Looking to have a great piece of steak without breaking the bank? Then it has to be SKIRT at W Hotel at Sentosa Cove for you. Every Mon to Thu, enjoy the new Route 88 menu which consists a 3 course signature steak dinner for only $88. 

Well of course there are other options for your mains such as pork, lamb, or fish, and vegetarian as well. But hello.. You did not go to SKIRT for that did you? 

Bread is a highlight here! The finishing charcoal grill yields a crusty blemished exterior which gives way to a fluffy pillowy inside. This loaf came with a creamy artichoke purée and a lightly spiced chorizo oil! Yes.. We asked for butter anyway because BUTTER.

No time to spare but need a quick beauty fix? Pop over to one of the conveniently located PPP Laser Clinics for a quick treatment to revitalize your skin for a clearer and more radiant complexion. PPP Clinic's panel of qualified and accredited Doctors does medical aesthetic treatments focusing on the use of low dosage laser to minimise downtime and maximize results. 

I recently tried their newly launched 360 Solution treatment that consists 5 steps to improve Color, Consistency, and Contour of your face.

It is easy to be overwhelmed by the trademark ‘ma la’ (麻辣 i.e. spicy and tongue-numbing) aspect of Sichuan cuisine, especially made popular by Chinese hotpot chains (yes HDL I love you).. BUT BUT BUT.. Did you know there are more than 20 different unique flavors in Sichuan cuisine? Well.. Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant – the pioneer of Sichuan cuisine in Singapore - intends to educate you on all of that with their à la carte buffet showcasing 100 authentic Sichuan dishes. 

Fear not, while the core ingredients of a Sichuan dish may comprise chili and peppercorn, the differing proportions of the spices or the cooking techniques will differentiate one dish from another. We were dazzled by the immense breadth of flavors (they split it into 26 flavors and dishes are listed under the flavors)- Chili Oil; Garlic & Chili; Tomato; Sweet Sour; Sesame; Sichuan Minced Pepper; Sichuan Pepper and Minced Spring Onion; Strange-flavored; Spicy Sour; Ma La; Vinegar; Sweet Bean; Chinese Rice Wine; Homemade Spicy Sichuan Bean paste; Regular Bean Paste; Sweet Salty; Mustard; Lychee; Garlic Chili with Fish sauce; Sichuan Pepper; Plum; 5 Spices; Salty; Onion Oil; Ginger; and Sweet. 

Thankfully, the dishes are all of tasting portions, suitable for sharing between 3-4pax. Before you go crazy on your orders, i'd say that 20-25 dishes will be good for your party of 4. That means at least 3-4 visits before you can complete all the dishes! Well.. we tried 55 in 1 seating (there were about 14 of us). Having tried all the flavors and half the dishes, here are some of our favorites!

Love beef? Then head over to 10 at Claymore at Pan Pacific Orchard for their Omi Wagyu Beef from Shiga prefecture, Japanb, only available for the month of August and September. This is enjoyed alongside their small but quality buffet. 

Look at that gorgeous marbling!! 

Yes it looks the same as advertised! As part of the themed buffet, savour the rich flavour and unique tenderness of this exquisite cut of beef (1 serving/pax), served with a pot of specially prepared soup broth, cooked by you in shabu-shabu style; or have it grilled (we found this too oily and bland though). I

Osteria Mozza has done away the white linens (FINALLY) and now presents us a relaxed ambience for weekend lunch. On the newly introduced Weekend Lunch menu is a selection of food that epitomizes true Italian cooking. Did I mention there is breakfast food too? Weekends have definitely been made sweeter!

A table favourite is the Housemade Gravlax ($22) with lemon, chives, shaved eggs, croutons and avocado. All the favourite breakfast ingredients tossed in beautiful flavours. A clean and healthy breakfast!

I love the salads from sister restaurant, Pizzeria Mozza, so I do have expectations for the greens here. I am pleased to declare that Butter Lettuce ($21) did not disappoint! A classic dish, the crisp leaves of greens, balls of toasted hazelnuts, slices of hardboiled egg and long strips of blushing bacon are arranged like a salad bouquet, wrapped with creamy gorgonzola dolce and dressed with vinaigrette.

