1. WHITEGRASS
Modern Australian cuisine with an Asian touch takes centre stage at Whitegrass by chef-owner Sam Aisbett, who has worked with chefs Tetsuya Wakuda at Tetsuya's and Peter Gilmore at Quay, both in Sydney.
The 70-seat restaurant with a 24-seat outdoor bar currently serves two dinner menus priced at $170++ for five courses and $265++ for eight courses.
Highlights include Hokkaido scallops with pickled melon, caviar and cultured cream; slow-cooked Mangalica pork with diced Jade Tiger abalone (from the Australian Southern Ocean), fermented cabbage and fiddlehead ferns; and butter-poached quail with diced century egg whites, toasted almond, sunflower and flax seeds, and toasted milk made from heating fresh milk and lifting the "skin" off the top and toasting it until slightly burnt.
Influenced by his time in Singapore, Aisbett makes a pre-dessert featuring longan, jackfruit, young coconut and mangosteen with ginger sponge. To finish, indulge in Black Gold, a chocolate dessert with Valrhona chocolate mousse with a white chocolate centre, orange jellies and crunchy chocolate pearls.
Where: 01-26 Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street
Open: 6 to 9.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday, closed on Sunday and Monday
Info: Go to www.facebook.com/ whitegrassrestaurant or call 6837-0402
2. WANNA CUPPA
Grab a cuppa at two-month-old 48-seat cafe Wanna Cuppa, which uses award-winning Signature Blend coffee beans from World Barista judge Justin Metcalf, one of Australia's most recognised coffee consultants.
Hot and iced coffee drinks, as well as gourmet teas from Canada, are priced from $4.
The food menu features items such as enoki mushroom fries ($7.90); Picasso Panini ($8.90) with barbecued chicken, grilled mushrooms and cheddar cheese in ciabatta; soft-shell crab pasta ($15.90); and golden mantou wagyu sliders ($17.90) with fries and salad.
Where: 15 New Bridge Road
Open: 8.30am to 10pm (Monday to Thursday), 8.30am to midnight (Friday), 10am to midnight (Saturday), 10am to 6pm (Sunday)
Info: Go to www.facebook.com/ WannaCuppaSG or call 6816-2494
3. 13% GASTRO WINE
Wine lovers can head to this new wine bar for a taste of tipples from around the world.
The wine list features many French wines from different regions, as well as a selection from Portugal, Lebanon and Australia.
Pair your wines with bites ($8 each) such as edamame falafel with Greek cucumber and parsley tzatziki; roasted tomato and red pepper gazpacho; and baked eggplant and summer beaufort cheese.
Other offerings include cheese ($32 or $58) and charcuterie ($45) wood boards; grilled pork, chicken or beef ($35 each); and tomato tatin ($16) with roasted pine nuts, burrata cheese, basil and balsamic reduction.
Where: 02-01, 14 Aliwal Street
Open: 5pm till late, Monday to Saturday, closed on Sunday
Info: Go to www.facebook.com/13gastrowine or call 6291-6816
4. ATLAS COFFEEHOUSE
Cafe hoppers have been flocking to Atlas Coffeehouse, the sister cafe to Assembly Coffee in Evans Road.
It is good for those who want a change from the usual cafe fare, as the menu features dishes such as salmon soba noodles ($17), summer chicken stew ($17) and creamy mushroom on sourdough ($12).
Other options include Nutella brioche French toast ($15); Atlas butterscotch banana pancake ($18); breakfast strawberry maple pancake ($16) as well as a selection of buttermilk waffles with flavours such as salted caramel ($12), mixed berries compote ($12.50) and candied bacon ($14).
Where: 6 Duke's Road
Open: 8am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday
Info: Go to www.facebook.com/ atlascoffeehouse or call 6314-2674
5. OH MY TIAN
The team behind the Alice in Wonderland-inspired Hatter Street Bakehouse & Cafe in Kovan opened a carnival-themed cafe named Oh My Tian two weeks ago.
Dishes include Donut Burger ($13) with chicken or beef topped with mushrooms, caramelised onions, hashbrown and barbecue sauce; Okonomi Pizza ($12) with teriyaki chicken, pineapple, mushrooms, spicy mayonnaise and bonito flakes; and OMT big breakfast ($15).
Fans of Hatter Street's waffles can get them at Oh My Tian too. Waffles with a single scoop of ice cream are priced at $9. Ice cream flavours include gula melaka, soy milk and strawberry cheesecake.
Where: 01-79, 34 Whampoa West
Open: Noon to 10pm, Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday
Info: Go to www.facebook.com/ OhMyTianSG or call 6612-1166
Eunice Quek
- Opening a new restaurant? Send the details to stlife@sph.com.sg
