With Valentine’s Day just two weeks away, the question on everyone’s mind: where to go for a romantic date?

Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, I’d suggest celebrating it the weekend before, or a few days after. Unless both of you have violent objections and insist on celebrating it on the actual day, it really doesn’t make sense to pay so much just because it is February fourteenth.

As such, this post is mainly on romantic restaurants in Singapore which I think are worth trying; you can also use it as a guide for other special occasions. (I’m not including the details of Valentine’s Day set menus. If you want to find out more, please call the respective restaurant to check their Valentine’s Day promotions.)

Here are some suggestions on where to go for Valentine’s Day Dinner 2012.

Otto Ristorante

I’ve been hearing good things about Otto Ristorante, but somehow I never got the chance to try it. I finally went there recently, and I’m happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Otto Ristorante has a 5 course degustation menu at $88/pax, which in my opinion, is great value for the quality of food.

It is definitely going into my list of must-try Italian restaurants in Singapore.

28 Maxwell Road
#01-02 Red Dot Traffic Building
Tel: +65 6227 6819

Bar & Billiard Room

Take a day off and enjoy lunch with your partner at the Bar & Billiard Room at Raffles Hotel. I like the nostalgic feel of the restaurant, and the buffet selection offers a wide variety of choices. Buffet lunch from Mon to Sat is $60++/pax, while dinner is $75++/pax.

1 Beach Road
Raffles Hotel
Tel: +65 6412 1816

Brasserie Les Saveurs

If you’re going to do brunch, do it in style in one of the most posh settings in Singapore.

Brasserie Les Saveurs at The Regis is easily one of the most romantic French restaurants in Singapore, so why not come here for an early Valentine’s Champagne Brunch this coming Sunday?

At $170++/pax, the Champagne Brunch Buffet at Brasserie Les Saveurs is not cheap. But what you get is a wonderful experience with free flow of champagne.

29 Tanglin Road
The St. Regis Singapore
Tel: +65 6506 6888

Bistro Soori

Bistro Soori is a cool, cosy, informal restaurant with a small open kitchen and a few tables, which makes you feel as though you are dining in a friend’s place. The prices aren’t too high (although not too low, either), and you can have a good meal without spending ridiculous money. It was one of the best meals that I had in 2011, and I think you will like it too.

2 Teck Lim Road, Singapore
(Near Outram/Tanjong Pagar)
Tel: +65 6438 3802

Halia Restaurant

Halia Restaurant is located in the Ginger Garden of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and it has been known as one of the most romantic restaurants since opening in 2001. While prices are rather steep, it is the perfect place for a special date.

1 Cluny Road
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Tel: +65 6476 6711

Hummerstons Restaurant

One of my favourite new restaurants is Hummerstons restaurant at Robertson Quay. The food is competent, and reasonably priced. Definitely worth checking out.

11 Unity Street
#02-14 Robertson Walk
Tel: +65 6737 8863

JAAN Restaurant

If money is no object, go to JAAN Restaurant at Swissotel The Stamford.

JAAN by Chef Julien Royer is, without a doubt, one of the best restaurants in Singapore. Of course, I can’t afford to eat there all the time, but for a lavish meal like this, enjoyed with a amazing view of Singapore’s skyline – it is indeed a fine way to splurge during a special occasion.

2 Stamford Road
70F Swissotel The Stamford
Tel: +65 6431 5670

Keyaki Japanese Restaurant

Keyaki – at the rooftop Japanese garden on level 4 of Pan Pacific Hotel – is a traditional fine dining Japanese restaurant. For dinner, you can either eat at the Teppankayi counter, order ala carte or go for the 8 courses Kaiseki dinner set ($160++/pax).

The Japanese Restaurant currently has a very good brunch deal on weekends (12 noon to 2.30pm): 10 course kaiseki set brunch featuring Japanese cuisine prepared in various styles is available for just $60++/pax. Feast on the selection which includes daily kobachi, three types of appetisers, assorted sashimi, steamed egg custard, assorted tempura, teppanyaki beef or pork with fried rice, dessert.

7 Raffles Boulevard
4/F Pan Pacific Singapore
Tel: +65 6826 8335

Recommended : Valentine’s Day Food Gift Ideas

Which is your favourite restaurant for a romantic date? How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day 2012? I want to hear from you!

Most people have the impression that I always eat at fine dining restaurants, but my friends would know that I usually prefer going to casual places that are cosy and provide good food at reasonable prices.

But sometimes if you want a very good meal, you really have to fork out top money for it. JAAN Restaurant at Swissotel is the prime example. I had one of my best meals of 2011 at JAAN. I’m going out on a limb and say that they are among the top restaurants in Singapore.

When you eat in one of those fine dining restaurants, you’re not just paying for the food. You’re also paying for everything that comes along with it: the location, the rent, the service, the plates, the view, and the ambience. JAAN has it all: central location at City Hall; highest restaurant in Singapore; breathtaking view of the city’s skyline; knowledgeable servers who do a good job between the dining room and kitchen; and most importantly, good food.

At lunch time, they have extremely good value for money set lunch: 3 course at $52 and 5 course at $82; and during dinner, there are two different choices, including the 5 course menu for $198 (with wine pairing $318), and 7 course menu for $238 (with wine pairing $418).

And of course, you can also order from the ala carte menu which has five appetisers ($46-52), five main courses ($82-118), and four desserts and cheese ($28-45).

We sat there waiting eagerly for the food to come, while having some wine. The amuse-bouche arrived on our table and I put it into my mouth without hesitation.

We were on a roll. The mushroom soup next was excellent. I took a sip, and the only word that came out of my mouth was: wow. This is coming from a guy who doesn’t fancy mushroom soup.

I didn’t want to fill my stomach with bread, but I couldn’t resist having one, okay two from the impressive selection of bread.

And then, we were served the Trumbetta Zucchini ($49) – burratina, basil, almonds and black olives. In terms of presentation, it was one of the prettiest dishes that I’ve seen.

I thought that the Saint Jacques ($49) – rosemary smoked trondheim bay scallops, reinette apple cider, boudin noir and burnet – was good, but my friend told me she had an even better one at another restaurant.

Still, it was quite a sight to behold, and there was a mini performance when the staff sent this to our table.

The star of the meal, without a doubt, is the Ravioli ($46) – organic hen egg, artichoke, melanosporum truffle and cantal. Chef Julien Royer brought the dish out, and he gave us a generous shaving of white truffles on the spot.

It was hands down the most delicious ravioli I’ve ever tasted.

The Atlantic Cod & Baby Squid ($82) – chanterelles, broad beans and smoked garlic emulsion – was equally splendid.

We couldn’t stop gushing about the food, and on top of that, the wine recommendations from the sommelier were spot on. No one that day could have eaten a better meal than us.

After our empty plates were taken away, we continued with desserts. The Choconuts ($28) – Jivara mousse, peanuts, Macadamia nut ice cream. The perfect ending for a perfect meal.

I was wrong. It wasn’t the ending, I’ve forgotten about petit four. Now we can live happily-ever-after.

It’s been a while since I’ve been surprised and won over by a meal. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been eating plenty of very well executed food but the problem with having a benchmark is that it’s getting increasingly difficult to wow me. But JAAN managed to do just that.

The presentation of the food is flawless. Chef Julien Royer and his team pay attention to every single detail and all the dishes are plated beautifully.

$200/pax (probably more because you are going to have wine) for a meal is not a small sum. I can’t afford to eat there all the time, but for a lavish meal like this, enjoyed with a amazing view of Singapore’s skyline – it was a fine way to splurge during a special occasion. JAAN at Swissotel is, without a doubt, one of the best restaurants in Singapore.

Singapore Food Blog Review
JAAN Restaurant
2 Stamford Road
70F Swissotel The Stamford
Tel: +65 6431 5670

Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 7pm – 10pm
(Closed on Sun & PH)

Note: This was an invited media tasting.

One of the good things about living in Singapore is that there are so many restaurants around. Even though I eat out quite often, it is still impossible for me to try all of them.

The new Graze at 38 Martin Road (sister to the original Graze at Rochester Park) is a relatively new restaurant, and I’ve been wanting to go there since my visit to KHA next door.

Graze is actually quite close to my ideal restaurant. It is classy, elegant, sexy, romantic, and modern. It’s the kind of place where you can go for a business luncheon, a romantic date, a laid-back weekend brunch, and even a private party.

There are some restaurants that offer a huge variety of options, but they mostly end up serving mediocre food. I like the fact that Graze kept it simple; there are only a few dishes under each section of the menu.

We started with a salad and Sumac Seared Scallops ($19). They were enough to keep us occupied while waiting for the mains to come.

Graze is known for their grilled items. Go for the 240g Wagyu Rump Steak ($64), or even better, the 1kg Black 250 day grain-fed Angus Rib ($128) if you are feeling hungry. Otherwise, the other main courses like the signature Pan-Seared Barramundi ($34) and Oven-Baked Sea Bass ($32) are worth a try too.

I was actually eyeing the Wagyu Rump Steak, but ended up getting the Jumbo Tiger Prawns ($34) as my dining companion was craving for seafood. Luckily, it turned out to be quite good. The prawns were juicy and meaty, and the skinny frites were equally addictive.

“How are we supposed to finish this?” I thought to myself, as this humongous monster arrived on the table. We watched as the butter slowly melt on top of the 300g Victorian Berkshire Kurobuta Pork Chop ($45).

I lurveee the roast vine-ripened cherry tomatoes that came along as a side. They were extremely sweet, and when I bit into them, they shot a gallon of juice into my mouth. Kurobuta pork with vine-ripened tomatoes? I think I’m in love.

The two of us shared four desserts: Pina Colada ($14) – coconut parfait with crispy wafer; Apple Tarte Tatin ($13) – served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream; Black and White ($15) – Valrhona dark chocolate cream paired with vanilla bean ice cream; and Steamed Dark Chocolate Pudding ($15) – somewhat like a pudding version of Chocolate Lava Cake.

