Friday, February 3, 2012

Cafe Mosaic @ Carlton Hotel

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My family went to Cafe Mosaic at Carlton Hotel to celebrate my dad's birthday. Usually we celebrate his birthday at some Chinese restaurants but I suggest a change since my parent has never gone for International Buffet.

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Coincidentally, it was the seventh day of the Lunar New Year which means Renri (人日). Accordingly to Chinese customs, it was the day human beings were created. Celebrating the day vary from place to place. In Singapore, we will have Yusheng (鱼生) or Prosperity Toss also known as Lo Hei (捞起) in Cantonese. Yusheng is considered a symbol of abundance, prosperity and vigor as it sounds like (余升) meaning an increase in abundance.

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The comtemporary version of the Yusheng (鱼生) is said to be created and popularised in Singapore. It usually consists of strips of raw fish, mixed with shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments.

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Cafe Mosaic exudes a sense of warmth and comfort. The contemporary cafe brought together Asian and Western culinary favourites, giving one a taste of what the best of Singapore has to offer. Be spoilt with a kaleidoscope of culinary choices in their buffet spread.

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The cold section did not have a lot of varieties but they were very fresh and promptly replenished.

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There was also a salad section with a good selection of variety. My favourite was the jellyfish and cold tofu.

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International Buffet nowaday comes with a selection of sushi. I usually skip the sushi because it can be very filling with all the rice.

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I also tried some of the cooked food section. I had the Scallop, Asparagus with XO sauce and Braised Pig Trotters. They were pretty good and worth trying.

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I could not resist trying the beautiful slab of Roast Pork calling out for me on the bench.

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Not many buffet serves this dish. The Slice Fish Noodle Soup in a way helps to clear all the oiliness.
The soup was a bit peppery but I do not mind. I enjoy the peppery kick from the soup.

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Cafe Mosaic has quite a comprehensive selection of desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Asian favourites were also available such as Ice Kachang, Red Ruby and Pulut Hitam.

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Ice cream to wrap up the wonderful buffet feast.

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Lastly, the birthday cake to celebrate my dad's birthday.


Cafe Mosaic
Carlton Hotel Singapore
76 Bras Basah Road
Level 1
Website: http://www.carlton.com.sg/cafemosaic.html
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (CC Line), City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 24hr

Direction:
1) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take exit to Queen Street. Head Southeast on Bras Basah Road towards Carlton Hotel. Journey time about 5 minutes.

2) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre towards Bras Basah Road. Head Northwest on Bras Basah Road towards Carlton Hotel. Journey time about 5 minutes.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Sentosa Flowers (圣淘沙春节花会) 2012

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Sentosa Flowers (圣淘沙春节花会), the most celebrated flower festival during the Lunar New Year is back from 22 to 29 January 2012. The annual floral festival returns for the eighth time to usher in the Year of the Dragon transforming Sentosa into an enchanting floral extravaganza.

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The event started with bang with a dragon dance performance to usher in the year of the dragon and to reveal the first Sand Sculpture in the event's history.

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Dance of the Dragon.
The Sand Sculpture named "Dance of the Dragon" (祥龙欢舞), spans six meters in length, three meters in width and three meters in height. The majestic sand sculpture of a dancing dragon is specially sculpted and brought to life at the hand of international acclaimed sand sculptor JOOheng Tan for the event.

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This year Sentosa Flowers is themed as "Enchanted Spring" (绮域之旅), and unfolds the story of three playful kids as they venture out to discover the beauty of spring.

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Dragon Gate.
The fish is always a symbol of joy, fortune and prosperity (年年有余) and what an excellent idea to combine the tale of the carps leaping over the Dragon Gate (鯉躍龍門) as one of the floral displays.

The tale has it that the carps leap over the dragon gate to transform into dragons reminds us of the determination needed to overcome hurdles, and achieve success. The carp is a tough fish that could resist the strong currents of the China's Yellow River, showing perseverance and determination in its endeavours. .

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Floral Zodiac Dragon.
After the dragon gate, the friendly three meter tall Floral Zodiac Dragon greets you with good luck, longevity and wisdom.

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Awakening.
This is an interactive giant painting of the dragon. Take the big brush and give the painting a finishing touch. You never know, the dragon may comes to live just like the legend of the famous painter named Zhang.

Legend has it that there was a famous painter named Zhang, whose painting were true to life. The animals he drew would come of the pictures as soon as he gave the finishing touches. One day in front of a crowd, Zhang painted a dragon without eyes. They insisted that he add the eyes and so he did. In the twinkling of an eye, it started to moved and flown into the sky.

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Spring Melodies.
Celebrate the beauty of life and be enchanted in the natural sounds of moving water, humming birds and rustling leaves. A lively season that brings hope, joy, beauty, and the carefree spirit of springtime.

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Tea Journey.
How is tea associated with the year of Dragon? In China , there is a famous green tea with more than a those years of recorded history known as Xi Xu Long Jung Green Tea (West Lake Dragon Well Tea). Prized for its aroma, flavour and health benefits, it has even granted the status of Imperial Tea during the Qing Dynasty by the Chinese emperor. The majestic nature of this tea goes to the next level with the creation of the Tea Journey at the Enchanted Spring.

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Sweet Love
Thinking of pledging your love or renewing your vows to your loved one? Take a stroll with your loved ones through the tunnel of love and soak in the romantic scents from the beautiful blossoms.

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Dinoland
Kids will love this, the extinct dinosaurs were spotted at Sentosa! Is Sentosa going to be ruled by the dinosaurs and becomes another Jurassic Park?

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Dragonflies
Oh no! Even gigantic dragonflies are migrating to Sentosa

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Flower Fairies
Worry not, we have the flower fairies looking after the flowers, keeping them strong and healthy.

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Seaworld
Unknown to most, Sentosa's waters are host to an incredible array of marine life and home to almost 200 species of corals, turtles, crabs and more.

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There are many other colourful and interactive photo points such as the Tress of Life and Lost Garden at the Enchanted Spring Sentosa Flowers. Come down to Sentosa Flowers, amidst a magical floral wonderland that is cloaked in the sweet scents and brilliant hues of spring.

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Dragon Gate Inn.
This year Mount Faber also debut in the Sentosa Flower floral festival. Guests can complete the Sentosa Flowers experience by taking an idyllic ride on the Singapore Cable Car and visit the Dragon Gate Inn (龙门客栈) at The Jewel Box. Guests can take photos with a large dragon-shaped kite or enjoy a cup of Jasmine tea and light refreshments.


Event details
Date: 22 - 29 January 2012
Time: 10am - 10pm
Venue: Merlion Plaza, Imbiah Lookout, Beach Plaza, Resorts World Sentosa and The Jewel Box (Mount Faber)
Event admission: Free entry (usual island admission charges apply)
Website: http://flowers.sentosa.com.sg