Portman's Bar @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay - Celebrates Christmas with Yuletide Dreams Afternoon Tea

Embark on a festive journey at Portman's Bar, Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, with their Yuletide Dreams Afternoon Tea experience. Available until January 4, 2024, this indulgent afternoon tea presents a luxurious spread of seasonal delights. The offering includes freshly baked homemade scones, a curated selection of savoury bites, and an array of delectable sweets that capture the spirit of the Yuletide season.

Begin your indulgent afternoon tea at Portman's Bar with the delightful combination of Homemade Cranberry Scones, served with clotted cream and cranberry jam. Elevating the experience, savour the richness of Baked Brie Cheese with Honey. The presentation adds a touch of drama to the occasion, as a small paper cone is placed atop the cheese and lit in a burst of flames, imparting a subtle smoky flavour to the cheese. This theatrical touch enhances the overall experience, making it a memorable start to a luxurious afternoon tea.

Some of our favourites include the Beetroot Polo Bun, which features sugared beetroot buns and a savoury filling of salmon and cream cheese, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and savoury notes. Another favourite is the Brioche French Toast Cube, generously adorned with creamy mushroom ragout and chicken meat loaf, offering a luxurious and comforting bite. For enthusiasts of sweet potatoes, the Waffle Basket, featuring a blend of Idaho and sweet potatoes drizzled with honey, is a must-try, promising a delectable blend of textures and flavours.

Indulge your sweet tooth with the enchanting dessert options in the afternoon tea set at Portman's Bar. The "Bauble" is a delightful creation, showcasing apple bavarois and cinnamon apple compote, offering a burst of fruity flavours. The "Gift Box" is a chocolate lover's dream, with a decadent combination of chocolate mousse and raspberry compote, all atop a chocolate sable, creating a rich and satisfying treat. Lastly, the "Santa Hat" is a whimsical delight, featuring vanilla mousse adorned with cherry morello, bringing a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. These intricately crafted desserts add a touch of magic to your afternoon tea experience, making it a truly memorable occasion.

Complementing the delightful spread, the afternoon tea set at Portman's Bar offers free-flow coffee or tea. Embrace the rich and indulgent flavours by opting for a Mocha or a classic Hot Chocolate. For those who prefer a refreshing twist, coffee and tea options are available in iced or hot versions.

Priced at $58++ per person, this experience perfectly celebrates the holidays in style. To enhance your indulgence, complement your afternoon tea with a choice of wines, cocktails, or fresh oysters, available at an additional cost. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and savour the season's flavours at Portman's Bar.

For reservations, please call +65 6845 1119 or email portmansbar.prsmb@parkroyalcollection.com.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Portman’s Bar
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay
Level 4
6 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 68451119
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe (大南洋) @ Craig Road - A Nostalgic Blend of Old Malaysian and Singaporean Kopitiam Flavours

Great Nanyang (大南洋) on Craig Road invites you to take a nostalgic journey back in time, offering a delightful blend of old Malaysian and Singaporean kopitiam flavours. Founded by the mastermind behind Yang Ming Seafood, this charming establishment brings forth the cherished dishes of both countries, encompassing Hainanese Chicken Cutlet, Nasi Lemak Kukus, and Dry Mee Siam.

Kaya Butter Toast and Traditional Kaya Butter Thick Toast 4.2/5

Start your day at Great Nanyang with a cultural and flavourful awakening through their kopi, teh, and toast offerings. The Traditional Kaya Butter Toast ($2.50) and Traditional Kaya Butter Thick Toast ($2.70) make for a heartwarming breakfast or snack. These toasts boast a delightful crispness, generously slathered with aromatic kaya and a layer of rich butter.

Egg Mayo Toast 4/5

Chicken Floss Toast 4.5/5

For those seeking a more diverse experience, there's the Egg Mayo Toast ($4) and Chicken Floss Toast ($4.80), each offering distinct toppings. The Egg Mayo Toast features creamy egg topping, with meticulous separation of egg whites and yolks for a velvety texture. However, the standout here is the Chicken Floss Toast, boasting melt-in-the-mouth strands of sweetness and savoury perfection, heightened by the aromatic hae bee hiam.

French Toast with Peanut Butter 3.5/5

The French Toast with Peanut Butter ($4.50) presents a nutty twist but leans on the richer side, with the creamy peanut butter slightly overpowering the fragrant egg wash.

Soft Boil Kampung Eggs (2 Eggs) 4/5

To complete your toast set, you can add Soft Boil Kampung Eggs and a hot coffee or tea for an additional $3. The eggs are sourced fresh from Johor Bahru, known for their lower cholesterol content and higher nutritional value.

