New Year's Eve 2015 in Singapore

Photo credit : schaazzz on flickr

2016 is just round the corner and I'm sure many of us are looking for things to do on New Year's Eve. It's always one of the biggest headaches when the new year is approaching. I hope my little list helps!

Carne & Caipirinha @ Sunset Way

The only charcoal-fired Brazilian Churrascaria hits the western part of our sunny little island and the 74 seater restaurant is perfect for families and large groups. Delight in unlimited servings of premium meats here and if you're looking for a place for Sunday brunch this Sunday, read on to find out more!

(CLOSED)King Feast New Year's Eve Menu @ Salt Tapas & Bar (Raffles City)

The luxurious King Feast at Salt Tapas & Bar is truly fit for royalty. Diners can choose from two variations, land or sea, and I promise you that both are equally good. I prefer the sea version which had oysters, lobster, brown crab and rainbow trout, but the land one was really fantastic too. This menu is only available on New Year's Eve and if you're looking for a great evening filled with wonderful food, great vibes, nice music and commendable service, this might just be the place for you!

Christmas 2015 @ InterContinental Singapore

Nobody does a party better than InterContinental Singapore. I was dazzled by the huge ballroom cast in purple glow and dressed up like a winter wonderland. Stepping into the ballroom felt like I was stepping into some sort of fairytale.

Festive North Indian Buffet @ Tiffin Room (Raffles Hotel)

There are truly unique ways to enjoy a festive feast with friends and family this holiday season. One great way would be sitting in elegant colonial splendour, feasting over a North Indian lunch or dinner buffet at the Tiffin Room, Raffles Hotel. The Festive North Indian Buffet does not only feature the Tiffin’s Room iconic North Indian specialities but also a few Western additions from such as a platter of European cheeses, scrumptious desserts and even a Christmas Ham and Turkey carving station! The buffet is really a showcase of the best of both worlds.

OverEasy @ Liat Towers

Liat Towers extended a warm welcome to OverEasy, the ultimate all-American diner and bar. The first outlet's resounding success has given the Lo & Behold group more than sufficient confidence to bring OverEasy to a more central location where the cheery vibes, bubblegum colour scheme and old school Americana charm prove to be exceedingly charming.

Art Workshop for Charity, Christmas Light-up Ceremony, “Fullerton Chefs for a Cause” Charity Buffet Dinner @ The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

Christmas came early for me as I spent a wonderful evening at the gorgeous Fullerton Hotel participating in an art workshop, experiencing the delightful Christmas light-up ceremony and feasting to my heart's content at Town Restaurant

九猫久 Jiu Mao Jiu @ POMO

Where you least expect it, there’s a restaurant tucked in the corner of POMO which serves a mean ma la xiang guo and ma la hot pot.

Jiu Mao Jiu specialises in Sichuan cuisine which is known for its bold and spicy flavours derived from the usage of garlic and chilis. The restaurant has an extensive list of a la carte Sichuan and Chinese dishes but what I’ve been meaning to try is its ma la hot pot buffet which is a favourite among crowds who frequent the area.

Sprigs @ Purvis Street

Chef de Cuisine Shubri, previously from Gunther's, is now at the helm of Sprigs. After a huge revamp, Sprigs is ready to greet diners with a contemporary European dining experience featuring beautifully plated dishes.

Christmas Comes to Maru-Ten Udon @ United Square

Udon is one of my absolute favourite Japanese dishes. There’s just something about the taste and texture of good and authentic udon. I love slurping and chewing those pale thick wheat noodles. I guess that’s why the casual and comfortable setting of Maru-Ten Udon makes it a great place to emit those slurping noises and the occasional “oishii”!

Christmas by the River @ Robertson Quay, Boat Quay & Clarke Quay

Celebrate Christmas by the Singapore River at the three iconic quays with festive feasts at 13 F&B establishments. From 4th December to 3rd January, diners can indulge in traditional and modern creations specially crafted for the Yuletide season. Participating outlets include Holiday Inn Atrium, Cafe Brios (Grand Copthorne Waterfront), Limoncello, My Little Spanish Place, Town Restaurant(Fullerton Hotel), Hot Stones, Harry's, Wakanui Grill, Tomo Izakaya, Marco Marco, Mitsuba, Frementle Seafood Market and Absinthe.

