Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? As much as we love the spate of new F&B joints popping up everyday, there’s some respect to be had for a restaurant that’s stood the test of time in tumultuous Singapore, and continued to keep things fresh for its loyal fans. Every month, we scope out some of your best-loved places for the new menus they’re bringing to the table.
Atlas
Few things make us happier than having a drink at Atlas. It’s the full package—solid drinks, great grub and a killer atmosphere unlike any other in Singapore. They launched an awesome new dining menu a couple months back, and now comes their new beverage menu, named Interbellum. It’s dedicated to the period between the two World Wars that gave birth to the Art Deco movement. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated tipple or a refreshing (yet elevated) French 75, this new menu got you covered.
In remembrance of the age of airships when people first enjoyed great cocktails in the sky, comes drinks like Mr Schulze’s Sour ($26), a plump and nutty take on the Martini. Then there’s the R.E.M ($25), inspired by Alduos Huxley’s Brave New World, that’s sure to put you into a dreamy state. Made using Cognac, fortified wine, banana, raspberry and bitters, you’ll find notes of ripe fruit, rich vanilla and creaminess with each sip. Also try the Art & Influence ($22), a sprightly rum-based drink blooming with floral scents. For those so inclined, they’ve got a new non-alcoholic cocktails section too, with drinks that are levels above your usual mocktails.
Kabuke
Almost two years since they first swung open their doors at a second level shophouse space along Telok Ayer, Kabuke continues doing what they do best—offering great nosh paired with great sake. With their new menu, they’re dialing it up with even better food to go with your drinks. Definitely try their new Wild-Caught Hokkaido Hotate Carpaccio ($28), a savoury-sweet starter that works up your appetite nicely, or the Miso Eggplant Itame ($12) that’s just the right amount of salty to have you reaching for your sake glass repeatedly.
Their wagyu dishes are a must. Dive straight for the Wagyu Sando ($58) for tender cuts of beef eaten between slices of Hokkaido milk toast and smeared with their homemade wasabi cream cheese. For a real treat, get the Guilty Pleasure Bowl ($88) that’s packed with only the good stuff—wagyu, uni, foie gras, ikura, onsen egg and more—all on a bed of fluffy Japanese rice. Regulars will be happy to know that fan favourites like the umami bombs and goma goma wings remain. And if you’re ever unsure which beverage to get, sake sommelier Keiji Heng is always around to help you out.
Mai by Dashi Master Marusaya
Previously named Mai, this Japanese dining establishment conceptualised by the Japanese katsuobushi (dried bonito) wholesaler has since revamped, now going by Mai by Dashi Master Marusaya. But its refresh goes beyond a mere elongation of the restaurant’s moniker. Its concept of being dashi-focused is much more evident, as seen in the Bonito Stock Flavour Deep Fried Chicken ($16) which is savoury and easy on the palette; and the shabu sets like the US Black Angus Beef ($29) and Hokkaido Pork Loin ($29), which allow the dashi soup base to shine besides being accompanied by dips, vegetables and a bowl of very umami claypot rice that’s been cooked with dashi. And don’t leave the premises without trying the Grilled Unagi Clay Pot Rice ($32), that’s a donabe of aromatic claypot rice cooked with Hokkaido Yumepirika rice, dashi, sake, and of course, grilled eel. The sticky, crispy dashi flavoured rice goes perfectly with the well-seasoned, grilled unagi, making it a must-try dish.
Manhattan
A new bar manager has taken over the helm of Singapore’s top bar, and David Nguyen-Luu’s first order of business is to introduce a new section to Manhattan’s Eras of New York menu. Starting Sep 10, The Millennium will come around, bringing with it four concoctions developed by the bar team. Start with the fun, stiff and most importantly, delicious, No Vacancy ($25). It pays tribute to the bottle service nightclubs that dominated the scene at the turn of the century, and is essentially a 50/50 Martini, served in a bottle with garnishes of olive, green apple and lemon twist on the side. The Sopranos fans, there’s a drink just for you too. The Bada Bing Bada Boom ($27) is an Old Fashioned-inspired drink made using Glenlivet 12 Years, Ruffino Chianti red wine, spice syrup and cherry tobacco bitters, then topped with an aromatic chocolate cigar that brings out a velvety texture from the cocktail. It’s a real treat.
Prego
Aside from their new menu, Fairmont Singapore’s long-standing Italian restaurant Prego has got a sweet new bar set-up right in the middle of the restaurant along with some new decor. Begin your meal with a pint of their refreshing, new Prego Lager ($12) made specially for the restaurant by Brewerkz, before having the Prego pizza ($38), which is an old favourite but now refreshed with new Italian flour dough and topped with sundried tomatoes, ham, wild and brown button mushrooms, fresh cream and parmesan. Then, try new Italian Chef Mauro Sanna’s Filetti d’orata in “cartoccio” ($40) which draws on traditional methods of cooking, with a sea bream cooked “cartoccio” style. Wrapped in parchment paper and topped with tomatoes, capers and lemon slices, the sea bream fillet is oven-baked to preserve the fresh fish flavour. Also, don’t forget an order of the Pancetta di maiale in “Porchetta” con “Scafata” ($42), a slow roasted pork belly, seasoned with salt, garlic, rosemary and other herbs, and complete with fennel seeds, fava beans, spinach and artichoke.
The Salted Plum
Found at the new wing of the ever-revamping Suntec City, The Salted Plum’s new outlet (after their Boat Quay one) delivers comforting Taiwanese-inspired Singaporean food to the CBD. At this second joint of theirs, find three outlet-exclusive plates like the Cold Tofu ($10), which offers an unusual, fried century egg atop an entire block of silky, chilled tofu; the Dou Miao ($15) that features crunchy pea sprouts stir-fried with bacon; and the Salmon Fresh AF ($15), obviously a fresh, pan-fried salmon with an interesting side of seaweed mayo. But definitely order up the signatures too, such as the Kao Rou ($15), Burnt Chilli Chicken ($10) and Mei Cai ($5). Then pair those zi char dishes with the highly-recommended, fragrant Sweet Potato Porridge ($2) to tie your whole meal together.
Tablescape Restaurant and Bar
Best known for its beloved bread trolley, Grand Park City Hall’s hotel restaurant Tablescape needs little introduction. It continues to serve modern European fare, and some new notable delights including the starter Egg ($28), that features a 62-deg cooked runny egg topped with black truffle shavings, 24-month aged Parmiggiano Reggiano, crisp asparagus slices. It’s best accompanied by the fresh bakes from the bread trolley. Then there’s the Risotto ($38), which offers a pan-fried foie gras and Chinese-style smoked duck atop a bed of creamy carnaroli. Also pick Beef ($38) off its mains section, which exemplifies new Chef Armando Aristarco’s flavour-forward vision, by exhibiting a red wine-braised and marinated black angus beef cheek with some light but well-seasoned garden greens. Finally, finish off with some sweets ($14) on rotation from the daily dessert trolley.
