With only a week left to the Singapore F1, motorsport fans and party animals have probably got their itinerary packed for the weekend with the much-anticipated race and of course, the best F1 parties in town.
But this Grand Prix season isn't just for those seeking some adrenaline-pumping action -- foodies can consider their meals settled as we pick five of the best dining locations for F1 where you can pig out while taking in the views of the race.
Fairmont Singapore
What's happening: Rediscover authentic Italian flavours with Prego's specially created three-course lunch (S$40++ per person) and dinner (S$50++ per person) set menus as you whet your appetite with dishes such as beef carpaccio, garlic aioli and rocket salad with grissini and pan-seared pork chop with caponata and lardo di colonnata. The Tiger Beer promotion at S$19++ per half-yard is not to be missed as well.
If you prefer diving into a variety of local favourites and contemporary regional delicacies, the Asian Market Café offers extended dinner hours until 10:30pm with its sumptuous buffet spread (S$55++ per adult, S$30++ per child 6 to 12 years).
Or go Cantonese at Szechuan Court with an exquisite four-course dinner (S$68++ per person) including double-boiled sea treasures with shredded cordycep yellow chicken stock and oven-baked cod with "Sha Cha" sauce and stir-fried assorted vegetables. Kids will also be tempted by irresistible desserts served buffet style complete with an ice-cream counter.
While the sight-and-sound spectacle is taking place outside, steal a quiet moment with friends and family at Inagiku with a five-course authentic Japanese dinner menu comprising sashimi, teppanyaki, tempura, sushi and dessert (S$180++ per person). You can also choose to complement your dinner perfectly with a unique sake pairing (S$250++ per person).
Head over to INK Bar after dinner for sophisticated live music or to the poolside restaurant, Alligator Pear, and chill over racing-inspired cocktails (S$18++ each at INK Bar, S$16++ each at Alligator Pear) with friends and fellow motorsport fans.
Why you should be there: Strategically situated at the edge of Turn 9, dining at Fairmont Singapore is a two-in-one deal for motorsport fans -- pamper your palates while witnessing an exhilarating spectacle as the race blazes through the city. Those who prefer to stay indoors won't have to worry about missing out on the action as all restaurants and bars -- except Inagiku -- are complete with TV screens broadcasting the live telecast of the night race.
Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189560, +65 6431 6156, dining.singapore@fairmont.com
LeVeL 33
What's happening: Priced at S$500 per person, guests will have access to a designated Terrace Box to catch the action on the race track and watch the "live" coverage on a big screen while savouring a complimentary glass of Champagne Baron de Rothschild Brut, indulging in a F1 beer dining menu, or even better, enjoying a free flow of LeVeL 33's signature beer mojitos and craft beers.
There'll be a cover charge of S$33++ to LeVeL 33 from 4pm on 23 September 2011 and S$50 nett from 10pm on 24 September 2011.
Why you should be there: Some have forked out the big bucks to catch the race at the Grandstands, but at LeVeL 33, you'll also be seated at a special Terrace Box with a twist -- we're sure spectators won't be getting free flow of beers and complimentary champagne like you'll be.
What's happening: Embark on a five-course gourmet safari at Pan Pacific starting from Wine Vault at The Atrium to indulge in some of the best wines around the world. Appetisers like tapas of herbal tea jelly with water shield and pear awaits at Keyaki Japanese Restaurant before you ascend to the top of the hotel at Level 37 for a sky-dining experience at Hai Tien Lo Restaurant.
Your next stop at Zambuca will present diners favourites such as trilogy of Blackmore wagyu from Melbourne, Australia, before you end your journey back at The Atrium with a refreshing tropical dessert (the mango parfait on cocunut sable with soursop emulsion, lemon grass jelly and lemon valm herb) with a hint of Singapore flavour.
Go on this gourmet safari at S$280++ per person from 5 to 23 September 2011, from 7pm, daily except Sundays. Diners can also opt to arrive in style with a two-way transfer in a chauffered sports car and a very special surprise at S$590++ per person, only available from 19 to 23 September 2011.
