Got this off the CAN site. Some tips and recommendations as to where u can bring ur gal/boy for dinner. Sth different. Pictures are available on the site.
As much as I wld like to enjoy these delicacies, what tempts me the most is still hawker food in Sg. But nevertheless, I promise myself I wld certainly be going to one of these posh restaurants one day! (the price of mee goreng sorta reminds me of the price I have to pay here in Auz! haha)
THE CLIFF The Sentosa Singapore (A Beaufort Hotel)
Designed by famed Japanese designer, Yasuhiro Koichi, The Cliff sets new standards in the culinary arts. Perched on a cliff overlooking the South China Sea and blessed with gentle breezes, this alfresco style restaurant is a heaven for connoisseurs of fine seafood and wine. The menu reflects the creative spirit of our Chef de Cuisine, Shawn Armstrong, who prepares his dishes with a distinct modern French flair.
Cauliflower-black pepper panna cotta and tomato marmalade; fire-roasted baby purple artichokes; soya bean succotash and creamed corn and "Strawberries and cream" strawberry soup with creme fraiche bavarois - some of the dishes on the menu sure sound like a promising recipe for a romantic night out!
Poison Ivy Bistro 100 Neo Tiew Road, Tel: 68985001 9am to 6pm, Wednesdays to Sundays only
Take a break from the busyness of the city and come into the world of Bollywood Veggies - a 10 acre farm in the middle of nowhere. Tucked away in Kranji, this farm specialises in growing and selling organic fruits and vegetables like corn, guava, banana, yam, papaya, sugarcane, kang kong, dill, cats whiskers, belimbings, sayur manis, lady's fingers, chillis, brinjals and more. It comes complete with a little bistro overlooking the expanse of green, right in front of the farm. Owned by feisty Ivy Singh-Lim, the ex-president of the Netball Association of Singapore and her husband, the ex-CEO of NTUC FairPrice, this cafe's charm, is as Ivy Singh herself playfully says, "to have a former CEO serve you." Try the curry and home-made roti prata ($5), banana cake ($2), vadai ($1) and the coffee ($2).
Maison De Fontaine 33 & 35 Scotts Road, Tel: 67337339
Owned by Ms Irene Legay, the Maison de Fontaine used to be at Chijmes but moved to its present location at Scotts Road in 2004. This particular colonial house on stilts was built in the early 1900s and served as a residence for many decades before housing a car rental company and subsequently, the Maison de Fontaine. It is divided into 3 sections - the French, the Saigon and the Straits and strives to be your 'friendly neighbourhood French restaurant'. The pan-fried fois gras with picked starfruit ($24) and the yam crème brulee with gingko nut sorbet ($10) are worth trying.
Vanilla Pod 200 Mandai Lake Road, Tel: 63680672 Noon to 2.30pm, 7 to 930pm, closed on Mondays
Plonk yourself on one of the chairs in this green haven in the heart of MandaiOrchidGarden and enjoy the view through greenhouse-like glass walls. The garden is home to 4 hectares of greenery and more than 200 species of orchids and has been a tourist attraction for the past 30 years. The restaurant was set up last year in 2004 and is located along the road up to the MandaiZoological Gardens and the Night Safari. When you're here, try the lobster pasta ($35), lamb shank ($26) or the crabmeat tagliatelle ($18) and enjoy a wonderful meal with the cousins of Singapore's national flower.
Colbar Beside Temasek Club, Portsdown Road
An abbreviated form of 'colonial bar', the bohemian Portsdown eatery Colbar was featured in the papers some time back because of JTC's decision to take over the land to make way for a new road - a decision that was met with a considerable amount of resistance. Thank goodness JTC later made a wise move to relocate the eatery to a place a stone's throw away from the original place, or we would've suffered the loss of a slice of the 'Old World' as represented by this place. Presently right beside Temasek Club, Colbar is a total transplant of the original building with the familiar wooden scratched doors, blue-and-cream walls and the same furnishings. In fact, only the mosaic floor which could not be salvaged from the original place was redone, but 'grubbied up' for the same feel. Owned by the reputedly grumpy and reticent Mr Lim, Colbar still serves up the same fare and it will do you good to try their curry (beef, chicken or egg) or their fish and chips or their nasi goreng or their sausages, eggs and fries. A greener and more lush environment combined with the rustic charm of the 'Old World' propels this eatery as one of THE places to go when one is tired of the city.
Galley by the Straits SAF Yacht Club, 43 Admiralty Road West Tel: 67579026; 11am to 10pm daily
Laying claim to the fact that it is the "northern-most" restaurant in Singapore, this seafood joint lies at the end of a rather tiresome and bumpy road past the Sembawang Army Camp and a stretch of steel containers. Upon arrival however, any irritation accumulated along the way falls away as you are greeted by the unadulterated view of the sea and the Johor skyline. The restaurant has two levels and a boardwalk which brings dinner right to the edge of the waves, adding a nice touch to an almost perfect ambience. According to owner Jimmy Sim, the best time to come is between 7 and 7.30pm; because that's when the sun sets and the waters slowly get illuminated by lights on the ships. So have the fish head curry (from $20) or the marsala fish and chips ($13) or the soft shell crabs (from $12), all with a wonderful view on the side.
