Yummy Food at Novotel@Steven

During our staycation, most of the food we had were at Food Exchange, where breakfast was served. The items being served at breakfast generally doesn't change much. It has a decent variety that allows you to remain curious about the items over the 2 mornings without over-stuffing yourself. It has all my staples including - congee and salad. I like my congee to be topped with cooked food as you can see. 

For the children, they are happy with waffles, cereals and fruits. There was also a good choice of eggs - boiled, poached, half-boiled. The kids also had juices to go along, so that really made their day.  Food Exchange is right beside the pool so the view was pretty awesome as well. :)

For one of our meals, we tried out the Sunday Brunch ($98 per pax). If you look out for some discounts, you probably can get at an even better deal. The variety was a lot greater than the breakfast for the brunch. Most importantly it had a lot of fresh seafood - with the crustaceans being their highlight. Their lobsters were probably one of the best tasting in many of the buffets I went. And there was so much variety in the sauces they were prepared with. Yums!

If you do the maths and just spam on lobsters and oysters, you would probably get your money worth. It also explains that was quite a decent number of people dining. It doesn't get too surfeiting because the seafood was prepared in different variations so you feel like you trying different dishes. Apart from the seafood, I would need to give a special shoutout to the beef - it was the best ever. The meat literally melt apart in my mouth. 

The icing on the cake had to be face painter that day. We got the kids fried rice and satay (which we knew they would savour), but they slurped up their food faster that day because they wanted to get some face painting on themselves. To be quite fair, the face painter - Artsyfleur was extremely talented. She was very fast and her pieces were beautiful. Even I got myself one <3

Overall, I thought the Sunday Brunch would be a great gathering point for mini celebrations (we saw a few tables celebrations) because you do get access to the pool if you are keen for a deep. The food was also suitable for the young and old. With some discounts here and there, you get quite a good steal. 

One of the other food we had in the vicinity was - Smiths Fish and Chips, who claims to be super authentic and British. The exterior is nothing fancy, but the food was pretty impressive. Especially the chips which was hand-peeled and chipped. My only regret was that I was kinda of full so I didn't try more of the food on the menu. 

It was a pretty rainy day so I tried the soup, which was served in a cup. Sounds kinda of authentic already, haha. It was filled with lots of fish and ingredients. In terms of price, I initially felt it was kinda on the high side. But after tasting the ingredients, it seems justifiable. I did survey some other friends who live there on Smiths Fish and Chips, but it seems like they have not been consistently good in the past. Maybe it is time to give them a 2nd chance, plus their waiter is kinda of cute *winks*

Our First Halloween Meal with Parkroyal@Kitchener Road

Friends who know me will know that I am crazy about Halloween. The last 2 years (no thanks Covid) was really tough. But this year, we decided we are going to celebrate it! We were contemplating whether to dress up for our Halloween Dinner but decided that maybe only the little one will dress for it because my huge tummy made it hard to find an approriate themed costumes for the family. 

Our Halloween Meal - a buffet was at Spice Brasserie at Parkroyal@Kitchener Road. It is not our first time there, but it has been a long time since we last went there. (You can read some of our reviews here.) It is a place that holds quite a bit of memories because I have been there, before marriage and now as a mother. The good thing about it being familiar is that I know all the yums there and can go straight for it!

My favourites have always been the chilli crab (with the mantous), desserts and Indian stations and local delights. Spice Brasserie is a place that knows what it is good in and excels continuously in those areas. It has been more than 2 years and the standards has not fallen. 

We went for the Halloween Special's which included the 12-hour-cooked Whole Lamb Leg with Fresh Herbs,  Baby Pork Ribs in a smoky BBQ sauce, a roasted pumpkin stuffed with cinnamon and spices, and a creamy chicken pot pie. Personally, I felt the dishes were very well-executed. My son was very thrilled with the spooky Red Velvet Cup Cake topped with blueberry compote and devoured it all up. 

The other food/ deco generally have a touch of Halloween here and there. My son was also very much in love with his favourite ice creams. If you have toddlers, you can let them have a plate of fruits, sushi, man tous (not the healthiest, but it is so good, they should have a taste) and fried rice. 

