My friend Abigail wanted to try a "celebrity" restaurant so we had dinner at db Bistro Moderne last Sunday.

For starters, we ordered the Escargots Persillade. I must say I wasn't too impressed as it didn't taste like much - I've had more flavorful versions at other restaurants.

Herbed Garlic-Almond Butter

Roasted Tomatoes

SGD 25

For the main course, Abbie ordered the Slow-Cooked Scottish Salmon. She didn't like the gnocchi and I thought that the fish definitely needed more salt.

Herb Gnocchi, Bitter Greens

Forestière Sauce

SGD 36

I ordered The Original db Burger since Daniel Boulud was the one who started the foie gras burger. Hmmm... by itself, it was not spectacular, but the taste improved after adding garlic aïoli (one of three condiments provided). In the end, I still prefer the foie gras burger over at Lusso in Manila.

Sirloin Burger

Filled with Braised Short Ribs & Foie Gras

Served on a Parmesan Bun

SGD 42

One good thing about the place though was the service. That I could not find fault with as they were attentive without being intrusive.

Malay Heritage Centre

It took us quite some time before we got the energy to visit the Malay Heritage Centre. I think it was mostly because we thought it was going to be boring. Turns out we were wrong! It was quite interesting and I'm planning to go back to take the guided tour (there was none the day we were there).

The perfect itinerary for this would be to attend the guided tour at 11 AM, have lunch, and then go window shopping at Haji Lane which opens at 12 Noon. End the day with ice cream at Tom's Palette which is just two bus stops away from the area.

Flower Dome

The minute you enter, you're greeted by a wonderfully crisp smell. The temperature is pleasantly cool, so much so that it will make you want to relocate your bed and curl up with a good book.

In my mind though, I was expecting a profusion of flowers like the Flower Fields in California. Instead, it's more like a carefully arranged garden that has a sample flower from every corner of the globe. So unless you like plants or you want to learn about the different types of flowers, I would leave the Flower Dome for the second or third visit to Singapore.