Dinner venue: Sky on 57
I first heard of Sky on 57 on a food review segment on local radio. First thought: It didn't sound very convincing - Asian food and local delights, married with an European influence, and charged at a premium! I was very shocked that a plate of Hokkien Mee cost $45SGD as compared to the $3-$4SGD ones usually found at hawker centers. But I confess, while I was appalled, I was drawn to the idea of it being a celebrity chef restaurant, what more one that's opened by Justin Quek - one of Singapore's most accomplished chefs (click here to read about him). After some discussion, the glutTANs decided we should check it out for ourselves.
Perched atop the Marina Bay Sands Tower 1, the 12,000 square foot restaurant offers an amazing view of the Singapore skyline. It seems Singaporeans (glutTANs included) are very intrigued and drawn to the idea of having our new found (man-made and carefully planned) skyline along the Marina Bay area as a backdrop during our meals!
The decor was modern, clean and sleek. If you want to guarantee yourself a view, please request for a table by the full length windows.
The weather that day was a little rainy and chilly causing the glass to frost up and prevented a good view. Due to last minute reservations, this is the closest table to the edge at we managed to get.
There are outdoor seats available, but more for after dinner drinks, where you can enjoy the cool breeze and relax while taking in the views.
Decided on the set dinner - Inspired by Asia.
Service was a little slow and staff didn't seem very attentive. At times we were left waiting for up to 10 mins for a glass of water to arrive. We asked how long dinner would take and the waitress gave an estimate of 1.5 hours. We ended up eating for 3 whole hours!
While waiting for our food to be served, a guy got down on one knee and proposed! I watched as she smiled and said yes :) Simple, no frills proposal.
Dinner leans more towards French fusion than European-influenced Asian cuisine.
JQ's signature fresh mushroom "Cappuccino"
Mushroom soup that's meant to be drunk like a drink, instead of using a spoon. This small cup sure packs a punch - the soup was rich, creamy and smooth. No overwhelming taste of mushroom and definitely freshly made! News Update: Eating Canned Soups Significantly Raises BPA Levels in your Body! A nice warm drink to warm the tummy in the cold weather. Wish it had some mushroom chunks though.
Duo of Foie Gras - Thumbs up!
(1) Sauteed duck foie gras and roasted black figs
I personally thought this was the best dish that night - partly because I love foie gras. I hate foie gras that is too soft and watery. This was nicely sauteed and crisp on the edges, and it's taste was very nicely brought out by some salt.
(2) Goose foie gras royale, truffle jus (Left)
This actually comes together with the above Sauteed duck foie gras and roasted black figs. Tasted great too! Melts in your mouth kinda nice :) Would not recommend this for those who prefer something less intense as this combines 2 strong flavours. However, it wasn't overwhelming IMHO.
Nordic King crab (Right)
Steamed, champagne emulsion, micro greens
Very forgettable, nothing fantastic. The sweetness of the fresh crab was not brought out at all. Sometimes the simplest cooking methods bring out the best of a dish. Classic case of how complicating things can spoil it's taste instead - a pity how a piece of "Premium produce" had gone to waste.
Foie Gras Xiao Long Bao
The Asian dumpling infused with delectable goose liver was a little disappointing. Definitely not something I would order again. Pretty normal tasting and why pay so much when you can get it for a fraction of the price at Ding Tai Fung.
Kagoshima Koroushi Wagyu
Seared Japanese beef, spring vegetables, natural jus and Sichuan pepper oil
The Wagyu did not disappoint. I love Wagyu! The meat was tender, juicy and succulent. If not for the fact that I was already starting to feel full, I would have polished it off!
Lobster Fried Hokkien Mee
One word: disappointing.
Do not be deceived. The lobster claws are very small. For those who prefer the dry-er version of this local dish, you're in for some disappointment. The noodles were watery and lacked much flavour. For $45SGD, I'd say save the money and visit the local hawker stalls for 10 awesome plates of this.
Fresh Seafood (Right)
Cooked in superior broth with steamed Jasmine rice and Asian herbs
A little disappointed as the ingredients in this dish did not compliment each other at all. It was as though every ingredient was an individual instead of coming together to make the dish whole.
Vodka emulsion with Iced Lime Sorbet (Left)
A pre-dessert. The foam on top is pretty interesting. The citrus notes worked as a palate cleanser.
Suitable even for those who do not drink as I could hardly taste any hints of Vodka.
glutTAN No. 2 with her red wine
Desserts
glutTAN No.1 - Adelene with her husband James (Tan too!)
Because they do not accept children, the kids had to stay home.
Overall a nice place with the awesome views that they have. However, food was a little disappointing. The fusion of Asian food with the chef's European influence seemed to act as a stumbling block rather than working to his advantage. There lacked a binding element in the taste of the food. Service was a tad below expectations too. I do have high hopes for Justin Quek, and hope that the next time we visit, we will be pleasantly surprised.
Marina Bay Sands Skypark
Tower One
