While we all love the festivities of the year-end holiday season, the rush of Christmas gifting and catering for parties can frazzle the nerves of even the most seasoned of planners. Nevertheless, respite can be found even in the midst of the convivial Christmassy chaos – if you know where to look for it. Enter Crossroads Bar at Paradox Singapore Merchant Court, an urban oasis located just far enough away from the main shopping belt to offer a calming sanctuary during the bustle of the holidays.
There, discerning diners will be able to rest and refuel with a fittingly festive afternoon tea ritual before diving back into the action.
The Holly Jolly Blooms Afternoon Tea menu ($118 for two persons, inclusive of a bottle of Prosecco) takes centre stage at Crossroads Bar from Nov 18 to Dec 31. It starts off with savoury delights like the Salmon Tart with Sakura-scented cream cheese and briny tobiko, a heartwarming Wild Mushroom Tarragon Croquette redolent in earthy chestnut puree and an indulgent saffron cream sauce, and the moreish Cauliflower Popcorn draped in cranberry maple glace and a dusting of umami furikake.
Next comes the main attraction in a holiday-themed line-up of Christmassy bites, with icons like Santa, the Reindeer and Gift Box represented in dessert form alongside festive staples like the rum-drenched Fruit Cake studded with dried fruits and almond-laden Stollen. Then toast to the season with a bottle of Prosecco, the perfect way to welcome the holidays.
And since you’re there, you might as well consider solving all of your holiday-planning woes by picking up one of Paradox Singapore Merchant Court’s all-in Christmas bundles.
The hotel’s bundles offer festive cheer that cater to both international and local tastes. This year, the must-order item is the Nyonya Style Roasted Goose ($220), a hard-to-find unique dish seasoned with local spices. Also on offer is the Nyonya-style Turkey, served with a side of achar. Alternatively, there is the traditional Roasted Tom Turkey with Mushroom and Chestnut Stuffing – sized for either smaller parties ranging from four to six ($318) or larger gatherings of up to 10 ($488). All turkeys are sous-vided (vacuum-sealed and slow-cooked at precise temperatures) so they are moist and fork-tender.
Other highlights, depending on which set you go for, range from a hulking Apricot Glazed Gammon Ham and Chicken and Potato Soup with Bacon Bits to Homemade Otak Otak and Itek Tim (salted vegetable and duck soup).
A la carte treats like a side of Crackling Pork ($138) or Foie Gras with Cranberry Jelly and Port Wine Apple ($88) are also available if you’re heading for a party and looking for suitable gastronomic gifts to have in your sleigh. For sweet treats, jump aboard the Toyland Acai Express, or get the Roc-a-Choc Pony for a fun end to your festive meal.
That way, you’ll free up time and headspace for what’s important – celebrating the holidays with friends and family.
The Holly Jolly Blooms Afternoon Tea is available from Nov 18 to Dec 31, Mon to Sun, 3pm to 6pm daily at $118 (including a bottle of Prosecco) for two persons. Book here.
SG Magazine readers enjoy a 25 percent discount for Paradox Singapore Merchant Court’s festive offerings. Just enter the promo code is <SGMAG25> when you place your orders here.
