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             For A Traditional Christmas 
              By Amy Van  
              UOB Ala Carte Series 
              Easy Streats Weekender, 13 Nov 2003 
            EXPECT a cosy, heartwarming - and traditional - Christmas 
              at Raffles Hotel. 
             Its F&B outlets are offering special Christmas Eve 
              and Christmas Day meals.  
            While each has its own special dining style - from 
              fusion dishes, such as shellfish Miso broth, pineapple kaya ravioli 
              and masala beef tenderloin, at Doc Cheng's, to roasted capon with 
              chestnuts and black truffles at the Raffles Grill - the overall 
              tone remains one of tried and tested favourites.  
            Said executive chef Jean Paul Naquin: "Our restaurants 
              will be serving Christmas classics such as turkey and ham. We'll 
              include a lot of favourite Christmas items such as chestnuts stuffing 
              as well as apple and cranberry sauces.  
            "The desserts will be very homey and traditional 
              too. For instance, yule logs, puddings and chocolate cakes.  
            For those who want some variety, he said: "Besides 
              that, we will also be importing marrons from Australia, oysters, 
              sea scallops, clams, mussels, Alaskan crab and tiger prawns. These 
              will be available at outlets such as the Bar & Billiard Room, Long 
              Bar Steakhouse, Raffles Ballroom brunch (on Christmas Day) and Raffles 
              Courtyard."  
            Another big feature for Christmas are pastries and 
              Christmas sweets.  
             Said 
              Naquin: "Log cakes, stollen, pannettone and Christmas cookies 
              are well-received. Christmas is a traditional celebration and we 
              will be authentic this year.  
            "We are focusing on the home feel of freshly-baked 
              goods. The traditional Christmas flavors and ingredients ie chocolate, 
              orange peels, almonds, raisins, rum, dried fruits, gingerbread and 
              spice are obviously part of the offering."  
            But don't think that there will be nothing but the 
              traditional for dessert.  
            Sample more exotic fare from Ah Teng's Bakery, such 
              as a compression of foie gras and duck breast, with orange brioche. 
             
            According to chef Naquin, the foie gras is imported 
              from the south-west region of France, cooked and alternated in a 
              terrine mould with duck breast and pressed.  
            "The warm brioche with orange is a great accompaniment 
              to the dish with it's temperature difference and citrus taste, which 
              'breaks' the natural fat content of the foie gras."  
            There's also balik salmon - "the creme de la 
              creme of smoked salmon", brought in from Switzerland - with 
              buckwheat blinis and creme fraiche ("and a glass of champagne", 
              recommends Naquin).  
            Raffles Hotel also offers for office parties takeaways, 
              which include desserts such as pannattone and savoury items such 
              as beef, turkey, ham and finger sandwiches. Its takeaways are available 
              from Dec 6 to 25.  
            Also available are hampers from Thos SB Raffles, with 
              items such as foie gras, black truffle vinegar, hand-dipped chocolates, 
              a selection of peppercorns, and a sommelier set with thermometer, 
              foil cutter and wine opener. 
            UOB Dining Privileges  
             CHRISTMAS + NEW YEAR DINING OFFER 
              - Priority reservation for UOB Cardmembers from Nov 13 to 30  
              - Yuletide gift worth $20 from Thos SB. Valid on Dec 24, 25 and 
              31, and Jan 1.  
             CHRISTMAS GOODIES OFFER  
              - 10% off Thos SB hampers, and Christmas treats/takeaway from Ah 
              Teng’s Bakery. Valid from Dec 6 to 26. 
            
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