Staycation Ideas with Delicious Food and Great View: The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore.

If you are a last minute planner or your partner is suddenly available during this coming National Day holiday, you can consider the "Celebrate with the Nation" or "Explore Singapore" room packages that is valid from 29 to 31 July and 8 to 10 August 2016.

These two packages are offered by The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore and the rooms offered are the Premier Rooms / Club Rooms.

We had the privilege to join The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore folks for a half-day experience of the "Explore Singapore" guided tour and dinner at Colony.



The photo above was taken from the Premier Room.  It will be exciting to witness the fireworks that will light up the sky above and over the Singapore National Stadium where the National Day Parade will be held this year, in the comfort of a luxurious room where you can enjoy a bottle of Moët & Chandon and a variety of snacks.

Below are details of the two packages:

"Celebrate with the Nation" - SGD740

• Overnight accommodation in a Premier Room
• Daily buffet breakfast for two persons
• One bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne per stay
• SGD50 in-room dining credit.

(If you want to snack while watching the fireworks, you can order the Celebratory Snack Platter on 9 August from SGD80 that includes steamed seafood siew mai, California maki and gula melaka cupcakes.)


"Explore Singapore" - SGD1800

• Overnight accommodation in a Club room including exclusive Club privileges
• A three-hour private guided tour by an accredited local guide conducted in English, inclusive of limousine transfers per stay
• Dinner for two person at Colony per stay
• A bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne per stay

Here are some photos of the "Explore Singapore" tour. We joined a local tour where we visited Haji Lane, Kampung Gelam and Chinatown.  The tour guide was engaging and we didn't even realised we had walked for 3 hours!



It's been some time since we last went to Haji Lane. The artistic murals are the centre of attraction.  Our tour guide told us that this area was previously a sea shore and Muslims would start their pilgrimage to Mecca by boarding the boat here.




While we were intrigued by the interesting shops, cafes and bakeries along the way, we noticed many people taking selfies /wefies 'instagram' worthy photos. 


Our tour guide gave us a crash course in the history behind Kampong Gelam.  He pointed us to the "Gelam" tree which Kampung Gelam is named after and also captivated us with the history on the Sultan Mosque, Sri Mariamman Temple and also the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum.

After the tour, we made our way to Colony for dinner.



It was a fully booked night. We have dined here privately on several occasions and noticed the menu is always slightly different depending on the season so we are assured of the freshness of the ingredients.

If you are interested to view photos of what Colony offers, you can follow the hashtag #DiningAtColony on Instagram.



The "Tomahawk" Roast that was the feature "Roast" of that night.  We once had the "Iberico Roast Piglet" during one of our previous visit. I have to refer to the photos in my phone for other visits. It was always changing.



This photo was taken from an iPhone so don't worry if you do not own a DSLR to be able to capture the fireworks.



Here are snippets of the outing.  Sorry for the jerky video as it was taken using a tiny hand-held camera. Enjoy the video.


The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
7 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039799

For reservations and enquiry:
Tel: (65) 6434 5111
Email: rc.sinrz.reservations@ritzcarlton.com

Autumn Vintage Champagne Sunday Brunch @ The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore

People in Singapore work a bit too hard on weekdays. Most people work very hard on weekdays, become Saturday exercise warriors and then indulge in a Sunday Brunch. How many of you are like that?

(Tourist coming to Singapore are also asking what is a nice place for Brunch, I know 2 friends visiting Singapore in the coming weeks and have made plans for this brunch. So, here's a preview for B, E and M before they arrive in Singapore.)

If you are going to indulge in the Sunday Brunch, here's one recommendation that I know you will enjoy. The Autumn Vintage Champagne Sunday Brunch at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore.

For the past few Sundays since 8 September, people are making their way here for the usual Brunch Classics here plus the "Truffle Hour" at 1 pm. More of that later in this post. To make you salivate and enjoy the atmosphere, I took a shot video of it for you to enjoy.



For the Sunday Brunch, you can enjoy unlimited Möet & Chandon Grand Vintage Blanc 2004 and Moët & Chandon NV Rosé. There are also Autumn Cocktails, Selected House Wines, Soft Drinks and Fruit-flavoured Sparkling Mineral Water.



Some of you who are regulars to the Ritz's buffet would have tasted this delicious 24-hour roasted 'Mayura Station' Wagyu Leg. This will be part of the new carving station feature now for the Sunday Brunch.

