Park Hotel Group's 2013 Festive Offerings
I was recently invited to sample some of the specials that the Park Hotel Group will be offering on the buffet line and for takeaway at various outlets this festive season.
I skipped the chilled seafood spread as I wasn't very hungry that evening besides, I had to save room for the specials that were created just for 2013's festive season.

The Glazed Five-Spice Bone-In Gammon Ham was moist and not excessively salty. I could barely taste the five spice seasoning, probably because I only had a small piece with a thin sliver of skin. Available for takeaway during the festive season, the ham is available in 2 sizes.

Park Hotel Group features 2 new flavours of Roast Turkey on the takeaway menu. We sampled the Asian-Flavoured Turkey which was moist and tender. Although I love spices like cumin, I thought that the addition of cumin in the grould hazelnut sauce didn't seem to complement the turkey well. The Roasted Turkey with Whisky & Maple Syrup, Steamed Chestnut Cake and Madeira Jus sounds like a better option.

The Angus Rib Eye was succulent and well-complemented by the rich chunks of pan-fried Foie Gras that was served with it. I love the caramelized sweetness of the Cabernet Shallot Sauce that had been poured over the dish. This dish is worth a try if you're dining at Brizo.

The crackling from the Pork Belly was crunchy although I wish the meat had been better seasoned. I was told that the edges had more flavour. I guess it can be chalked up to teething issues. The Crispy Pork Belly is worth a try.

Another highlight from Park Hotel Group's festive offering is the Roasted Australian Wagyu Hind Shank with Thyme Jus that will be available on the buffet line on New Year's Eve at Open House. Adequately seasoned and sufficiently succulent, this dish is worth a try if you're dining at Open House on New Year's Eve.

No matter how full I'm feeling, I always find room for carbohydrates especially when there's cheese, potato and truffle involved. Both starch dishes were delicious without being excessively heavy or salty. Worthy companions to the meat dishes on the line.

I've never been a fan of cooked salmon nor am I crazy about seafood so I wasn't too impressed by this dish. It still seemed fairly popular though amongst the seafood lovers.

I preferred the Sea Salt Crusted Whole Garoupa as the natural sweetness of the moist fish was enhanced very simply yet adequately by the sea salt. The fish is good enough to eat on its own without requiring any Chive Creme Fraiche. This dish is worth a try if you're dining at Brizo.

My favourite item that evening was the Cream of Oyster Soup with Fennel. It was served in an espresso cup with a succulent, fresh oyster that had been coated in light tempura batter and fried till golden brown on the spot. The slighty briny and flavourful soup was not excessively creamy but was light and frothy. A tasty tummy warmer on a cool, rainy evening and especially comforting in the midst of a tiring and stressful period. This is a Must-Try! Available as part of the festive spread at Open House Restaurant, Grand Park Orchard. If you're planning to try this I'd suggest calling ahead to check if it will be served when you visit.

I found the Cream of Butternut Pumpkin with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds soup a little too sweet for my taste as I generally prefer savoury food. I thought it might taste better with some curry in it. Do you like Curried Pumpkin Soup too?
Discounts for superfinefeline's readers
Park Hotel Group is offering some discounts for superfinefeline's readers till the end of the year.
Please quote "superfinefeline" when making reservations to qualify for the discounts listed below.
Find out more details of their festive offerings here: http://www.parkhotelgroup.com/festive/
Grand Park Orchard Open House Restaurant Level 4, 270 Orchard Road, Singapore 238857 Telephone: +65 6603-8855 Email: fnb.gpor@parkhotelgroup.com * 50% off every 2nd paying adult for Festive All-You-Can-Eat (up to 4 diners) from now till 30 December 2013 (except 24 & 25 December). Park Hotel Clarke Quay Brizo Restaurant & Bar @ Lobby Level Cocobolo Poolside Bar + Grill @ Level 2 1 Unity Street, Singapore 237983 Telephone: +65 6593 8855 Email: fnb.phcq@parkhotelgroup.com * Brizo: - 1 dines for FREE with every 3 paying adults for Festive Set Lunch, Semi-Buffet Festive Dinner (Monday to Thursday) & Weekend Seafood Buffet Dinner (Friday & Saturday). Till 30 December (except 24 & 25 December) 2013. ** Cocobolo Poolside Bar + Grill - On 20, 21, 27 & 28 December, 1 dines for FREE with every 3 paying adults for Festive Weekend BBQ Buffet Dinner (Friday & Saturday). PS: Thank you, Park Hotel Group, for the hospitality.