No matter how much we love novelty, no matter how we always crave for something fresh and new, we are all of us creatures of familiarity, and some things/ places/ people just warm our hearts whenever we revisit them.

Seasonal Tastes at The Westin Singapore is one of them. Every return feels like going home, and we really do not mind dining there regularly because the chefs promise different experiences. The buffet line is ever-changing, with new items to excite your taste buds, and if there is something in particular that you are looking for, just let them know and they will try their best to satisfy that craving.

So, December is a special month. How can we miss out on Christmas treats at Seasonal Tastes? We heard the team had worked so hard to come up with menus that reflect the true traditions of Christmas, and we were really stoked to taste.

And boy, did they not disappoint! Indeed one of our best-loved places for buffets. Here are the various line-ups from the Christmas buffets at Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Singapore [ thewestinsingapore.com/christmasatthebay ] to expect. We are pretty sure your date will be impressed.

CHRISTMAS EVE LUNCH BUFFET

Eat away with your loved ones at Seasonal Tastes’ Christmas Eve Lunch Buffet. In addition to the regular buffet lineup, there will be festive dishes such as Pineapple-Glazed Ham, Spiced Pumpkin Pie and Snowy White Forest Yule Log.

You know what we really love? Traditional delights like the Spiced Pumpkin Pie that comforts the soul. Elegantly smooth and with a hint of spice, it is one item that we couldn’t stop at one serving. The sweetness of fresh pumpkin lingers and leaves you for more…

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER BUFFET

Highlights of Seasonal Tastes’ Christmas Eve Dinner buffet include Lobster Au Gratin, 90-day Angus Grain-Fed Prime Rib, Goose Liver Terrine, Pan-fried Goose Liver, and an extensive selection of seafood including snow crabs, oysters, live prawns, deep-sea scallops, lobsters and crabs.

We’ve said it before and we will say it again: Seasonal Tastes has one of the most impressive dessert buffets in town and it is one that always has us looking forward. For Christmas, the pastry chef and her team will be baking Classic Christmas Yule Log, Christmas Cupcake, as well as a ‘live’ gingerbread DIY station to add to the dessert shrine. Don’t forget to get a scoop of our favourite avocado gelato, too!

CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH BUFFET

Wake up to Christmas and continue the feast with Christmas Day Brunch Buffet. From Prawn Thermidor and Salmon Feast (salmon prepared in four different ways: smoked, Thai cured, coffee cured, Chinese herbs), there will be plenty of food and champagne going around. Diet can wait while we celebrate Christmas. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, right?

The carnivores can indulge in a selection of the finest cuts – Angus Beef Tenderloin, Rib Eye, Striploin, T-bone Steak… Huh, what diet?

And what’s an even better idea? Book a staycation at The Westin Singapore during Christmas so that you can have as much champagne as you want and take a nap on The Westin’s Heavenly Bed after Christmas brunch. Yes, you are welcome.

THE WESTIN SINGAPORE’S CHRISTMAS TURKEY & TAKEAWAYS 2014

The good people at The Westin Singapore are really going all out to feed us. For Christmas Day Dinner Buffet, look forward to Whole Baked Snapper, Apple Honey-Glazed Turkey served with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables, chestnut, and Classic Christmas Panettone.

New Executive chef Aaron Foster has just joined the team at The Westin Singapore and his cooking philosophy – to make food simple, and to allow the ingredients to shine through honest cooking to bring out the best flavours – is clearly shown in Seasonal Tastes’ Christmas menu this year.

Who would have thought that simple potatoes and brussel sprouts could be so addictive? Look out for Chef Aaron’s specials like the vegetarian potato gratin that is a sinful indulgent of layered potatoes with butter and cheese, and the brussel sprouts salad that is tossed in white wine vinaigrette with cheese.

And of course, you’ve got your turkey that is beautifully roasted and very tender.

THE WESTIN SINGAPORE’S CHRISTMAS TURKEY & TAKEAWAYS 2014

And for those who are throwing parties at home, the Christmas creations are available for takeaways; you know how to surprise your guests. From 1 to 25 December 2014, The Westin Singapore has prepared a lineup of tantalising festive dishes – the Traditional Apple-glazed Turkey (S$135/6-7kg) served with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables; Pineapple-glazed Ham (S$120/2kg); Slow-roasted Lamb Leg with Herbs (S$120/2kg); Classic Christmas Yule Log (S$58/1kg); Snowy White Forest Chocolate Yule Log (S$60/1kg); and Traditional English Fruit Cake (S$$65/1kg).

And in case you need more gift ideas, The Westin Singapore is also offering 5 different Christmas hampers (S$100 – S$350). For more information on the Christmas takeaway and hampers, please visit thewestinsingapore.com/christmasatthebay, email restaurant.reservation@westin.com.

