Rama: Remember the Night

SOME Some nights you just can’t forget.

Start the night off with the flavors of Indian cuisine with a healthy dose of Singaporean diversity, free-flowing Manny O wines, and you have for yourself a very good kick-off.

The Coriander by Sheldon, at the Crossroads, Banilad, provided its loyal patrons such a night on their first anniversary celebration on Aug. 13. Luck was on our side that Friday the 13th, as guests were treated to a complimentary dinner comprised of kangkong sambal belacan, beef rendang paday, and ayam goreng belada, just to name a few. The names of the dishes are a mouthful but it’s a mouth-full worth ingesting!

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Kangkong, or water convolvulus—not a name that rolls off the tongue easily—or, also known as water spinach or water morning glory, was a crowd favorite. Its leafy fragile appearance holds its own against the rich taste and pungent taste of chilies, belacan (Malaysian shrimp paste), kalamansi (local lemon) and salt and sugar, pounded together to make sambal belacan. It even goes well with wine.

Chef Sheldon Shen Jega went all out that night. A live band entertained, and more wine flowed, until eventually, the guests took over the band’s microphones and song list and proceeded to hold a mini-concert at the mezzanine of The Coriander.

Like any great party, reality came knocking. The mics were packed, people felt the aches and pains of a rambunctious good time, and the hosts of the evening had to close shop. Chef Sheldon has a big year ahead of him planning how to top off , and do one better, the 1st year anniversary party on year two.