Saturday, May 10, 2008

Combo Treat - Mother's Day and Dad's Birthday

May is a busy month for my family. With Public Holidays such as Labour Day and Vesak Day, there's also Mother's Day and 3 birthdays in the family to busy ourselves with.

In short, it is a month where my family loosens their wallet and belt at the same time.

This year, we chose to dine at the once famous Lai Wah Restaurant. It is one restaurant which has managed to withstand the test of time - through the constant upgrading activities by the Housing Development Board (HDB) as well as the numerous restaurants mushhrooming throughout the island.

For 40+ years, the restaurant remained in it's current location below a block of 3-room flats. The decorations inside the restaurant reminds one of a scene from those old Hong Kong movies. Nonetheless, during the Chinese New Year period, Lai Wah would be fully booked for stretches of weeks. Without advance booking, it is close to impoossible to secure a table there.

With the recent visit, I can only vouch that it surely lives up to its reputation of serving great food at affordable neighbourhood prices. It only costs $134 (10% discount with UOB credit card payment) for 6 dishes and 6 tummy-filled, satisfied customers.

Two thumbs and two toes up from me!

Cold Starter Dish - Jellyfish with Chicken Shreds, Fried Egg, Prawn Salad, Springroll


Pork Ribs - Fatty yet irresistible!

Crispy Roast Chicken - Better than KFC!


Steam Fish Teochew Style - Dad's favourite


Stir-Fried Ee-Fu Noodles

Almond Jelly with Longans

The food was so delicious that I simply forgot to snap a shoot of it almost everytime the food was served - hence the half consumed dishes for some photos! :)

Coming of Age Where The Bones Start to Creak

Birthdays are always nice.

Family and friends gather for a mass pigging session. But as one progresses with age, some reduces the festivity to a private affair.


I was lucky to be treated to an exclusive dinner on my birthday and to be quite honest, if it weren't a treat, I would never have set foot into the restaurant.


view of the marina area from Jaan



Fancy names aside, this was what I had for dinner that night.


Cinderella mocktail


Breadstick starter with Goat Cheese and Eggplant Dip


Cream and Mocha Soup - complimentary of Jaan

Foie Grass

Lobster Tempura


Ox-Tail Soup

Fish with Potato Springroll


Sirloin Cube Steak


Dessert Part 1 - Chocolate

Dessert Part 2 - Vanilla Ice Cream & Caramel Peanut Bar


The food was great and all but given a choice, I would still prefer to pig out with friends and family over cheap roadside food fares.