For pictures and full review, pls visit:
http://madamechewy.com/2016/05/20/explore-the-flavours-of-india-at-mandarin-oriental-2/
“Flavours of India” has returned to Mandarin Oriental’s Melt Café! Melt’s buffet has always had a great reputation for splendid Indian dishes, and till 31st May 2016, there are more varieties included in the spread. Presented by Indian Specialty Chef Santosh Kumar, the vibrant and tantalizing Indian themed buffet will be available for both lunch and dinner (excluding Sunday brunch).
The massive Mutton Biryani is a feast for the eyes, and the taste buds too. Much effort has been put into this dish-a whole lamb is marinated for 10 hours, then roasted for another 10 hours. It’s meat is fork-tender and lip-smackingly yummy. Each mouthful of the accompanying spiced basmati rice was a blend of flavors and textures, as the dried fruits also added a dimension of chewiness. If this doesn’t interest you, I don’t know what would!
I also adore the Travancore Prawn Curry, where succulent, crunchy prawns are enhanced with spicy and sour notes that tease the palate. Another seafood item that deserves a mention is the Mud Crab Masala, which enthralls the tongue with its medley of spices. Other drool-worthy dishes include Lamb Chop Adreki (lamb with grama masala, yohurt, saffron and mint, as well as Men Vararul (Southern Indian Shallow Fried Fish). Don’t forget to check out the selection of Kebabs, sizzling at barbecue pit situated at the AlfrescoTerrace.
Enjoy the mouth-watering array of curries with attractive Tricoloured Rice and Assorted Naan Breads, which comes in garlic, butter and olive variants.
There’s also an elaborately decorated live station, where the chef prepares Bombay Behl puri, a popular savory snack in India comprising of puffed rice mixed with potatoes, masala, onions and chutney.
Apart from the Indian spread (view menu here) , Melt’s buffet also offer the usual works such as salads, cold cuts, seafood, sashimi, sushi , European cuisine, Asian dishes and more. Melt Cafe’s buffet has always been my family’s top choice, as their ingredient quality and execution are excellent, plus standards are always consistent. Allow me to touch on some of my favourites from the usual buffet offerings.
RAVE ALERT! The Marron Lobster Laksa, from the live station, is hearty indulgence in every mouthful. Another must try is the Drunken Live Prawns.
Wrap up your meal with Melt’s spectacular Cheese Counter and appealing desserts, which includes wonderfully soft crepes prepared a la minute.

For pictures and full review, pls visit:
http://madamechewy.com/2016/05/11/all-about-white-asparagus-pool-grill/
This spring, Marriot Tang Plaza Hotel’s Pool Grill has launched “All About White Asparagus” menu. One will surely ask this golden question- what is the difference between white and green asparagus? White asparagus is grown underground, away from light hence the vegetable does not produce chlorophyll. Considered to be a delicacy, white asparagus has a milder flavour and are more tender compared to green asparagus.
STARTERS
Buttered White Asparagus with poached egg and hollandaise sauce S$20.00++
Perched atop a row of neatly arranged white asparagus, the perfectly poached egg reveals a river of golden yolk that flows and coats the savoury butter vegetable. Simple combination of ingredients, yet, so delectable!
White Asparagus Soup with seared scallop and avruga caviar as topping S$26.00++
Oh, what a lovely soup! This luxe creation, a crowd pleaser that night, charmed with light yet hearty flavours. I especially enjoyed the seared scallop and luxurious caviar.
Grilled white asparagus salad with figs and arugula S$22.00++
For a refreshing start to the meal, the white asparagus and arugula salad, enhanced with sweetness from a fig, will be ideal.
MAINS
Pan-fried sea bass with white asparagus, clams, mussel chowder S$36.00+
In this dish, the skilfully pan-fried, crispy sea bass sits in a pool of rich mussel chowder, accentuated with white asparagus and clams. Seafood lovers should not miss this.
Lobster Ravioli, langoustine, white asparagus and squid ink sauce S$48.00++
Lobster and white asparagus, doesn’t this sound heavenly? Executive Chef Matthew Van Der Zwan combines handmade lobster ravioli, succulent langoustine, white asparagus, and completes the dish with squirts of squid ink sauce. Exquisite!
Gratinated Beef Tenderloin buttered white asparagus; porcini crust and truffle sauce S$72.00++
Carnivores should not miss the juicy porcini-crusted beef tenderloin, harmoniously accompanied with white asparagus and truffle sauce.
DESSERTS
Strawberry Romanoff
There’s always space for sweett endings! We had Strawberry Romanoff, which was a tangy dessert with hints of alcohol, meringue and vanilla ice cream. A light dessert perfect for the current sweltering weather.
“All About White Asparagus” is available till 31st May 2016, during both lunch and dinner. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this artisanal produce and excellent dishes!
 

For pictures and full review, pls visit:
http://madamechewy.com/2016/03/17/harvest-of-the-sea-buffet-spices-cafe/
Seafood lovers, this buffet is for you! Concorde Hotel’s Harvest of the Sea Buffet offers a plethora of excellent seafood dishes that almost made it seem like you’re dining straight from the sea!
Diners can look forward to a lavish start of Sambal Lobster, Gratinated Cheese Lobster orBraised Baby Abalone with Broccoli & Mushroom (one selection per diner). The sambal crustacean is not for the faint-hearted; its heat will jolt you up instantly.
The stars of the buffet are undoubtedly the cooked-to-order crabs, which comes in a range of appealing flavours- Chilli, Black Pepper, Sauteed Saffron, Butter & White Pepper and Salted Egg. I personally love the salted egg flavour, followed by the black pepper. If you prefer something more unique, go for creamy Butter and White Pepper Crabs. What’s even better? You can enjoy unlimited portions of these mouth-watering crabs!
Moving onto the buffet stations, the Salad Bar comprises of a variety of salads and cold cuts as well as a section for diners to customise their own greens.
The Chilled Seafood Counter, where fresh crustaceans are neatly laid, is a sight to behold.
Cooked Food Station choices include: Stir-Fried King Prawns/Braised Sea Cucumber, Chinese Mushroom with Broccoli/Stir-fried Fish Maw with Egg White/Wok-fried Spicy Clam wrapped with Lotus Leaf/Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic Sauce/Baked Red Snapper & Mussels in Cream Cheese Sauce/Chicken Piccata with Tomato Sauce/Grilled Vegetable with Balsamic Sauce/Sauteed Sliced Venison with Mushroom & Herb Sauce/Steamed Garoupa with Garlic and Glass Noodles/Stirred Fried Scallops with Asparagus & Fresh Lily Bud.
My top picks are the flavoursome Wok-fried Spicy Clam wrapped with Lotus Leaf and healthy Stirred Fried Scallops with Asparagus & Fresh Lily Bud.
Grab a bowl of piping hot, fragrant Laksa from the Live Station. Don’t miss the Drunken Live Prawns in herbal broth, which comforts and nourishes simultaneously.
Fans of carved meats will enjoy the Roasted Ribeye Beef, complemented with Black Pepper or Mushroom Sauce.
Desserts are not the buffet’s strong point, but that’s alright with me, since the fantastic seafood, cooked food and live station offerings made up for it. Not that they are bad, but the sweets just did not wow me. Desserts come in mini portions, to allow diners to sample as many as possible. Options include: Green Tea Panna Cotta, Baked Cheese Cake, Hazelnut Gateau, assorted Nyonya Kueh, Guava Jelly, Mango Mirror, Crème Brulee, Tiramisu, Assorted Fruit Tarts, Chocolate Fondue, Orh Nee with Gingko Nuts, Ice Kachang, Ice Cream and Cheese Platter.
Harvest of the Sea Buffet Dinner is priced at:
Mondays to Thursdays: $53++ per adult and $22++ per child
Fridays-Sundays, eve of Public Holiday ad Public Holidays: $58++ per adult and $22++ per child
For the spread and quality, this buffet gives you plenty of bang for your buck!

