Quayside Isle, an integrated F&B and retail development within the luxurious Sentosa Cove enclave, is an unparalleled dining and lifestyle destination in Singapore. It is the undisputed choice for celebratory occasions – from special dates like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and birthdays; to formal business luncheons with associates; a night out with friends; or a weekend brunch with family.

Like a little escape away from our busy city lives? Unwind and embrace the laid-back ambience of Quayside Isle. With a stunning view of the marina and an interesting mix of eateries and lifestyle shops, you can chill out and have fun with your loved ones here, because Quayside Isle is the ideal spot for everyone to indulge in festive dining and celebrations.

From now till 31 December 2013, Quayside Isle http://www.quaysideisle.com/ is having a mall-wide promotion where 20 lucky winners will receive S$300 worth of Quayside Isle vouchers. Simply spend S$120 with maximum 2 same-day receipts to participate in the Lucky Draw. Double your winnings when you spend by MasterCard®! Click here to see the terms and conditions.

Additionally, Quayside Isle has put together numerous dining and retail promotions this Christmas that will leave you spoilt for choices. Here are some that should leave you prepping for the festivities soon:

Blue Lotus – Chinese Eating House

For families looking to celebrate the holiday season with an Asian twist, head to Blue Lotus – Chinese Eating House. They are offering a 7-course festive menu at S$88++/pax (min. 4 pax and above) which includes Garlic Roast Australian Pork Ribs and Sautéed Whole Boston Lobster with Ginger and Shallots. The promotion is available from 23 December 2013 to 1 January 2014.

31 Ocean Way
#01-13 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6339 0880
Mon, Wed to Sat: 11.30am – 10pm
Sun & Public Holiday: 10am – 10pm

Brussels Sprouts – Belgian Beer & Mussels

Brussels Sprouts is a good place to go to for a casual and relaxing Christmas Dinner. Besides having a Kids promotion where the young ones can enjoy Minty Candy Cane Shakes (S$10.50++) while Daddy and Mommy feast on exciting beer and mussels, you can also look forward to special appearances by Santa Claus on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day armed with presents! There is surely not a moment of predictability if you celebrate Christmas at Brussels Sprouts – probably one of the most exhilarating spot for families.

The festive offerings include starters at S$18++, mains from S$28++ onwards, and desserts at S$14++. Brussels Sprouts’ festive promotion is available from 24 December 2013 to 1 January 2014.

31 Ocean Way
#01-01 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6684 4344
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 12 midnight
Fri: 5pm – 1am
Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 12 midnight
Opens till 1am on Eve of Public Holiday

Little Provence

If you are planning to throw a Christmas party at home or looking for gifts, Little Provence at Quayside Isle will be a great help as they provide tailored and ready-to-go Christmas hampers stocked with gourmet food and wines (from S$50 onwards) that are imported from Provence. Who wouldn’t love a generous basket of goodies that everyone can enjoy? The Christmas hamper promotion is valid from 15 November to 31 December 2013.

31 Ocean Way
#01-23 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6734 8981
Mon to Fri: 10am – 8pm
Sat: 9.30am – 8.30pm
Sun: 9.30am – 8pm

Picotin Express

What I like about Picotin Express is how they serve delicious and honest-to-goodness comfort food that you can never get tired of. For the festivities, Picotin Express has a Christmas Set at S$50++/pax. Reasonable price tags, consistently good food, and a familiarity that warms everyone’s hearts; Christmas will be good here.

Chef/Owner Steve Kaye also has a Blackboard Christmas Menu which features starters from S$15++ onwards, mains from S$28++ onwards, and desserts at S$12++. Some of the festive treats that you can anticipate are Roasted Turkey Ham with a delectable Cranberry Sauce, and a Warm Christmas Pudding that tugs everyone’s heartstrings on that special day.

The Christmas promotions are available from 13 to 31 December 2013.