24 December 2014
Lunch: Adult $42++, Child (aged 5 – 12 years old) $21++
Dinner: Adult $178++* and $148++, Child (aged 5 – 12 years old) $74++

*inclusive of free-flow of champagne, beer, wines and soft drinks

25 December 2014
Brunch: Adult $178++* and $148++, Child (aged 5 – 12 years old) $74++
Dinner: Adult $178++* and $148++, Child (aged 5 – 12 years old) $74++

*inclusive of free-flow of champagne, beer, wines and soft drinks

For the latest updates, go to The Westin Singapore’s website, ‘like’ The Westin Singapore on facebook, and follow them on Instagram.

Seasonal Tastes
32/F The Westin Singapore
Asia Square Tower 2
12 Marina View
Mon to Sat Lunch Buffet: 12pm – 2.30pm
Mon to Sun Dinner Buffet: 6.30pm – 10pm
Sunday Champagne Brunch: 12pm – 3pm
Nearest Station: Downtown/Marina Bay

This post is brought to you by The Westin Singapore.

Are we already in December? Time slips by when we are having fun, but we should really take a little breather, slow down and savour the remaining moments of 2014. Bonuses are coming in, Christmas is round the corner, and soon before we know it, we’d be counting down to a new year.

What are your plans for the yuletide festivities? Have you started feasting already?

If you haven’t had an idea, we have (more) suggestions on how to pamper your taste buds. Well, we always do, and this time, it is at one of our favourite hotels no less. Be enraptured in all the warmth of festivities at PARKROYAL on Pickering, and spend the lasts of 2014 with traditional goodies in the lush iconic urban resort.

Sitting adjacent to the historic Hong Lim Park, PARKROYAL on Pickering is fast becoming the icon of Chinatown. Its award-winning architecture is a sheer sight to behold, with greenery in abundance, and charming cascading plants that caress the building so mysteriously yet beautifully. And what lies beneath is a supremely gorgeous restaurant-in-a-garden that we fall in love with over and over again.

There’s always something very inviting about Lime Restaurant at PARKROYAL on Pickering, it makes us feel all warm and cozy like we’re coming home for Christmas. We always love a good meal there, and even more so when the culinary team helmed by Executive Chef Vijayakant is all geared up to pamper us with their bests for the year-end celebrations.

And here are some of our picks from PARKROYAL on Pickering’s festive menu 2014 – some for a scrumptious dinner at Lime, and some to take home to host our guests with the best party food.

From 12th to 23rd December 2014 and 26th to 30th December 2014, dine at Lime and receive a complimentary glass of Limeade – the signature mocktail and our perfect blend. The little ones get a cup each too.

Starring perennial Christmas favourites, Lime’s impressive buffet repertoire will include Lobster Bisque Soup, Roasted Turkey, US Prime Ribs, and our favourite Honey Baked Ham.

Now, this is hands down the BEST ham we have had this year. Nothing comes close to Lime’s rendition – the skin is coated with a copious amount of honey, then baked to a mild crisp, leaving a mild sweetness that complements the saltiness of the ham. It is like a perfect marriage of taste, and one that lingers in the mouth (and the minds). One serving is definitely not enough to satisfy!

And why, the duck confit with pan-seared foie gras is too lovely to be missed too! If any, we cannot resist a good foie gras that is pan-seared to perfection, with a beautiful crisp that cocoons the warmest creaminess. That’s why we really appreciate Lime’s ala minute stations. The passionate chefs are ever ready to whip up hearty dishes for your gastronomical muses.

There are many variations of yule logs in the market, but locals will dig Lime’s presentation – Durian Mousse with Vanilla Buttercream Log Cake. The nation’s coveted tropical fruit in a soft cake, generously covered with fragrant vanilla buttercream; such a decadent indulgence that even Santa would be pleased.

From the last we’ve heard, Lime is fully booked for Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, so if you are planning to try their festive buffet which runs daily from 12 to 23 Dec 2014, and 26 to 30 Dec 2014, make sure you book a table soon.

Click here to find out more about PARKROYAL on Pickering’s Festive Dining at Lime.

PARKROYAL ON PICKERING’S FESTIVE GOODIES

Want to have all the festive goodies at the comfort of your home? Lime has a whole array of takeaways for you to pamper your guests with! From 1st to 25th December, take your pick from a series of festive roasts (pre-ordering required 2 days in advance), log cakes and chocolates. Yes, our favourite Honey Baked Ham (S$88++) is included in the festive roast.

Three pretty log cakes to choose from – Chocolate Cremaux with Crunchy Hazelnut Fellutine (S$29++ for 500g, S$58++ for 1kg), Durian Mousse with Vanilla Buttercream Log (S$34++ for 500g, S$68++ for 1kg) and Mango Passionfruit with Caramel Log Cake (S$29++ for 500g, S$58++ for 1kg).

Because sweets make such marvelous gifts, Lime has created so many for you to bring home too. There are pralines, there are cookies, and there is even a gingerbread house. Prices start from a very affordable S$12++. Now, you can’t say you have no idea on what presents to buy!

Click here to find out more about PARKROYAL on Pickering’s Festive Goodies.

Well, feasting also does not stop when Christmas is over. There are 12 days of Christmas, and there is the New Year to look forward to, too! Can’t get enough of Lime? Welcome 2015 with a celebratory buffet lunch or dinner at the restaurant. End the year on a high with unlimited servings of champagne and wine, or order Piper Heidsieck Champagne at a special rate of S$88++ per bottle.

