How to enjoy these exciting dining offers from Singapore’s top restaurants and bars

One of the most exciting dining places to open this year is Air, a restaurant, circular campus and cooking club in Dempsey Hill that spans 40,000 square feet. The space is the brainchild of celebrity chefs Matthew Orlando and Will Goldfarb, who have put forth an exciting menu grounded in sustainable dining principles. This philosophy is best encapsulated by the Reincarnated Chocolate, in which Orlando explores the three common byproducts of coffee, chocolate and coconut production in Malaysia: cascara (coffee cherry skin), cocoa husk, and coconut flesh. He roasts and blends these byproducts to create a unique “chocolate,” which is then shaved over a caramel brownie made from frozen banana skins. The brownies are rich and dense, with unexpectedly delightful aromas, while the accompanying cascara mousse adds a light and airy touch to the dish. 

From August 1 to October 30, CMC Alpha members are able to enjoy a complimentary serving of the signature Reincarnated Chocolate dessert at Air.

Air
Address: 25B Dempsey Road, S(249918); +65 8228 1528

Read more: Singapore-based chefs share insights on what makes a sustainable dining experience

Modern Japanese cuisine is the name of the game at celebrity chef Akira Back’s eponymous restaurant in Singapore. His menu is a fusion of classic Japanese dishes with ingredients and flavours inspired by his South Korean heritage and global experience working at the world’s top tables. You’ll be able to taste just that in his signatures of AB tuna pizza, comprising wafer-thin tuna slices that are layered over a crisp tortilla skin, and the AB mushroom pizza, which has the same tortilla base that is topped with sliced mushrooms and drizzled with truffle oil and garlic aioli for a subtle hint of earthiness. 

These make for a good introduction to an enjoyable dining experience, which continues with other sharing plates—the likes of crispy tofu doused in gochujang soy and finger line; seared scallop with yuzu sake beurre blanc; and A4 Tochigi striploin grilled over applewood and served with a side of black garlic bordelaise. 

From August 1 to October 30, CMC Alpha members will be able to enjoy a complimentary dish of the AB tuna pizza or AB mushroom pizza per table, with a minimum spend of $50.

Don't miss: How Akira Back redefines Japanese cuisine with Korean flair

Situated in the lobby of Amara Bar is Lobby Bar—an elegant wine bar that the hotel opened in collaboration with Grand Vin. Imbibers are invited to sit back and relax in the plush armchairs and sofas and savour wines from an extensive list that includes renowned winemakers such as Champagne Louis Roederer, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and Domaine Faiveley. Moreover, Lobby Bar is home to the most extensive selection of Champagne Louis Roederer in Singapore, which guests can complement with some sumptuous bar bites.

The wine experience runs from 4pm to 10.30pm, and from August 1 to October 30, CMC Alpha members will enjoy a discount of 20 per cent off selected Louis Roederer champagnes (any vintage from 2014 and younger) on the menu.

Lobby Bar (Amara Singapore)
Address: 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, S(088539); +65 6879 2626

Read more: Legacy Building: Amara Singapore’s third-generation owner Dawn Teo on continuing her family’s hospitality vision

It’s always a treat to dine at Imbue and feast on chef-owner Lee Boon Seng’s modern Asian cuisine, highlighted in his Infuse and Simmer menus. From the starters alone, you have innovative creations such as the oyster mousse, chopped jellyfish encased in an oyster shell and brushed with sesame oil and algae powder; and drunken chicken, chicken chunks marinated in a fermented chilli bean paste and served in bite-sized tarts. 

Wait until you get to the main courses, where Lee treats your tastebuds with the likes of Wagyu rump cap, which is seared to your preferred doneness and finished with daikon soubise (sauce) and macadamia morel; and squid sausage claypot rice finished with truffles and herbs. 

From August 1 to October 30, CMC Alpha members who dine at Imbue will enjoy a bespoke cocktail from the bar manager when they order the Infuse or Simmer menu.

Imbue
Address: 32 Keong Saik Road, S(089137); +65 6223 7266

Take a gastronomic journey to West Africa at Tamba, the latest restaurant and bar opened by restaurateur Kurt Wagner (who’s also behind African-themed dining spot Kafe Utu). Wagner shares that Tamba is a celebration of his growing up years in Liberia and the life of his late adoptive brother, whom the restaurant was named after. 

The menu combines West African cuisine with the essence of home cooking. Beloved staples include the jollof rice with sofrito, sakura chicken and smoked pork belly; and suya, a grilled Angus tenderloin with a piquant tomato and onion salad. Enjoy these delectable dishes with a well-curated list of wines, Haitian rums and cocktails.