Cheese lovers will love the Bufala Mozzarellas! (Even if you are not, a taste of this might just convert you into a fan!) Hand-pulled and served with traditional and simple ingredients are the Caprese of Bufala Mozzarella ($25) with vine ripened tomatoes and basil pesto; and Bufala Mozzarella ($28) with Prosciutto di Parma. Bursting with fresh and natural flavours of Italy, I was teleported to The Boot.

Rich in flavours, the house-made pastas are items that cannot be missed. A dish with wild mushrooms, asparagus and walnuts, the Farfalle ($23) is delicious with its nutty flavors. The big bow-ties have an addictive bite to them and before you know it, the plate is cleaned.

Culinary Designer is Chef Trevor Paulo of Xperience Restaurant at Sofitel So Singapore! How else can we explain the dish after dish of precisely plated art from his Signature menu that were sent out of the immaculate open kitchen? I believe Trevor is rather OCD (all that temperature monitoring and perfect swooshes) when it comes to transforming the fresh seasonal produce into their modern European-Japanese dish form. As rigid as that may sound, his plates do not bore! Here are the highlights!

Cured salmon ($25) adorned with cucumber shavings, pickled cauliflower, dill & coriander pearls, tobiko, and finished with a fermented apple juice. Fermentation is the hottest technique in the culinary world right now (so I say) and can I please have a bottle of that tangy apple juice! This appetizer more than serves its purpose of getting our stomach ready for the night. Light and cool dish, with a hint of citrus, ending on a wasabi note. I wouldn't mind a slightly smoky fish to accent the dish though.

I preferred the bright bursts of flavors in the Spanner Crab ($25). The lime mayonnaise, spring herbs, sansho, and wasabi snow brought out the sweetness of the meat. This wouldn't be out of place in a Japanese restaurant for sure.

For the main course, treat yourself to hearty meat dishes like the juicy Beef Short Rib ($38) with all types of onion! White onion purée, leek confit, spring onion tempura, onion paper, and a shallot jus embellished this braised Australian Wagyu short rib. The meat was first sous vide for 36-48h at 68 deg and then seared for a little crispiness. Knives not allowed! This could have been an onion dish because i didn't quite miss the slightly bland meat at all.

Another weekend, another staycation. This time in my eventual hood- Marine Parade/Katong! For all those poor souls living in other parts of Singapore, this is an opportunity to experience what the East has to offer you. (I've a giveaway at the end of post so read on!) I've always known that Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy is right smack in the middle of the rich Peranakan area in East Coast, but what I didn't know was that it's a gem hidden in plain sight. 

Location wise, Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy is less than 15 mins away from the city, the beach, and the airport. Try beating that really! There's certainly no lack of food, shopping, and entertainment options (only lack of stomach space), with malls (Parkway Parade and i12 Katong are just next door), local food, and East Coast Park at your doorstep.

While room space is a luxury in Singapore, the rooms at Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy boasts of a spacious 32sqm or more. The rooms are equipped with the usual services like IDD service, Cable TV, ironing board, minibar, safe deposit, complimentary coffee and tea making facilities, hairdryer, over-mattress and bathroom amenities with bathrobe and slippers.

Our super huge bathroom with tub and all!  

Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy got you covered with their full range of bath amenities.  

Staying in the executive room or suite also entitles you to complimentary WiFi, breakfast, and exclusive access to the Executive Lounge on level 17.  

All day refreshments and evening cocktails with canapés are provided at the lounge. It's a nice spot to enjoy the sea view! Well, get a few drinks and save space for a more substantial meal in the neighborhood.

If you're too lazy to head out, you should check out Breez Bistro Bar which is right by the pool on level 4. Yes it is indeed breezy in this fairly open restaurant and we were pleasantly surprised by the standard of the food. A selection of drinks are also available

This creamy and hearty mushroom soup was one of the better ones i've tasted (for real). It definitely didn't come out of a can! Plus that touch of tempura enoki for an added crisp. 

I also enjoyed the huge slab of salmon fillet that was perfectly cooked, pink in the center and crispy all around. We hear the burgers and steaks are pretty satisfying too! 

