From The Straits Times    |

OUR FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CHOICES:

1. Dean & Deluca 
I’ve never had a dish from Dean & Deluca that’s let me down before, and their festive menu is no different. It’s a relatively small menu, with only three festive dishes and two log cakes, but every item was excellent.

The Roast Angus Beef is a dish guaranteed to satisfy. The thick beef slices are flavoured with a simple marinade of dijon mustard, salt, pepper, thyme and rosemary, and is firm to the bite. One thing I appreciate most about this dish is that it isn’t drenched with a flood of peppery gravy, allowing the beef’s natural flavours to shine through. 

As delicious as the Roast Angus Beef was, the Maple Glazed Salmon Fillet was my  favourite dish on the menu. The salmon was velvety soft and not overcooked in the slightest. This is because the salmon is pan-seared and then baked in the oven so that it doesn’t dry out. There’s also a delicious hint of burnt caramel because of the maple syrup, which helps to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce.

For a well-rounded meal, diners can choose two out of the following four sides for each dish: Balsamic mushroom, pumpkin salad, mash potatoes and caramelised brussel sprouts. Both dishes are priced at $18 each, making it is a very reasonably-priced Christmas dinner indeed. Order a slice of Dean & Deluca’s signature rainbow log cake for a sweet ending to a lovely dinner. 

Where: 181 Orchard Road, #04-23/24
Singapore 238896
When: Ongoing now untill 29 December (Mon – Fri: 11:00 – 22:00, Sat & Sun: 10:00 – 22:00)
Info: Call 6509 7708

2. Angelina Singapore

“After experiencing the original Angelina Paris, I had high hopes for the Singaporean outlet and it didn’t disappoint! Proving they’re more than just a divine place to sip hot chocolate at, the Christmas menu is definitely worth a tasting. 

The Capitol Piazza’s light and airy feel makes it a great place to take in-laws or colleagues for a festive treat, or even just an intimate one-on-one date with your other half. I loved that everything was so fresh and the quality was evident from the flown-in Scottish oysters to the petit-fours. My personal recommendations are the deliciously creamy madeira velouté to start and if you’re booking a special Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner there, the traditional turkey. I’ve never tasted turkey so tender in my life! P.S: The beef au poivre (in black pepper sauce) is also divine.” – Jennifer McGeever, fashion writer 

Where: Capitol Galleria, 15 Stamford Road
When: 3 course set menu, $60++ available all day from 1st – 31st December 2015
4 course set menu $70++, available all day on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, advance booking required
Info: Call 63840481 or email enquiry-angelina@reglobal.sg

3. The Marmalade Pantry
If you’re looking for a hearty Christmas brunch, this is the place to go. There is a modern, contemporary vibe to Oasia Hotel’s outlet  which I find refreshing compared to overdone cafe-style decor. Another bonus would be escaping the claustrophobic Christmas crowds on Orchard road! 

This meal was love at first bite. The thick and creamy Bourbon Pumpkin Soup with Ricotta & Chestnut Ravioli ($10) is truly comfort food for the soul, with the ravioli’s ricotta cheese bursting inside your mouth for deliciously cheesy bite. The Parma Ham with Fresh Fig, Mozzarella, Mixed Mesclun with Lemon Balsamic Reduction ($18) is deliciously savoury and whets the appetite well. 

The Braised Veal Cheek ($34) was exceedingly fragrant and falls apart nicely, having been braised with white wine, veal juice and cinnamon for 4-6 hours. However, what impressed me most was the pomme puree (finely milled potatoes folded with cream, butter and truffle oil), which was so yummy I found myself wishing I could ask the chef for seconds.

The Pan Roasted Cod ($36) is a good choice for those who are looking for something lighter: The fish is pan seared with butter, white wine, cream and butter before the caviar is folded in.

The Braised Turkey Breast ($32) is the biggest winner on the menu, hands-down. It is soft and tender yet firm to the bite. The turkey’s flavours blends in really well together with the gravy, cranberry and fragrant stuffing, which is served on the side. This dish is definitely what I’ll order if I go back again, which I very well might this Christmas!

Who ever goes to the Marmalade Pantry without trying their desserts? Their Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake ($12) and Banana Fosters Crepe ($12) are good choices. Their handmade peanut butter ice cream deserves a special mention; I felt like I was eating peanut butter in ice cream form, if that makes sense. 

Where: Oasia Hotel Novena, Singapore, 8 Sinaran Drive, #01-02/04, Singapore 307470
When: 7th – 30th December (11.00 am to 10:30 pm)
Info: Call +65 6664 0348

4. Caffe B 
The ambience here is as posh as the Marina Bay Shoppes itself. The Italian-Japanese restaurant has an al fresco bar upstairs which boasts panoramic views of the city skyline, providing you with the option of an idyllic lunch out in the sunshine.