From August 1 to October 30, CMC Alpha members will enjoy two complimentary glasses of South African wines when they dine at Tamba.

Tamba
Address: 101 Duxton Road, S(089964); +65 9788 2953

Read more: Tamba offers a sweeping glimpse into West African food and culture

The Italian dining scene in Singapore has gotten livelier with the addition of Southern Italian restaurant and rooftop bar, Sospiri. Named after founder Beppe De Vito’s favourite childhood dessert in Puglia, the 128-seater space takes cues from the lively ambience of Roman holiday homes, transporting guests to a lavish Italian-Mediterranean escape. 

It makes for the perfect setting for chef de cuisine Matteo Ponti’s Southern Italian cuisine, made with the freshest seasonal ingredients. Signature antipasti include battuta di tonno (bluefin tuna tartare) and insalata di frutti di mare (seafood salad), delighting seafood lovers with a mix of calamari, prawn, mussels, clams and octopus.

No Southern Italian menu is complete without seafood and fish, and diners can feast on the grilled swordfish belly with datterini tomato sauce and Sicilian caponata, as well as the grilled lamb T-bone chops with eggplant, onions, and chilli salmoriglio (condiment made with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and herbs).

From August 1 to October 30, CMC Alpha members will enjoy a discount of 10 per cent off the a la carte menu.

Sospiri
Address: 2 Central Boulevard 07-02 IOI Central Boulevard Towers, S(018916); +65 9478 0906

In case you missed it: A stylish rooftop bar and a lush Italian restaurant to look forward to by Illido Group

Wallich Manor has become the destination for the most fun parties that take place after dark. Earlier in the evening, it is a gastrobar where diners can enjoy delicious cocktails and good food—think the likes of Sour Moment, inspired by the classic Pisco Sour and made with chrysanthemum pisco, honey, ginger and lemon juice, as well as Le Voyage, with Remy 1738, Matsusalem Solera, chocolate and fermented grapes cordial.

Pair these with equally delicious food that goes beyond your classic bar bites. Among the must-try signatures are the baked Atlantic cod which comes with dry-cured sausages and mussel jus; Angus ribeye, grilled to your preferred doneness and doused in a red wine sauce; and sweet pea porridge studded with octopus and Hokkaido scallop, for when you need a comforting dish after a few drinks.

From August 1 to October 20, CMC Alpha members will enjoy 1-for-1 cocktails when they dine at Wallich Manor.

Wallich Manor
Address: 9 Wallich Street, Level 6, Sofitel Singapore City Centre, S(078885); +65 9836 8022

Since Republic bar opened in 2021, it has treated cocktail lovers to an extensive drinks menu inspired by the hallmarks of pop culture in the 1960s—art, cinema, fashion and music. Drinks range from the classic Cruella, inspired by Disney’s evil character, concocted with tequila, lychee, raspberry and yoghurt cream, to the inspired Polka Dots, named after fashion trend that dominated the ’60s, and translated to a cocktail with the use of the Botanist Gin, fig, clarified grapefruit and soda water.

Three years on and the bar has evolved into so much more, which is an all-day dining spot to head to for delicious meals at breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. If you’re a morning person, wake up to the smell of fresh-pressed coffee or smoothies, served alongside a healthy spread of avocado sourdough toast with poached egg and ricotta cheese, or the classic breakfast platter of sourdough toast with smoked sausages, bacon, hash brown and mushrooms. 

From August 1 to September 30, CMC Alpha members who dine-in at Republic Bar will enjoy a hearty Republic Breakfast Set at $35 (worth $42) and complimentary flow of coffee or tea. An advanced reservation is required and members should quote ‘TATLERCMC’ to enjoy the promotion. Black out dates from September 16 to 25 apply.

To redeem these promotions, CMC Alpha members must present their membership cards upon ordering. Terms and conditions apply. Please check with the restaurants and bars before booking.

CMC Alpha is CMC Market’s premium offering for high-volume traders. They enjoy premium support with a dedicated account manager, access to exclusive seminars and VIP events, and receive competitive market rebates. Additionally, they are enrolled in the Alpha Card Programme, which provides unique discounts from lifestyle merchants.

For more information about CMC Alpha, please visit its website here.

NOW READ

Katong Food Guide: The best restaurants and cafes to visit

Pizza party: The best new pizzerias in Singapore

Fried chicken bucket list: Karaage, gai tod, yangneom, and more