BiTES - The Scoop on Good Eats (December 2016) by BiTES - The Scoop on Good Eats

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2016 111/03/

Merry X'mas from us! p20

inside + Festive buffets galore p12 + Gifts for foodie friends p17

BOSS HOT SEAT p6

Meet the sweet guy behind sugar company Cheng Yew Heng.

DESTINATION: HARBOURFRONT p14

Ocean-view dining and hawker picks in the southern parts.

SUPERMARKET SLEUTH p16

Which mint chocolate creams should you reach for?

Jive

turkey Our guide to the best big birds this season p8

DRINK TANK p18

Toast to all the bars with a great view.

Bites.com.sg is live! The latest food news and creative content to sink your teeth in.

NewsBiTES

ie This is your quickn one-stop sectio , gs for latest openin ty events, personaliher interviews and otod top-of-mind fo news.

EAT Cafes, restaurants, buffets and hawkers—it’s the ultimate in eating out.

DRINK Sip on our drink categories, with updates on booze, (non-alcoholic) beverages and new openings.

COOK

From kitchen cipes equipment to re it’s and caterers— ng ni the ultimate in di at home.

DESTINATION

Dive into our guides by dining South, East, North, W Central reg est or ions.

WIN

Contests, promotions and signature session, Makan on BiTES.

D is co v e r o n e x cl u si v e s l in e that y o u w o n ’t f in d in t h p r in t v e r si on, and ea e sh a r in g b sy b r in g co n t u t t o n s t h a t t o F a ce b o o e n t st r a ig h t k, a n d Y o u T u bIn st a g r a m e, y o u r f r ie n a n d ds

Our print and online coverage create the complete all-in-one media package that you can trust. For advertising enquiries: Please contact us at 6848 6875 / 6848 687 | bites.advertise@magsint.com

w e l c o m e

Where to find your B i TES ? PICK US UP! Free at over 100 venues | BITE INTO US ONLINE www.bites.com.sg | Cafes & restaurants Bonta Italian Restaurant & Bar (District 10) • Brussels Sprouts - Robertson Quay • California Pizza Kitchen Forum • Emicakes @ Kovan • EN Grill and Bar • Farisya's Kitchen • Ginkhao Restaurant • Ginza Lion Beer Hall • Joe & Dough (Kallang) • K.Kook Korean & BBQ Buffet • Milagro Spanish Restaurant • Ootoya Japanese Restaurant • Oriole Coffee + Bar • Outback Steakhouse • Oyster Bar & Grill Wharf • Pu3 Restaurant • Ramen Champion • Roti Mum • Selfish Gene Cafe • Spinelli (all outlets) • Starbucks (all outlets) • tcc - The Connoisseur Concerto (all boutiques) • The Rustic Bistro • The Marmalade Pantry ION • Yellow Submarine (Toa Payoh) • ZEN Japanese Cuisine • 31 Bar & Kitchen Cooking Schools Cookyn Inc • The Eureka Cooking Lab Country & Private Clubs British Club • China Club • Club HDB • Ee Hoe Hean Millionaire Club • Hollandse Club • Jurong Country Club • Keppel Club • Laguna National Golf & Country Club • NUSS - Kent Ridge Guild House • NUSS - Bukit Timah Guild House • NUSS - Suntec City Guild House • Orchid Country Club • Raffles Marina • Seletar Country Club • Sentosa Golf Club • Serangoon Gardens Country Club • Singapore Chinese Swimming Club • Singapore Cricket Club • Singapore Island Country Club • Tanah Merah Country Club • The American Club • The Swiss Club • Tower Club Hotels Amara Singapore • Carlton City Hotel • Changi Village

Hotel • Concorde Hotel Singapore • Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore • Dorsett Singapore • Furama City Centre • Furama RiverFront • Hilton Singapore • Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium • Hotel Miramar • Hotel Re! • ibis Hotel Singapore • Intercontinental Singapore • Mandarin Orchard • Nostalgia Hotel • Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay • Orchard Hotel Singapore • Pan Pacific Orchard • Park Hotel Alexandra • Peninsula Excelsior Hotel • Ramada and Days Singapore at Zhongshan Park • Studio M Hotel Singapore • The Elizabeth Hotel • The Quincy Hotel • The Scarlet Hotel • Village Hotel Bugis • York Hotel MallS Orchard Central • SVC@ION Orchard• The Grandstand National Tourism Offices Australia Tourism • Japan National Tourism Organization • Korean Tourism Organization supermarkets Meidi-Ya Singapore • PasarBella Salon Jean Yip Hairdressing

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Publisher Cecilia Goh Editor June Lee Staff Writer Katie Boon Art Director Jenn Chew Design Intern Clair Ong Contributing Designers Philip Tan, Sharon Lee Business Manager Sam Sin Assistant Business Manager Rhea Ng Marketing Executive Justina Liew Publishing Admin Manager (Admin & Circulation) Siti Haneymah

IT & Digital Manager Jun Evangelista Accounts Manager Linda Ng Group Publisher Ho Sum Kwong Group Managing Editor Adeline Wong is published 12 times a year by Magazines Integrated Pte Ltd. 85 Playfair Road, #04-02 Tong Yuan Building, Singapore 368000 Tel: +65 6848 6884 Fax: +65 6748 3453 Website: www.bites.com.sg Advertising enquiries: 6848 6882 bites.editorial@magsint.com bites.advertise@magsint.com bites.marketing@magsint.com

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Also hand-distributed at: OUTSIDE MRT Stations Ang Mo Kio • Bedok • City Hall• Jurong East • Raffles Place • Woodlands • Yishun

Copyright by the Publisher. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the Publisher is strictly prohibited. Views and opinions expressed in B i t e s are not neccessarily those of the Publisher and the Editors. Although every reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the information provided in this publication, neither the Publisher, editors and their employees and agents can be held liable for any error and omission, nor any action taken based on the views expressed or information provided within this publication. You should always seek your own professional advice. All prices are in Singapore dollars unless otherwise stated and exclude miscellaneous taxes, unless stated.

c a l e n dA r :

