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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Les Ducs @ Ann Siang Hill - Returns with Soulful Bouillon Lunch and Fun French Dining

Tucked along the charming enclave of Ann Siang Hill, Les Ducs returns with a refreshed identity under French chef-owner Louis Pacquelin. Rather than chasing trends, the reintroduction feels grounded and sincere. It is a thoughtful expression of the chef’s culinary journey, shaped by classical French training and years spent working across Asia.

Having honed his craft under the likes of Alain Ducasse, with stints at Aux Lyonnais and BBR by Alain Ducasse at Raffles Hotel Singapore, Chef Pacquelin brings with him a strong foundation in traditional French techniques. At Les Ducs, this manifests in a menu that balances technical finesse with a relaxed, approachable spirit, what he aptly calls “Fun French Dining.”

Sourdough 4/5

Country Terrine | Duck Rilletes 3.5/5

Available Monday to Saturday, the Bouillon lunch menu draws inspiration from traditional French home cooking and brasserie classics. Designed to be fuss-free and wallet-friendly, it offers a selection of hearty dishes suited for both quick business lunches and leisurely afternoons.

We began our meal with Country Terrine | Duck Rillettes ($8), paired with toasted Sourdough ($3). The sourdough arrived crisp on the outside with a light, airy crumb, making it an ideal canvas for the rich, fatty duck rillettes. The spread was indulgent yet balanced, with a depth of flavour that spoke of careful preparation.

Snails, Garlic and Parsley Butter 3/5

The Snails with Garlic and Parsley Butter ($12) delivered on flavour, a fragrant medley of garlic and herbaceous parsley folded into a buttery base. However, the decision to serve the escargots without their shells left the dish dry. While the aromatic butter carried the dish, it missed the lusciousness typically associated with this French classic.

Steam Prawns, Cocktail Sauce 4/5

On the other hand, the Prawn Cocktail ($10) was a refreshing contrast. Featuring four plump, sweet prawns, lightly poached to retain their natural texture, the dish was elevated by a tangy, creamy cocktail sauce. It was simple yet satisfying, offering a bright and zesty palate cleanser.

Roasted Chicken Leg, Mushroom Sauce, French Fries 4.2/5

The Roasted Chicken Leg with Mushroom Sauce and French Fries ($15) stood out immediately for its value. A generously sized chicken leg arrived with beautifully crisped skin and tender, juicy meat. The accompanying mushroom cream sauce was rich and earthy, coating each bite with comforting depth. Paired with a heap of crispy, thin-cut fries perfect for soaking up the sauce, this dish punches well above its price point.

Confit Duck Leg, Saute Potatoes 4.2/5

Equally satisfying was the Confit Duck Leg with Sautéed Potatoes ($22). Prepared in the traditional method, the duck leg was slow-cooked until fork-tender, then pan-fried to finish, achieving a delicate, crisp skin. The sautéed potatoes, lightly tossed with garlic and herbs, provided a rustic and hearty accompaniment. This was classic French comfort food at its best. It is rich, savoury, and deeply satisfying without unnecessary embellishments.

Chocolat Liegeois 4/5

Desserts leaned towards simplicity but remained enjoyable. The Chocolat Liégeois ($9) comes with vanilla ice cream, rich chocolate sauce, and almonds. It is straightforward yet indulgent, delivering familiar flavours that please.

Creme Mont Blanc 4/5

More interesting was the Crème Mont Blanc ($8), a playful take on the traditional French dessert. Featuring a smooth chestnut purée with a naturally nutty sweetness, it was topped with meringue to mimic the snow-capped Mont Blanc. While lighter than its classic counterpart, it retained the essence of the original with a modern, approachable twist.

Les Ducs’ revival is less about reinvention and more about refinement. Chef Louis Pacquelin presents a menu that feels personal and grounded, combining the rigour of French culinary tradition with subtle influences from his time in Asia. The Bouillon lunch, in particular, stands out for its honest cooking and exceptional value, making it a compelling option in the Ann Siang Hill dining scene. For those seeking unpretentious French fare with a touch of soul, Les Ducs delivers a dining experience that is both comforting and quietly confident.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Les Ducs
8 Ann Siang Hill
Singapore 069788
Tel: +65 9853 4710
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Website
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 1130pm

Direction:

1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk down South Bridge Road towards Ann Siang Road. Turn right onto Ann Siang Road. Walk down Ann Siang Road. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 4 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Hill and walk down Ann Siang Hill. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Les Canons @ IOI Building - A Taste of Parisian Bistro Charm in Singapore’s CBD

Tucked within the bustling Central Business District at IOI Building, Les Canons by the ilLido Group brings the charm of a Parisian neighbourhood bistro into a relaxed, everyday dining setting. Inspired by the easy rhythms of city life, the all-day French bistro moves seamlessly from breakfast to after-work apéro and casual dinners, offering a repertoire of classic French comfort dishes at wallet-friendly prices.

