Around De World @ Liang Seah Street

I knew about this place from fellow food blogger Calvintimo who has been visiting the place almost every week. I am getting suspicious whether he is there for the food or to see the bubbly waitress (joking). He also organized a food blogger outing at Around De World which I have to miss as I was away in Melbourne for work.

Since I was going to Drama Centre Theatre at National Library to watch Crazy Christmas 2010, I made a point to check out the place for lunch. It is a small restaurant with about 10 tables.

For drink I had the Lemon Lime Bitters which was very refreshing and cooling for the afternoon heat.

Lemon Lime Bitters 4.2/5

I also ordered the Cheesy Bolognese Fries to share with my partner. Both of us find that the Bolognese was very nice.

Cheesy Bolognese Fries 4.2/5

For the main, I had Level 2 (spiciness) Chilli O Crab Spaghetti while my partner had the Carbonara Penne. I simply fell in love with the Chilli Crab...oh I meant the pasta. Fresh real crab meat was used and the familiar taste and flavour of the chilli crab made it an excellent and enjoyable fusion dish.

I also tried a bit on the Carbonara Penne. I thought the Carbonara was nicely executed. The sauce was neither too thick or rich, just the right balance to go with the penne.

Chilli O Crab Spaghetti 4.5/5

Carbonara Penne 4/5

Lastly is the dessert. The waitress recommended us the Banana Bar so we gave it a try. I found it quite nice as it was not too sweet while my partner thought that it was a bit dry.

Banana Bar 4/5

[CLOSED]
Around De World - A Pasta Affair
12 Liang Seah Street
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Zenden Restaurant @ The Gallery Hotel

The restaurant is located on the 4th floor of The Gallery Hotel. I was here for the 1 for 1 buffet, thanks to the voucher from Women's Weekly Magazine. The restaurant has full glass window panes and was brightly lit from the afternoon sun. The staffs were also very friendly and attentive.

For a buffet, the food spread was quite limited. There were not many selections but it was made up by its quality. I began with the clam chowder soup and bread. The richness of the clam chowder for an instant reminded me of San Francisco where I had my best clam chowder. Thumbs up to the restaurant for keeping the breads warm in a heater/oven type machine. Usually the breads were just left laying cold on the buffet spread.

Clam Chowder and Bread 4.2/5

For the starter, I like both the Japanese cold tofu and tomato stuffed with mushroom. The cold tofu was a simple and excellent dish. The toppings which had seaweed, katsuobushi, eel and sesame was simply a very refine dish.

Japanese Cold Tofu with Eel 4.5/5

Tomato with Mushroom 4.2/5

Next up were the hot food. All of them were good and I enjoyed every dish. Of all, I like the steamed fish and roasted beef the most. I even helped myself to second serving.

Aglio Olio Spaghetti 4/5

Lamb Stew 4/5

Fried Chicken Drumlet 4/5

Soya Sauce Chicken 4/5

Steamed Fish Hong Kong Style 4.2/5

Kai Lan 4/5

Roasted Beef 4.2/5

The highlight was the desserts and pastries. I am usually not into pastries but I found myself sampling and finishing all of them. I would strongly recommend the chocolate banana cake. Hands down to the restaurant for serving Movenpick ice cream. The brand itself already melts my heart.

Pastries 4.2/5

Movenpick Ice Cream 4.5/5

Overall, Zenden restaurant's buffet lunch might not have the variety but quality and service are there. A nice  environment to spend an afternoon.

The nearest MRT station would be Chinatown MRT station. Walk to the bus stop opposite Hong Lim Complex and take bus 51 or the bus stop opposite Subordinate Court and take bus 186.

Zenden Restaurant
The Gallery Hotel
1 Nanson Road
4th floor

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