Located at the corner of Amara Hotel at Tanjong Pagar, Bar-Roque Grill is an exciting new restaurant by Chef Stephane Istel and Kori Millar. Chef Stephane was formerly Executive Chef of DB Bistro Modern at MBS by Daniel Boulud. I was really excited to know that Chef Stephane has ventured out of his own and opened Bar-Roque Grill and I can't wait to check out the new place. His business partner and co-owner is Kori Millar who was vast experience in F&B management. The former GM of Sky57 at MBS by Justin Quek and Chef Stephane forms a dynamic team that set to ignite the premium casual dining scene with its heady mix of hedonism and conviviality.
The 90 seaters Bar-Roque Grill has a spectacular open kitchen and magnificent Chef's Table. For guests who require a bit more quiet and intimacy, there is a semi private room. There is also an outdoor terrance where revelers can relax and linger until the wee hours.
Tarte Flambee, The Vegetarian Mushrooms 4.2/5
Pre-dinner was Chef Stephane's hometown dish from Alsace, Tarte Flambee. We have the classic Bacon & Onions ($12/$20) and vegetarian Mushrooms ($12/$20). The thinly rolled out bread dough with its crispy crust and delectable toppings definitely whetted the appetite; looking forward to tasting the rest of the menu.
Braised Pork Belly Bun 4/5
I enjoyed Chef Stephane's interpretation of the Kong Bak Pau. Unlike the Chinese's version, the Braised Pork Belly Bun ($6/pc) with pickled cucumber, leeks and espelette pepper has a more subtle execution. The pork belly was marinated for 16 hours in pineapple juice sandwiched in an extremely soft and fluffy bun.
Vegetable Chicken Soup
Next, Chef Stephane cooked us a pot of piping hot Vegetable Chicken Soup. He even personally served us and added some special "black" ingredients into each bowl.
Can you guess what Chef Stephane is shaving into each bowl of the vegetable chicken soup?
Vegetable Chicken Soup with Truffle 3.5/5
It was so generous of Chef Stephane to add shaved truffle into our soup. I can feel his love now. Nothing sophisticated, just direct nature flavours which was comforting and hearty.
Char Grilled Octopus 4/5
The Char Grilled Octopus ($24) is served with arugula, tomato confit, almonds and romesco colis. I like the tad of smokiness of the tender octopus with a nice crunch to it.
Spinach Salad 4/5
Being a fan of spinach, my eyes brighten with the Spinach Salad ($16). I enjoyed the layers of textures that came from the plate of spinach, goat cheese, dates and almonds.
NZ Little Neck Clam 4.2/5
The NZ Little Neck Clam ($22/$32) or known as New Zealand cockle, tuaki or tuangi is harvested from the unpolluted waters of the Southern Pacific Ocean. The sweet clams together with the garlic pork sausage, mushrooms, parsley and white wine was a delish combination that was very addictive and I could not help going back for more.
A must try is the grills at Bar-Roque. Bar-Roque has one of the biggest innovative modern rotisserie in Singapore. We were treated to a feast that is fit for a king.
Roasted Suckling Pig 3.5/5
The Roasted Suckling Pig ($380) requires a 3 days advance order. While I enjoyed the succulent meat, the suckling pig still has a hint of that porky taste that did not escape some of the more sensitive palate at the table.
Australian Pork Knuckle 4/5
The Australian Pork Knuckle ($58 served 2) surprised me with the moist meat under the beautiful crackling skin.
French Free Range Chicken 4.2/5
The French Free Range Chicken ($20 half, $38 whole) was one of my favourites for the night. The grilled chicken was extremely tender and beautiful.
Challans Duck 4.8/5 and Prime Rib Eye 4.8/5
The Challans Duck ($250) and Prime Rib Eye ($198/kg) were the other favourites of the night. The instant the duck meat hit my palate a familiar Asian flavour struck me. The challans duck was rubbed with five spices marinade and lovely grilled. The huge bird which weights at least 2.5kg maybe pricey but the perfect doneness and succulent meat was the best I have ever tried.
The prime rib eye was so flavoursome that it was already beautiful by itself. Lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, the delish cut simply melted in the mouth.
Traditional Creme Brulee 4/5
Apple Pie with Rum and Raisin Ice Cream 4.2/5
The sumptuous feast ended on a sweet note with the Traditional Creme Brulee ($12) and the Apple Pie "Mom's Recipe" served with Rum & Raisin Ice Cream ($12). While I am not really a dessert person but the apple pie was surprisingly good especially with the cinnamon crumble.
Bar-Roque Grill's concept may not be new but just like the restaurant's motto, Love on the Plate, I can feel Chef Stephane's passion and love of food as he meticulously dished out exemplary food to the guest. It is a place where families or friends can sit down together for a meal sharing the sweetness of living and celebrating the pleasures of the table.
Bar-Roque Grill
Amara Hotel
165 Tanjong Pagar
#01-00
Singapore 088539
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarRoqueGrill
Website: http://www.bar-roque.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)
Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 230pm (lunch), 530pm - 1030pm (dinner), 230pm - Late (bar menu)
Sun: 12pm - 3pm (sunday rotisserie) , 530pm - 1030pm (dinner), 230pm - 10pm (bar menu)
(Closed on Mon)
Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Gopeng Street and turn into Tras Street. Walk to Amara Hotel. Journey time about 5 minutes.