31 Ocean Way
#01-06 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6438 4747
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 12 midnight
Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 12 midnight

Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro

Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro is a fabulous place for seafood lovers to celebrate Christmas, with its daily import of fresh seafood and fish caught offshore from different parts of the world. The 3-course set lunch is at S$79++/pax, while you can also have a nice romantic dinner in the evening with a scrumptious 4 or 5-course dinner at S$109++/pax or S$119++/pax respectively. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with all set menus. The Christmas promotion is valid from 24 to 26 December 2013.

31 Ocean Way
#01-11 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6268 8633
Sun, Tue to Thu: 12pm – 12 midnight
Fri to Sat: 11am – 1am

Sabio by the sea, Tapas Bar & Grill

Sabio by the Sea, Tapas Bar & Grill offers great variety of tapas and is perfect for celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve with a group of friends. They also have one of the best churros in Singapore, and for Christmas, the chefs have specially created not one, but three new festive dips – Spicy Chocolate, Dulce de Leche, and Mango with a hint of lime – to go along with the Spanish churros (S$11++). The churros are available for takeaway, and my idea of happiness is to bring a box of churros home because they make a splendid late night snack on Christmas Eve. The promotion is valid from 1 to 31 December 2013.

31 Ocean Way
#01-02 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6690 7568
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 12 midnight
Sat: 10am – 12 midnight
Sun: 10am – 11pm

Photos in this guide are provided by Quayside Isle & the respective tenants

Saint Pierre

Saint Pierre restaurant is one of the stalwarts in the local dining scene and has recently shifted to Quayside Isle earlier this year. If you have not been there, this Christmas is a good time to visit.

Highlights of their Christmas Eve 8-course Set Dinner (S$148++/pax) include Hokkaido Crab with Caviar, organic Turkey stuffed with Wild Herbs, Roasted Lamb, and Chocolate Raspberry Log Cake. On Christmas Day, celebrate and be merry with the special Christmas Roast (S$88++/pax). While the celebrations continue, Saint Pierre is also offering a luxurious 9-course dinner menu (S$188++/pax) for New Year’s Eve. If you prefer to celebrate the festive season in the comfort of your own home, Saint Pierre has a specially crafted Christmas Takeaway Menu, which features Classic Turkey (S$30/kg, approx 6kg), and Roasted Whole Boston Lobster (S$70/pc).

31 Ocean Way
#01-15 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6438 0887
Tue to Fri: 5.30pm – 12 midnight
Sat & Public Holiday: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 12 midnight
Sun: 11.30am – 3.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm

How to get to Quayside Isle

Quayside Isle is easily accessible by cars and taxis with ample parking spaces available at the basement car park. Admission to Sentosa is just $2 during lunch (12 to 2pm) and dinner (after 5pm) on weekdays. Passengers can alight at the Fountain Plaza drop-off point that faces The Residences at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove.

A free shuttle service is also available for the public within Sentosa. Just hop onto bus number 3, available between 8am and 10.30pm daily with 30 minutes interval from Beach Station Bus Interchange and alight at Sentosa Cove Village, which is a 5 minutes’ walk to Quayside Isle. Additionally, apply for the Sentosa Islander Pass ($25 for Individual and $50 for Family membership) for a year’s unlimited Sentosa island admission.

Free Weekday Lunchtime Parking from 12pm to 2.30pm

Another good reason for you to drop by Quayside Isle is its free weekday lunchtime parking. The cherry on top? There is no minimum spending required. Proceed to Management Office at Basement 1 (next to Lift Lobby) to redeem the parking coupon by presenting the original same-day receipt. Other terms and conditions apply.

With its unique waterfront experience, Quayside Isle is the ultimate dining destination in Singapore. It is the place to bring your loved ones and family – to celebrate special occasions, to bond, and to simply enjoy the good life. For more details of the promotions at Quayside Isle, visit http://www.quaysideisle.com/

This Christmas special is brought to you by Quayside Isle.

