Northstar

News Alkaff Mansion reopens as Alkaff Mansion Ristorante SINGAPORE - Alkaff Mansion, which closed eight years ago,has reopened and been renamed the Alkaff Mansion Ristorante after a makeover of about S$5 million. The restaurant,with capacity for 160 guests, sits atop the Telok Blangah Hill in its restored splendour with a grand entrance and huge reception area. Its outdoor terrace and fountains offer beautiful settings for parties for MICE, as well as weddings.It also offers a chic bar on the second level, and four private dining rooms and a cigar room. There are also two smaller buildings on the 8,983 sq.metre site, which houses the kitchen as well as a pizza café. Its head chef, Gabriele Piegaia (formerly executive sous chef at Palio restaurant, Hotel Michael at Resorts World Sentosa) is also a shareholder of the site's developer LES, which won a tender to operate the premises from the Singapore Land Authority. The colonial black-and-white building was leased to developer Hotel Properties in 1991,and operated as a fi ne dining restaurant, which specialized in Dutch – Indonesian rijsttafel or rice table cuisine. It was also a popular venue for weddings. The building was built in the 1920s by Yemeni business Syed Abdul Rahman Alkaff to use as a family retreat. Events Meritus Hotels and Resorts launches "The Meritus Touch" campaign SINGAPORE - Meritus Hotels & Resorts has unveiled a TV campaign that celebrates the brand's Asian heritage and four decades of Meritus hospitality. The full 60-second advertisement, dubbed 'The Meritus Touch' features the iconic Meritus ambassador cutting a graceful silhouette in her red cheongsam. She embodies the revered tradition of Asian hospitality – and extends the warmest greeting whilst ensuring that meticulous attention is paid to every detail. In a series of television advertisements scheduled for the fi rst half of 2012, a 30-second cut down of 'The Meritus Touch' video will be shown in households across South East Asia, mainland China, Oceania and the Middle East. Its full version is featured on its own hotels' in room TV systems and online through the brand's social media channels and at www. meritushotels.com The campaign follows a global brand push in 2011 to "breathe new life into Singapore's pioneering hospitality brand" and to mark its "growing presence in key international markets". "As a brand, our service philosophy remains centred on Asian Grace, Warmth and Care as the essence of the Meritus experience we consistently deliver to our guests. This is what we will continue to build on to set us apart from the pack, and as we move ahead with the times," explains Michael Sengol, Chief Executive Offi cer, Meritus Hotels & Resorts. "We are all about making the Meritus Difference at every customer touch point. The experience we bring is inspired by the genuine care we have for guests, and the warm intuitive service by our people. Through this campaign, we hope the personality of our brand shines through and connects strongly with our audiences," he added Meritus Hotels & Resorts is the hospitality division of Singapore Exchange-listed Overseas Union Enterprise Ltd. It was recently awarded Singapore's Most Popular Heritage Brand by the Singapore Prestige Brand Award Association. Meritus has properties s located in key cities and resort destinations in Singapore, Malaysia, and mainland China, a. Its current portfolio includes the fl agship Mandarin "Slow Food Adventure in Tuscany" 4 SYDNEY - Silversea Cruises has created a new "Slow Food Adventure in Tuscany" land option that will debut on three Mediterranean voyages in 2012. In collaboration with Slow Food Italy, the ultra-luxury cruise company has designed an exclusive three- night programme that will highlight the culinary and cultural traditions of Tuscany and introduce participants to local wine producers and products that adhere to the Slow Food philosophy of preserving biodiversity and gastronomic traditions. Guided by Silversea's culinary team, guests will gain a greater understanding of the region's wines as well as the ingredients carefully selected for the dishes served in La Terrazza, Silversea's Italian speciality restaurant -- the only restaurant at sea that partners with Slow Food Italy to showcase products refl ecting the standards of Slow Food. "This is a new concept, and probably the fi rst in the industry, where the ship's culinary team accompanies and interacts with guests on a pre- or post-cruise land programme," said Steve Odell, Senior Vice President for UK, Europe and Asia Pacifi c for Silversea. "It's an excellent opportunity for foodies and travellers alike to discover the beauty, food, tradition and culture of Tuscany, while also gaining greater insight into the principles of the Slow Food movement. Events The iconic Meritus Ambassador gracing "The Meritus Touch" TVC campaign Orchard Singapore, Marina Mandarin Singapore, Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa Langkawi, Meritus Mandarin Haikou, and Meritus Shantou China. Events January 2012

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