Earlier last month, we had the privilege to hang out with Celebrity IronChef, Cat Cora. She was in town for a week, and we were really stoked to host her. One of our lucky readers also won the chance to dine at the stunning Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora at Resorts World Sentosa.

Together, we spent the evening sampling her new dishes, and the experience of dining at Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora is like no other. Few restaurants in the world have the opportunity to boast about being part of an aquarium, and Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora is one of them.

Dinner was great. We had a ball of a time together. And Chef Catherine is the sweetest lady.

In conjunction with Father’s Day, our readers were tasked to share their fathers’ favourite fruits with us, and the lucky winner (picked at random) will win a dinner for four at Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora. Together, we sampled Chef Catherine’s new creations, and the cherry on top was the special dessert that Chef Catherine prepared using Dad’s favourite fruit. Pineapple and banana it was; very tropical, very local-like.

We started the day with a local-style breakfast to show Chef Catherine all that our Singapore hawkers have to offer. What adjourned after was a round at the wet market, where Chef Catherine shopped for fresh fruits – pineapples and bananas, of course. You have to read on to find out what the special dessert is, because it tasted out of the world and everyone loved it so much that Chef Catherine is considering to place that item permanently in the menu!

It was a typical Friday evening, but it was an atypical one for us. You have no idea how we were so looking forward to dinner because, it is Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora! If you haven’t been, you really should. It is one of those places you must dine at before you die.

As the largest aquarium in the world, Resorts World Sentosa’s S.E.A. Aquarium is home to more than 100,000 marine animals of over 800 species. And the restaurant is right next to and has an unobstructed view of the large aquarium. It is a fascinating experience to say the least.

So what should you expect from the new menu?

No better way to start your meal than with an amuse bouse of Fresh Oysters – Chef Catherine’s version is prepared with passion fruit and watermelon salsa. With this very appetizing and innovative fruity take, who is to say that oysters are just oysters?

The Torched Brown Trout “Farbio” with Smoked Eel is plated with crunchy cucumber and caviar vinaigrette. This appetizer of petite pleasures combines the freshness of the ocean with life’s simplicity.

And then, we have the Sautéed Langoustines. God, how we had loved this one so much! The orange-pink lobster is as sweet as lobsters should be, and it is served with a light crustacean cream, baby fennel, leek and soft herb. Nothing over the top; just a rustic take on the crustacean to create a taste to remember.

You know you are in good hands when the chef does something as simple as corn soup really well. The Charred Corn Soup is surely the best rendition we’ve tried. And your ordinary corn soup is elevated when served with a beignet of blue swimmer crab. So sweet, so hearty. And the cherry, we mean bacon on top is the perfect completion.

From the mains, we sampled the Fresh Sustainable Fish. Farmed in New Zealand, we are all for sustainable food. This fish dish is prepared with burned butter-balsamic emulsion with capers, smoked chives potato and grilled red endives. Totally digging that crispy skin that made such a lovely contrast to the smooth, white fish.

The star dish of the night had to be the dessert that was specially created with the bananas and pineapples. You see, they are really simple ingredients, but Chef Catherine did a brilliant job by creating a chocolate dish with banana ice cream, shaved peanuts and cooked pineapple. If you think it looks pretty, you should try it for yourself to know how it is actually much tastier than it already looks!

Chef Catherine, please put this dessert permanently in your menu.

Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora
SEA Aquarium, Resorts World Sentosa
8 Sentosa Gateway
Tel: +65 6577 8888
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

This post is brought to you by Resorts World Sentosa.

Cat Cora needs no introduction. The only female Iron Chef in Singapore, co-host of Around the World in 80 Plates, celebrity chef Cat Cora is also behind Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora at S.E.A Aquarium – one of the world’s largest aquarium – which offers a spectacular under water dining experience.

While Cat Cora has been to Singapore several times for work, she hasn’t had the chance to interact with our beautiful people. And here’s why this coming June is going to be so exciting, because we are partnering Resorts World Sentosa to play host to the renowned chef!

In conjunction with Father’s Day, one of you will win the opportunity of a lifetime to hang out with Cat Cora and to bring along your father and two family members to enjoy the newly launched 5-course seafood dinner (S$168++/pax) at Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora on 19 June 2015.

And to reward you further, Cat Cora will personally whip up a dish with Papa’s favourite fruit for your dinner at the stunning restaurant within the S.E.A Aquarium.! It will be an experience like no other, we promise.

