficult to catch the attention of the service staff. Not only do they have to attend to the kitchen, they have to serve the customers that stretch from one end of the swimming pool to another. Nonetheless, the laid-back and casual atmosphere puts one in a relaxed mood, and hence more patient. Well, the waiting time does not feel that long afterall.

The SD Food Advisor’s take on Alligator Pear 
Pick your choice of food wisely – I found myself having 3 dishes that were cooked using the same tomato base. Otherwise, Alligator Pear has proved that nutritional food is not necessarily flavorless. Furthermore, the ambience is definitely a bonus. It was a pleasure to indulge in the casual atmosphere which releases the mind from day-to-day concerns. A rejuvenating experience, a meal at Alligator Pear lifts up one’s spirits instantly.

Powered by SD Editorial

• The Vibe 
  Big O has a contemporary, open concept layout. Comfortable, wood furnishing complements the overhead lightings ensures both comfort and privacy. The use of warm colours like orange and red, accentuated with well-placed lighting, creates a sense of rejuvenation for in-coming patrons. Overall, Big O gives a homely and lively feel for an enjoyable dining experience.

• The Food 
  To quench one’s thirst, one might want to try the smoothie. Perky “Walking on Sunshine” ($8.95) is a tangy, zesty smoothie that brings on a refreshing, tropical delight. The ice-cool concoction tingles the senses and revitalizes one’s being. Big O carries a formidable selection of smoothie concoctions to choose from and is priced at an average of $10.

  For a choice of appetizers, one would want to try the restaurant’s recommended “Smoked Salmon and Organic Egg Salad.” ($10.95) Pleasing to the eye, the smoked salmon was neither too dry, nor too salty. The smoke salmon, wrapped a warm poached egg with a runny yolk centre. Paired with fresh salad greens, diced tomatoes and drizzled lightly in dressing, this irresistible yet healthy dish, reveals a mesmerizing explosion of flavours for the tastebud.

  The Crispy Fried Tofu and Portobello Mushroom burger ($13.80) is a popular choice amongst the ladies as well as vegetarians. Dive into the hearty sized, Portobello Mushroom ‘buns’, stacked between golden fried to-fu, fresh greens and alfalfa. The warm and juicy Portobello mushrooms gives off an aromatic flavour, sending diners craving for more. This popular dish, however, is subject to availability of large Portobello mushrooms, which needs to be at least 4 ½ inches in diameter to pass Big O’s quality control. 

  For the taste of the sea, diners can satisfy their desire with the “Pan Fried Cod Fish Fillet” ($18.60), Big O’s best selling dish. The codfish fillet was superbly prepared, drizzled in a delectable light, cream sauce topped with raisins, giving the dish an added sweetness. Seared to perfection, the cod sports a thin crispy exterior while encasing a flavourful interior. The meat peels away gently with each attack of the fork, revealing more of the juicy interior.

  Big O, like NYDC, carries a wide selection of cakes, made exclusively by their bakery. Most of its cakes are themed around chocolate and are a pleasant complement to end any meal on a sweet note. The cakes are priced on average at $9.95 a slice.

• The Service
  Service at Big O was prompt, friendly and the staff are indeed knowledgeable on the dishes. Big O advocates training for all employees and cultivates a warm friendly ambience amongst the staff. As always, happy staff equates better service, hence a better dining experience for diners.

The SD Food Advisor’s take on Big O
With the open concept and constant flow of pedestrians in front of Big O, along with louder patrons from across the diner; the exquisitely prepared food may not have the exclusivity and ambience it deserves. Nonetheless, the signature dishes are worth an order in terms of its value for money for the quality provided; however, commonly seen items in western menus can take a pass. Diners with bigger appetites take heed; main courses are just barely enough to fill your appetite. Notably, in terms of quality and comparative pricing, there are better alternatives available. One ought to look out for Big O’s frequent, fabulous promotions, to get the best deals and offers available.

Powered by SD Editorial

• The feel 
  To describe this restaurant in one word, I would have to say it is truly sexy. Furnished in sensual reds and dark browns and illuminated scarlet by the Vietnamese lanterns overhead, the mood is further enhanced with candlelit tables and soft lounge music. The best seats in the house will have to be the row of couple tables that feature dark intricately designed Chinese screens that partially separates the guests from the rest of the diners, making it inviting for the couple who could use some privacy. The other end of the room carries that bit of a rustic feel with a partially lined brick wall that comes attached with another row of booth seats that look just as plush.

