The Tastings Room – Wine and Dine Here

Seeking to enjoy a wining and dining experience without breaking the wallet? The Tastings Room provides just that with its vast offering – over 50 wines by the glass and Western fusion cuisine – all agreeably priced.

Inspired by the wine pairing culture in Europe, ex-banker Timothy Tjendra started the restaurant at Marina Square to make the concept both accessible and affordable locally.

Each ala carte menu item – even the soups – is neatly labelled with the various matching wines, while the elaborate wine menu is carefully categorised and priced, hence making the wine picking process extremely easy and convenient.

Most of the wines in the extensive menu are priced under S$10 per half-glass – a serving that is just right for a main course. Besides pairing wines with your meal, customisation of a full menu featuring your preferred choice of wine is also available.

Starters

Heirloom tomato salad
S$12.90++

The enjoyable heirloom tomato salad, with fresh heirloom tomatoes and white balsamic dressing, comes at a perfect portion for sharing among two.

Purée of mushroom soup
S$6.90++

While the thick blend of mushrooms and intriguing garlic foam make a good teaming in the purée of mushroom soup, the truffle oil is sadly overpowered.

Roasted pumpkin soup
S$6.90++

The roasted pumpkin soup tastes a little thin, though the rosemary foam is very aromatic. The overall taste can be improved by using fresher prawns.

White truffle salted house fries
S$8.90++

Pair the white truffle salted house fries with white or sparkling wine and the truffle flavour is instantly elevated.

Mains

Saffron seafood risotto
S$18.90++

Created to match the Asian palate, the saffron seafood risotto possesses very balanced flavours and just the right amount of cheese. Cooked until al dente, the dish is creamy and chewy. The Sauvignon Blanc pairing cleanses the palate, so the taste of cheese is not too overpowering.

Confit of French duck leg
S$22.90++

A delightful pillow of flavourful flesh under crispy duck skin, the confit of French duck leg will not disappoint. The only qualm is that the meat is dry near the edges. Paired with a Pinot Noir, the subtle flavours of the tangy orange sauce are brought out, highlighting the smooth potato mash and grilled pear sides.

Desserts

Warm banana cake with lemongrass ginger ice cream
S$8.50++

The lemongrass ginger ice cream – also available at S$3.50 a scoop – is smooth and without any artificial after-taste. The banana cake, unfortunately, is slightly overshadowed by the ice cream; a more subtle flavour would make a better match.

Strawberry trifle
S$7.90++

The strawberry trifle, a towering multi-textured mix of strawberries, almond cookies and mascarpone cheese, is pleasing to dig into and good for sharing.

Chocolate D24 durian cake
S$8.90++

Made with fresh durian purée, the sinful chocolate D24 durian cake is a durian lover’s dream come true. If you’re not a fan of the chocolate-durian pairing, the dark chocolate topping can be changed to something else.

Latte
S$5.50++

There’s nothing better to end the meal than a well-balanced Nespresso latte. Apart from premium coffee, a selection of Gryphon teas is also available.

Fancy a certain wine? The restaurant has its own cellar, allowing for order or purchase.

Helmed by chefs from the Singapore Youth Chef Society, The Tastings Room serves up plates of elegantly presented, quality dishes paired with exquisite wines from around the world. Coupled with the reasonable prices, dining in at this cosy restaurant offers real value for money.

Where do you go for wine in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!