New Year's Eve. A night which has people divided on whether it's a special day to commemorate the end of a year and the start of a new one (with special people, perhaps), or just another day on the calendar. For me, it really depends on my mood I guess! Making NYE a big deal requires a lot of planning, patience and effort, but it could be worth it. Then again, there's nothing wrong with staying in with a bunch of friends to watch TV after a nice dinner. Still, one could make NYE an easy but memorable event by booking Salt grill & Sky bar's one-night only New Year's Eve 3-course dinner at $125++ (till 8pm) or $148++ (seating 8.30pm, till past midnight) per person, which I had the pleasure of tasting. 
Before the start of the meal we are all served with the now-familiar and delicious as always Coconut broth with Sydney spice, which is free with the 3-course meal.
Then on to entrées! You can choose from 4 options, of which the last is always the vegetarian option. I'm sorry, but if both of you are vegetarian, then Salt is not the place for you to have dinner at, since we've concluded that it is much less worth it for a vegetarian to eat there than a regular omnivore like us.
1) Star anise pork belly, seared scallops, cauliflower puree, pickled cucumber
2) Tuna tataki, ponzu, smoked enoki, onion, puffed rice
3) Seared foie gras, pine nut crust, scallops, peach, brioche
4) Cigar of whipped goats cheese, beetroot hummus, fig.
I would totally go for the foie gras if I were you, because it was the most perfectly done among all 4, in my opinion.
For mains, we could choose between these options.
1) Sydney spiced barramundi, char sui mushrooms, bok choy
2) Cape grim striploin, grilled asparagus, eggplant, salsa verde
3) Portuguese baby chicken, grilled corn, chorizo, chili, olives
4) Pan-fried potato gnocchi, corn, asparagus, zucchini, parmesan, thyme, truffle verjuice dressing
Of the 4, the barramundi actually came out tops because it was so unexpectedly fresh, flavorsome and satisfying. Followed by the baby chicken at a close second because of the unique use of spices to treat it, and for being so juicy and tender. I would have have picked the steak at any 3-course menu actually, so if you do read this, try the fish or chicken instead. For some reason, the beef had quite a spiced flavoring, which I found to be a bit odd because I prefer my steaks to be not disturbed too much. The gnocchi we all found to be too starchy and big, so give that a miss (unless you're vegetarian).
Lastly, some desserts to round off the big meal. There were 4 again to choose from:
2) Raspberry cheese cake
3) Mango & coconut bomb Alaska
4) Cheese selection quince paste lavoch
Of which I think the chocolate tart will get my vote for being the best among the lot, as the chocolate was dark, rich and indulgent. The Alaskan Bomb was too much of a sweet bomb for me, whereas the cheesecake was rather normal. I liked the cheese selection actually but at the end of such a big meal I'll want something sweet? Still, cheese lovers do knock yourselves out.
What a meal! We truly sampled some of the more innovative works of Chef Matthew as the dinner strived to celebrate the best of 2014, so 2015 can start on a good note. If you are looking for the right place to spend some time with a special someone (or someones) while enjoying the beautiful night scenery of Orchard Road (you might even see the fireworks from the observatory) call +65 65925118 or email charmaine_a@pj-partners.com to make your reservation now while seats last!
Salt grill and Sky bar
55th and 56th floor, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6592 5118
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