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The weekend dim sum brunch offers several exquisite dishes, and all at substantial portions for things like wok-fried Kurobuta pork and steamed live prawns in case you think they scrimp on the servings because it is unlimited.
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Unusual items in the menu include deep-fried escargot dumplings (love the crusty thin multi-layers of the puff pastry shell), and the wafer-wrapped cod fillet with black pepper (melt-in-the-mouth cod within the fried wrapping). Even the regular siew mai and har gow are upscaled with additions of baby abalone and jade green spinach skin respectively, and both delectably juicy.
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The roasted pork belly, kurobuta char siew and roasted duck were individual items served together in a combination plate, the champion was the roast pork belly - my mum remarked at how perfectly proportionate the meat and fat layers seem to stack on top of one another, and the crispy rind was adequately thin for this exquisite meat.
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Desserts were vibrant as their colours red, green and yellow, ending the meal on a bright note. My parents preferred the sweet mango cream with tart lime sorbet, while I was gobbling mouthfuls of avocado cream with black sesame ice cream and organic black bean pudding at the bottom. The slightly alcoholic lychee sorbet with wine cocktail jelly and nu er hong became the palate cleanser against the two heavier desserts.
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When I made the booking, I failed to state that it was a birthday lunch for my dad. Turns out that the restaurant gives a complimentary cake for that! We were a little green-eyed seeing cakes being served to the other two tables beside us. Minutes later, Joy, our thoughtful wait staff, magically produced one with a candle! She sensed the situation when I asked about the cakes and quickly checked to see if they had any extra. It might have been a rather pricey lunch at about $80 per person, but seeing the smiles lit up on my parents' faces was priceless. Thank you Cherry Garden! #Burpple