Christmas is a wonderful time to gather with family and friends because this is the season to be jolly! Needless to say, restaurants and hotels are pulling out all stops when it comes to their festive buffets to create a memorable Christmas for everyone.

Royale—an all-day dining restaurant located at Mercure Singapore Bugis—has made it into our list as one of the best options for Christmas this year. The team behind the restaurant has prepared a sensational holiday buffet and you would be surprised by its affordable price tag.

For the entire month of December, delight yourself in ‘A Globetrotting Christmas’ buffet feast from S$48++ per adult/ S$24++ per child. The buffet features over 40 holiday recipes intertwined with Asian flavours such as Oven Baked Nonya Turkey served with Homemade Chili Sauce and Baked Honey Cinnamon Gammon Ham with Citrus Sauce.

From the succulent meat offered at ‘live’ carving stations to Western and Asian specialities and artisanal desserts, this is one festive buffet you definitely need to try! Our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 20% off total bills for Royale’s festive buffets from 01 to 31 December 2017 (excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve), 

Helmed by Royale’s Executive Chef Nicholas Sia, this over-the-top buffet spread brings you on a gastronomical journey across the continents with a specially curated menu comprising highlights like European Christmas classics, Asian delights, and even Australian-inspired dishes.

To set the festive mood right, guests will get to dine in a swanky dining hall that has been done up with baroque style furnishings.

EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS CLASSICS

You may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices at this festive buffet but we had no problems identifying the dish we would be starting our feast with.

The Roasted Beef Sirloin with Red Wine and Mustard was hands down our favourite of the lot. Served at the carving station, Royale’s medium rare beef sirloin came in the most beautiful shade of pink. Using traditional roasting methods, the crusty-charred top layer had a hint of smokiness while the insides remain juicy and extremely tender.

Adding a tropical touch to a European delicacy for a twist, the German Pork Knuckle with Pineapple Sauce is another highlight of this buffet. Also known as Bavarian Schweinehaxen in German, the pork knuckle was roasted till it had a layer of crispy skin enveloping fork-tender pork.

The pork knuckle is good on its own but you can spice things up a little and add a few drops of pineapple sauce for an elevated taste.

Of course, you must not skip the Baked Honey Cinnamon Gammon Ham with Citrus Sauce either. The meat was tender with the right amount of saltiness and it was delicious, to say the least.

ASIAN DELIGHTS

Moving on to the Asian flavours, you’d probably be surprised to find a turkey under this category but what do you know? Royale’s Oven Baked Nyonya Turkey served with Homemade Chilli Sauce is the real deal, guys!

Turkey has always been the quintessential dish for Christmas and this is what you can expect as part of the buffet lineup as well—but not quite the way you know turkey. Those who cook will know that turkey is not one of the simplest recipes to master but Chef Nicholas at Royale nailed it.

If you are wondering where the turkey got its rich flavour from, that’s because there are seven types of Peranakan spices used to marinate the meat. And you have to pair the fragrant turkey meat with Royale’s homemade chilli sauce—a spicy concoction that reshapes our perspective of how wonderful a turkey can be.

There is a stellar fish option too if you do not want an all-meat meal. The Baked Tandoori Salmon with Mint Chutney features a smooth salmon fillet that is marinated overnight with traditional Indian spices and yoghurt before it is roasted in the oven to achieve a smouldering taste.

WESTERN AND ASIAN HOT SPECIALTIES

Beyond that, the festive buffet also offers some pretty good Western and Asian specialties—the Australian Cherry and Port Glazed Rack of Lamb is a hearty meat dish that is often eaten in Winter; the Waffles Chicken is simple but oh-so-good; then there are the Garlic and Rosemary Prawns that won us over with lightly flavoured sweet, juicy prawns; and Accordion Potatoes which is covered in copious amounts of sour cream and bacon bits.

CRAYFISH LAKSA ‘LIVE’ STATION

Head over to the Crayfish Laksa ‘live’ station for something that is good all year round; Christmas or not. The chef prepares every order a la minute so you only get the freshest, warmest bowl of noodles. The laksa broth we had was creamy, full-flavoured and was well complemented with sweet crayfish.

SEAFOOD ON ICE

No buffet spread is truly complete without fresh seafood on ice and fans of shellfish will need to know that this is where you can get free-flow oysters, mussels, prawns, crayfish and clams!

Yes, they are all included in the festive buffet line-up and this reality sure made us do a double take on the price.

FESTIVE ARTISANAL DESSERTS

Remember to save some room for Royale’s festive artisanal desserts, handcrafted by Royale’s own Pastry Chef Man. In fact, you can even watch the pastry chef in action at the ‘live’ pastry kitchen as she crafts out all the cakes and muffins daily.

Our picks include Royale’s Hazelnut Log Cake, Pandan Crème Brûlée, Cempedak Meringue Tart and Durian Puree with Vanilla Mousse.

You have to try the Pandan Crème Brûlée! Smooth egg custard infused with pandan, topped with a layer of brown sugar that is lightly torched; it is one of those successful fusion desserts that do not steer too far from its roots and has a distinct Asian touch to it without overpowering the European aspect.

