Showing posts with label hotel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hotel. Show all posts
Ash & Elm Sunday Champagne Brunch: The British Edition
Labels:
bugis,
champagne,
hotel,
intercontinental hotel,
large groups,
sunday brunch,
will return,
worth it
·
If you're looking for an orthodox hotel buffet brunch with the likes of laksa, roast meats, naan and curries; turn around, there's nothing for you here. Instead, Ash and Elm in Intercontinental Singapore have decided to go full fledged English, celebrating the United Kingdoms' milestones this year (*high five* if you, like me, were glued to your screens during the royal wedding) and if you're asking me (the girl who has been dating an English bloke for the last year), nothing says 'Sunday lunch' more than a roast with all the trimmings.
L'Espresso: Victorian English Afternoon Tea
Labels:
cakes,
Cheesecake,
desserts,
goodwood park hotel,
high tea,
hotel,
orchard,
tart
·
Known for its premium durian desserts, Goodwood Park hotel holds the realm of being one of the best dessert makers, where hotels are concerned. L'Espresso is proud to be dishing out a Victorian English theme high tea buffet till the 22nd July. Boasting a huge variety of savoury pastries, fresh fruit, sweets and bite-sized pastries, you'll feel the imminent tug of your waistband. Here are some of my favourites.
Upper Place hosts a clever menu, perfect for those looking to escape the noise
Labels:
asian inspired,
date night,
european,
fusion,
hidden finds,
hotel,
tiong bahru
·
Set on the highest floor of WANGZ hotel is Upper Place, a humble dining place that dishes out ambitious plates congealing Asian influences with European techniques.
Here's what our writer, Belinda has to say after a delectable multi-course meal at the Upper Place.
Morton's of Chicago unveils new Spring menu
Labels:
date night,
expensive,
hotel,
mandarin oriental,
special occasion,
steak,
wines
·
It's old school extravaganza at Morton's of Chicago, the moment you walk through those doors its drab carpeted floors, heavy red velvet curtain partitions and conservative hard-backed chairs. Honestly, it can be interpreted two ways by different schools of thought - stale and conservative or nostalgic, old-school steakhouse. This one is going to make many people, very cross, but to be honest, I, unfortunately was not too taken by the dated decor. The tired staff, trained to the same mundane standards of cruise ship waiters, adding to the sense of 'tradition'.
[Hot off the Press]: Ash & Elm presents Michelin-starred Beefbar (HK) for 2 nights only
Labels:
6 hands,
bugis,
date night,
guest chef,
hong kong,
hotel,
intercontinental hotel,
michelin starred,
steak
·
Three Chefs, Two Nights, One Michelin Star.
Here, the aim of the game is all in the name of guest restaurant, Beefbar from Hong Kong - get beefed up - with the restaurant's most iconic dishes alongside InterContinental Singapore's Executive Sous Chef Philippe Duc and Pastry Chef Ben Goh's sublime culinary efforts. In a collaboration with Fine Dining Lovers by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, the collaboration dinner will take place over two nights on the 1 and 2 June 2018.
The luxurious and elegant settings of Ash and Elm add to the sense of trendiness that the Beefbar conveys. Kick off the 5-course meal with the Amberjack Carpaccio, dressed with a vibrant wasabi dressing and sprigs of coriander cress and then graduate to Beefbar's Signature Beef Tartare "bistro style". You can't be so sure if the whole thing is deadly ironic or self explanatory. The mince on its own is brilliant, highlighting the freshness of the produce; sadly, this is topped with a dollop of cream that has a taste profile akin to thousand island dressing with bits and bobs of roughly chopped onions and pickles haphazardly folded through. Really, just stop it.
The next dish, the Pan Seared Hokkaido Scallops is ribbons of the same mediocrity. I yearned for a blistered crust but was greeted with a luke warm puck sporting a patchy seared exterior. The coloured florets of cauliflower pulled its weight in exciting the diner visually and the brown butter sauce while contributing to a slight textural contrast, was wildly normal.
