Only Singaporeans get the idea of staycation really. Trust me if this @travelerintransit can, she would be on the first flight out of Singapore every weekend. But when you have a busy other half who's always stuck at work, then the next best thing is to check yourself into a hotel for some quality snuggle time, preferably Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore (if you're a sucker for design like me). 

Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore is a breath of fresh air in the concrete jungle. With its interesting phallic silhouette that is covered in a lush green facade (also made to be a vertical garden) Oasia Hotel certainly stands out (hurhur punny) in the conveniently located Tanjong Pagar location. 

The 314 rooms are designed by renowned Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola. I love the simple sleek lines with a comfortable woody tone. The space is highly functional, yet comfortable. 

The Superior and Deluxe rooms are 23sqm of space and comes with floor to ceiling views, the deluxe of unblocked views of the city at a $20 difference. A small work desk and a free smartphone that provides connectivity (calls and wifi) in the city, cater to the business and leisure traveler alike. 

Bathrooms come with the basic amenities and toiletries as well as a standing shower room. I liked the fresh scent of the Fresh Artistry White Tea products. Published weekday room rates for the Superior Room start at S$330 for weekdays per night. 

Need a bath? The 28sqm Club rooms and suites located on the 22nd to 25th levels will satisfy with their tub and Thann amenities. Enjoy exclusive access to the Club lounge and infinity pool at Level 21, Nespresso coffee-making facilities and complimentary wellness drink.

On to the common spaces. Level 12 is where the check in is, with plenty of open space, tropical (no AC) and green (lawns). It attempts to be a resort in a city, and i'd say that they excelled at it.

The 24h gym accommodates your work out, but if you can, just hit the lawn for some yoga or HIIT. 

I would have planned for a picnic under the stars given time to plan but we are an spontaneous couple. Well, wine and desserts can do too! ;)

Not a gym person? Then take a swim at one of the two roof top pools.

Life is pretty awesome by the pool. All we need is a pool bar and life will be perfect.

Not the suntanning type as well? Then take shelter and swing around in one of the nests with a book. 

Breakfast is at The Marmalade Pantry which we know is a pretty decent option. If local is more your thing, the Tanjong Pagar Plaza Market and Food Centre or Maxwell Food Centre is just a stone's throw away. There's also plenty of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean restaurants in the vicinity. Check out what's available under the CBD tab!

Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore

100 Peck Seah Street Singapore 079333 

info.ohd@fareast.com.sg

Tel: +65 6812 6900/ 6881 8888

Looking for new flavours to excite the tastebuds? Come 15 to 21 Aug, head over to The Dining Room at Sheraton Towers for An Indonesian Gastronomic Experience. Taking classic Indonesian flavours to greater heights with French techniques and modern interpretations, Guest Chef John Sawarto presents us with his hearty Indonesian delights.

When it comes to Indonesian cuisine, gado gado is a must-have. It is like an Indonesian version of a salad—naked ingredients and a winning peanut sauce. Thus, I had been looking forward to Chef John’s version of Grilled Lobster Gado Gado—grilled lobster on tropical fruit salsa, kaffir and kencur infused peanut dressing, micrograms and kalamansi vinaigrette. I wish I had more peanut dressing!

Prepared with just salt and pepper and served with apple and starfruit slaw and rujak, the Seared Foie Gras was unique to the tastebuds. With kecap manis (love~) in the sauce, the foie gras has changed its nationality.

My favourites would be a toss between Wagyu Beef Cheek Rendang and Crispy Spiced Duck Confit. Slow-braised in rendang spices and coconut cream for 6 hours, the Wagyu Beef Cheek Rendang is melt-in-the-mouth delicious. The rendang is accompanied with fragrant jasmine rice infused with saffron and lemongrass and vanilla poached petit brastagi potatoes. I could have the rendang spicier, but that is just my personal preference.

Can you believe it's been a year since SG50 already??! Well with the upcoming National Day, let us walk down memory lane at Singapore's Favorite Buffet The Line at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore. From now till 14 Aug, Chef de Cuisine Vincent Wong has enhanced the highlights for buffet dinner with local delights. Travel back in time and revel in old-world charm as The Line transforms into a bustling food market reminiscent of traditional hawker streets from the 1960s.

Savour signature and new highlights such as Singapore Laksa; Oyster Omelette; Otak-otak; Satay; Nasi Lemak and Kueh, alongside creatively-reinterpreted delights including Chicken Rice Maki Roll; Chilli Crab Brioche and Chendol Bubbles. BUT OF COURSE, a wide range of international delights will complement the Singapore-themed highlights from the buffet. You can read about my review on The Line Shangri-La Hotel here.

