Raven Restaurant & Bar – Taste The New Americas at CHIJMES: Review (Closed)
PUBLISHED October 18th, 2015 10:00 pm | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:29 pm
Tucked away at the basement of CHIJMES, Raven Restaurant & Bar is like the culinary version of a succubus. The Urban City Hospitality Group’s (with neighbouring nightclub Rakes and Tras Street bar House of Dandy also under its wing) seduces diners with sexy vibes and imaginative cuisine. But unlike the victims of the deadly demoness, there’s only pleasure to be had at Raven Restaurant & Bar.
Interior of Raven Restaurant & Bar
A jamboree of the old and new, think idiosyncratic fittings like Argentinean leather booths, vintage lightings, and even a graffitied piano with Rich Uncle Pennybags (yep, that’s the name of the Monopoly icon). The tug-of-war between retro and modern is further enhanced by the music playlist’s mix of Rock & Roll and Dance.
Crafted by Head Chef Sam Chablani, the menu at Raven revolves around North and South American food with Asian nuances. Our first taste of “The New Americas” came via the Tuna Tartare ($17); an enticing mix of tuna cubes, avocado wasabi puree, yuzu-soy vinaigrette, and frozen pear. The assemblage of ingredients resulted in a combination of citrusy and savoury flavours, and it was an invigorating dish that whetted the palate.
Tuna Tartare at Raven Restaurant & Bar
The Grilled Flat Bread ($12) was a let down. While we enjoyed the novelty of rubbing the bread on roasted garlic, the bread was overly brittle and the tomato and mozzarella dip was underwhelming. Thankfully, the Roasted Corn Niblets ($12) were an absolute delight to munch on. Smeared with smoked sour cream and peppered with oregano, it’s easily one of the tastiest corn dishes we’ve had in awhile.
Various Dishes at Raven Restaurant & Bar
Doused in gula melaka balsamic and seasoned with oregano, basil, and olives, the tangy Burratina & Heirloom Tomatoes ($18) was very much welcome after the powerful flavours of roasted corn. Though the gula melaka balsamic was negligible at best, we can’t deny the freshness of the tomatoes and the quality of the burratina. Yet another unfamiliar dish; the Banana Fritters ‘Tostones’ ($12) consisted of chunky bananas coated with corn batter and spiced with chilli vinegar. The sweetness of the fruit was subjugated by a mild tartness, but at least the batter was nicely crisp.
Cauliflower Steak at Raven Restaurant & Bar
Soaked in delicious Jalapeño vinaigrette and mixed with pico de gallo (salsa), the Fried Chorizo Croquettes ($13) was the stuff dreams should be made of. Every single ball oozed rich chorizo fillings – yum. Crunchy, sweet, and juicy at the same time, the Roasted Cauliflower Steak ($23) was again an impeccable creation by Raven’s kitchen team. A glorious hunk of cauliflower lashed with chickpea sofrito, coconut cream, harissa vinaigrette, and coriander, it’s no wonder Chef Chablani described it as “Deepavali in your mouth”. Simply remarkable.
While not the most exciting combination, Salmon & Caviar ($24) left a good impression with its mouth-watering fusion of silky hand-torn pasta, smoked salmon, caviar, onion & mushroom cream, and parmesan.
Dessert Time! Green Tea Opera at Raven Restaurant & Bar
As for the desserts, a clear winner was the Chocolate Overdose ($13); where a luxurious platter of various Belgian chocolate styles included bitter sherbet, hazelnut mousse, chocolate sponge, and dehydrated chocolate. Tipplers will also be able to indulge in a specially curated selection of craft beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails conceptualised by Group Bartender Ryan Rhodes.
Cocktails at Raven Restaurant & Bar’s Al Fresco Seating Area
Deftly combining style and substance, Raven Restaurant & Bar gives CHIJMES a certain flair that has been sorely lacking in previous years. Coupled with a sultry interior, an adventurous menu, and an extensive drinks list, Raven looks like its set to stay.
