The new bistro takes inspiration from dishes all over the world
By Nicole-Marie Ng
Imagine life as Olivia Cassivelaun Fancourt, the first wife of Sir Stamford Raffles. She was with Raffles every step of the way, making stops around Asia and the world to introduce Singapore as a new partner.
Olivia & Co then thought of what Olivia and Raffles might have tried in their travels and modernised it. Bringing together flavours from the region and beyond, the bistro serves meals that the busy executive working near Suntec City needs to get through the day. From nutritious salad, hearty sandwiches to sinful fried chicken wings, a meal at Olivia & Co will perk you up for the rest of the workday.
These are the five things that impressed us most during our visit to Olivia & Co.
1. The Cheeses ($23)
Can’t decide between having a grilled cheese sandwich or a burger? Have both.
Instead of the usual brioche bun, the juicy patty is housed between two grilled cheese sandwiches, one with pickles and American cheese, the other with grilled onions and stripy Jack.
2. Quayside Soft-Shell Crab Burger ($23)
What we enjoyed most about this burger is the generosity of crispy tempura softshell crab. The burger was also not too dry thanks to the tangy sesame slaw and jalapeño mayonnaise.
3. Tokyo Wings ($9/6 pcs and $16/12 pcs)
Deep fried till golden brown and crispy, the wings are then tossed into various sauces inspired by flavours from around the world. Personally, we loved the sweet and savoury Tokyo wings which were coated in Teriyaki sauce but you can choose to have Hanoi, Bangkok, Seoul or Louisiana Wings too.
4. Lushalicious ($9.50)
Over the top milkshakes need to move aside, practical milkshakes that look pretty and are also a pleasure to drink should be the next big thing. Instead of being a sugary mess, the milkshakes at Olivia & Co are easy to drink. I easily polished off the entire cup in less than 10 minutes because it was not too cloyingly sweet thanks to the tartness of the strawberries.
5. Strangelove Organic Aussie Soda Pops in Blood Orange & Chilli ($7)
Next to Olivia & Co’s kitchen, you’ll find a retail area with novelty items that are difficult to acquire in Singapore. You’ll be able to find exclusive wines and coffee beans among other things on sale.
One of the standouts available for purchase is the Strangelove Soda Pops. The most unusual flavour has to be the Blood Orange & Chilli soda which is refreshing when you first drink it because of the zestiness of the Italian blood oranges used but leaves a fiery hot aftertaste from the red chillis. The heat lingers in your mouth and is a great drink to prank friends with without letting them read the label.
Olivia & Co. 3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City Mall, #01-481/481A/483/483A, Singapore 038983 (between Towers 1 & 2) . Tel: 6337 2518.
ADVERTISEMENTS