In this month's edition of Hot New Tables: Alter Ego, FOO’D, Kam’s Roast, Little Bastard, and more
And just like that, we’ve reached the end of 2016! But while we might be winding down for the holiday season, Singapore’s resto scene is as buzzy as ever. Get messy with Alter Ego’s unapologetically saucy selection of comfort dishes, or get a little classier with the opening of a swish new Italian resto with a view. Fancy something a little more mysterious instead? Try sleuthing out the entrance to Little Bastard – pardon our French, but there’s no quelling our excitement for final Hot New Tables round-up of the year!
FOO’D
The Michelin buzz in Singapore just doesn’t end, does it? Not that we’re complaining of course, especially if it attracts the likes of Chef Davide Oldani, of the Michelin-starred D’O in Italy, to our restaurant scene. The renowned chef, reputable for his Cucina POP philosophy – that fine dining should be catered to every diner, and that every element of a dish must have reason and intent – opens his first restaurant in Singapore that flaunts these same tenets. Chef Oldani’s famed signatures will take centrestage here, such as Grana Padano mousse and ice-cream with caramelised onions; as well as, lemon curd, meringue and lettuce ice-cream. Yes, it sounds absurd. But we bet you’re just as intrigued as we are!
FOO’D, 11 Empress Place, #01-01 Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, Singapore 179558. p. 6385 5588. Open Mon-Sun 12pm-3pm, 6pm-11pm.
PIM PAM by FOC
If you’re hip with Barcelona’s laid-back wine and tapas culture, we think you’ll dig FOC’s latest Spanish tapas and wine bar. Pim Pam specialises in unique Catalan dishes like the chicken paella as well as less-traditional creations like the foie gras-infused shiitake and green apple sandwich. Its wide selection of Spanish wines will no doubt make this a popular spot for after-work sessions with the colleagues – we’re already rounding up the gang.
PIM PAM by FOC, 442 Orchard Road, #01-29, Singapore 238879. p. 6100 4242. Open Tue-Fri 12pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 8.30am-11pm. Closed on Mon.
Alter Ego
Like Jekyll and Hyde, A Poke Theory’s brand new sister establishment is a whole ’nother beast. The appropriately named Alter Ego (pictured above) starts out lean and green by day, serving up healthy offerings like poke bowls. But as the sun sets, the gritty industrial space transforms its menu and offers diners craft beer and “diet-ruining bar grub” like buffalo wings and sauce-drenched tater tots with bacon. Sinful.
Alter Ego, Esplanade Mall, #01-13D, 8 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039802. p. 6327 9345.
Little Bastard
You’re going to have to do a little legwork before sitting down to a meal at this quirky adults-only bar-restaurant. Head to 115 King George’s Avenue, and you’ll have to search around a little for an unassuming secret staircase that leads up to the restaurant. Once inside, you’ll be treated to raw concrete, exposed lightbulbs and all that you’d expect from today’s quirky industrial-themed restaurants. On the menu are Asian mash-up dishes like a duck confit “penyet” (smashed chicken) as well as alcoholic dessert cocktails like the cendol cocktail.
Little Bastard, 115 King George’s Avenue, Singapore 208561. p. 8459 9893. Open Tue-Sat 6pm-12am. Closed Sun-Mon.
Itadakimasu
Can’t pick favourites when it comes to Japanese food? If you’re like us, you’ll appreciate multi-restaurant concepts like the newly-opened Itadakimasu at Parco. The Japanese hub features three new-to-market brands. Shabu Shabu GYU JIN for its beef shabu shabu; Nadai Fujisoba NI HACHI for refreshing bowls of freshly made soba; and finally, Numazu Uogashizushi, a sushi bar famed for its access to Japan’s Numazu fish market.
Itadakimasu, 100 Tras Street, 100 AM, #03-10 to 15 and #03-K1, Singapore 079027.
Monti
Italian cuisine gets swanky with the opening of the swish Monti at The Pavillion on Collyer Quay. Taking over the space that used to be Catalunya, a dinner date here will bag you sweet views of Marina Bay thanks to the resto’s full-length windows. Don’t let that distract you from artfully plated Italian dishes like the handmade ravioli with braised veal and cream of bone marrow sauce, or the hearty gnocchi pesto. The drinks here aren’t merely an afterthought either – sip on Instagram-worthy cocktails like the fresh and zesty Mr. Monti or its Italian margarita, the Monti Rita.
Monti, 82 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049213. p. 6535 0724.
Otto’s Deli Fresh
Veteran of the Singapore dining scene, Otto Weibel (formerly from Fairmont Singapore as Director of Kitchens), brings a brand new casual family dining concept to the newly opened Raffles@HV. Kick back at the brightly lit dining space and relish a wholesome menu featuring meats and produce handpicked by Chef Otto himself. On the menu are hearty mains like the pressed beef steak ciabatta with gruyere cheese and caramelised onions, along with a beautifully seared kurobuta pork rack served with house-made BBQ sauce. While the mains are impressive, we’ve got to show some love for the rich, umami-laden button mushroom soup served with toasted brioche.
Otto’s Deli Fresh, 118 Holland Avenue, #02-01 Raffles@HV. p. 6694 3291. Open daily 11am-10pm.
Kam’s Roast
This famous Hong Kong Michelin-starred roast duck resto makes its Singapore debut at Pacific Plaza, adding to our already impressive roster of internationally renowned restaurants. The Singapore branch employs the Kam family recipe faithfully for stellar servings of the signature roast duck, suckling pig and pork belly char siew served with rice or springy noodles. Definitely one for the Michelin bucket list if you’re a fan of Cantonese cuisine.
Kam’s Roast, Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road, Singapore 228210. p. 6836 7788.