Saturday 23 June 2012

Delectable and Delicious and Dean & DeLuca.

Dinner at Dean & DeLuca, Orchard Central
Dean & DeLuca is a chain of upscale grocery stores. The first one was established in New York City's SoHo district by Joel Dean, Giorgio DeLuca and Jack Ceglic in September 1977. It is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas.
This icon of New York City’s culture and lifestyle recently opened a 3,200 square feet flagship store branch in Singapore at Orchard Central, offering Singaporeans the chance to experience the unique cosmopolitan vibe that has made Dean & DeLuca a household name in New York. The Singapore store boasts a large retail section, as well as a cafe and a cooking demonstration area.

Having missed the inaugural opening on 22 June (without regrets, as it was reported to be brimming) Makanism decided to experience D&D on a more casual Saturday lunch. The verdict - the food did not disappoint.

The Bacon and Cheese Burger (of Angus beef dreams) was juicy and well-seasoned and delicious to the very last bite. The melange of spices, herbs and leaves were carefully and successfully matched to be palatable poetry.

A dessert of apple was also a brilliant choice. Soft and succulent apples baked in a beautiful crust with a hint of spices (was it cinnamon?). The only regret was the unfortunately Lilliputian serving size.

However, not all is well on the menu and the service.

Taste wise, one's order of the coffee that was made with white and dark chocolate was a tad too sweet for personal taste. That may be good news for those with a saccharine tooth. What was disappointing was the irregular service. Firstly, one had to clear a table by oneself when no wait staff came to do after a request was put up by me.

Additionally, one had to return to the service counter twice to ask for the carrot-orange drink ordered. Also, they also appeared to have forgotten about my order of the burger because three reminders had to be given and it was finally served AFTER several customers behind me were.

One certainly hopes that it is a minor birthing hiccup, what with the premises being new and all.

Venturing to the other side of the newly opened store, one was warmly greeted by a grand array of gourmet, fine groceries and quality food-related equipment and gadgets from all over the world! It is certainly a foodie/gourmet's paradise. However, it would not be fair to describe the variety of oils, sauces, spices and ingredients there - only a visit can do it justice.

Dean & Deluca is now open at 04-23/24, Orchard Central, Singapore.


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