D e c e m b e r sunday

monday

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wednesday

ONE FARRER FOOD STREET, 3-4 DEC

$65 | 8.30-11.30AM | SAM AT 8Q | Experience art, history and culture all in relation to food as you embark on an edible art adventure. peatix.com/ event/203613

christmas wonderland

4-11PM | 2 DEC- 1 JAN 2017 | GARDENS BY THE BAY 57,000 sqm of festive cheer includes a Christmas tree forest, ice palace and festive market. christmaswonderland.sg

dining on cloud 9

2 1 HALAL INTER- ENJOY CHRISTMAS NATIONAL CHEESE 2016

champagne tasting for $288 | 1-31 DEC | the festive SINGAPORE CABLE CAR season Enjoy a four-course meal suspended in the air as you soak in the sights from your cable car booth. faberpeaksingapore.com

starry christmas

$128 | 9-10 DEC | SILOSO BEACH The legendary dance festival is back again with a stellar lineup and good eats from the likes of Bird Bird and Teppei Shokudo. zoukout.com

open a door to israel

FREE | 9-23 DEC | MARINA BAY SANDS Organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Israel, this multi-sensory exhibition gives a glimpse of Israeli life, such as seeing what is on their dinner table. fb.com/IsraelinSingapore

28 penang hawkers’ fair

FROM $29 | 16 DEC-2 JAN 2017 | WHITE ROSE CAFE Indulge in Penang hawker fare like laksa, char kway teow and chendol before participating in their tikam fun dip and lucky draw. yorkhotel.com.sg

ONE FARRER FOOD STREET

3-4 DEC | ONE FARRER HOTEL & SPA Celebrate Christmas early with food to pamper your taste buds! From turkey and Christmas churros to local delights, enjoy them here.

terra madre day

$130 | 7-11PM | RED STAR RESTAURANT Slow Food Singapore launches their Heritage Hero Restaurants category with a dinner helmed by legendary master chefs Sin Leong and Hooi Kok Wai slowfood.sg

beer run orto

$38 | 4PM-LATE | ORTO Ingest a pint of beer in the middle and end of a 1.8km run to win up to $300 worth of vouchers and a medal. orto.sg/beerrunorto

$120 | 7-9 PM | FINE WINES SG Learn to tell the difference between a Bordeaux and Burgundy. Includes a palate test to see if you can suss out the premium wines. finewines.com.sg

12 NOV-2 JAN | ORCHARD ROAD Whip out your cameras as Singapore’s prime shopping district gets transformed into a glittering wonderland at this year’s light-up.

zoukout 2016

introduction to french cuisine

christmas on a great street

25 CHRISTMAS

$138 | 7.30-10PM | TOWER CLUB Taste six unique Champagnes and pick the best bubbly for your glitzy Christmas affair. peatix.com/event/212301

$95 | 10.30AM12.30NN | THE PROVIDORE MANDARIN GALLERY Learn about wine and cheese pairings with five cheeses and two wines. theprovidore.com

12-24 DEC | 50 RAFFLES PLACE Enjoy a seafood feast at Angie’s Oyster Bar’s Christmas semi-buffet , or meaty goodness with SEAR’s festive menu. fiftyrafflesplace.com

saturday 3

10AM-10PM | SINGAPORE EXPO HALL 5A Explore a halal food extravaganza with cooking demonstrations, eating competitions and plenty of product vendors.

Gastrogeography artist tour

friday

thursday

$128 | 3-6PM | TOTT @ DUNEARN Brush up your culinary repertoire for Christmas with dishes like duck confit with foie gras and truffle jam. content.tottstore.com/ classes

EVERY FRI TILL 8PM| KITCHEN BY FOOD REBEL The organic cafe extends its opening hours to offer biodynamic wines, glutenfree craft beers and tapas dishes to start off the weekend right. foodrebelsg.com

$138 | 2425 DEC | MONTREAUX JAZZ CAFÉ Fans of the local jazz maestro can enjoy a Christmas set menu alongside snappy tunes from Uncle Lou. montreauxjazzcafe.com

taste of french cuisine

food rebel fridays

louis soliano & friends

NEW YEAR’S EVE!

# m a k a n o n b i t e s

Makan on

BiTES

obolo Where: Coc + Grill Poolside Bar ember, 7pm When: 18 Nov : What we ate •Meats ck of lamb »» Australian ra steak »» N.Z. Angus ck ribs »» U.S. baby ba

•Seafood d tiger prawns »» Cajun-spice d arrow squid »» Tumeric-lace leaf kerel in banana »» Grilled mac

Under the stars on a cool evening, Makan on BiTES winners and their partners arrived at Cocobolo Poolside Bar + Grill, nestled amid greenery by the poolside of Park Hotel Clarke Quay. The al fresco restaurant is the venue for an upsized Barbecue Buffet Dinner, held every Friday to Sunday with chef Daniel

Lai helming the lipsmacking spread straight off the grill. It was a group of readers, with diverse palates that ranged from seafood lovers to non-spice enthusiasts. Luckily, the buffet’s well-planned variety catered to everyone, with well-marbled Angus steak, signature juicy lamb rack and large firm tiger prawns quickly filling up our plates. A perfect complement was the large rings of juicy grilled Sarawak pineapple, which refreshed the palate as we tucked into the wide array of grilled

items. Diners also chose a cold beverage of their preference, from beer to soft drinks. Readers also raved about the caramelised pear tart and mini Magnums that finished the meal on a sweet note. For guest Phoebe, it was an especially fun night as she chose to spend her birthday with us. All in all, it was a Friday night that started on good cheer as we made new friends over the spread. Visit YouTube at bites.com.sg to experience the evening's fun and food.

Makan on BiTES contest will be back in january 2017

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New Openings Enter a forest wonderland at Picnic with 13 different food concepts housed in mobile food trucks serving French, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese and American cuisines. Some favourites include a prata taco ($12 lunch/$16 dinner) stuffed with melt-in-your-mouth pork belly and pickled cabbage, as well as a very moreish vodka rigatoni ($12 lunch/ $16 dinner)—al dente pasta cooked in spicy pink vodka sauce. The ambience is stellar, with AstroTurf, fairy lights, and large communal wooden tables giving the space an outdoor atmosphere with all the comforts of dining indoors. #03-15 Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Road. Tel: 6734 8352 Experience the only Michelin-starred ramen in the world, as Tsuta opens their first outlet outside of Japan. They’ve got two signature ramens: shoyu soba ($15) features a heady broth made with custom brewed shoyu, and dashi made with a blend of seafood, vegetables and chicken, all topped off with a black truffle sauce. The shio soba ($15), while lighter, is more complex with a chicken-seafood broth flavoured with Okinawa sea salt and Mongolian rock salt, subtly scented with fresh mint. #01-01 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road. Kam's roast PICNIC

