After a thrilling first act which saw three Michelin-starred French restaurant Mirazur head to Australia earlier this year in March for a short-term residency at two of Sydney’s top venues, Chef World Tour is now already back for its second act.
This time, it’s coming to Singapore, to the iconic Bar & Billiard Room at the Raffles Hotel Singapore. Two separate residencies are happening as part of this second edition, with one in October and the other in November, featuring chefs formerly from Copenhagen’s famed Noma, and who are both now running their own highly acclaimed establishments.
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Oct 10-15 will see Jose Luis Hinostroza of ARCA in Tulum take over the kitchen and bar for course lunch and dinner menus matched with cocktail pairings. Ranking No.29 on the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list and No.23 on the North America’s 50 Best Bars list, ARCA is actually the first in the world to be awarded this double accolade.
Expect Hinostroza’s soulful Mexican cuisine to be a central pillar of his offering in the Singapore menu, but done so while making good use of local ingredients as well. With experience working at several three Michelin-starred establishments the likes of Alinea, Maaemo, and El Cellar de Can Roca, and most recently, Noma, we’re expecting a great level of inventiveness and finesse for his residency.
The Octopus Tostadas – made using caramelised cheese, smoked salsa mocha, and arugula – on the dinner menu will be one dish to look forward to. Meanwhile, the Amaranth Tempura, a soft shell crab taco dish available in both the lunch and dinner offerings, is exemplary of Hinostroza’s casual fine dining style.
While non-alcoholic and wine pairings are available, we are most interested in the cocktail pairing – something not often seen here. Five different beverages await those who take up the option. With atypical ingredients like palm wine, totomoxtle salt, and lambic beer being used, curious tipplers will have plenty to savour.
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Those who can’t make it for the October residency can look forward to having Ben Ing – who formerly helmed Noma’s kitchen for several years – of Alberta’s Kitchen & Store in Busselton taking over come 2024 (dates TBC). Expect his hyper-seasonal ethos to take centerstage for this residency.
While we are not yet sure what he will be serving in Singapore, we’re hoping some of Alberta’s’ favourites, such as the Venus Clams and the Beef Short Ribs, will make it in some shape or form onto the menu.
Whichever chef you choose, the number of courses and price is the same. The 6-course lunch is priced at S$238, while the 8-course dinner is priced at S$338. Alcohol pairing options start from S$120, while non-alcoholic pairing options start from S$80.
Reservations are required and can be made online. The Bar & Billiard Room is located at 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673.
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