Casual bistro, cocktail bar and late-night supper venue references a New York speak-easy era vibe
May 8th, 2013
Adding to the raft of thoughtful, well-executed bar concepts that have enhanced the burgeoning Singapore cocktail culture and dining scene over the past year or two, recent entrant- Fordham & Grand– opened in January 2013 in the vibrant Craig Road neighbourhood. Discretely located in a street level space behind a nondescript shop house facade, the dimly lighted interior of Fordham & Grand (taking its name from the intersection in the NYC Bronx precinct) has been designed to evoke a sense of the speak-easy era bars of 1920’s New York. Expanding on the popular gastro-bar formula of simple, well-cooked comfort foods, matched with wines and innovative cocktail programs, the team behind Fordham & Grand have added a late-night supper service that should appeal to those who keep late hours, or are looking for that last drink of the night. The kitchen serves the supper menu daily from 10:30 pm until 3:00 am- with last food orders at 2:00 am.
Fordham & Grand is the product of the collaboration between two savvy friends- Singaporean Tim Lim, and Australian Tron Young- both with experience working in international and local high-end restaurants. Their first venture as owners, the concept for a modest, uncomplicated eatery and bar makes for a good fit with their respective skills and experiences. And the intimate scale of the eatery and bar allows them to inject a personal “hands on” relationship with their guests- ensuring a relaxed and convivial atmosphere- without compromising on the professionalism of the service. Fordham & Grand is very much a personal expression of the kind of place the owners would choose to dine and hang out in.
The compact dinner menu served at Fordham & Grand features a straightforward assemblage of starters, main courses and desserts. While most dishes are grounded in the classic bistro “comfort food” style, the chef adds an overlay of contemporary Australian cuisine to turn out some ingenious ingredient and flavour combinations. Some highlights from the menu include the Lobster Linguini- with ginger, chili, coriander and olive oil; Smoked Duck with spiced raisins and caramelised apples; and Beef steak with shoestring fries and mesculn salad. Desserts are a specialty at Fordham & Grand, with some wonderfully innovative creations from the pastry chef such as the Orange Martini– crafted from homemade orange confit, layered with Grand Marnier jelly, and topped with finely shaved orange granita- with a sesame tuile completing the dish.
Selections on the Supper Menu are based more on a small bites concept for late night grazing- with offerings such as Charcuterie of pancetta, ham and chorizo; Oysters and mignonette; and Kurobuta pork sausages and mortar potato.
For the beverage program, the owners have personally selected a list of 100 wine labels- all priced under S$100 each- and sourced from the leading wine regions of both Northern and Southern hemispheres. A good selection of wines by the glass are available- priced from S$12 to S$24. But it is the impressive cocktail list that most reflects the speak-easy roots of Fordham & Grand– with some excellently constructed cocktails that reference classic cocktails- but interpreted with a modern, creative twist.
Open daily from 6:00 pm, Fordham & Grand already attracts a solid stream of customers attracted by some cracking cocktails, the simple, well-executed menu, and the stylishly understated and laid-back atmosphere.
Fordham & Grand interior
The compact interior space features a pared-back, uncluttered decor with series of black leather banquettes across one side wall, simple solid dark timber cafe tables and chairs, with concrete screed flooring contributing to the industrial-chic style.
The intimate main dining room has seating for around 45 guests at bistro tables and banquette settings, plus a section of high tables and chairs adjacent to the bar.
The “L” shaped bar occupies the rear corner of the room- the dark timber counter-top seats 8 guests on leather upholstered barstools. The bar counter is faced with back-lighted steel mesh- suffusing a subdued lighting effect into the bar space.
Dark timber wine racks and shelving adjacent to the entrance showcase the featured 100 wines listed at under $100.
Highlights from the Cocktail Menu
Pamplemousse Negroni– Dolin Rouge, Beefeater 24 Gin, Campari and pure grapefruit ice cube for bittersweet finish.
Ensanglante Marie– a deconstructed Bloody Mary- concentrated tomato water extracted from boiled down tomatoes, Russky Dozor Vodka, Tabasco Sauce, Worstershire Sauce and lemon juice. Garnished with celery stick.
La Café Cocktail– Courvoisier VS Cognac, port wine and egg yolk. Served with Cognac and Grand Marnier jelly cubes.
Selections from the Dinner Menu
Fish Broth with Seafood and garlic toast (S$17)
Green Pea Risotto with Zucchin Flower & Parmesan (S$24)
Orange Martini- home-made orange confit, layered with Grand Marnier jelly and covered with finely shaved orange granita, with a sesame tuile (S$15)
Fordham & Grand – Bistro & Bar, Singapore
Address: 43 Craig Road, Singapore 089681
MRT station: EW16NE3 Outram or EW15 Tanjong Pagar
Reservations: +65. 6221 3088
Website: www.fng.com.sg
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/FordhamGrand
Opening Hours:
Daily 6:00 pm ~ 3:00 am
Late Night Supper 10:30 pm ~ 3:00 am ( last order 2:00 am)
