Dining

graze at Rochester Park – Christmas Dinner

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I had been wanting to check out Rochester Park for the longest time. That place is new to me but from what I’d heard, it’s like holland village, only less crowded. So for Christmas dinner I suggested Rochester Park and let my friend fernando make all the arrangements (while I happily attended the city harvest church Christmas production, but more on that later).

Only when I arrived at the place did I realise it was nothing like holland village! Houses that were formerly colonial bungalows had been converted into standalone pubs and restaurants. Currently there are five of them there but I think there are more opening up soon. We went to this restaurant called graze which was a charming place helmed by an Aussie head chef, Matthew Lawdorn.

graze Photo by graze

This place is awesome. The first thing you would notice is the greenery and water features that run through the place. Waiters dressed smartly in black usher guests right to their table. They have this way of making diners feel like royalty. I felt at home almost immediately.

Al fresco dining at graze Photo by graze

Alfresco dining is available at its outdoor pavilion, with candlelights and all. There’s also a long communal table tucked away in a more private area for families and group gatherings. (okay the nice photos were stolen from their website. My camera obviously can’t manage such beautiful pictures.)

Canapés

We started the night with champagne and canapés. There were mussels, breaded prawns, cheese, etc.

Appetisers

Appetisers included salad, cold cuts, chilled prawns, scallops and more. The prawns were so juicy! Yum!

Seared black cod fillet

Seared black cod fillet was my main course. Served along with carrots, mashed peas and baby potatoes, the fish was the most tender and succulent thing! Loved it!

At this point I should probably pause to highlight that the service here is, without a doubt, five stars. All the waiters are so professional, prompt and dedicated. Never rude, never in a hurry, and never intrusive. Napkins are folded back neatly and placed on the armrest whenever a guest leaves the table. At one point a waiter walked past and moved my glass away to make sure I had enough room to eat. How thoughtful!

Australian trifle

Desserts were served bar-style. Being a picky eater, I asked if they had chocolate mousse. Yum! Well they didn’t, but the chef gamely suggested chocolate pudding instead. Wow! Had an Australian trifle meanwhile, which was fruity and topped with cream. Very sinful but worth dying for.

Chocolate pudding

And then there was the chocolate pudding that the chef specially made for me. Served with mustard, chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Nice!

Then, we heard the most beautiful and angelic singing. A choir had started singing Christmas carols. Ahhh… Graze really did everything to make this a wonderful and complete Christmas experience. I was at the peak of my Christmasy mood right there and then.

Old movie shown outdoor Photo by graze

One very unique concept that graze employs is its alfresco movie screenings. Black and white movies from the 50s can be enjoyed in the comfort of sofas. I asked if they had any Marilyn Monroe movie and according to the head chef they have a whole bunch of it! I am so going back!

Christmas tree at graze

Loved the Christmas tree too. It was towering right beside our table. The best part is that it’s a real tree, huge and rooted to the soil. It had been elegantly decorated for Christmas, complete with a star on top! I was so charmed!

This was a fabulous dining experience throughout, and certainly my best restaurant experience for the year 2006. It’s clearly a night to remember! Thanks mate!

graze
4 Rochester Park Singapore 139215 [map]
(65) 6775 9000
Service:

www.graze.sg

News updates

February 3, 2007: My list of Best (& Worst) Restaurants in Singapore for 2006
- Winner of “Best Restaurant of the Year”
- Winner of “Best Service”
- Nominated for “Best Ambience”

Also in this series

May 6, 2007: graze Anniversary Party – Be My Date!
May 10, 2007: graze Anniversary Party – Of Champagne & Canapés
October 2, 2007: graze - They Still Amaze! October 2, 2007: graze – They Still Amaze!

For more on Sparklette:

About the Author

Veron Ang is the founder and chief editor of Sparklette. She lives in Singapore and has dined and traveled across the world. She also runs Sparklette Studio, a web design and WordPress development firm. If you'd like to connect with her, head on over to the contact page or follow her personal updates on Twitter: @VeronSG.

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21 responses

Leave your comment

tree-nappers ahoy
December 27, 2006

Fernando?? LOL.. what a cheesy name :D

Im living vicariously through your blog! What are you planning for new years?
Reply
Veron
December 27, 2006

Aww come on, it’s a nice name. And it reminds me of a character from Prison Break.

I like it :)

New Year’s? Let’s go back to Cafe Iguana and get those free tequila shots! Ooh la la!

On second thoughts, maybe not. I gotta cut down on my alcohol intake!
Reply
tree-nappers ahoy
December 27, 2006

oh how tragic! I hope this “Fernando” doesnt read your blog :D He would be crushed to know its only his name you like haha!

Hey, you should share your top 10 favorite alcohols.. might be fun, and might give the rest of us some ideas! Just a thought :)
Reply
glenn
December 28, 2006

Veron, what was the till like?

By the way, how packed was it on Christmas day? I hate places which tend to be over crowded and under crowded. If you get what i mean :)
Reply
Veron
December 28, 2006

It was not crowded on Christmas eve. I guess not too many people are aware of this hidden gem yet, which is definitely a good thing.
Reply
xxoos
December 28, 2006

hi, just asking, what’s that thing in the top right hand corner of the cod fish picture?

thanks~
Reply
Veron
December 28, 2006

Teehee. It was half a lemon, wrapped.
Reply
Kevin
December 28, 2006

Have to check out Rochester Park… funny since I just came in from Buffalo where the neighboring city is Rochester.
Reply
py
December 29, 2006

This is new to me. thanks for sharing.
Reply
sofia
December 29, 2006

a really wonderful review of graze! so what’s up next is…new year celebrations? =)
Reply
Veron
December 29, 2006

No problem! Not sure about New Year’s though. Probably headed back to the same old place, which means no review!
Reply
minnieme
January 3, 2007

Hi there, chanced upon your site.

seems like a really nice place. btw, you do know what is the price range like for their normal dinner course meal?
Reply
Veron
January 3, 2007

Not too sure honey. Why don’t you call them up? I’m sure they would be happy to give you a price guide.
Reply
Liza
February 1, 2007

Can one go for a drink and not dine at Graze…???? LIke coffee and stuff..??
Reply
Veron
February 1, 2007

Sure, why not? Those awesome outdoor lounges are perfect for a drink or two. They have an indoor bar too.
Reply
alvin
February 15, 2007

hey veron,

chance upon your website and i have to say i was instantly drawn to it by its mesmerizing design. Good job!

at any rate, how are the food at grace price at? how much does one need to bring for a decent meal?

thanks for the insight. if possible, get back to me via email? deeply appreciated. cheers! =D
Reply
Veron
February 16, 2007

Wow, I am not so sure! Probably $100-$120 per person for drinks, starters, main courses and desserts?
Reply
alvin
February 17, 2007

i see… thanks for the insight Veron.. love your site.. ;)
Reply
Fine-Dining-Singapore
January 25, 2008

The only disappointment of the Graze was the wine list – very limited with very few good bottle or glass offerings.
Reply
rachel
June 2, 2009

Hey! whats the average price for the main course and desserts in their menu?
Reply