Expat Restaurant Guide 2008 – INTERNATIONAL

AERIN’S
This casual, modern eatery is brought to you by the people behind Whitebait & Kale. It’s clearly not going to have the same laid-back feel as W&K as it’s right in the middle of Raffles City’s basement atrium, nut what it does, it does well. Expect appetising sustenance for tired, hungry shoppers and you won’t be disappointed: soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, meat and fish mains.
252 North Bridge Road, Raffles City Shopping Centre, B1-11/12, tel: +65 6337-2231.

BAR & BILLIARD ROOM
Buffets can be a bit hit and miss, but if you want to splash out and spoil yourself, go for the original (we think) and the best (definitely). The Bar & Billiard Room has mastered the gourmet buffet to such an extent that’s a;; they serve now, lunch and dinner. The evening variation does such a roaring trade that this venue isn’t really a bar any more. But be grateful for small mercies, at least they’ve moved the smoky barbecue station, so you can sit on the verandah overlooking the fountain and enjoy a sundowner – if you can get a table. We’ve said it before, but we do miss the low-key bar atmosphere and the languid strumming of the resident band.
Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Road, Singapore, tel: +65 6412-1194.

BARNACLES
You know what? This place isn’t half as naff as the name implies so give it a try if you’re “over the water”. Sit alfresco overlooking Siloso Beach, and browse a menu where, not surprisingly, seafood takes centre stage, cooked Asian or Mediterranean style. The seafood platter, like a classic French fruits de mer, is a tour de force of super fresh oysters, shrimps, mussels, clams, lobster and so forth. The chilli crab ain’t bad either.
Rasa Sentosa Resort, 101 Siloso Road, Sentosa, tel: +65 6371-2930.

GORDON GRILL
Forty has benn and gone for this spritely lady – the delightful Gordon Grill is 45 years old and embodies all that is appealing about tradition. The dining room is reminiscent of the grill rooms of old Europe, minus the overwrought opulence, and the menu features classic grill items. Maybe some oysters, snails or frogs legs to start? And may we suggest Australian Wagyu, a cut of Kobe, or maybe Kurabuta pork belly to follow? The meat trolley service is a highlight; the meat is profferred, cut and weighed at your table then whisked away to a waiting chef. The service is as well polished as the silver. Ask to be kept informed about their promotions with visiting chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants.
Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, tel: +65 6730-1744.

GREENWOOD FISH MARKET & BISTRO
Walk through the bustling, friendly fishmongers out front and you will find a cosy restaurant that has earned a loyal following thanks to its fuss free, honest, good food. The chef dishes up Western-style fish with the odd Asian influence, withness crab cakes with spicy peanut sauce. Crowd pleasers include the fruits de mer platter with its chilled, glistening pile of super fresh seafood, and the simply grilled fresh catch. Even better are Tuesday nights when oysters go for just S$1 each.
34 Greenwood Avenue, Singapore. tel: +65 6467-4950.

HALIA
Nestled within the Botanical Garden’s ginger garden, Halia is enchanting and we’ve noticed a marked improvement in the light, Continental food. Dine amidst the lush greenery on the alfresco deck or if you’ve got visitors who are wilting in the heat, get a table in the glass-enclosed dining room. As you can imagine, this place really comes into its own at night. If you can’t decide, try the black pepper soft shell crab and the Hokkaido scallop and prawn linguine.
Singapore Botanic Gardens, Ginger Garden,1 Cluny Road, tel: +65 6476-6711.

POOL GRILL
Where do you go for a resort atmosphere? No, we’re not sending you off to Sentosa. Head instead to thee gorgeously slinky pool at the Marriott and avail yourself of a table at the alfresco Pool Grill. This is not your average pool-side restaurant. On offer is a deceptively simple, Australian-inspired modern grill menu that has proved a big hit. We like the authentic gazpacho and juicy, grilled beef tenderloin. Great for lunch with the girls and charming by night. It’s an oasis in the heart of the city.
Singapore Marriott Hotel, 320 Orchard Road, tel: +65 6831-4627.

THE PRIME SOCIETY
You’re in the mood for a steak but not in the mood to pay top dollar. Look no further than Prime Society. The menu is very meaty, not surprisingly, and while not in he same league as Morton’s, the steak is good quality. Your slab is served up on a wooden board with veggies and fries included which is a big plus in our book in an age when some restaurants seem to think it acceptable to serve a main course with a salad garnish and charge for side orders. The simple, contemporary decor and an alfresco section, although small, is another plus.
#01-20, 10 Dempsey Road, tel: +65 6474-7427.

PS CAFE
With the arrival of number three, there is now a PS Cafe to suit every mood. PS at Palais is the newest arrival and undoubtedly the chicest of the triplets, in keeping with the clientele that frequents the shops at Palais Renaissance. PS at Harding (Dempsey) is more of a retreat, set against the backdrop of lush jungle. And the original, PS at Paragon, is the most simple of the lot, a haven for the harried shopper. There is a standard a la carte menu at all the outlets. We don’t think the one for Paragon and Dempsey has seen any changes since day one, but to be fair it’s the chef’s specials at each location that are the highlight – creative, fully flavoured, modern Aussie dishes. Home made cakes and desserts are without doubt some of the most luscious in Singapore. Service can still be an issue though, particularly at Dempsey for some reason.
PS Cafe at Harding, 28B Harding Road, tel: +65 9070 8782; PS Cafe at Palais, Level 2 Palais Renaissance, tel: +65 9834-8232; PS Cafe at Paragon, Paragon #03-41, 290 Orchard Road, tel: +65 6735-6765.

THE PUMP ROOM
There’s a bit of an “all things to all people” philosophy going on here in terms of microbrewery meets bar, meets sports bar, meets cool club, with a live band thrown in for good measure. But ignore all that if you’re in search of satisfying meal. The food is of a surprisingly good standard in a gastro pub sort of way, and it’s a great spot for a lively meal with friends. Thumbs up for Thai beef salad, caramelised onion and goats cheese souffle, fish and chips, and braised veal cheek and kidney pie.
3B River Vally Road, The Foundry #09-10, tel: +65 6334-2628.

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• Expat Restaurant Guide 2008 – INDO-CHINESE
• Expat Restaurant Guide 2008 – INDIAN
• Expat Restaurant Guide 2008 – FRENCH
• Expat Restaurant Guide 2008 – CONTEMPORARY
• Restaurant Guidelines