Spent a lazy Saturday afternoon at Club Street Social on Gemmill Lane for a solo late lunch while in between appointments. I am loving its NYC-ish vibe, loft ceiling, gorgeous bar counter and Italian-inspired sandwich menu (3 types: tramezzini aka white bread, crostini and panini). Even its cocktail menu (no names, only numbers) is a collaborative effort with mixologist John deBary, from NYC’s famed cocktail bar Please Don’t Tell. To put it simply: everything here agrees with me and I almost thought about not sharing this on my blog (it’s a small place and I’m selfish!)
One of its more raved about dishes, the pan-seared lobster, avocado, yuzu mayo panini served with rocket salad ($28) was totally delish! The focacia bread was so crispy and it was stuffed a generous portion of well seared lobster meat and creamy avocado chunks. The citrusy yuzu mayo dressing and rocket salad with a light vinegrette on the side also provided the right amount of zest to the dish. Eat this one with your hands as it’s gonna get messy! PS. I’m drooling looking at this picture already.
Dessert of the day was the Nutella and chocolate bread pudding with vanilla bean ice cream ($5). This was one of the best bread puddings I’ve had – a crisp top and moist insides and the rich Nutella and chocolate flavours really shone through. Despite the combination of everything, it wasn’t too sweet which I appreciated. I was a little surprised when I saw the bill. I was expecting like $15? Maybe soft opening prices? But I noticed that overall prices at CSS are quite reasonable.
The dining section bathed in a warm glow during dusk
Though the food menu is trim, everything sounds so enticing and I was totally lemming for the goat cheese, thyme, honey crostini; duck rillette, green apple, fig compote crostini and the grilled ribeye, caramelized garlic, fontina panini. If you fancy breakfast with your cocktail instead – perhaps have some truffle egg toast with a #7 (cognac, bacon, date, walnut)? Since I went in the arvo, I didn’t order any cocktails (regret!) but a return visit for a full dinner and drinks session is a must! When I was there, the friendly lady boss Min was also busy refilling my water, fixing table legs and chatting up customers…no airs here, thankyouverymuch. This one has both style AND substance – totally a keeper. Can I hold my 26th birthday party here please?
Price: $$ – $$$
Location: 5 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069261
Tel: +65 6225 5043
Website: http://www.clubstreetsocial.com/
Chow & The City 