Seasonal Tastes at The Westin Singapore

ABBEY: Finally we managed to got a reservation on Singapore Restaurant Week. It is on Westin Singapore (Marina View, Asia Tower 2). Normally a dinner buffet on Sundays costs 55sgd but with the discount it went to 35sgd per person. 

We were received warmly by their staff and led us to our table. It was game time. 

I got plain naan and tandoori chicken as starter. The chicken was tender, and spicy. Next I had grilled beef along with roasted lamb. Then I indulged on salmon sushi. Maybe because it is Singapore Restaurant Week, I observed that there is less variety of food. Or maybe this is the whole menu. 

Free flow of strawberry iced tea, iced tea, coffee and hot tea are included. I was expecting to see the chocolate fountain, but it turned out the fondue was in a sauce pan :) I liked their dark chocolate gelato topped with cookie.

WILL: 3 years ago we participated at Restaurant Week by Dining City, that was our first time and the experience was great.

Our March schedule is not so tight and we need some time to get out of our daily routine..to distress..to unwind. As usual, Abbey and I always receive an update regarding Singapore's Restaurant Week event and no hesitations I reserved a seat for dinner at Seasonal Taste of newly-built Westin Singapore.

Seasonal Taste is located at 32nd floor. After alighting at the taxi, we were escorted by their all-smile people to the hotel lobby then to the lift. We are amazed by the sight from the lobby; a well organized containers in PSA and the view of Marina Bay Sands from different angle.

I am expecting a set menu will be served on us, but we were delighted to hear that we are there for a buffet. Exploring the buffet floor, I was quite frustrated to see that choices were meagre. But hey, I need to cheer up even with less choices, this is still limitless food.. eat-all-you-can!

As usual, I ate my greeneries lavishly. Skipped lambs (I do not eat lambs) then went straight for sashimi. Their chef gladly offered me a new sliced salmon. I saw tempura then I get a few, tastes so good. I went back to get more, but the chef seemed forgot to re-fill the basin of tempura.

Beehoon is great and it is the one that filled up my stomach! I asked for tea and they gave me teapot. I think it is time for the dessert.

I am fan of cream puffs but their one is hhmmmm. Lack of creaminess on their custard filling and blant taste of puffs. I say okay, I will go and splurge on the oreo cheesecake. How's the taste? I just ate a small piece to check it out, then I rest my spoon and pushed the plate for Abbey to finish. Raspberry gelato topped with fresh chocolates cookies is the savior of my night.

The people is so gracious in giving us the food and clearing our table. We forgot to present our SPG membership card upon payment but when we approached their people, the happily assist us to add-on points on our card.

Thanks baby Abbey for this night and sorry for the rants! Haha!

The Frutta Boutique Patong Beach in Phuket, Thailand

ABBEY: We got a nice boutique when we went to Hongkong (Hop Inn) and we tried if we can repeat the same experience on Phuket. Lo and behold, Frutta Boutique just opened months before our trip. We got a promotional rate for 2500baht per day for a Superior Fruit Shake (with breakfast) room. 

All the people operating the hotel is warm, approachable and friendly; from their general manager Mameka to Kevin and all the staff. They also help us to book the airport transfers as well the tours we had on our stay.

Buffet breakfast is served; you will be overloaded by the fruits like watermelon and pineapple. The hotel is only a 15-20mins walk to the beach and Frutta is lending bikes for the guests. It also has a swimming pool on 2nd floor and entertainment room as well. We haven't got the chance to use it as tours occupied most of out trip.
They also have a restaurant to fill-in your hunger; be it snack, lunch or dinner.

The room is cozy and clean. Complimentary water was served in glass bottles which differs from the other hotel that we stayed in. The sheets are white and soft; very comfortable for sleeping.

Our overall stay is fantastic, fun and great. I would recommend this boutique hotel for those who'll go to Patong beach at Phuket.

WILL: Yeah I know it is my fault, why I am arranging for an out-of- the-country tour every time it is holiday. Well I just want to maximize my company leaves. Anyway, as always, I do the planning for almost a year and that is why I can haggle for the hotels and wait for great airplane promos.

I have a list of not less than 10 hotels to check one by one from its location, facilities, and even the rates. Frutta Boutique caught my attention. Why? Because it is a new, not more than a year old. It has colorful and vibrant rooms, perfect location (15 minutes away from the beach), THB2500 for a night with free breakfast.

As we stepped out from the hotel transfer van, a very lively Ms. Mameka greeted us! Gosh, I am really at the land of smiles, haha. Their jolliness is contagious. They gave us welcome drink and escorted us at our room.