A Thai trio

DISTRICT 10

Kam’s Roast is the first overseas offshoot from the Michelin-starred Hong Kong flagship. As chilled goose is not available in Singapore, they are using Malaysian ducks for the specialty roast (from $16.80 for upper 1/4 to $55 for whole). The skin is succulent, but we miss the toothsome goose meat of the original. Thankfully, there’s the savoury-sweet Toro char siu pork belly ($22.80), with fattier layers than the nicely charred BBQ pork ($14.80) to up the decadent factor. #01-04/05/06/07 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road. Tel: 6836 7788

District 10 gets creative with their new menu, best described as comfort food goes luxe. We loved the chilli crab sauce soft shell crab ($20) which packed good heat, while foie gras gets a twist with papadum and mango chutney ($26). Pastas are not mere afterthought, as bucatini Amatriciana ($26) with a robust bacon, onion, chilli and basil tomato sauce demonstrates. For the festive season, look for festive bourbon flamed cheese ($24) and the 200-day grain fed Black Angus Tomahawk ($180), served with a serious amount of attractive char. Festive items only at #01-514/515 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Boulevard. Tel: 6822 2886

New menus At Kilo Kallang, don’t worry if the weather looks iffy as they are now fully air-conditioned! Look out for new sharing plates like Kilo gazpacho ($28)—Boston bay live mussels in a chilled tomato broth with burnt sourdough, and beef tongue tacos ($24) folded with a refreshing stash of apple miso slaw. Although we were sold on the Australian grain-fed beef cheek guisado ($36)—served with bone marrow, watercress and ‘hae bee hiam’ on a bed of congee, our old-time favourites of truffled tai yuzu roll and squid ink rice still stands. Mezzanine, 66 Kampong Bugis. Tel: 6467 3987

Basil

Thai restaurant Basil has marked the opening of their flagship store with exciting new offerings created by Iron Chef Thailand and his team of chefs. Fresh on the menu is the Poa Pia Boran ($9.90), a time-honed recipe of Thai-style spring roll filled with chicken, bamboo shoots and glass noodles. We were especially wowed by the Keang Khua Poo ($16.90), a sharing dish of rich, fragrant crab curry and small bundles of rice vermicelli. Be sure to also check out their red ruby ($5.90), which is made fresh in-house daily and naturally coloured with rooibos. #B1-45/46 Paragon, 290 Orchard Road. Tel: 6836 8417 One of Bangkok’s most popular noodle chains has landed on our shores. Yentafo Kruengsonge specialises in Thai yong tau foo; yen ta fo, which translate to pink noodle soup. Expect each bowl to come with a generous serving of eight tasty items, including fried tofu, black fungus mushroom, squid ball and fried seasoned taro, to go with flat wide rice noodles. The pink sauce is both savoury and sweet, and a great addition to the soup broth—although you can have it dry if you prefer. #02-06A/B Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Road. Tel: 6736 0971 Talad Thai exceeds expectations with Thai street favourites. Aside from the usual Ayutthaya boat noodles we are used to, they also have variants like stewed chicken noodles with bitter gourd ($5.80/ medium, $9.80/large) as well as premium signatures like stewed Wagyu beef noodles ($18.80). The broths are simmered for up to 10 hours, delivering intense aroma. Giving Singapore kaya toast a run for its money is toast with pandanus kaya ($1.80), which comes with four airy toasts drenched in creamy, vibrant cream pandan custard. The interior also mirrors Bangkok’s street vibes with a push cart, metal stools and tables, as well as corrugated steel panels lining the ceiling. #01-78 Bedok Mall, 311 New Upper Changi Road.

A sweet Christmas It’s hard to stop at one with Dean & Deluca. Sink your teeth into their light cupcakes ($20/4 pieces) in four flavours—red velvet, peanut butter, hazelnut and lemon cupcakes. Or gift your best friend the Holiday Favourite Christmas hamper ($178) for an array of goodies: traditional mini pannettone and pandoro, among others. www.deandeluca.com.sg Impress guests with Bakerzin’s Croquembouche ($22.80). Assembled in the shape of a Christmas tree, the towering treat is made out of 27 mini airy choux pastries filled with either French vanilla custard or coffee cream, and finished with treacly butterscotch glaze. www.bakerzin.com Pine Garden's selection of Christmas logcakes oozes uniqueness. If you love your salted egg yolk, try the Salted Egg Chicken Floss ($43/$65) featuring a soft vanilla sponge roll that’s filled with a luscious salted-egg and custard cream mixture. Punching up the flavours further is the mildly spiced chicken floss. #01-2369/2329, 529 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10. Tel: 6457 6159 The Bread Table’s Golden Apple Pie ($52) is a sourdough centrepiece that will steal the show. The 10-inch, 2.5kg pie is filled with luscious apple slices, from 1kg of fresh apples, flavoured with cinnamon, nutmeg and almond strudel, complemented with aged cheddar baked onto the buttery crust top. Till 15 Dec. 1010 Upper Serangoon Road. Order at thebreadtable.com

EARLE SWENSEN'S

Value sets this festive season Till 31 Dec, dig into hearty Italian classics with Jamie’s Italian three-course festive lunch menu ($49.90) featuring dishes like Italian flash steak for mains and a toothsome tiramisu pavlova for desser t. #01-01 Forum, 583 Orchard Road. Tel: 6655 7676 The White Rabbit presents an elegant Christmas menu with succulent quail with braised chestnuts and chestnut espuma gracing the menu. At $46 for a three-course lunch, this festive deal gives you the best bang for your buck. Tue-Sun, till 30 Dec. 39C Harding Road. Tel: 6473 9965 From 1-31 Dec, Earle Swensen’s will be offering two hearty set meals full of meaty goodness. For a traditional meal, order the Merrily Turkey Special ($27.90) featuring a turkey breast and char-grilled duck sausages served with stuffed puff pastry, roasted chestnuts and a mesclun salad. Two outlets: #02-117 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk. Tel: 6272 3306; #03-10/11 Westgate, 3 Gateway Drive. Tel: 6358 3859 Check out bites.com.sg for the full scoop on Christmas.

