IKEA Tampines : Buffet on Christmas Eve

I went down a week or so before the event to purchase a ticket, the ticket is priced at $25 for member and a $10 voucher was given along. They announced a few days later on their facebook that all tickets have been fully sold out. A table number has been allocated upon purchase to monitor the number of person attending the Buffet. There were a total of 3 sessions on that day to choose. First session was for lunch from 11.30 pm to 2.00 pm, the second session was from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm and the third session was from 8.00 pm to 9.30 pm. 

We gotten there slightly after 5 pm, the queue was already formed right at the entry and we joined in. They allowed entrance at about 5.10 pm, we presented our tickets to exchange for a banner to be worn on our wrist while dining there. This is definitely a good way to allow their diners to leave for a toilet break and come back. That service staff that supposed to lead us to our table ended up took us for a merry-go-around as she couldn't locate the 17A. The table was the end of a long table right at the corner. We were told to start the buffet right after. 

The buffet spread consists of Turkey, Ham, Bacon wrapped Sausage, Baked Salmon with Potato & Onion as well and not forgetting their signature meatballs. The appetisers were pretty extensive, it consists of chilled prawns, potato salad, spicy salmon salad and more. The dessert selection were cream puffs, log cakes, fruits cocktail and different types of fruits.

The queue started to get really long when more diners joined in, the waiting time was really long as per diner usually went for multiple plates of food as they did not want to wasting time to be in the queue again. Part of the reason that contributed to it was the buffet line is to be closed 30 minutes before the ending time at 7.30 pm. 

Another disturbing scene was most of these diners ended up with too much unfinished food and contributed to food wastage. I guess this is something for them to work on if there is next such event. They could also work on the replenishment rate a bit, certain items like the popular log cakes did not replenish fast enough as they only supplied 2 rolls each time. It was snapped up almost immediately every time when it served.

It was somewhat an enjoyable Christmas Eve nevertheless.

IKEA TAMPINES

60 Tampines North Drive 2 SINGAPORE 528764

Big Bern's American Grill : Christmas Menu

If you wonder, Big Bern's American Grill is started by Bernie Utchenik, 62, the former boss of Botak Jones after he opted out of the partnership. 

We were there for a late lunch, it was not as crowded as expected, we went through the menu quickly and placed our orders right at the counter. We decided to go with the Louisana Turkey Plate ($16.50) that is part of their Christmas menu. I was asked to select an extra side to go with it. The other order was half of Cajun Chicken ($5.90) that came with 2 sides of our choice. 

The Louisana Turkey Plate consists of their special Louisiana Peanut Oil Fried Turkey, Bread Dressing, Double Baked Cheese Potato and Cranberry Sauce. The presentation was a typical American style, a little messy but homely. I added Coleslaw as an additional side. The texture of turkey was alright, not too fantastic and not much taste as expected of a typical turkey dish. It is all in a good fun though and to soak up a bit of the festive mood.

I particularly enjoyed the Double Baked Cheese Potato, i could taste quite a few pieces of chunky potatoes in it with slices of onions then baked well with cheese. I would think the taste was just right, not overwhelmed and with a good amount of cheese to give it a comforting feel. It is quite an unique side dish amongst the usual selections. 

The Cajun Chicken is always one of their signature dishes since those days when i used to patronise Botak Jones. It still tasted good if it's not better. I did not quite like their Pasta Salad though, the texture was a bit too soggy and taste, not too distinctive. I have eaten a much better one and i could make a much better one, too. 

Overall experience was quite a pleasant one. I would like to go back for their steak. I heard their standard is pretty good, supposedly much better than those that i have eaten at Botak Jones. 

BIG BERN'S AMERICAN GRILL

978 Toa Payoh North #02-01 SINGAPORE 319001

Operating Hours: 11.30 am to 9.00 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)

Immanuel French Kitchen : Christmas Menu

If you are still in the midst of deciding where to eat during this Chrismtas season then you might want to give Immanuel French Kitchen a thought. They are serving a simple yet affordable Christmas menu that includes Roasted Pumpkin Soup ($4.90) and Sous Vide Turkey Breast ($16.90) which i happened to try and enjoyed it totally. 

The Roasted Pumpkin Soup is a must-order, it was amongst one of the better that i ever tasted. It has always been my comfort food and this one, is just exactly how i would liked it. It was done perfectly to give it a just right texture, nicely thick and rich but not overly creamy then served with bits of rice crackers to give it the nice bite. 

The Sous Vide Turkey Breast tasted just fine, pleasantly nice but it did not manage to amaze me. The texture was moist and tender though the taste was rather light and a little plain but it was a nice traditional dish to have during the Christmas. It was served along with a delightful pile of mashed potato in a pool of caramelized onion gravy.

IMMANUEL FRENCH KITCHEN

Block 119 Bukit Merah Lane 1 #01-40 SINGAPORE 151119