Celebrate Christmas @ Kwee Zeen (Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa)

My favourite time of the year is finally approaching — Christmas! What better way to celebrate than to spend quality time with your cherished loved ones over an awesome meal!

Kwee Zeen is offering many delectable festive menus to celebrate its first Christmas. The elegant yet casual chic all-day restaurant is well known for Pan Asian dining that consists of Asian, Western and French cuisines. The 218-seater restaurant not only has a sophisticated, elegant interior but also a cool, breezy alfresco area which boasts an impressive view of the South China Sea.

A Weekend Getaway @ Resorts World Genting

We are always looking for a short getaway from Singapore to catch a breather and to rejuvenate our souls but we don't always have the luxury of time, or rather, days off from work to do so. How about a weekend getaway to Genting? You can leave on Friday night and get back Sunday afternoon!

Magnifique Sunday Champagne Brunch @ Kwee Zeen (Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa)

The Magnifique Sunday Champagne Brunch at Sofitel Sentosa is truly a spectacular affair. The spread is amazingly wide and incredibly impressive. Think a glorious array of fresh seafood, 32 types of cheeses, freshly baked pastries, truffles from Chocolaterie and live stations dishing out foie gras, grilled meats, crepe Suzette and more!

Christmas 2015 @ Crowne Plaza Changi Airport

Christmas celebrations are never complete without a feast. This year, Chef Boey Min Hwa has come up with highlights that would shine on your dinner table. If you're hosting a Christmas party, or thinking of something to bring to one, you really shouldn't miss the dishes available for takeaway at the Lobby Lounge. If you're more interested in a large sumptuous spread without the hassle of preparing and cleaning up, Azur might just be the place for you.

Battle of the Crabs Buffet @ Spice Brasserie

The Battle of the Crabs Buffet is back, bigger and bolder! This buffet would satisfy anyone’s craving for anything crab. Spice Brasserie’s Executive Chef Low Hoe Kiat has prepared a wide array of twelve different crab dishes, both traditional and modern interpretations.

Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa @ Sentosa

After a facelift, the spanking new Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa is ready to meet you. The elegant and sophisticated resort has a soothing serenity and you'll find yourself on a tropical getaway right here. It doesn't feel like I was in Singapore at all from the moment I arrived at the property and I loved every second of it.

ChaoZhou Porridge (潮粥糜) Supper Buffet @ River Valley

I’m always looking for supper places especially if their offerings deviate from the usual oily, greasy prata or bak chor mee. Thankfully, ChaoZhou Porridge has introduced its new supper buffet which makes a great addition to any foodie’s list of supper places.

Photoshoot for Watersource

Had the opportunity to work with Zheng Ge Ping for Watersource recently and it was nice seeing him after more than a year. I first met him at Mean Bean last April and never would I even have thought that I would get to work with him. Zheng Ge Ping is effortlessly radiant and goodlooking and not to mention, incredibly fit. I was all jittery and still really unused to being in front of the camera

The Daily Round Up @ Keong Saik Road

A project by the Lo & Behold Group, The Daily Round Up is located at The Working Capitol, a popular co-working space. It focuses on French galettes and crepes, using organic buckwheat flour from Brittany, France and Jean-Yves Bordier butter.

The Black Swan - Luxurious and Elegant European Fare

Housed in the iconic and historic Art Deco building, The Black Swan stands tall and beautiful exuding a timeless elegance in the heart of Raffles Place. The Black Swan brings to the table a new menu lined with European dishes prepared with traditional methods elevated by light modern touches.

Salt Tapas & Bar’s Brunch Workshop @ Raffles City

I attended a brunch workshop led by Executive Chef Ronald Li of Salt Tapas & Bar at Raffles City and was treated to a privileged sneak peek of their new brunch menu.

(CLOSED) 20F Specialty Coffeehouse @ Foch Road

This is possibly the most ordered dish and the star at 20F. I had my reservations about this dish because I've seen some not so good reviews online. However, I still wanted to try it so badly. I mean, its duck confit and waffles! Two of my favourite things! How could I give that a miss?