For meat lovers, just walk over and admire this piece of delicious protein. Those with a sharp nose might be led here by the aroma.



The part I love most is the outer layer where seasoning is more intense. Be there early, and get this bits carved out for you.



Oysters fans: There are 8 varieties of French and Canadian Oysters here for you!



For those Charcuterie fans: Live Carving of Whole Iberico Ham Bellota and Serrano, Homemade Smoked Salmon, Smoked Trout, Coppa Ham, Air Dried Beef and Smoked Ham for you to nibble.



I see truffles here and there in many dishes. It's in season now! Here's a slice even on the asparagus.

On the same plate are some anchovies too. I am a fan of anchovies, I know not everyone likes them, but I do! (It's one of my secret ingredients when I cook pasta at home. No longer a secret now)



There are the different fish being served. I am quite a 'fish person' and could not resist it. I took a 2 servings of fish. The Deep Fried Snapper with Tangy Lime Sauce was very soft and tender inside. Just lovely.



Hidden partially at one corner, near the oysters is the area where a chef is there pan frying lobsters almost non stop! Look at the butter! I am sure you can imagine how fragrant it will taste!



With so much butter used to cook it, it was not that oily. It was in fact juicy.
Yes, I limit myself to 1 serving only, so proud of myself.

These were Canadian lobsters.  I like to know where my food comes from, so I asked.



I posted the photo of the whole Pork Shoulder on the serving plate on Instagram. You can click on the link to see it in its full glory. How can you walk pass it and not take a bit of it. I think I took a few bits! A bit every time I walked past.

It's best eaten with their fried rice! Everyone on my table said, you got to try the Fried Rice!



And now.... The Truffle!
Not the chocolate version, the fungi version! The diamond of the kitchen!

At 1 pm on Sundays till 17 November 2013, it's the Truffle Hour during the Sunday Brunch.
Chefs of all ranks come out and perform what I call the "Ritz Sunday Brunch Truffle Presentation".

Here's a video of the presentation.



Black Truffle shaved by the Exec Chef by hand over Creamy Polenta. It's also topped with Garlic Chili Oil, Pecorino Cheese, Sautéed Porcini and Perigordine Gravy.

It's quite interesting to watch the video ya?



Looking glorious doesn't it? The chefs will then scoop them into little bowls for diners to take and try.



Join the queue to get yourself a serving of it!
Here's mine!



As usual, there's a great selection of desserts here. This was something I had that was quite nice!  A nice mix of bitterness and sweetness.

What do you see? I asked the same question on Instagram and have so many interesting answers!



I walked around wondering what dessert to pick and saw this!
The hands just reach out for a slice of it. It's a Pistachio Crepe Cake.

Can you imagine how tedious it is to make this? You got to make so many pieces of crepes. It has to be of uniform thickness as well. You then layer them above each other until you have a cake!



A slice of pistachio crepe cake and a slice of fig tart.
As I was enjoying the crepes, I counted it. 37 layers!



For those who taste-buds are created for sweet desserts, there the cheese board. There are 50 different cheeses from Australia, England, France, Italy, New Zealand and Switzerland.

I have only eaten a little of what's available at the Sunday Brunch. I only picked certain things and I was already quite satisfied.  There's also the Crustacean on Ice Station, Foie Gras station, Oktoberfest Station, Eggs a la minute station, Japanese selection, Pasta a la minute station, Salad Spread, Grilled Veggies Spread, Soups (like Lobster Bisque) Station and a range of Tapas selection.

A special thanks to Wenxian and Celine for the invitation to this Brunch.

Interested in this Sunday Brunch?
The following are the booking information.

Autumn Vintage Champagne Sunday Brunch will be served at Greenhouse.
It's availabe from 8 September to 17 November 2013, 12 noon to 3.30 p.m. in a single seating.

Prices:
SGD 168 ++ per adult.
SGD 84 ++ per child (six to 12 years of age).
SGD 42 ++ per child (three to five years of age). 

Greenhouse @ The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore
7 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039799

Tel: +65 6434 5288
Email: rc.sinrz.restaurantreservations@ritzcarlton.com

Mooncakes Season 2013

The Mooncake season is almost here again and everyone's starting to think of where to buy this season's mooncakes from. Some people will stick to the same one and some will try new brands that they did not try last few years.

