From The Straits Times    |
brunch_rec

Everyone loves a good weekend brunch, it’s the perfect way to get ready for the week ahead and enjoy loads of indulgent food you wouldn’t normally have access to. Brunches tend to be social affairs, where you can get friends together and sip cocktails, eat great food and talk about life, love and everything in between.

There are lots of great places to hit up for a meal and a tipple here in Singapore, but these 10 places have our vote for great variety of food, drinks and a cool vibe that can’t be matched. Check them out here.

 

1. Caffe Fernet

Who can say no to a breezy weekend brunch with Italian-inspired food and cocktails by the glittering waters. The Custom House overlooking Marina Bay welcomes Caffe Fernet, the latest restaurant bar concept by the Jigger & Pony Group.The casual chic vibe of this hotspot draws groups of expats, locals and even families on weekends.

Start with the homemade ricotta and jam on toast ($15), then share the small plates of beetroot salad with rocket, almonds and feta ($21) and pomodoro baked eggs with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes and toasted sourdough. For your pasta-fix, the robust mafaldine ‘cacio e pepe’ scattered with pecornico cheese and four peppercorns ($25) is highly satisfying. To beat the heat, down a refreshing Classic Aperol Spritz, the colour of sunset. Or at $55, go for the bottomless brunch cocktails (maximum three-hour session, last drink order at 4.30pm) and have your fill of the blushing pink Strawberry Frose, Watermelon Frose,  as well as the Classic Aperol Spritz. Last order food on Saturday is at 3pm, and Sunday at 4pm.

70 Collyer Quay, #01-05 Customs House, Tel: 9178 1105, www.caffefernet.sg

 

2. Nickeldime

The newest hotspot to head to for a chill-out weekend is Nickeldime River Valley. On Saturdays and Sundays, 10am to 4pm, this neighbourhood joint introduces a menu of brunch classics and innovative dishes.

Tuck into hearty creations such as classic eggs Florentine with sautéed spinach ($16), and Irish fry-up with thick cut bacon, sautéed mushrooms and white pudding ($22). Or sweeten the palate with spiked orange French toast crowned with chocolate ganache ($18), and homemade granola with cinnamon milk, spiced labneh and dried berries ($16). Enjoy your meal with fresh juices or a range of craft beers to boot. There’s even a dog-friendly al fresco area, where your pooch can relax while you enjoy your brunch.

8 Mohamed Sultan Rd, Tel: 6735103. www.hiddendoorconcepts.com

 

3. Mezza9

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Mezza9’s new champagne brunch (Sundays 12pm – 3pm ) offers the ultimate induldgence with champagnes served by the bottle. Yes, diners will have a bottle of champagne placed in an ice bucket at their table – at all times during their brunch. And bottles will be replaced when the bubbly is finished. With the various live food stations, this stalwart is a perfect place for celebrations.

In addition to free-flowing champagne, red and white wines, gin & tonics, martinis, and beers, you will now have access to the new wine-pairing stations located next to the different food stations. These wines have been hand-picked to match the dishes of the respective food stations, for example imported sakes paired with the sushi counter.

At $118 per adult, the non-alcoholic brunch is inclusive of fruits juices, soft drinks, coffee/tea. Add $40 per adult to enjoy free-flowing Perrier- Jouët Grand Brut Champagne served by the bottle, access to wines by the glass at the wine-pairing stations, certified sustainable red and white wines by the bottle, nine hand-crafted gin and tonics from the party room, a selection of martinis from the martini bar, and beer. Add S$60 per adult to enjoy free-flowing Perrier-Jouet Blason Rosé Champagne instead of the brut.

Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road, Tel: 6738  1234,  www.singapore.grand.hyattrestaurants.com

 

4. Origin Grill

Origin Grill’s Sunday Vintage Brunch rolls out unlimited servings of  signature appetisers such as cured house salmon, San Daniel prosciutto, charred asparagus and Origin salad, followed by a main course of your choice. This includes Soul Food ‘Big’ Bowl, potato and chive cake, Origin’s open steak sandwich, Rangers Valley striploin with blue cheese butter, 35-days aged John Stone striploin, or grilled sea bass fillet. After polishing off your hearty mains, feast on pastries, cakes and cheeses that changes weekly, or head to the live crepe station. You’ll of course get to have unlimited pouring of wines, vintage wines and cocktails.

The Sunday Vintage Brunch is available every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm; priced at $108 for food and non-alcoholic drinks, $168 for food, unlimited wines and cocktails, and $208 for food, unlimited wines, cocktails and vintage wine pouring.

Lobby Level, Tower Wing, Shangri-La Hotel, Tel:  6213 4398
, www.shangri-la.com

 

5. Publico Ristorante  

Publico Ristorante’s Capri Sundays from 11am to 4pm features a brunch menu topped with prosecco, wine and spritzers. Highlights of the a la carte menu include classics with an Italian twist such as scrambled eggs with freshly grated black truffle and sourdough bread ($19); and spicy avocado toast with burrata cheese and chilli bruschetta ($21). In addition to these brunch dishes, you can also go for the selection of signature wood-fired pizzas topped with fresh ingredients, and homemade pastas (try the lobster pasta).

Sip your Aperol Spritz (a sparkling concoction of Aperol, prosecco and soda), and linger on a little longer at this breezy, relaxing riverside location before taking a stroll along the river to burn off some calories.

