I've been to giraffe early this year with a group of friends and not too long ago with the same group. Initially we felt that everything was like a 6 out of 10. However on our 2nd visit, we discovered that the standard of the food and service have dropped further and tremendously. The other day I was chatting on msn with an acquaintance and coincidentally whose friend's uncle used to be the head chef at giraffe, shared with me that his uncle was being 'replaced' a couple of months ago by a somewhat cheaper and less experienced head chef. So do that explain the drop in the taste of the food? Further, I was being told that this place belongs to and managed by ex-crews or staff of SIA who were supposedly professionally trained for excellent service, yet i saw otherwise. I had intention to feedback to the Company but was advised that the management do not bother nor will entertain such feeback. I was flabbergasted and decided to share here with all instead.

A resturant and bar that stands in the middle of Istana Park, vividly along the way to PS!

When the first waiter attended to me, I thought that what he’s wearing was really sloppy. Then, i realised…’yea, that’s their attire, the kampong like attire’ Which brought insight into the place that unless you have patronised the place before, you simply cant tell the theme of the place from its exterior.
The interior, with a choice of bar seats which are downstairs and up the stairs, we have a choice of indoor or outdoor seats.
Jer identified….it to be kinda Thai-style. Well, seems like ther’s no clear cut to me. It’s contemporary, cosy, thai-ish and a lil kampong-ish. Quite a special theme..esp when they made their workers to wear that kinda attire too!

As for food, the Giraffe salad with soft shell crab was nice. It’s dressing has wasabe in it..which i love It just makes the salad taste so nice…and i think it has tinges of sweetness in it too!

Jer’s Garlicky Chicken was really nice as well, and i dn expect it when i look at the menu.

And lastly the buttons of mushrooms in bread crumbs w their home-made tar tar sauce!

hahas, but i think the food there are relatively expensive, matching serving with value. It’s quite nice though.

Oh! and it’s pretty much a place for gatherings…

PICTURES at
http://ddoodles.wordpress.com/2008/04/26/giraffe-break-time/

Cousin wanna celeb my bday with me and so suggested to have dinner here. Pity no more indoor seats and we had to make do with alfresco dining in a humid evening.

Being undecided on what to eat and slightly perspiring in the humid weather, we both ordered a beer each to cool down first.
Hoegarden White ($10.90)
Erdinger Dunkel ($11.90)

We continued chatting whilst drinking and wait staff prompted us couple of times to make our orders. Hmm. Its not really done in an intrusive way but I think if they ever gonna prompt further, its going to get irritating.

Finally we made our orders after looking through a simple menu. No huge variety but I guess sometimes simple is good. :)

My cousin opted for the Norwegian Salmon in Pesto sauce ($16.90). I did not try so I don't know if its any good. No complaints from her though. The salmon portion was relatively big and looked good.

I opted for a Pan-Seared Tenderloin ($24.90), to be done medium rare. It was done nicely. Meat was tender and easy to chew. No hard edges etc that is a pain in chewing. A steak knife was provided and my fish knife removed. The down side of this dish was the side vegetables. It was just simply blanched and bit undercooked.

Prior to the meal, 3 pieces of foccacia bread were served warm and accompanied with a chopped olives dip. Warm bread tend to get into my good books, as opposed to cold bread. btw, the bread and dip were complimentary, I assume.

Overall, the meal was pleasant and I liked my main course. Although I did not try any desserts, the chillout ambience was commendable to R&R with friends. Indoor seating could get quite chilly though as the aircon was pretty strong when we passed through the indoor area.

One suggestion though, they could try to place more fans in strategic positions in the alfresco area to simulate wind on humid days.

P.S.: UOB cardholders are entitled to 15% discount. Minus point, no PUB water served.

I went with a group of girl friends to this restaurant for a birthday celebration. I ordered the seafood laksa spaghetti which was quite nice. However, I actually found a strand of LONG HAIR IN THE FOOD!. It really makes me wonder whether the chefs observe hygiene when they are preparing the food. I informed the waiter and he immediately cleared away everything leaving no evidence. They had offered to replace the meal but i had totally lost my appetite and requested it to be taken off the order. The manager actually insisted that it be served because they are already preparing it. I couldn't believe this is the way they treat their customers. I am utterly disappointed with their service and hygiene. They actually insisted I accept the order so that they can charge me for the food. They did not even have the courtesy to apologise. I hope people really reconsider going there and even if u do choose to go, please look out for hair in the food.

I went there for the celebration of my hubby's birthday.

He ordered pasta and I ordered the Garlicky Chicken. Both taste yummy. Both of us ordered drinks but till the dessert time, the Molten Lava the chocolate is too thick and we got to get ourselve another drink. So we asked for plain water. I guess they really don't serve plain water and my hubby don't know. The waitress asked us whether want to have distilled water or sparkling water. We said we want distilled water. We thought it is free but when that bottle of water is here, we guess it will cost us a few more bucks. When the bill came, that bottle of distilled water cost me $6.50. We can't finish it and in my mind, I am thinking.. OMG.. so expensive, I better take it home to re-use it. Haha.. that's Singaporean.

The seat that we chosen is pretty hot. Cos it is outdoor and no fan. Now I know next time if I go back there, which place I want to sit. Heehee~~