Fullerton Hotel Singapore Christmas 2014

Walked into the grand atrium of Fullerton Hotel Singapore and be greet by the Fullerton Santa Bears and its carriage delivering joys to everyone who stepped into the five star luxury hotel.

There is even a whole village made up of gingerbread houses with the train running through the town.

I was privileged to be invited to witness the Christmas Light Up ceremony at Fullerton Hotel Singapore on Friday, 28 November 2014. The sound of Christmas rung around the atrium with the beautiful music played by the talented handbell ringers from Ministry of Bellz.

In conjunction with the Christmas Light Up, the Fullerton Hotel Singapore has also organised the "Fullerton Chefs for a Cause" Charity Buffet Dinner at Town Restaurant where part of the proceeds with be used to fund Hope Centre's Bursary Awards.

Sashimi 4.2/5

Oyster 4/5

As usual I like to start my buffet feast from the sashimi bar and cold seafood section. I like the luxuriously cut of the sashimi as well as the temperature it was served. I have encountered buffet where the sashimi still tasted frozen.

Linguine alle Vongole 4/5

To raise fund for Hope Centre's Bursary Awards, Mr Giovanni Viterale, General Manager of the Fullerton Heritage specially don the chef's white instead of his business suit to whip up the classic Italian Linguine alle Vongole. I have to say he is an awesome cook that will put many to shy. The pasta cooked with clams and white wine sauce was probably the busiest station that night.

Roasted Prime Beef 4/5

One of the memorable mains I tried is the Roasted Prime Beef with Truffle Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Vegetables. The spread also includes stuff like the staple christmas classic such as the Herb Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Chutney and Cheese, Acacia Honey and Vanilla Glaze Champagne Ham

Hainanese Chicken Rice 4/5

The town restaurant buffet spread also comes with a local roasted meat and chicken stall. I could not resist the temptation and ordered a plate of the Hainanese Chicken Rice to try. The plate of chicken rice actually turned out quite good. It reminded me of the classic Yet Con chicken rice, quite similar.

For those that has a sweet note, there is a good selections of desserts, cakes and pastries to end the celebratory dinner on a sweet note.


Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner
Date: 27 Nov 2014
Time: 630pm - 1030pm
Adult $95++, Child $48++

Festive Sunday Champagne Brunch
Date: 30 Nov, 7, 14, 21 & 28 Dec 2014
Time: 12pm - 330pm
Adult $169++ or $129++ without alcohol, Child $65++

Festive Buffet Dinner
Date: 28 Nov to 23 December & 26 to 30 December
Time 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Monday & Tuesday
Adult S$59* Child S$29*
Wednesday
Adult S$69* Child S$34* – inclusive of a Crab Buffet
Thursday to Saturday
Adult S$73* Child S$36* - inclusive of seafood
Adult S$93* Child S$46* - inclusive of BBQ items such as grilled lobster

Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner
Date: 24 December 2014
Time: 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Adult S$198* (includes free flow of Champagne), or S$180* without alcohol, Child S$99*

Christmas Day Champagne Brunch 
Date: 25 December 2014
Time: 12.30pm to 4.00pm
Adult S$298* with unlimited Champagne, or S$238* without alcohol, Child S$99*

Christmas Day Champagne Buffet Dinner
Date: 25 December 2014
Adult S$168* with a bottle of Champagne, or S$138* without alcohol, Child S$69*

New Year’s Eve Buffet Lunch
Date: 31 December 2014
Time: 12.00pm to 2.30pm
Adult S$59*, Child S$29*

New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner & New Year’s Eve Party 
Date: 31 December 2014
Time 6.30pm to 12.00am
Adult S$398* (includes unlimited Champagne), Adult S$248* (without alcohol), Child S$128*
(Price includes admission to the New Year’s Eve party at the Lobby and exclusive access to the East Garden to catch the magnificent fireworks)

New Year’s Day Champagne Brunch 
Date: 1 January 2015
Time: 12.30pm to 4.00pm
Adult S$188* or S$138* without alcohol, Child S$68*

* prices are subject ot 10% service charge and government taxes.


Town Restaurant
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
Tel: +65 68778188
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFullertonHotel
Website: http://www.fullertonhotel.com/dining/diningCategories_2-en.html
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Take Exit H. Turn right and walk towards the river. At the river, turn right again and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Baba-licious Food Extravaganza Buffet (25 Nov - 4 Dec 2011)

Have you make plans for your next gathering or family dinner? If not, you can check out Baba-licious Food Extravaganza buffet at Vanda Terrace, Orchid Country Club. Singaporean loves buffet but Peranakan buffet is not common because not many people can cook authentic Peranakan cuisine and it involes hours of complicated preparation.

