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The Salento, in the heel of Italy’s boot, saw relatively low infection rates, but it has lost many international visitors this year, which means savings can be had
Gilda Siena likes to talk – so much so she is known among her guests as “the chatty woman”.
In the decade since she bought a 19th-century building once inhabited by Venetian nobility in the Salento area – at the southern tip (the heel) of Italy’s Puglia region – and made it into boutique hotel Palazzo Siena-Home & More, this aspect of her personality has led to many friendships.
A fine menu of European classics with a modern twist and old-world charm await at Tablescape – a great choice for a meal in the City Hall area. There are three- ($42++) and four-course ($49++) set lunches, with dishes that showcase Executive Chef Armando Aristarco’s “flavour first” take on classic European dishes. For example, the hot starter, Egg, is a 62-degree cooked egg served with asparagus and shaved Italian black truffles in a fondue of aged Parmigiano Reggiano (24 months). A highlight of any meal at Tablescape is the gueridon service, where a variety of fresh bread and butter (both made in-house) are served tableside on a trolley. Expect attentive but non-intrusive service and a lunch menu that changes monthly and features items that are not available on the regular a la carte menu.
An elegant steakhouse in the Orchard Road area, Gordon Grill at the Goodwood Park Hotel has been serving fine steaks and continental cuisine since 1963. For efficient and elegant lunches, there’s a Big-on-Small lunch menu of three- ($58++) and four courses ($68++). Here, several signature dishes can be sampled. Tuck into posh appetisers such as the Pan-fried Foie Gras served with caramelised Granny Smith apple and balsamic glaze, and classic mains like Grilled Australian Ribeye with mashed potato and roasted vegetables. The dessert course is a sample platter of two items of your choice, which include Cherry Clafoutis, a baked French dessert with vanilla ice cream, plus coffee or tea.
New York import Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is a worthy meeting point in the Robertson Quay area. You are guaranteed a hearty meal of four courses with sides and tea or coffee. The highlight is the USDA Prime Black Angus Beef ($88++) that is dry-aged onsite for 28 days. Set meals begin with a seafood taster such as Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and soup or salad. The sirloin, ribeye or filet mignon cuts are served with two sides (options include steak fries and creamed spinach). Also available are fish (Grilled King Salmon, $58++) and chicken (Chicken Parmigiana, $58++) options.
This Italian restaurant’s forte is fresh seafood, Sicilian classics and handmade pasta dishes. The plush confines within a Tanjong Pagar shophouse make for elegant lunches that are excellent value at $48++ for three courses. The lunch menu constantly evolves with whatever is in season, but you cannot go wrong with seafood-centric dishes such as the lightly seared yellowfin tuna salad and spaghetti with clams in white wine sauce. The sommelier can make recommendations for wine pairings by the glass or bottle.
This microbrewery-restaurant pairs an excellent beer programme with a lunch menu, where beer and beer brewing elements such as malt and spent grain are incorporated into the dishes. The experience is further elevated by the views from Marina Bay Financial Centre’s 33rd level. Lunch sets start at $42++ onwards and can be enjoyed in the dining room or the outdoor social space. Dishes include the Brewery Burger with a Wagyu patty topped with cheddar and lettuce, and flavoured with roasted yeast and crispy malt. For dessert, try the Burnt Butter and Malt Ice Cream served with Spent Grain Granola and apple. Also try one of the house-brewed craft beers.
Usually a popular hangout spot in the evenings, this natural wine bar is quiet at lunchtime (like most of its Club Street neighbours). An excellent choice for a fine meal and a glass of organic or biodynamic wine, lunch is currently served on Fridays and Saturdays only, so advanced planning and reservations are recommended. Priced at $45++ for two courses and $53++ for three; the menu constantly evolves but excellent touches such as house-cured charcuterie, sourdough and brioche baked in-house, and pickled fresh vegetables are what elevate the dishes. We highly recommend the airy, cloud-like cedar jelly or alcohol-cured foie gras on homemade brioche, as well as the beef tongue sandwich with gribiche, a French mayo-style cold egg sauce.