To take part in the contest:

1. Leave a comment and share with us your father’s favourite fruit and why your family want to meet Cat Cora.
2. Like Resorts World Sentosa on Facebook
3. Share the link of this post on your Facebook timeline.
4. The contest will run from now till 08 Jun 2015, 2359 Hours.

UPDATED ON 12 JUNE 2015: The winner is Michelle Teo.

This feature is brought to you by Resorts World Sentosa.

We are so lucky to call Singapore home. Our sunny little island may be just a small red dot, but this dot has proven herself to be a foodie’s paradise with cuisines of all kinds, celebrity restaurants, international names, independent restaurants and what-have-you. You will never be caught in the situation of not knowing where to dine at, neither will you need you pull your hair out when thinking of a worthy place to dine for special occasions.

The addition of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) to Singapore’s tourism is definitely a great move, but more than its theme parks and attractions, do you know that they are a gourmet’s playground too? With an impressive list of celebrity chefs’ restaurants and family-friendly restaurants, RWS is one of the most comprehensive dining destinations in Singapore.

Christmas is approaching and the joyous festive spirit is filling the air fast. Everyone we know is making plans for dinners and that well-deserved indulgence, and by now, we have our own lists of go-to places and restaurants. But the more the merrier, right?

We went on a food trail some weeks back to curate today’s post, and we are so stoked to be sharing with you some of the festive highlights that you can find at RWS this Christmas. There is surely something that entices, and we know many families will be happy to find friendly options here that suits every generation!

[ Giveaway ] We are giving away a 4-course lunch for 2 (worth S$120++) at Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora. Leave a comment below, and share this post on your Facebook timeline to win. More details on the giveaway at the end of this post.

FOREST

Forest is a place that we save for a date when we want modern Chinese cuisine served in a classy and elegant restaurant. On Christmas Day, Chef Sam Leong is going all out with a special 8-course lunch that comes with 13 tasting portions. Some of the dishes that you can look forward to are Braised Rice Vermicelli with Pork Belly and Deep-fried Lychee Stuffed with Crab Meat.

Throughout the month of December, Chef Sam Leong has prepared three different festive dinner menus that feature Braised Six-head Australian Abalone and Sea Whelk Soup made with double-boiled quail.

For reservations, call +65 6577 6688 or email dining@rwsentosa.com

The festive set menus are available on:
25 Dec 2014, 1 Jan 2015
8-course set lunch at S$78++/pax (with 13 tasting portions)

1 to 31 Dec 2014
5/6/7 course festive dinner menu at S$138++/S$168++/S$198++ respectively

Level 1, Equarius Hotel
Resorts World Sentosa
8 Sentosa Gateway
Tel: +65 6577 6688
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

JOËL ROBUCHON RESTAURANT

Being the chef with the most Michelin Stars to his name, Joël Robuchon is undoubtedly one of the most famous chefs in the world.

For Christmas this year, impress your partner with Joël Robuchon Restaurant’s luxurious festive season menus. Highlights include Le Homard – roasted lobster paired with black truffles; Le Boeuf, grilled beef ribeye with foie gras; and Le Bar, steamed seabass and langoustine topped with caviar – indulgence at its very best.

For reservations, call +65 6577 7888 or email Robuchon@rwsentosa.com

The festive set menus are available on:
24 & 25 Dec 2014
4-course set dinner at S$250++/pax (1st seating from 5.30pm – 7pm)
8-course set dinner at S$525++/pax (2nd seating from 8.15pm onwards)

31 Dec 2014
4-course set dinner at S$250++/pax (1st seating from 5.30pm – 7pm)
8-course set dinner at S$595++/pax (2nd seating from 8.15pm onwards)

1 Jan 2015
Menu Appetit at S$320++ or $400++/pax
Menu Reveillon at S$500++/pax

Level 1, Hotel Michael
Resorts World Sentosa
8 Sentosa Gateway
Tel: +65 6577 7888
Tue to Sat: 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

L’ATELIER DE JOËL ROBUCHON RESTAURANT

L’Atelier de Joêl Robuchon Restaurant is the younger counterpart which is hip, trendy and casual in contrast, with sexy red and black interiors where guests can join in the action at the counter seats.

Chef de Cuisine Lorenz Hoja is presenting a 4 and 9-course festive set dinners that include Le Homard, tender lobster with foie gras topped with glazed chestnuts; Le Foie Gras De Canard – duck broth with foie gras ravioli; and Le Punch, a sparkling exotic fruits lightness with Santa Teresa rum.