Among them, my favourite was definitely the Apple Tarte Tatin ($13). Every bite was better than the previous one, and before we knew it, we’d pretty much scraped the plate clean.

Graze at Martin Road (near Robertson Quay) is one of those places that I’d classify as semi fine dining: you pay fine dining prices to eat decent food in a slightly casual (and cosy) environment. As much as I like the ambience of the place, the price is not exactly affordable; I’ll most likely go back for dinner during a special occasion, but I definitely want to try their brunch on weekends.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Graze restaurant
38 Martin Road
Tel: +65 6509 1680

Lunch: Tue to Fri 12pm – 3pm
Dinner: Tue to Sat 6pm – 11pm
Brunch: Sat & Sun 10am – 4pm

Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Words by Missim, Photos by ladyironchef

With Christmas just around the corner, I’m sure all of you are looking for a romantic restaurant to celebrate the special occasion with your loved ones.

We were at The White Rabbit for their Festive Menu. Good food for Christmas, hey! Isn’t that just what everyone needs?

For Christmas 2011, The White Rabbit has several options to cater for everyone. The four course Festive Set Lunch menu at $48++/pax comes with appetising starters such as Chicken and Duck Liver Parfait, and Tuna Carpaccio; scrumptious main courses include the Roulade of Turkey Breast, Poached Seabass, and The White Rabbit Mac & Cheese; and delicious desserts like the Chocolate Log Cake and Warm Sticky Date Pudding.

Besides that, they also have a four course Festive Degustation menu at $98++/pax; and a special four course Christmas Eve Dinner at $108++/pax.

For the appetizer (from the $108++ four course New Year’s Eve Menu), we had the impressive sounding trio of Parfait of Foie Gras, Toasted Brioche, Shallot Marmalade; Pan Seared Scallop, Wakame Salad; Fresh Fig, Iberico Ham, Parmesan and Rocket. In short, they were foie gras, scallop and bacon.

I loved the scallop at first bite. It had that lovely smoked taste and melted most wonderfully in my mouth. I simply could not get enough of it.

For the next course, we were served Champagne Poached Seabass (from the $98++ for four course Festive Degustation Menu). The dish looked inviting enough however, it tasted very like something my teochew mummy will cook for dinner. I call it the ang moh chue he (Caucasian steamed fish) – instead of using champagne, my mum uses hua tiao jiu.

Finally, the main course! The Rouldae of Turkey (from the $38++ three course Festive Set Lunch menu) was stuffed with Chestnut, Smoked Oyster; Cornbread and Sage, Cranberry Sauce. Well, as all turkey, it was not exactly the easiest meat to chew and swallow. Hey, it is only during Christmas that you’ll eat turkey so why not?

For dessert we had Sticky Date Pudding with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce. My first sticky date pudding and my goodness it was so good! The warm sweetness of the dates and the cake, coupled with the vanilla bean ice cream was heavenly.

In all, it was a good meal and surprisingly I was full as a stuffed turkey. The White Rabbit at Dempsey Hill is a pretty restaurant to have that lovely Christmas meal with a loved one.

Singapore Food Blog Review
The White Rabbit
39C Harding Road
Dempsey Singapore
Tel: +65 6473 9965
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Tanjong Beach Club (TBC) by the Lo & Behold Group is the perfect place to escape from the city and enjoy a day of sun, sand and sea. It has a restaurant (The Dining Room), a bar and a pool facing the beach.

The Dining Room at Tanjong Beach Club offers a unique beach dining experience, and after dinner, you can laze by the pool and enjoy a Tanjong Martini with truffle fries. The beach house at Sentosa is modern, sexy and definitely the place to see and be seen.

The crowd at Tanjong Beach Club is quite diverse. From the beach goers in cargo shorts, bikinis and flip flops, lazing by the pool side during the weekends; to young working executives on a romantic dinner date; to well-heeled cliente with an appreciation for the finer things in life – there is a good mix of crowd.

Since it was a Friday night, we had a glass of champagne each. Actually, even if it wasn’t a Friday night, I’d still have a glass of champagne.

As usual, we had a hard time trying to decide on the dishes. So we took the easy way out and asked for recommendations. On my own, I probably would not order a salad, but the Bean Salad ($19) came highly recommended so we started with that.

We followed up with the Salt-cured Foie Gras ($27), which I thought was pretty cool. The goose liver was served with toasted brioche, kaya and house-made jam. Eaten together, the cold foie gras combination was quite amazing. But I would very much prefer to have pan seared foie gras.

The best, however, had yet to come – we had the freaking awesome truffle fries. Having heard so much about Tanjong Beach Club’s popular bar snack – which my friend proclaimed as the best truffle fries in Singapore – I wasn’t prepared to leave the place without trying it.

The bar menu isn’t available in the dining room, and vice versa. Still, we managed to convince the waitress to serve us the truffle fries while waiting for the rest of the appetisers to be served.

The dining room at Tanjong Beach Club has a good mix for its main course menu. We were tempted by the Crispy Atlantic Cod ($42) and the Spicy Crab Spaghetti ($32); while the Roasted Kurobuta Pork ($43) and Asparagus Risotto ($26) also called out to us. We eventually settled for the Maine Lobster Pot Pie ($58) and USDA Prime New York Strip Steak ($58).

Encased by flaky pastry crust, the lobster pot pie was quite a visual treat for the senses. We watched as the waitress poked a hole into the crust and unearthed the lobster from within. It was like digging for treasure!

The USDA Prime New York Strip Steak ($58) came with potato puree, roasted mushroom, and smoked eggplant. It was a gorgeous piece of meat, but unfortunately, it was way too salty.

We used the elimination method to choose our desserts. Since we weren’t keen on the Mixed Berry Bowl and ice cream, it was down to the Coconut Panna Cotta ($14), Chocolate Ganache Tart ($16) and Tea & Honey Parfeit ($14). We decided to leave the Panna Cotta for another day and had the other two desserts to end off the meal.

I thought that the Chocolate Ganache Tart – which was accompanied by salted candied hazelnuts, butterscotch sauce and vanilla bean ice cream – was pretty fabulous.

The Tea & Honey Parfeit ($14) came in a pretty glass of earl grey crémeux, honey ice cream, house-made honeycomb and chocolate crisp.

The Dining Room at Tanjong Beach Club (TBC) is a great option if you want a nice romantic dinner away from the city. The food is not out-of-this-world good, so don’t come here expecting a life-changing experience. Instead, come here if you want a unique beach-dining experience. The TBC, is after all, one of the few Beach restaurants in Singapore.

I will definitely go back for brunch during weekends.

Singapore Food Blog Review
The Dining Room at Tanjong Beach Club
120 Tanjong Beach Walk
Tanjong Beach Club Sentosa
Tel: 6270 1355
Lunch: 12noon – 2.30pm (Tue – Fri)
Dinner: 6.30pm – 10pm (Tue – Sat)
Brunch: 10am – 4.30pm (Weekend)

Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Il Lido Italian Dining at Sentosa Golf Club is a restaurant that has consistently been voted as one of the best restaurants in Singapore, and it is frequently praised for the quality of Italian food.

Compared to its sister restaurant, Forlino at One Fullerton, il lido Italian restaurant is slightly more casual – think of it as a semi fine dining restaurant that comes with everything you would expect from a top-notch restaurant.

With new Chef de cuisine Alessandro Delfanti taking over the helm in the kitchen, the italian restaurant has recently revamped its entire menu. It now focuses on mainly seasonal and native produce from Italy and Europe.

We entered the restaurant through a narrow walkway at the side of the Sentosa Golf Club entrance. The interior of the Italian restaurant has a dark and sexy tone, while the al fresco dining area comes with a nice sea-breeze, making it the perfect place to have a romantic dinner at night.

Like Forlino, Il Lido has thoughtfully provided beautiful stools for putting our bags. It is simple gestures as such that make a difference. We started off our meal with some bread, eagerly anticipating what the chef would come up with.

Eating is a lot more fun when you have someone who appreciates good food, loves having desserts first and has a huge appetite. My dining companion and I had two appetisers, one pasta, one risotto, two main courses and three desserts.

There are around 10 items on Il Lido’s antipasti menu and we had a hard time trying to decide on them as all of them seemed to be screaming “EAT ME”. Among them, I was attracted by the Pan-roasted Goose Liver with Figs, Vincotto Sauce and Rosemary Oil ($32), but then again, I always have, and always will love foie gras.

We were recommended the Venison Carpaccio with Roman Zucchini and Smoked Ricotta Cheese ($25). Instead of the typical beef carpaccio, Il Lido serves a Venison version and it was outstanding.

I would have ordered the classic Parma Ham with rock melon ($26), but we decided to try something different, so we had the Sea Scallops with Chanterelle Mushrooms and Blueberries ($28). Seared with tiny criss-crossing grilled marks on the surface, the scallops were meaty and very fresh. The use of blueberries gave the otherwise ordinary dish a refreshing twist and the accompany mushrooms were also very tasty.

Il Lido Italian restaurant has two types of risotto on the menu: Basil & Pecorino Cheese Risotto with Crispy Bacon ($35) and Baby Squid Risotto with Black Ink Sauce and Chili Peppers ($38). We had the latter, but I thought that it was only decent.

If I were with a larger group of people, I would have ordered the Tagliatelle with Rabbit & Marjoram Ragout ($38), but we only had two stomachs so we stuck with the Veal Agnolotti with Mushrooms and Truffle Cream ($38) – which came highly recommended.

We were told that the chef actually put a frozen veal juice cube within the ravioli to ensure the moistness and flavour. I’m sure I wouldn’t have been able to eat an entire bowl of ravioli on my own, so make sure you order this to share.