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John Cheng, 34

Loof

Work sTYLE: Calculated

H t Seat

In this series of light-hearted interviews, BiTES celebrates homegrown food companies headed by their next generation of family members. We get a glimpse of the stories behind the brands and the personalities in the boss' seat. By Katie Boon, Photography by Philip Tan Do you have any fond childhood memories? During my school holidays I had to follow my late dad to work if I wanted my allowance for the weekend. (laughs) I would stay with him in the office and watch TV till nightfall. He would be waiting for the lorry drivers to come back and pass him money for the day's deliveries. Thereafter, we would sit together and count

the earnings. When did you first work in the company? I interned here at 16 years old, and was tasked with modernising the company. It was during the early stages of dial-up Internet access. I was already using it and I wanted to convince my brothers (who are 12 years older than me), but they were insistent on using the typewriter. Were there any changes you made to the company? When I first joined the business eight years ago, there were no organisation structure or business continuity plans. If a staff member fell sick, the business would literally stop, so they would still have to come to work. That was appalling to me. So I decided to change HR practices. I also convinced the board to implement ISO 9001 (which has now been upgraded to ISO 22000) and HACCP for our production. The systems took some time to come to fruition as my staff have been working here since I was a kid., and needed the time to adapt. How is it like working for your family business? I used to work in a bank. Over there, you only care about yourself. It’s totally different in a family business—you care about everything. Even when our factory workers quarrel, it becomes my problem. I also handle most aspects of the business, from trading to operations and business development.

Brief timeline of Cheng Yew Heng

Director of Trading & Business Development, Cheng Yew Heng

1947

1950s

1980s-1990s

John’s grandfather Cheng Keng Kang came from Shantou and settled in Singapore in the early 1900s with nothing to his name. He worked odd jobs to feed a family of 11 before founding Cheng Yew Heng, where he sold traditional Chinese candies like san zha.

The business passed to John’s dad, Cheng Ngee Chuan, who took over and began producing rock sugar, red and black jaggery sugar as well as selling rice and sugar.

Moved from Upper Serangoon Road to the current factory at Chin Bee Drive. In 1996, they established their international trading department.

Share with us an interesting incident at work. Three or four years ago, we were tipped off by one of our clients that someone counterfeited our STAR Brand in Singapore. It went viral on the news. Someone even said, "You are the Prada of sugar because there are people imitating your product." (laughs) The couple got caught in a CID raid. Why did you decide to enter the retail market? We realised that many consumers did not know of Cheng Yew Heng as we only did B2B and wanted to build a branding on our B2C. So we introduced Jewels to raise awareness of our product and educate consumers on the benefits of rock sugar. That it is able to enhance the flavour of soups and beverages such as tea and coffee. What is your favourite local dish? Ayam buah keluak. I used to go to Kim Choo before they closed down, now my favourite is Chilli Padi along Joo Chiat Place. Your favourite drink? Green tea latte from Starbucks—soy milk with no sugar syrup. This is my remedy whenever I'm travelling and homesick. What do you plan to do this Christmas? I will be celebrating it with my close friends, where I will be hosting my annual Christmas dinner. My helper will be preparing the food like steak and there will be tons of snacks.

2008-2014

2015

2016

John joins the company in 2008, where he helped re-brand the company’s corporate image and obtained HACCP, ISO 9001 and Biz Safe Standards certifications for the company. In 2014, they participated for the first time in Food&HotelAsia and became a member of the Refined Sugar Association. They also won sole distributorship of Khong Guan Flour Mill.

The company entered the B2C market with the launch of CHENG Brand in Cold Storage, made record breaking revenue at US$122m, and was awarded the Singapore Excellence Award.

Launched premium rock sugar stick, Jewels, in Singapore and China as well as improved production by semiautomating production line. The company was also awarded ISO 22000 certifications and appointed as Tasty Singapore Brand Ambassador.

Celebrating food things in life

Our publisher Cecilia handing out lucky draw prizes. Congrats to Denice Lim (InterContinental Singapore) on winning the Royal Selangor Savoury Moments Serving Board and Pate Knife Set!

At the event to launch BiTES’ shiny new website and congratulate epicure’s win as Food Magazine of The Year 2016, invited guests were treated to good food and drinks at THE Vineyard, Hortpark. Find out what went down.

Cheers from the Magazines Integrated team!

Provided by Boncafe, cold brew coffee was kept in nitrogenpressurised kegs before being dispensed from the tap. It came out delicious, velvety smooth and even had a nice layer of crema. Dinner! We were especially fond of the pan-seared red snapper with orange and fennel sauce. We also couldn’t stop picking at the addictive oven roasted baby potato with bacon and rosemary. Chef portioning out bowls of truffled wild mushroom risotto, which were a hit that night. The Vineyard provided a convivial space to mingle for our guests, before the start of the presentation.

We started off with oceanic canapes—cured salmon with shiso cress and ikura, spanner crab remoulade tart, and swordfish belly with furikake and grilled watermelon.

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Jiveturkey

No Christmas feast would be complete without this festive fowl... turkey, gobbled up with stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy. We picked out two of our favourite birds of the season and go behind the scenes to find out these hotels' secret to great tasting turkey. By Weets Goh, Photography by Clair Ong Before turkeys were eaten on Christmas, swans, pheasants and even peacocks were common Christmas meals. It was only in the 19th century that King Edward VII of England popularised this big bird as a festive centrepiece in the U.K.. Even then, they were available to the rich as they had to be imported from America. It was only in the 1950s when refrigerators became common that people could afford this prized poultry. Since then, roasted turkey has occupied the table of many Christmas spreads around the world.

The bird:

One Farrer’s salt encrusted turkey ($160)

This labour-intensive technique seals in all the moisture during the baking process, resulting in juicy, flavoursome flesh, plus you can’t deny the theatrical value of the salt crust! We got One Farrer’s executive sous chef Ho Chan Fei to show us how it’s done: The turkey itself is simply brined and

stuffed with herbs like thyme and rosemary, all grown in their rooftop farm. The bird is covered and sealed in a pizza dough-like crust made with olive oil, yeast, table salt, flour, water. The dough is then brushed with egg wash and covered in rock salt for insulation. Afterwards, the entire thing is slowly

baked for two hours, which hardens the crust while the turkey inside is braised in its juices to perfection. The finished dish comes with giblet, cranberry sauce, and a mallet (yes!) for you to break the salt crust with.

Available till 31 Dec (order 3 working days in advance). Order online at www.onefarrer.com, or at One Farrer Confectionary. One Farrer Hotel & Spa, 1 Farrer Park Station Road. Tel: 6363 0101

The bird:

Hotel Jen’s Asian style roasted turkey done percik style ($198 with trimmings) The Malaysian-style marinade is usually done with chicken, so it makes sense to apply it to turkey. Chef Brandon Puah of Hoten Jen shows us how it’s done: The turkey takes three whole days to make—it is first brined for 24 hours before being marinated overnight in a rempah of turmeric powder, fresh turmeric leaves, shallots, onions, garlic and lemongrass. Then, it’s roasted for one and a half hours before being served with chef’s special sauce made with the rempah, peanut sauce, chilli and coconut milk. The turkey also comes with scrummy sides like a mango prawn salad and crab meat fried rice. Available till 31 Dec. Order through e-mail at J65@hoteljen.com.sg or at the hotel’s festive desk. Hotel Jen Tanglin, 1A Cuscaden Road. Tel: 6738 2222

How to carve a turkey at home Chef Puah shows us how to carve it properly once you cart it home.

