Always say yes to the hush-hush behind the dark curtained BÉNI at Mandarin Gallery. You wouldn't be blamed for not knowing much about exclusive Japanese-French fine dining establishment by Chef Kenjiro ‘Hatch’ Hashida (also better known for his Hashida establishment). Well unless you're one of the privileged 15 pax who has snagged a seat around the open industrial bar. Then, you would be able to dine on the exquisite seasonal French omakase that also changes daily, depending on what is fresh. 

Expect the usual (or perhaps fanatical) dedication to excellence by the team of Japanese chefs led by Chef de Cuisine, Kenji Yamanaka. You'd see precisely plated dishes of specific temperature, served in particular ways. The result was impressive and truly enjoyable, which is expected considering the price tag you're paying. It's $127/228 for a 5 course lunch, or $298 for a 7 course dinner (with more premium ingredients). But of course, indulge further with a tea, wine, or sake pairing. 

We started with the King of Green HIRO premium, a Gyokuro Japanese tea. I've never thought of green tea having that umami flavor until this one. After the first brew, olive oil and salt was added to the mix and we were told to eat it up. That was when the umami was enhanced and it tasted like seaweed. 

Next, the Miellefeuille de Crabe Royal au Nayet SHOGOIN. A Hokkaido red king crab layered with pickled Shogoin turnip (using rice vinegar), and a Shungiku sauce (made from Japanese spinach). The light refreshing flavor of the turnip was punctuated with a slightly strong vegetable sauce. That said, it was still balanced with the sweetness of the crab and briny caviar.

The Gateau au Foie Gras was a generous and creamy 3 layered foie gras cake. The bottom layer of marinated foie gras was super smooth, the middle a Jonathan apple celeriac puree, and the top was the Johnathan Apple skin jelly. I liked how the foie gras was balanced with the refreshing and slightly tart Apple and it's a nice depart from the usual berry pairing.

Think it's about time to make a short getaway back to Hong Kong to update my dimsum list (read my top Hong Kong dimsum list here) and possibly check out the brand new The Olympian Hong Kong, a 32-room boutique hotel in the heart of West Kowloon. 

Why? Well, i honestly have no idea where else to find such spaciousness in a Hong Kong hotel, especially in the Kowloon area. I'm already dreaming of soaking in this tub and enjoying the view of the changing lights over Victoria Harbor and the HK skyline. 

Space is not a luxury here with rooms and suites ranging from 43sqm to 75sqm, each featuring a 3.3m floor-to-ceiling windows and even a kitchenette. Personalized service begins once you step off the Airport Express, or even better, the chauffeured Rolls Royce service available at the hotel.

Shopping is right at the doorstep with the Olympian City hub where dining, shopping, and entertainment are readily available. If not, join the mad crowd at Mongkok, which is just a short ride away. 

In celebration of the opening of The Olympian Hong Kong, the hotel is offering a special introductory room rate from HKD1,600 per night, available until 30 April 2016.

Time for some dimsum! 

The Olympian Hong Kong

18 Hoi Fai Road, West Kowloon, Hong Kong 

T: +852 3199 8888

Of all the brunches in the world and all the breakfasts that i've eaten, Jack's Wife Freda (New York City) is up there at the top of my list and it certainly lists as the best in NYC. It's not your regular brunch food and the cuisine is a lovely mix of exotic from the likes of South Africa, Israel, and Jewish comfort food.

You know the funny thing is that i chanced upon Jack's Wife on Instagram and that is how i was led to this cozy spot in SOHO. The queue can be crazy as they only take reservations for larger groups. I only managed to get in on our 3rd attempt and it was a reward for an 8am run on the Williamsburg bridge. So highlights here for breakfast/brunch- Grilled Haloumi, Green Shakshuka with challah toast, Rose Water Waffles with Lebanese yogurt (labneh), and their secret weapon, the DUCK BACON.   

So we heard that SKIRT is featuring a refreshed menu and with it being on my food list of meat places to go to, this provides an added incentive to go. If you're a meat lover, SKIRT is one of the best places in Singapore to feast on premium and unique cuts of meats (think F1 Wagyu and Sher Wagyu..), grilled parilla style, using prime Mesquite wood-fire to bring out a milk smoky flavor of the aged prime cuts.

SKIRT uses the Blackmarket cut from Rangers Valley which is exclusive to them. 

Other featured selections include the Petuna Ocean Tartare, Foie Gras Torchon, Confit Duck Leg. That's if you're not into meat. Seriously who is not into meat. #judge

SKIRT

21 Ocean Way Sentosa Singapore 098374

Tel: +65 6808 7278

Sun - Thu: 6 - 10pm

Fri - Sat, Eve and PH: 6 - 10.30pm

If all the oozing of the Salted Yolk Lava Croissants haven’t flowed to your taste buds yet, wait till you hear this: Savory croissants with LOCAL flavors have officially hit the island now, thanks to Chef Pang Kok Keong from Antoinette. Now how about some Chili Crab Croissant and Scallion Arlette. 

A play on Singapore’s famous chili crabs with fried 饅頭 (Man Tou), Chef Pang has perfected a droolicious Chili Crab Croissant ($7.50). The sweetness of real crab meat in sweet and spicy flavors is a perfect match to the crisp buttery croissant layers. The level of spice is mild, yet sufficient to linger after the last bite. This tummy is crabby happy with this heartily-filled crescent.

Who would have imagined a plain Jane to explode in flavors? The Scallion Arlette ($3.50), a French interpretation of the traditional 蔥油餅 (Chong You Bing), was surprising in flavors and textures. With fragrant spring onions and creamy butter in the croissant dough, Scallion Arlette is a savory crunchy addiction without a hint of oiliness (unlike the traditional sort). It takes a lot of will power to stop munching this $3.50 a pop goodness.