Why you should be there: This Singapore F1 season at Pan Pacific Singapore calls for foodies to be adventurous. Soak in the atmosphere with the hotel's popular gourmet safari dinner and be treated to unique culinary flavours by award-winning restaurants.
Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, +65 6826 8240, celebrate.sin@panpacific.com
Ku Dé Ta
What's happening: What's F1 without a specially named menu to fit the occasion? This year, Ku Dé Ta offers diners three set menus: The Tasting Set Menu (S$198 per person), Grand Prix Set Menu (S$288 per person includes one glass of champagne) and Grand Prix Final Set Menu (S$488 per person includes one glass of champagne). All three menus require a minimum of two people and must be taken by the whole table.
Once you're all filled up and ready to chill, Ku Dé Ta also offers packages at their club lounge starting from S$1000 per person for a Louis Roederer Brut Premier. Head over to www.kudeta.com.sg/events for more information on the packages and set menus.
Why you should be there: Your F1 experience doesn't just stop at tantalising dinner options and drinks at Ku Dé Ta. Enjoy a spectacular view of the race from every corner of the venue as the cars pass Turn 13 connecting the Anderson Bridge and Esplanade Bridge, Turn 17-18 in front of the Marina Bay Grandstand and Turn 22-23 where they speed into the pitstop and towards the finish line.
Ku Dé Ta, 100 Beach Road #23-06, Shaw Tower, Singapore 189702, +65 6508 2088, event@kudeta.com.sg
Ritz-Carlton Singapore
What's happening: Buffet-lovers looking to indulge in a vast spread of international and local delicacies now have the thrill of enjoying up to 50 percent off international buffet lunches (19 to 24 September 2011, 12noon to 2:30pm, S$58 for adults, S$29 for children 6 to 12 years) and buffet dinners (19 to 23 September 2011, 6:30pm to 10:30pm, S$72 for adults, S$36 for children) at Greenhouse. One day advanced booking entitles diners to a 10 percent discount, 20 percent for two days advanced and so on and so forth.
Diners who prefer some wine and champagne to go along will be treated to a lavish buffet on race day at Greenhouse's signature Vintage Champagne Sunday Brunch (25 September 2011, 11:30am to 3pm, S$188 for adults, S$94 for children 6 to 12 years, S$47 for children 3 to 5 years). Get ready to be spoilt for choice by an extensive tapas selection, foie gras and the whole wagyu beef leg with jus bourguignon, coupled with an unlimited Moet and Chandon Vintage 2002, an array of house wines, selected cocktails, chilled juices and fruit-flavoured sparkling mineral water.
Why you should be here: A great opportunity to enjoy an irresistable buffet offering and be awarded discounts for making advanced bookings -- it can't get any better than this.
Ritz-Carlton Singapore, 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 03979, +65 6434 5288, rc.sinrz.restaurantreservations@ritzcarlton.com
The Greenhouse was one of our top choices for a Sunday brunch. The Chihuly Lounge was also picked as one of our favourite places to have high-tea -- check out our other choices.
What's happening: The popular New Asia Bar will be hosting three of the best international DJs who will hit the decks from 23 to 25 September 2011 at 10pm (S$25++ per person). DJ Kid Massive will start off the first night with his signature style of slamming house rhythms crossed over by electro clash, punk and hooligan house.
On 24 September, be entranced by electronic house grooves faster than the race cars spun by DJ Seb Fontaine who has stood at the epicenter of the dance scene for 15 years. Rounding up the weekend on the last night is DJ Miss ROXX, recently elected 100 most beautiful Playboy Playmates, with her bass-lifting music and mix of electro-house and progressive techno.
Why you should be there: Simple enough -- you'll not only be partying 71 floors above the track but will also be at the vantage point to watch the race.
New Asia, Swissotel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882, +65 9177 7307