If you are looking for more choices, there’s also New York Chocolate Cheese Cake, Santa Red Velvet and Snow Angel Vanilla cupcakes among others.

Our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 20% off total bills for Royale’s festive buffets from 01 to 31 December 2017 (excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve),

Globetrotting Festive Buffet (01 to 30 December 2017, excluding 24 & 25 December 2017)
Lunch & Dinner
$48++ (Adult) / $ 24++ (Child 6-12 years)
$78++ per person with free flow wines & beer

Globetrotting Christmas Buffet (24 & 25 December 2017)
Lunch & Dinner
$68++ (Adult) / $34 ++ (Child 6-12 years)
$98++ per person with free flow wines & beer

New Year’s Eve Countdown Party (31 December 2017)
New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet
$68++ (Adult) / $34 ++ (Child 6-12 years)
$108++ with free flow wines & beer

New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet & Countdown Party (31 December 2017)
$148++ per person with free flow wines, beer & Moscato Rose
Children under 6 years dine for free.

Royale 
Level 3, Mercure Singapore Bugis
122 Middle Road
Singapore 188973
Tel: +65 6521 6030 / or email HA0D7-FB1@accor.com
Buffet Lunch: 12pm – 2.30pm
Buffet Dinner:  6pm - 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post is brought to you by Mercure Singapore Bugis

J65 at Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore has done it again.

Already established as one of the best places in Singapore for affordable hotel buffet spreads, the team at J65 has curated a lineup of 5 new thematic dinner buffets which include Live Barbecue, Lobster, International, Seafood and the best of Asian flavours. Lots to delight and indulge every night of the week, we’d say.

From now until 25^th May 2017, quote ’ladyironchef’ upon making your reservation to indulge in an incredible spread of buffet dishes at S$79++ for two (U.P. S$55++ per pax) on Sundays to Tuesdays and S$99++ for two (U.P. S$65++ per pax) on Wednesdays to Saturdays. Yes, in case you are still calculating, IT IS A STEAL.

SUNDAYS & MONDAYS – INTERNATIONAL BUFFET (S$55++ PER PAX)

At S$55++ per pax, enjoy J65′s International buffet spread that takes place from 6pm to 9.30pm on Sundays and Mondays.

The spread comes with a lovely array of meats such as the roasted prime beef ribs, pork knuckles, baked whole Norwegian Salmon and barbequed pork ribs with grilled vegetables

In addition to the already glorious selection of delights, you can also enjoy unlimited helpings of Seafood Fried Rice, Seafood Porridge, Oxtail Stew with Cabernet Sauvignon, Black Pepper Lobster and the Steamed Sea Bass.

While exploring this buffet, make sure you do not bypass the Indian Corner. The Indian Corner features tasty Indian favourites such as Jinga Dum Anari, Hara Moong Dal, Paneer Lababdar, which is best enjoyed with Jeera Rice.

An international buffet is not complete without some sushi and sashimi. Though the Japanese spread is not mind-blowingly extensive, it suffices to keep us happy with the basic maki and salmon sashimi slices.

TUESDAYS – COLOURS OF ASIA BUFFET (S$55++ PER PAX)

On Tuesdays, we enjoy Colours of Asia at S$55++ per pax from 6pm to 9.30pm, where only the very best of Asian specialities are served; think Malaysian, Thai and Chinese favourites.

To start off your feasting, approach the indoor live kitchens and request for some freshly Perchik style roast beef, Bak Kut Teh, Sukiyaki, Crab Masala, Yun Nan Lamb Chop, and Stir-Fried Mussel with Spicy Broth. In addition, choose to delight in Laksa and Tandoors amongst other tasty favourites.

If you need a break from your delightful meal, take a slow stroll to the alfresco stations just outside J65, where you will be treated to the sight of freshly pulled Teh Tarik as well as live whirling and twirling of Roti Prata and Roti Jala.

You will also find a D.I.Y. Ice Kacang station located right beside the Teh-Tarik alfresco station, where you will have the opportunity to concoct your own version of one of Singapore’s favourite traditional desserts.

WEDNESDAYS – LOBSTER ROCK-N-ROLL BUFFET (S$65++ PER PAX)

To spice up your Hump Day, head down to J65 on Wednesdays between 6pm to 9.30pm. The ‘Lobster Rock-n-Roll’ is arguably our favourite themed night, and the dinner buffet spread is priced at a reasonable S$65++ per person.

That is very reasonable for so many types of lobster dishes—all you can eat!

Think Boston lobsters, mountain lobsters and slipper lobsters—all cooked in different ways and styles.

Some of the popular ones are Lobster with Spicy Lemon Ginger Sauce, Lobster with Perchik Sauce and Lobster in Chilli Crab Sauce.

However, the one lobster delight that went above and beyond was the Baked Lobster Thermidor. Baked with a generous portion of cheese after being stuffed with mushrooms, this lobster delight was so addictive and was definitely deserving of endless praise.

And you might dismiss the Lobster Bisque, but we are telling you you’d be sorry. The rich and creamy broth is flavourful and robust, with every spoonful boasting intense lobster flavours.

