Colony at Ritz Carlton Singapore: Buffets in Retro Chic Glam

Remember Greenhouse? It's been revamped and whoa, what a transformation! Say hello to Colony which opens today at the same location - level 3 of the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore.

We were completely blown away at the official opening yesterday. Here's what the place looks like now.





When you step in you'll be amazed by the glass showcases of food (desserts are upfront) and also the tall panels that separate the dining areas into cosy cloisters.






Colony alludes to the British sea voyages to East Indies for trade and commerce in the late 18th century. The British-colonial look is anchored by vintage and bespoke furniture featuring tartan and houndstooth prints.





It's an eclectic mix of modern and retro, with old maps, photographs and postcards decorating the partitions. Looking at these, you'll fondly transported to a bygone era.





But let's check out the food. There are eight live stations, manned by friendly staff:

1. The Ice Bar

Freshly shucked oysters on ice - we saw Fine de Special, Normandy, Prat-Au-Coum, Irish and Fine de Claire.




More seafood on ice: highlights include King crab legs, half shell scallops, langoustines, black mussels, poached live prawns (items may rotate).



The excellent cheese tradition continues here with this lovely smorgasbord. I count at least 25 cheeses. Camembert is included, so this wins brownie points! Drizzle some of that honeycomb onto the cheeses and enjoy!



A glass showcase of cold cuts and cured meats including smoked salmon.




But the highlight of the ice bar for most is probably the sashimi counter. We had amberjack, salmon, akagai, and various types of sushi. I'm glad to attest the fish is very fresh.



Next to the oysters we have a salad station all decked out. They will make rojak here for you too.

That's it for the cold food. The other stations are tucked away in a little enclave.




Follow the passageway at the back to discover more delightful treats.

2. The Grill & Rotisserie

A selection of both Asian and Western meats are offered here. Highlights include beef wellington, sop buntut (Indonesian oxtail soup), Iberico suckling pig with Balinese spices, beer battered cod fillet, beef and stout stew, and grilled satay.



The satay is very good indeed - generously meaty skewers that are nicely marinated.




The grilled prawns looked really good, but I got a mushy one and someone else got one that was too salty.




There were grilled lamb chops that evening.



Beef stew with red wine jus.



Don't miss the grilled foie gras. I think it's topped with pear jam and candied pine nuts.

3. The Tandoori

Next to the grill section, you have some pretty decent Indian food - meats, seafood and breads cooked in a traditional Tandoor oven. Most of the dishes are covered but don't be shy, just explore! I love the pilaf rice.



And the naans...I don't know how I managed to resist these. Oh well, trying to control carbs.


4. The Wok


Local wok-fried delicacies here with a full show kitchen. Highlights include Singapore chili crab and seafood fried rice with XO sauce. They were OK. I only tried the gravy, and the rice I prefer the pilaf. Other dishes include pig's trotters with vegetables, pork mince with Thai basil and chili (nice), and red snapper.



There was Hokkien mee - oooh, is that fried pork lard all on top?



I loved the cereal prawns.



The black pepper crayfish looked nice.


5. The Steam Basket


Here, you get your dimsum like scallop dumplings and xiao long bao, steamed bao and Asian noodles.




The noodle station dishes out some seriously good stuff. If you like something light, go for the hand-pulled noodles with supreme chicken broth.





Otherwise, the Colony Laksa is truly a must-have! The gravy kicks ass - it is rich, thick and savoury. It also comes with a handmade lobster ball (that lumpy white ball you see).

6. The Fruit Stall

Hidden at the side is a fruit juice and fresh fruit section. They will make juices upon order with interesting combinations like banana and spinach.

7. The Patisserie

Desserts! All manner of exquisitely crafted pastries, trifles, puddings, mousse cakes, Nonya kueh, bread and butter pudding, artisan tea chocolates and ice cream.

A photo posted by Catherine Ling (@camemberu) on Sep 22, 2015 at 7:42am PDT

Too gorgeous!

If you are #diningatcolony #RitzCarltonSingapore, don't miss the #cendol #icecream - divinely creamy and coconut-rich! This #simple #sweet #dessert brings back #nostalgic #memories !

A photo posted by Catherine Ling (@camemberu) on Sep 22, 2015 at 7:59am PDT

Make sure you get the cendol ice cream - it's the one that had us going for seconds. So velvety rich with the real flavours of cendol!

8. The Bakery

Freshly baked breads, pastries and sandwiches. They have a creation called the Upper Crust (cookie on top of muffin base) which I totally missed. I'll have to come back for that.




The pastries look so irresistible!



So that's all the 8 stations but there's also a roving mixologist who will handcraft specialty cocktails at your tableside.






Here he is making the "Bengal Brew" which is like a teh tarik spiked with rum, and sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg.




The "Long Journey" (egg, honey, whisky and French Earl Grey) and "Bengal Brew" cocktails (S$22 per glass) are designed to mirror the passage taken from Great Britain to the East Indies.








Now you need to sit down and look at prices and timings. For a buffet spread of this quality, these are not too bad. The place may have gotten a swanky upgrade, but the prices haven't risen much.


Breakfast
6.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., daily
S$45 per adult
S$22.50 per child (six to 12 years of age)

Lunch 
12 p.m. to 2.30 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays
S$58 per adult
S$29 per child (six to 12 years of age)

Dinner
6.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., daily

Sundays to Thursdays:
S$78 per adult
S$39 per child (six to 12 years of age)

Fridays and Saturdays:
S$88 per adult
S$44 per child (six to 12 years of age)


Champagne Afternoon Tea
3.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays
British-style three-tier afternoon tea set with a glass of Louis Roederer NV Brut
S$49 per person

À la carte pastries and sandwiches will be available at The Bakery from S$ 4.50 per piece

Vintage Champagne Brunch
12.00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m., Sundays
S$188 per adult*
S$138 per adult^
S$94 per child^ (six to 12 years of age)
S$47 per child^ (three to five years of age)

*Inclusive of unlimited Louis Roederer Brut Vintage 2008 and Brut Rosé 2009, selected cocktails/mocktails, house pour red/white wines, draft beer and soft drinks

^Inclusive of unlimited soft drinks and fruit flavoured sparkling mineral water

Prices are subject to 10 percent service charge and prevailing government taxes.

COLONY
Level 3, Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore
7 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039799
Tel: +65 6434-5288
Email: rc.sinrz.restaurantreservations@ritzcarlton.com


Thanks to Ritz-Carlton for the invitation to the official opening.

Photos taken using the Canon 7D Mark II kindly loaned by Canon Singapore.