Banking on the CBD
Tomatillo Mexican Food & Bar (opens Feb 7)
Where: 01-11 Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Avenue
Tel: 8029-1707
Open: 5 to 10.30pm (Wednesdays to Fridays), noon to 10.30pm (Saturdays and Sundays)
Info:
tomatillo.sg
Chefs Daniel and Tamara Chavez are on a roll. The owners of Canchita Peruvian Cuisine and Spanish restaurant Tinto, both in Dempsey, recently opened Vino Tinto, a 40-seat wine bar at One Raffles Quay; and will open 80-seat Tomatillo, a Mexican restaurant, at Esplanade Mall in February.
Peruvian chef Daniel Chavez, 44, who ran Ola Cocina del Mar at Marina Bay Financial Centre for nine years before closing it in 2021, says that experience was valuable from a business point of view.
“We wanted to capitalise on our experience and insights from Ola,” he says. “Understanding a crowd takes years, and we’ve evolved the concept at Vino Tinto into a lighter version in terms of pricing and offerings, better aligned with the times we’re living in now.
The wine bar serves over 30 kinds of tapas priced from $6 and glasses of wine priced from $14. A three-course business lunch is priced at $46 a person, and dinner paella options are priced from $28.
Tomatillo will showcase chef Tamara Chavez’s Mexican heritage. Its location, with a view of Marina Bay, is close to the Esplanade’s outdoor theatre.
The 35-year-old says: “We envisioned a vibrant Mexican concept that would appeal to both tourists and a younger crowd. We believe the crowd will enjoy bold Mexican flavours at an accessible pricing.”
Read more: https://www.straitstimes.com/life/food/bullish-on-the-cbd-back-to-office-with-more-dining-options
Tacos Al Pastor at Tomatillo Mexican Food & Bar.PHOTO: TOMATILLO MEXICAN FOOD & BAR
Offerings include Nachos & Guacamole (from $12), Tacos Al Pastor ($12 for two) and Chicken Enchiladas ($16 for three). Cocktails, including Margarita and Mojito, are priced at $16 each, and there are wines by the glass priced from $14.
She adds: “We believe Marina Bay will continue to establish itself as one of the most visited destinations in Singapore, particularly for tourists. The area offers attractions that are truly unique, and it is set to grow more. With the upcoming Marina Bay Sands Tower 4, and NS Square slated for completion in 2027, we see this as an opportunity for this vibrant location.”