Due to the not so good buffet experiences we had recently, we were not in the mood to take chances for a place to dine on Father's day. Hence, we decided to go somewhere safe. This is our third time to visit The Rise Restaurant at Marina Bay Sands Hotel. From the lunch repertoire, we initially noted that the food spread was not as extensive as that of dinner time. Nonetheless, it's good enough for lunch. After trying this buffet for 3 times in a row, I won't rave much on the food's quality. However, the dessert choices are quite extensive. Generally, The Rise offers a mid range value buffet. There's none in particular that you would severely crave to come back for but definitely you'll get your money's worth.

Fruits galore!

Cold Cuts & Fish Market - Pastrami, Pancetta, Salmon, Yellow Fin Tuna etc.

Sushi and Sashimi...

After living for more than a year now in Singapore, I have learned to appreciate the local food offerings to a greater extent. Perhaps, so much so that I can declare how my threshold for hot & spicy foods has increased throughout. A number of food posts made through this blog have likewise introduced me to a truly eclectic mix of great culinary finds. Suffice it to say, I have come up with a list of local foods that would pass as must tries in the island. If it's your first time to visit Singapore and is daring enough to partake in the country's tastebuds, here are the choices that are never to be missed. From breakfast items to major meal occasions down to the desserts and snacks, there's definitely something to fill a craving appetite.

Honestly, I'm having second thoughts in making a post about this experience. So disappointed I was, that I felt it's not that worthy to make mention. On hindsight though, I thought it might be helpful to share to gather some more insights from those who've tried it as well and confirm our own account of this breakfast buffet experience. Prior to choosing Marriot for a morning breakfast on a weekend, I've searched online and through various blogs for options and recommendations. And because all were nothing but good reviews about Marriot Hotel's Buffet (although not exactly the breakfast), I was convinced that we'll be in a good place. Hence, I yielded to this option against other equally popular hotels along Orchard road.
Unfortunately, there was really nothing to rave about. General selection was very limited. Only the basics were there such as breads, fresh fruits & juices, colds & salads, noodles, cereals, ice cream for dessert and the hot section for the viands and rice. Quality wise, it didn't actually impress. I was almost on the verge of heading back home for a complete morning fix. I can even rant more for each of the food I've tried. But I guess I would just have the photo shots speak for it self. Don't you find them so gloomy and uninviting?

I just got back from a short business trip in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. It's my first time to visit the most populous city of Southeast Asia. Likewise, it's my first time to travel on a budget carrier via ValuAir - Jet Star. Inspite of the fairly good reputation that some budget airlines have struggled to establish in recent years, I'm still not comfortable travelling on these carriers. Maybe because the word "budget" somehow exudes an element of doubt on the safety of their operations. But after this experience, it's actually not bad at all especially if it's only for short distance trips. My flights to Jakarta and back to Singapore were both on-time. Also, service from the airline is relatively ok.

We each have our own definition of comfort food. But one thing is certain, it's something that roots back to home. When we went for a vacation last April in the Philippines, I made sure that I'll be able to relish some great old goodies. One of which is Starbucks' Banofee Pie. This pie is definitely sinful and rich, yet so comforting particularly with a glass of your favorite hot drink on the side. The look of this pie can be actually deceiving. You'd think that a forkful is more than enough to satiate you. But the truth is, its entirety will have you in complete sweet surrender. I can vouch for its goodness that you'd totally forget about calorie counters for a while. I'm currently craving for it and severely wishing that it's also available here in the lion city. Since that's quite far from reality at the moment; I can only head to the nearest supermarket, grab some ingredients and make my own version at home. Although I don't have the exact recipe of it, I'll try my best to capture the taste as far as my memory can recall.

Prepare the base by combining crushed graham crackers with melted butter and sugar. Layer on to the base some sliced bananas and tofee caramel or nutella spread. Top it with whipped cream, chocolate syrup and caramel.

We have a new favorite attraction in Sentosa - the Skyline Luge. The attraction was built in 2005 and has been one of the most popular and most sought after rides by thrill seekers since then. Navigating the luge and boarding the skyride is a complete outdoor adventure. It's so much fun that you'd feel once is definitely not enough. We just wished that the trail was made a bit longer. The ride on the luge was relatively short. We felt the fun lasted too soon hence, we're more than obliged to come back. Anyway, the S$32 family deal for 4 members is really worth it.