Binary is a New Orchard Road Restaurant Great for People Gazing

Published - 02 December 2021, Thursday
  • Binary

The binary star is a wonder of the cosmos: two stars orbiting in such close proximity to each other, they appear to the unaided eye as a single star. Inspired by this celestial phenomenon,

Binary is a new gastro-bar with a unique binary approach featuring the distinct flavours of Asian and Western cuisine, and a concept based on the synergy of twos. Located in the Palais Renaissance shopping mall, a mecca of glamour and fashion, Binary appropriately occupies the unit number #01-01A, echoing the binary code of 0 and 1.

The guiding belief at Binary is that complex options can be distilled into basic components, for easier appreciation and enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures. Daily realities such as food and drink, living and recreation, shopping and dining, Asian and Western, need not be dichotomies but instead complementary and closely intertwined experiences – just like a binary star system. The twain can meet; and the whole does shine brighter than the sum of its parts – this is a philosophy Binary makes tangible with stellar brilliance behind its welcoming doors.

Binary

Binary’s 45-seater location on the ground floor of Palais Renaissance features an alfresco terrace that affords prime people-watching along glitzy Orchard Road. The established shopping mall’s recently refreshed interiors now welcomes new trendy F&B spots and stylish fashion and lifestyle boutiques, positioning it as a one-stop destination for work, play, shopping, and dining.​​​​​​​

Classic recipes from Asian and Western kitchens are discerningly curated, with guests taking their pick of either option – Asian or Western – or simply choosing both, as the dishes are perfect for sharing.

Binary’s menu offers guests the option to choose from two culinary approaches or enjoy both styles on the same plate. Dishes are created for 2 or more to share; and are curated into six categories: Bread & Chips, Small Plates, Kebabs, Mains, On the Side, and Desserts.

Binary

Bread & Chips ($14++ each) features two cuisines on a single plate with distinct Asian and Western flavours, namely Tomato bruschetta with fresh herbs tomato concasse & sour plum-infused tomatoes; Home-made Kubaneh Bread with garlic butter & kombu butter; and Binary Brew Beer Battered Chips with barbecue & Thai chilli dips.

With Small Plates ($18++ each), the same produce is prepared as two separate dishes, using classic recipes from Asian and Western cuisines. Included are Hand-made Wagyu & Pork Balls prepared as classic marinara or à la Shanghainese; and Octopus (supplement $10++) in pesto alla genovese or “Lao Gan Ma” chilli crisp.

Binary

Tiger Prawns are offered as the Spanish classic tapas gambas al ajillo, (pictured above) or as prawn fritters with togarashi mayonnaise. Kebabs ($18++ for 2 skewers) offers three choices of Lebanese or Indian flavours.

Guests select their preferred two skewers from Wagyu Kofta, Chicken Tikka, or Impossible Kofta. Meanwhile, Mains ($38++ each) is a selection of meats and seafood, with the same produce served in either Asian or Western style. Choose from Iberico Pluma in Argentine chimichurri or Korean gochujang; and Tiger Prawns served thermidor or creamy mentaiko.

On the Side ($14++ each) brings to the table tasty sides to complement the mains. Vegetables are highlighted in the 10 Veg Chopped Salad and Zucchini Fries; while the 16 Grain Veg Fried Rice and Bacon Mac & Cheese are the perfect match.

Binary​​​​​​​

Desserts ($16++ each) are a tantalising array of sweets such as Warm Homemade Fudgy Brownie served with vanilla ice cream; and Hong Kong Egglet, based on a popular street snack in Hong Kong and served with blue sea salt ice cream.

Binary’s cocktails ($24++ each) include a refreshing Chrysanthemum Tea, comprising house-made chrysanthemum tincture, kaffir lime and lemongrass infusion, and Grand Marnier, topped up with tonic. The Spice It Up cocktail bursts with punchy flavours from a blend of Macallan 12 with green chilli, curry leaves, lime, and rasam powder.

a. #01-01A 390 Orchard Road Singapore 238871 Palais Renaissance

e. [email protected]

s. www.instagram.com/binary0101.sg/

t. +65 9363 0101

Open Daily: 11.30am to 10.30pm

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Comments

Emily

  • 2 comments
  • CONTRIBUTOR
RATED 6.5 / 8

Binary really is the GO-TO place to visit after a day shopping with girlfriends, an intimate night out with your better half or just a quick bite on your own - and we love they serve fabulous cocktail. 

As a community reporter for Expat Choice here in Singapore, I was very kindly invited to test the waters. I arrived by cab, from the East Coast which took about 25 min door to door. Palais Renaissance is getting a well-deserved upgrade so beware! If you arrive by cab you will enter through the back alternative entrance which is a bit tricky (although temporary) but rest assured worth it once you discover the new look and feel of the mall. Lots of new stores, cafes and restaurants are arriving daily, Binary - the reason for our visit - being one of them.

When I entered the restaurant cum bar-cafe, the first feature's to grab my attention were the cool tones of the room and cleaned lined interiors of the restaurant. You can see much effort has been put in to the lighting of this gorgeous space. The setting and menu is on the LUXE side, so a little more sophisticated, a tad more adult and not the environment I would bring my kids.

Binary offers an intimate hideaway area seating six to eight pax which is going to be great when our social restrictions are eased. The hideaway area overlooks an impressive array of wines and champagnes as a backdrop. Alcohol prices range from an affordable $38 to an eye watering $888.

The seating is varied, offering bar seating, table seating which are both as comfortable as each other, and to our surprise an alfresco terrace which is just perfect to watch the hustle and bustle of Orchard Rd which is just a hop, skip and a jump away.  

We chose an inside table within the comfortable air-conditioning overlooking the beautifully appointed bar, hosting wines that are available for dine-in and takeaway.

Binary's signature cocktails, sakes, and my absolute favourite Binary Craft Brew - an exclusive beer from Rye&Pint, a local Singapore brewery was fabulous. The creamy ale with notes of caramel was the perfect combination for my tastes. I would definitely return for this refreshing brew after my next shopping outing without a doubt!

Binary's menu offers guests the option to choose from two culinary approaches, or two styles on the same plate.  

The dishes are created for two or more to share; and are curated into six categories which include Bread & Chips, Small Plates, Kebabs, Mains, On the Side, and Desserts.  

An absolute game changer is the home-made Kubaneh Bread served with homemade garlic butter and kombu butter... just pull apart the warm freshly prepared bread and melt one ( or two) of the butter cubes on this deliciousness. Carb heavy - yes, but the experience outweighs the calorie intake!  

The Iberian Pluma with Korean Gochujang, a premium pork loin exquisitely charred with the most tender and succulent flavour accompanied with a spicy-sweet Korean paste was also a crowd pleaser on our table - a melt in your mouth moment.

Another stand out was the made-to-order Hongkong Egglet and blue Sea Salt which will have your tastebuds dancing a foxtrot.

On my visit the staff were a delight, on the ball and efficient which can be hit or miss affair in Singapore these days with the lack of foreign workers due the the border restrictions Covid has imposed on work permit approvals in the past couple of years.

I do rate Binary as a destination for brunch, lunch or dinner when you are in the area. Even a cocktail meet up works well here. Good job team. I look forward to returning soon - and next time with a couple of friends on tow!

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