Alex - Here have what I know

AKASHI
Not just a move, but a complete reinvention for Akashi. It was always a stalwart in the old days in the basement of Tanglin Shopping Centre - reliable fare and great prices. Now it has moved to an impressive space on the ground floor of Orchard Hotel (along with newly opened, energetic sister restaurant Inakaya) and gone upmarket. The setting is much smarter, the food is more elegant and the quality higher and, yes, you’ve guessed it, the good old prices are a thing of the past. To be fair, you are getting what you pay for.
#01-01A Orchard Parade Hotel, 1 Tanglin Road, tel: +65 6732-4438.

AOKI
Being part of the Les Amis Group, you know you are in for a pretty subline experience. This is arguably the ultimate in Japanese dining and service, so expect a not insignificant contribution to your credit card statement. Play it smart and go on expreses. The decor is the epitome of Zen minimalism. The menu covers sushi, sashimi, shabu shabu, sukiyaki, tempura, and seasonal produce is a highlight. Everything is exquisitely presented.
Shaw Centre, #02-17, 1 Scotts Road, tel: +65 6333-8015.

IKUKAN
The name of the lane off Club Street may elicit the odd giggle, but the food at Ikukan certainly won’t. This is serious, creative Japanese fare in an elegant setting and unusually, a Western style of dining is predominant with starters, main courses and desserts. The speciality is Japanese charcoal grill, so try the beef or black cod. Set menus are good value too.
23 Mohamed Ali Lane #01-01, Tel: +65 6325-3362.
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BONTA
Chef Pezzera used to run one of Jakarta’s leading Italian restaurants and he is showing his deft touch here, succeeding in a location where three previous Italian restaurants have failed. His food shows creativity and ingredients are faultless. Decor is modern and simple, and service is well above average. the menu has a leaning towards northern Italian dishes but acknowledging Singapore’s passion for seafood, shellfish and fish are also well represented. Some of our favourite dishes include Parma ham with a melon compote, lobster tartare, tagliolini with black summer truffle and pappardelle with arrabiata oxtail ragu.
207 River Valley Road, 01-61 UE Square River Wing (junction of Mohamed Sultan Road and Unity Street), tel: +65 6333 8875.

DOMVS
This old fashioned grande dame has been serving up Italian fine dining since 1985 and a recent refurb has rendered her far more appealing to the modern, design-conscious consumer. The decor is still formal but has been lightened up somewhat, Southern Italian cuisine, specifically Sicilian, is now the order of the day so the food is lighter and lines of oven-baked spatchcock with candied orange tabbouleh, Burrata cheese with Sinilian tomatoes, and angel hair pasta with Sicilian cured ham.
Sheraton Towers Singapore, 39 Scotts Road, tel: +65 6839-5622.

GARIBALDI
Despite stiff competition in the cool, modern Italian category, Garibaldi is still packing them in. The decor is minimalist almost to the point of austere (Gunther’s next door is in the same vein) but this means that all attention is on the food and deservadly so. Chef Roberto Galetti has garnered a reputation for refined flavours and his use of quality seasonal ingrediets. The home-made pasta is excellent and sauces range from classical to tantalisingly creative. Other highlights include veal alla Milanese and osso bucco.
36 Purvis Street, tel: +65 6837-1468.
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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.
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INDOCHINE WATERFRONT
Not the original but definitely the best IndoChine outlet in our book. The fact that the Club Street outlet (soon to relocate next door) is still going strong when all about it seems to be in a state of flux is testament to its popularity. Waterfront is pretty much unbeatable if you have visitors in town. Early reservations are essential to guarantee an outdoor table. Service can be erratic and the food isn’t truly authentic, but that’s not the main reason you come here. The menu offers dishes from all over Indochina: expect the likes of Vietnamese spring rolls, fresh rice paper rolls, and seafood, poultry and meat dishes enhanced by lashings of fresh Asian herbs and aromatics.
Asian Civilizations Museum, 1 Empress Place, tel: +65 6339-1720; 49B Club Street, tel: +65 6323-0503.

LE TONKIN
Authentic food, both Vietnamese and a little French throw in in acknowledgment of the country’s multi cultural heritage, thanks to a chef and owner who are both Vietnamese. Match that with a trendy, Oriental chic vibe and you have a winning combination, and they even have al fresco tables on a landscaped deck. After Mohammed Sultan’s sharp downturn, it was a signal that things were on the up again with the arrival of this little beauty. Top marks for imperial spring rolls with lobster, pho, steamed crab claws and rack of lamb.
18 Mohammed Sultan Road, tel: +65 6235-6006.
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BOMBAY WOODLANDS
Goodness gracious me! Isn’t this little number looking snazzy these days after a modernising makeover? So now you can have delish South Indian veg food in a smart environment. The a la carte reads like a what’s what guide to vegetarian cuisine, but don’t overlooking the daily lunch and dinner buffets. Mult-tries include the idli and vadai, or the paper-thin, crunchy masal dosai served with spicy sambar and creamy coconut chutney.
Tanglin Shopping Centre, #B1-12, 19 Tanglin Road, tel: +65 6836 6961.

CHAT MASALA
Tasty food from the length and breadth of India is the order of the day here so you can head north menu-wise if you are feeling spicily challenged. Masala chicken, paprika prawns, Mysore mutton and Kerala fish curry are all popular. If the East Coast is off your radar, try the genteel environs of Greenwood Avenue instead.
158 Upper East Coast Road, tel: + 65 6876 0570; 18 Greenwood Avenue, tel: +65 6762-2133.