For main course, I wanted to get the Black Angus Beef Tenderloin ($58) but the manager suggested the Pan-roasted Cod with Smoked Caviar Sauce and Whipped Potatoes ($45), saying that it’s very good (although I’m quite positive that he thinks everything on the menu is good). I’m happy to say that it was excellent. The whipped potatoes, in particular, were quite interesting – you could taste the potato without the heaviness of it.

I don’t usually order chicken in a restaurant nowadays, but hey, this is a Guinea Fowl Supreme with Goose Liver and Apricot Sauce ($56) that we are talking about. It was slightly tougher than chicken, and the apricot sauce managed to bring out the flavour of the meat. However, I am not sure if I’d pay so much for a meat that has a flavour similar to chicken. The other meats on Il Lido’s menu like Suckling Pig Saddle ($58) and Wagyu Beef Cheek ($45) are more appealing to me.

That said, the Guinea fowl remains a rarity on menus in Singapore, and if you’ve never tried it before, this is a good place to start.

We were told that Il Lido’s tiramisu ($15) is probably not the best in Singapore, but we decided to go ahead and have it as my dining companion was craving for it. Only a foolish guy would stand between a girl and her craving. And true enough, the tiramisu was only decent.

Thankfully, the Molten Lava Chocolate Cake with Yogurt Ice cream ($18) was pretty good. The ubiquitous Chocolate lava cake was so pretty that I thought it would be a shame to dig a hole into it, but that feeling quickly passed and I poked it with a spoon. Molten chocolate oozed out, and slowly, it covered the entire top of the cake.

The pairing of the slightly yogurt ice cream with the chocolate cake was a good decision; the sourish yogurt cut through the sweetness of the chocolate, giving it a perfect balance.

Among the three desserts that we had, the Vanilla Crème Brûlée with Blueberries ($15) was our favourite. The inclusion of berries within the crème brûlée was a lovely surprise. Every few bites or so, you would hit a pocket of blueberries. Lovely.

In terms of the overall dining experience, Il Lido Italian restaurant at Sentosa Golf Club is easily one of the best restaurants in Singapore.

I don’t think they have the best Italian food in Singapore (my favourite is still Ristorante Da Valentino), but I do think that it is a great all-round restaurant, with the right combination of good food, ambience and service.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Il Lido Italian Restaurant
27 Bukit Manis Road
#02-00 Sentosa Golf Club
Tel: 6866 1977
Daily: 11.30 – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 11pm

Note: This was an invited media tasting.

For more recommendations, read my post on the best Italian restaurants in Singapore

I first went to 1-TwentySix restaurant at Playground @ Big Splash, East Coast Park a year ago. It was a romantic restaurant to dine in, but I thought that the food was unremarkable for the price point, so I didn’t blog about it. Two months back, I went back again for dinner as a group of friends wanted to go there.

1 Twenty Six is a large sea-fronting beach restaurant & bar. While they have a nice indoor dining room, most of the customers prefer to eat at the al fresco area where you can enjoy the sea breeze and chill out with a group of friends over dinner and drinks.

We had a lot of food, but I only took a few shots as I didn’t want to scare off some of the new friends. 1 Twenty Six’s Coast menu is divided into two parts: the ala carte menu where you can get the usual appetiser ($6.5-22), salad ($12-20), platters ($22-32), main course ($28-48) and dessert ($14); and the Communal menu where you pay $70++/pax (min of 2 pax) for a nibble platter, choice of 1 main course/pax with sides, and a dessert platter.

With the exception of a few new additions, the menu has remained largely unchanged since my last visit. The nibble platter (pictured above) comes with the familiar Potato Skin with sour cream, Steamed Vongole Clams, and Crispy Soft Shell Crab with chilli mayo.

For the main course selections from the Communal menu, gone were the Seared King Scallops, Penne with Zucchini, and Fish Pie. In place were the Butternut Pumpkin Risotto, Shellfish Carbonara and Fish & Chips.

During my first visit to One Twenty Six, we had the 150 day grain fed tenderloin ($48), and braised short rib of beef ($38). The tenderloin was not bad, but I could have gotten a better steak elsewhere.

This time round, we also had the Communal menu. For the main courses, we shared the Fish & Chips, Roasted Baby Chicken, Seared Tuna Loin, and Grilled Cod Fillet.

Our British friend wasn’t impressed with the Baby Snapper Fillet in crispy beer batter, but the French Fries that came along with the ‘Fish & Chips’ were excellent – all of us couldn’t stop eating it.

Some of my friends thought that the Grilled Cod fillet with blood orange salad was good, but I felt that it was just decent, so was the Seared Tuna Loin (pictured below) with bell pepper marmalade. For me, the standout dish for the night was the Baby Chicken served with rosemary potatoes.

If you choose to have the Communal menu ($70++/pax), you get to pick either the Grande Assiette – a selection of five petite sized desserts consisting of Creme Brulee, Panna Cotta, Chocolate Cake, Pavlova, and Souffle; or a selection of artisan cheese.

1 Twenty Six by One Rochester Group is a hip and trendy place to see and be seen. Being one of the few fine dining restaurants in the East, it is a good option for people if they do not want to travel all the way to town. As for me, I would probably just come back for drinks.

Singapore Food Blog Review
1 TwentySix Restaurant
902 East Coast Parkway
Blk E #01-26 Playground @ Big Splash
Tel: +65 6348 2126

Sun to Thu: 6.30pm – 1am
Fri & PH Eve: 6.30pm – 3am
Sat: 3pm – 3am
Sun Brunch: 11am – 3pm

Regular readers know that I am a big fan of the Prive Group by restaurateurs Yuan Oeij. After trying their new Josper Grill menu recently, I am convinced that Prive Restaurant at Keppel Bay is one of the best restaurants in Singapore.

The Josper grill is favoured by many well-known chefs around the world. The system has a greater heat control, and the dual function of oven and grill signficantly reduces the cooking time of the meat.

There are 8 items on Prive’s Josper Grill menu, with options like seafood platter, kurobuta pork, lamb rack, ribeye and tenderloin. Naturally, prices are slightly steeper. The rack of kurobuta pork is available for $52, while the 280g Ribeye Cap is $75. The normal ala carte menu, on the other hand, is much more affordable. Prices range from $13-24 for appetisers; $24-35 for main courses; and $10-16 for desserts. Prive Restaurant also offers a 3 course set lunch during weekdays at $35.

Between the three of us, we shared 3 appetisers, 4 main course and a dessert platter. For appetisers, we started with the Grilled Watermelon Stack ($15). The sweet and juicy grilled watermelon was great, but I’m not sure if I’d pay $15 for it. I’m not a big fan of salad, but we had a pretty decent Apple, walnut & Brie Salad ($13). For me, the highlight from the appetiser menu was the Pan Seared Foie Gras ($24). Yummy goose liver with caramelised banana strudel, baby spinach and raisin brioche.

After having three appetisers and a glass of wine, we proceeded with the main courses.

To be honest, I thought that the Capellini with Sakura Ebi tasted like bee hoon – an atas $24 bee hoon. Having said that, it was done just right, and the sakura ebi added an additional dimension to a tasty plate of bee hoon.

We also had the Double Rib Lamb Rack ($58) which you see in the photo above. It was actually quite good, but I was preoccupied with the kurobuta pork and ribeye.

I was delighted to see the Rack of Kurobuta Pork ($52) on Prive’s Josper Grill menu. I love pork. The 280g corn-fed U.S Snake River Farm Kurobuta Pork (the first picture of this post) was gorgeous. I’d gladly give up a steak for this rack of kurobuta pork anytime.

“Our steak is better than CUT Steakhouse”. Yuan told us at the start of dinner.

Having heard raved reviews about the steaks at CUT Marina Bay Sands (my foodie friends boldly proclaimed that they have the best steaks in Singapore), I was a little sceptical initially.

My partner and I were left speechless when we had our first bite of the steak. It was SO GOOD – definitely one of the best steaks I’ve had. And you know what? I wouldn’t exchange this steak for any kurobuta pork.

There are four steak options on the Josper Grill menu: the premium Black Angus Tenderloin ($58), 340g Centre-cut Ribeye ($58), 280g Ribeye Cap ($75) and the humongous 450g Thick Cut Ribeye Steak ($90).

The Dessert Platter ($32) is a great way to end the meal on a sweet note. It offers 6 mini version of the ala carte desserts. Clockwise from top left: Lychee Granite, Valrhona Chocolate Mille Feuille, Cinnamon Apple Strudel, Lemon Meringue Tart, Ice Cream Profiteroles, and Sticky Date Pudding.

While you are paying fine dining prices for the experience at Prive Restaurant, the food is hardly so. It is unpretentious and uncomplicated. Prive is definitely in my list of must-go restaurants in Singapore.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Prive Restaurant
2 Keppel Bay Vista
GF Marina at Keppel Bay
Tel: +65 6776 0777
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

When it comes to Sunday Brunch, there’s nothing better than the Pink Champagne Brunch Buffet at Equinox Restaurant. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that this is definitely one of the best brunch in Singapore.

On the last Sunday of each month, the fine dining restaurant at Swissotel the Stamford has a special Pink Champagne Brunch.

From free flow of Moet & Chandon Rose Brut and pink cocktails, to pink chocolate fountain and staff dressed in hot pink, the Pink Themed Brunch will most definitely lift your mood. Trust me, it almost feels like heaven when you are sipping champagne on the 70th level.

Anyone who has been to Equinox knows how beautiful it is. At 70th level of the Equinox Complex, it is one of the restaurants with the best view in Singapore.

I have a love-hate relationship with buffet as I tend to overeat. But it is impossible to say no to a luxurious Sunday brunch. There is an appetiser section where you can start with parma ham & rock melon, as well as an assortment of salads.

There is also a corner with shooters like cured smoked duck and chilled gazpacho.

