Lunch at VENUE By Sebastian @ OUE Downtown

6A Shenton Way #01-02 Downtown Gallery, Singapore 068815

Tel: 6904 9688

Website: https://venuebysebastian.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VENUEBySebastian

Remember Restaurant Ember at Hotel 1929 (review here) along Keong Saik Road? Well, if you love Chef Sebastian's culinary creations and was saddened that he left, fret not. He has set up his own VENUE now, a chic restaurant exuding understated elegance, at the new swanky OUE Downtown.

The current menu comprises mainly contemporary European dishes with selective Asian influences. Service was excellent despite the peak hours- attentive crew still ensures that water glasses were filled, and orders were served in timely fashion.

Since "communal" is the ideal concept here, we decided to order some dishes to share between us, relying heavily on the crew's recommendations.

Starting with Cauliflower Florets Fritti (SGD$10.00), served with spicy Mint Aioli, definitely raised expectations high for us. Who would've thought that simple cauliflower could taste this good in a crispy state? With the dip, flavour was further enhanced.

We also had the Grilled Asparagus with Poached Egg (SGD$12.00) and crackling Parma Ham, glazed with Miso Butter. Another texturized dish bursting with flavours.

Next, Burrata Cheese with Batard Toast (SGD$14.00) served with le jardin de rabelais tomatoes and drizzled with Basil Oil for that fragrance. Needless to say, the creaminess of cheese paired with crunchy toast was definitely palate pleasing.

From the mains, we enjoyed the Grilled Octopus (SGD$27.00) with White Bean Puree, Capers and burnt Butter. Smokey hints and light, chewy bites had us debating if we should get another plate of these.

There was also that saccharine Chilean Sea Bass (SGD$32.00) served with an appetite-whetting Mushroom-Bacon Ragout, and truffle yuzu butter sauce. The flavours of the sea and the Earth have united beautifully, at long last.

Our final mains to share was the 36-Hour Duck Confit (SGD$19.00) with Truffle Emulsion, Mesclun and Lemon Mustard Vinaigrette. Loved the crackling exterior giving way to tenderness within, tantalising with flavours of its accompaniment.

Moving on to desserts, Texture of Coconut (SGD$12.00), with crispy Mung Beans. Interesting grated coconut flakes dessert served chilled, sweet not but cloying.

Following that, Chocolate Fondant Cake (SGD$14.00) with Vanilla Ice-cream, and a chocolate centre lava that actually flows. Decadent and delicious!

Finally, a surprise for *Yvonne. I asked for a birthday candle, and the crew expertly walked covertly behind so the birthday girl (and others at the table) were totally caught off guard by the surprise.

Presenting the Pistachio Financier (SGD$14.00), served with Grand Marnier Ice-cream and Raspberry Yogurt, ticked the palate immensely with its multitude of flavours.

Overall dining experience at VENUE By Sebastian was excellent, ticking every box in terms of ambience, service and quality of food!