Someone recommended me the fish & chips at the rather posh and pretty bistro and seafood bar The Nautilus Project up on the fifth floor of ION Orchard. So I brought the family there to try it. Oh yes, it is quite good - the batter is amazingly crisp and the fish is fresh and piping hot. But at S$28++, it is also one of the most expensive fish & chips we've had.
I also could not tell it was Pacific Dory. I'd expected better fish and bigger portions for the price, but this place is positioned as a rather upmarket eatery (it's part of the Society Group which includes Prime Society, Society Bar, etc). Plus, rental at this spot with such great views of the Orchard Road junction must be killer. Still, hubby said the dish was good enough to come back for.
By the way, I looked up the menus online (under Galley and Grog), and found that they now have two course (S$26.50++) and three course set lunches (S$35++). Maybe they've upgraded the dishes? I was just there last month when it was S$28++.
The set lunch menus change regularly, so do check ahead if you are going.
Anyway, for my set lunch appetiser, I chose the Wild Mushroom Tart with Rucola and Shaved Parmesan. It was decent and flavorful but small. I wished there was more to share!
For the main course - Char Grilled Skate Wing with Baby Potatoes, Spinach and Brown Butter Emulsion. I was curious as to how they would interpret this. Singaporeans love to put sambal on stingray and BBQ it, or cook it in curry! Will it be good simply grilled? Alas, this method pales in comparison. The skin was a bit tough, and the flesh had a strong fishy scent to it. Now you know why we smother it in spices, belachan and lime!
Dessert was "Brulee" Valrhona Passionfruit Tart, Creme Anglaise and Chocolate Sauce. Nice. The tartness of passionfruit cut through the rich tart and sauce. We finished off with a cup of very good coffee.
The other good thing about this place is that it's quite relaxing and not crowded, unlike most of the other F&B outlets at ION Orchard. No queueing necessary, and you can enjoy your meal in peace!
THE NAUTILUS PROJECT
2 Orchard Turn
#04-09 ION Orchard
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 1033
Very expensive indeed. The two pieces of fish look decent sized but I think the photo makes it appear larger than in real life, esp when compared with the size of the chips and lemon. Perhaps the high price is for the location and view, the fish and chips are complimentary:)
ReplyDeleteMaybe you want to try fish and chip from Greenwood Fishmarket and Bistro?
ReplyDeleteOh, I miss the fish n chips I used to have... fresh from the sea them fish were... :)
ReplyDeleteAnd now that the special day has come...
ReplyDeleteMay you and all your loved ones have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year filled with love and joy...
Hugs from Devil & Kenny :)
Ya I had the same feeling too. Good fish but pricey.
ReplyDelete