The Duck & Waffle ($22) is available daily from 11am-5pm and it exceeded expectations. The waffles had a light crisp, are a little cakey and went really well with the sweet sauce. I felt that the duck leg could have been a tad more tender but the entire combination was a rocking one. The unique addition of a scoop of mixed berries sorbet gave a stark contrast in temperature and a bright tangy touch to the whole symphony. I really enjoyed it. The clever sprinkling of chopped pistachios elevated the visual appeal and I adored the nutty hints.

(CLOSED) Restaurant ANDRE @ Bukit Pasoh Road

Dining at Restaurant ANDRE can be a long wait. They're always fully booked and reservations have to be made three months in advance at times. I'm not one with much patience but I've certainly been dying to dine here since forever. Lucky me, I know the Pastry Chef of Restaurant ANDRE. Matin got me a reservation for lunch on a Friday afternoon and to be very frank, I was counting down the days fervently. Two weeks never felt this long. I must say that the wait was absolutely worth it as I legit had the Meal of the Year here. An experience beyond words.

(CLOSED) Karafuru Desserts @ Jalan Klapa

I visited Karafuru Desserts in August but haven't gotten down to writing a post about it. We went there with high hopes, after seeing so many pictures of the pretty eclairs and the bright and white space.

The Populus Coffee & Food Co. @ Neil Road

By the folks behind Department of Caffeine and 2Degrees North Coffee Co, one can expect a certain level of standard over here at The Populus. I can promise you that this place will be packed in no time. I popped by on a Thursday afternoon at 1 and the entire space was almost at full occupancy. Still in their soft launch phase, but already dishing out delicious fare, Populus is here to impress and here to stay.

The Spring Pancake & Fried Chicken ($21) is a must-order, in my opinion. I love that soft and lightly crisp texture of the pancake, studded with hints of sweetness from the presence of corn. What's even more noteworthy was the fried chicken which was perfectly crisp and wonderfully tender and juicy inside. A flawless combination together with the homemade ranch dressing that will capture your heart. One thing though, the pancake hardens if it's left out for too long so do take note!

Colourblock Nails @ Pretty with Cindy

I got my nails done before attending Maureen's wedding! This is the first time that I've done my nails since my JC prom in 2008. I'm really not too much of a girly girl. And I've never paid any attention to my nails. In fact, I love peeling my nails. I always admire girls with nice pretty nails but I know I can't have them because they will chip all too soon as I'm just generally careless and do not take care of my nails. Plus, I've to wash alot of things at Kaffles. However, Cindy reassured me that the Gelish Nails will last for 4 to 8 weeks and are very hardy. I was initially really skeptical and I know nothing about nails and I didn't want to waste her efforts for giving me beautiful nails when I most probably would ruin them the next minute. But she convinced me to give it a shot!

New Savoury Hot Meals from Pies & Coffee @ Rochester Mall

I was under the impression that Pies & Coffee was just another pie house where they keep the pies in a chiller and they would microwave them upon a customer’s order. When I paid the Rochester Mall outlet a visit, it turned out that I was terribly wrong. Beyond its modern exterior and dining room, Pies & Coffee had a sizeable kitchen with a good number of chefs bustling about preparing meals for customers. The smell of buttery pastry coupled with the fragrance of Asian curries whetted my appetite which made me dive straight into the menu.

Photoshoot for Yomeishu

Did a photoshoot for Yomeishu in July with Edmund Chen and a bunch of really awesomely photogenic people. If you don't know, I'm incredibly awkward and camera shy and it took alot of convincing before I finally decided to try this out. I was so scared and so nervous. It's like you know all the people who do photoshoots are really goodlooking, have rocking good bodies and stuff and I'm none of that. Can't tell you how much I was freaking out omg I still can't believe it happened

Nostalgic Dim Sum buffet @ Si Chuan Dou Hua (PARKROYAL on Kitchener)

Chef Wen Xin Wen is bringing back a taste of the olden days by recreating dimsums that were popular in the past. I wasn't expecting 50 dishes on the buffet menu and I definitely wasn't expecting the buffet to only cost $32- $38 per adult. Needless to say, I was immensely impressed by the selection and quality of the food. If you love yourself a good dimsum spread that is beyond value-for-money, I think you shouldn't miss this one

Bottega Hair & Beauty II

My hair got a new coat of shine recently! Told Dean that I wanted something lighter than my previous shade so he mixed up a Cool Ash Blonde for me!

