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graze at Rochester Park – Christmas Dinner

Rating:

By Veron Ang

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 make all the arrangements.

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 graze which was a charming restobar helmed by 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
Tel: +65 6775 9000 | Website
Service:

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”

Tags: alfresco/outdoor dining, Australian, Buona Vista, Christmas, dinner, fine dining, restaurant, Rochester Park, western

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About the Editor

Veron Ang is the Founder and Chief Editor of Sparklette, a Singapore restaurants guide, lifestyle and travel blog. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in computer science from the National University of Singapore and runs a web design firm at Sparklette Studio. To get in touch, head on over to the contact page or follow @Sparklette and @VeronSG on Twitter.

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Responses Leave a comment

tree-nappers ahoy
29 comments

Fernando?? LOL.. what a cheesy name :D
Im living vicariously through your blog! What are you planning for new years?
Reply
Posted December 27, 2006 at 11:08 pm
Veron
3439 comments

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
Posted December 27, 2006 at 11:11 pm
tree-nappers ahoy
29 comments

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
Posted December 27, 2006 at 11:39 pm
glenn

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
Posted December 28, 2006 at 12:28 am
Veron
3439 comments

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
Posted December 28, 2006 at 12:34 am
xxoos
14 comments

hi, just asking, what’s that thing in the top right hand corner of the cod fish picture?
thanks~
Reply
Posted December 28, 2006 at 1:00 am
Veron
3439 comments

Teehee. It was half a lemon, wrapped.
Reply
Posted December 28, 2006 at 1:08 am
Kevin
26 comments

Have to check out Rochester Park… funny since I just came in from Buffalo where the neighboring city is Rochester.
Reply
Posted December 28, 2006 at 5:31 am
py
183 comments

This is new to me. thanks for sharing.
Reply
Posted December 29, 2006 at 1:18 am
sofia
2 comments

a really wonderful review of graze! so what’s up next is…new year celebrations? =)
Reply
Posted December 29, 2006 at 1:19 am
Veron
3439 comments

No problem! Not sure about New Year’s though. Probably headed back to the same old place, which means no review!
Reply
Posted December 29, 2006 at 9:52 am
minnieme
1 comment

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
Posted January 3, 2007 at 12:45 am
Veron
3439 comments

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
Posted January 3, 2007 at 12:10 pm
Liza
1 comment

Can one go for a drink and not dine at Graze…???? LIke coffee and stuff..??
Reply
Posted February 1, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Veron
3439 comments

Sure, why not? Those awesome outdoor lounges are perfect for a drink or two. They have an indoor bar too.
Reply
Posted February 1, 2007 at 5:14 pm
alvin
2 comments

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
Posted February 15, 2007 at 10:03 pm
Veron
3439 comments

Wow, I am not so sure! Probably $100-$120 per person for drinks, starters, main courses and desserts?
Reply
Posted February 16, 2007 at 6:37 pm
alvin
2 comments

i see… thanks for the insight Veron.. love your site.. ;)
Reply
Posted February 17, 2007 at 9:52 pm
Fine-Dining-Singapore
9 comments

The only disappointment of the Graze was the wine list – very limited with very few good bottle or glass offerings.
Reply
Posted January 25, 2008 at 9:57 am
rachel
10 comments

Hey! whats the average price for the main course and desserts in their menu?
Reply
Posted June 2, 2009 at 11:12 am