It's traditional, but it's new, and it's taking the bull by the horns! I'm talking about Bull and Butcher, a new casual steakhouse which has just established its presence at the ground level of the newly renovated Plaza Singapura (taking over the space where Cafe Cartel used to be). Featuring a variety of signature cuts flown in from Australia and US all ready to be prepared over the impressive customized charcoal grill, yet remaining at reasonable prices without leaving much damage to the wallet, this 2-month young baby looks set to bulldoze its way into all the beef lovers' heart!
The 110-seater restaurant houses an alfresco area which would probably be great for an evening of wine and dine, but since we were there during lunch, the comfort of indoor air-conditioning suited us much better. I immediately like the interior which is reminiscent of a traditional steakhouse but intermixed with contemporary touches such as seats that are upholstered in quirky cow hide and high tables fixed with wooden butcher's block. The brick wall showcasing vintage images of bulls and old-school butchers would surely catch your attention, as it caught mine.
For someone who does cooking as well, I'm automatically attracted to this display chiller, peering at the different cuts of meats and wondering how they would eventually ended up tasting. But first, they would have to go under the knife of the seasoned butcher and his specialized tools, one of the many scenes which will be played out in the open kitchen if you're keen to watch.
The menu at Bull and Butcher are not just limited to beef, fans of seafood will be delighted with a sumptuous medley of grilled fish, shellfish and crustacean specialties. The Assorted Seafood Platter ($58) and Mixed Grill ($43) comprising of pork chop, pork and parsley sausages, beef tenderloin and lamb cutlet provides a good variety for sampling or sharing.
Do look out for their daily specials and set lunch menus written on feature blackboards throughout the dining area.
One of their signature dishes include the starter of Crab Cake with Sundried Tomato Sauce ($16), a breaded crab patty which I personally find to be a tad dry but is made more palatable when paired with the sauce which has a tinge of Asian curry-like spiciness to it.
We thought the Baked Onion Soup with Gruyere Crouton ($10) was rather good! I love its natural sweetness, the flavors of the beef broth and sliced caramelized onions were very well brought out. Complimentary Bread with Roasted Bell Pepper Sauce was also served.
What you can expect too is generous sharing portions of popular side dishes like Sauteed Forest Mushrooms ($8), Mashed Potatoes ($8) and Fried Onion Rings ($8). I'm particularly fond of the Creamed Spinach ($8) which was flavorful and just at the right consistency, creamy yet not too heavily so. I didn't think much of this non-photogenic greens at the first glance, but taste-wise, it's simply excellent!
Mention steak, and it never fails to get me excited. It's my first try at the Petit Tender (160g/$28), which is a newfound cut previously not available in Singapore. Said to be second only to the tenderloin fillet in terms of flavor and delicacy, the cut did not overwhelmed me, probably because I did not take too well to the recommended doneness of medium. Its size and low fat count will be perfect for ladies though, but I definitely prefer a chunkier cut with more marbling. Give me a Australian Wagyu Beef Tenderloin (280g/$75) or Australian Wagyu Beef Ribeye (280g/$58) any time!
In addition to these are Argentinean Grass Fed Sirloin and Tenderloin (160-280g/$29-$45). We have a choice of several sauces to go with our steaks, one to try would be the signature Carl's Steak Sauce, a tangy salsa-like creation.
Another signature is the Braised Australian Wagyu Beef Cheek ($38) which has been braised for 3 hours, resulting in a most fork-tender meat and full-bodied luscious stew. The next best thing about this dish is the accompanying mash potatoes, smooth and creamy, everything was so satisfying as a whole. My dining companion's small appetite benefited me in a way, I finished almost the whole plate of it :p
And of course, all meals must be concluded on a sweet note. The Banana Toffee Pie with Chocolate Sauce ($12) would be perfect for those of you who like your dessert gooey and sweet. I prefer the Pear and Chocolate Crumble ($12) which does a better job of exciting my tastebuds with its slightly bitter chocolate and crunchy cookie crumbles, all contrasted with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Very enjoyable!
Bull and Butcher does not fall into the league of big steakhouse boys like Morton's or CUT, but is definitely the place to go to for a delicious meal with a casual date or gathering of friends! Happy moo moo-ing, everyone!
Many thanks to Daniel, Danielle and Denise for this tasting session.
Bull and Butcher (CLOSED)
Address: Plaza Singapura, #01-32/33/35, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
Contact: +65 63383820
Website: http://www.bullandbutcher.com.sg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bullandbutchersg
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 11.30am-10pm / Fri, Sat & PH 11.30am-11pm (Last order: 30 mins before closing)
The spinach is very nice lah, I don't mind going back to have it again :D
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