Rock Star Greeting “Welcome to the famous St Regis Singapore”. You can’t help but feel special when you are greeted with such warmth and then personally escorted through enormous glass doors.
Within minutes I was sipping on a glass of Ruinart Champagne inside the classic elegance of the Astor Bar with my host John Gordon of Expat Choice Asia.
WOW Wine Service
A highlight of the wine service was the Brasserie Les Saveurs Restaurant Sommelier conducting a sabrage on a bottle of Ruinart Champagne. Sabrage is a technique where a sword or “saber” is used to open the bottle. It’s very theatrical and has its history dating back to Napoleon times.
Ruinart is the oldest Champagne house that has exclusively produced Champagne since 1729. In the past 10 years Ruinart has had two women winemakers: Amelie Chatin who was followed by Caroline Fiot.
St Regis is following suit by appointing fabulous women in leadership roles: the Director of Food & Beverage and the Director of Marketing Communications, both with fabulous first names Denise and Denice respectively!
However, they still have some work to do to get the wine service and the wait staff to a level befitting the luxury of the brand.
WOW Moments
Brasserie Les Saveurs and its olde-world architecture is reminiscent of the stately castles and manors of Europe, especially its floor-to-ceiling windows and resplendent crystal chandelier.
A table by the window overlooking the tropical garden and sparkling pool is a gorgeous spot to indulge in a Sunday afternoon brunch with specially crafted canapés, a lavish spread of appetisers and decadent desserts.
Oysters, snails, sashimi and jamon were followed by smoked salmon tartare with avocado and salmon caviar.
We then experienced perfectly pan seared foie gras and grilled Maine lobster with garlic butter sauce. Chateaubriand de boeuf with fresh green peas and French beans rounded out the meal.
There was almost no room for dessert. Almost.
It was a treat to meet recently appointed Executive Chef, Thibault Chiumenti. At our table he shared his culinary journey and what he has in store for the dining experience at St Regis Hotel. Exciting times ahead.
If you were ever in two minds about having Sunday brunch at the St Regis, I highly recommend giving it a try.
View the menu here: www.bit.ly/SundayBrunch_EC1
