Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Dream Cruises x Chef Tommie Lee: A Refined 5-Course French Dining Experience at Sea

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In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Dream Cruises has partnered with Chef Tommie Lee, affectionately known as “French Papa” from Culinary Class War, to present an exclusive five-course French dining experience onboard the Genting Dream. This refined collaboration brings a touch of French elegance to the high seas, offering diners a rare opportunity to savour dishes inspired by Chef Tommie’s competition repertoire, complete with optional wine pairings thoughtfully curated for each course.

Available at Bistro Restaurant (Deck 8) until 3 July 2026, the menu is priced at $90 nett per person, or $132 nett with wine pairing. For those seeking something beyond the usual cruise fare, this experience delivers a full-on French gastronomic journey at sea.

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Adding to the occasion, Chef Tommie Lee made a special appearance onboard, engaging warmly with guests, answering questions, and even hosting a live cooking demonstration. Watching him prepare the Escargot Vol-au-Vent firsthand elevated the entire dining experience, offering insight into the dish’s finesse.

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Escargot Vol-au-Vent 4.8/5

The meal began with the Escargot Vol-au-Vent, a classic French appetiser that showcased both technique and flavour. The buttery, flaky pastry shell encased tender escargots coated in a rich, herbaceous filling. Each bite delivered a satisfying contrast between the crisp pastry and the savoury, aromatic interior, setting the tone for the courses to follow.

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Prosciutto Ham with Mesclun Salad 4/5

Next was the Prosciutto Ham with Mesclun Salad, a lighter course that refreshed the palate. The delicate saltiness of the prosciutto was balanced by a vibrant mix of mesclun greens, shaved Parmesan, and briny Kalamata olives. A zesty lemon dressing tied the components together, allowing the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine through with elegance and restraint.

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Bouillabaisse Maison 4.8/5

The Bouillabaisse Maison followed, presenting a comforting yet refined interpretation of the traditional French seafood stew. The saffron-infused broth was fragrant and deeply flavourful, enriched with the essence of the sea. A medley of fresh seafood added both texture and sweetness, making this dish a soulful highlight of the menu.

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Slow Roast Veal Tenderloin, Foie Gras and Truffle Roulade 4/5

Taking centre stage was the Slow Roast Veal Tenderloin, Foie Gras & Truffle Roulade, a dish that embodied indulgence. The veal was tender and succulent, complemented by the richness of foie gras and the earthy aroma of truffle. Accompaniments of green pea mash and roasted carrot purée added sweetness and balance, while the port wine sauce lent a luxurious depth, tying all the elements together harmoniously.

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Chocolate Mousse with Dulce de Leche Espuma 4.5/5

Dessert was a Chocolate Mousse with Dulce de Leche Espuma, rounding off the meal on a decadent note. The mousse was smooth and velvety, delivering deep chocolate intensity, while the airy dulce de leche espuma provided a light, caramel sweetness that lifted the dish without overwhelming it.

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Overall, this collaboration between Dream Cruises and Chef Tommie Lee offers a distinctive and memorable dining experience that stands out from typical cruise cuisine. With its thoughtful execution, refined flavours, and the added charm of Chef Tommie’s presence, it is an experience not to be missed for lovers of French gastronomy.

Monday, May 18, 2026

The Lobby Lounge @ Frasers House Singapore - Atelier of Tea and Spice Afternoon Tea

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Revisiting the lovely Lobby Lounge with its grand chandeliers and soaring ceilings, now reintroduced as Frasers House Singapore, formerly known as the InterContinental Singapore Bugis.

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Afternoon Tea Set

Their first themed concept, the Atelier of Tea and Spice Afternoon Tea, carries forward the property’s legacy of elegant hospitality while paying homage to Bugis history as a trading district, thoughtfully weaving tea and spice elements into a refined afternoon experience. This isn’t just a tiered tray of pretty bites. Right from the outset, the menu reads like a conversation between cultures and flavours, where classic European techniques meet Asian influences and spice-led creativity.

