Invited Review: COAST at 1twentysix

1 Twenty Six is located near East Coast Park, allowing it to position itself as an excellent quiet hang-out. It is relatively far away from the main hustle and bustle near McDonalds and thus is quiet enough to make you feel isolated from city life.

The bar and drinking area is separated from the main dining area and diners are afforded a comfortable and serene environment to dine in. However the music selection should be improved. I understand patrons at the bar might enjoy a little fast-paced hip hop or the latest R&B, but perhaps diners might prefer something more subtle and gentle.

Service staffs were excellent and we were greeted very warmly. They patiently explained their menu and even invited their in-house “mixologist” to recommend his own cocktail concoctions.

Dragon’s Breath

spiced rum, dragon fruit, hazelnut. First impression was that of melted ice cream (which the mixologist correctly described) but it started to seem similar to Bailey’s Irish Cream after a while. Rum becomes slightly strong as the drink starts to warm up – best taken when cold.

The Narcissist

a vodka inspired fruity mix with rosemary infusion. The rosemary flavor dominates most of the drink with just a hint of the vodka as an aftertaste. It’s a refreshing drink that the ladies will be sure to enjoy.

Bread

the bread offered was slightly dry and hard. The olive oil and vinegar dip could have a sharper vinegar taste. It comes across as slightly underwhelming.

Nibble Platter – Crispy Soft Shell Crab with chili mayo

We decided on their Communal Dinning set at S$70++ per pax. We had the Nibble Platter to start off the meal.

Excellent. The soft shell crab is not too crispy like in some Japanese restaurants and goes very well with both dips. The chili mayo may disappoint those looking for a full-flavored dip. There’s barely a hint of mayonnaise with a sharp after-touch of the chili.

Nibble Platter – Homemade Cod Brandade with grilled bruschetta

The taste of cod is very light but it is present in every bite. The bruschetta was very well made, the flavor of the garlic and grilled bread complements the cod. However, I felt that the cod was a little too mushy for my liking.

Nibble Platter – Potato skins with sour cream and ocean trout caviar

the caviar definitely provided an interesting contrast of texture between itself and the potato skins. The tiny bursts make this dish very enjoyable. The sour cream was not overly heavy or overpowering, allowing you to enjoy the taste of the potato and caviar.

Nibble Platter – Radish, Anchoiade and Crudites

Some greens to start off your meal with. Unlike your usual salad, the nibble platter offers a different variety of vegetables and is well complemented by the dips. I’d prefer to stick to my usual salads though.

Fish Pie with Snapper, ocean trout, prawn, leek, dill

The chef might want to consider using a more presentable cloth to line the bowl as what they used seemed like kitchen towels and it didn’t leave too good an impression.  However the pie itself was good. Though I could not really make out what was in the pie, the chunks of snapper was not too bad. The fish pie didn’t come across as too creamy or gelard for me. However, it might be too salty for some, and perhaps others may dislike the sharp tangy taste of the pie but I enjoyed it.

Seared King Scallop with smoked sea urchin risotto

Risotto has just the right texture, just chewy enough. Sea urchin flavor is well worked into every grain of rice ensuring that every bite gives you the taste of the ocean. Those who find eating actual “uni” too overwhelming will like this risotto. It gives you just enough hint of the sea urchin to whet your appetite. Scallops are really juicy and well seared and very fresh. Adult asparagus was used but the taste didn’t dominate the palate.

Complements

Herbed Leaf Salad, French Fries with Sea Salt, Brocolini with garlic and ginger (from left)

The herbed leaf salad was average but I thought the balsamic vinegar was not too bad. The brocolini didn’t fare as well here and lacked the oomph factor. I have to rave about the french fries! They are one of the best fries I ever had. I guess the truffle oil makes a whole lot of difference! It really enhances the flavor of the potato and the edges of the fries were crisp, but the insides were still soft and moist and full of substance. Excellent. I will go back just for the fries.

Dessert: Grande Assiette – selection of petite sized desserts to share

Pannacotta

Excellent texture. Smooth. Not overly milky as even as someone who doesn’t really enjoy dairy products, I liked this dessert.

Lime Soufflé

very VERY sour first bite, but it sort of grows on you after awhile. Though interesting, I’d rather have my usual rich chocolate souffle.

Devil’s flourless chocolate, marscapone and raspberry ripple cake

Very sharp raspberry taste that hits you immediately, which overpowers the flavour of the chocolate in the dessert. After trying a few desserts, we somehow felt that It seems this place has something for shocking you on your first bite.

Coffee Crème Brulee

taste of coffee totally overwhelms you. You might as well have been drinking an espresso. Coffee lovers take note!

Meringue

I haven’t had alot of meringue so far, but I felt COAST’s rendition of their meringue is a stark contrast to the meringue I had elsewhere. In general, it was a tad too sweet for my liking and the meringue could be better if the texture was a little lighter.

As with most restaurants, the food at COAST has hits and misses but me and my dining partner enjoyed the dinner thoroughly, especially where the ambience scores the most points in. You may want to consider COAST at 1twentysix for that special occasion.

Thank you Chiew Yen for the invite.

902 East Coast Parkway, #01-26
Playground @ Big Splash
Singapore 449874
Tel : 6348-2126
Fax: 6348-9126

www.1-twentysix.com