City Donut – NEW Donut Specialty Shop Near Tanjong Pagar

ABBEY: A new donut shop opened and we took our chance to have some of them on its first day. Sadly the flavors I want were already sold out and the next batch will be available after 3 hours. So we settled with Pandan Ondeh-Ondeh ones. Having the donuts infused with a local favorite poses a challenge as it should taste the same. Surprisingly it was. It has the coconut taste as well as the sweetness of the palm sugar.

On our next visits (yes we came a second and third time), we were able to grab Original, Coffee, and Milo Dinosaur. The taste were the same as other shops and almost same price as well.

City Donut – NEW Donut Specialty Shop Near | Best Donut in Singapore

City Donut – NEW Donut Specialty Shop Near Tanjong Pagar - Ondeh Ondeh and Milo Dinosaur Donut

WILL: Are you fed up with the sugar rush of same old donuts company giving to you? Well, be thankful that City Donut is here to the rescue! They pride themselves with the Milo Dinosaur flavour but they hit the bull’s eye with their Ondeh Ondeh. The coconut bits give a good chew in every bite and the oozing liquid palm sugar is fantastically but not overly sweet. Perfect for a black coffee or tea.  

This donut is really recommendable and be early. They are always out of donuts on lunchtime and tea time.

***

CITY DONUT 

(W) https://www.instagram.com/citydonutsg/

(H) Mon to Sat : 8am - 5pm / Sunday : CLOSED

(A) 2 McCallum Street Singapore 069043

(T) 6223 1425

dnata Lounge (Singapore Changi Terminal 3)

ABBEY: We used our annual Priority Pass to access airport lounges for free. This time, we went to dnata Terminal 3 lounge. 

They were serving breakfast when we visited and this includes congee, croissant, brown and white bread, red bean bun, chicken siew mai, cornflakes, coffee and tea. They also have softdrinks, wine, beer, and ale. 

I indulged in their siew mai dipped in soy sauce. Wow. They also have a shower and reading rooms. On further back of the lounge, you can see the planes....

dnata Lobby

Comfortable Sofa 

Food Aisle

WILL: DNATA Lounge at Changi Terminal 3 won the Best Indepent Airport Lounge 2015 award and of course it makes me curious to check it out. 

We were greeted by an all-smile staff in their lobby. And as we enter the place we were welcomed by the food served in the middle of the area. They are serving breakfast that time and I am astounded that they have siew mai. Yes, I indulged in that food, then I tried their bread. Washed off it by tea. 

I enjoyed eating there while watching tv that plays Just For Laughs. Sofas are pretty comfy and the place itself is quiet and on that, you can have your own peace before your flight. Ooh! You can take a shower in there too! 

Thanks DNATA for accommodating and filling our tummy for few hours before our flight.

***

Dnata Lounge

(A) Level 3 Transit, Terminal 3, Singapore Changi Airport, 65 Airport Blvd

(T) 6511 0288

(H) 24 hours

Menya Musashi at VivoCity

ABBEY: We decided to dine at Menya Musashi after our stroll at Vivo City (#01-104). 

I got their Chicken Cutlet Toji Rice Set; chef recommended. It comes with a bowl of rice, fried chicken cutlet soaked in beaten egg yolks, miso soup, and chawanmushi.

Japanese rice is delicious. It goes well with the chicken cutlet and the taste is not that salty. I washed them all down with the miso soup. Then for the finale, I ate the egg custard which was topped with mushroom and pork bits. 

The meal costs 16SGD.

WILL: Abbey is so overwhelmed with his new shoes and on that, he treated me a dinner at Menya Musahi at VivoCity. The store is not that big but have a welcoming ambias. We are lucky that time that there is no long queue going on when we arrived the place. 

We were ushered to our seats, ordered via iPad app and they immediately served us their complimentary hot tea. Have you experience that ramen splashes back to your soup? To avoid any clothing stains, you can ask for paper bibs. :) 

I got a thin ramen for my spicy soup set. I am amazed on how flavourful the ramen specially their noodles. Oishi! One bowl is too much for my tummy size, and of course husband is there to rescue me (we hate wasting food). He to agreed how delicious it is. 

Please visit them on any of their branches.

