I'm a person of habits. When a restaurant leaves enough impression on me, I will remember that experience fondly and eagerly look forward to the next visit, so much as to reserve special occasions for it. Such is the case of The Line, buffet restaurant of Shangri-La Orchard, where I celebrated my birthday this year!
When it first reopened after a major renovation, I was awe-struck by its futuristic decor, unimaginable range of cuisine and oh-so-good quality. Think grilled lobsters, parma ham with melon and chocolate fondue. That was more than 5 years ago when such items were out-of-this-world luxurious!
Fast-forward to present time, when hotels are competing fiercely for the best buffet spread. While the environment still pleased me, I couldn't help but notice that the place has really, aged. Cutleries/utensils looking worn-out, tables with scratches and the cool-looking orange bars with obvious patches of dirt on the inside. I am willing to turn a blind eye to that, as long as the food is still good!
Shangri-La is holding their anniversary promotion of 39% off total bill at any of their restaurants. Prior bookings are required, but the online procedure was pretty hassle-free. The theme for Wednesday dinner was Oysters Night with free-flow of Archipelago Beer. For the guzzlers!
Blame it on my poor photography skills, but I found The Line's lighting to be really difficult to work with. Apologises for the orange-ish hue!
Appetizers
Live Oyster Counter: The freshly-shucked oysters were faultless. Creamy, sweet and with natural sea-saltiness, they were indeed one of the best I ever had!
Salmon Sashimi: Just normal
Crabmeat with Diced Mango: Loved the very refreshing (and lazy me) creation!
Soup: Couldn't remember if its clam chowder or a cream-of-something, not memorable anyway.
Rojak: Good if you had the sudden craving for it, otherwise very normal.
Italian Corner
Thin-crusted mini pizza: Soggy base.
Seafood risotto: Interesting with the usage of barley grains instead of rice.
Stuffed Ravioli: Mushy.
Live Pasta Counter: It wasn't a matter of timing, but the fettuccine quality was just not up to mark, breaking easily and rather tasteless.
Western Selections
Cheese Flan: Cold and coarse.
Grilled Beef: Manageable with watery sauce.
Yorkshire Pudding: While I didn't have a proper one before, I'm sure a good one wouldn't taste as rubbery as this with overly sour hollandiase sauce.
Nope, no lobsters, prawns appeared only for one round (and that was when I just arrived), and I left the exotic crocodile and ostrich meat untouched.
Chinese Selections
Dim Sums: Wide range but pretty average craftsmanship.
Laksa: Surprisingly good with a rich and creamy broth.
They used to have a live counter for Wanton Mee, but that area was welled up, presumably for renovation.
Indian Selections
Prata: I used to love their buttery, crispy prata and I'm glad that it was still pretty well done.
Satay: Ordinary,
Tandoori Meat Choices: Tough and over-laden with spices and sauces.
Desserts
Macaron: Plain horrible with a chewing gum-like texture, I kid you not.
Chocolate section: Redeemed some points with thick velvety cream and smooth cakes
Green Tea Cake: Clearly lacking, if any flavour.
Strawberry shortcake and mango cake fared well though.
Live Crepe Counter: Jam selection was too sour.
Decent tiramisu, creme brulee and strawberry puff, while I appreciate one of the chef's effort in arranging my cheese platter nicely.
Bill for 3 was $168 after taxes and discounts. One word to sum it up: Disappointing. Please don't make me add another word in front. For its original price of $78++, I feel that The Line had severely faltered over the years with very little items standing out.
Maybe I had too high expectations of it, maybe first-timers will still be delighted. All that pleasant memories will remain as memories and sad to say, promptly struck off as favourite buffet place.
The Line
22 Orange Grove Road, Basement Shangri-la Hotel
Tel: 6213 4275
Taken with Nikon D70
6 comments:
The Line @ Shangril-la, is my favorite buffet brunch in Singapore haha We always go for brunch as it's much cheaper and usually with DBS/UOB, there's 15% discount.
I do agree that they minimize a bit, and the tiramisu is not as good 4 years ago. :)
You are not alone. This place is really overrated, the only thing that is good is the serenity the surroundings get to offer and that the price has not changed for the past 2 years.
I visited The Line twice, last year for their brunch and this year for their dinner. So far, one of the items that left a deep impression was their crepe station. Did I tell you that the tables were so cramp that each time when I attempted to exit from my table to grab more food, my butt literally wiped the edge of the adjacent table...
The other thing about buffet is the surprise element. Usually the first visit is the best as one don't know what to expect but if it impresses you on the second, you know you are in for a treat...
Try Triple 3's weekend dinner and Checkers Brasserie's Sunday Brunch... A love hate relationship (i.e. love their food and spread but dislike the price tag)... OUCH!!!
I think we should all go to Meltz the world cafe one day for buffet! Maybe that might be a good redeemer for the name "buffets"
Loraine: Haha, I think not even a 15% discount will entice me back now.. Unless glowing reviews on them start appearing!
Fen: Serene surroundings yes, but depends on luck too,I remember you talking about your sunday brunch next to a bunch of screaming kids.. ahaha.
I agree with you on the element of surprise. I have been to The Line for at least 4 times, and this was really a drastic freefall if you were to plot a chart. Saw your post on Checkers' brunch, drool-inducing!
Justin: Great idea! Triple 3, Meltz, Checkers, there are so many worth checking out now!
Hello~ Love your photos!
Just wondering, do you happen to have any idea the buffet themes for the other nights, beside Oyster Night on Wednesdays? And are the prices the same for all weekday nights?
Hi Anonymous,
I can't quite remember what the other themes are, but I think there is a bbq night and seafood night somewhere when I called to check. Nope prices are not equal, with a +/- $10 difference depending on the theme. Do check with them when making phone reservations!
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