Renowned Peranakan Chef Philip Chia and the Executive Chef from Vanda Terrace will specially prepared and cooked around 42 authentic Perankan dishes for the Baba-licious Food Extravaganza buffet such as Gado Gado, Nyonya Egg & Prawn Salad, Ayam Buah Keluah, Nyonya Chap-Chye, Otak Otak Panggang, Kari Ayam, Udang Goreng Assam, Sayor Loday, Hee-Peow Soup, Nyonya Laksa, Sambal Belachan Fried Rice, Durian Pengat, Pulot Hitam with Longan and Coconut Ice-Cream, Bubor Cha-Cha, Assorted Nyonya Kuehs and many many more... Embarking on an authentic and traditional food journey savouring the richness, aromatic and spicy Peranakan flavours.

Apart from the huge selection of Peranakan buffet spread , the venue itself comes with a beautiful view! Great Food, Great View and Baba-licious Food Extravaganza buffet will be a great gathering with friends and family!

For the tasting invite, Chef Philip Chia prepared and cooked a Nasi Lemak Set for us to savour on the different spicy Peranakan flavours. Clockwise on the plate, we have Rice, Sambal Kang Kong, Sambal Udang, Pong Tahu Goreng, Nyonya Egg & Prawn Salad, Otah, Ikan Kuning, Fried Ikan Bilis and Telor Dadar.

Special mention will be the Nyonya Egg & Prawn Salad and Pong Tahu Goreng. Chef Philip Chia has recreated the Nyonya Egg & Prawn Salad, a long forgotten recipe which focuses on the dressing that gives it a tangy kick.

Chef Philip Chia's creativity is demonstrated in the Pong Tahu Goreng. Chef Philip Chia reinvents the traditional  Bakwan Keiting (Crab Meatball Soup) into a dry version Tahu Goreng.

Nasi Lemak Set 4.5/5

I was looking forward to the signature Peranakan dish, Ayam Buah Keluok (Chicken in Black Nut Stew), a stewed flavourful combination of tender chicken and Buah Keluak, an Indonesia black nut. Being my first time trying out the dish, I was a bit reserved as many said that it has an acquired taste. Conclusion? I LOVE IT!

Ayam Buah Keluak 4.2/5

I am not a fan of Nyonya Kuehs because they are usually too sweet for my liking but I finished all of them. The Assorted Nyonya Kuehs had the right balance of sweetness which I enjoyed very much. Clockwise Kueh Lapis, Kueh Koswee, Kueh Sarlat and Bengka Ubi.

Assorted Nyonya Kuehs 4.2/5

This is another yummy creation from Chef Philip Chia combinating Durian Pengat and Bubor Cha-Cha into a dessert. The different fruity flavours and textures from sweet potatoes and sago was really a delightful dessert that summed up a beautiful lunch.

Durian Pengat and Bubor Cha-Cha Combo 4.5/5

Aside from the scrumptious food, diners can also immerse themselves in a host of Peranakan activities such as intricate bead work demonstrations, live cooking demonstrations and bazaar stalls selling Nyonya cookies, accessories, cookbooks and traditional costumes.

Chef Philip Chia himself will be hosting an interactive cooking demonstration on Tuesday and Thursday at 730pm. He will also be launching his new Peranakan cookbook at the event!

Thank you Chef Philip Chia, Jennifer and the team in Foodfare for hosting us.


Babalicious Food Extravaganza Buffet (25 Nov to 04 Dec 2011)
Vanda Terrace
Orchid Country Club
1 Orchid Country Road
Singapore 769162
Nearest MRT: Yishun (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 1130am - 230pm
Dinner: 530pm - 930pm

Weedday Lunch & Dinner Buffet
$28++ (Adults)
$18++ (Child below 12 yrs)

Weekend Lunch & Dinner Buffet
$32++ (Adults)
$22++ (Child below 12 yrs)

*Prices subject to 10% service charge, prevailing government tax including GST
Open to public. Orchid Country Club members enjoy a 10% discount and waiver of service charge.
NTUC Union Members enjoy 10% off price.

Direction:
1) Alight at Yishun MRT station. Wait for shuttle bus at the roadside outside NTUC Fair Price at Yishun MRT station. Alight at 1st shuttle bus stop in Orchid Country Club. Walk down the stairs to Vanda Terrace on the ground floor. Journey time about 8 mins.

