Don’t you think that the administrative folks are the unsung heroes of the office? Whether they’re called Executive Assistants, Administrative Assistants or Office Managers, they’re the ones making sure everything you need but usually never think of are right at your fingertips. A file from 1982? Research papers from 2008? A form for your claims? New pen? They know the what’s, the where’s and sometimes even the when’s! What would we do without them?
So when we heard that Admin Professionals’ Day (23 April) is coming up, we immediately thought “let’s bring them to lunch!” Because the best way to say thanks – that we know of, anyway – is to bring them for a magnificent meal.
Depending on your admin hero’s tastes, here are some of our best lunch spots!
Hero Image Credit: ALTRO Zafferano
A MEAL WITH A VIEW
A feast for both the eyes and the palate
SHISEN HANTEN BY CHEN KENTARO
For the palates who want something they can’t find anywhere else, there’s no better choice than Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro, Singapore’s sole specialist of Chūka Szechwan Ryori, a combination of Chinese Szechwan flavours with refined Japanese techniques and ingredients. Better yet, a few very special tables in the main dining hall and the private dining rooms in this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a unique perspective of Singapore’s cityscape: surrounded by skyscrapers of different architectural eras, right in the pulsing heart of our vibrant city.
This amazing view can be enjoyed alongside their Executive Set Lunch, an experience both refined yet time-efficient. Diners can choose between a five-course ($68++ per person) or six-course ($78++ per person) menu with a variety of premium meat and seafood selections. We’re especially keen on Shisen Hanten’s iconic Mapo Tofu. It showcases stir-fried tofu in their own Szechwan Pepper-flavoured Meat Sauce made with a 3-year aged bean paste specially sourced from Pi Du district in Cheng Du, China – served with pearly white, fluffy Hokkaido Rice!
ALTRO ZAFFERANO
Located on the rooftop of Ocean Financial Centre 43 storeys above bustling Collyer Quay, Altro Zafferano has long been famous for their fabulous Italian food and their incredible view of the soaring Marina Bay skyline – the perfect way to rest tired eyes. Their lunch menu offers a touch of luxury to the meal: delectable house-made pastas abound alongside rich proteins such as Corsican Sea Bass and Pyrenees Lamb Chop. We like how they offer sets that you compose yourself from the a-la-carte choices: two courses at $58++ per person, and three courses with coffee or tea for $68++ per person. Perfect for those who know what they want, and want only what they want!
L-R: Crispy Scale New Zealand Cod with Pineapple & Spices Signature Sauce from The Black Pearl; Artisanal Fusilloni from ALTRO Zafferano
THE BLACK PEARL
One of the latest additions to Singapore’s F&B landscape, The Black Pearl is a rooftop dining destination that offers a contemporary interpretation of ‘Yue’ cuisine (粤菜 ), celebrating various sub-cuisines from Canton. The interiors, inspired by the beauty of the rare black pearl, form a gorgeous backdrop against the view – a bird’s eye view of a medley of colonial-era heritage buildings and modern skyscrapers; an unexpectedly harmonious juxtaposition that seems to whisper of the Singapore story. Indulge in the beautiful environs with their lunch sets with a choice of two different menus specially curated by their chefs. While both set menus offer well-loved flavours, our eyes go straight towards the Pearl Deluxe Set ($128++ per person) which starts with a thick comforting broth, and individually plated portions of beef and tender New Zealand cod during the meal – a luxe lunch thoughtfully presented in a way that allows diners decorous enjoyment; especially apt for those who enjoy dressing up for the office.
CENTRALLY LOCATED
For the workaholic who is happy to have a great meal IF they can get back to office “in time”
BEDROCK BAR & GRILL
Located right in the middle of the Orchard shopping district, Bedrock Bar & Grill is easily accessible by both train and car. It’s also the original flagship restaurant of the Bedrock brand – which means it offers a beautifully classic dining experience. Their set lunches come in two courses (from $32++ per person) or three courses (from $42++ per person) but we’re heading straight for the three-course set so that we can choose the Woodfire-Grilled Ribeye Steak that comes with thick cut fries and a generous pat of thyme butter. After all, their signature is fine beef precisely grilled over applewood fire!
Price of lunch sets depend on choice of main course
L-R: Woodfire-Grilled Ribeye Steak from Bedrock Bar & Grill; Signature 3 Crab Ramen from Mare Hachikyo Singapore
MARE HACHIKYO SINGAPORE
Mare Hachikyo Singapore is the first-ever overseas outpost of the highly popular Mare Hachikyo from Hokkaido in Japan; and showcases the culinary heart of Hokkaido with the same pride and passion as the original. The reverent attitude of the Hokkaido people towards their land and sea bring forth some of the most exquisite produce in the world. And the team of Mare Hachikyo present them on their tables in their most honest forms, using both subtle and creative techniques to draw attention to the nuances of their flavours. Fortunately, in Singapore, the Mare Hachikyo experience can be found in Palais Renaissance: it’s a quick trip to town for a gastronomic journey to Hokkaido. We especially like the lunch sets which start from 3 courses (from $68++; inclusive of a house salad and dobinmushi – a traditional Japanese broth served in an earthenware teapot). The lunch menu offers a flexible selection of dishes usually available in their dinner omakase menu – perfect as an easy introduction to their full dinner experience.
TOUCHING GRASS
When you want to get in touch with Mother Nature
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Birds Of A Feather is a familiar name in our F&B landscape being one of the earliest spots that took inspiration from classic Sichuan cuisine. Today Head Chef Eugene See’s Contemporary Cuisine with Sichuan influences is a sophisticated synthesis of his European culinary mastery and profound knowledge of Sichuan cuisine. But the interior is as delightful as the cuisine: a cavernous space punctuated by vivid greenery, rich natural wood furnishings and lightwells through which soft sunlight shimmers down; not in the wild but surrounded by the wild. Lunch here will feel like a chance to breathe – a perfect gift for anyone usually stuck in the office. Their Lunch Set ($33.90++ per person) is a microcosm of their a la carte menu, and we especially recommend the Ume Tomato – a composition of ume-marinated tomato and housemade ume granita. The dish looks simple but is a delicious example of how French technique, high quality ingredients and Sichuan influences come together under Chef Eugene’s magic hands.
L-R: Baked Barramundi Fillet from Bedrock Origin; Ume Tomato from Birds Of A Feather
BEDROCK ORIGIN
Blue skies and seas, warm sunshine and cool breezes… Bedrock Origin’s coastal location in Sentosa offers a far different vibe than its brother restaurant: just the thing for individuals who dream of sailing over the horizon to explore far-away lands. Those dreams can be discussed over a hearty two-course (from $32++ per person) or three-course lunch (from $42++ per person) – dreams need energy! – with your choice of fish or meat. Naturally, if you’re by the sea, you need to eat fish: we suggest the moist, flaky Baked Barramundi Fillet, served with buttery mashed potatoes and bacon braised scallion.
Price of lunch sets depend on choice of main course
ADDRESSES
ALTRO Zafferano: Ocean Financial Centre, Level 43, Singapore 049315
Bedrock Bar & Grill: Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard, #01-05, Singapore 238163
Bedrock Origin: Oasia Resort Sentosa Hotel, #01-02 Palawan Ridge, Singapore 098679
Birds Of A Feather: 115 Amoy Street, Singapore 069935
Mare Hachikyo Singapore: Palais Renaissance, #01-07, Singapore 238871
Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro: Hilton Singapore Orchard, Level 35, Singapore 238867
The Black Pearl: Odeon 333, #07-11/12, Singapore 188721
