Renowned celebrity chef Daniel Boulud updates classic French brasserie cuisine with contemporary American influences
April 30th, 2013
Fine dining in Singapore was redefined with the opening in 2011 of the “Celebrity Chefs Restaurants” at the iconic Marina Bay Sands casino, hotel, entertainment and shopping complex on Singapore’s waterfront. Bringing together an exceptional assemblage of restaurant brands from six of the most famous international celebrity chefs, Singaporeans and visitors can now indulge in the finest culinary creations at the one location- and at accessible prices. Acclaimed New York based chef Daniel Boulud joins celebrity chef peers such as Wolfgang Puck and Mario Batali in the opening of a Singapore offshoot of one of his acclaimed restaurant brands within an exclusive zone of the “The Shoppes” luxury mall at Marina Bay Sands. A contemporary interpretation of the classic French brasserie, db Bistro Moderne by Chef Daniel Boulud serves his trademark cuisine that masterfully combines the essence of traditional French bistro cooking with modern American flavour influences.
Most acclaimed among Chef Daniel Boulud’s sixteen (mainly USA located) restaurants- is his flagship “Daniel”- which currently holds Michelin three star status. Among his other five NYC restaurants is the original db Bistro Moderne– a perennially popular dining spot in the fashionable Midtown district of Manhattan that has consistently won high praise. The Singapore offshoot shares the same glamorous pedigree, cuisine and casual elegance of the New York restaurant- with the menu featuring many of its signature dishes- including the famous DB Burger collection. The Singapore restaurant features two distinct dining areas- a vibrant and casual bar-dining and lounge zone that seats around 65 guests, and the more elegant bistro dining room that references in style the classic Parisian brasserie. A further private dining room provides a luxurious dining setting for small parties or events.
Heading the kitchen at db Bistro Moderne in Singapore since January 2013 is Executive Chef Jonathan Kinsella, who most recently had been executive chef at Epicerie Boulud in New York. Guests at db Bistro Moderne can order from either a la carte or set lunch and dinner menus, with further Brunch and Early Evening Dinner menu options. Some of the stand-out dishes include Escargots Persillade– Burgundy Snails, Garlic Butter, Parsley Almond Crust Tomatoes, Baguette; Bouillabaisse Royale– Cod, Sea Bass, Scallop, Prawn, Mussels, Lobster, Fennel, Tomato Confit, Rouille; Coq au Vin– Smoked Bacon, Pearl Onions, Mushrooms, Farfalle Pasta; and THE ORIGINAL db BURGER– Sirloin Burger Filled with Braised Short Ribs & Foie Gras, served on a Parmesan Bun. Dessert delicacies include PROFITEROLES– Hot Chocolate Sauce, Dulce de Leche Ice Cream; and CRÈME BRÛLÉE– Vanilla Caramelized Custard.
For casual grazing at the bar, the platters of Charcuterie, and also the restaurant specialty of Tarte Flambée– Fromage Blanc, Bacon, Onion, make excellent accompaniments to the cocktails.
A deep and thoughtful wine list of over 400 labels offers diners a splendid selection of mostly French wines, with some representation from other wine regions such as Australia, all carefully curated to complement the cuisine, and with around 25 wines available by the glass. And at the bar of db Bistro Moderne, cocktails are an important element in the total culinary experience, as they are at all Daniel Boulud restaurants. In a similar manner to his blending of French traditional cuisine with modern American influences, Chef Daniel Boulud and his mixologists collaborate to create a balanced combination of premium spirits with the flavours of fresh seasonal ingredients to craft cocktails that are as equally creative and original as the cuisine for his kitchens.
The cocktail list in Singapore includes a concise selection of “Classique Cocktails” such as Original Sazerac, Old Fashioned, Martinis, and Cosmopolitan; together with the “Moderne Cocktails” and “House Infusions”, which feature both Asian influences and innovative elements- with signature creations such as Wu-Tang– a combination of vodka, lychee liqueur, cranberry juice and a touch of starfruit; Earl Grey Martini– with Earl Grey Tea infused Gordon’s Gin, fresh lemon juice and finished with frothy egg white; and The Sinister Americano– Hendrick’s Gin, Lillet Blanc and Aperol.
db Bistro Moderne opens daily for lunch (weekend brunches) and dinner, with reservations recommended for dinner in the main bistro dining room.
Interior of db Bistro Moderne
The casual lounge/ bar dining space to the left of the main reception features a sleek, contemporary decor of plush red leather banquettes, white marble topped tables, timber flooring and suspended polished brass light pendants.
Full length red leather banquette settings extend across two sides of the lounge space – dramatic graphic panels provide a bold visual backdrop.
A communal high-table stands adjacent to the bar.
The horseshoe-shaped bar stands behind the entrance reception area, and separates the two areas of the interior- with the lounge section to the left and the elegant bistro style dining space to the right.
Traditional brasserie-style dining tables in the bistro side face out onto the mall through full height glass.
Elegant upper level section of the bistro area- with the semi-open kitchen viewed through partially translucent glass paneled wall.
Luxurious red leather booths line the rear of the bistro- with the impressive kitchen viewable behind.
The private dining room features its own glass-fronted wine cellar, and can accommodate up to 20 diners around the imposing long table.
Highlights from the Cocktail Menu
The Sinister Americano- Hendrick’s Gin, Lillet Blanc, Aperol.
Pink Floyd- Pomegranate Infused Tequila, Fresh Lemon Juice & Frothy Egg White.
Exit the Dragon- House Infused Mandarin Rum Shaken with Chinese 5 Spice Syrup & Fresh Lime.
Selections from the Menu- Charcuterie & Appertizers
Assiette Lyonnaise- Selection of House Made Terrines, Cured Meats, Country Bread, Pickles & Mustard.
Seafood & Vegetable Aïoli- Olive Oil Poached Cod, Tiger Prawns, Market Vegetables, Garlic Aïoli.
Steak Tartare- Cornichons, Capers, Parsley, Baby Romaine, Grilled Country Bread.
Tarte Flambée- Fromage Blanc, Bacon, Onion.
db Bistro Moderne- Daniel Boulud’s restaurant at Marina Bay Sands- Singapore
Address: Level B1 Galleria, Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue. Singapore 018972
MRT station: CE1 Bayfront
Reservations: +65. 6688 8525
Website: www.dbbistro.com/singapore/
www.marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Restaurants/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/dbBistroModerneSingapore
Opening Hours:
Lunch Monday – Friday 12:00 noon ~ 5:00 pm
Dinner Tuesday – Saturday 5:30 pm ~ 11:00 pm; Sunday & Monday 5:30 pm ~ 10:00 pm
Weekend Brunch- 11:00 am ~ 5:00 pm
