You’ll probably agree with me on this — all parents deserve date nights. (Right? Right!)
It’s always nice to relive memories of pre-kid outings when it was just you and your partner in your little universe, and have some time to yourselves.
With this in mind, my husband and I decided to celebrate a special occasion with an extra-special date night at The White Rabbit restaurant in Dempsey Hill.
The stunningly beautiful interior of The White Rabbit
The ambience
The White Rabbit is the place for the ultimate romantic dinner date.
It’s housed within a stunningly restored 1930s chapel. Soft light filters through gorgeous stained glass windows, setting the mood for romance.
Like Alice’s fabled “wonderland,” it is a bit magical and totally unique.
While there is a row of tables that runs through the middle of the restaurant, you could also opt to sit at one of the cosy and more private booths that run along the side.
If you prefer to reignite your romance outdoors though, The White Rabbit also has a lovely al fresco seating area, aptly named “The Rabbit Hole”, where you can start your night with a drink or two.
The Rabbit Hole
The service
I have to mention how great the service we received that night was, from the moment we walked in till the moment we left.
The staff were extremely attentive and very knowledgeable about all the items on the menu, confidently matching beautiful wines with our respective meals.
But The White Rabbit is not just known for its perfect ambience and great service.
It’s also known for its exquisite food and drink.
Oh the food!
My husband and I were taken on a delightful gastronomical journey from the beginning to the end of our evening at The White Rabbit.
Here’s what we had for starters:
Wagyu Beef Carpaccio: with Shaved Parmesan, Celery Cress, Balsamic Pearls, Truffle Cream — $26
If you are looking for a dish that is both visually and gastronomically beautiful, then this is the starter for you.
The beef is delicate, tender, and seasoned to perfection, and the balsamic pearls impart little bursts of flavour.
Needless to say, the complexity and balance of flavours in this dish are incredible — a must-try item off their menu, for sure!
Salad Printemps: Asparagus, Mango, Avocado, Mesclun, House Dressing — $18
All salads should be like this — light and refreshing, with an interplay of delicate flavours and textures.
The colours on the plate are so pretty and seem to sing of spring. The overall freshness factor is increased by tender chunks of mango and crisp asparagus — so delicious!
Our mains were as delectable as our starters.
We also ordered 2 side dishes — a rather luxe mac and cheese, and grilled asparagus — to accompany our main meals.
Here’s what we enjoyed…
36-hours Brandt Short Ribs: Truffle Miso Glaze, Parsnip Purée, Field Mushrooms — $42
Yes, this dish is pricey, but worth every cent for the exquisite flavours, and the soft, tender meat that literally melts in your mouth. It is perfectly seasoned, too, and the short ribs work in blissful harmony with the mushrooms and silky-sexy parsnip purée.
This is a must-try item off The White Rabbit menu and is best paired with a good red wine with bold, velvety fruit flavours, such as the Alamos Malbec.
Seabass en Papillotte: Ocean Nage, Provencal Vegetables — $32
‘En Papillotte’ is a French term that refers to a cooking method where the food is encased in a packet of parchment paper and cooked in the oven – which is how this dish is prepared.
The fragrance of the herbs and other aromatics that are cooked along with the fish waft out as the packet is cut. The fish is moist and delicate, and the flavours clean and sophisticated.
This main is best paired with a Ribbonwood Sauvignon Blanc — its punchy, fresh notes marry beautifully with the subtle flavours of the fish.
Truffle Mac & Cheese with mushrooms (side dish) — $16
This is not your average Mac & Cheese for sure.
The truffle turns this all-time favourite family meal into something quite sophisticated and adult. The crispy, golden crust gives way to a rich, silkily creamy interior.
If you’re going to The White Rabbit for your special date night (and you definitely should!), do try this dish — it goes beautifully with the short ribs.
And now for the grand finale to our wonderful meal… dessert!
Baked Alaska: Vanilla Ice Cream Cake, Toasted Meringue — $16
There’s something about the simple sophistication of a good meringue that is irresistible… and this dessert certainly won’t let you down.
Just look at how stunning it is… pure white meringue with golden tips surrounded by the deep red hues of fresh berries.
But this Baked Alaska doesn’t just look pretty — it tastes divine too! If you try this dish, the meringue will be toasted in front of you, and when you crack through it, you’ll see a soft ‘heart’ made of vanilla ice cream and moist cake.
You’ll also find that the contrast of the sweetness of the meringue and ice cream cake and the tartness of the fresh berries is delightfully nice!
White Chocolate Souffle: Valrhona Opalys Chocolate Chip Ice Cream — $18
This souffle stands tall, proud and golden as it is brought out, and is fluffy and soft on the inside as a good souffle should be.
The dense chocolate chip ice cream that accompanies the souffle makes this dessert a great way to end a meal.
Each dish we tasted at The White Rabbit was well-presented, balanced, and delicious — needless to say, we were very satisfied by the end of our evening!
With the prices being on the high side though, it’s probably not a place you could frequent often (but I did see a family with 3 kids enjoying a meal there!).
But parents, if you are looking for a fabulous date night location to celebrate that special occasion, then The White Rabbit is most certainly that place.
Address and Contact information
Website: The White Rabbit
Address: 39C Harding Road, Dempsey, Singapore
Telephone number: 6473 9965
Reservations recommended.
Have you been to The White Rabbit? Share your experience with us by leaving a comment below.