For reservations, call +65 6577 7888 or email Robuchon@rwsentosa.com

The festive set menus are available on:
24, 25, 31 Dec 2014 & 1 Jan 2015
4-course dinner menu at S$98++/pax, 9-course menu at S$218++/pax (1st seating from 5.30pm – 7pm)
9-course dinner menu at S$218++/pax (2nd seating from 7.30pm onwards)

Level 1, Hotel Michael
Resorts World Sentosa
8 Sentosa Gateway
Tel: +65 6577 7888
Thu to Mon (Closed on Tue & Wed): 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

OCEAN RESTAURANT BY CAT CORA

Awestruck. That was the only word that could describe our feelings when we were at Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora. The marine world is one so fascinating and it feels surreal to be dining at this stunning restaurant that is within the S.E.A Aquarium.

The team at Ocean has specially whipped up a 6-course menu that will satisfy every seafood lover with dishes such as Blue Swimmer Crab Risotto and the Gillardeau Oysters that are flown in fresh from France. The 4-course set lunch (S$68++/pax) offers superb value, too.

For reservations, call +65 6577 6688 or email dining@rwsentosa.com

The festive set menus are available on:
24, 25, 31 Dec 2014 & 1 Jan 2015
4-course set lunch at S$68++/pax
4-course set dinner at S$168++/pax, 6-course set dinner at S$198++/pax (2 seatings: 6pm-8pm and 8.30pm onwards)

S.E.A. Aquarium, Resorts World Sentosa
8 Sentosa Gateway
Tel: +65 6577 6688
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

OSIA

Known for its contemporary cuisine with Australian influence, OSIA is a dining destination to bring your family and loved ones to for a treat this Christmas. Celebrity Chef Scott Webster and Chef de Cuisine Douglas Tay have come up with a festive set menu – featuring Black Salsify with Black Truffle, to Poached Atlantic Cod with Sea Urchin Porridge and Trout Roe - that you will find it impossible to resist.

For reservations, call +65 6577 6688 or email dining@rwsentosa.com

The festive set menus are available on:
24, 25, 31 Dec 2014 & 1 Jan 2015
3-course lunch menu at S$45++/pax
4-course dinner menu at S$125++/pax
5-course dinner menu at S$150++/pax

Festive Walk, Resorts World Sentosa
8 Sentosa Gateway
Tel: +65 6577 6688
Thu to Tue (Closed on Wed): 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

PALIO

Prized for its showcase of Italian delights, Palio is a colourful family-friendly restaurant with great hospitality. The bright and bustling restaurant is dishing out festive dishes like the Orange Marinated Salmon served on beetroot carpaccio, Porcini Mushroom & Truffle Clear Consomme Soup and Ricotta with Spinach Italian Tortellini Pasta.

For reservations, call +65 6577 6688 or email dining@rwsentosa.com

The festive set menus are available on:
Lunch:
1 Dec 2014 – 1 Jan 2015
3-course lunch at S$35++/pax

Dinner:
1 – 23 Dec 2014, 26 – 30 Dec 2014
3-course dinner at S$55++/pax
24 & 25 Dec 2014
4-course dinner at S$68++/pax
31 Dec 2014
5-course dinner at S$98++/pax
1 Jan 2015
3-course dinner at $68++/pax

Level 2, Hotel Michael
Resorts World Sentosa
8 Sentosa Gateway
Tel: +65 6577 6688
Daily: 7.30am – 10.30am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

TANGERINE

Looking for guilt-free options? Health nuts might already know Tangerine, the spa cafe that is nestled within Espa. The combination of culinary and wellness is beautifully translated into a healthy menu over at Tangerine, and if Christmas isn’t all about turkey and heavy eating for you, then Tangerine is for you.

The multi-course sets include appetisers of two-way salmon, main courses like the Chicken & Mushroom Duxelle Roulade and Halibut Fillet with Braised Leek & Truffle and Urchin Cream. Desserts like their Lemongrass Jelly and Siam Chocolate Banana Ganache are not sinful but tasty too!

For reservations, call +65 6577 6688 or email dining@rwsentosa.com

The festive set menus are available on:
22 Dec 2014 -1 Jan 2015
3-course set lunch at S$40++
4-course set dinner at S$75++

Level 1 ESPA, Resorts World Sentosa
8 Sentosa Gateway
Tel: +65 6577 6688
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA GIVEAWAY

1. Resorts World Sentosa is giving away a 4-course lunch for 2 (worth S$120++) at Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora.
2. Leave a comment in this post and tell us where (out of the 7 restaurants at Resorts World Sentosa listed in this guide) do you want to celebrate Christmas this year?
3. Like Resorts World Sentosa on Facebook
4. Share the link of this post on your Facebook timeline.
5. The contest starts from now till 10 December 2014, 2359 hrs.
6. Winners will be notified by email.

