Where to Eat this Week
CONTENT: Yiew Kai Jie/ Michelle Ng
As we’ve officially hit the halfway mark of 2024, check out an array of exciting culinary experiences at some of Singapore’s all-time favorite dining spots.
From the revamped Mediterranean-inspired menu at Publico, sipping on innovative cocktails with addictive bar bites at Las Palmas or feasting and dancing the night away at the newly opened concept space at Nook, each of these destinations offers a unique atmosphere and delectable dishes that promise to delight your taste buds.
Nook
Nestled within a charming shophouse on Craig Road, Nook offers an unparalleled dining and social experience. The vibrant 80-seater three-story multi-concept space in the heart of Tanjong Pagar brings a refreshing dynamic to the district with its blend of contemporary European cuisine, curated drinks, and captivating one-of-a-kind art installations and in-house decorations.
The highlights at Nook include starters like the classic, simple yet fulfilling Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata (S$24), paired with basil and tarragon sorbet, which offers a perfect blend of sweet and savory notes. The Fresh Seasonal Oysters (S$8 per piece) is also a must-order starter on the menu, as the option to have them served cold with a simple side of lemon or mignonette sauce or with the establishment’s in-house burnt butter soy sauce simply enhances and brings out the freshness of the simple yet delectable oysters.
For the mains, opt for the Aqina ½ Organic Chicken (S$42), aged for seven days to achieve exceptional tenderness and flavor, served with charred scallions. Seafood lovers can indulge in the Crispy Scales Blue Cod (S$32), that is cooked to perfection that simply sits in a rich creamy leek sauce topped off with caviar for a decadent punch of umami flavours. Meat enthusiasts will appreciate the Australian Full Blood Wagyu Skirt (S$42) and the Satsuma A4 Wagyu Flap (S$38), both ideal for pairing with a robust full-bodied red wine.
Conclude the meal on a satisfying note with delectable desserts like the Warm 70% Guanaja Molten (S$22), accompanied by smoked ganache and koshihikari rice sorbet, or the White Peach & Shiso (S$20).
Apart from its culinary offerings, Nook’s two other unique concept levels provide a distinct atmosphere and experience.
Nowhere Bar (Level 2): This eclectic edgy bar features expertly crafted cocktails in a setting adorned with repurposed furniture from Thailand and enthralling artwork. Perfect for group gatherings and Instagram-worthy moments, Nowhere Bar also serves as an event space for up to 100 guests, with an outdoor area offering vibrant ambiance and stunning views.
Members Lounge (Level 3): An exclusive retreat complete with a VR golfing course and cozy couches. Ideal for intimate birthday celebrations or medium-sized corporate events, the Members Lounge offers a bespoke venue that ensures cherished memories and lasting connections.
Nook is located at 11 Craig Rd, Singapore 089671
Sushi Tei
Sushi Tei is celebrating 30 years of serving authentic Japanese cuisine with a special anniversary menu! To mark this milestone, Sushi Tei is reintroducing their bestsellers in three special anniversary-themed menus. The first edition is available from now until July 9th and noteworthy exciting dishes include:
Mikan Madai Sushi (S$6.90): Red seabream with a citrus twist, served over sweet-vinegared rice. Truffle Kinoko Tempura (S$8.90): Shiitake and shimeji mushrooms fried to golden perfection and dusted with aromatic truffle powder. Yuki Oden (S$16.90): A comforting bowl of fish cake, daikon, tofu, and more in a light dashi broth. Aburi Hotate Salmon Yuzu Roll (S$10.90): Seared salmon wrapped around sushi rice, topped with raw scallop and bright yuzu mayo.
Hanasaki Roll (S$15.90): Fried squid sushi roll with a lobster salad, crispy Sakura ebi, and spicy mayo. White Curry Kaisen Udon (S$14.90): Udon noodles in a creamy, spicy-sweet white curry sauce with prawns, squid, and hotate.
End your meal with the Dalgona Caramel Coffee Cake (S$8.90), inspired by the viral dalgona coffee when the trend peaked back during 2020. Plus, dine-in customers can receive a complimentary limited edition foldable tote bag with a minimum spend of S$120, while stocks last.
Coastes
The annual menu refresh at Coastes sees an expanded variety of offerings, from breakfast brunch, mains, sharing platters, as well as desserts to satisfy all and every craving you might have after a day in the sun. Fuel up in the mornings with the Power Breakfast Bowl or a Mushroom Truffle & Poached Egg Muffin. After 11am, the full dining menu is available. Highlights include an indulgent Chilli Crab Risotto-a hearty risotto dish cooked in a sweet and spicy chilli sauce mixed with chunks of crab flesh, Cured Salmon & Fennel with Cucumber Gazpacho–a cold starter of marinated salmon served with creamy cucumber gazpacho atop a cumin-spiced filo pastry, and a Crispy Chees Impossible Burger–a hearty breaded Impossible patty layered with creamy truffle shrooms, Gruyere cheese sandwiched in between a toasted brioche bun.
And not to forget the newly launched series of classic yet goodie dishes like the crispy Battered Prawns–freshly fried prawns seasoned with tangy lemon pepper, Coastes Golden Wings–chicken wings fried in prawn paste, and Fish & Chips–beer battered haddock that is full of umami flavor. Wash down all the beach food with ice-cold beers or cocktails; their frozen margaritas come in various flavours like mango and lychee for a sweet finish.