Every December, the world gets excited about the biggest festive season of the year – Christmas. And because it is such a joyous and important celebration, everyone wants to treat themselves to something special. Of turkeys, candy canes, poinsettias, mistletoes and log cakes; and how can we miss out on that enchanted dinner?

There is something comforting, something heartwarming, and something enthralling about Christmas dinners. Think of a feast with your loved ones; a table of sumptuous Christmas delights, laughter and love; that familiar fuzzy feeling we all countdown to every year.

For our guide this year, we have shortlisted 8 brands that are worth looking out for when you plan for that much awaited Christmas dinner. We are stoked to share with you a list of restaurants – inexpensive and luxurious ones – for that festive indulgence, and here’s to treating your palate with these selections:

Olivia Cassivelaun Fancourt

Restaurant Olivia Cassivelaun Fancourt (OCF) – named after Sir Stamford Raffles’ first wife – is located on the second level of The Arts House, right above Timbre. The 50-seater restaurant has an understated lush, with furniture of monochrome hues, set in a space so simple yet sophisticated. The place is romantic, intimate and somewhat elusive – in every good way, of course.

Chef Jonathan Koh has put together a 7-course Christmas Eve Dinner menu (S$128++/pax, inclusive of a glass of champagne). Highlights include a King Oyster Mushroom with black truffles, a delicious pigeon with coco beans and black truffle jus, and a dessert composed of espresso mousse, coffee joconde, cocoa nibs, and ristretto ice cream. For the discerning ones who would like to give your taste buds an exhilarating ride this Christmas, OCF is the place for you and we promise the intricate composition of every dish will not disappoint.

OCF is also offering a special 7-course dinner (S$128++/pax, inclusive of a glass of champagne) on New Year’s Eve. Usher into the New Year with a decadent degustation dinner with your loved ones.

#02-02, The Arts House
1 Old Parliament Lane
Tel: +65 6333 9312
Daily: 6pm – late
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Table Manners

Over at Table Manners, they are offering a 4-course Joy to the World Platter Set. It includes a classic Caesar salad, roasted tomato soup, choice between Catch of the Day Platter (S$45++/pax) or the All Yule Can Eat Meat Platter (S$50++/pax), choice of dessert from the ala carte menu, and a glass of wine or half-pint beer. There is a minimum order of two sets.

The meat platter is more enticing to me as it comes with half rack of fork-tender baby back ribs, a superbly cooked striploin steak, peri-peri chicken, spicy sausages, shepherd’s pie, fluffy potato mash and a medley of vegetables.

But if you like seafood, then the seafood platter is your undisputed choice. Feast on a bed of pan-seared seabass, deep-fried panko prawns, baked Rockefeller oysters, mussels with spicy cream sauce, crispy baby squid calamari; complete with tomato rice and vegetables.

Table Manners’ Christmas promotion is absolutely a very value-for-money deal. If you are still deciding on a place, mark it down.

#01-68/69 Changi City Point
5 Changi Business Park Central 1
Tel: +65 6604 7669
Daily: 11.30am – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Expo

Photo credit: Carlton Hotel Singapore

Carlton Hotel Singapore

A whole Turkey with chestnut stuffing and cranberry, a perfectly roasted tender and juicy Tomahwak Rib with red wine sauce, Classic Chocolate Log Cake and Homemade Stollen and Panettone… The take-home Christmas goodies – featuring a variety of sweet treats and roasted specialties – from Carlton Hotel Singapore will promise a Christmas so packed with love in the form of treats on your plates, and leave everyone contented that the year is ending on a good note.

And because feasting is more meaningful when done with a big group, the Christmas Party Pack (S$178++) which can feed 6 guests comfortably is also made available. Goodies include the traditional whole Turkey, mashed potato, buttered seasonable vegetable and butternut squash veloute. Carlton sure knows the way to our hearts (and tummies), and because it is Christmas, we are more than happy to have them spoil us this way.

