Full Flutes Restaurant Bar review here: http://ivanteh-runningman.blogspot.sg/2014/04/flutes-restaurant-bar-tasting-session.html

Since 2004, Flutes Restaurant Bar has been associated with old world / colonial elegance, offering a smart casual dining experience with great food and wine in historic settings. And yes, they do hold events, with weddings beings especially popular.
Framed by the white walls of the National Museum, Flutes Restaurant Bar exudes a charming and elegant sophistication. Large windows allow the interior to be lighted naturally, while the artistic touches along the ceiling draw the eye. Furniture is thoughtfully laid out, comfortable and allows for excellent dining conversation.
Service at Flutes Restaurant Bar is friendly and discrete, you almost don't notice that staff are there serving you! I liked that they check politely for meal choices, as well as offering more drinks when they notice you're almost out. I also liked that they check on your meal, and take feedback well.
Food at Flutes Restaurant Bar revolves around British English and Australian inspired cuisine. Dishes are generally tasty and well portioned for one, presented beautifully and feature fresh, quality ingredients. Not surprisingly, prices reflect the fine dining standards here. Flutes Restaurant Bar is also known for their extensive list of mostly Australian wines.

We started with an Italian inspired Sun-Dried Tomato Bread with olive oil and vinegar dip. Freshly baked in-house, this was fragrant and soft, lovely to eat!Loved the Smoked Salmon Rosettes appetizer! The salmon was nicely smoked and meaty, and the beautifully crafted blinis were soft and fluffy. Paired with micro greens, zesty grapefruit, salty bottarga (cured fish roe) and thick creme fraiche, this went down a treat.The Cream Of Mushroom With Truffle Oil And Chives soup is extremely satisfying. The fragrance of truffle oil lends a rich earthness, while the mushroom soup is thick in texture and rich with mushroom flavour.The Grilled Beef Striploin features a thick cut of prime beef striploin, done till medium rare. Despite the tasty, moist interior, the meat was tough and difficult to cut, let alone chew. Would have been slightly better with a thinner cut of beef. The asparagus was fresh and crunchy, and paired well with the fragrant and smooth truffled mashed potato. Overall a tasty dish, but disappointing in the texture of the meat.In contrast, the Seared Fillet Of Barramundi was excellent. The fish was soft, flaky and meaty, perfectly done. The white bean ragout was fragrant with herbs, onions, tomatoes and pepper. Lovely dish, I highly recommend it!

Full The Cathay Restaurant review here: http://ivanteh-runningman.blogspot.sg/2015/01/the-cathay-restaurant-tasting-session.html

Operating under the Cathay Organisation, The Cathay Restaurant has a long historical legacy, reaching the height of its popularity in 1951 with its Chinese Zi Char, Cantonese, and Shanghainese dishes. Despite closing in the 70s, The Cathay Restaurant reopened in 2007, and has now come full circle, serving up solid, delicious, and authentic Chinese dishes in an elegant oriental setting.

Ambience at The Cathay Restaurant exudes an elegant oriental sophistication. Colours of red, black, and white within the brightly lit, spacious 190-seater interior lend a sense of luxury and space. Traditional Chinese lanterns hang overhead, while aluminium-screened private function rooms feature Chinese movie posters in a nod to its cinema links. Portraits of 1960s Chinese movie actresses adorn the walls, while pillars bear Chinese motifs. Tables are suitably large for communal dining, and the modern cushioned chairs are comfortable.Service at The Cathay Restaurant is attentive, yet unobstrusive. Staff are quick to offer a change of plates after a few courses, and clearing is done efficiently. Topping up of tea is also performed proactively, without asking. I also like that staff are professional, and rather knowledgable, able to describe the ingredients in each dish with general terms.

Food at The Cathay Restaurant features fine dining Chinese Zi Char, with a predominant Cantonese and Shanghainese style to dishes. We sampled the ala-carte dinner buffet, which features an extensive menu of 62 different items. Dishes are generally well executed with good wok hei (breath of the wok), well balanced and tasty, with good quality, fresh ingredients. Costing about SGD $50 per person, the ala-carte dinner buffet is good value for money. The only catch: It has to be communal dining, the minimum number of diners is 4 people.The Marinated Sea Whelk has a nice, pliant texture with a slight chew. But the best thing about this dish is the marinade, a spicy, slightly sour, Thai inspired chili sauce, which is a burst of bright citrus flavour and some heat.The signature Cathay Roasted Crispy Chicken was easily the best dish of the evening. The chicken meat is moist, succulent, fragrant, and tender, coming off the bone easily. But the best part is the crispy skin, with a good salty, savoury flavour that isn't overpowering. Dip it in the slightly spicy, sour dipping sauce for maximum enjoyment. So good we couldn't stop eating it! Definitely a must-try dish here!The visually pleasing Chilled Coconut Jelly is unique with its sweet coconut water syrup, scent of coconut, and coconut infused jelly. This modern dessert is both refreshing and palate cleansing, and the sprig of mint lends a burst of colour.Overall, The Cathay Restaurant maintains the same high standards they've always been known for. With efficient, polite service in an elegant setting, it's no surprise that The Cathay Restaurant has maintained such a long, and delicious, legacy. And with 2015 being the celebrations for SG50, The Cathay Restaurant is a perfect place to celebrate whilst embracing a slice of Singapore's history.

