The buzz: It seems as if altitude’s all the rage this dining season, with Singaporean chef Justin Quek’s latest offering, Sky on 57. Perched atop Marina Bay Sands, this is just the spot to get high on a view that’s sublime.
The vibe: With such a prime locale at the MBS SkyPark, the establishment takes full advantage with glass windows all around. In the daytime, it’s a bright, airy space that’s governed by clean lines, blue-gray chairs and crisp white table cloth, ideal for business meetings. After sunset, the softer lighting illuminates the restaurant to create an inviting ambiance ideal for a spot of dinner with the missus or your main squeeze of the moment.
The food: Chef Quek may have been away from home for the past few years, but the menu clearly pays homage to local cuisine and Asian flavors, while still exhibiting his classically trained culinary roots. Humble dishes are elevated by the use of premium ingredients, as showcased in JQ’s foie gras xiao long bao ($25) and fresh mushroom cappuccino ($18). Make sure you leave enough room for roasted crackling suckling pig with yuzu pepper ($60), Maine lobster ravioli with braised leeks and laksa emulsion ($28) and charcoal-grilled Australian grain-fed lamb loin with sesame cream ($59). They also have some great lunch sets (from $28.80), which present both Asian and Western options including king prawn laksa, chicken rice and charcoal-grilled sirloin with caramelized carrots and black pepper sauce.
Why you’ll be back: To sample some luscious contemporary Asian cuisine in a lovely setting as you admire a killer skyline. Impressed boss and business associates come as standard.
Have you tried the JQ xiao long bao? It’s one of I-S Magazine’s 50 things to eat in Singapore before you die (2011).