// UPDATED on 14 Dec 2014: The winner of the giveaway is Tracy Wong.

With so many options, you can even dine at RWS every day for two weeks and there will still be new menus to discover! Business luncheons, family dinners, date nights, a gathering with friends… they can all be answered at RWS. Moreover, dining at the island always feels like a great escape from the hubbubs of the busy city.

For more details on the latest promotions, head over to RWSentosa.com/dining. Also, like Resorts World Sentosa on Facebook, and Instagram.

This Christmas feature is brought to you by Resorts World Sentosa.

With more than 60 food & beverage outlets, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is the dining destination in Singapore. Whether it is a casual family dinner, a catch-up session with friends over a good meal, or a romantic dinner with your date, there are plenty of options to choose from when you are dining at Resorts World Sentosa.

Food lovers will be thrilled to know that Resorts World Sentosa is organising its inaugural RWS Food Affair from 14 to 22 September, offering specially crafted menus by six of its celebrity chefs – starring Joël Robuchon, Cat Cora, Sam Leong, Douglas Tay, Li Kwok Kwong and Kenny Kong. For regulars like me who have been to most of the restaurants, it is a good time to return to sample the new menus. And for people who have always wanted to try, but never had the chance, this is the perfect opportunity to finally dine at the celebrity chefs restaurants at Resorts World Sentosa.

Resorts World Sentosa has kindly extended a 15% discount to my readers – quote ‘ladyironchef’ when making reservations at the restaurants for RWS Food Affair. I am sure you are as excited as I am, so read on to find out more about the highlights at RWS Food Affair, or go to their website www.rwsentosa.com/rwsfoodaffair for more details. I will also be organising a food outing at Forest on 7 September, where RWS has specially concocted a menu just for you readers. More details to be released next week – I hope to see you for dinner!

There are many reasons why you should look forward to RWS Food Affair. First and most importantly, the celebrity chefs have lined up impressive menus that promise an epicurean experience that lives up to its reputation. Second, fans of Chef Joël Robuchon and Iron Chef Cat Cora can meet their favourite chefs during this period. Third, Chef Sam Leong will be holding a special masterclass that comes with a four-course lunch.

Last but not least, there are many exciting activities and food promotions going on during that week, including a Crab Dinner Buffet, RWS Stars Chefs Dinner Buffet, Asian High Tea Buffet and a Universal Studios Singapore® Madagascar Breakfast Buffet, where there will be meet and greet sessions with Marty. Gloria, King Julian and the Penguins.

RWS Celebrity Chefs Dinner

Besides the individual menus at each restaurant, RWS is also offering a lavish six-course dinner at the Ocean Gallery, in front of the world’s largest viewing panel in the S.E.A. Aquarium. The six celebrity chefs have come together to each create a course for this spectacular dinner, which truly showcases the gems of RWS’s restaurants.

You will be treated to  Ayala Brut Majeur NV champagne upon arrival, and free flow of Penfolds Bin 2 Shariaz Mouverdre and Penfolds Koonunga Hill Autumn Riesling during dinner. All six Celebrity Chefs will be personally present, which means you will get to mix, mingle and take pictures. This is a very exclusive dinner for only 250 guests; so do book your seats early.

For reservations, call +65 6577 6688 or email dining@rwsentosa.com

Date: 7pm, 18 Sep 2013 (Wed)
Venue: Ocean Gallery, S.E.A. Aquarium
Price: S$288++/pax

Joël Robuchon Restaurant & L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon

For the RWS Food Affair, Joël Robuchon Restaurant is having a ten-course Menu Degustation (S$450++/pax), while L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon has a six-course Menu Découverte (S$180++/pax). I have had the privilege to eat at a few L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon around the world, and they did not disappoint. If anything, they only exceeded expectations.

For reservations, call +65 6577 6688 or email dining@rwsentosa.com

Hotel Michael Level 1, next to Lake of Dreams
Resorts World Sentosa

Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora

With the aquarium as its backdrop, Ocean Restaurant by Iron Chef Cat Cora is one of the most stunning restaurants in Singapore. If you are celebrating a special occasion with your partner, or want a unique experience to entertain your corporate clients, this should be your top choice. The restaurant is offering a five-course set dinner (S$158++/pax) which features Cat Cora’s signature Mediterranean-Californian dishes. Well, even without an occasion, the specially lined-up menu in lieu of this special week is worth a visit with your loved ones.