My husband insisted I tell you readers that the oyster omelette is super delish when it is served piping hot. A new yummy find this time round was the char-siew and satays. I would have ate up all the satays just that, it would fill me up too much and I didn't want to deprive others of their rightful share. Haha. I also had fun making my own muah-chee.

Spice Brasserie’s Halloween Specials is at SGD 75nett per adult and SGD 37.50nett per child, which I thought was priced pretty reasonably because just a few crabs and you will pretty much break even. Haha! There was a photobooth that day and we had so much fun with it. 

Quite honestly, I didn't expect to stay that long around the photo booth and props area. But our murderous axe-welding bear refused to leave the vicinity. He was just so in the mood and was growling at other diners when they approached the props table. I suppose they might think he is part of the Halloween deco. LOL!

It was a very fun night for the family. By the time we actually reached home, it was way past his bedtime. The next day, we could still hear him telling his grandfather about the eye cupcake he had. :) 

Seafood Feast at Parkroyal @ Kitchener Road

Mmm...yum what a spread right? If seafood buffet is your thing, you will be excited to know that the all-you-can-eat seafood buffet is back at Parkroyal @ Kitchener Road. Do note that this is a weekend thing, so if you want to enjoy the Fried Slipper Lobster Black Bean Sauce, Chili Crab with Mantou, Black Pepper Crab and Salted Egg Crab, please don't pop by on a weekday.

I can assure you the food taste as good as it looks. Personally, my favourite were the fried slipper lobster (cos it is convenient to eat), followed by the salted egg crab, then the black pepper crab. The gravy of the chilli crab was not spicy enough for my liking. But the mantou was delish. I would have popped down a few of them if not for tummy space constraints.

Apart from the seafood, the buffet at Parkroyal @ Kitchener Road has a cook food station, Japanese station, Indian station, salad station, seafood desserts station (that includes a Chendol machine) and DIY Mocktail station. For the price point of $48 to $58 (depending whether it was lunch or dinner), I thought the selection was quite a spread.

I didn't get to try the salads and the seafood this time round because I filled myself with as much seafood I could (lol). But for what I did try, I think you can give the Japanese station and cook-food station a pass if you are not much of a eater. I have to say the local flavours such as the satay and XO beehoon fish soup at Spice Brasserie (the restaurant in Parkroyal @ Kitchener Road) are totally a notch above the rest, so try to save some space for them.

Parkroyal @ Kitchener Road is located in Little India, so it also provides a bit of the Indian cuisine for the guests to have a teaser. I had a bite here and there but it is good so don't cross them out. Other dishes I really like (which may not be in the collage) are the soups and the fried food station. The sambal chilli is awesome too by the way. I dipped my food in it quite unnecessarily at times because I love it so much. (Haiz)

In the Jap and Cook Food section, which I wasn't that big a fan of, the fried egg omelette was actually pretty good (didn't try yong tau fu by the way) and the sashimi was also quite alright if you are not picky. So you know what, just skip lunch, so that you can eat more for dinner...haha. Cos with the food I am recommending, you definitely cannot finish everything in 1 visit.

Only at Spice Brasserie, you have the most fun thirst-quencher. Don't worry non-alcoholics, it is just mocktails made by syrup and soda water. I have to say it was rather enjoyable to make your own blend. Psss, not all the syrups in the recipe are available, so be creative and make your own. Don't worry, cos most of the time you will be pleasantly surprised.

For me, I am just for the colours (so frivolous, I know) and I would pick more unique flavours which I think I would like. Yup, no particular strategy and they still taste good! Like I say, Spice Brasserie also has a chendol ice-making machine. But this girl here doesn't eat that much so I didn't "chendol-ed". Next time ok, I will share some tips and tricks when I try it out.

Spice Brasserie takes their desserts very seriously. Despite not having a big space, a good whole area is dedicated to the hot and cold desserts of Singapore. Whether you are in for cakes, kuehs, or sweet soups, there is something for everybody. On my lucky day, I found tau-suan in a pot, can you imagine it? Most buffets don't even serve that.