Tucked between industrial shophouses, Windowsill Pies / Windowsill In The Woods is a whimsical, fairy tale like cafe, serving up sweet, artisinal dessert pies since October 2011. Brothers Jonathan and Sean Gwee, along with chief baker Michael Liu, have grown their humble pie shop over the years, finally settling in the Jalan Besar area in December 2012.Ambience at Windowsill Pies is so cozy and inviting, you'll never want to leave! Faux trees and wooden panelling comprise a "forest", while a creative layout creates semi-private alcoves for dining. A retro yellow fridge stands beside a hand made wooden cupboard, while toy aeroplanes hang from colourful criss cross beams in the "sky". Picnic baskets complete with checkered cloths lay around the trees, beside the resident giant teddy bear, Mr. Picklechips. Playful, fairy tale like atmosphere!Service at Windowsill Pies is very good. Staff are polite, friendly, and welcoming, and more than eager to display their knowledge on the various types of pies in the attractive display case. The young, high energy staff are chirpy and upbeat, efficient in fulfilling orders, and generally appear happy working at Windowsill Pies.

Food at Windowsill Pies revolves around their speciality, pies. Not savoury pies... they only make sweet / dessert pies, full of robust flavour and presented beautifully. Each slice of pie is like a work of art, you can actually see the different textures and ingredients that go into it! Portion sizes for each pie slice is large for one person, and sharing is recommended. Pricing is similar to desserts in other cafes as well, budget about SGD $7 per slice of pie, and about SGD $6 for a beverage.

Few shops do sweet / dessert pies as well as them; tasty with full flavour but still balanced, firm texture that holds up well but yields when cut, ingredients layered like a work of art, all at wallet friendly pricing.

While I commend the attempt at creating art within the Hot Chocolate (SGD $5.50), the actual taste is somewhat lacking. Yes, there is still a rather muted chocolate taste, but not as intense, not as thick, or not as rich as I'd hoped. Rather below average.Absolutely loved the Corn Dog With Gucamole & Coleslaw (SGD $6)! The vegetables are fresh and crunchy, especially the gucamole which has some sweetness and tartness from mixing the mashed avocado with diced tomatoes and lime juice. But the star is the corn dog, featuring a meaty, juicy, perfectly grilled chicken cheese sausage, wrapped in salty, smoky bacon, with a crisp, savoury batter that shatters when bit. The gooey cheese, hot sausage, and satisfiying crunch of the batter is unforgettable.One of their top 3 bestsellers, the Strawberry Lemon Pie (SGD $7) features a tangy, zesty lemon curd, pierced through with 2 ribbons of sweet, tart strawberry compote. Topped with a creamy meringue, this pie is well balanced and luscious, and a refreshing delight to eat!Inspired by the classic Grasshopper Cocktail, the similarly vibrant green Grasshopper Pie (SGD $7.50) features a soft, flourless chocolate cake, topped with vibrant, refreshing crème de menthe green / mint cream. While containing no alcohol, this pie does have chunks of dense chocolate brownie within, and is garnished with shards of luscious dark chocolate, and clusters of crunchy chocolate cookies. Full Windowsill Pies review here: http://ivanteh-runningman.blogspot.sg/2014/08/windowsill-pies.html

