Sunday Champagne Brunch @ Hilton Singapore

Raise your champagne glass and toast to a bubbly Sunday Champagne Brunch at Hilton Singapore with the all new buffet spread that include live seafood, meat carving and grill, sushi and sashimi, cured meat, cheese, Chinese cooked food, desserts and many more. The whole new Sunday brunch's setup includes a total of eight cooking stations where the chefs will be preparing your order a la minute. This is probably the biggest buffet with the biggest number of live cooking stations.

Oysters 4.5/5

I was very impressed with the well stocked live seafood station. There were many fresh seafood from different parts of the world such as scallops from Australia, maine lobsters from Canada, yabbies from Spain and Oysters from Australia, Canada and France. For those that loves Japanese food, there was also platters of fresh sashimi.

Cold Cuts 4.2/5

Cheese Selection 4.5/5

At the smorgasbord station, diners will be spoil of choices with the array of thinly sliced a la minute charuterie of imported whole leg Iberico ham, Lomo Ham and Saucission sec cured meat. In addition, there were more than 20 types of cheeses specially imported from Italy, France and Switzerland.

Tiger Prawn with Green Mango 4.2/5

Apple and Avocado Salad 4.5/5

For those that prefers to start on a light note, there is a good variety of appetisers and salads with begin with. Some of the light and refreshing appetisers on the spread were Tuna Tartare with Avocado Mousse, Tomato Gazpacho, Tiger Prawn with Green Mango and Alaskan Crabmeat with Mango Jelly. The Apple and Avocado Salad is another item on the spread that is sure to whet up the appetite with its sweet tangy combination.

Chinese Cooked Food 2.8/5 and Dim Sum 2.8/5

Beef Noodle Soup 3/5

Those that prefers a taste of oriental, there were Dim Sum, Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup and some Chinese cooked dishes. An exotic item on the spread is the Gong Bao Frog Leg which I was rather surprise to see on the menu. Unfortunately I find the execution of the oriental section needs more improvement to match the whole experience.

Lamp Chop 3/5

Slow Frilled Herb Roasted Baby Fowl 4.2/5

From the carving and charcoal grill section, diners can satiate their appetites with the meaty offerings such as prime rib, honey mustard glazed pork rack, slow frilled herb roasted baby fowl, wagyu flank steaks, lamb chops, beef tenderloins etc.

Scotch Egg 3/5

The Scotch Egg with black truffle hollandaise is another item that is not commonly seem in the buffet line. Cooked a la minute, do expect to queue up for a good couple of minutes as it is rather popular with the diners. Unfortunately, I have tried better ones elsewhere.

Foie Gras with Apple and Passion fruit sauce 4/5

Another specialty dish that is cooked a la minute is Pan Fried Foie Gras with Apple and Passion fruit sauce. The huge piece of creamy liver paired with the fruity sauce is a luxurious enjoyment that you can go back for as many helping as you like.

Italian Maccheroni Pasta with Maine Lobser and Yabbies 3.5/5

Pizza 3.5/5

The Pizza and Maccheroni Pasta with Maine Lobster and Yabbies provides a taste of Italian for those that needs some hearty and comforting staple to fill up their stomach which are also prepared at the live station.

Caramel Hazelnut Chocolate Fountain

To complete the whole brunch experience, the Sunday Champagne brunch also comes with an eclectic selection of sweet treats. From the luscious caramel hazelnut chocolate fountain to cakes, tarts, macarons, parlines and many more.

Hilton Singapore Sunday Champagne Brunch
Adult
- $88++ per person with a welcome drink
- $108++ per person (free flow of sparkling wine, selected white & red wines and beer)
- $138++ per person (free flow of Louis Roederer champagne, selected wine & red wines and beer)
Child
- $39++ per child (aged 5 to 12 years old). Children below the age of 4 dine for free.


