What started out as selling music is now dishing out delectable eats, ranging from modernised local delights to European fusion.
That CD-Shop was launched in 1994 and emerged as a leader in introducing the latest music trends to Singapore. In 2005, the company started producing works under its own High Society record label in partnership with the big 4 music labels, namely Universal Music, Sony BMG, Warner and EMI. They’ve won a great deal of accolades ever since.
In 2011, the first High Society restaurant opened in Marina Bay Sands Shoppes, followed by a second restaurant named High Society Mansion at Pacific Plaza, Scotts Road.
The classy restaurant sports chequer Italian marble flooring, golden chandeliers and white walls adorned with golden frames of red velvet, exuding an old world charm of the good life with a twist of contemporary lifestyle living.
The menu is prepossessing; so prepossessing I wanted to try everything!
To accompany the eatables, the drinks menu is wide-ranging.
Strawberry Milkshake ($9)
Apart from alcoholic libations, there are smoothies and milkshakes.
Crab Caesar ($23)
Romaine lettuce tossed in an anchovies dressing with herbs crouton, cherry tomato and topped with crab meat, pine nuts and grated parmesan
Smoked Duck Breast ($15)
Hickory smoked duck breast with romaine lettuce, orange and French dressing
Foie Gras ($25)
Pan seared, Modena balsamic, petite salad and raisin sauce
Amongst the starters, the Foie Gras is a personal favourite. I love foie gras in general, thus I can’t help but show favouritism here. Here, the execution is decent; simply bite into its crisp and caramelised surface, and let it melt in the mouth. My only gripe is the petite portion size; it left me wanting more!
Scallop Salad ($19)
Pan-seared scallops topped with caramelised cod roe and Parmesan cheese
Clam Chowder ($10)
I am totally in love with the Clam Chowder. Flavourful, thick, creamy, tasty and comforting –what’s not to love?
French Fries with Truffle Aioli ($8)
Despite the fact that they use frozen pre-packaged fries instead of fresh potatoes, anything with truffle pleases me.
Norwegian Salmon ($27)
Seared salmon with lemon butter wine sauce, whipped potato and char-grilled vegetables
I wouldn’t recommend the Norwegian Salmon unless you like your fish overdone; it is tough and dry. There are plenty of better choices in the mains section.
Fish and Chips ($22)
Norwegian Haddock in tempura batter with French fries and tartar sauce
The Fish and Chips fared better than the Norwegian Salmon, but it’s not the best I’ve ever had. It’s average –neither terrible nor exemplary.
Oxtail Stew ($24)
Oxtail stewed in red wine sauce with mashed potato, served with focaccia bread on the side
The Oxtail Stew blew me away. Melt-in-the-mouth tender, the oxtail is well infused with the robust red wine sauce. In this case, nobody cares if it is against all rules of etiquette to soak up all that delicious gravy with the accompanying crusty focaccia bread –you wouldn’t want to waste a single drop.
This dish is highly recommended.
Summer Seafood Laksa Spaghetti ($27)
Pan-seared sea scallops and tiger prawns served with lightly spicy laksa sauce
Usually with pasta dishes, carbohydrates take centre stage –but here, you get a substantial portion of scallops and prawns. The Laksa Spaghetti isn’t overwhelmingly rich with coconut cream; you’ll be noshing to the last strand without feeling ‘jelat’.
Steak Frites ($38)
Classic pairing of 200 days grain fed angus rib eye steak and French fries, seasonal vegetables, red wine sauce
I wouldn’t recommend the Steak Frites. The cut is a tad too thin; it lacks juiciness and meatiness that carnivores are hankering for.
Lamb Shank ($29)
Braised with tomato and red wine, served with whipped potatoes and seasonal vegetables
The Lamb Shank isn’t as melt-in-the-mouth-tender as how I’d like, but it’s not tough to the point where it will cause an aching jaw from relentless chewing. The sauce doesn’t mask the existing gamey flavour of the lamb, but instead, it accentuates it. The flavours are full on. I also dig the whipped potato.
Schweinshaxe ($30)
Twice cooked German pork knuckle with Sauerkraut, mashed potato and brown sauce
The Schweinshaxe was the best dish of the evening.
The skin is crispy perfection; within is juicy, tender meat laced with a nice ratio of fat.
Oh my god I want to eat this again, now.
Currywurst (part of the Autumn Set Menu, 4 course set @ $58++)
Berliner Veal Sausage with German Tomato- Curry Sauce, French fries and salad
The Currywurst is available in the Autumn Set Menu. A set meal comprises your choice of appetiser, soup of the day, choice of main, dessert and black coffee or English breakfast tea.
Boss ($12)
66% Dark Chocolate & Peppermint Crème Brulee
High Society restaurants are also famously known for exquisite cupcakes that are named after their award-winning music albums. The colourful and bedazzling array of cupcakes and cakes at the front display will leave you spoilt for choice.
Casanova ($9)
Dark Chocolate Mousse, Dark Chocolate Creameux, Praline Hazelnut Feuillitine
Ispahan ($9)
Rose, Raspberry and Lychee Macaroon
Tiramisu ($9)
Mascarpone Cheese Mousse and Coffee Infused Ladyfinger
Earl Grey Choux ($9)
Earl Grey Creameux on Choux with chocolate chantilly
Passion ($6)
Raspberries Cake with Pistachio and Raspberry Butter Cream
Fantasy ($6)
Green Tea and Passion Fruit
Among the all cupcakes that I’ve tried, Fantasy is a personal favourite.
They managed to combine two contrasting flavours – green tea and passion fruit – with great success. Oh and one more thing, I LOVE the generous amount of cream.
Macarons ($2.30)
Chocolate, Coffee, Vanilla, Earl Grey, Raspberry Rose, Green Tea Passion Fruit, Maple Walnut, Caramel Banana, Coconut Lime, Rum & Raisin, Praline Hazelnut, Lemon
High Society has the best macarons, and the widest range. Creativity provides an edge; the flavour combinations are idiosyncratic. I can’t decide which flavour I like best, because I enjoyed every single one.
Get the waitstaffs’ attention simply by pressing a button.
What I enjoyed most about High Society restaurant is the ambience and apt choices of music playing in the background. Food-wise, there are hits and misses, but make the right choices and you’ll find yourself going back again for more.
High Society
Singapore,
For reservation, booking for Private Functions, Corporate Events & Private Events:
High Society MBS:
Highs Society Mansion:
Email:
Website: http://www.highsociety.com.sg
Facebook:
That CD Shop’s Facebook page:
Opening hours:
Mon – Thu: 10am-11pm
Fri – Sat: 10am-1am
Sun: 10am-11pm
Upcoming event –3 November 2012
Enjoy a 4-course meal at just $35 nett! This is also an opportunity to taste 4 other dishes on top of your chosen main.
Venue: High Society Mansion
This event is open to PUBLIC!
More details here: