When CÉ LA VI comes to mind, I’m sure most of you will envision its iconic rooftop Skybar set against an absolutely breathtaking city skyline.
Indeed, they are strategically located above the SkyPark Observation Deck of Marina Bay Sands, which allows for a spectacular view of the modern metropolis from the al fresco dining area.
If you’re having a private dinner date and would prefer to dine indoors, fret not because you’ll still get a glimpse of the view while basking in the ambience of the lavish interior.
And while you’re admiring the view, complete the experience with some contemporary Asian dishes crafted by award-winning chefs because that’s where fine dining is truly at.
For starters, get the Hokkaido Scallop & Oyster Ceviche ($34) that’s sure to kick off your meal with a refreshing burst of flavour.
Served atop a bed of crushed ice, are fresh scallops that are doused in a good amount of calamansi and a dash of lemongrass oil.
To top it off, pomelo and coriander dressing is also used as a garnish for an added zest. As soon as you pop the whole scallop in your mouth, you’ll be amazed by how well the different flavour profiles come together.
For yet another savoury appetiser, go for the Poached Foie Gras with Hazelnuts & Pomegranate ($34). Much to our delight, the foie gras itself was amazingly tender and certainly melt-in-your-mouth.
The Le Puy lentils served as a great accompaniment to the slab of liver as it had a peppery taste that spiced up the dish. Subtle hints of citrus could also be detected from the lemon juice that was drizzled over.
In addition to that, the hazelnuts and pomegranate seeds strewn across the plate enhanced the texture and added a much-needed crunch to it.
The Grilled Snapper with Lemongrass Turmeric & Kecap Manis ($36) is a fine example of the type of high quality modern Asian dishes they’re capable of putting out.
Cooked in a fragrant garlic and shrimp paste, the snapper managed to soak up all the goodness of the base and went mighty well with the sautéed water spinach.
As a mainstay in most Asian dishes, the roasted shallots garnished on top also made for a nice touch and was paired brilliantly with the side of aromatic turmeric rice.
If you’re all about fusion dishes, you should definitely try the Cast-Iron Roasted Rangers Valley “Black Market” Ribeye ($55). The chef has somehow managed to put a Korean spin on what is most commonly dubbed as a Western dish and, the results were to die for.
Expect to be served some tender cuts of ribeye drenched in a good amount of Doenjang, a fermented soybean paste that goes surprisingly well with the beef. And of course, this dish wouldn’t be complete without staples such as the sweet potato noodles and kimchi.
To end off the meal on a sweet note, order the Rose & Watermelon Petit Grateau ($26) from the dessert selection. The dome-shaped cake is constructed from an absolutely soft genoise rose sponge layered with tiers of decadent Valrhona white chocolate, and topped with sugary meringues.
Scattered across the plate is also a good sprinkle of watermelon and raspberry crumble that not only, makes the dessert aesthetically pleasing but adds a nice fruity flavour to boot.
Being the sugar addicts that we were, we couldn’t resist ordering yet another dessert. If you too have a penchant for green tea, you’ve got to try the Molten Matcha Cheesecake ($26).
We were anticipating a cinematic molten effect and weren’t disappointed at all. In fact, the warm green tea ganache within the cheesecake oozed out as soon as we sliced into it.
Paired together with the sakura coulis and lime ice cream, the combination of sweet and sour was seriously unMATCHAble in taste. I’ve had many matcha desserts but this one certainly takes the cake.
If you prefer to have some alcoholic beverages to end the night, treat yourself to a fine cocktail from their bar. The East Side ($24) with a yuzu meets tangy grapefruit combination was hands down one of our favourites.
The citrus flavours blended in really well with the Tanqueray No. Ten Gin and was also fairly easy to down. Served with a spoonful of yuzu sorbet, what’s not to love about this concoction?
Go on an epicurean adventure at CÉ LA VI and have a taste of all the innovative flavours that are created by the chefs helming the restaurant. They’ll prove to you that there is definitely more to traditional Asian recipes than you think.
Expected damage: $100++ per pax
