DINERS who park themselves at Wine Garage for Sunday brunch will surely get into the spirit of an informal culinary gathering, a welcome antithesis to brunch at fancy five-star hotels which dole out oysters, caviar and free-flow champagne, with flashy prices to match.

There's a happy, sophisticated vibe at Wine Garage, in tune with the hip, jazz-inflected soundtrack that adds character to the space. It features the sort of small but appealing menu that causes hunger pangs and makes your eyes light up.

There's jumbo lump crab cake with sausage and poached egg ($31), the Garage burger ($28), fava bean risotto ($24) and prawn omelette ($21). Starters include seasonal oysters (currently fines de claire at $7 each), a hefty cheese plate ($31) and antipasto platter ($27), in-house smoked salmon ($26) and some pretty tasty charcuterie ($25).

Wash it all down with the signature Garage Bellini ($18) or Bloody Mary ($18) or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice ($11). Everything has a fresh and flavourful feel to it.

'Much of this food reflects the way I like to eat,' says Travis Masiero, executive chef at Wine Garage. 'It's high quality cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere.'

The Boston-born Masiero also serves his own farm-fresh produce wherever possible. He brings in seeds from the US and works with a farmer in Cameron Highlands to grow herbs and vegetables to his specifications.

Wine Garage changes its menu seasonally. 'We try to deliver the same high quality product with each menu,' says Masiero. 'This is more like a neighbourhood place and we're very confident with what we do - we are who we are. There's no set price, no champagne, and absolutely no pretense.'

Wine Garage
30 Merchant Road,
#01-07 Riverside Point
Singapore 058282
Tel: 6533-3188
Available on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 am and 4 pm

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