Situated in the historic Chijmes complex, Whitegrass presents classic French fare with a Japanese touch of owner-chef Sam Aisbett however with influences from other cuisines such as Thai, Chinese and Australian.

PROFILE
Caldwell Dining Pte Ltd is a restaurant group established in 2015 as a partnership between H Dining Concepts Malaysia and Australian chef Sam Aisbett. The group’s first project is Whitegrass, which opened in early 2016. Chijmes began life as a Catholic convent and was restored in 1996 for commercial purposes as a dining, shopping and entertainment centre, and houses a multitude of restaurants.

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AMBIENCE
Whitegrass is located in one of the oldest historical sites in Singapore, Caldwell House in the Chijmes complex, a building erected by architect GD Coleman in 1840 for magistrate HC Caldwell. The design retains the atmosphere of an elegant colonial house by utilising a classy and unfussy décor that emphasises the space and dimensions of the rooms, the walls and furnishings softened with hues of blue, pink and green, and with one wall covered by a mural by local artist MessyMsxi.

SERVICE
Staff are young and keen, obviously proud of the sudden success of the restaurant, and eager to ensure that its high rating continues. The glamour of the heritage surroundings also seems to rub off on the service style, which is carefully managed by restaurant manager Desiderio Bevilaqua. 

FOOD
Chef Sam’s style of food is fine dining meets simplistic, and although it can be labelled Modern Australian it absorbs influences from other cuisines such as Thai, Chinese, French, and Japanese, somehow transforming them with a natural Aussie exuberance. The kitchen believes in using back-to-basics culinary techniques where everything from pickling to fermentation is done in-house. Tasting menus are served, with the option of wine pairing.

PRICING
S$50 to S$80

SUMMARY
Fine dining but very unstuffy, with an adventurous streak that is fascinating and distinctive, Whitegrass is as suitable for a romantic date as it is for entertaining business associates. The private room is a large one that at a stretch can hold up to 30 guests, and offers a memorable venue.