The same team behind Nutmeg & Clove and Tess Bar & Kitchen has made their foray into the wine scene with a new modern inclusive wine bar concept, Bar Uva. The word Uva means grapes in Italian, an apt name for this classy, laidback establishment.
Bar Uva was created with the aim of embracing all types of wine, and at all price points. At the same time, the team aims to change the perception of wines as being too complicated to enjoy; and to create a space for wine lovers, regardless of their wine knowledge and to have good wines over a hearty meal. The wine menu boasts an extensive list of over 150 wines, most of which are imported by the team.
Bar Uva also serves a plethora of modern European fare cooked over a wood-fire grill; look forward to dishes with a unique spin and elevated flavours, coupled with smoky charred goodness. The tantalising creations are created by Kenneth Oh, Group Culinary Director and recipient of 2017 World Gourmet Summit Rising Chef of the Year Award.
We recently tried Bar Uva’s specially curated menu, paired with a variety of wines ranging from old world to new world and even natural wines.
Bar Uva: Recommended Food & Wine Pairings
Pre-dinner Snacks
We began our feast with Marsala Wine Glazed Almonds with Dried Cranberries ($5). They look like your usual seasoned almonds, but they’re deceptively addictive! Well-seasoned and lightly savoury, balanced by the sweetness from the cranberries. The Castelvetrano Olives with Balsamic Pickled Onions ($8) were meaty, firm, and more subtle, taste-wise, than the usual olives.
The snacks were paired with the Champagne Baron-Fuenté Tradition Brut NV ($98/bottle). Fine bubbles, soft bouquet and palate, with excellent balance, it was an elegant champagne! Dry, with a nice refreshing crisp and goes superbly well with the salty bites.
Starters
Oyster lovers, you need to order this! We couldn’t stop raving about the Kuyjukushima Oysters with Tomato Sherry Jelly & Smoked Caviar ($16). The Japanese oysters were fresh, plump and sooo juicy. They had a nice tartness from the tomato sherry, accompanied by the slight saltiness from the herring roe.
We couldn’t keep our hands off the Foie Gras Mousse with Sour Cherries, Chives and Herb Crackers ($18). The creamy and decadent foie gras was truly *Chef’s Kiss*. Try it with the sour cherries jam on top for a sweet-sour contrast. The handmade herb crackers were really fragrant and delicious too.
Domaine Du Chardonnay Petit Chablis ($16/Glass), was recommended as the pairing for the oysters and foie gras. Refreshing with lovely notes of citrus and white flowers; it complemented the savoury dishes, and the crisp acidity cut through the creaminess of the foie gras nicely.
If you’re here in a group, order the King Prawns and Pork Jowl to share! The King Prawns with N’duja & Capsicum Cream ($21) was a generous serving of beautifully charred fresh King Prawns served with Bar Uva’s sourdough bread.
Tip: Dip the bread into the tangy sauce and enjoy! So good.
The Iberico Pork Jowl with Yakiniku & Togarashi ($18) had a slightly crisp skin, and the meat was oh-so-tender and sweet with a hint of smokiness.
Main Dishes
If you’re stuffed at this point, the one main you have to get is the King Crab with Squid Ink Spaghetti & Shao Xing Wine ($42)! Featuring a very generous portion of grilled fresh, sweet and juicy King Crab with a creamy, herb sauce drizzled all over. The char from the grill truly elevated the flavours of the crab. The squid ink spaghetti was also creamy and very flavourful.
Another popular dish would be the Roast Organic Yellow Spring Chicken with Maple Glazed Carrots & Spiced Granola ($36). The roasted chicken meat was raosted till tender, well-balanced with the sweet carrots and herby spiced granola.
Give the Savoury Churros with Truffle Queso ($10) a shot too – interestingly, this is not a dessert. Dip the savoury churros into the creamy, aromatic and savoury Truffle Queso and get ready to have your minds blown by the flavour explosion.
The De Martino Itata Cinsault Viejas Tinajas, Itata, Chile, 2018 ($85) was a lovely choice to pair with our mains. This was the only natural wine we had, and it was aged in terracotta amphoras, an old technique that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Light-bodied and sweet, it was also precise and expressive on the palate – a different take on the classic Cinsault.
Desserts
We were stuffed at this point, but there’s always an extra stomach for sweets. The Apple Tart Tatin with Soy Glaze & Vanilla Gelato ($14), featured juicy sweet apples, cinnamon, contrasted by the soy glaze and savoury-sweet burnt caramel and served with creamy vanilla gelato.
The Valrhona Dark Chocolate Mousse with Candied Fruits ($15) was a chocolate lover’s dream come true, with a rich, chocolatey, dense and not overly sweet brownie.
Whether you’re new to wines or a wine connoisseur, Bar Uva’s extensive list of wines is worth a try; great wines at affordable prices and delicious food too!
P.s. Bar Uva curates a wine list of $38/bottle each month, which is a great deal for those who would like to introduce friends and family to different wines, or for those looking for new wines to try.
Address: 24 Purvis St, Singapore 188601
Opening Hours: 3pm – 10.30pm (Tue to Fri), 12pm – 10.30pm (Sat & Sun)
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis/Esplanade MRT
Disclaimer: We were guests of Bar Uva, but all opinions remain our own.
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