Whenever I think of the CBD, cold, steely buildings and concrete come to mind. The idea of dining in the CBD is not one that I’d naturally gravitate towards because it connotes stress and anxiety. However, Sol & Luna has shown me that there’s another type of experience to be had - a relaxing, and pleasant one at that.
Nestled on level 17th of CapitaSpring - one of Singapore’s newest skyscrapers located on Market Street, Sol & Luna is a little secret gem that offers the possibility of a different state of mind to its guests.
To get to the restaurant, one rides up an elevator from the office lobby to be transported to a lush garden pathway that’s suspended midway between the ground and the sky. Along this winding garden pathway, one gets to admire urban views and also feel a sense of spaciousness from the expansiveness of the high ceilings
It is remarkable to acknowledge that this is where the Golden Shoe Carpark used to be. Who imagined that a trusty old multi-story carpark with a hawker centre would one day become a towering skyscraper with gardens? It’s a helpful reminder that transformation is always possible.
Imagine a glass box with high ceilings amidst a lush green pathway, and you would have conjured up the image of Sol & Luna. The decor is washed with earthy hues that reminds one of Europe, with touches of colour reminiscent of old tiles from a European grandmother’s kitchen in the backyard. The menu - fashioned like a traveller's journal, is a clever hint that I was about to embark on a delicious journey through Latin Europe.
To begin, chargrilled Padron Peppers and 6-hr baked Duck & Foie Gras rillette were served. The peppers were perfectly grilled, with just the right amount of heat and salt to open up my taste buds. While I’m not a fan of foie gras and rillette, the satisfying grunts from my fellow diners suggested that it was a dish they approved.
Fried Soft-shell Prawn served with Lime Aioli & Parsley was next. The shiba ebi was fleshy and sweet, while the aromatic parsley gave a fragrant hit. Paired with the citrusy, garlicky aioli, this tapas dish paired really well with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
With Executive Chef Felix Chong at the helm, it is no surprise that the next tapas features an Italian cheese - Tomino. Known for his love for Italian cuisine, Chef Felix is also behind Monti - which has been awarded a quality endorsement by the Italian Chamber of Commerce, and 2 prestigious Temples by the Accademia Italiana Della Cucina 2021.
A ball of sweet and buttery Tomino cheese wrapped with Parma Ham is grilled, lightly glazed with Acacia Honey and dusted with freshly-ground black pepper before it is served with crisp slices of baguette and a side salad. The warm, melty-yet-firm light-flavoured cheese, paired with the saltiness of the Parma ham, kissed by a touch of honey and rounded off by the crunch of the baguette crisp is pure delight.
In between courses, it was lovely to take in the atmosphere of the casual and convivial energy of the restaurant. As the sun began to set in the CBD, the warm, cosy atmosphere in Sol & Luna started to come alive even more. It’s a lovely setting for those wanting to take a breather and be taken on a gastronomic journey of Europe, right in the heart of the city.
For those looking to cool down with something light, the White Gazpacho will be a pleaser for sure. Tangy, textured, and light, enjoy a medley of grape segments, sweet Marcona almonds, and mixed seeds, topped with an aromatic avocado half that has been grilled over lava stone.
Seafood fans must not miss out on the Prawn & Octopus Nicoise Salad. The octopus is ridiculously moist and tender, and grilled to a perfect smokey sensation, just like the sweet, juicy prawns. Accompanied by quail eggs, haricot beans, juicy tomatoes, olives and roscoldo potatoes and Spanish anchovy - this salad is a seafood lover’s dream come true.
My pleasurable experience was further elevated when I tasted the Truffle Risotto - perfectly-salted, and packed with flavour. The dust of breadcrumbs with cheese lent additional texture and complimented the truffle and mushroom paste from France like yin to yang. This dish is a must have for truffle risotto worshippers!
If you’re looking to try something unique, the Wood-fired Sardine Stuffed with Mussel, Herbs, Pine Nuts and Wrapped with Parma Ham is one to consider.
For those in the mood for something comforting and will leave some warmth in the belly, try the 12hr Slow cooked Welsh Lamb Shoulder. Served on the bone with Broccolini, the tender meat literally melts in the mouth. Another hearty option is the Baked Veal Shank Pie - perfect with glass of bold red wine.
My top personal favourite is the Grilled Australian Shark Bay Tiger Prawns. Grilled over lava stone and served with White Corn & Tomato Salsa, the prawns are juicy, sweet and succulent, with the perfect hit of chargrilled smokey flavour. Mmm… I could have it all over again right now! My other favourite is the Wagyu Bavette - a juicy piece of flank steak grilled to perfection, served with truffle sauce. Words alone cannot describe how sensational it tasted - you have to try it for yourself and let me know if it hit the spot for you as well.
My gastronomic tour of Latin Europe at Sol & Luna took me to both France and Italy before the evening closed. The Tarte Tartin was a delectable combination of caramelised Granny Smith Apples, Puff Pastry and Creme Anglaise - a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. The Tiramisu was airy, suitably rich, with a subtle sweetness, just the right touch of alcohol, and the perfect level of bitterness from the coffee and cocoa. Surprisingly, no cream is used in Sol & Luna’s recipe - I honestly could not tell. Just the perfect sweet ending to a sumptuous journey.
If you are in the CBD, and are looking for a delicious respite - be it breakfast, lunch, tea or dinner, Sol & Luna is the perfect place for a lush, European escape - no passport necessary.
a. 88 Market Street, CapitaSpring #17-01 Singapore 048948
Reservations
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