Macanese Meals

Three meals in the ex-colony of Macau at three of my favourite haunts.

Friday night saw us meet up with friends (who were also over for the weekend) and a trip to Fernando's.

A very chilled, relaxing evening was had by all before we rolled out of there stuffed full from BBQ meats, prawns and sangria. Their basic salad and roast chicken in particular are so good.

Next day and the next meal was lunch at the Pousada de Sao Tiago.

Before its renovation, the Pousada de Sao Tiago was a bit run-down. Now, with a designer decorated interior, it's definitely high-up on my list of places to visit, though be warned that the service can be a bit hit-and-miss. The menu's also been updated to include a couple of nice salads, perfect for lunch as a side to their Caldo Verde (cabbage and potato soup), which just tastes better and better every time I go!

But if you don't want to eat there, it's still worth a visit even if it's just for a drink on the terrace as the hotel is an old garrison that is cut into the hillside and has 200 year old trees twisting around the old fortifications. It also has a v. pretty little chapel dedicated to St. James.

Last but not least was dinner at the Clube Militar. This officers' dining club was established in 1870 and remains a private members' club today. However, several years ago now, the club opened the doors of its dining room to the general public.

While there's a strict dress code (no shorts/sneakers/thongs etc.), it's not stuffy and the hard wood floor, palms, tall windows and gently whirling ceiling fans hark back to an era long gone. Top of the menu for me are the clams, steak with Roquefort sauce and (of course) the Caldo Verde. Just don't choose the garlic mushrooms as they're made with Chinese mushrooms and really aren't good!

The addresses are:

Restaurante Fernando
9 Praia de Hac Sa
Coloane Island, Macau
T +853 2888 2264

Pousada de Sao Tiago (also listed as the Sao Tiago de Barra)
Avenida Da Republica
Fortaleza De Sao Tiago Da Barra
Macau
T +853 2837 8111

Clube Militar de Macau
975 Avenida da Praia Grande
Macau
T +853 2871 4000

Bon Voyage!

Travel Tip: Maps of Macau are available from any hotel concierge, but make sure that you get one with a list of the restaurants in English and Chinese. Most taxi drivers don't speak a lot of English and (as with much of Asia), do not show them the map itself. Much easier!

Singapore Slings & Seafood

We're off for the weekend to Singapore. It's not my favourite location. As an English national, I like to be able bring up the weather when conversation grinds to a halt. But this really isn't an option in Singapore where its proximity to the equator results in little seasonality. As a Hong Konger, meanwhile, I find the place a little slow and lacking in vitality.

However, on the plus side, I can go on a spending spree at some of the English high-street stores who have set up shop in the Lion City State. No doubt the chance to check out Dot P's, Miss Selfridge, Top Shop and Warehouse (all conveniently located at Marina Square) will manage to buoy me up!

One thing I am really looking forward to though is the Pepper Crab!! For over 60 years the best in town has been served up at Long Beach @ Dempsey.

Address & contact details are:
25 Dempsey Road (opposite the Singapore Botanic Gardens)
T +65 6323 2222
Open daily from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. - 1.30 a.m.

If you fancy a pre-dinner cocktail, head over to the Raffles Hotel to the Long Bar on the first floor for its famous but sickly-sweet Singapore Sling, or better still check out the Red Dot microbrewery next to Long Beach.

Bon Voyage!

Travel Tip: Dress in casuals and book a table outside at Long Beach. Turn up on time (they're quick to pass on your table) and take plenty of packets of tissues with you as eating with your hands gets messy!