Spices Cafe’s New Menu @ Concorde Hotel Singapore

Spices Cafe has been known for its scrumptious food and stellar service by both travelers and locals. It has been awarded the Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor, which recognises its dedication to deliver delectable cuisines and great hospitality. The restaurant has, recently, launched a new modern and classically designed menu. Consisting of both local and international cuisines, there is probably something for everyone and anyone.

Le Bistrot du Sommelier - One of the Best French Restaurants

I used to be under the impression that one has to pay through the nose to have good French cuisine in Singapore. Especially for a heavy eater such as myself, I thought French fare, which typically is served in bijou portions, would leave me unsatisfied after my meal. Le Bistrot du Sommelier, however, proved itself as a great exception.

(CLOSED) Sopra Cucina @ Pan Pacific Orchard

(EDIT : SUNDAY BRUNCH HAS OFFICIALLY CEASED DUE TO MANPOWER ISSUES. All dishes featured are available on the Ala Carte menu)

I've walked past Sopra a couple of times but I've never gone in. When I finally stepped in for the first time, I realised what I have been missing out on. Sopra is a huge space beautifully decorated with vintage ornaments and furniture. It exudes a comforting and relaxing vibe and makes it quite the perfect venue for events, dinner and drinks. It is also a popular haunt for Ladies Night and has one of the awesomest happy-hour deals in town but people should really know about their Sunday Brunch. For just $66++, diners can have unlimited servings of Sardinian and Italian dishes. Top up $22 and you can drink your fill of Prosecco and wines. Now, tell me, isn't that a total bang for the buck?

Tomahawk Special @ Long Bar Steakhouse (Raffles Hotel)

This beauty here is the Tomahawk, a massive ribeye steak weighing 1.7kg that is directly airflown from Australian. Simply put, it is a piece of work that will exceed all your expectations. The Angus grain-fed Tomahawk has been specially chosen to be on the menu for for the month of October so be sure not to miss it!

#TrySomethingNew @ Nando's

Nando's has 11 outlets in Singapore and they're always packed during meal times. So if you frequent Nando's or are in love with their PERI PERI sauce, you'll definitely be more than pleased to know that Nando's has launched twenty new items! I visited the two-storey outlet at Junction 8, which is fully furnished with furniture, artwork and crockery from Africa. Great vibes, spacious venue, and a wonderful destination for an after-work gathering.

Heaven and Earth Product Launch @ Art Trove

Coca-Cola Singapore has recently unveiled and added two new and unique tea flavours to its Heaven and Earth range.

Mango Tea with a hint of Chamomile and Apple Tea with a hint of Lemongrass are indeed uncommon flavour pairings, especially for beverages. Both fusion tea flavours were dubbed by the beverage company as ‘an unusual match made in heaven’. To find out more, I went to their product launch held at the esteemed Art Trove, a private museum in Bras Basah which specialises in European art.

Follia @ Clover Way

Follia sits in the midst of a private housing estate and it's a pretty popular spot for the residents living in the area and diners who sought authentic Italian cuisine. Albeit a little inaccessible, Follia has a couple of pretty outstanding dishes that might just be worth the trip. The Osso Buco alla Milanese was my favourite dish of the night. The saffron rice paired up pretty damn well with the wonderfully executed veal that has been braised for four hours.

Belvoir Fruit Farms Launches New Pressés @ Rabbit Carrot Gun

Originating from United Kingdom, Belvoir Fruit farms have been producing their own drinks since 1980s. Their signature ingredient is the elderflower which is very well-loved as seen in the popularity of their Elderflower pressé.

District 10 Bar & Grill @ Suntec City Mall

 On Tuesday, 6th October, District 10 Bar & Grill had its grand opening for its newest restaurant at Suntec City Mall. I managed to pay a visit prior to the grand opening to see what it was all about.

