The Carvery at Park Hotel Alexandra came to mind because of 4 reasons: (i) it is relatively new (ii) recommendation from fellow blogger friend (iii) poolview (iv) value for money set meal for Valentine's Day.Sadly, the poolview was not all that visible because there's no alfresco poolside dining, and the reflection of the glass at night erased the pool view outside. Nonetheless, we appreciated the service crew's efforts at putting us as close to the pool as possible, under the circumstances.... if I stare out hard enough and squint, I could still glimpse the crystal blue of the 24-hour pool as well as swimmers roaming about.A walk around the restaurant reaped in all the visionary rewards of all food available for the taking - salad bar, array of seafood, the carving board consisting of Salmon Wellington, US Black Ribeye Angus, Duck a l'Orange, and Pork OP Ribs with apple sauce, and of course the desserts section.We roamed the restaurant to garner our own main courses from the buffet counters. I started with more Seasonal Oysters, some very scrumptious Cod Fish in Fruit Honey Broth, a small scoop of deliciously unique Duck Confit Rice, a small piece of Beef and Seafood Velouté.The Seafood Platter - freshly-shuckled seasonal Oysters, Red Claw Crab, Tiger Prawns, and Salmon Sashimi, served with shallot oil dressing, Maldon sea salt dressing, Horseradish and Chilli Cream on the side. The seafood was fresh and delightful; especially the springy salmon sashimi and tiger prawns.

For full review and more detailed information, please feel free to visit:
http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2016/02/valentines-dinner-at-carvery-park-hotel.html

Jim Thomspon Thai Restaurant offers a definitive menu with more than 80 classic Thai dishes. The menu does not contain any pork items at all, and even features some dishes suitable for vegetarians, therefore it is suitable for anyone to dine here. They go by an "Absolutely Thai, Thompson-style" approach - many recipes have been tested by the chefs to refine classical Thai dishes to what they believe would be delicious even to experienced palettes; and the culinary, menu and interior decor all reflect an alluring mix of tradition and innovation that is inspired by Jim Thompson the founder. The kitchen is helmed by executive chef Mr. Jarutus Aumpha and an expert team of Thai nationals. They also have an extensive wine list as well as interesting array of flavoured Mojitos and Martinis etc.The Tom Yum Goong (SGD$24.00 for single portion / SGD$46.00 for family portion) - hot and spicy soup with prawns, mushrooms, galangal, lemongrass, shallots and bird's eye chili. The piping hot soup was served in a tiny bowl complete with lid, for single's portion; I liked it as I thought it was a very elegant and personalised gesture. The soup was thick and spicy, and I loved the fresh springy texture of the prawns.The Pineapple Fried Rice (SGD$22.00 for single portion / SGD$60.00 for family portion) - fried rice served in a pineapple husk with cashew nuts, onions, black raisins and prawns. The rice had a good texture, almost al dente, not too soft; well-oiled yet not greasy. The pineapple bits added zest to the rice dish; a satisfying staple made sumptuous.For desserts, the Classic Thai Coconut Ice-Cream (SGD$16.00) served in coconut husk and decorated with cempedek / jackfruit strips and fresh orchid flower. What a pretty little dessert that was nectarous in taste defining coconut's distinctive flavour. The cempedek / jackfruit strips added a significant improvisation to the lighter taste of the ice-cream. The coconut flesh in the husk were juicy, cottony-soft and incredibly beautiful though.Next, Mango Sticky Rice (SGD$20.00) drizzled with coconut milk is a classical Thai dessert loved and welcomed by many. The ripe mango slices were juicy, saccharine and velvety soft; the sticky rice surprised us with its smooth, light texture unlike the usual denser, stickier versions we are accustomed to.

