When something seems too good to be true, sadly enough, it often is. WIth a deal on vouchers at half price off, unlimited usage, it seems like a superb deal even though the service charge and GST were to be paid separately to the merchant.
The first thing they asked when you step into the restaurant is to ask if you are using vouchers. Regrettably, me and my friends were then ushered to a stuffy enclosure instead of the nicely decorated al fresco area.
When purchasing the vouchers, consumers were showed the "full menu", which varies with the menu we were presented with in the restaurant. Besides some different items, the most significant difference is the PRICE. For example, Army Stew was reflected as $32 when I knew it was supposed to be $18.80. Of course, not all items were marked up so high, so we still get to enjoy some savings.
I find the food almost decent, nothing memorable. It is a real pity, as the ambience of the al fresco area coupled with the ''normal menu" and the good reviews on the place made it seem so promising. However, I would definitely choose to go somewhere else with a bit more integrity.
Halia's Set Lunch for $25++ is a great deal!
Starters: Choice of Pressed Chicken Terrine or Soup of the Day (Asparagus)
Main: Blue Cheese and apple on toasted sourdough or Braised tri tip of beef
Dessert: Ginger Nougat Parfait or Chocolate Earl Grey creme brulee
with a choice of coffee or tea, which you can top up $5 for Halia Infusion, the house specialty of sun-dried ginger and wild mountain honey.
Loved the starters and desserts, the mains were not too bad. Ingredients used were fresh and flavourful. Can't wait to come back and try their afternoon tea and dinner!
Address: #01-22/23, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673 ☎ 9639 1148
Express Lunch Set available from 11.30am - 2.00pm
Sushi! Sashimi!
Lots of sushi and fish items to choose from! The raw fish are all very fresh. The variety of fish definitely tops the other sushi chains. Besides the usual items, there are also special sushi like oyster, scrambled eggs and nattou (maybe usual for the Japanese but *yucks*).
The star for me is definitely the Daimyo Anago sushi (sea eel)! Mmmm... Pretty to look at and even tastier to eat~
The grilled fish we chose was very good too, but had too many bones. Maybe we should have asked the service crew for recommendation first!
Address: Basement 1 Liang Court, 177 River Valley Road, Singapore 179030 ☎ 6337 1022
Open Daily from 11am to 10pm
It's such a delight to eat such lovely desserts al fresco!
Waguri Millefeuille: Delicate strands of French chestnut cream carefully piped over a sandwich of crisp, flaky puff pastry and pastry cream, topped with sweetened Japanese chestnuts.
Wakakusayama: Smooth Kyoto-uji matcha cream piped onto a swiss roll of honey-infused green tea roll and FLOR's own red bean cream.
Address: #01-01, 2 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089588 ☎ 6223 8628
Open 11am - 7.00pm (Mondays to Saturdays) and 11am - 6pm (Sundays & Public Holiday)
The amount of Vegemite on the menu sure gives the Australian cafe away! First thing that struck me was that the place was a bit dim and noisy, and the tables could be better arranged to accommodate more people, but still it gives off a pretty nice vibe.
The thing I like best about The Plain is that you get the option of choosing either a half or a full set of brunch. Half set is one serving of bread and one egg while full is double that. Eat a half set and you will have enough room for dessert.
Saw some pretty latte art, but pity it does not come with the mocha. There is a special iced tea called Summer Blue, which has lychee, lime and mint which is rather interesting, but is definitely not blue!!
I choose the safer option of smoked salmon and poached eggs topped with salmon roe which is only available on weekends. Another safe option is Darling's Eggs, poached eggs with ham, cheese and roma tomatoes. Tried my friend's Dean's Breakfast, poached eggs on melted cheese and Vegemite, and it's not bad! Will definitely try some Vegemite on toast next visit.
Address: 50 Craig Road, #01-01, Singapore 089688 ☎ 6225 4387
Open Daily from 7.30am - 7.30pm, no reservations for weekends
