Grilled prime steaks, live Atlantic lobsters & burgers- specialties at convivial urban eatery
October 12th, 2013
ABOUT
One of the stand-out recent restaurant openings in the increasingly hip Telok Ayer and Amoy Street neighbourhood in Singapore’s Chinatown, The Market Grill launched in early 2013, offering both local residents and city office workers an affordably priced eatery specialising in a contemporary American style of uncomplicated, market-fresh cooking. Occupying one of the restored conservation shophouses that line the historic street, The Market Grill channels the heritage of both the traditional urban butchery, and diner, to create a contemporary, neighbourhood eatery. Pleasantly laid-back and convivial, The Market Grill serves a well-executed grill-based cuisine that delivers perfectly executed prime steaks, grilled or steamed live Atlantic lobsters, and signature burgers- all in generous portions- and at approachable prices. Conceived and operated by the highly regarded local Unlisted Collection group, whose other notable dining ventures include the nearby acclaimed Esquina and Keong Saik Snacks, The Market Grill is firmly on-trend, deftly capturing the growing demand for eating-out in a casual, unpretentious environment, while consuming first rate contemporary cooking.
Open Monday to Saturdays, and serving both lunch and dinner, The Market Grill has a no reservations / no service charge policy. With only limited seating in the compact space, it is not a place for large groups, and most comfortably handles parties of 2- 4 diners. Some waiting is possible at peak evening times.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Optimising the slender, deep space of the traditional shophouse ground floor, the layout features an open kitchen extending most of the length of one side- fronted by the zinc topped diner-counter, with steel mesh shelving suspended above the counter. A series of small tables occupy the opposite side of the floorspace providing additional seating for diners. The design harmoniously marries elements of the classic diner with those of a butchery- the tiled facade and front counter evoking the butchery, whereas the retro-style fixed bar stools facing the counter conjure memories of mid-2oth Century diners. For solo diners or couples- the prized seats are at the counter- presenting an up-close view of the kitchen team at work- cooking over the impressive imported wood-fired charbroiler.
FROM THE KITCHEN
Under the direction of Executive Chef Colin West- a grilled meat specialist with wide experience in top local restaurants- the culinary team executes a straightforward cooking style that highlights the qualities of the market- fresh, premium quality ingredients. The thoughtfully assembled compact menu showcases the three main house specialties- grilled or steamed live Atlantic lobsters, grilled premium grade Steaks, and gourmet Signature Burgers. Dishes that exemplify the grill cuisine of Chef Colin West include the premium cut steaks such as the Black Angus Prime Beef Ribs (1.1kg- to serve 2-3 diners); and expertly executed renditions of less mainstream cuts such as Beef Brisket and Beef Hanging Tender. Live Atlantic Lobsters, flown in from Boston and Maine are kept in the counter-top glass tank for freshness- and cooked to order- either steamed or grilled.
Created from original recipes by Executive Chef Colin West, the CW Signature Burgers feature six varieties, and apart from the classic beef burger- CW BBQ– the most popular signature burgers include the CW Cod Fish; CW Portobello and CW Bleu Cheese. For a final indulgence, some classic desserts include Warm Walnut Brownie and the alluring market Grill Granita “Martini”. Beverages comprise a selection of imported bottled beers, an expanding list of craft ciders, and a concise list of reasonably priced wines- red, white and sparkling- with options of house pour by the glass- or half and full bottles of mostly French labels.
Inside The Market Grill
Long, slender space features seating at diner-style counter and a series of small white marble topped tables. Glass-encased live lobster tank standing on the counter ensures a fresh supply of lobsters.
Lighted vintage-style glass mirror with illustration of beef cuts is the showpiece feature of the decor.
Retro-diner style with fixed bar stools facing the zinc sheathed counter top and open kitchen. Overhead steel mesh shelving contributes an industrial element- as does polished concrete flooring and vintage incandescent lamps.
Newsprint style menu place mats at the counter- diners can also enjoy close up interaction with the kitchen team.
Entrance to The Market Grill- the green tiled counter extends indoors from the exterior tiled facade.
Selections from The Market Grill Menu
GREEN & BLUE- Fresh baby spinach tossed with crumbed blue cheese, grapes, pickled shallots, candied bacon & walnuts.
CHARGRILLED WHOLE LOBSTER- Live Atlantic lobster (approx 500 gms), clarified butter lightly infused with garlic & squeeze of lemon, served with salad and mashed potatoes.
CW SIGNATURE BURGER- CW COD FISH- grilled pommery-marinated Atlantic cod, vine cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, lemony herbed mayo- in a parmesan bun. Served with fries and balsamic-dressed mesculun salad.
CHARGRILLED STEAK- Wagyu Rump (200gms) – 200 day grainfed- served with red wine jus, and sides of onion confit & potatoes “sarladaise-style”.
MARKET GRILL GRANITA “MARTINI”- Vodka-ice topped with lemon & lime sorbet.
The Market Grill Menu
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The Market Grill – neighbourhood eatery, Singapore
Address: 208 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068642
MRT station: Telok Ayer
Reservations: +65. 6221 3323
Website: www.themarketgrill.com.sg/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/TheMarketGrill
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday
Lunch 11:30 am ~ 2:30 pm
Dinner 5:00 pm ~ 10:00 pm