Photo credit: Carlton Hotel Singapore

Citibank, DBS/POSB and UOB Cardmembers get to enjoy 15% discout for all Christmas goodies from 2 to 19 Dec 2013, and 10% discount from 20 to 25 Dec 2013. There is free local delivery for purchases above S$500. For orders, call +65 6349 1292, or email cafe.mosaic@carltonhotel.sg

Carlton Hotel Singapore
76 Bras Basah Road
Nearest Station: City Hall

Photo credit: Carlton Hotel Singapore

Gravity Bar

Gravity Bar at Carlton Hotel Singapore is one of the best-kept secrets in town. Besides having an extensive list of drinks, it also has a resident live band playing music. Have a festive cocktail party here and enjoy the festive drinks that are specially created for this month.

It is the perfect place for guests who want a quiet and nice bar that has a convenient location, yet steer clear of the crazy crowd in town – especially so for Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Why not hide away in a cosy corner in Gravity bar, enjoy the music by the band and countdown to the year of 2014?

Photo credit: Carlton Hotel Singapore

One of the celebration packages which Gravity Bar is offering for New Year’s Eve is the Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial: Gold Party Pack (S$178++). It serves up to four and includes a bottle of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial NV Champagne, one platter of Chicken Lollipops, one platter of cheese fries, and four Gravity shots.

Lobby, Carlton Hotel Singapore
76 Bras Basah Road
Tel: +65 6311 8839
Sun to Thu & PH: 5pm – 1am
Fri, Sat & Eve of PH: 3pm – 1am
Nearest Station: City Hall

Clifford Restaurant

Clifford at Fullerton Bay Hotel is one of the most romantic restaurants in Singapore, making it the top choice to celebrate a special occasion like Christmas.

For those of you who are planning to celebrate Christmas early, check out Clifford’s four-course degustation festive dinner (S$95/pax, from 27 November to 23 Dec).

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Clifford has a six-course degustation dinner (S$198) which includes many delectable dishes like the excellent Seared Scallops with Saffron Sauce and Caviar, the hearty and rich Lobster Bisque with Cognac Lobster Ravioli, and the heavenly Chocolate Raspberry Dessert. Clifford promises an epicurean adventure like no other.

Freshly shucked oysters, Boston lobsters, roasted wagyu and honey balsamic pork belly are just some of the dishes that are available from Clifford’s Christmas Day Champagne Brunch (S$238/pax). Whether it is a treat for your partner, or a family outing, this is surely one of the best ways to spend Christmas.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel
80 Collyer Quay
Tel: +65 6597 5288
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Photo credit: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

Town Restaurant

What is Christmas without a gastronomical indulgence? Tis’ the season to be jolly, and greedy. Fix a date at Town Restaurant at Fullerton Hotel, and treat yourself to a scrumptious buffet!

If you have numerous celebrations lined up across the festive month, you will be glad to know that Town Restaurant has prepared special treats – which include Christmas Tortellini with Capon Broth and Champagne Laced Risotto – for its Sunday Champagne Brunch (S$168/pax with unlimited champagne). Besides live music, there will also be kids activities like face-painting, ballon-sculpting, and screening of cartoons.

Photo credit: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

With an extravagant spread and free flow of champagne, the Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet (S$198++/adult) at Town Restaurant is a splendid venue for year-end celebrations and the final countdown to Christmas. On Christmas day itself, there will also be the highly anticipated Christmas Day Champagne Brunch. With 100 culinary highlights to choose from, it will be a very merry Christmas indeed. Also, there will be a special “bouncy castle” to ensure that the kids have fun while the adults indulge in a feast.

Level 1, Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square
Tel: +65 6877 8128
Sun to Thu: 6.30am – 11.30am
Fri & Sat: 6.30am – 12.30 midnight
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Photo credit: InterContinental Singapore

InterContinental Singapore

From traditional roasts to sweet treats, the huge selection of festive offerings from InterContinental Singapore will make sure that everyone has a great time at your house party.

