(Hong Kong, April 7, 2006) "“ Graze, the eagerly-awaited new restaurant in Singapore by JIA Boutique Hotels, opened its doors to the garden-city yesterday.
The name 'Graze' relates to 'eating at a leisurely pace in relaxed surroundings. The grassy lawns of Graze's 5,000 sq. foot gardens and the fresh, airy ambience of the colonial-style house was also an inspiration for its name, as was its special 'grazing menu' designed for those who prefer to try small portions of a variety of dishes.
As its name suggests, Graze offers a new concept in contemporary dining – where people can 'hang out' for an extended time, experiencing exceptional cuisine in a friendly and relaxed environment.
The chic venue is located in one of Singapore's unique pre-war colonial-style black and white houses in Rochester Park, close to the smart residential area of Holland Village. It comprises a casual, cosy downstairs dining room with an adjacent country-style gourmet produce store, an upstairs lounge bar and an architecturally sleek garden oasis featuring inviting outdoor pavilions for dining or lounging, a striking water feature that flows through the space and a large outdoor screen for al fresco movies.
Continuing its theme of freshness, greenery and relaxation, the upstairs lounge bar is called Mint, featuring a bisazza mosaic bar which serves sensational chilled cocktails, cool dj music. a cigar area and an inviting sofa bed on its outdoor terrace over-looking the gardens.
Graze is designed by BURO Architects in association with Hecker Phelan and Guthrie Interiors (HPG). HP&G are responsible for award winning projects such as The Prince Boutique Hotel, Longrain and Comme in Melbourne, and Establishment in Sydney and, together with Buro, the iconic and awarded Botanical Hotel in Melbourne. The group is also designing JIA Boutique Hotels' new Shanghai property.
Chef Matthew Lawdorn, who previously worked for the award winning restaurants Opia in Hong Kong and Ezard in Melbourne, offers exceptional home-made cuisine with emphasis on fresh, modern and stylish. In addition to an extensive a la carte menu, Graze also offers a barbecue menu of choice cuts and the freshest seafood with garden salads, a "grazing" menu for those who want to share, and at weekends, a healthy and hearty breakfast/brunch menu.
From the a la carte menu, must-try signature dishes include King Prawns 3 ways "“ tempura, chilled and pan tossed with coconut coriander sorbet ; Roasted barramundi with pumpkin and goats cheese ravioli, plum salad and chive oil, and Soy lacquered Wagyu ox cheek, coconut rice, green papaya and pomelo salad. For dessert, Soft-centred hot chocolate pudding with white chocolate ice cream is a must.
Graze's country-style gourmet produce store sells a selection of home-made sauces, chutneys, infused oils and vinegars, gourmet spice mixes, cheeses, sausages and sun-dried products, as well as imported chocolates, pastas, jams, specialty blends by coffee artisans, Graffeo and boutique wines and beers "“ some exclusive to Graze.
Graze is open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday from 6 pm "“ midnight with last food orders at 10.30 pm. On Saturday and Sunday breakfast and brunch is served from 9 am and BBQ lunch from 12 noon with last food orders at 2.30 pm. The lounge bar Mint is open from 6 pm until 1am.
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