As a self-confessed TV food show addict who counts Gordon Ramsay's shows as those that would stop me from switching to another channel, I saw how he yelled at the contestants in the F Word and Hell’s Kitchen. At the same time, I also remembered how he boldly embarked on an exotic food adventure to the unexplored territories of North East India like Guwahati and Majuli Island in Gordon's Great Escape, attempting to impress the locals with his curry after mixing with the community for a few days.
But don't get me wrong. I am neither a die-hard fan nor a critic of this celebrity chef. More than his TV persona, I have been very curious about the flavours and textures of his dishes. Hence, I was very excited to learn that Chef Ramsay has finally opened his third restaurant in Asia right at the premium Marina Bay Sands. This comes after his first restaurant at Conrad Tokyo in 2005 and Bread Street Kitchen & Bar in Hong Kong last year.
Designed to fit to the brand's East London industrial roots, Bread Street Kitchen offers a truly relaxing dining experience without the rigid pressures of fine-dining. But perhaps cutting straight to the chase, I must confess that the dishes were very impressive, right from the starters to the desserts.
Roasted Veal Carpaccio 4.2/5
Take for example this Roasted Veal Carpaccio ($26) from the cold starters section. I've had beef and horse carpaccio but not yet a veal version. These pinkish slices were succulent and not too gamey, tossed in shredded tuna dressing and dill pickles for a refreshing vibe.
Potted Salt Beef Brisket 4/5
For a classic Scottish dish, try the Potted Salt Beef Brisket ($18) with grain mustard and piccalilli (a kind of salty-sour Indian relish). Some might think of it as corned beef, but I say this is more like a funky British-Indie hybrid that makes a fabulous filling on the aromatic caraway crackers.
Roasted Black Cod 3.8/5
Main courses range from $26 to $44, with the Roasted Black Cod ($44) being ranked at the top of the list. Not much complicated cooking involved here, but it was a straightforward dish that would speak to your soul with its impeccable freshness in a mellow red wine and lemon sauce. In fact, the sides of crushed potato, salted capers and artichokes complemented the fish so well that this dish would be incomplete without one element or another.
Traditional Fish and Chips 4.2/5
That said, the elegant cod fish did not make quite a big splash compared to the Traditional Fish and Chips ($26). The fish beneath the golden crisp batter is meaty yet delicate, needing no further adornment other than the likes of tartar sauce and sweet crushed peas. As such, one will commit a grave mistake to strike this classic British beer food out from the menu because this may just be one of the most delicious version you can find outside UK.
Dingley Dell Pork Belly 4.5/5
Another star dish was the Dingley Dell Pork Belly ($28). As the name suggests, the pork is sourced from a welfare-friendly outdoor pig farm in Suffolk, England. The crunchy bites of the golden crackling was symphony to the ears and the meat was tender without being greasy. Brightened with the light acidity from spiced apple puree, this dish can be paired with a selection of innovative cocktails and world wines from the "interactive" bar area overlooking the scenic waterfront of Marina Bay.
Monkey Shoulder Cranachan Cheesecake with Roasted Balsamic Strawberries 3.5/5
Coffee and White Chocolate Parfait 4.2/5
The Chocolate Fondant with Salted Caramel ($20) was profound in cacao notes but I preferred the Coffee and White Chocolate Parfait with poached blackberries ($18) as its incredible soft and cloud-like texture—somewhat in between an espuma and crème fraiche but not a panna cotta—came as a welcome surprise. The subtly sweet fluff dissipated within seconds in your mouth, leaving behind traces of alcohol scents which stubbornly lingered on.
Treacle Tart with Crème Fraiche Ice Cream 4/5
For a truly old-school British dessert, nothing beats the Treacle Tart with Crème Fraiche Ice Cream ($18). With golden syrup being a non-negotiable ingredient of this dessert, the sweetness might not rally enough supporters but there was a nice, sticky chewiness to the filling cupped within a superb crust. Otherwise, the unique Pineapple Carpaccio with coconut sorbet will bring a zesty and rather unpredictable ending to a British European feast.
As Chef Ramsay said at the start of the meal "You'll want to share a bed with the desserts tonight" Yes, he may be a controversial public figure but when it comes to his food, I think there is nothing much to dispute about.
Bread Street Kitchen
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
South Promenade
2 Bayfront Avenue
L1-81 and B1-81
Singapore 018972
Tel: +65 6688 5665
www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com/bread-street-kitchen-singapore/
Nearest MRT: Bayfront (CC Line, DT Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily Lunch: 11.30am - 5.30pm
Dinner
Sun-Wed: 530pm- 10pm
Thu-Sat: 530pm - 12am
Bar
Sun-Thu: 1130am -1am
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 2am
This article first appeared on SG Food on Foot, an excellent and comprehensive food blog that showcases Singapore's best food near MRT stations.
This article first appeared on SG Food on Foot, an excellent and comprehensive food blog that showcases Singapore's best food near MRT stations.