Taking over the space of now-defunct Carne is California Republic, the latest concept by The Dandy Collection. Stepping into the restaurant, it felt like entering a time capsule of California living in the summer of 1960, a time of woodie surf wagons and sunken living rooms.
Grilled Oysters 4/5
WWe start our meal with the Grilled Oysters ($18), grilled with chipotle chilli, bourbon and garlic compound butter. It is inspired by Micahel Goodman's (Co-founder & CVO) fond memory of his time at the Hog Island Oyster Company.
Faux Artichokes 3/5
Next, we had the Faux Artichokes ($18), which is jackfruit barigoule dressed in green herbs aioli. The flavours were beautiful, but I am not a fan of its texture. If I am not wrong, it uses the tasteless core of the jackfruit.
Meatballs al Angeleno 4.5/5
One of my favourite dishes at California Republic is the Meatballs al Angeleno ($28). The meatballs are made from pork and veal, drenched in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce. They were huge and juicy. Best to wipe up the sauce with the accompanying toasted bread. I only wish for more bread to go with the delicious tomato sauce.
Smoked Bucatini 4.8/5
What is an Italian restaurant with pasta on its menu, right? You will not be disappointed with the pasta offered at California Republic. I find them much better than their mains. One of their pasta highlights is the Smoked Bucatini ($34), made from smoked flour and tossed in pork ragu in bianco with classic soffritto. It is then finished with Parmigiano shavings and a touch of bone marrow.
Celery Root Cappelacci 4.2/5
Similar to tortellini is the Celery Root Cappellacci ($29) stuffed with celery and root puree and cooked in a roasted mushroom sauce. Due to the folded shape of the pasta, which resembles a hat, it is thicker at the edges for a more delectable bite.
Lazy Man's Cioppino 4.2/5
West Coast Garlic Mop 4.2/5
The Lazy Man's Cioppino ($48), a classic San-Francisco tomato-based seafood stew comprising roasted seabass, clams, mussels, calamari and prawns, is excellent for sharing. Best to order the West Coast Garlic Mops ($18) to mop up the tomato sauce or have it together with some Charred Broccolini ($14) if you need your greens.
Charred Broccolini 3.5/5
Espresso Budino 4/5
Wrapping up our dinner, we had the Espresso Budino ($16). A sweet and creamy dessert comprising of cream, milk, espresso and espresso cream to wake one up from the food coma. Though heavy on the cream, it is light on sugar.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
California Republic
88 Amoy Street
Singapore 069907
Tel: +65 97849487
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)
Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 12 midnight
Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]
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