Modern concept for gourmet grill restaurant showcases finest meats and fresh produce and an audacious decor.
January 7th, 2013
Redefining the traditional steakhouse dining experience, the recently opened (September 2012) SKIRT restaurant at W Singapore-Sentosa Cove presents a boldly modern concept of gourmet grill cuisine that embraces the Latin style of “parilla” grilling. Coupled with a wonderfully realised, stylish and somewhat edgy interior design, the SKIRT culinary team delivers what Chef de Cuisine Andrew Nocente terms “a modern exploration of the world of gourmet grilling”- an enticing dining occasion with the finest cuts of meats and fresh seafood cooked to perfection on the showpiece parilla grill. Contemporary grill cuisine is a new concept for W Hotels, and the signature restaurant at the Singapore property is the first example to be found in any of the brand’s hotels globally. The restaurant takes its name both from the cut of meat- “skirt steak” – that is traditionally used in Latin American grilling, and also as a play on the “fashionable” style of the restaurant.
The restaurant occupies a prime space at the street-level entrance to the hotel, with the double-height glass curtain wall facade dramatically opening up the interior for a spectacular moment of arrival.
SKIRT opens Tuesday to Sunday, for dinner service only, and bookings are recommended, particularly for weekend evenings.
The street level hotel entrance- with SKIRT prominently positioned at the hotel frontage.
Emphatically original, the interior decor concept draws on the cutting edge design principles that are quintessential “W” brand qualities. Whimsical “themed” decor elements are inserted into the contemporary luxury and chic style of the interior to create an engaging and memorable dining experience. Referencing a cattle / ranching theme, actual bull horns are featured throughout the interior- from the salt and pepper shakers fashioned from individual horns, to the decorative “curtains” of horns suspended from the high ceilings of the dining room. Chandeliers crafted from natural leather, circular wooden cutting boards suspended from chains, glistening light shades formed from dangling stainless steel cutlery, and leather table placemats add further to the quirky elements of the design theme.
The restaurant space is separated into two sections- with spectacular show kitchen standing between the main dining room and the more intimate bar and lounge area at the far end of the room. A palette of warm, golden hues predominates, with natural timber panelling and extensive marble harmoniously blending with the leather upholstered seating and timber tables. The spectacular open kitchen- with its exquisite marble benches and centrepiece wood-fired parilla grill- anchors the floorspace and is the standout feature of the SKIRT interior.
(L) The entrance stairway to SKIRT- leading from the first floor lobby & lounge
(R) Looking down into the double volume space of SKIRT- through the multitude of horns suspended from the ceiling.
SKIRT Dining Room
Luxurious leather booth settings in the main dining room. Chandeliers are fashioned from leather.
The voluminous interior features soaring double height ceilings and a whimsical series of themed decorations- such as the light fitting fashioned from suspended stainless steel cutlery.
Elegant table settings follow the themed approach- with salt and pepper shakers crafted from bull’s horn, and leather placemats.
SKIRT Kitchen
Three culinary rules underscore the cooking approach embraced by SKIRT in presenting a modern grill cuisine- source the finest sustainable produce; treat it with simplicity; and respect nature. To this end, the meats are imported from Argentina, Australia and the USA and dry-aged in the aging cabinets showcased on the kitchen benches. Organic produce and fresh seafood are locally sourced. In addition to the prime cuts of beef, other specialty meat cuts include suckling lamb, iberico pork, and milk-fed veal. “Shared Tables” on the menu offer selections of grills ( meat and seafood) for tables of 2 or 4 diners.
Headline items on the grill menu are the “Parilla Land” selections of prime beef varieties- including Argentinian Grass-Fed Angus; Creekstone Farms Premium USD Corn Fed Black Angus; and Blackmore Australian Full Blood +9 Wagyu. Cuts of beef range from 250 gm sirloin, skirt steak and tenderloin, to 350 gm rib-eye and sirloin, and the massive 1 kg tomahawk of grass fed Australian Angus .
Signature grill items other than beef include West Australian Marron (crayfish), Sous vide Challan Breast and Maine Lobster. Other menu selections include a broad selection of starters- grilled and seafood, plates of picadas, and salads. And to end with a sweet taste- indulgent desserts include Warm Venezuelan Chocolate Mud; Cardamom infused Raspberry Souffle; and White Chocolate Parfait
The impressive show kitchen commands centre-stage, and separates the main dining room from the bar and lounge section. The kitchen is encased by gorgeous solid marble benches that exude a warm golden glow in the evenings.
The glass-sided aging cabinets are prominently positioned on the open kitchen bench tops.
The “parilla” – or Argentinian wood-fired barbecue grill- is the centrepiece of the open kitchen at SKIRT
Cocktail & Whisky Bar
At the far end of the main room- a separate section features an elegant bar- serving pre-dinner cocktails and wine, or perhaps an après dinner whisky.
Contemporary lounge setting in the bar space of SKIRT.
Highlights from the SKIRT Menu
SEA STARTER- Southern Blue Fin Toro Tuna, avocado, wasabi.
GRILLED STARTER- King Prawns, split & peppered.
MAINS- Monkfish, jamon crumbs, zucchini, saffron mayonnaise.
PARILLA LAND- Blackmore Australian Full Blood 9+ Wagyu, Skirt steak, 250 gm
SKIRT – Restaurant, W Singapore – Sentosa Cove
Address: 21 Ocean Way, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098374
MRT station: CC29/ NE1 Harbourfront
Reservations: +65. 6808 7278
Website: www.wsingaporesentosacove.com/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/wsingaporesentosacove
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday 7:00 pm ~ 12:00 am
Monday – Closed
Food photos courtesy W Singapore- Sentosa Cove