My firm favourites here are the Cod in Prosciutto and Saffron and the Festive Turkey Breast. The cod fish was plump and juicy, and the roasted ham adds a welcome smokiness to the cod’s sweetness. The turkey was well done and not dried out at all (a common cooking mistake made too often, unfortunately). The accompanying vegetables were soft and tasty, and we especially enjoyed the succulent mushrooms. This is one of the rare times where the vegetables made a dish really shine!

At just $100 for a 6-course meal, Caffe B is a wonderful choice for a romantic Christmas dinner with your significant other.

Where: 2 Bayfront Avenue, #B1-15 & 01-83 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018972
When: 13th – 25th December (lunch 12 – 3pm, dinner 6 – 11pm)
Info: Restaurant: +65 6887 3311 , Bar: +65 6222 2329

5. The St Regis

With crystal chandeliers, high ceilings and lavish furniture, having dinner at the St Regis will make you feel like you’re dining with a Duchess in an European castle. The ambience is nothing short of luxurious, with Christmas decorations and Michael Buble playing softly in the background adding a subtle festive cheer.

All the dishes served within the six-course meal are freshly prepared and beautifully plated. Strangely enough, the appetisers turned out to be my favourite part of the meal. The Foie Gras and Boston Lobster Terrine was simply divine and is easily the best thing I’ve tasted all day. Likewise, the Oven Baked Cod was sea-fresh and luscious. 

However, the Angus Beef Tenderloin was a bit of a let-down because it was too dry and tough, something I would not expect from a restaurant of Brasserie Les Saveurs’ calibre. 

Where: 29 Tanglin Rd, 247911
When: A Jubilant Christmas Day Dinner, $108++ available on 25th December , 7th – 10pm 
Info: Call 6506 6860 or email bls@stregis.com

6. Oxwell & Co.

“Located on Ann Siang Hill, Oxwell & Co. is the go-to for many a CBD worker for post-work drinks and tis’ the place to spend an indulgent evening this festive season. The lower floor certainly has the bustling vibe of a British pub in the hot summertime, whilst the upper floors with floor-to-ceiling French windows are perfect for a work Christmas ‘do or a feast with friends! 

Their festive dining options are varied, from a ‘Fabulous Feast’ option to be shared amongst at least three people ($110pp) to a traditional a la carte three-course menu ($85pp). Highlights include the moreish spiced crispy corn (seriously dangerous stuff) and oven-roasted Irish salmon for the main course. Chef Nick’s passion for the sourcing and quality of the food served shows in the delicious dishes. You’ll also get your fix of traditional British classics such as duck fat roasted potatoes and brussel sprouts (made yummy with maple butter and smoked bacon, eek!) Round off the meal with homemade orange and ginger cake or trifle, also dangerous! Much recommended for a gastro-pub style Christmas dinner on another level!” – Jennifer McGeever, fashion writer

Where: 5 Ann Siang Hill, Chinatown
When: Mon: 4pm-midnight, Tues-Fri: Midday-Midnight, Sat: 4pm-Midnight, Sun: Midday-Midnight 
Info: Go to www.oxwellandco.com or email farid@oxwellandco.com

OTHER TOP CHOICES FOR CHRISTMAS DINNERS, AS PICKED BY EUNICE QUEK FROM THE STRAITS TIMES:

7. Catalunya

For a Spanish Christmas, head to Catalunya for its two a la carte special dishes available from Dec 18 to 27. Spanish Escudella ($14++) is a soup made with beef cheek, chicken, lamb bone and pork belly and served with minced beef and chicken stuffed in shell pasta. The other dish is Christmas Canelon with black truffle. It is a beef and chicken wrapped crepe, doused in truffle bechamel sauce.

Party over the Christmas weekend at Catalunya’s three-day Christmas Bingo Brunch with Passion ($98++ a person) from Dec 25 to 27. Savour Spanish brunch items such as the signature traditional suckling pig and seafood paella on top of free-flow Jamon Iberico and churros.

Where: The Fullerton Pavilion, 82 Collyer Quay
When: Dec 18 to 27 (noon to 2.30pm weekday only, 6 to 10.30pm daily), Dec 25 to 27 (Christmas Bingo Brunch, 12.30 to 3.30pm)
Info: Call 6534-0886 or email reservation@catalunya.sg

8. Me@OUE
Have a bit of Japanese, French and Chinese cuisine at Me@OUE this Christmas Eve. The restaurant offers a five-course menu ($175++ a person) with a selection of sashimi followed by foie gras terrine; baked black cod on pumpkin puree and salted egg yolk topped with crispy salmon skin; and roasted duck with poached pears. End the meal with a Christmas log cake with Amarena cherry ice cream.