No Christmas will be complete without yule logs. We are delighted to share that InterContinental Singapore has not just one, but five choices to offer. Besides the traditional chocolate log cake, it also has a Grand cru chocolate mousse log cake with anise-infused cream and rum & raisin sponge; Noel gateau framboise with raspberry jelly, white chocolate and yuzu; and its best seller Peranakan-style Gula Melaka “Chendol” Log Cake.

Photo credit: InterContinental Singapore

Forget about the typical roast turkey, Executive Chef Eric Neo has specially prepared a Nyonya Assam Chilli Turkey – as a tribute to InterContinental Singapore’s Peranakan roots.

The Christmas goodies are available at the Festive Wonderland Shoppe, which is located at the lobby of InterContinental Singapore from 1 to 25 Dec 2013 between 11am – 7pm daily. You can also order online via InterContinental Facebook page.

1F, Hotel Intercontinental
80 Middle Road
Tel: +65 6338 7600
Nearest Station: Bugis

Photo credit: InterContinental Singapore

InterContinental Singapore Lobby Lounge

A Victorian-styled lobby lounge, soft music and a Christmas Day Ruinart Champagne Brunch (S$198++/adult, $88++/child) – that is what you can expect when you step into Intercontinental Singapore on the day that Christ was born. Dress your best and celebrate in style with an international buffet spread.

The little ones are in for a treat too. Victoria Bar will be transformed into a children’s playground for that day while their parents partake in the champagne buffet. There are many fun activities lined up just for the cheery angels, such as face-painting, balloon sculpting, and magic show. And they get their special kids’ selection buffet line, too! Your kids will have so much fun that they will be looking forward to returning to InterContinental for Christmas Champagne brunch the next year.

Photo credit: InterContinental Singapore

With live music and countdown party, The Ruinart Champagne Buffet Dinner (S$198++/adult) at InterContinental Singapore’s Lobby Lounge is the place to be on New Year’s Eve. The luxurious spread – which includes an array of the freshest seafood, slow-roasted Entrecote beef, and champagne macarons – will be nothing but a rewarding feast for your soul.

1F, Hotel Intercontinental
80 Middle Road
Tel: +65 6825 1046
Nearest Station: Bugis

Feedlot Steakhouse Bar & Grill

For all steak lovers, Feedlot will be your church on Christmas. While the rest of the world rejoices with turkey and ham, you can stay happy with your steak dose and merry-make with all the best cuts that this steak house at Tanglin has to offer.

But you can also go for their 3-course festive dinner (S$88, available till 31 Dec). Appetiser options include a classic salmon gravlax that is marinated in-house with brown sugar & pink peppercorn, and a refreshing avocado & crab salad with saffron cream sauce.

And the stars of the show have got to be the intricately put together main courses. The pretty fish dish will probably be a hit among the ladies – cod fish with passion fruit salsa, and celeriac & beetroot mash. The other option is a gorgeous Honey-glazed lamb rack with a puff pastry and port wine cherry jelly with orange meringue; Christmas is best celebrated with a myriad of flavours like that.

To conclude the night, tuck in to a classic Christmas dessert of toffee apples – because Feedlot knows how that will make everyone happy.

#B1-01, 56 Tanglin Road
Tel: +65 6463 8080
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 10am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

The White Rabbit

In our food directories, we have certain places that are special to us somehow, and reserved for remarkable occasions with the discerning ones. The White Rabbit is probably in everyone’s directory, and with its enchanting setting in a chapel complete with stained glass windows and a dimly lit dining room, it is not difficult to understand why it is so well-loved.

This Christmas, join them as they celebrate the launch of their new menu – with exciting new inclusions and tantalising classic favourites. For regulars, you will be happy to know that the Classic Lobster Bisque and Rangers Valley Wagyu Carpaccio are here to stay.

Highlights of the main courses include Alaskan King Crab Tagliatelle that is served with a sweet pork broth, Seabass en Papillote soaked in bed of fresh Provencal vegetables, and the very impressionable 36-hours Brandt Short Ribs. For desserts, the Baked Apple Pie is quite the ideal sweet note to end your night.