And how about lobster popiah? We were pleasantly surprised with how well the lobster meat tasted with the stewed turnips and sweet sauce in the popiah.

THURSDAYS – LIVE BARBEQUE BUFFET (S$65++ PER PAX)

If you are a fan of barbeque, you will fall helplessly in love with Live Barbecue which is held on Thursdays between 6pm to 9.30pm.

At S$65++ per pax, the vast selection of high-quality meats will certainly enthral even the most voracious of meat lovers.

Choose from your favourite meats or seafood that you want to have barbequed at the al fresco stations just outside J65.

Signatures not to be missed include J65′s famous Korean Pork Belly Strips, Champagne Pork Ribs and Marinated Beef Rib with Korean Paste. Likewise, a variety of fresh seafood is also available on the menu. Choose from the Grilled Slipper Lobster, Cajun Squid, Darne of Salmon and Baked Seabass with Sambal Paste

Chicken and Mutton Satay with condiments can also be found at the alfresco stations. FREE-FLOW SATAY!

The roast meats at the Hong Kong BBQ is something that J65 is very proud of, and one that we always return for. The Braised Duck is good, the Char Siew is addictive, the Crispy Pork Belly is something we can never resist, but what you cannot miss is the suckling pig which is only available during J65′s Live Barbeque buffet on Thursdays.

FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS – SEAFOOD MANIA BUFFET (S$65++ PER PAX)

Seafood Mania is held on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm to 10pm because the weekends are meant to be luxurious!

At S$65++ per person, expect a massive line-up of seafood which includes favourites such as the King Alaskan crab, mud crab, Boston lobster, fresh prawns, mussels and clams on ice.

One dish not to be missed is Singapore’s Chilli Crab. This is undisputedly one of Singapore’s best crab dishes and is essentially crabs stir-fried in garlic, ginger, shallots, tomato paste and chilli sauce.

The best part of Seafood Mania is the live oyster station. Enjoy freshly shucked oysters all the way from France and you do not have to be shy; just eat to your heart’s content!

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT DESSERT BUFFET

Before you overload your stomach with the goodness from the main buffet, remember to save some space for the desserts for J65 has a pretty mean dessert line-up every night.

They are on rotation, but if you are lucky, you would be treated to the freshly baked Nyonya kuehs such as the kueh lapis and the kueh dadar. If you love western desserts, you will absolutely adore the selection of chocolate éclairs and the stunning rainbow cheesecake.

There is a dessert drawer where you can pick out puddings, jellies and other jars—as much as you like. Sometimes, you would get the old school Potong ice cream too.

If you love the King of Fruits, you will be delighted to know that J65 has an excellent Durian Pengat which is a long-standing favourite since its starting days.

Once again, do remember to quote ‘ladyironchef‘ to enjoy the excellent themed dinner buffets at S$79++ for two (U.P. S$55++ per pax) on Sundays to Tuesdays and S$99++ for two (U.P. S$65++ per pax) on Wednesdays to Saturdays.

For all dining enquiries and reservations, please call +65 6831 4374 or email J65@hoteljen.com.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 2 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Dinner Buffet
Sun to Tue: 6pm – 9.30pm / S$55++ per pax
Wed & Thu: 6pm – 9.30pm / S$65++ per pax
Fri & Sat: 6pm – 10pm / S$65++ per pax

J65, Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore
Level 1 Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore, 1A Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249716
Tel: +65 6831 4374
Daily: 6.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

This post is brought to you by Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore.

Can’t get enough of Sunday brunch? We have another option for you.

Oscar’s at Conrad Centennial Singapore Hotel has recently launched an awesome Sunday Champagne Brunch Buffet. The lavish spread is seriously the epitome of indulgence; we were blown away by the sheer number of gourmet delicacies.

From Boston lobsters, London duck, fresh Japanese sashimi, pan-seared foie gras to hearty Asian noodles, the Sunday Champagne Brunch Buffet at Oscar’s will complete your Sundays.

Readers of ladyironchef can quote “OscarsLIC” when making your reservations to enjoy the promotion of 1-dines-free-with-3-paying-adults.

Watch in awe as the skillful chefs shuck premium oysters before your eyes, carve aromatic suckling pigs, whip up a piping hot crepe suzette and more. It is almost as good as having a private chef attending to all your orders here at Oscar’s, except that you have an entire entourage now. Sunday Champagne Brunch experience at Oscar’s was indeed nothing short of spectacular.

We are not sure about you, but we judge a buffet line-up by its seafood spread.

How does Oscar’s fare, you may wonder. Think unlimited Boston lobsters, cherrystone clams, Chilean half-shell scallops, Indonesian crabs, king crabs, slipper lobsters, snow crab legs and freshly shucked oysters from Canada, France and Ireland. Kudos to Oscar’s for their splendid variety at the seafood bar!

The bed of sashimi is beautiful no less. There’s amberjack, octopus, squid, salmon, snapper, swordfish and tuna – on top of any special and seasonal fish.

What you definitely must not miss is the London Roast Duck.

