The interiors of Waterfall Cafe
Restaurant atmosphere: Waterfall Cafe is a misnomer - it really is a restaurant, and one that has the whole Mediterranean-chic charm covered: neat rows of spice jars adorn white walls, with a sizeable wine cellar that sits comfortably in the middle of the restaurant floor space. Tall glass windows look out to the hotel pool outside C completing the resort ambience that Shangri-La is known for (it is in the name...). It's the perfect spot for a brunch buffet, we reckon.
 |
| A brunch staple: Eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce | Photo credit: Waterfall Cafe |
What to eat: If you¡¯re a huge buffet buff, the first thing you¡¯ll notice is that the brunch buffet spread is not, in fact, of royal proportions, but a fresh appetizer spread of mostly salads, cold cuts, seafood and soft cheeses C which is frankly something we prefer over gluttonous buffet tables that aren¡¯t always the classiest sight.
Each patron is entitled to one bottle of organic soda, one hot breakfast item, and one¨¤ la carte main.
 |
| Chef Stephane Cocu's Mediterranean influence is brilliantly articulated in the French toasted Poline bread with olive oil and Joselito jam¨®n (Spanish for 'ham') - on the buffet table | Photo credit: Waterfall Cafe |
Possibly the most popular breakfast pick is the eggs Benedict with rye bread and smoked salmon trout. A generous portion for one, no doubt, but do pace yourselves.
The free-flow wine selection is thoughtfully chosen to complement the abundance of seafood (Alaskan king crab, poached prawns on ice, and smoked salmon, etc.) on the buffet table. We recommend the Riba White from Portugal for appetizers, and the Darien Tempranillo from Spain if you¡¯re having red meat for mains.
The salad spread is outstanding. Apart from the customary Caesar salad, you can find a refreshing watermelon salad, or a less conventional red beet and potato salad with smoked eel and horseradish cream C a welccomed surprise of colours and flavours that one would not typically expect.
For mains, the Hokkaido scallops and saffron risotto and edamame is a must-have. Seared and scored to perfection with a semi-pink centre, the scallops are the perfect complement to the creamy, and almost frothy risotto. This foamy presentation of the risotto allows the dish to remain light, without letting the density of the rice overwhelm the scallops.
Other main courses include a succulent free-range New Zealand rib-eye steak, steamed seabass, and a stunning oven-baked lamb leg with thyme, roasted spicy potatoes and vegetable fricassee.
 |
| There is always space for dessert | Photo credit: Waterfall Cafe |
Dessert is served on a shared platter (depending on number of guests per table) and features four delightful dishes: mango shortcake, trio of chocolate mousse, cr¨¨me brulee and lychee soup with fruit cubes. The shortcake C which is exclusive to the brunch menu C is our favourite item of the lot. The light, fluffy sponge cake cradles a layer of sweet mango slices that make a delightful end to a sumptuous meal.
Prices: $78++ per adult; $116++ per adult (with free-flow wine)
Waterfall Cafe | Address: Garden Wing, L1 Shangri-La Hotel, 22 Orange Grove Rd | Tel: 62134138 | Opening hours: Daily 6.30am-11am, noon-3pm, 6pm-11.30pm; Buffet hours: Sun 11am-4pm