Moving on, the Salmon showcase will definitely wow you with the varieties of gravlax, cured, smoked salmon tartar and salmon rillette. But I was distracted by the Seafood Counter on the rather magnificent ice sculpture.

All you can eat seafood: tiger prawns, mud crabs, green lip mussels, fine de clair oysters, white pearl oysters, gillardeau oysters, and slipper lobsters.

The Japanese Station is conveniently located beside the seafood area. With Sashimi (Kingfish, Tasmanian Salmon, Yellowfin Tuna, Japanese Scallops, Surf Clam and Octopus) and a selection of Sushi and Maki to choose from, it felt like a mini Japanese buffet.

Oh my god. There goes my diet plan.

Carnivore alert! The Carving & Live station offers roasted USDA beef rib eye (too dry), roasted turkey (it’s Christmas already?) and leg of lamb (excellent).

The highlight of the dessert buffet was definitely the pink chocolate fountain. The nitrogen sorbet that came with the crepes, was equally impressive.

Opera cake, raspberry chocolate gateau, maple tree financier, panna cotta, macaron, cream brulee — how did desserts steal all the lovely words?

Looking for a birthday venue to throw a pink themed party? Equinox Restaurant is definitely the perfect place!

The $148++ Pink Brunch is not cheap, but I think it is worth splurging for that special occasion. Besides the fantastic view of Singapore’s skyline and waterfront, there’s also free flow of champagne with lots of yummy food. The Pink Brunch at Equinox is very popular, please make a reservation before going.

Singapore Food Blog
Equinox Restaurant
2 Stamford Road
70F Swissotel The Stamford Singapore
Tel: +65 6431 5669

Weekday Semi Buffet Lunch $59++
Afternoon high tea international buffet $43++
Sunday Brunch Buffet $128++
Pink Champagne Brunch Buffet $148++

Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Eating is a national hobby in Singapore. It goes without saying that we have many fantastic restaurants. When it comes to eating out, I have two preferred kinds of restaurants. The first is just about food. Service and ambience are not important so long they give me good food.

And of course, the other is all about the ambience. Everyone should spoil themselves a little by celebrating a special occasion in a romantic restaurant. You know, the kind of place where you can bring your partner for a nice date, and have a wonderful dining experience. Luckily for us, there are many romantic restaurants in Singapore with good ambience and view.

Here’s a list of Singapore’s top restaurants with the best romantic views:

Let’s dine with a view!

1-Altitude

With 360-degree sky dining view, the latest creation of the 1 Rochester Group, 1-Altitude is definitely a strong contender for the restaurant with the best view in Singapore. Looking for a place to party after work? Check out the world’s tallest al fresco rooftop bar 1-Altitude.

1 Raffles Place Level 62
One Raffles Place (OUB Centre) Singapore
Tel: +65 6438 0410

Equinox Restaurant

Be it the Weekday Semi Buffet Lunch ($59++), Sunday Brunch Buffet ($128++), Pink Brunch Buffet ($148++) on every last Sunday of the month, or afternoon high tea international buffet ($43++), Equinox, the highest restaurant in Singapore, is the perfect place for any special occasion. I’m in love with the restaurant.

2 Stamford Road
70F Swissotel The Stamford Singapore
Tel: +65 6431 5669

Hai Tien Lo

Hai Tien Lo at level 37 of Pan Pacific Hotel offers a memorable sky dining experience with exquisite Cantonese cuisine.

Bring your family there during the weekend for their $58++ dim sum brunch buffet with 60 delectable items to choose from. Available on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday from 11.30am – 2.15pm.

7 Raffles Boulevard
37/F Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6826 8240

Jaan

Together with Equinox restaurant, City Space cocktail lounge and New Asia Bar, Jaan is located up on the 70th floor at the Equinox Complex of Swissotel the Stamford. Even though Chef Andre Chiang is no longer with Jaan, the restaurant is still the restaurant to beat for the best view in Singapore.

2 Stamford Road
70F Swissotel The Stamford Singapore
Tel: +65 6431 5669

Ku De Ta

What’s there to say about Ku De Ta? The classy rooftop venue is the place to see and be seen. With a stunning view of the city’s skyline, Ku De Ta is an exciting addition to the vibrant Singapore food scene.

10 Bayfront Avenue Sands SkyPark Tower 3
Marina Bay Sands Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6688 7688

Level 33 Restaurant

Residing in the penthouse of Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC), Level 33 restaurant gives you the gorgeous view of Marina Bay. Their tagline ‘experiential penthouse dining in the World’s highest urban craft-brewery’ says it all.

The executive set lunch at $33++ is definitely a good excuse to have a long lunch. The location of MBFC also makes Level 33 the place to bring your clients for a business luncheon.

8 Marina Boulevard
#33-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1 Singapore
Tel: +65 6834 3133

Mandarin Court Chinese Restaurant

Nestled at the top of Mandarin Orchard Singapore (previously Meritus Mandarin) on the 35th level, Mandarin Court Chinese restaurant has a commanding view of the town area.

Mandarin Court Chinese Restaurant is definitely one of the most underrated restaurants in Singapore. I’d certainly recommend coming here for lunch if you are looking for a restaurant in Orchard Road.

333 Orchard Road Level 35
Orchard Wing Mandarin Orchard Singapore
Tel: +65 6831 6262

Peach Garden

Peach Garden is known for their traditional Cantonese cuisine. Their branch at OCBC Centre level 33 in the Executives’ Club offers a great view of Downtown Singapore. If you are there for dim sum lunch, be sure to try the signature custard buns – they are one of the best in Singapore.

65 Chulia Street #33-01
OCBC Centre Singapore
Tel: +65 6535 7833

Salt Grill & Sky Bar

Perched at the top of Ion Orchard, Salt Grill Restaurant by Luke Mangan is all about the complete dining experience. The restaurant offers a panoramic view from the heart of Singapore – there is only one word to describe it – wow(!!!)

Easily one of the most romantic restaurants in Singapore.

2 Orchard Turn Level 55 & 56
ION Orchard Singapore
Tel: +65 6592 5118

Si Chuan Dou Hua restaurant

In order to get to level 60 of UOB Plaza where Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant is, you need to change two lifts, but trust me, the magnificent view up there is worth the extra effort.

Tian Fu Tea Room, by Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant, boasts the first teahouse concept within a restaurant in Singapore. They have an Imperial High Tea (pairing of 3 different tea and 8 dim sum items) which is ideal for a leisure afternoon. With a great view and the indulgence of tea pairing with dim sum, this is definitely one of the best afternoon tea places in Singapore.

80 Raffles place
#60-01 UOB Plaza
Tel: +65 6535 6006

Sky on 57

Helmed by arguably Singapore’s most accomplished chef Justin Quek, Sky on 57 is located at the southern end of the Sands SkyPark, at Tower 1 of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The 12,000 sq ft restaurant contains a bar, lounge, main and private dining rooms, and an outdoor terrace that offers amazing ocean and city views, from dawn to dusk. Signature dishes include foie gras xiao long bao and Maine lobster tossed in tongue-searing black pepper sauce

10 Bayfront Ave Level 57 Sands SkyPark
Tower 1 Marina Bay Sands Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6688 8868

For more recommendations, read my list of 10 Things to do in Singapore

Italian cuisine is very popular in Singapore. I have been to quite a few Italian restaurants in Singapore but somehow most of them did not live up to standards.

Let me go straight to the point: La Cantina in venezia is one of the best Italian Restaurants in Singapore, and I will definitely recommend it for that special occasion.

La Cantina in venezia is located on the 8th level of Changi Village Hotel and it has a very classy yet unintimidating ambiance. The Italian restaurant is ideal for a quiet lunch, or a romantic dinner with your date.

Sometimes, it can be quite boring to have Italian food all the time. But I certainly will not mind eating at La Cantina every day if I live in the area. Okay maybe not every day, but you get the idea.

La Cantina in venezia’s menu has a good selection of Antipasti (from $15-$20), Pizza ($20-$30), Pasta/Risotto ($20-$27), and Main Course ($27-$35). Amongst the twenty pasta/risotto available, I’d probably come back again to try the squid ink linguine and seafood pasta in spicy tomato sauce.

The pizza section had interesting choices (with unique names) like Ferrari (pomodoro, mozzarella, bacon, salami, capsicum & fresh tomato) and Raikkonen (pomodoro, mozzarella, bacon, salami & sausage). If you are a big eater, go for the meats like grilled lamb in rosemary ($35) or rack of veal in italian mushroom sauce ($35).

Our lunch started with the Parma Ham on Rock Melon ($18.50) which was absolutely delightful. The paper thin slices of Parma ham came with the extremely sweet melon.

My dining companion is a big cheese lover, so it goes without saying that we ordered the Mixed Cheese Platter ($31) when she saw it on La Cantina’s menu. It was a lot of cheese, and even with the others helping us, we could not finish everything.

Our table ordered a few thin-crust pizzas, and they were huge. It was impossible to finish a whole pizza by yourself – definitely recommended for sharing.

La Cantina Italian Restaurant’s Linguine Al Granchio ($26.90) was PERFECT. The al dente linguine had huge chunks of crab meat and it was definitely one of the best pasta I’ve had. The portion was also quite substantial – I’d advise you to share this as the pasta was pretty rich and heavy.

Throughout lunch, I was pacing myself to save room for desserts. La Cantina does not have that many options for desserts, so we went for safe choices like the Tiramisu and Chocolate Lava Cake.

The Tiramisu was competent. It had a rather heavy dose of liquor and since the others were too full by then, I had the whole dessert to myself.

It took around 15-20 minutes for the Molten Chocolate Lava Cake to come, and luckily, it was worth the wait. After having under-par chocolate lava cakes elsewhere, I was relieved to find that the one here had a molten centre.

After trying the Italian food at La Cantina in venezia, it has joined Ristorante Da Valentino as my favourite Italian Restaurants in Singapore.

