Having been recently bewitched by Tree (read our feature here)- the bar above Garden of Eden under the same guidance of Chef Tim Ross-Watson – I knew it was only a matter of time before I’d be dining at his restaurant. Already wowed by his experimental mixology methods, I was looking forward to getting to the root of his progressive ways right back where they all started – in the kitchen and on the plate.
While Tree might be the fun, playful, boho sibling, Garden of Eden is the grown-up and chic first-born with it’s sleek and brooding good looks.
Though some of the items on the menu may not seem that out of the ordinary at first glance, it’s the preparation, culinary methods and attention to detail which change the ball game here.
Take for example the Waldorf Salad ($26). What sets this apart from your usual waldorf salad is the fact it is topped with Stilton – which has been freeze dried in liquid nitrogen right at your table – so this is not just food but also theatre as the vapour spills out from the serving container with the Stilton crumbling over the leaves….
The Foie Gras ($29), was a beautiful plate of unbelievably light and creamy foie gras mousse served with crispy chicken crackers, a wonderfully sweet and tart sherry gel and herb salad.
On this occasion, we were four Brits dining out, so we couldn’t resist trying the Good Old Ploughman’s ($26). Actually they should probably swap the word ‘Good” with ‘Great’ as this is certainly one of the best and I’m not sure if or where you will find better in Singapore. The home made pickled onion and pineapple were more than spot on and served with extremely satisfying chunks of tangy cheddar cheese and succulent twice cooked gammon.
For the mains, we decided to have a bit of a meat feast headed up by the Steak and Veg ($36). Delicious, tender morsels of Wagyu beef rump cooked to perfection served upon a wonderfully flavourful and comforting pearl barley and foie gras cassoulet, and finished off with crispy baby vegetables. This was so good…we just wished there was more of it! So this is one to be savoured slowly before it’s all gone.
There’s nothing like a good goulash and so of course we had to try the one here. Beautiful, tender chunks of steak nestled in deliciously smokey twice cooked Goulash sauce - again so more-ish we just wanted to keep eating it after we had finished!
The upsize of the servings being slightly on the small side is that after starters and mains you still have room for dessert without feeling like you’re busting at the seams.
And this was one dessert menu we were all looking forward to, with some classic dishes updated to give them a special twist.
The Lemon Meringue Pie ($15) was a de-constructed version made with melt-in-your-mouth freeze-dried lemon meringues, and crispy lemon cake. A really different take and delicious to boot.
The Chocolate and Pear ($15) was pure indulgence and one that chocolate lovers probably won’t want to share – she says speaking from experience! The marriage of the baked chocolate and pear custard, crispy chocolate cake, pear coulis and vanilla pod ice cream made this a brilliant bittersweet yet delicate fusion of tastes and textures. Chocolate heaven? Yes indeed. So much so we ordered two!
Also Bannoffee Pie ($18) lovers check out this restaurant’s rendition where freeze drying comes into play once again to quirky effect…
At the core of the concept is not only creativity in the kitchen but also stellar, attentive service. Before each dish is served, its contents are explained which is a very nice touch. However, if you do have any dietary restrictions be sure to double check with the service staff as sometimes ingredients such as bacon or shellfish might grab you unawares.
If you’re looking to try creative culinary concepts, then the Garden of Eden should without a doubt be on your list of must-tries, but of course be prepared to pay for the experience. This is a place to appreciate and slowly savour the idiosyncrasies of each dish and frolick with molecular gastronomy in the theatre of food. So get ready to enter the Garden of Eden….
Garden of Eden is at 148 Neil Road. Open Tuesday – Saturday 6pm-11.30. Tel: 6222-2119. For more information see their Facebook page here.
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Written by Ms Demeanour
Meal paid for by City Nomads