Lunch at Marché Mövenpick Restaurant @ Suntec City

3 Temasek Boulevard #01-612 - 614 Suntec Tower 3 East Wing, Singapore 038983

Tel: 6337 3134

Website: https://www.marche-movenpick.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcheMovenpick

Marche Movenpick has been a favorite go-to restaurant for me for years, since the college days (review here). Currently, they have 3 outlets across Suntec City, Vivocity and Somerset 313. Settings reminiscent of European's marketplace style, Marche serve up wholesome, hearty European fare across many stalls in the spacious restaurant itself.

How does Marche dining work? We are given a card upon entering the restaurant. When we want to make a purchase, we simply pass the card to the relevant stall to capture our purchase. At the end of the meal, the card is checked at the cashier's where we make payment before exiting. Simple and fuss-free, the perfect place for friends or colleagues to dine together without worrying about who settles the bill first.

My all-time favorite is the Rosti from the Swiss stall. Besides the usual sour cream topping, one can now have choices of fried eggs, gravlax salmon, veal sausage or pork schnitzel etc to add on to the roti.

Seafood is another one of my favorite stations. It is also the Spanish station, where delicious Seafood Paella can be found. I chose a Calamari (SGD$14.90) dish instead, but was a little disappointed because I hoped it would be battered coating instead of fritter-style coating.

Other items include Pasta and Pizza from the Italian station; another station serves up delicious Crepes with fillings of your choice.

Healthier choices would be Salads and Fruit Juices to choose from. There is also a station serving Beer on tap or Cocktails.

Finally, Desserts - where a lovely array of cakes, tarts and pastries tempt deliciously. The service crew would also go around the restaurant with carts pedaling the dessert items, so you don't even need to walk to the desserts counter.

Overall, we still enjoy dining at Marche Movenpick, and would like to try more of their items with each visit.

Dinner at Wine Universe @ Millenia Walk (Revisit)

9 Raffles Boulevard #01-109 Millenia Walk. Singapore 039596

Tel: 6338 0717

Website: http://www.wine-universe.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WineUniverseRestaurantSG

There are some places worth visiting and re-visiting again, one of them being Wine Universe (review here) for me.

We paired our light bites with a bottle of Brut - light, sweet but not saccharine. It was a lovely champagne with easy notes to prepare our palate for the food that we would be having soon.

Bruschetta (SGD$10.00) graced the table first; crispy toasted garlic bread topped with diced tomato and basil.

Next, Wagyu Beef Cubes (SGD$22.00) - succulent, juicy and tasty; served with sea salt and French mustard on the side.

Following that, we had Lake Perch Fillets (SGD$15.00) - 150 grams of crispy deep-fried lake perch served with tartar sauce on the side.

The Calamari Fritti (SGD$16.00) was of my favoeite dishes, being a squid lover. The battered squid was crispy and umami; I could easily finish a second helping.

Then we had Mid-joint Chicken Wings (SGD$16.00) - juicy and tender, served with sambal sauce on the side to give it a tangy tinge.

Next up, Grilled Sausages Platter (SGD$16.00) - a beautiful trio of bratwurst, weisswurst and bio chorizo, served with French mustard on the side.

Finally, the La Fribourgeoise Cheese Fondue (SGD$29.00) consisting of 50% Vacherin cheese and 50% Gruyere cheese - rich and creamy. Served on the side for dipping are baby potatoes and bread cubes.

Overall we enjoyed our dining experience at Wine Universe once again.

Dinner and drinks at Wine Universe @ Millenia Walk

9 Raffles Boulevard #01-109 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596

Tel:  6338 0717

Website: http://www.wine-universe.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WineUniverseRestaurantSG

Located at the corner of Millenia Walk (facing Conrad Hotel) is glass-encased Wine Universe, with its sidewalk lounge, trendy restaurant, retail cellar and wine bar, catering to the lifestyle needs of office executives, tourists, shoppers and anyone in need of good wine and food.

Owned by Dominique Giroud and Claude Dizerens, Wine Universe was established since August 2009. Service at the restaurant / wine bar was impeccable and personable, with crew adhering to rigid standards of table setting etc. Ambience was sophisticated yet laid back, inviting patrons to unwind and relax over a treasury of fine wines and their contemporary Swiss cuisine.

We visited Wine Universe for our monthly Wine Friday gathering, starting with some of their soft bread.

Truffle Fries (SGD $14.00) was served in a ceramic inverted-cone shape holder and a stand with dips. The thick cut fries were strongly infused with earthly truffle oil aroma.

Calamari Fritti (SGD $15.00) was next - large chewy squid rings deep-fried to a light golden brown with crispy edges. It was scumptious, and went especially well with our white wine. Tartar sauce was served on the side.

