While the third quarter of the year would’ve usually signalled the start of our travels, 2020 is looking a little different than previous years.
So, what are we going to do know that we’re not (read: can’t) heading abroad? We’re filling the void the best way we know how: eating our feelings.
We jest. After all, food to Singaporeans isn’t just about dining, it’s a whole experience on its own worth going out for. From casual Japanese spots to brand-new wine-pairing sessions, read on for the full list of new menus to dig into this month.
(Hero image credit: Resorts World Sentosa, Featured image credit: Kinki Restaurant + Bar)
Following the success of its Californian wine-pairing menu last year, Wolfgang Steakhouse is back with a new pairing session: this time in the form of Italian wines. The tasting menu begins with a serving of fresh Fine De Claire Oysters, which pairs beautifully with a bright Is Argiolas Vermentino 2018 from Sardinia that’s slightly acidic yet still extremely light on the palate.
Diners will then be introduced to the trio of meats — a sirloin, a ribeye and a tenderloin steak. Each of the dry-aged USDA Prime meats are served with a different wine to highlight its district flavours too. The fattier USDA Prime Ribeye Steak for example, is served with the Tuscan Il Carbonaione 2012, a full-bodied libation with hints of dark fruits and berries. Other highlights from the menu? Plates of sides like creamed spinach and a sweet, citrus-like glass of Villa M Bianco NV that accompanies the restaurant’s decadent New York Style Cheesecake.
(Image credit: Wolfgang Steakhouse)
If you’re craving some casual Japanese fare when you’re around the area of Holland Village, why not make a pit-stop by Sens Sushi & Grill? Quality servings of Tonkatsu aren’t economical, especially in Singapore, but the contemporary Japanese diner’s Kurobuta Rosu Katsu proves us wrong. The tender pork loin cutlet is coated with a thin layer of breadcrumbs and deep-fried till beautifully crisp and golden. Other dishes like the Hokkaido Treasure Don sees a generous medley of fresh uni, ikura, ama abi, hamachi, scallop and salmon atop a bed of sweet, sticky Japanese rice — perfect for those who can’t decide on what to get.
(Image credit: Jocelyn Tan for Lifestyle Asia)
Besides its brand new weekend lunch menu, diners can also expect a refreshed dinner menu at Butcher’s Block. This new menu plays host to a flavoursome selection of vegetables that’ll tempt even the most ardent of carnivores. The Roscoff Onion is a delicately sweet, tender onion that’s accompanied with lard, tarragon and cashew nut cream, while the Palermo Pepper is a delightful plate of roasted Armenian pepper that’s complete with walnut paste and smoked lemon oil.
If you really can’t decide, we recommend going for the Carte Blanche dinner — a multi-course BBQ feast that puts together a line-up of specialities that span firm favourites and some off-the-menu surprises for a dinner unlike any other.
(Image credit: Butcher’s Block)
Modern Japanese concept, Kinki Restaurant + Bar, always has a knack for keeping things fresh and fun for diners. The Spicy Buffalo Katsu, for instance, marries the addictive spices from the classic buffalo wings with the tender Nagano pork cutlet for an unexpected twist of flavours. The juicy pork is first bathed in a marinade of Worcestershire sauce, Japanese chilli oil and shichimi togarashi (a Japanese seven-spice mix), then coated in panko and fried before it’s topped with nori and shredded chilli for a spicy head-turner.
(Image credit: Kinki Restaurant + Bar)
Barbary Coast Ballroom, the upstairs concept in the multi-level Barbary Coast, has finally reopened its doors to guests and diners this month. The updated cocktail menu sees new concoctions developed during the circuit breaker. The Tommy Tomate is a smokey libation that’s made with tomato-infused Mezcal Vida, kaffir agave and lime. If this new menu is anything like its previous selection, we’re ready to head down for more than just a couple of drinks.
(Image credit: Barbary Coast)
Autumn around the world may signal weather changes, but for Singaporeans, it means updated menus for restaurants that focus on seasonal cuisine. Esora is welcoming autumn with a new menu that highlights chestnuts and mushrooms for a delectable modern Japanese dining experience that’s inspired by Chef Koizumi’s childhood memories. The establishment’s seats are always in high demand, so be sure to place your reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment.
(Image credit: Esora)
Other establishments that are prepping themselves for the change in season include Michelin-starred table65, whose brand new autumn menu spotlights modern European flavours with a unique Japanese twist. The slow-cooked crispy Iberico Pork, for instance, makes use of a premium iberico jowl that’s glazed to perfection, accompanied with a refreshing sweet and sour bacon jam for a textured mouthfeel. Diners can enjoy table65’s new autumn creations in the four or five-course set dinner from Tuesdays to Saturdays.
(Image credit: Resorts World Sentosa)
Jocelyn Tan
Senior Writer
Jocelyn Tan is a travel, food and design writer who loves to explore lesser-known cities abroad and chat with locals about their favourite eats in town. When she's not writing, she's probably indulging in serial killer podcasts or reading one too many books on East Asian history.