***

Menya Musashi - VivoCity

1 Harbourfront Walk #01-104 Singapore 098585

Tel: 6376 9519

Plate @ Carlton City Hotel - Dinner Buffet

ABBEY: My younger brother and his family paid us a visit at the start of 2016. So we planned to have a buffet dinner. We went to The Plate at Carlton City Hotel (Tanjong Pagar); which offers seafood and international buffet. We were an hour early and they are still setting up. When they opened, we were ushered to our table. The staff really took care of our needs as we have a little cute baby in our group. 

We hurriedly went to the buffet table and pick up our first rounder. Mine was sushi and sashimi. After saying grace, we indulged ourselves to every bite. Next I got roast beef; the part with oozing fats :) It was delicious. Then I went for baked salmon with yogurt and cucumber sauce along with that I also had baked potatoes. For dessert I made my own ice kachang. Only ice and syrup. Haha. No beans. Then I also tried their chocolate ice cream. It is creamy and not that much sweet.

We got the deal from Deal.com.sg for only $40.00.

WILL: As a matter of fact, buffets can either make you spend or make you save money.  In our course, we always make it to the point that we will surely be on "save money" side. 

As usual, we treat our Singapore tourist with a buffet dinner and I am glad that deal.com.sg offers a mouthwatering list of buffer options. Abbey and I chose the Friday Dinner Night pf The Plate at the Carlton City. 

What to expect for $40 nett (voucher price)? Seafood! Arrays of Singaporean menu, bak kut teh, live station of laksa and pastas, and ice kachang. Their mini cakes, roasted beef and ice creams. That value includes refreshments like soda, juices, tea, and coffee. Do not forget to indulge on their ice creams. 

The place is full-packed that day and all people seems enjoyed their food. Kuddos to the lovely staffs that relentlessly clearing our table and keeping our little one feel like home. :) 

***

Plate (Level 3)

CARLTON CITY HOTEL SINGAPORE

1 Gopeng Street, Singapore 078862

T:+65 6632 892  Email:f&b@carltoncity.sg

The Giant Grand Ferrero - Casa Ferrero, Wisma Atria Singapore

ABBEY: I have no idea what to give my wife for Christmas. But when I saw how excited she is when she saw the Ferrerro Rocherone, I knew that I should get that. So the next day, I waited for the shop to open and place my reservation. I got three. Yes. Wilma only expected to have one. One Rocherone is a little bit shy to 25SGD.

Upon arriving at home, I gave the first ball. She was ecstatic and suprised. Then she went to the kitchen and I placed the second one on the dining table. I asked her to open it immediately. She went back to our room to get her phone. And realisation came to her. The giant chocolate treat is more than one. At the same time, I heard her shout "Why is there so many? Stay where you are." The surprise became a threat. When she found me, I gave her the third. There's nothing she can do but to accept my gifts and be happy with it.

I was more happy because I'm seeing my wife happy.

The taste is delicious. The chocolate is smooth and the nuts complement it well.

We can't finish in one sitting. By the way they have the junior version of this for less than 20SGD.

WILL: Huge! Big! Grand Ferrero!

Ferrero really knew how to revolutionize their product. Can you imagine what would Ferrero Rocher can do its chocolates? Ferrero brought the Casa Cafe here in Singapore for their holiday treat to us. You can buy exclusively in there their very cute and awesome Grand Ferrero. 

Abbey surprised me a three big ball of chocolate Ferrero. My eyes opened wide and my voice squeaked with delight! 

The taste? Same! Nothing changed, just the appearance! But this is really a grand and pleasant thing for a gift! 

Hey Ferrero! I hope more and more new packaging/product  you will introduce to the world. :) 

Ben's Cookies Singapore - Baking with CHUNKS not Chips

ABBEY: At last we got to buy half a dozen of Ben's Cookies. Not that it is too expensive but the shop is always out of our way. We visited their branch at Wisma Atria.

The look of the cookie is like a novice chef baked it; mix the ingredient until the dough is formed then put some chocolate chunks. Press it down and put to oven. But the taste is delicious and rich. The cookie is soft and the chocolate chunks complemented it well. 

Recommended to partner with coffee or tea or just it on its own.

A 5-cookie pack plus 2 costs 14.75SGD.

WILL: Husband knew that I am a real-life cookie monster. Well, after about 6 months of delaying gratification I have decided to pushed (yah.. pushed, haha.. because it is not our normal to go to Orchard area) Abbey that I want him to buy me some of Ben's Cookie.

