Who knew that Fort Canning Hill is hiding one of the best restaurant bar in town?
While bespoke cocktail bars are all the rage today, Fort by Maison Ikkoku is definitely THE bar one you should check out.
Owned by Ethan Leslie Leong – the creator of Asia’s most expensive cocktail, it would be a surprise to find out that the bespoke cocktails here are actually really affordable (starting $18++) considering the quality you get. You can also throw out whatever notions you have of a cocktail menu because the mixologists here will formulate something from the drink profile you provide!
With a view of the city skyline in the background, this haven is cosy and also much more intimate than the larger bars downtown. Because of its prime location, this place also screams privacy and tranquillity, for people who want to slow down their pace and enjoy the finer things in life. Guess what, there's a pokestop right here! and we got news that a pikachu was caught recently.
FORT by Maison
Ikkoku also boasts a sexy interior. The fittings and decor create an industrial
chic character which still remains contemporary and stylish. As we dined and
drank in this sanctuary, we found the atmosphere elegant and inviting. The
setting also encourages social behaviour yet at the same time respects its clients’
intimacy.
Of course, we cannot forget their 12-course omasake. At only $68++ per person, it has definitely proven its worth and value. Patrons will have the opportunity to enjoy a multi-sensory dining experience of the mixologist in action.
The Seaweed salad with Yuzu wasabi soy dressing is a colourful feast for both the eyes and senses. We were told to test the dressing before drenching the entire salad in the sauce, and no regrets we ended up pouring the entire thing over. It was definitely an exciting appetiser for our palates.
A bespoke blue cheese concoction. Who knew blue cheese could be so flawlessly infused into a drink?
We also had the Smoked Goose Conchiglie with Parmigiano-Reggiano & truffle oil. For the truffle obsessed, there is a saying that “truffle in the right amounts in the right dish is a taste to remember all your life.” And this, is one of them.
The next thing up was the The Salmon Aburi Don w/ Ikura. Served as our 11th course but we still wiped out the whole bowl. Those jewel-like, glistening orange balls of ikura, coupled with fresh salmon? Amazing.
Admire this gastronomical object of desire, the Signature Fort Roll - Spicy Maguro Maki with fresh Onion Sprouts. Definitely the one course NOT to be missed, the Signature Fort Roll is specially crafted and lined with Chef Ethan Leslie Leong’s secret recipe chilli sauce. The taste and presentation will excite all your senses at once!
To end of the night, would you care for an antibiotic to cure all your ills?
This is the drink that will probably cure all your troubles for the night! Whisky-based 'Antibiotic' is infused with ginger and Jack Daniel's wood chips, and has proven itself worthy because it was the sexiest AND our favourite concoction for the night.
Lastly, we don't forget about the simplest of dishes but the most difficult to create and delicious one - Onsen egg with garlic oil & seaweed (click to see the video).
here's the other items on the omakase that we had:
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| Tuna carpaccio |
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| Pan seared scallops |
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| FORT homemade Lamb slider |
We can safely say that once the 12 courses are over, paired with a couple drinks, you'd be leaving the Fort with a happy belly.
overallreview: shauneeie4hands. Fort by Maison Ikkoku definitely holds the FORT on the hill, its ambiance and setting won us over. Its exclusive location made us feel like we went for an adventure hunt in the hidden backyard of central Singapore and finally finding the treasure at the top of the hill. The reward is definitely sweet, no less!
The 12-course omakase set ($68++) is Fort’s best kept secret, and is definitely a great idea for a date night or simply a night with friends. For a thorough Fort experience, one can also choose the cocktail pairing to complement your every course. We would definitely return for the bespoke cocktails, which are served by the very skilled bartenders who display such passion in their craft. Enjoy your feast and ready your eyes for a magic show at Fort.
Lastly, drink at your own risk, they say. Indeed, the concoctions are so good you might not stop at just one.
Keen to make a reservation ? Call 6336 0507, email info@maison-ikkoku.net or go into Fort's FB page
Fort by Maison Ikkoku
5 Cox Terrace,
Singapore 179620
nearby MRT: dhoby ghaut
this post is written by Ting Wei. LIke his review? Just click on her handle to follow her.
Labels: dhoby ghaut, shauneeie4hands