Usher in the New Year at PARKROYAL on Pickering’s New Year’s Eve Countdown Party which starts at 10pm. At S$108++, it comes with free flow of wine, beer and soft drinks alongside canapés and an oyster bar. There is also the option of free flow of Piper Heidsieck Champagne at S$128++. The balloon drop at midnight will give you a chance to win a stay at PARKROYAL on Pickering’s Presidential Suite.

Beat your hangover with even more champagne and wine at PARKROYAL on Pickering’s New Year’s Day Brunch. From US Prime Ribs to Lobster Bisque and Pan-fried Foie Gras, there’s no better way to start the New Year on the right note.

Click here to find out more details of PARKROYAL on Pickering’s New Year Celebrations.

12 to 23 Dec, 26 to 30 Dec 2014
Festive Buffet Lunch: Adult S$68++, Child S$34++
Festive Buffet Dinner: Adult S$78++, Child S$39++

31 Dec 2014
New Year’s Eve Lunch Buffet: Adult S$68++, Child S$34++
New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet: Adult S$118++ or S$148++**; Child S$59++

1 Jan 2015
New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet: Adult S$108++, or S$138++**; Child S$54++.
New Year’s Day Dinner Buffet: Adult $78++/pax; Child S$39++

** includes free flow of champagne, wines, beer, soft drinks, coffee and tea.

For the latest updates, go to their website, like PARKROYAL on Pickering on Facebook, and follow them on Instagram.

Lime
PARKROYAL on Pickering
3 Upper Pickering Street
Tel: +65 6809 8899
Email: lime.prsps@parkroyalhotels.com
Buffet Lunch: 12pm – 2.30pm
Buffet Dinner: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sunday Brunch: 12pm – 3pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown/Clarke Quay

This post is brought to you by PARKROYAL on Pickering.

Christmas is just one week away, and I am sure everyone is already in a holiday mood. To me, Christmas is about giving and sharing, it is the time to connect with your family and loved ones. And of course, it will never be the same without a Christmas log cake.

From the traditional chocolate Yule log cake, to innovative creations such as a Gula Melaka log cake and a Mont Blanc rendition, we’ve rounded up a list of Christmas Log Cakes in Singapore that you must try.

‘Tis the season to eat log cakes.

Canele Patisserie

If you are looking for something different, go for Canele’s Dawn Log Cake ($38 for 500g, $68 for 1kg) – a classic Mont Blanc infused with orange marmalade, caramelised meringue, chestnut cream and mascarpone rum mousse.

Various outlets
68 Orchard Road
#01-55 Plaza Singapura
Tel: +65 6837 2252

Bakerzin

For a rich, chocolate-y Christmas log cake, I’d recommend Bakerzin’s Christmas Dream ($48 for 1kg), a wonderful combination of Amer sponge cake and brandy granche.

Besides that, Bakerzin also has two other log cakes – the Fruity Joy ($52 for 1kg), a refreshing pairing of apricot and mango with a luxurious milk chocolate mousse; and Midnight Delight ($56 for 1kg), a pretty rendition with white chocolate mousse and dark chocolate.

Various outlets
290 Orchard Road
#02-09/K1 Paragon
Tel: +65 6333 6647

Four Seasons Singapore

Pastry Chef Audrey Yee from Four Seasons Singapore has made a simple but elegant Chocolate Yule Log Cake ($61 for 800g) for us. Chocolate lovers must get this for Christmas!

Festive Desk
Four Seasons Singapore
190 Orchard Boulevard
Tel: +65 6831 7253
Daily: 10am – 8pm

Intercontinental Singapore

The hotel is known for its efforts in preserving the Peranakan culture, and for its festive offerings this year, the pastry chef has created a Peranakan-style Gula Melaka “Chendol” logcake ($72). Yes, you heard that right. It comes with Gula Melaka sponge filled with sweet red beans and coconut cream.

Festive Hut
Intercontinental Singapore
80 Middle Road
Tel: +65 6825 1107
Daily: 11am – 7pm

Ritz-Carlton Singapore

Over at Ritz-Carlton Singapore, they are offering five different Christmas log cakes that will appeal to everyone. Go for the Chestnut and Mirabelle Plum Mousse with Hazelnut Dacquoise ($68); or the sinful but oh-so-good Guanaja Chocolate Mousse, Coffee Mousse Hazelnut Creme Sacher Sponge and Sable ($80).

Alternatively, the Marble Cheese Cake with Chocolate Brownie ($58) will appeal to folks who love a chocolatey cheese cake. The Opaly Chocolate Mousse with Passion Fruit Creme, Jelly and Coconut Crunchy ($68) is also worth a try, while the Vanilla Kirsch Mousse with Grottin Sour Cherry Mouse with Financier ($68) is another popular option.

Greenhouse Cake Shop
Ritz-Carlton Singapore
7 Raffles Avenue
Tel: +65 6434 5270
Daily: 11am to 8pm