Valentino has a very homely vibe and serves really good authentic Italian food. On the other hand, La Cantina in venezia is stylish and it is definitely one of the most romantic restaurants in Singapore. The Italian restaurant at Changi Village Hotel may not be the most accessible place, but they are definitely worth a try.

Singapore Food Blog Review
La Cantina in venezia
1 Netheravon Road
#08/09-02 Changi Village Hotel
Tel: +65 6546 9190

Whenever readers ask me to recommend romantic dining places in Singapore, I will always think of the restaurants at Dempsey road. Among the options there, The White Rabbit ranks highly on my list of romantic restaurants in Singapore.

The White Rabbit, owned by the folks behind Loof and OverEasy, is a romantic restaurant housed within a beautiful restored Chapel in Dempsey Road.

I fell in love as soon as I stepped into the place.

Fine dining restaurants are usually not very versatile. I mean they are nice for a romantic dinner, but some of them can be quite intimidating. The White Rabbit, on the other hand, is great for just about any occasion. Be it a romantic date with your partner, a chic business lunch with your clients or a casual dinner with a group of friends.

I wanted to dine at The White Rabbit for the longest time, and I finally came here last week for their 3 course set lunch ($38++ per pax).

Amongst the five starters that were available on The White Rabbit’s menu, we opted for the Caponata and White peach salad. Drizzled with Italian herbs and olive oil, the crispy tiger prawns were accompanied by eggplant, celery and Roma tomatoes.

For our second appetiser, we chose the White Peach Salad over the Grilled Vegetables, Smoked Salmon and Mushroom Soup.

The White Rabbit’s set lunch menu has 5 different choices to satisfy everyone: Pan Seared Salmon Fillet, Pan Roasted Sea Bass, Braised Oxtail, Galantine of Duck, Roasted Lamb Rump and pasta. We eventually settled for the salmon and duck.

Served with Petit Pois Puree (green peas) and carrots, the Salmon was pan seared nicely and we thought that it was pretty well done. But with no substantial sides, the portion might be too small for folks with big appetite.

The Galantine of duck however, came with simple yet tasty potatoes. The herbed minced beef stuffing within the de-boned duck was subtle, and the dish somehow tasted like roasted duck.

Out of the three desserts on The White Rabbit’s lunch menu, we had the Tiramisu and Valrhona Chocolate Tart (with the other option being profiteroles). It is difficult to judge a tiramisu since everyone has different interpretations on what makes a good tiramisu. If you like it with a strong alcohol taste, you will love the one here.

The White Rabbit’s tiramisu had an extremely strong liqueur flavour at the base, which left a bitter after-taste lingering in the mouth for a long time. We did not really enjoy it, and thankfully there was the Valrhona Chocolate Tart to distract us.

Paired with a slightly sourish strawberry ice cream, the chocolate-y Valrhona Chocolate Tart was small in size but huge on flavours. It contrasted hot with cold and sweet with sour perfectly.

The romantic restaurant has a uber-chic watering hole in the al fresco area. The Rabbit Hole is an outdoor bar which is a lovely place for some drinks and finger food. It is definitely a good option for events and parties, but don’t expect it to be cheap.

Hold my hands and follow me down the rabbit hole…

The 3 course set lunch at the White Rabbit is $38++ and they also have a 4 course degustation menu at $98++ per person. For their ala carte menu, appetisers like the tuna carpaccio and steak tartare start from $20. Most of the main courses are in the $30ish range and desserts like the creme brulee and souffle are $16 each.

The White Rabbit restaurant has received mixed reviews so far: there are people who love the Alice in Wonderland theme restaurant, and there are also others who feel that the food is inconsistent and not worth the money.

Whilst the food at The White Rabbit may not be the most spectacular, sometimes food becomes secondary when you are eating at such a beautiful place.

Singapore Food Blog Review
The White Rabbit
39C Harding Road
Dempsey Singapore
Tel: +65 6473 9965

I have received many emails asking me to recommend romantic restaurants in Singapore for Valentine’s Day Dinner. Many of you are probably trying to decide on a nice restaurant to bring your date, I hope that this list of Valentine’s Day Dinner Restaurants will help you make the decision.

If money is not an issue, obviously you can go for the best restaurants in Singapore like Les Amis, Iggy’s, Andre, and the celebrity chef restaurants at Marina Bay Sands.

But not everyone has the budget to splurge on a $500 meal, so my list of Valentine’s Dinner will include a range of dining options in Singapore: affordable cafes, ideal places to celebrate with a group of friends, and also romantic restaurant with nice ambience and good food.

Barracks Cafe

Barracks Cafe at House is one of my favourite restaurants at Dempsey road – they have nice ambience, and decent food at good value. There is currently no special Valentine’s Day Dinner menu, so order the skinny pizzas, and main courses like fish & chips, lobster linguine from their normal ala carte menu.

Barracks Cafe is ideal for all occasions, be it Valentine’s Dinner for two, or with a group of friends. If it’s not raining, get a table in the lovely al fresco during dinner.

Price Range: $20ish for most main courses, and $7-$12 for desserts.

8D Dempsey Road #01-01 to 06
Tanglin Village (Dempsey Road) Singapore
Tel: +65 6475 7787

Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant

I know having German food doesn’t sound as romantic as French or Italian cuisine, but if you are celebrating Valentine’s Day with a group of friends, why not have some German sausage and beer? Brotzeit German Restaurant has branches at Vivocity, Raffles City and 313 @ Somerset. If you have been there before, check out Paulaner Brauhaus at Millenia Walk.

Price Range: $20-$40 for a main course, $50 upwards with beer.

1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-149/-151 VivoCity
Tel: +65 6272 8815

District 10 Bistro

Whenever my friends ask for my recommendation for a romantic restaurant which is also laid back and affordable, I will always think of District 10 Bistro at Windstedt road near Newton Circus.

District 10 will be having a special ala carte menu for Valentine’s Dinner, but it is not out yet. I understand that there won’t be any set menu, but the prices for the ala carte items may be increased slightly higher. Please give them a call to check on the status of the ala carte menu next week.

Price Range: $20-$30 for Main Course, $12 for Desserts (Prices may be higher during Valentine’s Day).

10 Winstedt Road #01-17 Singapore
Tel: +65 6738 4788

Foo House Cafe & Bar

The Easties may want to check out Foo House Cafe & Bar near Upper Changi Road. Chef Robert Foo from Foo House used to work at Grand Hyatt Hotel Singapore as their Executive Sous Chef. They serve big portions of Western food at very reasonable pricing. Currently, there isn’t any special Valentine’s Day Dinner promotion, do give them a call to check on a closer date.

Price Range: $15-$25 for a main course.

6 Jalan Pari Burong Picardy Garden Singapore
Tel: +65 6445 3110

il Lido Italian Dining

If you are looking for a romantic restaurant in Singapore to spend Valentine’s Day with your partner, il Lido Italian restaurant is definitely the place. The restaurant needs no further introduction, it is one of the most popular Italian Restaurants in Singapore.

This Valentine’s day, they have a special dinner menu at $148++ per head. Start with an amuse bouche, and tease your palate with the grilled Hokkaido scallops and goose liver terrine. Follow up with the lobster tagliatelle and choose between il Lido’s Altantic cod fish and wagyu striploin. End the Valentine’s Day Dinner on a sweet note with their soft chocolate tart. Sounds good? Give them a call to make your reservations now!

Price Range: iL Lido’s Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu (available from 11-14th Feb 2011) $148++/pax. Main courses from ala carte menu $40 upwards.

27 Bukit Manis Road #02-00 Sentosa Golf Club Singapore
Tel: +65 6866 1977

1 Twenty Six

Another romantic restaurant that I will like to recommend is 1 Twenty Six at Big Splash, East Coast Parkway. They have a special Valentine’s Day promotion, the $95++/pax menu includes: tasting of oysters, pan fried foie gras, Hokkaido scallop, Angus Dried aged beef and a raspberry chiffon.

Price Range: 1 Twenty Six’s Valentine’s Day Dinner $95++/pax. Main courses from ala carte menu $30 for pasta, and $40 upwards for meat/seafood.

902 East Coast Parkway Blk E, #01-26
Playground @ Big Splash Singapore
Tel: +65 6348 2126

Osia Resorts World Sentosa

The Valentine’s Day Set Dinner menu at Osia Resorts World Sentosa is $320++ per person. It comes with oyster, crab bisque, foie gras. For the main course, choose from grilled king prawn or the Black Angus beef tendeloin, and their famous valrhona hot chocolate soup.

Price Range: Osia’s Valentine’s Day Promotion (available only on 14th Feb 2011) $320++ per person. Main courses from ala carte menu $40 upwards.

8 Sentosa Gateway
Resorts World Sentosa Singapore
Tel: +65 6577 6560

The Landing Point at Fullerton Bay Hotel

With the opening of the restaurants at Fullerton Bay Hotel, and Customs House, we have new options for waterfront dining which give us a magnificent view of the Marina Bay area. For this Valentine’s Day, why not surprise your partner and go for high tea at The Landing Point, Fullerton Bay Hotel?

Like the afternoon tea at Regent Tea Lounge, the 3 tier dessert high tea set at The Landing Point is replenish-able if there’s no sharing and each person gets his/her own set. The Afternoon Tea (available from 3pm to 5.30pm daily) is $38++/pax and comes with scones, sandwiches, pastries and coffee/tea.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel
80 Collyer Quay
Tel: +65 6333 8388

The University Club

I know it may sound a little strange to have Valentine’s Day Dinner in the university, but if your partner and you first met in the university schooling days, I think it’s quite memorable to celebrate this special day back in the campus.

The University Club is a romantic fine dining restaurant run by the owners of the Prive Group. It has a $98++/pax Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu which starts off with amuse bouche, and an organic mushroom soup. Continue the dinner with the Scallop & Pea risotto, and choose your main course between the Dory or Wagyu Beef. End off with a happily-ever-after ending by having the Ivory Chocolate & Strawberry Tart.