First established in November 2013, in Mumbai, the D'Bell Cafe & Lounge quickly garned rave reviews, packing in the crowds. The owners behind D'Bell have since expanded their operations to Singapore, with their first D'Bell outlet in 43 North Canal Road. Styled as a modern Indian fine dining restaurant, lounge, and party area, D'Bell looks set to establish its claim on the modern Indian dining niche.D'Bell isn't your typical Indian restaurant, and the ambience reflects that. Elegantly designed, with blended elements of East India and East Asia, the interior features plush velvet banquettes, elegant wrought iron vintage chandeliers, gold rimmed mirrors, and modern furniture befitting a classy, sophisticated Western fine dining restaurant. Their Indian roots are evident in the ethnic pillow designs, soft, plush and colourful, contrasting well with the dark toned lounge chairs. However, I didn't quite like the overall dim lighting, though staff say the level of brightness is adjustable.While the 1st level of D'Bell is laid out in a stylish fine dining restaurant style, the 2nd level doubles as a classy, chic, sophisticated lounge and private function area, with a private bar, and a private VIP party room that is soundproof. Projector screens display sporting events, while the awesome sound system makes the place seem like a club, playing anything from the latest Bollywood club hits, to classy International music. The luxe surroundings here are very inviting!The service at D'Bell is impeccable. As befitting its fine dining status, staff are friendly and polite, offering greetings upon entry, and are able to hold conversations with you. They seem well versed and knowledgable on the history of D'Bell, as well as its menu, being able to describe the roots / inspirations behind each dish. Efficiency is great, offering more drinks proactively, topping up water discreetly, and clearing empty plates relatively quickly. Also noticed that during events, staff will go up to guests with empty hands to offer drinks and canapes. Excellent service, professional and courteous!D'Bell specialises in Modern Indian cuisine, made using authentic Indian recipes, but plated in contemporary Western style. While the taste of each dish remains traditional, D'Bell refrains from using butter or ghee in their cooking, choosing to prepare dishes using olive oil instead. This makes D'Bell food healthier than other Indian restaurants, and you can barely taste the difference! The extensive menu is an eclectic mix of North Indian and Western (American, Italian) cuisine, with options for off-menu items that Executive Chef Satish Madaan might whip up.D'Bell encourages communal dining, so regular sized portions are sufficient for 2 - 4 people to share. I noted that most of the dishes tasted authentic, even without the use of butter or ghee, and were very flavourful. Some had been purposely toned down to suit the Western / Singaporean palate, but staff assure me that you can still request for these to be prepared the classic, traditional way it's served in India. Prices at D'Bell are very reasonable for a fine dining restaurant, budget about SGD $40 - $60 per person. I daresay this is considered a low price range for a fine dining restaurant that provides this high quality of food and service.

The Western style Lobster Bisque (SGD $12) is excellent! Rich and deep with the flavour of the ocean / crustaceans, the texture is thick but not gloopy, and the taste isn't overpowering. Warm, hearty, and satisfying, I could drink bowls of this! The crisp garlic bread that accompanied was great for dipping, though the texture is softer than typical toasted garlic bread.The Tawa Wali Fish (SGD $22) was excellent! Firm, meaty butter fish cubes are glazed in coconut milk and curry leaves, then grilled to perfection. The moist, flavourful fish was among the outstanding dishes I tried here!An above average rendition, the Tandoori Chicken Tikka (SGD $16) features boneless chicken leg cubes, marinated in a mix of Indian spices and yoghurt, then cooked in a tandoor. Unlike other Indian restaurant versions, this isn't dry at all, being somewhat moist in the middle, an example of the skill of the chef.The Amritsari Dal (SGD $12) features a mix of split Bengal gram beans and whole black gram beans, simmered overnight on a charcoal flame. While more grainy in texture than other versions elsewhere, the flavour is intense and full, thick and savoury with some chew. I like that it's not too salty, which is a common mistake. Pairs well with Indian bread or rice!The signature Chilli Cheese Naan (SGD $8) is a unique item, combining the best of cheesy pizza-like dough, with heat from Indian spices. Stuffed with cheddar cheese, onion, bell peppers / capsicum, and studded with fresh coriander leaves, the result is a filling and satisfying staple, that pairs well with any curry, and can also be eaten on its own!Among the best dishes we tried, the Kadhai Vegetable (SGD $12) features a medly of fresh vegetables, including cauliflower, bell peppers / capsicum, tomatoes, onions, cooked in a mild curry of Indian spices, garnished with coriander and cashew nuts. The result is a savoury dish, rich in fragrant spices (not spicy). The curry paste coating the vegetables is complex in flavour but light on the palate, instead of heavy or cloying. Although it's cooked in a Kadai / Kadhai metal pan, the plating and presentation is Western style. Excellent!The rather healthy Pudina Paratha (SGD $7) is made with whole wheat, cooked in a tandoor oven without any butter or ghee, and dusted lightly with mint. This light Indian flat bread is perfect for light eaters, healthy eaters, and everyone in between!The Gulab Jamun (SGD $7.50) feature reduced milk balls, served in a fragrant rose syrup. I thought the texture of this dessert was more firm than it should be, and not as easy to eat. But I loved the rose flavoured syrup, as well as the addition of chopped pistachio nuts. But overall, not that great a dessert, I've had better elsewhere.Ras Malai (SGD $8.50) is an East Indian dessert, consisting of a cream coloured ball of paneer cheese, served in a sweet clotted cream and cardamom flavoured syrup. I love that the version here retains its chewy texture, without being crumbly, and is much lighter and not as sweet as other versions elsewhere. Very good!Overall, D'Bell makes a strong case for healthy, yet authentic, classic Indian food, that still tastes great. Prices are reasonable for the thought and effort put into each dish. I definitely plan to return to D'Bell, if only to relax in their luxurious lounge, feast on the fantastic Indian and Western bar food, and soak in great music!

