Oxwell & Co. @ Ann Siang Hill

Have you ever been lost in a restaurant? I mean, physically lost, not in a metaphorical sense where you felt the food was aimless and you would rather hang yourself off the London Bridge. My recent visit to Oxwell & Co. proved so when we were directed up a dark flight of stairs for our dinner reservation. What felt like the start of some budget horror movie only got worse as our cries for help went unanswered.

After some time, we finally found the dining area behind a closed door marked “Lavatory”. Not the wisest of décor choice, but I think the interior designer was subtly describing the quality of food and service at Oxwell & Co.. We began the meal with Heritage Tomatoes, Goats Cheese & Wild Herbs ($18). While the servings of tomatoes were good, they weren’t the best that money could buy; paired together with the overpowering goats cheese, flavours were mulled to some extent.

As none of the other appetizers were able to pique my curiosity, we swiftly moved on to the mains. Our hungry appetites demanded for the 28-Day Aged Porterhouse Steak (1kg, $140), but I was puzzled why the unattentive wait staff had not asked how we wanted our steak done. The steak came in all sorts of consistencies, with the edges almost well done, and the middle medium-rare; but if I had wanted a steak so unprofessionally done, I would have just gone to Jack’s Place.

The Thornback Ray Wing ($35) was no better than the other few disappointments. While Oxwell & Co. prides on quality ingredients, I found the thornback rather fishy at some parts. But I do have to give credit to the chef for attempting to mask that stench by heavily salting the fish. Great for cover ups, not so if you’re not a huge fan of kidney stones.

They say once you hit rock bottom the only way is up. After regretfully choosing this restaurant, the dessert selections mildly sweetened our dinner affair. The Lemon Posset ($14) was rather tastefully done, but that could just be the sugar-rush talking. On the other hand, the Bread & Butter Pudding ($14) tasted pleasant too, but looked like something my 5 year-old nephew puts together in the kitchen.

To put it bluntly, Oxwell & Co. was by far one of the most disappointing meals I have had in a while. Should I ever find myself back in the foreseeable future, please contact my psychiatrist, I may have early onset Alzheimer’s.

Oxwell & Co. 5 Ann Siang Hill Singapore 069688

Tel: +65 6438 3984

Opening Hours: Tue – Sat: 6pm – 9.30pm