This week, the wife and I are already going to place orders so that we can get the both sides of parents, our uncle and aunties mooncakes. Yes, every year we do spend quite a bit of money on giving gifts. It's good that both the companies we work for, our HR organises bulk purchase that gives up to 30% off. We need to order them early to get discounts.

Here's some Mooncakes that my family and I have tasted over the few weeks. It's also to help you as you navigate through varieties available for sale.

1) The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Mooncakes by Summer Pavilion

We know of a friend whose family only gets Summer Pavillion's goodies. Some of you regular customers will be glad to know there's new flavours to try this season. Summer Pavilion has a new signature "Mini Snowskin Royal Milk Tea and Seaweed Mooncakes with Snow Lotus Seeds". Yes, it's a mouthful. That's the long name of one mooncakes and not two. (6 pieces for $48)



Also, regulars will be glad to know that their old favourites like Snowskin Lycheetini and Green Tea mooncakes will still be on sale this season.  The Summer Pavillion Mooncakes are handcrafted by Chef de Cuisine Fok Kai Yee and his team.

My mum used to make her own mooncakes and yes, I do know how to make them too after watching her. It's hard work. It might look easy as you see them knock the mooncakes out of the wooden or plastic moulds. It's not really that easy. I have destroy and wasted quite a few mooncakes. Sometimes it's easier to leave it to the professionals to do it. 




Many people decide on what to buy because of the boxes. My wife is one of them! You might be one of them as well. I am sure you have many colleagues who 'chope' boxes that your vendors might have deliver to your office too.

The Ritz Carlton boxes this year has a leather like cover with velvety feel inside. A very classy and yet contemporary gift for someone important. Maybe your boss, your future in laws.



Doesn't it just look beautiful? No restaurant name or brand stamped on to it, just a nice flowery design.

What about the taste of this new flavour: "Mini Snowskin Royal Milk Tea and Seaweed with Snow Lotus Seeds"? Someone was asking me and I replied it this way. If you have tasted the higher end Milk Tea (hint, the Japanese brand that starts with K, that also sells beer), it's almost like that. It has a aromatic fragrant yet it was not too overpowering taste.



That's how it looks when you cut it open. The bits in the centre are the seaweed. I was wondering wondering why the seaweed was not as I imagined. I am not a pastry chef, so I talked to one. I explained the texture and Aha!  she knew what it was, but was not going to let out their trade secrets. So I still don't know what kind of seaweed it is.  The 'seaweed' is crunchy,  delicate birds nest kind of crunchy, but without the salty taste you associate with seaweed. Go sample and try it out. Interesting!

For more information, surf on to Ritz Carlton's dedicated Mooncake website (https://www.rcmilleniapresents.com.sg/mooncake/index.html) for prices and early bird discounts. 

If you want more detail ordering information, you can call Summer Pavilion at +65 6434 5286 or email them at rc.sinrz.summerpavilion@ritzcarlton.com


2) Sheraton Towers Singapore Mooncakes by Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant

If you are looking into old classics, Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant might be what you are looking for. Probably suited for older folks or people you know are more traditional. Maybe if you have a traditional boss.



This year's box is a nice auspicious red box that is rectangular, compared to last year's squarish box. It has a nice Li Bai logo in the middle on top of the box. Classic, clean lines box design.

Li Bai's mooncakes are handcrafted by Chef Chung Yiu Ming and his culinary team.



It fits 4 mooncakes inside and the box also has a soft feel to it. It has 4 compartments after taking out the mooncakes, so ladies know what they can do with it.

OK, I admit, guys do like boxes too. I also know what to put inside, my techie stuff that I feel deserve a nice cosy resting place. It's upcycling these boxes right?

Out of the 4 flavours that Li Bai provided us, here's two that took to our family's delight.



I had more senior folks come over our place to try out these mooncakes. This was their pick. My uncle likes this Traditional Baked Mixed Nuts. Yes, it's an acquired taste and only certain people will like it. This year, they have a new twist to it, it's Mixed Nuts with Iberico Ham.  (4 pieces for $60)



I have tasted some of these mixed nuts mooncake since young, all sorts from different places, but I still it's not for me. My parent's generation who knows how to appreciate will says it's nice. Maybe when I get older, I will start to appreciate it. Of course different people likes different combination or ratio of the nuts and ham. This version is with Iberico Ham was OK with them. Do you think your folks will fall in love with it?



