I like Japanese Buffets because I can order as many dishes as I want and not have to consider whether I will be a grass-eating pauper after, and not be too bloated because the portions dished out are pretty small. For instance, if you ask for 1 serving, you will literally get one serving of food (like bite size beef-mushroom roll etc).

And also, buffets are good for people who haven’t met in the longest time to catch up over small bites, where you can go on and on and on and on…

Recently, I just paid a visit to Irodori (where I frequent pretty often) and just thought I could share it with you guys!

Irodori Japanese Restaurant signboard.

The Menu and now the food:-

My absolute favourite – Salmon & Swordfish Sashimi!

And a fraction of what we ordered:-

Generally the food is pretty okay, but didn’t really like it when the service tends to be very messy and slow.

Counter seats where you get special attention from the chef, but there are also designated rooms and areas where you can book for your gatherings too!

And oh, we witnessed a Birthday Celebration while dining there too!

Just in case you start wondering, Irodori is located at Riverview Hotel 3rd level, and adult per head is @ $33++ whereas for children it is @ $20++.

AND AND AND…. There is 25% discount on your entire food bill during lunch & 10% off for ala carte items during dinner! I LOVE!

The stairway leading to the alfresco dining area – surrounded by the lush green trees… I like!

The menu

My brother likes the ambience of the dining area – he says its beautiful from every single perspective. The seat where he was taking faces the sea – which is entirely awesome! I think its perfect for couples if they wanna have some nice romantic dinner.

What’s more, it isn’t hot even though its outdoors – Fantastic!

Now the food (Sorry wasn’t alot of pictures though!):-

Seafood Bisque Soup – S$16 – wasn’t as thick as the one we tried back at Foster’s on Ian’s Birthday – the thickness of this soup was just nice, just right for the tastebuds.

Fresh Lobster Linguine – S$30

Oven Baked Chilean Codfish Marinated with Moromi Miso & Vegetables Ragout $34

From what I understand, they cater to events and parties (one of their waiters told us they’ve been having crazy parties pretty frequently)!

Their staff were a real friendly and nice bunch, BUT we weren’t exactly impressed when they got back to our bill really slowly and our enquiries on holding parties even slower, or rather, didn’t even have a staff coming to attend to us re our enquiries. Hmmm…

The area is pretty serene, great for classy events such as weddings and a classy birthday party. Halia is located just at the edge of the Ginger Garden, beside the National Orchid Garden. I kinda like it, it’s something new and different from all the venues we have seen in the city – this is something close to mother nature, perhaps one could have a roman garden party… I like!

The prices for buffet ranges from S$40/pax, according to the lady I spoke to at the venue. But Jasmine did point out that the outdoor area might get a little hot if the party is held in the afternoon. Hmmm..

That aside, perhaps the only bad thing is its kinda inaccessible, the road leading in is a one-way road, and we had a hard time trying to locate the place.. Should have done our homework before getting there! And the gates closes at 11pm, which means my party will have to end about 10 plus?

But anyway, the entire venue can accommodate over 300 guests, indoors and outdoors included, the indoor area is perfect for the family (which means Grandma Josephine can sit down and not walk around too much) and Grand Aunts won’t have to stand around too! And the outdoor seating is ideal for people to stand up and walk around to mingle, that’s what I like about it!

You guys can check it out @ http://www.halia.com.sg/singapore/html/banquets_and_seminars.html

The best thing is, they are okay with projector screens, sound system… which allows me to have my little stage for my friends to perform!

Hmmm, but it’s just the closing time that I’m concerned about.. Will think about it!

Cost of Venue: Waived with min. pax 70 (if i remember correctly)

Buffet Price per pax: From $40/pax

Accommodates: Around 300 pax

I got these pictures off the website, am really loving the grand piano (allows me to have a friend who can play the piano to have a little classy performance), the really lovely furniture..

http://www.rafflestownclub.com.sg/06_accomo_presidential.html

By the way, you have to be a member of Raffles Town Club to be able to book this place.

I didn’t really like the attitude of the emails I got back from the person that I enquired from though. Here are some details I got from them:-

Cost of venue: S$2380++
Buffet Price per pax: Buffet Dinner Menu chargeable at $75.00++ per person
Minimum spending at $2500.00++ is required for all booking at the President Suite
Accommodates approx: 20 – 30 pax

But that aside, the suite comes with a jacuzzi, private sauna, indoor heated pool and a private roof garden! Wonderful facilities for friends to chill and relax with ultimate privacy. Still lovin’ the fact that I can have a friend to play at the grand piano!

My ideal one, is actually a nice, fully furnished villa with a pool, so people can sit around, chill to enjoy the food. Let me show you what I mean…

http://www.thesentosa.com/hotel/beaufort/singapore/sentosa/resortandspa/accommodation/gardenvilla.html

What really attracted me was the private swimming pool, beautiful garden terrace and the Pharo massage-jet whirlpool in the master bathroom!

Unfortunately, I doubt the venue can accomodate the number of guests that is on the list. Moreover, the management has strict restrictions on holding private parties, probably with the privacy of other guests in mind. On top of that, only in house catering services are allowed hmmmm..

Cost of venue: S$1800
Buffet Price per pax: $100 – $105
Accommodates approx: 20 – 30

So just let me show you the print screen again..