Duck Rillettes 4.2/5

We began with a selection of small bites, starting with the Duck Rillettes ($9). The slow-cooked duck, shredded and preserved in its own fat, delivered a rich, savoury depth, best enjoyed spread over a crusty baguette. While satisfying, we found ourselves wishing for more bread to match the generous portion of rillettes.

Calamari with Cocktail Sauce 4.8/5

A standout starter was the Calamari with Cocktail Sauce ($10). Lightly battered and fried to a golden crisp, the calamari remained tender within. The accompanying Marie Rose-style cocktail sauce is creamy with a gentle tang, elevating the dish, making it irresistibly moreish.

Escargots 4.2/5

The Escargots ($12) is a quintessential French staple, featuring half a dozen snails bathed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. The escargots were clean-tasting, perfumed with the richness of butter and garlic. Once again, extra baguettes would have been welcome to mop up every last bit of the luscious sauce.

Foie Gras 4/5

For something more indulgent, the Foie Gras ($16) offered a decadent experience. The pan-seared duck liver was beautifully caramelised on the outside while retaining a buttery, melt-in-the-mouth interior. Served atop a savoury pancake, it leaned heavily on richness, and a touch of acidity would have helped balance the dish.

Coq Au Vin 4.2/5

Moving on to mains, the Coq au Vin ($16) embodied rustic French comfort. The spring chicken, gently braised in red wine, was tender and infused with deep, savoury flavours, a hearty and satisfying option.

Pomme Puree 4.5/5

On the side, the Pomme Puree ($5) impressed with its silky-smooth texture and rich buttery finish. It is a simple yet delightful accompaniment that complements the mains perfectly.

Steak Au Poivre 4.2/5

The Steak Au Poivre ($22) stands out as one of the best-value steak frites options in the CBD. The no-frills plate features a well-cooked steak coated in a creamy peppercorn sauce, paired with crispy fries. It delivers on flavour and value, making it a compelling choice for a casual French meal in the city.

Mont Blanc 4/5

Desserts continued the classic French theme. The Mont Blanc ($9) layers meringue with light chantilly cream and sweetened chestnut puree, resulting in a nutty, creamy dessert that is indulgent without being overly heavy. The Mousse au Chocolat ($8) keeps things traditional, offering a smooth, airy texture with a deep, dark chocolate profile that will appeal to those who prefer less sweetness. Meanwhile, the Tarte Fine Aux Pommes ($9) provides a lighter finish, with its crisp, buttery pastry topped with thinly sliced caramelised apples and served alongside chantilly cream.

Mousse Au Chocolat 4.2/5

Wine takes centre stage at Les Canons, with a thoughtfully curated list of over 50 French labels spanning regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Loire Valley and Rhône Valley. With glasses starting from $8 and bottles kept under $100, the programme encourages diners to enjoy wine as part of an everyday dining experience rather than a special occasion indulgence.

Tarte Fine Aux Pommes 4.2/5

Les Canons evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of earlier days when accessible French dining spots such as The French Stall, The Black Sheep Cafe and Saveur first introduced many in Singapore to approachable French cuisine. At a time when French cuisine was largely confined to fine-dining establishments, these places reshaped perceptions — much as Les Canons aims to do today.

With its approachable pricing, comforting classics, and easy-going ambience, Les Canons successfully captures the spirit of a Parisian bistro while fitting neatly into the pace of CBD life. It is a welcoming spot for both quick lunches and leisurely dinners, offering a taste of France without the formality.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Les Canons
IOI Central Boulevard Towers
2 Central Boulevard
#01-07
Singapore 018916
Tel: +65 89260726
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 830am - 11am (Breakfast), 11am - 10pm
Sat: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at the Downtown MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 4 or 6. Walk to Commerce Street. Cross the road and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Angelina @ Marina Bay Sands Singapore - New Menu From The Iconic Parisian Tearoom And Patisserie

Iconic Parisian tearoom and patisserie, Angelina sits right above the Canal at The Shoppes in Marina Bay Sands. It offers diners a quaint dining atmosphere and a menu of savoury and sweets alongside its signature and world-famous L'Africain Hot Chocolate.

