PUBLISHED December 19th, 2016 06:00 am
With the opening of Chef Otto Weibel’s latest establishment comes another reason to head to Holland Village (surely we’re not the only ones to gripe about the lack of exciting F&B options in the neighbourhood?). For over 40 years, the Swiss-born chef has been a culinary driving force to promote Singapore’s F&B industry on the world stage, and this eponymous restaurant is where his heart and soul now lies.
Nestled in the new Raffles Holland V complex, the 46-seater Otto’s Deli Fresh is all about celebrating Otto’s personal tastes, imbuing homespun recipes with refined gourmet flavours and a sense of familiarity – made with produce drawn from his ample larder: the deli.
This section impresses less so with its range than its meticulously curated selection, . Expect Hokkaido scallops and Australian Dorper lamb; Irish Ostra Regal oysters, Swiss cheeses, Greek olives; and seasonal truffles, mushrooms, and asparagus – credited to the chef’s personal connections with farms, food purveyors, and distributors.
Dine-in customers at the restaurant can look forward to a quality value-for-money menu developed by Otto and chef de cuisine Rick Chow, who’s had eight years of culinary experience in restaurants such as Saint Pierre, LaFite at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, and most recently at Portico Prime. Again, the options here aren’t extensive, but each item on the minimalistic menu is executed fairly well.
We start with the Button Mushroom Soup with Toasted Brioche ($8.50), a simple and hearty cream soup with button and porcini mushrooms, caramelised onions, and chives served with toasted brioche. Follow up with the refreshing Burratina Roquette Salad ($17) – baby arugula, housemade Italian burrata, Iberico jamon, tomatoes, a sour-sweet tomato chutney, and polarising caramelised milk solids that elevate the dish.
A favourite of Otto’s is the classic Pressed Beef Steak Ciabatta ($20), piling air-dried hanger steak and Bresaola with gruyere cheese, housemade pickled Japanese cucumber and BBQ sauce, along with a side of thick-cut fries and condiments. The Beef Stroganoff Fettuccine ($17) is another popular main, braised together with beef jus, white button mushrooms, caramelised onions, and gherkins.
Get your protein fix with the 300g Heritage US Kurobuta Pork Rack ($39), seasoned with only salt and pepper, grilled, and finished off in the oven such that the natural smokey flavours are brought out perfectly. Then, polish off the meal with the Burnt Banana Waffles ($11.50) – soft freeze-dried and charred banana, as well as two generous scoops of scrumptious peanut butter gelato atop a crispy light waffle.
Serving well as a dessert and also as an accompaniment to your meal is the signature Otto’s Favourite Hot Valrhona Chocolate ($9.50), ideal for a rainy day with its sea salt, crunchy chocolate pearls, thick hazelnut cream, and rich foam. This could do with a little less salt, but otherwise a tasty finish. Other drinks here include Manuka Honey Lemonade ($9.50), exotic tea blends from Ette Tea Company, and freshly-squeezed juice.
Right at the doorstep of the MRT station and within metres of ample parking, the all-day restaurant looks set to create loyal fans out of families and office workers in the area. It’s worth noting that the establishment will also serve as a platform for young chefs to hone their skills under Otto’s mentorship, so we’re expecting lots of surprises from this place. Otto’s Deli Fresh is definitely quality at great value.
Otto’s Deli Fresh is located at 118 Holland Avenue, #02-01 Raffles @ Holland Village, Singapore 278990, p. +65 6694 3291. Open daily 11am – 10pm.
Top Image: daphotographer