Sunday, April 14, 2024

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌHaidilao's Buffet and BBQ Delights for only S$69.90 for 2!

ABBEY: We had the opportunity to try both Hai Di Lao’s hotpot and grill.

The hotpot is at their branch at Clarke Quay last February 14. Since it was Hearts’ Day they gave a rose to my wife. The staff that was assigned to us went for the extra mile; from arranging the meat plates, taking great pictures, as well as preparing the pot and cutting the food for us. It was a superb service. 

The same can be said at their Seletar Mall branch. We haven’t had to worry about the meat getting burnt or getting the food literally to our plates.
The meats are juicy and tender and have less gunk. I thought the set meal for the BBQ is not enough for us unlike the buffet hotpot but surprisingly it was more than enough. 
What I like is the shrimp paste, lamb and beef. Each has its own unique taste and flavor.
They go well with the dipping sauces; vinegar, soy sauce, lime and partnered with garlic, fried shallots, and seaweeds.
Both lunches ended with chocolate and vanilla ice cream.

A third visit is recommended.

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌHaidilao's Buffet and BBQ Delights for only S$69.90 for 2!
๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌHaidilao's Buffet and BBQ Delights for only S$69.90 for 2!


WILL: The well-known hotpot restaurant Haidilao is reinventing the wheel by now offering buffets and bbq. Abbey and I recently had the chance to try them out. While Haidilao is usually a bit pricey for us, the S$69.90 deal for two was too good to pass up.


At the Clarke Quay spot, our host Samy made us feel like VIPs. She even doubled as our photographer, capturing our day beautifully. Now, onto the food! The meat's quality blew us away; we couldn't resist piling our plates high with lamb and beef. Plus, the service matched the high standards we expect from Haidilao.


Next, we tried the BBQ at the Seletar branch. It was the first time Haidilao offered BBQ at selected branches, and we were eager to try it. The Duo Grill Set was a real treat. The staff did all the work, grilling, cutting, and serving the meat, leaving us free to enjoy every bite. The meat's marbling was superb, and the side dishes were delicious.


Overall, our experience at Haidilao was fantastic. The quality of the food and the service at both locations exceeded our expectations. It's easy to see why Haidilao has such loyal fans. We'll definitely be back for more hotpot goodness!



***
Haidilao Singapore

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Where to Stay in Singapore - Recommended and Best Singapore Hotels from Luxurious to Budget (Part 2)

Sentosa Island is Singapore's premier island resort destination, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, entertainment, and adventure. Tourists flock to this tropical haven to unwind in luxurious resorts, indulge in exciting activities, and create unforgettable memories amidst breathtaking scenery.

Where to Stay in Singapore - Recommended and Best Singapore Hotels from Luxurious to Budget (Part 2)



Staying in Balestier provides tourists with a taste of authentic Singaporean life, away from the hustle and bustle of more touristy areas. It's an ideal choice for those who appreciate a neighborhood brimming with character, great food, and a glimpse into Singapore's past. Plus, with its central location, it offers easy access to various attractions and excellent connectivity for an unforgettable stay.
Where to Stay in Singapore - Recommended and Best Singapore Hotels from Luxurious to Budget (Part 2)



Changi is a district in the eastern part of Singapore that is renowned for its peaceful ambiance and Singapore’s Aviation Hub. Whether you're in transit or exploring this serene part of the city, these accommodations cater to every preference and budget.
Where to Stay in Singapore - Recommended and Best Singapore Hotels from Luxurious to Budget (Part 2)



Let's explore the top hotels around ๐’๐ข๐ง๐ ๐š๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ž’๐ฌ ๐๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐š๐ฅ ๐’๐ญ๐š๐๐ข๐ฎ๐ฆ which features a modern, state-of-the-art facility with a retractable roof and seating for over 55,000 spectators. With its cutting-edge acoustics and impressive infrastructure, it's a favored destination for artists and fans alike. Get ready and enjoy the music and entertainment at the National Stadium! ๐ŸŽค๐ŸŽถ๐ŸŸ️
Where to Stay in Singapore - Recommended and Best Singapore Hotels from Luxurious to Budget (Part 2)



BUGIS. Originally inhabited by the Bugis people, an ethnic group from Sulawesi, Indonesia, the area was once a bustling center for trade and commerce and now transformed into a vibrant shopping and cultural district.. Get ready for a delightful stay in Bugis!
Where to Stay in Singapore - Recommended and Best Singapore Hotels from Luxurious to Budget (Part 2)


CHECK THIS OUT! 
Accommodation Excellence

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.


KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.


Oh, and speaking of dreams, let's talk OOTD (Outfit of the Day) goals. Head over to Zalora for some jaw-dropping fashion finds. Click [here] to explore and snag those Instagram-worthy outfits for your trip. A fashionable adventure awaits!


Saturday, April 6, 2024

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡นItaly's Luxury Trains - Review of ItaliaRail and Italo

ABBEY: Our entry to Italy was by train. We onboarded TrenItalia from Bellinzona to Milano Centrale. Then ItaliaRail going to Firenze Santa Maria Novella until the final stop at Poggibonsi-San Gimignano.
We were shocked by the amount of people at Milano Centrale. Maybe because it is the last days before the New Year and everyone is eager to go home and be with their families. The ride is the usual; food is included in the ticket. The seats are comfortable and almost clean. There is no lounge for ItaliaRail as well as TrenItalia unlike with Italo when we went from Firenze S.M. to Roma Tibirtuna. 

We were given drinks as well as pastries on the lounge and got good seats while waiting for our train. The locomotive didn’t disappoint. The first class has large space for our luggages, is almost quiet and organized. We enjoyed our coffee, warm pastry and munchies.

Italy's Luxury Trains - Review of ItaliaRail and Italo
Italy's Luxury Trains - Review of ItaliaRail and Italo

WILL: In our 20 years of travel experience, comfort has always been a priority, balancing it with the cost to fit within our budget. Today, as we wrap up our Italy trip, let's dive into Italy's Luxury Class train travel.


EUR47.90 / pax — From Milan to Florence we booked through ItaliaRail Business Quiet. I do not want to rant but can’t let this pass:

  • Purchasing tickets through ItaliaRail led us to an unexpected twist – being assigned to a Trenitalia Train. Foolishly, I assumed there'd be lounges aplenty at major Italian stations. Milan's bustling crowds proved me wrong, highlighting the need for better lounge access planning.
  • Despite the "Quiet" label, the Business Coach was anything but tranquil. Chatter about food drowned out any hopes of a nap, and dusty windows obscured the scenery.
  • On the bright side, a steaming cup of coffee accompanied by hot bread was a pleasant surprise. Plus, the pristine water closets were a saving grace.


Eur75.90 / pax — From Florence to Roma Tiburtina we booked Italo Club Executive Class. It only tooked us less than an hour riding this Italy’s luxury train. 

  • The Florence Italo Club Lounge offered a dedicated space with an attendant serving drinks and sandwiches, unlike other self-service lounges.
  • Snagging seats just before the driver's cabin gave us an air of exclusivity. Quiet and spacious, with foldable tables providing ample legroom, it was a journey worth savoring.
  • While reveling in comfort, we almost missed the underwhelming snack – more suited for a schoolyard than a luxury train. 

In conclusion, ItaliaRail fell short of our expectations, while Italo exceeded them, making our journey to Rome a pleasant one. Cheers to comfortable travels! On to our next adventure :) 



***

ItaliaRail

(W) https://www.italiarail.com/


Italo

(W) https://www.italotreno.it/en