Start with the legs by carving downwards at the area between the drumstick and the breast before separating the entire leg by breaking the joint at the thigh.

Remove the breasts by carving along the keel bone (that’s the long bone that separates the two breasts) and then diagonally downwards.

Remove the wings by cutting through the joint.

Trim the carcass of any large chunks of meat remaining.

Voila!

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Eat more big birds

We scope out various festive birds of all shapes, sizes and flavours this season so your Christmas dinner can have that perfect centrepiece. Don’t want to deal with the mess of eating at home? We’ve also gathered some dine-in options. Sear

Dine in Takeaway Dôme Cafe Cafe Mocha

Sear

Cafe Mocha (Marina Mandarin) On offer is a turkey marinated in Grand Marnier and warm spices ($158), served with mushroom stuffing, sauted vegetables and Champagne sauce. For something a little more unconventional, try their Balinese turkey ($148), which has been flavoured with a traditional glutinous rice marinade. Available till 25 Dec. Marina Mandarin, 6 Raffles Boulevard. Tel: 6845 1066 Earl of Hindh

Experience bird-ception with their Turducken ($175)—a quail stuffed into a chicken, stuffed into a duck, stuffed into a turkey. The fowl comes with brussel sprouts, garlic potatoes, roasted chestnuts and cabbage. Available ftill 24 Dec (order 3 working days in advance). #45/46-01, Singapore Land Tower, 50 Raffles Place. Tel: 6221 9555

Swensen's For the purists, they’re offering a traditional turkey ($108.90) with chestnut stuffing, cranberry jelly and herb gravy. Available till 17 Dec at all Swensen’s outlets (order 3 working days in advance). Tel: 6788 8128

The Deli

Jazz up your Christmas with their tandoori turkey ($98), which is marinated in their signature spice mix. Available till 23 Dec (order 2 working days in advance). #1-16 Quayside Isle Jalan Sentosa, 31 Ocean Way. Tel: 66816694

Earle Swensen’s Don’t want to work your way through an entire turkey? Their Merrily Turkey Special ($27.90) features a turkey breast and chargrilled duck sausages served with stuffed puff pastry, roasted chestnuts and mesclun salad. Alternatively, their Christmas Veal Meal ($31.90) comes with tender grilled veal with chestnuts and mushrooms. Available till 31 Dec. Two outlets including #02-117 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk. Tel: Tel: 6358 3859

Oxwell & Co.

The Carvery This festive season enjoy a very walletfriendly spit-roasted chicken ($38) that’s been marinated overnight and scented with tarragon. The 1.8kg bird comes with winter vegetables and gravy. Available 9-29 Dec. (Order 3 working days in advance) 323F Park Hotel Alexandra, 7 Alexandra Road. Tel: 6828 8880

Earl of Hindh (Quayside Isle)

Gather your friends and family to feast this festive season with Dôme Cafe’s Christmas sharing platters (from $109). The sumptuous spread comes with a whole array of goodies like a whole roasted spring chicken, salmon fillets, turkey sliders and sides. Available till 2 Jan. 7 outlets including #01-18 Block 11 Dempsey Road. Tel: 6476 8748

Jack’s Place

The Deli (Goodwood Park)

An inventive riff on the traditional ayam buah keluak makes an appearance: Asian Peranakan roast US turkey ($108.80) with buah keluak polenta raisin stuffing. Available till 9 Jan (order 3 working days in advance). Tel: 6282 1311 Order online from eatzi. com.sg/catering/festive2016.php

The Deli continues with their Asianinspired festive offerings this year with a Wu Xi turkey ($218), which is braised in red yeast rice, red dates and a secret spice blend. Available 1-26 Dec (order 3 working days in advance). Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road. Tel: 6730 1867

Their extensive Christmas set menu (from $85) includes smoked salmon gravlax, and turkey & pig’s cheek terrine for starters. Choice of mains include a classic roast turkey with chestnut stuffing, pan-roasted grouper and a roast beef fillet. Available 14 Nov-25 Dec. 5 Ann Siang Road. Tel: 6438 3984

Tiffany Cafe & Restaurant

P.Bistro Their Christmas turkey roulade (part of three-course set, $48) is served with a refreshing black pepper-nut sauce. It's a unique take from the French inspired eatery, with classic lobster bisque to start, and a Mont Blanc chocolate chestnut log cake slice to finish. #B1-06 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Road. Tel: 6734 9268

sQue Rotisserie & Alehouse We’ve covered turkey, chicken, and now we have duck. Sque’s festive Trio Meat platter ($68) includes a roast duck breast with crispy skin while tender and pink inside. The platter also comes with grilled sirloin and Lyoner ham. Available till 31 Dec. 2 outlets including #01-70 The Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street. Tel: 6222 1887

Tiffany Cafe & Restaurant The caramelised lemongrass glazed roasted turkey with oat mill flake is worth your intrigue—the delightfully fragrant Asian spices will be enjoyed by everyone, young and old. Available till 1 Jan. Furama City Centre, 60 Eu Tong Sen Street. Tel: 6531 5366 Oxwell & Co.

ADVERTORIAL

3 ways to spread festive Serenity Put a touch of fiesta into your celebrations with Serenity Spanish Bar & Restaurant's wide range of dining options!

As the clock ticks down towards 2017, the occasion calls for plenty of gatherings with friends and family. Fortunately, you can find something to please everyone at Serenity Spanish Bar & Restaurant. Read on for four fuss-free ways to celebrate let the professionals do all the work.

1) Meat lovers unite!

Have friends who love their meat? This Christmas and New Year, Serenity serves up scrumptious classics that hit all the right notes. Think juicy herb-roasted U.S. turkey (from $32), honey-baked premium ham (from $18), and black pepper lamb rack (from $21) for a real taste of the season. There’s simply something for everyone, right down to crispy pork knuckle ($22.90), beer pork sausages ($9) and paprika chicken cheese sausages ($8).

2) Give mom a break from cooking

Here’s a great idea—take full advantage of Serenity’s takeaway and delivery options to cater for this year’s dinner feast. All the seasonal dishes, such as the must-have ham and turkey, are available, alongside the Spanish suckling pig (from $88) that dad loves. The ordering system, powered by Oddle, is easy and convenient whether you’re a new or repeat customer.

