BEYOND THE PURPLE

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The lurid purple decor of modern European restaurant Violet Herbs is limited to the restaurant’s first floor, and thank goodness for that because chef Edward Hoe’s handiwork is worth a visit. Formerly from Restaurant Ember and Keystone, he does a luscious lobster cappuccino topped with juniper-infused milk foam and a dash of cognac. Also good is the cod marinated in black miso and beetroot puree, then partially roasted and finished off on the grill for a caramelised glaze. Ask for second-floor seating, which is decked out in neutral beige and expansive windows.

81 Tras Street Singapore 079020. Tel: 6221 3988.
Open Monday To Saturday, 11.30am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm.

 CBD BRANCH

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A second outlet of lauded Dempsey restaurant The Disgruntled Chef has opened at The Club Hotel. Despite its more upscale menu, the Ann Siang edition retains the small- and big-plate sharing concept that chef Daniel Sia pioneered when he opened its predecessor in 2010. Breads come with a price tag here, but the freshly baked pillowy-soft charcoal loaf is excellent with the accompanying whipped cream cheese and fish floss. Partner big sharing plates like Maine lobster and chicken roast with a glass of Taittinger Prelude Grand Cuvee. Not many restaurants serve this bubbly by the glass.

(Related: Daniel Sia was one of our 9 Chefs to Watch in 2016.)

28 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069728. Tel: 6808 2184.
Open Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10.30pm.

 A HOME ON THE STRIP

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Boat Quay houses a number of culinary gems for patrons who bother to look past its tourist-trapping bars and seafood restaurants, and the latest to sneak in is My Little Spanish Place’s second outlet. The warm brick decor remains, but its menu now focuses on fare enjoyed in the Balearic Islands. This means lots of sausages typical of the region, as well as chefs Edward Esmero and Maria Sevillano’s own twists. This includes the Fideua Verde, a paella-like dish that uses short noodles instead of rice, tinted green thanks to its spinach-base paste.

54 Boat Quay, Singapore 049843. Tel: 6532 0665.
Open Monday to Friday from 11am, Saturday from 3pm.

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(header image credit: gourmetadventures.net)