“Multi-faceted Delights”
The Museum of Art & Design (M.A.D) is a free contemporary art gallery that is the latest attraction on Tanglin Road. Modern art from caricatures and sculptures to a Mona Lisa parody by street- artist-cum-actor Edison Chen are currently featured works. At the 2-storey MAD, not only will there be a regular schedule of intriguing art shows—Mad Love, an erotica festival, will be held in the museum January 2015—but there also is a cigar bar facilitating cigar-whiskey pairings on the ground floor.
MAD’s eatery is one somewhat focused on a Western and Japanese fusion, though I noticed it seemed to offer both cuisines. In contrast to the modern art impressions and cement flooring of the upper level, an earthy concept with woody bric-a-brac dominates the ground level, where both the restaurant and cigar bar are located.
I met with Terry, the organizer of Mad Love, to taste what the restaurant presently recommends for a complete meal:
Hotate Mentaiko ($24). The meal began with samples from 3 tapas. From the left, a luscious melted roe is lacquered over this springy and fat scallop that rests above mesclun leafs (more for aesthtics). How the mentaiko cream wondrously seeps between the excellent texture of the scallop makes for a truly delicious appetizer.
Wasabi Prawn ($18). A wooden stake attaches the wasabi-coated prawn to a circular watermelon slice. Though I found the watermelon to be a little superfluous, the prawn was at least fresh and sprightly, and blended perfectly with the delectable nasal spice from the mustard-coloured coat.
Maguro Carpaccio ($24). I thought this to be aptly simple and bland. It was clean sashimi that nicely cleans the palate after the 2 other intense tapas. Some wasabi on the side would have been pleasant.
Mushroom Soup ($14). The fluidity of this soup honestly surprised me, for a paste-like consistency tends to be the way mushroom soup is served. Blame it on the Asian influence, but I actually preferred this avant-garde mushroom soup loaded with pepper than the typical versions. A side of crispy garlic bread also goes with the order.
Perfect Wagyu Beef Burger ($24). A recurring fatness is definitive of MAD’s Wagyu Burger. I was impressed with the flat soft fries laced with chili powder, but most satisfied with the thick and succulent wagyu patty as well as the fat and soft buns. Know that the yolk from the sunny side-up will certainly drench the bread for a thick eggy bite.
Saikyo Miso Codfish ($28). With how creamy the cod is, I really didn’t feel the need to use the accompanying tartar sauce. Rocket, a pickled onion, and soft long beans are served alongside this toothsome fish that both melts and presents a lovely texture for chewing. One of the must-try dishes in my opinion.
Triple Threat Mac & Cheese ($15). Parmesan, mozzarella, and gruyere are pieced together to produce MAD’s Mac & Cheese with a delicately-crispy crust. If you aren’t filled by the time you get to this point, finishing this solo is the surefire way to be satiated. On its own, it should prove to be enjoyable for cheese lovers with its oozing textures and heavy dairy finish.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a sophisticated socialite with a profound appreciation for art and cigars, MAD’s restaurant whips up pretty impressive dishes that would likely be to your liking. Complimentary parking here may be another prime attraction to seek vehicular refuge from the exorbitantly overpopulated vicinity.
Expected damage: $30 – 40 / pax