The White Rabbit is also our pick for the most romantic restaurants in Singapore, so we’d suggest making a reservation lest be disappointed.

39C Harding Road
Tel: +65 6473 9965
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm
Tue to Sun: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30pm – 2.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Tiffany Cafe & Restaurant at Furama City Centre

Many times when making decisions on where to go to for Christmas celebrations, we are either restricted by availability or budget – more often than not the latter. And if you do not want to bust a week’s salary on one dinner, why not head to Tiffany Cafe & Restaurant at Furama City Centre? With a 1-for-1 credit card promotion for its Christmas Day buffet dinner, you can spoil yourself with a spread of international spread and eat all you can with your loved ones on this celebratory season.

The chef has prepared a series of festive dishes – look out for the smoked salmon, fresh & creamy pumpkin soup, ham and turkey with local spices, red velvet cream cheese log cake and lemon cupcake with mint frosting.

Regular customers would be familiar with the Chef’s penchant for infusing Asian flavors to his dishes, and this is especially for you if you want to celebrate the western festivity without being too far from your Asian roots.

For ladyironchef’s readers, flash this write-up for a complimentary fruit punch.

2F Furama City Centre
60 Eu Tong Sen Street
Tel: +65 6531 5366
Daily: 6.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown

Photo credit: Quayside Isle Singapore

Quayside Isle

A festivity like Christmas should be warm and hearty and indulgent, and spent with your closest ones. Picking a location or a restaurant is always the toughest, because we do not want to risk the chance of having an otherwise celebratory night ruined, but what if we tell you there is somewhere so beautifully stunning that no matter which restaurant you dine at, you are bound to have a memorable night?

Nestled within the luxurious Sentosa Cove enclave is the gem of Singapore – Quayside Isle, is an unparalleled dining and lifestyle destination with an enthralling offering. There is not a moment to feel dull when you are at Quayside Isle, especially when you get an unrivalled view of the marina, and an exciting array of restaurants for that special Christmas meal.

Quayside Isle is having a mall-wide promotion where 20 lucky winners will receive S$300 worth of vouchers. Whether you fancy European cuisine or cannot do without your seafood, there is definitely something special in every restaurant. Do look out for a full guide on Quayside Isle’s festive offerings later this week!

They say “It is a different world across the water”, and we cannot agree more!

31 Ocean Way, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6887 3502
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

One of the main problems everyone faces during the festive periods is to choose a suitable place which serves good food at reasonable prices. Most restaurants tend to jack up their prices during Christmas. And that has in turn deterred people from wining and dining during the supposed joyous occasion. But thanks to Santa we still have pocket-friendly options around, and nydc is one of them.

This Christmas, the household name has put together a Christmas menu which will run from 18 November till 31 December 2013, and for 2013′s theme, it is heavily inspired by Santa – to spread joy. nydc’s Christmas specials will definitely spoil your palates without having to break the bank! The small plates are only S$9.80, while the big plates range from S$16.80 for the Traditional Cornish Hen, to S$28.80 for a 230g Wagyu Steak Frites. A mini log cake is also available at S$6.80. With such irresistible offerings, there is really no need for second thoughts about stepping in to the comfortable diner with your loved ones to celebrate Christmas, and to create memories to conclude the year.

I had a Christmas party with 30 of my readers at nydc last week and we sampled 10 of the new festive dishes from nydc’s Christmas menu for 2013. It goes without saying that everyone left with very happy tummies and a night of memories to always remember.

Here are the highlights of the festive dishes that we had at nydc’s Christmas party.

Having a meal at nydc is not just about the food, it is also about sharing good things with the people you love. The Small Plates are meant to encourage communal dining, so that you have every excuse to order everything on the menu to share. Moreover, it is Christmas. Why would anyone refuse feasting?

