Il Giardino at the Singapore Botanic Gardens feels less like a polished Italian fine dining restaurant and more like the sort of neighbourhood place you would happily return to with family and friends.
I have been to 54° Steakhouse twice lately, and interestingly, for two very different reasons.
A very enjoyable return to Butcher’s Block. Good food matters, of course, but when cooking, wine and service all contribute their own little moments, that is when dinner becomes an experience worth remembering.
One of the perks of Ashley having worked at Scarpetta was getting to know the people behind the food. So when burger cravings struck this evening, she suggested we head to Smash Street, just a few doors away, where some familiar faces have embarked on a new adventure.
Behind the griddle was Chef Rei, who used to be behind the stove at Scarpetta. Today, instead of tossing pasta, he spends his evenings smashing beef patties over a blazing hot griddle. Watching him work was mesmerising. Every patty is smashed just once over intense heat, creating a beautifully caramelised crust while keeping the centre juicy. By the end of service, Rei was literally soaked in oil. Probably a much tougher shift than cooking pasta, but you could see he was genuinely enjoying what he was doing.
The menu is refreshingly lean, focusing on doing a few things really well. We ordered literally everything on the menu - the Classic (double patties) and House Burgers (triple patties), Chicken Poppers with
As always, what makes Butcher's Block stand out is not just Chef Jordan's cooking, but also the team's warm and attentive hospitality.
It is no longer the rebellious RVLT of old. Revolution has matured gracefully, just like many of us who have been following Ian's journey all these years.
Thank you Chef Jordan and the entire Butcher's Block team for another wonderful evening.
Some restaurants make you excited the moment you walk in. Butcher’s Block is one of those places for me.
A night of fine food, conversation, and the enduring charm of one of Bordeaux’s great estates.
Prices are not hawker-cheap, but these burgers feel honest with quality ingredients, no shortcuts, and served in a chill setting that fits the younger crowd.