Tea Lounge @ Regent Hotel

Regent Hotel holds a very special place in my heart. That was where my wedding was held in 2009. I love how its located in town but yet not at the busy part of town. Another reason why we chose Regent Hotel then was the good review on its food, the good service from the coordinator and the themes they have for wedding.

That aside, we have heard raves of its high tea set too but never had the chance to try it. Hub made a reservation for us to visit its tea lounge for high tea at 12.30pm for my birthday lunch. I thought that was weird. Don't most high teas start from 2pm or 3pm? Anyway, its fine... that timing was ok for us.

The tea lounge is located on its ground floor just next to the ballroom.

It was quiet when we arrived. In fact, we were the first to arrive for its high tea.

We were ushered to a seat and presented with a tea box. This tea box has little samples of different tea leaves. We were allowed to choose either coffee or tea and each set allows 2 changes of drinks.

The high tea set serves a balance of pastries and cake. Unfortunately, I'm more of a cake person than pastries. But nevertheless, the items were really tasty!

The high tea set per pax on a weekday was about S$50++.

Opening Hours Afternoon Tea:
12 noon -5:00pm (Mon - Fri) High Tea Buffet: (Sat – Sun)
12 noon - 2:30pm (First seating);
3.00pm – 5.30pm (Second seating)

Reservations > Instant Online Reservation T: +65 6725 3245 / +65 6725 3246
Email: tealounge.rsn@fourseasons.com

Website: http://www.regenthotels.com/EN/Singapore/Cuisine/Tea-Lounge

Will I Return to this Outlet: Maybe
Got Service: 8/10

The Straits Cafe @ Hotel Rendezvous

Hotel buffets in Singapore are getting expensive every year. Plus being a small eater, it just doesn't quite make my dollar worth. We looked around and also wanted to try a new hotel buffet that is reasonably priced for my birthday treat from mum.

After some research, we settled on Straits Cafe at Hotel Rendezvous.

I emailed them for their buffet menu, pricing as well as to make a reservation. Email reservation was a breeze and the staff responding to my email was quite prompt.

The menu looks quite extensive for its price. They have oysters and durian puree at their buffet bar.

Oysters were not on display. Each time you want, you request from the staff at the counter and they will pry it open for you. There is a limit each person can take at any one time. In a way its good so that everyone gets to enjoy. Another thing is at least it will be freshly served and not laid on the buffet bed for some time.

The Oysters are really fresh!

Durian desserts are something we cannot resist. :P If only, every buffet bar offers this.

Today they served black chicken herbal soup. This is so so good and I cannot remember how many servings I had. Initially my mum didn't want to take this soup but after trying a mouthful, she too asked for a bowl.

Another must have for me is salmon sashimi! This is something I can eat everyday too.... only raw salmon ya!

In general, the seafood is quite fresh.

I did not try the meat though as I was too overwhelmed with the seafood selection available.

The pastry selection are quite wide too.

I have heard raves of their high tea selection. If I have a chance, I want to try that!

Before I forget... during my email reservation, I asked if there is any credit card promotion. The staff told me they do not have any but if I sign up as a member at no cost, I'll get 10% off my bill. There is already discount for senior citizens so they are not entitled to the 10%. You can always sign up on the spot with their tablet. Do ask and they will assist you.

Sign up for your f'east card here - https://www.feast.com.sg/Prelogin/Login.aspx

Buffet Prices for Weekend:
Adults - $53++
Children age 6 to 12 - $26.50++

Overall the food selection is not too bad except that the cafe was a tad too noisy and there were diners hogging Qs piling their plates full. Service was also so so and the cafe decor looks quite dated. Having said that, I may still come back for its high tea.

Website: http://www.rendezvoushotels.com/singapore/dining/default-en.html

Will I Return Again: Maybe
Got Service: 6/10

Mezza 9 @ Grand Hyatt Hotel

We had a belated 7th ROM Anniversary celebration dinner. As you get older and have more family commitments, annual leaves have become so precious! Annual leaves are no longer a luxury for your own personal use. They need to be shared with your spouse, your kids and your caregiver. So each leave we plan it carefully and ensure we maximize the usage of the leave we take!

And so today is the Meet-the-Parents session in school. We took leave for that and also went for a dinner celebration on the same day... killing 2 birds with 1 stone. :)

Hub made the plan and reservations.

Mezza9 @ Grand Hyatt Hotel - I have heard about it but never thought of visiting it. Reason being... I'm not a very fine dining person. I look dainty but not refine enough to dine at posh places like that. I always feel out of place. I'm the type who likes to slouch as I sit... uses whatever utensils as I please... laugh when its funny.... and when you have a kid.... fine dining is all the more out of question. :P Moreover, to spend $150-200 for 2 to dine, its too lavish for me.

I

Still we went ahead because hub planned for it, I didn't want to dampen his plans. You know sometimes must close eyes and enjoy. Because its very hard to get men to make plans and if they do, appreciate it and enjoy. Otherwise, next time they don't plan!

We were early for dinner as we needed to pick up our boy after dinner. So it was relatively empty and quiet when we arrived.

I'm not too impressed with the menu. I am a visual animal. I love pictures over text anytime. 

Anyway, the menu is quite widespread. There are grill items, japanese, thai or chinese cuisine if you prefer that.

After a few trips to Europe, hub is hooked to sparkling juice. Actually, I kinda love it too.

The bread that was served looked tough but it wasn't that bad.

I ordered a steak. I love beef and normally beef don't come cheap in such dining places. This beef steak was awesome and portion was just perfect for me. 

We had asparagus as one of the sides. The asparagus was soft and juicy.

I am always complaining I need to diet because weight is piling on me but I always cannot resist carbo like potatoes, rice & etc. Baked potato is one of my favourite!

The condiments for our baked potatoes.

Hub is not a fan of fish but he seems to be ordering a fishy dish most of the time?! *shrugs The waiter assured him that this chinese fish (I cannot remember if it was soon hock) will be de-boned and cooked in western style. I was quite amused when he told me it can be cooked in western style. Hub says its very tasty and he loves it.

A cake counter within the restaurant.

No matter how full I am, there is always space for dessert! :)

One thing I felt awkward is that, the tables are all spaced really closely. So in the quiet restaurant, your chats with your companion can be heard loud and clear at the next table.

The wine chiller....

We ordered a flower pot dessert. This concept is nothing new to us. We have tried this at another cafe quite some time back. Nevertheless, it didn't stop us from ordering this.

This flower pot dessert tasted really good! 

Both of us were happy with the food and service. We left the place happily. Well, maybe fine dining occasionally isn't that bad!

Website: http://www.singapore.grand.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html?src=sinrs_googleplaces_lclb_mezza9

Will I Return to This Outlet: Yes
Got Service: 8/10