Let me begin by saying that the spread at this buffet is awesome. Not only is there an abundance of selection, they are presented very well. Usually I would make a round before i start to take food, but for this buffet, the moment i got to the starters, i dived into it immediately.
I am a big fan of smoked salmon. I could eat it forever. So when i saw how great these salmon looked, i got myself some salad and topped it with a bunch of smoked salmon. So so good. There was also a great selection of cured meats and cheeses that Americans are used to for their starters, unfortunately, I'm not really big on exotic cheeses like my friend Melanie, so i just took a little of the 10 year parmesian and some spicy salami which were both good but cant be compare to the ones i had at Salumi, Seattle(owned by Mario Batali's family).
Moving on, i went to the seafood corner, which was my favorite part. With 2 kinds of crabs, 3 kinds of oysters and 3 more seasoned smoked salmon, i was more than excited to try EVERYTHING.
The smoked salmon were all really nice, the crabs were sweet and tasty, and the oysters were good. I especially loved the canadian one's. And btw i hate shellfish, but these canadian oysters were goooood. There was a sushi stand beside the smoked salmon, but it only had california rolls. Pathetic if you ask me. I didn't even bother to try it.
After eating the cold starters, i moved on to the hot food.The hot food were all really well presented. All in nice small woks on induction stoves(whatever you call those things), it was neat, simple yet sophisticated looking. However, the food were all mediocre to bad. Nothing really stood out in terms of taste. It is no surprise as hot food are usually left there for some time and may get overcooked. Took a few bites and moved on to the meats.
I have to say i was rather disappointed with these meats. But i think it was because it was my dumb luck. My sister had a really good cut of the lamb, but mine was so rare, it was tough to even chew on it. My prime rib cut was really bad too, but thats because i had the corner. I have to say I am really disappointed at why they gave me that cut. The roast duck was alright but not fantastic. As for the main dish of the meat, the foie gras, which i was looking forward to. A major disappointment. Although it had such a great aroma, when i took a bite into it, it was cold and hard in the middle. Texture was bad. Real bad for something so exquisite. I should have went back and complaint about it, but i guess this is what you get if you don't make any request. Or maybe because I'm Asian! Damn Singaporean service that favors the caucasians! I wonder whether if i had spoke in an american accent, would they have treated me better? I doubt so... probably get worse service.
Anyway, this buffet was probably saved by the desserts and the free flow of champagne. The desserts were of abundance! There were at least 15 things to choose from, which of course i tried a little of everything.
Most of them were alright and only some made it pass the "good mark". The chocolate pear mousse was interesting and flavorful, the earl grey tea cake with jam was unique and tasty, the bread pudding was moist and sweet, but the dish that took home the gold was the apple crumble.
Yuuuuummmy. With a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a generous serving of the vanilla cream, it was a great way to end the meal.
I would have taken a photo of my plate that i made nicely, drizzling it with melted chocolate from the fondue fountain. Unfortunately, i was too excited to eat it that the moment i placed it on the table, it was gone within a few seconds. I have a weak will when it comes to food...
Anyway at $138, for the experience and atmosphere, it's worth it. Especially if you can down many glasses of champagne. For the taste, i have to give it a no go. Still probably the best buffet i have had in Singapore, but that doesn't say much because i usually leave the restaurants full but not satisfied, if you know what i mean. On the hind side, this buffet did fill me up for one and half days. So technically its worth 4 meals. At about $35 a meal, its not so bad. Will I be back there again? Probably. If there is an occasion that calls for a buffet. In the mean time, I am still contemplating whether I am willing to spend $300 USD ($450 SGD) for a meal at Per Se, New York, one of the best restaurants in New York.
Sunday Brunch @ Bar & Billiard Room
Raffles Hotel Singapore
1 Beach Road
Singapore 189673
(65) 6412-1816
www.raffles.com
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