Regular readers will know that I am a fan of Paradise Pavilion at Marina Bay Financial Centre. Not only is it one of the most gorgeous Chinese restaurants in town, it also serves Chinese food of unimpeachable quality. I have been to Paradise Pavilion on several occasions, and they have always maintained a high standard.
I’ve always walked past Prego Italian Restaurant when I am at Raffles City, but for some reason I never visited it. Thankfully, the good people at Fairmont Singapore invited me over for lunch, and I had a great meal there.
I wasn’t expecting much of Prego, if only because there are too many mediocre Italian restaurants in town, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was one of the better ones that I’d tried in recent months.
Note: Preparazzi has closed.
Words by Alexa Michelle, photographs by ladyironchef
Ever wondered how it’s like to have Asian food in your taste buds while dining in a western ambience? That would be my closest description to how I felt when at Preparazzi Bar Gourmet.
Located in the midst of the Central Business District area along Boon Tat Street, Preparazzi Bar Gourmet is a relatively new restaurant which specialises in serving modern Singapore cuisine – western dishes with a local twist.
French restaurants are aplenty in Singapore, it is not difficult to find good French food here. But if you are on a hunt for a pocket-friendly option, the options become considerately limited. So I was quite excited to hear about Poulet, a casual French restaurant, by the Thai Express group, at the new Bugis+ (previously Illuma) which specialises in poulet rôti (roast chicken).
Customs House along the Marina Bay waterfront is one of the popular dining destinations in Singapore.
Five restaurants are housed in the converted heritage building beside The Fullerton Bay Hotel – Kinki, a funky Japanese restaurant; Sabai Fine Thai on the bay, a fine dining Thai restaurant; Nueva Cuba, a Cuban-themed restaurant and bar; Oyster Bar, a seafood bar serving oysters and champagne; and Procacci, a full-fledged Italian restaurant modelled after the style and taste of Florence.
The food at Procacci Italian restaurant is generally good, and while prices are fairly high, it is a lovely place for a romantic date.
Besides Marmalade Toast at Takashimaya, another place that I like to go whenever I am in town is Pique Nique American Cafe by Chef Pang Kok Keong.
I am a huge fan of Chef Pang. I’ve tried almost all his desserts while he was at Canele Patisserie (under the Les Amis group). Boy was I excited when I heard that he left the group late last year to set up his own company, the Sugar Daddy Group.
Pique Nique is located at the basement of Takashimaya where McDonald’s used to be. It serves favourite American comfort food like mac & cheese ($12-16), hot dogs ($8.5-11), burgers ($10-13), all day breakfast ($7.5-13.5), whoopie pies ($2) and desserts ($4-8).
When I was younger, the de facto meeting place for gatherings was definitely at least a cafe, or a nicer restaurant for a special occasion. While I enjoy going out to fancy restaurants, I also like having a simple dinner at a Zhu Chao stall with my friends.
For one of our gatherings, we decided to meet at Tiong Bahru as everyone is working nearby. Since I’ve been to Sin Hoi San Seafood Restaurant, I asked my friend to recommend another eating place in the area, and she immediately suggested Por Kee Eating House – a very popular Zhu Chao Stall at Seng Poh road opposite Tiong Bahru Market.
It’s no secret that I love dim sum. I’ve been on a quest to find the best dim sum in Singapore and I’m happy to introduce you to my new favourite dim sum restaurant – Paradise Pavilion at Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC).
If Taste Paradise is a gorgeous fine dining Chinese restaurant with oriental decorations, Paradise Pavilion would be its westernised sibling, with a stunning French-inspired neoclassical ambience.