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Afternoon Tea Set

Priced at $130++ for two on weekdays and $140++ for two on weekends, the three-tiered set features eleven thoughtfully curated items, complemented by free-flow sorbet and gelato from an ice cream trolley, as well as a choice of artisanal tea or coffee for each guest.

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Savouries Tier

The savoury course opens with a series of bold, flavour-led creations that are thoroughly enjoyable. We had the home-cured Norwegian Salmon Vol-au-vent, brightened with kumquat and caper-egg mimosa and finished with a touch of gold dust, followed by a richly Spiced Duck Rillettes sandwich layered with toasted cumin and pickled fennel. A clean, citrus-laced Spicy Tuna Tartare, served in a crisp shell and presented on its own spoon, rounds off the trio.

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Laksa Atlantic Cod Quiche

We were also served the Laksa Atlantic Cod Quiche, which cleverly translates a distinctly local flavour into a classic French format. It was delicious, with a buttery, fragrant pastry and a laksa twist that worked beautifully. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind seeing laksa quiche become a regular feature in bakery shops.

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Heritage Tea Granita

A Heritage Tea Granita then resets the palate before the sweets take centre stage, where tea becomes the unifying theme. The granita itself was refreshing, though it could be elevated with fresh fruit or light toppings for added texture.

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Sweet Tier

The sweets that follow are where the tea concept truly comes to life. Varieties such as oolong, English breakfast, green tea, lemongrass and chamomile are thoughtfully expressed through beautifully crafted cakes, each resembling a piece of edible art.

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Oolong Tea Eclat

This bright and cheerful yellow Oolong Tea Éclat features a light, airy oolong tea-infused sponge cake layered with luscious passion fruit custard, bringing together tea and citrus.

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Lychee English Breakfast Tea Cake

The Lychee English Breakfast Tea Cake is elegantly crafted to resemble a graceful pink bonsai tree, featuring layers of lychee mousse and jewel-like lychee coulis cubes for a light, fruity finish.

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Green Tea & Pear Harmony

The Green Tea & Pear Harmony brings together smooth pear cream, lemon green tea pear confit and soft almond sponge in this lovely, bright green entremet.

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Blue Pea Chamomile Tart

The Blue Pea Chamomile Tart is topped with sweet pineapple compote and finished with a light blue pea chamomile whip. Somewhat reminiscent of a pineapple tart in flavour, though I found the pineapple compote too overpowering when compared with the tea flavour.

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Lemongrass Key Lime Teapot

The Lemongrass Key Lime Teapot was perhaps the most intriguing creation, featuring a delicate teapot lid that opens to reveal a carefully piped flower of smooth key lime custard, accented with crunchy pearls and lemongrass Chantilly for an Asian twist.

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Scones

Traditional and Curcuma Longa (turmeric) Scones, served with clotted cream, strawberry jam and wildflower honey, anchor the experience in familiarity. The presentation of scones could be improved, such as wrapping them up to keep them warm, as they were a little cold by the time we finally got around to eating them.

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Ice Cream and Sorbets

To finish, guests are treated to unlimited servings of Gelato and Sorbet from the trolley. On our visit, flavours included chocolate, vanilla, mixed berries and mango passionfruit, accompanied by toppings such as cookies and chocolates for a playful, indulgent touch.

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If you’re looking for a memorable afternoon tea experience in Singapore, this one blends heritage storytelling with flavour exploration, finished with just the right touch of the unexpected.

Price:
• Weekday: $130 for 2 persons (additional guest $65)
• Weekend / Eve of PH: $140 for 2 persons (additional guest $70)
• Optional:
• Champagne +$28
• Signature cocktail/prosecco +$20
Includes coffee or loose-leaf tea; prices subject to service charge and taxes.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Lobby Lounge
Frasers House
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1-3pm, 330pm - 530pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]