Open Door Policy

Is it me or does the Tiong Bahru Estate seem more hippie nowadays?  Bombarded with a plethora of well established and sought after indie cafes and coffee joints, leaving residents living in the area spoilt for choice when dining out.  Open Door Policy needs no introduction to the local dining scene, where the bistro works on a simple concept of offering  great food and drinks in a buzzy yet intimate atmosphere. The menu here is focused more on modern bistronomique fare with a rustic twist, overseen by the Tippling Club’s Chef de Cuisine Ryan Clift. Located directly opposite  40 hands, the restaurant boasts a facade of an open concept kitchen, which definitely comes across as an eye opener. Partaking in the process seeing how each and every dish is prepared and meticulously plated definitely stood out as a fruitful experience for myself!

Lawry’s The Prime Rib

Described best as a carvery uniquely known for having only a single entree on its menu, the standing rib roast, Lawry’s is associated with  many most as a high end gourmet restaurant chain around the world. Founded by Lawrence Frank and Walter Van der Camp in 1938, the restaurant earned its reputation by serving the best roast beef in America for decades, where thick slabs of prime rib would be carved from a standing rib roast kept warm in silver carts upon order. Conventional changes had definitely prompted the influx of a more extensive menu, where the Mandarin Gallery outlet now offers the choices of even grilled meat and crustaceans to cater to pescetarians maybe? One very amusing thing throughout the entire course of the dinner, was the fact that a birthday celebration occurred every10-15 minutes or so, where the exuberant and jovial spirits of the service staff who had to sing happy birthday to a considerable amount of other customers never wailed. 

PS Cafe: Desserts & Truffle Fries Galore

Best known for their humongous portions and super-sized desserts, Project Shop Cafe or PS Cafe in short is undoubtedly one of hottest places around the Island for a quaint and luxurious weekend brunch or even a perfect late night hangout for an occasional sweet indulgence.  Then comes the issue of hefty prices where the mains courses costs easily over $30 including taxes and such, while desserts are priced rather steeply ranging from $12-15. Nonetheless, the alluring fact that the Ann Siang hill outlet which brought about a sense of peace and tranquility, perfect for brainstorming and writing new recipes with spur of the moment inspirations deemed the decision to pay a premium legitimate.

Steamed Ginger Pudding w Butterscotch ($12.90++) and PS Truffle Fries ($15++)

Club Street Social

Arguably the hottest bar in town, Club Street Social is causing much buzz as the hippest after work chill out place.  Inspired by the owner’s favorite restaurants back in Manhattan, Club Street Social definitely brings the vibrance of New York City, a concept rather unique and new to the industry.  Up market New England inspired Luke’s Oyster bar and chowder house is just located opposite, a stone’s throw away, where all these East Coast inspired establishments have certainly turned Gemmil Lane somewhat into a Little America. Boasting a simple menu of all breakfast items such as sandwiches and canapes featuring the freshest ingredients, having Chef Jimmy Chok overseeing the entire menu as the principal consultant lets us know that we’re in good hands.  What actually drew me to Club Street Social was the fact that the availability of gourmet sandwiches on the menu which looked really really good, featuring the use of premium ingredients such as ribeye, lobster and duck confit!

Balzac Brasserie: Jean-Charles Dubois New Brainchild

Named after famed French novelist and playwriter Honoré de Balzac in the 19th Century, Balzac Brasserie offers rustic French cuisine inspired by homely and simple recipes.  The man behind the newly inspired brasserie fare combining modern and traditional cooking techniques is chef Jean-Charles Dubois, of the now defunct The French Kitchen. I was initially left very very heartbroken when news broke out that the French Kitchen was closing its doors at the start of the year, with fond memories of Dubois Legendary Lobster Bisque. As soon as news emerged that Chef Dubois was back bigger and better, a visit to Balzac Brasserie was a definite must.  Occupying what used to be the alleys and walkways of Rendezvous hotel, the brasserie transports diners into a Parisian setting with its petruding typical brassier entrance along the sidewalks of the famed Champs-Élysées. I can’t think of a more rustic Parisian experience anywhere else, with cafe chairs, wooden tables and food that comes out from the kitchen that’s served in cast iron pots and cassoulets! 

Le Cuisson: French Fare in the heartlands

Its really heartening to see  establishments like Saveur and Le Cuisson offering affordable french fare to the masses at wallet friendly prices, eradicating the common ideology locals have by associating French Fare as expensive. On the other hand, offerings by these two budget French outlets are definitely not for the trained palate where consistency isn’t quite up to mark very often in the food quality of condiments served, where overall quality is often compromised to keep prices competitive. That said, the unbeatable pricing such as the $8.90 Duck Confit served at Saveur makes the lumpy mashed potatoes served beneath the duck leg forgivable, considering most restaurants sell this very same French Classic at 2-3 times the price. Le Cuisson actually started off in a quaint corner of a Coffeeshop along Queen Street in September 2011 by Chefs Kenneth and Wilson, who formerly had stints in DB Bistro Moderne.

OTTO Ristorante

Italian cuisine has always played second fiddle to my undying love for any form of French food, to the extent where the idea of having a meal at Italian restaurants would only ironically occur if my restaurant of my initial preference ( 99% likely french hahaha ) was closed or fully booked. I somewhat had this narrow and foolish perception, right until my dining experience at OTTO ristorante which turned out to be the one of the best dining experiences ever.  OTTO which also means eight in Italian, is an auspicious number in Italian. Nestled in the quaint corner of the Red Dot Traffic Museum, OTTO Ristorante offers authentic Italian cuisine along with warm Italian hospitality and sincerity. The kitchen is helmed by chef Michele Pavanello who had been working in the local food industry over a decade, with previous appointments at Pontini and il Lido.