I’m not much of a gambler (it’s not in my blood), but I’ve been to the IRs more times than I can count on my fingers and toes, not that I’m complaining. This time, it was for a tête-à-tête with charming celebrity chef Daniel Boulud (read the interview here). At chef Boulud’s latest French-American restaurant, db Bistro Moderne (#B1-48 Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8525), I was treated to an over-indulgent 15-course dinner, which took me a grand total of five hours to get through. Among the many scrumptious items to appear on my table were: an impossibly smooth and creamy foie gras terrine ($26), spicy tuna tartare topped with crunchy brunoised cucumbers and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, accompanied by an addictive homemade harissa mayo ($22), and escargot and chicken oyster fricassee, with parsley and hazelnut späetzle ($19). The sumptuous, full-bodied sauce of the traditional coq au vin ($31), with bacon, wild mushrooms and pearl onions also made me weak in the knees, as did the original db burger ($35)—foie gras and unbelievably tender braised short ribs wrapped in a sirloin patty. As an especially extravagant seasonal touch, layers of shaved black truffle fully completed the effect. They had to call in a crane to move me after.
Also in the vicinity and fresh out of the oven is culinary heavyweight Mario Batali’s Pizzeria Mozza and Osteria Mozza (#B1-42/46 Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8522). I’m looking forward to authentic Italian dishes such as handmade pizzas and a selection of delicious cheeses including burrata and buffalo mozz from the mozzarella bar.
If you’re in town and looking to score some quick but satisfying grub, Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin (#B4-39/40 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-8101) has some great fuss-free options. Put your money down on their black pig loin katsudon (from $16.90), which has come out the top dog donburi in Japan. Throw in some sinfully oozy cheese croquettes ($3), mini burgers ($6.50) and toasted cheese pork katsu sandwiches ($9.60) for a real deal of a meal.
I’ve yet to check out A Curious Tepee (#02-24 *SCAPE, 2 Orchard Link, 6820-1680), a café-bar-retail store concept that’s opened up in my hood. They’ve hooked themselves up with some specialty coffee beans from Papa Palheta (140 Bukit Timah Rd., 9799-0420), so I know where I’ll be getting my caffeine fix the next time I’m jonesing.
Speaking of coffee, The House of Robert Timms (#01-02/03 Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Rd., 6735-9201) has taken over the space that was Borders Books, Music & Café. I have some fond memories of all-nighters that I’ve pulled in the past with the assistance of that Aussie cuppa.
Barossa opens its second outlet this weekend at Holland Village (22 Lorong Mambong, 6468-4688), so you can expect more Australian meaty goodness, with a double dose of that laidback vibe that made its original joint so popular.