Saturday, August 11, 2012

SINGAPORE: DB Bistro Moderne

The Yankee Burger Beef Patty, Iceberg Lettuce, Tomato, Onion Served on a Sesame Bun
For all the hype that DB conjures up with its empire reaching as far as New York and London, it was slightly underwhelming. Where it soared for simpler dishes like pasta and the wonderfully light salad dressing, it was disappointingly flat when it came to its burgers. Maybe I'm used to fattier patties that ooze lovely meaty goodness, but the Yankee burger on DB's menu lacked that extra pinch of salt and, as hard as it is for me to say it, that extra bit of fat. 

Thankfully, the unsatisfactory burger was off set by a well executed mushroom pasta. Pasta is deceptively easy to do. There is a complex interplay of factors that make up the perfect pasta. The pasta must first be al dente, the sauce it's then tossed in must be subtle enough not to overpower the other ingredients yet not bland, and every garnish - be it spinach or deep fried onions - has to complement all the other garnishes and melt together in perfect unison on your tongue. DB managed to accomplish all this exceedingly well with its orecchiette (ear-shaped) mushroom pasta. 

As important as food is to a restaurant, so is its service; and the best service is in the details. One thing I remember and appreciated was that every plate, whether a serving dish or the one in front of you, was warm. This kept the food satisfyingly warm throughout the entire meal. 



Tarte: Provençale Tomato, Eggplant Smoked Mozzarella, Arugula Sauce Vierge


B1-48, Galleria Level
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
(Across from the Theater)

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