Azur @ Crowne Plaza Changi Airport

Buffet lovers alert! Azur at Crowne Plaza Hotel is launching a series of premium buffet dinners for the gourmand with a penchant for unpretentious yet tasteful dining experiences. For the first edition of the gourmand experience, Azur launches Feast Of The Seven Seas this July over a limited period of two weekends (19-21 July 2013, 26-28 July 2013).

Selection of Premium Chilled Seafood 4.5/5

For the gourmand experience, diners will get to feast on the most decadent and exotic fresh seafood and shellfish flown in from different parts of the world. Pick from chilled seafood counter a premium selection of Boston Lobsters, Steamed Blue Crabs, Tasmanian Crayfish, New Zealand Green Mussels, Freshly Shucked Fines de Claires Oysters, Jumbo Bay Clams and Poached Tiger Prawns.

Lobster Bisque 4.2/5

The Lobster Bisque was packed with the beautiful lobster flavour, robust and velvety.

Black Pepper Slipper Lobster 4.2/5

The Black Pepper Slipper Lobster was fresh and nicely coated with the pepperish flavour. The black pepper was slightly on the sweet side not overly spicy, allowing one to still enjoy the freshness and sweetness of slipper lobster.

Hawker Style Stir Fried Bamboo Clams 3/5

The Hawker Style Stir Fried Bamboo Clams is cooked in a chilli crab like sauce which was very delectable. Unfortunately the bamboo clams with a bit overcooked and tough.

Baked Whole Salmon with Seafood and Aromatic Spices 4.5/5

It was very interesting to know how the chef pieced the salmon, scallops and prawns all together into a dish. The Baked Whole Salmon with Seafood and Aromatic Spices was definitely one of the favourite among the group. When eaten together with the coconut and lemongrass espuma, the combination reminded me our local otak dish which was quite unique and delish.

Baked Conchigliette Pasta with Shrimp & Mozzarella Cheese 2.8/5

The Baked Conchigliette Pasta with Shrimp & Mozzarella Cheese was probably the least favourite. The pasta was kind of dry and felt like the dish is screaming for more sauce. For a seafood themed, it was lackluster.

Parisian Mussel with Fresh Herb Crumbles 4/5

The Parisian Mussel with Fresh Herb Crumbles was fresh and fat. I liked the simplicity in execution allowing one to fully enjoy the nature flavour of the sea.

Besides what I have tried, they are many other delightful seafood dishes such Truffle Risotto with Pan Seared Scallop, Truffle Salt and Caviar Butter, Amritsari Fish, Freshly Sliced Sashimi and Soft Shell Crab Tempura available during Feast of the Seven Seas. All these mouthwatering menu items await alongside the selection of award winning cheeses from New Zealand, appertising starters, freshly baked bread and desserts.

The Gourmand Experience First Edition
Feast of the Seven Seas
Date: 19-21 July 2013, 26-28 July 2013 (Dinner only)
Adult: $88.00++
Child: $44.00++
*Include a complimentary first glass of red/white wine or mocktail
**15% of total bill if reservation is made online


Azur 
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
75A Airport Boulevard
Singapore 819664
Tel: +65 68235354
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cpchangi
Website: http://www.crowneplazadining.com
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit to Terminal 3. Take lift to level 2. Walk to Crowne Plaza Hotel. Journey time about 3 minutes.

Rice & Fries @ Changi Road

Located within walking distance from Kembangan MRT station, Rice and Fries is a new resto-cafe among the row of eateries along Changi Road. Stepping into the resto-cafe, the chalkboard drawings captured my attention giving the place a friendly can casual vibe.

The family run resto-cafe is headed by Chef-Owner Ken Chia who has honed his culinary skills at the Ritz Carlton, Fullerton and Crowne Plaza Hotel. There is even a cute family drawing of the crew at Rice & Fries on the chalkboard.

Forest Mushroom Cappuccino 4/5

The Forest Mushroom Cappuccino Soup ($4.80) was creamy and velvety. The comfort and hearty soup definitely whetted up the appetite and I was looking forward to the rest of the dinner.

R&F Salad 3.5/5

The R&F Salad ($5.80) comes with garden greens with R&F dressing, tomato confit, olives and egg. If I am not wrong, the dressing is balsamic vinaigrette. I enjoyed the salad with the tangy taste of the dressing which worked harmoniously with the rest of the ingredients.

Soft Shell Crab Salad 3/5

The Soft Shell Crab Salad ($7.8) comes with unique and interesting curry mayonnaise sauce that complement the soft shell crab. While the soft shell crab and curry mayonnaise sauce was beautiful, I didn't find the whole dish came together as a salad dish.

Chicken & Mushroom Fricassee 3.5/5

Not only is the Chicken & Mushroom Fricassees ($11.80) served with garden veggies and butter rice a crowd pleaser, it is also easy for kids to consume with the chicken being cut into pieces. The dish also comes with peas, carrot and mushroom in a delectable creamy sauce so that the kids get their greens too.

Filet Mignon 4.5/5

The heart stopper at Rice & Fries is the Filet Mignon ($42.80) which has a luxurious plate of prime cut, foie gras and bone marrow risotto. While the plate lacked of colour it did not lack in flavour. The short loin was cooked beautifully, pinkish, tender and simply melted in the mouth.

R&F Pork Chop 4.2/5

The R&F Pork Chop ($13.80) was beautifully cooked and it tasted wonderfully in the garlic bbq gravy. The succulent pork is also served with tomato confit and thick cut fries on the side.

Trio Mushroom 4/5

A vegetarian dish on the menu is the Trio Mushroom pasta ($9.80). The pasta was cooked al dente in a delectable tomato based sauce. Loved how the tangy tomato and earthy mushroom flavours all came together as a dish.

Lamb Shank 4.5/5

Probably no one can cook lamb shank as good as Chef Ken. It is the exact dish Ken Chef wooed his accountant wife when he was a restaurant chef and she was a student waitress. During staff meals, all the staff had fried rice but Chef Ken painstaking take hours of preparation and cooked lamb shank for his wife. This is no ordinary lamb shank at Rice & Fries. The Lamb Shank ($24.80) is made of love. Love for his wife, love for the food and love for the customers.

Creme Brulee 4/5

The dessert menu is not extensive but they were delish. The first thing to do with the Creme Brulee ($8.80) is to crack the caramelized sugar and it did not disappoint with the crackling sound. The custard was smooth and silky while not eggy.

Waffle with ice cream & maple syrup 4/5

While the group preferred the Waffle with ice cream & maple syrup ($5.80) to be more fluffy, I actually like the version which allowed me to enjoy the crispiness of the waffle. Topped with New Zealand Natural ice cream, a classic combination of waffle and ice cream brought a smile to everyone's face.

I am actually quite surprise that I can find such good quality food at a suburban establishment. I applauded the love Chef Ken and team put into the food. Rice & Fries has also recently launched their Weekday Lunch and Weekend Brunch. Most exciting is the all new Asian/Singapore inspired brunch menu such as the All Star Nasi Lemak, Double Boiled Chicken Congee and Dim Sum Dollies.


Rice & Fries
484 Changi Road
Singapore 419896
Tel: +65 97386648
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rice.Fries.Steak
Nearest MRT: Kembangan (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Kembangan MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road at Sims Ave East. Walk along the canal to Changi Road. Cross the road and turn left. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes.