The two things diners should know about Leandros Staglioni, the new chef de cuisine of Siant Pierre is that he can out-work most blokes, yet he cooks in an almost domestic, flavour-driven manner. It makes him the perfect “chef/matron” as he mollifies any overly macho dishes with a sweet clarity of her own. The ubiquitous duck leg confit, for instance, is lightened by the bittersweet addition of grilled radicchio and pickled pears.

Other things are left well enough alone. A twice-baked gruyere souffle is just as richly cheesy as that of Bistro Moncur, although one takes exception to it being listed merely as a souffle, which you don’t expect to have been doused with cream and re-baked. Dense, intense, slow-cooked tripes a la Lyonnaise is made traditionally, using green, unblanched tripe. And the fruits de mer is simply a pile of prawns, bugs, scallops, lobster and impeccable oysters, served with sauce Marie-Rose. Summer desserts don’t get much more time-and-place than a dazzling tumble of sliced peaches, mixed berries and pomegranate seeds topped with a drained bundle of vanilla yoghurt and dotted with dainty heart’s ease flowers.

The downside of Saint Pierre is the same as every good brasserie: it’s bloody noisy. Don’t we just love to see some plats du jour and world-weary old waiters beside the smooth young brigade? But whether one thinks of Saint Pierre as rip-off or homage, it’s nevertheless done with care, faithfulness, detail, a lot of energy and plenty of good food. You’ve gotta love it.
Saint Pierre

30 Market Street, Central Mall

Tel: 6656 1278

Opens daily from 11.30am-2pm and 6pm-10pm

Featured in the May issue of Wine & Dine.

Cocktails in a bottle

VnC has developed cocktails that are sold in a bottle! All you have to do is to unscrew it and tip it into a cocktail glass, and come off looking like an expert cocktail maker. There are currently three different flavours available in the Singaporean market, and can be purchased from popular stores such as Cold Storage and 7 Eleven. The cocktails taste is almost akin to a freshy made one, with the unique blend of alcohol and fruity flavours dancing in your tongue. All cocktails are made with Vodka, even the Mojito, which is one of the flavours available here in Singapore.

Platinum Vodka

The Standard Distillery has produced a new brand of Vodka, made with pure water instead of distilled water. The Vodka is smooth to the palate, and really does set itself apart from its local counterparts. A special feature of this brand is the silver coin. The S Serebrom Premium vodka comes with a .999 silver coin in each bottle. This silver coin is both a collectible and serves to ionize the alcohol.

On an Island

Singapore now has its very own brand of Vodka, known as ISLAND. This brand of Vodka has endured the distillation process thrice, and has undergone carbon filtration to ensure pristine drinking quality. Currently available in popular Singapore nightspots, ISLAND vodka is also the house pour brand used in popular night club, the Arena. Apart from Vodka, ISLAND also produces Rum, Dry Gin and Scotch Whisky.

Alcohol has always been a little bit of an acquired taste. Lets now marvel at the new options and savour the glory that only exquisite taste can bring!

Words: Arul

The Pump Room has decided to bring some of its much favoured items, including the award winning Golden Ale! They have taken beer appreciation to a new levels with many ale infused/cured dishes, such as the Scottish Ale Cured Salmon and Chicken Pie with Scottish Ale. If you haven not already guessed, the 4 renowned staple brews of Lager, India Pale Ale, Porter Stout and Scottish Ale still remain, and are enhanced by the coveted old time new comer.

The Scottish Ale Cured Salmon is served in a mix of crispy mesclun salad, Spanish Onion and dressed generously with Chardonnay vinegar. To whet your appetite further, you need the Beef Rib Braised with India Pale Ale, served with pommes puree and beer battered deep fried asparagus sticks. A must try!

Head down to The Pump Room Today!

The Pump Room @ Clarke Quay 


 3B River Valley Road, #01-09
 Singapore 179021

Tel:

6334 2628

Operation Hours: 
 

12:00pm to 3:00am (Sunday to Thursday)

12:00pm to 5:00am (Friday & Saturday)

The traditional Da Paolo Italian restaurant, reputed as ‘a village restaurant’, prides itself on its ‘family run’ feel yet maintains an air of professionalism when it comes to the service and the authenticity of the food. The décor creates an intimate ambience with antique furniture and pictures making it an ideal business venue at lunch and perfect for a romantic dinner a deux by night.

The set lunch here is a steal too. Consisting of your choice of main course (and there are no shortage of options), with dessert and coffee or tea, you are ensured great value for money. Ifala carte is your preference , then take your pick from a variety of antipasto, or starters, as well as pastas, grilled meats and fish. Pleasing to the eye and so delicious, the Taglioni con Aragostine comes appropriately-portioned. Consisting of homemade egg pasta tossed with crayfish, garlic, cherry tomatoes and white wine, this slightly tangy pasta dish has an almost unnoticeable whisper of spice, which is delightfully welcome. The freshness of the ingredients is apparent in every bite, the crayfish juicy and succulent.

First grilled and then oven-baked, the Costolette di Agnello con Formaggio Pecorino, or rack of lamb, is aromatic and tender. Sprinkled generously with pecorino cheese and herbs which serve to accentuate the lamb, this dish comes with a generous portion of veggies to balance out your meal.

Da Paolo

44 Jalan Merah Saga, 01-56

Tel: 6476 1332

Opens daily from 11.30am-2.30pm and 6.30pm-10.30pm

This Mother’s Day, bring the treasured woman in your life down to Marina Mandarin for a delicious treat. They have simply divine treats lined up for you, with a buffet spread at Aquamarine, an Italian set dinner at Ristorante Bologna, Cantonese set menus at Peach blossoms, and cocktails at Atrium Lounge. And if a mother’s day cake is what you are looking for, look no further than Cafe Mocha! Enjoy the five-star treatment with a spread that will make you yearn for more.

 Aquamarine (level 4)

Asian favourites reign at Aquamarine this Mother’s Day, with delights such as Malawar Fish Curry and Wok-fried Honk Kong Noodles with Seafood. Options available include Buffet lunch and Dinners.

Ristorante Bologna (level 4)

Here, an Italian set dinner awaits you with dishes such as Gambas Prawns flambeed with Garlic, Chilli and fresh Mediterranean herbs, and the ever classic home made Tiramisu! 3 course and 4 course set dinners are available, along with a Mother’s Day Buffet Lunch on the 13th of May.

Peach Blossoms (level 5)

Cantonese Set meals are available here at Peach Blossoms, with items such as Braised Bird’s Nest in Mini Pumpkin and Braised 8-Head quality Whole Abolone with Flower Mushrooms. Settle your craving for authentic Chinese style here with the Delighting, Cherishing and Pampering Mum Set menus.

Atrium Lounge (level 4)

There isn’t a better reason to toast then to the success of motherhood. Congratulate your mom with 4 different flavours of specially concocted champagne cocktails!

Cafe Mocha (level 1)

Feed the durian frenzy with the Mother’s Day Special: Durian Mousse Cake!

With all these marvelous treats lined up for your mother, no further consideration is needed! Just bring your family, particularly your mother, down to Marina Mandarin to show her how much you appreciate her in life. It is her day after all!

For reservations, call: 6845 1111 or drop an email to diningexpress.marina@meritushotels.com! Aquamarine and Ristorante Bologna offer a special welcome gift for moms, and mothers stand a chance to win a special premium gift set with compliments from Marc Jacobs!

See you at Marina Mandarin this Mother’s Day!