Good things should be shared: we shared Chef Cat’s beautiful 5-course menu with avid food and travel blogger Catherine Ling of Camemberu, who in turn, shared her experience with us.  Read the edited version of her account below.

“Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora is right inside the S.E.A. Aquarium and literally flanks the world’s largest oceanarium.

This is your tableside view – the majestic Open Ocean habitat! It houses manta rays, leopard or zebra sharks, mahi mahi, groupers, batfish, and shiny schools of fusiliers, scads and other fishes. This alone is one of the biggest highlights of the Marine Life Park, which houses the S.E.A. Aquarium.

I was surprised that this is the world’s largest, surpassing even Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa, which I visited last year (see photos and videos). Churaumi has three whale sharks in their tank, but S.E.A. Aquarium has more than 45 million litres of water, over 100,000 marine animals across 800 species, and the viewing panel for the Open Ocean habitat is officially the largest, measuring 36m long and 8.3m high.

The 63-seater Ocean Restaurant is a cosy den with undersea themes. Glittery opalescent mosaic tiles, fabrics in sea foam and aquamarine, lighting domes inlaid in pearl that shine down from the ceiling, and a carpet with patterns evocative of deep sea jelly fish and anemonies.

But you can’t beat the real beauty beyond the glass windows.

I guess these are the lucky tables that get “front row” views of the habitat. The dining view here is simply unbeatable, and I would happily come back for it.

But even if you are sitting on the opposite side of the glass windows, you can still view the marine life quite easily. The walls above the banquettes have angled mirrors that not only double the visual space but also the view. Custom made dining chairs with concealed swivel mechanisms make it easy for you to turn from all angles to enjoy the underwater scenes.

How can you not be impressed, right?

But Ocean Restaurant is about eating responsibly too. The restaurant uses sustainably sourced seafood which jives with the Marine Life Park’s aim of ensuring the continuation of vibrant marine, coastal and freshwater ecosystems.

The cuisine here is Mediterranean-Californian with Asian flair. Cat Cora has already studied the Asian palate and incorporated some local elements into dishes like Coq Au Vin Asia – lemongrass-sake braised spring chicken with roasted ginger, accompanied with Thai chili and young bok choy (S$32 for lunch, S$34 for dinner).

In keeping to her farm-to-table philosophy, Cat is glad to use as much as possible ingredients grown in or around Singapore. She believes in simple, light and healthy cooking styles.

We got to try the five-course Cat Cora Experience set dinner menu (S$158++). This set’s only available until 28 Feb 2013.

Check out her interview on the RWS blog.

Some lovely soft rolls and pretzel-like bread to start things off. Some people are “rice bins” (rice lovers), I am a “bread bin”. Hahaha.

You will be continue to be wowed as you nibble on your bread. I love how the shafts of light play with the fish weaving in and out of them.

Sous Vide 48°C Ocean Trout with Sustainable Caviar & 

Prosecco Pear Crushed Almond, 

Vine Tomato Jelly & Garden Cress

This is one of Cat Cora’s signature items. The tender ocean trout and pear contrasted with the hard, candied almonds. Overall a nice fusion of flavours that make you want a second bite.

A spotted eagle ray – we nicknamed him “Manja Ray” cos he kept coming by, seemingly wanting us to pet him or stroke his belly. (Manja = “likes to be pampered” in Malay)

HOT STARTER

Sakura Shrimp Risotto with Morel Mushroom 

Black Truffle Butter 

Ikura and Seared Hokkaido Scallop

The aromas of mushroom and shrimp combine to make the risotto both smoky and umami. The creaminess was comforting and the rice still retained some bite.  The scallop was seared way longer than I am used to though.

It’s a whole city of fish but there are never traffic accidents, no matter how close they swim alongside each other.

SOUP

Vongole of Manila Clams with Spicy Fennel Sausage, 

Garlic Broth & Toasted Sesame Croutons

This soup manages to be full-flavoured and yet clean-tasting. The yuzu zest complements the clam and garlic broth.

Available for lunch ($18) and dinner (S$20) in portions at least twice this size.

Whoa, fancy looking up to see a giant manta ray gliding by?

MAIN (OPTION 1)

Grilled Basque Wagyu Striploin with Leek Bread Pudding & 

Roasted Sesame-Coriander Vegetables

I think the tasting portion may have been slightly overdone, as it’s a small piece. But the spices in the seasoning kicked up the interest point. The chili heat was a little strong for some, but I liked it. Also interesting sauce of roasted pureed vegetables.

Ooh, flash mob!

Every now and then the smaller fish will rush to one point and then after some fuss, dash away as quickly as they had assembled.

MAIN (OPTION 2)

King Salmon with Mandarin-Habanero Glaze, 

Meyer Lemon Cous Cous & 

Hot House Cilantro

This was very nicely done, with the fish retaining a “just barely cooked” tenderness inside the caramelised crust. Apparently this dish (sometimes using Arctic Char) is specially created for Ocean Restaurant.

I love the baby rays! Cute, right?

DESSERT

‘After Eight’ Mint Variation with Chocolate

This dessert is for chocoholics. It is also available for dinner at S$16.

There’s that manta ray again with the crazy entourage of little fish. Anyone remember Mr Ray from Finding Nemo?

There are windows on the far side – probably those famed suites that have windows built right next to the oceanarium?

One of the crystal lights near the entrance (car park side) is gorgeous (near the door to the carpark). A lot of care went into choosing the furnishings and fixtures.

We were loath to leave the beautiful vista, but the fish have to sleep. Towards the end of dining hours, they turn off the lights in the oceanarium.

You can access the restaurant by via the West Zone Carpark, B1M. Diners can park near Equarius Hotel. If you don’t drive, take one of the resort’s buggies (the carpark is so huge, they have buggies ferrying people along main attraction points).

Alternatively, if you are visiting the aquarium, you can enter and exit the restaurant from the other side.

Well, I’m betting that the restaurant is going to be packed for weeks to come. Cat Cora’s name will draw the crowds, the prices are fairly reasonable, and the oceanarium view alone is worth coming for.

OCEAN RESTAURANT BY CAT CORA

22 Sentosa Gateway, Marine Life Park

S.E.A. Aquarium

Tel: +65 6577-8888 for reservations

Open daily 11am to 10.30pm (last order at 10pm)

Minimum spending of S$25++ per person between 11.30am to 2.30pm; 5.30pm to 10.30pm”

Read Catherine’s full account on Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora.