Bangkok Jam

Phoebe, Noreen, Em-J and I decided to meet up for our final dinner before I head back home. Instead of our usual sinigang date at Lucky Plaza, we decided on Bangkok Jam at Wheelock Place.

The place gives off a very cool vibe with their modern design and Bangkok inspired wall decos.

We really weren't that hungry but we were pleased with food that we ordered that we couldn't stop eating.  

Seafood Pad Thai (11.90 SGD, 391 PHP)

Shrimp Paste Rice (11 SGD, 362 PHP) - serving is good for just one person

Bangkok Mixed Grill (23 SGD, 756 PHP)

Soft Shell Crab in Mellow Yellow Curry (15.50 SGD, 510 PHP)

Tom Kha Gai - Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (7.90 SGD, 260 PHP) - Being my favorite Thai dish of all time, my expectations were a big high. This was, while good, just okay; I've had better. 

Avocado Milk Shake and Green Mango Shake with Mint (7 SGD, 230 PHP) - You can skip the drinks as they were a bit underwhelming. 

The restaurant was busy and I'm not sure if they were understaffed but service was bad. It took almost forever for our orders to arrive and it was difficult to get assistance from any of the waitstaff.

Thanks to Phoebe, Noreen and Em-J for their very special treat.

Bangkok Jam

Wheelock Place

501 Orchard Road

#02-04/05

Singapore, 238880

www.bangkokjam.com.sg

Paris Baguette Café

The attention grabbing lights of the relatively new Paris Baguette Café caught our attention while we were at Wisma Atria.

Grab a newspaper-like menu and decide on what you want before approaching the counter to place your orders...

...or just grab one of the ready-made sandwiches on display.

The sandwiches that we tried were just okay, not really worth the 8-11 SGD (240-330 PHP) price tag.

The mango tart is also a bit disappointing. I normally love pie crusts but this one I didn't eat.

The drinks also priced at an average of 8-11 SGD (240-330 PHP) were nothing to sing praises about.

Service was bad. The guy at the counter taking our orders seemed irritable and the waitstaff all seemed very busy and couldn't be bothered by our request of a glass of water. The orders when they arrived were plopped on our table. It's really sad how most restaurants here invest so much on everything else but service.

Our experience is not all bad, though. Puddings are slowly gaining popularity and they serve the best ones that I've tried. (4.50 SGD, 135 PHP)

Their cheesecake is a slice of pure baked cream cheese heaven.

Their coffee is also decent.

Another dessert that they are known for would have to be the fresh fruit shaved ice. The ice is of similar quality as that of Razon's so it is a delight to have.

They have a few more desserts that all look very inviting which I would still like to try, if only they improve on their service. Otherwise, it would be best to just take away the pudding and enjoy it at the comfort of your own home.

Paris Baguette Café

 435 Orchard Road

02-48 Wisma Atria

Todai International Buffet

It seems to me that we are not fated to enjoy the award winning buffet spread at Carousel, just like New Year's day, the restaurant was already fully booked when I tried to make a reservation to celebrate Abby, Eco and JLo's birthday. 

On a whim, I decided to try to call Todai at the Marina Bay Sands and it was with luck that they are still able to accommodate our big group. 

I became curious when I saw a sign that says they have been in operation since 1985 since I only heard of Todai quite recently. It turns out that they started in California and this is their first venture into the Southeast Asian market and where better to open that in buffet-crazy Singapore. 

Buffet lunch is priced at 75 SGD net (2500 PHP), it is a bit pricey as the average would be around 30-50 SGD for restaurants and 50-80 SGD for hotel restaurants but I tell you, it is worth it. 

With a sitting capacity of almost 400, the place is sprawling. Tables are spaced apart at comfortable distances unlike most buffets. 

The spreads are also massive and you don't see the exact same dish being served at different areas. See how endless the dishes seem and they have several stations just like the ones below. 

The presentation and the quality of food are also superior than most. See the california maki below looking so beautiful. 

As it claims to be the "Mother of All Seafood Buffets, I have to say that it is a claim well substantiated. I couldn't believe how fresh and big the prawns and scallops were. 

They also serve freshly shucked oysters but I am not a fan of oysters so I skipped those. I focused on the snow crab legs which were deliciously sweet. 

The only area that left me a little wanting would be the dessert station. There were not a lot of choices and while I got quite excited about the macaron pyramid, it was just okay and was a little too chewy for me. 

But overall, it was one enjoyable birthday lunch, one that won't be forgotten anytime soon. Thanks again, Abby, Eco and JLo! 

Todai International Buffet

B2-01 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

2 Bayfront Avenue

Singapore 018972

www.todai.com.sg