 We managed to squeeze in some vanilla ice-cream and durian pengat (which is as good as the one at Lime). I honestly regretted not starving the day before for this. But on a bright side, I managed to eat so much succulent crabs and lobsters #happy. Leaving you some more photos of them to make you guys jealous... Hehe. Only until 16 Aug hor, if you don't wanna miss it *slurps*

Lime: Festive Buffet Dinner

We are back at ParkRoyal on Pickering again, this time to try out the Christmas meal. Although we have been there for the Thrill of the Grill, we are still very happy to be back because the food is very awesome. Our usual favourites were there.

And this time, we managed to finish trying what we missed out previously - the Asian cuisine. Boy, we are glad we managed to taste it this time round. Because the Asian cuisine is rather good. I would still rate their western tops, followed by the Asian food, than the Japanese cuisine.

As this is the Festive Buffet Dinner, we also got to try the Christmas special. The Christmas period always make me very excited because the carving section is always thrown in free this season. It is like making this period 2 times more merry, and 3 times more value for money.

The carving section at the Lime Restaurant sure doesn't disappoint. You get to enjoy  a Whole Baked Turkey, Honey & Citrus Glazed Ham, Wagyu Beef Rump and Oven-Baked Pork Prime Rib with Spicy Tomato Paste. Guess what, the last 2 are to die for. It will make you wish that Lime Restaurant serves it every day. *Still dreaming of it*

The other thing to look out for at the Festive Buffet Dinner is none other than the Desserts Table. The Desserts Table has new additions such as the classic Black Forest Yuletide Log and Belgium Dark Chocolate with Yuzu Yule Log. And if you are a little more adventurous like me, you need to try the Pandan & Coconut Logcake and Durian Gula Melaka Yule Log.

By now we have more or less concluded that Lime Restaurant's peranakan desserts are top-notch. When you are there, you must try it all. Whether it is the traditional kuehs or the fusion cakes, my oh my, the ingredients brings out so much flavours in the desserts.

We have to admit this time round, we love the matcha fondue and the rainbow cakes. Both are highly insta-worthy and makes you drool. You may also note that this post is done in a slightly different manner with more videos. Let us know whether you like this change and we may do more of it. :P

Our tasters are committed to enlarging their tummies to ensure that you hear about the finest food in town first.

** This review is written with contribution by our tasters. Let us know if you are satisfied with their videography blog. 

Lime: Thrill of the Grill Review

It was a very exciting weekday for me because I have been binging a lot on the weekends...and on the weekday, I still continue to eat good. ParkRoyal on Pickering brings me a lot of good memories because one of my BFFs married here. So I like to think that I know this place pretty well. Also, the Lime Restaurant is dope.

I have heard a lot of good things about their buffet. And one of them is about the selection. Recently, I featured a post about the Thrill of the Grill, which includes BBQ food in their series. So for the benefit of you, I am going to try it for myself...and grow fat for you.

I didn't really try everything on the menu. But I think I tried what most carnivores would be interested in. Personally I think there are some hits and misses. But the hits do leave you wanting more. The BBQ process is pretty simple. You just have to pick your food and leave your tag with the chef. Once it is grilled, the food will be delivered to you.

But as you know, Lime has so much to try. You really do need to save some space in your tummy for the other goodies. I didn't try any of the grilled vegetables. But for the meats, please go for the pork belly, lamb, chicken and sausage. The pork belly in particular was exceptional. <3 Kinda of regretted I only took one.

I have to admit that the variety was so much. Even though I ate of every dish, I still didn't manage to try everything. T.T We didn't manage to try the Asian cuisine, the oyster omelette and the rosti, so look out for my next post ok!

I am quite a seafood person and I have to say the seafood bar isn't the most outstanding for Lime. The seafood is relatively fresh. But it lacks the succulent that leaves you satisfied. Personally I would suggest giving it a miss unless you really want to "eat back your value".

But if it was me, I will just have repeated servings of what I like. And now drumrolls please, these are some of the food you should not miss at Lime.