Shuttle Bus schedule click here

Riviera @ One Fullerton - Experience the Diverse Flavours of The Mediterranean

Nestled on the second floor of One Fullerton, Riviera offers more than just a dining experience — it's a visual and culinary journey across the diverse flavours of the Mediterranean. Overlooking the breathtaking Marina Bay waterfront and Singapore's iconic Merlion, Riviera is the perfect spot for a romantic night out, a special celebration, or an indulgent evening of fine dining.

Before dinner, start with a pre-dinner drink at the elegant lounge. With the gorgeous view and luxurious ambience, it's the ideal setting to ease into the evening.

Our visit saw us try the Taste of The Riviera 4-course dinner menu ($128++ per pax). It began with a complimentary trio of bread — charcoal Parmesan Bagel, Brioche, and Sourdough — paired with salted butter. Each had its own texture and flavour profile, which was a great introduction to attention to detail throughout the meal.

AMUSE BOUCHE 4.2/5

We kicked off with two beautifully presented bites: a Crab Tartlet, where the sweetness of the crab is elevated with pink peppercorn, and a Butternut Squash sphere that bursts with sweet flavour sitting atop a savoury parmesan base for that satisfying crunch. These are small bites with big impressions.

ROSSO DI MAZARA 5/5

A standout starter, the Rosso Di Mazara features Sicilian Red Prawn Carpaccio seasoned with hazelnut vinaigrette. The red prawns were supremely sweet and melt-in-the-mouth, perfectly complemented by seasonal white asparagus. It was a refreshing yet luxurious opening to the meal.

L'OURSIN 4.8/5

This dish showcases Riviera's creative flair. Bafun uni crowns a bed of Black Bean Tea Pudding with saffron nage, delivering a dish full of surprises. The pudding has a unique texture and earthy flavour, unlike anything we've had before — in the best way possible. It is complex, layered, and sophisticated.

LE CANARD DE CHALLANS 4.5/5

For my main, I chose the Le Canard de Challans. The Challans Duck Breast was cooked beautifully, seasoned just enough to let its natural flavours shine through. Accompanied by a rich bordelaise sauce, the dish felt refined and comforting.

LA TRUITE 4.8/5

My dining partner opted for the La Truite, a filleted French Rainbow Trout topped with smoked caviar and a crisp piece of skin. Served with a smooth petit pois velouté and charred baby endive, it was a well-balanced dish with elegance and complexity.

“MONS” SELECTION OF MATURED CHEESES 4/5

You can add a cheese course for $38. The Mons Cheese Platter includes a variety of soft and hard cheeses, ideal for cheese lovers looking to extend their Mediterranean journey. It's a great way to slow down the meal before dessert.

CANNOLIS AU CHOCOLAT 4.8/5

I've never been a fan of Cannoli because of the hard shell, but Riviera's version won me over. Infused with star anise, the shell is perfectly crisp, and when paired with the Jivara orange chocolate mousse and Grand Marnier sauce, it becomes a divine dessert experience. A creative spin that's both nostalgic and exciting.

As tradition goes, we ended the meal with a selection of petit fours – a sweet little finale that tied everything together.

Riviera isn't just a place to eat; it's a place to savour life. Riviera delivers on every front with breathtaking views, impeccable service, and a menu that showcases both Mediterranean tradition and modern refinement. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, Riviera makes the experience worth it.

Enjoy 15% off any dinner set menu when you book via Riviera.sg and mention the promo code "DTXRIVIERA" in the comment section of the booking. This offer is valid until 31 May 2025. Don't miss this opportunity to indulge in one of Singapore's most scenic and delicious dining destinations.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Riviera
One Fullerton
1 Fullerton Road
#02-06
Singapore 049213
Tel: +65 6690 7564
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Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Clifford Centre and then Change Alley. Take escalator to level 2. Cross the road using the OUE Link. Turn left towards Fullerton Bay Hotel. Walk to towards the bay and destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

The Fullerton Bay Hotel Christmas 2014

Christmas is upon us again. To usher in this festive season, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore has decided to hold a Giving Hope Charity Buffet Dinner at The Clifford Pier. The hotel will pledge S$20 net for every dining patron in support of Hope Centre Singapore's Bursary Awards. I considered myself lucky to be able to attend this meaningful event. Although the essence of Christmas has always been about sharing and giving, I find myself guilty of excessive indulgence at times. It is a indeed a rare opportunity to be able to indulge for a good cause.

