The Weekly Grub: 5 Things to Eat & Drink in Singapore This Week

PUBLISHED February 22nd, 2017 06:00 am | UPDATED May 14th, 2018 11:51 am

This week is set to be an exciting one for you foodies; with two guest chefs in town cooking up a storm, two new set lunch menus, and a lovely transitional winter-spring menu to look forward to!

Monti Welcomes Chef Dirk Hoberg of Two Michelin-Starred Ophelia

The good thing about the arrival of the Michelin Guide last year is, of course, the increasing number of chefs coming to Singapore for guest stints. From 22-25 February, Chef Dirk Hoberg of German restaurant Ophelia will be at new bayside darling Monti to present a four-course lunch menu ($278++) and an eight-course dinner menu ($398++) – paired with 90-pointer and above wines specially selected by Robert Parker Wine Advocate – as part of the International Chef Showcase. Look forward to classic dishes with modern interpretations such as the Carabinero with cabbage, ginger, and coriander; and Venison paired with spinach, kumquat, hazelnut, and celeriac.

Monti is located at 82 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049213, p. +65 6535 0724. Open Mon-Thu 12pm-1am, Fri 12pm-4am, Sat 4pm-4am. Closed Sun.

Indulgent Set Lunches at VLV Singapore

Those on the lookout for a new lunch spot in the Clarke Quay area will find a new midday retreat in VLV Singapore, where Executive Chef Martin Foo has put together three set lunches. Priced at $98++ for four, the Tasting menu features dishes with robust flavours like the Herbal Soup with sea prawns, and Sweet & Sour Chilean Seabass. For a more indulgent spread, dig into premium plates like the Coral Trout Head & Belly steamed with black garlic and black bean and Kimchi Seafood Fried Rice on the Signatures menu ($138++ for four). Looking for a lighter meal? With a trilogy of dim sum and an intriguing Chrysanthemum Tofu Soup with Matsutake ‘shrooms and bamboo fungus, the Creations menu ($48++ per person, minimum two to dine) will satisfy.

VLV Singapore is located at Clarke Quay, 3A River Valley Road, #01-02, Singapore 179020, p. +65 6661 0197. Lunch sets are available on weekdays, 12pm-3pm.

Maggie Joan’s Kitchen Takeover Featuring Neolokal’s Maksut Aşkar

For the first kitchen takeover of 2017 happening 24-25 February, back-alley gastro destination Maggie Joan’s is welcoming Chef Maksut Aşkar, who will be bringing his brand of Anatolian cuisine to local diners. Anatolia is a region that stretches from the Turkish-Asia border in the east to the Mediterranean Sea, which means it’s influenced by a myriad of ingredients and influences, as reflected by Chef Maksut Aşkar’s menu. Highlights include “Üveyik” Wheat slow cooked with leek and onions, Katmer & Tirit (pulled beef in duck juice, pistachio filo, yogurt, and tarhana cream), and a dessert of Crispy Pumpkin and grape molase mousse, tahini parfait, and sesame croquant.

Maggie Joan’s is located at 110 Amoy Street, Singapore 069930, p, +65 6221 5564. Tickets are available on Chope.

JAAN Presents 2017’s Winter-Spring Menu

Local fine-dining culinary institution JAAN is known for its dedication to the freshest of seasonal produce and Chef de Cuisine Kirk Westaway’s new menu pays homage to the transition from the frost of winter to the bloom of spring. Highlights include the beautifully composed Alaskan King Crab with pickled kohlrabi, sea urchin, and salmon roe, the Snapper with Pumpkin paired with squid and barley, as well as the comforting Chestnut Cannelloni, a twist on the winter favourite of chestnut and truffle soup.

JAAN is located at Level 70, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882, p. +65 6837 3322. Open Mon-Sat 12pm-2.30pm, 7pm-10pm. Closed Sunday and public holidays.

New Set Lunch Menu at Akira Back

Folks who work in the neighbourhoods of Suntec City and City Hall, here’s a new set lunch menu for you to conquer! Known for its Korean-accented Japanese cuisine, Akira Back’s new three-course set lunch features a daily appetizer, a main course, and a dessert of the day. Prices are pegged to your choice of mains, be it the Grilled Spring Chicken ($28) with a gojuchang marinade, the hearty Waygu Ribcap Toban ($45) with sautéed veggies and truffle sauce, or the beautifully plated Sashimi-Don ($40) featuring an assortment of seasonal fish served atop Katsuo Goma brown rice from Hokkaido.

Akira Back is located at JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, 30 Beach Road, Singapore 189763. Lunch sets are available Tue-Sat, 12pm-3pm.

Top Image: VLV