For Christmas this year, nydc has two dishes for the Small Plates section – Elves’ Salmon Logs (S$9.80) and Elves’ Mini Meat Munchies (S$9.80). The former is a dish of crepe rolls with generous slivers of smoked salmon and cream cheese filling, while the latter is good ol’ meat loaves on toast topped with either brandied cherries or cranberry jam. It is really difficult to choose one out of the two, so my suggestion is to go in a big group and order both to share!

For main courses – or Big Plates, as they are known on nydc’s menu – choose from the Santa’s Wagyu Steak Frites (S$28.80), Merry Merry Mixed Grill (S$26.80), or Traditional Cornish Hen (S$16.80).

The Wagyu Steak Frites is my favourite. Grilled to perfection, the meat is tender and still pink on the inside; juicy and very flavourful. It comes with a trio peppercorn sauce, but trust me when I say the meat is good enough that you will not need the sauce. To top it off, lots and lots of skin-on fries served on the side for that perfect dish.

The Traditional Cornish Hen is not fancy or particularly sophisticated – it is traditional treat done right. The roasted Cornish chicken is stuffed with cornbread, and the dish is complemented with a cheerful spread of caramelised pineapple ring, red cherries, brussels spout, and carrots. It is simple, comforting and very satisfying.

If you are like variety, go for the Merry Merry Mixed Grill – a generous platter of beef sirloin, lamb ribs, king prawns, and sausage, served together with grilled pineapple, salad, and fries. Besides offering a huge spread, what we like about the Mixed Grill is that the lamb ribs are grilled with spices, and they are not gamey at all. All in all, nothing crazy in terms of flavour combination; just a very hearty mix which is wonderful for that festive indulgence.

As everyone knows, nydc is a dessert cafe, and their mudpies and cheesecakes are extremely well-loved and popular. nydc has specially created a new Tutti Frutti Mudpie (S$11.80) for Christmas this year. Sprinkled with colourful gummies, the Tutti Frutti ice cream on a Graham crackers base is the undisputed way to end your meal. Just looking at the colours alone uplifts the spirits, and the sugar rush is so comforting for the soul.

nydc is also introducing two festive beverages for Christmas this year. The Gingy’s Butter Rum Bath Elephanccino (S$8.80) is a tummy warming concoction of butter rum, paired with an nydc gingerbread man. You’re encouraged to let Gingy soak in the hot bath before you enjoy! Christmas Carollers’ Cheer (S$8.50) is a refreshing mix of fresh strawberries, bananas and strawberry cheesecake ice cream and milk, providing a sweet touch to the meal.

And what is Christmas without log cakes? Go for either the good old fashioned chocolatey Holly Choco Log (S$6.80/mini log, S$48/800g), or the Jolly White Choc Cheese Log (S$6.80/mini log, S$48/800g). The latter is a tasty combination of cream cheese centre and white chocolate cream coated log; simply irresistible.

The good people behind nydc have been working very hard to revamp its new menu this year - which now offers over 30 dessert items, 20 hot food items, four kids’ meals and 40 beverages. While it offers many new dishes, the core of nydc still remains the same – that is for diners to celebrate life everyday, be it for families and loved ones to gather for special occasions, or to simply take a little time out on working days for a hearty meal together.

While nydc may be a casual restaurant chain, quality of every dish is never once compromised. The food is consistently good, and most importantly; it is affordable and suitable for all occasions.

Special Promotion for ladyironchef readers: When you order 1 Big Plate + 1 drink from nydc’s Christmas menu, quote ‘ladyironchef nydc’ to get a complimentary Christmas Tutti Frutti Mudpie (worth S$11.80). This offer is valid from now till 31 Dec 2013.

nydc currently has 3 restaurants islandwide at:

30 Lorong Mambong
Tel: +65 6469 2998
Sun to Thu & PH: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Fri, Sat & eve of PH: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

#02-19 Wheelock Place
501 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6736 3253
Sun to Thu & PH: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#02-47/48 Bugis Junction
200 Victoria Street
Tel: +65 6333 3161
Sun to Thu & PH: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat & eve of PH: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post is sponsored by nydc Singapore.