Cue that old Johnny Mathis song, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”, because we’re in the mood for festivities, even if it’s only November. That means prepping our stomachs for the onslaught of food to come. But how do we make those calories count? Our waistlines aren’t going to expand for nothing, right?
Well, to answer that question, seek out the ol’ Yuletide season at Oxwell & Co – a quirky British gastropub located at the heart of the Ann Siang district.
Blessed with four stories (including an open-air rooftop bar on the fourth floor), and specialising in honest-to-goodness British cuisine, Oxwell & Co’s Christmas menu will last for four months, starting from now all the way till February – yes, freaking February. The whole 12 days of Christmas concept is starting to sound a little weak.
After trying the menu on a wet Monday evening (I could’ve sworn I was in London), I stuffed myself silly with all sorts of comfort food. I tried the Honey Glazed Wings ($16), which were surprisingly tart, making each bite addictive. I also liked the Mushroom Soup ($16), though I’ve got to admit it was a pretty safe choice.
The real heavyweight of Oxwell’s Christmas menu, however, is the Grass-Fed Fillet of Beef ($48), that comes dolloped with a healthy serving of whipped horseradish mash, and a scattering of green peas. The beef was sufficiently juicy and flavoursome, but it paled in comparison to the Rolled Organic Turkey Breast ($28) – now that was a real X’mas treat.
Embellished with a fricasée of mushrooms and smeared with house cranberry jam, the turkey’s flesh surprisingly wasn’t dry – an accusation the poultry has had to suffer from bristling diners over the years. For the veggies, go for the Roast Parsnips ($14); a carrot-like vegetable that tasted (and looked) somewhat like French fries, or the Brussel Sprouts ($14); which is generously drowned in maple butter and topped with bacon.
The only downer I found here was the Chocolate Mousse Pot ($14) I had for dessert. It sounded great – valrhona dark chocolate and raspberry, what’s not to love? But somehow that combination felt a bit off, even though it sounded right on paper. The finish on the tongue was too acidic and bitter, and I’ve got a feeling children might not like this.
Still, I thoroughly enjoyed Oxwell’s Christmas menu, and the fact that they’re complete mixology wizards as well (do yourself a big, big favour and go for the Piña Colada – it is exquisite), makes this trendy gastropub one of my go-to choices for Christmas.
Oxwell & Co is located at 5 Ann Siang Road, 069688. Opening Hours: Open Daily – 12pm to 12am. Tel: 6438 7036
For more information, visit oxwellandco.com.
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