(Closed) Famers and Chefs – Singapore Conference Hall
(Famers and Chefs had since ceased operations.)
Taking over the former premises of the now-defunct Toast Box at Singapore Conference Hall along Shenton Way, Farmers and Chefs is a new establishment which places an emphasis on serving up wholesome dishes using fresh ingredients.
Being located just outside the Singapore Conference Hall (also known to be the building where Singapore Chinese Orchestra is being housed at), Famers & Chefs is a new establishment which had taken over the spot of Toast Box which previously operated the space beneath the canopy located outside the building. Taking up a rather modestly sized space, the space is pretty much al-fresco, considering how the canopy is the only form of shelter that gives the establishment protection from the elements. Styled in a theme that is close to nature, the space is decked with many garden-themed elements including small ornaments, plants and, hanging fixtures alike, with furniture and fittings featuring brick and wooden elements to fit the theme. The result is pretty satisfying, considering the outdoor nature of the establishment; one that seems to fit in so perfectly to its surroundings, being an oasis in the middle of the Central Business District where patrons are forced to slow down and relax with its calm and serene environment. Serving up a wide variety of items, the menu is being divided into several sections; one dedicated to breakfast, another for sides and appetisers, one for rice bowls, another for mains, and also one for pasta. Offering quite a good variety of beverages, patrons can choose from coffee or tea to go along with their mains amongst other options that are available.
(Pan Seared Chicken Mid Joints in Garlic Spice)
Skimming through the Sides and Appetisers on the menu, we went for the Pan Seared Chicken Mid Joints in Garlic Spice. Coming in a portion of three mid joints, this was a pretty affordable side considering its listed price of S$4.00 during our visit. Rubbed in their home-made garlic spice before being pan-seared, these mid joints were utterly delicious; not only were they juicy and tender with the meat coming off effortlessly from the bones, but the garlic spice carried a sweet, savoury and garlicky hint that was almost akin to that of a garlicky kecap manis with a slight char that helped to provide a slightly crusted exterior. Pretty addictive on their own, this was a dish that we gladly finished in no time.
(Mentaiko Carbonara)
Going for one of their pasta items, we ended up ordering the Mentaiko Carbonara. Essentially a Japanese-Western fusion pasta that had seen countless of variants being served up by cafes by now, the Mentaiko Carbonara here comes with spaghetti, Shimeiji mushrooms, pancetta (?), sous-vide egg, and a cream-based sauce along with a dollop of Mentaiko. Digging into the pasta, the dish did not really strike us much on its first impression; this was an item that gets better with every mouthful, however. While the cream sauce may appear to be a little bit too light at first, the lightness of the sauce was what kept us going; the creaminess slowly hits without being particularly jelak or overwhelming. Instead, it slowly brings the dish to a climax with all the other elements; the Shimieji mushrooms providing a slight earthiness to neutralise the flavours of the cream and the pancetta, whilst providing a bouncy bite, while the pancetta adds a hint of savouriness typical of cured meat to tingle the taste buds. The noodles were done al-dente, giving a good bite while the sous-vide egg came all wobbly and oozes of golden goodness as one pokes the egg yolk with the knife, giving all the elements a silkier touch. That being said, while the dish makes for a good Carbonara on its own, the Mentaiko Carbonara fell a little short when it came to the Mentaiko; the dollop of Mentaiko felt barely enough to provide that briny and umami note to the entire dish, though does work fairly well if one portions it out modestly with every twirl on the spoon using the fork. Still, a hugely satisfying dish that was considerably delicious.
(Kurobuta Pork Loin)
Also trying out their mains, we also ordered the Kurobuta Pork Loin; an item that came with the meat itself, as well as an assortment of sauteed greens and their special housemade sauce. Slicing into the Kurobuta Pork Loin, one would be able to notice how tender and juicy the meat is; the motion being so effortless like a knife through butter. Not much effort is also required to chew through the Kurobuta Pork Loin; whilst providing much of a meaty bite, the meat was barely tough, which is a showcase of the chef’s skill and great execution on the meat itself. Carrying a savoury flavour with a slight hint of char from the grilling, the sauteed vegetables gave a soft crunch and a refreshing bite to break away from all the meatiness; the capsicums help refreshed the taste buds with its aroma, while the potatoes gave a soft, earthy bite all sliced into a size good enough for a single bite. The broccoli left the strongest impression of them all when it comes to the greens; providing a crunch, the florets were slightly charred to give an effect similar to aburi, carrying a hint of smokiness which was pretty umami. All in all, a dish that is worthy of a visit to Farmers & Chefs.
Considering how Farmers & Chefs aims to serve up healthy and wholesome meals made from fresh ingredients, we were pretty convinced with the items we had tried. Not only were the dishes pretty wholesome, but we do feel that they were tasty and well-executed; designed with thought and passion that translates into quality. Priced rather affordably, we do feel that the quality of food here does make it pretty much a steal in our opinion; very few places around do serve up items of such standards, let alone at such price points which makes it seem really like a hidden gem that is well-located in the Central Business District without being smacked in the hustle & bustle of the neighbourhood that it is located in. Coupling the unique environment that resonates well with the type of cuisine that they are serving up, Farmers & Chefs is an establishment which we would most certainly return for the vibes and good food; an escape from the mad rush of the Central Business District, whilst being in the Central Business District. We wish the folks behind Farmers & Chefs all the best for what is to come; a spot that is certainly worth making the special trip for, whilst also somewhere suitable for any occasion indeed.
Farmers and Chefs 7 Shenton Way #01-04 Singapore Conference Hall Singapore 068810
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