We had a special dessert brought up from the Wave Cafe located on level 1. This Salted Caramel cake was another lovely surprise with a espresso mousse hiding a crunchy salted caramel core. We polished this in no time.

Of course I had to squeeze in a session between all that eating. Thankfully the well equipped gym is open 24h. 

Executive guests are treated to breakfast at the lounge, or at the Feast@East buffet restaurant. I decided to stick to the simple but adequate breakfast selection upstairs, since it meant a more peaceful dining experience (plus that view)! 

Still peckish? Well remember that you are in the Food Mecca of Singapore! Katong Laksa; Peranakan kuehs and more at Glory or Kim Choo; local breakfast at Chin Mei Chin Confectionery; Beach Road Prawn Noodles; Ampang Yong Tau Foo; all that hawker food at Marine Parade or Marine Terrace Hawker Center... Plus all the hip cafes all within your reach- Dutch Colony, Stamping Ground, Group Therapy, Domain Bakery etc. We had a hard time deciding where to eat at, despite being Easties ourselves.

Business Travelers will be happy to know that there is also complimentary daily shuttle services to and from Singapore Changi Airport, and a shuttle service to Orchard Road!

Well here is another incentive to check out Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy! I'm giving away a 2D1N Studio Suite Weekend Stay with Buffet Breakfast and Executive lounge access for 2!

Giveaway Details:
1. Repost/Share the Instagram/FB post on Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy with hashtag #MSFxGMSR
2. Like/Follow and Tag @MsSkinnyfat and @GrandMercureSingaporeRoxy in the repost
3. Also tag someone you want to go on this staycation with! Of course tell us why you wanna win this stay! :) 

Giveaway ends midnight 28 Aug 2016! Winner will be contacted separately!

Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy

50 East Coast Road, Roxy Square, Singapore 428769

Telephone: +65 6340 5809

Durian lovers, you need to run down to the Resorts World Sentosa Durian Fest NAO! The festival is back bigger than ever, as aficionados line up to pay tribute to the King of fruits during this annual bonanza.

The world’s largest stack of durians takes center stage, with 21 tonnes of the fruit imported specially from plantations in Pahang, Malaysia. Besides the durians, specialist supplier Durian 36 also provides staff who will expertly pick out the variety of durian you want. Simply walk up to the mounds of durians and ask for the one (or more) of your choice, and the staff will crack those pesky shells open for you. 

Besides the perennial favorite Mao Shan Wang, this year’s durian selection also includes the D13, Red Prawn (Ang Hei), Golden Phoenix (Jin Feng) and the Bamboo (Tekka). Each variety of durian comes with their unique properties- the Mao Shan Wang undisputedly the crowd favorite for its creamy and rich taste. Just 2 seeds and you're mostly full! However, fans have also expressed their love for the sweet and intense flavor of the Ang Hei, a fleshy orange hue fruit with small seeds. 

Tucking in to Indian cuisine is a pleasurable affair for me. Loaded with rich flavours and spices, the meal usually heats me up (in a very good way) and the taste lingers satisfyingly in the mouth. And recently, the Monsoon Menu at Punjab Grill did just that.

From 15 July to 31 Aug 2016, Punjab Grill pays tribute to the Monsoon with its Monsoon platters to evoke the unique smells, tastes and flavors associated with this season. There is a wide selection of dishes on the menu, and even exotic mocktails and cocktails crafted for the Monsoon season. Now bring on the rain!

For starters, there is Apple wood smoked salmon & Tempered quinoa salad ($18). Do not scoff at the healthy grain! The quinoa has been tempered with mustard seeds, which balances the strong flavours of the tandoori salmon. I can’t help smiling at the chunky slab of blushing pink salmon.

Who would have thought that chaat, the humble street snack served at roadside stalls and carts, could be elevated to this beautiful dish at Punjab Grill? A dish of many flavours, the Plantain & Spinach Tikki chole ki chaat ($20) has hints of sour plum and spicy tamarind, mint, and yogurt. Under the mountain of flavors are chickpeas and a patty of spinach that is unlike any that you have seen or tasted. The spinach patty even has the fishcake ‘Q’ texture. I love this one!