Price Range: The University Club’s Valentine’s Day Dinner menu (available on 11th, 12th, & 14th Feb 2011) $98++/pax. Main courses from ala carte menu $20-$40.

11 Kent Ridge Drive Level 4
Shaw Foundation Alumni House Singapore
Tel: +65 6779 8919

* * *

Read my list of romantic restaurant in Singapore for more choices, and my guide to Valentine’s Day Gifts: Food Edition.

I know it is expensive to eat out at restaurants during Valentine’s Day, but I also believe that it is a special occasion for us to indulge. Guys, be a gentleman and hand over your wallet, and Ladies, wear your best dress and put on nice party make up for the dinner.

Every day can be Valentine’s Day if you cherish each other. For those who do not want to squeeze with other couples on Valentine’s Day or during the weekend (12th & 13th Feb 2011), why don’t you celebrate the occasion a few days earlier? Or even better still, cook a scrumptious meal for your partner at home. Have fun planning for Valentine’s Day!

It’s not about where you eat, but who you eat with.

I know there are people who put food as the main priority and it doesn’t matter if there isn’t any ambiance. But we are talking about Christmas after-all. It’s a special occasion, so choose a nice and romantic restaurant for your Xmas Dinner. Christmas is just another excuse for us to feast like kings and queens.

Here’s a list of Romantic Restaurants to have your Christmas Dinner for 2

Krish the Restaurant

Housed in a beautiful colonial bungalow, Krish at Rochester Park is a fine dining restaurant that offers South Asia influenced European cuisine. The mains are within the $30-40 range, and they have a special Christmas dinner menu at $115++ per pax from the 6th to 27th Dec 2010.

9 Rochester Park Singapore
Tel: +65 6779 4644

La Cantina in Venezia

I mentioned La Cantina in Venezia in my list of the best Singapore Italian Restaurants briefly before, so if you need a nice restaurant for a romantic Christmas Dinner, do make your reservations soon as they are almost booked for Christmas eve. They have a special Christmas Set Menu ($98+ for 7 course) on the 24th & 25th December 2010. Otherwise, order from their normal ala carte menu: pastas & pizzas are in the $20ish range.

1 Netheravon Road
#08/09-02 Changi Village Hotel
Tel: +65 6546 9190

Pamplemousse Bistro & Bar

My friend was just raving about the food at Pamplemousse Bistro & Bar at Dempsey road to me that day. Their special 7 course menu for Xmas Dinner is available from the 21th to 26th Dec 2010, at $118++ per pax. Actually, most of the Dempsey hill restaurants are nice for a romantic dinner.

Blk 7 Dempsey Road #01-04 Tanglin Village Singapore
Tel: +65 6475 0080

Spruce Restaurant Bar

Nestled in the heart of Tanglin road, Spruce restaurant is a nice charming place to have dinner after work or brunch during the weekends. The Christmas Dinner promotion menu is available from now until the festive holiday, otherwise you can choose to order from the ala carte menu: mains start from $20 for a pasta, and $30 upwards for meat.

320 Tanglin Road Phoenix Park Singapore
Tel: +65 6836 5528

* * *

Some possible restaurants for Christmas Party Venues in Singapore:

If you are celebrating this Christmas with your family, or a group of friends, chances are, you are probably cracking your brains trying to find a place to throw a party without bursting the budget. I know exactly how you feel, because everyone has been asking me to recommend suitable restaurants for Christmas Party Venues in Singapore for 2010. 

Prive Bakery Cafe Bar

Located just 3 minutes drive away from Harborfront, Prive Bakery Cafe Bar at Keppel Island is a gorgeous place for brunch, desserts or drinks. If you are planning to throw a Christmas party for a group of friends (less than 50 pax), call them 3-4 days in advance to make a reservation. For exclusive events and special menus (like Canapés, Buffets), they need a minimum of 50 guests.

For inquiries about events at Prive/Hacienda, email: rae@prive.com.sg

2 Keppel Bay Vista
GF Marina @ Keppel Bay
Tel: +65 6776 0777

N.Y.D.C (New York Dessert Cafe)

For a long time, I thought NDYC only serves cakes and desserts. Well, you can’t blame me since they are called New York Dessert Cafe. If budget is a concern this Christmas, you may want to consider nydc’s Christmas set menu (24th to 26th Dec 2010) which comes with a festive drink, starter, a choice of entree and log cake for desserts. Otherwise, share the Jolly Max Platter (picture) which is part of nydc’s Christmas dinner promotion with a group of friends.

For inquiries about events at NYDC, email: events@nydc.com.sg

200 Victoria Street #02-47/48
Bugis Junction Singapore
Tel: +65 6333 3161

Zsofi Tapas Bar

Thinking of throwing a nice little Christmas party with some drinks and tapas for a group of friends? Little India may not be the place where you have in mind, but trust me, Zsofi Tapas Bar serves affordable and good Spanish food, and they are definitely a cool place for a nights out. Prices vary for different requirement, but to give you a better idea what to expect: a basic party package (min 30 pax) comes at $50 per guest for 3 drinks & 3 tapas.

For inquiries about events at Zsofi Tapas Bar: email: janice@tapasbar.com.sg

68 Dunlop Street Singapore
Tel: +65 6297 5875

Go for a Christmas buffet and eat to your heart’s content

What better way to end the year than to pig-out at a Christmas buffet and eat as much as you want? I always preach about eating things in moderation, and exercising regularly, but hey, this is Christmas! Give yourself a break! Be it a dim sum buffet, a Christmas Brunch, or whatever you are craving for — go for it!

Olive Tree Mediterranean Restaurant

The festive buffet at Olive Tree Intercontinental Hotel includes delightful spread includes traditional favorites such as roast turkey with chestnut stuffing served with cranberry sauce, rolled pork loin and barbecued duck with plum sauce; an array of decadent desserts such as Christmas pudding with brandy anglais, chocolate Yule log and caramelized pecan.

80 Middle Road GF
Intercontinental Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6825 1061
// Festive Buffet (10th to 23th Dec 2010)
Lunch $45++, Dinner $59++
Christmas Eve Buffet Lunch $55++, Dinner $88++
Christmas Buffet Dinner (25th Dec) $78++

Tea Lounge @ The Regent Singapore

If buffet is not your thing, you may want to consider going for the festive Afternoon High Tea instead. The Regent Singapore’s Tea Lounge is known to have one of the best Afternoon High Tea in Singapore. They serve the English Afternoon Tea on a 3 tier dessert Stand during weekdays, and a local-theme High Tea Buffet during weekends.

1 Cuscaden Road GF
The Regent Singapore Singapore
Tel: +65 6725 3246
// Three Tier Afternoon Tea $38++
(Monday to Friday: 12 noon – 5.30pm)
High Tea Buffet $46++
(Sat, Sun, eve of & PH: 1.30pm – 5.30pm)

Ikoi Japanese Restaurant

For those of you who never fancy turkey, and logcake, and mincemeat pies, how about having Japanese food? Ikoi Japanese restaurant at Hotel Miramar is known for their Japanese buffet in Singapore. It is a great way to end this year by having unlimited sashimi, sushi and tempura for just $33++ per pax.

401 Havelock Road #01-01
Hotel Miramar Singapore
Tel: +65 6887 3788

* * *

I will love to give you more recommendations, but my post is getting way too long. You may also want to check out the following — for Thai food: Sweet Salty Spicy, fine dining Chinese restaurant: Yan Ting, Waterfront restaurants: Dallas restaurant & Boathouse, within vicinity of town: District 10 Bistro & Wild Rocket, Champagne dim sum brunch: Cherry Garden, nice & cozy cafe: Food for Thought & little part 1 Cafe.

How are you planning to spend this Christmas? Is it gonna be a romantic Christmas dinner for two at a nice restaurant, or having a party with your family & friends, or simply a good feast at your favorite restaurant?

My friend was sharing about her disastrous first date when boy meets girl, and it’s good bye forever. First dates are probably one of the most nerve-wrecking things and on this night, everything can go wrong.

Here’s 5 food-related tips for first date that I will like to share:

1. Choice of Venue

Never go to McDonald for your first date. Meeting at fast food ‘restaurants’ for first date is not acceptable at all. Having said that, it doesn’t meant that you have to go to fine dining restaurants. I don’t believe in choosing an expensive restaurant for first date; the environment is usually too tense and there’s always the tendency of trying-too-hard to create the first impression.

For first date restaurants: find a small cozy place like Oriole Cafe, or Bistro One Zero Three, where the food is decent and the price is easy on the wallet. It will be more comfortable for both of you to chat and learn more about each other in a relaxed cafe.

2. Never order Salad

Boys and girls, listen up right now. Never just order a salad (and nothing else) on your first date. This isn’t the time to worry about the bill, nor is it the time to be overly concern about your eating etiquette. I don’t know about you, but girls who do not have much appetite, are a big turn-off for me. And guys who eat just salad for dinner? Seriously?

3. Never order any squid-ink related dishes?

I’m sure you heard about this all the time. But then again, if it’s me, I’d totally order a squid ink pasta/risotto if the restaurant is known for that. It’s very arousing to see your date blush when she realized there’s a black smudge off the corner of her mouth. It’s a little shy, and definitely very cute. Enjoy the butterflies of the first date!

There’s probably 10345 different guides on what to/not to order during the first date. But it is always important to have something that you are comfortable with.

4. Always offer to pay for the first date

I am saying this on behalf for all the guys out there. I know everyone keeps saying that we are living in the 21st century – man and woman are equal and all those nonsense. Forget about everything, they are all bullshit! When it comes to the first date, it’s disgusting that the girl has to pick up the tab.

Be a gentleman.