Meatlovers will revel in the next course which offers up a half-portion selection of American prime Black Angus Tenderloin with Australian wagyu-crossbred striploin. This is served with velvety mashed potato, all ready to catch the drippings of those precious cuts from both ends. I do prefer the striploin, the marbling derived from its wagyu bloodline resulting in a tender cut that's full on flavour. Both slabs could have used a ton more seasoning before hitting the grill and temperatures were a bit spotty, but I supposed these are issues that can be rectified by Chef Andrea Spagoni, with more time spent in the visiting kitchen that is.
Revel instead in dessert, presented by award-winning Pastry Chef Ben Goh. Rouge as blatantly spelt on the menu is a a play on the colour red - almost as beautiful to look at, or photograph, as to eat. Hidden underneath a bunker of raspberry tuile is a rich chocolate crémeux made with Valrhona's single origin 68% cuvee Bali chocolate piped atop a chocolate biscuite, this is flanked by vanilla meringue, a quenelle of yuzu yoghurt sherbet, strawberry compote and a spectacular shard of dehydrated raspberry agar. It was so exceptional that I was tempted to sneak an additional order of chocolate crémeux. But I didn't.
The five course collaborative menu will be available at Ash and Elm on 1 and 2 June 2018, 6 00pm to 10 30pm at S$128++ per guest with a wine pairing option available at an additional S$88++ per guest. For reservations, please visit AshandElm.sgashandelm.sg or email sinhb.ashandelm@ihg.com or drop them a call at +65 6825 1008.
Ash and Elm
80 Middle Road
Level 1
InterContinental Singapore
Reservations: CHOPE
Enjoy 20% off this 6-Hands menu when you book through the app. Use the promo code "20OFF"<20off> when making your reservation to enjoy the promotion.
The Secret Garden Afternoon Tea set at InterContinental Singapore
Labels:
afternoon tea,
bugis,
girls night out,
high tea,
hotel,
intercontinental hotel,
will return
·
[BALI Eats] Artotel Beach Club bring Cool Tropical Vibes to Sanur
Labels:
Bali,
beach,
cocktails,
family friendly,
hotel,
Indonesia,
must go,
overseas,
pizza,
restaurants,
sihanthewanderer,
travel,
will return
·
Away from the havoc and maniac of the party-region Kuta and the increasingly health conscious, acai bowl ardent areas of Seminyak and Canggu lays the seemingly more mellow, Sanur. Known for its central location and manageable wave action, this seaside village has been dubbed most family-friendly by Bali travellers. A quality that's further affirmed by its 25-minutes driving distance from International airport of Ngurah Rai.
On my recent trip to Bali, I had the privilege of stopping over for one night at Artotel Sanur Bali before my red-eye flight back to Singapore the very next day. And boy was I elated about the proximity to the airport. That and the flexibility of the staff in helping us pack our 'breakfast-inclusive' of Nasi Goreng ready for our 4 am journey, this certainly made for outstanding service brownie points.
But before we return to the comforts of the tastefully decorated Artotel, let's talk about the newly opened Artotel Beach Club (ABC) that has brought an air of briskness to the sleepy beach side town. If you're used to the eclectic mix of businesses in Sanur, Artotel Beach Club's bold splashes of color across its 7000 sqm beach side oasis is a perfect fit. It's peachy vibes spilling across luscious lawns with the occasional cabana and its two storey bamboo clad restaurant.
The Lobby Lounge @ Shangri La Hotel does The Local Spin-off at their semi-buffet lunch
Labels:
buffets,
business lunch,
hawker,
hotel,
local food,
orchard,
shangri la hotel,
will return
·
For the first time ever, 7 legendary hawker dishes come together at the luxe Shangri La Hotel's Lobby Lounge at lunch. It's as easy as choosing one main from the range before digging into the plethora of local delights on the rather extensive line-up which feature Popiah, Kueh Pie Tee, Braised Pork Belly, Ayam Buah Keluah, Cheng Tng, and finally concluding the debauchery with nonya kuehs from HarriAnns.
I applaud the hotel's ability to recalibrate something as easily accessible as Bak Chor Mee and make diners see it with fresh eyes; albeit for the convenience of choosing from the best representations in the land without the long sufferance of queueing nor enduring the outdoor elements. As a bonus, each monthly edition of new Heritage Weekend popups features a live station headlining a beloved hawker classic - Prata from Springleaf Prata Place in March and the much lauded Chendol from The Coconut Club in April (happening today!).
