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| - **3-1/2 stars**
It's so good to have Twitter foodie friends because they lead to all sorts of yummy places. After having seen View the Vibe's photos of the Seafood Bent-o Box for 2 at BENT - the restaurant moved right to the top of my to-try list. Oh, and to make it all that much more enticing - it's $35 for 2 (before 7pm, or $42 from 7pm onwards). Top that Summerlicious!
BENT, is a family-owned business and the patriarch of said family is none other than celebrity chef Susur Lee. The restaurant is named after Lee's wife, Brenda Bent and the kids are running the show.
I can only assume that the decor consists of Kai and Levi Bent-Lee's childhood toys (with an array of figurines neatly displayed on the back wall - the way an obsessive collector would display them). Behind the bar you'll find some vintage Pachinko machines.
The atmosphere is reminiscent of a cafeteria (with conversation abuzz and wooden benches and orange/yellow chairs for seating). You also get an infusion of old school diner thrown into the mix with bulb-lined mirrors and mosaic-tiled floors.
BENT is what I would dub a raw bar or fusion seafood restaurant with a heavy focus on sashimi, and a well-stocked selection of sake to go with. For those who prefer their food cooked, look no further than the Hot Kitchen section of the menu.
The Seafood Bent-o was just the kind of light and refreshing meal I wanted on a humid day such as yesterday.
My favourites by far were the Oyster Sake Shot (top centre) and Spicy Tuna with Avocado Tartare (second row, left) served sushi-style on a delicious crispy rice cake. The Tuna-Watermelon Ceviche (top right) was the most interesting in terms of complexity as you had spicy, fatty tuna that was balanced out with cool, refreshing watermelon.
The entire Bent-o box was plenty for 2, though we did opt for the Duck Salad Wraps ($18) because I absolutely love duck. While I applaud the creativity (e.g. Susur's signature Asian slaw and creamy foie gras pâté) as components of the filling, I found that the duck breast and confit itself was seriously lacking any real duck flavour. If there was any, the tangy Asian slaw was a good cover-up though the foie gras saves the show and it is here that we taste the real duck flavour.
Dinner ends in true Chinese restaurant fashion with complementary desserts - but instead of the usual sweet red bean soup we get surprised with a Mango Pana Cotta topped with tapioca rice pudding and a Strawberry Rhubarb and Lemon Curd Parfait with hints of mint. A refreshing and divine way to end the evening (especially with a cup of Americano).
I really enjoyed my meal at BENT. The food was creative without trying too hard, and the flavours were amazing. It is a fun place to dine, but I wouldn't order too many drinks (at $17 a cocktail I'd rather order another dish). The service is friendly and attentive (at least until it comes time to pay your bill). The total for 2 net of tip was $105, which includes 2 cocktails and 2 Americanos.
Due to its popularity, BENT has extended their Seafood Bent-o promotion until Saturday, June 8. Better get on the phone fast, as reservations are booking up fast!
For photos head over to my blog.
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