A GROCER-POWERED FOOD ECOSYSTEM
The idea of establishing a distribution line of their own has long been a considered progression for the group with seven existing F&B concepts. Expanding in an ever-dynamic culinary scene, the group gamely takes on the challenge of opening three new restaurants and managing their own provisions concurrently – all with the goal of achieving a self-sustaining ecosystem that leverages on direct connections with handpicked farms and boutique producers primarily from Asia.
THREE CONCEPTS, ONE SIMPLE ETHOS
Branching out Modern Provision’s purpose of “good food for the ecosystem”, the group will be launching Tribal and Slate concurrently in December 2023. With the former being a modern Asian grill focusing on wood-fire cooking and traditional techniques, and the latter, a modern Asian bar that emphasises freshness with minimal preparation
Modern Provision retail site is set to go live for customer orders in January 2024. To distinguish itself apart from other specialty grocers, its main differentiator is the carefully-considered curation of produce and goods that are directly imported from nearby regions.
Launched in tandem with modprov – a restaurant translation of its online counterpart – the venue draws inspiration from homely Japanese eateries with its serve of rice bowls for hearty quick lunches in the daytime, with snacks and skewers to bring forth lively izakaya vibes for post-work gatherings when night falls.
STALWARTS OF MODERN PROVISION
For their most ambitious venture yet, the group has recruited experienced individuals who will be integral across all three venues. Leading the hospitality front is General Manager Marlon Sulindro with his expertise in running operations at hotels such as Fairmont Hotel (Singapore and China), SKAI and CÉ LA VI Singapore.
At the culinary helm is Executive Chef Keith Wan of Kilo Kitchen, Panamericana and Quay House. Capitalising on his flair for cross culture flavours and techniques both old school and modern, his direction will mirror the ethos of Modern Provision – distinctly Asian with a reverence for ingredient integrity and zero-waste consumption.
Leading the drinks programming side is Bar Manager Lai Siong Jin (Claudine and Loof). Expect smoky and spiced libations to pair grilled plates at Tribal; fresh, fruity and spirituous tipples with Slate’s raw seafood-forward dishes; and breezy tall drinks to match modprov’s conviviality.
ASIAN PALETTE FOR THE PALATE
In a bid to narrate a comprehensive Asian journey, Ebb & Flow Group has appointed award-winning Indonesian architect, Andra Matin as the lead designer of all three spaces. Regarded as one of his home country’s most prolific architects of his time, some of his best-known wonders include Potato Head Beach Club Bali (2010), Katamama (2011) boutique hotel, and Secret Garden Village (2017).
Completing the trio, modprov is set to incorporate recycled materials in their furniture , using wooden and marbled elements, as well as high ceilings to give a relaxed atmosphere for dining and retail throughout the day.
IN CLOSING
The opening of Tribal and Slate is scheduled for December this year, with the opening of modprov in tandem with Modern Provision’s website launch slated for January 2024. All three concepts are located at Mondrian Singapore Duxton and are managed solely by Ebb & Flow Group.
More details of Tribal, Slate, Modern Provision and modprov will be announced closer to opening.
Latest updates are available via Tribal and Slate’s official Instagram sites – https://www.instagram.com/tribaldining and https://www.instagram.com/slatedining.
