Marina Bay Sands – Singapore
In yesterday’s episode of Top Chef, the host announced that this season’s finale will be held internationally for the first time. Destination? Singapore. While it is no doubt a great foodie city, there are many worldwide cities with greater culinary significance. So why would Top Chef pick Singapore of all places?
I’m predicting that the finale episodes will feature Marina Bay Sands heavily in some form or another. Marina Bay Sands opened in June 2010 and is one of the most notable Asian construction projects in years. At $5.7 billion, it is the 2nd most expensive casino property, beaten only by the massive CityCenter project in Las Vegas. Considering how brazenly Top Chef has been highlighting their sponsors this season, I expect countless gratuitous shots of the property.
Not that I’m complaining, of course. Its unusual design would fit right in with Dubai’s skyline, but I am most enamored with the absolutely gorgeous infinity pool at the top of the hotel. What an incredible view. The desire to swim in this pool instantly rocketed Singapore up my list of future travel destinations.
Of course, Marina Bay Sands is more than just a fancy infinity pool floating in the sky. It is a full casino resort property and features a shopping center similar to Venetian in Las Vegas, with a faux water canal and gondola rides. More relevant to Top Chef, it also has world-class restaurants, including my favorite steakhouse CUT, which was highlighted in a previous season of Top Chef. CUT originally opened in Beverly Hills — with a second location in Las Vegas, this Singapore branch will be only the third CUT restaurant worldwide.
