Open Door Policy: 'Healthy' never tasted this good
Open Door Policy goes vegan, gluten- and dairy-free in new menu
When I see terms such as gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free, I'm scared because I always fear that it will be taste-free too.
Well, these terms have been introduced into the menu of Open Door Policy (ODP). I tasted a variety of the new dishes there and I would not have known it was any different.
Adding to the appeal is how ODP's leafy vegetables are grown from an indoor vertical farming programme.
The food is good, apart from the fact that I tasted lots of sharp, acidic notes, which I did not enjoy. But that's a personal preference and you can always ask them to mellow it out.
ODP's new menu is for people like me: one who wants to eat healthy fare, and to eat with an eye towards sustainability, but who wants the food to taste the same.
I love it that in Singapore, we have an option for a meal like this. Give it a try. You may be converted. Or at least feel like a good person for the duration of a meal.
It is hard to imagine that the king crab orecchiette (ear-shaped) pasta ($29) could be "healthy". It is loaded with flavours, with a thick saffron and corn sauce, and chunky pieces of crab. The sweetness of the crab meat, the crunch of the peas and the smoothness of the saffron sauce combined to make this a must-try dish.
My favourite item is the vegan maccheroni pasta ($24), made with Portobello mushroom bolognese gratin, and a bechamel made from an inactive yeast and nutmeg (to fake the taste of a mornay sauce). There is a heartiness and earthiness to this dish that was both seductive and comforting. It is a dish that demands repeat eating.
If you just have to have meat, the tender braised veal ossobuco ($32) is an option. While it is a very pretty dish, it comes across as a very safe and boring option.
I feel guilt-free when indulging in the desserts at ODP, and one I would indulge in repeatedly is the dairy-free, gluten-free dates and walnut cheesecake ($16). The apples also make you feel like it is not as sinful.
Why Sundae? ($16) has a brownie that is so rich I never thought it could ever be gluten- or diary- free. The soy and palm sugar gelato and the peanut butter brittle are equally tasty. This is the best dessert here.
WHAT Open Door Policy
WHERE 19, Yong Siak Street
WHEN Noon to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm, Wednesday to Monday
CALL 6221-9307
Bite sized
NEW DRINK
F&N NutriWell has added a new flavour: Snow Fungus with Wolfberry ($1.50 for 475ml).
Some believe that snow fungus nourishes and hydrates, while wolfberry is said to have health benefits and antioxidant properties.
And for a limited time, get two one-litre packs at $3.75, instead of $4.50.
TASTE OF BHUTAN
What does happiness taste like? Food from Bhutan - ranked the Happiest Country on Earth - will be available at the Discover Breathtaking Bhutan Travel Fair at Ion Orchard until Sunday.
You can sample Momo Dumplings, savoury porridge and buckwheat pancakes served with wild strawberry jam, and Bhutanese honey will be served from 11am to 8pm. You can also buy fresh produce, dried goods and groceries.
SAY CHEESE!
If you love cheese, head to Changi City Point today from 11.30am to 2.30pm because a food truck of the cheesy kind will be there to serve treats created using European cheeses.
You may even be lucky enough to land a tote bag of cheese recipes.
The Say Cheese truck will appear at the same time at Mapletree Business City tomorrow and 1, Fusionopolis Place, on Friday.
HOT DISH
From Nov 1, the Manhattan Bar (Regent Singapore, Tel: 6725-3377) will use the legendary Central Park as inspiration for its cocktail and bar snacks.
The snack to try is the Barbecue Pulled Pork ($21), inspired by the gyros, tacos and burritos available around Central Park.
The pulled pork jowl is tender and served on a crispy tortilla base, with a light house-made cucumber yoghurt.
Its lively flavours are a great way to ensure you get food into your stomach before you start on your night of alcohol.
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