Opus Restaurant
Hilton Singapore
581 Orchard Road
Singapore 238883
Tel: +65 67303390
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Sunday Champagne Brunch
Sunday: 12pm - 3pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue walking along Orchard Road. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Curious Palette @ Prinsep Street

To be frank, with the number of cafe opening up every couple of weeks, it was not easy to keep track. If not for my friend Benson, I probably would not have known about Curious Palette at Prinsep Street. Taking the space of a two storey shophouse, the spacious and brightly lighted cafe is very welcoming with its white walls and wooden furniture.

Truffle Fries 4/5 and Pork Scratching 3/5

Truffle Fries ($14.90) topped with shaved parmesan cheese and truffle salt has always been a popular choice for cafe hoppers. It comes with aioli sauce. New on the menu is the Pork Scratching. The crackling pig skin is perfect with a glass of beer. Since this is a beer snack, I would prefer the seasoning to be heavier.

Boneless Chicken Wings 3.8/5

The Boneless Chicken Wings ($9.80/3pc) comes with chicken minced stuffing, spiced batter and served with homemade Thai chilli sauce. The marinated chicken stuffing and spiced batter has a aromatic scent of Indian spices that distinct it from elsewhere. However. the Thai chilli sauce does not work for me

Pan Grilled Baby Squid 4.2/5

One of my favourite dishes on the menu at Curious Palette is the Pan Grilled Baby Squid ($12.90). Funny enough it seems that I was the only one at the table enjoying this. I kept going back for more of the crunchy baby squid.

Pan Seared Salmon 3.5/5

I think the Pan Seared Salmon ($18.90) is very value for money. There are so many different components on the plate. On the plate, guest will get grilled Halloumi cheese, bacon scone, poached egg, guacamole, arugula, semi-dried tomatoes and honey mustard dressing. Unfortunately, the kitchen has a bad day, the poach egg is overcooked.

Scotch Egg 3/5

I like the idea of having Scotch Egg on the cafe menu. It does get a bit boring with egg benedict in every other cafes. Paired with cauliflower fritters, unfortunately the scotch egg was a bit flat in taste. The meat needs more flavours. I have tried better ones else where, especially By The Fire.

Chicken Leg with Pumpkin Risotto 4/5

The Chicken Leg with Pumpkin Risotto is not only beautiful in its presentation but the taste too. The large chicken leg is seasoned with ginger and prepared confit style. The confit chicken leg is paired with pumpkin risotto, The dish is finished with chilli foam. Tender and juicy chicken with fluffy risotto for a substantial meal.

Lamb Short Rib 4/5

The Smoked Lamb Short Rib is paired with compressed pineapple, sweet potato fries and mint jelly. I like the idea of the mint jelly to pair with the fork tender lamb short rib, with the compressed pineapple cutting through the greasiness.

Beef Steak 4/5

The Beef Steak with red wine sherry reduction is sou vide for 48 hours for a tender and delectable bite, accompanied with baby carrot and pencil asparagus. This may not be the most premium cut of the cow but definitely executed to the level of one.

Buttermilk Waffle with Gula Melaka & Coconut Cream 3.8/5

Buttermilk Waffle with Gula Melaka & Coconut Cream ($14.50) is quite an enjoyable dessert to wrap up the meal. The fluffy waffle with vanilla bean ice cream is a classic combination that is timeless. Could not really taste the hint of gula melaka and coconut but the roasted peanuts made up for it together with the nutty texture. The red beans had a bite to it which I thought the softern version would be more appropriate.

Berry Ricotta Hotcake 4/5

The most instagram worthy item at Curious Palette is the Berry Ricotta Hotcake ($18.90) with vanilla bean ice cream, fresh seasonal berries, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. It comes with golden maple syrup at the side. This is a huge serving and I would never image myself finishing it alone. The hotcake was buttery and spongy, with the cold vanilla bean ice cream giving it an enjoyable warm and cold contrast.

Of the many cafes around Singapore, I would say Curious Palette is one of the better ones with the whole package. Meaning besides the cosy and spacious ambience, it serves good coffee and quality food.