Guess what! There's also specially imported durians from Malaysia (think Mao Shan Wang and D24), alongside other tropical fruits like mangosteen, jackfruit, rambutan and more. 

The Line's Dinner Buffet is priced at $79/adult (Mon, Wed, Sun), $92 (Fri & Sat), $98/108 (Tues/Thu- with enhanced seafood selection and alcohol).

If that's not enough durians for you, head over to The Line Shop for takeaways of a variety of Durian desserts like Durian and Pandan Roulade; Durian Choux; Durian Kueh Lapis; Durian Gula Melaka Tart; and Durian Cheesecake! All for $8 nett per piece!! They are open 7am - 9pm daily. 

Buffets are too much for you? Well there's also the National Day Afternoon Tea Celebration at Lobby Court. From 1 to 31 Aug 2016, indulge in Shang's National Day themed three-tiered tea set and delight in familiar local favourites with a modern twist such as Chili Crab in Tomato Bun; Beef Rendang Herb Bun, Mini Croissant with Otak Otak and Pineapple Slaw and Chicken Curry Bruschetta.

Sweets wise, how do Pandan Scones; Kueh Lapis; Onde Onde; Orchid Macaron; Durian Cheese Cake; Ang Ku Kuih; Coconut Brown Sugar Éclair and Rainbow Cake sound?

The Afternoon Tea Set is priced at $42/pax, inclusive of unlimited pours of 1 type of tea/coffee, and $51/pax inclusive of a Singapore Sling/Tiger Beer. Subsequent glasses are charged at $5.10 each. 

Shangri-La Hotel Singapore

Orange Grove Road Singapore 258350

Tel: +65 6213 4398/4275

INSPIRATION. ENTICE. EXCITE. What is your desire this evening?

Follow your inner voice and adventure across the sea to Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora at Resort World Singapore to be inspired, enticed, or excited. Cat Cora, the first female Iron Chef in Singapore is back with new seafood lunch and dinner menus that have just been launched at the restaurant in the S.E.A Aquarium.

Here’s a peek to the ENTICE ($158) menu. Teasers to start the evening are three small bites—Parma Ham Aerated Crème, Kueh Pie Tee and Ravioli.

The Parma Ham Aerated Crème stood out with its savory light cream, sprinkled with sherry onion, crouton and crispy pork skin. I want a dollop of this on my sweet french toast!

Light and fresh on the palates, Ocean - Harmony of Sea Life holds the delights of the ocean. Fresh scallop and roe, smoked oyster, abalone and barramundi, accompanied with salsa vert, charred aioli, ginger essence and a quenelle of cool watermelon sorbet. A summer delight.

The smoked salmon with chilled cauliflower milk and horseradish creme and roe of the Sous Vide Scottish Salmon was beautifully presented. The purple cauliflower pops the dish, giving the dish the crunch and vibrancy.

Well Ocean is not just about seafood! The Crisp Brick Duck Foie Gras and Braised-Seared Beef Short Rib/ Charred Grilled Wagyu Primecuts are dishes that you do not want to miss. Resembling a harmless piece of tofu, the Crisp Brick Duck Foie Gras is a silky piece of liver hidden under a crispy coat. Generously topped with cocoa nib, puffed buckwheat and ginger candy and drizzled with a tamarind-balsamic reduction, this dish is an earthy delight.

The Braised-Seared Beef Short Rib/ Charred Grilled Wagyu Primecuts will convert you into a red meat lover (how can you not be one)! Intense in flavor, the succulent meat on the short rib was easily pulled-apart and devoured; many bites into the blushing centre of the perfectly grilled wagyu did not make me feel like a caveman. How I love the fatty-goodness melting in the mouth~

Back to the marine life. We were served Lobster Milk, a meat-packed lobster ‘wanton’ in lobster milk and topped with spiced roe. A huge seafoodie sigh.

Next up, New Zealand Sustainable Fresh Fish. Look at how white the chunky piece of white fish is, and sandwiched between crispy golden crusts! Served with ratte mash and highlighted with crustacean aioli and caviar vinaigrette, the dish delighted the tastebuds.

Chocolate Ends. Greek yogurt, Grand Marnier mangoes, cocoa nibs, tarragon gelato. Let's not count calories!

The sustainably sourced produce and its preparation contribute towards a delectable and healthy meal at Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora. With a mesmerising view of adorable sea creatures (OOh! There goes the hammerhead! The manta! The tuna!), the only reason for roving eyes are in the enormous tank of blue. Perfect for a date you say?

