Of Portuguese egg tarts and casinos- Part 1

I'm surprised at myself for not putting Macau as one of my Must-Visit places. But I was lucky that I could follow the beau and his family because they had to go there for a conference. We got to stay in the Mandarin Oriental which was connected to the MGM Macau too! It was my first time staying in a luxurious hotel so I was very excited! We had to wait before we could check in so we went exploring. Along the way to MGM were boutiques from numerous high end brands such as Hermes, Celine and more.

In awe because...

We stepped into this!!! I think my jaw dropped for a few seconds because it was so pretty! We didn't know about the Water Aurora in MGM Macau's Grande Praça. It's a calming place among the hustle and bustle of the casino.

There was even a Renaissance art exhibition going on!

Chinese New Year decor is everywhere because we traveled before the Chinese New Year festivities. Also we went to take a look at the casino and it was my first time entering a casino too! Remember to bring your passport with you because the guards will be asking for identification before you can enter the casino area. Or maybe cause I look too young to enter.

We finally got to check into our room which was the Deluxe Corner View Room and the beau was so proud that his name was on the TV. 

You got a nice shower and toilet and a bathtub beside a window where you can look out to Macau city while you soak in the bath.

Yes, I got my own sink!!! :P Plus, a TV in the bathroom!

A king sized bed which I love! There's wifi and a yoga mat too!

A Nespresso machine and some really yummy tea bags complimentary, of course. The room had a nice view of the sea too! 

We cleaned up then went exploring in the city! Boy, Senado Square was packed with tourists from China and probably Hong Kong too, to the point that you are moving with the crowd instead of walking on your own.

St. Dominic's Church.

A temporary escape from the chaos outside.

Then, we squeezed our way to the Ruins of St. Paul and got photobombed by everyone.

It's really amazing how the structure is still standing till today. Shows how great the workmanship was those days.

Then, the beau and I climbed up Mount Fortress which was right next to the ruins to get a nice view of the city!

After visiting the square, we headed to Coloane in search of Portuguese egg tarts! I think I was the most excited to eat them tarts. Then we found the original bakery which had a long queue. A lot of people were buying about 10 boxes of the tarts to bring back. 

We bought about 2 boxes but after eating one of the tarts, I was hooked and sort of understood why people bought about 10 boxes.

We visited The Venetian Macau too! Really pretty decor with ceiling murals of angels.

Then we were serenaded on the gondola that took us around the mall. Also since there was a Lord Stow shop, I bought another 5 boxes of egg tarts.

After a day of exploring we headed back to the hotel and had dinner at one of the restaurants in MGM called Square Eight.

I finally got to try the bath bombs that cousin got for me too!

The bath water turned purple and you'll come out smelling like berries! :)

On the next day, we started our morning with a buffet breakfast at Vida Rica Restaurant. I think I never had a better buffet ever since I dined here. Though it doesn't have a wide variety like the buffets we get here, the food was delicious and made with quality ingredients. 

As the others left for the conference, I headed back to the room to recover from my food coma and as predicted, after having lunch at Vida Rica Bar, I had another food coma.

Super yummy desserts that my poor sweet tooth can't resist! My favourite was the Sawdust dessert in the jar, a Macau specialty. Biscuit grounds layered with cream, so good and addictive!

I selfied but I really worked out like cray to get rid of all the calories I had that day. The girl's restroom had a steam room and sauna room, which was amazing and I definitely used the facilities to the fullest.

Dinner was at La Paloma. Yes, my first fine dining experience was at this beautiful restaurant which used to be a fortress, now it has been turned into a hotel called Pousada de São Tiago. 

Our courses for that night.

Pata Negra Iberico Ham with Tomato bread and D.O. Aberquina's Oil Emulsion

I never had Iberico ham which is known to be one of the best hams ever. It was salty but you can't help to have more. It sort of melted in my mouth, and now I need Iberico ham in my life. Too bad it's hard to get over here.

Ravioli of langoustines with truffle sauce

This was the dish of the night! It was creamy and packed with awesome flavours from the truffles and olive oil. Also melted in my mouth. 

Roasted "Lubina" Sea Bass with Mushrooms and Clams sauce

This was lacking of flavour like it needs more salt.

Crispy baby pork with Apple "compota", roasted tomatoes and potatoes

It was crispy but not as crispy as the roasted suckling pig that we usually have during weddings.

Poached pears in Spanish red wine cake

First time having poached pear in a cake, not a big fan because it's like you're eating wine.

"Copa" of chilled strawberries in emulsion of passionfruit, lemon and cava

First, you taste some sourness then some tartness from the citrus fruits. I think this would be a great amuse bouche because it's a great palate cleanser.

It was a good meal and a great introduction to Portuguese food, I was stuffed after going through the eight courses! The wine was flowing and everyone was happy. It's a beautiful restaurant too and hopefully I can come back one day! 

KL rates:

Food- 7/10

Price- Expensive. 

Service- 7/10 

Variety- 6/10

Part 2 is coming right up! :D