Posts Tagged ‘Central Business district’

Dinner at Zafferano

March 10th, 2015 365days2play

Although I’ve visited Zafferano a couple of times prior to this media tasting session, I couldn’t resist the opportunity when it presented itself again. I had a good experience on both occasions:  the beautifully presented and tasty food, the service, the ambience, and of course the views. And surprisingly, the menu is not as expensive as you would think. Glad to report that Zafferano has maintained its consistency, and still deserves the positive review after my 3rd visit.

The experience begins once you step into the elevator that will take you up 240 metres above ground to the top floor of Ocean Financial Centre. You have to walk past the open plan kitchen showcasing chefs hard at work before you reach the dining area that boasts an eye-catching central bar counter. We snagged the booth seats at the corner this time round, which cocooned us comfortably from the rest of the world. Zafferano’s head chef Marco Guccio is renowned for creating dishes incorporating elements from both Southern and Northern Italian food cultures, and we were there to sample his unique style of cooking.

Zafferano - Bread Basket

First up, some champagne and complimentary bread to set the mood.

Marinated Scottish Salmon

Marinated Scottish salmon, green asparagus, red radish, trout roe

Read more »

Posted in 1.0 Media Invites, 1.2 Restaurants Tags: , , , Comments Off on Dinner at Zafferano

My Awesome Cafe

May 14th, 2014 365days2play

Took the day off on Monday and decided to go cafe hopping with the Partner and my mother. I realise it was a hilariously botched up attempt, definition-wise, because in the entire afternoon that we were out, the combined total of caffeinated drinks we consumed was a grand total of ONE! And it wasn’t even a deliberately ordered coffee, it was one that came with the meal that we ordered. But then again, cafe hopping is whatever you want it to be, and we had a swell time (while my colleagues were hard at work in the office).

Our first stop was to My Awesome Cafe. As two out of three of us are very fussy with our food (not going to mention who), I had to make sure that the cafe we were going to had a broad menu. Can’t be going to the cafes that only serve mainly cakes and pastries, and My Awesome Cafe fits the bill. Love it when I am in the CBD area on a weekday, it’s actually a lovely place to be, if you don’t have to be stuck in one of the offices nearby. Many hole in the wall eateries, thanks to the history of the area. Also, many of the cafes and eateries here are closed during the weekend, so your best bet is to come on a weekday.

My Awesome Cafe (5)

This used to be Chung Hwa Free Clinic. Clinic is long gone but the new owners decided to keep the facade. Wonder if URA has stipulated it to be so?

I partly chose My Awesome Cafe because I wanted to see what the fuss was. You may have heard of horror stories of really bad service here, but when we were there, the service rendered by the cute young waiters was positive. They were friendly and looked happy to be working there. And I suppose since we were there around 2pm which is after the peak period, they didn’t look frenzied like what you often see on the weekends.

You can get salads, sandwiches and filled croissants here. The only eggs you’ll find are scrambled eggs or boiled eggs, so don’t be expecting eggs benedicts here. I hadn’t had scrambled eggs in a fairly long time because they are quite often either a hit or a miss for me, so I prefer sunny-side-up or poached. I was almost going to order the duck rillette sandwich but I decided to give the scrambled egg, Parma ham and cheese croissant a try.

My Awesome Cafe - Scrambled Eggs, Parma Ham and Cheese Croissant $9.50 (3)

Scrambled Eggs, Parma Ham and Cheese Croissant $9.50

Read more »

Posted in 1.4 Cafes Tags: , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

South Coast @ MBS revisited

April 13th, 2012 365days2play

I had a good brunch with my parents and the Partner at South Coast some months back, and I was looking for a reason to return. The reason came along in the form of Australia Day. What has Australia Day got to do with me? Actually nothing at all. In fact, you should read about New Zealand Day instead. You see, the Partner hails from New Zealand, and if you’re from either New Zealand or Australia, or if you’ve lived there a while, you’d know about the “friendly rivalry” between those 2. Speaking of friendly rivalry, I have to ask South Coast why on earth they have a picture of a surfing kiwi bird on their website?

I happened to find out that South Coast, which is owned by an Aussie, was going to have an Australia Day party. So of course I had to attend, just for the laughs of it. Saw on their Facebook about this thong chucking game they were going to have and I really wanted to see that! My first instinct was of course to think that they were going to have an underwear throwing competition (you know those Aussies can think of anything), but then I realised that thong is Aussie slang for flip-flops! I could not find a video of Thong Chucking, but I did discover about Wellie Wanging…

The Partner was not at all keen to partake in an Australia Day meal, especially when he heard that I wanted him to wear his All Blacks T Shirt there! Oh but partake he did, cuz I didn’t offer him a choice. In the end, we had a really good time there!

