The Best Brew @ Four Points by Sheraton Singapore: Brew & BBQ

Nestled comfortably within the newly renamed Four Points by Sheraton Singapore (formerly Riverview Hotel), restaurant and bar The Best Brew has unveiled its latest offering of the sizzling monthly Brew & BBQ night. The perks are plenty. For a romantic night out, the establishment boasts an intimate view of the Singapore River, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Inside, the bar churns out live music for a fun night out.

[NEW] Shaburi and Kintan: Two all-you-can-eat dining concepts under one roof!

I honestly do love my yakiniku; just not the smell that sticks to your like a monkey on your back - the stark realization creeping up on you as you make tailwind of the restaurant. Fret not, even if the new Kintan buffet in JEM inflicts the same 'punishment' on its guest, it's all worth it. The free-flow Japanese BBQ experience reaping large amounts of satisfaction stemming from the superb meat quality and variety displayed. Perfumed with smoked fats, you'll leave with a smile plastered to your face, that I can guarantee you.

Sugar & Spice: French Nougat from Taiwan

Making Nougat isn't an easy process... I can personally vouch for this as looking back on pastry school a couple of years ago. I've witnessed many eager beavers making the mistake of adding the sugar syrup way too early in the game (of making French Montelimar nougat) resulting in the whipped egg whites being reduced to a soupy mess. It's finicky business where nougat is concerned and to be honest, not something that I can usually get my hands on due to its holiday gift connotations.

Thanks to the parents who recently came back from a trip to Taichung, I managed to score several renditions off the flagship stall of Sugar and Spice. The French Nougat (approximately $21.30) is a cracking snack, that exercises the jaws when consumed in larger amounts (*gulps* guilty as charged). Suitable sweet with a firm body that allows for easy removal from the wrapper and yet chewy innards perforated with toasted Californian almond nuts - these are so addictive and there's no stopping at one. Then again, I might have overkilled and performed a full-fledged rampage one the seal was broken; hence explaining the massive amount of ulcers I'm nursing right now.

Blue Bali: Blissful Oasis of Balinese flavors

Sequestered in a private nook of the Botanic Gardens, Blue Bali is housed in a charming colonial villa with al fresco courtyard dining in traditional Javanese Joglos and Balinese Lesehans. With lush greenery all around, sultry candle lighting, and even wisps of smoke from slow-burning inset repelling incense, you'll find yourself transported to the well known and well loved paradise island of Indonesia. This is the perfect place to savour absolutely ambrosial food, commune with nature, and hide away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Xperience @ SO Sofitel Singapore: Launches New Signature Menu

Young, exuberant and a tad eager to please, Chef Trevor Paulo's more forward initiative rubbed me off in the wrong way at the start of the dinner. Thankfully, after a few conversations exchanged, that was corrected immediately; his over-enthusiasm misinterpreted for challenge in authority, was one that valued true feedback for his artistry. Hired to revamp the Signature menu of Xperience restaurant at So Sofitel Singapore; he had big shoes to fill and yet a large reputation to live up to seeing that he had just been deemed one of Singapore's youngest hotel executive chefs.

Oxwell & Co: quintessentially British Weekend Roast

Break out those new champagne flutes. Hey, break some glasses in the midst of the alcohol debauchery, who cares, the weekend is here!

For those looking for a space to daydream and nurse those ridiculous hangovers the next day, look now further than Oxwell & Co's newly introduced weekend roast. As you walk down down the naked streets, now nursing a different serene quality from the one observed during the wilful weekends;  you'll find a rejuvenation corner in oxwell and co. - a hard rocker that adopts a party stop reputation by night and a refined bistro by day.

The Clifford Pier: presents a month-long Baba-licious Peranakan spread

We tucked into a Peranakan spread, whilst basking in the gorgeous natural light flooding into the picturesque Clifford pier - a  historical landmark once recognized as a prominent landing point for Singapore's forefathers; and all was good.

And when I say good, I meant divine, a force of nature on the palate heightened by the placid, calm nature of our surroundings. 

For the month of August, Guest Chef Philip Chia makes his debut at The Clifford Pier, churning out babalicious treats such as Bakwan Kepiting, Nyonya Chap Chye and staples like Ayam Buah Keluak. Available as ala-carte options at both lunch and dinner time, expect to be transported in time with food that nails the head on its heritage influences. 

Punjab Grill @ The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands: Special Monsoon Menu

With the recent rise of Singapore's very own Michelin star bites, our after-dinner conversations at a North Indian Restaurant piqued up my ears.

"So where do you reckon is the best North Indian restaurant in Singapore?" The innocuous query led to many inquisitive stares at me.

With a hand on my heart, I relished the words as they rolled off my tongue, "Punjab Grill at MBS" and a well-known foodie sitting opposite me excitedly approved. Thus my story of this incredible restaurant was recounted to our excited company.

[NEW] Krakakoa: Launches their Chocolate products in S'pore this September

Having received overwhemingly positive responses at the Singapore Coffee Festival last month, Krakakoa Chocolate is officially launching their products in Singapore this September!

Bar and Billiard Room @ Raffles Hotel: Sunday Champagne Brunch

This one tops it all.

I've had the good fortune of patronising a couple of Sunday champagne brunches over the past year, mildly impressed by some, chuffed that I couldn't stomach any more at others; BUT, it is my most recent endeavor at Bar and Billiard Room that takes the cake.

There's just something about dining in the age-old institution complete with grand chandeliers hanging down from high ceilings and navigating your way around a stand alone saloon-style bar right smack in the middle of the dining room,  that makes the experience so charming. Despite the buzz in the room generated from the the popping of champagne bottles, the Bar and Billiard room feels like a quiet harbor away from the eddies and currents of commuters outside. Almost like stepping into a time portal that transports you to experience the hospitality of the colonial period.

