I was here on a weekend to try out 'mezzatea' - whereby lunch and high tea are combined (only available on Saturday). I was told that there would be a combination of Western and Japanese food and tea items such as a variety of cakes, desserts, and a chocolate fountain.

I was disappointed to find a very limited seafood selection, comprising only of prawns (steamed, served cold), mussels, oysters, and flaked tuna. I had anticipated sashimi, at least some other cooked fish dish, or even smoked salmon, all of which were unavailable. The oysters, though freshly shucked, had a slightly fishy taste. I thought nothing of it though (perhaps I should have, my companion pointed out later on, that the man who was shucking it did not wash the oyster afterwards to remove any broken shells or grit!).

There were only two types of so-called gourmet sandwiches available. Bread was plentiful, however the only soup served was tom-yum (a rather strange combination to have with bread). When I approached the bread counter, I had to request for a cloth from the kitchen staff to hold the bread in place. No glove or cloth was available, which I found odd. To have an open kitchen concept - I would think that hygiene standards would be exceptionally high. I could not bring myself to imagine how many other diners already touched the loaves and sliced away using their bare hands.

The only Japanese food options available were yakitori, hand-rolls (which were made on the spot, upon request), both of which tasted ordinary.

Desserts were probably the highlight of the mezzatea. There was bread pudding, a selection of cakes, éclair, ice-cream, and accompaniments for the chocolate fountain. A variety of other delectable desserts behind the glass counter looked tempting – however those were only available if you order from the a la carte menu. There was also caramelized almonds (wrapped in individual paper cones), which I found highly addictive and tasty.

A selection of fruit juices, gourmet tea, and coffee were also part of the buffet – all of which are free flow.

Ambience wise, as this is only available on Saturday, families with kids comprise the bulk of the dining crowd. The occasional screaming, clatter of cutlery (they double up as toys) and cries from babies and toddlers occur regularly.

There is nothing remarkable about the mezzatea, I would recommend you hop over to StraitsKitchen for a better (predominantly Asian) buffet deal.