Choosing to move to Germany can be a great move. This prosperous country is packed full of opportunities and you can experience some very different ways of life depending on where you decide to stay. However, choosing to become an... Read the rest
When we’re back to travelling, there’s a good chance we’ll be seeking something a bit more out of the ordinary.In a recent travel survey byOnePollthat surveyed respondents from diverse locations such as Hong Kong, South Korea, Brazil, the UK and the US, 45% said they wanted to travel for a change of scenery while 41% said they wanted to make the most of their freedom post-pandemic.
Well, these adrenaline-pumping activities take you far from bustling cities and plunge you into a thrilling new world.
Kanchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com
1. Ascend the Kanchenjunga in Nepal
While Everest may be the tallest mountain in the world, the famous peak is also suffering from over-tourism. Beat the crowds and still claim bragging rights with a climb to the country’s second highest (but no less majestic) mountain. Kanchenjunga means “Five Treasures of the Great Snow” in Tibetan, and the name is a nod to the five summits that make up the Kanchenjunga range. As locals believe the summit is sacred, most climbing parties stop a short distance from the top as a show of respect.
Take a 40-metre leap of faith from this iconic city bridge down into the waters below. Set against thepanoramic backdrop of Waitemata Harbour, this is probably the most picturesque location in the city. Choose to jump solo or in tandem, with an ankle tie or harness. Whatever option you go for, you’ll still enjoy the same delicious and exhilarating rush of adrenaline.
Son Doong was recently discovered as the world’s largest cave. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com
3.Explore record-breaking caves in Central Vietnam
The world’s largest cave,Son Doong, was recently discovered in Quang Binh province, about a 5.5-hour drive from Danang. Be among only 1,000 people allowed in each year or simply explore the many fascinating cave systems in the surrounding area, including the stunning Paradise Cave, surrounded by forested karst peaks.
If you’re going to hurl yourself out of a plane, you might as well do it in style with the “World’s Highest Tandem Skydiving Experience from 18,000 feet” in California’s Monterey Bay.As you free-fall over the San Francisco coast, look out for key sights such as Carmel Valley, Big Sur and even the Golden Gate Bridge in the far north.
Channel your inner Lara Croft as you explore the world-famous archaeological park high above ground. This treetop adventure sees you whizzing through the Cambodian jungle, allowing you to encounter the flora and fauna surrounding Angkor Wat.
Freediving in Panglao. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com
6. Freedivein Panglao in the Philippines
Experience the feeling of complete freedom and weightlessness with this deeply meditative sport, where you explore your limits in the underwater world. This island – located two hours by ferry from Cebu – has played host to the prestigious Asian Freediving Cup and offers a wide variety of easily accessible dive sites.
Surreal landscapes at Ijen Crater. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com
7.Explore an active volcano in East Java, Indonesia
A visit to Ijen Crater – about a six-hour drive from Surabaya – is well worth it for the otherworldly views of jagged sulphuric rock and an iridescent crater lake. For a truly magical experience, take the two-hour midnight hike to witness the mesmerising “blue fire” (ignited sulphuric gas).
Paragliding over the beautiful Jungfrau region. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com
8.Tandem paraglideover Interlaken, Switzerland
Take to the skies in this free-flying glider aircraft piloted by a professional paraglider. From your scenic vantage point, drink in the beauty of Switzerland’s natural landscapes – from the pristine Interlaken to the snow-capped Jungfrau region.
Sandboarding in Gauteng, South Africa. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com
9.Sandboardingin Mount Mayhem, South Africa
The province of Gauteng, located just 30 minutes outside of Johannesburg, is a veritable hive of activity, from abseiling to river rafting. However, one of the most fastest growing sport is sandboarding, which sees you careening down undulating hills of sand at top speed. Be sure to hang on tight!
Rome is truly one of the greatest cities on Earth. It has so much going for it. Ancient history, modern style, beautiful architecture, beautiful inhabitants, amazing food, great culture, and amazing weather.…
