Ever dreamt of dining amidst lush greeneries while you inhale deep whiffs of fresh air with a tinge of floral fragrance? Such a dream has indeed become a reality with the discovery of a little hideout tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Vanilla Pod is the perfect place where you can truly indulge in a spread of continental fares in the serene setting you have been dreaming of.

• The Vibe
  Located in the Mandai Orchid Park, Vanilla Pod Restaurant & Bar is where diners can enjoy a sumptuous spread of cuisines while luxuriating in a tranquil environment surrounded by a mature vintage orchid display garden. Diners can choose to have their meal alfresco or indoors. If one is concerned about creepy crawlers, being indoors does not mean that you will have to forgo the beautiful view. You will seated in an air-conditioned glass house where your view remains unobstructed. The cascading water feature just outside the restaurant eases you into the relaxed environment to enjoy a romantic date with your partner.
• The Food
  You may like the Anne Black Crabmeat ($16) which is a dish of oil Anne Black Orchids tossed with crabmeat and nested on smoked salmon in Cobram lemon. The edible Anne Black Orchids adds a refreshing taste to the crabmeat and is indeed a unique creation by the chefs of Vanilla Pod.

  Highly recommended is the Hot Pot Mussels ($14) - fresh mussels braised with chili and basil olive oil. Contrary to the description, the gravy is not at all spicy. However, the mussels are fresh and it is definitely a delightful treat. For soup, the Chunky Mushroom Soup ($9), which is made using Portobello, Button and Shitake mushrooms, is a crowd-pleaser. Creamy and savoury , it whets your appetite for more delicious dishes to come.

  The dish which left the deepest impression is the Braised Lamb Shank ($26). Made with red wine, fresh herbs and Ratatouille , the lamb, is a definite must-try at Vanilla Pod. Served in a hearty portion, it is definitely value for money. Furthermore, the meat is meltingly tender and amazingly delicious. If you do not take lamb, go for the Confit De Canard – slow roasted duck leg on potato croquette and garlic orange confit . Even though it was slightly too salty for my liking, it is nevertheless a dish that will please your palate if you are a meat-lover.

  A romantic date is not complete without a decedent treat. The Crème Brulee ($6), which is chilled baked custard with caramelized cream, will do a fine job in satisfying your sweet craving. The melt-in-your-mouth texture and saccharine sweet taste will leave you yearning for more. Otherwise, the Khooi Choo Aspic ($8), which has a Khooi Choo Orchid submerged in mango flavored jelly and given the extra jolt with a dash of sauternes , would be equally satisfying.

• The Service
  Parking at the Orchid Garden is free all day, giving diners an extra reason to stay a while longer to luxuriate in such a soothing setting, and spend time with a loved one. The service staff is attentive to the needs of customers but not at all imposing, giving diners a private space to enjoy their meal.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Vanilla Pod
Vanilla Pod is one of the rare gems left in Singapore where one can get close to nature and at the same time, enjoy delectable cuisines. The restaurant is the perfect place to bring a loved one to and surprise him/her with a memorable dining experience. However, as Vanilla Pod caters to events such as wedding solemnizations, diners are encouraged to make reservations, especially for Friday and Saturday, to avoid disappointment.