South Coast - Sugar Cured Angus Beef, Kangaroo and Lamb Pies, Sausage Rolls (2) We had the Australia Day Platter for 2 – Sugar Cured Angus Beef, Kangaroo and Lamb Pies, Sausage Rolls

South Coast - (12) Closer shot of the items

South Coast - (11)Sugar Cured Angus Beef

The sugar cured Angus beef had a really interesting flavour. First of all, I have never heard of sugar cured, let alone taste it. I’m mostly accustomed to the usual smoke/salt cured types. Obviously, the beef had a sweeter taste. Also, the texture seemed rather different, firmer yet squishy. I don’t really know how to describe it, but I enjoyed the sugar cured Angus beef nonetheless. I tried checking their usual menu and it doesn’t seem to be available on normal days.

South Coast - Sausage Rolls Sausage Rolls in the front, kangaroo and lamb pies in the middle

The sausage rolls that you get in Australia and New Zealand are very different from those available in Singapore, in that the filling is of mince meat. In Singapore when one hears sausage roll, one would think of a long sausage in a bun, like so. I like both types, but if you’ve never tried the Aussie/NZ version, you have to do so! Love these sausage rolls at South Coast. The mince was juicy and encased in a lovely pastry that wasn’t reeking of oil. For some reason the platter also came with some sausages. No complaints man, those sausages were TASTY!

South Coast - Kangaroo and Lamb Pie on the right Kangaroo and Lamb Pie on the right

Kangaroo and Lamb Pie was also nice. The pastry used was similar to that of the sausage rolls so it was enjoyable as well. The sausage rolls $14 are available in the normal menu. The kangaroo pies $18 are available too, but with pork instead of lamb.

South Coast - Fries Fries $8

We were still feeling a little peckish after the Platter for 2 so we ordered some fries to share. The fries were delicious and I just couldn’t stop eating them even though I ought to have been full enough. The fries were crispy on the outside and still fluffy on the inside, and they were served piping hot!

South Coast - Red Rock Beer

Red Rock Beer, and cartoon of Steve Irwin in the background

What’s Australia Day with no beer?

Red Rock Beer with Shenton Way in the background Ice cold beer after a hard day at work?

South Coast - (5) Most of the seating at South Coast is actually al fresco. I don’t like sitting inside as it is too dark and the fans are too strong

Shenton Way at twilight View of Singapore’s Central Business District from my vantage point at south Coast.

In the end, we never did stay late enough to see the thong chucking. Argh what a waste. If you’re in the vicinity of Marina Bay Sands, do check out South Coast’s menu. A number of items I would like to try out. Really, bone marrow fritters, that’s definitely what I will order when I go there again.

Read about my previous visit to South Coast for brunch.

 

South Coast (Australian Bar & Bistro)

L1-85 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore City, Singapore 018972

Open 7 days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
8am – midnight Mon – Thurs
8am – midnight Fri – Sun

Email enquiries@southcoast.com.sg

Phone +65 6688 7600

http://www.southcoast.com.sg

http://www.facebook.com/SouthCoastSG

Posted in Travel Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , Comments Off on South Coast @ MBS revisited

Singapore Central Business District Skyline – Day time

January 30th, 2011 365days2play

Here are some pictures of Singapore central business district aka Shenton Way from a vantage point at Marina Bay Sands. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the best of days to take photos. The sky was overcast and slightly hazy. We haven’t had clear blue skies in quite a while. I should know since I can now see for miles from my new office. I think I can even see some of the mountains in Malaysia even though my office is in the south eastern part of Singapore!

Singapore Central Business District (1)

There’s the new Marina Bay Financial District on the left of the picture.

Singapore Central Business District (3)

Huge open area in front of Marina Bay Sands Shoppes where you have an unblocked view of Shenton Way and all it’s big businesses.

Singapore Central Business District (2)

The building with the reddish roof is the old Clifford Pier, which has now turned into the posh Fullerton Bay Hotel.

Singapore Central Business District (5)

A closer look of the Fullerton Bay Hotel.

Singapore Central Business District (4)

The Fullerton Hotel and One Fullerton. Fullerton Hotel was once Singapore’s General Post Office, while One Fullerton is obviously a building built in modern times, ie about 5 years ago.

Singapore Central Business District (7)

See the mass of tourists taking in the sights of the iconic Merlion. I really don’t understand why tourists would specially come here just to take photos with the Merlion. Perhaps it’s like this Parisian I know that has never visited, or thought to visit the Eiffel Tower?

Singapore Central Business District (6)

Interesting angle of the Esplanade and the Swisshotel?

Singapore Central Business District (8)

Condos right in the heart of town. Are you the type that would love to live near your office or are you the type that would want to get as far away from it after working hours?

Posted in Fullerton Bay Hotel, Fullerton Hotel Tags: , , , , , , , , 6 Comments »
%d bloggers like this:
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...