Rooftop Gazing At Marina Bay Sands
Last Sunday, I spent all day at the Marina, but didn’t have any nautical adventures.
In fact, I started the day off 57 stories above sea level, at the Marina Bay Sands. Although it was a grey morning, the views from that floor were still stunning. Little bumboats plied across the Singapore River, towards heritage buildings stoically standing beside towering skyscrapers. A canopy of light grey clouds yawned overhead, whilst dark grey ones rolled past, teasing of rain. As it turns out, it did drizzle for awhile before the sun peeked out again. A gentle glow kissed the city skyline, much to the delight of photographers on the rooftop with us.
I took this all in, from LAVO as I sipped champagne with friends, enjoying a rare Sunday off.
#LavoBrunchSG
Since this was my first time in LAVO for brunch, I was determined to try as many things as possible. This is the full menu for champagne brunch: https://lavosingapore.com/menus/champagne-brunch/.
From the raw bar, I found happiness in a mountain of oysters & lobsters. Meanwhile Matt had a very merry time dissecting a snow crab. While we worked on this indulgent start, the attentive waitress made sure our champagne glasses were always full. Canapes, like charred octopus & asparagus wrapped in Proscuitto, made great snacks, as did foie gras with apple chutney. Feeling clever, my elevated IQ surely thanks to freely-flowing champagne, I decided to have a Bloody Mary in lieu of salad or soup, although LAVO has an impressive range of both. Of all the hot breakfast items I had, including wild mushroom frittata, bacon & chicken chipolatas, my favourite was the wagyu meatball. The meatballs went particularly well with the linguine, made cacio e pepe style, inside a wheel of Parmesan cheese.
If only we had more time and bigger stomachs! You could almost hear the collective thought of the diners here at LAVO. Well, I’ll certainly be back, and I’m sure Matt & Victoria will need little persuasion too.
Making Merry At Marina One
Right after that sumptuous brunch, I rushed off to bring my daughter to a class party. Feeling heavier after all those meatballs, I was certain the lift hurtled down 57 stories of Marina Bay Sands a lot faster than it came up.
Ironically, the party was at Pizza Express at Marina One, where the host had prepared a generous spread of Italian pizzas. Although Pizza Express is one of my favourite chain of family restaurants, I absolutely couldn’t bring myself to eat anymore. Instead I busied myself with taking photographs of M5 having a whale of a time making pizza. While the pizza baked in the oven, the kids snacked along a banquet table, colouring and chatting. After ice-cream, the kids gathered for the customary piñata and a very grand cake.
As I’m a woefully absent parent, I was grateful for the chance to meet M5’s classmates & their parents in person. Until then, these parents had been the omniscient presence on our WhatsApp chatgroup, which I had come to rely on heavily. Primary One would be so much more stressful if I didn’t have them to help me navigate these stormy seas.
Sunday Surprise
When we got home, M5 & I were greeted by a volley of barks swelling to a deafening crescendo as dogs bolted towards us. This was barely drowned out by M4 & M6 clamouring to hear about their sister’s adventure as they shared about their day with grandparents.
As I took stock of the chaos, I thought to myself, how wonderful this craziness was. I was also acutely aware of this: Coming through the door on a Sunday to one’s family is a normal occurrence for most people. For a lot of us shift workers, Sundays are work days and when we return, it is to a silent house late at night. Although I love my job, moments like these that make me reconsider my priorities.
Well, until there is a seismic change in my work life, all I can do is give thanks for a rare Sunday.
