Following the last visit to Friends on April (which yielded good results in taste and enjoyment. see previous review), this recent visit again was a total letdown.

Bought the deal again at $19.90 from deal.com.sg. However, another deal website, bigdeal.sg was offering similar deal at $19. Checked the menu between the 2 deals and not surprisingly, the items were more or less the same. Just differs in the presentation of listing the items.

We were seated at the same place for the 3rd time. -_- The waitress passed a menu list, especially for the deal, to us. Knowing there were 2 different types of the deal - $19 and $19.90, I highlighted this to her and she made a mistake and changed the inital menu list to the $19.90 menu list which we bought. Well, the menu for $19.90 doesn't have a big discrepancy from the $19 one, anyway.

Just as when I started to scan through the items and decide what to eat after the waitress had gone, she came back within less than 2-3 mins to take down our orders. Of course, we were not even ready yet!

I ordered exactly the same food as the last visit. (also fair for comparison, eh)

Starter: Chilled Angel Hair Pasta

How is it? Serving portion had decreased. Taste was not as strong as before. Indulgence level dropped.

Soup: Vongole Clam Broth

How is it? Still ok. Preserved the taste as last time I had.

Main Course: Pan-fried Dory fish with Pineapple Salsa, Garlic Mashed Potato, Lemon Butter Sauce

How is it? Serving portion decreased drastically. The size was really pathetic. Pineapple salsa was little. My mood dropped even further.

Dessert: Marble Cheesecake (mine), Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake served with vanilla ice cream & seared banana, mango coulis (partner swopped his cheesecake with this, topped up $9.90. Ala carte: $14.90)

How is it? Small slice of cheesecake as expected. The warm chocolate cake managed to brighten my day, finally. The chocolate oozed out as it supposed to be (unlike the one I had in Bakerzin at Tampines One). Finally, a pleasant piece of food.

Service: The staff were prompt in serving but also "very efficient" in clearing the used utensils. No signals or courtesy or "May I clear?" were given to us and the plates were just gone right after we finished the food. -_- They gave us a feeling that we should be on our way to the exit door.

This restaurant, once a forward-looking place for me, has now become a history to me. Sad to say, this will be my last visit.

What is it? Warm Chocolate Cake with vanilla ice cream

How is it? It was a little disappointing when the chocolate inside the core of the core did not oozed out as it supposed to be. The amount of chocolate was not much either, but nevertheless, the cake itself had a rich taste of chocolate (yes, that's the way!). I dun really like the orange slice underneath the cake but still, it gave an unique taste to the cake in overall which was acceptable.

Anyway, I would still come again (maybe try different outlet = different pastry chef) for it!

Located at some ulu distance away from Holland Village. Luckily, there is a 1 or 2 direct bus(s) from Holland V to the restaurant.

What deal? Set meal at $16, but recent deals have been increased to $18 - 19.90. The set meal usually comes with appetizer, soup of the day/ choice of soup, main course, tea/ coffee and dessert.

Starter: Chilled Angel Hair Pasta & Lumpfish Caviar tossed with Seaweed, Chives and White Truffle Essence

How is it? Oh my god... this was soooo yummy!!!!!!! It was served cold. One mouthful of it and it was gone! Heavenly~ I just love everything about it. A must for starter during all my visits so far. I would be very delighted if I could choose this as the main course (with large serving, of course ).

Soup: Homemade Mushroom Soup topped with Truffle Essence (1st visit), Vongole Clam Broth (2nd visit)

How is it? Not just a typical mushroom soup you can get outside, but i liked it. Tried the clam broth as something new on the 2nd visit and i liked it too! It was a bit spicy and I think with olive oil too.

Main course: Pan-fried Dory Fish with Garlic Mashed Potato and Pineapple Salsa (2nd visit)

How is it? Not bad. I liked the salsa more, though.

Dessert: mango cheesecake (1st visit)

How is it? The portion was a disappointment. Very small... I secretly hoped that they would serve chocolate lava cake as the dessert as seen in the deal website... I would not mind even if it will be a mini one

Highest rating for taste, kudos to the angel hair pasta only

What deal? Usual price for the 3-course set meal is $38 but with the purchase of voucher during the deal period, it was $19 nett.

Appetizer: the usual caesar salad

Main course: Baby Back Ribs

How is it? Juicy ribs with bbq sauce. I liked! Comparable with the ones in Cafe Cartel. Serving size was ok for me.

Dessert: Warm Apple Crepes with Vanilla Ice Cream

How is it? I love desserts... this is no exception as well. The apples in the crepes were a bit similar to the apple pies u get in McDonalds. Together with the caramel-like dressing and ice cream... yummy!

Definitely, a deal, man!

Following the previous review on the appetizer (which was heavenly delicious that it has to be the focus by itself) of a 3-course set lunch, this review will continue to introduce the main course and dessert.

Main course: Duck Confit with Confit of duck leg, Braised red cabbage, Pomme sarladaise and Lychee gastrique

How is it? It looked like the kind of braised duck leg that you will find in a duck rice stall. But no, it was different! The skin was quite crispy, although the meat was a bit dry. Nevertheless, it went well with the potatoes and the lychees which added a new taste to the dish.

I was quite full by the time I finished everything on the plate. As for dessert, well, there is always a space in the stomach for it, no matter what.

Dessert: Creme Brulee with Osmanthus creme brulee and Lychee sorbet

How is it? It was rich in custard with a layer of burnt caramel on top. Quite sweet. The sorbet was refreshing.

Had a pleasant dining experience at the bistro. Good ambience and scrumptious food.