Tony Johor Kaki Travels for Food · Heritage · Culture · History

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The Bird Southern Table & Bar at MBS - Atas Fried Chicken & Waffles. Is it any Good?

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I was invited to try out the "Prix Fixe Menu" set meal at The Bird Southern Table & Bar in Singapore's Marina Bay Sands last night.

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Charming ladies Joanne (left) and Hazel receiving guests at the entrance.

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The Bird Southern Table & Bar has two levels.

The lower level has a beautifully laid out restaurant and bar, furnished with very comfortable and luxurious furniture. There were lots of hard wood, whitewashed bricks, orange lights and other warm rustic touches. The well stocked bar and dining areas are integrated seamlessly.

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The Bird has over 100 Bourdon whiskies in their collection. Sister restaurant Yardbird is one of the top Bourdon bars in the USA. But, that's another topic for another post 😄

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At the lower level, there is also a well appointed (semi) private dining section.

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If you prefer to enjoy the breeze from the bay while you drink and dine, The Bird has a cool al fresco section on the upper level.

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From here you can see the lights and glittering skyline of Singapore's Central Business District.

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We had our dinner at the main dining area at the lower level.

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A projection screen flashing black and white images of familiar American icons, American background music together with US style padded leather benches, The Bird has successfully recreated the feel of a typical well appointed American style restaurant in the heart of Singapore.

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We were seated next to the action filled open kitchen. I always love such ring side seats.

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Scott Selznick, the hands on Chef & General Manager at The Bird Southern Table & Bar in Singapore hails from Los Angeles. The Bird Southern Table & Bar is founder John Kunkle's first Asian venture following the resounding success of sister restaurant Yardbird in Miami and Las Vegas (at Sands, hence the MBS connection).

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We were eager to try The Bird's "Prix Fixe Menu".

It's a one price three course set with coffee and tea included for SGD65++ (for dinner).

Let's go!

For appetiser, we had devilled eggs and fried green tomato BLT.

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Creamy devilled egg dressed with dill, chive and topped with a savoury golden crown of smoked trout roe.

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Fried Green Tomato BLT with house smoked pork belly, pimento (red pepper) cheese, smoky tomato jam, frisée (greens), and lemon vinaigrette.

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I love The Bird's BLT - the smoked pork belly was tender, juicy and rich with deep savoury flavours. The diced tomato is breaded and deep fried. The blend of flavours and aromas by taking in the stack of smoked belly, fried green tomato patty, smoky tomato jam, pimento cheese, frisée and vinaigrette in one mouthful, transports one back to the USA in an instant.

If ordered separately, The Bird's BLT costs SGD18++. This is a dish that I would come back for.

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The second course in the "Prix Fixe Menu" consists of a Butter Lettuce & Grilled Mango Salad, Chicken N Watermelon N Waffles and Macaroni & Cheese.

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A leafy bowl of fresh butter lettuce filled with grilled mango cubes, smoked pecan, red onion, tomato, and drizzled with benne seed vinaigrette.

Nice mix of flavours and textures with the toasty grilled sourish sweet mangoes standing out.

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Now..., the star of the set The Bird Southern Table's signature Chicken N Watermelon N Waffles served on a heavy Southern style floral ceramic plate.

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The Bird's famed waffles are made with buttery batter, cheddar cheese and bits of chive. The thick waffle was crisp outside while inside it was very slightly moist and softly chewy to the bite. By itself, the waffle was mainly savoury with subtle underlying butteriness.


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If you like a little more sweetness with your waffles, ah.... The Bird has a signature Bourdon infused maple syrup that does wonders to the waffle. The spirited maple syrup turned the savoury waffle into a savoury sweet treat with a bit of Bourdon kick and fragrance, it's quite addictive, the way a bit of liquor is.

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We had half a bird - the breast, wing and drumstick.

Scott told me that the birds are a French breed raised free range in Malaysia. Great! as that means the chicken are fresh (not frozen).

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The chicken was marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, lightly battered and deep fried according to the 100+ year old recipe from The Bird founder John Kunkel's grandma from South Carolina, USA.

The golden brown fried chicken was crispy outside. The drumstick and wings were tender and had some moistness inside, while the breast was slightly drier.

Most of the savoury flavour was on the skin and thin crust. The flavour reminded me of that familiar classic Southern USA fried chicken taste which is globally enjoyed.

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The Bird Southern Table's slightly upscale take on the homely Macaroni and Cheese comes with a blend of 5 different types of cheese for layers of savouriness. A sprinkle of crispy herb crust added a bit of spice and more savoury twist to the already savoury staple.

Next course, dessert. The Prix Fixe Menu offers a choice two desserts (guest picks one).

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Cafe Creme Brulee with Orange Biscotti and Orange Gremolata (zest topping).

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Banana Pudding of rum soaked banana cake, stacked with banana slices, smothered with rich chantilly cream and served with a vanilla waffle.

Rich layers of sweetness that go perfectly with the tea or coffee that come with the Prix Fixe Menu, thus bringing the scrumptious three course set to a sweet close.


A post shared by Tony Johor Kaki (@johorkaki) on

👉 This "Prix Fixe Menu" featuring The Bird Southern Table's iconic fried chicken and waffle certainly was delicious. There's sufficient food in the set deal for two people and at SGD65++, I feel it is reasonable value given the location - especially as a shared indulgence.

But, the main take away for me was the excitement I felt about the whole new world of Southern USA cuisine which is beyond the familiar homely staples of waffles, pancakes and biscuits. I love the marvellous setting and ambiance here and would love to be back to explore other dishes on the menu. OK it was The Bird's BLT that did me in.

Disclosure: Please note that this was an invited tasting.

🚇 Easy guide to getting to The Bird Southern Table & Bar by MRT.

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Take the Circle Line or the Downtown Line to Bayfront MRT station. After exiting the station, head for Exit D which leads to Marina Bay Sands.

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Take the escalator on your right to go one level up (to basement 1).

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Walking straight ahead for about 100 metres will take you to this fountain. At this point, turn to your left.

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Another 50 metres walk takes you to The Bird Southern Table & Bar. It's a large restaurant stretching three shop lots and 2 levels.

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Restaurant name: The Bird Southern Table & Bar
Address: B1-07, Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
GPS1°16'54.0"N 103°51'31.3"E | 1.281658, 103.858700
Tel+65 6688 9959
Hours: 11:00am – 11:00pm

Non Halal

Date: 15 Aug 2017

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5 comments:

  1. For someone who is against Chicken and eat them for revenge...their FC is seriously very good...the bourbon maple syrup with the waffle is superb

    ReplyDelete
  2. we were there yesterday too, you very fast hand fast leg...
    btw, how to go up level 2? we didn't see any staircases..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is a staircase from inside the restaurant connecting the upper and lower levels. Can ask the staff to show you :-D

      Delete
  3. Hi Tony , go try this Bird Bird Fried Chicken Restaurant In Kembangan. You will know what i mean ....!


    ReplyDelete

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