Buschauer

The restaurant certainly impresses with its unbeatable view, offering a visual treat that sets high expectations. Regrettably, these expectations are not met when it comes to the food and service. The most notable disappointment was the meat, excessively dry and nearly inedible. Additionally, the service experience was underwhelming, characterized by inflexibility and a lack of patience in dealing with customer requests and queries. While the setting is exceptional, the culinary and service aspects significantly detract from the overall experience.

Stepping into Congee Village is akin to being whisked away to a traditional Chinese eatery right in the heart of China. The decor and menu combine to create an authentically charming and delightful Chinese atmosphere, a refreshing departure from the usual Americanized interpretations we so often get in other places herein the US. The ambiance is strikingly genuine, offering an experience that feels both unique and authentically Chinese. The wait staff are not only exceptionally friendly and attentive but also insightful, offering helpful suggestions and recommendations that enrich the dining experience. The menu is a celebration of traditional Chinese cuisine, featuring a range of classic dishes, each prepared with care and culinary expertise. Here, the focus is on traditional, time-honored flavors, with dishes that are not overly ambitious or modern, but rather, comforting and satisfying. It's a dining experience that feels genuinely pleasant and fulfilling, resonating with the essence of traditional Chinese culinary art.

We recently dined at Samos in Greektown, and oh, what a pity it was that our experience fell just short of impeccable. The staff was unusually friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, providing us with invaluable advice and recommendations. The restaurant exuded an authentic decor and ambiance, complemented by its neighborhood feel and fair pricing. We were particularly taken with the fantastic vegetarian dolmades, enveloped in tender grapevine leaves and complemented by a well-balanced lemon sauce that danced between bitter, acidic, and sweet. The fresh salad and delectable tzatziki only added to the delight. However, our enchantment was interrupted when a cockroach decided to join us, parading up and down the wall next to our table. A thorough cleaning to address this unwelcome guest, and we would easily award Samos five stars.

Enjoying vegetarian Dim-Sum for the first time, it's difficult to compare it but to non-vegetarian Dim-Sum venues. What stood out the most at Buddha Bodai was the impressive array of vegetarian Dim-Sum options. It's evident that the restaurant went to great lengths to craft a vegetarian alternative to nearly every conceivable Dim-Sum dish, and they achieved this marvelously. While the dumpling skins and bao texture were average, the flavors overall were delightful, offering a wholesome and healthy alternative to the traditional meat and seafood-based Dim-Sum dishes. We left with our taste buds satisfied and are eager to return for another experience.

Hotel Fort Canning is a charming boutique hotel, exuding history, nestled within central Singapore. A serene haven, it is perched atop a hill, requiring a 10-minute uphill walk from the nearest MRT station. The rooms are generous in size, and the bathrooms are luxurious, boasting splendid views. However, my experience was slightly marred by a persistent musty odor in the room, which only subsided after cranking the air conditioning. The amalgamation of historical elegance and modern amenities make this hotel an attractive option for travelers who don't mind a short hike.