Family & Life Magazine Issue 3 | Page 32

BITES Come Hungry, Leave Happy That’s Spuds & Aprons’ promise to you and your family, and we certainly left the place after the meal in high spirits. Check out this new go-to family dining destination before everyone else knows about it! “Come hungry!” I was told. So, when I headed down (or up) to the top of Mount Faber, where Spuds & Aprons is at, my tummy was already throwing a tantrum due to the lack of breakfast. The first thing that strikes you about the new restaurant is the breath-taking scenic view of Singapore, and the wind gently caressing your face. Being at the top of Mount Faber, one of the highest peaks in Singapore, gives you the luxury of almost-constant breeze and quiet sanctuary, a welcome respite from smoggy, urban Singapore. And the menu, western dishes with an Asian twist, draws you in with its colourful child-like palette and enticing descriptions. Before it was Spuds & Aprons, the space formerly housed two fine dining destinations named Sapphire and Black Opal. The two restaurants were revamped and turned into a family-friendly establishment, complete with colourful chairs and a relaxed dress code. When I was there, I saw two topless young boys horsing around with each other while their parents sat a few feet away, enjoying a cocktail and the languid afternoon breeze. However, the biggest draw of Spuds & Aprons is undoubtedly the food, all of which were conceived by renowned Chef Derrick Ang. The warm and friendly manager implored me to try the Wicked Fries, a serving of humble fried spuds liberally coated in the restaurant’s signature secret gravy and dollops of cheesy goodness. I’m always suspicious of the words “secret” and “sauce” when they’re put together since many eating places use these to draw the crowd in, only to leave them hanging. But, when I dipped the potato into the warm, luscious gravy and inhaled the aroma, I knew it was the real deal. Rich, aromatic yet light on the palate, the Wicked Fries was a fantastic appetiser and I only hoped it would get better from then on. Spuds & Aprons didn’t disappoint. The Japanese-influenced Tobiko Crusted Cod Fillet was a harmonious dance on the taste buds. The cod, such a tricky fish to cook, was expertly pan-grilled and placed on the plate before being spread with a generous serving of Tobiko with mayonnaise. Complementing this combination was a bowl of cha soba, which might rock you at first. Don’t be alarmed. The pairing sings all the right tunes – the fishy taste of the cod soothed by the nutty buckwheat flavour of the noodles and aged Ponzu sauce. Another highlight was the Grilled Char Siew Lamb Rack, a simple enough dish to prepare yet so difficult to perfect. A minute too long and the lamb becomes a chore to chew; a minute too short and the lamb will be a touch undercooked. The lamb that came to my table was moist, tender and delicious, the mark of a chef who has been working long enough to know when lambs have to be taken off the grill. Spuds & Aprons was conceived in the spirit of family-friendly fun and in keeping with the theme, the servers (if you’re lucky) will put on aprons with catchy captions at different times of the day to indicate the promotion going on at that very moment. “Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.” “Dude with the food.” “My doctor says I need glasses.” Win Spud a S$30 s dinin & Aprons gv oucher ! Just s h are wit h us yo or mo u st fun dining r happiest with y exper our fa ience mily contes t@mou and send it to We’ll p n ick thr tfaber.com. sg. ee of t who w he bes ill wal t ones k awa y with dining the vouch ers! Who can resist such cheeky overtures to eat and drink even more? I knew I couldn’t, which probably explains why I left Spuds & Aprons not only very full but very happy as well. Spuds & Aprons | +65 6377 9688 www.mountfaber.com.sg 109 Mount Faber Road, Level 2, Singapore 099203 Atmosphere relaxed, laidback and stunning views of Singapore Recommended wicked fries & gravy; tobiko crusted cod fillet; grilled char siew lamb rack; chilli crab in a tux; jar of happiness Price ranging from S$10 to S$30 for each dish depending on your choice of protein Opening times Sunday to Wednesday, 9 am to 11 pm; Thursday, 9 am to 12.30 am; Friday, Saturday and eves of public holidays, 9 am to 2 am Reservations are highly recommended. The restaurant is working out credit card promotions with different banks, so do ask your server what’s on offer. 32 Family & Life • Nov 2013