For full review and more detailed information, please feel free to visit:
http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2016/02/media-invite-dinner-at-jim-thompson.html

It would be tough for anyone to walk past AEIOU Cafe and not take a second glance, because of its vintage settings, the furniture and decoration leaning heavily on antiques and collectibles. While the decor is largely interesting - vintage crockery, marble-tiled counter, old Scientist's lamp, Tin Tin & Scarecrow etc, there is also a large patch of grass mounted on the wall - giving the cafe some greenery? I don't know, but it felt kind of cluttered and messy. I had the Avocado Coffee (SGD$8.00) with came in two separate parts - a tall glass of creamy, thick avocado blend and a small cup of black coffee. Before I mixed them together, I picked a spoonful of each to test out, and liked the flavour, therefore I took the brave move to pour the entire cup of black coffee into the avocado. The result was a smooth, creamy concoction of coffee that was luscious with avocado's buttery flavour. I was glad I came to experience this for myself.The Yuzu and Lime Cheesecake (SGD$7.00) - rich and indulgent but not so thick that it got "greasy", like how some cheesecakes are. This satin-smooth slice was sweet with a touch of zest from its fruity components, and melted in the mouths lusciously; the biscuit base added bite to the dessert.The Classic Tiramisu (SGD$8.50) was served in a huge Vodka glass, with layers of mascarpone cream, coffee curd and raspberry compote. It was redolent with coffee fragrance but light in alcoholic (if any) flavour; the fruit added a touch of tart which actually perked the typical tiramisu-in-a-jar up.

For full review and more detailed information, please feel free to visit:
http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2016/02/afternoon-tea-at-aeiou-cafe.html

Located in the new wing of Plaza Singapura, Dhoby Ghaut, is Kai Sushi & Robatayaki, a simple but quality Japanese restaurant with friendly, efficient staff and an extensive menu offering sushi, sashimi rice, noodles, and yakitori items. The price range was reasonable as well, a don set could start from SGD$15.00 onwards.There isn't much information available right now because the website is not up. The only information I could garner is that they "serve a sheer variety of delectable delights, including classics such as Nigiri sushi, Chirashi and Robatayaki. My friend *J recommended it for our gathering with *L, and we were here for lunch.For mains, *J had the Green Tea Noodles that came in a huge bowl of ice, authentically Japanese style. There were also seaweed on the side, as well as an array of homemade sauces to go along. Noodles were springy and redolent of green tea aroma in every bite; *J told us that she would order this every time she visited.I had the Salmon Sashimi Don (raw salmon slices in rice bowl) that came as a set as well. It was a pleasant surprise as we were not expecting it. The set comprised a piping bowl of hot Miso Soup as well as Chawanmushi - the latter was satin smooth and contained refreshing hints of citrus. The salmon sashimi slices were thick and generous in portion - each piece was tender, fresh and springy in texture. The rice was well-cooked and soft; making it really enjoyable to polish off the whole bowl of delicacy.

For full review and more detailed information, please feel free to visit:
http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2016/02/lunch-at-kai-sushi-robatayaki.html

Under the Spa Esprit Group and right besides its sister restaurant, Skinny Pizza, Skinny Salads specialises in fresh, creative salads with ingredients from different parts of the globe. One could choose from salad bowls or wraps here at the counter, or order one of the readily-created salads. Service was little to boost of, but then they don't impose service charges here, so there.I ordered the drinks because they sounded interesting, and fresh, so when the cashier gestured for me to take one of the bottles from the iced shelf myself, I was a little surprised. *Katherine had a Watermelon Rush(SGD$5.00) and I had a Minty Watermelon (SGD$5.00). I rather enjoyed my drink because there was a slight kick to my usual sweet melon juice.I had the Kale and Quinoa Salad (SGD$11.50) with lots of grains, corn and crunchy kale. With the dressing, this salad was very flavourful, and well-portioned so it was filling. The ingredients were fresh as well, making for a healthy and enjoyable meal overall.
For full review and more detailed information, please feel free to visit:
http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2016/02/lunch-at-skinny-salads-100am.html