Where: OUE Bayfront Rooftop, 50 Collyer Quay
When: Christmas Eve only, 6 to 10.30pm
Info: Call 6634-4555

9. The White Rabbit
Get started on the holiday feasting with The White Rabbit’s festive set lunch (weekdays except Christmas Day) priced at $42++ (three-course) or $48++ (four- course).

Starters include Japanese yellowtail ceviche, Alaskan snow crab, and pumpkin veloute. For mains, options include oxtail and mushroom risotto with shaved truffles and sauteed shimeiji mushrooms; sous vide guinea fowl with chestnut puree, braised kale and cranberries; and pot-au-feu, with wagyu beef cheeks and brisket.

There is also a Christmas Eve dinner (first seating, $108++ for four courses, second seating, $128++ for five courses) with highlights such as poached lobster and duck liver parfait.

Or tuck into a Christmas Day buffet brunch ($98++ an adult, $48++ a child) which has live stations serving roasted prime ribs; appetisers such as smoked chicken Waldorf salad; and a choice of mains including barramundi and braised oxtail.

Where: 39C Harding Road
When: Festive set lunch: Tuesday to Dec 31, noon to 2.30pm, weekday only; Christmas Day Brunch: First seating with four two-hour time slots at 10am, 10.15am, 10.30am and 10.45am, second seating with four two-hour time slots at 12.15pm, 12.30pm, 12.45pm and 1pm; Christmas Eve Dinner: First seating with four two-hour time slots at 6pm, 6.15pm, 6.30pm and 6.45pm, second seating with five two-hour time slots at 8.15pm, 8.30pm, 8.45pm, 9pm and 9.15pm
Info: Call 6473-9965 or go to www.thewhiterabbit.com.sg

10. Fort by Maison Ikkoku
The four-month-old restaurant will host its first Christmas with a three-course dinner priced at $38++ (add $20 for two festive cocktail pairings). 

The dinner starts with a surprise Starter of the Day using seasonal ingredients, followed by Holiday Turkey – sous vide turkey medallions infused with truffles.

End off with a Martell Cordon Bleu lavender creme brulee for dessert. The two cocktails are Santa Red – a port-like red wine reduction with bergamot – and The Snowman, a spiced rum with buttered popcorn, hazelnut and milk.

Where: Fort Canning Arts Centre, 5 Cox Terrace, 01-02/03
When: Until Dec 31, 4pm till late daily
Info: Call 6336-0507

11. Hide Yamamoto
Indulge in a decadent 10- course Japanese meal ($450 a person) at Hide Yamamoto. Dishes include “chawanmushi” black truffle egg flan with fresh sea urchin and snow crab and grilled lobster with sea urchin cream sauce.

Where: Marina Bay Sands, 8 Bayfront Avenue, 02-05
When: Dec 1 to 31, noon to 3pm, 6 to 11pm daily
Info: Call 6688-7098

12. Balzac Brasserie
French chef-owner Jean- Charles Dubois whips up a Christmas menu for adults ($98++) and children under 10 years old ($52++, includes children’s cookbook called Around The World With Sophie And Remy). Highlights include his lobster bisque; and Cointreau souffle with gingerbread ice cream.

For the kids, dishes include organic pumpkin veloute with buttered popcorn, crispy cod fish and chips, and warm chocolate chip cookie sandwich with ice cream.

Where: Fort Canning Arts Centre, 5 Cox Terrace, B1-01
When: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve, 11.30am to 9.30pm
Info: Call 6336-0957 or go to www.facebook.com/balzacSG

13. Jamie’s Italian

Treat the family to a three-course Christmas meal ($79.50++ a person with a glass of prosecco on arrival) at Jamie’s Italian.

Highlights include the restaurant’s antipasti plank and a choice of mains including Jamie’s winter truffle risotto, a chargrilled veal chop and honeycomb cannelloni three ways. Dessert options include Strawberry Eat & Mess, with smashed pavlova, fragola grappa and mascarpone.

Where: Two outlets at Forum Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Road, 01-01/04, and VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, 01-165/166/167
When: At both outlets: Noon to 10pm (Monday to Thursday), noon to 11pm (Friday), 9.30am to 11pm (Saturday), 9.30am to 10pm (Sunday); From Christmas Eve to Dec 26 at VivoCity only, two seatings for lunch and dinner: noon to 2pm, 2 to 4pm, 5.30 to 8pm, 8 to 10.30pm
Info: Call 6655-7676 (Forum) or 6733-5500 (VivoCity)