Diners can now expect a new menu of brunch (available from 11am to 2.30pm), starters, hot mains and desserts specially crafted in France. We sampled a number of their new dishes across the menu.

Oven-Baked Camembert 4/5

The Oven-Baked Camembert ($36.90) is well portioned to feed 2-3 pax. A whole camembert is oven-baked for 10 minutes to attain an oozy and molten texture. On the side, you will find a garden salad tossed with sliced apples, dried figs and roasted nuts, and toasted sourdough drizzled with balsamic dressing.

Oven-Baked Escargot 4/5

Another new starter that diners can look out for is the Oven-Baked Escargot ($23.50). A portion has six escargots, each coated with cream spinach, before being braided in parmesan garlic crumbs and baked to a golden brown top.

Club Sandwich 3.8/5

We enjoyed the fluffy and crisp toast used in the Club Sandwich ($27.80), which had a centre of chicken mayo and hard-boiled egg, topped with bacon and sun-dried tomato paste. You can opt for french fries or baby romaine lettuce salad as your side here. Our only gripe was that the chicken mayo portion could be much more substantial.

Fantasy of Grilled Seafood Aglio Olio 4.2/5

First of our mains was the Fantasy of Grilled Seafood Aglio Olio ($36.50). The al dente spaghetti is tossed in garlic, bird's eye chilli, parsley and extra virgin olive oil before being served with juicy Hokkaido scallops, a king prawn and mussel. The refreshing lemon cream foam adds a zesty touch and tempers the spice from the bird's eye chilli.

Smokey Atlantic Salmon Fillet 3.5/5

While it was beautifully presented by being unveiled from a glass dome of smoke, we found the Smokey Atlantic Salmon Fillet ($38.80) average tasting. The smokiness was nicely infused in the salmon, but considering the price tag, the overall dish with the accompanying shimeiji mushrooms, green pea puree, and raspberry coulis didn't surprise us as much.

French Duck Confit 4/5

On the other hand, the French Duck Confit ($32.90) impressed me. After being cured in fat and roasted for 5 hours in the oven at a low temperature, it resulted in flavourful fork-tender meat. The duck sat on mashed potato with caramelised onions and a bright honey orange reduction on the side.

Black Angus Sirloin Steak

My dining companions tried the Black Angus Sirloin Steak ($43.90), which uses 190g of US sirloin steak with sides of ratatouille, charcoal mashed potato and black pepper sauce. They found it decently flavourful and tender.

Passion Ananas 3/5

One of Angelina's new seasonal desserts is the Passion Ananas ($17). It has coconut, pineapple-passionfruit compote layered with coconut-pineapple-lime mousse on a soft lime biscuit. It was sweet with a distinct tangy kick of passionfruit notes.

Trocadero Pistachio 3/5

The second of its seasonal desserts, flown in directly from France, is the Trocadero Pistachio ($17). This piece features everything pistachio, with pistachio dacquoise and pistachio cream, solidified in pistachio paste and further coated with chopped pistachio. We appreciated how the elements were put together, but there was an almond-like aftertaste that I was not a fan of.

Paris Brest 3.5/5

The Paris Brest ($17) was our favourite dessert, though we still found it a tad pricey. If you are a fan of Ferrero Rocher, this may be up your alley. I prefer a crispier choux pastry for texture contrast, but otherwise, there's nothing to dislike about the nutty combination of praline mousseline cream, hazelnut crunch, caramelised hazelnut and hazelnut paste. It's rich without being cloying.

Mont Blanc 3/5

We ended our dinner with Angelina's signature dessert, the Mont Blanc ($18). It has a centre of meringue, chestnut puree and souffle whipped cream and a piped exterior of chestnut cream vermicelli. Unfortunately, my dining companions and I agreed that this was too sweet for our liking.

