Are you ready for another new restaurant? Make it a "Yes" as UsQuBa, a recently-opened Scottish restaurant and bar at One Fullerton is worth checking out.
Deriving its name from the Gaelic word Usquebaugh, meaning 'Water of Life', or simply, 'Whisky', UsQuBa's focus is on New Scottish cuisine crafted using produce sourced mainly from Scotland, as well as a carefully curated selection of rare and exclusive whiskies, and Scotland's finest craft gins and beers. Expect some reworked classic cocktails too.
The warmly-lighted premises hosts a 160-seater dining room, long bar and den, and a retail corner stocked with fine whisky, craft gin, and other unique Scottish products. Being situated on the waterfront overlooking Marina Bay, the view is... (needless to say)... Gorgeous!
Helmed by Executive Chef Guven Uyanik who has previously worked at a couple of Michelin-starred restaurants in London, Bermuda, Vancouver and Hong Kong alongside famous chefs including Gordon Ramsay and Thomas Keller, he brings his amassed wealth of culinary skills to present a menu of contemporary Scottish dishes prepared using French cooking techniques with an Asian touch.
Signatures include Butter Poached Lobster ($58), Baked Pigeon in Squid Ink (half $32, whole $46), Foie Gras Lollipop ($14), Peanut Butter Bread Pudding with Homemade Kaya Ice Cream ($11) and Chocolate Delice ($15).
If the complimentary serving of bread is an indication of what's to come, we're already heading off to a great start with Focaccia with Truffles & Cherry Tomatoes. Those bite-sized pieces of soft, warm fluffiness hugged by an exterior of toasted crisp which is further accentuated with cherry tomatoes and freshly shaved truffles.... Awesome!
The Orkney Islands Scallop Ceviche ($25) boasts of incredibly fresh scallops and sea urchin capped with compressed cucumber and apple, and horseradish snow.
What impressed was the powdery horseradish snow that is created using sophisticated molecular gastronomy technique, creating a melt-in-your-mouth effect with subtle notes of sharp spiciness naturally found in horseradish. The addition certainly brought an exciting element to the dish.
Nothing to fault of the Seared Foie Gras ($21) which is perfectly done with a smokey crispy crust and creamy center, coupled with slightly charred spiced persimmon to cut through the fatness. Instead of the typical toast, it's paired with waffle. Interesting, but we're fine without it too.
If foie gras is your thing, do not miss, I repeat: Do not miss the Foie Gras Lollipop ($14)!
Foie Gras + Dark Chocolate = Crazy Indulgence.
Served lollipop style, this simple starter was sooooooo good that we were left speechless while enjoying it. The creamy texture of the bitter chocolate goes extremely well with the savory richness of the foie gras, heightened with bits of popping candy which created bursts of exploding sensation in the mouth. It left us craving for more.
Another favorite of ours is the Lobster Ravioli (offered as part of weekday executive set lunch, 2-course $38++ / 3-course $48++). Freshly imported lobster caught off the coast of Scotland is used in this dish. The sweetness of the lobster delicately wrapped in pasta sheet was most ideally complemented by the robust lobster bisque. Comforting yet luxurious all at once.
UsQuBa Fish and Chips ($32) came looking totally unexpected! Since when has fish and chips appeared this way? Haha what a cheeky take on the typical deep-fried dish we are so accustomed to.
In this version, cod is prepared sous vide for a soft, velvety mouth feel while the translucently thin, crispy pommes maxim (potato slices) provided a crunchy textural contrast. Delectable as whole but PinkyPiggu is not sure if she would prefer this over the traditional fish and chips though.
We were divided over the Duet of Aberdeen Angus Beef ($56), which had the meat done in two different ways: Grilled Tenderloin and Braised Short Ribs. "Meh" to the former, "Yay" to the latter.
The grilled tenderloin was prepared to the kitchen's recommended medium doneness, making the beef a tad tougher than what we are used to. This could be avoided if we are asked about our preference beforehand, afterall we are the ones eating it eventually. Not nice but not that horrible for us to leave it untouched either. Oh well, we do not like to waste food.
On the other hand, the braised short ribs was of utmost enjoyment. All of full-bodied, deep meaty flavor and fork-tender goodness.
For desserts, Chocolate Delice ($15) with Bailey’s ice cream would make a good choice, but for something refreshing, go for the Tastings of Strawberry ($15). Fresh strawberries and strawberry juice is served with nutty pistachio biscuit and cream, and finished with a dollop of strawberry sorbet. Very lively and vibrant tasting. Perfect for strawberry lovers! Perfect end to dinner!
UsQuba allows diners to enjoy finest produce all the way from Scotland without the lengthy trip there. Do look out for the seasonal tasting menu will be available from August 2016.
UsQuBa
Address: One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Road, #02-03B/04, Singapore 049213
Contact: +65 8723 6378
Website: http://www.usquba.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UsQuBa/
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 11.30am-12am / Fri & Sat 11.30am-1am / Closed on Sun
Prices are (1) Stated in Singapore dollars (2) Subject to 10% service charge & 7% GST (3) Correct at point of published date.
* Written by BFF, a guy who is desperately trying to find a balance while lost in the world of sights, sound and taste.
* Edited with additional inputs by PinkyPiggu
* Photos by PinkyPiggu
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