It is the highlight of the Sunday Brunch at Conrad Centennial Singapore Hotel and most certainly our favourite. These succulent ducks are specially imported from Ireland and roasted fresh in-house every Sunday. The crispy, glistening skin and juicy, tender flesh are to die for, seriously! It was one of the best we’ve tried, and we hope we do not sound like hopeless gluttons if we told you we had at least three helpings each!

The carving station also features other roasts such as oven-roasted US Prime Rib and slow-roasted Argentinian, Mauritian or Chinese-style Suckling Pig (on rotation).

Oscar’s also has a few live stations with organic food choices. Pick from organic pasta, organic risotto and even organic eggs. The soft poached eggs with cauliflower puree, foie gras, sautéed spinach and truffle oil were absolutely amazing.

The cheese counter showcases eight types- cheddar, coulommiers, edam, goat cheese, pont-l’Évêque cheese, reblochon, saint morgan and smoked scamorza. An assortment of fresh fruits and crostini are available to complement the fine cheeses. And damn, we had so many pieces of the French cheeses!

Needless to say, nothing beats a classic cheese-and-wine pairing. Top up S$20++ for free-flowing house wines, sparkling wine and selected cocktails, or an additional S$60++ for bottomless Laurent-Perrier Brut, NV Champagne, house wines and selected cocktails.

And there is a “secret” noodle bar outside the restaurant. The hot station boasts awesome cooked-to-order Asian delights such as slipper lobster noodle with pork ribs, slow-cooked beef cheek noodles and laksa.

And you know what we had the most that day? The pan-seared foie gras served with apple, passion fruit and Fleur de sel vanilla salt. We shamelessly went back for seconds, thirds and… You get the gist. It is really THAT addictive. And what we typically have to pay S$10-20 per piece for in a la carte restaurants, we have it free flow here.

Each Sunday sees a unique interpretation of crab being showcased – an interesting extension of the various chefs’ ethnicity and background. Anticipate drool-worthy takes ala French-Asian and Vietnamese styles. Crabs in buffet are a must, right?

Well, salads don’t enjoy that great a popularity, but the 4-metre long salad bar at Oscar’s deserves your attention. Featuring over 30 toppings, 10 small plates and eight artisanal dressings, it is one fun DIY salad bar with endless possibilities. Don’t miss out on the sous vide duck breast as well!

Of course, no meal is complete without desserts. The exhaustive selection of decadent desserts includes homemade pancakes, black forest cake, green tea panna cotta and assorted pralines.

Other live stations to make a stop at are the liquid nitrogen ice-cream and flambéed crepe suzette with Cointreau or Grand Marnier stations.

Readers of ladyironchef can quote “OscarsLIC” when making your reservations to enjoy the promotion of 1-dines-free-with-3-paying-adults. Reservations are required to redeem the promotion, and cannot be combined with other offers and/or discount benefits.

This promotion is valid from now till 30 August 2016 and subjected to restaurant’s availability (blackout dates apply). The Hotel reserves the right to amend the above Terms & Conditions without prior notice.

Oscar’s Restaurant
Conrad Centennial Singapore Hotel
2 Temasek Boulevard
Lobby Level
Singapore 038982
Sunday: 12.30pm – 3.30pm
Reservations: +65 6432 7481 or sinci.oscars@conradhotels.com
Nearest Station: Promenade
Website: http://www.connoisseur.sg/oscars-sunday-brunch.html

Prices for Oscar’s Supercharged Sunday Brunch are as follows:
Free for kids aged 5 and below
S$40++ per child (aged 6 to 12)
S$98++ per adult
S$118++ per adult (free flow of sparkling wine, house wines and selected cocktails)
S$158++ per person (free flow of champagne, house wines and selected cocktails)

This post was brought to you by Conrad Centennial Singapore Hotel.

One of our favourite places to head to for buffets in Singapore is Colony. Located on level three of The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, Colony is a well-appointed yet cosy restaurant offering the best of Singapore’s heritage cuisines. A dinner at Colony never disappoints.

We returned this week for Colony’s monthly “Farm To Fork” special, where monthly-exclusive dishes that are sustainable sourced, are brought right to your dining table. This promotion happens from now till June 2016.

In the month of March 2016, the featured sustainably farmed produce is the finest Irish beef by John Stone. This means that you can have free-flow quality beef steaks on top of the regular buffet spread. This is completely a steal!

And that’s not all. Quote “ladyironchef” when you make your reservation to receive a complimentary bottle of house wine for a minimum booking of 4 persons for the “Farm to Fork” promotion at Colony from Sundays to Thursdays between 21 March to 28 April 2016.

Colony (formerly Greenhouse) opened for business not too long ago in September 2015.The space still looks so new with a posh yet inviting interior whichexudes a charm that we cannot quite put into words.

Ample natural day light flows into the restaurant throughout the day, which lights up the entire area making Colony look absolutely stunning. When night falls, the space transforms into a romantic spot. We say date nights would be great here, as with gatherings of family and friends.

We love how the restaurant is segregated into various seating configurations – there are booth seats for more privacy, round tables for families, then there are long tables for bigger groups.