Mid-joint Chicken Wings (SGD $15.00) consisted of 6 deep-fried chicken wings in an appealing golden-brown hue and crackled deliciously in the palate; they rested on a bed of greens and was served with a tangy sweet-spicy Sambal paste on the side.

Then there was Basler Rosti (SGD $22.00) - a small pan of deep-fried shredded potato, fritter style. Bratwurst and Weisswurst sausages were cut up and served together with the rosti. We enjoyed the tender sausages immensely, but thought that the rosti could have been more crispy.

Next, Cheese Fondue (SGD $29.00 for one person; minimum 2 persons required) with fresh mix of half gruyere and half vacherin cheese heated in pot, served with crispy bread and baby potatoes. The thick, creamy cheese mix was indescribably palatable, teasing the palate with a lovely umami flavour; we dipped nearly everything into it as well, and poured some over the salad.

There is really nothing like fresh Swiss cheese imported from Maitre Fromager, Mr Horner from Marsens, near Fribourg in Switzerland. A plate of fresh greens was served on the side, giving the meaty meal a nice balance.

We began our drinks feast with Fendant Terra Helvetica 2012, Chasselas (SGD $15.00), sweet white wine that went well with our seafood and cheese dishes.

Then we had Pinot Noir de Chamoson 2012, Giroud (SGD $17.00), a smooth and light red with a light woody notes.

Finally, to round up the night, we concluded with Provence Saint Victoire 2014 Rose Wine, Domaine Houchard (SGD $16.00). The golden-pink wine has a beautiful hue and was gently sweetened.

Overall, we enjoyed our dining experience and the hearty, delectable food at Wine Universe very much, as well as the easy humor of the friendly service crew. Am glad we visited, and can't wait to return.

The Honeymoon Series [xi] - Lucerne and Zurich, Switzerland

Following my post on Interlaken up to Jungfrau, Switzerland (review here), The Honeymoon Series Part 11 here documents our journey to Lucerne (you may also see it spelt as "Luzern") and Zurich,  our last exploration in Switzerland before we move on to other parts of Europe.

PLACES OF INTEREST

A compact, German-speaking city in central Switzerland, Lucerne is well-known for preserved and medieval architecture, sitting amid snow-capped mountains on Lake Lucerne.

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and capital of the canton of Zurich, known as a global centre for banking and finance; it is also a metropolis of experiences by the water.

LION MONUMENT
Denkmalstrasse 4, 6002,  Luzern, Switzerland
Website: http://www.luzern.com/en/lion-monument

Also known as "The Lion of Lucerne" or the "Dying Lion Monument", is a memorial, a rock relief carved out of sandstone. It is one of Switzerland's most sentimental monuments and commemorates the heroic deaths of the Swiss mercenaries during their servitude to King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. It is designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and hewn in 1820 - 1821 by Lukas Ahorn.

CHAPEL BRIDGE AND WATER TOWER (KEPELLBRUCKE and WASSERTURM)
Kapellbrucke, 6002, Luzern, Switzerland
Website: http://www.luzern.com/en/chapel-bridge
Website: http://www.luzern.com/en/water-tower

Lucerne is divided by the River Reuss into Old Town and New Town districts, connected by none other than the Chapel Bridge, dating back to the year 1332. It is a covered wooden footbridge spanning around 204 metres across the Reuss, forming part of the city's fortifications with the Water Tower.

The Water Tower is a massive, octagonal stone tower over 34 metres high, built around the year 1300 and as part of the city wall. It is used as an archive, treasury, prison and torture chamber.

RHINE FALLS
Rheinfallquai, 8212, Neuhausen am Rhinefall, Switzerland
Website: https://www.zuerich.com/en/visit/nature/rhine-falls
Price: 5 CHF (including Laufen Castle at the South Bank)

The largest plain waterfalls in Europe - Rhine Falls, can be found in Switzerland. It is a magnificent spectacle of plunging waters across a width of 150 metres and a height of 23 metres tall.  Besides viewing its beauty for photos and nature appreciation, one may take on the adventure path with elevator that goes from Laufen Castle to the outlook platform, or boat ride to the Rhine Falls Basin. An adventure park lies on the north bank - one of Europe's most spectacular rope parks.

SHOPPING

We went shopping in Switzerland, of course, a very Swiss way of life. The chocolates and watches here are must-buys.

PILATUSSTRASSE
Pilatusstrasse, 6003, Luzern, Switzerland

Located in the newer part of Switzerland, the Pilatusstrasse Square is an intersection of hotels, shops, boutiques and cafes, leaving tourists plenty to do for an afternoon here. Go crazy over Swiss-made leather goods, clothings, watches and chocolates.


