A “tailgate party” does not mean having a good time closely behind a fast-moving vehicle. In America, where it originates, it means hanging out with friends over a barbeque or a picnic set up behind a stationary vehicle, usually in the carpark of the stadium before or after a game. John and Matt, the American co-owners of RedBank, had reminisced about their own tailgate parties back in the United States, and that common desire to bring their favourite American food to Singapore resulted in RedBank, a sports-bar and grill restaurant in the heart of Singapore.
Tucked in the newly completed Claymore Connect next to Orchard Hotel, RedBank presents a spacious contemporary design with warm subdued lighting on the interior. The leather chairs and plush couches with cushions add to the cosy ambience, with a large island bar as the centrepiece. Sports fans will be thrilled with the strategically placed LCD TV and a large wall-size screen for major sports events screenings. In addition, RedBank also features a stage for live bands performance from Thursdays to Saturdays, from 9.30pm to 12.30am.
Diners who prefer to dine al fresco may sit along the generous area outside, with still a clear view through the all-glass façade to the sports action going on. For special occasions and events, RedBank also has a large enclosed private room with its own TV screen and view to the patio.
American Home Recipes
I got to sample several sides and appetisers, some of which would make great snacks to wash down with the range of craft beers available at RedBank. The bite-sized Hush Puppies (S$12), and Virginia-style Oyster Biscuits (S$18) would be my go-to snacks with beer, while watching sports action with my buddies.
It was the first time I have tried Hush Puppies, and I was delighted with the thinly crusted balls of sweetness and saltiness. The oyster biscuits, which are John’s own home recipe, also seemed to be a crowd favourite that evening. As I bit into the mini oyster sliders, the soft rustic biscuits gave way to the crunch of the battered oyster patty, and filled my mouth with flavours of the ocean.
Hush Puppies
Virginia-style Oyster Biscuits. Photo courtesy of RedBank.
Other appetizers which I found done well were the Virginia-styled Crab Cake (S$18), which was generously endowed with the crab meat, and the Tuna Tartare (S$20), which tasted fresh and excellently seasoned.
Virginia-style Crab Cake. Photo courtesy of RedBank.
The superb flavours of the French Onion soup (S$15) gave the background of the chef away. Chef Nicolas, who hails from the Brittany region of France, took on the new challenges of perfecting his grilling skills with RedBank, after a decade with French cuisine. Despite being a French-trained chef, Chef Nicolas showcased his fine touches using the charcoal-fired Josper grill for the highlight of the evening – the scrumptious-looking Tomahawk (S$164 for two persons).
Tomahawk
The finesse of the seasoning on the crust allowed the natural flavours of the cut to show through, with the steak still succulent inside. I believe the mammoth-sized bone-on steak might actually be a bit of a stretch for two Singaporeans to finish, so be prepared if you are ordering it.
The Josper grill also imparted a wonderful smokiness to the bacon on the bacon-wrapped asparagus (S$12) I tried. Some of the best food are like this; good ingredients cooked simply and well. I cannot wait until RedBank starts offering their breakfast menu; that Josper grill would be a perfect match for American-style bacons and sausages.
Asparagus wrapped with bacon.
For desserts, I would have preferred to try the New York Cheesecake (S$12), or the Crème Brulee (S$12). However, the Chocolate Chip Tiramisu (S$12) I had was also well-executed with its own American spin, with the added chocolate chips complementing the classic espresso flavours.
Chocolate Chip Tiramisu.
After that evening at RedBank, I can understand how tailgating might have inspired Matt and John to start a sports bar. There are few pleasures in life better than chilling with friends over grilled meat, alcoholic beverages, and having a good time cheering for your favourite team together.
RedBank
442 Orchard Road
Claymore Connect, #01-02
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 6694 5376
Opening hours: Mon, 4 pm to 11 pm (closed for lunch); Tues, Wed & Sun, 12 pm to 11 pm; Thurs, Fri & Sat, 12 pm to 1 am (last orders 10.30 pm); Daily Happy Hours, 12 pm to 9 pm, All Day Sunday; Ladies Night, Wed, 7 pm to 9 pm.
//
