It’s the last stretch of the year and perhaps it’s just me, but everyone seems to be going on dinner dates. Whether it’s a way to show appreciation to those around you, or simply a fancy treat for holding out as far as you have, indulging in an exquisite meal in a restaurant with immaculate vibes is a surefire way to make your day brighter.
If any of this sounds like you, or if you’re just looking for an unforgettable experience, a trip to Brasserie Astoria would be to your taste. Located in the iconic Victoria Concert Hall, the distinguished brasserie is excited to unveil its fresh, revamped menu alongside a set of new collaborations!
Check Out The New Menu Inspired By An Alternate Perspective
Under the direction of Head Chef Emil Cecil Ess, this revamped menu features an array of vibrant and comforting dishes, taking classics and putting a spin on them. Read on to find out what specialities Brasserie Astoria has in store for the launch of its new menu!
Starters
Opening with the starters, highlights include the Stracciatella: French peaches pickled in yuzu, complemented by a fragrant romesco sauce and topped with basil cress – encompassing the sunny disposition of Singapore. This dish refreshingly starts off your evening, with the gentle sweetness of yuzu and the playful tang from the romesco sauce.
As for seafood lovers, here’s one for you! Initially only on the Plat du Jour (dish of the day) menu, this dish gained so much popularity that it has now earned itself a permanent placement on the starters menu. The Seafood Pepperonata is a homey stew made from peppers and tomatoes, served with perfectly seared Hokkaido scallops and sweet, juicy Argentinian prawns, with a drizzle of zesty galangal aioli. In a sea of striking oranges and reds, the flashes of white and yellow peek through, creating an absolutely gorgeous visual!
For the disciplined non-meat eaters, do not fear for we have the Seared Cabbage. Before dismissing it as just a cabbage dish, picture a sweet onion purée combined with an umami bomb of fermented mushroom gastrique, a smooth yet fragrant wasabi emulsion, chives and a dash of decadent truffle. Whipping everything together creates an electrifying, umami-rich experience that changes the very impression of what cabbage usually is known for.
Mains
Flipping the page, this section features dishes meant for sharing, just like the robust Grilled Celeriac, so bring a loved one along! Meanwhile, the Tagliolini Fresca features fresh tagliolini tossed with Argentinian prawns, grilled squid, crisp cherry tomatoes and thick anchovy butter – a formula for savoury perfection. With warm tones of red and orange, the visuals of this dish are out of this world. Just like the Seafood Pepperonata, the Tagliolini Fresca was also only on the Plat du Jour menu, and found a permanent place on the menu.
Another exciting addition to the menu is the Seared Cod Fish. A variety of vegetables are cooked in olive oil, lemon, and coriander with a selection of seasonings, making up the foundation of this dish. Next, a buttery slice of cod is browned to perfection, becoming the star of the show as it crowns the centre of the plate. Ready to be served, it is complemented with fermented fennel sauce and bubbles of ocean freshness in the form of trout roe.
This menu also includes the Astoria Fried Chicken. Let’s be honest, fried chicken always hits the spot. Soaked in homemade buttermilk and Astoria’s signature spice mix, the chicken is perfectly breaded, providing a delectable burst of flavour in every bite with a mix of crunch and tenderness – a guaranteed “happiness” plate. For a more sinful indulgence, the fried chicken is accompanied by a mouthwatering crowd-favourite, mac and cheese, as well as house pickles and fiery Astoria hot sauce.
Desserts
I believe, on principle, that every meal must be wrapped up with a sweet treat. Well, Brasserie Astoria has a string of sticky sweet desserts. What caught my eye was the Glazed Pecan Tart. Even though I’m not really one for tarts, this pastry created a captivating image of temptation with the shine of the light glancing off the glazed pecans, contrasting the paleness of the tart base. Served with vanilla crème fraîche and a thick scoop of coffee ice cream, this dessert is sure to bring your meal to a delectable, satisfying end.
Prefer something lighter after all the savoury flavours? Well, try the Peach Tea Soft Serve – floral and gentle on the tastebuds. This soft serve is garnished with a wild strawberry compote and almonds – a revitalising way to wrap up the night! Craving for something more nostalgic? There’s also the PB&J Macaron. Inspired by the childhood classic of Skippy’s peanut butter and jelly, this will send you back to your younger days when the sandwich was a staple of your diet.
Anticipate Two Upcoming 4-hands Collaborations
Bringing together some of Singapore’s top culinary talents, Brasserie Astoria is excited to announce collaborations with chefs from VINO TINTO and Artichoke!
Fiesta at Brasserie Astoria
Set for 29 September 2024, Fiesta at Brasserie Astoria features chefs Daniel Chavez and Tamera Chavez of Spanish tapas and wine bar VINO TINTO. Alongside the head chef of the Astoria team, Emil Ess, the event aims to showcase a series of courses that fuse Southeast Asian ingredients and flavours with South American and Spanish dishes. I don’t know about you, but I always love seeing dishes of different cuisines and origins blending together to create something new and creative!
📍Location: Brassiere Astoria Singapore, 11 Empress Pl, Singapore 179558
🗓️Date: 29 September 2024
⏰Time: From 6:30pm onwards
💲Price: S$120++/person
Bjorn Shen of Artichoke
Teasing another collaboration, Brasserie Astoria reveals another partnership with renowned Singaporean Middle Eastern Restaurant Artichoke’s charismatic chef-owner Bjorn Shen. Planned for the 27 October 2024, this collaboration promises its customers an unforgettable dining experience from chefs of the highest culinary prowess. So, if you’re looking for something break up all the scary events you have planned for the spooky season, consider this!
📍Location: Brassiere Astoria Singapore, 11 Empress Pl, Singapore 179558
🗓️Date: 27 October 2024
Writing this has made me hungry too! If you’re ready to dig in and pamper your tastebuds, then be sure to head down to Brasserie Astoria for a spectacular feast. Jog your appetite by checking out the full extent of their menu as well as their opening hours on their website. Additionally, watch their Instagram page for any announcements!
Heading down for lunch? Check out their Plat du Jour menu, which rotates weekly to bring an array of different dishes, keeping customers on their toes! If you’re not much of a big eater, then you’ll be delighted to know that the restaurant is now introducing a Sides Menu. Filled with favourites like the Astoria mac and cheese, roasted potatoes with blue cheese sauce as well as the crisp heirloom tomato salad, these items are now available to order on their own!
📍Location: Brassiere Astoria Singapore, 11 Empress Pl, Singapore 179558
⏰Opening Hours:
- Lunch:
- Monday to Sunday: 12 – 2:30pm
- Dinner:
- Sunday – Thursday: 6 – 10pm
- Friday & Saturday: 6 – 10:30pm
- Golden Hour
- Friday & Saturday: 3 – 6pm
Visuals courtesy of Brasserie Astoria.