Beast and Butterflies: where culinary insurgence takes trip
Labels:
alfresco,
beer,
big groups,
chinese,
fusion,
happy hour,
hotel,
m social,
must go,
pork knuckle,
restaurants,
robertson quay
·
I'm saying this only because of the Crispy Pork Knuckle, served with the most ridonkulous Nam Jim sauce that you'll just want to bottle and use at BBQs, with grilled chicken wings, etc... Okay, then maybe I'll also make leeway for the Scallop Carpaccio and the Yam Brulee - a most ambrosial ramekin of orh nee blessed with a crackin' caramelised lid - both humble, but no less, better, incarnations of their original inspirators.
[Golden Peony] Year of the Dog Prosperity Menu: You got me at Suckling Pig with Shanghainese Sticky Rice
Labels:
chinese food,
chinese new yea,
conrad centennial,
family friendly,
hotel,
yusheng
·
The time of the year for unapologetic feasting of Pineapple Tarts, Bak Kwa, Prawn Rolls and all the other traditional Nonya biscuits is almost here. But before that – the annual reunion dinner. The entire family crowding over a table of scrumptious dishes, catching up on the lives on one another. Traditionally, the females in the family would spend the entire day cooking up the annual feast. But if that is too much work to fanthom, the Golden Peony at Conrad Centennial offers a reunion dinner set menu for those who prefer ushering in the Lunar New Year without all the cooking and washing - minimal fuss.
Sky22 @ Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena: more than just dining with a view
Labels:
business lunch,
family friendly,
fusion,
hotel,
laksa,
local food,
mariott hotel,
novena,
pizza,
set lunch,
vegeterian
·
Throw a stone and you'll probably hit a restaurant that banks its reservation list on glamorised decor and stellar views of the metropolis. But the number of restaurants that actually serve up food that is befitting of its ludicrous inflated price tags are few - the new Sky22 being one of the handful that finds a righteous balance between being your business-savy hotel restaurant with mediocre International offerings and a casual dining joint that attempts to keep things playful without being flippant.
Winter is coming: PORTA Fine Food and Import Company rolls out Christmas specials
Labels:
affordable,
cakes,
christmas,
clake quay,
fusion,
hotel,
restaurants,
spanish,
special occasion,
will return
·
Song Garden - Custard Salted Egg Lava Mooncakes to die for
Labels:
advertorial,
affordable,
bugis,
chinese food,
hotel,
mercure hotel,
mooncakes,
restaurants
·
Missed out on the early bird discounts for mooncakes?
Have no time to visit the mooncake fair?
Fretting over which mooncake to purchase for the family (without burning a huge hole in your wallet)?
Then you had better heed my advice and head down to Song Garden located on the 2nd floor of Mercure Singapore Bugis to get in on their mooncake selection. The emphasis on the traditional baked mooncakes a refreshing respite from the peculiarities of this year's snow skin offerings from various establishments touting strange flavours such as tom yum, pink peppercorn and more. Call me old school, but there are certain lines that can't be crossed in celebration of such a historical occasion.
Redolent with nuts, the Five Assorted Seeds is one that would pander to the more matured taste buds. Almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, persimmon and sesame seeds are held together with a sticky maltose filling which is just sweet enough to allow for the roast on the nuts to shine through. Unlike many renditions I've had, Song Garden's version doesn't crumble at the slightest touch nor stick to the teeth in unglamorous nooks and crannies. Definitely a keeper and a fine display of the artistry in the kitchen.
I've always been one to love white lotus paste, plain. However, come Mid-Autumn Festival, I cave in to the occasional yolk inception. The dynamite orange ball adding just that bit of luxurious salt to bring out the best of the smooth lotus paste. At song garden, the mooncakes come just a little more tanner than usual, the crust itself yielding a robust flavour that I prefer.
