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Possibly the best buffet in the east, Azur's spread offers an international selection including live oysters, live prawns and Haagen Dazs for only $42++.
THE term “airport hotel” comes with its own baggage, if you pardon the pun. There are enough badly made-for-television movies about airport hotel dalliances to hammer in the impression.
If that’s the case for you, you’ll need to visit the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport to correct that misconception. The entrances may be dimly lit but it is far from seedy. The hotel – connected to T3 – looks more like a resort. It is trendy in design but spa-like in ambience.
I fell instantly in love with the hotel. And this affection extends to the food. There are two food outlets. One is Imperial Treasure on the ground level and the other is Azur, an all-day dining restaurant that offers a good buffet spread and a competent a la carte menu.
You can order from the menu or join the line for the buffet, and chances are that you’ll be equally satisfied. The buffet is at $42, and offers a familiar selection of seafood, warm food, soups and desserts.
The seafood selection – often the make-or-break portion of a buffet line – was a small but super fresh selection. On the day I was there, I had heaps of Alaskan king crabs.
But for me, the highlight was the Indian selection. From the aromatic saffron rice to the various curries, the fragrance was enticing as was the taste.
Another highlight was the drunken prawns, swimming in a tank moments before
they’re cooked in a herbal broth.The sweetness of the prawns make a nice contrast to the slight bitterness of the broth.
If you rather an a la carte meal, try the herb crusted rack of lamb. It costs $34. It comes with baby green, crispy bacon on truffle potato and port wine. I am not keen on lamb but this version does not have that gamey taste. It is moist and tender, making it most pleasant.
And do try the asparagus risotto with morel ragut with a crispy fried king prawn ($26). The creaminess of the rice provided a good contrast to the prawn. While risotto tends to be heavy, there is a lightness to this dish that was appealing.
Maybe it was the relaxed atmosphere but it was hours later when I was done with my meal. Getting to the hotel may sound like a chore to those living in the West or North, but I think it’s one more wonderful thing for those of us living in the East.
WHAT: Azur
WHERE: Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
WHEN: Opens daily 6am to 11.30pm
CALL: 68235354 for reservations
This article was first published in The New Paper on Oct 1, 2008
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