CHUTNEY MARY
Billed as serving Indian fast food, Chutney Mary is popular with Indian expats - which is always a good sign. Well known for the range of chaat - an unfussy tapas-style of food which originated on the streets of Indian cities but is now served in restaurants worldwide. The papri pakori chaat (crispy flour cakes with yoghurt, tamarind chutney, mint sauce and spices) is pretty dammed good and the dum biryani (yellow rice with chicken or beef) is much more interesting than it sounds. Undoubtely the best thing about Chutney Mary is the Bollywood music videos played on the loop.
719 East Coast Rd, tel: +65 6242-4468.

GO INDIA
Hungry and need to dive for cover at Vivo City? Go India is probably your best bet. Also a good option pre or post flicks. All-white and full of modern Indian promise, the food is tasty although not quite as updated as the decor implies. Expect competent South Indian numbers and a decent buffet. The alfresco deck is a draw.
#01-152/155 Vivocity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, tel: +65 6376-9644.

IVORY-THE INDIAN KITCHEN
Sophisticated sister of Go India, this is one of those pleasing restaurants that’s in the middle of it all yet satisfyingly removed from the melee. What we’re trying to say is that it’s upstairs at Clarke Quay. Dark, contemporary decor and moody lighting is not there to distract you from the food which is good enough to bring people back time and again. Seafood is a highlight here; try the masala crab cake and you will never want to order anything else again - and serving sizes are big.
3A River Vally Road, Clarke Quay #02-04, tel: +65 6333-4664.
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ANDRE
Rather an unsung hero. It’s hugely popular at lunchtime - and with good reason - although quieter in the evenings, as is the problem for many restaurateurs in the CBD. Really good, straightforward French food at very reasonable prices. The escargot, duck confit and creme brulee are excellent. Give it a try.
206 Telok Ayer Street, tel: +65 6223-4548.

AU JARDIN
One of the most romantic restaurants in Singapore. Its location in a black and white colonial house nestling in the lush greenery of the Botanical Gardens is unsurpassed. This is fine cotemporary French dining at its best; just remember that it’s set menus only so do give them advanced warning if you have any food issues. Service is impeccable and as for the wine list… this is the Les Amis group after all. Sunday brunch here is sensational - a winner if you have guests staying.
Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, EJH Corner House, tel: +65 6466-8812.

AU PETIT SALUT
Popular exec chef Pattick Heuberger and the Dempsey location have proved a winning combination for Au Petit Salut. Chef Heuberger has stuck to the same formula of well-executed provincial French cuisine except now the surroundings are much more of a conversion piece. Lunchtime is popular but the restaurant comes into its own with nightfall. Must tries include cote de boeuf, foie gras and escargots. Sommelier Elodie Jaglin is a font of knowledge, so do ask her advice.
40C Harding Road, Singapore, tel: +65 6475-1976.

BISTRO PETIT SALUT
Still a popular stalwart of Holland V, despite the exec chef moving to the sister restaurant at Dempsey, food has remained consistent and the crowd has stayed loyal. Expect the same bistro dishes you always enjoyed here, from lobster bisque and duck confit to irresistible desserts such as souffle and profiteroles. Atmosphere is as friendly and cosy as ever and service commendable. Reservations are essential for a terrace table.
#01-54 Chip Bee Gardens, 44 Jalan Merah Saga, tel: +65 6475-1476.
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BLU
While the decor doesn’t seem to have changed perceptibly since Blu first opened, it has seen a whole host of changes in concept: originally Californian, then modern European and now French-inspired contemporary cuisine. Not that we’re knocking those modifications; they say that if something ain’t broke don’t fix it, then the opposite must also be true. British chef Robin Zavou brings Michelin-starred-restaurant experience with him and has created a stylish menu of pure flavours. We’re rather keen on sauteed crayfish with linguine and shellfish foam, roasted turbot in mussel and clam chowder and roasted venison with bitter chocolate sauce - it works, trust us. Service is immaculate.
Level 24, Shangri-La Hotel, 22 Orange Grove Road, tel: +65 6213-4598.

BROTH
Still a firm favourite here at Expat. Proprietor Steven Hansen, may be Australian but the recently rejigged menu is modern European and the mood is definitely Continental. There’s nothing better than sitting out on the pavement and soaking in the unique, peaceful atmosphere of Duxton Hill over a bottle of wine. Broth is one of those restaurants where the experience is just as enjoyable whether at lunch or at dinner. The lamb loin coated in herbs is still a standout dish after all these years and whatever you do, don’t miss dessert.
21 Duxton Hill, tel: |65 6323-3353.

BROWN SUGAR
Great little restaurant in an unusual location, namely the StarDus clubhouse on River Vally. Loved it for lunch; probably fun for dinner with a group, but we’re not sure it would suit dinner a deux. Decor is simple and contemporary and food is modern brasserie style: think along the lines of mushroom cappuccino, sauteed squid, pan-seared tuna with lemon and tomato couscous, roasted veal loin. The pineapple and banana crumble was superb. Good value set lunch at S$23 for two courses or S$27 for three.
#01-04 Stardus Clubhouse, 277 River Vally Road, tel: +65 6333-6612
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What’s cooking?

“My mother’s menu consisted of two choices: Take it or leave it,” once quipped American comic Buddy Hackett. Thankfully, that’s not the case in Singapore - the choice is more extensive than we’ve seen in a long time and the quality just keeps getting better, too. So how do you choose? The Expat Restaurant Guide 2008 is the result of constant research, countless tastings, and numerous gourmet experiences keeping you abrest of the best dining options available. Julia Hawes leads the review team as usual with her round up of what’s hot.

Bon appetit!

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