Perched on top of CapitaGreen rooftop at level 40 is Artemis Grill with a dining area and a bar alfresco separated by a glass wall.
Upon stepping out of the lift door, we were greeted loudly and warmly at the concierge. An impression made.
I had make a reservation an hour ago, only to be informed that there was no more window seat available. Thus, we were ushered to the ‘best available seat’. And so fortunately, there happened to be a ‘cancellation’ in which we were cheerfully seated beside the window. Cocktails and wine menus were then swiftly provided, though the wait for the food menu to come took a tad longer than usual.
The wine list was an extensive one, with wine bottles listing according to grape varieties and then country names. The wine cellar behind us was even more impressive, spanning the entire length of the wall. It was tempting to order a bottle or even a carafe (that’s available too!).
The menu was one with many options, with choices ranging from the raw bar, charcuterie to grilled items, main courses and a variety of drool worthy side dishes which stole the limelight as well.
It took us quite a while to decide as there were simply too many cravings to be satisfied! Once our orders were taken, we were immediately served a portion of Dukkah spices and olive oil. The olive oil was poured into the little bowl right before our eyes by the server. Nice. And I have never seen that done before in any other establishments!
Bread was served from a basket brought to our table. There were three types and the server will use the tongs to ‘kiap’ (Slang for ‘clasp’) for us. We had one each of the bread, which would be better if warm. Nonetheless, it was still good to start with.
A glass of Duval Leroy Brut champagne to go along with the food. Slightly mineral with nutty notes, not really to my liking.
From the raw bar, we had the Halibut Crudo, featuring a trio of ceviche of increasing citrusy intensity. From bottom clockwise direction, the halibut was more citrous with hints of saltiness and lime. The second was a crescendo rise to a spicy kick with a tomato base. That reminded me strongly of the Thai chili sauce. The final one tasted more like curry with richer soup stock. I had expected acidity and sourness of the ceviche to intensify, instead this appetiser surprised me on a completely different take.
The Alaskan King Crab Salad came in three lumps of crab meat with grilled pimento peppers that tasted like cherry tomatoes and creamy avocado. The highlight of the dish was the cool crab meat that was fresh, sweet and succulent. A well balanced dish that would make anyone long for more.
The Spicy Iberico Pork Presa was interestingly six thin slices of grilled pork with tomato relish and padron peppers, with a dash of chili spice on the side. Don’t expect fork tender meat because this was on the drier side yet the more you chew, the more it got to you. It felt like eating char siew but the Ang-Moh style. Overall, it was pricy for the price tag as the dish wasn’t exactly filling. On a hindsight, that’s where you got stomach space for the rest of the food to come!
The Rhug Estate Salt Marsh Lamb with grilled zucchini and mint pesto featured three thick cuts of lamb racks served medium. The surface of the flesh was bouncy with juicy lean meat and flavourful fats near the bones. The exterior was crisp with smokiness, that left my dad gnawing away at the bones.
The Organic Corn-fed spring chicken arrived resembling our local chicken rice. It was roasted, sliced and laid across a bed of cous cous, mango, apricot, dried leaves and preserved lemon, plus a spread of harissa paste.
Post-dinner meal was on another menu where a selection of delectable desserts, cheese, dessert cocktails and beverages were available. One thing I felt since entering the restuarant was how comprehensive Artemis Grill is in ensuring the best being served at the right time to the guests.
The pre-desserts that arrived first was a refreshing herb sorbet with strawberries and mint leaves. It was cooling on the throat, a bit sourish and herbaceous. Something to waste down what we had eaten. Awesome!
The Pineapple Rhum Baba comprised of two crispy pineapples cannoli that was rather sugary on the pastry itself and two rhum baba (rum-soaked cakes). The rum and raisin ice cream that came alongside was probably one of the best I had ever eaten, strangely with bits of crispy crumbs/raisins and faint hints of rum.
The Apricot and Lavender Souffle was supposedly to be airy, but appeared more custard-dense. Fortunately it wasn’t cloying rich and the walnut creme anglaise added a tinge of sweetness and smoothness to the entire souffle. It was still good with the souffle providing that extra tartiness and sourish taste. We had the vanilla ice cream swapped for the olive oil ice cream, something unique with its savoury and creamy texture. The apricot compote below was slightly sweet but seemed a bit offhand in the entire dish.
It was Negroni week, thus a need for Negroni…
We sat for close to three hours and the restaurant was still almost full, with all windows seats taken. The view of MBS could be seen from here, even the light shows that occurred every 8pm.
Artemis Grill
CapitaGreen Rooptop
Level 40, 138 Market Street
Singapore 048946
oo-foodielicious 