18 Sep 2019
Tags: raffles, Raffles Singapore, Raffles Hotel Singapore, Singapore, Raffles Hotels
(LONDON, September 2019) One of the world's most celebrated chefs, Alain Ducasse, makes his debut in Singapore at the historic Bar & Billiard Room of the iconic Raffles Singapore. The restaurateur's newest endeavour, BBR by Alain Ducasse, is highly-anticipated.
BBR by Alain Ducasse is a modern Mediterranean restaurant, and is Alain Ducasse's first Mediterranean sharing and grill concept presented in South East Asia. Seduced by the flavours of the Mediterranean at a young age, he reveals the essence of Portugal, Spain, Italy and France as he takes diners on a culinary journey along the Mediterranean coast, complemented by a warm and vibrant ambience.
First established in Raffles Singapore in 1896, the historic Bar & Billiard Room (BBR) has evolved with a new chapter by acclaimed chef Alain Ducasse. The 122-year-old restaurant, which started as a club during British colonial rule, continues to be the social gathering space of choice for travellers and the local community alike. Bar & Billiard Room has served as the backdrop of many unique Raffles stories over the years, and the last tiger in Singapore that escaped from a circus was said to be shot under its building in 1902. As BBR by Alain Ducasse, it retains the original name and includes dishes, such as Tiger Story, that celebrate the rich heritage of the space.
“I could not dream of a better location than the landmark Raffles Singapore to bring the Ducasse restaurant experience for the first time to Singapore. My team and I look forward to adding another culinary destination for Singapore's varied international clientele,” shared Alain Ducasse.
Designed in collaboration with acclaimed Paris-based firm Jouin Manku, the space at BBR by Alain Ducasse reflects the rich cuisines of the Mediterranean, while creating a contemporary setting that honours the original historic Raffles Bar & Billiard Room. With a large open kitchen at its heart, over sailed by a striking blue sculpture reminiscent of a giant fish swimming across the sea, the atmosphere transports guests to the sea, the lights, the tastes and the smells of the Mediterranean. Within the open kitchen, dishes are prepared, food is plated, and a wood-fired rotisserie and a pizza oven fire up. Diners are able to enjoy the action from the working kitchen at BBR by Alain Ducasse.
The BBR by Alain Ducasse kitchen will be helmed by Chef de Cuisine, Louis Pacquelin, who has worked closely with Alain Ducasse for many years and is specially picked to present his cuisine here. From cold cuts to wood-fired meats, seafood and pizzas, the restaurant serves both sharing plates and regular-sized dishes.
Must-try appetisers include Pulpo a la Gallega, tender grilled octopus dressed with paprika and olive oil; Riviera Salad, crisp seasonal vegetables served with tuna belly and crispy chicken pancake; and Pissaladiere, a moreish onion and anchovy tart.
For signature mains, enjoy seafood delights like the Cataplana de Marisco, a hearty Carabinero shrimp and shellfish stew; and Langosta a la Menorquina, featuring fresh chunks of lobster presented in its shell together with a medley of tomato, sweet bell pepper, fennel and bisque. Meat-lovers should order the Lomo a la Brasa, Mojo Verde, a grilled striploin steak served simply with a tantalising green sweet bell pepper sauce.
Round up the meal with desserts such as the Pizzetta al Cioccolato; a delectable dark and milk chocolate pizza; Tiramisu, mascarpone with espresso-dipped ladyfingers; and in celebration of the rich heritage of the BBR, Tiger Story; signature vanilla entremets that will leave a sweet lasting memory.
In true BBR fashion, the dining experience will be accompanied by a lively bar scene, making it a fun and relaxed gathering place for guests to exchange and discover the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean region. The carefully curated list of spirits, cocktails, beers and wines all reference the heritage of BBR and the elements of the Mediterranean.
“The debut of chef Alain Ducasse in Raffles Singapore demonstrates how the hotel continues to spearhead the global culinary scene, addressing the needs of today's worldly diners. As an international culinary powerhouse and name synonymous with fine cuisine, we are proud to welcome chef Alain Ducasse to the Raffles family, as we continue to collaborate and explore new frontiers in dining experiences,” said Christian Westbeld, General Manager of Raffles Singapore.
BBR by Alain Ducasse is open from 13 September 2019. Lunch and dinner are available daily. For reservations, please contact the Raffles Service team at +65 6337 1886 or via email at singapore@raffles.com.
For high-resolution images of BBR by Alain Ducasse, please click here.
FACTSHEET
Opening Hours:
- Lunch: 12:00pm – 2:30pm (last seating)
- Dinner: 6:00pm – 10:30pm (last seating); Fri / Sat: 11:00pm (last seating)
- Lounge: 12:00pm – 10:30pm; Fri / Sat: 11:00pm; Sun: 9:00pm
Restaurant capacity: 235 (including lounge)
Menu pricing: Average $70 per person
Dress code: Casual; no beach wear or tank top
Website: www.bbr-byalainducasse.com.sg
ABOUT RAFFLES HOTEL SINGAPORE: Opened in 1887, Raffles Singapore is one of the few remaining great 19th century hotels in the world. Till today, its architecture is perfectly preserved both inside and out, giving it an intoxicating blend of luxury, history and classic colonial design. Within its walls are more than a hundred expansive suites, framed by polished teak verandahs and white marble colonnades, clustered around lush tropical gardens. Each is serviced by the legendary Raffles butlers and offers every modern convenience necessary.
Raffles Singapore has recently undergone a careful and sensitive restoration and has fully reopened on 1 August 2019. The restoration of Raffles Singapore is designed to ensure that it retain what is so special about Raffles – the ambience, the service, the charm and the heritage of the hotel. It is also designed for Raffles Singapore to stay relevant and distinctive by moving with the times and with its guests and adapting to the changing needs of the well-travelled and Singapore's community.
ABOUT RAFFLES: Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group which invites travellers to feel welcome in almost 4,800 hotels, resorts and residences, along with some 10,000 of the finest private homes around the globe.
Contact:
Joanna Webb
The Brandman Agency
