Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro

Singapore, September 2016 – The two-Michelin star Shisen Hanten is an elegant, Chinese restaurant at the top of Mandarin Orchard Hotel. Started by Chen Kentaro, the 3rd generation chef, a descent of the culinary legend – the late Chen Kenmin who is regarded as Japan’s “Father of Szechwan Cuisine.” Although the restaurant offers a wide array…

More Surprises at Restaurant ANDRE

Singapore, September 2016 – For my birthday this year, I chose Restaurant ANDRE (Two Michelin star restaurant and #3 Asia’s Best 50 Restaurants), because of his innovative cuisine with impeccable presentation, not to mention excellent service and stylish ambience. Although it was not my first time there, I felt equally excited and anxiously waited for…

Hermès Kellydoscope

Singapore, October 2016 – The invitation from Hermès read, “Discover the secrets of the interactive ‘Kellydoscope’ a super-sized fantasy Kelly.” There is always a certain sense of mystery to the maison’s exhibitions and even their invitations that makes one very curious. Upon arrival at the Ngee Ann City Atrium (Takashimaya), I came face to face…

CHANEL Little Black Jacket – Reinterpreted

Singapore, November 2013 – Having missed THE LITTLE BLACK JACKET’s debut in Hong Kong last year, I was excited when the exhibition arrived in Singapore. How many ways can you imagine wearing Chanel’s iconic Little Black Jacket? Well, Carine Roitfeld (former Editor-in-Chief of VOGUE Paris and current Global Fashion Director of Harper’s BAZAAR) styled over…

Corner House’s Gastro-Botanica Cuisine

Singapore, August 2016 – We decided to celebrate Singapore’s National Day at a restaurant with a sense of history. Corner House (#17 – Asia’s Best 50 Restaurants) was a natural choice since it was located at Singapore Botanic Gardens (an UNESCO site) inside a conserved building – a 1910 Black and White bungalow, which was the…

Family Lunch at OSIA

Singapore, January 2015 – Mr. King and I decided to do a family lunch at Osia, located in Resorts World Sentosa (integrated resort complex). With Little K (3 years old) in tow, we went there for lunch on a Saturday. We were able to secure a table by walking in. Since Osia has been awarded…

Tai Cheong: A Taste of Old HK

Singapore, August 2016 – By 10:00am (store opening time), Tai Cheong Bakery at Takashimaya already had 15 patrons in line. So I quickly fell into the queue, before another 10 people quickly joined us. Egg tarts were freshly baked, right behind this small counter. A man repeatedly poured egg custard mix from a jug into…

HK Nostalgia at Honolulu Café

Singapore, August 2016 – Being a Hong Kong native, I am always on the lookout for authentic Hong Kong-style French toast, milk tea and egg tarts. When I heard about Hong Kong cha chaan teng (café restaurant) – Honolulu Café’s opening in Singapore, I was excited. I heard about the long queues and sold-out egg…

Lunch @ Restaurant ANDRE

Singapore, January 2016 – A week after our dinner there, Mr. King dropped by Restaurant ANDRE and made a reservation for our next lunch. That said it all – Mr. King was more than impressed. Restaurant ANDRE has received numerous accolades since its inception – World’s 50 Best Restaurant 2016 – #32; Asia’s 50 Best…

Summer Pavilion Cantonese Cuisine

Singapore, December 2015 – Being a Hong Kong native, I am quite particular about Cantonese cuisine, and I was very impressed by Summer Pavilion at Ritz Carlton Singapore. To me, great Cantonese cuisine should have a few qualities – freshness of ingredients, perfectly seasoning, combining the right produce and a delicate demeanor. Most important of…

Michelin Guide Singapore is Here

Singapore, July 2016 – The Michelin stars have arrived in the Lion City at last!  The Inaugural (First Edition) Michelin Guide for Singapore was released last night, and stars were awarded to a number of fine dining as well as hawker food restaurants. The Michelin stars went to 29 establishments in Singapore.  Only one restaurant…

The Clifford Pier

Singapore  – When dining, Mr. King & I prefer to explore places with a history. So it was pure nostalgia when we visited The Clifford Pier at The Fullerton Bay Hotel in Singapore. “A historic landmark, Clifford Pier was built in 1933 as the landing jetty for ships and marks the arrival point where our forefathers began…