Every bite is a piece of heaven for me. Not that sweet but chewy and soft. This make it to my love to eat list..obviously. I like all the flavours, but white chocolate chunk standout. 

Try it. It will definitely solve your sugar cravings. 

***

Ben's Cookies Singapore

435 Orchard Road, Wisma Atria, #B1-50

T: 6235 5340

https://www.benscookies.com/

Pie Face Singapore @ 313@Somerset - Café · Bakery

ABBEY: I didn't got the chance to bite into their pie, the first time we went here. I just had coffee as we came just after dinner. Good thing that I'm not...

My experience just got better. Second time, I ordered their Pie-fect meal; a drink with The Stack combo (Spicy chicken pie) for 7SGD. The Stack is compose of the pie at the bottom, then mash potato, then peas, then gravy. It was so delicious. The mash and peas were smooth and really went well with the gravy. I keep on catching for breath as the pie filling is spicy :)

WILL: After a remittance made at iRemit at Lucky Plaza, we walked our way to 313 Somerset basement 2 to indulge at Pie Face. 

Yep! I do love pies and I quite happy that Pie Face always have a promotion. Since my tummy is still under rehabilitation (haha), I ordered for a non-spicy variant... the chicken + mushroom. I love the idea of The Stack. A mashed potato and peas and splashed the pie with their gravy. The flavour is bursting inside my mouth. Total happiness! It made me full. A total meal. 

They also have take-outs! Instead of going to a fad coffeeshops this place is quite good to have some talks and catching-up with friends. You will surely enjoy the ambiance and the food and your pocket will not cry because they charge a set of meal that starts at $5. :)

***
Pie Face Singapore
(A)313 Orchard Road, #B3-10 313@Somerset
23 Serangoon Central, #B2-49A NEX
(T) 9622 5662
(W)http://pieface.com.sg/

(FB) https://www.facebook.com/piefacesg/

Teddy&Me Cafe Singapore @ Marina Square Shopping Mall

ABBEY: We planned twice to visit Teddy&Me Cafe  but both of them failed. No time as our guests' schedules were tight. But on Christmas Eve, we set foot on their branch at Marina Square. 

We got carbonara with a cup of your of coffee and chicken pot pie. It all costs $30.90. I liked the pasta; it is creamy and the taste reminds me of the noodles we used to eat back in Philippines. The pie crust is crunchy and the filling is delicious. We also watched episodes of Mr. Bean. They still made me laugh even though I saw it multiple times. 

They also serve desserts like sundaes, ice cream, waffles, and crepes.

WILL: Another cafe that holds the flagship of a famous tv series. I am thinking that this will be a lame idea for us to splurge and get the same taste like the other western restaurant offers. But who am I to reject this idea. Abbey requested for it. 

I love pies so I went for Chicken Pie and husband for Carbonara. As usual we always chitchat on many ideas that needs actions. Pasta landed in his mouth, and blurted out "Mmmm. Taste this!" I obliged and it instantly reminds me Lucky Me Pancit Canton of the Philippines. Bite after bite my mind is chasing where that flavour came from? What they have done to the white sauce to be tasted like that. The pie is just the same as others. 

Well, let's go back to their carbonara  That white sauce pasta will be the reason that I will be coming back to Teddy&Me Cafe.

***

Teddy&Me Cafe 

Plaza Singapura #05-20

Marina Square #02-207A

Teddy&Me Playground

Changi Airport Terminal 3 B2

https://www.facebook.com/TeddyandMeCafeSingapore

enquiry@mrbeancafe.com.sg

The Burger Bar @ Marina Square Shopping Mall (by Fatboy's Concept)

ABBEY: This is where we had our Christmas dinner. We visited their branch at Marina Link. I got this huge burger Double Bacon Double Cheeseburger with fries and drink for 17.50SGD. It was delicious. 

The bacon-meat patty is a great combo. My jaw got tired of chewing. It took me time to finish the whole meal. It is amazing how to put your order. Go to one of the tablets, choose from their variety of options, go to the cashier and pay. 

They will give you your electronic "coaster" and wait for it to light. Voila, your meal is ready.

