Birthday Lunch @ The Manhattan Fish Market, Pavillion

What you see may not be what you will get~ Technically there was nothing wrong but I can't help feel a little disappointed by the food presentation and quality. The image on the left is what I was served compared to the promotional image(right).

My brother had always wanted to try the Flaming Platter @ The Manhattan Fish Market. Since I wasn't going to be around, we decided to take opportunity of the groupon promotion and celebrate his birthday a little earlier. Usually price for the Platter alone is usually RM55.90 and with the groupon it was discounted to RM47 with complementary 'chowder' and salad.

Before I bought the groupon, I called up the Pavillion outlet to enquire if we could use it on Good Friday because it was stated in the t&c that it is not valid on a public holiday. It had to be on this particular day because it was the only day before my flight where his school is off. It was a simple question but the phone was passed around with the employees mumbling and giving me mixed answers. (If they had said no, I would've gone there anyway. The only difference is that I wouldn't waste my money for a groupon that I cannot use.)

I was quite annoyed but luckily the Manhattan Facebook Team had some sense and quickly clarified this issue. During my visit, the service was quick and efficient but the quality of the meal was....well it's not that it taste bad but it leaves something to be desired. The salad was still crunchy and crisp but it had already begin browning. I didn't think much of this but on our way out, there was salads in the display counter. I don't even want to think how long it has been there. 

I didn't ask but I believe we were served Mushroom Garlic Soup since it taste like mushroom but with an overwhelming garlic flavour - kinda like melted garlic bread. It wasn't bad and it was rather thick and filling. However, I was looking forward to being served 'chowder of the day' since that was what printed in the groupon. According to the dictionary, it refers to a rich soup usually containing seafood but if there was any in it I couldn't taste it.

The main meal after over looking its appearance was actually really delicious. They brought the pan over and flamed in front of us before serving. My brother particularly enjoyed the fried oysters and my favourite was the Mediterranean fish. What that was surprising is the rice beneath the seafood! I'm not one who would choose rice as my side dishes as it would usually turn out dry and taste-less but this was simply divine. 

My brother and I was practically bloated by the time we finished it. If you're a small eater, this set could probably feed three as opposed to two and I'm telling you my brother is NOT a small eater. But of course individual appetite applies. 

To digest our lunch we decided to walk around a bit before picking up his dessert (a promise made earlier). He decided to have Gelatomio Fruito and even though we selected the smallest cup that dude serving us really packed up the cup. (Now I know how they make money) It cost me about RM15 for it which is rather expensive to me. My eyes were practically daggers when he looked like he couldn't finish it since he was still stuffed from earlier. 

He managed it in the end with me helping out a little (chocolate still isn't really my thing) and look rather tortured :P We had a great day but I doubt he would want to stuff himself like this for a long time. But then again, its only his birthday once a year. And at this point of writing he still hasn't have the slightest inclination for his dinner.