Offer to pay and suggest that she can treat you the next time (read: perfect excuse for the second date). Well, obviously there are too many possibilities after you offered to get the bill, but here are some of the typical outcomes: a) she graciously accepts the treat, girl ask boy out for second date and it’s happily-ever-after. b) She accepts your treat. but never contact you again. Thanks sucker! c) She rejects the notion because she don’t feel anything and probably don’t want to owe you and d) she offers to go dutch not because she’s the independent type of girl, and you probably still stand a chance.

Rule number one for guys: Always offer to pay on your first date.

The last tip for your first date dinner? Smile, always smile.

* * *

Boys and girls, do you have anything to add on when it comes to first date? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Have fun with your butterflies on your first date dinner!

OChre Orchard Central’s Agello – Australian Lamb Chops

When it comes to dining in Orchard Central, there are so many restaurants and eateries that we are really spoilt for choices. There’s a couple of restaurants at Orchard Central that I have been wanting to check out; for instance I have heard a lot of good things about Ootoya Japanese restaurant but the long queue always puts me off.

Like what I mentioned in my previous blog post on the Best Singapore Italian restaurants, I have been going to many Italian restaurants recently, one of which was OChre at Orchard Central.

When Mr Gadget was in town back in March, dweam and I brought him to OChre – an Italian restaurant on the 11th floor of Orchard Central. It seems inappropriate to start my introduction by jumping straight into the main course, but the picture of the Almond and herb breaded Australian lamb chops ($34) was too irresistible.

Rossini on right, Fegato Grasso on left

And then it was foie gras, and more foie gras! Our appetizer was the Fegato Grasso ($27), hot and cold foie gras. It was the virgin experience for both my dining companions when it comes to foie gras.

I was like, “Oh my god, how can you guys never tried foie gras before?”

It’s definitely one of the must-try food in the world! All of us preferred the hot foie gras, with a texture and taste that was consistent with the melt-in-the-mouth effect. On the other hand, the cold foie gras was a bit too much for us to stomach, with an overbearing gamey liver taste.

One of the main course that we ordered was the Rossini ($36). Done medium, the seared grass fed beef tenderloin also came with a piece of caramelized foie gras that sat smudgy on top. A bite of beef tenderloin and a bit of foie gras, I can’t think of a better combination!

If the chef is the artist, then surely the Doppio Carpaccio ($22) will be the piece of artwork. It was so pretty that we did not know where to start. Essentially it was a double carpaccio of Hokkaido Scallop and Parma Prosciutto. I’m a sucker for all things pretty, this is a feast for the eyes as much as for the stomach.

I couldn’t remember which pizza we had. All I knew was that: it was thin crust, with a very subtle tomato base topped with wild rocket.

The Acqua Pazza ($32) was the most disappointing among the three main courses that we shared. Fillet of red snapper braised in broth of clams, anchovy, capers and dried tomato – it was exceptionally ordinary.

Luckily, the Squid Ink Pasta and Duck Risotto were much better. The pasta was infused with squid ink and tossed in tomato sauce, the Squid ink pasta is one of my all time favorite pasta! We were intrigued by the Duck risotto, thin slices of duck meat were prepared with the risotto and lots of cheese, it’s very creamy and delicious!

It will be foolish to have an Italian dinner without trying the Tiramisu ($11). OChre’s rendition was generous not only in portion, but also in terms of the alcohol level. Give me a tiramisu and I will be a happy boy!

One of the must-order dessert at OChre Orchard Central will be the smooth and bouncy Pannacotta ($11). In addition to that, we also had the Creme Brulee ($10), which came in a trio of orange/espresso/pistachio flavors. Personally I preferred the orange over the other two flavors.

OChre Orchard Central has a complicated system in placed; there’s two different menus with the degustation set dinner menu at $68 per head for the interior dining, and the causal ala carte bar menu for the al fresco dining area.

In short, it means that you must order the set dinner menu to dine indoors. At $68, the dinner set menu includes antipasto, soup, pasta, main course and two desserts. While prices for the ala carte menu are around the $20s for appetizers and pastas, and $30-ish for main courses.

While the complicated system ‘forced’ customers to have the degustation menu; dining at OChre Italian Restaurant at Orchard Central is pleasant and doesn’t have the fine dining vibe. It will be better classified as a semi-fine dining Italian restaurant, and I wouldn’t mind having dinner at the breezy al fresco area.

From what I understand, OChre’s chef Kentaro Torii has been trained in Japan and Italy, naturally there’s a blend of the Japanese cuisine with Italian food. OChre Italian restaurant is a good option for a romantic dinner, with prices being slightly above mid range.

Which restaurants at Orchard Central will you recommend me to go next?

Restaurant Review
OChre Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#11-03/04 Orchard Central
Tel: +65 6634 0423
(Note: This was an invited tasting session)

It’s easy to fall in love with dining in the Marina Bay District. Superb view overlooking the Marina area and there’s the up and coming Marina Bay Sands at the heart of the area.

Restaurants at One Fullerton and the Esplanade area that offer the romantic view to couples are a dime a dozen, but it is as Clifford Pier that you feel truly special- there’s only one restaurant in the whole pier.

One on the Bund is a fine dining Shanghainese restaurant in Singapore that is located at Clifford Pier, an area that visitors to Kusu island will be familiar with. Gone is the ferry terminal, and in place is the current One on the bund.

Despite taking over the whole pier, it has retained the old architecture and added an oriental yet contemporary vibe to the whole dining area. Stepping inside the restaurant, it feels like you’ve been transported to a giant museum with high ceilings and exquisite adornments.

I heard about One on the Bund from all the media hype when it started operations back in 2008. Unfortunately there wasn’t much reviews online and I wasn’t really keen to venture here without any indicator on the prices of the food.

They have this huge main walkway leading all the way to the al fresco area at the back. Personally, that will be the best bet if you want to enjoy the night breeze over some desserts. The main dining hall uses traditional dining furniture, and there’s also a noodle bar, private dining area and a small dessert bar area.

With such a grand setting, I had a feeling that it’s gonna be good.

In every way, having Peking duck is like falling in love. I’d watch the chef slice the roasted duck skin one by one, and the anticipation always make my mouth water. Butterflies will gather around my stomach, and it reminds me about the feeling of guessing what the other party is thinking; more fats, thicker skin, more fats, thicker skin.

Best Peking Duck in Singapore

The Signature wood-fire roasted duck in Peking style (S$88, order in advance), I decided, didn’t need the Chinese pancake wrap. I found it to be a pity to put the meat and skin into the wrap when it tasted so good on its own. We were told to dip it in sugar, and it was the first time that we actually heard of this manner of eating peking duck. But apparently after some research online, it seems to be a common way of having the peking duck.

The fine sugar struck like glue to the layer of fats, and I don’t care what you say – this is the best peking duck in Singapore! With the presence of the sugar, the usual Peking duck sauce paled in comparison, and I’m really thankful that Ju, Catherine and Julia don’t really have the stomach for this – I finished up almost 3/4 of the whole plate by myself.

Oh my god: this-is-so-good! I am not kidding you!

If the kitchen is the stage, then surely the chef is the actor and we are the audience that will never be satisfied. More food, more food! The Eastern Sea Dragon ($48) or Braised Fish Fillets in a Chilli Broth is all about the showmanship. The stage was set when the staff brought out their tools and placed it on our table, with a rustic-looking stove, they prepared the water-cooked-fish live in front of us.

From afar, we could actually smell the Crispy Lamb Ribs ($48) and I’m not sure if it’s a good thing – with the thick, gamy lamb smell filling the air. What’s the difference between lamb and mutton? We actually debated about this while having the lamb, and from the quick discussion I came up with a conclusion: a) Lamb is a sheep less than a year old b) Older sheep is called mutton c) mutton has a stronger and tougher taste and d) I like lamb > mutton.

As part of the menu that we had, there was some Chinese pastries. But because I still wanted dessert, we ordered additional macarons, chocolate cake and tiramisu. One On The Bund a fine dining Chinese restaurant, but they also have pastry chefs weaving their magic with the lovely Western creations.

The others were astonished by how much tiramisu I had, the whole slab could easily fill 6 people. It probably looks smaller in the picture, but I can assured you that it’s absolutely gigantic! I don’t know about you, but I think $16 for such a big serving of tiramisu is totally worth the money.

* * *

This is the last part of a series that I’m doing on the waterfront restaurants in One Fullerton. I’ll like to thank Fullerton Heritage, and One on the bund for hosting this dinner.

One on the bund is a fine dining Shanghainese restaurant, and understandably there’s a premium price to pay for the lavish settings. If you are not into Chinese food, I’d suggest the unlikely – go to One on the Bund for desserts. Given that it’s a Chinese restaurant, their western desserts are surprisingly quite good. Bring your date to the romantic Clifford Pier, order some sweets and enjoy the view across Marina Bay.

Restaurant Review
One on the Bund Restaurant
80 Collyer Quay
Clifford Pier
Tel: +65 6221 0004

Update: The Cafe is now closed.

I’ve walked past Society Bar at One Fullerton a couple of times when I was dining in the waterfront restaurants there. I know it’s under the same management of The Prime Society at Dempsey, but for some reason I never visited.

Most of the restaurants at One Fullerton can be costly, that’s why the first thing that struck me when I saw Society Bar’s menu – was the affordability of the food.

Society Bar is a bistro version of The Prime Society. There’s no premium meats of course, most of the mains are priced below $20. The food is not spectacular, but I think it’s affordable considering the excellent location of the bistro bar at One Fullerton.

The Tunisian Braised Chicken Leg Pilaff With Brown Rice ($16.50) caught all of us by surprise. The chicken leg was very pleasant, in the sense that every bite was smooth and tender. It was one of our favorites among the main courses.