Say hello once again to one of the best buffets in Singapore! Melt Cafe at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is back, prettier and better with their all-day dining buffet offering.

Melt Cafe got it right by tantalizing us with the extensive dessert and patisserie counter right at their doorstep. But if you are savory sort, you're not that far away from the fresh seafood counter where you'd be greeted with neat stacks of shellfish and crustaceans, sashimi, sushi, and cold cuts. 

While people were distracted by the seafood (which is quite the standard fare at buffets), i went exploring and found the a la minute Japanese Wagyu beef Shabu Shabu live station. O.M.G. Way too many servings of the tender beef over flavored Japanese rice.

Ready for a bloody good meal (i'm being literal here)? Diners can look forward to the bloody gorgeous selection of premium Australian Prime Cuts at Opus Bar & Grill. We're talking about a 4 to 6 marble score Himalayan salt dry-aged OP rib, Wagyu Rib-eye, and Tajima Wagyu beef, expertly cooked over the open-flame charcoal grill, to be accompanied by Pierre Jean wines (they have an ongoing drinks promo till 31 Mar 2016)!

Actually there's more to the menu than just beef. Opus Bar & Grill has recently refreshed their menu and here is what you can expect along with your reds.

Definitely start with some Hokkaido Scallops ($22) with edamame, blood sausage, and miso espuma. The sear on the plump shellfish was simply amazing and you get a touch of that smokiness from the blood sausage (it's really nothing scary). Seafood at Opus are from sustainable sources and they are also the first restaurant in Singapore to be awarded the MSC ecolabel. 

We also enjoyed the Japanese style Tartar of Blue Fin Tuna ($17) with avocado, trout roe, and extra virgin olive oil. It's kinda like a deconstructed California Roll without the carbs.

Pan Pacific Singapore turns 30 this year! As part of the celebration, the good folks at Pan Pac are kicking off a year of exciting privileges, the first being their 30th Anniversary Staycation Package. 

Enjoy a $30 Food and Beverage credit to be redeemed at any of their restaurants and bar, or enjoy $30 off a pampering spa treatment at the St. Gregory Spa. Breakfast buffet at the refresh Edge is included in the package and you'll get to enjoy one of the most extensive buffet spread with 7 live food theatres. 

Need more convincing? Just look at their amazing rooms! Or check out my past reviews on Edge, Hai Tien Lo, Keyaki and Pacific Marketplace. Honestly you'll not go hungry at Pan Pacific Singapore with their stellar F&B outlets. 

Pan Pacific Singapore

7 Raffles Boulevard S(039595)

Tel: +65 6336 8111

Mark your social calendar, lovers of all things alcoholic! Singapore Cocktail Week returns from 12 to 19 March 2016. Gear yourself up for a week of heart-pumping events with the various cocktail workshops, bar tours, supper clubs, brunches, pop-ups, and international guest bartender appearances. If last year’s was amazing, this year’s will be mind-blowing! With 60 participating bars and restaurants and almost 20 cocktail events, the question is: Which one to pick? 

If you're like us and need nibbles with your tipples, then here are some restaurant-bars that we've checked out. Have breakfast any time of day at Tanuki Raw with their Bakon and Espresso drink made with bacon-flavored vodka and Red Espresso, Fortune Cookie Chai Syrup and egg white. We got a kick to the night with the espresso shot but where is the bacon? Nevertheless, we wouldn’t mind having this for breakfast, every day. 

If you're more the juicing sort, then think of the Tanuki Garden (Vodka, Celery Juice, Green Apple Juice, Lime, Absinthe, Basil and Coriander) as your green juice for the day. Well, it's all made from veg no? ;) 

The signature Truffle Yakiniku Beef Donburi was delishly comforting. Digging into the bowl of rice and meat isn’t my thing, but if I had finished it, you can bet it was heaven. The umami truffled rice had a hint of furikake, the blushing slices of meat were sliced to perfect thickness, and the egg oozed and coated every single grain. Definitely a satisfying bowl to prep the stomach for more drinks!

Diablio @ Lucha Loco

At Lucha Loco, be greeted with Mexicano music and sombreros. Here, five drinks are available—Margarita Último, Frambuesa, Loco Pisco Sour, El Megroni and Café Diablo. The El Megroni (Mezcal, Italian Aperitif, Vermouth) and Café Diablo (Mezcal, XO Café dark cocoa, Cynar liqueur, egg white, flamed orange) stood out for me. I must state that the El Megroni leans towards the bitter, so if you aren’t a fan, then stay clear. The other three cocktails were just too fruity or/and romantic for my taste buds.

One can pretend to be a dainty Japanese doll while nibbling on the pretty bites created by Executive Chef Moon Kyung Soo at Mikuni Singapore for the Hina Matsuri (Doll's Festival). It doesn't matter if us Singaporeans aren't familiar with this time-honored festival that is celebrated in Japan, as long as we get to enjoy the delectable feast happening from 1 to 10 Mar 2016.

This special 7 course lunch bento set is a  hit with the ladies (not to say the men wouldn't enjoy it) with its pretty presentation and sheer variety (thankfully portion-controlled). The oohs and aahs went on in typical Japanese fashion as we were presented with our tiered boxes of food (they may as well be jewelry).

A refreshing starter of organic Japanese green salad served with snow crab, orange, blueberries and black sesame helped to prep our palates. This was refreshing with bursts of sweetness and tartness from the berries and citrus. 

The second course is a showcase of eight traditional Japanese appetizers artfully arranged in one tier of the exquisite drawer that Chef Moon specially sourced. Experience a mixture of flavors and textures from the grilled miso cod, slow cooked abalone, unagi, octopus, umeboshi plum, asparagus, Japanese pickles and miso egg. Variety FTW.