The Sunday brunch at Bar and Billiard Room of the Raffles Hotel Singapore is the pinnacle of all brunches in Singapore. Perhaps even arguably the best Sunday Brunch in Singapore.
Well…think about it. How many restaurants in Singapore boasts of a rich history such as that of the Bar and Billiard Room? Established in 1896, the posh, colonial setting definitely sets it apart from its Sunday Brunch competitors. There’s even a story about a tiger that was shot dead below the Bar and Billiard Room. Talk about myths and legends…
We were invited for a staycation at the Raffles Hotel over the weekend and we were told that the Sunday Brunch would be the highlight of our stay. BUT, the highlight of a Sunday Brunch has got to be its food right? Soon we were pleasantly surprised by what the brunch has to offer…
What to eat at the Sunday Brunch of Bar and Billiard Room Raffles Hotel
Bar and Billiard Room Raffles Hotel AppetizersBar and Billiard Room Raffles Hotel Sunday Brunch selection of cheesesBar and Billiard Room Raffles Hotel Sunday Brunch Freshly Made PastaBar and Billiard Room Raffles Hotel Sunday Brunch Selection of Fresh Oysters and Seafood
First off, the spread was EXTENSIVE! At the entrance, there was a spread of appetizers that included peppered tenderloin carpaccio, poached egg with smoked salmon with mini ratatouille (yes ratatouille! remember the movie?) and smoked eggplant caviar. Imagine the size of a billiard table. Now imagine that table full of appetizers. Yup.
Bar and Billiard Room Raffles Hotel Sunday Brunch Carving StationBar and Billiard Room Raffles Hotel Sunday Brunch Carving Station Beef TenderloinBar and Billiard Room Raffles Hotel Sunday Brunch Leg of LambBar and Billiard Room Raffles Hotel Sunday Brunch Prime RibBar and Billiard Room Raffles Hotel Sunday Brunch Rack of Veal
Some call the Sunday Brunch at the Bar and Billiard Room a carnivore’s experience and they’re really not far off. With choices such as US beef tenderloin, roasted Welsh lamb and the BBQ Iberico pork ribs, even herbivores get tempted. The highlight for us was the lamb and the pork ribs. The pork ribs were tender (meat falls off its ribs) and the BBQ flavour was just amazing. The lamb on the other hand had a great mix of fatty bits that made it oh so irresistible!
Bar and Billiard Room Raffles Hotel Sunday Brunch Fresh Oysters Maine LobsterBar and Billiard Room Raffles Hotel Sunday Brunch DishesBar and Billiard Room Raffles Hotel Sunday Brunch Pan Fried Foie Gras
If you’re a fan of live shucked oysters, you’re in for a treat! The choice of oysters include the Irish, Canadian, Fine de Claire and Belon. The Belon is apparently the most expensive of the 4. But we really enjoyed the Canadian the most. It really really tasted like milk from the ocean! Huge oyster with a tinge of the freshness of the sea. The maine lobster was fresh and succulent. No wonder there’s a queue…
But what is a Sunday Brunch like with Foie Gras and Champagne?
Billecart-Salmon Champagne at the Raffles Hotel Bar and Billiard Room Sunday Brunch (Custom)Free Flow of Champagne and Raffles Hotel Sunday Brunch
According to our waiter Dhiraj (thanks for the excellent and personalised service Dhiraj!), Raffles Hotel is the only place in Singapore to serve the Billecart-Salmon Champagne. Steeped in tradition, the brand has been around for over 200 years (WOW!) and is chosen by the sommelier as a great compliment not only in taste but also in class to the food at the B&B Room Sunday Brunch.
Learn how to prepare the pan-seared foie gras!
As always, the lightly seared foie gras gives off the smoky taste and simply melts in your mouth. No we’re not exaggerating. It literally melts releasing the full flavoured aroma with every swirl of your palate. Ok, now we’re exaggerating.
Chef Nicola’s Ravioli at Bar and Billiard Room Sunday Brunch
Having reviewed the new Italian menu at the Raffles Courtyard, we knew the high standards to expect from the pastas of Chef Nicola. He’s really a genius with Italian food. This ravioli combines simple tastes such as the humble cherry tomato, giving it a quick saute and transforming it into a home-styled, home-flavoured comfort. You really cant stop at 2. Tom had 5.