FARM TO FORK – IRISH BEEF

This March, enjoy some of the finest Irish beef by John Stone. Through sustainable farming practices, John Stone farmers use only locally-sourced and environmentally-friendly produced feed for their cattle. This means that the beef has lesser saturated fats which is linked to heart disease and is higher in Omega-3 and Omega-6 (healthier sources of protein), Vitamin E, among other health benefits .

Now we have even more reason to enjoy a good steak!

The meats by John Stone are all dry-aged for 28 days, using a traditional method that the John Stone brand has been using since 1975. Grilled to perfection with a lovely tenderness, the beef is available as part of Colony’s dinner buffet spread from Sundays to Thursdays this month.

There are three cuts available during this “Farm to Fork” promotion – sirloin, ribeye and tenderloin (fillet) – and the chefs are happy to have your preferred cut cooked to your choice of doneness. You can also choose to have carved servings from the pre-cooked meat platter, coupled with farm-fresh potatoes that make for a perfect steak dish.

The steaks are cooked on a charcoal grill for that nice outer char, and you can pile on the selection of side dishes such as baby carrots, maize, fries and mashed potato. We loved how juicy the meat is when done to a perfect medium rare, especially the ribeye cut. The fillet is much more ‘meaty’, hence less fatty and slightly less juicy, but still extremely tasty for anyone who loves a tenderloin cut.

In the following months to come, look forward to the monthly “Farm To Fork” specials that will include creamy homemade burrata and fresh tuna. We can’t wait to go back already!

A LAVISH SPREAD AT COLONY

The buffet dinner spread at Colony consists of 7 ‘live’ kitchens – The Ice Bar (Seafood), The Grill & Rotisserie (Meats), The Steam Basket (Hand-pulled noodles and dim dum), The Wok (Local dishes), The Tandoor (Indian delights), The Fruit Stall, and The Patisserie (Desserts).

We always go weak at the seafood spread where you can expect a multitude of fresh seafood including a selection of different oysters – from plump Irish oysters to the leaner Canadian oysters.

Yabbies, king crab legs, half shell scallops, black mussels and poached ‘live’ prawns are some of the other seafood that you can help yourself to at The Ice Bar.

We are usually unimpressed with the salad bars at hotel buffets, but the one at Colony is by far the best. The range of fresh greens aside, they offer delicious toppings that include avocado, beetroot, tuna, smoked duck, fresh prawn salad and feta cheese – on top of a whole range of dressings.

We don’t remember the last time we bothered with salads at a buffet dinner, so Colony, you win. We love your DIY salad bar so much!

LOCAL & ASIAN FLAVOURS

What too impressed us were some underdogs in the buffet spread. At The Ice Bar, you can enjoy local bites such as Kueh Pie Ti and Popiah.

Located at The Wok, the Singapore Chilli Crab is tasty with just the right amount of spice and flavour. The crabs were also plump and meaty.

Another must-try here is the Seafood Fried Rice with XO sauce.

The authentic Indian delights available at The Tandoor kitchen were so aromatic that we were drawn to it by the wonderful smell of spices. Our personal favourite was the rich Butter Chicken and the Tandoori Lobsters. The former was creamy and buttery, yet spicy – just the way we like our butter chicken curries to be. We would definitely recommend that you enjoy this dish with some naan.

While you may think that lobsters are usually grilled in Western cuisine, the brilliant chefs gave these crustaceans a delightful Indian twist with very flavourful seasoning. Voila! Tandoori Lobsters – the first we’ve tried, and nothing short of impressive!

The Steam Basket showcases the best of Singaporean and Asian delights including Colony’s signature Laksa with Homemade Lobster Ball, to Xiao Long Bao which is available at the dim sum bar.

The Lobster laksa is a classic and something that we’re sure many of you will return to Colony for With its spicy broth that has a rich coconut fragrance, complemented with huge lobster balls and cockles, this is a must-try when you dine at Colony.

You might think we are crazy for having roast meats and chicken rice at a grand buffet like this but once you have had a taste of the tender meats and fragrant rice, you will fully understand why.

The rice exudes an aroma unlike any other. Every grain is plump and coated with the fragrant essence of chicken oil. The chilli is one of the best we’ve had, and you bet the meats are well-roasted and flavourful too.

Honestly? This beats so many roast meat stalls in Singapore!

Colony is everything we want in a buffet and more – the selection is abundant and the quality of the food is top notch. It is one of those places that we will choose to return to if we don’t want uncertainty or a disappointing meal. It is also the perfect venue to bring your overseas guests to enjoy a meal, where they can enjoy a variety of local Singaporean favourites in a comfortable and sophisticated environment!

Remember to quote “ladyironchef” when you make your dinner reservations to receive a complimentary bottle of house wine for a minimum booking of 4 persons during the “Farm to Fork” promotion from Sundays to Thursdays at Colony between 21 March to 28 April 2016.