1. Risotto - It was definitely the best I ever had. I exclaimed "sedap" so loudly that the other table told the girls to get a plate for themselves too.
2. Chilli Crab Pasta - I swear the pasta is cooked to perfection. The spiciness and sweetness just blends together so well. Psss...the crabmeat from the Seafood Bar taste divine with this!
3. Laksa - Everyone loves a good bowl of laksa. This one is traditional and has the "kupness" (thickness) I like. 
4. Pumpkin Soup - I have to say Lime is impeccable when it comes to the Western cuisine. Do remember to spam the almond flakes and you would have a soup to remember. Yum.

And if you are more of a Cheena person, don't worry cos they have the traditional double boiled soup too. If you like peppery bak kut teh, the one at Lime is not too bad. We also had some local delights such as DIY rojak, with fried charcoal fritters. Lux max! You can also make your own keuh Pie Tee too!

I think most Singaporeans usually don't go for the Cheese Board. But you know what, you are seriously going to regret it if you miss some nibbles. The Cheese is incredibly yummy, especially if you pair it with the dried fruits. I think all the cheese are quite palatable and are not overly pungent.

Generally, the desserts selection at buffets never disappoint. What stood out at Lime was the Nonya Kuehs, durian puree and the avocado dessert. The Nonya are mini-sized so you don't have to worry about not being able to finish it. There is also a table of tibits and snacks.

The ice cream selection was a bit too small for my liking. Go for the Chocolate and Sesame cos in my opinion, they are the best! And if you are a fan of avocado, gulp down the avocado-gula melaka concoction like its a drink and you are sure to end your day right.

And with that I come to the end of my post, I hope I didn't leave you readers too hungry. If you would like to try the Thrill of the Grill, it is only until 21 Oct! The usual favourites will still be there all your round!

Starting Christmas at ParkRoyal@Kitchener Road

Christmas seems to be coming a little slower this year. Apart from me spending a lot more money (which is kinda of normal), there is barely any festive mood. So it was really cool, when we got to see the light-up of the Christmas Tree (made of up Recycled Bottles, cool right!) at the lobby of ParkRoyal@Kitchener Road.

It was so magical. And with the singing of some Christmas carols along with the their staff, you know what, I am pretty sure someone has sprinkled the the festive mood all over me! Hohoho.

There's no better way to stay merry with food and drinks. Usually, I am quite a herbivore, attacking the fruits and salad section. But during Christmas, the carving section excites me tremendously. And let me tell you a little secret, the meat I had at ParkRoyal@Kitchener Road is the best I had to date.

The side salad beside the Roasted Turkey was so good too! The portions were very generous such that you could try out with different sauces. I didn't have a second serving because I wanted to try everything there (which I didn't) cos the selection was quite plentiful!

And if you are hoping to get to taste our local delights, you are at the right place cos the Chilli Crab and buns were absolutely delish. I would have drank down the gravy as soup if it wasn't for the calories. *Sheepish Face*

I was pretty glad I positioned myself near the laksa booth too cos there was always a long queue. The laksa is a little bit different from the usual cos it doesn't have bean spouts. It was replaced with cucumber which gave it a more refreshing taste. It was unusual but interesting!

Saving the best section for the last - the desserts. I guess apart from the carving section, the Christmas desserts especially the logcakes are always highlights to look out for. Most of the time, I don't usually like everything on the Dessert Table. But this was quite an exception for me! I pretty much love everything.

The chocolate cakes were thick and flavorful. The other Christmas White Chocolate and
Lemon Curd Log Cake had a taste of zest which gave our palettes some variety. I had a slice of each and was happy to see there was nothing overly surfeiting. It was a good mix of sweetness. I will be reviewing their log cake separately so stay tune for that! :D

Overall, the Christmas menu at ParkRoyal@Kitchener Road is surprisingly satisfying. At first glance, it isn't the most fanciful layout, but food-wise there was nothing sub-par. Makes me wonder why their Christmas menu isn't raved in town. It is really one of the best I have had and their price is really affordable too! (It is less than S$50 if you are not having on the eve or the actual day itself! And there is even up to an additional 15% card discount!)

Ending the post wishing you readers an early Merry Christmas. :D I will try to bring the mood up by doing more giveaways the following year. What do you think? HOHOHO, guess the Christmas spirit is always infectious.