photo credit: Grand Hyatt
What is your idea of "Living Grand"?
At Grand Hyatt, "Living Grand" is the promise to unlock the extraordinary by creating spectacular moments, be it big or small. I have no doubts that this established hotel brand has delivered its promises because I had an extraordinary, or no, it should be a super extraordinary Chinese New Year celebration at Grand Hyatt Singapore.
In fact, now as I recalled that night, everything felt too magical to be true. I attended Grand Hyatt SG's inaugural "Living Grand" dinner, which was described to be a Chinese New Year celebration. So what I had in my mind was a 10-course traditional Chinese New Year meal. Since the dress code was festive cocktail, it could be something more casual with cocktail drinks and canapés? Maybe?
Before the start of the dinner, guests were gathered outside the Grand Salon, a newly refurbished function space that is designed in such a way that one feels as if he/she is coming back home. Everything was kept strictly confidential and no one had a clue on what would happen that night. Waiters were dressed in neatly pleated traditional Chinese costumes that looked so polished that they could reflect light.
Crispy black moss chips, little peanut praline bombs, seafood pearls (salmon wrapped glutinous rice balls), these dainty canapés stave off the hunger pangs of the guests amidst the merry chatter and high spirits.
photo credit: Grand Hyatt
As the time draw close to 8pm, the executive head chef of the night, Chef Lucas Granville, led his troops to shift in 4 massive sets of lavish Yu-Sheng. After the ritualistic toss to an abundant year ahead, the lights started to dim and it was total darkness. In a moment, the automated doors slid opened and a sea of red mist greeted us.
photo credit: Grand Hyatt
I saw a fairy dancing, another playing the violin, and another guy that looked like the Mad Hatter.
Had we been teleported into another wonderland? I was spellbound by everything around me as I navigated my way in the magical garden to find my delegated seat.
photo credit: Grand Hyatt
26 guests sat opposite each other on a lavishly decorated table lined with fresh, spring flowers. Little did we realize that this was only the beginning of a series of surprise. After everyone has settled down and the General Manager of Grand Hyatt Singapore made his speech the start of the dinner, the second surprise took place.
photo credit: Grand Hyatt
Another door opened amidst the purple clouds and we saw a live kitchen right in front of us!
It was amazing to see a kitchen being transported into a ballroom
photo credit: Grand Hyatt
But the chefs seemed to be casted with an immovable spell and this spell was only broken after a light tap by the fairy dancer.
photo credit: Grand Hyatt
With the kitchen springing into action, everyone was eagerly looking forward to what would be served on the tables. Chinese? Fusion? Or even some weird Molecular dishes? Contrary to the carnival mood, the dishes were rooted in Chinese traditional cuisine.
photo credit: Grand Hyatt
Our first course was Buddha Jumps over the Wall, a classic nourishing chicken broth that showcases 100% sustainable seafood. It was so comforting to sip on the warm soup that was brimming with the natural sweetness of the sea treasures.
Next, we had the Roast Chinese Duck served with lotus rice on water spinach. Though the duck was a little dry and overdone, the lotus rice was excellent, boasting grains that resolutely separate with no trace of grease. The crispy chicken egg with a fragrant meat coating brought a touch of British sophistication to the dish.
The climax arrived when everything was cleared from the table and the head chef unveiled a Chinese painting of the 12 zodiac animals on both alleys of the table. A series of traditional Chinese New Year desserts such as the White Lotus Blossom Flower, Buddha’s Hand Lemon and Mango Pudding, Mini Liu Sha Bao, Pineapple Tarts and even Dragon Beard Candy graced the table. My favorite was the “ketupat” that was actually coconut ice cream in disguise!
I can feel the passion and enthusiasm flowing in every part of Grand Hyatt as the team had evidently put in a lot of effort to create unforgettable memories for their guests. They have not only redefined my understanding of Chinese New Year, but also opened me to the possibilities that one can have when hosting events at Grand Hyatt Singapore.
photo credit: Grand Hyatt
The folks have set the bar so high that makes it difficult for me to find the next experience that can surpass this one. I am not exaggerating but I think this is way beyond the 5-star luxury experience. It is about creating common memories between the guests and the brand, about living in the present, living in the grand moment.
