Regular readers know that I am a big fan of the Prive Group by restaurateurs Yuan Oeij. After trying their new Josper Grill menu recently, I am convinced that Prive Restaurant at Keppel Bay is one of the best restaurants in Singapore.

The Josper grill is favoured by many well-known chefs around the world. The system has a greater heat control, and the dual function of oven and grill signficantly reduces the cooking time of the meat.

There are 8 items on Prive’s Josper Grill menu, with options like seafood platter, kurobuta pork, lamb rack, ribeye and tenderloin. Naturally, prices are slightly steeper. The rack of kurobuta pork is available for $52, while the 280g Ribeye Cap is $75. The normal ala carte menu, on the other hand, is much more affordable. Prices range from $13-24 for appetisers; $24-35 for main courses; and $10-16 for desserts. Prive Restaurant also offers a 3 course set lunch during weekdays at $35.

Between the three of us, we shared 3 appetisers, 4 main course and a dessert platter. For appetisers, we started with the Grilled Watermelon Stack ($15). The sweet and juicy grilled watermelon was great, but I’m not sure if I’d pay $15 for it. I’m not a big fan of salad, but we had a pretty decent Apple, walnut & Brie Salad ($13). For me, the highlight from the appetiser menu was the Pan Seared Foie Gras ($24). Yummy goose liver with caramelised banana strudel, baby spinach and raisin brioche.

After having three appetisers and a glass of wine, we proceeded with the main courses.

To be honest, I thought that the Capellini with Sakura Ebi tasted like bee hoon – an atas $24 bee hoon. Having said that, it was done just right, and the sakura ebi added an additional dimension to a tasty plate of bee hoon.

We also had the Double Rib Lamb Rack ($58) which you see in the photo above. It was actually quite good, but I was preoccupied with the kurobuta pork and ribeye.

I was delighted to see the Rack of Kurobuta Pork ($52) on Prive’s Josper Grill menu. I love pork. The 280g corn-fed U.S Snake River Farm Kurobuta Pork (the first picture of this post) was gorgeous. I’d gladly give up a steak for this rack of kurobuta pork anytime.

“Our steak is better than CUT Steakhouse”. Yuan told us at the start of dinner.

Having heard raved reviews about the steaks at CUT Marina Bay Sands (my foodie friends boldly proclaimed that they have the best steaks in Singapore), I was a little sceptical initially.

My partner and I were left speechless when we had our first bite of the steak. It was SO GOOD – definitely one of the best steaks I’ve had. And you know what? I wouldn’t exchange this steak for any kurobuta pork.

There are four steak options on the Josper Grill menu: the premium Black Angus Tenderloin ($58), 340g Centre-cut Ribeye ($58), 280g Ribeye Cap ($75) and the humongous 450g Thick Cut Ribeye Steak ($90).

The Dessert Platter ($32) is a great way to end the meal on a sweet note. It offers 6 mini version of the ala carte desserts. Clockwise from top left: Lychee Granite, Valrhona Chocolate Mille Feuille, Cinnamon Apple Strudel, Lemon Meringue Tart, Ice Cream Profiteroles, and Sticky Date Pudding.

While you are paying fine dining prices for the experience at Prive Restaurant, the food is hardly so. It is unpretentious and uncomplicated. Prive is definitely in my list of must-go restaurants in Singapore.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Prive Restaurant
2 Keppel Bay Vista
GF Marina at Keppel Bay
Tel: +65 6776 0777
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Boat House Fullerton

Be it an extended lunch break, birthday celebration, friends gathering, or simply just finding an excuse to indulge in a good meal; lunch is always the thing that we look forward to everyday.

Here’s my list of nice restaurants for best lunch in Singapore

Updated: I have included a couple of new restaurants which offer excellent value for money set lunches.

Au Petit Salut

Located at the fringe of Dempsey, Au Petit Salut is a fine dining French restaurant that offers great value-for-money set lunch. For $30++ per person, Au Petit Salut offers a three course set lunch which has choices like Burgundy snails for entrees, the delicious red wine braised beef cheeks for main course, Crème Brulée for desserts and a cup of coffee/tea. I had this fantastic combination when I went to Au Petit Salut, and it was one of the best lunch I had!

40c Harding road
Tel: 6475 1976

Bistro Petit Salut

I know it does not seem right to include in Bistro Petit Salut at Chip Bee Gardens since I have already mentioned about its sister restaurant, Au Petit Salut. But the whole experience is just $25++/pax, and this easily makes it one of the best best set lunches in Singapore.

44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-54
Chip Bee Gardens Singapore
Tel: +65 6474 9788

Boat House Fullerton

For all the folks who are working in the Central Business District, Boat House restaurant at Fullerton is the perfect place for a business luncheon. 2 course set lunch starts at $25++, with the 3 course set lunch at $32++. Try the Wagyu Beef Ribs with Aged Red Wine Jus and White chocolate semifreddo.

