Life is Beautiful: Flavours of New Orleans and Louisiana (closed)
PUBLISHED May 5th, 2014 02:00 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:31 pm
With the amount of repetition happening in the Singapore dining scene, it’s always a very welcome addition when someone comes along doing something different. And that someone is Life is Beautiful.
Life is Beautiful is a celebration of the world famous New Orleans and Louisiana food and drink flavours (NOLA) – so think the big culinary melting pot that is French, Spanish, Italian, African, Native American, Cajun, Chinese, and a hint of Cuban of Creole and Cajun – given a lighter, new school twist – all set against the background a super hip industrial-chic joint in Duxton.
At first glance over the menu, it’s the playfulness that springs off the page. Quirky entries for sharing like Oysters Washed in Absinthe, Green Onion Hush Puppies, Dirty Rice Stuffed Peppers and Dusted Frogs legs set the scene for what’s to come and are reinforced by more traditional items of the Fried Chicken and ilk.
Of course being Nomads, the playful mood dominated our visit for the most part. Starting with the 8oz Tin Cup Fried Prawns ($18), this dish scores major brownie points for presentation alone. A very more-ish dish of aromatic-spiced prawns charmingly presented in a copper tin, just made for being washed down with something cold.
I already knew that I wanted to try the Gator & Fennel Boudin ($28) long before I arrived. Effectively alligator meatballs, the rich and sweet white meat was amazingly tasty thanks to the natural flavours permeating from the meat itself, complemented by the spice mix which does a swing around your palate in true Southern style.
While sweet waffles seem to be all the rage at the moment, for a different take on things, the Pecan Waffle ($22), which sits on the side of savoury and is topped with roasted baby beets and onion jam comes with just a hint of sweet, and is a nice light option.
Though I’m personally not the biggest fan of frogs legs, the Dusted Frogs Legs ($25) with their nod to the Chinese influence, will probably delight many of you with their spice mix coating in this very different rendition of these delectables.
For those wanting to play things a little safer, then of course no NOLA menu would be complete without some dirty fried chicken action, and the 1kg worth of Butter Milk Fried Chicken ($38) is pretty damn lip-smacking fine. Be warned though: you might leave with an addiction.
To complement the NOLA fare is a small but well curated and executed cocktail list (all at $18). From the light and refreshing Sazerac – America’s first cocktail born in New Orleans to the dessert-like Vieux Carre, each comes with its own story. And wonder of all wonders – this is place where you can actually get truly delicious and reasonably priced Temperance cocktails (all at $8).
With super cool DJ nights, artist markets and Fat Tuesdays (think super sinful NOLA food) in the pipeline for this new kid on the block, it looks like not only will Life is Beautiful be shaking things up on the food front, but also a whole lot more. Set to be a one stop shop for your wind-down needs or the perfect place to end up the night in the Duxton hood (finally!) we’re loving their style and looking forward to some Life is Beautiful throw downs.
Written by Ms Demeanour
On this occasion the meal was compliments of Life is Beautiful