InterContinental Robertson Quay, Tel: 6826 5060, http://www.publico.sg/capri-sundays

 

6. Colony

Colony’s popular Vintage Champagne , Sunday 12 to 3.30pm is one of the most spectacular Sunday Champagne brunches in town. The spread likely has the largest selection of seafood in town. Make a beeline for the ice bar laden with Alaskan king crabs, lobsters, langoustines, yabbies and prawns. Just next to these crustaceans, are at least five types of  freshly shucked oysters from places like France, Ireland, and Canada. The assortment of sushi, sashimi, and homemade gravlax is equally popular.

For serious indulging, there are the eggs Benedict with lobster and foie gras stations. But save room for the Chinese roasts such as crackling pork belly, soy sauce chicken, and roast duck. Or the tempting Indian spread comprising hearty dum biryani, butter chicken, and rogan josh  that go well with warm naan.

To finish off, check out the mind-blogging range of hard and soft cheeses from Europe. The colourful display of desserts right at the entrance includes cakes, tarts, pastries, miniature desserts, ice cream, chocolate truffles, and macarons. At $192, the meal is inclusive of unlimited Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Blanc 2009, Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Rose 2009,  as well as selected cocktails and wines. The non-alcoholic burnch is at $142 per adult.

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia, Tel: 6434 5288, www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/singapore/dining/colony/menu

 

7. FOC Pim Pam 

Taking place on selected Sundays from 1130am to 3pm is FOC Pim Pam’s La Boqueria Market Brunch. The lively brunch offers a buffet spread of salads, cheese and Spanish charcuterie at various live stations. This tapas restaurant at Orchard Road steps things up a notch with a lively food parade of paella and grilled meats. Pim Pam’s enthusiastic waiterstaff will slice up suckling pigs tableside, and smash the plates on the floor – just for fun (it’s actually a traditional thing to ward off bad luck). If that’s not enough, other brunch items like Spanish omelettes and patatas bravas are available in the à la carte menu.

Tuck into all this with free-flow of cava, red and white wines, sangria, Spanish gin and tonic, soft drinks and juices to boot. Priced at $88 per person inclusive of soft drinks and juices, $128 per person with free-flow of premium alcoholic pours. Once you’ve hit your food coma, head home for a much-needed siesta.

#01-29, 442 Orchard Rd, Tel: 6100 4242, www.focpimpam.com

 

8. Fat Prince

Fat Prince recently introduced Singapore’s first free-flow kebab and drinks brunch session. The Prince’s Hangover Brunch is available on Saturdays from 11.30am to 3pm, at $108 per person. What you’ll get is a combination of unlimited kebabs, one complimentary brunch item, and free-flow Prima Donna cocktails served in porcelain tea pots and dainty ceramic cups.

A selection of kebabs featuring five fillings is served – from grilled halloumi cheese with smashed avocado, spiced macadamia and pomegranate molasses, to charred pork belly with smoked potato puree, apple, mint and raisins. Diners will also be able to choose one a la carte item off the brunch menu, such as pumpkin seed granola, served with orange yoghurt, nashi pear, mango and forest honey to cured salmon pastirma with poached eggs.

48 Peck Seah St., Tel: 6221 3683, www.fatprincesg.com

 

9. PS Café Brunch

Available exclusively at PS.Cafe Ann Siang Hill, the free-flow wine brunch (from 12 to 3pm) is perfect for a langourous weekend – one which involves sandals, bermudas and breezy maxi dresses.

The free flow wine session at $70 includes Villa Sandi’s Valdobbiadene Prosecco, and  red, white and rosé wines from the iconic Spanish vineyard Marques de Riscal. Other labels like the robust ‘Airenzo’ Tempranillo, vibrant Rueda Verdejo white and Rosado Rosé will also be offered.

Pair these wines with brunch favourites such as salmon-dill potato cakes with sour cream and egg ($29), chargrilled portobello burger with wilted spinach, roasted capsicum, caramelised onions, basil mayo, melted swiss cheese and fries ($26) or the PS Brunch Burger at $30. The boldly flavoured chorizo chilli hash and poached eggs ($29) is highly recommended too. For something sweet, tuck into the PS. Fluffy Pancakes with homemade banana jam, blueberries, passionfruit curd and fresh cream ($24). (Note that food items charged separately).

45 Ann Siang Road, #02-02, Tel: 9797 0648,  www.pscafe.com/pscafe-at-ann-siang-hill-park

 

10. Melt Cafe

Another boozy, bottomless brunch to try is Melt Café’s Sunday Champagne Brunch from 12 to 3pm. A highlight is the large wooden basin brimming with five types of premium sashimi resting on a bed of ice. There are also freshly shucked Fine de Claire and Creuses de Bretagne oysters neatly stacked with Alaskan king crabs and Boston lobsters. Over at the carving station, the slow-roasted Australian prime rib beef awaits. To spice up your palate, try the traditional spiced whole spring lamb at the Indian counter. There’s even a barbecue set up at the alfresco garden area. Save room for Melt’s stunning showcase of dainty desserts and irresistible cakes.

The Champagne Brunch is priced at $118 per person with chilled juices and soft drinks, or $178 per person for unlimited flow of Ruinart “R” de Brut Champagne, wines, cocktails, beers, juices and soft drinks. Alternatively, select the premium option with free flow of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne at $218 per person.

Mandarin Oriental Singapore, Tel: 6885 3500, Mandarinoriental.com/singapore

 

​​​​​​​ALSO READ: BEST ICE CREAM CAFES IN SINGAPORE TO BEAT THE HEAT