Singapore, Sydney and Jakarta

My Day (or 18 hours) in Singapore

My home for the night or what was left of it was the Swissotel The Stamford.  Nice suite upgraded on an Accor status match from Hyatt.

Beautiful view of the Marina Bay from my suite.

And a few hours later...

Time for a little breakfast.

With a view.

A few hours later, on my way to lunch, just a short walk away.

For lunch today in Singapore, I’m back for my second visit to fabulous Odette, a wonderful Michelin 3 star experience. Ranked #24 in the world and #7 in Asia in the San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best lists, Odette is a pure delight. Amazing food with impeccable service. And kudos to the sommelier as this was the best premium wine pairing ever. What a thoroughly enjoyable two hours.

Amuse-bouche.

Today's tasting menu and amazing Legacy wine pairing.

MARUKYO UNI.  Masa ebi • Dashi cloud • Daurikus caviart

Wow!

NORMANDY BROWN CRAB • Sugar snap peas • Horseradish • Yerbena

CEVENNES ONION • Sherry • Vin jaune • Beurre noisette

Chef Julien...

LIMOUSIN VEAL SWEETBREAD • Pink garlic • Lovage • Morel

SHIMANE ADAMAI • Yari ika • Kabu • Sauce 'Indochine'

Kampot Pepper crusted pigeon.

Pigeon with Sugar snap peas • Pancetta • Black garlic

Wonderful looking cheese cart.

CITRUS TART • Bergamot • Buddha's hand • Genmaicha

No mas, no mas!

What an amazing meal.

My Day in Sydney

My home in Sydney today and tonight is the Hyatt Regency Sydney.  Comfy room with a nice view.

After a power nap, I headed out for a leisurely walk to The Rocks.

Lunch today is at 6HEAD, a great Australian steakhouse.  Lovely harbourside location and atmosphere. 

Wonderful bread.

Lunch was an out of this world, perfectly prepared rib eye from O’Connor Farms, accompanied by a couple glasses of exceptional Barossa Valley Shiraz.

Fabulous.

Even better.

For dinner, it was back to the harbourfront to Matt Moran’s Aria near the iconic Sydney Opera House. My last visit to Aria was enjoyable, some 10 years ago with Mrs. SFO777. I’ve also enjoyed Matt’s creations in Singapore First Class. 

Aria is still the same lovely atmosphere and spectacular view of the Opera House. Food was as excellent as ever as was the service. But it was the wine pairing experience that was such a turnoff that I doubt I’ll return. Wines were mostly fine but it was the small amount of the pours that was the most annoying. The last time I had such cheap and insulting minuscule pours was at Le Bernardin in New York. If it’s a question of profit, raise the damn price and offer a proper pour, one that doesn’t drive me to order two Gin & Tonics to make up the difference. Then there was the (assistant) sommelier who copped an attitude from the get go and really looked like she’d rather be someplace else.  Miss Personality...

Two gulfs blue swimmer crab.

Delicious.

Another lovely wine.

But another cheap miniscule pour.

Heirloom tomato, artichoke, basil and buckwheat.  Fabulous.

Lovely Pinot.

But another insulting pour.

Maremma duck was outstanding, with onion, thyme and plum.

Fabulous Yarra Valley Cab Blend with another ridicuously tiny pour.

Rangers Valley Wagyu.  Outstanding.

The next morning, breakfast in the Hyatt Club Lounge.

Dinner at August Jakarta

With a 7 hour connection in Jakarta, what a delight to experience dinner at August in the Sequis Tower. Amazing Indonesian influenced contemporary food, creatively presented. Combine that with wonderful service from a welcoming staff and this was a memorable culinary evening.

My chef's counter table for the evening.

Tempe, Oncom XO

Malang Apple, caviar

Snap Pea Tart with Potato Hash 'Rendang'

Signature Foie Gras PB&J.  Fabulous.

Scallop 'Pindang', Chili Oil

Pork Belly 'Woku', Kalamansi

Jakarta Salad

Daikon, mushroom, chicken clam broth

Octopus, Corn Laksa, Smoked Grapes.

White Fish, Bilimbi, Ginger flower

Wagyu Cheek, Black Curry, Snake Fruit

Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Thyme

Kaffir Lime, Coconut, Kolang Kaling.

'Tek Kotak'.  Amazing.

What a wonderful and enjoyable meal.

Cathay Pacific First Class Hong Kong to New York JFK

Excited to be back in Cathay Pacific First Class and today’s 16 hours flight to JFK. Sure it’s dated but Cathay’s classic 6 seat First cabin is still very comfy with one of the best beds in the sky. Wonderful service today with great champagnes and some nice wines. The only negative is a rather weak menu, sadly a far cry from pre-Covid Cathay which was fantastic.

A great way to start the flight.

Very nice and comfy JPs and in my favorite color.

That's a meh on the amenity kit.

Today's wonderful wine list.

Oh, and menu...

Once in the air, the spectacular 2004 Krug... and I'm the only one drinking today!

Showtime: Cathay First Style.

Drunken prawns with aged Huadaio wine.  Meh.

Another wonderful Bordeaux

Wok fried seafood in lobster broth, crispy and steamed rice, spring onions and ginger.  Delicious.

Bed time in one of the most comfy beds in the skies.

Time for breakfast.

Wonderful fruit starter.

And dim sum.

Breakfast congee.

A few hours later, Cathay burger.  Meh.

Some wonderful scenery as we approach JFK.   Mackinaw Bridge and Island in Michigan's UP.

And Ontario's western coast of Lake Huron.

What a wonderful 16 hour flight from Hong Kong.