Dine Up, Up and Away at Stellar @ 1-Altitude

Which restaurants offer spectacular views in Singapore on top of the impeccable tasting food and service?

Forget our old favourite Equinox, or Marina Bay Sands new pride and glory Kudeta for a moment, because we now have another contender in the dine-high scene, which food connoisseurs should already be familiar with. The restaurant in question is none other than Stellar, who had their grand opening on July 9 this year, and along with 282 & City Golf and world's highest rooftop bar, 1-Altitude (all of which occupies the top 61st, 62th, 63rd levels of OUB Centre respectively) have created waves of gastronomical curiosity amongst the Raffles Place office crowd, and beyond.

But don't just go there for the views, because the views are merely a small complement to the actual taste and artisanal presentation of the food, on top of the freedom to mix and match tasting portions to your liking - all of which Group Executive Chef Christopher Millar believes is what makes up "modern dining". Chef Millar has an array of dining accolades under his belt from his stints in London and Melbourne, including being trained by British Celebrity Chef Antony Worrall Thompson. Some of you probably remember him for having founded the acclaimed Thai bistro, Sweet Salty Spicy at Rail Mall. With his penchant for the finest details, Stellar is set to offer a feast for the senses, with refined recipes that are artfully prepared and presented. Enhancing the splendor of this dining experience is their award-winning service and sommeliers, the hallmark of the One Rochester Group. Stellar isn't just reserved for food snobs, as much as the place look very much like it does, with its celestial ambiance created by high ceilings and earthy-metallic furnishings juxtaposed with dimmed lighting. Indeed, you feel transported to another world of heavenly kingdom, but the price to pay for such a sky kingdom is very reasonable. Combine the affordable prices with the informal vibe (it is not a stuffy black-tie affair), communal dining and freedom of choice to mix and match tasting portions, you'll realized that Stellar caters to more than food snobs, extending it to anyone who appreciates value-for-money quality dining.

From left: Blue Fin Tuna, Sword Fish and Salmon Sashimi with Ponzu Jelly and Seaweed Salad. Pantry Taster. Black Cod Fillet with Chargrilled Fennel, Orange Pistachio Salad and Pinot Noir sauce. Truffle Risotto with Lobster Maine.

Going deeper into the menu, you'll think that the restaurant is having a case of confused identity, with choices that range from Italian, French and Spanish charcuterie to Japanese inspired dishes and sushi to Pantry, Oysters, Pasta and Grain and Patisserie. All done through various cooking methods like over the coal, roasting and braising. This is Stellar's way of catering to diverse tastes. First to arrived for #ORTU was the Pantry Taster which requires an acquired taste, lest most diners would find the taste a tad overwhelming. This dish included a selection of breads, pissaladiere (a pizza-like dish without tomatoes made in Southern France), olives, radishes, fig tartlets, and last but not lest, the Foie Gras croustades (fattened goose or duck liver) that is rich, creamy and melts in your mouth. The Charcuterie Taster arrived in a three-tiered serving tray with the best imported Jamon Iberico (Spanish Ham made from black Iberian pig),Jamon Serrano (Spanish Ham made from domesticated white pig and served raw in thin slices), Prosciutto de Parma (similar to Jamon Serrano, except it originates from Italy). They also have homemade charcuterie such as their game terrine (slow roasted pork shoulder), Foie Gras parfait, crepinettes and rabbit rillette, the last of which most of us didn't dare try. But can you blame us? I'm sure you have a friend whose friend's friend had a rabbit as a pet. I finally mustered up the courage to find that I like it, though the rabbit meat is a little too tough. Their signature of the lot would be the House-Cured Wagyu Bresola. We never knew what good sushi sashimi was until we've tried Stellar's. Crisp, clean Japanese inspired dishes, which will provoke the palate with their simplicity in concept and complexity in flavour. Trained in the traditions of Japanese sushi artistry our sushi chef pushes the boundaries and perceptions of what defines modern sushi. There are just too many marvelous dining deals here to bewilder you. Head down yourself and try them out! Remember to tell us what you think here.

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