For some reason, this "Traditional Baked Yellow Lotus Seed Paste with Black Dates, Dried Longan and Wolfberries" did resonate with me.  (4 pieces for $57)

It's simple, yet I found it pleasantly good. I think it's probably the yellow lotus seed paste has a slight hint of the other ingredients. The lotus seed paste is still the main star here. I imagine if there's too much wolfberries, dates and dried longan, it will taste like a longan and dates drink instead. This was just nice for me.



Very nice thin layer of skin and the yellow lotus seed paste that has dates, dried longan and wolfberries in it. It was not too oily nor was it too sweet for me. Go try and see if you like it.

For more details, surf on to Sheraton's Tower Singapore's website.
If you want more detail ordering information, you can call Li Bai at +65 6839 5636 or email them at mooncake.singapore@sheraton.com


3) Butt Mooncakes by Hong Kong's Goods of Desire.

These are the cheekiest mooncakes I know this season. Definitely not for your bosses or parents / grandparents. Unless you are known to be the cheeky ones at home.

These mooncakes are made in Hong Kong and shipped in. They are made by Mei-xin Fine Goods which I read is a household brand in Hong Kong.



If you are a bit more 'banana' like me, you won't know what 'Ba Ye Shi Wu' (15th of the 8th Lunar Month) means. My colleagues saw this package arrive in the office and was laughing away. I asked why and he told me, if you wear your shorts or pants and accidentally exposed your buttocks, most people say, 'ba ye shi wu'. 

Now that you know it means exposing your butt, Goods of Desire is play with the word and created these Butt Mooncakes. Each mooncake has a lotus seed paste with a single egg yolk.



There are 4 'butt' designs available, namely一筒Bunny, 不求人Cover-Up, 单吊T-back and卡窿The Split. The one above is 'Bunny'. They cost $14.50 each or a box of 4 for $52. Creative and cheeky eh?

I wanted to laugh with all the comments that I got when I posted this on Instagram and my Facebook page. From a butt that's so lumpy to full of cellulite. Would you buy it?

Surf on to Goods of Desire Singapore's Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/goodsofdesire.sg
If you want more detail ordering information, you can email them at singapore@goodsofdesire.com


You know where to try these mooncakes out now. A few places, for example Takashimaya Square has sampling stations for most of the restaurants, bakeries and hotels selling mooncakes. Enjoy your mooncakes! Now to top up our Chinese Tea leaves as we prepare for the Mooncake season.

The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore - Summer Afternoon Tea @ Chihuly Lounge

The weekend is almost here. If you have no plans yet, surprise your other half or your family to a nice quiet elegant treat. If you have seen my Instagram (@keropokman) photos a few weeks back, you would have seen I was at The Ritz-Carlton Milennia Singapore's Chihuly Lounge for Afternoon Tea.

It's the Summer with desserts inspired by the Mediterranean. The Summer treats ends on 1 September, so you got 1 month worth of weekends to try it out.

The Afternoon Tea buffet here serves tempting Sandwiches, Canapes, Savories, Live Station desserts and to me, the star of it all, the Desserts that brings out the exotic sandy beaches. The Executive Pastry Chef, Chef Terence Pang and his team has created 10 I would call, 'too beautiful and cute to eat' desserts to first feast your eyes and then to whet your appetite.



The "Dessert Table".

For the sweet tooth, this is the table you would need, a few pieces would hit your daily calorie limit. If you believe in a 'cheat' day, indulge in a few pieces more.

Where do you usually start your buffet? Sweet or Savoury?
For most people they prefer to start with the savoury and end on a sweet note.

* Sandwiches *

Smoked Salmon and Egg in Olive Focaccia

Beautiful smoked salmon and egg sandwiches between olive focaccia.
A nice combination of salmon with the olive focaccia.


Tomato and Mozzarella Cheese Sandwiches

Something really simple and yet tasty. If you are one who can imagine taste, you know that they have combined two ingredients, tomato and cheese that has rich natural umami compoments into this sandwich. Of course your tongue will transmit to your brain it's nice.


Iberico with Pickled Gherkin in Mini Croissant

For those who loves Iberico and Pickled Gherkin, the stuff the ingredients in a mini croissant. Probably the one with the most calories of it all.

Here's 3 out of the 4 or 5 sandwiches that they prepare.

* Summer Beach Inspired Desserts *

Caramel Mediterranean Salt Truffle Pearl

It's so pretty isn't it? I always think the pastry team here is one of the most creative ones in Singapore. My wife loves oysters and can eat many at ago, I usually take 1 or 2. When I see this, I can take a few, but she will at most take 1.



