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.
Ce La Vi
Premium Platter
It may already be a tourist favorite, but Ce La Vi isn’t resting on its laurels. They’ve recently done a major revamp of their restaurant and lounge menus, and brought in a master sommelier (the only one in Singapore) from the UK to helm their wine program. On the restaurant’s new menu are flavor-forward items like the tantalizing Seared King Salmon Tataki with Jalepeño Coulis & Smoked Ikura ($26), and the luxurious Hokkaido Scallop & Oyster Ceviche ($34), that comes with two types of scallops. Definitely pair them with wines, then end on a sweet note with a Ce La Vi Premium Platter ($32-$80, depending on size) of house-made desserts. R/F Marina Bay Sands Tower 3, 1 Bayfront Ave.
Fat Cow
Fat Cow Donburi
The perennial go-to place for the best wagyu steaks and luxe donburi bowls had introduced their new omakase concept at the end of last year, and now, they’re introducing something much simpler, though no less amazing. As if their donburi options weren’t decadent enough, they’re now offering what they call The Fat Rice ($8), where steamed Japanese rice get laced generously with wagyu fat shoyu for an explosion of umami with every bite. It comes with their signature Fat Cow Donburi ($45) lunch set, and can be ordered separately as well. #01-01/02 Camden Medical Centre, 1 Orchard Blvd.
Kilo Kallang
Kilo Kallang
Triple threat Kilo is celebrating its seventh birthday with a new menu that was a long time coming. Retaining its Asian-Latin touch, the refreshed menu expertly marries a melange of cuisines inspired by Chef Tim Ross-Watson’s British-Indian heritage and the co-founders’ Puerto Rican roots. If you’re a fan of the raw element, pick up the starters Salmon Roe Pouri ($13) and Korean Beef Tartare ($21)— the latter thickly cubed wagyu rump beneath a massive kimchi cracker. Our personal favorites include the Roasted Bone Marrow ($18, not raw), piping hot and best enjoyed spread atop the accompanying sourdough, as well as the sharing plates Grilled Ibercio Collar ($26) and Dirty Quinoa ($20), which reinforced Kilo’s communal dining concept without sacrificing flavor. Level M Ture Building, 66 Kampong Bugis
Porta
12-Hour Braised Beef Short Rib
Replacing the former head chef Michael Suyanto at Clarke Quay’s Porta is Executive Chef Alex Phan, who brings his impressive portfolio of experience at Tippling Club, Open Door Policy, Sorrel and Restaurant Ember. As such, there’s a new a la carte menu too, to expand on the modern European restaurant’s initial offerings. Appetizers like the Sweet Potato & Kale ($14) and Tuna Tartare ($18) showcase Chef Alex’s preference for marrying European and Asian flavors; while all-new signature mains like the Wild Mushroom Orecchiette, 12-hour Braised Beef Short Rib ($28) and Duck Ragout ($24) with pappardelle pasta are worthy contenders to Porta’s already strong menu. Park Hotel Clarke Quay, 1 Unity St.
Skyve Wine Bistro
Lobster Sang Mee
The cozy bistro tucked just behind ACS Junior School first opened in Nov 2011, serving up a diverse menu of Asian and Western fare. Founded by Singaporean Celine Tan, the restaurant-bar just received a facelift in both decor and menu—the latter thanks to newly appointed Executive Chef Jachin Tan, who also happens to be Celine’s brother.
The much-needed new menu incorporates Chef Tan’s fondness for smoking techniques and inspiration from his travels; so definitely try the juicy Smoked Tomato ($12), Beef Tartare ($18) with miso-cured truffle yolk, and fan favorite Duck Confit ($28), returning tastier than ever with a side of candied brussels sprouts. If there’s one dish to order, it’s the Lobster Sang Mee ($34), which marries juicy lobster, “abalone” and egg drop soup with the traditional Chinese noodle. The new desserts too are simply divine—the Semifreddo of Lime ($10) is a light, flowery alternative if you don’t feel up for the Molten Chocolate lava cake ($12) with homemade salted caramel ice cream; though it would be a crying shame to miss that glorious fudgy chocolate. 10 Winstedt Rd
Summerlong
Summerlong
Just freshly turned a year old, this Eastern Mediterranean restaurant on Robertson Quay doesn’t really count as an old dog. Still, we’re happy to receive anything new that Head Chef Justin Hammond has to offer. That includes the appetizing new Hummus Flight ($17), a four-piece tasting platter of surprising hummus flavors (Eggplant and Mint, Artichoke, White Bean and Rosemary, and the Classic Chickpea) best had with the flame-grilled Flat Bread ($4). An all-new Claypot Roasted section, inspired by cooking in clay from the Mediterranean, will appeal to fans of hearty zi char—particularly the Roasted Garlic Prawns ($36), Spring Vegetables ($21) with extra virgin olive oil, and Roasted Eggplant ($26), so creamy and smooth it tastes almost like glorious baby food. For your main, you can’t go wrong with the Whole Roasted Sea Bas ($44), tenderly rubbed with cumin, turmeric leaves, coriander and isot biber for a well-seasoned, generously fleshed fish dish. #01-04 The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay
Tiong Bahru Bakery
Afternoon Three Sum
We still remember when Tiong Bahru Bakery (TBB) only existed in the neighborhood of Tiong Bahru. Now that they’ve expanded throughout the island (we’re not complaining), they’re truly offering something for everyone with proper lunch sets, brunch items, and now, a dim sum tea time experience. Available from 3-5pm everyday, the Afternoon Three Sum ($25) sets are a mix of east and west pastries served in three tiers. In them are TBB favs like the lemon tart and pulled pork finger sandwich, as well as all new creations like the blue pea and yuzu verrine panna cotta. #B1-11 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd.
The Bird Southern Table & Bar
Jambalaya
They may be best known for their highly addictive American Southern-style fried chicken, but the many other classic, hearty eats from the region are worthy of our stomach space too. With their latest menu change, the Jambalaya (a Louisiana favorite; $46) rice dish that’s filled with the essence of rich soup stock, and simmered in scallops, tiger prawns, mussels and Fennel chicken sausage, is now available, among other storied eats like the Muffuletta Salad ($18) and the Southern BBQ Shrimp ($18). Be sure to pair your meal with cocktails from the Bourbon bar, that saw the addition of new items too. B1-07 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave.
