July 4th, 2011
One Rochester opened in 2005 within one of the restored 1930’s British colonial era bungalows in the lush tropical greenery of Rochester Park. Several other of the bungalows in the hillside park were converted into restaurants around the same time- and the area offers an alternative to Dempsey Hill as an escape from the urban jungle of downtown Singapore. Utilising both the interior rooms of the bungalow, and the large garden terrace area to create both indoor and outdoor dining and lounge options, One Rochester has developed into one of Singapore’s leading examples of the “gastrobar” concept. Offering both a a la carte dining experience titled ROAST, and the more casual garden area for enjoying relaxed drinks and a tapas menu.
Entering from the lower carpark via a pathway through the hillside greenery, the entrance to One Rochester is defined by the sound of trickling water fountains. The first section of the garden terrace has several of the covered, open air dining areas of ROAST, and moving further inside towards the bungalow itself, and past more water fountains, are the more casual seating areas for chilled out drinks. Inside the building are found the main bar, plus a number of differently decorated smaller dining rooms. Upstairs is the recently opened ( June 2011) 1-Caramel – a patisserie / cafe concept for the enjoyment of sumptuous desserts.
The dining concept for ROAST has been defined as a new experience in “Home Dining”– with both a communal and a la carte menu developed by the Executive Chef, Christopher Millar from Australia. The essence is to serve “home style” cooking- with the emphasis on simple, pure and fresh flavours- without pretensions in the relaxed environment of the garden setting of a colonial bungalow. The result is tasty, “feel good” food from authentic recipes that have received some modern tweaks. The “communal menu” features dishes that are created for the shared experience for those gathered around the dining table- and includes extensive entree platters, crudites, pastas, roasted meats, dessert platters and cheeses. The a la carte menu features signature dishes such as foie gras with catalunya spices; juniper cured salmon gravadlax with creamy scrambled egg and toasted soldiers as starters. And for main dishes- seared king scallops with smoked sea urchin risotto; red wine braised wagyu beef brisket with creamy paris mashed potato and horseradish; and baby chicken wrapped in proscuitto with pine nut, raisin and truffle stuffing, garlic potatoes, quince and pear compote.
The Tapas menu– for the casual garden lounge area, comprises a wide selection of plates for sharing – some examples: Moroccan spiced lamb meatballs; Szechuan salt & pepper squid or soft shell crab; Mushrooms on toast; Mini spicy steak tartare; pizzetta; and skewer and cheese platters.
The bar menu features a selection of both “Colonial Cocktails” and contemporary “Cocktails with a Twist”, plus a range of martinis- highlighted with the daily promotion of “Martini Mayhem”- 3 hours of free flow of martinis for $58++ per person). Other beverages include a selection of bottled and draft beers- imported and local; mocktails; a comprehensive wine list of champagnes and wines sourced from the leading wine districts – and including house pour wines available by the glass; and a full selection of premium spirits. Non alcoholic mocktails are served, as well as soft drinks, coffees and teas.
The tropical garden setting of One Rochester, combined with the creative dining concept of HOME – ROAST – GASTROBAR , continue to offers guests a range of options for enjoying a relaxed and casual evening experience- best shared with friends or family.
Slideshow with more images of One Rochester.
One Rochester
Address: 1 Rochester Park, Singapore, Singapore 139212
MRT station: Buona Vista Station- approx 10 minutes walk
Reservations: +65. 6773-0070
Website: http://www.onerochester.com/
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/One-Rochester/117005165030978
Opening Hours: Open daily
Sunday – Thursday 6:00pm ~ 12:00 a.m
Friday & Saturday & Public holidays 6:00pm~ 2:00 a.m
Rainy Day Specials : 50% off drinks when it is raining ( start & end time determined by management, some other conditions- see website)
Other One Rochester Group venues-
1-Altitude – world’s highest rooftop bar at One Raffles place
282 & City Golf- Sports Bar & interactive golf simulators on Level 61 of One Raffles Place