#03-01 The Fullerton Waterboat House
3 Fullerton Road
Tel: +65 6538 9038

Ember Restaurant

Nestled in Hotel 1929 at Keong Saik road, Ember restaurant offers a 3 course set lunch at $38++ per person, and it has often been mentioned as one of the contenders for the best set lunch in Singapore.

50 Keong Saik Road Hotel 1929
Tel: +65 6347 1928

Flutes at the Fort

While I do not think that the lunch menu at Flutes at the Fort is attractive, I can still see myself going there. Why? It is one of the more romantic restaurants in Singapore, and the unique location at Fort Canning Park adds brownie points too. Flute at the Fort’s set lunch changes every week, the 2 courses starts at $30++, and 3 courses at $35++.

21 Lewin Terrace
Fort Canning Park
Tel: +65 6338 8770

Forlino Restaurant

If you are craving for Italian food, Forlino restaurant at One Fullerton may just be the place. The fine dining Italian restaurant has the perfect view overlooking Marina Bay area, and the service is impeccable too. The $38++ set lunch starts with an amuse bouche,  appetisers and main courses change daily.

The location at the swanky One Fullerton makes Forlino a good choice to bring your clients for a Business Lunch.

1 Fullerton Road
#02-06 One Fullerton
Tel: +65 6877 6995

Novus Restaurant

Housed within the Singapore National Museum, Novus Restaurant offers much more than what you would expect from a “museum restaurant”. Besides the charming location, the fine dining restaurant has an executive set lunch which is priced at $29++ for 2 course and $38++ for 3 course. The choices for the main course include: Crispy Snapper Fllet, Slow Cooked Pork Belly and Braised Ox Tail Tongue.

If you are bringing your overseas friends to explore Singapore, why not have a nice lunch at Novus Restaurant after visiting the National Museum?

93 Stamford Road #01-02
National Museum of Singapore Singapore
Tel: +65 6336 8770

Jaan par andre

Now now, what do we need to say about Jaan Par Andre? The fine dining restaurant at Swissotel the Stamford makes the entry into the S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2010 ranking at spot 39. The stunning view from the 70th floor of Swissotel should help to lessen the impact of the departure of Chef Andre. 3 course set lunch starts from $58++, while the 5 course set lunch is available at $88++.

This romantic restaurant is definitely the place to go if you want to impress your date.

2 Stamford Road
70F Swissotel The Stamford
Tel: +65 6837 3322

Prive Restaurant

I hate it when restaurants have very limited selection on the set lunch menu, and the worst part is to end the meal with an unambiguous ‘dessert of the day’.

It is no secret that I am a big fan of Prive Restaurant, and in my opinion, they have a set lunch which has a good balance. With five options for appetisers, main courses and desserts, Prive’s 3 course set lunch ($36++) gives you plenty of choices.

2 Keppel Bay Vista GF
Marina at Keppel Bay Singapore
Tel: +65 6776 0777

Senso Ristorante

I had a pretty good dinner at Senso Restaurant so I can definitely see myself going back to the Italian Restaurant for their 3 course executive set lunch at $36++ (changes weekly).

21 Club street #01-01
Tel: +65 6224 3534

Sage the restaurant *Closed*

The flawless combination of Chef Jusman and manager Kimberly makes Sage the restaurant one of the best restaurant in Singapore. The 3 course set lunch is $38++, and if you fancy a heavier lunch, go for the 4 course set lunch at $45++. For someone who never like mushroom soup, the Cappuccino of wild mushrooms at Sage is one of the best mushroom soup that I’ve before, and the excellent Duck Confit is a must-order when you are dining here.

7 Mohamed Sultan road
Tel: 6333 8726

The French Kitchen

I am tempted by the main course selections on The French Kitchen’s set lunch menu. At $36++ per pax, you can choose from cod fish, Braised Angus beef or Confit Duck Leg. It sounds lovely.

The White Rabbit

Even though there are lot of people who mentioned that the food at The White Rabbit Dempsey is not worth the money, I will definitely want to dine there at least once for the ambience. They have a good variety of items on their 3 Course set lunch ($38++) which include: Pan Seared fillet of salmon, Braised Oxtail, and Galantine of Duck. I will be there soon, watch this space.

39C Harding Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6473 9965
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Do share with us which restaurants have the best lunch in Singapore. Have a good long weekend!

Updated: Read my list of Valentine’s Day Restaurant: 2011 Edition for more choices, and my guide to Valentine’s Day Gifts: Food Edition.

Saint Valentine’s is a strange little thing, it comes and leaves in a hurry, but memories will always stay behind. Even though it is a day where retailers, florists and restaurateurs rejoice – I believe in Valentine’s day. The idea behind it (less the commercialise plots), is very sacred; Valentine’s is all about you and me.

Have you decided on a romantic restaurant for your Valentine’s Day Dinner?

Everyday is Valentine’s, so long we are happy together. Yes that’s true, but Valentine’s is the only day that you can walk around with big bouquet of roses without having the whole world staring at you. This is the day where you have the perfect excuse to splurge on an expensive meal without feeling guilty. This is the day where you can justify spending a bomb to get the Tiffany blue box or that Gucci wallet without any nagging feelings. This is Valentine’s day.

