JBM Coffee & Dining

I always appreciate places in CBD that open till late because if I'm working late, at least I won't be starving. One Raffles Place re-opened recently and one night, we decided to pop by JBM Coffee & Dining. 

I didn't have much expectations for this place, and expected it to serve average food.

There was a 1-for-1 promotion and since we didn't mind eating duck, we got the JBM Ling Duck ($19). I enjoyed this dish thoroughly- beautifully cooked slices of duck,  juicy mushrooms and a tangy rose sauce to accompany the linguine.

We also got the Chocolate Tart ($4.50). In an area where overpriced desserts are the norm, the decently priced tart with its smooth chocolate piled on a pie crust was value for money.

If the quality of all the items on the menu are like what I have eaten, I will be looking forward to more trips to this restaurant. Service was also polite.

JBM Coffee & Dining
One Raffles Place
1 Raffles Place
#03-23/24/25
Tel No: 6 536 1047 

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Au Petit Salut

To celebrate a birthday, we went to Au Petit Salut. At Sin$38++ for set lunch, I guess it's considered decently priced given that the eateries at Dempsey are generally pricier. 

For starters, we got the Baked Burgundy Snails. I seldom eat snails but everytime I eat them, I can't help but think about the snails that are always on the pavement after the rain. Almost like eating mussels or clams, the snails were chewy and soaked in the the piping hot tomato fondue and herb garlic butter. After the richness of the tomato and garlic butter falls away, there is a slightly unpleasant taste of snails though.

For mains, I got a Risotto with Prawns, Baby Scallops, Squid, Arugula and Parmesan. I am not someone who enjoys cheese. Unfortunately, this was very cheesy (I should have read the menu more carefully). Ignoring the cheese aspect, there was plenty of fresh seafood in this dish.

For desserts, I got the Valrhona Dark Guanaja 70% Chocolate Gataux, Coffee ice cream. For this dessert, you had to pay an extra Sin$6. Anytime a dessert has cocoa content of 70% and above, I would definitely be having it. This dessert didn't disappoint and was an exploration of textures. The smoothness of the coffee ice cream which rested on a bed of crunchy crumbs, together with the luscious chocolate cake was a definite treat.

The food was more than what I would usually pay for a meal. In terms of value, I would say that it's only worth spending this amount for the ambience. Food was good but it wasn't worth its price. Service was attentive.

Au Petit Salut 
40C Harding Road
Tel No: 6475 1976

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The Mulia (Nusa Dua, Bali)

1. Room

Everything about the room was great. The bed and pillows were very comfortable, the room was well equipped, there were 65 channels on TV, and the most fascinating of all (although not strictly necessary), the toilet seat is automated so that it opens and closes without you lifting a finger! 

I love places with orchids because they just seem to make everything look so elegant.

 2) Location 

Located around an hour away from Seminyak, we spent US$25 to get a hotel car to get the 6 of us to Potato Head at Seminyak.

The hotel is by the beach. There are plenty of seats near the beach so just grab a book and spend your afternoon in the perfect setting.

Besides these, there really isn't anything much in the vicinity.

3) Amenities 

I don't usually talk about pools in a hotel but the number of pools here is just fascinating.

Besides pools, there is a fitness centre, a tennis court, spa etc. What differentiates this fitness centre from others is that they provide free lessons like yoga and have free personal trainers as well. Keeping you healthy before you indulge in a good meal!

4) Restaurants 

The Cafe 

We had a lunch buffet at The Cafe. There were many stations, including Western food, Chinese food, Indian food, Japanese food, Korean food etc. The variety was just massive. But what really seriously took buffets to a whole new level was the Dessert Room. Or rather, dessert roomS. You enter into one dessert room and then this leads to another dessert room. There is just so much excitement a man's heart can take.

The Deli 

The Deli was a convenient place for us to take away some food. Serving cakes, chocolates, salad and sandwiches, this was a good option for those who want something light and quick.

From The Mulia

Table8 

There were mixed reviews about Table8. I liked the breakfast that was served though- an assortment of dim sum, porridge, Chinese desserts etc.

6) Service 
Service here was polite and not intrusive. There were many staff around the compound so when you got lost, you could just ask them how to get around.

Summary 

If you are looking for a quiet place to spend your time and would rather enjoy good facilities, food and service within the hotel compound, this hotel is for you.

The Mulia
Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan
Kawasan Sawangan
Nusa Dua
Bali, Indonesia 

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