BUCHERER
Schwanenpl, 5, 6004, Luzern, Switzerland
Website: http://www.bucherer.com

From high end watches to wallet-friendly quality watches, Bucherer has it all under one house. Bucherer Building alone has 4 to 6 floors of timepieces and some jewellery - you can find anything from Rolex to Audemas Piguet to Piaget to Chopard to IWC etc under one roof, easy for your comparison and shopping needs.  Just a friendly note to you though - that prices may not be the most competitive here - small watch boutiques around the same row of shops may very possibly offer prices that are better (depending on brands and models).

RESTAURANTS

I very much enjoyed the food in Switzerland overall, especially the cheese and chocolates because the milk they use here is just oh so delicious.

HEINI
Falkenpl, 6004, Luzern, Switzerland
Website: http://www.heini.ch

A lovely tea house translated into "Raindrops from Luzern", they serve up unique pies, creative confectionery, pastries and bread here, opened by Hans and Anna Heini. Their fine cakes and masterpiece chocolates won them quite some awards over the years.

LADERACH CHOCOLATIER
Website: https://www.laederach.com

They have various outlets in Switzerland and needs no introduction - they are known for their top-quality, handmade gourmet chocolates since 1962. Whether you are looking for interesting designs or flavours, whether you are searching for a gift or personal indulgences, Laderach has it all.

CAFETERIA EMILIO
Grendelstrasse 9, 6004, Luzern, Switzerland
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cafeteria-Emilio-luzern/188835671161304

A simple cafe located right in the midst of watches' boutiques at Lucerne, Cafeteria Emilio seems the perfect place to grab a meal or cuppa in between shopping. Decor is pretty, with dark oak and mirror panelings, however our tour-mates did not enjoy their food here. We had Hot Chocolate and Cappuccino, to battle the cold and recharge for more shopping - the beverages are fine.

MIGROS / COOP SUPERMARKET CAFE
A simple gourmessa filled with stalls selling pastries or piping hot food including Switzerland sandwiches, pies, etc to Asian sushi rolls. One may take-away or dine in their simple cafe. We were a little hungry so decided to grab a bite - this beef sandwich came with very hard bread but the patty was so juicy, succulent and delectable!!

RESTAURANT / LOUNGE of HOTEL MEIERHOF
Hotel Meierhof Level 5, Bahnhofstrasse 4, 8810 Horgen, Switzerland
Website:  http://www.hotelmeierhof.ch/gastronomie/lounge-bar-au-lac/index.html

A comfortable and intimate space located on level 5 of Hotel Meierhof, the restaurant / lounge offers different types of seating, faux fireplaces, and huge expanse of window space overlooking the lake. One could look forward to catching the sunrises or sunsets at the right times, over quality food and drinks.

SCHLOSS WORTH
Rheinfallquai 30, 8212, Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland

The Schloss Worth was also known as the "Water Castle", a fortification built in the 1300s, linked by a bridge. Today it houses a gourmet restaurant or some term "snacks bar" with a gorgeous view of the Rhine Falls.

ACCOMMODATION

We stayed in Lucerne for a couple of nights before zipping off to Germany. It was cold but Swiss hospitality could always be counted on. I also notice that hotels in Switzerland are rather fortunate because they could always count on the beautiful natural landscapes to provide excellent views for their guests.

HOTEL MEIERHOF
Bahnhofstrasse 4, 8810 Horgen, Switzerland
Website: http://www.hotelmeierhof.ch

A 4-star hotel that proclaims itself to be more relaxed than a home away from home, Meierhof is located in a good location, with 108 colorful rooms and is suitable for both business and leisure stays. The hotel itself has a bar and restaurant au lac, but they are only too happy to also recommend and make bookings for guests should they wish to dine at nearby restaurants.  The rate here is around 240 CHF a night.


Herein concludes our tour in beautiful Switzerland, which we miss dearly. We shall move on to Germany in the next episode of The Honeymoon Series. Keep your eyes peeled - thanks for gracing my site.


For backtracks:
(i) Honeymoon Series part 1 - selecting the destinations (click here)
(ii) Honeymoon Series part 2 - researching and booking (click here)
(iii) Honeymoon Series part 3 - preparing for the trip (click here)
(iv) Honeymoon Series part 4 - Rome, Italy (click here)
(v) Honeymoon Series part 5 - Siena, Florence & Pisa, Italy (click here)

(vi) Honeymoon Series part 6 - Venice and Milan, Italy (click here)
(vii) Honeymoon Series part 7 - Lorraine and Fontainebleau, France (click here)
(viii) Honeymoon Series part 8 - Paris, France (click here)
(ix) Honeymoon Series part 9 - Swiss Alps and Bern, Switzerland (click here)

(x) Honeymoon Series part 10 - Interlaken and Jungfrau, Switzerland (click here)