Stewords Riverboat is a unique and iconic non-motorised floating lifestyle venue that houses Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill, a restaurant that serves authentic Tex-Mex cuisine; Breaking Bread, an al-fresco cafe; and a private function hall. The Riverboat was formerly located at Sentosa and it is currently moored and operating at the Marina South Pier.
Two weeks ago, we were extremely privileged to have been invited for a dinner at the Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill Restaurant onboard the Stewords Riverboat and we really enjoyed the entire dining experience.
When we drove to the Marina South Pier, we observed that there were construction works going on around the vicinity and public transportation were hardly seen. Hence, it would be a better idea for you to drive or take a taxi to the Marina South Pier. However, do take note that the parking rates at the Marina South Pier are outrageously expensive as it cost $2.00/hr for the first 2 hours and $3.00 for the next subsequent hour from 7am to 10.30pm!
A photograph of the Marina South Pier.
At the Marina South Pier, big ships and tankers are a very common sight.
As we walked towards Stewords Riverboat, memories of my National Service days came to mind because I remembered how my platoon mates and I used to dread boarding the Penguin Ferry at the SAF Ferry Terminal.
As Stewords Riverboat is non-motorised, it has to be towed by a larger vessel if it has to move from one location to another location.
When we arrived at Santa Fe, we were warmly greeted by the awesome service crews and were shown to our dining table.
Santa Fe Tex Mex Grill is a casual-dining family restaurant that specialises in serving authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. If you’re wondering what a Tex-Mex cuisine is, it is an Americanised version of Mexican food.
After placing our food and drinks orders, Daryl from Riverboat gave us a short tour around Stewords Riverboat.
This is the private function hall in the upper deck of the Stewords Riverboat and it can accommodate up to 200 guests in a theatre setup. For a long table banquet setup, it can accommodate up to 150 guests. Whether you’re looking for a unique venue to host a private function or a corporate event, the function hall at Stewords Riverboat is an excellent option to consider. Apart from renting the function hall, a wide variety of food and beverage packages are also available to help you plan your event.
The bridge deck is where you can find the al-fresco cafe, Breaking Bread. Breaking Bread is currently open for private events and there are plans in the pipelines to revamp the entire al-fresco area into a BBQ place. When the al-fresco cafe transforms into a BBQ place in a few months time, we’re 100% sure that it will be fully booked for private parties because the al-fresco area offers a beautiful scenic view of the sea. Furthermore, there are arrangements for live band to perform at the al-fresco area and this really calls for a chill-out party!
Guests at the al-fresco cafe can enjoy the scenic view of the sea in the evening.
Ahoy Captain!
Having said so much about the various venues onboard Stewords Riverboat, let us zoom in on Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill!
The dining ambience of Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill is extremely cosy and homely. Whether you’re going on a date with your partner or a gathering with a group of friends, Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill is definitely a unique and special place for dining.
If you wish to do some jamming, there’s a cosy corner that’s available and it even comes complete with a drumset.
The manager’s workspace at Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill adds a special touch to the dining area and it’s really cool!
Here’s the bar area where drinks and desserts are being prepared!
So how does the food fare?
We ordered quite a number of dishes to share with one another and here are all the food and beverages that we had for the evening.
Fruity Flavoured Margaritas [from left to right- Lime, Kiwi, Mango, Strawberry]
Seriously, what’s a Tex-Mex meal without Margaritas? We absolutely love the flavoured Margaritas that were served and they are a real treat! Taking turns to sip all of the Margaritas, we have to admit that they are really good. The flavour and sweetness are just right and a glass of Margarita is the best way to cool down the heat especially for the hot sunny weather here in Singapore!
Appetizers Combo!
We had Cheese Nachos, Chicken Chimichangas, Turkey Quesadillas, and Buffalo Wings for appetizers and they are oh so yummy! Although I’m not a big fan of cheese, my personal favourite is the Cheese Nachos and the Turkey Quesadillas.
Tex-Mex Grilled Chicken, $23.90
A rather sinful dish, the grilled chicken breast is spread with BBQ sauce and topped with bacon and melted cheese. Served with mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables, the Tex-Mex Grilled Chicken is a satisfying dish for hungry people!
Blackened Salmon Veracruz, $23.90
The Blackened Salmon Veracruz is a very flavourful dish that tantalises the taste buds. Coated topside with crusted black pepper, the salmon fillet is then panfried and served with spicy rice and grilled vegetables with tomato compote. A dish for fish-lovers whom want to enjoy a little bit of spice in their life.
Santa Fe BBQ Ribs, [Half Rack]- $22.90 | [Full Rack]- $29.50
The baby back ribs are grilled to perfection and ladled over with Santa Fe’s signature BBQ sauce. Served with fries and house salad, the Santa Fe BBQ Ribs will definitely not disappoint.
Chicken Fajitas, [Half Pound]- $26.90 | [Full Pound]- $41.50
Santa Fe’s signature fajitas are served sizzling on a skillet, with tortillas by the side for you to self-wrap. A condiment set of shredded lettuce, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and pico de galo accompanies the dish.
Grand Marnier Brownie, $14.90
If you’re a fan of orange liqueur, we highly recommend the Grand Marnier Brownie becuase the warm chocolate brownie that is infused with a little bit of Grand Marnier will send you through the roof. Served with strawberry sauce, slices of mandarin orange, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a cherry, there is everything to love about the Grand Marnier Brownie. You wouldn’t want to miss this lovely dessert that will complete your meal pretty well.
Walnut Brownie Sundae, $8.90
A real classic, the Walnut Brownie Sundae is a must-order for all chocoholics! Imagine biting into a warm chocolate brownie accompanied with some vanilla ice cream and chocolate fudge that melts in your mouth. The feeling you will get will be one that makes you go oomph with satisfying pleasure!
Truly, we had an enjoyable time dining at Santa Fe that is onboard Stewords Riverboat. Though the pricing may be slightly on the higher-end, the dining experience is one that you will find unique, special, and ideal for that one special moment.
If your partner or friends get seasick easily, they might want to consider popping some seasick pills before going onboard because the occasional waves from the surrounding sea vessels would send the riverboat rocking from side to side. Even for myself, my head was spinning a little when I went onboard but gradually, my body kinda acclimatised to the surroundings [or maybe it was the effects of the magaritas].
To ease your pockets a little, Jacqueline found a really awesome deal on Groupon where you can just pay $20 for $40 worth of food and beverage at Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill. This deal is currently available for the next 3 days and the voucher is valid till 18 October 2013.
Alternatively, you might want to visit Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill on Tuesdays because the main courses are going for a special 1-for-1 price!
[Image Credits to Stewords Riverboat Facebook Page]
For more information and promotional updates from Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill, do “like” Stewords Riverboat Facebook Page!
Last but not the least, we would like to conclude this blog post by taking this opportunity to thank the wonderful and awesome staffs at Stewords Riverboat for hosting us. We would also like to thank Daryl from Stewords Riverboat for showing us around. We are truly humbled by the warm hospitality that we received. If you’re planning a visit any time soon, do take note that the operating hours are from Tuesdays to Sundays [6-10pm]. Reservations are highly recommended and you can drop them a line at 6278-5775.