Chara Brasserie @ Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre - Mediterranean-Asian Buffet with 4 Rotating Menus

Chara Brasserie is an all-day dining restaurant of the new Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre. Offering a Mediterranean Asian theme buffet, the menu lineup took on inspiration from different countries each day of the week. There are four menus in rotation each week. Be enticed by more than 100 varieties, from classic flavours to modern takes on familiar dishes.

Australian Angus Beef Prime Rib 3.8/5

Seabass 4.5/5

Spice Marinated Whole Baby Lamb Rotisserie 4.5/5

On Friday and Saturday, the Live Rotisserie Station will be fully charged with beautifully roasted meats. As the theme is Mediterranean and Asia Pacific, lamb rotisseries and roast carving stations will take centre stage. The star of this station is the Spice Marinated Whole Baby Lamb Rotisserie (for dinner), alongside other hearty roasts such as Australian Angus Beef Prime Rib and Roasted Chicken.

DIY Chicken Kebab 3/5

There is also an interactive DIY Kebab Station that lets you put together your own kebab. Although the chicken was a tad dry, the creamy hummus made up for the texture.

Seafood on Ice 4.5/5

The Seafood on Ice station brimmed with chilled clams, poached sea prawns, mussels, flower crabs, lobsters, crayfish, and oysters. The oysters were quite exceptional, and a variety of sauces complemented them.

Japanese Okonomiyaki 4.5/5

Korean Tteobokki 3/5

One standout dish from the buffet is the Japanese Okonomiyaki. It's a delightful blend of shredded cabbage, dough, whole egg, and oysters, resulting in a light and satisfying texture. The final touch of sauce and mayonnaise binds the savoury ingredients together with a contrasting sweet and creamy flavour. I reckoned the Korean Tteobokki needed a bit more sauce.

Sashimi 3.8/5

I appreciate the individually plated Sashimi from the Japanese station. You can also find aburi chirashi dons with free-flowing ikura, ebiko, and tobiko.

Chilli Crab 4/5

Black Pepper Crayfish 4/5

Local favourites and flavours are included as well. Both Black Pepper Crayfish and Chilli Crab were being snapped up really fast. Kung Po Smoked Chilli Prawns were an interesting rendition.

Prata Puff and Dahl Curry 4/5

Hand - Skewered Ariff Satay 4/5

Although the Prata Puff and Dahl Curry were a tad oily, they were exceptionally moreish. For the hand-skewered Ariff Satay, I suggest enjoying it early in your meal as they are limited in numbers.

Assorted Kuehs 4.5/5

The Dessert Station was decadent, with a wide range of Nyonya kueh, mini tarts, cupcakes, mini cakes, puddings, and even waffles, served with soft-serve gelato. I tried every single kueh, and they were really delicious!

To celebrate its grand launch, Chara Brasserie is offering an opening special of 25% off the prices of its buffet menu, valid daily until 31 May 2024

Chara Brasserie Buffet Lineup - Flavours From Across the World Four Rotating Menus.
Monday and Tuesday - Flavours of the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia, with the hot stations firing up to cook seafood - focused specialties.
Wednesday and Thursday - Mediterranean with Japanese flair
Friday and Saturday - Mediterranean and Asia Pacific, with lamb rotisseries and roast carving stations set up.
Sunday - An international Mediterranean buffet serving up all three menus from across the week.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Chara Brasserie
Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
8 Club Street
#02 - 01
Singapore 069472
Tel: +65 8826 8585
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast: 6.30am -10.30am
Lunch: 11.30am to 3pm
Dinner: 6pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Mohd Ali Lane. Walk down Mohd Ali Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Epicure Brunch @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel - Indulge in Buffet Spread from 15 Live Stations Spanned Across the Hotel’s 3 Restaurants

The Epicure Brunch Buffet at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel boasts 15 live buffet stations spread across the hotel's three restaurants, promising a delightful array of options to suit every diner's palate.

Epicure Brunch 4.2/5

Held every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm, this brunch offers a diverse range of cuisines. From Food Capital, indulge in fresh seafood-on-ice; SanSara serves up traditional North Indian dishes, while Riverside Terrace, the hotel's newest addition, specialises in Josper grill creations like Wagyu ribeye and foie gras.

Prices for the buffet are as follow:
- $128++ for adults, $64++ for children aged 6-11
- Includes unlimited non-alcoholic beverages such as mocktails, juices and soft drinks.

- $158++ for adults
- Includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as prosecco, wine, beer, juices and soft drinks

- $188++ for adults
- Includes additional Veuve Clicquot Champagne

Seafood-on-ice

The Seafood-on-ice station was a popular choice among many diners as their first stop. It showcased a tower of fresh snow crab legs, scallops, mussels, clams, tiger prawns, lobsters, and more.

Seafood-on-ice

Our top two favourites among these options were the sweet and meaty snow crab legs and the briny oysters.

Cheese Table

The Cheese Table had a good number of options, with sides of nuts, dried fruits, and crackers to pair with them.

Smoked Salmon and Ham Cuts

Next to the Cheese Table, a spread of Smoked Salmon and Ham Cuts awaits. I enjoyed the various cuts of ham, and the smoked salmon came in several flavours.

Salad

For something lighter, look for the Salad Corner, which offers Idaho Potato and Mushroom, Mixed Seafood Salad, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, and the option to make your own with their homemade dressings.

Bread Table

Bread lovers can find all types of bread at the Bread Table.

Carved Meats

Among the Carved Meats, expect Herb Marinated Prime Rib, Pork Rib, Barbecue Veal Rib and more.

Hot Food

Apart from the generous meat offerings, there was also a significant selection of other hot foods, including Grilled Vegetables, Sauteed Fish, and even the iconic combination of Fried Mantou and Singapore chilli crab. The Chilli Crab carried a good amount of fragrance and heat.

Hot Food

Another popular station among diners was the Grilled Scallops and plated Pan-Fried Foie Gras. Definitely give the latter a try! The buttery Foie Gras was topped with a tangy-sweet fruit sauce and raspberry sorbet.

Live Noodle Station

The chefs at the Live Noodle Station will prepare your Laksa or Prawn Noodles fresh upon request. There were also various boiled soups on the side.

Josper Grill Station

Grab the wooden pegs at your table to make your order at the Josper Grill Station. Dishes cooked a la minute include prawns and tender Mediterranean Octopus. After you order, they will be thoughtfully sent to your table.

Josper Grill Station

At the same station, I look forward to the well-seasoned Australian Lamb Rack, Wagyu Ribeye, and Roasted Chicken.

Crab Ravioli

Make sure that you do not miss out on the far end of the buffet line. Here, you can enjoy Pizzas, Truffle Fries, Tapas, and freshly cooked Pasta. We opted for the creamy Crab Ravioli.

North Indian Delicacies

At a surprise corner, explore quality North Indian Delicacies presented by the team of the new SanSara. From Lamb Bhuna Gosht to Dum Ke Murgh, get them to pair with a side of naan, roti or paratha, all fresh from the tandoor.

Dessert

Save some stomach space for Dessert from their exciting range. There was a Strawberry Chocolate Fondue, Cakes, Croffles, and Ice Cream — to name a few. If you had to pick, I would recommend checking out the Artisanal Chocolate counter. I especially adored the chocolates with tea-based flavours.

The Epicure Brunch buffet menu is rotational and subject to change.

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.


Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore
392 Havelock Road
Level 1
Singapore 169663
Tel: +65 6233 1338
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Nearest MRT: Havelock MRT (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sunday: 12pm - 3pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn left and walk to the traffic junction of Havelock Road and Kim Seng Road. Cross the road. Turn left onto Kim Seng Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Ureshii @ The Arts House - A Korean-Japanese Fusion Culinary Haven at the Old Parliament House

Embarking on a culinary journey that defies convention, Ureshii, the brainchild of Chef Jung from Tanoshii, presents a fusion of Korean, Japanese, and European influences. Situated at the venerable Old Parliament House, facing the picturesque Padang, Ureshii beckons with promises of a unique gastronomic adventure. Beyond its captivating dishes, the restaurant's exquisite interior weaves a sense of classic elegance with a hint of enigmatic charm.