3) Escape for a Spanish retreat

Don’t despair if you can’t get away for the holidays. Bring your date to Serenity any time to soak in the Mediterranean vibes at the spacious restaurant, accompanied by true-blue Spanish cuisine. Start with a jug of Sangria or bottle of Spanish wine to wash down your feast of Spanish Buttifarra sausages, Catalan soup pot, Spanish chorizo pizza, and seafood paella. Finish by sharing the crisp churros ($9) under the glow of the twinkling lights.

Festive items are available from 2 to 30 December.

Serenity Spanish Bar & Restaurant | #01-98/99 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk | Tel: 6376 8185 | serenity.com.sg Serenityspanishbarandrestaurant | serenityspanish

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Step out of your kitchen this Christmas! With over 15 lavish feasts to choose from, keep an eye out for what these restaurants have lined up for you. Jazz up the party with more than stuffed turkeys and log cakes. The best part? You won’t be the only one going for seconds.

COCOBOLO POOLSIDE BAR + GRILL

15 Festive buffets syrup and beaurre noisette, or 300 days grain-fed angus beef wellington. Don’t worry if you missed it, this buffet goes on for the whole of December. Daily: $60++ (12-2.30pm), Sun-Thu: $70++ (6.30-10pm), Fri/Sat/Eve of PH: $80++ (6.30-10pm). 24 Dec: $68++ (12-2.30pm), $118++ (6.30-10pm); 25 Dec: $88++ (12-2.30pm), $98++ (6.30-10pm).

21 ON RAJAH

21 ON RAJAH Days Hotel Singapore at Zhongshan Park, 1 Jalan Rajah. Tel: 6808 6868 21 on Rajah unleashes a ‘Sedap-tious’ Christmas! Upping the ante on celebrations in central Singapore, pile your plate with succulent slices of roasted Australian Wagyu drizzled in your choice of sauce made in-house, or mee goreng with turkey puttanesca prepared right before you. That’s not it—look out for specially selected desserts like salted egg churros, gula melaka fondue and salted caramel gelato. 24 Dec: $56++ (6-10pm); 25 Dec: $49++ (12-3pm), $52++ (6-10pm).

COLONY The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Avenue. Tel: 6434 5288 Usher in all things seafood this Christmas eve in the open-concept space—from an ice bar of shellfish to Christmas specials like char-grilled squid and pacific clams with garlic confit. On the big day, anticipate stuffed chicken rolls at the grill and rotisserie station, as well as western carvings like stuffed Kurobuta pork roller roulade. That’s not all—an extensive selection of Asian fare lies ahead. 24 Dec: $188++ inclusive of a glass of Christmas mocktail/$208++ inclusive of unlimited

AQUAMARINE Marina Mandarin Singapore, 6 Raffles Boulevard. Tel: 6845 1000 Catch up with loved ones over an ocean of festive dishes that are halal-certified. On 24 and 25 Dec, head for classics such as Christmas turkey glazed with maple

Bites guide: Price guide (nett) $ wallet-friendly (below $50) $$ just can’t resist a splurge ($50-100) $$$ a special occasion ($100-150) $$$$ indulgence galore (above $150)

COCOBOLO POOLSIDE BAR + GRILL Park Hotel Clarke Quay, 1 Unity Street. Tel: 6593 8888 Dine beneath shimmering stars as Cocobolo decks the poolside with a festive barbecue feast. From 16 Dec to 1 Jan, scoff down a smorgasbord of seafood and premium meats—Murray Bridge lamb rack, Cajun roast turkey and roasted suckling pig. The jazzy cake heaven is hard to be missed too! 16 Dec-1 Jan: $78++, Fri-Sun (6.30-10.30pm) inclusive of one draft beer.

Certified halal Does not serve pork or lard Kid-friendly facilities Veg-friendly

sparkling and house pour wines, draft beer and soft drinks (7-10.30pm); 25 Dec: $98++ inclusive of a glass of festive mocktail (6.30-10.30pm). DINE ON 3 Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa, 101 Siloso Road. Tel: 6371 1966 Multi-concept Dine on 3 rolls out a mega buffet this Christmas eve. Showcasing over 100 cuisines worldwide, you may want to go easy on the traditional roasts, seafood or grilled meats, and make way for other festive delights at the end of the 78-metre buffet line. Think stollen, panettone and Christmas pudding. If you love artisan cheese alongside balloon and magic shows, go for the Christmas brunch at Barnacles by the sea. 25 Dec: $158++ (12-3pm). 24 Dec: $128++ (610pm); 25 Dec: $58++ (12-2.30pm), $88++ (6-10pm). DINE ON 3

EDGE Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard. Tel: 6336 8111 You just know it’s going to be magical when Edge greets you with seven live stations. What do we say—go easy on the wagyu beef striploin as roasted prime ribs and the trendy raclette cheese awaits. Not forgetting,

LIME

can also have your photos taken with Santa and the 500-piece Conrad bear Christmas tree!). 1-23 Dec, 2730 Dec: $62++ (Mon-Sat, 12-2.30pm), $75++ (Sun-Thur, 6-10pm), $86++ (Fri-Sat, 6-10pm).

LIME

Christmas would not be complete without sweets. Look towards adorable Santa hat chocolate strawberry petit gateau and fresh raspberry log cakes. 24 Dec: $72++ (12-2.30pm), $148++/$188++ includes free flow alcohol and drinks (6.30-10.30pm); 25 Dec: $198++ (12-2pm), $218++ (2.30-4.30pm), $168++ (6.30-10.30pm) includes free-flow alcohol and drinks. ELLENBOROUGH MARKET CAFÉ Swissotel Merchant Court, 20 Merchant Road. Tel: 6239 1847 Master of Peranakan cuisine, Ellenborough Market Café, returns with a fresh look. Usher in the festivities with the family festive feast from 1 to 31 Dec (Mon-Thu: $58 (12-2.30pm); Fri-Sun: $74 (6.30-10pm)). Introducing Peranakan favourites with a modern twist—think roasted Peranakan buah keluak tom turkey with glutinous rice and a kueh pie tee DIY station, before ending the celebrations with the Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. FLAVOURS AT ZHONGSHAN PARK #03-51 Ramada Singapore at Zhongshan Park, 18 Ah Hood Road. Tel: 6808 6846 Take the road less travelled as you dine out this Christmas. Renowned for their hawkerlicious recipes, this Christmas fare comes with Asian-inspired flavours. Apart from char siew honey-glazed gammon ham and FLAVOURS AT ZHONGSHAN PARK

