
Every time we drive from the airport to our hotel in Singapore city, we see the amazingly beautiful skyline with cultivated trees and organicly formed buildings. We decided to make a trip to this wonder of nature: Gardens by the Bay. Gardens by the Bay is part of a strategy by the Singapore government to transform Singapore from a "Garden City" to a "City in a Garden". The stated aim is to raise the quality of life by enhancing greenery and flora in the city. It is a is a nature park spanning 101 hectares (250 acres) of reclaimed land in central Singapore, adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. The park consists of three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden. It was a little bit like an amusement park for us but still it's worth a visit. We had lunch in de Flower Dome at the Pollen bistro. After walking around for a couple of hours in the gardens we had a small snack on tiny stools around a tiny table at Satah At The Bay. We felt like two Snowy Whites who visited the dwarfs ;-).
In the evening we wanted to have dinner at The White Rabbit. The White Rabbit is a restaurant housed in the beautifully restored 1930s Ebenezer chapel. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, The White Rabbit’s verdant surroundings and rich history takes guests into a world of whimsy and wonder, away from life in the concrete jungle. Beside that they have The Rabbit Hole. This is the chic outdoor bar of The White Rabbit that lets you unwind amid the lush greenery of Dempsey, complete with animal-themed topiary. But when we arrived at The White Rabbit a private party was going on. It was all about the Food Hero 2016 Finales and organized by the AFC network. We were not invited but we had a briljant sollution: party crashing! We got all drinks and food for free and joined the invited visitors on the red carpet where pictures were taken. How cool! When we left the party we received a goody bag with a nice notebook and a set of stainless steel measuring cups. Party crashing: the act of attending an invitation-only event when not invited…we can deal with that from now on ;-)! We had some 'attitude drinks’ afterwards at the Altitude bar. The entree was too expensive, the drinks were too expensive and the bartenders were very rude. To much attitude at the Altitude! Only the view was amazing.
The next morning we had breakfast at The Providore at the Mandarin Gallery. The pleasure of discovering, creating and sharing good food is what the Providore is all about. Good food in all its forms; wholesome, traditional, innovative, nurturing and nourishing. A nice philosophy. Be aware when you order breakfast, the portions are small. The staff is very kind and willing to help you and patiently explain the menu.
At Ann Siang Hill we explored Oxwell & Co. Oxwell & Co was conceived by a group of Brits pining for their local pub while embracing all things Singaporean. Here in this heritage three-storey shophouse, sitting in the heart of Singapores Chinatown, you will find a slice of British comfort from good old fashioned hospitality to food and cocktails. The Oxwell experience is made up of the 4000 sq ft space presenting each floor as a destination in its own right: the bar for refreshing tipples on the first floor the rustic yet elegant dining room on the second floor; and a private function room on the third floor that is reminiscent of a drawing room complete with eccentric British touches. The rooftop houses Oxwells own organic rooftop herb garden, used by the restaurant and bar for food and cocktails. To be ‘Oxwelled”, try there specialty: the signature home-made Gin & Tonic. That’s the real Oxwell Experience!