Open Door Policy - Heading in the right direction in Singapore
A new modern bistro had popped up in Singapore and have been getting positive reviews, so we had to try it for ourselves. A collaboration between the TIppling Club, 40 Hands, and Spa Esprit owners - it had the right mix of style and street cred. It promises affordable and relaxed modern dining, and set in the hipster old/new skool neighbourhood of Tiong Bahru, the proposition is good. Reservations are required a week in advance for busy weekend slots, and when we got to the compact shophouse restaurant on a Friday night, the place was packed. Buzzy vibe, concrete floor, brick wall, tin roof, shabby chic chairs all created a cool loft conversion feel. Menu is modern European, right up the current bistronomy trend. Flamed tuna carpaccio, roasted pork belly, braised beef cheek, straightforward and easy to understand. They were mostly well-executed too, simple but sophisticated. The pudding and coffee were no mere afterthought, either. A few misses made it not perfect - a meh steak tartare (mediocre meat quality with ketchup in the dressing), slightly slow and patchy service, but it's a good step in the right direction.
Now, a few meal highlights.
Flamed tuna carpaccio with smoked sesame & yuzu dressing & shredded daikon. Very nutty yet refreshing.
Roasted pork belly with quinoa & celery. Simple, but so well done. Could do with some crackling though.
Best dessert ever - Fluffy chocolate pistachio souffle. They crack it and pour cream into it in front of you. Swoon worthy.
Special effort on my coffee - kung fu panda :)
Now, a few meal highlights.
Flamed tuna carpaccio with smoked sesame & yuzu dressing & shredded daikon. Very nutty yet refreshing.
Roasted pork belly with quinoa & celery. Simple, but so well done. Could do with some crackling though.
Best dessert ever - Fluffy chocolate pistachio souffle. They crack it and pour cream into it in front of you. Swoon worthy.
Special effort on my coffee - kung fu panda :)