Wallich Manor’s new dinner menu balances playfulness with sophisticated flavours.
Tucked away on the sixth floor of Sofitel, Wallich Manor is not exactly a place that draws attention — you’d be forgiven if you were unaware of this establishment prior. That said, this only adds to its air of playful mystery — the secluded, “if you know, you know” vibe that accompanies the journey to its doors in the heart of the CBD adds a layer of sophisticated exclusivity to the locale.
Upon stepping through the doors, however, it becomes clear that this is no snobbish establishment. The entire concept of the lounge centres around the fictional persona Wallich the Ninth, who possesses an aristocratic refinement, and yet also a sense of cheeky, playful rebellion — traits that are reflected in the decor. Put simply, the concept is the manifestation of — to borrow a line from Peaky Blinders — “the perfect balance between the gods Apollo and Dionysus”.
Whilst the decor sets up a playfully irreverent yet elegant atmosphere, a quick look at the menu makes one thing clear — as with the other concepts established by lifestyle heavy-hitters Tipsy Collective, the food and drink is something they don’t play around with.
Available from 5pm to 9pm at $48++ per diner, Wallich Manor’s new dinner menu starts off with Amuse Bouche dishes like onion tartlets and cheese puffs. Moving into the starters, diners can choose from either the earthy, umami and creamy artichoke soup topped with Parma ham and stracciatella cheese, or the well-balanced textures and flavours of the hokkaido scallop, served with roasted heirloom cauliflower and hay-infused cream foam.
For the entrées, the choices are between the seabass, served with a hearty seafood stew and parsley cream; the smoked chicken roulade with wild mushrooms and koshihikari rice; the tender, parsley-crusted Murray Valley pork rack; or the melt-in-your-mouth wagyu petite tender, served on a bed of creamy mashed potato with roasted seasonal vegetables on the side. Dessert is definitely sweet, and comes in the form of either the caramel-heavy Divine Butterscotch Tart or the fruity, floral Eton No Mess.
Drinks-wise, the concept’s balance of irreverent fun with refined sophistry becomes more apparent in the tipple it serves. Apart from the new dinner menu, three new cocktail punch bowls have been added to the menu as well — ideal for groups of six to eight looking to partake in a shared revelry.
For those more inclined towards fruity flavours, Nice For What comprises osmanthus-infused Roku gin, Pierre Ferrand cognac, Giffard apricot, Gardet brut champagne, passionfruit tea and a dash of Angostura bitters. If floral notes are more your thing, Manor @ Level 6 is a delightful concoction of Blue Pea Pisco, Giffard elderflower, Scrappy’s Lavender Bitters, Gardet brut champagne and grapefruit cordial. Those chasing a kick of flavour together with their high can turn to Getting Hot In Here, which infuses Michter’s American Whiskey, Disaronno almond liquer, Two Birds Absinthe, Gardet brut, citric, and honey, in a sweet, nutty and tangy mix.
Beyond just the food and drink, those who indulge in wine are also encouraged to embrace their inner artist. Complimentary markers will be provided for doodling on the wine glass — injecting a sense of cheeky playfulness into what can sometimes be a staid, pensive experience.
Wallich Manor is located at 9 Wallich St, Level 6 Sofitel City Centre. For reservations and more information, click here.
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