Frederick LawRestaurant Review: KUVO
Squatting in the shadow of 313@Somerset is a nondescript building called Orchard Shopping Centre that breathes life into the old adage of ‘hiding in plain sight’. Whether you may or may not frequent – or even know about – this shopping mall depends on how old you are. Considering the eclectic tenant mix of spas, jewellers, stockbrokers, and various consultancies, this mall probably does not consider the 1.7 million odd teenage/young adult demographic in Singapore as its target audience. With this in mind, it makes for a rather splendid hideaway in the heart of Orchard Road for its newest tenant, KUVO.
KUVO takes the typical tenant make-up of a hotel lobby – a restaurant (Ambrosia I, Ambrosia II, & Gazebo), a wine lounge (Vine Lounge), a cocktail bar (Elixir Bar) and a gift shop (The Gift Shop) – and seamlessly integrates it into slightly over 9000 square feet of lifestyle space.
The word ‘KUVO’ has an oriental ring to it; the multi-concept space certainly has notable Asian influences, of which is most apparent in their choice of Japanese mixologist Yutaka Nakashima to helm its bar component. However, the name is actually inspired by a wine term originating from France: ‘cuvée’, meaning ‘blend’. Besides alluding to their impressive Vine Lounge – which stocks more than a hundred wines – the name more importantly exemplifies the unification of different concepts and cuisines under one roof.
KUVO is currently running 2 “Great Singapore Sale” buffet promotions for lunch ($30++) and dinner ($45++) till July 26, available from 12pm to 2.30pm and 6pm to 10pm respectively. The semi-buffets feature an international spread, serving up everything from fresh prawns and cold cuts to cheese and salads. Do note that your buffet only entitles you to one free main course from the menu, but its generous portions mean you probably won’t need another serving, though.
We just about demolished (with proper dining etiquette) every type of appetizer there was in the buffet spread. The smoked salmon and sliced prosciutto particularly impressed us. The consensus is that the appetizers are fresh, flavourful, and just the right fit for our Asian sized orifices.
The main dishes, although slightly expensive for the average student, are pleasantly yummy. The Kuvo Atlantic Cod Meuniere ($38++) is a sweetpea-crusted fresh cod medallion with pearl barley fricassee, potato gratin and citrus nutty-brown butter. The slightly salty tang of the sweet pea complements the sweetness of the cod.
The Free-range Country Chicken ($28++),a half oven-roasted spring chicken with kumara mash and jus of forest mushroom, though bursting with aromatic fluids, is nothing special. We prefer the fish.
The Duck Classique ($36++) is a French duck leg confit in amaretto prune jus, served with oven-roasted soft cheese-potato cake and fresh garden medley. The melt-in-your-mouth duck fat coupled with the crispy skin presents an interesting dimension of texturised flavours to satisfy anyone’s palate. This, along with the Free-range Country Chicken and Cod Meuniere, can be found on KUVO’s All Day Dining Menu.
KUVO has successfully carved out its own niche in an industry that is increasingly lacklustre with regards to originality. Altogether, KUVO may be the only modern oasis worth going to seek some respite from the figurative desert of Orchard Road.
Information:
Address: #02-01, 321 Orchard Road, Orchard Shopping Centre, Singapore 238866
Contact Details: (65) 6733-8272
Email: reservation@KUVO.com.sg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KUVOSingapore
Opening Hours: Ambrosia: 12noon-11pm, daily
Vine Lounge and Elixir Bar (Tapas & Wine): Sun-Thu: 12noon-1am
Fri-Sat & Eve of PH: 12noon-2am
Elixir Bar (Cocktails): Sun-Thu: 5pm-1am
Fri-Sat & Eve of PH: 5pm-2am
Photos courtesy of Renald Loh
Do you know of other hidden gems in Singapore you think we should know about? Tell us in the comments below!