Hadn’t been into the fine-dining game for quite a while; ended up going for Preludio only because I was free and someone else was also coincidentally available on the same day — a rarity that brought us to having lunch here on a weekday.
Being a fine-dining establishment with a theme, Preludio is now in Chapter Two of their “orchestrated chapters” with the theme being “Time”; the fine-dining establishment previously being brought to attention for their “Monochrome” concept in Chapter One which ran from November 2019 to February 2020. The Time Experience Menu is essentially a six-course affair served Omakase-style, and includes bread service, palate cleanser, and petit four — being priced at S$128++ for weekday lunch; the cuisine revolving around the theme of time where it may be “a moment, an age, a journey or passage; even exploring ancestry and lineage” — a theme that stays consistent and evident from the dishes served especially with the use of aged components and fermentation being very prominent.
A couple of my favourites from the menu which was served on the day of our visit will be the Brioche — fluffy bread that was served with a Fermented Mushroom Glaze and Caramalised Onion Butter; the glaze is almost akin to that of a satisfying cinnamon bun but provides an additional oomph of umami without being overly sweet which was an interesting flavour combination that works out exceptionally well. The King Eggplant was also another winner — savoury aged sashimi-grade Kingfish that is sliced thickly for a great mouthfeel, served with white eggplant ice-cream for a neutral note and blueberry pearls for a slight zing for some contrast of flavours. Another stunner was the π; essentially Celeriac, Squash, Vanilla Cream, Thyme and Grains on a tart pastry — a wonderful item that showcases the skill and execution of the chef through the interesting use of layers for a crispy, yet crunchy texture with a slight sweetness and nuttiness that cuts through the distinct notes of celeriac.
And of course, the crowd favourite has to be the Onion Knight — Wagyu Striploin marble score 7, Onion 5 ways; really enjoyed how smoky that slab of beef was; yet tender and succulent without being any way gamey while the interesting execution of onions here provided a variance of textures and a natural sweetness that pairs so well with the meat.
What I really enjoyed about Preludio is not just the food, but how well-rounded the experience was; the emphasis on the decor, their guests (yes, we had that birthday piñata without actually expecting one) — it was truly well-worth making the trip for. The service staff were not only hospitable and warm, but also have a good knowledge of the food they serve, the concept being behind the theme, as well as the furnishings (because someone had to ask 🤭). I have heard that the menu differs across the board for the various experience menus served on Weekday Lunch, Dinner (highly-recommended by the service staff) and Saturday Lunch; but it’s the Executive Lunch Set served on weekdays that is pretty worth the buck at S$58++ for four courses (excluding supplements) — definitely a deal for those looking to give the Preludio experience a go. Must say that we have left impressed; and would certainly keep this place in mind when the occasion calls for it!