Along the way, we were advised by fellow bloggers to reserve our stomach. This is because the dessert is A WHOLE BUFFET BY ITSELF!!
Dessert Spread at the Sunday Brunch of Bar and Billiard RoomSunday Brunch of Bar and Billiard Room Dessert SpreadBeautifully decorated desserts Raffles Hotel Sunday Brunch BuffetDelicious Desserts at Raffles Hotel Sunday BrunchIntricate Desserts at Raffles Hotel Sunday BrunchSunday Brunch of Bar and Billiard Room More Yummy DessertsYummy Desserts at the Sunday Brunch of Bar and Billiard Room
Tom is normally not a dessert person and he would usually skip this phase altogether. But the fact that he ate 8 different types of desserts just speaks volume of the quality of the dessert spread at the Raffles Hotel Sunday Brunch. Besides the high quality ice creams (try the vanilla, you may stop eating other vanilla ice creams thereafter), the passion fruit combinations as well as the rich chocolate mousse was simply a pleasure. The cream brulee was not too sweet. Light and inviting. Yum!
All in all, the experience, service, class and taste at the Sunday Brunch of the Bar and Billiard Room Raffles Hotel is simply unparalleled.
You have just read a post from the complete coverage of our staycation at the Raffles Hotel. You can find the rest of the posts here…
A Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore would definitely not be complete without a taste of the original Singapore Sling from Long Bar Raffles Hotel!
The Original Singapore Sling at the Long Bar Raffles Hotel
The original Singapore Sling was created by Mr Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at Raffles Hotel around 1915.
Legend has it that the Singapore Sling was created because ladies of the time were not supposed to consume alcohols in public. So the Singapore Sling was concocted to conceal the light alcohol in a bright fancy colour. The ladies were then happy that there was a drink available to them and the men were happy that they could buy drinks for their ladies! Win-win!
We were invited to a staycation at the Raffles Hotel Singapore and this little story was shared to us by the Resident Historian – Mr Leslie Danker. Cool huh? Let’s now find out what’s in this national drink of Singapore…
Ingredients of the Original Singapore Sling
The ingredients of the Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel are
30ml Gin
15ml Cherry Heering
7.5ml Dom Benedictine
7.5ml Cointreau
120ml Sarawak Pineapple Juice
15ml Lime Juice
10ml Grenadine
A dash of Angostura Bitters
Garnish with a slice of Pineapple and Cherry
How to make the Original Singapore Sling
If you’re interested to find out how to make the original Singapore Sling, here’s a demonstration done by a bartender at Long Bar Raffles Hotel during our staycation there.
As part of the demonstration to us, we were also shown how the slings of Cambodia, France, Indonesia, Philippines and Seychelles were made. Each of them are named after a Raffles Hotel in each of these countries.
Singapore Sling and the drinks of Cambodia, France, Indonesia, Philippines and Seychelles
If you have not tried the original Singapore Sling before, you have got to try it because it most definitely does not resemble ANY KIND of Singapore Sling we have tried before, ANYWHERE! Nope it does not resemble the ones at Clarke Quay or onboard SQ flights…
You have just read a post from the complete coverage of our staycation at the Raffles Hotel. You can find the rest of the posts here…
Our recent staycation at Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore was easily the best hotel stay in our all travels! And no, this post is NOT sponsored and we speak nothing but the truth! The entire staycation was filled with “Wah!” , “Wow!”, “Ah…” and “Shiok!” Kudos to the team at Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore!
Reception Ritz Carlton Millenia
The magic started right here at the reception of Ritz Carlton. This was roughly the conversation we had at the reception
Us : Hi, we would like to check in Receptionist : Certainly! (as she took in our check in slip)
After checking the system…
Receptionist : We noted your request for non-smoking and high floor with an additional bed. We have arranged for your room on the 28th floor
Us : (“Wow” in our minds) Thank you. Could we also check if we can have a late check out? Receptionist : Certainly! Let me do a check for you (Notice that she replied “Certainly!” first – makes you feel shiok, before she did the check)
After checking through…
Receptionist : Certainly! We will honour your late check out at 4pm! Us : Thanks! Can we also have a parking coupon? Receptionist : Certainly! You can receive your complimentary parking from the concierge Us : Thank you!
