Absolute Haven

Romantic dinner for two that wouldn't hurt your wallet.

Couple months back, I passed by this place and was attracted by the dark blue and mustard colored signboard. Love the color and the place looks simple and nice. But as I already had my dinner, I didn't step in to try Absolute Haven out.

And recently, I found myself back and this time, touched by the warm service we received from the people at Absolute Haven. As there was another establishment above the restaurant, the waiter who saw me walking towards the building, wasn't sure whether I'm there for the food or going upstairs. So he waited, and when I walked closer towards the place, he greeted me with smile and opened the door for me. I was then lead to a table which I'd requested and served the menu. One thing that I would like to comment is that instead of walking away, the service staff will asked if I would like a glass of water. At some other places, they don't even serve water. Good thing they still do at Absolute Haven.

I requested for warm water and soon it was served. They'd added fresh strawberries in their water. (warm and chilled) That's a pleasant surprise. Places who do serve water, usually add lemon to it, but here they used strawberries! (and we all know strawberries are more expensive) The service staff will continue to top up your glass ensuring that there's always water for everyone in their glasses. This is something worth commenting too. Cos you'll never once have to wave your hands to request for refill.

List of items ordered include... Starters Spinach and Wild Mushroom Salad $7.50 Mushroom Soup $5.80 Seafood Sampler $18.00 Mains Oriental Cod Fish $24.00 Chicken Roulade $20.00 Tenderloin Steak $28 Desserts Victorian Creme Brulee $8.00 Tira Mi Su $9.00

The first that was served was the Spinach and Wild Mushroom Salad, it didn't turn out as we'd expected. There were 3 types of mushrooms and a handful of Spinach on the plate. The presentation of the salad could have been better. At first sight, it really didn't attract me to want to try it. But the fragrant was a strong magnet. I almost drooled even before I tasted it. I quite like the taste of the balsamic vinaigrette dressing on the mushrooms and spinach. Overall I'll give this dish a 3.5 out of 5.

As a big fan of mushroom, I just had to order the very mushroom Mushroom Soup (as stated in the menu). It's not the usual creamy mushroom soup. This is a puree version of the soup. Its a mixture of portobello mushrooms, shitake mushrooms & button mushrooms. I'd tasted similar mushroom soup before, this wasn't as mushroom mushroom enough. Instead, it kinda taste like mutton soup, perhaps due to the layer of oil and the blend of the other ingredients. Didn't really enjoy it as much as I'd hope. This I'll give it a 2.5 out of 5.

Next up the Seafood Platter. Looks good but taste could have been better. The platter consists of crispy squid rings, cod-fish nuggets, breaded prawns and their Chef's special dips. I'll leave this review for the others. Personally, I enjoyed the dips more than the seafood. And one thing for all to note, please do not attempt to finish this on your own. The serving is big enough to feed more than 4. So this platter is good for sharing. (But keep the dips to yourself! :D) 2 out of 5 for this. ( 1.5 more for the dips)

Out of the 3 mains, I only tried the Tenderloin Steak, as the other 2 contains bacon which I don't take. I did try the avocado salad on the side of Chicken Roulade. I like the way they mixed the avocado, corn, tomato and onion. It's a refreshing salad which compliments the chicken well.

Tenderloin Steak was not bad. The steak was cooked just right and was a little char at the outside. Presentation looks great, and the side was thinly layered and a blend of potatos, carrot and cheese. The sauce was a tad too saltish, but personally it works quite well for me. Just nice when blended with the stead and the sides. This I'll award it with a 3.5 out of 5.

And finally, the desserts! Between the 2 ordered, I preferred the Victorian Creme Brulee more. Although some said it tasted of too much egg, but I like it. The Tira Mi Su was not bad but could have been. 3.5 for Creme Brulee and 3 for Tira Mi Su.

Will go back again, to try their other dishes (Salads, the dips and pasta). And to enjoy their great service and drink their strawberry ice water! :D

Giving 1.5 star more for the great service. They really deserve it! Thanks for the wonderful experience.