Category Archives: Restaurants Index

6 Things That Make a Cafe a Good Cafe

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Karmakamet

These days, new cafes and speciality coffee joints sprout out every other week. Our little island is increasingly dotted with little gems and hideouts, and while we love that there are more options for our cafe-hopping adventures, it is with much regret that most of these places are mediocre and substantially empty in many terms.

We are probably not near saturation point yet, but with the opening of so many new cafes, those who want to survive in the market need to offer something special to distinguish themselves from their competitors.

What makes a cafe a good cafe? Is it a warm and inviting atmosphere? Or is it quality food and coffee? How about free wifi? And perhaps a library of good magazines?

Having been to countless impressionable cafes around the globe, we have seen, experienced and concluded 6 things that cafes can do to stand out from the crowd, and here are some pointers that we hope they can work on to improve the overall cafe experience.

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Izuju Kyoto Style Sushi

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Izuju Kyoto Style Sushi

Sushi in Kyoto is not quite what we know sushi as. The stark difference is one that you must experience to remember Kyoto. Very unlike the regular sushi in the market that is commonly known by the world, the traditional Kyoto sushi has a rich history and is a culinary fixture that had us developing a new level of appreciation for the Inarizushi (inari sushi).

We found the legendary Izuju – one of the oldest traditional Kyoto sushi restaurant in the heart of Gion, just across the Yasaka Shrine. It is known to serve the best Kyoto style sushi in Kyoto, if not Japan.

Stepping in was like going back to the old Kyoto, with an intriguing interior and displays, every bit speaking of a certain history from their younger days. Even the paper talisman from the Atago Shrine has a story to tell.

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Burano Venice, The Happiest Island in Italy

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Burano

A linear of rainbow houses with flower pots sitting on the windowsills, rivers after rivers lined with gondolas and little boats, and a big blue sky with the fluffiest clouds – that is Burano, the happiest island in Italy.

La Bella Burano, bella bella bellissimo.

What would seem like just a dreamland or a postcard is actually real and we were completely in awe upon stepping foot on this beautiful sanctuary of tranquility, peace and joy. We would go as far as to say that a trip to Burano should be on everyone’s bucket list, just because life should be colourful like a rainbow – just like that. Join us into the brilliant world of Burano, the happiest island in Italy.

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Paris in 48 Hours for First Timers

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Paris Guide

Paris is always a good idea. There is something magical about the City of Love; an irresistible charm, an inexplicable beauty. Every turn is a surprise, and every corner is picturesque. Taking a trip to Paris is akin to picking up an international best-selling novel – with every chapter, you get sucked in even more, and you never want to put the book down; you only want to read on. It is like a never-ending quest to reach the ends of the city, and the only wish is for time to stand still so that you can be lost in this awe-inspiring spot on the globe.

Exploring Paris was an exhilarating experience for us, and apart from the language barrier that had us stuck in several situations and left us to communicate via sign languages, our week at Paris was nothing short of fulfilling. For first timers to the city, here are some of the things that you can do and see when you have 48 hours in Paris.

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Pete’s Place Sunday Italian Prosecco Brunch

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Pete's Place

What’s better than Italian food? An Italian Sunday brunch with free flow of wine and prosecco, of course! One of the oldest Italian restaurants in Singapore, Pete’s Place at Grand Hyatt Singapore presents its Sunday Italian Prosecco Brunch (S$58++ with selected juices and coffee/tea, S$82++ for free flow of house red/white wine, prosecco, Tiger draft beer and Campari cocktails).

As soon as we stepped in to the charming restaurant located at the basement of Grand Hyatt Singapore, we knew it was going to be a good meal. Checkered table cloth, brick walls, wine cellars, and an impressive buffet spread welcomed us. It did not take us long to fall in love with this hidden gem in town that radiates an undeniable rustic enchantment.

Pete's Place Sunday Brunch

Your feast begins at the fresh seafood section – dig in to crabs, mussels, prawns, scallops and freshly shucked oysters. Equally enticing was the cold cuts station, where we indulged in salamis, ham and endless servings of freshly shaved prosciutto with rock melon. The mains include chickan cacciatore, deep fried calamari, braised beef cheeks, and the very addictive squid ink gnocchi. Pasta lovers who cannot do without your first course will also be treated to freshly prepared pasta-of-the-day.

Wait, we haven’t mentioned that there are also freshly baked pizzas from the wood-fired oven, have we? But save some tummy space for the carving station where roasted beef sirloin and lamb leg await us. For something less heavy, there is also an oven baked whole barramundi.

We were also blown away by the dessert offerings at Pete’s Place. Chocolate pistachio cake, black forest cake, cheese cake, almond biscotti, mango mousse; Viva la dolce vita! But the tiramisu completely stole the show. It was one of the better tiramisu that we have had in Singapore, and we would come back to Pete’s Place just for this. The rocky road was also exceptional. The Sunday brunch also comes with a selection of quality homemade Italian gelato – quite the perfect ending to a marvellous Sunday.

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Pete’s Place
Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Tel: +65 6416 7322
Daily: 12pm – 4.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sunday: 11.30am – 2.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

This post is brought to you by Grand Hyatt Singapore.

Seasonal Tastes The Westin Singapore

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Seasonal Tastes

After taking a hiatus from Singapore’s hotel scene for a few years, The Westin has returned and this time round, sparkles amid the fanfare. Perched on a high ground and occupying levels 32 to 46 of Asia Square Tower Two at Marina View, The Westin Singapore is highly grand – literally. Besides the Westin Heavenly Bed, a stunning infinity pool, the Westin Workout fitness studio, and a luxe hotel decor, what we are really excited about is Seasonal Tastes – The Westin Singapore’s signature restaurant with interactive kitchens and featuring an impressive buffet line up that have already rocketed to our list of top favourites.

We love Seasonal Tastes’ buffet (S$45++/pax for buffet lunch, S$65++/pax for buffet dinner) for many reasons. Besides selling you the view of the Marina and how each and every chef is dedicated to whipping up their bests and delivering only the finest selections daily, we are truly excited to share about how this new addition is fast becoming a destination for the people of Singapore when they want to recharge their souls with good food.

Seasonal Tastes Buffet

For one, it is a top quality five-star buffet sans the exorbitant price tag, and everything that we sampled was cooked to high standards. Being located on level 32 of The Westin Singapore, Seasonal Tastes boasts a splendidly unobstructed view of Marina Bay and the south coast of Singapore. And because the location is very convenient, executives in the vicinity can now claim this spot as your favourite hangout; count on Seasonal Tastes whenever you crave a timeout from work. And if you are planning a family gathering on the weekends, parking is easy and affordable (S$3/entry).

Here are some of the highlights of Seasonal Tastes’ buffet.

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