This evening, diners also have the chance to witness the hotel's very first Christmas Light-Up Ceremony. As the ceremony began, I could see that the audience was captivated by the enchanting tune made by the handbell ringers as it rippled through the air of colonial grandeur of this conserved heritage site. The candle-lit march-in by the hotel staff added on to this magical moment. It was then followed by a special performance, staged by the children from the hotel's designated beneficiary, Hope Centre Singapore.

Roasted Turkey

Roasted Prime Ribs

With the ceremony coming to an end, it officially marks the start of the festive season. The buffet featured some of Singapore's traditional delights which I reckon are the star of this buffet. The spread also includes the season's classics such as the Traditional Roasted Turkey and Roasted Prime Ribs. To balance your meal, there is also quite a good varieties of greens and cold salads to choose from.

Rickshaw Noodles is known to be their signature. I must say it did taste as good as it looks. I find the minced meat very well braised which flavours the noodles really well. The spring egg somehow acts like a sauce to the dry noodles, coating the noodles with the delectable braised sauce.

Rickshaw Noodles

I have a soft spot for braised pork belly bun and writing about their Soya Sauce Braised Pork Belly in Lotus Bun simply adds on to my craving. Theirs indeed is must try. It was well braised with a slight charred flavour. The sinful layer of fats did not seem to leave much behind either.

Oriental Turkey

Their "Beggar Chicken"-inspired Oriental Turkey is surprisingly good. I could have mistaken the meat as chicken as it was almost as tender as that. It was subtly flavoured by the Chinese herbs during the baking process, such as Dang Gui, Red Dates, Wolfberries etc. This newly created item is also included in their Christmas takeaways.

Desserts was quite a sumptuous spread, and I got to try The Fullerton Hotel's creation, the 7th Heaven Yule Log as well as their in house Panettone made using their very own Italian recipe. Their Yule Log is truly an indulgence made using ingredients such as Bailey Irish Cream, Jivara Chocolate, Ivory Chocolate etc, that bounds to satiate your sweet tooth. Both items are available in their range of Christmas takeaways.

If you happen to miss this charity buffet and are keen to try out their signatures, here's your chance. The Fullerton Bay Hotel is going to hold another 2 sessions on Christmas Eve and Christmas day itself, priced at $128 and $68 for adult and child respectively. You will get to enjoy similar spread, as well as the marvellous view this place offers.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel has a list of festive dining lined up for you from now till New Year. So to give yourself or others a treat, do check it out among your other choices!

Christmas Heritage Buffet Dinner
Date: 24-25 December 2014
Time: 630pm - 1030pm
Adult $128*, Child $64*

New Year Eve Heritage Buffet Dinner
Date: 31 December 2014
Time: 630pm - 1030pm
Adult $148*, Child $74*

* prices are subject ot 10% service charge and government taxes.


The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
80 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049326
Tel: +65 65975266
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFullertonHotel
Website: http://www.fullertonbayhotel.com/dining/the-clifford-pier
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12pm - 230pm
High Tea: 330pm - 530pm
Dinner: 630pm - 10pm
Supper: 10pm - 12midnight (Sun-Thu), 10pm - 1am (Fri-Sat)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Go to 2nd floor, take the overhead bridge link across the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Joie @ Orchard Central - Restaurant with Modern Meatless Cuisine in Orchard Central’s Rooftop Garden

Tucked on the 12th floor of Orchard Central is Joie, a restaurant that prides itself on bringing diners a modern meatless menu with Japanese-European elements. It shares the top floor with one other restaurant and the mall's rooftop garden, with views overlooking the bustling Orchard Road.

Joie offers a 4 or 5-Course set for lunch and a 6-Course for dinner. The prices are as follows:

4-Course Lunch
$38++ on Mondays to Fridays, except Eve of Public Holidays and Public Holidays

5 Course Lunch
$50++ Daily

6-Course Dinner
$78++ on Mondays to Thursdays
$88++ on Friday to Sunday, Eve of Public Holidays and Public Holidays

For this visit, we had two sets of the 6-Course Dinner and hence could sample more dishes as indicated individually below. Beverages are not included, but Joie offers quite a comprehensive list of alcoholic drinks and a more straightforward non-alcoholic list containing mocktails, coffee, tea and soft drinks.

