WHO: Maureen Ow (www.misstamchiak.com)
Blogging for: Seven years. Sees blogging as a hobby and not fulltime job, so doesn’t charge for reviews. Her advertising revenue is managed by Nuffnang.
Blog’s birthday wish: To write more overseas food stories and to try out a short stint in a restaurant or hotel for that insider experience.
Most tam chiak (greedy) moment in 2014: “On my solo trip to Melbourne in March, I visited up to six cafés for cappuccinos in a day, on top of lunch and dinner.”
Ultimate comfort food: Black carrot cake from Song Zhou at Bedok Interchange Food Centre.
Most memorable meal and why? Tamashii Robataya (#02-01, 12 North Canal Road) for the fantastic ambience, the omakase, the set lunches under $20, and the creative Singaporean chef who is very good with the grill. “Having so many places to eat at, I don’t really make repeat visits. But I went back to Tamashii at least five times!”
Favourite hangout: Currently, One Man Coffee (215R Upper Thomson Road).
THE BUFFET: International dinner buffet Marriott Cafe ($68++ per person, daily 6-10pm)
Time of visit: 27 May, 7pm
Strategy: Start with seafood on ice, some sashimi. Next, savouries. “I went in a clockwise direction for milder Asian food then moved on to western dishes.” Dessert is last.
Didn’t eat: Salads. “90 percent of my tummy belongs to savoury, cooked food. My boyfriend says ’wah very rugi (a loss)’ when I eat buffet.”
Second helpings of: Their signature sticky date pudding.
Best dish : The pasta live station.
Maybe not: Cottage pie. “There was too much mashed potato and too little meat. It was also not flavourful enough.”
Highlight: “Ang mo chef slicing the sio bak is very unique!” (She’s referring to executive sous chef
Matthew van der Zwan; he’s Dutch but born and raised in Australia.)
Before you go: “Have some green tea for digestion.” Marriott Café serves a premium selection of Ronnefeldt teas (as part of the buffet).
Verdict: “There’s a lot to eat! I shouldn’t have worn this tight dress that’s cinched at the waist.”
How many BiTES?
Taste: 3.5/5
Value for money: 3/5
19 June 2014
