Good news for those nearby or at woodlands and café-hoppers! Citrus by the Pool has jumped into the trend too, providing its patrons with café’ food of both Western and Asian cuisine. It is located right next to Woodlands Swimming Complex, making it easier for people in the North to “chill and dine” at the same time. To leverage further on their location being in a swimming complex, there are healthier meal options available too such as protein shakes, salads, and also citrus sandwiches.Ambience (5/5)Although it may seem unusual for a café to be situated right next to a swimming complex, the exterior of the café complements its location as an outdoor-fun based theme, which brings out the café’s “fun” personality. The exterior provides consumers with a “retro, garden- themed” background, with grass mats laid out, garden chairs, and the best part – hand-held props to take pictures. Props to them for entertainment, and knowing that consumers love to take pictures to post on their Instagram.The interior (4/5)This air-conditioned restaurant accepts both reservations and walk-in and could seat about 40 people. The seats are suitable for small gatherings of 5-6pax too. Upon entering the café, you can see the counter to take orders and make payment. Payment has to be made first before the waitress brings you to your table.Right next to the counter consists of retro displays of toys and an old telephone, located in a glass shelf for patrons to look at. Towards the left of the display is the condiment station, with chilli sauce and ketchup and cutleries available.I recommend that if you are looking for a table with good lighting for photos be sure to be seated near the windows for natural sunlight as the café makes use of tiny orange light-bulbs.FoodThe menu comprises of mains, starters, drinks and desserts. Western mains range from $8-$20, include pastas, grilled meat (chicken/beef) with fries and drinks. Asian mains include sweet and sour chicken with rice, thai styled-chicken with rice topped with sunny side up egg. Another plus point, the mains include a free can drink. Starters range from $4-$10, were similar to the food at Old Chang Kee – Curry Puffs, Fried Fishballs, Chicken Nuggets, Calamari Rings, just to name a few. Desserts include Ice Creams and cakes like chocolate lava cake. All prices listed in the menu are what you pay as they do not charge GST nor service charge.Chicken Sausage Aglio Olio (3.5/5)I had this dish and the waitress told me that the food would arrive in 10 minutes. However, the cooks were fast and efficient and the food arrived on my table in about 5 minutes. Presentation-wise, this chicken sausage Aglio Olio topped with grated cheese and parsley for garnishing. However, I was a little disappointed that my Aglio Olio was quite moist, what they could have done better was to drain the water more.The pasta was cooked al-dente and not soggy, chicken sausages were sliced thinly and the amount of sausages were enough to supplement the whole pasta. The taste goes well with the pasta too. At first mouthful, the chicken sausage aglio olio was a little overwhelming with the taste of the chili padi for that extra “kick” and the garlic was chopped finely too which made the overall taste better despite the excess water.All in all, in terms of food, service and ambiance, I would give it a 4/5. The food is tasty and wallet-friendly, service was amazing despite not paying for service charge, and ambiance conveyed a “fun” personality, suitable for youths like me.Citrus by the pool is located at Woodlands Swimming Complex, 3 Woodlands Street 12, open daily, weekdays 11am to 11pm, weekends 9am to 11pm. For more information, visit their facebook and Instagram page at @citrusbythepool or call them at 6366 6851. …查看更多
