Open Door Policy

Open Door Policy (aka ODP) reminds us of New York. The long alleyway, uptempo jazz, sexy lowlights, crammed tables and sophisticated buzzy ambience, it's all so reminscent of a typical Manhattan bistro. We liked its grown-up vibe as soon as we stepped in for dinner one weekday evening. Despite the cool factor of this place, it didn't translate to an unlikeable pretentiousness. Diners were mostly engrossed in their own table conversations (the jazz was a loud enough of a foreground base that we couldn't hear the others' table talk), nobody was there to see and/or be seen, and so, we thoroughly enjoyed dinner. Yuppies/adults will so love this place, but I can't quite see people bringing their young kids here. Somehow, ODP doesn't quite strike me as a family-centric place. 

Service was great, we were quickly ushered to our seats by smiley waiters and service throughout the night was upbeat and energetic (on this note, we noticed they were very bouncy) although the restaurant was operating at an almost 90% capacity. The food was pretty awesome as well. Lips and I both loved dinner, and not just because the company was great.

We started off dinner with the Braised Beef Cheek ($29), braised for 48 hours for a plastic fork-tender texture, was practically keeping it together. The meat was so soft and moist and tender, it hardly required any chewing. While it could have done with a teensy bit more flavour, it had that delectable caramelized glaze brush-on treatment. The carrot puree bed lent sweetness while rolls of mochi potatoes, baby carrots and rocket leaves lent crunch and texture. A really great dish but I think I prefer TWR's version.


We also loved the Wild Mushroom Risotto ($22), perfectly al dente grains of arborio rice infused with the earthy wholesome goodness of mushrooms, sprinkled with headily aromatic truffle crumbs and topped with snow pea tendrils and fresh bunashimeiji. I think I've found my go-to place for the perfect risotto.


The Classic English Apple Crumble ($14) had this homely old-school appeal to it. Of course, it helped that it was hugely portioned. Sweet caramelized cubes of apple were topped with burnt sugary golden oatmeal crumbs.


The Chocolate and Pistachio Souffle ($15) was so light and airy we almost don't feel guilty indulging. It's was a perfect marriage of bitter chocolate and nutty pistachio. Creme anglaise, laced with vanilla seeds, was served alongside in a kitschy chemistry flask.



Open Door Policy
9 Yong Siak Street
Tel: 6221 9307
Open weekdays from 12noon to 3pm for lunch; 6pm to 11pm for dinner;
Closed on Tuesdays;
Weekends from 11am to 4pm for brunch; 6pm to 11pm for dinner
Website: odpsingapore.com

Comments

Anonymous said…
The desserts look good! I think there's an uprising of "hipster" joints like these around. Shall head down for desserts someday.

I think Yong Siak Street has another cafe called Five & Dime or Forty Hands? Sorry too many of such cages popping up and I can't remember their names!!

Amanda
Bern said…
Hi Mandy!

Forty Hands is the one at Yong Siak St...just down the road from ODP actually. It's mostly a coffee joint, but since ODP is opened by the same ppl behind Forty Hands, you can get the same kickass coffee at ODP together with your meal as well.

Five & Dime is along River Valley Road...their food is so-so but the fried chicken wings and fish & chips r awesome.
Anonymous said…
risotto looks a little undercooked but the apple crumble looks yum!

Professori.
Bern said…
not undercooked. it was very nicely done. hmm, i think you wld have loved the apple crumble. it just seems very "you".

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