The Japanese may have the tempura, but the Punjabis have the perfect comfort food on rainy days—pakodas! With Monsoon Assorted pakoda (fritters) platter ($45), you can be sure that the kids eat their vegetables too! Broccoli, capsicum, cottage cheese, artichoke and green asparagus coated with spiced gram flour and fried. Yummy!

I'm not a buffet fan but after all that judging for the Weekender Food Mania Awards 2016, I'm practically a buffet expert. SO it is with great pleasure to announce that I have found the BEST CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH IN SINGAPORE (ok chill) and it is BAR & BILLIARD ROOM at Raffles Hotel Singapore (sorry can't get over the excitement)!

No seriously, if I have to pay for a buffet, Bar & Billiard Room can take my money NAO. Well, Raffles Hotel is honestly the best place to waste your Sunday away at (such gorgeous grounds) and BBR oozes class and fun. I would liken it to a fabulous house party thrown by your best foodie friend I.e. ME (haha)! I was sold once they brought the magnums of Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose around and started filling our glasses. OH YAASSS. 

We were overwhelmed by the massive spread of appetizers, none of which are your run-of-the-mill sort of stuff. We feasted on the best mix of vegetables- artichokes, beets, tapenade, quinoa, ripened vine tomatoes, eggplant, and smoked/cured meats- salmon, duck, ham, chicken. 

Shooters make for easier eating and while you can easily grab some of that Maine Lobster with Avocado & Black Truffle; King Prawns; and Parma with Burratina from the cold cuts area, you should also walk to the other end of the room where the the live stations are. DO NOT BE LAZY. That short walk will reward you with that fat creamy foie gras with pea purée. 

Also, the other highlight is the UNI SCRAMBLED EGGS. While i wasn't impressed with the eggs (they seemed more like mashed potato?), i would die for that uni. Oh no it's not even any of that nonsense uni sauce, there were tongues of uni in every little cup. 

All that amazing cheeses (about 40 varieties) hard, soft, cow, goat, bleu (they were oh so pungent and savory).. With dried fruits, quince paste, jams, and a delicious array of artisanal breads to go with. You can't go wrong with the sourdough selection (with cheese, multigrain and more), or that lovely Sundried tomato ciabatta that i devoured with the salted Echire butter (lovely)! I was upset that i couldn't fit in any of the glorious flaky croissants and quiches! :( 

Obviously my preferred starter is cheese. ;) 

All that lovely cold cuts, and sides of foie gras in terrine and marbre form. Pair them with the melons of course or on the lovely brioche. 

Seafood wise, you wouldn't be disappointed with fresh and plump lobster, prawns, oysters, and more..

How about some hot seafood? Do not miss the gorgeous scallop with potatoes, leek risotto and black truffle! 

On to the meats! Do not miss the Iberico pork ribs for your life. Seriously that fatty tender meat was so well marinated with a well balanced sweetness. It could do with some char but was delicious nonetheless. I had seconds. And I did not share.

That Omaha Beef tenderloin is one of the smoothest piece of meat that I have had! Want something more manly? There's also the Australian grain-fed rib on bone; Welsh lamb (both saddle and rack with herbs form); and duck too!

Pair them with sides of potato gratin, eggplant parmigiana, creamed spinach, creamy leeks with ham, or pasta even.

I took too many trips to beautiful desserts table of course. It was hard to find fault with what was available! I loved the homemade chocolate chunk with nuts, mixed nut tart, salted caramel Saint Honor (such lovely choux with smooth cream), hazelnut opera, coffee caramel cream and MORE! 

SO PLEASE, TAKE MY MONEY ALREADY Bar & Billiard Room! Save all your buffet money for this people but it's worth that decadent Sunday afternoon. Sunday brunch runs from 12 to 3pm weekly. It's $198/$218 for the Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve/Brut Rose, or $158 for a selection of wines, beers, juices, and signature Singapore Sling.

Trust me, the best Sunday Champagne Brunch experience right here at Raffles Hotel Singapore.

Bar & Billiard Room 

Raffles Hotel Singapore
1 Beach Road Singapore 189673

Tel: +65 6412 1816