CÉ LA VI Singapore Unveils East Meets Extra Brunch with Skyline Views

A brunch that's equal parts celebratory and indulgent. The perfect plan for a special Saturday, or simply an occasion to get together with friends and kick-start the weekend right. The newly launched ‘East Meets Extra’ brunch by CÉ LA VI is all this and more.

It’s always a special feeling, being ushered into CÉ LA VI’s private elevators that take you up to the top of the iconic Marina Bay Sands. Perched on the 57th floor of this landmark building, CÉ LA VI remains an institution 15 years after its launch in 2010. The views are like none other, with the ocean stretching to the far horizon, dotted with a matrix of ships awaiting their turn at the port, on one side; and the city of glass and concrete rising from the ground on the other. It is a humbling sight, and one that I can never tire of.

The joy of returning to CÉ LA VI is that it never rests on its laurels. Despite its success, it keeps reinventing and changing things up to keep them interesting. And the latest offering is ‘East Meets Extra’—a curated brunch ritual blending Modern Asian cuisine with panoramic city views.

We were ushered to our table in the open-sided dining room from where we could enjoy the marvelous views in comfort. The venue oozes sophistication, from its interiors to the service levels. Surrounded by fellow diners dressed in their Saturday best, this is the place to be seen while casually lounging in sharp linens, a chilled champagne flute in hand.

Sponsored by Veuve Cliquot, the Saturday brunch has two options: The Veuve Cliquot package with unlimited champagne and all beverages ($168++), and a premium beverage package with unlimited wines, cocktails, and other drinks ($148++). The three-course menu on offer has something for everybody. From fresh seafood to elevated vegetarian fare and especially for meat-lovers, the menu is well curated.

We began our meal with a celebratory flute of champagne, of course. As we sat there, admiring the vast city spread out below, we were served our appetizers. They had us at the first bite. Between the Assorted Nigiri Platter and the Seared Hokkaido Scallops, it was tough to pick a favourite. The Nigiri Platter was equally pleasing to the eye as to our tastebuds.

With an artfully presented selection of Otoro, Akami, Hamachi, Salmon, and Avocado, the freshness of the fish sang with every bite. Not to be left far behind, the scallops were cooked just right, moist and yielding, as if cutting through butter. Sitting pretty on a delicate Nduja beurre blanc brightened with hints of yuzu and drops of shrimp oil, the scallops aligned beautifully with the smokiness of the cauliflower florets and pickled sweet pepper.

In no hurry to rush through the meal, we ordered a round of cocktails to sip on. The Espresso Martini, a classic, was balanced just right and made for an easy sip. The mains soon arrived, led by majestic, charcoal-grilled Tiger Prawns. Dipped in the accompanying black pepper sauce, the prawns retained the inherent sweetness of the meat.

The star of the show, however, was the A4 Miyazaki Striploin (+ $60 for 150gm). The meat was transcendental. Cooked to your specifications, it did not even require the steak knife that it was theatrically presented with. Seared on top with a sprinkling of sea salt, the meat melted in the mouth, defying its very nature. The accompanying Konbu demi-glace, truffle gratin and crispy eryngii mushroom only made each bite more rounded. Well worth the supplementary charge!

The East Meets Extra brunch is all about having a good time, and that is something that CÉ LA VI knows how to ensure. A DJ spinning beats in the background, keeping things lively without overpowering the atmosphere so you could still have a conversation. As we were debating what dessert to choose, the in-house magician came around. Gasps and shouts of ‘No way!’ seemed to follow him as he moved from table to table, entertaining the guests with his slight of hand. Despite my best efforts to figure out how he did the tricks, he managed to keep us enthralled. A lovely addition to an already exciting Saturday morning.

The desserts arrived soon after. Though the Thai-style Tropical Mango refreshed the tastebuds and kept it light, the warm spiciness of the Sticky Date Pudding with Gula Melaka Caramel had me going back for more spoonfuls than my appetite allowed.

With revolving servers offering boozy shots and the attentive hostess always ensuring your glass remained full, CÉ LA VI fulfilled the ‘Extra’ part of the promise. This isn’t just any brunch in the city. It is special. For weekends when you have a special occasion, or occasions when you’re with special people, CÉ LA VI’s East Meets Extra brunch is the Saturday morning plan you’re looking for.