Dinner menus include INSPIRATION ($208) and EXCITE ($128). If you can’t wait till the evening, there are lunch sets DELIGHT ($58) and LEISURE ($72) for the mid-day blues. Let’s go “Under the sea, under the sea..”

-Zen-

Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora

Resorts World Sentosa S.E.A Aquarium, Level B1M

Tel: +65 6577 6688

Lunch: 11.30am-2.30pm daily 

Dinner: 6-10.30pm daily 

It's the Mooncake season again a.k.a. Mid Autumn Festival and based on the mooncakes that i've been sampling, i think the trend this year is... YAM. We aren't strangers to this gorgeous purple pink root in our desserts and i love how it's presented in the flaky filo pastry! Also, Mao Shan Wang Durian is still a hot favorite in the snowskin collection of many restaurants.

Hai Tien Lo at Pan Pacific Singapore

With seven delicately handcrafted mooncakes, you will be spoilt for choice by Hai Tien Lo at Pan Pacific Singapore. Their highly popular Mao Shan Wang Durian Snowskin Mooncake is also making a comeback this year!

Well i'm certainly going Japanese with the Green Tea Paste with Single Yolk in a golden brown pastry! Also, how can anyone resist the Black Sesame with Single Yolk that has the most amazing fragrance. Pre order these now to be the first to get your hands on these golden parcels, available from 15 Aug to 15 Sep. 

Hai Tien Lo is also doing a specially crafted Six-Course Mid Autumn Reunion Set Menu available for dine in in the same period! Might as well gather the whole clan and celebrate!

I've written about how Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore offers an affordable Sunday Champagne Brunch with Perrier Jouet.. BUT GUESS WHAT? J65 restaurant is launching its latest dining promotion that allows guests to Eat Through The Week with a series of dining options from Monday to Sunday. Every day for dinner, J65 will launch a different theme, from Crab! It’s Monday, Tuesday’s Beef Yourself Up!, Wednesday’s Lobster Rock ‘n’ Roll, Thursday’s His Majesty the King Prawn, Hooked! Seafood Mania on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday’s Let’s Go Local.  

Yes there is going to be something for everyone but it does sound like there's going to be a lot of seafood! Crappy Mondays will be made better with Salted Egg Crab, Black Pepper Crab and Homemade Crab Popiah..

Meat lovers would delight in the Beefy Tuesday offering with Rib Eye Roast, local Sup Ekor and Beef Rendang Tok. Tiger Beer Draft goes for just $5!

The star of Wednesday is the Lobster and I want some of that Hand Tossed Lobster Roll, and Roasted Lobster Bisque. Even the local laksa gets a makeover with some lobster in them. PLUS it's Ladies' Night, so you girls get first sampler Sangria for free and subsequently, one-for-one Sangria at $14 ALL NIGHT LONG.

Prawn lovers should make it down on Thursday for a medley of King Prawn dishes- Baked Sea Salt King Prawns, Claypot Live Prawns in Herbal Broth and Penang Prawn Mee will delight your tastebuds. 

If you love ANY type of seafood, you have Fri AND Sat to feast on fresh seafood including Fin de Claire oysters, lobsters, crabs, prawns and scallops. 

Sundays are for spending with the family and your folks would certainly enjoy the local spread that includes Lamb Briyani, Chef’s Signature Popiah, Fried Oyster Omelette and Teochew Braised Duck. 

The Eat Through The Week promotions are available for dinner (6 - 9.30pm Sun - Thu; 6 - 10pm Fri & Sat). It is priced at $55/pax (Sun - Thu) or $60/pax (Fri - Sat).

J65 Restaurant

Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore, Level 1 

1A Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249716

Tel: +65 6831 4374 

Fancy English Afternoon tea with dainty finger sandwiches and bites in a colonial setting? YES PLEASE. While we were on our staycation at Goodwood Park Hotel, we couldn't help but be tantalized by the sight and smell of these gorgeous savory and sweet delights at L'Espresso.

Say goodbye to the plain 'ol cucumber sandwiches and hello to a whole range of interesting sandwiches. How about Meatloaf & Zucchini Piccata; Turkey Ham with Granny Smith Apple & Cheddar; Smoked Pork with Emmental Cheese & Orange Marmalade; Peppery Beef pastrami with Gruyere Cheese & Sauerkraut? 

If that sounded interesting, wait till you see the little open-face sandwiches. Here we have the Duo of Smoked Salmon with Avruga Caviar; Croissant with bacon and avocado apple; Blue cheese with Fig & Quince Jelly; Spiced Chicken Roll with Potato Crumble and Sour Cream. 