Curious Palette
64 Prinsep Street
Singapore 188667
Tel: +65 62381068
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (CC Line), Dhoby Ghaut (CC Line, NE Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Mon, Wed-Thu: 9am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 9am - 12midnight
(Closed on Tue)

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

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit D & E. Walk down Bras Basah road towards Prinsep Street. Turn right onto Prinsep Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

By The Fire @ East Coast Road

Alibabar the Hawker Bar at the junction of East Coast Road and Joo Chiat Road seems to be a prosperity ground for any hawker start up with the likes of Aston and Saveur, which move on to opening their own restaurants and branches. The latest tenant is By the Fire, opened by Immanuel Tee by started Immanuel French Kitchen at Bukit Merah and his partner Alexander Chong who helmed the kitchen at By The Fire.

Little Squid 4.2/5

The Little Squid ($9.90) comes with Thai sweet dipping sauce, is a good starter to go with a bottle of beer. The lightly battered squid is deep fried to a crisp exterior while the inside is still tender. Very enjoyable and addictive.

Scotch Egg 4.5/5

The Scotch Egg ($6.90) is not a common item on most restaurant menu and I am glad By The Fire decides to serve this. The breaded minced pork with soft boiled egg and purple cabbage coleslaw is not only beautiful on the plate but palate too. I have tried a couple of scotch egg elsewhere but nothing beats this, especially the well marinated minced pork.

Keystone's Seaweed Pasta 3.8/5

A popular dish at By The Fire is the Keystone's Seaweed Pasta ($8.90). Top mark for the concept using angel hair pasta cooked in aglio olio style, shio kombu and sakura ebi. Although the dish came across a bit too salty, I can tell this is a very good dish with the rich and complex flavours that worked harmoniously.

Grilled Pork Cheek 3.5/5

It was a hate and love affair with the Grilled Pork Cheek ($15.90). The grilled pork cheek confit glazed with Japanese curry oil, served with potato and pumpkin salad literally melted in the mouth. However, it came across too oily.

BBQ Pork Ribs 4/5

It felt like I was have a Sunday BBQ with the BBQ Pork Ribs ($14.90) served with macaroni and cheese. The grilled pork ribs glazed with home secret BBQ sauced has a nice smokey flavour on top of the sweet BBQ sauce. Just need to get your hands dirty with the fork tender ribs. It will be finger licking good.

Squid Ink Pasta 4/5

For the price and portion, I think the Squid Ink Pasta ($12.90) is quite value for money. The spaghetti pasta cooked in squid ink cream sauce, served with grilled scallops, spring onions and bonito flakes will be a delightful slurping goodness for the hungry stomach.

Grilled Hangar Steak 4/5

Last but not least the Grilled Hangar Steak ($19) is cooked perfectly to medium rare. The charred onglet steak (200gram) is served with brown sauce, shallot confit and crispy potato. As the hangar steak is quite tough, I would say this is cooked to a nice tender bite.

Overall, By The Fire serves up some delicious and affordable dishes that is comparable to restaurant quality. It is definitely a place I will not mind going back again.


By The Fire
Alibabar the Hawker Bar
125 East Coast Road
Singapore 428810
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sin: 12pm - 4pm, 6pm - 10pm

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 6 stops later opposite Roxy Square. Walk to the junction of East Coast Road and Joo Chiat Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes.[Map]

The Ascot @ The Grandstand

Will the former Turf City becomes the next Dempsey with more food and beverage establishments setting up at the newly revamped Turf City rebranded as The Grandstand? It waits to be seen whether The Grandstand will be next food paradise when diners will flock to.

The Ascot is the latest establishment to open at The Grandstand in mid February 2013. The owner, Sylvester who spent time studying in the UK wanted to recreate in Singapore the very best of the quintessential English pub experience offering the very best of authentic English comfort food with a spectacular host of alcoholic beverages.