Full D'Bell review here: http://ivanteh-runningman.blogspot.sg/2014/08/dbell-tasting-session.html

Located on the 32nd floor of the Westin Hotel, Seasonal Tastes is the signature in-house hotel restaurant, with a wide buffet spread ranging from Asian to International dishes. Offering an Interative Kitchen where each chef is dedicated to a particular speciality, Seasonal Tastes is a top quality hotel buffet, with panoramic views of the surrounding Marina South and Marina Bay area.Ambiene at Seasonal Tastes is fantastic. Floor to ceiling length windows offer perfect view of the bay area, while decor is modern contemporary chic. The spacious layout even has semi-private alcoves, while furniture is not only eye-catching but comfortable as well. The buffet spread is well laid out in sections (Fresh Seafood, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Desserts), though the actual flow of the spread isn't linear. Overall ambient lighting is also rather dim.Service at Seasonal Tastes is outstanding. Staff are friendly and polite, offering greetings on entry. Efficient as well, clearing empty plates quickly, and topping up water glasses without being asked. I must also commend the Seasonal Tastes staff, on 1 anonymous visit I had left my camera behind, and only discovered the loss after I had departed the hotel premesis. Panicked, I returned, only to find the Seasonal Tastes staff holding onto it, and searching the hotel for me. Excellent, memorable service!Food at Seasonal Tastes is generally of high quality, with each chef having dedicated specialities. Helmed by German Executive Chef Sven Cepon, the team comprises both local and regional chefs, each specialising in their own cuisine. Dishes are freshly prepared daily according to traditional recipes, and the menu is rotated regularly to keep things fresh even for repeat diners. Prices at Seasonal Tastes are on the upper end, budget about SGD $70 per person for the dinner buffet.The unique Lobster Russian Salad With Vodka Mayonnaise features loads of fresh potatoes, peas, cherry tomatoes and dill, along with fresh, meaty, succulent lobster meat. The vodka mayonnaise is light, not too heavy or overpowering, and complements the freshness of this cold salad.Loved the Fusilli Pasta Salad, Sundried Tomato Dressing With Shaved Prosciutto Ham! The ham lent a salty, savoury taste to the clean, fresh taste of the pasta, while the sundried tomato added a burst of juicy flavour in the mouth.The Macaroni And Cheese Salad With Smoked Chicken features hand made macaroni, with a nice bouncy texture. The smoked chicken is done perfectly, lending a savoury, smoky taste and lifting the whole dish. But I couldn't detect the presence of the cheese at all.The Vegetable Lasagna is decent, featuring a heaping amount of fresh vegetables within, including zucchini, eggplant / aubergine, and the use of fresh tomato paste. The noodles were unevenly cooked though, some parts were soft and pliant, others were hard and crisp.Every night, the chef prepares a special hand out served to each table, and we got the Lobster Thermidor. Chunks of fresh lobster cooked with egg yolks, cognac, powdered mustard and gruyere cheese, the Lobster Thermidor is served in its own shell, and is a decadent dish. Eating it feels like an indulgent extravagance!Ordered the Mushroom Tortellini Aglio Olio With Bacon & Crispy Garlic from the live pasta station, it was outstanding! The best part as the use of the crispy fried garlic bits in the aglio olio, which releases a burst of flavour! The dried red chili added some heat to the olive oil, while the addition of bacon on request lent a smoky, salty flavour to the pasta. The Mushroom Tortellini itself is hand made, and contains a small chunk of fresh mushroom within, I felt the skin was perfectly done, not too thick or thin in texture, and holding together well.The hand made gelato ice cream at Seasonal Tastes is a house secret, and all their flavours are extremely good! The Hand Made Coconut Gelato is smooth and creamy, and you can actually taste the coconut flavour!I thought the Hand Made Avocado Gelato was probably the best among the flavours here, simply because it's not a common flavour. The taste of the avocado is prominent in the gelato ice cream, and the texture is creamy, smooth, and somewhat light.Overall, Seasonal Tastes offers great tasting, quality food for a high end buffet, with prices to match. The rotating menu keeps things fresh and interesting, making repeat dining a big attraction. And with fantastic views of the area and outstanding service, it's no surprise I've already visited Seasonal Tastes several times!

Full Seasonal Tastes review here: http://ivanteh-runningman.blogspot.sg/2014/08/seasonal-tastes-tasting-session.htm