I forget — is it the food that makes the place, or the people? In Singapore, it’s both. I was a global traveler last week and spent a few days in Singapore. In between and during meetings, I ate my way through the city. Luckily for me, food is just as important to the Singaporeans as it is to the tourists. I had several memorable meals. One very special meal was a lunch at the Raffles Grill at the famous Raffles Hotel. Whenever I enter the Raffles Hotel, I feel like I’ve stepped back in time 100 years to a world of pure magnificence. The main house of the Raffles that we know and read about is the original, built in 1899. It is further proof that true greatness can transcend time. The Armenian Sarkies brothers, who founded the hotel, knew greatness. Located in the hotel lobby is the Writer’s Bar, where many of the greats took pen to paper. Just beyond that is the Raffles Grill. The restaurant has undergone changes over the years, including one facelift when Queen Elizabeth took the throne and the Grill had an Elizabethan atmosphere. Now the cuisine is French and executed with the upmost skill. The room continues to exude opulence and elegance from the early 20th century. My lunch consisted of a starter of “Joselito” Iberico ham accompanied by the freshest bruscetta I’ve tasted. For the main course, I opted for the Dover sole delicately buttered to perfection. The sweet ending consisted of a Grand Marnier soufflé. The food was superb, as was the service. Another great aspect to Singapore is the diversity of the population, which the team at the Raffles Grill embodied. The presentation given by the wine director and head waiter made my experience complete. — Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher