The past weekend saw us stuffing our faces at some of the newest restaurants around town, reinstalling our Pokémon Go apps so we could try catching the 80 new Pokémon added to the game, and thinking of ways to get our hands on the indestructible Nokia 3310 — which is due to be reissued later this month — for nostalgic reasons (and to play Snake, of course).
Some of us also visited the former Ford Factory to view the newly opened Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and its Legacies exhibition, which sparked controversy last week when it was initially named Syonan Gallery.
The week ahead doesn’t seem as interesting, unless you count guitar maestro Joe Satriani’s one-night-only concert at the Kallang Theatre tomorrow. With not much to do, why not go on a mini food trail around the island? At least three restaurants have introduced brand new dishes, which range from grilled pork cheek to Alaskan king crab and an exotic Turkish wheat concoction. Whether you’re seeking a sumptuous lunch to take your mind off work (if only for a short while), or an extravagant dinner to reward yourself after a full day of meetings, these mouthwatering creations are bound to hit the spot.
Alaskan King Crab by Jaan
The dish: A highlight of Jaan’s newly launched Winter/ Spring menu, this dish comprises chunks of Alaskan king crab encased in pickled kohlrabi, and accompanied by fresh sea urchin and salmon roe from Hokkaido. A dollop of Osetra caviar on the side adds a touch of luxury, while crab jelly, pickled red and green radishes, and apple batons contribute textural contrast.
The place: Helmed by rising culinary star Kirk Westaway, this one-Michelin-starred restaurant specialises in contemporary French cuisine incorporated with seasonal ingredients.
Price: S$122++ for a six-course lunch menu, and $238++ for a seven-course dinner menu.
Jaan, Level 70, Equinox Complex, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882, +65 6837 3322
Slow Cooked Üveyik Wheat by Maggie Joan’s x Maksut Aşkar
The dish: This exotic concoction features Üveyik, a type of Turkish wheat, slow-cooked for seven hours with leeks and onions. It is one of the dishes on a set dinner menu designed by chef Maksut Aşkar of renowned Istanbul restaurant Neolokal. Aşkar will take over Maggie Joan’s kitchen on 24 and 25 February during dinnertime, to showcase his Anatolian-style cuisine.
The place: Maggie Joan’s is a cosy venue along Amoy Street that serves up Mediterranean-inspired food. Its collaboration with Aşkar marks the start of its Kitchen Takeovers programme for 2017.
Price: S$95 per person for a prix fixe menu.
Maggie Joan’s Dining & Bar, 110 Amoy Street, #01-01 (Entrance from Gemmill Lane), Singapore 068579, +65 6221 5564
Secreto Pork Cheek by The Market Grill
The dish: A must-try for meat lovers, this dish features succulent Spain-imported pork seared over a charcoal grill, and laced with homemade chimichurri sauce. It comes with vegetables too, if that helps assuage your guilt about devouring so much protein.
The place: This casual, industrial-chic eatery serves a range of grilled dishes spanning charbroiled steaks, lamb and pork. It recently revamped its menu to include more seafood and meat offerings.
Price: S$45
The Market Grill, 208 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068642, +65 6221 3323