When I first heard of PARK @ Holland Village, I was eager to try it out, what with it being set in a Park (considerably, in the congested Holland Village), and serving breakfast items (only until 6pm daily, it is not a all-day breakfast place). It was also perfect that it’s right at the doorstep of Holland Village MRT. It also fitted the bill because we were looking at having dessert at MU Parlour. So this seemed like a viable plan.You have the option of dining in an air-conditioned ‘park’ or the conventional alfresco ‘park’, but with strong fans in replacement of the lack of cooling air (at times). The inside has only about 30 odd seats; not many, and it’s parked in a narrow aisle of 4-seaters, at most accommodating 5. Menu is relatively small, a couple of breakfast items, couple of sandwiches, and couple of other mains.Truffle Fries ($8.50++): If you already know, I’m one who’d never give up on ordering a Truffle Fries to start the meal off whenever a menu permits. This time round is no difference. However, it fell slightly short. It was better off with more truffle. I don’t paying more for it, but when a dish is done, it should never be shortchanged and should be executed to its best. If they need to jack the price up a little more for more truffle taste, they should do it.Truffle Mac & Cheese ($11.80++): I could still taste some truffle in the Truffle Fries, but could barely taste it in this course, though the smell of it was overwhelming. I’m guessing a lot of it got stuck to the sides of the pot, and evaporated or something, because it was really near non-existent. It also got too cloying halfway through. I couldn’t even finish it. I should have known when the price is too affordable to be truffle.Avocado & Bacon Tartine ($11.80++): Because the previous dishes weren’t the best, the Tartine had to be made the saving grace. I don’t usually agree with sandwiches, or tartines for this instance, but it tasted ordinary and was the best of the night. For one, I love that the bacon wasn’t overly grilled and remained soft and flimsy, very rarely seen in Singapore. Though it tasted alright, I do not think it’s worth the money. Plus, it’s for sure, not filling.

Service was above average. At the least.
It is a good place to chill at night. They do serve alcoholic drinks. I’m hoping that they make some changes to the menu and cooking, and that this booboo is only because they are new kids on the block. I can see a chance for redemption. I’ll probably drop by some time in the future, maybe to try their Breakfast items.

Any eateries along Upper Thomson Road is ulu to me. It is so inaccessible that I am eagerly waiting for more MRT lines to be actualized by LTA. Anyhow, let me try and make this as painless, wordless and picture-ful as possible. Quick background: Old School Delights is a lot about evoking the nostalgia in you with its items around you, and possibly the food as well. Mainly targeting the baby boomers and around, one would be especially thrilled to find some of the old school toys and displays still existent in this technologically evolving country.Menu can be viewed as a ‘workbook’ or on a chalkboard, whichever floats your boat!On each table, a Toy Box is placed by the side for your entertainment. Many a time, diners would be distracted by the toy box, ignoring their growling stomachs, or the fact that ordering of food is actually required. Don’t make the same mistake, (1) Order (2) Play. That is the right order. Even as a 90s baby, I have played Five Stones, the Country Erasers, Snakes & Ladders, and Donkey before. If it was already nostalgic enough for me, imagine my parents when they were at the table..Barley ($3.50+): Even though it’s pricey, it is probably the best Barley drink I’ve had. I just love that the pandan taste is infused in, it excites my palate and sense of smell at the same time.Mee Siam ($5.50+): Not spectacularly good for me, but I guess I have to consult the experts on this – my father acknowledged its authenticity. At least that.Laksa D’Lite ($6.50+): Likewise, I’ve tasted better renditions of Laksa. However, it seems reasonable enough for the folks. They love both their Mee Siam and the Laksa.Nasi Lemak Besar ($6.90+): I’ve had more Nasi Lemaks in my life than the previous two dishes. I was disappointed that the chili did not quite meet my expectation. It wasn’t spicy enough. The rice wasn’t fragrant enough. And the wings was very ordinary as well. I’d rather you take the gamble on the Laksa / Mee Siam.Chicken Macaroni ($5.90+): Bland, it’s for the sick. Nuh uh.Lemon Cake ($3.80+): Just by looking at it, I am already re-drooling. I love its sponginess, its not-too-overwhelming lemon taste, and the adequately airy texture. Even for a person who is usually skeptical about Lemon Cakes, I say they have perfected it.Chewy Chocolate Cake ($5.50+ ): Yet another dessert they have had bull’s eye. Thick, and one might complain its overload of chocolates, though definitely not me. I love that somehow, it does not get cloying easily.Chendol ($3.80+ ): I thought the coconut was a little too overpowering. That is just me, but pretty acceptable in general.

The food, in general, are edible and can-eat, though they do not commonly contain the wow-factor. I say it’s a must to head there at least once, just to relive the childhood moments and memories. Go with your family, that would appear more priceless it seems. Grab some photos, and admire it some years down the road again. Pictures speak a thousand words, here are a few more.

Service is commendable. Their job is not only to wait the tables, but to make sure you have the time of your day, they know what their restaurants can offer.