Not only was the service professional (it was the first time we heard the word “certainly” so many times over!), it was topped with the following act – The receptionist actually stepped out of the reception booth (by walking 10 metres), came over the counter and personally handed our room keys to us! 😮 We were pleasantly surprised by this gesture and personal touch!
Premier Room at Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore
Our stay on the 28th floor of Ritz Carlton Singapore was at the Premier Room with views of the city. Although it was not the Marina Bay View, we still said “Wah!” when we entered the room. It was because this view greeted us as we entered…(isnt always a surprise to enter the hotel room for the first time?)
City view from Premier Room of Ritz Carlton Millenia
The windows were huge and surprisingly clear both on the inside and outside, giving occupants a splendid view of the City & Kallang area!
Singapore City view from Ritz CarltonPanoramic views of KallangClose up view of the National Stadium under constructionOcean view with a glimpse of the Singapore Flyer
After walking past the bed and the TV, Kate let out another “Wah!” at the bathroom…
Study table leading to the bathroomBathroom of Premier Room at Ritz Carlton!
The bath tub had a window view of the city and kallang area as well! The blinds were also automated which means you dont have to struggle with pulling the blinds open and close by yourself! There’s a knob beside the switch for the blinds that adjusts the volume of the TV in the bathroom! Resting in this bath tub with the view was simply “Ah…” There’s also a huge dressing table and mirror in the bathroom, complete with a rain shower bathing area!
Rain shower Ritz Carlton Premier Room
The room itself was spacious and had class written all over it…
Bed in Premier Room Ritz Carlton
The king size bed was fluffy, luxurious and was irresistibly comfortable! If you take a look carefully at the wall of the bedroom, it is actually shining and glossy!
Huge Samsung TV
The Samsung TV was huge and the sound system of the TV is connected to the bathroom as well! The cabinet below was also well equipped with complimentary coffee/tea, refrigerator (have to pay for snacks and drinks), an ice cooler as well as a kettle!
Inside the cabinets Ritz Carlton Singapore
There’s also a little wardrobe beside your bed with bathrobes, safe and ironing facilities. Note that the lights of the wardroom is activated when the door is open. Just close the door to switch off the lights.
Wardrobe inside Premier Room Ritz Carlton
There are also other neat little gadgets around the room (playing “hide and seek” with you). Find them!
Swimming Pool at Ritz Carlton Singapore
Swimming Pool Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore
The swimming pool at Ritz Carlton is located at the first floor. To get there, you can either walk down the stairs from the main lobby or take the lift to the first floor and walk past the gym. You will be given a bottle of water if you take the route past the gym.
Walking past the gym to the swimming pool at Ritz Carlton Singapore
The excellent service extends even to the pool area! After getting the bottle of water (which the receptionist said “enjoy your swim!”), you will be led to a deck chair by the pool by an assistant. The assistant will then lay a towel over your choice of deck chair (so that you can lie on the towel) and place the other towel on the deck chair for you to use!
Swimming Pool at Ritz Carlton Singapore
There are steps on both sides of the pool so people can just lie beside the pool to get a tan if they want to. The pool is also not deep so kids can enjoy a splash, under supervision that is. There is also a jacuzzi by the side of the pool…
Jacuzzi Ritz Carlton
The jacuzzi is not the special bit but if you notice, there’s a smaller circular dip beside the jacuzzi. It is a cold bath! We entered and it seemed to be at about 15 degrees celsius or so. Cold baths are said to be able to help in muscle recovery. True? Not sure, but it is quite shiok to enter the cold bath first before a swim in the pool. This makes the pool relatively warm to your cooled skin.
Then the magic happened again. It started to drizzle by the pool and guess what? The assistants started to appear with umbrellas each in their hands. As you signal to them, they will shelter you personally back to the gym area! 😮 Talk about excellent service…
Back at the gym, the changing rooms have a steam bath as well as a sauna. The sauna is the traditional kind where you can increase the temperature by scooping water over heated stones!
