Set amidst lush greenery in the East Coast with an aggregation of calm swaying trees welcoming you as you enter the precinct, 1-TwentySix by the One Rochester group makes a chic getaway from the hectic city life.
Thanks to its close proximity to the coastline, diners can simply soak in the cool breeze and gaze at the beauty of the sea, clinking glasses and indulging in delectable chomps, while the minds and bodies unwind.
The alfresco area possesses the green landscape, reflecting the fusion of natural elegance and contemporary comfort. With Mother Nature framing the restaurant, it’s bedecked with stone pavements, rattan furniture and water features, manifesting a modern garden setting.
Happy diners fill the seats as evening turns into dusk. By night, the atmosphere is vibrant and bustling.
The limelight will shine on different bands each day of the week. On Friday evenings (7.30pm onwards), resident band EJS reigns the stage, serenading the crowd with their own acoustic renditions of popular hits ranging from ballads to rock and anything that falls in between. Song requests and dedications can also be made. Fuelled by passion, EJS is known for giving songs a fresh spin. Their rendition of Gangnam Style was particularly exceptional. I was totally mesmerised by the tone of the lead singer’s voice.
1-TwentySix has recently launched a new tapas menu that is great for sharing and best enjoyed with alcoholic libations.
Charcuterie Platter ($28)
To get things started, the Charcuterie Platter comprising of Jamon Serrano, prosciutto de parma and Cotechino sausages will bring delight to those with a sophisticated palate. My only grouse was the bread that turned cold and stale after all the photo taking.
Tapas Platter ($42)
Salt and pepper squid, gambas pil pil, potatoes bravas, spicy meatball, chorizo with garbanzo bean and rustic bread
For large groups, the Tapas Platter is perfect to nibble on a variety of savoury dishes. The platter consists of salt and pepper squid, gambas pil pil, potatoes bravas, spicy meatball, chorizo with garbanzo bean and rustic bread.
The spicy meatball has got to be my favourite component –succulent meat, well infused with flavours.
126 Sliders ($42)
For something more filling, go for the 126 Sliders. This platter consists of two quantities of each kind of burger – beef with foie gras and caramelised onion, beef with cheese, tomato, bacon and mustard mayo, and beef with rocket, tomato jam. The accompanying crispy French bean and truffle fries are especially addictive. I usually abhor French bean, but I totally adore this battered, deep-fried, crisp version.
Poultry Platter ($52)
Roasted baby chicken, duck leg confit and honey grilled quail, with pine nut, raisin stuffing and sautéed mushroom
While the Poultry Platter looks promising, I was slightly disappointed with the toughness of some parts of the meats. The bones also made it slightly more difficult to consume, especially in a laid-back chill-out atmosphere like this where you’d most likely be unwilling to get your hands dirty or your mouths smeared.
Meat Platter ($68)
The Meat Platter is my top pick. It comprises grilled beef of rib eye, snail sausage and pork belly, accompanied by mashed potatoes and baked vegetables. The pork belly, in particular, stole my heart –the tender and succulent meat is complemented by a good ratio of juicy fat.
The mash potatoes had me inhaling and lapping up every single bit –and left me craving for more.
Deep fried brie, red onion marmalade ($16)
As for finger foods, the Deep-fried Brie with Red Onion Marmalade is highly recommended. Gooey cheesy creamy goodness oozes as the crisp crust ruptures upon your first bite.
Anita ($11)
There is an extensive range of alcohol, but for non-alcohol drinkers, Anita is one of their most popular specialty mocktails. It contains fruit punch, mango juice, grenadine syrup, float lychee juice and lychee fruit.
1-TwentySix
902 East Coast Parkway, #01-26
Playground @ Big Splash
Singapore 449874
Tel: 6348-2126
Fax: 6348-9126
Email:
Website: http://1-twentysix.com/