It’s been a roller coaster ride for the F&B industry. Having to scramble to offer deliveries during circuit breaker, and now having to accommodate to the needs of customers and regulators alike in an era of social distancing and heightened hygiene protocols, they just can’t catch a break.
Thankfully, a number of them have taken the time to improve and improvise, launching revamped menus that impresses us with equal doses of novelty and familiarity. When visiting these old favourites of yours again, find an offering that’ll surely be worth your time and dime.
Adrift
Having taken their time to reopen post-circuit breaker, the menu at this highly-acclaimed Marina Bay Sands restaurant has been thoroughly updated, featuring culinary gems that are now more comforting and hearty, yet still honed by a refined Japanese sensibility they’re so known for. A prominent addition are the yakitori items grilled over binchotan at your table. Try specials like the Uni Roe in Celeriac ($8) and the Char Siew Quail ($7), or feel free to just get classic sticks of Chicken Wings ($4) and Shishito Peppers ($2).
For starters, their Kombu Sourdough ($5), served with toasted miso butter already spread on top, won’t disappoint. And for Adrift regulars looking for something familiar, the Yellowfin Tuna ($22) with smoked tomato, shallot and caviar is the dish you’re looking for. Mains wise, you’ve got items like Wagyu Cheeseburger and Uni Ramen Noodle (both $28 each) for elevated easy eats, but trust us and get the plain-sounding Organic Chicken ($34) with bak choy and wild rice. It’s surprisingly clean yet flavour-packed, and you’ll feel filled in a good way once you’ve devoured it. If you’re in the mood, check out their extensive alcohol menu too, featuring several rare labels not commonly found elsewhere.
Kinki
Find modern Japanese dishes done with a Kinki twist in their revamped menu. We’re talking items like their truly addictive Spicy Buffalo Katsu ($28), where well-marbled Nagano pork is given a Buffalo wings-inspired treatment. Or try the unassuming Tuna Tartare Tortilla ($34) if you’re a fan of bluefin tuna. Done with a Mexican touch, every chomp is comforting and packs welcome notes of soy, yuzu and herbs.
Don’t leave without trying their new Unagi Claypot ($32), that’s previously an off-menu chef’s special, but has now earned a permanent spot on the menu due to its popularity. Find generous portions of unagi sitting on a bed of saucy and crisp fried rice in this satisfying dish. Give the Crusty Lamb Rack ($45) a go too. Wet-aged in koji yeast brine, the meat becomes naturally tender and infused with flavour, and best had with the accompanying side of sugar-soaked ginger slices. During this period, Kinki’s sister venue Cin Cin is helming the bar here, offering their bevy of gin concoctions for curious tipplers to enjoy.
Heart of Darkness
New location, new menu. Having moved from its Tras Street locale when it first opened in Singapore, Heart of Darkness has now arrived at buzzing Keong Saik, taking over the space where Neon Pigeon once stood. It’s a street where everything seems to be happening, and the Saigon-based brewery has doubled down on the dark-but-striking vibe it exudes at its gastropub here.
The menu is now a good mix of American pub grub and Mexican comfort foods like Padron Peppers ($12), Fish & Chips Tacos ($18) and Sliders ($19) that come in wagyu, falafel or pork belly options. If you’re tempted by the wings ($14), we have to warn you it’s hella spicy, so you’ll want to have your beers ready. Luckily, they’ve got over 25 to choose from. On tap are HOD’s core range and limited releases, as well as a healthy selection of beers from local breweries.
Restaurant JAG
Previously offering ala carte options too, One-Michelin-starred Restaurant JAG now only offers course menus, for both lunch and dinner, in a unique French omakase format. What stays the same is its dedication to the appreciation of Savoie-region herbs, which Chef Jeremy Gillon uses prominently and elegantly in his dishes. For lunch, get the more extravagant 6-course $175 omakase degustation if you have time to linger, or opt for the simpler 4-course set lunch for $98, if you’re more in a hurry.
A personalised, 8-course French omakase offering awaits for dinner ($223 each), and it’s the one we’d recommend going for. They’re generous, so an 8-course here certainly feels like a 10- or 11-course offering. So be prepared to be thoroughly satisfied at the end of your experience here. As for the wine pairing program, it’s very much in line with the theme of the cuisine. Coming in at $198 for dinner, the range includes bottlings from Savoie itself, showcasing the variety you can get from the many sub-regions and often-isolated vineyards there.
