Sundays are best spent with your loved ones over good food and fun. ELISA CHIA reviews three family-friendly hotel brunches.
BEACH ROAD KITCHEN
Where are the bouncy castle, toys and balloonists? You won’t find them at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach’s Sunday buffet brunch.
Instead, its chefs engage the kids with hands-on baking fun – at no extra cost. My children, aged 10 and five, got to make pizza from scratch and watch their creations go into the wood-fired oven. They decorated cupcakes, as well.
Tip: Go early and settle your kids down for a good meal first. They might not want to eat once the guided activities begin.
But that’s when you and your spouse can feast on the sumptuous spread of oysters, lobsters and roasted spring lamb. Don’t miss the barbecue section, where you can pick fresh whole fish, such as seabass and snapper, and have the chefs grill them over charcoal.
Be sure to leave room for the Chef’s Pass-Arounds – these are sampling plates of off-the-menu dishes not available on the buffet and brought to your table.
The Sunday brunch is available from noon to 3pm, and costs $108++ per adult and $54++ per child from ages six to 12. Kids below six eat free.
CAFE SWISS
At this all-day restaurant at Swissotel The Stamford, the Sunday Family Brunch features a buffet section just for children. A yummy selection of kids’ favourites, such as fish fingers, tuna avocado sandwiches and pancakes, is displayed on a low table, so they can serve themselves.
Of course, they are welcome to indulge in the rest of the international spread with Mummy and Daddy. Must-tries include the mustard prime rib-eye, chicken mushroom fricassee, Swiss cheese fondue and laksa.
During a recent visit, an observant staffer noticed that our kids were getting fidgety after having their fill. He came over to invite and accompany them to the Kiddies’ Corner, all while insisting that Hubby and I continue to chillax over good food.
From our table, we could see the children having fun on an inflatable playground and playing with toys under supervision. They cleared loved the talented balloon-sculptor as well, and crowded around him while he twisted their desired balloon flower bouquet, bunny and Minion.
The Sunday brunch runs from 12.30pm to 3pm, and costs $80++ per adult and $40++ per child aged four to 12. Those below four eat free. Top up $30++ for free-flow sparkling and house wines.
ONE-NINETY RESTAURANT
If you prefer your main course served a la minute, Four Seasons Hotel’s Sunday brunch is for you.
Select from a list that runs from Western fares such as eggs Benedict with shaved black truffles, spring chicken and risotto funghi. There are also Singapore delights like Hainanese chicken rice and seafood char kway teow.
From $58++ per adult, the brunch also includes a semi-buffet of cheeses, salad, sushi, roast meats and desserts. Add $50++ for free flow of prosecco.
When my family was there recently, I was surprised by the variety on the children’s menu. They would please any picky eaters – and were easy on the wallet, as well. Think wonton noodle soup ($9++), pizza margherita ($11++) and fried rice with chicken, pork or vegetables ($11++).
Then, my kids got to decide if they wanted to eat with us at the restaurant, or have the food delivered to a supervised children’s zone that is one floor above.
Every Sunday noon to 3pm, one of the function rooms is converted to a playland with a bouncy castle, teepee, books, toys and costumes. There is also a movie corner and food section, where the kids can refuel with juices, pastries and fruit while they play.
