A Jazzy Evening At Morton’s…
You straighten your bow tie with a gentle tug as you walk into the bar. You’re looking sharp and you catch the eyes of a slender brunette by the bar. Her hair flows gently in front of her sanguine dress and she lifts her martini glass to her lips to part a gentle sip. Soft jazz gently drifts in the air as you take your seat by the bar.
Take a mental picture of that – it’s what the newly renovated Morton’s looks like. The interior oozes with style as they channel the bygone days of the 1920s with its slick art deco style. We were treated to some of the bar snacks and their signature “Mortinis” during our visit.
The Food At Morton’s
We were provided some items from the bar menu, as well as a few drinks. Beef lovers, you’ll love the complimentary Fillet Mignon Sandwiches ($22 after happy hour) distributed during their happy hour from 5pm-7pm. The sandwiches could have used a little more spread between the buns though, I felt like the buns took away from the flavour of the beef more than anything else. 
The Fresh Cut Potato Chips ($26) were fantastic, they were gorgeously fried, generously seasoned and a joy to eat. That is, until you realise that a plate is $26, too high a price to pay for potato chips and dressing.
We also had Chicken Goujonettes ($16), basically a fancy name for chicken fingers. I wasn’t impressed by it, it tasted bland, and the mustard mayo dip didn’t really help its case. It’s a pity because I think some spices could have gone a long way to carry the dish.
It’s a very classic preparation, but it just doesn’t stand out in this era.
The Mini Crab Cake BLTS ($37) fared a little better, I loved the large chunks of crab I got when I bit into it. Many crab cakes are torn to shreds, and this is the first time I had one with chunks of crab in it. I liked it, and it felt luxurious, but the flavours were too mild. I expected more especially with that price tag.
The Drinks
Starting from $15.95 you can treat yourself to a “Mortini” during their happy hour. Regular prices start at $26 depending on the type of martini you order. They offer both gin and vodka based martinis and are quite delicious! They aren’t shy with their liquor either, you won’t be short-shotted in this bar.
As the Night Winds Down….
Your glasses are nearly empty, and the conversation is wearing thin. The lady in the dress looks apologetically at you and bids her goodbye. You ask her to stay but she just leaves you with a peck on your lips leaving a sweet aftertaste.
As you watch her walk away, a waiter hands you the bill, and you realise she’s put her drinks under your tab as well. You resign to your fate and hand him your credit card and slump over the bar as Frank Sinatra’s “That Lady is a Tramp” taunts you, in the most melodic way possible.
That’s basically what a night at Morton’s bar felt like for me. It’s a great looking place and you’re immediately impressed. Their steaks are superb, but can the bar menu reach the standards set by the dining room?
Your expectations are sky high at this point but they fail to live up to your expectations. It’s a good time, and you could leave on a good note with the delicious drinks, but the bill is likely to dampen your spirit and give you second thoughts about a return visit.
Address: 5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square (inside Mandarin Oriental)
Opening Hours: 5pm-11pm (Mon- Sat) 5pm-10pm (Sun)
Brought to you by Morton’s The Steakhouse.