PUBLISHED October 13th, 2015 10:00 pm | UPDATED May 14th, 2018 11:55 am
Not sure what to eat in Singapore this week? Well, mid October sees a slew of new chefs at some of the best hotel restaurants in Singapore (and their new menus), a new Japanese gourmet grocer in town, and a popular high tea revamped.
New Chef, New Dishes at Basilico
Fagottini Pasta
Hailing from Bulciago, a small village in Northern Italy, Regent Singapore’s award-winning Italian restaurant’s new Head Chef Luca Beccalli is a breath of fresh air with dishes inspired by his grandmother’s kitchen. His Tomato Tartare ($24) with smoked burrata, oregano crostini and frisée salad with basil dressing is a refined take on the classic Italian Caprese. Our favourite of the night, though, has to be the moneybag-look a like Fagottini Pasta ($34), which is stuffed with pear and Tuscan pecorino cheese and doused in a sweet gorgonzola sauce.
Offering both a la carte and buffet options, Basilico is located at Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249715.
House High Tea, Revamped
House’s Vintage High Tea spread has been brightening up our day since 2010; and in the spirit of collaboration between The Spa Esprit Group and Edible Gardens, you can expect their new menu to feature their signature style of comfort food, now elevated with the freshest herbs. With over 30 new creations on the gorgeous buffet tables, some of my personal favourites include the Papadum and Ginger Butterchicken with Mango Chutney, the Freshly Made Sandwiches (go for the Roast Beef), and the sweet-spiced Curry Leaf Almond Brownie.
House is located at 8D Dempsey Road, Singapore 249672. Priced at $30++ per person (inclusive of a pot of artisanal tea), House Hi Tea is served 3pm-5.30pm, every Thursday and Friday.
New Dim Sum Menu at Shang Palace
With 23 years of experience, Chef Li Shou Tao is a seasoned veteran at the art of dim sum making. His skills are evident in the Steamed Bronze Bolete Mushroom Dumpling ($7, 3 pieces) – a delicious combination of bolete mushrooms and snow peas encased in a thin translucent skin – and the delightfully flaky Deep-fried Shredded Turnip Pastry with Foie Gras ($7, 2 pieces). Another must-try on the new menu is the Pan-fried Chili Crab Meat Bun ($7, 2 pieces)
Shang Place is located at Shangri-La Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350. Dim sum is available only during lunch.
Monkey 47 Gin Pops Up at The Library
If you’re heading to Keong Saik neighbourhood this weekend, do pop into The Library for a cocktail, especially if you’re a fan of Monkey 47 gin. They’ve redecorated the faux shop space outside the main bar to look and smell like a forest, paying tribute to The Black Forest where Monkey 47 is made. Try the yummy Vegan Monkey ($24); the Monkey 47, spiced pear liquor, spinach juice, lemon juice, and rooibos syrup tastes way better than it sounds!
The Monkey 47 pop-up will be at The Library (47 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089151) till the end of October. Check the password here to The Library before you go (you’re welcome).
Japanese Gourmet Grocer Emporium Shokuhin Opens
Taking up the first floor of Marina Square’s new wing, Emporium Shokuhin has already won the hearts of many fans of Japanese produce. On top of fresh Japanese fruits and veggies, there’s a live seafood market (hello fresh oysters and Alaskan king crabs), a beef dry-aging facility (that A5 Miyazaki beef is undoubtedly sexy), and eight different dining concepts. From gyoza and ramen to shabu-shabu, and a seafood bar, there’s something for everyone!
Emporium Shokuhin is located at #01-18 Marina Square, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594.