Complimentary Snack - Spaghetti Sticks

We were first served with a complimentary crunchy snack of Spaghetti Sticks in two flavours, spiced and non-spiced.

Palate Cleanser - Passionfruit Sorbet

After that, we were treated to Passionfruit Sorbet, which was intended to cleanse our palates before beginning the course properly. However, it could have been less icy and a lot less sweet to provide a lighter and more refreshing start.

Starter - Chef’s Selection of Assorted Platter 3/5

However, we were uncertain if it was intentional, but the capsicum kebab was made with a mix of vegetables in their raw form, and the raspberry sphere was overly sweet with a flat burst of flavour.

However, we were uncertain if it was intentional, but the capsicum kebab seemed to be just made with a mix of vegetables in their raw form, and the raspberry sphere was overly sweet with a flat burst of flavour.

Side Dish - Bailing Mushroom on Paper Hot Pot 2.8/5

Our first side dish was the Bailing Mushroom on Paper Hot Pot. We appreciated the chunky yet soft-texted mushrooms here, but the accompanying soup was overly sweet, making it challenging to savour fully. A more balanced base would have enhanced the overall enjoyment.

Side Dish - Gratinated Champignon with Mozzarella 2.8/5

For our second side dish, we had the Gratinated Champignon with Mozzarella. I looked forward to it when I saw the copious amount of cheese and golden-brown crust, but I was disappointed with the meagre portion of button mushrooms. The bread meant to pair with the Belgian endives was, unfortunately, a bit stale.

Cold Dish - Tuna Cold Steak 1/5

We ordered the Tuna Cold Steak as our first cold dish, which had marinated watermelon with dill mustard dressing and a topping of pine nuts. The texture of the 'steak' was soft, but flavour-wise, it was cloyingly sweet.

Cold Dish - Vegetable Sashimi On Ice with Oyster-Leaf Shooter Glass 2/5

We've had vegetarian sashimi a couple of times before this and were excited to try Joie's carefully plated rendition - Vegetable Sashimi On Ice with Oyster-Leaf Shooter Glass.

Instead of the usual konjac for the sashimi, they've ventured to use other elements, such as coconut, huai shan and aloe vera. The platter featured 'salmon, octopus, jellyfish and abalone', arranged from left to right. It was served with soy sauce and an oyster-leaf shooter glass. Unfortunately, like the previous dishes, most of these items leaned towards the sweeter side. We would have preferred a better balance with more savoury elements.

Soup - Japanese Kunbu Broth with Hand Carved Tofu 1/5

Our first choice of soup was the Japanese Kunbu Broth with Hand Carved Tofu. We understand from the menu that it was meant to be a double-boiled Japanese seaweed consomme, but what we had was regrettably bland.

Soup - Infusion of Cepes & Truffle 3/5

The Infusion of Cepes & Truffle was a better bowl. The mushroom soup here had delightful bits of mushroom and carried a mild truffle fragrance.

Main - Truffle Risotto 2.8/5

There are 5 mains to choose from for the dinner course. The Truffle Risotto with a croquette on top, mascarpone cream, greens, and black truffle didn't quite meet our expectations. The risotto had a thick porridge-like texture, lacking the desirable al dente bite. Additionally, we would have appreciated the croquette more if it had been served hotter and crunchier to provide better textural contrast.

Main - Grilled Summer Mushroom Steak on "Pu Ye" Hot Stone 3/5

Our second main, the Grilled Summer Mushroom Steak on "Pu Ye" Hot Stone, fared better. Beyond the visual presentation, the "Pu Ye" hot stone was intended to keep the dish hot. The mushroom steak here highlights a well-grilled monkey head mushroom with a mild smokiness. While the deep-fried spaghetti was too oily, I would have liked more of the truffle mashed potato as it was smooth and carried a good amount of flavour.

Dessert - Yoghurt Pudding 2.5/5

The Yogurt Pudding dessert had a watery texture, lacked the expected tangy yoghurt notes and leaned towards the sweeter side.

Dessert - Homemade Cheesecake with Oreo 2.8/5

Our last dessert was their Homemade Cheesecake with Oreo. It was average, with a decent amount of cheese flavour.

Unfortunately, our visit to Joie fell short of expectations. While we valued the warm service, the food quality needed to align with what we anticipated from a casual fine dining establishment. Many dishes lacked flavour or erred on the side of excessive sweetness. We hope this was an isolated occurrence and hope to experience better in the future.

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.


Joie
Orchard Central
#12-01
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 9663 0901
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Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to Orchard Central. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]