Assorted Mushrooms Pizza @ The Gong |
The
Gong by Drinks & Co (‘The Gong’) is a new establishment in the swanky Duo
Galleria at Beach Road. The Gong philosophy is to turn good produce into great
food at an affordable price. Plus, a meal at any Drinks & Co restaurant is
not complete without a perfect refreshment, selected from the huge range of
bottled drinks, a classic cocktail or one perfectly selected by the service
specialist.
The Gong by Drinks & Co |
We
started our tasting with Gong Salt and Pepper Squid
($17). Salt and pepper squid is one of
the most common entrées in a modern Australian restaurant. The version here is
spiced up with garlic, red chilli, black peppercorn, sugar & spring onion.
Giving it the WOW factor when you bit into the crispy and springy squid.
Gong Salt and Pepper Squid |
Crispy Chicken Karage ($18). Who can say NO to Japanese
style crispy fried chicken? Well marinated with soy sauce and deep-fried till
crispy. Instead of the usual mayonnaise, The Gong version is served with a super
spicy dip.
Crispy Chicken Karage |
Florets of Cauliflower ($14). A delicious entrée. You
can expect a crispy texture on the exterior of cauliflower followed with a moist
and juicy interior. The pesto sauce coated this dish add a refreshing and
complex flavour to the dish together with the red radish. Meanwhile, the
bursting sweetness of the grape added a touch of sweetness to the overall dish.
Florets of Cauliflower |
Florets of Cauliflower |
For
the pizza, we tried Zul’s Satay Pizza ($24) &
Assorted Mushrooms ($26). The satay pizza has a light and crisp base topped
with chicken & beef, peanut sauce, cucumber & onion. Although we can
taste the flavour of the satay in the pizza, we find the toppings a bit dry.
The mix between the cheese and satay sauce just dampen the flavour of each ingredient.
I feel they should be bolder and add a few dollops of satay sauce on top of the
pizza after they took it out from the oven or before serving.
Zul’s Satay Pizza |
Zul’s Satay Pizza |
On
the other hand, we enjoy the assorted mushroom pizza tremendously. Each slice
of the pizza is moist and packs with mushroom flavour. A dollop of truffle
cream on top of each slice of pizza just lubricates it perfectly.
Assorted Mushrooms Pizza |
Assorted Mushrooms Pizza |
Crab Meat Fried Rice, Tobiko ($14). This reminds me of
the crab fried rice in Thailand. The fried rice exudes “Wok Hei”, while each
grain of rice is al-dente and evenly interwind with the fried eggs. The fresh
crab meat added the natural sweetness in this fried rice, while the tobiko gave
this dish the popping and crunchy texture to it.
Crab Meat Fried Rice, Tobiko |
Hokkien
Mee ($14). Excellent rendition of our local favourites. The Gong uses premium
ingredients and we can taste the sweetness of pork and prawn broth infused in
the noodle. The fresh and huge tiger prawns together with fresh squid highlighted
the “atas” version of this local dish. Not forgetting the spicy homemade sambal
will add some kick in this dish. It will be perfect if they drizzle some crispy
pork lard on top
Hokkien Mee |
Meat
Platter ($40/$56) – New Zealand Lamb Rack, Grilled Australian Beef, Pork
Sausage, Chicken & Beef Satay, Served with Mixed Olives, Mixed Mesclun
Salad, Grain Mustard & Mint Yoghurt Sauce.
Meat Platter |
Meat Platter |
The
serving looks generous and the New Zealand Lamb Rack will make you go gaga with
its tenderness and without any of the gamy flavour. If this is the first time
you are trying lamb, the taste will linger in your memories for a long time.
The chicken and beef satay are sweet and well-seasoned.
New Zealand Lamb Rack and Satays |
The
beef is fatty and tender; however, it is missing the signature charred of the
grilled meat. The pork sausages are much better compare to the beef. The fillings
are solid, while the spicy chorizo provide some sparks when you bit into it.
The Steak and Pork Sausages |
Iberico
Pork ($24) is just awesome. Tender, juicy and with almost melts in your mouth
texture is just a treat for meat lovers like me. It is placed on eggplant puree
that is infused with chilli. I normally don’t like eggplant, but the puree
version here works for me. On the side is roasted mini potatoes, sliced apples,
pickled vegetables and pork jus, make this dish a complete one. A must-order
dish here.
Iberico Pork |
For
desserts, we have Tiramisu ($13) and Chocolate Lava Cake ($13). The tiramisu is
just superb. Served cold, it is soft, creamy, yet super light and bursting with
coffee flavours. Better keep some space for this desert.
Tiramisu |
Meanwhile,
the chocolate lava cake has a fudgy texture and you don’t get the oozing effect
from the chocolate lava. The chocolate content is solid, while the vanilla ice
cream, fresh berries and berry puree provide the fruity twang to balance the
chocolate lava cake.
Chocolate Lava Cake |
Located
in the swanky Duo Galleria, the catchy name of the restaurant is needed to
stand above the rest. The décor is casual and comfortable. Love the black and
white tiles on the indoor dining area. The outdoor seating area are furnished
with high table and high chairs, pub like seating version. The Gong does not
have a wine list, so you have to choose the wine shelves. Little Devil enjoys
the fruity house pour Chardonnay with her meal.
The Bar and Indoor Seating Area |
Outdoor Seating Area |
If
you spend $250 per receipt and get Gong Membership for a lifetime. With
Gong membership, you entitle to Gong Member’s Price on Food Menu.
Wine Selections |
Chardonnay with Entree |
Overall,
it was a pleasure dining at The Gong. The food here is delicious, a combination
of Western Cuisine and Local flavours. Our recommendations are Florets of
Cauliflower, Assorted Mushroom Pizza, Crab Meat Fried Rice, Iberico Pork and
Tiramisu. Put The Gong by Drinks & Co on your must-visit list if you are
near Beach Road / Bugis area.
Thank
you very much Kristine, Amanda and The Gong by Drinks & Co team for hosting
us.
Food & Drink: 8/10
Value: 7.5/10
Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation)
Ambiance: 7.5/10
Budget per Person: $26 -
$50,
The
Gong by Drinks & Co
7
Fraser Street
#01-59
& 60, Duo Galleria
Singapore
189356
T:
+65 9619 4568
IG: @Thegongbydrinksandco
OH:
Daily 11.00 - Midnight
Menu
Available Online
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