patriot games
We’re just two days away from National Day! You know the Parade drill: the Air Shows take place between 5.30pm to 6.30pm, featuring riveting displays by the Red Lions Parachuters; the State Flag Flypast flown by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF); the Presidential Gun Salute on the M3G Raft; and the Salute to the Nation performed by the five RSAF F-15SG fighter aircraft. Then, of course, the Grand Finale Fireworks – what most spectators look forward to – come on at 8pm. If you haven’t made plans yet, here are seven recommendations that guarantee front-row seats to the magnificent spectacle that is the National Day Parade 2017.
Artemis
Here’s the plan: arrive by 5pm, secure a prime spot at the alfresco rooftop bar, order a round of G&T cocktails ($22 each), and then kickback and enjoy the action around Marina Bay. If you’re feeling peckish, head indoors and feast on Executive Chef Fernando Arevalo’s special National Day menu. Served as sharing platters, the menu is available for the evening only. Dishes include Whole Roasted Organic Chicken with Creme Fraiche and Mashed Potatoes ($62); Barbecued Spicy Pork Presa with Cherry Tomato Relish ($68); Grilled Lobster with Mushroom Sabayon and Snow Pea Salad ($78); and Chargrilled Wagyu Striploin with Chianti Mustard and Chimichurri ($172).
Artemis
Level 40
138 Market Street
Singapore 048946
Reservations: +65 6635 8677
LeVel33
Celebrate all things Singaporean – or at least, Singapore-inspired – at LeVel33. The Singapore Platter ($50++), meant for two, features creative takes on local favourites. There’s the Pan-seared Coconut Brioche with Pandan Jam, a nod to kaya toast. Hawker favourites like cereal prawns and satay are reimagined as Cereal Prawns with Lemongrass Emulsion and Beef Hazelnut Satay with Soy. No prizes for guessing what inspired the Chicken Rice Arancini with Pickled Chili Mayo. Round off your meal with a classic Singapore Sling ($25++). Or, if you’re feeling festive (as you should), imbibe some Rothschild Champagne ($50++ for two flutes).
LeVel33
#33-01
Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1
8 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018981
Reservations: +65 6834 3133
Me@OUE
If you’re veering towards non-local fare, but don’t want to be restricted to a single cuisine, then Me@OUE has you covered. The restaurant’s pan-global offering encompasses Japanese, French and Chinese menus. The Me@OUE Fiesta – National Day Edition ($188++ per person) includes a selection from each style. Nippon influence is seen in the smokey charcoal-grilled Robatayaki skewers stacked with Kumamoto A4 Wagyu Beef Cubes, Chicken with Shiro Negi, Meikajiki, Tiger Prawns, and Shishito. Gallic inspiration comes in the form of Dried Rubbed Greater Omaha Augus Tomahawk & Prime Rib. The Middle Kingdom is represented by “Bangalow” Sweet Pork Belly “Char Siew”. The package includes a free-flow of Singapore Slings, house white- and rose wines, Prosecco, beers and soft drinks.
Me@OUE
OUE Bayfront Rooftop
50 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049321
Reservations: +65 6634 4555
Monti
Thanks to its position right on the waterfront, Monti is about as close to the action as you can get. On National Day, the Italian restaurant is serving up a choice of either a five-course ($188++ per person) or six-course ($228++) menu, with two glasses of champagne. A highlight is the Chili Crab Agnolotti – a rich and satiating dish featuring Sawakani (Japanese fresh water crabs) cooked in a spicy sauce. A vegetarian option is also available for the five-course menu. Complete the experience with the Kampong Boy Cocktail, a refreshing (if potent) concoction of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, passionfruit, grapefruit, rum, triple sec and tequila.
Monti
82 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049213
Reservations: +65 6535 0724
Saint Pierre
Trust Celebrity Chef Emmanuel Stroobant to dream up refreshing twists on classic local dishes. His nine-course menu ($248++ per person) on August 9 includes such delights as live Hokkaido scallop served on freshly steamed idli; poached Hokkaido king crab crusted with puffed coconut rice – a take on Nasi Lemak; and Iberico pork belly served with pork consomme, char siu shavings and egg noodle – a spin on Chinese braised pork belly. With such mouthwatering fare on offer, the Marina Bay extravaganza outside seems more like a bonus than the main event.
Saint Pierre
#02-02B One Fullerton
1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213
Reservations: +65 6438 0887
Skyline
If it’s just bubbles and bites you’re after, then Skyline is a good bet. The plush lounge, perched on the 45th floor of Singapore Land Tower, will see local DJs Red and Daniel manning the decks from 5pm to 3am. Tickets, which include two drinks, are $30 pre-sale and $40 at the door. Packages for two, a party of six or eight are also available at $208 (pre-sale)/$228 (at the door); $388/$408; and $688/$708 respectively. Prices include bottles of Moet & Chandon champagne and pizzas.
Skyline
Level 45
Singapore Land Tower
50 Raffles Place, Singapore 048623
Reservations: https://fireworksspectacular.eventbrite.sg
Zafferano
With the fireworks as a backdrop, indulge in Chef Marco Guccio’s four-course menu ($128++ per person; add $42++ for wine pairing) that comprises Hokkaido scallop tartare; house-made pumpkin and potato gnocchi; a choice of Norwegian salmon or aged Black Angus beef tenderloin; and a trio of delectable desserts. A live screening of the Parade ensures that you won’t miss out on the action. But if you want an unbeatable view of the proceedings, head out to the Terrace Lounge, which overlooks Marina Bay. Three tables for up to eight diners each are available at $1,888++. The price includes the four-course dinner for eight, plus a magnum of Perrier Jouet champagne.
Zafferano
Level 43
Ocean Financial Centre
10 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049315
Reservations: +65 6509 1488
