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2013-10-01
84 views
Once known as Compass Rose, Equinox is no stranger to the dining scene having been touted as the city's tallest dining sky scraper before the likes of 1-Altitude appearing.Perched on 70 floors, it still has the best view of the city and is still highly sought after for buffet lunch and sunday brunch.The original intent was to head to Mikuni that was unsurprisingly full for the night and then we headed to Equinox. Why not, since none of us had been there before. City view seats we missed out but
Perched on 70 floors, it still has the best view of the city and is still highly sought after for buffet lunch and sunday brunch.
The original intent was to head to Mikuni that was unsurprisingly full for the night and then we headed to Equinox. Why not, since none of us had been there before. City view seats we missed out but we had adequate time to enjoy the views before the patrons arrived.
Two rounds of bread were served before mains decided to make their grand appearance. A mighty long time to wait for food and truth be told, the bread filled us up considerably. Sour dough, mini baguette, onion olive and cheese bun all smelt heavenly. Personal favourite went to the onion olive roll for being fluffy and fragrant.
Salted french butter to top it off.
Amuse bouche of tomato and cucumber, a savoury yet refreshing starter.
Baked Scallop in Shell, White Wine, Fennel, Broad Bean Ragout, Warm Leek Vinaigrette ($30)
Theatrics aside of unearthing the overfed scallop, it looked hardly marinated.The bouncy texture was a gastronomical delight, the doneness was executed precisely and well, the broth was good enough to drink up on its own.
Yuzu Glazed Pork Belly, Butternut Squash, Sage, Crackling, Peas and Shimeiji Mushroom Broth ($68)
I should have been more wary with "roasted" nowhere mentioned in the description, neither did "slightly crispy" in the waiter's words not cause some alarm when I expected it to be done roast pork style with a cackling so addictive, I would give up my allegiance to roast pork.
Yet it was none to be. Jellied fats and meat in perfect layers, and though it melted into a greasy delicious, the over marinated meat was nothing more than ham. A great pity for a promising chunk.
Australian Pink Snapper, Bravas Potatoes, Broad Beans, Chorizo, Charred Squid, Black Ink Vinaigrette ($75)
The worst stoke of luck with a terribly fishy slab and all the waiter could manage was "anything else for you?", by then we were all too stuffed to bother with a replacement.
Poached Salmon Fillet, Star Anise Oil, Braised Lettuce, Beetroot Gnocchi, Razor Clam Sauce ($68)
Beautifully poached with some degree of rawness, I loved the razor clam inclusion.
Loin of Welsh Lamb, Slow-Cooked Shoulder, Tomato, White Bean Ragout, Confit Baby Shallots, Verde Sauce ($70)
Lamb done three ways and kudos to the white been ragout that was simple but yet so delicious with the crumbled topping.
Hazelnut Praline ($24)
Hazelnut creme, Espuma, Mandarin Orange, Lemon Coulis
Meant for one but good enough for four with a mouthful eat. I do not suppose I want more than a mouthful of this, however. Hazelnut cream and mandarin orange was an odd bittersweet then sour flavour. Crunchy bits of torched candy and the rest is all a mismatch.
Disappointing to say the least, we expected way much more out of Equinox apart from the unbeatable view. No wonder it is usually full during Restaurant Week - prices are more justifiable that way.
Full review and photos up on: http://www.thefoodchapter.blogspot.sg/2013/09/equinox-restaurant-swissotel-stamford.html
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