Coconut Coffee Iced, Hor Ka Sai Iced 4.5/5

Great Nanyang offers a well-balanced coffee blend, combining local and Arabica beans to create an aromatic and satisfying cup of joe. If you're looking for something unique, the Iced Coconut Coffee ($5.90) and Hor Ka Sai Iced ($5), a blend of Milo and coffee, offer a refreshing twist.

Assam Laksa 4.2/5

Dive into their main offerings, such as the Assam Laksa, which bursts with robust flavours, complemented by julienne onions and cucumbers to provide a textural contrast and a touch of freshness. What sets this Assam Laksa apart is its commitment to authenticity. Great Nanyang goes the extra mile by importing the authentic thick rice noodles used in Assam Laksa directly from Malaysia. This dedication to using traditional ingredients ensures that each bowl captures the true essence of this beloved Malaysian dish, making it a must-try for laksa enthusiasts.

Dry Mee Siam with Sambal Prawn Petai 3/5

The Dry Mee Siam with Sambal Prawn Petai ($10.90) at Great Nanyang left me with mixed feelings. While it was a flavourful dish, I found it on the lighter side, especially when compared to my personal preference for a Mee Siam, bursting with the rich flavours of dried shrimp and an invigorating tanginess. However, what truly stood out in this dish were the prawns and petai cooked in a fragrant and utterly delightful sambal sauce. The sambal's aromatic and spicy kick added an extra layer of flavour to the overall experience, making it a memorable part of the meal.

Nasi Kukus 3/5

The Nasi Kukus at Great Nanyang, priced at $8.90, offers a plate of enticing elements. It features flavourful fried chicken pieces, a sunny-side-up fried egg, crunchy peanuts, and a zesty sambal, and all served atop a bed of coconut-infused rice. The rice is aromatic and beautifully infused with coconut flavours, adding a delightful depth to the dish. However, there's room for improvement when it comes to the star of the plate, the chicken. While it's packed with flavour, the chicken could benefit from a touch more moisture to reach its peak tenderness. Despite this, the combination of the aromatic rice, the crispy chicken, and the spicy sambal makes for a satisfying meal with layers of texture and taste.

Curry Chicken 4.2/5

Prawn Paste Chicken Wings 4/5

Don't miss out on a la carte options, like the Curry Chicken ($6.90), showcasing a Malaysian-style curry infused with Indian spices and chunky, tender chicken pieces. The Prawn Paste Chicken Wings ($6.90 for 4 pieces) offer crispy exteriors and juicy, prawn-infused interiors for an elevated wing experience.

Signature Hainanese Chicken Cutlet 3.8/5

The Signature Hainanese Chicken Cutlet ($15.90) may seem unassuming but is marinated to perfection, rendering it exceptionally tender and juicy. It's even accompanied by a delectable butter-based sauce that enhances its complexity.

Great Nanyang is a testament to Keith's passion, drawing inspiration from his memories of growing up in Penang, Malaysia, and his career in Singapore's thriving coffeeshop scene, including Yang Ming Seafood. It serves as a cultural time capsule, preserving the disappearing flavors of the old kopitiams and sharing them with new generations, making it a true gem of a kopitiam, celebrating the Great Nanyang heritage.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe (大南洋)
5 Craig Road
Singapore 089665
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 830pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sky22 @ Courtyard by Marriott - Experience Sky22’s Mediterranean-Inspired Delights, A Limited-Time Menu Available Till 31 August 2023

This season, the special menu launch at Sky22 features Mediterranean-inspired flavours thoughtfully assembled by the restaurant's chefs. Featuring both a la carte options and set dinners, it offers dishes for starters, sharing plates, mains and desserts using flavours from countries like Greece, Italy, Spain and Morocco. The menu's emphasis is on proteins, the use of herbs, whole grains, spices and fresh vegetables.

If you are dining as a duo, the Set Dinner for Two is priced at $48/pax and $45/pax for a group of four. This time-limited menu will be available daily from 6pm to 10.30pm till 31 August 2023.

Sky22 boasts a breathtaking skyline view that surrounds the restaurant space. I recommend reserving a window seat if you are coming by - we were there for dinner and were rewarded with a gorgeous sunset. Our Set Dinner for two included a starter, two mains and two desserts of our choice.

Grilled Octopus 3.8/5

The Grilled Octopus ($28) showcased the Mediterranean influences using Muhammara, smoked paprika, capers and white anchovy. Unfortunately, the octopus was too chewy for my liking, though I appreciated the complementary bursts of sweet pomegranate and tang of capers.

Tiger Prawns 4/5

The Tiger Prawns ($32) main had a bed of squid ink rice cooked with garlic, chilli, and cognac. While the prawns fell short of expectations being slightly overcooked and dry, the miso butter slab gave the dish great depth. I recommend mixing the butter in before enjoying it.