Overall, the ambience here at Angelina was lovely, but the prices were definitely steep. We enjoyed their savoury dishes significantly more than the sweets.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Angelina
Marina Bay Sands The Shoppes
Canal Level
#B2-89A
2 Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018972
Tel: +65 66887236
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Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bayfront MRT (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1030am to 11pm
Fri, Sat, PH Eve and PH: 1030am to 1130pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bayfront MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

MOONBOW @ Dempsey Hill - A Dazzling New Addition That Specialises In Modern European Cuisine With An Asian Accent

The ever-changing dining scene at Dempsey Hill sees a dazzling new addition, MOONBOW. Chef Heman Tan and Dylan Soh opened the restaurant, which specialises in modern European cuisine with an Asian influence. The glass wall in the main dining hall separating the kitchen reminds me of Hell Kitchen's scene. Diners have a full view of the adrenaline rush in the kitchen.

Candy Floss 3.5/5

Our dinner begins with the complimentary Candy Floss. It is a playful starter to kick start the dinner.

Moonbow Oyster Bay 4/5

Next up is the Moonbow Oyster Bay ($10++/pc), serves with oyster leaves at the side. The purposes of the oyster leaves are to open up the palate. The briny Fine de Claire oyster is paired with yuzu gel, cucumber pearl and yuzu granita for a flavoured and refreshing finish.

Garden of Escargot 3.5/5

The Escargot ($23++) is plated like a garden as if the snails are roaming among the fields of edible flowers, fresh micro cress, truffle gelato, mashed edamame and mushroom soil. There are even lychee pearls representing raindrops.

Jerusalem Artichoke 4/5

The Jerusalem Artichoke ($25++) is a comforting and creamy soup that comes with a 64 °C Sous Vide Egg, Caviar and Sunchoke Chips to balance the earthiness of the artichoke.

Cauliflower Bloom 4/5

The Cauliflower Bloom ($25++) is a multi-textural enjoyment of the various forms of cauliflower. On the plate, you can find warm cauliflower floret, dehydrate cauliflower, cauliflower cous cous, cauliflower puree paired with nuts crumbs, garlic crumbs, cress and hollandaise.

Tomahawk de Swine 4.2/5

Moving to the mains, we tried a couple of items from their menu. First is the gigantic Tomahawk de Swine ($68++). The restaurant uses untrimmed 4 days aged young pork tomahawk chop paired with roasted garlic, caramelized lime and pineapple compote. The pork chop glazed with BBQ marinade is grilled to a beautiful tender with a hint of smokiness and sweetness. My favourite way of appreciating the beautiful pork is to spread the roasted garlic on it.

Black Silkie Poulet 4.2/5

My first thought when I see the Black Silkie Poulet ($38++) is that the restaurant has taken a big risk. It is an ingredient that is usually used in Chinese cuisine but not in European cuisine. The sight of a black chicken may turn some diners off. I love black chicken, so I was worried but internally delight to have the dish on the menu. The black chicken's leg is chargrilled and paired with garlicky crumb, wolfberry mashed, black garlic puree, ugly heirloom tomatoes and chives. I have to call out the accompanying bearnaise sauce that brightens the tender chicken.

Chef Heman’s Black Berry 4 Grain Healthy Rice With Roasted Pork Jowl “Ton Toro” 4/5

One can opt for Chef Heman's Black Berry 4 Grain Healthy Rice With Roasted Pork Jowl "Ton Toro" ($38++) for a healthy eat. I enjoyed the different textures of the rice, and what brightens up the dish is the addition of Chinese lap cheong sausage.

Fermented Red Yeast Wine 4.5/5

Another favourite dish of mine is the Fermented Red Yeast Wine ($38++). I applaud the creativity of incorporating fermented red glutinous rice wine with the barramundi fillet. I am usually sceptical of this type of East meets West creations, but this dish has won me over.

Treasure Drawer 4/5

To wrap up the dinner on a sweet note, you can try the Treasure Drawer ($32++), which comes in two trays of dessert. Diners can enjoy a sweet treat of pistachio chocolate souffle, mango passion mousse, petite apple crumble tartlets, financier raspberry, orange granita, yuzu star anise pate fruit and truffle cheese macaron. It will be a good choice as you can have a bit of everything.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
MOONBOW
Block 10 Dempsey Road
#01-21
Singapore 247700
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Holland Village (CC Line), Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 10am -3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Block 12 (Stop ID 11401). Take bus 106. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Farrer Road MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Farrer Road MRT station (Stop ID 11119). Take bus number 174 or 564. Alight 5 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]