Prices:
- Breakfast
Monday to Sunday, 6.30am to 10.30am (last order at 10.15am)
Unlimited servings at seven conservatory kitchens
S$45 per adult, S$22.50 per adult (6 to 12 years of age)

- Lunch
Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 2.30pm (last order at 2.15pm)
Unlimited servings at seven conservatory kitchens
S$58 per adult, S$29 per child (6 to 12 years of age)

- Dinner
Monday to Sunday, 6.30pm to 10.30pm (last order at 10.15pm)
Unlimited servings at seven conservatory kitchens
Sunday to Thursday: S$78 per adult, S$39 per child (6 to 12 years of age)
Friday and Saturday: S$88 per adult, S$44 per child (6 to 12 years of age)

Tel: +65 6434 5288
Email: rc.sinrz.restaurantreservations@ritzcarlton.com
Website: www.colony.com.sg

Colony
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
7 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039799
Daily: 6.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

This post was brought to you by The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore.

Sunday brunch just got kicked up a notch with Hilton Singapore’s newly revamped Champagne buffet brunch special. We are telling you that this is easily among the best champagne brunches in Singapore, for the spread features only the most premium of ingredients at reasonable prices.

You bet we were awed by the array of fresh seafood, premium Australian meat cuts, gourmet European delicatessen and more. To say we were enticed by the sheer spread is an understatement. Very often, champagne brunches come with an exorbitant price tag, and for those who do not drink, paying the premium just does not make sense.

And it does not happen here at Hilton Singapore. There is an option for those who prefer to indulge in only the food at S$88++/pax, and there are two options for those who want to luxuriate further with sparkling wine, red and white wines, and champagne.

Readers of ladyironchef will be entitled to S$50 off Hilton Singapore’s Sunday brunch with a minimum of two paying adults. More details at the end of this post. Meanwhile, here are the highlights of Hilton Singapore’s Sunday Champagne Brunch.

WELCOME DRINK, SERVED TABLE-SIDE

But of course, a warm welcome first!

Alright, not really warm, but hey, we are talking about a complimentary Bloody Mary that is served table-side as a welcome drink. This pleasantly savoury drink is the perfect way to kick-start your meal here at Hilton Singapore. Think about how much a cocktail would typically cost, and you would know that you are beginning your meal with value already.

GREAT APPETISERS TO START THE BUFFET

Appetisers range from a fantastic Smorgasbord station to adorably plated small dishes. The latter really impressed us with the intricate plating, coupled with the use of premium ingredients.

Our picks are Alaskan Crab Meat with Mango Jelly, Tiger Prawn with Green Mango, Tuna Tartare with Avocado Mousse, Seafood Ceviche with Spicy Dressing and more. These spherical beauties sure whet our appetites with the freshness and clean tastes.

Not photographed here but another one you would enjoy is the gazpacho. We love our soups hot, but for gazpachos, anything goes. That refreshing, chilled tomato soup by Hilton Singapore tastes so close to the ones we’ve had in Spain.

The Smorgasbord section here is a little different – in a very good way, of course. The charcuterie will be thinly-sliced for you at the station itself, with care and precision. The meats that are included in this section range from imported whole leg of Iberico ham to Saucisson sec cured meat.

A good range of olives and pates are also available to complement the cured meats. We don’t know about you, but olives always get us all excited. There are pitted and stuffed ones here, and the chefs will gladly explain their region and preservation methods.

THE FRESHEST SEAFOOD – OYSTERS, MAINE LOBSTERS, SCALLOPS

Now, we have arrived at the truly good part and everyone’s favourite – seafood! What’s not to love about fresh premium seafood, especially when you can have them free flow? Get ready, because the spread will make your eyes pop!

Think freshly shucked oysters (3 varieties), fleshy Maine lobsters, yabbies (a type of crayfish), half-shell scallops and more.

Can we just say how much we love the oysters in particular? Most brunches or buffet spreads only serve one type of oysters, but Hilton Singapore will offer you three – the ever popular Fine de Claire, succulent Irish oysters and Pacific Oysters.

The seafood is also served alongside fresh sashimi and a sushi selection.

A LA MINUTE SELECTION

One of the reasons why we were immensely impressed by the selections here at Hilton Singapore is the a la minute selection.

The residential dish is Scotch Egg with Truffle Hollandaise Sauce. Scotch Eggs are extremely hard make, even more so to perfect it. Here at the champagne brunch, have it unlimited – all you want. The perfect runny yolk is encased in tasty and well-seasoned meat, then drizzled with fragrant black truffle hollandaise sauce.

Another a la minute dish that is also included in the brunch line-up is the egg cocotte. So hearty, so warm and the addition of savoury meats made the dish a lot more dimensional.

Well, foie gras lovers would be elated to know that pan-seared foie gras is also part of the a la minute selection – unlimited. Hilton Singapore’s version is served with an apple and passion fruit compote, and the sweet-and-sour mixture cuts through the creaminess of the piece of liver so beautifully.

INTERNATIONAL COOKED DISHES

Pizzas, Asian dishes and even beef pho? They will have you covered in this section. Grab either a Seafood or Mushrooms & Anchovies pizza. And if you want something creamy and comforting, go for the Seafood Fricasse with Bisque & Parmesan. The Pan-Fried Chilean Sea Bass with Orange & Fennel Compote sounds boring, but the sweet compote brought out the freshness of the sea bass so well, you’ll love the combination.