Note #1: No GST. Only service charge.
Note #2: Restaurant is not halal-certified, but their poultry supplier is. No pork, no lard.

The Cathay Restaurant, as the name speaks for itself, is under the wings of the Cathay Organization. I don’t usually dwell on the history of a restaurant, as it tends to bore readers out. But I thought this restaurant has a relatively more interesting story to tell.Believe it or not, The Cathay Restaurant used to specialize in European fare instead of its current offerings. Well that was some 70 years back in 1940. After the World War II, in 1951, the eatery renovated itself not only on the exterior but interior the same. It was turned into an exquisite Chinese restaurant serving Shanghainese and Cantonese cuisine. It was as popular as All-Day Breakfast restaurants you get today, one after one sprouting into the scene. 3 years later, the restaurant closed due to the high competition.Today, it smartly mixes up its authenticity with the modern demands, tackling what the diners are looking for. Approximately a month ago, the restaurant kicked start having Dim Sum in their Dinner Menu. That is still up and coming today, as evident from a surprised face from my friend when she learned about the dinner being a dim sum oriented one. Sometimes you just have that craving for dim sum when the sun sets.Steamed Yolk Cream Bun ($4.20++) :: Item is only served for lunch menu, and in replacement for this in the dinner menu is its counterpart, Deep-Fried Yolk Cream Bun. Undoubtedly, the yolk cream is flowy and as fluid as it can get. This Liu Sha Bao is one of the best I’ve had, very much because of its substantial egg yolk flavor. Though liquid in nature, the yolk cream is still thick and rich. A must-have dish here, for sure.Steamed Siew Mai with Crab Roe ($6.20++) :: Another of my more well-liked dim sum dishes by the restaurant. Very freshly made, and distinct flavors just burst outward on the first bite into the hot favorite.Dinner Menu also includes Steamed BBQ Pork Bun, Steamed Fresh Prawn Dumpling and Pan-fried Carrot Cake to name a few. In my opinion, the dim sum items offered can surely satisfy your cravings for them, though I wouldn’t say that they are WOW-good. I mean, I am still in search of a Dim Sum Restaurant that serves top-class dim sum dishes all around. Meeting the ‘okay, this doesn’t fail’ is the norm nowadays. You just have to order the few best items. That will settle it.

The Cathay Restaurant has a selection of ten over steamed and fried dim sum dishes. Each of those averages at $4.50 per basket. They also offer quite an array of appetizers, vegetables, rice and noodles to go along. These, go at an average price of $9.

If your impression of mouth-watering Mexican food is that of Burritos and Tacos topped with over-flowing goodness, you probably need to check MEXOUT, out. MEXOUT prides itself as one of the very, very few Mexican food bistros in Singapore. And to add to that, it is one which serves good Mexican food at very reasonable prices.Hidden in Far East Square amidst rows of cafes and bistros, its exterior does not actually scream Mexico as much as its food does. Its interior, modeled after a basement, is cozily decorated and furnished with well-adorned shelves, sofas and candle-lit tables. And this is where the fun begins.FLEXI: Having no fixed menu, MEXOUT forces the cravings out of you by allowing you to design your own Burrito, or Taco, according to how you would best like it made. Although I was a little overwhelmed initially at its variety of ingredients (which is arguably a good thing), I was able to successfully customize my own personal Burrito and Taco in just 6 short steps. You can make it a meal deal, which comes with chips and a drink, at simply $6 more.EASY: MEXOUT mainly serves the lunchtime crowd, and its Burritos, conveniently wrapped in foil, provides a quick and easy fix for people who wants to avoid the “tissue-packet” apocalypse of hawker centers. Its owner, Australia-born Marcus Jilla stresses that the bistro boosts a completely different feel during lunch and dinner. With the lights dimmed, and happy hour ongoing from 6-8pm (alcoholic drinks start from a mere $7), it will be the place to hang out with your friends.

