Modern cross-cultural cuisine at newly opened restaurant of acclaimed Californian chef David Myers
April 30th, 2015
Recently opened in Singapore, Adrift by David Myers is the latest addition to the coterie of celebrity chef restaurants within the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel and lifestyle complex. Marking the first foray into south-east Asia by the acclaimed American chef-restaurateur David Myers, Adrift serves an inventive and evolving menu of Myers’ take on modern Californian fare – served as sharing plates – and elevated with multi-layered flavours and Asian influences. The eclectic assemblage of dishes is the expression of Myers’ peripatetic travels between California, Japan and south-east Asia, reinterpreting favourite Californian dishes with Asian ingredients and flavour combinations. Complementing the modern Californian dining sensibility, Adrift also entices guests with a polished bar program offering signature cocktails, and an engaging wine selection.
Exuding a relaxed and sociable dining vibe, Adrift occupies an attractively realised sculptured timber enclosure that stands within the gargantuan lobby atrium of the iconic triple tower hotel complex. Behind the slated timber facade, a series of comfortably proportioned spaces provide multiple options – cocktails at the bar; casual bites and social engagements in the adjacent residential-themed lounge; and elegant dining in either the main restaurant space, or retro-themed private room – with both dining spaces facing out through full height glass to water ponds and lush garden beds.
Heading up the Adrift kitchen team, Korean executive chef Dong Choi – a veteran of Myers’ culinary team at his previous L.A. restaurants – utilises his cross-cultural culinary background to bring to the plate the unconventional dishes of the menu conceived by Myers. Typifying Myers’ reinterpreted Californian cuisine are the toast dishes with multi-layered flavours – such as his take on Beef Tartare – served on toast with sesame, egg yolk, chili and sesame leaf; while other share-plate offerings include Japanese robata-style charcoal grills; the cheese melt-inspired King Crab with grilled pimento cheese; and drinking bites such as Caramel Popcorn with togarashi.
For the Adrift bar program, an acclaimed New York-based bartender designed a concise list of re-imagined classic cocktails that match the cross-cultural culinary theme of the kitchen, well supported by a selection of refreshing fruit-based drinks. Standouts include a tantalising interpretation of the Singapore Sling; the Asian-inflected Jasmine Tea Gimlet; and Bee Keeper – made with bourbon, honey, angostura, absinthe and lemon.
Adrift serves lunch and dinner daily in the dining room, while the bar and lounge are open daily from 12pm until 2am. Reservations are recommended for tables in the main dining room and private dining spaces. Promotions include a Prix Fixe Lunch menu, and Pre-Theatre Menu.
Adrift: interior design
Adrift: cocktail highlights
Adrift: contemporary cross-cultural cuisine
(food images courtesy Adrift)