  Guests are also invited to chill out at the bar that is located right at the door for pre or post dinner drinks, and take joy in unwinding on their custom made seats that will soothe anyone into having a few martinis. Their bartender prepares a mean martini, or so I heard. For those who are looking to taste something different, please request for a DIY martini where you can customize your martini to how you would want it to taste!

• The Food 
  Perhaps they could not make up their minds, or maybe they just wanted to put forth a variety, but the chefs have chosen to offer a menu that is so extensive it could end up looking just that bit directionless. Besides having Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian and local favourites, there are also additions of Italian, Greek and American influences that look suspiciously like it was adapted from the menu of their sister establishment Esmirada. Anyhow, this fool-proof selection will wow those who love to have every kind of cuisine conveniently served under one roof.

  Dishes that are worth highlighting are their Thai Chicken Green Curry ($16), Grilled Prawns Skewer ($27) and the Thai Beef Salad ($15).

  The green curry tastes just like how it should; sweet with distinct aromas of coconut, Thai lemongrass and shallots. Contained within a traditional Chinese-inspired bowl normally used for the preparation of tedious broths, the green curry comes with a generous serving of chicken, and topped off with some fragrant Thai basil. The grilled king prawn tasted evidently of its garlic butter seasoning, and contrasted greatly with sides of rather bland-tasting Malaysian-styled Hokkien noodles and a serving of Rucola salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The mix was unconventional but worked interestingly well altogether. Lastly, the Thai beef salad was a blend of fresh herbs, mushrooms and chillies that awarded a medley of sweet, sour and spicy taste sensations, with lightly salted slices of beef that added the finishing touches to this simple affair.

  Desserts lacked much variety, offering choices of brownies, ice-creams, grilled bananas and classic cheesecakes. Prices are reasonably pegged at $4-10 each.

The SD Food Advisor’s take on Table 108 
Whilst I was impressed by the chic decor of this restaurant, I will have to say that the food does not match up to the usual Esmirada standards, or at least not for the prices that they charge. Some of the dishes I sampled were often too salty and over-cooked, though there were of course the noteworthy selection dishes that could satisfy. I am prepared to give Table 108 the benefit of my doubt as no restaurant can be perfect, and my hunch tells me that I caught the chefs on a bad day. Anyhow, this place has already attracted a steady stream of expatriates, locals and tourists who come in to enjoy their dinner while soaking up the sensual atmosphere, with a great many who are willing to make special trips down just to savour their range of martinis at the exquisite martini lounge. 

Powered by SD Editorial

• The Vibe 
  The largest restaurant at Sunset Way’s dining enclave, Fortune Cuisine’s interior’s vastness is lost in a dark mess of mahogany parquet flooring, brown wooden panels and too-dim lighting. The positioning of the buffet island inside also means that you will have to select your food in the dark. In contrast, the alfresco dining area is, literally, a breath of fresh air. Dine beneath the sundown skies and against a green backdrop of tall trees. The only reminder that you are about to have a buffet dinner at Fortune Cuisine is the charcoal barbeque grill and the steamboat cooker placed on the carefully-set tables.

• The Food 
  At Fortune Cuisine, you can choose to either have your dinner buffet charcoal barbeque–style or steamboat-style, or you can have it both styles, or you can call for a friendly waiter to be your personal chef for the night.  Either way, you are likely to be dazzled the buffet spread which lies ahead.

  The seafood selection is a sea of fish fillets, hefty crayfish, fleshy crabs, large prawns, fresh mussels and more. Nearby, the meat counter contains a limited list but endless supply of thinly-sliced chicken, beef and ham fillets. These are best glazed with some barbeque sauce, then charcoal barbequed for about five minutes on each side, and eaten hot off the grill. For that extra oomph, dip your barbequed grub into some light soya sauce that is mixed with a little ginger as recommended by the ever-helpful waiter-cum-personal chef.

  Abandon the charcoal barbeque grill for awhile to start your steamboat cooker, which is dual–fitted with spicy mala soup on one side and mild seafood soup on the other. Their version ofmala soup is highly hot and spicy with just a thin film of oil on the surface, and recommended only for those with strong palates. The rest of us can sample the milder seafood soup. Both soups are delicious on their own, but even tastier when added with slices of white fish, fishballs, sotong balls, crabsticks and mushrooms.

