Hot of the press (release)

In my last post, I mentioned a soon-to-be-opened new restaurant in Singapore called Graze that I’m pretty excited about. For readers eager to know more about it, have I got a treat for you! The PR company that’s handling Graze has just sent me its latest press release, reprinted below verbatim for your reading pleasure. You’ll note that the phone number is below and from what I’ve been told, they’re already taking reservations. So, why not give them a call and be one of the first in the country to try what has the potential to be the city’s new “it” restaurant?

Graze Fact Sheet

Concept
The word Graze relates to ‘eating at a leisurely pace in a relaxed surrounding’. The grassy lawns of its 5000 sq. foot gardens and the fresh, airy ambience of the colonial house was also an inspiration for its name. A specialty of the restaurant will be a ‘grazing menu’ designed for those who prefer to eat small portions of a variety of dishes. As its name suggests, Graze offers a venue where people can ‘hang out’ for an extended time, experiencing exceptional cuisine in an exceptionally relaxed environment. Continuing its theme of freshness, greenery and relaxation, the upstairs lounge bar is called Mint, featuring specialty chilled cocktails and cool dj music.

Location
No 4 Rochester Park, Singapore 139215

Reservations
(65) 6775 9000

Opening
Late March, 2006

Opening Hours
Breakfast/Brunch: Saturday and Sunday – 9 am to 4 pm
Lunch: Friday-Sunday – 12 pm to 3 pm
Dinner: Tuesday to Sunday -6pm to Midnight
Bar: Tuesday –Sunday 6 pm to Midnight (later on weekend nights)
Last food orders 11pm- ish

Culinary Team
Head Chef – Matthew Lawdorn

Restaurant Highlights
Located in a pre-war, colonial-style black and white house in Rochester Park, near Holland Village. Graze features:
– a casual, chic downstairs dining room with an adjacent gourmet country style produce store.
– an elegant upstairs bar Mint with a dj booth, cigar area and outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens.
– a 5,000 sq ft garden oasis with 100 year old trees and with three architecturally sleek outdoor pavilions for dining or lounging. There’s a sensational water feature that runs through the space and a large outdoor screen for al fresco movies. The outdoor space is perfect for barbeques, events and other special occasions

The use of blonde woods in the downstairs dining area and a long communal table in the produce store give Graze a minimal contemporary style, while the outdoor private pavilions, a unique water feature and subtle backlighting create a sophisticated chill-out ambience which is equally appealing for lazy afternoons or Singapore’s balmy evenings

Mint is Graze’s upstairs lounge bar, fitted with a purpose built dj booth playing cool music, and adorned with comfortable leather sofas, flo stools and ottomans, and a unique bisazza mosaic bar with a floral motif. A special feature of Mint is the cigar bar with an excellent selection of premium and vintage cigars. A large adjoining terrace with comfortable banquette seating overlooks the garden.

Cuisine
The cuisine includes exceptionally fresh home-made fare, featuring simple, yet creative, tasty dishes. In addition to an a la carte menu with a selection of western and Asian seafood, poultry, pastas, great cheeses, garden-fresh vegetables and salads, Graze also offers a BBQ menu of choice cuts and the freshest seafood, a “Grazing” menu for those who want to share, and at weekends, a healthy and hearty Breakfast/Brunch menu.

Set to become a destination for all-day weekend brunch, treats include Graze’s big breakfast choices – The cast iron pan, for meat lovers or vegetarians, banana pancakes, crab omelette, eggs benedict, healthy options, refreshing brunch cocktails and delights for those with a sweet-tooth.

Graze will also host a gourmet produce store, selling home-made conserves, sausages, herb and spice mixes, imported cheeses, chocolates, infused oils and vinegars, pastas, sun-dried goods, specialty coffee blends and boutique wines and beers, some exclusive to Graze.

Signature Dishes
For Entrées, specialities include: King Prawns 3 ways, tempura, chilled and pan tossed and coconut coriander sorbet (S$ 15.15) and Salt and pepper grilled sea scallop, sliced mango, lime, vanilla syrup and fresh herbs (S$ 13).

Mains with tasty Asian flair include: Soy layered Wagyu Ox cheek, coconut rice and warm salad (S$ 28) as well as Roasted Barramundi, pumpkin and goats cheese ravioli, chili plum salsa and chive oil (S$ 28)and Wrapped roasted chicken with a warm salad of potato, garlic, fried shallot, lemongrass and cucumber nam jim dressing, coriander and thai basil (S$ 26).

Delicious desserts include: Lava Cake- soft-centred hot chocolate pudding with white chocolate ice cream (S$ 10)

Wine List
Both boutique wines and a selection of acclaimed wines, with several available by the glass ranging from S$12 to S$30. There is also a selection of wines by half bottles. Graze’s dining experience also includes the option of recommended wines matched by the glass for items on its a la carte menu.

Signature Cocktails
Berry Blast Mocktail
MINT Cocktail
Graze Cocktail

Capacity
50 diners – level one “Graze”
60 people – dining or simply ‘grazing ‘and drinking outside
80 people – “grazing” upstairs on level 2 “Mint” Bar
A private dining room seating up to 12 people

Area
Restaurant: Ground Floor – 755 sq. foot
Lounge Bar: Upper Floor – 755 sq. foot
Outdoor Terrace – 350 sq. foot
Gardens: 5000 sq. foot

Average bill per guest
Lunch : S$ 45 (2 courses with glass of wine)
Dinner: S$ 80 (3 courses with 2 glasses of wine)
Brunch: S$ 30 (with a beverage or breakfast cocktail)

Private Events
Cocktail for up to 300. Private dining : 60 people

Dress Code
Relaxed, casual chic.

Credit Cards
All major credit cards accepted.

Parking
Street or valet parking available