The Black Swan, a relaxed yet classy bar and restaurant, opens in a historical building
By Cheryl Chia
When you walk into The Black Swan, it almost seems as though you’ve been transported back to into the roaring 1920s.
The dimly lit restaurant carries a relaxed and chill-out vibe and is filled with executives unwinding after work, with Scotch in hand.
Formerly the Kwantung Provincial Bank in the 1930s, The Lo & Behold Group – brains behind White Rabbit and Tanjong Beach Club – has restored it to its original art-deco style, complete with modern furnishings.
The dignified space can accommodate up to 200 guests with a mezzanine floor.
Dishes with Finesse
We loved the Baked Bone Marrow with Chilli and Konbu ($18), an absolutely rich treat with bite-sized beef marrow chunks seasoned with chopped chillies, shallots, chives and konbu (a type of Japanese kelp). Eat it with the accompanying crusty bread for a satisfying beginning to your meal.
Also try the Char-Grilled Beef Tartare ($26). If you are skittish about raw meat, don’t worry. The Black Swan’s version is flash-grilled for smokiness and combined with capers, garlic, parsley, toasted sesame seeds, fresh lemon and Tabasco sauce.
The Main Meat
If you’re hungry or looking to share, try the Stockyard Australia Ribeye Steak ($96), the 400-day grain-fed slab of beef is sliced and sprinkled with sea salt and comes with a grilled head of garlic, French fries and béarnaise dip.
The Fish of The Day ($34-$38) includes catches such as Barramundi, Red Snapper and New Zealand Grouper sitting on a bed of beetroot mixed with quinoa and bacon jam.
Sweet & Unique
We recommend the Coconut Crème Caramel ($14) if you’re looking for something unique. It contains gula Melaka with candied citrus and ginger for a nice zing. Chocolate lovers would love their Dark Chocolate Dome ($16) made of Valrhona dark chocolate, no less.
Do not leave The Black Swan without trying their cocktails. The Moral Hazard ($19) is our favourite – 15-year-old bourbon, orange bitters, apricot liquor and Manuka honey – a refreshing twist on the standard Old Fashioned.
The Black Swan, The Quadrant, 19 Cecil Street (via Market Street), Singapore 049704. SMS: 8181 3305 for reservations.
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