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2016-06-30
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Have you ever tried doing something alone that is much perceived as an activity with companion? I tried watching movie alone (just once though), and this time I finished off another solo activity - having buffet alone! Well, the desire of having cravings satisified is really random, and what Pier 7 Cafe & Bar lured me for a try is its attractive price that comes along with a preferred carvery item of the day.There are quite a lot of buffet/ semi-buffet options in Central the busy dining precinct
Have you ever tried doing something alone that is much perceived as an activity with companion? I tried watching movie alone (just once though), and this time I finished off another solo activity - having buffet alone! Well, the desire of having cravings satisified is really random, and what Pier 7 Cafe & Bar lured me for a try is its attractive price that comes along with a preferred carvery item of the day.
There are quite a lot of buffet/ semi-buffet options in Central the busy dining precinct, but visiting the Pier and taking sea breeze into your nostrils is the kind of enjoyment you can't probably get if you pick Lily & Bloom or Bistecca - and of course, different pricing as well. This restaurant, same as Watermark on the floor below, is under Cafe Deco Group. However, scenery is never the same for the two. When compared to eateries at IFC like Glasshouse and Isola which are somehow levelled despite its distance from the sea, Watermark is closer to the waters, however not promising a better vista because of its limited height of its interior.
It is simply a casual place for a drink or a simple meal, therefore a "buffet" here shouldn't make you ponder too long to make up your mind. The dome-shaped window frame and the pendant lighting in marble pieces are equally classy. With natural light casting inside, the interior in elegant white and neutral tones is warmed up.
Today's weather was a bit unstable, perhaps that's why the alfresco area wasn't open for use. Normally with tables out there, chilling with happy hour drinks would be nice given the picturesque backdrop of skyscrapers. A drink with similar vibes should cost you a lot more at Sevva or Ce La Vi!
Lunch buffet is available every day at the same price - this is appealing especially for weekend visits, as meals are usually more expensive on weekends than weekdays. Having checked the carvery of the day online (http://www.cafedecogroup.com/outlet.php?page=blog&bid=22#blog), I decided to come for my beloved salmon. If salmon isn't your cup of tea, or to maximize the value, you may come on Tuesdays for beef sirloin! Other options include pork, beef striploin and lamb.
$128 is the cheapest option to go, which is without soup. If you are fine with one cup of drinks at your selection, the "without soup" option is a pretty good deal. Though it is phrased as a "buffet", there isn't any dessert to grab, and you can only choose the $148 option that goes with soup and dessert if you insist a dessert craving.
Having paid at the cashier to specify my option ($128 without soup), I proceeded to the bar area to grap my cold coffee.
This is how the buffet bar looks like, which is formed by a pretty simple U-shaped table-by-table chain. Without dessert and traces of any red meat found, I bet this is like a carvery station plus a salad bar, definitely not to align your expectation with hotels' standard.
Apart from bread and greens above, there are 6 choices of cold dishes that you can make your DIY salad, including mushrooms, zucchini, cauliflower, cucumber and coleslaw. Apart from coleslaw (just a matter of personal likings), all of them were nicely marinated and applied good use of salad dressing. This simple but scrumptious salad options should appeal to clean eaters.
For well-built men, some carbohyrates intake may be necessary. Spaghetti and fried rice were in the most basic form - simply fried with garlic, though not at all pleasing to the eye. Didn't really touch these carbohydrates as the salad bar plus salmon as the carvery sufficed to do me good.
Worthy of a mention is the carvery station, which is the reason for my cravings. Whole roasted salmon is featured on Wednesdays. At the carvery station, the server takes care of the carvery and delivers it slice by slice to your plate when you come along. Replacement was quick enough, so there wasn't any need of a rush to get as much as you can onto your plate.
Having quite a good appetite that day, I finished off filling up my plate 3 times with salmon and veggies. Stuffed with lemon, olive oil and herbs and having it oven-baked, it didn't appear mushy even that it was well done. Moisture was locked within flesh, although it wasn't saucy, its clean texture delivered the kind of freshness that couldn't be found in grilled salmon.
The only downside was on the skin - it was served having the skin side down. While not having salmon skin grilled, the texture was a bit strange and fishy. Suggested to ignore the skin and just munch on the flesh.
Aubergine cooked in tomato and herb sauce was the most alluring and moreish dish among all, totally soaking up the flavours and was tender to devour much.
I really had just a dollop on fried spaghetti as I am not really a fan of carbohydrates.
Will definitely visit again for my salad cravings, given that cravery of the day is my cup of tea. Although it is without sea view despite its location at the pier, it is a great place for hangouts or small bites in its friendly setting.
Other Info. :
Check its carvery options over the week at http://www.cafedecogroup.com/outlet.php?page=blog&bid=22#blog .
(The above review is the personal opinion of a user which does not represent OpenRice's point of view.)
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