Living in one of the world’s most expensive cities has its pros and cons. While those residing in Singapore are blessed with an impressive variety of watering holes, the drawback would be the exorbitant prices of alcohol.

These days, it is extremely common to pay at least S$20 for a glass of champagne in Singapore; going out for drinks is far from affordable.

So, imagine our surprise when we were told that Raffles Hotel’s Bar & Billiard Room is offering an awesome value-for-money promotion. You guys, two glasses of premium champagne, four freshly shucked oysters and a complimentary bucket of Indian flatbreads papadums – all at only S$30++ on every Friday from 6pm to 9pm.

Now, that is a rare indulgent treat without an extravagant price tag!

Located on the ground floor of the luxurious Raffles Hotel is Singapore’s oldest existing bar, Bar & Billiard Room. The drinking spot is characterised by high ceilings and elegant chandeliers; a great venue for business meetings and romantic dates alike.

Play a game or two at Bar & Billiard’s century-old pool table and experience what it feels like to be teleported back into Singapore’s colonial era.

Boasting over 400 whisky labels and a cabinet of high quality cigars, this gorgeous institution is a must-visit for all whisky-and-cigar connoisseurs. A comprehensive whisky-centric programme run by resident whisky expert Christoph B.

Nyfeler is conducted here and guests can expect exciting events such as whisky appreciation nights and whisky master classes.

Whisky aside, Bar & Billiard Room features an extensive list of artisanal cocktails too. Do check their handcrafted concoctions out during Singapore Cocktail Week. A must-try would be the ‘Stray Tiger’ – a strong mix of absinthe, lemongrass foam, lime juice, orange liqueur, rum and vermouth.

Hanging out at Bar & Billiard Room sounds like a costly affair but it need not be when you visit on Fridays. Usher into the weekend with just S$30++ and you are entitled to luxuriate over four Irish oysters that are shucked right in front of you, two glasses of award-winning Ernest Rapeneau Selection Brut Champagne and savoury papadums. That is a spanking good deal for things that we would otherwise have to break a bank (well, sort of) for!

You now have a better idea on how to welcome the weekends, don’t you? And who knows? Friday nights might just be when you get to rub shoulders with other celebrities at Bar & Billiard Room!

Bar & Billiard Room
1 Beach Road
Raffles Hotel
Singapore 189673
Mon: Closed
Tue to Thu: 5pm – 11pm
Fri and Sat: 5pm – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 3pm (For Sunday Brunch)
Reservations: +65 6412 1816 / dining.singapore@raffles.com
Nearest Station: City Hall / Esplanade

This post is brought to you by Raffles Hotel.

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!