This Mother’s Day was one for the books. I had the privilege of celebrating with my amazing workout friends — all incredible mothers — at the beautiful Arena Boutique Hotel. It wasn’t just a dinner; it was a celebration of everything we’ve been through together — the laughs, the struggles, and the victories.
The Food:
The buffet spread was impressive — a colorful and mouthwatering mix that pleased both our fit-foodie sides and our indulgent-mom cravings.
- Seafood station: Fresh prawns, mussels, and oysters that tasted like a little trip to the ocean.
Baked Salmon: A Simple Dish, Done Beautifully
When done right, baked salmon is pure magic — and this one truly delivered. The salmon was served elegantly, with a slight golden crust on top and a vibrant, juicy center. A sprinkle of fresh herbs added a pop of color that made the dish feel as fresh as it looked.
- Taste and Texture: Perfectly cooked — moist, tender, and flaking beautifully at the touch of a fork. The seasoning was balanced: just enough salt, pepper, and a hint of lemon to highlight the natural richness of the fish without overpowering it. There was a light buttery glaze that added a silky finish, but it didn’t feel heavy or greasy. Every bite melted in the mouth, delivering that wonderful buttery-ocean flavor you hope for in salmon.
- Sides: Paired with a simple medley of roasted broccoli and cauliflowers and a zesty sauce, it made for a light but satisfying meal. The sides complemented the salmon’s richness perfectly, making it feel complete without being overwhelming.
- Overall Impression: A classic dish, skillfully prepared. This baked salmon was fresh, flavorful, and satisfying — proof that sometimes the simplest dishes are the hardest to perfect, and the most rewarding when they are eaten with family and friends.
- Local and international delights: There was something for everyone, from creamy pastas to aromatic curries and healthier grilled options.
Sambal Mussels: A Fiery Seafood Delight
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and fresh seafood, sambal mussels are a must-try — and this dish completely stole the show. The mussels were served piping hot, generously coated in a rich, deep-red sambal sauce that looked both inviting and intimidating (in the best way). A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side added a fresh, vibrant touch.
Taste and Texture:
The mussels themselves were plump, juicy, and perfectly cooked — no rubbery textures here. They soaked up all the spicy, savory goodness of the sambal. The sambal was full of punch: smoky, slightly sweet, with a slow-building heat that made you keep reaching for the next mussel, even while wiping away a little sweat! The balance of spice, garlic, and a hint of tanginess made each bite exciting without overpowering the natural sweetness of the seafood.
Sides:
Served with fluffy white rice and a cooling cucumber salad — the perfect companions to temper the fiery kick.
Overall Impression:
This sambal mussel dish was a flavor explosion. It delivered everything you want from a spicy seafood dish: fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a little bit of a “wow” factor. Whether you’re a spice lover or just someone who enjoys authentic, vibrant cuisine, these sambal mussels are a winner.
Butter Prawns: A Golden, Buttery Indulgence
When you think of comfort seafood, butter prawns definitely top the list — and this dish was everything I hoped for and more.
Presentation:
The prawns were beautifully arranged, glistening under a silky golden butter sauce. Light, crispy bits of fried egg floss were sprinkled over the top, giving the dish an elegant and mouth-watering finish.
Taste and Texture:
Each prawn was perfectly cooked — juicy, tender, and sweet. The butter sauce was the real star: creamy, rich, and aromatic, with just the right balance of savory and sweet. There was a hint of curry leaves and mild chili in the sauce that added a subtle spice and fragrance without overpowering the buttery goodness. The crispy egg floss gave a delightful light crunch that made every bite interesting and satisfying.
Sides:
It paired wonderfully with fragrant white rice, which soaked up every drop of that addictive butter sauce.
Overall Impression:
These butter prawns were pure indulgence — rich, flavorful, and so satisfying without feeling heavy. It’s the kind of dish you find yourself thinking about long after the meal is over. A true classic executed perfectly!
Salad bar: For those of us trying to balance the feasting, the salad station was well-stocked and fresh.
Desserts: Decadent little cakes, fruity tarts, and a strawberry pie, tiramisu and ice-cream that brought out our inner kids!
The Atmosphere:
Arena Boutique Hotel created a cozy, inviting space that felt just right. It wasn’t too loud, so we could really talk — and oh, did we talk! We laughed until we cried, shared hilarious horror stories about motherhood, our workout regime, our personal training stories, and even got a little teary-eyed remembering the hard moments we’ve survived.
The Company:
There’s something so powerful about being with women who “get it.” We bonded deeper over stories, cheered each other on, and made sweet new memories that we’ll be smiling about for a long time.
Final Thoughts:
Amazing food, beautiful ambiance, and even more beautiful friendships. It was a reminder that no matter how busy life gets, nights like these — where we nourish our bodies and souls — are so needed.
Thank you, Arena Boutique Hotel, for making our Mother’s Day magical.
chrisywong.com 