Moving the official opening ceremony to an off-site downtown location at Suntec City on the eve of the event brings together a congregation of exhibitors at the heart of the city.

The show organisers wined and dined their guests at the official cocktail reception after the opening ceremony last night, but if you're looking to organise the dining yourself tonight there's plenty on offer at the hotels in the Marina Square area.

The first among equals is the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore, which of course will be the venue for the equally prestigious Flight International Aerospace Industry Awards extravaganza on Wednesday, 23 February. The Ritz has an excellent poolside restaurant, Snappers, and also serves first-class Chinese and Western cuisine at its other outlets.

Should you wish, like a duchess, to go one step further, even over the top, you can drink fine champers while reclining in a fragrant bath, drawn by your own personal Bath Butler.

Also within the area are the Pan Pacific Hotel, the Marina Mandarin, the Oriental and the Conrad International.

Drop by the Oriental to take in the famous Morton's of Chicago steakhouse, which has been delighting diners with some of the best beef and fish dishes in town - including its signature USDA prime aged beef, Scottish smoked salmon, whole baked Maine lobsters - all flown in fresh daily.

The restaurant also has a superb wine menu. It also offers a special cocktail party menu and a boardroom menu for private dining. Ask for Maitre d' and General Manager Jody Jenkins. Adjacent to the restaurant is the Captain's Bar and there is also a lounge with a panoramic view over the central business district.

In the nearby office and shopping complex at Millenia Walk you'll find The Whisky Still, a Scottish-Japanese themed outlet which specialises in more than 40 varieties of this 'water of life.' Drop by if you're partial to a good malt.

From Marina Square you are just a 15-minute stroll across to Raffles City, where you'll find the underground MRT station at City Hall to get easy access to Orchard Road.

Within City Hall is the Westin Stamford and Westin Plaza Hotel complex, which will no doubt be host to many of the visitors at Asian Aerospace this week.

One of the most popular watering holes in town, Somerset's Bar, is right here, offering convivial services and excellent jazz sets by visiting artistes from the US and around the world.

Source: Flight Daily News