Sunday Brunch at the Lounge, Intercontinental Hotel, Singapore

The InterContinental Hotel's weekly champagne jazz brunch is a treat, as much for the atmosphere as the food. The hotel converts the lounge each Sunday to a buffet restaurant. With high ceilings and grand design (such as large white pillars and chandeliers) the lounge/restaurant's setting is very inviting, especially on days when the sun is streaming in through the skylights high above. And because the restaurant is a lounge on the weekdays, the chairs are large and plush, the tables are spaced far apart, and the noise level is kept under control - all the better to hear the live jazz band. (The band plays a set of traditional jazz "standards," enjoyable if not especially avant garde.)

The buffet offerings are generally quite good. Highlights included fresh salmon sashimi, freshly fried tempura, as well as raw oysters. The Peking duck was not bad, though the duck was overwhelmed by the wrapping and heavy sauce, and the lobster tails were about par. The Sunday brunch offers a large selection of desserts, including a few unusual touches like a chocolate fountain and a crepe station. And last but not least, the free flow of champagne kept diners happy, especially the ones dancing with their children at the front of the stage. Finally, the service was attentive and helpful, though of course servers have less to do in a buffet setting.

All in all, the highlights among the food made the not-inexpensive price worth it, with the spacious, bright setting and jazz band making the most of a Sunday afternoon.

Sunday Champagne Jazz Brunch at The Lounge
InterContinental Hotel Singapore
80 Middle Road Singapore 199966
65-6338-7600