A Masterclass In Ambience
August Man SG|Issue 194
Noa Lounge has the best of both worlds: charming, elegant spaces and impeccably delicious Mediterranean food
SUFFIAN HAKIM 
A Masterclass In Ambience

IT’S ABOUT TIME we rethink the word ambience. It’s telling that the French sometimes use the phrase je ne sais quoi to describe ambience – quite literally, “I don’t know what”. Food writers tend to separate it from the gastronomic experience – restaurants can have great food, but all the aesthetic appeal of a Parisian sewer. Conversely, a restaurant can look at home in the most prestigious arrodissement, but has all the culinary appeal of... a Parisian sewer.

The best restaurants try to balance both: fantastic food and an arresting ambience.

I argue, however, that in modern analyses of restaurants, we cannot treat ambience and food as separate. Yes, I understand that the very etymology of ambience – the French word ambiant, which means “surroundings”, does signify a sense of place excluded from the food a restaurant serves. But we cannot deny the symbiotic relationship between the two – the right food elevates ambience, and a well-defined je ne sais quoi can provide the most optimum platform for the restaurant’s cuisine to truly come alive.

Enter Noa Lounge. The bar and lounge by Barmuteary Spanish F&B Group is housed in the Mondrian Duxton, an address that’s quickly becoming synonymous with lifestyle and fun in downtown Singapore. Since its opening in July this year, the Mondrian has injected a distinct verve into the district – epicures have been especially impressed with the hotel’s lifestyle destinations such as the swanky bar and lounge Jungle Ballroom, Dario Cecchini’s (yes, of Netflix’s Chef’s Table fame) mod Italian eatery Bottega di Carna, the rooftop poolside bar Canyon Club and now, Noa Lounge.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM AUGUST MAN SGView all
The New Rules Of Corporate
August Man SG

The New Rules Of Corporate

There's A Lot More To G2000 Today Than Just That Black Suit.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)
A Clear Vision Of The Future
August Man SG

A Clear Vision Of The Future

With the proliferation of its Myopia Centres, local eyecare brand W Optics is keeping Singaporeans clear-sighted for the future.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)
Paradise Foud
August Man SG

Paradise Foud

It's time to give tuning out its due. We all need a break from the group chat(s).

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)
Santos De Cartier: A New Era
August Man SG

Santos De Cartier: A New Era

Originally A Way Of Intertwining The Cartier Brand With The Daring Spirit Of Aviation, It Now Stands As An Icon Of Luxury And Elegance.

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)
The Future Will Be Pixelated, Probably
August Man SG

The Future Will Be Pixelated, Probably

What are the implications on one's lived experience as online life is rife with meaning and possibilities?

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)
GROWING PAINS
August Man SG

GROWING PAINS

AT MILAN FASHION WEEK, ONITSUKA TIGER UNVEILED ITS SPRING/SUMMER 2025 COLLECTION, WHICH TOUCHES ON A SUBJECT EACH OF US IS MORE THAN FAMILIAR WITH.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)
A Watch For The Global Citizen
August Man SG

A Watch For The Global Citizen

Before you make your travel plans for 2025, get the perfect watch for the modern nomad.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)
MAKING INVESTING MORE DELICIOUS
August Man SG

MAKING INVESTING MORE DELICIOUS

FINANCE INDUSTRY VETERAN WALTER DE OUDE IS COMBINING HIS ERUDITION AND EXPERIENCE WITH THE STAR POWER OF HENRY GOLDING TO BRING US AN INVESTMENT PLATFORM THAT'S MUCH SWEETER THAN MOST.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)
WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?
August Man SG

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

ONE-THIRD OF HOUSEHOLDS around the world have a pet dog.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)
How Does A Hotel Brand Become The Best In The World?
August Man SG

How Does A Hotel Brand Become The Best In The World?

Cristiano Rinaldi, president of Capella Hotel Group, shares its recipe for success.

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)