Chinois by Susur Lee

With the influx of chefs (ok, celebrity chefs, or so they are called) and restaurateurs in Singapore now, it gives a choice to the masses, which is great. However, it does not give the restaurants any choice on the clientele (business being business, of course). It is something not in full control of the people running the business. With the simple equation of spending power + preference = choice of dining.

We were at the newly opened CHINOIS by Susur Lee at Hotel Michale, Resorts World Sentosa. With the Tung Lok Group as it’s pillar of strength, we were sure to be blown away. So with the anticipation of having our very first Chinese Fine Dining experience, obviously dressing up was in the pre-dinner agenda, then making sure the my “weapon” of choice was properly charged and that the correct lens was all attached for the evening. Leaving nothing to chance for any room for disappointment. Nonetheless it was what we felt in a certain way. Don’t get me wrong, we are anything but snobbish (would rather be known as the humble great food lover), but when we finally reached the door step of this fine establishment after much anticipation. It just did not feel right. And it was not because of the service, decor and the food. It was just that the whole picture just did not fit well together. We were greeted right from the entrance, brought to a very well located table, the menus came quick, the lady waiting our table for the night was excellent (however she was the manager and saw to everything herself), recommending the wine selection, menus, the whole 9 yards. And of course calibrating my appetizer  to not include any mangoes (as we all know how Chinese cuisine loves having mangoes and how I disfavor having them in any form) ! With only an aversion  (in the form of an overcooked and old foie gras terrine) from one component of the starter the menu was excellent ! The manageress was also able to pair my beef main with a white wine that went splendidly well together ! Gewürztraminer + Wagyu + Wasabi = Yummy !!!

You might be asking so whats the problem? Not wanting to sound snobbish again, it was the crowd. It was very obvious that with the manner of menu, decor and service, Chinois was aiming to be a “destination dining” establishment. However, the public sees it as a restaurant in the likes of a quick eat Chinese restaurant. They came in their round necks and rubber soles. Which is nothing wrong at all. I guess it is just the culture here, we all must admit that Singapore is a tee shirt, slippers and shorts country. Good or bad ? I Leave that answer up to you. But, it is in the mind set that, we people here eat out and it does not consist of anything in a European dining concept, smart casual is tee shirt, slippers and shorts, and in recent times, the ladies go for tee shirts, shorts and high heels (embarrassing but true).

Which might be a good thing as well, as it is true that the more comfort you get when dining the more you would be able to enjoy the experience especially the food. But not to the extend of eating with your fingers and talking so loud that the whole dining room hears your voice. Like the local lady sitting in the corner speaking so loud to the Caucasian in a funny feign American accent that just irritates the tables around (staff included). We were fortunate that for most parts of the meal, the restaurant was rather noisy.

But all things aside, it truly was a fantastic experience and I indubitably look forward to be going back again.

We hope you enjoyed the post and please click HERE to view more photos from the dinner!

Happy Fooding !!!