For the Asian dishes, dim sum is a must and Hilton Singapore offers both Custard Bun and Braised Pork Ribs, alongside wok-fried dishes such as Stir-Fried Garlic Prawns with Cilantro and Kam Heong Style Crab; bursting with flavours and wok hei, this might be where your grandparents would camp at if they prefer only Asian food.

MEATS, MEATS AND MORE MEATS

If you love  quality meat selection, you will be glad to know that Hilton Singapore’s brunch includes popular meats such as Premium Flank Steak, Lamb Chop and even Tenderloin. All cooked on an open flame charcoal grill, to your preferred doneness with a much loved smoky flavour.

ROAST MEATS 

If you like your meat roasted, fret not; like we said, there is something for everybody.

Think Herb-Roasted Baby Chicken, US Prime Rib and Roasted Pork Rack. Despite being pre-cooked roasts, the meats were not dry and we enjoyed the seasoning of herbs, salt and pepper.

AMAZING SELECTION OF CHEESES

We have never experienced a fuller cheese spread than the one here at Hilton Singapore. A selection of more than 20 cheeses are available on the cheese board, and boy were we spoilt for choice.

Any cheese lover will go gaga over this spread that includes premium selections – Parmigiano Reggano, Fromage Du Maquis, Lavort, Comte, Bleu D’Auvergene and even Persille Du Beaujolais.

… AND A BIGGER RANGE OF DECADENT DESSERTS

Our eyes lit up and our jaws dropped. Nothing screams a good dessert spread like the one at Hilton Singapore. It is literally a dessert shrine! They have even incorporated cool molecular gastronomy techniques into a blueberry meringue dessert that tasted nothing short of amazing.

Cakes are in abundance too – Chocolate Passion, Ivory Coffee, Cassis Caramel, Rainbow Cake and Red Velvet Mascarpone; quite basically a cake for any preference.

Individually-plated desserts include crème brûlée, Orange Chocolate Hazelnut, Red Wine Poached Pear with Chantilly and our favourite one – a glass cup of Sake, Cassis and Butter Sponge that had all the right flavours and textures.

FREE-FLOW CHAMPAGNE!!!

Well, of course, drink to your heart’s content if you get the champagne option. Prep yourselves; you will be treated to free flow of house pours, sparkling wine and beers. That’s some massive weekend there, huh?

Prices:
S$88++ – brunch buffet only.
S$108++ – brunch buffet and free-flow sparkling wine, selected white and red wines and beer.
S$138++ – brunch buffet and free-flow of Louis Roederer champagne, selected white and red wines and beer.
S$39++ – child below 12 years old (toddlers below 4 years of age dine for free)

Readers of Ladyironchef will be entitled to S$50 OFF Hilton Singapore’s Sunday Brunch

- Quote “LIC50” to redeem S$50 Off with a minimum of 2 full paying adults
– One redemption per table
– Valid only on 22, 29 Nov and 6, 13 Dec 2015
– Cannot be combined with other offers/ discount benefits
– 1-day prior reservation required (to mention promo code upon reservation to enjoy offer).
Reservation Tel: +65 6730 3390, or email sinhi_F&B@hilton.com
– Subject to availability

Hilton Singapore Sunday Champagne Brunch is available at Opus, lobby level, from noon until 3pm.

Hilton Singapore
581 Orchard Road Hilton
Singapore
Tel: +65 6730 3390
Nearest Station: Orchard Road
sinhi_F&B@hilton.com
http://bit.ly/hiltonsgsundaybrunch

This post is brought to you by Hilton Singapore.

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.

Buffet restaurants are aplenty, and we will never fall short of choices. Fresh seafood, pots of hot soup, salad bars and bread counters, ala minute stations, daily roast… there is always something to get excited about, but not all buffets are created equal. Cafe Mosaic is a humble outlet at Carlton Hotel Singapore that sees a stable crowd every day, and it is only understandable why patrons pledge their loyalty.

For one, the menu rotates and you can always expect surprises from the chef even if you go seven consecutive days a week. The breads are freshly baked in-house daily, and they make a hearty start to your meal. We also loved the plump and juicy mussels at the fresh seafood station, we lost count of the number of bowls of double boiled Cantonese soup we had, and we couldn’t have enough of the cold appetisers.

Main courses are always a combination of continental and international highlights, and if you are lucky to go on days when the chef dishes out his signature Cod Fish in Pumpkin Sauce, you must not miss the world for this. Meat lovers can help themselves to endless servings of the daily roast, and there are teppanyaki options, too. Don’t forget to stop by the DIY station; expect local delights like Rojak and Gado-gado.

If you go during dinner, pamper your palate with a wider selection that includes a cheese platter and free flow of oysters.

All buffets have to end on a sweet note, so we say eat as many slices of Signature Red Velvet Cake as you can. For those who need your cocoa fix, Chocolate Mousse is your answer. And if all else fails, treat yourself to the Signature Café Mosaic Cheesecake.