MESSY: In my opinion, no Burrito or Taco can be considered good if the ingredients are not packed till they spill out of the wrap. And it is awesome that the people at Mexout are so generous with their portions.Chips ($5 with salsa / $6 with guacamole) & Nachos ($15): You may complement your main course with sides such as Chips & Guacamole or Nachos. The Nachos is large enough to be shared among a group of 4, and it comes topped with cheese, beans, rice, and your preferred choice of meat(s). If you would like some Mexican-styled spiciness for your Burritos, Tacos or Chips, do ask for a small plate of Salsa Picante sauce to excite your taste buds.Tacos (3 for $13): The choice of the day for me is undoubtedly the Cochinita Pibil Taco topped with Mango Pineapple Salsa dressing and Tasty Cheese. The main ingredient for this taco is Diced Pork Shoulder braised in orange juice, spices and banana leaves. And the chef has somehow managed to infuse and lock all the aromas of the spices into the pork, while still maintaining the meat’s tender chewiness. Every bite is thus a flavorful, juicy interplay with the sweet salsa sauce and cheese topping. The little amount of fats on the pork also came to accentuate the fragrance of the slow-cooked pork, making every mouthful of the taco a savory delight.Burrito (Regular, 12-inch) ($12): A Beef Barbacoa Burrito topped with Salsa Fresca dressing. The shredded beef brisket dry roasted with cumin, chili and beer went well with the slight spiciness, as well as sourness of this particular salsa sauce. We also had Char-Grilled Chicken Burrito topped with Salsa Verde dressing. The chicken was very fragrantly marinated with spices such as paprika and black pepper, but was a little dry for me however.Burrito (Mini, 8-inch) ($9): Coming in close with the above said dish of the day is the Char-Grilled Carne Asada Burrito topped with Mango Pineapple Salsa dressing and Sour Cream. We had this in mini sized (yes, Mexout provides this option for those of you just itching for a bite) and it did not disappoint. In fact, it is The Chosen Glutton’s favourite dish. Likewise, the air-flown New Zealand Flank Steak was extremely tender and well marinated in cilantro and paprika. There is also a very slight but satisfying beefy smell to the steak, and it contrasted well with the light sour cream topping.I say: Bring along a few friends if you do decide to visit Mexout. They have a nice ambience for chilling and talking, and you can make use of that opportunity to create a variety of Burritos and Tacos amongst your friends, so as to share and have a taste of all that Mexout has to offer. Be prepared also, to eat like Mexicans do, and get Mex-xy with salsa sauces dripping all over your bare hands.

Yes, they provide serviettes.

Note #1: Reservations are commonly only taken for groups of 6 or more.
Note #2: They do delivery for the nearby offices as well.

The only time I’ll be at Vienna International Seafood & Teppanyaki Buffet Restaurant is when my mum is craving for it. Of the three times I was here, it was with the family. The last time I was here, was years ago, when I was still in school (my, I’m quickly aging). Nothing drastic has changed yet. It is still as crowded and cramp, located on the basement of United Square, Novena. Aisles are maxed at a tight two-way traffic, and it can get frustrating trying to get in and out of your seat, depending on where you are seated. It is also quite absurd that photos are disallowed at the buffet line. I really wonder what dirty little secret(s) they are hiding from the media. In view of that, I only managed to snap photos when I get them to my plate.

Plus point here is, juices and soft drinks are inclusive and free-flow. One of my pet peeves of dining at a buffet restaurant is that it doesn’t serve drinks. I get annoyed; I think I’d rather them remove one of the not-so-popular items in the buffet line and include drinks instead.Soup: This one-portion-per-diner soup is reasonably so because of its involvement of relatively higher-class ingredients like sea anemone and mini scallops. However, the seemingly thoroughly boiled soup did not impress as I expected it to. I cleared its ingredients and left half the soup alone.Appetizer Counter: Prawn salad, seafood tofu and abalone salad are some of the appetizers available on one side of the buffet line. On the other are the usual suspects, octopus, salads and the likes. Nothing in particular left a deep mark.Japanese Cuisine Counter: Its ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ Counter comprises just a small selection of sushi, but is established more in its sashimi side. Not surprising though, it wasn’t the freshest lot I’ve had, but I guess sufficient to satisfy the mandatory Japanese cuisine time in buffets.Seafood Counter: Though they all tasted bland, I was excited to see the array of shelled sea creatures they offer despite only charging slightly before $50 before taxes. They don’t taste bad; You just need to find the right condiments / gravy to go along with it.Canadian Oysters: You will most likely see the sign, ‘Canadian Oysters’ without actually seeing the gem. Because they only serve the freshly shucked oysters once in a while, you can actually see a queue form just at the counter. It is such a disgusting scene to see though, when the oysters make an appearance and the diners just stretch out their (now longer) hands, like in desperation for some food. Really. The oysters aren’t the freshest, like most of their other items, but well enough to eat and satisfy oysters cravings.Chili Crab: You can skip this one, or grab one to share amongst the table. The gravy is passable, but the meat was way too soft and weak to have a good bite through it. I am throwing a guess that it was over cooked. If the meat was firmer, it would be plausible for the crab to be a star dish.Teppanyaki Counter: Grab a plate, fill them up with however big or small portion of the Teppanyaki dishes you want. From Dou Miao and Beansprouts to beef, chicken, fish and lamb, you’re most certainly able to find something that tickles your fancy here. Be warned though, don’t take too big a portion. Its vegetables weren’t salted enough, the beef was way too salty, the salmon was heavily flavored by the mustard, and the lamb was alright. It was late into the buffet that I was still searching for something I would go back for. Not here as well.Dessert Counter: Don’t be expecting too much for their dessert. You can probably find three cakes, a few pastries, and three flavors of ice cream (but with ice cream cone and Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup. One thing commendable is that they are equipped with a Chocolate Fondue, albeit rather ordinary, taste-wise. All these thoughts come with the price in mind.

Prices can be found on their website here.
Service was prompt but poor. They clear plates fast, sure, but they aren’t the friendliest persons around. Which makes me think again; I’d rather spend twenty odd dollars more for better quality of food in the buffet line, approachable staff, and a more spacious and better laid out restaurant.