Surprise Singapore: db Bistro Moderne by Daniel Boulud

After all the Hawker food finds and the humid trekking on the streets of Singapore, we wanted to dress up and try some of the fine-dining options offered by international celebrity chefs. Since I'm a continent away from New York, I was happy I could find a slew of options at Marina Bay Sands Mall.

I wanted to try Osteria Mozza because of Mario Battali's eggyolk, ricotta & sweet potato ravioli as seen on the presidential Iron-Cheff competition he had with The Whitehouse's Executive Chef (who happens to be Filipina). But could not get a reservation in time. Right beside it, though, is another attractive bistro that goes neck and neck with Mozza.

db Bistro Moderne by Daniel Boulud

Haute & Healthy at Seasons 52

Key Lime Pie, Mocha Macchiato, Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie with Double Gingersnap Crust, in a shot glass and less than 300 calories each? That's what I, and Seasons 52 Fresh Grill, call "Mini Indulgences".

 After my best friend's yacht wedding, I took a nap to kill the jetlag and woke up feeling hungry for some fresh flavors. Since I stayed at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, we decided to hit up Seasons 52 Fresh Grill & Wine Bar, a brand new branch in the Orange County from its homebase of Florida.

 Magic in the Menu

Seasons 52 is best known for its seasonal menu, which changes every season to highlight the produce and fresh catch from local farmers' markets. Alongside that, each one of its dishes is only 475 calories and below, which reflects their motto of "A fresh dining experience that celebrates living well."

Guess the Celebrity Chef

So I have a new toy for the kitchen... a chopping board signed with amour by ze rockstar chef of the hour, whom I had the pleasure of chatting up with amidst a little bit of dining drama.

Guess Who??? Have you seen this mugshot before?

(Hint: Top Chef Masters AND Iron Chef Alumnus)

Awed and Odd at Aubergine

Let's say you're on a date, and towards the end of the night all you could think of is dessert and how good it would be right at that moment when all you want to do is impress someone. When the platter arrives, you take one look at the (above) dessert, another look at your date, and you realize... you have no idea what the heck that is! Ok, that isn't really the case, but I thought it a bit amusing to begin with that dessert platter because it's just plain whimsical. That's my Amuse Bouche for this post.

 A few nights ago I was on my way to dinner and was blindsided towards Aubergine. Blindsided because this was not the intended restaurant for the evening, but apparently I didn't get the memo on the location change. No complaints, I love Aubergine; It's the perfect date place if you want to impress a lady. Beware if that lady happens to be ToT, she knows how to burn a hole in your pocket.