There are many perfect combinations: chocolate and sex (both of good quality of course), sunsets over the ocean when on holiday, and a bath with bubbles. One other perfect combination that involves bubbles of a different kind, is buffets that serve free-flow champagne or sparkling wine. Even people who don't drink regularly will indulge in a glass, especially if paired with a fresh oyster or succulent seafood.

In the second of our ongoing buffet series I take a look at free-flow buffets, and highlight a few places that do it well.

Bubbles with a View

While the combination of complimentary bubbles and good food is already a winning one, when you add a view to the equation it is almost as good as being on holiday. Tiffin in the Grand Hyatt is one example, with its harbour and garden views. Moet and Chandon Rosé Champagne is the drink of choice at its Sunday buffet, which pairs perfectly with its selection of fresh seafood.

Highlights from the brunch are the Whole Roasted Foie Gras; Baked Boston Lobster in Champagne, Crème and Herbs; Slow Roasted Beef Tenderloin; Beef Tartare; Prawns and Sea Whelk on Ice; Scallop and Tuna Ceviche; and Crab and Cheese Soufflé. 

There is also a selection of themed foods prepared by the restaurant's chefs at various cooking stations. In addition, there are a host of tempting items including breakfast bakery, premium cold cuts and smoked fish, fine cheeses, refreshing appetisers and salads, international hot dishes, and Tiffin's signature desserts. To add to the decadent ambience Tiffin's live trio play relaxing tunes. 

Tiffin's Sunday Brunch is available every Sunday from 11am to 2:30pm. The buffet is priced at $580 for non-drinkers or $738 with free flow champagne. Children can dine for $290.

Another restaurant with free bubbles, good food and an excellent view, that has been recommended to me by a number of foodies, is Tott's at The Excelsior. Its Sunday brunch serves free-flow G.H.MUMM Rosé Champagne, which Tott's describes as having a fruity palate with hints of caramel and vanilla together with light, elegant bubbles. Tott's makes the claim that it is the only Sunday brunch in town serving this champagne.

The buffet offers all the usual suspects: freshly shucked oysters, clams, mussels, crab legs, prawns, sushi and sashimi, fillet of beef, pasta and egg stations, a fresh fruit juice counter and a selection of desserts. Unexpected items include Caviar on Ice, and a Foie Gras cooking station.

The Sunday brunch is available from 11.30 to 3pm and is priced at $698 including rosé champagne, $628 for G.H.Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne, or $428 with unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.

Tott's also does a Saturday Bubbly Brunch from 12 noon to 3pm. It includes a selection of sushi and sashimi, freshly shucked oysters, homemade dim sum, a carvery and a large selection of desserts. The Saturday buffet is priced at $318, which includes unlimited Prosecco.

Champagne and Sake

One restaurant not in hotel that does a free-flow champagne buffet brunch is Zuma. Its Sunday Zuma Baikingu serves free-flow Perrier Jouet, NV champagne as well as free-flow Masumi Karakuchi Ki Ippon, Junmai Ginjo sake from the Nagano prefecture.

To accompany your bubbles or sake is a range of Japanese delights. Diners can begin with a selection from the buffet-style starters and salads, popular choices include Teriyaki Duck, Japanese Cabbage, Crabmeat and Chilled Soba Noodles, Grilled Sanma Fish and Pickled Vegetables, and Fresh Tofu and Miso. Hot appetisers include a selection from the restaurant's charcoal Robata grill.

An open sushi counter features house specialities ranging from Salmon and Spicy Tuna Futomaki to Zuma's signature Chirashi Maki. A selection of Temaki handrolls are also made to order. Of course, there is also a selection of sashimi.

When it comes to main choices Zuma is following the trend of allowing diners to choose a main course, which is made to order and served to the table. Highlights from Zuma's mains are the Grilled Jumbo Tiger Prawns with Yuzu Pepper, and Hat Cho Miso Marinated Lamb Chops with Pickled Onions and Myoga.

For dessert each table is presented with a platter of Zuma's creative sweet treats.

Zuma's buffet is also child-friendly with children under 10 welcome free-of-charge, with a garden area for them to play and colouring books and pencils provided. There is also a small outdoor terrace for dining alfresco.

The buffet is priced at $550 per person with champagne and $428 without and is available every Sunday from 11.30 until 3pm.

Your Thoughts

I welcome your comments on where you like to go for free-flow bubbles and brunch, see below for comments box.

Next month I take a look at buffets that specialise in seafood. 

Image Credit: Homepage, 1, 2 - Tiffin; 3, 4 - Tott's; 5, 6 Zuma