Straits Express @ Kallang Wave Mall

I've had to think this through a few times. To share or not to share this gem of a place. To do them justice, here goes!

Our favourite new mall is the Kallang Wave Mall. Situated right next to the new indoor stadium, it can be quite confusing to locate. Once you get it right though, it's easy to navigate with ample parking and escalator ramps which are great for strollers.

The highlight - fairprice extra. They have kiddie trolleys and cars. A deposit of $10 is required before you can "hire" one. My kids love this supermarket because of the trolleys. Apart from cold storage jelita, I don't know of any other supermarket with these trolleys in singapore. We end up buying stuff we don't need, just cos they get a kick out of steering and filling up the trolleys with food. A sure way to increase sales.




The other highlight in this mall is a new cafe - restaurant - bar called Straits Express. The outside of the restaurant is fashioned after a train - quite novel. It's on the ground floor right outside, facing the water and next to the taxi and drop off point. If you have an elderly person on a wheelchair, it's an ideal location to dine.





We ordered chicken chop, assam laksa, bakawan kepiting and fish & chips. They did not disappoint! There are 3 chefs - one from singapore, one from malacca and one from penang. The western food is hainanese style - and it's way better than Hans! The chicken chop was fried to perfection and comes with a curry gravy - super yum and we asked for second helpings of the gravy!





The assam laksa didn't disappoint either. Full of ingredients and the broth was chock full of fish.





The bakawan kepiting was also good - the broth was tasty with a hint of crab flavour from the meatballs.





Fish and chips were also good. We have been back twice since, and tried the rojak, char kway teow, nyonya laksa, prawn mee. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food. Since its right next to the water, fidgety kids can play or scooter outside whilst parents finish off their food. They will definitely be seeing more of us!

http://straitsexpress.com.sg

Staycation Review - Ritz Carlton Singapore

We didn't have a chance to bring the kids out of the country these school holidays, so we decided to bring them on a staycation. I narrowed it down to Rasa Sentosa and the Ritz Carlton Millenia. When I saw the Rasa Sentosa prices, I almost fainted and the Ritz Carlton was a natural choice.




The Ritz Carlton has a Ritz Kids club program over the weekend. Because we went on a weekday, there was no official program - but the kids were treated to kids amenities and a nice cake delivered to the room, nonetheless! We even got an extra one for our wedding anniversary!





The highlight had to be the bathtub by the window. We stayed one night, but the boys managed to soak 3 times.












We booked a deluxe room which is the entry level room and it was very spacious! It's one of those hotels that care about the little things - right down to the design, daybed, kids slippers, etc.




The festive decorations enhanced the holiday atmosphere and we were treated to a choir at the lobby on our way out to dinner.





One of the reasons why we chose the Ritz was also its proximity to shopping malls. It was raining cats and dogs when we headed out to dinner but we didn't even need umbrellas when we walked out via the sheltered walkways. I would do at staycation alone here just to shop at suntec and marina square!





The boys wanted japanese and we stumbled upon Hifumi at Marina Square. They have free flow appetisers and drinks - just order a main course and top up for the drinks. Evan ate free (waitress said it was because he sat in a high chair). Unfortunately we couldn't fit Marc in one. :) Between the boys, they ate 5 chawanmushis! The main course is average, but the prices are reasonable and if your kids like chawanmushi, this is the place to go.





The boys had fun posing with the marina square Christmas decorations.





The hotel has a small kids play area near the check in counter to make up for the lack of a kids club on weekdays. This kept the boys occupied for quite some time! They had the entire area to themselves and the husband and I enjoyed chilling out with the free drinks station at the lobby.





The boys had so much fun, they refused to sleep until almost midnight! Breakfast the next day did not disappoint. Greenhouse is one of those restaurants that have a really decent buffet spread. None of us managed to try everything. It was simply mind boggling. Bak ku teh, a whole spread of cold cuts, a huge salad bar, japanese pickles and rice like there's no tomorrow, huge pastry selection and an entire section of yakult. Every kids dream!





We managed to squeeze in a final swim at the pool before checking out. In the chilly December weather, Evan and I only made it as far as the heated jacuzzi! We really loved our stay and would not hesitate to return again!