Preludio

Since this restaurant is helmed by Chef Fernando Arévalo, there is no dearth of abstract concepts here. In the first few months after the inauguration of Preludio, his team was challenged to put together theme based cuisines; the first of many was Monochrome. This dichotomous wonder was followed by Time. It doesn’t matter if it’s lunch or dinner; Fernando is famous for brewing ideas in multiple, creative ways and those dishes can be found on the menu card ($58- 4 course meal; $188- 6 course meal; $118- 7 course meal; $238- 8 course meal)

It is said that time is the most valuable thing a man can spend- well, Preludio is a classic example of that. The concept of time is used to brew and stew some of the most unique dishes that one can ever imagine. Flavourful rye bread with fermented mushrooms glazed with some thick gooey honey bacon topped with sweet umami is a real stunner. Wine connoisseur Chip Steel works almost like a history professor, documenting the lineage of grapes to make concoctions of a different age every time.

This is not even the show stopper though. The Time Machine (as it is rightly called) is a complex 5 course meal comprising bite sized treats which require different times to prepare. Scallop ceviche is prepared with fresh and zesty piquant Leche de Tigre (a citrusy spicy marinade used to cure fish) and corn water for an hour. Garlic is fermented for almost a month and toppled with fresh basil pesto and some crunchy purple potato. Apart from these, week old amberjack fillets laced with foie gras and puffed quinoa are exquisite treats for the seafood lover. It is amazing how time is responsible for how the food tastes- little do we realise.

A few signature dishes are also happily reimagined in a monochrome theme. Iberico pork presa comes as a small bite arranged between delicious prawns and rich tomato sauce. Sweet meets sour with the agrodolce sauce and crispy pork poured over pasta filled with confit duck which was raised on a diet of corn and chia seeds.

However, time and monochrome aren’t the only two themes around which the menu of Preludio is based. Memories and stories are also used to create incredible dishes. Old Chimi is a dish reminiscent of the time the Chef grew up in Colombia whereas pastry Chef Elena Perez de Carrasco pays a tribute to her grandmother with a special take on her dessert recipe.

While the monochrome theme has an immediate striking effect on customers, the second theme is more abstract and literally takes time to grow on people. But once it does, you’re in for a treat of a lifetime.

Preludio is bringing all their favorites right to your table, with their newly opened virtual shop. Apart from their delectable sweet treats, baked to order, you can also get try recreating some Preludio favorites with their meal boxes. The boxes include La Cortina Signature ingredients—with cooking instructions, of course—along with cuts of Wagyu short ribs, and fruit and vegetable selection with Chef Fernando’s tips. The two different box sizes serve either two or four, and must be ordered at least one day in advance, so keep that in mind if you’ve got a special occasion coming up.

Unbelievable dining experience! One of the best meals I’ve had in 6 years of living in Singapore! Thomas Beattie recommends Preludio on Facebook

Hidden Jem in the cbd. Really like the monochrome experience. Great job to Chef Fernando and all the team! Giacomo Pallesi recommends Preludio on Facebook

Divided into three sections – the dining area, private room and lounge area – Preludio prefers not to tie itself to down to any one cuisine.