On paper, the proper definition of a burger is minced meat patty enveloped between two buns, with some tomato, lettuce, and if you are lucky, extra stuff like cheese and bacon to go along. Society Bar’s Beef Burger ($14.50) was pretty decent, not fantastic – but the hearty portion was enough to satisfy our meat cravings

We could smell the Tiger Beer Battered Fish & Chips from afar. Catherine enjoyed the fresh dory fish tremendously, but both Ju and I thought it was slightly too salty.

After having two excellent pasta the previous week, I was still itching for good homely spaghetti. It was either cream or tomato base, we went for the latter as tomato’s always less heavy than cream-base pasta. Well maybe I was pushing my luck too far, but the Spaghetti With Mediterranean Tomato Sauce, Olive Oil and Parmesan ($12.50) was slightly overcooked, and we couldn’t finish it.

I was hoping that there will be Vanilla bean ice cream when we ordered the Baked Apple Tartlet ($7.50). But it came with rum & raisin ice cream instead. Drizzled with toffee sauce, the combination of warm baked dessert with cold ice cream always work.

Looking through the dessert menu, the Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding ($8) caught our attention immediately. For a sticky pudding, it wasn’t sticky and moist enough. I’d probably like it If I didn’t know this was a sticky puddng. The hunt for the best sticky date pudding continues.

This is the fourth part of a series that I’m doing on the waterfront restaurants in One Fullerton. I’ll like to thank Fullerton Heritage, Society Bar and Marina Mathews of Crocmedia for hosting this dinner.

There’s really nothing much to say, if you want a romantic dinner at the swanky One Fullerton, yet somewhere easy-on-the-pocket; I’d say give Society Bar a try. But remember not to expect too much for the food, they are decent – but not wow. Otherwise, drop by for drinks after dinner to enjoy the stunning view overlooking the Marina Bay area.

Here’s the question: Is food more important or ambience?

Restaurant Review
Society Bar
1 Fullerton Road
#01-11 One Fullerton
Tel: +65 6423 9689
Daily: 10.30am – 10pm

I know it’s too early to ask, but what did you do for Christmas last year? I had an awesome impromptu party back in December with Monoxious, Dweam and Jayleif. When I say impromptu, I really mean impromptu since the whole party was planned in less than twenty-four hours.

It was a mad rush trying to find a nice restaurant for Christmas Eve dinner since most places were already packed. Rather than having traditional Christmas food like turkey, log-cake and ham, we decided to go for some exotic Vietnamese food instead.

Located at Orchard Central’s Sky Garden, NUOC is a relatively new Vietnamese restaurant in the Singapore food scene. It’s positioned as a semi-fine dining Vietnamese restaurant, and naturally prices are slightly steeper.

I always have problems when it comes to ordering. It was a hard decision trying to choose from the deep-fried and the Fresh Vietnamese Spring roll ($18 for 4 rolls), so we went for the easy way out and ordered both.

Fresh prawns, sliced pork, lettuce, Vietnamese herbs & vermicelli rolled with traditional Vietnamese rice paper. That’s what inside the spring roll. Or rather, that’s what the menu says. And there’s mint inside too. The mint was somewhat like the final touch to enhance the freshness of the rolls. Crisp, and sharp, every bite was delightful – unless you don’t like mint.

Which is better? The Fresh Spring roll or the Deep-fried Vietnamese Spring Roll ($12 for 8 pieces)? I’m a sucker for deep-fried food. As much as I know that deep-fried food is unhealthy, but it always makes the food taste so much better.

We also ordered the Egg plant ($12) and Stir-fried lemon grass and ginger chicken ($16). The former was mashy, and it kinds of resembled fish rather than egg plant, while the latter was mediocre.

When it comes to soup, I only like hot soup. Somehow I never like cold soup, I mean, soup should always be hot, otherwise it’s not soup right? At least, that’s my definition of soup. Even when it’s hot soup, I only like home-cooked Chinese soup. Which is why, you seldom see me ordering soup in restaurants. I’m not against soup, but I’d rather spend the money having another appetizer, or even better – an extra dessert. The intriguing name of Fresh Prawn in young coconut ($20 for 6 pieces) caught our attention, and the soup base was probably prepared for hours; it was rich, and intense and sweet.

* * *

NUOC is a very new restaurant, and they are still sorting out all the teething problems. When we went in December, the signature Vietnamese Pho (I remembered it as fur) was not even offered on the menu, I mean how can a Vietnamese restaurant not serve Pho right? Hopefully they should be serving Pho by now. Anyway, the view is gorgeous, if you want Vietnamese food in a nice ambience and do not mind paying more, NUOC might just be the place.

Now tell me, how did you celebrate Christmas last year?

Restaurant Review
NUOC Vietnamese Restaurant
181 Orchard Road
#12-01 Orchard Central
Tel: +65 6884 6808

I love a good restaurant. But if there’s one thing I like even more, it’s having good company for dinner together. Dining in a fine-dining restaurant is very nice, but it really depends on the people around you to make it even better. Sometimes we get lucky, it’s an extra bonus when we are dining with nice people, and it happens to be a very romantic restaurant.

Many people always ask me to recommend a romantic restaurant in Singapore, I’d like to tell them: so long you are with your other half, everywhere is romantic. But I can’t possibly do that can I? You want to know a romantic place for your first date, a romantic restaurant for birthday parties, a romantic restaurant for that special occasion, and like today, a romantic restaurant for Valentine’s day; it’s all about the ambiance.

I’m very pleased to ‘stumble upon’ Boathouse, a newly opened Modern European restaurant at Fullerton Water Boat House. Chic decorations that exudes a laid-back and homely feel, gorgeous view that overlooks the Marina Bay area, elegant and simple furniture, oh I love this place.

Fish Chowder Sea Bass Carpaccio ($15)

I had Wagyu beef on a couple of occasions before, but this was the first time that I actually had a Wagyu Beef Ribs. The first bite? It tasted just like pork ribs. The second bite? It’s definitely a lot better than the normal pork ribs. It’s a superior version, no it’s  wrong to even compared it with pork ribs. My dear, you are looking at the Wagyu Beef Ribs with Aged Red Wine Jus ($33).

The meat was so tender that it falls off the bone and melts in your mouth splendidly. Placed together in a plate, the wagyu beef ribs absorbed the aged red wine jus, and in turn the latter captured the essence from the long braising process. How good was it? Catherine wiped the plate clean with bread.

Ju had the Atlantic Pink Snapper ($25) instead of the Wagyu beef ribs. She mentioned that the fish was fabulously fresh, firm, sweet, and didn’t want to share it with us. An excuse to return? I’d think so!

I seems to be having a lot of pasta recently. Boy I’m glad all of them were good quality ones, and the Tagliatelle Wild Mushroom in Truffle Sauce (S$19) was no exception. Every slurp of the tagliatelle was intense, and so flavorful. Some might find it to be too salty and overpowering, but I thought that it was pretty well done.

The Caramel Apple tartlets ($15) were small. Fine, they were tiny. Initially the restaurant told us it was tasting portions, but after confirmation from a few friends who went there for dinner, they were still serve the mini apple tartlets for the full price.

Fifteen bucks for three mini tartlets and ice cream? I wouldn’t pay for this, and neither should you. Please do not order the apple tartlets until the restaurant made changes to it.

The mind is a funny thing. It always play tricks on you, and subconsciously conjured images of things that you wouldn’t want other people to see. Halfway through the meal, my mind decided to play a game with me. Like as though there was a remote control, it pressed the ‘play’ button, and memories of a very good semifreddo that I’ve before started to flash.

Reason #1 why the pastry chef here does not have a sweet tooth.

With the sourish fruit compote to compliment the White Chocolate Semifreddo ($15), it gave the impression of an anti-sweet establishment. Desserts, are after all, meant to be sweet. I tried the semifreddo on it’s own, and it was so good. In order to see the reasoning behind the inclusion of the fruit compote, I reluctantly had a taste of the semifreddo with the tart berries – well it wasn’t so bad, but I’d obviously prefer dessert to be sweet.

In my opinion, a good Panna cotta must have a firm yet wobbly-like texture. This one here was fairly competent, but under the limelight of the excellent semifreddo and creme brulee, the Panna Cotta did not make a statement.

Reason #2 why the pastry chef here does not have a sweet tooth.

The presence of the licorice reduction, with the Creme Brulee. I was told that the evil licorice was planning on taking over the dessert world, in a test-tube-like container.  Okay I exaggerated. You know, the guys (& some girls) who raise their eyebrow at the slightest mention of desserts? The licorice reduction would be perfect for them since it literally reduced the sweetness level, making me wondered why anyone would do that.

Oh well, that aside, I enjoyed the creme brulee very much.

Torched to a magnificent golden-brown, the underlying custard was naturally sweet. The contrasting layer of the cranky caramelized sugar with the beautiful custard: I’m in love with the creme brulee.

My middle name is dessert: apple tart with ice cream, creme brulee, panna cotta, and white chocolate semifreddo.

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This is the second part of a series that I’m doing on the waterfront restaurants in One Fullerton. I’ll like to thank Fullerton Heritage, Sophia and Kannan of Boathouse for arranging and hosting this dinner.

BoatHouse is definitely one of my favorite restaurant now, and I will not be surprised if they are one of the best new restaurants in 2010. There’s a separate rooftop bar on the third floor called Prelude. Stunning, stunning place with an awesome view of the Esplanade and Marina Bay.

Prices range from $20s for pasta to $30s for a main course. For the superb location and wonderful ambiance, Boathouse is offering a very value set lunch; the 2 course set lunch is $22++, while I’d go for their 3 course set lunch at $29++. Most of the items on their set lunches are from the main ala carte menu which make it extremely tempting.

See you at the Boathouse Fullerton.

Restaurant Review
BoatHouse
#03-01 The Fullerton Waterboat House
3 Fullerton Road
Singapore 029415
Tel: +65 6538 9038

Boathouse is listed as one of ladyironchef’s favorite restaurants in Singapore.