The Reef FishermanVillage; PasirRisPark, Tel: 6583 9595
Right beside the coastline, a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere pervades this western food joint, making it one of the prime chill out locations in Singapore. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore, the heavy beat of R&B plus great food, is an amazing combination. Try the fish and chips ($10.50) which is reasonably priced and comes in a big serving or chicken chop ($9.50) or the Ostrich Steak ($20). Polish it off with dessert: choose from a variety of desserts ranging from $6-8++.
Sunset Grill and Pub 140B Piccadilly, Seletar Airbase (from Piccadilly, turn into Lambeth Walk, Hampstead Gardens, Western Ave, into East Camp, all the way to Singapore Flying Club) Tel: 64820244 4pm to 10pm; closed on Tuesdays
Imagine this, dining on a wooden deck right under a huge Angsana tree with music from the good ole' days playing in the background. The occasional plane from a nearby airbase takes off. The hosts welcome you warmly and make conversation as you sit down and settle yourself down. This is exactly how it'd be here at Sunset Grill and Pub. Dishes to try - the buffalo wings which come in 3 levels of spiciness (from $14.50 for 6 wings), Caesar Salad ($10.50) and lamb chops ($22.50). This extremely ulu place takes patience to get to but as the old adage goes, there's a light at the end of the tunnel, and true enough, the eventual reward upon arrival is worth it.
Flutes at the Fort
21 Lewin Terrace, FortCanningPark Tel: 63388770
This colonial building was built in 1908 behind the Hill Street Fire Station and was the residence for the fire chief all the way up to the 1970s. Spotted by Ms Magnus in 2003, she took advantage of the innate character and atmosphere that it already had and converted it into a restaurant. Opened in June 2004, the Flutes at the Fort promises an amazing selection of modern Australian cuisine. Dine in the middle of Singapore's most historical site whilst surrounded by lush fruit trees - its elegance has made it a popular site for weddings. Try the grilled lamb cutlet ($30), duck confit tartlet ($26) and marron-tuna salad ($34).
The most expensive French restaurant in town but also the best, Au Jardin is a part of the prestigious Les Amis Group of restaurants. A retreat set amidst beautiful gardens, cascading waterfalls, lakes and lush greenery, Au Jardin was designed to resemble the 'Relais et Chateaux' restaurants found in Europe and other major cities around the world. The colonial character and architecture of the EJH corner house was retained to complement the restaurant's ornate "plantation style" façade. They offer a seven-course Menu Dégustation and a three-course Table d'Hôte menu while their semi-buffet Sunday brunch focuses on Provençal fare. A Ladies Luncheon and Afternoon Tea Rhapsody are also available on Fridays and Sundays respectively. Try their clam and scallop with black truffles ($42), oven-baked cod ($50) and saddle of lamb ($54).
Café Les Amis (Botanic Gardens) Visitor Centre Singapore Botanic Gardens
This al fresco café offers diners a splendid view of the Gardens. Facing the PalmValley with a beautiful waterfall, small fountains and a large variety of palm trees, allowing visitors to sit back and relax completely, soothing any ruffled spirit. Luckier diners may even catch cheeky squirrels scampering about or wild Indian parakeets swooping by. Pets are welcome and are provided with drinking bowls after their long hot walks. Try their Hamburger with melted cheese, fries & mixed salad ($11), Mee Goreng ($7.50) and Beef or Seafood "Hor fun" ($12).
Dempsey's Hut
130E Minden Road Tel: 64739606 11am to midnight daily; closes at 1am on Saturdays and eve of public holidays
Customers have their meals directly under the trees in this open-air bar that is very much subject to the whim of the weather. The managing director, Kevin Hoon refuses, however, to install a canopy, wanting instead to be with nature. A good choice too, seeing how man and nature come together to create a relaxed, chummy atmosphere ideal even for the family crowd. Try their chicken curry ($7.90) and lamb chop ($16.90) accompanied with a nice cool pint of premium beer ($5 per mug or $20 per jug).
Samy's Curry Fish Head Block 25 Dempsey Rd, Tel: 6472-2080
Very 'old world', very rustic, with a high-ceilinged, open-air hall, which has shutters thrown back and fans whirring above. Take a seat and soon, someone will slap a banana leaf place mat in front of you. A blob of white rice will follow, and then buckets of vegetables, chicken, mutton, fish, prawn, etc will be brought out, swimming in the rich and spicy curries. Make your choice and a scoop will be dumped on your banana leaf. The best accompaniment - fresh lime juice. Food is sold by the scoop or piece, ranging from 80¢ to $3. Of course, the highlight is the fish head curry.
