While there, I found myself insatiable for its rich culture, endless options in food and cocktails, and, of course, the region’s incredible art. While I was looking forward to crowning this year’s winner - an honor that went to chef Mauro Colagreco’s Mirazur - I was excited to visit this magical, mysterious republic that had always captivated me.

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony is the Oscars of the food world. As an expert in the culinary world, I was invited to Singapore this past year to attend one of the biggest international events in gastronomy. Classified as an Alpha+ Global City and the ninth of only 11 countries with AAA credit rating, Southeast Asia’s city state is a bustling metropolis with local colors and flavors that have enchanted chefs, movie stars, art dealers and curious travelers for decades. Singapore is more than a playground for the “crazy, rich” of the world. Among the cultural landmarks to take in are the ArtScience Museum (above), located inside the Marina Sands Resort.

Alpha+ global city