Cold Cut Platter 4.2/5

The Cold Cut Platter ($18) comes with 3 types of cold cuts served with silver onions, gherkins, scotch eggs and homemade bread. Scotch Eggs are a first for me. I didn't know eggs can be wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs and deep fried. Love that the yolk was still runny and it came with different textures of enjoyment.

Smoked Tomato Soup 4.5/5

This is probably one of the best tomato soup I ever had. The Smoked Tomato Soup ($8) drizzled with peso was velvety, hearty and comforting.

Strawberry Spinach Salad 4.5/5

The Strawberry Spinach Salad ($18) sounds a bit bizarre with the medley of crumbled blue cheese, pistachios, bacon and avocado drizzled with raspberry vinaigrette was surprisingly very good and well balanced. Many people do not like the acquire taste of blue cheese but the one used at The Ascot is rather mild and it is quite easy for the local palate.

A Bunch of Bangers 3.5/5

A Bunch of Bangers ($20) comes with 3 Broiled Sausages (veal, kurobuta pork, pork & garlic) and served on traditional English dish made with shallow fried leftover vegetables known as Bubble and Squeak. It got its name because of the bubbling and squeaking sounds during cooking.

Badgers Tangle Foot from UK

The best beverage to compliment the sausages is none other than having an ice cold beer. The Ascot's selection of alcoholic beverages includes Fullers London Pride, Pure Blond and Crown Lager, house pour spirits such as Cruzan Light Rum, as well as a diverse range of beers imported from England, Australia and other parts of Europe. The Ascot's variety of beers also changes every week. I had a Badgers Tangle Foot from UK ($15) which is a in between beer that is light and not too bitter.

Cottage Pie 3/5

The Cottage Pie ($22) is an all time English favourite served with buttered peas at the side. A simple and homely meal with minced beef topped with mash potatoes. Can't help going back for more serving of it.

Pan Fried Fish on Turkish Bread 4/5

I was not having high expectation of the Pan Fried Fish Sandwich ($16) served with salad and fries as it looked rather ordinary. I was proven wrong when I sunk my teeth into the soft Turkish bread sandwiched with beautifully cooked fish that was fresh and moist. The fries also had a nice outer crisp as it was doubled fried. A technique that the fries are first deep fried to par cooked, drained of excess oil and deep fried again until golden brown.

Roasted Chicken 4.2/5

The Roasted Chicken ($24) served with vegetables and potato Lyonnais was finger licking good. The moist and tender chicken was well marinated and very tasty. I would love to go back for this dish again.

Classic Bread & Butter Pudding 3.5/5

A slight twist from the tradition, the Classic Bread & Butter Pudding ($9) at The Ascot uses Brioche instead of the usual stale white bread giving it a rich and tender crumb.

Deep Fried Mars Bars 3.5/5

I have never heard of Deep Fried Mars Bars ($8) until today. Since I don't have a sweet tooth, I was afraid that the deep fried mars bars will be too sweet for my liking. It turned out that it was acceptable for my palate. It was not too sweet and had a nice thin batter coating which helps to tone down the sweetness as well as giving the dessert an extra texture.

Hidden right at the corner of The Grandstand and probably the only few places that serves authentic English food. The Ascot is also a great place to chill out away from the hustle and bustle of the city. On weekends, Brunch is available at The Ascot and it also has a Sunday Roast which is a popular family tradition originating from the North of England.


[CLOSED]
The Ascot
The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
#01-16
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 64620881
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theascotsingapore
Nearest MRT: Botanic Garden (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 11pm
Fri: 1130am - 1am
Sat: 1030am - 1am
Sun: 1030am - 11pm (Sunday Roast starts from 430pm - 830pm)
Weekend Brunch: 1030am - 230pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk to Turf Club Road. Continue on Turf Club Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk down Dunearn Road towards Turf Club Road, to bus stop opposite Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42019). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT  station. Take Exit A. Walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to bus stop at Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42011). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]