PALM'S (*****):

: Even if management calls the place an "Asian brasserie" -which sounds weird!- the PALM'S is actually, to the sophisticated eye and palate, a Californian restaurant. High-tech with light decoration, modern minimalist shaped wood tables and banquettes contrasting with sophisticated black marble counters displaying meals on silver plated trays: the dining room should suit the requirements of the New Age golden boys from San Francisco. The chef, Steven Keil, hails from this inventive city where he used to be employed in the highly reputed kitchens of the SOFITEL.

He prepared for us a Filet of Canadian Salmon, with a Salad of Watercress and fried Potatoes Vermicelli. Delicious and light, this was a pleasant meal fitting the tropical weather in Singapore. The Stuffed Boneless Turkey with Honey Soy Sauce was tenderly tasty. For dessert, we could hardly formulate our choice amidst such delicious indecision due to the variety of pastries, creams and fruits available on the buffet. We finally selected a Walnuts Cake, just like the ones we already enjoyed in the good Parisian "bistros".

The bread transported our taste buds to France, so similar was the quality: crispy outside and smooth inside. Only our old-fashioned bakers still make it that great. Wine was an Australian "Mountadam - Pinot Noir 1995": very good value and a most pleasant one. Gourmet travelers with a purse thinner than their stomach will delight in the "Everlasting Spread Buffet" which, every Saturday, non-stop from 11.30am till 10.30pm, allows them to enjoy an unlimited selection of delicious dishes... for about US$25. This is the cheapest banquet in Singapore, indeed !