There are some restaurants that one goes regularly, places that serve decent food at affordable prices. Then there are other places you go for special occasions – like a hot date, birthday celebration, or wedding anniversary.

When you are looking for somewhere to have a romantic dinner, Equinox Restaurant at Swissôtel The Stamford is one of those places that always come to mind. It has one of the best locations in Singapore, overlooking the beautiful city. But that aside, I also love that it is very versatile. You can bring your clients there for a business luncheon; hang out with your girlfriends over a leisure afternoon tea; or have a romantic date – it is a restaurant that is suitable for all occasions.

I recently sampled the new menu by Chef de Cuisine Lee Bennett, and it was a good meal. If you haven’t yet had the chance to try Equinox, give it a shot. If you have and it has been some time, it’s time to go back again.

Our amuse-bouche was a duo of lobster bisque and crab mayonnaise shooter. The lobster bisque was fantastic. If you are a fan of the smooth and creamy French soup, you must order the regular portion ($26) from the ala carte menu.

Next we had a salad ($24) – tasting of beetroot with braeburn apple, aged balsamic dressing, St. Maure goat’s cheese and toasted pine kernels. It was good, but nothing special.

The highlight of our meal was the 900g Dover Sole Meuniere. The fish was, without exaggerating, very very good. At $180 (sharing portion for two), it is not cheap. In fact, I think it is crazy to spend so much on fish. But the truth is, it was one of the best that I’ve had, and I would save up and come back for this.

We also tried the Gressingham duck breast ($70), but it did not leave a strong impression. The other main course, Rhug estate tenderloin of pork ($65) was much more interesting. It was served with scotch egg, prunes, celeriac puree, and whisky sauce. I thought that the whole combination went pretty well.

After we were done with the main courses, we had crêpes suzeïm ($34), and it came with tableside service – the server pushed a trolley out and prepared the crêpes right in front of us. It was really fun, and I would order this just for the “show”.

This was followed by a seasonal crème brûlée ($24), which after dipping our spoon into, we agreed was one of the best in town.

That’s not all. Besides the crepes and crème brûlée, Chef Lee also sent out a platter of desserts ($52 for two): pineapple carpaccio with lime, chilli syrup and coconut sorbet; Madagascar vanilla mousse with toasted sweet brioche and caramelised apple jelly; Jivara milk chocolate delice with a dark cherry sorbet; dark rum savarin with mascarpone espuma and crystallised orange; and citrus posset. While there were hits and misses, it was a wonderful way to finish on a sweet note.

A meal at Equinox is not cheap, but for the view and ambience of the place, it is definitely a place where you should go for a special occasion. If you are on a budget, I would suggest trying the 3 course set menu at $108.

For those of you who love champagne brunch, you must also check out their special Pink brunch – which is only available on the last Sunday of each month.

Equinox Restaurant
2 Stamford Road
70F Swissotel The Stamford Singapore
Tel: +65 6431 5669
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Perched on top of Equinox complex at Swissotel the Stamford, City Space is a chic and elegant lounge bar where you can get a nice cocktail after work. It has a magnificent view of the Marina Bay area, making it one of the best spots to watch sunset in Singapore.

Besides the classic cocktails like mojito ($20) and cosmopolitan ($22), City Space also has their signature creations like ‘chocolate in still life’ ($22), ‘bubble tea’ ($22), and ‘mangaroma’ ($25). If you are not a fan of cocktail, they also have a range of wine, sake, shochu, and spirits available on the menu.

I was pleasantly surprised when the ‘mangaroma’ was served. Cold ice was placed in a tin to create a dramatic entrance for the drink. There’s only one word to describe it: wow.

Equally fanciful was the ‘bubble tea’. The drink is a mixture of gin, fresh grapefruit juice, and cranberry; and the staff did something to create a pretty bubbling effect which lasted for quite a long time.

With a great view, good cocktails, and superb atmosphere, City Space at Swissotel The Stamford is definitely one of the best bars in Singapore.

City Space
2 Stamford Road
70F Swissotel The Stamford
Tel: +65 6837 3322
Sun to Thu: 5pm–1am
Fri & Sat: 5pm–2am
Note: This was an invited media tasting

When it comes to Sunday Brunch, there’s nothing better than the Pink Champagne Brunch Buffet at Equinox Restaurant. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that this is definitely one of the best brunch in Singapore.

On the last Sunday of each month, the fine dining restaurant at Swissotel the Stamford has a special Pink Champagne Brunch.

From free flow of Moet & Chandon Rose Brut and pink cocktails, to pink chocolate fountain and staff dressed in hot pink, the Pink Themed Brunch will most definitely lift your mood. Trust me, it almost feels like heaven when you are sipping champagne on the 70th level.

Anyone who has been to Equinox knows how beautiful it is. At 70th level of the Equinox Complex, it is one of the restaurants with the best view in Singapore.

I have a love-hate relationship with buffet as I tend to overeat. But it is impossible to say no to a luxurious Sunday brunch. There is an appetiser section where you can start with parma ham & rock melon, as well as an assortment of salads.

There is also a corner with shooters like cured smoked duck and chilled gazpacho.

Moving on, the Salmon showcase will definitely wow you with the varieties of gravlax, cured, smoked salmon tartar and salmon rillette. But I was distracted by the Seafood Counter on the rather magnificent ice sculpture.

All you can eat seafood: tiger prawns, mud crabs, green lip mussels, fine de clair oysters, white pearl oysters, gillardeau oysters, and slipper lobsters.

The Japanese Station is conveniently located beside the seafood area. With Sashimi (Kingfish, Tasmanian Salmon, Yellowfin Tuna, Japanese Scallops, Surf Clam and Octopus) and a selection of Sushi and Maki to choose from, it felt like a mini Japanese buffet.

Oh my god. There goes my diet plan.

Carnivore alert! The Carving & Live station offers roasted USDA beef rib eye (too dry), roasted turkey (it’s Christmas already?) and leg of lamb (excellent).

The highlight of the dessert buffet was definitely the pink chocolate fountain. The nitrogen sorbet that came with the crepes, was equally impressive.

Opera cake, raspberry chocolate gateau, maple tree financier, panna cotta, macaron, cream brulee — how did desserts steal all the lovely words?

Looking for a birthday venue to throw a pink themed party? Equinox Restaurant is definitely the perfect place!

The $148++ Pink Brunch is not cheap, but I think it is worth splurging for that special occasion. Besides the fantastic view of Singapore’s skyline and waterfront, there’s also free flow of champagne with lots of yummy food. The Pink Brunch at Equinox is very popular, please make a reservation before going.

Equinox Restaurant
2 Stamford Road
70F Swissotel The Stamford Singapore
Tel: +65 6431 5669

Weekday Semi Buffet Lunch $59++
Afternoon high tea international buffet $43++
Sunday Brunch Buffet $128++
Pink Champagne Brunch Buffet $148++

Note: This was an invited media tasting.