For pictures and full review (can't fit everything here), pls visit:
http://madamechewy.com/2016/03/25/arteastiq-new-afternoon-tea-and-menu-updates/
Arteastiq has recently unveiled a brand new afternoon tea lineup, as well as tweaked their main menu. This time, the focus is on local produce, and items are also made fresh daily, in-house.
Known for its sophisticated elegant setting, artisanal teas and art jamming, Arteastiq is a stunning venue to relax over a meal or exquisite teas.
Arteastiq’s refreshed afternoon tea set, presented on a 2-tier bird cage stand, is certainly Instagram-worthy, and also perfect for a tête–à–tête.
Savory morsels include Vol Au Vent (mushroom capers pastry), Panini Morsi (foie gras with pommery mustard spread, sandwich between toasted brioche), Viva Duck (smoked suck with argula salad and horse radish mayo wrapped in tortilla) and Smoked Salmon with micro salad, cream cheese mousse, topped with fried shallots. My favorite was the Vol Au Vent, where fragrant mushrooms sit in buttery puff pastry, enhanced with arugula spears and extra virgin olive oil.
Nibble on dainty sweet treats such as Arteastiq’s unique Salted Egg Macaron with chewy coffee macaron shell or Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, which is essentially vanilla sponge with caramelized pineapple and maraschino cherries. The deconstructed Matcha Cheesecake could do with more intense green tea flavours; it’s other components, such popping candy and cookies crumble, inject an element of surprise and texture into the otherwise average dessert. Another highlight is the Chocolate Truffle, where a whole macadamia nut lies hidden within valrhona dark chocolate ganache
What really impressed me is the Afternoon Tea Set’s quality and affordability. Its only $48++ for 2 pax, and that price includes 2 beverages, which are worth $11 each.
We also sampled a couple of new inclusions that recently joined the collection of tantalizing offerings in Arteastiq’s main menu.
To start, munch on Atlantic Dance, a hearty salad of fresh sautéed octopus and mesclun, will captivate your taste buds. The salad is further elevated with baby red radish slices, feta cheese and crunchy sweet potato chips. Popping candy makes another appearance here, which lends a hint of sweetness and adds intrigue to this starter.
Carnivores will relish The Fawn And The Wilderness where the original flavors of young deer are embraced. In order to retain the authentic gamy flavors of the venison, the chef approaches take a light-handed approach towards its seasoning, which comprises of salt and rosemary. The tender meat is complemented with classic coriander salsa verde, sautéed cherry tomatoes and broccolini.
If you prefer something lighter, there’s Mermaid’s Blush, a dish of pan seared snapper accompanied with arugula and a medley of 4 different varieties of earthy mushrooms.

Interesting set lunches, relaxing afternoon teas and romantic dinners, there’s something for everyone at Arteastiq. Art enthusiasts can unleash their passions and escape the stress of fast-paced city life at the Art Jamming Studio. Immersing in art is a beneficial activity to conclude a stressful work day or recharge over the weekends.

For pictures and full review, pls visit:
http://madamechewy.com/2016/03/26/jade-fullerton-hotel/
Located in the iconic Fullerton Hotel, Jade is beautifully decked out in regal hues of gold and silver. It simply looks like no expense has been spared to make this place look as opulent as it can be.
We tried the Restaurant Week set lunch which allowed us to sample a good variety of dishes at this fine dining Chinese restaurant for only $40++ per person. Aligned with Singapore Restaurant Week’s theme “Feasts of the Ocean”, Jade’s menu focuses on seafood.
Awake your taste buds with Secret of the Deep Sea, a platter of 4 appetizers. From left to right, there’s Poached Scallop and Seaweed Dumpling wrapped in chewy skin accompanied with piquant preserved vegetables, followed by perfectly fried Crispy Prawn with Spicy Sesame Dressing. This is certainly a welcome twist from the common wasabi dressing pairing. My vote goes to Jade’s rendition of the well-loved fried shrimp dim sum. Moving along, is a well-played creation of silky Steamed Squid Ink Tofu with stir-fried squid and crispy sesame tuile. The final item, Deep-fried Foie Gras Salmon Roll in Sweet Vinaigrette with pops of Tobiko, was rather disappointing as the former’s presence was rather faint.
The main dish, Steam Crab Roe with Sautéed Sliced Grouper, sits in a pool of robust XO chilli sauce. Take a bit of everything in one spoon and let it mingle in the mouth. Yummms!
Carbs can never be absent in a Chinese meal! Jade’s Simmered Ee-fu Noodles are flavoured with truffle, then topped with sliced abalone and morel mushrooms. Its hard to go wrong with that distinctive woody aroma of truffle, which added an umami punch. I’m not a fan of the foam though, as its texture was too dense.
Sweet endings, Breeze At Sand Beach, was a visual treat. I can see this being a hit with kids too! This is the most innovative dessert presentation I’ve come across so far at a Chinese restaurant, where the last course tends to be an afterthought. Shaved Coconut Ice and Mango Puree, a classic combination, takes centre stage. Its accompaniments, chewy Coffee Dumpling,Butter Cookies and Sago Custard Ball lie on a bed of biscuit crumble.
On the whole, this was a satisfying meal. Jade’s service deserves a mention too-it was flawless and attentive.