Fans of Tao's Restaurant will be pleased to know that the same culinary team has opened a fusion dining concept in The Central. Prominent traces of Japanese and French influences can be seen in its dishes such as the Beef Loin on Houba Leaf and Sea Urchin Jellied Consommé.
Located at The Central Level 4, the Zero Fusion concept is all about an original taste and natural/rough imagination. Experience an unique dining concept based on a blend of Japanese, Italian & French cuisines. The beautiful setting with a sweeping view of Clarke Quay is a suitable venue for many different kinds of events. Choose from exclusive private dining rooms, and elegant main dining area and a relaxing wine lounge for an engagement party, a company function or just a dinner with that special someone.
Tao's at Selegie, where I first encountered the owners of this unique dining approach to French dining is now with Zero Zero. Dozo is a different group, and so is the Clan.
Ambience: It's a very lovely location on the 4th floor of the Central. Facing Clark Quay, it overlooks the river and you enjoy the view of the boats going up and down to boat quay and into the Marina Bay. It was lunch time but I was told that it's nicer at night (dinner prices apply). Comfortable chairs, seating for 200 pax makes it a very airy place for a meal.
Food: It's a set menu that sets you back about $30 for lunch but what a variety.
I could recognise the starter from Tao - aluminium dish served with a milky mix of meats and mushroom with a mozzarella glaze on the top, Was not as tasty as I recalled. I ordered the prawn roll which had mango puree drizzled over it - tasty, wife ordered the noodle salad- which I found to sour. The mushroom soup was next and it was fabulous. Large ceramic bowl that looked like a Korean granit bowl, with hot tasty soup. Could have had another bowl.
For drinks, I had the peach apple, wife had the peach with camomile. Both drinks were tasty and well served with a dainty cup. Helped us chit chat a bit more after the food was all gone.
For mains, I ordered the lamb chops and she had the sirloin steak. The lamb chopswere two pieces of "real" chops, not shoulder cut and well marinated (no smell) and fried. Good taste. The Sirloin was better, tender and well grilled -medium rare.
Dessert was last, what an ending. I had the creme brulee - well set, and with lightly burnt sugar on the top. The brownie with ice cream came with more ice cream than brownie- should adjust the balance.
Overall a satisfying meal at a good price.
Value: $30 a head fo 6 course - a bargain
Service: Black T shirted service, prompt and un intrusive.
Basically I love the menu; scallops, foie gras, escargoes, duck breast, duck confit, soft-shell crab etc. However, I felt the execution of the expensive ingredients were not up to the mark. Which is kind of a waste. They were well-presented, in the classy, atas sorta way, but frankly speaking, if they taste mediocre, then how beautifully presented also no use. Nice ambiance overlooking clarke quay. It was quiet, with only few tables on a weekend. There was a band too, a guy playing keyboard and the female singer. Ok lo, I think I sing better~ Sweet gesture of offering a complimentary dessert for our anniversary. It came with writings in hot fudge, "Happy birthday Ann". For awhile, I thought who is Ann. =.='''' Charges were reasonable for the ingredients but I will not return. Unless they change their chefs.
With 2 wines, bill came up to around S$180 I think, dont quite rem.
By the way, did anyone feedback that the Review tips on the right are kinda irritating~
I chose Zero Zero because of the good impression of Tao's but I was truly disappointed this time. We waited half an hour for our starter then waited entire hour for the soup! We tried to call the waitress but their eyes only look straight, never look left and right for their customers. Finally the soup came in cold, then I asked to warm up. Soon the waitress bring back the soup with hot water steam, I guess just out from microwave. The main course cost us another hour and served in hot stone which you can put your hand on the stone. Imagine how hot it is, so we ate the half raw meat with raw onion. We were very very disappointed with the dining experience in zero zero and it can be ranked among the top of my worst dining experience in Singapore.