 |
| Idyllic setting by the waterfront |
Like most salaried folks, we slog through work commitments, errands and chores during the weekdays, leaving precious weekends to spend meaningful quality time with our family. Like most, these meaningful times would often revolve around a good meal. Sadly, while buffets are not lacking in Singapore, we sometimes let form, or should I say ‘food’ overrule the substance – the actual purpose behind the meal itself. While the adults may be busy tucking into their money’s worth of food (and feel terribly guilty later), the kids, who naturally have smaller appetites, would be bored after having desserts as their main courses and whipping out their electronic devices in no time… Before you know it, that ‘meaningful’ family gathering would be over – adults gorged, children bored.
Not unless you’re at the Rasa Sentosa’s Sunday Garden Party at Atmosphere by the sea.
 |
| Our Hawaiian Girl… |
The 5-star Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa’s beach side restaurant, Atmosphere By the sea offers not only the quality and diversity of good food worthy of the signature luxury hotel, its themed Sunday Garden Party (held on the first Sunday of each month) pampers guests with a relaxed and intimate environment to kick back, chill and enjoy a leisurely Sunday afternoon as a family.
The theme for the Sunday Garden Party changes monthly. We happened to visit on a Sunday where it was a Hawaiian theme so we were welcomed in typical Aloha style, presented with a fresh flower leis each upon arrival then promptly served with free flow fresh coconut juices as part of the buffet – how very refreshing for this tropical humidity!
 |
| Perfect beverage for the Sunday Garden Party – Coconut Juice! |
 |
| Dine by the sea… |
A quick glance at the buffet spread spied a comprehensive array that nearly spans the entire culinary globe. From Asian delights like Satays (must try!), Tandoori Chicken to the freshest Seafood (think juicy Lobsters, Prawns, Scallops, Alaskan King Crab Legs and Deep Sea Oysters), Sashimi Platters, exotic Cheeses and Mediterranean hors d’oeuvres. Just when we thought the indoor selection was amazing, we discovered there were ‘LIVE’ stations outdoors serving Peking Duck, Suckling Pig, Grilled Tenderloin, cook-to-order Pastas and more food. It’s just almost impossible to savour everything in one seating!
 |
| The multi-tiered seafood tower… |
 |
| Scallops and Oysters… |
 |
| Asparagus and Prawns… |
 |
| Appetizers too pretty to eat… |
 |
| 12 types of gourmet cheese imported from France… |
 |
| Outdoor ‘Live’ Stations… |
 |
| Succulent Roasts… |
As we dine, a roving quartet of musicians armed gamely with maracas, ukulele and strings serenaded us with Hawaiian classics like Pearly Shells, Blue Hawaii and other timeless classics. Set against the beachfront setting with occasional wafts of warm trade winds, we could very well have been relaxing on the pristine beaches of Kona or Oahu!
 |
| Music by the sea… |
I’m a firm believer that every good meal should end on a sweet note. Let’s put it this way, the variety of mousses, cakes, macarons, gelatos, fruits and local sweets at the Sunday Garden Party’s dessert bar made us really happy. The kiddy guests were made to feel special with a mini buffet line set up just for them. Here, they seemed to have found the right formula for families: keep the kids happy and parents will be happy!
 |
| Watermelon amuse bouche |
 |
| Mousse cups… |
 |
| Macarons… |
 |
| A Gelato cart! |
 |
| Cheese cake, Choc cake… |
 |
| Creme Brulee…. |
 |
| Kids’ Buffet Line! |
The Sunday Garden Party is not just about good food. Rasa Sentosa wants families to have a fully immersive experience. Midway through the meal, an entertainer showed up and enchanted the kids with magic tricks, games, dancing and balloon sculpting at the coconut grove. For couples who rarely get to enjoy an uninterrupted meal together since the kids arrive, this is really a very good compromise! We were told that on certain months, there would be bouncy castles, bubble play and other sports too!
 |
| Specially set up, just for kids! |
 |
| Enthusiastic crowd… |
 |
| Happily entertained… |
After lunch, families are encouraged to stay on and enjoy complimentary use of the resort’s natural water swimming pool, slides and splash pad. We saw a couple quietly slipping away to sun tan on the beach-front lounge-beds after their meal (while their babies were snoozing in the twin stroller). How clever!
 |
| Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa Resort, Sentosa |
 |
| The natural water pool… |
 |
| The splash pads… |
 |
| The children slides… |
 |
| Loving the slides! |
The cherry on the cake for us, apart from the food and activities, was the signature Shangri-la service. The obliging staff with their ever-ready smiles and their warm hospitality distinguish the Sunday Garden Party from just ‘another’ hotel buffet. It truly is one of the most thoughtful and enjoyable dining experience for families. We ended our day sipping our fresh coconut at the beach, enjoying the balmy sea breeze as the trees gently swayed to the strains of ukulele chords, accompanied by the occasional peels of laughter from the children in the distance.
This is how an ideal Sunday should be – fun, family, fine food and fabulous service…and we found it all at Atmosphere by the sea!
 |
|
| Kids love the Sunday Garden Party! |
 |
| Spotted a Pea-hen and her chicks at the Party! |
Sunday Garden Party, Atmosphere by the sea
Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa Resort
Every Sunday, 12noon to 3pm
SGD 128++ for 1 Adult ( 1 Child below 12 years old DINES FREE with every paying Adult)
SGD 28++ is chargeable for each additional child
You can choose to sit indoors in air-conditioned comfort or dine AL-fresco outdoors. Complimentary parking for diners, subject to availability.
The next Sunday Garden Party on 1 June 2014 will be a World Cup theme with Soccer, Samba and more sizzling activities. On 15 June, there will be a Fathers’ Day Sunday Garden Party with something special planned just for Daddies.
For reservations, please call (65) 6371 1966 or email [email protected]
For more details, check out Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa’s Website or Facebook Page
Thanks so much for this review! We love sentosa and this just adds on to the fun! Yours is definitely my favorite blog 🙂