Ureshii Kimchi Salad 4.2/5

Setting sail into our culinary voyage, we indulged in the Ureshii Kimchi Salad ($13), a refreshing starter that marries the zest of kimchi dressing with the sweetness of pear, cherry tomatoes, and capsicum. This delightful overture awakened our taste buds, paving the way for the symphony of flavours that followed.

Gujeolpan 3/5

The Gujeolpan ($38) was a majestic offering from Joseon court cuisine. Arriving in an octagon box, it showcased a harmonious assembly of nine ingredients, including meat and vegetables. To enjoy, we orchestrated our own wrap, skillfully combining a thinly fried pancake with various ingredients. This dish not only tantalized the palate but also encouraged shared moments at the table.

Monkfish Fillet Karaage 4/5

A symphony of flavours was furthered with the Monkfish Fillet Karaage ($18), an ideal companion to Ureshii's expansive sake collection and curated wines. The deep-fried Anglerfish from Jeju Island boasted a moist interior and a delicate crunch, beautifully complemented by Ureshii's tartare sauce.

Yook-hoe 5/5

A stand-out among the dishes was the Yook-hoe ($38). It is a work of art, both visually and gastronomically. The Korean beef tartare, toasted in aromatic sesame oil, danced with the sweetness of pear and the added dimension of a rice cracker. This dish was a true testament to Ureshii's fusion mastery.

Gochoojang Galbi Kimchi Taco 3.5/5

With the Gochoojang Galbi Kimchi Taco ($18 for 2pc), Ureshii seamlessly merged Mexican and Korean flavours. The generous taco is wrapped with stir-fried short ribs and kimchi, resulting in a bold and robust combination.

Osaka Okonomiyaki 4.2/5

The Osaka Okonomiyaki ($28) transported us to the streets of Osaka, its savoury pancake showcasing an ensemble of octopus, scallops, shrimp, cabbage, and egg. This dish was a symphony of textures and flavours topped with katsuobushi and a special okonomiyaki sauce.

Octopus Steak 4.2/5

From the ocean realm, the Octopus Steak ($48) shone with its perfect texture, lightly grilled for a hint of smokiness. Served with truffle mashed potatoes, romesco sauce, chickpeas, and stir-fried kimchi, this dish epitomized Ureshii's fusion philosophy.

Ureshii Tteok-Galbi 4.5/5

Gochoojang Galbi Yakiniku 4.5/5

The parade of culinary marvels continued with the Ureshii Tteok-Galbi ($38), featuring prime-grade minced beef ribs marinated in a special soy sauce and grilled to perfection. The Gochoojang Galbi Yakiniku ($38) followed suit, grilling prime-grade ribs with Ureshii's signature gochujang seasoning.

Ureshii Bibimbap 3.8/5

Adzuki Bingsoo 4/5

The Ureshii Bibimbap ($28) captured the heart of Korean cuisine with its array of vegetables and beef, served with gochujang sauce. Wrapping up our culinary escapade, we savoured the Adzuki Bingsoo, a delightful treat of shaved ice topped with sweet red beans and chewy mochi.

Garlic Butter & Cream Cheese Bread 4.5/5

Surprising us all, the Garlic Butter & Cream Cheese Bread emerged as a dessert revelation. This toasted bun, adorned with a luscious blend of garlic butter and cream cheese, was a divine conclusion to a mesmerizing dining experience.

In essence, Ureshii stands as a testament to culinary ingenuity, weaving a tapestry of diverse influences into a harmonious whole. Beyond its exceptional dishes, the restaurant's timeless ambience is an invitation to explore, and savour flavours that bridge continents and cultures. Ureshii is a celebration of the culinary arts in their truest and most imaginative form, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable fusion feast.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ureshii
The Arts House
1 Old Parliament Lane
#01-02
Singapore 179429
Tel: +65 63224054
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1150am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm (Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk towards the riverbank. Cross the bridge and walk to Empress Place road. Walk down Empress Place road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]