Weekendin Singapore Feb '14 | Issue 11 | Page 30

intheTASTE intheTASTE CUT by Wolfgang Puck CUT by Wolfgang Puck needs no introduction. An epitome of modern steakhouses, the place is something a true meat connoisseur will appreciate. The posh establishment presents a contemporary twist on the classic steakhouse menu from master chef Wolfgang Puck. At the helm of CUT by Wolfgang Puck is executive chef Joshua Brown, a down-to-earth guy whose food reflects his personality. He takes his food seriously, with no exception to steak. At the entrance to CUT, visitors are greeted with a dramatic façade of four-metre high, lacquered bronze panels with a series of alternating flush frameless doors that open outward like shutters. The main dining room is concealed behind the bar, which is lined by iconic Mario Bellini leather upholstered barstools. Custom-designed swilling lunge seats along the open façade, are where guests can enjoy drinks and lounge bites. An extensive cocktail menu bedazzles you, but if you feel at a loss with the number of options, the Rough Love is a signature cocktail that is enchantingly sweet but dangerously lethal. Steak sandwiches and mini wagyu sliders served at the bar are among their top rated dishes to go along with alcohol. The main dining room, which features the same iconic Bellini armchairs and side chairs, also offers private dining booths, each seating up to five guests. Massive photos of Hollywood celebrities are framed up on the walls, adding a special touch to the room. Dimly lit with only subtle warm glows of light, you can’t help but kick back and enjoy the night. Effable servers, who are all smiles, drop by occasionally to make sure that your night is perfect. Although known as one of the most popular steakhouses in the world, their appetisers remain on par. Choose from a wide array of appetisers such as Blue Fin Tuna Tartare, Maple Glazed Pork Belly, American Blue Crab and Shrimp “Louis” Spicy Tomato-Horseradish, Hokkaido Scallop “Carpaccio”, and the widely raved Bone Marrow Flan. With all appetisers impeccably executed, it is an ordeal selecting the best, but my top picks have to be the American Blue Crab and Shrimp “Louis” Spicy TomatoHorseradish and Bone Marrow Flan. A light and refreshing mix of flavours, the former had succulent chunks of blue crab and shrimp tossed in a creamy dressing and lay over the base of horseradish panna cotta. Just as recommended, the highly revered Bone Marrow Flan was well balanced and although richly decadent, had no Weekendin 30 overpowering taste of bone marrow. After being teased by delightful appetisers, my taste buds were ready for entree. A tasting of New York Sirloin consists of 120grams of U.S.D.A. Prime, Illinois Corn Fed, 120grams of American Wagyu from Snake River Farms, and 60grams of True A5 Kobe Beef from Hyogo Prefecture. All premium meats personally handpicked by Chef Joshua Brown go through several levels of control to ensure a quality that surpasses all others. Indeed, all three cuts in the New York Sirloin tasting, although differing in flavour and texture, were all impressively transcendent. My favourite was the Japanese Kobe Beef that had remarkable marbling, allowing it to seal in all the flavour with the perfect balance of smokiness and robustness. Finally, we cut to the chase and finished off with desserts. The Valrhona Chocolate Souffle came with condiments like Crème Fraiche, Homemade Caramelised White Chocolate Ice Cream, and Chocolate Sauce, definitely for the chocolate lover. Light and fluffy, the soufflé is a delight to enjoy in itself. A lighter but equally heavenly alternative is the deconstructed Banana Cream Pie that comes in layers of Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Pearls, Caramelised Ice Cream, and Whipped Cream and served with a dollop of Chocolate Sorbet. CUT by Wolfgang Puck has so much to offer, that one visit may not suffice. Although their steaks are exemplary, their appetisers and other entrees are comparably sublime and not lacking in standard. The establishment certainly upholds its name as one of the best steakhouses around. CUT by Wolfgang Puck 10 Bayfront Avenue | #B1-71 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands | Singapore 018956 | T 6688 8517 | www.wolfgangpuck.com 31 Weekendin