WILL: Everybody are feasting on wide selection of food that time, Abbey and I is at the Burger Bar at Marina Square to feast on their delectable burgers. 

I went for Swiss Shroom Combo ($15.00). Oh darling! It is humongous. Does it met our qualities to a burger? Yes! A thick and juicy and milky tasted patty. The price is just the same as other fastfood chain. Another addition to out list. I want to commend their ordering pattern. Pretty systematic. 

If you around the Marina Bay area, just drop by in here. 

***

The Burger Bar Marina Square

6 Raffles Boulevard #B1-03 Marina Link

6635 6660

http://fatboys.sg/

https://www.facebook.com/theburgerbarms/

Marina Mandarin | 5 Star Hotel Singapore Marina Bay - Christmas Eve Staycation (2015)

ABBEY: Got reservation at Marina Mandarin on the eve until Christmas day. We understand that it will be a busy day at the hotel and services will somehow will be delayed. But the hotel management also must need to consider that if it is a holiday then more people is needed to support the workforce. Sadly, we got the room keys by 4PM. We were there since 2PM.

We got a deluxe room at 14th storey with a view of Marina Bay. Ths room and spacious, the pillows are soft and we got a bathtub :)

After spending few hours watching reruns we went down to grab some bite to eat.

Coming back to the hotel, we had a chance to see live performance at the lobby. Christmas spirit can be filled thru the songs. We also took a look at their gym. It was clean and I even tried some of their machines.

Night has passed and I'm looking forward for the breakfast. It was a buffet. It was included in the roomrate we had. They have Japanese, Indian, Western and local cuisines. I indulged myself with salmon teriyaki and sashimi, sushi. Pair it with vegan fried rice and it is a combo. I also have some sausages, ham and eggs. The egg station offers omelette, fully cooked sunny side up and the one with "runny and gooey" yolks :) The bacon is not that good as it is not crispy.

We dipped few minutes on their pool, fixed our things and then we headed for checkout.

WILL: Without having a second thought, I clicked the link when I saw the advertisement of Meritus Group for their holiday season. It will be a our first time to experience celebrating the festivity out of own home. That was August. 

Fast-forward December 24th, we have reached the hotel around 2pm. Well, the queue is not that long but we wasted so much time in waiting for our keycard to be handed over. They informed all of their guests that the rooms were not yet ready. The check-out time is 12pm and check-in is 2. I can only see that they maybe lack of people to clean the room. And you know what time when we got to our place? It is around 5pm. 

It gets me frustrated, of course, but I chose not to go to that mood because I do not want to ruin our staycation. 

As requested (came with a fee) we have a room with a view of Marina Bay Sands. The room is pretty huge, the bed and beddings feels and smells clean same as the bathroom. I commend their bath foam, one small tube is enough to bubble up the whole tub. When we go to the terrace, the floor tiles are still wet maybe because of the rain that noon time. 

After the dinner at Burger Bar, we roamed around to check out their pool and their gym. The gym is quite impressive. They have those complicated apparatuses inside. After walking and walking we sat and watched a mini concert  that was held in the lobby. The happiness is really in the air. 

Their breakfast buffet at AquaMarine is love! A quite of variety to indulge to. The pool! And the falls! Instant hydrotherapy haha! 

I noticed that their hallways are not properly lit even in the early mornings, the reason we do not get a good shots on that. 

Thanks for a wonderful experience Meritus Group - Marina Mandarin Hotel. :)

***
Marina Mandarin Singapore by Meritus
6 Raffles Boulevard
Marina Square, Singapore 039594

Tel: (65)­ 6845 1000
Fax: (65)­ 6845 1001

Reservations: resvn.marina@meritushotels.com
General Enquiries: marina@meritushotels.com

https://www.facebook.com/marinamandarinsg

Wang Jia Shan Jiao Bak Kut Teh

ABBEY: This bak kut teh shop has been in Suntec (Suntec City Mall B1-126-127) for many months now. Only when we were looking for a place to dine before going to The Future of Us exhibit got a time to taste their item. All the while I thought they are only serving coffee and tea as they took the place of Toast Box :)

For 10SGD, you have a bak kut teh soup, serving of youtiao, and a bowl of rice and a glass of barley. The soup is peppery and hot. I was sweating while eating it. Have a sip in the iced drink and your good.