wok-fried cranberry chilli crabs, you can create your own prata at Rudolph’s prata wagon–fill them up with truffle potatoes or banana and nutella, you decide! 24 Dec: $64++ (6-10pm); 25 Dec: $49++ (12-2.30pm), $55++ (6-10pm). J65 Hotel Jen Tanglin, 1A Cuscaden Road. Tel: 6831 4374 Get into the festive mood without feeling the pinch. For $29 (24 Nov to 30 Dec), eat your fill at live carving stations serving up highlights like Percik Asian roast turkey, Jen’s fully loaded turkey, and a variety of sides to go along—maple glazed chestnuts and slow braised brussels sprouts with bacon. Don’t have space for seconds? Order from the hotel’s fully loaded festive takeaway meal ($198). 24 Dec: $68 (12-2.30pm), $98 (6-8pm/8.30-10.30pm); 25 Dec: $88 (12-3pm/6-10pm). LIME PARKROYAL on Pickering, 3 Upper Pickering Street. Tel: 6809 8899 Carol along to Christmas hymns while you snag a shot with Santa Claus at LIME. If you missed their ultimate Lobsterfest this year, now is your chance to taste the signature Maine lobsters on Christmas eve! On the big day, the “Spark-Royal” buffet spread glistens with contemporary twists on classics such as the apple and clove glazed pork loin, along with Asian delights– Cantonese style roast meats and tempura prawns with shoyu dressing. 24 Dec: $68++ (12-3pm), $158++ with free-flow alcohol and drinks (6.30-10.30pm); 25 Dec: $158++ with free-flow alcohol and drinks (12-2.30pm/6.30-10.30pm). OSCAR’S Conrad Centennial Singapore, 2 Temasek Boulevard. Tel: 6432 7481 Christmas would not be complete without festive roasts and fresh crustaceans on ice. Work up an appetite for turkey with spicy cranberry jus or twice-cooked pork belly with Argentinian spices. Don’t forget to save some space for sweet treats at the dessert house. (Psst... you

STRAITSKITCHEN Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road. Tel: 6738 1234 Tuck into favourites and take this chance to savour dishes from different ethnic cuisines such as Chinese double boiled soup, Indian tandoori chicken and Malay kambing cop bakar. While a seafood bar with freshly shucked oysters await, Christmas would not be complete without roast turkeys and chicken ham at a carving station, or log cakes with a local twist. 24 Dec: $58++ (12-3pm), $88++ (7-11pm); 25 Dec: $68++(12.303pm), $88++ (6.30-11pm). THE SQUARE @ FURAMA Furama RiverFront, 405 Havelock Road. Tel: 6739 6468 Pamper your family with gastronomic delights. Unlike the usual Christmas fare, pile the plates with apricot mascarpone salmon, baked cod on caviar aubergine and puree of Brussels sprouts with bacon & walnut. Dont worry about your kids, the play area—Tykes @ The Square will keep them occupied. 24, 25, 31 Dec: $72++ (12-3pm/6pm-3am). TOWN RESTAURANT Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square. Tel: 6877 8989 ‘Tis the season to be jolly! Overlooking the Singapore River, enjoy a sumptuous feast of international flavours. Other than a medley of crustaceans, look forward to a live station with seared foie gras and slow cooked Hokkaido scallops. Pace yourself as over six different festive roasts await. If honey glazed leg of ham or roasted Colorado lamb leg is not for you, Asian delights like beef rendang, tandoori prawn, and dim sum is bound to fill you up. 24 Dec: $59++ (12-2.30pm), $198++ with free-flow champagne, wine and cocktails (6.30-10.30pm); 25 Dec: $310++ (12.30-4pm), $168++ with free-flow champagne, wine and cocktails (6.3010.30pm). TRIPLE THREE Mandarin Orchard, 333 Orchard Road. Tel: 6737 4411 Looking to treat your loved ones to a lavish spread in this season of giving? Bask in a time of merrymaking with the signature pineapple honey glazed ham, mentaiyaki lobster and classic festive desserts. On top of pocket-friendly prices from $98, keep an eye out for bang for your buck promotions such as 1-for-1 deals and early bird specials on bookings made before 16 Dec. 24-26 Dec, 31 Dec-1 Jan: $98++ (12-2.30pm), $128++ (6.30-10pm).

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Southern gateway: Harbourfront

The southern tip of Singapore is home to seafront condominiums, malls, and serves as a Gateway to Singapore’s Playground, Sentosa. The area is said to have great feng shui with its back to a mountain (Mt. Faber) and its front to the water. Originally called Seah Im or Jardine Steps, the hood was later renamed Maritime square and most recently, Harbourfront. By Weets Goh, Photography by Clair Ong

Aspirasi Food Stall (#01-45) Nasi ayam (from $4) with all the deep-fried bits you could want. The fried chicken comes coated in a choice of sauce including black pepper and lemon. Tian Ji Niang Dou Fu (#01-52) The persistent queue here speaks for itself. The bowl ($3) comes with standardised ingredients, which you pair your choice of carbs, and then top with heaps of soy beans.

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Before all the food options at VivoCity were available, no visit to Sentosa would be complete without a visit to Seah Im Food Centre. The hawker centre has been relatively unchanged the past few decades, playing host to a cluster of old-school tailors, a barber and of course awesome hawker food. Lunchtimes get crowded, so be ready with that tissue packet and lots of patience.

Seah Im Food Centre (2 Seah Im Rd)

FUEL PLUS+

Rd Blang Telok Telok Blangah Coast Highway

Thaksin Beef Noodle (#01-44) Authentic Thai beef noodles (from $5) with a choice of brisket, tripe and beef. Comes topped with Vietnamese coriander and a vinegary chilli sauce on the side.

Cheng Ji Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee (#01-59) Hokkien mee and orh luak starting at only $3! Fried unapologetically in a pool of oil, their orh luak is on the softer side, flecked with crispy bits, and comes topped with several medium-sized oysters.

THAKSIN BEEF NOODLE

San Laksa Steamboat Pte Ltd

Stalls of note: Ichiban Seafood Sliced Fish Soup (#01-18) Tender sea bass slices, light but appetizing soup and a tangy chilli makes this a winner ($4).

