Pollen

This recent trip to Singapore gave me a brief culinary overview of wonderful new places to eat in.  We were treated by our host to Pollen, the Mediterranean fine dining restaurant of the Gardens by the Bay.  Even by Singaporean standards, the pricing was a bit on the high side, my preliminary foie gras mousse alone was S$38 and the accompanying tenderloin was S$78, but the wisps of fine flavors made the meal quite satisfying.

As you can see, the chef made the appetizer like a platter--on the side you can find cheese, strawberry puree, dates, apricots.  My Wagyu tenderloin came with some pesto and parmesan cream on the side.  I liked the way they got my steak done, blackened on the outside yet pink in the middle, exactly the way I ask them to do it.  Temperature however, wasn't that hot, as the meat was probably cooked several minutes before plating.  As expected, the Wagyu was soft, and salted just right.

I liked the casual feel of the restaurant; it was, of course, within the refrigerated Flower Dome.  As  you enter, unmistakable floral scents fill the air, and you just let the charm of the flower gardens soothe your senses.  And I was quite happy that some of the staff were Filipino--you instantly feel relaxed and at home.