WILL: Is there a day that you are longing to sip a nice soup? That was what I am experiencing those past few days and that when I saw of  Wang Jia Shan Jiao Bak Kut Teh  promotion of $10.00 dinner set. 

Abbey and I happily approached the counter, ordered and took our food. Every sip is a piece of heaven. I like their Ba Kut Teh soup and the meat is so tender. 

We finished it all and merrily went to our next destination. Hey! Bak Kut Teh should not break a bank. Try it!

***

Wang Jia Shan Jiao Bak Kut Teh 皇家山脚肉骨茶 

(A) Suntec City Tower 5 #B1 126/127

(T) 9760 7722

(H) 9:30 am – 9:30 pm

International Buffet Dinner at Window on the Park‎ (Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre)

ABBEY: Festive season is here. And cheat days as well. Nyahahaha. At last my bestfriend spare us some of her time. We had dinner at Window on the Park at Holiday Inn. 

The buffet has few choices but the food is delicious and fresh. I got a couple of plates of sashimi and sushi. I also had slices of roast beef and chicken, ham with their fried rice. It was aromatic and appetizing. Can't have even a piece of the chicken as it was mixed with shrimp paste (calling allergies). 

It was a good time catching up.

WILL: Abbey and I are proud of the restaurants here in Singapore. They are very competitive and only serve the freshest and finest. That is why, if time conforms to our foreign visitors' schedule, we never failed to let them experience a sumptuous buffet. 

For Abbey's bestfriend, Jenneelyn Flores, we went for Holiday Inn Orchard's Window on the Park Dinner Buffet via Groupon $40.00. 

Laksa, fresh oysters, sushi, ice cream, array of desserts, beef, and ham (because it is a festive season). What do I love? On all of the food that is in there? The shrimp paste fried chicken..perfect on their fried rice. The sashimi, the fatty part of fresh salmon is awesome. All you can drink tea and coffee is available. I tried their live pasta station too, their white sauce is too milky and not so creamy. 

You can see the chefs, roaming around checking on the food they are serving. You can approach them and they are friendly. ;)

Arnold's Fried Chicken - City Plaza Singapore Branch

ABBEY: I read a lot regarding Arnold's Fried Chicken and most of them says that it taste great. So when we got a date with our "Singapore parents", we planned to try to dine their first branch at City Plaza (#02-99). 

Long queue greeted us but you can place your order while waiting. We got 2-piece chicken meal with fries coleslaw and drink. A couple of minutes later then we were led to our table and a few moments and our meal came.

The chicken was freshly cooked. It was crunchy and juicy. This was the closest to Pinoy's Jollibee Chicken Joy. It was good that to know I can have an alternative. The chicken was really good that we had take-aways. I hope they can serve rice on their menu.

WILL: One of Abbey's Diners List is Arnold's. Arnold's Chicken is the oldest and most famous chicken here in Singapore. In saying that, we invited our own "oldies" to splurge on this restaurant. Haha. 

When we arrived at City Plaza (nearest MRT is Paya Lebar) we were astonished on its queue. We waited for 20minutes before our number was called. They are pretty systematic on their table system. Plus points. :) 

We all ordered 2 pieces chicken with 2 side dishes and I requested a coke float. After we dined, I witnessed myself why it is famous! The chicken is crispy and juicy. Just like our own Jollibee Chicken Joy. 

We will sure be coming back...that is for sure!

Indian Buffet Dinner at Grand Empire Restaurant - Grand Imperial Hotel

ABBEY: My manager and a colleague had decided to have a career move. So as farewell, we planned for a dinner. We booked at Grand Empire at Grand Imperial Hotel. It was on the top storey where the pool also is located. It was a buffet for 19.90SGD per person from Gropoun Deal. 

Vegan and non vegan choices were available. As appetizer, they serve samosa and tandoori chicken. We also had butter chicken and mutton. I ate them with naan and briyani rice. That's all I had. Got no time for others. Sodas, coffees and teas are bottomless.

Maybe for my Indian friends the food is not that good, but it satisfied my cravings for Indian food.

WILL: Up to the front, I will tell you that there is not so much varieties of food that you can choose from. But...

Yep! A big BUT haha. I enjoyed personally their crispy ladyfinger, the saffron rice, of course their spicy tandoori chicken. I love the place as it gave a relaxing mood despite my husband's big bosses were around. 