For your personalized events,
contact +65 6416 7373 or e-mail meetings.sg@hyatt.com
Written and Photograph by Li Tian, a passionate foodie behind Singapore-Japan Food Blog “Dairy & Cream”. Has an eye for pastries and desserts.
Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Singapore, 228211,
Tel: +65 6738 1234
Fax: +65 6732 1696
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)
Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the underpass towards Marriott hotel. Take the escalator up onto Scotts Road. Turn right and walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Beauty in The Pot @ One KM Mall
Paradise Group has opened yet another new concept under its restaurant chains in November 2014 at the newly opened One KM Mall. It is a steamboat concept called Beauty in The Pot, a whole new health and beauty pot dining experience that offers delectable nourishing soup bases with a wide selection of fresh ingredients for hotpot aficionados.
Twin Flavours Broth 4.5/5
Unlike other steamboat restaurants that offers a variety of soup bases, Beauty in The Pot only concentrates on two soup bases, the Beauty Collagen Broth (Shark's Cartilage Soup) and Spicy Nourishing Broth (Pork Bone Soup). To get the best of both world, we went for the Twin Flavours Broth ($25) which comes in a yin yang pot with the beauty collagen and spicy nourishing broth on each side.
US Kurobuta Pork 4.5/5
US Wagyu Ribeye 4.5/5 and Red Garoupa 4.5/5
From the meat menu, we tried a couple of their selections such as the US Kurobuta Pork ($9/$18) and US Wagyu Ribeye ($21/42). They are really good premium meat that is not too thinly sliced. Same goes to the fresh Red Garoupa ($28/$38/$48). I dislike steamboat places that purposely sliced the meat or fish thinly, which missed out on the whole textural satisfaction. Thumbs up to Beauty in The Pot.
Homemade Fish Tofu 4.5/5
A must try at Beauty in The Pot is the Homemade Fish Tofu ($1.80/pc). It is made of yellowtail fish paste, egg white and soy bean and shaped into a fish. It has an interesting texture that is new to me. In conjunction with the Chinese New Year, this will symbolizes prosperity (年年有余), perfect to be served over the dinner.
Assorted Mushroom Platter 4/5
Baby Chinese Spinach 4/5 and Tang O 4/5
Fresh vegetables and mushrooms are also available on the menu. To simply things, we ordered he Assorted Mushroom Platter ($12) as well as the Baby Chinese Spinach ($2.50/$5) and Tang O ($3/$6) to go with the meat for a more balanced diet.
Assorted Dumpling Platter 4/5
The different variety of dumplings should not be missed too. To sample everything, go for the Assorted Dumpling Platter ($10) that comes with the Pork Roll, Pork and Chives, Prawn Roll and Prawn Dumpling, two of each kind.
Assorted Balls Platter 4.2/5
Assorted Balls Platter 4.2/5
Not to be missed is also the handmade balls. The Assorted Balls Platter ($10) will allows you to try a bit of everything. The platter comes with springy and bouncy Soft Bone Pork Meat Ball, Fish Ball, Beef Ball, Mushroom Ball and Cuttlefish Ball.
Ebiko Prawn Paste 4.5/5
Century Egg Fish Paste 4.5/5
Another specialty at Beauty in The Pot is the homemade paste. There are different types of paste available on the menu. We tried the Ebiko Prawn Paste ($12) and Century Egg Fish Paste ($10). Served in a bowl, we are supposed to give the paste a good mix and then roll it up into a ball shape before dropping it into the soup. The extra ingredients and the interactive presentation of paste made it even more enjoyable.
Overall Beauty in The Pot has impressed me not only with the quality of the food but their services too. I have always told my friends that my favourite steamboat place is Imperial Treasure Steamboat but now I would also recommend them Beauty in The Pot. Good news also to supper seeker, the restaurant is opened till late at 1am or 3am depends on the day of the week.
Beauty in The Pot
OneKM
11 Tanjong Katong Road
#02-21
Singapore 437157
Tel: +65 67022542
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParadiseGrp
Website: https://www.paradisegroup.com.sg/
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 530pm - 1am
Fri-Sat, Eve of PH: 11am - 3am
Sun and PH: 11am - 1am
Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to Singapore Post Centre. At the Singapore Post Centre, turn right again and continue straight down the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]
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