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2013-09-16
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Attracted by its award-winning Laksa, we scheduled to patronize Straits Café @ Rendezvous Grand Hotel this very day. The buffet restaurant is conveniently located, a short 10 minutes walk from Dhoby Ghaut MRT / right in front of a bus stop along Bras Basah Road.Its Seafood Counter, disappointingly, fell short. Not only was its selection limited, its quality did not quite make up for it either. I thought the dishes were prepared clumsily, as item after item tasted bland and seemingly non-marinate
Its Seafood Counter, disappointingly, fell short. Not only was its selection limited, its quality did not quite make up for it either. I thought the dishes were prepared clumsily, as item after item tasted bland and seemingly non-marinated. I found myself not re-visiting the counter I so adore.
Though some variety of greens in the Salad Counter, none of them was especially distinctive. Too many accompanying ingredients I say. It’d be more effective if it was made simpler and more direct. At least for diners like me, I’d know what I’m in for and have a more recognized taste.
Well good thing is, if you are a fan of Rojak, Chinese or Indian renditions alike, you can be assured that it’s a more than safe choice here at the buffet. Both are pretty pleasurable. Well for the former, you can have some fun whipping up your own Chinese Rojak with the usual suspects you have in a Chinese Rojak dish.
Though it looks like one, this Pork Knuckle wasn’t comparable to some I’ve had. It was a ‘tad bit too salty, and somehow it didn’t have the punch one would feel while devouring a Pork Knuckle, like for instance, one at Brotzeit. Just a slice for tasting would suffice.
On to the liquids in the buffet line. Curry enthusiasts, prepare your palate for it as there are three different flavors of curry. I’m not one, thus I skipped it, for the Double-boiled Soup instead. That, is possibly one of the best items of the entire buffet. It tasted genuinely authentic, and addictive too. And I’m positive it wasn’t the works of MSG, which makes it impressive. However, its counterpart, the supposedly awe-inspiring award-winning Laksa didn’t quite meet the mark. The noodles was too soft and delicate for my liking.
Right at one end of the line, meet the Sushi Counter. Even though it isn’t the most extensive selection of sushi as you can see, the treasure is what’s hidden underneath. Kept chilled below the counter are the Salmon and Tako Sashimi, and Oysters. The Salmon Sashimi was definitely not fresh. The Tako Sashimi tasted slightly better. Oysters was passable. To make the buffet worth it, you might want to slurp off more shucks of oysters.
The satisfying part of the buffet only started late into the buffet. The Dessert Counter. Complete with a Chocolate Fondue, I was a happy kid going around, contemplating on which dessert piece to fill my stomach with. The Chocolate Mousse was the best one of them all. No regrets with the calories, girls, I assure you.
A heaven to most locals, the chilled Durian Dessert Counter offers durian crepes, durian puffs, durian cake, and durian pengat. I say, save your stomach for THESE. The puff is my favorite. Wings will grow with a pop into your mouth.Well, though this wasn’t the best buffet I’ve had, it is one of the more affordable hotel buffets, so what can I complain about right. If you aren’t picky and on a tight budget, this is still up for consideration.
Prices:
$42++ (Lunch from Mon – Sat)
$48++ (Lunch on Sunday)
$50++ (Dinner from Mon – Thurs)
$53++ (Dinner from Fri – Sun)
While I was there, they have a card promotion where the 3rd dines for free when paid with an UOB card.
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