Coastes Beach Bar is located at 50 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa Island
Las Palmas
When one thinks of Novena, they’ll often associate it as a medical hub for foreign patients or for locals to visit their local doctor for their annual checkups. However, a certain rooftop bar is looking to change that perception by establishing a foothold as one of the inaugural cocktail bars in the area. Perched at the top of Courtyard by Mariott in Novena, Las Palmas envisions itself as the premier cocktail bar by offering an unparalleled combination of 16 innovative cocktails, delectable bar bites and a unique rooftop ambiance inspired by the glamour of 60s Hollywood!
The new cocktail menu at Las Palmas pays homage to 60s iconography, divided into four distinct categories—Modernist, Vinyl, Hollywood, and Getaway—the menu features 12 innovative new cocktails alongside four signature favorites.
The four categories are: Modernist: Inspired by Andy Warhol, “Go Nude” (S$29) blends Ford’s Gin with strawberries, raspberry liqueur, and creamy strawberry yoghurt. The spirit forward “Nifty Fifties” (S$27) features a custom printed rice paper cover for the drink that is reminiscent of the “mad men” culture of the 50s-60s which combines aged Japanese whisky, cachaça, dragon fruit syrup, and hibiscus tea. Vinyl: “Sultan of Swing” (S$23) pays homage to Frank Sinatra’s favourite tipple with a concoction of Chivas Regal 12, coffee, spiced apple honey, and banana. “Mr Booze” (S$25) celebrates Bing Crosby with a blend of white and dark rum, yuzu, and shiso.
Hollywood: “Peggy” (S$25) reimagines the Margarita with mezcal and osmanthus, while “Volare” (S$26) offers an elegant twist on the Fino Martini with gin, Cocchi Americano, and Fino Sherry Manzanilla. Getaway: “Donn Beach” (S$23) brings an easy to drink Mai Tai-inspired mix of white rum, Calpis, hazelnut, and orgeat. “The Racquet Club” (S$25) features a fruity and floral Negroni variant with raspberry gin and homemade roselle tea vermouth.
Apart from the tipples, Las Palmas’ new food menu features Californian favorites with an Asian twist, perfect for both casual bites and hearty meals. Highlights include
Churro-rific (S$16): Classic churros with a local twist, served with salted peanut butter and kaya. Smokey Paradise (S$23): Choose between Singapore chili glaze (Tropical Heat) or bourbon barbecue (Smoky Paradise), both served with coleslaw. Fiery Chicken Little (S$18): Popcorn chicken tossed in garlic and Szechuan red pepper, delivering a fiery kick. Juicy Kiss (S$25): Filling and hearty smoked Angus beef brisket sliders with oozy cheese and caramelized onions on sourdough.
Las Palmas is located at 99 Irrawaddy Road, Courtyard By Marriott Singapore Novena, Level 33, Singapore, 329568
Publico
Publico has introduced an exciting new seasonal menu with a strong focus on Mediterranean flavors and ingredients. The revamped offerings highlight the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity and quality, featuring key ingredients like Sicilian Red Prawns and 8-year aged balsamic vinegar.
Begin your culinary journey with quintessential Italian classics. The Focaccia Bread (S$16), freshly baked daily, boasts an airy texture and is glazed with peppercorn and herb oil. This delightful bread is paired with an 8-year aged balsamic vinegar, adding a rich and tangy complement to each bite.
Publico has also expanded its Burrata Menu to include three distinct Pugliese burrata options. These creamy cheese delicacies are smoked in a special room, imparting a unique smoky flavor that elevates the traditional burrata experience.
The Tartare Di Gambero Rosso (S$32) is a must-try contemporary twist on a Sicilian classic. This dish showcases the fresh sweetness of Sicilian red prawns, almost reminiscent of prawn paste found in hotpot restaurants. While the taste might be slightly lacking for some guests, the dish is meant to make the prawns shine as the main star and showcase the adaptability of the seafood in a local context.
Moving on to the new mains, the new Seafood Calamarata (S$42) is a highlight inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean region! This dish features a generous serving of seafood and shellfish, combined with freshly made in-house pasta. Nothing beats a bowl of freshly made pasta combined with the sweet and natural flavours of the seafood for a satisfying meal.
Another new addition to the menu is the Guanciale Pizza (S$32). This pizza uses a generous amount of guanciale, a cured pork cheek typically used in a classic carbonara dish. Paired with pumpkin cream and rich goat cheese, this solid dish offers a well-rounded and hearty main course, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
There’s always space when it comes to Publico’s irresistible desserts. The Olive Oil Citrus Cake (S$16) is light and airy, filled with a delicate cream that provides a satisfying yet not overly sweet finish. For adventurous diners, the Balsamic Panna Cotta (S$18) is a unique dessert that combines a vanilla biscotti covered with a layer of 8-year aged balsamic vinegar. This combination offers a sweet yet slightly sharp note, perfect for aiding digestion after a hearty meal.
Publico is located at InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay, 1 Nanson Rd, Singapore 238909