  While waiting for your food to be cooked, head for the sushi selection of more than 20 ( makiincluded!) and an array of fresh sashimi (ranging from white fish to squid, and everything in between). If these are too raw for your tastes, help yourself to cooked dishes like the richly-flavoured lemon chicken cutlets and sweet-and-sour fish fillets. These are smaller than bite-sized, so pile on!

  The list of dessert is brief and the fruit bar is disappointing, but cheer up at the free flow of drinks here which includes but soft drinks, piping hot coffee and even flavoured Dilmah tea.

• The Service 
  The service is personalized and friendly. Our friendly waiter-cum-personal chef barbequed and steamed our food – from crabsticks to crabs, and fishballs to crayfish – to a delicious perfection. He also gleefully urged us to “eat more, eat more”.

The SD Food Advisor’s take on Fortune Cuisine
Fortune Cuisine is a definite one of the best buffet bargains in town in terms of quality, quantity and price – although it is only a matter of time before the prices are increased. With an extremely wide spread of food items, you cannot ask for anything more – except for maybe another branch or two. For now, Fortune Cuisine is enjoying a thronging patronage (and it will be this way for quite some time), thus reservations are a definite must.

Powered by SD Editorial

• The Vibe 
  Diners will find themselves in a charming old-school environment with the restaurant’sPeranakan-style floral tiles, granite-top tables and heavy wooden chairs. If you would like to have some privacy, there are two tables available by the windows for the discreet. 
• The Food 
  Nasi Padang literally means rice from Padang, a place in West Sumatra, Indonesia. In Rendezvous, diners are spoilt for choice as the menu features an array of curry, rendang andsambal items to complement the mandatory staple of white rice ($1.30 per plate).

  Begin with the Curry Chicken ($6.90 for breast meat, $7.90 for thigh meat) as it scores top marks for its rich, flavourful gravy. It is not too hot and fragrant, with the abundance of spices used. The chicken is tender and easy to devour with your fork and spoon, making the dish very popular with the lunch crowd who wants a fuss-free meal. If you are in the mood for other meat, Mutton Curry ($3.90) is a cheap and good alternative. There is no need to worry about mutton odour in this curry because Rendezvous adds a special blend of spices to mask the unpalatable smell. The meat also lends a good chewy texture that allows diners to fully savour the aroma of the curry infused within. In fact, both curries’ charm lies in the gravy and complements the rice with perfection.

  Another hot favourite of regulars at Rendezvous will be the Beef Rendang ($3.90). The BeefRendang at Rendezvous justified its top billing as a popular dish surprise because the beef was cooked for more than 3 hours in rendang style. The beef was neither too soft nor too tough to be juicy and heavily suffused with the spicy gravy, making it an irresistible side for my white rice. Note that this Beef Rendang is quite a fiery item so if you are spice intolerant, then I suggest you avoid taking too much of it.

  The Korma Chicken ($6.90 for breast meat, $7.90 for thigh meat) is a mild choice for those who are not accustomed to spicy food. Stained a bright yellow with the assortment of spices used, Korma is a fragrant and very, very mild curry. Children usually take to this dish well, although the gravy very much pales in comparison to that of the hot Curry Chicken.

  No Nasi Padang should go without a sambal at least. The Fish Sambal ($3.90) and Prawn Sambal($6) brinjal sambal ($3.30) are highly popular in Rendezvous. The choice of fish used is the batang fish and three generous fillets were accompanied by tomatoes. The prawns, however, were perfectly juicy, firm and astoundingly huge for a sambal. Rendezvous insists on using pink leg prawns for the best sambal quality they can offer patrons. It was a joy feasting on the gigantic prawn head even though I had to shell the prawn with some difficulty. I was won over by the immensely savoury sambal that had the prawn flavour written all over it.

• The Service 
  The menus for Rendezvous are found on the entrance and food counter. Be rest assured ,that all the ready-to serve staff will bring all your oder just right on time to savour it.

SD Food Advisor’s Take on Rendezvous Restaurant Hock Lock Kee 
The restaurant is located on the second level of Hotel Rendezvous; therefore it is largely unnoticed by the crowds scurrying along Bras Basah Road. A substantial Nasi Padang here is rather pricey only if you compare it with hawker prices, which is simply ridiculous because you certainly can’t get such quality curry (not to mention such enormous pink leg prawns) just anywhere else.

Powered by SD Editorial