The outlet at Suntec City specialises in dry-aged meat. Some people might ask what’s so special about dry-aged meat. I can tell you that dry-aged meat can be a bit pricey but the price difference is definitely worthwhile. Once you’ve tried dry-aged meat, it’d be hard for you to try anything else.

Sugarhall @ Amoy Street

Sausages have never tasted this good. First and foremost, it's an astounding feat to be churning out your own sausages in house and secondly, it's definitely not an easy feat making them this delish. The House-made Sausages ($32) at Sugarhall really left an impression. Taste wise, texture wise and looks wise, these sausages aced them all.

Seattle Pike Chowder @ Singapore Pinacothèque de Paris

Only a few people are aware of the F&B establishments within the vicinity of Fort Canning Park. However, the newly refurbished Fort Canning Arts Centre not only holds the Singapore Pinacothèque de Paris but a cafe that serves highly acclaimed, award winning chowders.

Jamie's Italian @ Forum (Orchard Road)

If you have been to Orchard Road in the recent months, you would have most probably caught a glimpse or two of the eye-catching Jamie's Italian signboard outside Forum Shopping Mall. This is the second outlet of the global success to have opened up on our sunny little island, and the first to be serving up pizzas.

Joie by DOZO, Shi Li Fang & YiLi PaoPao Ice @ Orchard Central

Not many are aware of the plentiful food options available at Orchard Central. I was one of those unknowing until I embarked on a food trail recently within the shopping mall. Initially, I thought there were only a couple of F&B establishments on the verandah. However, I was surprised to discover a huge array of cuisines being offered from its basement to the rooftop.

I visited a few establishments that I thought were unique, interesting and definitely worth a try: Joie by DOZO, Shi Li Fang 食立方 and YiLi PaoPao Ice.

The Waterfall @ Shangri-La Hotel

The Waterfall at Shangri-La Hotel is truly beautiful. With an alfresco area right beside the pool and a spacious colonial indoor dining area that is comfortable and cozy, it's no wonder the restaurant has long been a popular dining destination. The Waterfall dishes out authentic Southern Italian cuisine under the watch of Chef Marco, a Sicilian native. A new menu featuring exclusive imported cheeses, cold cuts and 26 new dishes has recently been launched. Diners can opt for a semi-lunch buffet, in which they can go for unlimited rounds of antipasti, on top of their main courses.

Melissa Koh Photography for #omgkimis25

The photos taken at my party were more than gorgeous and I only have Melissa Koh Photography to thank!

Humpback @ Bukit Pasoh Road

Carrying a fun and cheery vibe, Humpback sits pretty next to The Flagship and is one of the latest projects by the awesome folks behind Jigger and Pony. With five establishments under their belt, the wonderful team still makes sure that only the very best is served at every one of their babies. Humpback impressed me a great deal with its cleverly crafted dishes and awfully friendly and warm service. I have to say that its been awhile since I've been impressed at a place that focuses on small plates.

The Halia @ Singapore Botanic Gardens

I don't know why I've never been to The Halia at Botanics before. I was seriously blown away when I arrived at the restaurant. It's so beautiful and I love the greenery and how serene and calm the place is. I was thinking that it might get very warm and humid because we were dining outdoors but the soft breeze kept us cool all night long. Seriously, why haven't I been here before?

MAD Bistro & Whisky Lounge

Sitting opposite St Regis Hotel is a 19,000square feet space that features art work for sale, periodical art exhibitions, a bistro and an exclusive whisky lounge. I've gone past this place hundreds of times but I've never thought to check it out. Collectors of art pieces would most probably already know of MAD before they shifted from Mandarin Gallery to their current location. There isn't an entry fee to enter MAD so anyone can go in and view the art pieces on display. The bistro and whisky lounge are located on level one and the bright and spacious place is quite a decent choice for gatherings and a relaxing sunday brunch

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness @ CHIJMES

If you're a giant fan of Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin, you'll definitely know Andrew McMahon. He came to Singapore about three weeks ago and held a concert at CHIJMES for his most ardent fans