This is a good place to held an event. 

Brazil Churrasco - Barbecue Restaurant · Diner · Buffet Restaurant

ABBEY: It's my birthday and I'm entitled to eat for free at Brazil Churasco at Sixth Avenue. Brazil Churasco offers a buffet of succulent meat cuts.

We were warmly welcomed by their staff and ushered us to our table. Since it is our first time going there, they explained to us what is offered on that day. We were told to go easy on salad and appetizers for us not get full easily. They have wide range of selection in the salad bar like tuna, olives, pickled green chilli and cherry tomatoes. We also have creamy pumpkin soup and bread.

A couple of minutes we're sitted, then the main courses came one by one. First off is the turkey ham and pork sausage. Still munching on those then beef short ribs landed on our plate. After that came the smoked duck breast and the chicken hearts and liver. We dipped those in vinegar with cubed onion and capsicums. The beef hump is garlicky and I liked its taste and texture.

What I liked the most is the beef topside. Since it is my natal day, I can consider it as cheat day. The fat of freshly roasted beef runs thru the tender medium-rare meat. I think I had 3-4 servings of that. The last one I partnered it with garlice rice (tapsilog ala Churasco).

Thanks Brazil Churasco for sumptuous food you gave us. 

WILL: Happy Birthday Husband!! :) It's Abbey's birthday and I am on a hunt where we can have fine dinner in a decent place but with reasonable price. Haha! 

I am always eyeing for Brasil Churassco eversince they held a free dinner for the first callers on their anniversary. Well, I am not so lucky to have a free dinner that night, haha. But when they announced a free dinner for birthday celebrators well, I got to take that chance. So this dinner awarded Abbey a free-of-charge dinner buffet. ;) 

So what Brazilian Churrasco Buffet is all about? It is a buffet of barbecued meats. From pork, beef, lambs and fish, how about barbecued  pineapples and chicken heart? Haha. I am so glad to taste their beefs! It is tender, juicy and the milky taste is there. We are not usually eating rice when we were at buffets but meat are so yummy to pass the opportunity. Haha. Drooollll!

We will surely be coming back in here. Specially now, Sixth Avenue MRT is now up, Brasil Churrasco is just steps away from that train station. 

Kuddos to all the ever-smiling staffs that do not get tired rounding our table for meat. 

Do not forget to pair up your meat with wine guys!

Lunch Buffet @ Buffet Town - International Seafood, Mixed Grill and Teppan Yaki (Raffles City Singapore)

ABBEY: Haha, I told my in-laws not to have breakfast as we will be having buffet at Buffet Town in Raffles City Mall. Yes, they contained their hunger and we only waited a couple of minutes for the restaurant to open and then game on. My first plate had baked fish fillet with mozarella toppings and pizza.

Then I tried their sushi and sashimi. I got a not pleasant experience with one of their chef. I asked for a plate of sashimi which I got. A couple of minutes I asked again and this time it is for my brother. I didn't know that my brother wants it. Then the chef asked me, "for one or two?" in a sarcastic note. It is as if he doesn't want me to come back again and again. Hello?! That's why it is a buffet. You get little portion and come back if you want more. Avoid food wastage. Anyways that chef cannot stop me from enjoying the food and having a good mood.

I also had pork, chicken and beef satays, sauted beef in ginger and onion, and ice cream. The buffet also include soda which helped me burp when my tummy got full :)

Weekday Lunch buffet costs 24.80++ SGD

WILL: Buffets are now a big fad at Manila. Every corner of a mall there are buffet restaurants and the queue are very long. But when I got to tried some of buffet diner...Oh it is quite lame and the it is very pricey. Then I promised my siblings to tag them along to one of the eat-all-you-can restaurant here in Singapore. 

We went to Buffet Town for our Monday lunch. They were greeted by fresh seafoods, sashimi, sushis, and bucket of newly cooked tempura. They love the beef and satays, pasta station is a hit and of course they will not forget the waffles and ice cream on it. 

They are shocked that they can stay there from 11:30 - 2:30pm. A non-stop munching and telling tales. 

We went out of the restaurant very full that we cannot eat until next day. Hahaha! Thanks Buffet Town for making my tourists from Manila very happy on their lunch time. :) Till next time!