Weekendin Singapore Nov '13 | Issue 08 | Page 32

intheTASTE intheTASTE Alkaff Mansion The Epitome of Old World Charm Perhaps a little historical information will help you better appreciate the grand Alkaff Mansion. It was built by Syed Abdul Rahman Alkaff who came to Singapore from Yemen. It was built primarily as a retreat for the Alkaff family and to entertain their clients and guests. The Alkaff family, a family of great traders whose ancestors arrived in Singapore in 1852, had ownership of the mansion. A variety of food was served to their guests with entertainment, floor shows and music provided in the terraces of the mansion. After a near decade, the LHN Group has finally taken over and definitely done a brilliant job in restoring the conservation building for food and beverage purposes. Also the owners of Parco Caffe at Raeburn Park and highly successful Spruce, it is highly evident that Alkaff Mansion Ristorante is doing well with its new lease of life. Set in the tranquil Telok Blangah Hill Park where the traffic dwindles, Alkaff Mansion offers a panoramic view from its vantage point, overlooking a 19-hectare park and the sea down below – the perfect setting for a quiet meal or romantic dinner. After parking the car with the rest along the winding road leading to the Alkaff Mansion, I made my way up the long flight of stairs to the restaurant amidst landscaped surroundings. European-style fountains and a gazebo looking straight out from a fairytale movie thoughtfully adorn the front of the mansion, affording the space with a sense of elegance. The sight made me wonder why I had not had my wedding held there instead. Olives, Orange Slices, Red Onion and Sundried Tomatoes, which was delightfully tangy and does great at whetting the appetite. The perfect amount of vinaigrette was used, so that the salad had sufficient flavour but not overwhelming, giving a refreshing start to lunch. The Pan Fried Sea Bream with Sautéed Vegetables & Fresh Herbs came next as my ever-succulent main. Cooked to perfection, the fish’s outside is crisp while the inside is soft and melts in the mouth. As I slice through the fillet, the juices sealed inside flowed free. The combination of textures makes the sea bream a mouthwatering dish. Meat lovers will appreciate the Grilled US Beef Tagliata with Baked Potatoes & Green Asparagus. Best eaten medium rare, this savoury dish reveals robust flavours with a subtle hint of charred aroma. Behold the alkaff mansion in all its historical splendour and charm. The colonial building exudes old world charm, attracting diners who are looking for a venue for corporate meetings, couples who desire a romantic dinner, or friends who want an enchanting location for a great catch up. For dessert, a sugary treat of Pistachio Pain de Gene with Pistachio Bavarois & Raspberry Jelly Sauce bids you well with surges of endorphins. The serving of Bavarian cream Alkaff Mansion Ristorante | 10 Telok gives the rich sponge cake a nice milky taste, Blangah Green | Singapore 109178 | T 6510 and made flawless with pistachio flavours. 3068 | www.alkaff.com.sg For just an additional $10, diners get to enjoy their lunch with an exquisite glass of Prosecco, house red wine or white wine. While the main building follows a restaurantbar concept of Italian fine dining, a blithe alfresco café sits in the garden outdoors. The beautiful interior of the mansion has been retained so the original design and heritage remains. From the wooden furniture, chandeliers, cutlery, to the decorative floor Although the palatable menu is a bonus, the tiles, everything is appointed to fit the pulchritudinous setting is enough to have you going back for more. On that basis alone, colonial theme. the Alkaff Mansion is the perfect venue not In the day, the large glass windows afford only for a gratifying meal, but also a dream the mansion with abundant sunlight, while spot for solemnisations and weddings. the chandeliers create a hint of elegance and warmness to the surroundings. Although constantly changing, the 3-course set lunch menu always includes dishes that do authentic Tuscan Italian cuisine justice. For $36, you sure get great value out of the meal. For starter, I got a Mixed Salad with Black Weekendin 30 31 Weekendin