Views of the Marina Bay
Although our room did not have views of the Marina Bay, we could see the same view from the lift lobby!
Lift Lobby with views of the Marina BayMarina Bay and Gardens by the Bay to the leftMarina Bay and Floating PlatformClose up view of Mandarin Oriental & EsplanadeClose up view of Marina Bay Sands
Buffet Breakfast at Ritz Carlton Singapore
Lobby towards Greenhouse Restaurant of Ritz Carlton Millenia
Walking past the lobby, you will find the Greenhouse restaurant. This is where the buffet breakfast is served from 630 to 1030 daily.
Pub area beside Lobby at Ritz Carlton Singapore
The breakfast spread was quite common with a choice of asian – fried noodles, dim sum, english – muffins, cereals & western – sausage, omelettes and bacon.
Buffet Breakfast Ritz Carlton SingaporeOmelette Station – For freshly made omelettesPastries, breads and fruits (Breakfast at Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore)Salad and selection of cheeseCereals, yogurt and Yakult!
We took some of the pastries as well as the char siew bao. It is recommended that you furiously attack the char siew bao because it is fluffy on the outside and mildly sweet and savoury on the inside. Yum! Besides the Yakult, there’s nothing else that really stands out at the buffet. Oh, do give the pancakes a try as well. They actually have different berries to go along with the pancakes.
Pancakes with strawberry, raspberries & blueberry topped with maple syrup!
How to get to Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore
How to get to Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore
Ritz Carlton Singapore is located at 7 Raffles Avenue. You can of course drive there as parking is complimentary. However, we recommend that you take the MRT to Promenade (closest MRT station) on the circle line OR take a short walk from City Hall via Marina Square. There is a side entrance from Marina Square to Singapore’s Ritz Carlton.
Over the long weekend, Kate and I were invited to be at the Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa for a staycation. The exciting thing was that the resort is a 5 star hotel and we’re staying at the most expensive place in the hotel, the 2 bedroom villa! It has 2 rooms, an open air bathtub and a private plunge pool!
Reception of Amara Sanctuary Resort SentosaOn the way to the Sky Pool
As the villa was not ready when we arrived, we went to the sky pool to enjoy an afternoon swim. The sky pool had an excellent pool overlooking the ocean…
Sky Pool at Amara Sanctuary Resort SentosaMini bar at the Sky Pool
We took a look at the menu and there’s a fried hokkien mee that costs $34!! Of course there’s a reason why. It is served with abalone, lobster as well as roast pork. Yum. There’s even a jacuzzi at the sky pool!
Jacuzzi at the Sky PoolAmara Sanctuary Resort Staycation Singapore Sentosa 2 Bedroom (BR) Villa with plunge (private) poolViews overlooking the ocean from the sky pool
After the swim, we were pleasantly surprised by the amenities in the room. The private plunge pool didnt disappoint. It even comes with its own water jets to do provide for some water massaging!
The Private Plunge Pool in the 2 bedroom villaWater Jets for water massageTatami Mats for outdoor stargazing or just chilling by the pool
Next was the master room with an outdoor bathtub, shower points and 2 individual sinks.
The master bedroom with mosquito nettingsOne of the 2 sinks2nd sink beside the open air showerOpen air shower pointOpen air bathtub with overhanging Frangipani Tree
The 2 rooms are connected at the back via the tatami mat area as well….
Where the 2 rooms connect
The 2nd bedroom had 2 super singles and an attached bathroom.
2 super singles connected togetherBathroom of the 2nd bedroom
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the 2 bedroom villa. The rooms had sliding doors that could open up such that we could watch TV from the plunge pool! The rooms were also stocked with different kinds of tea as well as a Nespresso machine with coffee capsules. The only thing was that there were quite alot of mosquitos. Which is why the hotel provides unlimited mosquito coils which we put to good use at the various corners of the villas. That also pretty much explains the mosquito nets.
Although we didnt ask the price, from the internet, we saw that the 2 bedroom villa costs about $2000 per night! It was a good experience and we thoroughly enjoyed the pools (both sky pool and private plunge pool) at the Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa!