In particular, the Crabmeat salad with avocado & tomato salsa in Vol-au-vent (a light pastry puff), and the salami & truffle mille-feuille should not be missed. Other than the regular cold cuts, there's also the creamy spreads like the sweet-ish Emmental with Cranberry & Walnut, and the earthy and fragrant Truffle Mushroom. The Duck Rillette didn't fare that well due to the lack in flavor.

Classic Cantonese dining is made chic and edgy at Holland Village's latest hit Full of Luck Club 福乐. Brought to you by the same team behind award winning Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant, you can be sure that you're getting quality Cantonese dishes with a contemporary twist. I think it would appeal to the millenials very well. 

A selection of classic dimsum is available at Full of Luck Club and we highly recommend the Stir fried Radish cake with X.O. sauce ($6.80).

This is one of the standard dishes i order in order to evaluate dimsum restaurants fairly and Full of Luck Club doesn't disappoint. Flavorful lup cheong (wind dried Chinese sausages) is mixed with juicy radish in a slightly dense kueh with a lovely all around sear. Oh and that umami shrimpy XO paste! I'd say top it with a little more of their bean paste chili and you have a winning Chai Tow Kueh. 

Other snacks that i approve of- Poached Wontons in Chilli Soy ($8) that is like a 红油抄手 with less vinegar. The parcels were packed with juicy chunky pork and prawn meat. I thought it was pretty well balanced. The Chili Glazed Fried Fermented Bean Paste Chicken Wings ($8) make the best beer grub with the super crunchy batter coated with the pungent sweet chili bean paste that tasted innocent at the start but trust me, that heat will kick in at the end. While the Golden Sand Corn with Salted Egg Yolk ($4.80) was raved about on social media, i thought the salted egg flavor was lacking and the corn could be juicy. Perhaps it's meant to be exactly what it is, popcorn?

I know Japan is just a short flight away if there's an insane craving for fresh and crafted local eats but guess what? You can get the same stuff right at Japan Food Town, which is just less than an hour away from your doorstep! The newly opened food hall at Wisma Atria has gathered 16 F&B outlets that are guaranteed to satisfy any type of Japanese delicacy craving you may have. 

All 16 tenants will procure more than 50% of their ingredients directly from Japan, and in some cases on a daily basis, as part of the collaboration with the Japan Association of Overseas Promotion for Food & Restaurants (JAOF). Trust me they got their logistics all set to ensure fresh and unique ingredients such as Matsuzaka Beef, Kinme-Rice, and Kindai Maguro etc. get to your mouths in the fastest and most affordable way. 

On to the food. Let's start with the meats. Look at the marbling of this lovely cow at Yakiniku Heijoen. At Osaka Kitchen, sizzling Teppan-yaki specials will satisfy your meat craving. There's the locally famed Okonomi-Yaki too, but do also look out for their Japanese Omelette with Pork Belly ($8).

An affordable protein loading option is found at Shabu Shabu Tajimaya which does a 90min buffet in either shabu shabu or sukiyaki style.

Love dim sum but bored of going to the ‘same old’ restaurant? Fret not, Avenue Joffre’s Master Chef Ge Xian’e, China’s “Queen of Dim Sum” (who also has numerous prestigious Dim Sum titles under her belt!), has introduced many new and creative Dim Sum items for the month of July!

Dig in to traditional Dim Sum items such as Steamed Crystal Prawn Dumpling 冬笋鲜虾饺 ($6), Steamed Minced Pork & Abalone Siew Mai 鲍鱼烧卖($6), Steamed Shanghai Pork Dumpling 上海小笼包 ($7) and Pan-fried Pork Bun filled with Soup 灌汤上海生煎包 ($7).

The traditional items are superb.. and Oh My Dumpling! The Steamed Shanghai Pork Dumpling is THE dream dumpling. Super thin skin yet holding its hearty contents. Check. Juicy pork. Check. Intense and flavourful stock. Check. LOTS of soup and pork. Check. My only thought: Can I have a bigger spoon please?

Are there another outstanding dishes? YES. Rolling off our tongues is the Steamed Preserved Turnip & Sesame Rice Roll 香麻菜脯肠粉 ($6). The delicate layers of rice roll coiled under the mildly spiced and crunchy preserved turnip. Drizzle the roll with savoury-sweet shallot-y sauce and I’m seduced. This must be the best plate of rice roll I have ever tasted—in both texture and taste.

Tuned to the trends, Avenue Joffre has also included Dim Sum varieties to excite the modern palettes.