Our room is spacious, the bathroom is very clean, the sheets are all white and very sanitised  the veranda is not too small nor big. The breakfast will make you full but not that full so you can still fit in your swimsuits. The free candies and free fruits at the lobby are overflowing. We have a not so strong Wi-fi connection in our room but it is okay. Every time we are having a vacation, as much as possible, Abbey and I want to cut-off the connection from the cyberworld.

In total, I will truly recommend this place. Oh, I forgot, they also arranged all our tours with a a very big discount from the published rates of tour companies.   

Victoria Court Caloocan

ABBEY: This motorists' hotel always show different type of rooms whenever I pass by EDSA going to school. Any room theme that you can think of I think they have it; XMen, 50 shades of Grey, Asgard and many more. We checked in and we're escorted by the full force of my in-laws after a full day of relaxation and family bonding time. It is as if we're newly weds and they are pushing us to consummate our love :)) 

For less than 2000 pesos we got a deluxe bedroom including breakfast. The washroom has nice design of floor tiles though the room appeared smaller by its shade. Cable TV is very poor. It's as if you're watching from an antenna. Well how can argue with it when I only paid less :)


Upon checking out, we were asked if we want a cab, but we told the receptionist no need for that. Most Pinoys doesn't want being seen coming out from that place. (if you know what I mean) We wanted to know how it feels being stared at by people knowing that you just go out of a motel; we're married and we needed a place to stay and relax :)

WILL : Since this is just located outside of our place, I am fully aware of this it. Abbey and I planned to check-in in a hotel around Manila but time was so constricted that even an hour is so precious.

So we decided to go for Victoria Court in Balintawak, my siblings drove us through to the motel. Abbey deserved a goodnight slumber, a fully airconditioned and all-silent room. He and Ate Gail attending Mama Sweet, and he is obviously lack of sleep for the past week.

The room is very spacious, the sheets were all white and I felt that is really clean. The bathroom seems so sanitized and they have an unlimited shower gel/shampoo. Do not have a comfy blanket so we phoned the reception and asked for another sheet.

We have a relaxed sleep, no buzzing of people voice or honking vehicles. Refreshed it is!

We paid around Php1900.00 for 12 hours with breakfast, oh they will give you a free drinks once you ansewred their survey.

Sentosa Costa Sands Resort

ABBEY: We've been to Costa Sands Resort at Sentosa a couple of times. You can get there by taking the Sentosa mono rail and alight at Beach Station. Then you can either ride a tram to Siloso beach or walk until you reach the Wave house. Across there's stair up to Costa Sands. We've stayed at Kampung Hut. It has a twin double-deck beds with cabinets. 

The resort also offers arcade games, billiards, and swimming pool. Barbecue pits can be used with 8sgd charge. Laundry machines with dryer and mini mart and cafe are there as well. Wifi, hot and cold water are free.

WILL: Do you know that there is an affordable accommodation that Sentosa Island can serve your tight budget? Check out the Costa Sands Resort. 
      Chat always do the booking for a chalet that can house a four people. It caters pool, a bbq pit, and the outstanding view of Siloso Beach's breeze and waves. 
      Every chalet has 2 double-decked bed and 4 mini cabinets, air-conditioned but the bathrooms were un-attached. 
      Go visit their site, book a room and see it for yourself ;)  

The Venetian Macao

ABBEY: Venetian is one of the many hotels and casinos in Macau. It also houses signature and prominent boutiques; Victoria's Secret where you can pose along with Heidi Klum's wings which she wore on one of the fashion shows. The hotel has sampan(gondola) like the one in Marina Bay Sands. If on a budget you can buy lunch or dinner at their foodcourt just like us. 

Perhaps the most prominent feature of the hotel is the ceiling on the third floor. It was as if there is no roof. The ceiling was painted with a portrait of the sky. Its always "day" on that area of the hotel. You can enjoy the scenic view as a singer renders an opera.

WILL: Do you want to experience a gondola cruise under a blue sky?, c'mon go to Venetian Macao and experience it for only 118MOP. 

      This largest casino, hotel and resort rolled in one is located at Taipa island of Macau. The building was inspired by architectural designs in Italy. 

      I felt that I was so welcomed here, in this building, we took our first dinner and spend half of our second day strolling around on the Titanic and The Human Bodies exhibition. 

     This is a gigantic place that maybe can be conquered for three days of walking. Haha! This is a must-to-see place in Macau! Tourist must check this out. Oh, they are providing a free shuttle from the Ferry terminal and sister company Sands Macao.