Hainanese chicken rice is Singapore’s national dish, it is a must-eat food when you are here. When you ask locals for recommendations, it is impossible to agree on which is the best chicken rice in Singapore as everyone has their own favourites.
However, no one will deny that Tian Tian Chicken Rice is one of the most famous chicken rice stalls. It even gained the approval of Anthony Bourdain when he was in Singapore.
From New York, to Rome, Tokyo, Sydney, Hong Kong, Milan, Prague, and Venice; I went on 27 trips all over the world in the past 365 days. It has been a great year and I am extremely lucky on the travel end.
How about a recap of the places that I’ve been to in 2012?
The Royal Mail at the iconic Ascott Raffles Place is the latest venture by restaurateur Michel Lu. It offers a modern take on classic British cuisine. The menu is compact, and the main focus is on its roast prime rib.
I am going out on a limb to say that it is easily one of the best prime ribs that I’ve had in Singapore. If you love steak, you must make a trip to The Royal Mail.
Yes, they weren’t kidding when they bestowed this name upon the place. It is The Mall, indeed. If there was only one place you could shop at when in Florence, it is undisputedly this factory outlet.
Admit it – deep down within us, we all love steals and cheap thrills. And trust me when I say you will thank me for this recommendation.
The Mall is an exclusive outlet destination for luxury goods at a fraction of its original prices. Situated at the outskirt of Florence and at an unassuming enclave in the green Tuscan hills, a day at The Mall is a promising experience. The air in the open is fresh and crisp, the boundless skies are blue and calming, the surrounding is a humble and quiet neighborhood. We spent an entire afternoon there – shopping (well, needless to say), indulging in a mid-day snack, and to simply bask in the serenity of the countryside.
It’s amusing to watch the rate at which restaurants in Singapore open and close, so it was partly out of curiosity that we decided to visit Tamon Izakaya (214 East Coast Road) which has survived the test of time and influx of competitors to stay in operation for 18 years.
This Japanese eatery sits no more than 30 people, but we liked that tables were spaced sufficiently far apart to allow privacy of conversation. The restaurant was fully packed on a Saturday evening despite the horrors of parking along East Coast road, but we hear that business is quiet during lunch.
When it comes to afternoon tea, the de facto meeting place for many people is Shangri-La Hotel’s Lobby Court. It offers the traditional English Afternoon Tea ($34++/pax on weekdays, $36++/pax on weekends) – which comes with finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes.
I recently travelled to New York City and it was my second time travelling by myself. I’m more of an outgoing person, so I wasn’t that apprehensive about it. But I know that for most people, travelling alone can be a really anxious thing, especially if one had to travel by herself, for example, if she was on a business trip and have some free time alone to wander about the city.
However, the good news is that travelling solo is not a bad thing at all; there are several advantages for it and further below are tips for travelling alone.
“Where can I have a meal for under $20 in town?” The answer: The Marmalade Pantry, but for a limited time only. Enjoy 1-for-1 on main courses (complimentary meal will be the lower value of the main course) during dinner every Monday from 6pm – 10pm.
A main course at Marmalade Pantry is around $20 to $28 (excluding the steak & eggs at $38). With the promotion, you pay less than $20 for each main course. For instance, the signature crabmeat linguine is $24, but you only pay $12++ after discount.
I think it’s a fantastic deal and everyone should drop by Marmalade Pantry at Ion Orchard before they end the 1-for-1 promotion. If you are planning to go next Monday, read my previous review on The Marmalade Pantry for more recommendations.
The Marmalade Pantry
2 Orchard Turn
#03-22 to #03-34
ION Orchard, Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6734 2700