White Lotus (1 Box of 4 pieces): $50.80
White Lotus Single Yolk (1 Box of 4 pieces): $56.80
White Lotus Double Yolk (1 Box of 4 pieces): $62.80
Five Assorted Seeds (1 Box of 4 pieces): $62.80
Perfect little gold ingots; these salted egg yolk lava custard mini mooncakes from Song Garden are my recommended for most 'worth-it' purchase this mid autumn festival. Heat it up a little and you're guaranteed a nice flowy centre providing a faintly salty contrast to the milky crust.
Mini Custard Salted Egg Lava Mooncakes (1 Box of 8 pieces) for $62.80.
Note that this mooncakes are only available for purchase from Song Garden itself from now till the 4th October or until stocks run out.
Song Garden
122 Middle Road
Level 2
Mercure Singapore Bugis
t: 6521 9299
[Seasonal Specials] ilLido at the Cliff celebrates the White Asparagus
Labels:
hidden finds,
hotel,
italian,
must go,
restaurants,
romantic,
sentosa,
sofitel sentosa,
special occasion,
white asparagus,
will return
·
The White Asparagus is the harbinger of spring. These tender stems packing in some amazing sweet and clean flavors that fetch some insane prices at the onset of the season, and then subsequently making an appearance in every nook and cranny of Farmers markets all over Europe till the end of July.
Every year, there's a slew of restaurants that put these albino varietals on their special menus even on our local shores. From gnocchi to the classic egg Milanese, ilLido at the Cliff joins the ranks, even resorting to using white asparagus in a fancy dessert to seal the deal. There is an awkward, inexplicable backlash to this trick; but whether or not it showcases the vegetable in all its glory, you'll just have to hang in there till the finale for the verdict.
The Best Brew @ Four Points by Sheraton Singapore: Brew & BBQ
Labels:
barbeque,
barfood,
beer,
craft beers,
havelock road,
hotel,
large groups,
river valley,
waterfront
·
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.
Xperience @ SO Sofitel Singapore: Launches New Signature Menu
Labels:
desserts,
downtown,
fusion,
hidden finds,
hotel,
must go,
raffles place,
so sofitel,
special occasion
·
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.
The Clifford Pier: presents a month-long Baba-licious Peranakan spread
Labels:
fullerton bay hotel,
fullertonhotel,
hidden finds,
hotel,
large groups,
must go,
peranakan,
will return
·
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.
Bar and Billiard Room @ Raffles Hotel: Sunday Champagne Brunch
Labels:
champagne,
cityhall,
expensive,
hotel,
must go,
raffles hotel,
special occasion,
sunday brunch,
will return
·
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.
Mikuni's Summer Unagi Festival "Doya No Ushi No Hi"
Labels:
cityhall,
expensive,
fairmont hotel,
food festival,
hotel,
japanese,
must go,
unagi,
will return
·
Running for a limited time only - " Doya No Ushi No Hi" hits the town running once more at Mikuni in Fairmont Hotel Singapore.
From the 19th July to 6th August'2016, guests will be granted the opportunity (of a lifetime) to sample the special 6-course summer lunch menu highlighting unagi, or eel from Aichi in Nagoya prefecture. I, for one, did not know that unagi was traditionally consumed for its vitality boosting properties; Chef Moon Kyung Soo's masterful breakdown of the Chinese character "é³—" emphasizing that point.
Edge @ Pan Pacific Hotel - Theatrical Sunday Champagne Buffets
Labels:
buffets,
expensive,
hotel,
marina square,
might return,
pan pacific hotel,
promenade,
special occasion
·
Hailed to be the longest brunch, I arrived at the grounds in search of a elongated magic carpet of sorts festooned with delicacies representing lands of unimaginable outreach only to be met with death glares when the reality of "long" being represented by its 4 hours duration dawned upon me. Pardon my ignorance but I don't deal well with buffet lines and my failure to even surpass 2 hours in an overindulging session makes me the worst kind of companion for sessions such as these.
The newly revamped Edge Buffet at Pan Pacific does however pique my interest solely based on the upbeat music drifting out for the make-shift area right smack in the middle of the buffet grounds with a live band stationed within. "Let's lose our minds and go f****** crazy. I-I-I-I-I-I keep on hoping we'll eat cake by the ocean." warbled vigorous voices without so much of a strain.
And that's exactly what I did.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
