Sociable restaurant & bar in Singapore’s hip Tiong Bahru neighbourhood- serving modern bistro cuisine
December 14th, 2013
Update June 2018: Open Door Policy has closed and replaced with a new concept – The Butcher’s Wife – by the same Spa Esprit owners.
Perpetually busy since its opening in late 2011, Open Door Policy hums with a sociable vibe that taps into the evolving transformation of Singapore’s historic Tiong Bahru housing estate into a fashionable lifestyle destination- replete with trendy cafes, bookstores, fashion and specialty shops. Occupying a street front space in a 1930’s shophouse structure, the interior decor of Open Door Policy embraces a pared-back industrial chic- raw brickwork, pressed tin ceilings, and distressed timber floorboards combine to create a comfortable and convivial atmosphere for casual dining and sociable gatherings. The prominent open kitchen- stretching down one side of the narrow and deep interior, serves contemporary renditions of classic European bistro fare, together with gourmet coffee, artisan wines and polished classic cocktails.
One of the several notable restaurant collaborations (including Tippling Club and the recently opened Ding Dong) between acclaimed chef Ryan Clift, and local lifestyle entrepreneurs Spa Esprit Group – the menu at Open Door Policy- curated by Clift- showcases his modern, albeit rustic, interpretations- of classic European bistro dishes- offering an approachable yet stimulating dining experience. Open daily ( except Tuesdays)- Open Door Policy– know colloquially as ODP– serves lunch and dinner, plus their ultra-popular weekend brunches. Reservations are recommended for both evening dining and the weekend brunches.
ODP cuisine & drinks
Cooking in the glass-encased open kitchen, the accomplished culinary team at ODP serve up delicious renditions of classic bistro fare from the thoughtfully balanced menu, utilising premium quality fresh seasonal produce and contemporary presentation to create an interesting and engaging dining experience. Categorised under traditional bistro menu headings such as soups; salads; starters; mains; and desserts- expect dishes such as the flavoursome cauliflower veloute with avruga caviar; the popular grilled kingfish collar- blackened and served with kombu sea salt and fresh lime; and the impressive 48 hour braised beef cheek with mochi potatoes, carrot puree and pea tendrils. The hearty ODP Breakfast Burger is a favourite at weekend brunches- generously portioned with bacon, egg, roast tomato, fried mushrooms, gruyere cheese- topped with ketchup- and served in a rosemary bun.
Complementing the appetizing bistro dishes are the concise selection of well-executed classic cocktails, and attractively priced boutique wines- served by the glass or bottle- that help lubricate the friendly, relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere of ODP. Gourmet coffee from acclaimed coffee specialists- nearby neighbour Forty Hands (also within the Spa Esprit Group portfolio)- adds the finishing touch to an exemplary cafe experience.
Inside Open Door Policy
Classically hand-scripted blackboard specials featured on a storage cabinet at the entrance. The ceiling is sheaved with pressed tin ceiling panels- referencing a popular interior design element of the early 20th Century.
Compact bar and coffee counter adjacent to the entrance.
Table settings extend down one wall of the elongated space- opposite- the open kitchen and dining counter.
The glass-encased open kitchen- with the communal dining counter offering an up-close view of the ODP cooking operations.
The view across the dining counter into the gleaming stainless steel ODP kitchen.
Highlights from the ODP kitchen
Caesar salad with ODP dressing, smoked chicken, jamon and ortiz anchovies.
Cauliflower velouté with avruga caviar
Tuna tartare with soy and yuzu dressing.
Grilled Kingfish collar with kombu sea salt and fresh lime.
ODP Breakfast Burger- bacon, egg, roast tomato, fried mushrooms, gruyere cheese and ketchup in rosemary bun.
Roast lamb cutlets with potato and pea stew, and fresh mint.
Chocolate and pistachio soufflé with crème anglaise.
Jam jar English trifle.
ODP Cocktails
Pimm’s Maid- Pimm’s, citrus, cucumber. (selection from Aperitifs)
ODP sours- classically shaken with citrus and sweetened with an ODP twist- gin and tea.
Bloody Mary- vodka, red wine, tomato, citrus, spices. (selection from brunch tipples and corpse revivers)
Espresso Martini- vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso, agave.
The Butcher’s Wife – restaurant & bar- Singapore
Address: 19 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168650
MRT station: Tiong Bahru
Inquiries: +65. 6221 9307
Website: www.thebutcherswifesg.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/thebutcherswifesg
Opening Hours: Daily (except Tuesdays- closed) 12:00 midday ~ 11:00 pm
Lunch 12:00 pm ~ 3:00 pm Dinner 6:00 pm ~ 10:30 pm (last order 10 pm)
Weekend Brunch- Saturday & Sunday 11:30 am ~ 3:30 pm (last order 3 pm)