For more details, visit their website www.carltonhotel.sg/cafemosaic.html and find Carlton Hotel Singapore’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CarltonHotelSG

Lunch Buffet (12pm to 2.30pm)
Monday to Friday $42++ per adult $21++ per child

Dinner Buffet (6.30pm to 10.30pm)
Sunday to Thursday $78++ per adult $39++ per child
Friday to Saturday $88++ per adult $44++ per child

DBS/POSB and UOB Cardmembers get to enjoy the following promotions:
Lunch buffet: One dines free with every two paying adults from Monday to Friday.
Dinner Buffet: 1-for-1 buffet from Sunday to Thursday, and one dines free with every two paying adults on Friday & Saturday.

Cafe Mosaic
Lobby, Carlton Hotel Singapore
76 Bras Basah Road
Daily: 6am – 10.30am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

This post is brought to you by Carlton Hotel Singapore.

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.

If you are looking for somewhere to spend a quiet afternoon, I can’t think of a better place than Shangri-La’s Lobby Court.

Just look at those beauties. Delicate finger sandwiches, beautiful cakes and pastries. They are the perfect companions when you are catching up with a friend over tea.

The scones – with a gorgeous golden crust – are also one of the best that I’ve had in town. When you take a bite, it leaves crumbs all over the table top. It is good on its own, but even better when slathered with jam and clotted cream.

To me, Shangri-La Hotel’s lobby court is one of the top 5 afternoon high tea places in Singapore. Come here to enjoy an elegant afternoon over lavish teas.

Alternatively, The Rose Veranda at Shangri-La’s Mezzanine Level has an international high tea buffet ($42++/pax). It is available from 11.30am to 6pm on weekdays, and there are two seating on weekends – 11.30am – 2.30pm, 3pm – 6pm.

Shangri-La Lobby Court
22 Orange Grove Road
Mezzanine Level Shangri-La Hotel
Tel:+65 6213 4486
English Afternoon Tea: $34++ (Weekdays), $36++ (Weekends)
Daily: 3pm – 5.30pm

“I know a place that has the potential to be the best dessert buffet in Singapore, but I’m not telling anyone until I check it out.”

I tweeted this about two weeks ago, and I think it’s time to let the world know about the Dessert Buffet at One Ninety Restaurant Four Seasons Singapore. If you are lazy to read this post, just know two things: a) the dessert buffet is $12++ $18++/pax, and b) it is available from Monday to Friday 12.30pm – 2.30pm 2pm – 3.30pm.

Even though the dessert buffet at One Ninety Restaurant Four Seasons Singapore doesn’t have a wide variety of desserts, I think it is one of the best dessert buffets in Singapore for a number of reasons:

One. It is only $12 $18++/pax.

Do I really need to explain this? A slice of cake at Canele Patisserie will easily cost $8++. Just a word of caution, the root of all problems is expectation — don’t expect too much. Almost all the desserts for the buffet are shown in the first photo.

Two. This is Four Seasons Singapore.

We are talking about having lunch (okay, desserts) at a Five Star Hotel in Singapore. It is a nice feeling to enjoy an afternoon tea buffet in the dimly lit One Ninety Restaurant at Four Seasons Singapore, and watch the world go by.

Three. There’s no need to rush, take your time and indulge in the desserts.

Unlike the Japanese Dessert Buffet: Let’s Sweet at Bugis Junction which has a 60 min time limit for buffet lunch, and 80 min time limit for buffet dinner, there’s no need to rush to finish your desserts at One Ninety Restaurant.

Four. I think I’m wasting my time if you are still not convinced by now, so I shall tell you about some of the desserts that we had at the dessert buffet.

I’m not going to elaborate much on the cakes since the selections change every now and then. But some of the items that we had at the dessert buffet are: Chocolate Pot de Creme which is somewhat like a chocolate mousse with yummy whipped cream, the pretty but dry Fruit Cake, Caramelized Pineapple that tasted like fruit punch, Macanese Sarradura Pudding otherwise known as the tofu-cake-that-has-digestive-biscuits, the unexciting and soggy Tiramisu, the christmassy Cinnamon Star and Stollen (loaf-shaped cake), squarish Pumpkin Tarts that are arranged nicely on a wooden board, amazing Chocolate Praline Cake which is beside the equally good Grandma’s Chocolate cake (moist and sweet), simple and cute mini fruit tarts, the oh-my-god-so-good Lingon Berry Cheese Cake, and a few desserts shooter which I can’t remember now because I ate them before noticing the name.

* * *

Is the Dessert Buffet at One Ninety Four Seasons Singapore worth taking a day of leave? Well, if you are trying to clear your leave before the year ends, I think it will be a great idea to have a whole day of feasting (it’s the Christmas festive period after all).

Eat Kaya Toast in the morning, and head to Four Seasons at Orchard road for the dessert buffet, enjoy an all day breakfast at Wild Honey, and go to Koh’s Grill & Sushi during dinner for some Japanese food.

LATEST UPDATE: Come on, why are you thinking so much? It’s only $12 $18++/pax! If you cannot have just desserts for lunch, the One Ninety Lunch Buffet with unlimited appetizers & dessert, which comes with a choice of main course is at $48++/pax.

Singapore Food Restaurant Review
One Ninety Restaurant
190 Orchard Boulevard GF
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6734 1110

// Read my list of dessert places in Singapore.

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