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HarbourFront Cable Car Station

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San Laksa Steamboat (404 Telok Blangah Road) What’s better than a normal steamboat? Laksa steamboat! Dunk all your favourite ingredients like thinly-sliced meats, yong tau foo and seafood into the bubbling laksa broth. Tel: 6275 7069 Fuel Plus+ (16 Morse Road) No they’re not a brand of petrol, although you can still recharge with one of their iced coffees or citrusy Fuel Iced Tea. They offer an extensive menu including a lemak, lip-smacking soft shell crab curry ($18) and all-day breakfast with pulled-pork eggs benedict ($16). Tel: 6352 0768

HarbourFront Centre (1 Maritime Square)

The building was previously known as the World Trade Centre and featured exhibition halls. Today, the quiet mall serves as a ferry terminal to the nearby Indonesian islands like Batam and Bintan while also playing host to a smattering of small shops. Food options include fast food, cafes and Ban Heng @ Harbourfront Centre, which serves Cantonese and Teochew cuisine, including a dim sum lunch buffet (from $19.80). Did you know?: Did you know that Harbourfront is still officially known as Maritime Square? The name Harbourfront was coined in the 2000s to give the area a more upmarket feel after the relocation of Keppel Shipyards.

Marina at Keppel Bay (Keppel Island)

Keppel Island was used for shipbuilding and repairs before being developed as a luxury waterfront with the construction of Keppel Bay Bridge. The spectacular sea view and spacious wooden boardwalk make the long trek in well worth it. Hungry after a long walk? Head down to Privé (2 Keppel Bay Vista), which houses three different concepts under one roof—a bar, a cafe and grill. Brunches at the cafe are especially popular, where they offer everything from eggs benedict ($16) to Hainanese chicken rice ($17). Tel: 6776 0777

Singapore Cable Car

Built way back in 1974, the Singapore Cable Car has been a part of Singaporeans’ childhood memories for many years. Today, you can take the cable car the whole way between Mount Faber and Sentosa, with plenty to do in between all the six stops, including their Dining on Cloud 9 program, where you can have a fourcourse meal on the cable car itself.

Spuds & Aprons (109 Mount Faber Road) The restaurant is the highlight of Faber Peak with its indulgent comfort food and its view of the sea, Sentosa and incoming cable cars. An example of that indulgence? Their truffle Wicked Fries with gravy ($13) is a caloric monstrosity with trufflescented steak-cut fries topped with six types of cheeses and brown gravy. For mains, go for their popular tobiko-encrusted cod ($32); a tender cod filet served with soba noodles and shimeiji mushrooms. Meat lovers will also be glad to know that they do very good crispy pork belly ($27) with fork-tender meat and crunchy crackling. Tel: 6377 9688

Start off at the Harbourfront Cable Car Station (#01-00 HarbourFront Tower Two) for a picturesque ride (adult $29, child $18; includes entry into Sentosa) toward Mount Faber, where you can find Faber Peak, a hilltop dining destination with one of the best views in town. Value buy: Get the Faber License at $39 a year for unlimited cable car joyrides, entries into Sentosa and a whole host of discounts!

Faber Peak Singapore Mount Faber Station

Bay Hotel (50 Telok Blangah Rd)

Spuds & Aprons

Overlooking the Singapore Strait is Bay Hotel, where you can get easy access to both the city centre and Sentosa. They also host Street 50 Restaurant & Bar, which offers refreshing spins on local favourites like a salted egg lava chicken breast ($9.90) and cereal prawn with wasabi dressing ($9.90). Tel: 6818 6666

HarbourFront

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Bay Hotel

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Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant (201 Keppel Road)

W Coast Highway Telok Blangah Rd Sentosa Station HarbourFront MRT (NE1 | CC29)

Prima Tower

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Sentosa Gateway

HarbourFront Centre

This iconic landmark has been around and helmed by chef Chan since 1977, serving up Beijing cuisine like their signature shredded scallops with fish and egg white (lit. Racing Crab in Chinese, $30) and Peking duck ($65). One single revolution takes 1hr 45mins, so work through one of their multi-course set menus (from $128) and watch as the spectacular view outside shifts from the city to Sentosa and to the sea.

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VivoCity (1 Harbourfront Walk)

Designed by famed architect Toyo Ito, VivoCity currently holds the position as the largest mall in Singapore at 1.5 million sq ft. Your entire day is set with an array of retail, entertainment and F&B options. Broke? Head upstairs to the sky park to splash about in the water features or catch a view of the sea.

Dine: Every mall in Singapore will have plenty of space dedicated to food, and VivoCity is no exception—from fast food to fine dining. For authentic Spanish cuisine in a festive atmosphere, check out Serenity (#01-9), where they're featuring dishes like honey baked ham (from $18) and Spanish codfish cakes ($12) on their festive menu (turn to pg 11 to find out more!) Want something more hearty? Pop by The Queen & Mangosteen (#01-106) for beers and pub grub, or The King Louis (#03-07A) for ribs, burgers and a medieval atmosphere. For Asian fare, go to TungLok Signatures (#01-57), or No Signboard Seafood Restaurant (#03-02) for their signature chilli crab. Play: Look at puppies or shop for pet supplies at The Pet Safari (#03-05). This pirate-themed pet emporium even provides

grooming services and sells freshly baked treats for your fur friends. On the same level is a TimeZone (#03-03) that proves that arcades are not dead with indoor bumper cars and a laser maze. Snack attack: In the basement you’ll find a collection of small bites to fuel your day including Hodo Loco (#B2-K10), which offers Korean walnut cakes filled with a choice of red bean, chocolate or custard. Single? Head to Churro 101 (#B2-K16), where they advertise their churros as being “better than a boyfriend”. For something less sweet, try UYI Savoury Squid (#B2-K20), where they offer an entire squid on a stick both grilled and deep-fried. Nearby is also Irvins Salted Egg (#B2-K25), where they sell salted egg yolk-everything including freshly-fried fries and tofu cubes slathered with the ubiquitous sauce. Facebook at BitesSingapore

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Sweet endings IIf you must have something sweet, try the age-old combination of rich chocolate and zingy mint! here are some alternatives to the ubiquitous After Eights that will hit the spot after a meal. By Weets Goh, Photography by Philip Tan B i T E S paid for our own groceries

M&S PEPPERMINT CREAMS ($9.00, 200g)

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From: Marks & Spencers Taste test: These came in a pretty box with each piece individually wrapped in foil. The dark chocolate covering is rich, but could have been thicker with respect to its filling. The exceedingly sweet mint fondant centre was also disappointing, with an unpleasant chalky texture and barely any mint flavour. Verdict: 2/5

From: Cold Storage Taste test: This was the fave of the lot, with a wellbalanced ratio of 72% dark chocolate and oozy mint cream centre. The peppermint flavour, while pronounced, fades off rather quickly, leaving only the taste of the dark chocolate in your mouth. Verdict: 4.5/5