POLLEN

01-09 Flower Dome, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, S(018953)

TEL: 6604 9988

Pollen sits quietly in the Flower Dome, one of the two airconditioned sanctuaries in Gardens by the Bay, and the head chef is Steve Allen, an Englishman with more than two decades of experience (half of them working under Gordon Ramsay). While his cookery is French with Mediterranean influence, some of his dishes—like the beautifully presented lobster cannelloni, zucchini and tarragon, and his signature beef Wellington—reflect his roots. Some also take cues from Allen’s childhood memories; Sea & Sand is a reimagination of his visit to the beach, as told through food. It’s an ensemble of king salmon, seaweed, carrots and clams, with amazing umami flavours. The space itself is charming and cool—seriously, bring a sweater—and makes for an elegant respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. That said, Pollen is the perfect place for a romantic tête-á-tête far from prying eyes.