Culina is one of those trendy, modern places where, surprise, families like to dine in. The all-white theme, coupled with the bright light from the sun, does create a family-friendly environment. Maybe it is also because of the mini supermarket section that occupied a side of the restaurant. The "auntie" nature in me was activated when I set my sights on the impressive display of the freshest quality produce.
Being the supplier of premium produce to the restaurants, it is totally expected of this place to serve up dishes made from the freshest ingredients. Culina did not disappoint on this aspect.
The oysters are unbelievably fresh, even fresher than those in the best restaurants in Singapore. Absolutely not a hint of the fishy smell is detected. The Wild Big Oyster is so sublime with its light nutty flavour and plump, succulent flesh. Fines de Claire oysters from Marennes have less meat, but the lingering taste of the ocean packed in these oysters makes for divine treats. Lemon slices and vinaigrette can be added for the extra kick and taste. Though the oysters are good enough to be eaten on their own.
The charcuterie platter offers few interesting appetizers not normally found elsewhere. The ham with lots of spices, in the likes of paprika, added is full of flavours, ranging from the slightly tangy, a bit of hotness to the robust flavour of smoked meat. Nice twist to the otherwise generic ham. The duck terrines are a bit too salty though I find the aroma of duck fat mixed with the minced duck meat to be quite irresistible.
The charcuterie platter offers few interesting appetizers not normally found elsewhere. The ham with lots of spices, in the likes of paprika, added is full of flavours, ranging from the slightly tangy, a bit of hotness to the robust flavour of smoked meat. Nice twist to the otherwise generic ham. The duck terrines are a bit too salty though I find the aroma of duck fat mixed with the minced duck meat to be quite irresistible.
The bread is extremely light and fluffy in texture, exactly how I like it.
With the best ingredients used in the dishes, the mains are pretty okay since it is quite hard to go wrong with premium produce, unless one is a terrible cook. However, after this, the importance of an excellent chef comes into the picture. Under the hands of a good chef, the ingredients can take a life of their own to tell their stories, interesting, out-of-this-world, adventurous or enchanting, to the diners. The thing with the mains here is that they did not achieve this. The chicken is well-roasted with crispy skin, but the meat is dry. And the portion is too big. One whole chicken consisting of dry, somewhat plain meat proves to be a challenge to finish by oneself. I got to take a quick bite of the Atlantic Cod—firm flesh, nice and not fishy, but the cooking method did not release the inherent aroma of the sea that is locked in the fish. To be fair, the fish is better than the ones I had in quite a number of European restaurants, like Les Amis.
The service is okay, particularly efficient. I happened to see a Caucasian staff preparing the just-vacated table for the next group of diners, he was smiling throughout the preparation. I am not sure if he is trained to do so, or he really loves his job. Either way, a smiling face on a staff always makes the patrons feel at ease and lightens their moods. The smile was still there when we called for the bill. So thumbs-up to that.
I will definitely visit this place for the oysters. In fact, I don't think I will bother to order oysters at any places other than Culina. My plan, and my suggestion, is to go crazy on the appetizers and order a main for sharing.
Update: Love the mains of Spaghetti with Spanner Crabmeat! The spaghetti is of just slightly more cooked than al dente, which I still like since spaghetti cooked to this degree still retains the smoothness of al dente pasta while being a bit softer. The sauce is spicy tomato so it hits all the notes in the flavour spectrum, making this dish a very hearty treat. What I like most about this mains is of course the generous amount of fresh crabmeat added!
And I had tried the fries of the Fish n Chips, it is the best french fries due to the wholesome flavour of the potato packed within.
Update: Love the mains of Spaghetti with Spanner Crabmeat! The spaghetti is of just slightly more cooked than al dente, which I still like since spaghetti cooked to this degree still retains the smoothness of al dente pasta while being a bit softer. The sauce is spicy tomato so it hits all the notes in the flavour spectrum, making this dish a very hearty treat. What I like most about this mains is of course the generous amount of fresh crabmeat added!
And I had tried the fries of the Fish n Chips, it is the best french fries due to the wholesome flavour of the potato packed within.
My Thoughts: Wholesome Food, and it is the place I always go to for oysters!
Nearest car park: Dempsey Hill's open air car park. Go early to secure a good slot.
Nearest MRT: Queenstown, be prepared to walk a lot
8 Dempsey Road
#01-13
Singapore
Contact No: 64747338