For reservations, call +65 6577 6688 or email dining@rwsentosa.com

S.E.A. Aquarium
Resorts World Sentosa

Osia

Osia is one of the top tables in town, and it is a place that I always recommend to my readers when they want to have a good meal. For RWS Food Affair, Chef de Cuisine Douglas Tay has created a four-course dinner menu (S$130++/pax) with inspirations from Western Australia combined with Asian influences using fresh produce.

For reservations, call +65 6577 6688 or email dining@rwsentosa.com

World Square
Resorts World Sentosa

Feng Shui Inn

Feast like an emperor at Feng Shui Inn. Head Chef Li Kwok Kwong and his team have recreated traditional dishes with a modern twist, and the six-course dinner menu (S$198++/pax, minimum 2 persons), inspired by the Imperial feast, promises an experience like no other. Who says you need to be an emperor to have Man Han Quan Xi (imperial feast)? Now you can have it at Feng Shui Inn too! Look out for the full four-part Man Han Quan Xi menus from September to October.

For reservations, call +65 6577 6688 or email dining@rwsentosa.com

Crockfords Tower Level G2
Resorts World Sentosa

Forest

For modern and refined Chinese food in a classy setting, go to Forest. The six-course dinner (S$148++/pax) for RWS Food Affair focuses on Chef Sam Leong’s signature contemporary Chinese dishes. In addition, Chef Sam Leong is holding a special masterclass – capped at 16 guests – that comes with a four-course lunch (S$160 nett/pax) on 14 and 21 Sep. We hear that seats are selling very fast.

For reservations, call +65 6577 6688 or email dining@rwsentosa.com

Equarius Hotel Level 1
Resorts World Sentosa

Tangerine

Tangerine, also helmed by Chef Sam Leong, is known for delighting its patrons with dishes that are prepared using nutritious ingredients and healthy cooking methods without compromising on flavour. Chef Forest Leong, Chef Sam’s wife who has Thai roots, is the Consultant Chef at Tangerine. You can expect Thai inspired dishes with a modern and healthy twist. The spa cafe located at ESPA at Resorts World Sentosa is offering very value-for-money sets for RWS Food Affair. Enjoy a three-course lunch at S$45++pax, and a four-course dinner at S$55++/pax.

For reservations, call +65 6577 6688 or email dining@rwsentosa.com

ESPA at Resorts World Sentosa

That is not all for RWS Food Affair. Partake in a Crab Dinner Buffet (S$62++/adult, S$31++/child) on 21 Sep – at Fish & Crab Shack, located in the Maritime Experiential Museum – where you can look forward to indulging in a galore of crabs prepared in various styles.

Go for an Asian High Tea Buffet (S$36++/adult, S$18++/child) – with a delectable spread of sushi, laksa, dim sum and other Asian favourites – at Starz Restaurant.

Have a Universal Studios Singapore® Madagascar Breakfast Buffet (S$74++/adult, $54++/child) on 15 Sep. The fee includes theme park admission to Universal Studios Singapore, and you will get to meet your favourite Madagascar characters - Marty. Gloria, King Julian and the Penguins.

Madagascar © 2013 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE, Universal Globe logo, and all Universal elements and related indicia ™ & © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Treat yourself to a scrumptious RWS Stars Chefs Dinner Buffet (S$75/adult, S$37.5/child) that gives you the rare opportunity to sample the signature dishes from some of the RWS’s fine dining establishments which include Osia, Feng Shui Inn, Palio and Forest.

Note: All photos belong to Resorts World Sentosa.

RWS Food Affair is happening from 14 to 22 September. With so many exciting promotions, there is surely something for everyone. For more details, go to their website www.rwsentosa.com/rwsfoodaffair. For dining reservations, call +65 6577 6688 or email dining@rwsentosa.com

Readers of ladyironchef can get a 15% discount, so remember to quote ‘ladyironchef’ when you are making your reservations.

You can also save 50% by buying S$500 worth RWS Food Affair Dining Vouchers at only S$250. Sales start from 7 September, there are limited sets, so be sure to grab them soon. The vouchers are valid till 31 May 2014, and you can get them at participating restaurants, and RWS Invites Centre. There is a limited edition gift when you buy 2 sets of RWS Food Affair Dining Vouchers. Log on to www.rwsentosa.com/rwsfoodaffair for more details.

This may be Resorts World Sentosa’s inaugural food festival, but I have no doubt that it will be a huge success, and become an important event on the calendar for annual food festivals in Singapore for the years to come.