Yunnan Bridge Crossing Rice Noodles: Vivocity Food Republic's latest addition

The air-conditioning was blasting with immense ferocity causing an involuntary shiver to travel down my spine; my squishy footsteps accompanied by the periodic drippings of my pitiful looking umbrella which had taken a beating from the looming storm outdoors; were all that one could hear as I paced through the grounds.

It was 11 00am and the crowds were nowhere to be seen in the usually packed Food Republic in VivoCity. Brushing past the various stores, each one peddling their goods in aromas and sweat over furrowed brows - the anticipation for a good lunch crowd is real and the vibe in the room, a contained sort of electrifying.

Apolo Bistro: an offshoot of the instituition Banana Leaf Apolo - except, Mexican?

We made the same mistake. Twice. First, we found ourselves at the food of Indian chaos and a riot of flavors and aromas adrift at Banana Leaf Apolo on race course road; and then once again, with beads of sweat trickling down our backs at The Banana Leaf Apolo (Little India Arcade), quizzical as to where the rest of the tasting gang were. Apparently, we weren't let in on a little secret - walk up a tiny flight of starts residing on the outer caverns of the banana leaf apolo and you'll be lead through ornate swings doors to the Apolo Bistro.

[NEW] PizzaExpress: Renowned global chain makes it first foray into Singapore

Do we need another pizza joint? I say YES!

PizzaExpress has finally opened its doors in Singapore, at Scotts Square, on 29th July '16. As the 576th outlet in the world, the 51-year old PizzaExpress has launched its first outlet at Scotts Square, all in good time too since the Orchard region sees a dire need for wine and dine revamp. The arrival of Japan Food Town in Wisma, a strict contrast to the popular London chain featuring its signature marble counters and tables as focal points. The 3000 sq foot restaurant located in the basement level of Scotts Square churns our gorgeous smells of freshly baked dough and melted cheese amongst boisterous laughter. Calabrese and dough balls along with a mouth-watering array of homemade pizzas are the name of the game here. A liberal touch of local flavors (chilli crab pizza, which has yet to be launched on the menu) thrown in the menu to prevent locals from feeling alienated whilst most of the menu runs in a more classical vein.

[NEW MENU] Sumire Yakitori House: More than just the usual Yakitori

Sumire Yakitori House was first introduced to me as the chicken specialist tbh, that sent a shiver down my spine - was it a slaughterhouse? Apparently not as it is backed by a rich history and firm footing in Japan itself where it already has over 50 outlets located around the country. Yakitori items are the name of the game here, the intimating stacked menu of grilled sticks throwing me off just a little. But I was here for the new menu - featured wholesome dishes and lunch sets that gets customers more bang for their buck. 

At Sumire, you get a taste of Japanese restraint amidst breezy casual settings (during the day) that transits into the usual more stark and formal becomings at night fall. Booth seating ensure privacy settings are kept in check and do I even need to mention the small of flame-licked fats that float out from the kitchen occasionally?

[NEW] Olivia and Co: Modern bistro in the heart of the CBD

Just opened in March of this year, Olivia and Co. is a modern bistro at the heart of Suntec City, serving up fare fit for anyone from busy executives to families on a day out. Named after Olivia Cassivelaun Fancourt, the first wife of Sir Stamford Raffles, the menu is centred around the theme of an intrepid traveler bringing home experiences from cuisines all around the globe. Tales are told and memories can be relieved straight from the plate!

Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake - introducing the Kenwood Chef Sense Mixer

The long story short, I made cake... It's not that I don't usually do (in actual fact, the struggle to churn out stuff amidst a busy schedule is truly daunting) - BUT I make exceptions. And when someone delivers a spanking new Kenwood Chef Sense KVC5000T to your doorstep, you whip it out from its box with the enthusiasm of a thousand horses before a chariot, and proceed to test out its speed control with the simplest of ingredients such as cream and eggs. The smooth whirring of the motor as it fluffs up billowy mounds of cream, the epitome of true ecstasy.

NOX - Dine in the Dark: 3rd Anniversary Bash

Photo Credits: NOX

In our current Instagram-obsessed society where drool-worthy visuals of succulent food rules over taste, textures and smell, one singular restaurant in Singapore is leading the resistance against the food porn phenomenon. Nox may seem like a novelty to many, but its concept of dining in total darkness has raised many eyebrows in food circles. Declamatory in their mission to let food speak for itself, diners are urged to let their other senses to take over in a pitch-black room, guided by blind waiters and transported to another world.

As most fine dining goes, one is immediately ushered to a seat by the ground level at the cocktail bar for a welcome drink. Here, amidst the cool contours of low lights, Thomas Sobota, the head bartender works his Slovakian magic even before the food theatrics begin. Expectedly, the new cocktail menu is a treat. Testament to his roots, the "What's the Thyme" ($20) brings back halcyon days. With its ingredients of Tequila, Sherry and Maracatu Cachaca, thyme syrup and lime juice is admittedly worth half the price of admission alone. If you're looking for a stiff nightcap with an abundance of complex taste palette, this is the drink. 

Seoul Jjimdak: Hearty Korean Stews in the heart of Little India

Korean stews in the heart of Little India. No, we ain't kidding.

City Square Mall may be a bit of a stretch for a west-sider like me. However, if drastically erratic weather patterns beckons for indoor dining action; I would definitely pitch the idea of venturing to the mall situated conveniently above Farrer Park Mrt Station for food and perhaps a little 'after-dinner' activities either at Golden Village theatres of the mega sporting shop Decathlon hawking all sports apparel and accessories you'll ever need.