Kleftiko 4/5

For our second main, we chose the Kleftiko ($36, Additional $6 Top Up for Set). It features a roasted lamb shank accompanied by potato, lemon and dukkah. My dining companion enjoyed the meat's gaminess more than I did and gave thumbs up to the meat's tenderness.

Apple Spiced Cake 4/5

The delightful Apple Spiced Cake ($14) was our first dessert choice. It was served with a butterscotch rum sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Although the alcohol spiked apples could have been cooked softer, the cake was moist with a pleasant hint of spices.

Chocolate Babka French Toast 4/5

Lastly, we had the Chocolate Babka French Toast ($12). The chefs used chocolate babka bread instead of the usual french toast to pair with a more refreshing, tangy-sweet labneh (a strained yoghurt). There were also bits of almond and a sesame brittle for added crunch.

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.


Sky22
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena
99 Irrawaddy Road
Level 22
Singapore 329568
Tel: +65 6378 2040
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Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast: 630am to 1030am
Lunch: 12pm to 230pm
Dinner: 6pm t0 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Trovato @ Seletar Hills Estate (Jalan Selaseh) – Cosy Italian Restaurant With Italian Classics And Brick-Fired Pizza

Tucked in the serene Seletar Hills neighbourhood, Trovato is a casual, cosy Italian restaurant that serves a modern twist of dishes, pasta and freshly stretched brick-fired pizza.

Octopus A La Plancha 4.2/5

We started the meal with their antipasti of the Octopus A La Plancha ($28.90). The octopus legs were tender and chewy, packed with flavours from the briny squid ink aioli and pesto.

Trovato's Special 4.5/5

The unique brick-fired pizza selections present Trovato's Special ($35.90) served with a crispy charcoal pizza base, topped with chef's choice of ingredient selection of 4 different flavours, namely: Granchio Piccante (chilli crab), Prosciutto Rucola, Salmone Affumicato (smoked salmon) and Margherita. We enjoyed all the pizza flavours, especially the chilli crab, for a local twist on an Italian favourite.

Risotto Al Gamberi 4/5

The Risotto Al Gamberi ($25.90) features al dente, tender and creamy arborio rice cooked in a flavourful Italian tomato sauce, topped with fresh tiger prawns and scallops.

Croissant French Toast 4/5

They also offer a brunch menu on the weekends, available from 9am to 2.30pm. It includes a variety of breakfast items such as the Trovato's Full Breakfast, Italian Egg Benedicts, Fried Chicken on Toast and Smoked Salmon Bruschetta. We ordered the Croissant French Toast ($18.90), sliced in half and pan-fried to a soft and custardy texture akin to French toast, instead of using the usual brioche toast. It is then topped with berries, honey drizzle and fresh whipped cream to add some sweetness to the dish.

Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Trovato
26 Jalan Selaseh
Singapore 808445
Tel: +65 88429826
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Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC, NE Line), Ang Mo Kio (NS Line), Yio Chu Kang (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit B or E. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT station (Stop ID 66351). Take bus number 70 Alight 12 stops later. Walk to Jalan Selaseh. Turn right onto Jalan Selaseh. Walk to destination. Journey time about 40 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon Bus Interchange (Stop ID 66009). Take bus number 103 Alight 14 stops later. Walk to Jalan Selaseh. Turn right onto Jalan Selaseh. Walk to destination. Journey time about 45 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop after Ang Mo Kio Interchange (Stop ID 54391) near block 711. Take bus number 50. Alight 14 stops later. Walk to Jalan Selaseh. Turn right onto Jalan Selaseh. Walk to destination. Journey time about 45 minutes. [Map]

4) Alight at Yio Chu Kang MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Yio Chu Kang Bus Interchange (Stop ID 55509). Take bus number 70. Alight 13 stops later. Cross the road, walk to Jalan Selaseh. Walk to destination.Journey time about 45 minutes. [Map]

Good Chai People @ East Coast Road - Singapore First Chai Specialty Cafe In Katong

Located in Katong, Good Chai People is Singapore's first Chai Cafe that puts a spotlight on handmade artisanal sticky chai, served along with hearty brunch and mains. The 60-seater cafe is tastefully designed to allow customers to enjoy a comforting cup of chai in a cosy and homely space.

