Turning 20 ain't much of a big deal, apart from finally being a year away from legal 21. I didn't plan much events for my birthday because I realized that as I get older, I slowly lose the excitement from celebrating my big day. I'll probably organize a huge ass party when I turn 21 though, but that's still a long way to go.. Just some simple updates on the small celebrations I had.
Had an advance birthday dinner with my dad and sister at Bread Street Kitchen. I'm a great fan of Gordon Ramsay, and I enjoy watching MasterChef. When I heard that he opened a restaurant in Singapore, I knew that I gotta try it. I haven't got the chance to try it out, so thank you Daddy!
- BREAD STREET KITCHEN
- Address: Bay Level #L1-81 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands S018956
- Tel: 66885665
Complimentary bread and butter
Warm bang bang chicken, watercress, mouli, chilli, beansprouts, radish, ginger, peanuts ($18)
Salmon ceviche, ruby grapefruit, mango, jalapeno, lime, coriander ($19)
Tamarind spiced chicken wings, spring onions, coriander ($18)
Onion Rings ($12)
Baby chicken, chimichurri sauce, burnt lemon ($34)
Roasted duck breast, boulangere potatoes, cabbage puree and mulled berries sauce ($38)
BSU short rib beef burger, Monterey jack cheese, spicy sriracha mayo ($26)
It being Gordon Ramsay's restaurant led me to set naturally high expectations for the standard of the food. Unfortunately, it didn't taste as good as I expected it to be. I've always wondered how amazing Gordon Ramsay's food creation would taste like, and it was kind of disappointing that it wasn't as mind-blowing as I imagined it to be. The main courses were pretty decent, but I felt that their cold/hot starters and side were much better. This may come as a surprise to all of you, but the best food on the table that night was the complimentary bread and butter. My friends who have tried his restaurant before shares the same thought as me.
However, it's still definitely worth a try. You can probably skip the mains, and head straight for the sides and drinks.
With all that being said, I certainly would love to try a dish of Gordon Ramsay's, perhaps in a different country, and I will keep my expectations up for this one!
Stout [L] and Blond Lager [R] ($9.33 each)
Complimentary bread
Scallop ($28)
T-Bone for 2pax ($98)
On my birthday, 2 October, I turn 20! I think I'm the opposite of most people, I can't wait to grow up because I have this baby face so people mistake me for a age much younger than my actual age. I absolutely dislike that, so I have always wanted to grow up fast, to look more like my age etc. I know I'd regret it, so I don't wanna grow to look old, but at the very least, I wanna turn 21 asap. Age is just a number, but y'know, you get the drift.. My boyfriend and friends came to surprise me at my doorstep at midnight. My friends got me a few pieces of cute lingerie from La Senza, no worries, I'll be sure to use 'em well.
The next day, my boyfriend brought me for dinner at Level 33, a place that I've always wanted to try as well. I've always seen really beautiful pictures of Singapore on Instagram taken from Level 33, and I wanted to see that skyline for myself.
- LEVEL 33
- Address: 8 Marina Boulevard, #33-01 Marina Bay Financial Center Tower 1 S018981
- Tel: 68343133
- Opening hours: Monday - Wednesday 1130AM to 12MN, Thursday - Saturday 1130AM to 2AM, Sunday 12NN to 12MN
Unfortunately for me, it was the haze season in Singapore, so it was super hazy, but a great view nonetheless. We chilled outside with our beer, admiring the view of Singapore, in hopes of watching the sunset before we went in for our dinner. It was the first time I tasted a beer so fruity and nice, because all the other beer I've ever drank tasted so bitter and I hate the aftertaste of it. Surprisingly, the beer at Level 33 was so light! It's a wonderful place for businessman/woman, as well as anyone who's in the vicinity to have a drink and talk.
After we've finished our beer, we were being led to our seats. We were spoilt for choice, but we settled for the dishes pictured above. And my my, they were fantastic! The dishes were served quickly, so we were done with our dinner in no time. I will absolutely consider hanging out at Level33 in future.
I'm so so glad to have finally tried Beauty In The Pot because I've always had Tsukada Nojo, which is Chicken Collagen soup, and the soup base at BITP is shark cartilage. Had it on 2 occasions, one is for my belated birthday dinner with my family, and the other was with my cousin. The only thing I dislike is that it's super far away, all the way in the East, but it's good so I don't mind traveling down just to keep my belly happy.
- BEAUTY IN THE POT
- Address: Tanjong Katong Road, ONE KM Mall, S430013
- Tel: 67022542
- Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 11AM - 1AM, Friday and Saturday 11AM - 3AM, Sunday 11AM - 12MN
The price and system works similarly to Hai Di Lao, but of course there aren't any collagen soup at HDL. For me, I prefer the food at Beauty In The Pot as compared to HDL, but definitely the service at HDL. The staffs there are much more attentive and courteous, whereas at BITP, you've to get their attention several times, but I guess it's due to the overwhelming crowd. That just explains how yummy it is!
At the end of your meal, a special yuzu-like drink will be served to clear the collagen taste. Initially I thought it tasted weird, but after a few mouths, I realize that I kind'a like it. It's just refreshing and addictive in its own way. Well well, I think I might have found my second favorite steamboat place to dine at.
Many thanks to my boyfriend who got me a pair of Chanel earrings and for the incredible dinner. I was taken by surprise when he passed me a Chanel paper bag as I would never have expected him to get that for me. I love it a lot, but I love you more! x
Kisses,
Vinez
