Visited: RED LANTERN @ FULLTERTON BAY HOTEL, SINGAPORE

On Friday, I finally tried out a new "watering" hole outside my usual haunts of Sara's, Zouk or Princep Street. Went to 'Red Lantern' at Fullerton Bay Hotel for the first time with my friend Vivian.

After a literal 5 minute walk from the hotel entrance to the lift lobby that brings us up to the rooftop of the short, boutique hotel that is Fullerton Bay, the first thought upon exiting the lift: "Fuck, should have withdrawn money"!

A swimming pool, MBS in the background somewhere, black and white feel... You know you are in the right place if you want to relax on a Friday night. It didn't look pack when we reached at 10pm (reservation-less) and that was a mistake. All tables were full in this cosy little night spot. We were offered standing by the bar, no objections given since promises of tables were assured if one was available.

We did eventually got a cushion-bed-sofa-chair or whatever it is by the Singapore River overlooking MBS, the LV Island and Avalon. I must admit, it was a pretty comfortable feeling. Definitely a great place to chill out (especially on a Friday), knock back some beers and just relax with friends. And its an even better place for sadist out there who wish to "show-off" they can enjoy the night drinking whilst those still stuck in the office which surrounded and overlooked 'Red Lantern' enjoy the jealousy of not being able to enjoy the "TGIF" moment. Plus, the place is rather breezy and not hot or stuffy and I know this because I was wearing my thick, black Zara jacket that night and I wasn't feeling the heat.

As expected, the drinks were pricey but reasonable. By reasonable I am comparing to higher-end places. It is also a great place to catch the laser show from MBS. The service staffs are excellent and attentive. They could do better with their signature drinks but no complains. Best to call-in and reserve seats. If there is really one complain, it's that their toilets are DAMN COLD. For some reason, the air-con in the toilet makes you feel like you have momentarily stepped into some winter wonderland. 

OKAY OKAY, confession time....

CONFESSION #1. Viv and I ordered a total of 4 drinks (2 Heineken's and 2 cocktails). However they only billed us 1 Heineken and 1 cocktail. We DID ask about it but apparently the staff claimed the bill was settled. Fine by me. Saved us $30 at least.

CONFESSION #2. I parked via the valet services at Fullerton Bay Hotel and I only realized the valet charges AFTER 1 hour. Apparently charges are as follows: $12 for the first hour. $5 for the subsequent hours. FUCKING expensive but it is after all, hotel valet charges. 2nd great "deal" of the night came when I picked up my car, after 3 hours of parking, I was only charged the 1st hour of $12. Hell saves me another $10.

Great night of lucky deals. Not going to complain much since these kinds of situations do NOT happen very often. Take it when the opportunity rises huh. Anyways, overall Red Lantern is a great little spot to go if you want to relax, find some peace, unwind with friends or partners. It's quiet, cosy and gives off a touch of "Entourage-esque". 

Pre-Exam Fridays

Alas I can finally have one day where I can actually sit down and update my blog and at the same time relax while it rains cats, dogs, hyena's and elephants outside. This is what I call, ironcially, a real Sunday.

Had a couple of great bites over the last few days eating some old stuff and also trying out some new places as well.

(Friday: 08 April 2011) Didn't do much except have dinner at Kovan (Bagus Yong Tau Fu) which is a MUST try place, tried a big JUMBO sized yogurt and studied.

his is one of my usual food haunts, "Bagus Yong Tau Fu" at Kovan. They have another outlet along Upper Changi Road and are quite well known. It opens till late and you have a relatively wide selection of food to choose from for your own consumption. They actually seperate the fried food from the cooked ones so that's always a good thing. You can choose your style of noodles to go along (Ampang, Normal, Laksa, Tom Yum, etc.). I always love the Tom Yum soup cause it is spicy and sour, not suitable for the gastric. They serve pretty fast though the price is reasonable, cheaper would have been great. Good place to go on a cold day or if you are not feeling well. Of course parking is always a bitch in that area (since the store is actually down the road from the famous Punggol Nasi Lemak) so those familiar with that area will know when i say parking is a real bitch sometimes. Oh yes and another good point, this joint is halal certified. :)

Tried this new yogurt joint "Yoguru" at Thomson Plaza level 1 and this is actually their jumbo cup which is REALLY REALLY BIG. You can choose between the normal or promegranate (or you can mix) flavor of yogurt and add on the toppings of your choice. This one we chose strawberry, oreo and nata de coco. It is a little pricey to be honest and the staff (female service crews on duty that day) are decent looking though they have a little attitude problem. Or perhaps we were one of the last customers of the day and they had worked long hours. But putting those minor flaws aside, what perhaps was most disappointing was that though this was jumbo size and they really fill the cup in height, the middle is actually empty so as Linda pointed out, either the staff are not experienced or this is how they cheat my feelings for a jumbo cup. Wouldn't say I am a big fan of the place.


Since the exams are looming and I am super far behind in my preparation, I am either horde up at Serene Center MacDonald's or East Coast Carl's Junior. I prefer the latter as it is more peaceful. Anyways, whenever I am there, walking pass THIS sign always never fail to crack me up...

So if I were to order a mermaid, I really can't be faulted can I? I mean really, you are promising people you will serve whatever that swims. OK maybe mermaid's are a little too far-fetched and too imginable. How about a whale or a dolphin or a sperm?

Anyways the packed weekend spilled onto Saturday.