Shh.. I did not start with the Savouries, but with the Sweets!
This was what I had on my plate!


Olive Macaron Starfish

It's tempting too isn't it? What's with stars that captivates us?

Probably because when we were young, we were brought up with "Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars" nursery rhyme. We were rewarded with Stars when we could spell as kids. Or Star stickers our piano teacher pasted on our books.

Now reward yourself with a Starfish.


Raspberry and Fig Tart

So eye catching as well. I don't need to describe how they taste right?
These desserts are just so beautiful.


Pistachio Crème with Griottine

I was quite tempted by this and I knew I just had to try this!
They used a combination of different sugars to create the sand on the beach that the balls were resting on.



The folks that I was having the afternoon tea laughed when they saw me bringing this back with the 'sand' as well. Of course you need some sand, or the beach ball won't look correct. Also the sand prevents the beach ball from rolling to the floor when I hold it on my plate right?



The reward you get when you crack open the beach ball. A very delightful pistachio creme with griottine as well. *hic*


Seaweed Cake Sand-als

They come all in size 4 only. Your feet will automatically shrink as you put it on your plate. It's one size fits all. So cute right?


Lemon and Vodka Lemon Cup

Harmless looking but the bottom is heavy stuff. Lemon Vodka Jelly below the innocent looking fruits!


Rose Almond Sun Hat Cake

What a beautiful sun hat. I don't know why, but I was very tempted to try this.
I knew something was special but not sure what it was when I took it.



Surprisingly, it's not overly sweet. After cutting it, it was aha!
Look at the layers in the pasty below!



Look at the layers. I assume it's hand made themselves and that must have taken lots of rolling and folding!

I have only shown you a few and there are more! Go see and taste it in person.

* Savoury *

Grilled King Prawns with Iberico Chorizo Butter Sauce

There are also different kinds of Canapes to try. Here's two of the savory items I really liked.
Who can resist King Prawns?

(Now I know what I can do with the Chorizos I brought back from my recent holidays, make a nice butter sauce and drizzles it over prawns!)


Moroccan Style Stew Stuffed Chicken Wing, Green Olive, Sour Lemon and Coriander

Call me lazy, but the stuffed chicken wing's really tasty and oh yes, so easy to eat!
I should have taken photo from another direction to show you how beautiful it looked.

* Live Station *

Something captivating in live stations. Someone preparing food right in front of you just as you order it. Especially when it's crepes, the appeal is even stronger.



The chef preparing a crepe. Do you like crepes?


Fresh Crepes with Ricotta Cheese Filling and Candied Fruit

I know it's suppose to go with candied fruit, but I opted for fresh fruits.
If you are a cheese person, try the ricotta cheese filling inside!

* Coffee & Tea *

It's called Afternoon Tea, but you can have Coffee. I know so many of you are addicted to coffee like my wife. There's decaffeinated coffee too for those who need the kick of coffee but not the caffeine in the afternoon.



There's quite a nice selection of teas. A great range from Ronnefeldt Teas. They have over thirty blends of loose leaf teas here. I had an ice version of one of the teas. I believe I order the Rooibos Lemon.


I should talk about the tea pots and other porcelain used here. I realised I don't have a nice photo of the tea pot. The squarish plates that you see I had my food on, they are the elegant chic ‘Feuille d'or’ line of Bernardaud Porcelain imported from France.

If you are there at the lounge at any time, you would see that their tea is called "Bernardaud Afternoon Tea" named after Bernardaud of Limoges, France. That's for some of us who love to know such details.

I love the 'vastness' of this lounge. A nice place to meet up or a date with your love ones.
A nice selection of savouries that you can try and even if you are not a sweet tooth person, admire the sweet dessert creation by the chefs. So pretty. Yup, whenever you are there, I always see Japanese tourist. They can't be wrong when it comes to cute stuff!


The Price:
S$52.00++ per adult (inclusive of freshly brewed and decaffeinated coffee and a selection of teas)

S$26.00++ per child (six to twelve years of age)

All prices are subject to a 10% Service Charge and Prevailing Government Taxes




Chihuly Lounge
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
7 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039799

Tel: +65 6434 5288
Email:  rc.sinrz.restaurantreservations@ritzcarlton.com



A note of thanks to The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore marketing folks for the invite to this tea and answering all the questions we had.