Al fresco dining at the new Tapas Tree, Clarke Quay. Picture courtesy of The Tapas Tree.

Clarke Quay, Singapore’s only riverside “festival village”, has been in the throes of a massive S$80-million redevelopment since February 2004 that will only be completed in 2006. Whilst all the change and construction work has put off some visitors, others have been drawn by the new mix of tenants that have moved in.

This 23,000 square-metre dining, entertainment and shopping complex comprises five blocks of buildings that were previously godowns and shophouses, restored to their original 19^th-century style. Now the concept and look are changing after more than a decade of eclectic themes. Some say it’s for the better, as the place will be better laid out and look more upmarket. Others lament another attempt at over-planning and catering to the affluent minority of locals, expatriates and tourists.

But Clarke Quay’s owner, CapitaLand, is quite clear about who it wants to attract.

Interviewed on Channel NewsAsia, Mr Lachlan Gyde, Vice President of Retail Singapore at CapitaLand Retail, said: “We have done a lot of research, in excess of $300,000 worth of research. We feel that we know our target market very well. Our focused target market is 25-year-old plus, PMEBs (professionals, managers, executives and businessmen) , expats and of course the local market, and probably about 20 percent of our visitors will be tourists.”

Debate aside, it is worth taking a look at the “new” Clarke Quay, even if the renovation work is still in progress. There are many new dining and entertainment outlets that are already drawing flocks not seen there for several years.

The first part of this two-part feature presents the new dining options at Clarke Quay.

Savour the Many Dining Delights

Set amidst a backdrop of old shophouses, you can savour the many delights of Mediterranean, Western, Asian and Singapore cuisine.

Asian

For a taste of traditional Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine in an elegant and contemporary setting, try Peony-Jade Restaurant. The only modern Chinese restaurant at Clarke Quay, its first-floor location affords a picturesque view of the Singapore River below. Signature camphor-smoked duck, eel and other Szechuan dishes come well recommended but Cantonese-inspired Peking duck is an alternative choice.

With its large courtyard and river promenade, Restaurant Madame Butterfly by Indochine is a chic gallery by day and fine-dining restaurant by night, serving exquisite contemporary Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Occupying the old Riverhouse, the gallery has a collection of artefacts from China and Japan.

Equally enticing is Coriander Leaf, a fine-dining bistro which puts a playful spin on aspects of Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. There is even a cooking school which promises an exciting culinary adventure.

The traditional Thai cooking skills passed down from one generation of Master Chefs to another are reflected in Renn Thai’s distinctive cuisine. Here, you'll experience the warmth, comfort and hospitality traditionally associated with a Thai home.

Well known for its eclectic menu that ranges from Balinese to Singaporean delicacies, Lotus Grill is located aboard two authentic Chinese tongkangs (barges) anchored at the River’s banks.

Mediterranean and Western

The Tapas Tree serves over 70 kinds of hot and cold Spanish tapas, six paellas and a good variety of Spanish soups, salads and desserts prepared by a team of Filipino chefs. Refreshing sangrias and Latin-American cocktails go well with the Spanish eats in this new place that has an al fresco area seating 90 persons on a raised wooden deck overlooking the Singapore River and a 30-seater indoor bar.

Modelled on its American original, Hooters has expanded its premises. Besides the visual feast of trademark Hooters girls in tight shorts, this joint continues to dish out favourite American fare including Hooters chicken wings, steaks, salads and sandwiches.

Featuring an open kitchen concept with an impressive wood fire pizza oven, Amalfi The Italian Pizza Place serves up unique Antipasto Bukket as well as a wide range of classic and innovative pizzas.

Seafood

Fish Tales joins the longer-running resident restaurants. It claims to offer the best of fresh coldwater seafood from around the world. Featuring a unique Seafood Bar with a variety of fresh oysters prepared in 18 different ways, there is also battered clam strips, clam sashimi and smoked seafood.

Occupying probably the longest riverfront restaurant space in Singapore, the refurbished Quayside Seafood features the first-of-its-kind “lily-pad” decking where guests can dine in leisure under the “blue-bell” canopies with views of the Singapore River. Diners have a choice of how they want their live seafood prepared.

Hot Stones has recently launched Japanese Hot Stones meat or seafood to supplement the Original Hot Stones menu of meat, fish and other seafood.

Indian

Whether for lunch or dinner, Ras, the essence of Indian cuisine, serves specialty dishes from various parts of the subcontinent. The quiet, late-night bar turns out delightful Indian kebabs and rolls to accompany fine alcoholic beverages.

Reference: Clarke Quay website, http://www.clarkequay.com.sg, report by Johnson Choo on Channel NewsAsia, 3 December 2004, http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/120502/1/.html and media releases for Peony-Jade, Quayside Seafood and The Tapas Tree issued by Sixth Sense Communications & PR Consultancy.