Alkaff Mansion

It's been 365 days from my last birthday but I can still remember very clearly how stuffed I was that day. Hub planned three birthday meals for me in a day. Boy... I tell you... I cannot forget that feeling even till now!

I have requested not to be over-stuffed this year. Hub listened but still, he planned two meals for me. Too much good food makes a person sick of it. Good things must be spaced out right? :P

I guess hub has no better idea for plans so food is the best way to spend time. >.<|||

For dinner, we went to Alkaff Mansion. This is our first time there. I have heard of this place for years and I think they have changed management for this place was closed at one period of time.

Upon reaching Alkaff Mansion, it gives me a very modern but colonial feel. The alfresco seats looks so surreal too. I wouldn't mind hanging outdoor for drinks if we had the time.

A really interestingly huge rocking chair next to its entrance.

The menu contains the history of Alkaff Mansion but who has the time to really read it?

Sparkling water again... hehehe

We ordered their set meal because with the UOB credit card, there was a 1 for 1 deal. Nice! I don't wanna spend too much on food so I thought this is an extremely nice deal. Here's the gourmet menu and its $98++ a set.

The appetiser - smoked salmon on the outer layer. Not sure what was inside but too much of it made me feel very 'jerlak'. It sort of means nauseous. So I didn't finish the entire portion.

The staff asked if there was something wrong with this dish. Opps! Well, its just personal taste and preference I would say. :)

The bread and bread sticks were served after we got our appetiser. I thought it was kinda weird. Usually bread is served first... no?

Then there is a second appetiser that consisted of pasta. The pasta is nice but I thought its kinda heavy for an appetiser. It would actually be good if they can replace this with a soup since there is already a main course.

For the mains, there were two choices - suckling pig and seafood. I wasn't in the mood for seafood so I chose the suckling pig. Portion was just nice for me as I was already quite full from the two appetisers. 

The seafood set looks and tasted good too.

Dessert was tiramisu but I don't fancy tiramisu! So I asked for a change and they proposed mint flavoured panna cotta. Heh... actually I dont fancy panna cotta too but mint is my weakness so I ordered that. It wasn't that bad actually... I guess...all thanks to the mint!

Hub had the tiramisu since he is a fan of it. Usually if we have to share our desserts, he doesn't get to eat tiramisu. *chuckles

Overall experience was great and service was attentive! It was a weekday evening and considering that this venue is not easily accessible, it was actually quite crowded!

Website: http://www.alkaff.com.sg/
Will I Return to This Outlet: Yes
Got Service: 8/10

HeavenlySpa @ The Westin Singapore

I was being pampered by the hub for a spa treat on my birthday. He seems to love sending me to spas while I'm not exactly a fan of spa! Last year on my birthday, he tried the same plan but was unsuccessful. This year he whip out the same plan again. I know he was disappointed when I said I didn't want to go. In the end I reluctantly agreed provided they allow me to change the treatment.

Image credit from Heavenly Spa by Westin

When we step into Heavenly Spa at the registration counter, the lady was all polite and very friendly. That is a good start to a relaxing spa service.

The lady did some explanation and shared about the services they had. I was told they have spa beds that keeps you warm and they are called heavenly beds. That is interesting. :)

A therapist came out to escort me into the treatment room. Although its a treatment for one person, the room is super huge and spacious. The room has an attached bathroom as well. Its also very huge and almost as if I was checked into a 5 or 6 star hotel room.

The bathroom came equipped with all the necessary toiletries.

That's the heavenly bed!

I chose the hands and legs spa treatment. So the therapist started with leg wash first. The therapist was really polite and gentle. when massaging my feet during feet wash.

The heavenly bed is really warm and very comfy to lie on. It drifts you off to paradise!

After the treatment, I went to wash up. When I was done, the therapist brought me to the lounge. The lounge is a relaxing quiet corner good for meditation or even just to laze around. Light snacks and drinks were served.

If I was not in a rush for time, I could lounge there all day with a magazine and tablet!

I'm glad I went ahead as planned. The experience was great and if I had not gone, I would have missed out such a great chance to rejuvenate!

The hands and legs treatment cost about $168 for a total of about 1.5 hours.

Website: http://www.thewestinsingapore.com/en/heavenlyspa

Will I Return Again: Maybe

Got Service: 8/10

The Bakery Chef

Rainbow cake is so so in trend now. I have tasted nice ones... tasteless ones and super cheesy ones. This birthday, hub ordered one from The Bakery Chef for me. 

This tiny 0.5kg cake cost him about $30. Cakes these days aint cheap but if its nice, at least its worth the money.

The sponge is soft, fluffy and taste wise... was jus nice! Not too sweet and I love that the coloured layers are in pastel colours. Even just by looking at it, makes you happy!

My hub couldn't stop raving about how good the cake tasted. It certainly looked like he enjoyed the cake more than I do! 

I heard they do have mini high tea sets in the shop. Hope I can visit it one day!

Address:

Blk 161 Bukit Merah Central #01-3711

Opening hrs:
10am to 7pm

Website: http://thebakerychef.oddle.me/

Will I Return to the Outlet: Yes

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