Sticky Chai Latte 3.8/5, Hoji-Chai Latte 3.8/5

With a total of 11 iterations of chai, we were spoilt for choice. The Sticky Chai Latte ($8) features a soothing blend of Ceylon OPA leaves, oat milk, coconut sugar and cinnamon, while the Hoji-Chai Latte ($8) has subtle notes from the Japanese roasted tea, which paired well with the chai aroma. However, the chai flavour in both cups was not as intense as I would have liked and could be stronger. Oat milk and coconut sugar are used in the chai drinks to be more inclusive, vegan-friendly, and more considerate towards customers who are lactose-intolerant.

Burnt Brussels Sprouts 4.2/5

The Burnt Brussels Sprouts ($16) was an addictive side. The yuzu sesame drizzle provided a refreshing tanginess to the dish, which cut through the bitterness of the brussels sprouts. It is also topped with nori and sesame seeds for some added flavour.

Mommy's Spinach 4/5

The Mommy's Spinach ($12) is an elevated take on the creamed spinach. It comes in a comforting mix of Gruyère cheese, bechamel sauce, and brown butter, with fried eggs atop. You can also add $2 for additional sourdough toasts to dip in.

24-Hr Beef Brisket 4.5/5

One of our favourite dishes is the 24-Hr Beef Brisket ($20). The beef brisket is well-marinated and tender and comes with two perfectly oozy poached eggs, tangy toasted sourdough, confit baby potatoes, and hand-cut potato chips.

Prawn & Chorizo Aglio Olio 4.2/5

The Prawn & Chorizo Aglio Olio ($22) comprises perfectly al-dente pasta tossed in umami prawn head butter and paired with char-grilled tiger prawns and savoury chorizo strips. The dish comes with a strong fiery kick, suitable for those who like their aglio olio extra spicy.

French Toast 4/5

We enjoyed the gorgeous French Toast ($20), which tasted as good as it looked, featuring a thick Brioche French toast sandwiched in layers of tangy berry compote and peanut butter, topped with whipped cream cheese, and a maple thyme drizzle.

Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Good Chai People
225 East Coast Road
Singapore 428922
Tel: +65 97835757
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 10 or 32. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Amika Cafe & Bar @ Teck Chye Terrace – Aesthetic Café In Serangoon Serving Asian Western Fusion Food, All-Day Brunches, Mains And Sides

Located just a stone's throw away from Serangoon MRT is Amika Cafe & Bar. They have opened since last year, serving a wide range of all-day classic brunches, pasta, donburis and desserts.

Big Breakfast 3.5/5

The Big Breakfast ($20) features a colourful platter of scrambled eggs, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, sausages, hash brown, bacon, mixed salad and toasted sourdough. All the components were executed decently, except for the scrambled eggs, which had a nice fluffy texture but felt slightly under-seasoned. However, the bacon was a tad salty, and the hash brown was overly crispy, lacking fluffiness.

Amika French Toast 3/5

The Amika French Toast ($18) comes with crispy bacon, sausage, caramelised banana, strawberries and maple syrup. While the dish was aesthetically pleasing, the french toast was dry in the middle as the egg batter was not soaked thoroughly, lacking the soft custardy texture a french toast should have.

Mentaiko Prawn Pasta 3.5/5

They have quite a huge selection of pasta available with interesting fusion options such as the Prawn Laksa Pasta, Spicy Tamarind Pork Pasta, and Clam Pasta with Thai Chilli Jam. The Mentaiko Prawn Pasta ($17.80) is a mentaiko creamy-based prawn spaghetti topped with tobiko prawn roe, seaweed and grated cheese. While the spaghetti is al dente and the prawns are well cooked, the mentaiko flavour was not rich enough, rendering the pasta dish a tad bland.

Sweet Potato Fries 3.8/5

You can't go wrong with the Sweet Potato Fries ($11) paired with a side of sriracha mayo. They were nicely crisp on the outside, though it could be fluffier on the inside.

Taro Toast 4/5

My favourite dish was the Taro Toast ($11.90), paired with a taro gelato, crispy, fluffy thick toast, crumbles and whipped cream. The taro gelato is creamy and mildly sweet, with a hint of nuttiness. In addition, a small jug of taro sauce was provided to drizzle on the toast, which elevated the taro flavour.

With a huge variety of dishes and drinks on the menu, Amika Cafe & bar has one of the most aesthetically pleasing food and drinks I've encountered. Remember to order one of their vibrant, colourful drinks too. We opted for the Taro Latte ($6.50), which has a gorgeous purple hue. It is not too sweet and has a nice milky taro flavour.

Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


AMIKA Café & Bar
9 Teck Chye Terrace
Singapore 545720
Tel: +65 62416393
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Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 11am - 9pm
Fri: 11am - 11pm
Sat: 10am - 11pm
Sun & PH: 10am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit B, C & H. Walk to Upper Serangoon Road. Turn left onto Upper Serangoon Road. Walk down Upper Serangoon Road Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]