Many people always have problems finding a nice restaurant for Valentine’s day. The guys will have a headache on where to bring their girlfriend, wife, and mistress, while the ladies will dream of where their man will bring them to, or in a slightly unfortunate twist, planning for their ideal Valentine’s day venue.

I’m no male chauvinist, but I firmly believe that a guy should plan the surprise, and search for a suitable Valentine’s day restaurant to bring their other half, well at least for Valentine’s day.

Here is a list of romantic restaurants in Singapore to celebrate Valentine’s Day:

Au Petit Salut
40c Harding road
Tanglin Village (Dempsey)
Tel: +65 6475 1976
$148++ per person (5 Course dinner on 14th)

Bistro One Zero Three
103 Pasir Panjang
Tel: +65 6476 6373
(Closed on 13th-23rd feb, for early Valentine’s only)

Boat House Fullerton
3 Fullerton Road
#03-01 The Fullerton Waterboat House
Tel: +65 6538 9038
(Please call restaurant to check if they are open on 14th)

Flute at the fort
21 Lewin Terrace
Fort Canning Park
Tel: +65 6338 8770
$228++ per couple (First seating 6.30-8.30pm)
$298++ per couple (Second seating 8.30pm onwards)
(Closed on 15-17th Feb)

Prive Restaurant
2 Keppel Bay Vista
GF Marina @ Keppel Bay
Tel: +65 6776 0777
$108++ per person (8 course dinner at restaurant)
$68++ per person (3 Course dinner at Bakery cafe)

Wild Rocket
10A Upper Wilkie Road
GF Hangout @ Mount Emily
Tel: +65 6339 9448
(Closed on 13th-18th Feb, for early Valentine’s only)

The White Rabbit
39C Harding Road
Dempsey
Tel: +65 6473 9965
$98++ per person (5 course dinner with glass of champagne)
(Closed on 15th-16th feb)

* * *

I will be adding this list to the top of my Delicious page if you need to find this page the next time. Remember to call the restaurants in advance and make your reservations. Have a good Valentine’s Dinner!

In my dreams, there is this beautiful place, with blue skies and clear sea. I dreamt of having my favourite brunch here with the one I like. We eat to our hearts content, and relax there while the hourglass freeze, just for us.

In my dreams, we have a cup of cappuccino. The aroma of the bean and the wonderful scenery of the place somehow makes the ordinary coffee taste better. And oh yes, there’s a cute cookie to go along with too.

In my dreams, I can never forget the taste of my beloved Eggs Royale ($14). The ever-favourite poached eggs, I just wish we can be together everyday. There is nothing more satisfying in life to have you by my side.  O’ my dear, just the thought of you make me sleep better.

In my dreams, you are always there.

In my dreams, I always envisage places where we will never run out of desserts. I have a sweet tooth you see. I dreamt of meeting the royal Sir-Deli’s, but it was a pleasant surprise with Privé Carrot cake ($6.80)

In my dreams, everything and anything can happen. There are bad dreams, and of course sweet ones like you. I’m glad I can still occasionally dream of you, that is enough. Enter my dreams, and give me a kiss.

***

Privé bakery café is a wonderful place to visit if you haven been there after i posted my previous entry. Well, I couldn’t afford the restaurant main course yet, that’s why you will probably see more of my post on their brunch and desserts, which are affordable and good. See you there!

Privé bakery café
2 Keppel Bay Vista
GF Marina @ Keppel Bay
Tel: 6776 0777

Prive Bakery Cafe is listed as one of ladyironchef’s favorite restaurants in Singapore

A year, twelve months, fifty two weeks,

& three hundred and sixty five days.

A day, twenty four hours, one thousand & forty minutes,

& eighty six thousand & four hundred seconds.

Breakfast, brunch, lunch, tea, dinner & supper.

That’s how much we eat, and for the last meal of the year,

Something sweet.

A typical New York Cheesecake ($6.80), with a twist at the bottom. Instead of the usual digestive biscuit crumb base, this one had oatmeal mixed with digestive biscuit, resulting in a softer base. While it scored brownie points for creativity, I still preferred the original version. The cheesecake was the very rich and cheesy type, nothing like the light & airy type.

Something not-so-sweet. Strawberry yoghurt mousse ($7). Topped with pretty strawberries. I ain’t a big fan of yoghurt, but this hit the right spot with the perfect balance between the berries and mousse. The best part of a shooter dessert was digging into it. And sharing of course.

Now, my favourite. I left the Hazelnut Praline Royale ($6.80) for the last, since i knew me being me, i’ll definitely not like the other two desserts if I’ve started with this. Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, and i only have you in my eyes. The praline base was definitely one of the thickest I’ve before. The richness of the chocolatey cake did not overwhelm in the first bite, but the cake was surely too much for one to finish alone. In short, think ferrero rocher cake.

Privé bakery café
2 Keppel Bay Vista
GF Marina @ Keppel Bay
Tel: 6776 0777