Steamroom with The Pillar and Stones (SRPS) At Orchard Central - Orchard, Singapore (Closed)

When I first spotted Steamroom with The Pillar and Stones (SRPS) at Orchard Central weeks ago, I find the name strange and mouthful. Surprisingly, the entire outlet occupied quite a huge space when it is at such prime area.

Wondering why such a name. In fact, each component represents a unit. Steamroom is refering to the Kaffatea, while Pillar is the restaurant and stone is the retail. As such it is another retail cum F&B similar concept to our recent Monument Lifestyle.

When I stpotted Inspired by Red on the menu, immediately I find this familar. I recalled that Chef’s Table at Tras Street by Chef Stephan Zoisl has a dish with the same name. Though Chef Stephan is the F&B Consultant for Steamroom with The Pillar and Stones, I didn’t understand why he chose to add this dish to their menu.

Starters

2 salad were on the menu, Crab Spanner Salad ($18) and Burrata Cheese Bowl ($18). Tough choice, nevertheless, I decided and chose the former. I wasn’t too impressed with the dish though overall was pleasant as it was simply crab meat with a dressing topped with chewy caramelised onion ribbon-strips.

A better choice for starter should diners love the Beef Tartare is the Angus Beef Tartare ($18). Though I didn’t quite like the cut as it was a little chewy, the dijonnaise and chives complemented perfectly. The sourdough was equally amazing even for someone who didn’t like such bread.

Mains

Among the 4 Mains, I tried the 2015L Beef Slider ($19). According to the menu, pretzel bun is used but I find that it was the usual burger bun. Instead of a patty which was the expectation, it was sandwiched with pulled pork in abundant of BBQ Sauce and sauerkraut. This version somewhat reminded me of those I ate at The Carvery recently as such, the BBQ sauce slanted towards the savoury too. The huge different was the one at Steamroom was extremely salty. But I love the wedges by the side.

Next section of Mains were 3 bowl dishes. I opted Lobster Fregola Sarda Pasta ($26) was as disappointing as the Slider. I adore the pasta but not the sauce. Likewise, it has the same issue which was salty. The underlying saltiness was sharp. I didn’t like the idea of mixing the crab meat into the sauce. I prefer having it as a chunky piece.

Desserts

4 desserts were available on the menu of Steamroom with The Pillar and Stones. Tried 50% of them and were glad they were promising. First was the Chocolate Gateau & Mandarin Orange Sobert ($15). 4 layers were on the Chocolate Gateau with a crunchy base, chocolate gateau layer and next chocolate mousse and finally a chocolate glace. Pairing chocolate with orange is always an excellent option. Slight bittersweet complemented the citrusy note of Mandarin Orange.

Coconut & Pineapple Two Ways ($12) was equally enjoyable. Grilled pineapple resulted in caramelised sugar increases the sweetness complemetned the coconut. But I didn’t like the chewy sponge.

Drinks

At Steamroom with The Pillar and Stones, since the Kaffatea section is a main highlight, I thought I should try the tea selection. They offered the Black tea, Pu-er, Oolong and Green Tea brewed using a special equipment. I was told this equipment agitate the tea and the result is a more fragrant cup.

I tried the Lapsang Souchong ($7.50) using this brewing method but somehow, I felt such brewing extracted too much tannins and hence the tea was a little too bitter.

Other option are the Lemongrass Soda ($4.50) with far too subtle lemongrass flavour, coffee and juice. At Steamroom with The Pillar and Stones, no water is served instead order the free flow Aqua ($3.50).

NAHMJ Verdict

It is quite strange to have everything on the menu above average except for the Mains. And more weird when it was the saltiness that ruin the food. I certainly hope that Steamroom with The Pillar and Stones would improve.