Christmas Eve Buffet Lunch @ Greenhouse

Well illuminated by its high ceiling, Greenhouse at Ritz Carlton is one of the more mentioned buffet in Singapore. Note that this is a festive menu for Christmas Eve buffet lunch, featuring the hotel's Traditional Honey Glazed Gammon Ham, Roasted Turkey and 2 of the hotel's log cakes .


Overall, the buffet offers a decent treat of International, Asian and Japanese cuisines. Local delights such as Mee Siam and Mee Rebus can be found at the noodle live section while the Japanese section focus on an array of sushi; salmon, tuna and swordfish sashimi; edamame and hiyayakko cold tofu.


Since this is a lunch buffet, there isn't oysters in this section but the regulars namely Chilled Tiger Prawns, Mussels and Scallop are available.


The star of the buffet is the Roasted Turkey that is so tender that it is easily mistaken as chicken. There is an option to enjoy this festive dish with apple or mushroom sauce. The Traditional Honey Glazed Gammon Ham is on the salty side and has a thick layer of fats that melt in your mouth.




On the other live carving section, there is tempura, roasted beef and salmon wrapped in filo. There is nothing to shout about for the tempura but the roasted beef is well-sheared on its exterior with a medium raw core. If you prefer your beef to be served well done, this maybe too raw to your liking.


Salmon in filo, served with a generous slab of salmon, wrapped in light flaky filo pastry, is a must-try in our opinion. However, live section changes and may not be available everyday. Do check with the hotel if this dish catches your attention.


Having ordered 2 cakes from Ritz Carlton and that they have not disappoint, I hold a high expectation of the dessert bar. Selection is limited when compared to Oscars, The Line and Cafe Biz.

Apart from Nonya Kueh and Thai Sweet, the desserts bar has an ice-cream bar, whole cakes, dessert shooters and Chinese desserts. Chocolate and Hazelnut Royal Feuillatine Mousse Cake outshines the Tiramisu and New York Cheesecake for its extremely high chocolate content.


Shooter desserts didn't strike the right chord as the raspberry sauce topped on the panna cotta was very sour while the lemon curd of the meringue tart was very sharp in taste. Though the orange chocolate cake and chocolate mousse is bitterish due to its high chocolate content, our preference is inclined towards the hotel's Chocolate and Hazelnut Royal Feuillatine Mousse Cake.

Special mention to the hotel's Almond Frangipane Tart with Mixed Red Berries for the nice tart base and almond filling. As for the “SUNSET” Pistachio and Raspberry Mousse with Pistachio Pain de Gene, the only impression gotten was it being very sour.


Overall, the dining experience was very pleasant. Service was prompt and attentive with our plates cleared and water re-filled at a regular basis. Greenhouse seems to focus more on the quality of food so will be alittle disappointing if you are looking for spread.

Greenhouse
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
7 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039799
Tel: 6434 5288

Operating hours:
6:30am to 10:30pm (All-day á la carte)
6:30am to 10:30pm (Buffet Breakfast)
Noon to 2:30pm (Buffet lunch)
6:30pm to 10:30pm (Buffet dinner)
11:30am to 3pm (Sunday brunch)

As there are many pricing for their buffets, please call to re-confirm the pricing.

Buffet lunch (26 Dec 2009 to 31 Dec 2009)
$48++ (A), $24++ (C)

Buffet dinner (26 Dec 2009 to 30 Dec 2009)
$59++ (A), $29.50++ (C) [Sunday to Thursday]
$76++ (A), $38++ (C) [Friday and Saturday]

Oyster Night Buffet Dinner [29 Dec 2009]
$68++ (buffet dinner only)
$97++ (inclusive of free flowing vintage sparkling wine, house pour red or white wines, beer, juices and soft drinks)
$34++ (C)

Vintage Champagne Brunch [27 Dec 2009]
$148++ (A), $74++ (C, 6 to 12 years), $37++ (C, 3 to 5 years)

New Year Eve International Buffet Dinner [31st Dec 2009]
$128++ (A, inclusive of a glass of cocktail)
$64++ (C)

New Year Champagne Brunch
$148++ (A), $74++ (C, 6 to 12 years) $37++ (C, 3 to 5 years)

New Year Buffet Dinner
$79++ (inclusive of a glass of festive mocktail)
$39.50++ (C, 6 to 12 years), $19.75++ (C, 3 to 5 years)